Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 6 - Friday, 6 June 2025

What's Next?

What's Next? Shaping Our Future Together
At Wollondilly Anglican College, we are continually looking to the future, committed to enhancing the learning environment and opportunities available to our students. As we move forward, we are excited to share some significant developments that are set to transform our campus and expand our educational offerings. These initiatives reflect our dedication to providing a safe, well-equipped and enriching experience for our entire College community.

Enhanced Access and Safety: Our New Second Entrance
You may have noticed the significant progress on our new second entrance driveway, and we are pleased to confirm that its completion is anticipated later this year. This project is a crucial step in improving accessibility to the College. Once complete, this new infrastructure will substantially alleviate traffic congestion, leading to smoother and more efficient vehicle flow. Crucially, it will enhance safety for all students, staff and visitors entering and exiting our grounds. This development underscores our commitment to creating a secure and well-managed environment for everyone.

A Vision for Growth: Plans for a New Gymnasium
We are currently developing plans for a new gymnasium, a facility designed to significantly enhance our sports, health and academic programs. This proposed building will feature two indoor multipurpose courts, providing expanded space for physical education and extracurricular activities. In addition, the design includes new classrooms, improved changerooms, and toilet facilities. This new gymnasium is envisioned as a central hub that will support a broader range of physical activities and offer well-designed learning spaces. Looking ahead, the plans for this area also include the future development of four additional outdoor basketball courts (two double courts), further expanding our sporting facilities for the years to come.

Cultivating New Opportunities: Introducing Agriculture as an Elective
Recognising our unique semi-regional location in Tahmoor, we are delighted to announce that Agriculture will be offered as a new elective subject for the first time next year. We believe this will be a highly relevant and popular choice for many of our students, offering them the chance to explore an important industry within our local context. While we anticipate starting small, this program is designed to grow into something truly remarkable over the coming years, offering students practical knowledge and insights into agricultural practices, sustainability, and the broader rural sector. It represents an exciting opportunity to broaden our curriculum and cater to diverse student interests, preparing them for a range of future pathways.

These forthcoming developments represent a significant step forward for Wollondilly Anglican College. We are enthusiastic about the positive impact they will have on our campus and the expanded opportunities they will create for our students. We look forward to sharing further updates as these exciting projects progress.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 7

Secondary News

Learning 
On Wednesday, 4 June, the College hosted our Inaugural Breakfast Awards Ceremony for Academic Effort and presentation of our Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. The criteria to achieve the awards are listed below:

• Gold Award - All As on report for effort.
• Silver Award - All A’s and 1 B
• Bronze Award - All As and 2 Bs

As discussed on the day, all of these students are displaying outstanding or very high application to their studies, active engagement in their learning and work habits that reflect the key learner dispositions for success both at the College and in post-College life. Thank you to all the parents who attended and for your partnership in driving these values. All of these areas underpin the actions necessary for academic achievement and we are proud of the modelling these students are providing for the younger students in the Secondary Years.

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Care 
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 Groups so that these can be recorded and added to the Overall House Shield Total. The picture below details the items most in need

Culture
Attendance and involvement at College events is an important aspect of building culture. Attendance at Secondary Family Chapel, College Athletics Carnival and Foundation Day are all areas that students can engage in and contribute to a vibrant student culture. All of these also provide opportunities for students to belong to their House in different ways and to share their gifts and talents across College life.

House Soccer Match Results - Week 5

• Sollya 5-0 Grevillea - MVP Vivian Hearne
• Wollemi 2-1 Acacia - MVP Harrison Luhr
• Acacia 2-1 Telopea - MVP Alex White
  

House Soccer Matches Week 6

• Wednesday Break 1 - Wollemi vs Telopea
• Thursday Break 1 - Acacia vs Grevillea

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.

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

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Primary Open Afternoon - 3 July

On Thursday, 3 July from 2.30 pm - 3.15 pm, Primary classrooms will be open with students' work on display. Students may take their parents through the classroom to look at their displayed work. Parents should keep all their children with them throughout their visits to the classrooms. We look forward to sharing the great learning happening in Primary.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable 
Head of Primary Years

Director of Teaching & Learning Years 7-12

Year 10 into Year 11 Elective Seminar and Information Evening
Our Year 10 students will begin the process of thinking about their curriculum pathway for 2026 by attending an information session on Wednesday, 11 June, during the College Day. Students will hear from a range of staff, how to ensure adequate time management and organisation skills for stage 6, specific information from the College’s Careers Advisor, before embarking on an opportunity to hear from specific Leaders of Learning regarding a range of subjects. Parents are invited to attend an Information Evening with their child on the same evening, starting at 6.00 pm. Through attending this evening, parents will have an understanding of the process of subject selection and how they can support their child in this process. At the end of the Information Evening, parents and students will have the opportunity to talk to specific Leaders of Learning around subjects of choice. Students have been issued with a Subject Selection Book, which must be brought to both the Day Seminar and the Subject Selection Evening.

Year 8 into Year 9 Seminars and Information Evening
Our Year 8 students will undergo a similar process as they begin to think about their Year 9 Pathway. Students will attend information sessions on Thursday, 19 June and parents will be invited to an Information Evening in the Warne Auditorium on the same night at 6.00 pm. They will also hear about various subjects and options and will have the opportunity to talk to the Leaders of Learning in each area.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon

The Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon on Friday, 20 June, from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm is fast approaching! Students from the following groups will be performing at the Showcase:

• Stage 1 Dance
• Stage 2 Dance
• Stage 3 Dance
• K-2 Choir
• 3-6 Choir
• Bucketz
• Junior Bucketz (Kindergarten)
• Primary Pom
• Primary Strings.

So that we have an idea of numbers and seating requirements, please indicate your intention (including performers) to attend through the link below. There will be a BBQ dinner afterwards for those able to stay. Please indicate on the booking how many people will be staying for a sausage sandwich. 

Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Mr David Hopkins
Performing Arts Coordinator T-6

Creative Arts & Languages

National Simultaneous Storytime
Congratulations to our Year 9 and Year 10 Drama classes for their excellent dramatic retelling of this year's National Simultaneous Storytime book, The Truck Cat. The performances featured Children's Theatre conventions including call-and-response, sing-alongs, puppets and colourful characters. Our youngest students (our audience) enjoyed the performance immensely!

Secondary Performing Arts Showcase Night
On Friday, 13 June, our Secondary Co-Curricular Performing Arts Groups and Ensembles will be performing at our Secondary Showcase Evening in the Warne Auditorium, alongside some of our Music Tuition students. Selected Visual Arts practical works will also be exhibited. Parents of performers should have received a permission note for this event via the College app. It details the event organisation in a more fulsome way. The extended College community is also able to come along and watch performances from 5.30 pm. We are hoping that the evening will conclude by 7:15.

Groups involved include:

• Dance Company
• Secondary Cheer
• Dance Soloists
• Music Soloists
• Vocal Performance Team
• College Band
• Colege Strings
• VET Entertainment
  

HICES Music Festival
Congratulations to Harriette Martin, Torin Ford-McGuire & Annabel Williams, who were all selected for HICES Music Festival, which is an impressive feat from a competitive audition process! The HICES Music Festival will include a three-day camp, Commencing Sunday, 17 August, at The Tops Conference Centre, at Stanwell Tops. This will culminate with the Festival Concert at The Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday, 20 August, involving a total of over 400 students plus staff from HICES schools.  

National Art School
Congratulations to Gabby McIntosh, Aaliyah Ualesi & Ava Buckley, who were all selected for the National Art School Intensive Studio Practice Program. This is a competitive entry program, with limited places available. Students are selected on the strength of a submitted portfolio of work and a rigorous application process. Students will complete two modules where they get specialised training to produce art in the form for which they have been selected. The first module will be completed from 15 - 18 July, and the second will be completed from 29 September to 3 October. Gabby was nominated for Painting, Aaliyah for B&W Photography, and Ava for sculpture.

Wollondilly Students Shine at Vivid Sydney
On Tuesday evening, students from Year 11 Entertainment, Year 11 Visual Arts, and Year 12 Visual Arts had the opportunity to attend Vivid Sydney—Australia’s largest festival of light, music, and ideas. It was an engaging and inspiring excursion that allowed students to see firsthand how creativity and technology intersect in a large-scale public event.

Visual Arts students explored a wide range of installations and projections, deepening their understanding of contemporary artistic practice, media and concepts. For Entertainment students, the night offered valuable insight into the technical side of event production, including lighting design, sound, logistics and crowd management.

The experience helped students make meaningful connections between their classroom learning and the real-world creative industries. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the evening, not just for the spectacular displays, but for the opportunity to learn in such a unique and immersive environment.

Students represented the College with maturity and enthusiasm throughout the night. We’re grateful to the staff who supported the excursion and are proud to offer experiences like this, which extend learning beyond the classroom and inspire our students in their creative and professional pathways.

Year 8 Creative Arts & German Day 
What a fantastisch day we had in our Amazing Race/Creative Arts & German Day last Wednesday!

Students in Year 8 participated in a range of activities that enhanced their German language, Creative Arts skills and knowledge of culture through a range of team-based activities.

We are so proud of how students demonstrated their resourcefulness and resilience during the day, drawing on their knowledge of German, strategies for solving challenges and great teamwork.

The day started with a lecker (yummy) German breakfast, where students from Elective German served Year 8.

Following that, we had a lesson in Schuhplattler dancing from the talented Rowan. Year 8 had a fabulous workout trying to beat Rowan’s incredible fitness and skill. 

Students then participated in Amazing Race Challenges, earning points in teams for challenges completed with bonus points for speaking German.

The Challenges encompassed Art, Music, Cooking and Drama, which immersed students in the German language and culture!

Well done to Year 8 and all of the CAPA/LOTE team who were involved with the day.

Mrs Sarah Talbot & The Creative Arts and Languages Faculty (CAPA & LOTE)
Leader of Learning Creative Arts & Languages/Performing Arts Coordinator 7-12

Junior Chess League Chess Tournament 2025

On 2 June, ten from Stages 2 and 3 went to Tudor House School in Moss Vale for the 2025 Junior Chess League Chess tournament. While we were there, we faced challenging schools with great players. It was such a stimulating tournament. 

Team A fielded Eli, Darwin, Emil, James and Scarlett (our reserve for the team). We had some amazing times playing and learning chess. We had to play seven competition matches with some incredibly smart players who knew a lot of sneaky moves.

In Team B, Michael, Andy, Dylan, Alec, and Elizabeth (our reserve) worked together to face the following school teams - Amity Team 1, Robertson Team 4, Moss Vale Public School, Mittagong Team and a few others. 

On this excursion, we had to learn how to win graciously as well as lose calmly in a competitive setting. We had lots of fun. 

We were both astonished and proud of our teams as Team B placed 5th and Team A placed 3 out of 37 teams!

It was a worthwhile experience to see how chess tournaments are played. Everyone is supposed to play silently (but that didn’t always happen).

We felt well prepared because Mrs Reid and Mr Norman ensured that we played by competition rules when we practised at Chess Club. This means you can only touch the piece you are going to move and if you make 3 illegal moves in a game, you forfeit the game.

We would encourage anyone from Years 3-6, who would like to learn a new skill, to come along to Chess Club on Tuesdays during Break 1 in the Cuthbert Library.

Michael Banks and Eli Cross
Students

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

Bullying in Schools: Parent Survey

The Australian Parents Council (APC) is reaching out to seek feedback from families to better understand experiences and concerns about bullying in schools.  Your input will help shape APC's national advocacy and support for safer school communities.

APC would greatly appreciate your response on this very important topic.

The survey should take less than four minutes to complete.

Deadline to respond: Friday, 20 June 2025.

We thank you for taking the time to fill in this survey and for sharing your experience.

Your feedback helps the Australian Parents Council advocate for safer and more supportive school environments for all students.

Take the survey now

Regards,
Team APC

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

EmpowerHER

Girls & women aged 8–35+ — this is for YOU!

Come and try football with EmpowerHER, a brand new FREE program from Macarthur Bulls FC designed for beginners and returning players from all backgrounds.

No experience needed

Inclusive & welcoming for all abilities

Ages 8–12, 13–16, 17+, and 35+

Picton Sportsground – Wednesday, 4 June from 5.45 pm – 7.00 pm.

This program is proudly supported by the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program, empowering more women and girls to get involved in sport.

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

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.