Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 7 - Friday, 14 March 2025

From the Headmaster

As you know, a Federal Election is approaching in Australia. While I won't be discussing specific political parties or telling you how to vote, it's important to be aware of potential implications for our College community.

One area that may be affected by the election outcome is the funding of Independent Schools. As parents who contribute financially to your child/ren's education, you understand the importance of stable and predictable funding for our College's operations and the quality of education we provide.

Over the next few weeks, I will share valuable information about both Independent and State School Funding in New South Wales and Australia. This will include insights into the current funding models, potential changes and how these may affect our College and your family. It is important to note that this is not a discussion of Independent vs State Schools. Both school systems have dedicated teachers who care for and want the best for their students. The purpose of the information I will share is to ensure that parents continue to have the right to choose an affordable, high-quality education for their children. 

My aim is to provide you with the facts and context you need to understand the landscape of school funding without taking a political stance. This information will empower you to make informed decisions and engage in constructive conversations about the future of education. I will also take the opportunity to respond to commonly asked questions about school funding and try to clear up some misinformation that is often shared, sometimes by popular media outlets. If you have any questions you would like me to respond to, or if you have been asked a difficult question by a friend, please send them to me, and I will provide a response here.

The following is a common thought that has been voiced by parents who currently enrol their children in State Schools:
Question: "Independent schools are overfunded at the cost of State Schools. Why are we (taxpayers) paying for kids attending Independent schools?"

Answer: "The average annual government funding per Independent School student is $12,160. The average annual funding per State School student is $22,510. Therefore, every student who is enrolled in an Independent School is saving taxpayers, on average, over $10,000 per year."

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks, and please send any questions you would like me to answer.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Secondary Years News

Learning
Revision isn’t just about last-minute cramming before exams, it’s about reinforcing what you’ve learned over time. Reviewing class notes, summarising key points and testing yourself regularly can help improve memory retention and understanding. Students who revise consistently perform better in exams than those who only study at the last minute.

Here are some simple revision tips to make the most of your study time:

• Create a schedule – Set aside time each week to go over topics covered in class
• Use active recall – Test yourself on key concepts rather than just reading notes
• Summarise and simplify – Write down key ideas in your own words
• Stay consistent – Even short, regular sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones.

By making revision a regular habit, you’ll not only feel more prepared for exams, but you will also reduce stress and build confidence in your learning. 

A further encouragement in relation to our Year 7-12 Homework Club on Wednesday afternoon 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm. This is an excellent opportunity for students to complete homework and assessment tasks with the support of College staff.

Care
An area we try to promote in terms of Care and approaches to Care at the College is We not Me thinking. This encourages students to think and act with an outward focus. It is encouraging to see our students engaging in acts of service, both in formal and informal ways.

Students are involved in activities that are supporting and caring for younger peers and also for those in our community who may be finding things hard.

I wanted to encourage students currently involved in WAC Kids Care who serve on Wednesday afternoon making meals for families in our community that may require additional support. This opportunity is open to students from Year 9 up and I would encourage more students to become involved in this program.

We will be running an RFS Cadets Program in Term 3. Expressions of interest are now closed. This program will have students from Years 8-10. It is great to see our students community-minded in the way that they are looking to engage in such initiatives.

Culture
On Friday, 28 March, all Secondary students and staff will engage in a House Day. This will include the following:

• House Meetings during Care and Culture time
• House challenges during Break 1 and Break 2

All students are to wear their House Shirt and PE/Sports Uniform. Please ensure that you have a House Shirt. If you don't currently have one, it is an expectation and necessary with the inclusion of further upcoming events.

A reminder that through the House Award System, points accrue to the Overall House Shield. The following are the current House totals based on the Award system

1. Grevillea 654
2. Wollemi 641
3. Telopea 629
4. Sollya 602
5. Acacia 589

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

World's Greatest Shave - 27 March

We're excited to share some wonderful news from the heart of our College community. This year, Wollondilly Anglican College is proudly participating in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave, a remarkable initiative that unites communities nationwide for people facing blood cancer.

What is the World's Greatest Shave?
The World's Greatest Shave is an annual event organised by the Leukaemia Foundation, which is aimed at raising funds to support families facing life with blood cancer. This year, the College is getting behind this incredible cause and we invite every one of you to be part of this meaningful journey.

How Can You Get Involved?

1. Sponsor our team: Our dedicated students, teachers and staff are ready to make a bold statement by shaving or cutting their hair, all in the spirit of solidarity. You can show your support by sponsoring them. Find our College team and contribute online at https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/wollondillywarriors. We’re aiming to raise $2000.00.

Why Join the Cause?
Participating in the World's Greatest Shave is more than just a fundraiser; it's a chance for us to come together as a community, teach our children the value of empathy and solidarity and make a real impact in the lives of those affected by blood cancer.

Let's Spread the Word!
We encourage you to share this exciting news with family and friends and to make the World's Greatest Shave a resounding success at Wollondilly Anglican College. Together, we can contribute to the vital research, support services and care provided by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Thank you for being a part of this meaningful journey. Let's show the world the strength and compassion of our WAC community!

Ms Cara Manning
Primary Teacher

WAC Family Night - The Wild Robot

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

When: Next 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!

Equestrian Results

A big congratulations to Tahlia O'Reilly of Year 6, who competed last weekend at the Arndell Combined Training Equestrian Competition on her horse, Rhythm. In her division, Tahlia placed first in both Dressage and Jumping. This saw her place second overall in a very competitive field of both Primary and Secondary riders.

Congratulations Tahlia on a great start to 2025!

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

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

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

Library News

Book Club Orders Due Thursday, 27 March
The Book Club Issue 2 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary should select their usual class (eg, 1H, 3J, 5F, Tembo). All orders are to be made online or through the LOOP App. 

Please note that the Book Club catalogue is set out with suggested age ranges for the books. Each page has a different age range, with age 10+ towards the back. The College does not necessarily endorse the books available through Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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

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

Wollondilly's International Women's Day Celebration - Free Event

Registrations at the link below:
https://www.trybooking.com/CZSIV

The Shark Cage - Free Workshop

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 29 March   
• Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5.00
• Ages: 0-14

Please note that this is a cash-only and alcohol-free event.

All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.  

We hope to see you there.

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

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.