Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 4 - Friday, 23 May 2025

From the Headmaster

As we navigate the journey of raising children, a powerful metaphor often comes to mind: the mighty tree. Just as a towering oak stands firm against the elements, we want our children to grow into strong, resilient individuals, ready to face the world with confidence and character. Let me share some lessons from God's creation that may guide us in supporting our children's life journey.

We often observe how a tree, seemingly at the mercy of a blustery day, actually benefits from the stress of strong winds. These challenging gusts, far from hindering growth, encourage the tree to push its roots deeper and spread wider, anchoring itself more firmly. A tree that has never experienced such bracing winds lacks the foundational strength to withstand the inevitable storms life will bring. Similarly, true human strength and resilience are not forged in a sheltered existence, free from all difficulty. Instead, they blossom when our children encounter and navigate challenges, learn from setbacks and discover their own capacity to overcome. It's through these experiences – the disappointment of a lost game, the struggle with a complex problem, the discomfort of trying something new – that they develop deeper "roots" of perseverance and self-belief. As parents, our natural inclination is to shield them, but sometimes, the greatest gift we can give them is the opportunity to learn to stand on their own two feet.

Consider also the astonishing Giant Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), some of the tallest living organisms on Earth, reaching breathtaking heights of over 110 metres. Despite their incredible stature, these majestic trees possess surprisingly shallow root systems. How then do they stand so tall and withstand immense forces? Their roots intertwine and interlock with those of neighbouring redwoods, creating a vast, supportive network that allows them to collectively resist the strongest gales. This remarkable phenomenon offers a profound lesson. While individual strength is vital, we are truly strongest when we support each other. At Wollondilly Anglican College, we foster an environment where both individual growth and collective support flourish. We deliberately provide opportunities for students to face stimulating challenges, whether through engaging academic pursuits, competitive sports, or our recent house challenges. These experiences are designed to encourage them to stretch their capabilities and develop the resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

Crucially, we also cultivate a strong sense of community, where students learn to support one another, celebrating successes and offering encouragement during difficulties. Just as the redwood roots interlock, our students are encouraged to lean on their peers, offering a helping hand or a listening ear. Furthermore, we provide a network of dedicated adults: teachers, Year Patrons, Chaplain and support staff, who are here to guide, advise, and provide a steady anchor when needed. We encourage our students to lean into these relationships and to understand that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

By embracing and understanding these ideas, both at home and within our College community, we can empower our children to grow into not just strong individuals but also compassionate and interconnected members of society. Let's encourage them to embrace challenges, knowing these experiences will deepen their roots, and remind them that they are part of a supportive forest, where every tree helps the others stand tall.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 5

Secondary News

Learning 
There has been a strong focus in the Secondary Years on having students assess their engagement throughout lessons. This process involves students using a tool to look for characteristics related to their engagement during different points of the lesson. The focus here is challenging students to assess this and make adjustments to encourage them to take responsibility for this important part of their learning. This links strongly to our ongoing focus on building learner dispositions or habits that foster effective learning. Below are three areas that we are looking for students to ensure that they are in or recognise that they are not and adjust to.

• Participating involves being present, attentive and actively involved in learning experiences.
  
• Investing means committing effort, time and personal energy to deepen understanding and achieve meaningful learning.
  
• Driving reflects taking initiative, showing curiosity and leading one’s own learning with purpose and determination.
  

All of these levels of engagement reflect more of an active approach and desired engagement in lessons as opposed to disengagement. Please continue to have conversations with your children in relation to this and encourage them to reflect.

Care 
One of the key aspects that we reiterate with students is the care and respect that they show to others. As part of this, when students do not show care and respect to others, the College supports those students to reflect on their treatment of others, own their behaviour and take steps to restore the situation. Ownership of mistakes and restoring situations is vital for student growth and the development of a respectful school community. When students take responsibility for their actions, they demonstrate integrity, maturity and a willingness to learn from their experiences. Rather than avoiding blame or making excuses, acknowledging mistakes allows students to reflect, make amends and actively contribute to restoring trust and relationships. This not only builds resilience and accountability but also fosters a culture where learning from failure is seen as a strength. Encouraging this mindset supports a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to grow.  

Culture
Involvement in College life through co-curricular activities is an important way students can feel connected to and belong to the College. By participating in these activities, students' school experience is often greatly enhanced and the activities provide a great outlet to support both their learning as well as their social and emotional development.

Years 7-8 Debating
Year 7 and  Year 8 students interested in being involved in Debating are encouraged to meet with or make contact with Mrs Justine Colombo. Mrs Colombo will be coordinating Debating for these students and there are some opportunities to be involved in this across Semester 2. Debating helps to develop a range of skills in students. Involvement in this is encouraged to support growth in writing and formulating arguments and in deeper level thinking about a wide variety of issues.

Secondary House Soccer Matches in Week 5
Tuesday - Telopea vs Acacia - Break 1
Wednesday - Sollya vs Grevillea - Break 1
Friday - Wollemi vs Acacia - Break 1
Students who are playing will receive an email to confirm this and can wear their House Shirt and PE Uniform for the day

Acacia Flag Raising was held on Friday, 23 May, to celebrate their win in the House Academic Challenge competition. 

1. Acacia 625
2. Telopea 565
3. Sollya 520
4. Grevillea 385
5. Wollemi 325

This was following a one-week block of challenges across various learning areas. It's great to see Secondary students engaging so well within our House system.

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

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Primary Performing Arts

Thirlmere Festival of Steam Street Parade 
Congratulations to those involved in making this year another successful entry in the Thirlmere Festival of Steam Street Parade. We had 58 students from Secondary Cheer, Primary POM and College Bucketz perform the high-energy routine that stood out to spectators who commented on the polished choreography and neat presentation of students in their College Uniforms. The performance celebrated the Performing Arts culture within the College, with students showcasing teamwork, creativity and College spirit. It was particularly pleasing to see the collaboration between students across both Primary and Secondary. 

Special thanks to Mrs Kluit, Mrs Talbot and Alyssa Galea for their support in preparing for the event. A massive thank you and congratulations go to Miss Valente for her exceptional choreography. The hard work and planning were key to this outstanding success and saw the group earn the award for Best Choreographed Item. 

TASC Choral Festival - 5 June
Students in the Primary Choir (Years 3-6) will be performing at this year’s TASC Choral Festival. The festival allows students from various Anglican schools to come together and enjoy the love of music and singing. On the day, students learn vocal techniques, are taught a combined song by two guest conductors to perform with the other choirs and then perform in a concert at the end of the day. Parents will be welcome to attend the concert (2.15 pm - 4.00 pm) at a capped capacity. A booking link will be sent to you closer to the day (first in, best dressed principle). The event is held at Thomas Hassall Anglican College. Students will depart by 8.10 am and depart shortly after 4.00 pm, leaving us to return to the College at approximately 5.15 pm. Permission notes to come soon. 

Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon - 20 June
Friday, Week 8, there will be a Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon where most lunchtime ensembles will be performing to demonstrate some of the material they have been working on this year. It is a chance to celebrate our students' hard work, talent and dedication put into these groups. The event will be held in the Warne Auditorium from 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm. Information about who is performing and permission notes will come soon.

Mr David Hopkins
Performing Arts Coordinator T-6

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

eSafety

In caring for our children, we often need to consider the things that are occurring online. I invite you to investigate the free webinars that the eSafety Commissioner has released. These live webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

The webinars include topics such as “Parental controls to help protect your child online” and “Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men”.

The website also includes significant published information and videos for parents to research how best to care for their child online. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

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

U-Turn the Wheel

Year 11 attended the community road safety program U-Turn the Wheel - Target Zero at the College on Friday, 16 May. The program is run and funded by Picton Rotary, with a number of locals contributing to the workshops. The group heard from Professor Freya MacMillan from the University of Western Sydney about the research project and health promotion initiative “Think of the Five arrive ALIVE”. Students were invited to share their thoughts about road safety in the Wollondilly area to help develop evidence-based interventions to help keep young people safe. Year 10 also heard from the Police about the five largest risks on our roads: speeding, fatigue, seatbelts, mobile phones and drink driving. In addition, students attended workshops on first aid, country driving, license restrictions, car maintenance (changing a tyre roadside) and fatigue.

Mr Joshua Hewitt
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 - The Truck Cat

Wednesday, 21 May, was our first big Library event for the year, National Simultaneous Storytime. This is an annual event of the Australian Library and Information Association, to promote Australian authors, reading and literacy. More than 1 million children take part in ‘NSS’ across Australia each year, all reading the same book on the same day.  

During the morning, the College Headmaster, Mr Norman, read the book to Kindergarten in the Library. After Break 2, all of Years T-2 watched a performance by Year 9 and Year 10 Drama students of this year’s book ‘The Truck Cat’ by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell. Thank you to Mrs Sarah Talbot for another impressive adaptation for the stage of an Australian picture book. This year’s play was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended!

Students have been reading a range of books by Deborah Frenkel this Term in Library Lessons with Mrs Reid.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Western Sydney University Primary Student Brain Health Survey

We are sharing an opportunity from Western Sydney University for our Primary College parents (ages 6 to 11) to participate in an anonymous online survey. This research aims to explore views on child brain health and inform the development of a support program.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participants will receive access to a parent information sheet and a brain health education activity booklet for their children. There's also an option to enter a draw for one of two $100 gift cards.

Your input could contribute to this research.

If you have any questions, please contact the College.

Years 7-12 Family Chapel - Thursday, 26 June

The Years 7-12 Family Chapel for this year will be for Secondary Students and their families. The evening will begin at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 26 June in the Warne Auditorium. 

Dinner will be available from 5.30 pm. Dinner must be pre-ordered through the Trybooking link below. 

https://www.trybooking.com/DBQTV

We will gather together to hear student stories about the impact the gospel has had on them, along with hearing a gospel-focused message. 

Should you be unable to join us for dinner but still plan to attend, kindly RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au, by Tuesday, 10 June.

Finally, donations of gold coins or non-perishable food items will be accepted at the rear of the Auditorium. These will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare nourishing meals for those in our community who are struggling with illness or hardship. House Points will also be given, which will go towards the House Shield.

Useful items to be donated to WAC Kids Care:

• Tinned Tomatoes
• Dry Pasta
• Dry Lentils
• Rice
• Curry Paste
• Herbs and spices
• Stock - Chicken/Beef
• Tinned Tuna
• Tinned beans (Kidney, Three Bean, Black Beans)

We look forward to seeing you there.

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.

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

NRL Wheelchair Rugby League Come N Try event Wollondilly

Saturday 7 June 2025

Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre, Picton

12.30 pm to 2.30 pm

https://events.humanitix.com/come-n-try-wheelchair-rugby-league-wollondilly

The University of Newcastle Vaping Survey

About the study:  
The study is testing whether text messages, sent to adolescents and their parents, are effective in preventing youth vaping. Participating parents and adolescents will receive a series of text messages (one per week for 12 weeks) that have been specifically developed to educate parents and youth on the harms of vaping, empower youth to say no to vaping through social support and teaching refusal skills, and facilitate healthy conversation amongst families. The text messages have been developed in collaboration with parents, adolescents, researchers and parenting experts.

Our study website, containing more information about the study and a link to register, can be found here: www.vapingpreventionstudy.com

 Parents and adolescents will both receive a $20 e-gift card for completing the follow-up surveys.