Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 2 - Friday, 9 May 2025

From the Headmaster

This week provided our students with opportunities to celebrate their mothers within our College community. Primary students had the opportunity to purchase a thoughtful gift at the P&F Mother's Day Stall, while Secondary students hosted their mothers for a delightful breakfast. On behalf of the entire College, I extend our sincere gratitude to all the incredible mothers in our community for everything they do.

As a College, we deeply value the partnership we share with parents in nurturing the education and growth of our students. At the very heart of this vital partnership are our mothers, who play such a pivotal and multifaceted role in shaping the young lives entrusted to our care.

The profound impact of a mother's love and support resonates through every stage of a child's development. From those precious first steps to navigating the complexities of adolescence, mothers provide the solid and unwavering foundation upon which their children build their lives. They are, indeed, their children's first teachers, their most steadfast cheerleaders, and their most comforting refuge.

The journey of motherhood is often described as one of the most demanding yet ultimately most rewarding experiences. Author Linda Wooten eloquently captures this sentiment: "Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." This beautifully encapsulates the unique challenges and profound depths of motherhood.

Within our College, we witness the tangible outcomes of your dedication each and every day. We see it reflected in the kindness our students extend to one another, in their resilience when facing obstacles, and in their enthusiastic approach to learning and growth. These admirable qualities are nurtured through countless acts of kindness and care, consistent encouragement, and the unwavering loving support that you, our amazing mothers, provide.

The book of Proverbs in the Bible, a wellspring of wisdom, culminates with a powerful tribute in its final chapter: "The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him" (Proverbs 31:1).

This passage highlights the profound influence of a wise mother, who encourages her son to live virtuously and to seek a woman of great character as his wife:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10)

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31: 30)

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the mothers in our College community for your tireless efforts, your boundless love, and the immeasurable positive impact you have on your children's lives. Thank you for being the heart of our community. We sincerely hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day filled with love and heartfelt appreciation.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 3

Safe Driving Reminders

Thank you to the majority of the College community who drive considerately and follow the road rules, both on the College grounds and Remembrance Drive. Your cooperation ensures a safer environment for everyone. We continue to make progress on the Second Entrance on Olive Lane and we look forward to this opening later in the year. In the meantime, please consider the following:

1. No U-Turns Near the College
Making U-turns near the College is dangerous and inconsiderate to those waiting to turn right into the College. There has been an increase in drivers using the Ingham’s entry for this. There have been some near misses, so please avoid this to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

2. Respect the 10 km/h Speed Limit
The College grounds have a strict speed limit of 10 km/h. This ensures the safety of students, staff and visitors. Please adhere to this limit at all times. 10 km/h is walking speed.

3. Be Patient During Peak Times
Peak times at the College are from 7.50 am - 8.15 am and 2.20 pm - 2.50 pm. During these periods, traffic can be heavy, so please be patient and allow extra time for drop-offs and pickups. If possible, have students catch buses to avoid increased congestion.

4. Use the Drop-Off Zone Correctly
We have a 30-second drop-off area outside White Cottage designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Most parents follow this rule, but it’s essential that everyone does. Staying too long in the drop-off zone causes delays and can create unsafe conditions for other drivers and students.

5. No Drop-Offs or Pick-Ups on Remembrance Drive
For safety reasons, students should not be dropped off or picked up on Remembrance Drive. Please use the designated drop-off and pick-up areas within the College grounds to ensure a safe and orderly process.

6. Park in Designated Areas
Please park in designated areas and do not use spaces reserved for Senior students. Parking in unauthorised areas can create hazards and inconvenience others, particularly our Senior students who rely on these spaces.

7. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
With students moving around the campus, it’s important to stay focused on driving. Avoid distractions like using your phone and keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times.

Thank you for helping to create a safer environment for everyone at Wollondilly Anglican College.

Mr Paul Burns 
Deputy Headmaster

Secondary Years News

Learning
Students across Years 7-10 recently attended the Da Vinci Decathlon Regional Tournament. This is an intense academic competition that mirrors the Olympic Decathlon, testing students across 10 diverse disciplines.

Each team competed against around 20 other schools from across the region and achieved some great results that we wanted to share with you.

I also wanted to thank the Advanced Learning and Learning Support Team members who attended and supported our students in this area.

In a year where our thematic goal is focused on embedding a culture of academic achievement, student participation and success in this initiative is an encouraging sign.

Year 7

• 2nd - Maths
• 5th - English
• 7th - Creative Producers
• 8th - Legacy
• 9th - Code Breaking
• 9th - Art & Poetry

Year 8

• 8th - Science
• 8th - Maths
• 8th - Ideation
• 5th - Code Breaking

Year 9

• 1st - Code Breaking
• 2nd - Cartography
• 2nd - Maths
• 8th - English
  

Year 10

• 3rd - Legacy
• 7th - Cartography

Care
In our College Diary, one of the expectations is that students will show care and respect towards others. It is a great reminder for our students about the impact doing this consistently has on the way our peers feel around us and the impact, positively or negatively, our words and actions can have on others. It is something that staff regard as part of our language when having students reflect on how they engage with others. At our College, demonstrating care and respect towards peers and staff is fundamental to fostering a positive, inclusive and thriving community. It involves speaking and acting with kindness, showing genuine consideration for the feelings and perspectives of others and recognising the inherent dignity of every individual. Respect is reflected in our ability to listen attentively, engage in constructive dialogue and value the diversity of experiences and backgrounds within our College. Acts of care, including supporting others, expressing gratitude or being inclusive or welcoming, help create an environment where all members of our community feel seen, valued and encouraged to flourish. By upholding these principles in our daily interactions, we contribute to a culture of mutual respect, trust and belonging that benefits everyone.

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

House Challenges

In Week 3, a series of challenges for Secondary students will take place during Break times. The challenges will be House-based with a focus on varying academic areas. All of the challenges will see House Groups compete for House Points and involve students from a range of different Year Groups. The total of the points will accrue to the Overall House Shield. It has been great to see so many students register their interest in the challenges and we look forward to a great spirit of competition.

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Mathematics Benchmarks in Primary

There are certain things that will help students experience success in Mathematics. An example is times tables.

Many students who struggle in Maths struggle because they do not know the essential basic facts. By 'know' we mean instantly recall basic facts.

The following table outlines facts students should instantly recall by each year. Teachers spend time teaching these and ensuring students understand the concepts behind them; however, to reach instant recall, students need to do regular practice. The concept of ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ is very much the case. In each maths lesson, we start by doing warm-up drills. In addition to this, we have decided to regularly test students' instant recall of certain facts; any student who doesn't achieve 90% in a given timeframe will be provided additional drill homework to assist them to learn these (see table below). We will be awarding House Points for students who achieve above 90%.

Please note, there are other good-to-know facts, we have really just identified the absolute essentials.

An example of why these things matter: a student in Year 6 who doesn’t have an instant recall of all times table facts will struggle to add and subtract fractions, simplify or find equivalent fractions and generally solve many problems, even simple ones. Some may feel that using calculators is an option. It takes longer to type an equation into a calculator than it does for the human brain to instantly recall a known fact. Most adult maths is done without calculators and we would like to equip our students to be efficient with daily maths. Our working memory becomes quickly overloaded if we do not have these basic facts at instant recall.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

Seeking LEGO Donations

We are planning to have a House-based 'LEGO Masters' competition, and we are seeking donations of unwanted LEGO that is in good condition. 

We request the LEGO brand only. 

If you have a donation, please drop the LEGO off at Student Reception by Tuesday, 20 May. 

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

Education Perfect World Championships

The Education Perfect World Championships for 2025 take place from Tuesday, 6 May at 4.00 pm until 4.00 pm on Tuesday, 13 May. At the time of writing, the College was placed third for German out of 452 schools around the world. Students have the opportunity to earn awards based on the points level they achieve in the competition, which tests German vocabulary. Remember that you can continue to answer questions at home, as well as at the College. Frau Holmes and I have been impressed with the commitment shown by some students. We look forward to sharing our final point score in the next Waratah Weekly.

Remember, "Monolingualism is curable. Learn another language!"

Mrs Carolyn Clark
German Teacher

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

Edumate Contact Information

It is important for all parents/carers to please ensure you regularly check that your contact details, including phone number, email and home address, are all accurate in Edumate.

If your details are not correct, you will not receive important information regarding your child/ren, and the College will not be able to contact you in emergency situations, so it is critical for these details to be updated as soon as they change.

If you need to update your details, please log in to the Parent Portal to make the changes and the College will review them. Otherwise, please email the Enrolments Team at enrolments@wac.nsw.edu.au.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

Lowes 20% Off Sale - 14-16 May

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