Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 5 - Friday, 30 May 2025

Beyond Academics: Cultivating Character Through Care

At the very heart of our College lies our deep commitment to Care, a core component of our strategic plan. Our vision is for every student to feel cared for, valued and known within a community built on positive interactions where they genuinely enjoy coming to College. We believe that creating such an environment – one where students feel safe, secure and understand the boundaries within which they can flourish – is a fundamental way we show this care. This is where the excellent work of Tom Bennett, author of 'Running the Room,' resonates so deeply. His insights guide us in creating positive, learning-focused spaces through clear expectations and predictable routines, ensuring every child feels secure and ready to thrive.

Our approach is founded on the understanding that all children thrive in an environment that is predictable and purposeful. Just like a calm river allows for clear navigation, a calm and orderly classroom allows students to focus their energy on learning. We know that children inherently desire to learn and to feel successful, and a well-structured environment provides the scaffolding for this success. This isn't about rigid control; it's about providing the freedom that comes from clear boundaries. When students understand what is expected of them, they are empowered to explore, question and engage deeply with their studies, rather than being distracted by uncertainty or disruption.

One of the practical ways we implement this approach is through calm, quiet classroom entries. Imagine the benefit: students step into a learning space ready to learn, free from the chatter and distraction that can often precede a lesson. This simple routine signals a transition, helping students to mentally prepare and focus. Similarly, well-designed seating plans are not just about organisation; they are a deliberate tool to foster positive interactions and minimise disruptions, allowing teachers to effectively manage the learning environment and attend to individual student needs. These aren't arbitrary rules; they are carefully considered strategies designed to create the optimal conditions for learning and growth, ensuring every child can make the most of their time at College.

Ultimately, our commitment to teaching and reinforcing clear expectations springs from a deep well of care for every child. We know that every student wants to come to a College that is positive and focused on learning, a place where they feel safe, supported and ready to engage. More than that, these intentional practices are about nurturing the whole child, helping them develop the self-discipline, responsibility and maturity that will serve them long after they leave our gates. It is our privilege to guide your children on this journey, fostering an environment where they can not only excel academically but also grow into the remarkable individuals God intends them to be. We are excited about the year ahead and the continued growth of our wonderful College community.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 6

Secondary News

Learning 
As we continue to strive toward improvements in our Thematic Goal - Embedding a Culture of Academic Achievement, gaining feedback from our students in relation to the areas we are measuring is providing us with great insight into areas of success and continual improvement. The Secondary SRC recently conducted a review of the key areas we are using to assess our progress. It was encouraging to see them show great reflection and consideration of these areas and as a group, being able to identify areas of success and those that we need to continue to work on. From this process, the students were able to recognise individual teachers who demonstrate these qualities either in an overall way or in certain areas. To celebrate these successes, there will be a morning tea for these teachers hosted by the SRC on Monday, 2 June. Thanks to the SRC for their approach to serving our College and the community and for their diligence and commitment in these areas.

Academic Effort Award System
A further exciting initiative that has been launched to capture and celebrate positive learning habits is the Academic Effort Award System. Students in Years 11 and 12 have recently received their reports. Through this process, data from the reports provided great insight into students who demonstrate outstanding or very high levels of application across their studies. This is to be commended and reflects the approach to learning where students are applying themselves to the best of their abilities, which often correlates with excellent academic achievement. Students and parents from Years 11 and 12 who have qualified for these awards will attend an inaugural breakfast on Wednesday, 4 June. The criteria to achieve the awards are listed below:

Gold Award
All As on Report for effort

Silver Award
All As and 1 B

Bronze Award
All A’s and 2 B’s

Care 
At the College, we consistently reinforce the importance for young people to seek help and support. This is critical as they navigate or encounter moments of challenge and uncertainty. This can be related to managing stress, dealing with change or needing advice. Knowing when and how to seek help plays an important role in maintaining wellbeing.

Help-seeking isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a powerful step toward resilience and personal growth. When young people reach out to friends, family, teachers, or mental health professionals, they’re taking control of their wellbeing. This can lead to earlier intervention, reduced stress and better long-term outcomes.

However, many young people hesitate to ask for help due to stigma, fear of judgment, or not knowing where to turn. By promoting open conversations and normalising emotional struggles, communities and schools can create safe spaces that empower youth to speak up.

Encouraging help-seeking is not just about solving problems, it's about building a foundation of support, connection and self-awareness. When young people learn that it’s okay to ask for help, they gain the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and compassion.

Culture
The College has a focus on encouraging outward thinking and care for those who are vulnerable and less fortunate. In partnership with Community Links, the College now has donation bins that will be located at Student Reception. The community is encouraged to make donations of non-perishable food items by dropping them off into the associated House bin. This is a further way students and parents can contribute to belonging to their House Group, with points attributed to each item donated. Please make Student Reception staff aware of your donation items and House so that these can be recorded and added to the Overall House Shield Total.

House Soccer Matches in Week 6

• Tuesday - Telopea vs Acacia - Break 1
  
• Wednesday - Sollya vs Grevillea - Break 1

Students who are playing in these matches will receive an email to advise them of their selection and to wear their House Shirt and PE Uniform for the day

The Athletics Carnival is coming up on Friday, 20 June. All students must wear their House Shirts on this day. It is not a day to be wearing the regular White College Sports Polo Shirt. If you need to purchase one prior to this time, there is limited stock available at the Uniform Shop, or they are available at Lowes.

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Director of Teaching & Learning Years 7-12

Singapore Collaboration
This week, the College hosted the staff and students from our sister school in Singapore, Anglican High School. The students and staff spent three days with us – attending classes, sharing in practical lessons, eating recess and lunch together, bushwalking on the beautiful College grounds and working on their future-focused project. They also spent a day off-site and visited some of our beautiful coastlines in Wollongong and Kiama. WAC students will travel to Singapore at the end of the term and present the findings of the future-focused project to school executives in Singapore, as well as perform a variety of dance, drama and musical items at a school assembly. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting our Singaporean friends and look forward to our trip in a few weeks.

Secondary Academic Effort Award System
The College has developed a new award system that acknowledges and encourages students who are working consistently across all their subject areas. This award system will be based on their end-of-semester report. We wanted to reward and encourage students who are actively engaged in their learning and have been demonstrating the characteristics of consistency in their efforts and engagement. We also wanted students to be driving and investing in their learning and many of our students are doing this in all of their courses. The first award recipients will be our Stage 6 students who had their reports uploaded to Edumate this week. The Stage 6 students who have met our criteria have been invited to an inaugural breakfast with their parent/carer next Wednesday, 4 June.

Year 12 Trial Examinations
Year 12 Trial Examinations will be held off-site again this year, these examinations will commence in early Term 3. Mrs Bawden spoke to Year 12 about this yesterday at her Year Meeting. Parents will have received a separate letter regarding the venue. Please contact the College if you have any further questions. The College will host an excursion to the exam centre for any student wishing to visit and view where they will sit their exams.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Increase in Respiratory & Flu Viruses

We have had an increase in respiratory and flu viruses in the College and community. 

Respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV are common in winter. These illnesses can make you feel unwell with symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, fever and runny nose. They spread easily in the community, especially when people cough or sneeze. Young children, seniors, pregnant women, First Nations people and anyone with long-term health problems like asthma, lung or heart disease, can become very sick.

How to protect yourself and others

• Keep your child home if they are sick with flu-like symptoms.
• Use a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze.
• Encourage your child/children to wash their hands often, especially after blowing their nose or using the toilet.
• Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is free for young children aged six months to five years and the above at-risk groups.
  

If your child is unwell and or has a fever, you will be notified and your child will need to be picked up from the College. It is not acceptable to request that your child, who is unwell or has a fever to be put on the bus after the College day or to be sent back to class. 

For more information on Influenza, please see the following fact sheet. 

Mrs Sally Lloyd
Senior College Nurse

Student Success - Aaliyah Ross

Aaliyah Ross Represents Australia at the 2025 ICU World Cheerleading Championships
During April, Aaliyah Ross proudly represented Australia at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships. Selected as one of the youngest athletes on the National team, Aaliyah earned her place among 36 elite competitors in her division, chosen from athletes who tried out across the country.

Aaliyah dedicated five months to intense training, combining remote sessions and in-person training camps held throughout Australia. Her commitment and determination paid off on the global stage, where she and her team delivered a phenomenal performance against competitors from all over the world.

Competing in the Youth Coed Medium division, the Australian team triumphed, winning gold and earning the prestigious title of 2025 World Champions.

Aaliyah’s journey to the world stage is a testament to her hard work, discipline and passion for cheerleading. She had an unforgettable experience, growing as both an athlete and a teammate and proudly brought home not just a medal, but lifelong memories and lessons.

Well done Aaliyah on such a remarkable achievement!

Book Club Orders Due Friday, 20 June

The Book Club Issue 4 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary, 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 the Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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.