Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 6 - Friday, 07 March 2025

From the Deputy Headmaster

Traffic Managment
I would like to thank the community for the ongoing patience shown during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please note:

• Parents shouldn’t be leaving their cars in the ‘Kiss and Drop’ area outside White Cottage. Please make sure you are vacating that area quickly to maintain traffic flow
• Parents shouldn’t be dropping students off in the bus bay. We have a constant flow of buses in the morning and it is dangerous for buses and cars to be sharing this area
• Drivers should not be using the Simec Tahmoor Coking Coal driveway (the mine across the road) as a turning bay. This is creating difficulties for the Mine’s trucks entering and exiting. Please avoid using their driveway.

Bus Travel
Safe Travel Guide for Students on Buses.

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we want all students to travel safely to and from the College. Whether you are a regular bus traveller or use it occasionally, following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and respectful journey for everyone.

At the Bus Bay
✅ Students should not be waiting at the bus bay. Students will be called in each wave when the buses have come to a complete stop
✅ Be respectful of others and avoid pushing or running. Allow younger students to board the bus first

On the Bus
✅ Find a seat quickly and remain seated while the bus is moving. If standing, find a secure seat or pole to hold onto
✅ Wear seatbelts for the entire trip
✅ Keep noise levels low to avoid distracting the driver
✅ Keep all belongings secure and out of the aisle
✅ Be courteous to other passengers and follow the bus driver’s instructions

Getting Off the Bus
✅ Stay seated until the bus has completely stopped
✅ Exit in an orderly manner, without pushing
✅ If you need to cross the road, wait until the bus has moved away and check for traffic before crossing

Safety Reminders
🚫 Do not distract the driver or engage in unsafe behaviour
🚫 Do not throw objects inside the bus or out the windows
🚫 Do not eat on the bus to keep it clean and safe for all. Drinking water is permitted on the bus

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Secondary Years News

Learning
Developing a strong vocabulary is one of the most important skills students can acquire, as it influences their ability to grasp new concepts, express themselves clearly and engage with complex ideas. The more words a student knows, the better they can comprehend in verbal and written contexts. This, in turn, supports higher-level thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving skills that are vital for success in the secondary years and beyond. Students need a strong vocabulary to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively. A well-developed vocabulary allows for precise expression, helping students avoid misunderstandings and confidently engage in discussions. Vocabulary development is not just important in English, it plays a crucial role across all subject areas. Understanding subject-specific terminology helps students grasp key concepts and perform better in exams and assessments. A strong vocabulary empowers students by giving them the confidence to engage in classroom discussions, write effectively and excel in public speaking. Beyond the College, vocabulary proficiency is a key asset in higher education and professional careers, as it enhances communication skills, interview performance and overall employability.

What is happening at the College to support this?

• Students are being provided with subject-specific vocabulary lists. These are terms that are specific to the units of work students are learning about

• Students are encouraged to set goals for themselves in terms of learning these words and what strategies they will use to assess their progress with being able to spell, understand and use the words

• Students are being provided with opportunities in class to assess their ability to spell, understand and use these words. Learning these words is also a homework task that students should be working on

• As part of formative assessment, students will be assessed in ongoing informal ways to monitor their progress relating to the spelling, understanding and application of these words in their work

As parents, how can you assist?

• Students have vocabulary lists (look for blue sheets) in workbooks or lists of vocabulary that are subject-specific provided by teachers

• Test your child on their spelling and ability to define and use the term in a sentence

Secondary Happenings - Term 1, Week 7

• Wednesday, 12-14 March - NAPLAN Year 7 and 9
• Wednesday, 12 March - Year 7-12 Homework Club 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm
• Wednesday, 12 March - Senior Study Evening 4.30 pm - 7.00 pm
• Thursday, 13 March - Year 10 Visual Arts: AGNSW Artists at Work
• Friday, 14 March - TexStyle Exhibition Excursion
• Saturday, 15 March College Prayer Breakfast 8.00 am - 9.00 am
• Saturday, 15 March College Working Bee 8.00 am - 1.00 pm

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Primary News

Words at Wollondilly
All teaching staff were involved in an extended Professional Development session yesterday afternoon. This Professional Development session was driven by our thematic goal - to develop a culture of academic achievement.

As part of this goal, we have identified a series of 'defining objectives'. These help us to achieve and evaluate how we are tracking in relation to our goal. Three of the objectives are:

• Critical Literacy skills are a focus in lessons across all subjects
• Students set and track progress in academic goals.
• Quality homework is set and checked. (Literacy & Numeracy focus)

The focus of our Professional Development yesterday was on developing student vocabulary.

Academic success is heavily aligned with vocabulary size. Our goal is for students to learn thousands of new words every year. Goal setting has been shown to be an effective way to motivate humans. However, goals need to be SMART. Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. We focus on goal setting and vocabulary development as part of seeking academic achievement. Every student from K-12 will set vocabulary goals in each subject.
Goal setting will vary in different Year Groups. We will assist students to word their goal, set success criteria, determine strategies and measure achievement. We would encourage parents to discuss their child's vocabulary goals.

We are looking forward to Wollondilly students being masters with words.

K-6 Parent-Teacher Interviews - 18 & 20 March
We will have our first Parent-Teacher Interviews in March. This enables early communication about how students have started the year and how they are travelling so far. It is essential for our booking system, that emails and details on Edumate are correct. Please check and update (if needed) your details on Edumate. Information regarding times and bookings have been sent via email.

For your planning, the times will be:

• Tuesday, 18 March 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
• Thursday, 20 March 3.00 pm - 7.30 pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

NAPLAN for Years 7 & 9 - Device Usage

Starting on Wednesday, Year 7 and Year 9 students will be using their own devices to complete NAPLAN Testing. This will require students to have a fully charged and functional laptop for the online testing. Headphones are also essential; if they are wireless, they must be charged.

Part of the testing process requires students to lock down their browsers. This is so they cannot access the internet and other functions to search for ideas or solutions. All students have already had time in class to download and install the NAPLAN Lockdown Browser. If any student has missed this opportunity, the download can be found on the MyTech page https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/software.html (Please note that this is a different lockdown browser to the Canvas and NESA versions). If any student encounters a technical difficulty with the installation, the IT staff at Student Reception are available to assist.

If you have any questions about the MyTech program in the College, please email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

WAC Family Night - The Wild Robot

Wollondilly Anglican College would like to invite students and their families to our Family Movie Night!

When: Friday, 21 March 2025
Where: Front Field (Winning Field)
Arrive from 6.00 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Finishes at approximately 8.45 pm.
Free entry!

The featured movie is The Wild Robot (PG)

The College P&F will be cooking hot dogs on the night for $5.00 each.
Fresh popcorn and cold drinks will be available for a gold coin donation.

Please be advised that this is an alcohol-free event.

Don't forget to bring blankets, bean bags, small camp chairs and snacks.

Click the button below to RSVP.

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

College Working Bee - 15 March

We are writing on behalf of the College Prefects to encourage students and parents to join staff and College Student Leaders at the Term 1 Working Bee. This event will take place on Saturday, 15 March from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm. 

As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally; by serving, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved and contribute positively. The Student Leaders at the College want to set an example in this area and would like to see as many students, staff and parents attend this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour of your day to serve at this event. All students who attend will be issued a Community Service Merit. This year, we will be adding additional House Points to the House of students, staff and parents that attend; these will accrue to the Overall House Shield. 

The College has reduced the number of Working Bees from four per year to two per year. With this in mind, it would be great to see our community prioritise the opportunities to build community and serve.

Please note that we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore, it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day. Mr Warland, the College Property Manager, will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Kye James & Jessalyn Smiltnieks
College Community Service Prefect

Term 1 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 1, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 1 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 15 March. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some pastries and fruit before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, amongst this, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

If you're able to make it, RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 5 March.

I'd love to see you there!

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

From the College Chaplain

Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to come together for our Primary Family Chapel, and what a special night it was! A delicious dinner of pulled pork rolls or a sausage sizzle before our talented 3-6 Choir kicked things off with an uplifting rendition of "This is Amazing Grace". We also heard from some of our Year 12 students, who shared a clear message about how Jesus is the only one who can heal us from the problem of sin. We even had a guest appearance in the talk from AJAX the puppet, a student favourite!

A huge thanks to all staff and students involved in making the night possible. I'd also like to extend my thanks to all the families who came along and supported the night. 

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Canteen News

WAC FLOWERS Canteen Volunteer
At the FLOWERS Cafeteria, we are always looking for volunteers to work in our Canteen to help prepare nutritious lunches for our hungry growing children and to serve over the counter during Breaks 1 & 2. 

If you can spare any time to join our friendly team, we would greatly appreciate the extra help. With on-the-job training, it's easy and fun work, and you can dedicate as much or as little time as you like.

We are currently looking for a volunteer on Wednesdays. You can choose to either stay and help in the morning after College drop-off or stay for the day. 

All volunteers' efforts are rewarded with a healthy snack and plenty of tea and coffee. If you are interested, please email canteen@wac.nsw.edu.au

We would love to hear from you.

FLEXISCHOOLS – Ordering With Allergies/Intolerances
Please advise of allergies each time orders are placed through the Flexischools app. 

1. Allergy Disclosure: Every time you place an order, you'll need to alert the Canteen of any allergies, as Flexischools and Edumate don’t share allergy information between platforms.
2. Add "Allergy Alert": To notify Canteen staff that your child has an allergy/intolerance, you must manually add an “Allergy Alert” to your cart each time you order. The Canteen Manager will then check our records for each student’s allergy needs.
3. Location of Allergy Alert: The "Allergy Alert" option can be found at the top of the page under "Alerts" (see image below).

Once the Alert is added to your cart, you can proceed with your order as usual. This ensures that the allergy information is communicated clearly for each transaction.

If you would like to check ingredients or have a discussion regarding allergies, please feel free to send an email to canteen@wac.nsw.edu.au or visit the Canteen during College hours. 

Kind regards

Mrs Narelle Manuel
Acting Canteen Manager

Colin Buchanan Concert

Colin Buchanan will be playing at the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre as part of his national tour on Saturday, 15 March. He will be performing his '10,9,8 God is Great' show at 3.00 pm and a country music performance called 'Memory Town' at 7.00 pm. Ticket prices have been subsidised by local churches and charities. This is a great opportunity to see one the most influential Christian Musicians in the modern era at a reduced price. Please see the link below for info and booking details.https://www.wollondillypac.com.au/whats-on/colin-buchanan-god-is-great/

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

LOWES 20% Off Everything 5-7 March

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool offers a selection of pre-loved uniform items from Transition to Year 12 at excellent prices. We also stock new ties, socks and Sports hats for purchase.

The Clothing Pool relies on donations of uniforms and needs volunteers to keep the Clothing Pool open. Donations can be left at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or at Student Reception at other times.

Payment: Card Only (no cash)
Location: White Cottage through the side windows
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am
Phone: (02) 4623 0286
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Have you been wanting to help out at the College but don’t have much time to spare?

The Clothing Pool is looking for volunteers!
It only takes 45 minutes of your time, one morning a week.
Is a great, quick and simple way to really help the WAC community.
Training provided (but it’s so easy!).
A great way to meet other parents.

Training provided (but it’s so easy!) A great way to meet other parents.

Volunteers are needed for Monday - Friday mornings between 7.45 am to 8.30 am. If you are able to help at all, please get in contact.

Mrs Cristina Negi and Mrs Amanda Coles
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinators

College Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

• SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal
• Little Elves Childcare Centre
• LOWES

Gold Sponsors

• PB Catering
• Prestige Landscape & Construction

Silver Sponsors

• Picton Eyecare
• Kwik Kopy Macarthur
• Momenta Advisors
• Thornton Bros Roses

Bronze Sponsors

• Narellan Pools
  
• Breakaway Education
• NSW Rail Museum
  
• ESP Security

Community News

PCYC Driver Training

The PCYC Safer Driver program runs locally each month. There is also an opportunity for any Wollondilly Shire residents to be enrolled under a grant for the shire and attend at no cost to them

Wollondilly Uniting Church - Playgroup Facilitator

Picton Rangers Football Club

UYGM Cricket Academy

Parenting in a Technological Age

The Oaks Anglican Church will bd hosting a parenting seminar in March, titled, "Parenting in a Technological Age", run by Mothers Union Sydney. The material presented has been well researched for parents as they navigate parenting in this rapidly changing world.

Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club

Yerrinbool-Bargo Soccer Club is now accepting registrations for the 2025 season. Register online to secure your spot now! For more information, visit https://linktr.ee/yerrinboolbargosoccerclub

Buxton Netball Club

Managing Challenges - Online Workshop

Exciting new: The popular Managing Challenges Collaboratively parenting course has gone online

For the first time, Community Links Wellbeing will be offering parents and carers the opportunity to do the interactive Managing Challenges Collaboratively (MCC) a daytime online course. (Previously known as Managing Challenging Behaviours Collaboratively).

The popular workshops designed by Dr Steve Walker will be running in Term 1 online starting Wednesday, 12 February 2025 from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and continue each Wednesday finishing Wednesday, 2 April 2025.

About The 8-Session Program:

• Target Group/Aim:
• parents/carers who have children diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder, or experiencing difficult and disruptive behaviours.
• parents/carers who are desperate to take part in an interactive program so that they can encourage changes within the family.
• parents/carers who may have already sought assistance with the behaviours but there has been no change
• parents/carers whose typical parenting strategies have not been effective in the past
• parents/carers who may need assistance as they experience the impact of challenging and disruptive behaviours such as suspensions from school and aggression to family members

The workshops will be presented by Cherrie Willingham and Corinne Woolcocks from Community Links Wellbeing on behalf of Dr Steve Walker, who will make a guest appearance to discuss key issues.

• This workshop is FREE for Parents and Carers only and is not for staff employed in the sector.
• Participants must have access to a computer/iPad/Tablet with a camera and audio output and a private space for confidentiality (Headphones advised).
• Bookings are essential

If you would like to attend, please complete the booking process before Sunday, 9 February 2025, via this link https://forms.office.com/r/rwGTd5vSar

The program will also run face-to-face at Tahmoor Community Centre in Term 2, starting Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

LIFT THE LID WALK for Mental Health

RYPEN

RYPEN is one of Rotary International's regular Youth leadership events - held 4-6 April as a weekend-long camp for Years 11 & 12 students, designed for developing young people's potential through a mixture of lecture-style sessions and adventure-based learning.