Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 11 - Friday, 11 April 2025

From the Headmaster

Term 1 Secondary Formal Assembly - Headmaster's Address

I'd like to share a brief overview of the address I delivered to our students at our Term 1 Secondary Formal Assembly this week.

In my address, I encouraged the students to really grab the reins of their learning and strive for excellence in all their endeavours. I drew upon the inspiring story of Cadel Evans, an Aussie icon, and his remarkable victory in the Tour de France. His journey of perseverance, dedication, and sheer grit serves as a powerful reminder that achieving significant goals requires commitment and hard work.

To illustrate this further, I used the analogy of learning to ride a bike. Just as we provide the 'bikes' – the quality teaching, resources, and opportunities – the students themselves must hop on, pedal, and navigate the challenges to truly progress. It's about taking responsibility and actively engaging in their own learning journey.

I emphasised that while potential is important, it's the application of effort that leads to real achievement. The students need to embrace the challenges, push themselves and develop the skills and knowledge that will take them further.    

The full address provides more detail and I encourage you to read it at your convenience.

Easter

Have a great Easter holiday break and I encourage you to consider why we still remember the death of a man who claimed to be God almost 2000 years ago. C. S. Lewis provides the following thoughts for each of us to consider:

"I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic– on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg– or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” - C. S. Lewis

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 1

Year 11 Textiles and Design

Earlier this term, students from Year 11 Textiles & Design went on an excursion to the Whitehouse School of Fashion in Sydney where they learnt the finer skills of drawing, design and how to replicate various fabrics and textures. They were then able to apply these skills to their first design project in which they had to produce a piece of apparel and modify the pattern.

Students also visited the Australian Martine Museum and participated in a seminar looking at the History of Swimwear. Again, this was another valuable learning experience for the students as they saw first-hand some of our iconic pieces that have formed the foundation of Australian Swimwear.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Secondary Years – Mother's Day Breakfast

Secondary students and their mothers/carers/grandmothers are invited to attend a Breakfast on Friday, 9 May in Warne Auditorium from 7.30 am – 8.30 am.

Students must attend with their primary carer and an RSVP is essential.

RSVPs will close on Friday, 2 May (Term 2, Week 1) to allow for catering.

Food served will be croissants, fruit, tea & coffee.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

CASA Secondary Tennis Gala Day

On Friday, 28 March, I had the pleasure of taking 10 students out to Wests Tennis Club in Campbelltown for the CASA Secondary Tennis Gala Day. Despite the rain throughout the day, we managed to get all matches completed and both of our teams acquitted themselves very well. Our girls' team played some good tennis and made it into the consolation final where they beat Penrith Anglican College to place 3rd overall. Our boys' team were a force to be reckoned with during the round-robin stage and topped their pool. In the final, they came up against a strong team from The Illawarra Grammar School and despite their best efforts, went down in the final placing 2nd overall. I am very proud of each student and want to commend them for how they performed on the day, as well as for their sportsmanship towards each other and their opposition.

Mr Joshua Stewart
Year 10 Year Patron/Secondary Teacher Mathematics

Year 10 Child Studies Excursion

Year 10 Child Studies Students Explore Early Childhood Education
Our Year 10 Child Studies students recently had the opportunity to visit Picton Community Preschool and Exploring Tree Macarthur to gain firsthand insight into the early childhood education and care industry. This experience allowed students to explore the childcare environment, observe daily routines, and engage with educators to learn about the essential skills and qualifications required for a career in this field.

During their visit, students explored a range of important questions about childcare services and operations. They learned about different early childhood education approaches, such as play-based learning, and how these environments support children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. They also discovered how the centres ensure the safety and well-being of children and the strategies used to help children transition from home to preschool/daycare and eventually to primary school.

In addition, students gained valuable insight into the qualities, skills, roles and responsibilities of early childhood educators. Educators shared their experiences about planning activities that support children’s learning, managing behaviour in a positive and supportive way, and documenting children’s progress. The students also explored career pathways in early childhood education, learning about the qualifications required, professional development opportunities, and the benefits and challenges of working in the industry.

This visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the early childhood sector and consider future career pathways. Many left feeling inspired and eager to explore further opportunities in early childhood education and care, and potentially looking to pursue work experience opportunities with the centres.

Mrs Emma Hasler
Secondary Teacher PDHPE

SLR Outdoor Recreation

This term, Year 12 Sports, Leisure and Recreation (SLR) have completed their Outdoor Recreation unit. In this unit, students have had the opportunity to learn about a range of outdoor recreation activities and their benefits as well as the safety and environmental considerations of these activities. Students completed the course by planning their own three-day outdoor camping trip.

As part of the course, Year 12 SLR participated in two excursions to support their learning and help plan for their trip. The first excursion involved mountain biking at Welby with the Tuesday Sports group while the second excursion was a bushwalk to Mermaid’s Pool (pictured.)

Other than participating in both activities students learnt valuable lessons about the planning of activities and what to do in emergencies, such as by observing and discussing how Mr Lobb organised and ran mountain biking, and by having the opportunity to use a satellite phone whilst bushwalking. 

Students enjoyed both trips and hopefully may go on to be budding Outdoor Educators!

Mr Nicholas Wilson
Secondary Teacher PDHPE

Leaving the College

A reminder for all parents…

If you are planning on withdrawing your child/ren from the College, you are required, as per the Conditions of Enrolment, to provide the College with one full term’s notice (excluding holidays).

If you need to provide notice, please put this in writing by emailing the Enrolments Team at enrolments@wac.nsw.edu.au, who will receive it on behalf of Mr Norman.

For students who have completed Year 10 and are looking to leave schooling entirely, please note you must have an apprenticeship/traineeship, full-time work or TAFE locked in before you are allowed to leave the College if you have not yet turned 17.

Even if your plans are unconfirmed, please advise the Enrolments Team anyway so that we are aware of your potential movements.

Any questions, please just reach out.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

ANZAC Day

This year, Anzac Day falls within the school holiday period. Several staff members will be representing the College at various local services within our community.

We strongly encourage students and their families to attend a local Anzac Day service. Our College has a rich history in supporting this important day of reflection and respect.

If attending a service, students should wear their College Winter Uniform to show their support and pay their respects. If possible, please take a photo of your child at the service and email it to anzac@wac.nsw.edu.au, including their name and year group, so they can be awarded a College Contribution Merit Award.

Mr Timothy Clarke
Leader of Learning - HSIE

We're Hiring!

We are currently seeking applications for the Leader of Learning - English role to commence in 2025:

For further information on any of the permanent positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577 or at g.adams@wac.nsw.edu.au

P&F Mother's Day Stall

Primary Library Bags

A reminder for students to bring their Library bag on their Library day. We have had a number of water-damaged books this term. The Library bag will protect books from this kind of damage.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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.

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

 FREE School Holiday Sessions – Wollondilly Shire Council 

Youth Week & the April 2025 school holidays are here, and we’ve got something special for all young people and children! ‍️

Join us for fun-filled, FREE sessions across the Wollondilly Shire – from gardening to outdoor adventures, there’s something for every child/teen to enjoy. 

Don't miss out on these exciting and FREE activities! 

 Register Now:

Youth Week 2025 Creative Arts Competition run by The Advocate for Children and Young People https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/youth-week-art-competition-2025  - entries to be in by 13 April – Good Luck!

Rock The Dilly – 12 April  - No registrations required – Picton Botanic Gardens – 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm – Youth Week Music Concert with FREE sausage sizzle and ice-cream. A variety of youth services and some fun yard games and activities. All musicians are young people.

Netball – 14  April 2025 - 10.00 am - 1.00 pm – Tahmoor Sporting Complex -  5-15 year olds - https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/c376fa

Tennis/Pickleball Clinic - 15 April 2025 – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm – Picton Tennis Club – 6-10 year olds - https://www.trybooking.com/DASYY

Tennis/Pickleball Clinic - 15 April 2025 – 10.00 am – 12.00 pm - Picton Tennis Club – 11-17 year olds - https://www.trybooking.com/DASZK

Australian Wildlife Sanctuary Bargo – 15 April 2025 – 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm – Bargo -  5-17 year olds - https://www.trybooking.com/DASXV

Macarthur Bulls Soccer Clinic –  16 April 2025 - 9.00 am – 12.00 pm or 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm - Wilton Recreational Reserve - 5-15 year olds  - https://macarthurfc.com.au/school-holiday-registrations-wollondilly-shire/

NRL Clinic -22 April – Dudley Chesham Sports Ground – 5-15 year olds - 10.00 am -  1.00 pm https://www.trybooking.com/DAPZZ

Macarthur Bulls Soccer Clinic - 23 April 2025 - 9.00 am – 12.00 pm or 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm - Tahmoor Sporting Complex –  5-15 year olds - https://macarthurfc.com.au/school-holiday-registrations-wollondilly-shire/

Bunnings Workshop - 23 April 2025 - 5-11-year-olds – 11.00 am – 12.00 pm – Picton Botanic Gardens -  https://www.trybooking.com/DASXA

Bunnings Workshop - 23 April 2025 - 12-17 year olds– 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm – Picton Botanic Gardens -  https://www.trybooking.com/DASXH

AFL – 24 April 2025 – 10.00 am-1.00 pm – 5-15 year olds-  Warragamba Sportsground - https://www.trybooking.com/DASXJ

RiverRoad Art & Music Session – 24 April 2025 - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm – Wilton Recreation Reserve- 5-17 year olds - https://www.trybooking.com/DASZZ

Limited spots are available. Please only book one ticket per child per date and time.

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

UYGM Cricket Academy