Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 1 - Friday, 2 May 2025

From the Headmaster - Raising Academic Expectations

As you are no doubt aware, the College-wide goal for 2025 is to raise the academic expectations of every student. I will reiterate that this is not about expecting 'A' grades from every student; however, it does relate to expecting every student to improve academically. This may mean that a student will enhance their engagement in learning, or they may be more diligent with completing high-quality homework or submitting excellent assessments. It may be more measurable, such as improving their average grade from 'C' to 'B', or from 'B' to 'A'. For most students, raising academic outcomes begins with a positive attitude. They must want to achieve at a higher level, be willing to work towards that outcome, and commit to engaging well in every learning opportunity. Our teachers are working hard to deliver high-quality instruction, challenge students, provide effective feedback and create a supportive learning environment that supports learning (even through failure). 
Raising academic expectations can also be supported at home by fostering a home environment that values learning and supports your child's educational journey. Here are some ways you can partner with the College in this important endeavour: 

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

• Establish a Consistent Routine: Designate a regular time and quiet space for homework and study. This helps your child develop good habits and signals the importance of their academic work.
• Provide Necessary Resources: Ensure your child has the necessary materials, such as a well-lit workspace, stationery and access to technology and the internet.
• Show Interest in Their Learning: Ask your child about their school day, what they are learning and any challenges they might be facing. Actively listen to their responses and show genuine interest in their academic pursuits.
• Encourage Reading: Make reading a part of your family life. Provide a variety of books and reading materials and encourage your child to read for pleasure and schoolwork.
• Limit Distractions: During study time, minimise distractions such as television, social media and excessive noise.

Fostering a Positive Attitude Towards Learning:

• Communicate High Expectations (with realistic support): Let your child know you believe in their ability to learn and improve. Focus on effort and progress rather than solely on grades.
• Celebrate Effort and Progress: Acknowledge and praise your child's hard work and improvement, regardless of the final grade. This reinforces the value of effort and perseverance.
• Help Them Develop a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as signs of failure. Discuss the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes.
• Connect Learning to Real Life: Help your child see the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom to the world around them and their future aspirations.
• Model Lifelong Learning: Show your child that you value learning by pursuing your own interests and engaging in continuous learning.

By working together, both the College and families can create a powerful partnership that supports every student in reaching their full academic potential and developing a lifelong love of learning. We look forward to continuing this important journey with you throughout Term 2.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 2

Secondary Years News

Learning

It has been encouraging to see the number of students attending and making use of Homework Club and Senior Study Evening on Wednesday afternoons. This is a great opportunity for students to complete homework, work on assessment tasks and receive support for their learning.

Secondary students continue to be encouraged by staff to focus on improving their vocabulary. Students are being introduced to words specific to the subjects they are learning and need to be able to spell, know the meanings of and use in sentences. This focus will continue as it is essential in terms of improving the sophistication of student writing. This is something that you will see as part of your child’s homework. Please discuss this with them and encourage them as they work towards goals in this area.

Care

The importance of moral courage
Moral courage involves standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult. People that demonstrate moral courage are the people that have a positive impact in changing the world.  A challenge for everyone in 2025 is how can you demonstrate this as part of our community. When you see something that is wrong, how will you respond, will you make a stand against/call it out or will you ignore it or walk past it. At a peer level, calling things out can be challenging. But those that do have a powerful effect on the care they provide for others, are taking steps to demonstrate positive character to others. This is vital in supporting others and models this behaviour which is helpful in reorienting poor character.

Culture

In Week 3 of this term, we will engage in a week of House Based Challenges. They will have an academic focus and will accrue points to the overall House Shield. A number of students have already signed up to compete for their House in a sign of great House Spirit. An update on the overall House Shield points table will be provided next week. 

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Primary Performing Arts

Welcome to Term 2! There are a few changes in the Primary Performing Arts space this term, as well as some upcoming events. 

Two new Performing Arts groups are starting this Term. 

Junior Buckets (K) - A bucket drumming group for students in Kindergarten. 

• Monday Break 2
• Downstairs Cuthbert Library
• Mrs Law

Auslan Choir (3-6) - a musical ensemble where students perform songs and interpret them visually through Auslan (Australian Sign Language).

• Tuesday Break 1
• White Cottage 
• Mrs Clayton & Ms Hyslop

Changes to Primary Band 
Due to low attendance, Primary Band rehearsals will now be Break 1 on Thursdays. Increased participation will make the band more successful. If your child is interested in joining, please complete the Google form using the link below. 

Google form to express interest - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaJyA_EY_XlRP0_IzYfXxa-RigmuSI_zx2CTPoBtflBSAT_g/viewform?usp=sharing

Kindergarten Join The Stage One Choir
Starting this term, Kindergarten will be joining the Stage One Choir to form a K-2 Choir. To accommodate the younger students, the group will be moving rehearsals to the downstairs Cuthbert Library space. 

Please email me if you have any questions. d.hopkins@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Mr David Hopkins
Performing Arts Coordinator T-6

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

Asthma

As cooler weather sets in, children are at increased risk of asthma flare-ups, with a noticeable rise in asthma attacks, emergency department visits and hospitalisations during this peak period.

Taking preventive measures, ensuring your child's Asthma Action Plan is up-to-date and being prepared can go a long way to helping keep your child's asthma well and out of the hospital.

What can you do?

At home:

• Have an asthma review with your child’s GP if you have not yet done so this year.
• Obtain an up-to-date written Asthma Action Plan and provide this to medical@wac.nsw.edu.au
  Asthma Australia recommends that Asthma Plans be renewed every 6-12 months.
• Revise your asthma management, including correct use of medication devices, either with the GP, Practice Nurse, School Nurse or Pharmacist.
• If your child is prescribed a preventer medication, ensure the correct routine at the start of the Term.
• Ensure medications are not empty or expired.
• Pack a spare reliever puffer and spacer in your child’s College bag each day. This must be clearly marked with your child's name and should include a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. 
  

https://asthma.org.au/

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

Food Allergy Week 25-31 May 2025

Food Allergy Week aims to raise awareness of food allergies, including anaphylaxis. During Food Allergy Week, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia is calling on all Australians to unite to help increase awareness and share information on what we can all do to improve safety for people who live with food allergies. In our Libraries, we will have some free bookmarks for students on how to 'be a mate' of a friend with food allergies.

We have many students at Wollondilly with food allergies, some can be severe, including anaphylaxis. You can help support Students with food allergies or those who are at risk of Anaphylaxis in the following ways:

• Educate your child about food allergies so they understand why they should only eat their own food and why they should not share their food with other students
• Ensure your child's lunchbox and drink bottle are clearly labelled with your child's name
• Do not bring in food treats as gifts for birthdays or other special celebrations, such as Christmas or Easter
• Being allergy aware and avoiding packing any recess/lunch items that contain nuts or nut products
• Encouraging your child to wash their hands before and after eating
• Educate your child on the importance of getting help immediately if their friend with an allergy looks sick.

For more information on Food Allergy Week, see the link below.

https://allergyfacts.org.au/get-involved/food-allergy-week/

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

P&F Mother's Day Stall

Welcome Nurse Leah

With Nurse Emma now on Maternity leave, I would like to welcome and introduce Nurse Leah as she joins the Student Reception team.

"I am so excited to join Nurse Sally here at WAC. I bring over 30 years of nursing experience, primarily in the hospital system, where I worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Caring for the tiniest patients and supporting their families has been a deeply meaningful part of my career.

I’m also a proud mother of three grown children and in my free time, I enjoy travelling, reading, and quilting—each offering its own kind of adventure and creativity.

I’m truly excited about this new chapter, transitioning into the College environment. I look forward to bringing my skills and compassion into this setting and working collaboratively to support the health and well-being of students."

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 18 May

The Book Club Issue 3 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, with each page having 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

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

Tuning in to Teens- Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Workshop
Tuning in to Teens is a universal parenting program for parents of children aged 10 years and over. The program aims to increase parent-child connection by improving emotional communication in the family. 

The program provides parents with a greater understanding of their teen’s emotional experiences while teaching specific skills that can assist in being supportive, empathic and staying connected with the young person. The program encourages the development of emotional intelligence, which has many benefits in future wellbeing, healthier relationships, conflict resolution and thriving socially, emotionally and professionally in the long term.

Tuning in to Teens commences 22 May 2025 and will run for six sessions each Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm at The Cottage, 6 Weir Rd, Warragamba.

Bookings are essential. To register for the program, click on the link to complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/vqhmNhwVhX

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 31 May
• Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note: 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!

Drum Lessons