Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 2 - Friday, 15 October 2021

Message from the Headmaster

As we prepare to welcome back our students over the next two weeks, we are reminded that we are also preparing to farewell our Year 12 students. While we are not yet at the end, I would like to express my appreciation and highest commendation to this class of 'soon to be' graduates. They have been challenged like no other cohort has and they have been resilient throughout. I was delighted to hear that so far our Year 12 students have received 38 Early Offers to University for 2022 with more expected. This is an amazing effort and a great recognition of their hard work. I am also very aware that a Year 12 student does not take this journey alone. I would like to express my thanks to our diligent, caring and exceptional teachers who have supported Year 12 this year, and all of the staff who have made such an invaluable contribution over 13 years. Finally, we say thank you to our parents who have walked alongside your children as they work through these challenges and head towards their final exams.

We are praying for each of you (students and families!) as you prepare for these final exams.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5&6

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy's Desk

If your child is a seasoned worrier, you will know how difficult living on high alert can be. Constantly irritated, often anxious and occasionally withdrawn, worriers are in a never-ending state of fight, flight or even freeze.

An upcoming exam or a nerve-wracking event can trigger a flight-or-fight response, flooding the body with cortisol and adrenaline. This response, designed to power up the body to face real threats, helped keep our hunter-gatherer ancestors safe. Unfortunately, the part of the brain responsible for keeping us alert can’t tell the difference between a woolly mammoth and an upcoming exam. Both are seen as threats, so the body responds the same. Fortunately, we have an inbuilt relaxation response that can help counteract this stress. Here are some ways your child can regulate stress and anxiety rather than live in a constant state of high alert.

Practise belly breathing
Taking several deep belly breaths is probably the quickest way to engage the body’s relaxation response. Teach your child or young person to breathe in through the nose to the count of five and out through the mouth to the count of seven. Encourage them to repeat this simple exercise a number of times to switch on the relaxation response. Anchoring belly breathing to regular events such as the start of breakfast or family mealtimes can embed deep breathing into daily life. Make this a part of your child’s regular routine to develop a wonderful stress beating habit.

Lift their gaze to the horizon
Next time your child is stressed out suggest that they go out the front of where you live and look down the end of the street. Long-distance viewing sends a message to the nervous system that they are safe, signalling to the relaxation response to take over. If a child or young person is stuck at a desk, they can lift their gaze to the horizontal and move their head from side to side to achieve a similar effect. It’s worth remembering that many positive wellbeing habits are physical in nature, a throwback to the times when people spent most of their time in natural environments.

Splash in some cold water
Hardy types who’ve added ocean swimming to their daily routines know just how invigorating cold water can be. Your child doesn’t have to become an iceberg to experience the stress beating benefits that cold water can bring. Plunging their face in cold water for 10 seconds, turning on the cold water at the end of the shower or holding an icepack to the right side of the neck can achieve the same effect. Their body will be flooded with feel-good endorphins taking their worries away. Coldwater use has the advantage of stimulating the vagus nerve, making it easier and simpler for kids to move to relaxation mode in the long term.

Contact family or a friend
A warm chat with a friend, a fun family board game or a karaoke dance party will move your child into relaxation mode, away from high alert. While extroverts will naturally connect with others, introverts and shyer types may need some parental encouragement to engage with others.

Do something they love
Ensure your child or young person does something fun and enjoyable every day. Play, hobbies, games – anything that’s not screen-based that your child or young person enjoys brings down cortisol levels.

In closing
Regulating stress and anxiety in the body gets stronger and more responsive with practice. Knowing how to support the parasympathetic nervous system is a wonderful strategy to place in a child’s or young person’s wellbeing toolkit.

(Michael Grose parentingideas.com.au)

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Matters T-12

Helpful tips for parents and carers to support children - Return to Campus

Every family has a different Off-Campus Learning story. Here are some ways you can support your child return to campus and reconnect with their College community.

Be positive about returning to Campus

• Ask your child how they are feeling about returning to the College. Your child may be feeling a mix of emotions about their return, so it is important to listen to any concerns and respond in a calm, supportive and reassuring way.

• Promote positive conversations by asking what they like about the College and what they are looking forward to when they return. Let them know that the staff are looking forward to seeing them. Your child might like to make a list or drawing about things they have missed about the College.

• If they feel nervous or worried, help them understand this is a normal reaction, and that you and their teachers are there to support them.

• If your child has questions about COVID-19, provide factual and age-appropriate information. Let them know everyone at the College is working hard so that everyone is safe.

• Consider limiting media content your child is viewing if it is contributing to worry or distress.

• Remind your child that everyone at the College is working hard to make sure that everyone is safe and that anyone who is unwell will stay home.

Prepare yourself and your child for changes and new College procedures

• Read the information provided by the College about new procedures that may have been introduced such as changes to parents’ access to the College grounds, drop-off and pick-up points as well as new rules, such as, wearing face masks or hygiene rules.
  

• Discuss these with your child and plan together how these changes will be managed. The more your child understands the changes, the more comfortable they are likely to feel. If you are unsure about anything, contact the College or your child’s teacher.

Re-establish your routines

• Routines help provide certainty and increase feelings of security, so they will help to re-establish routines and plan for the return.

• In the week before, bring back the usual wake up, bed and breakfast routines. Set aside time to find the College equipment and check uniforms and shoes still fit – your child may have grown. Give yourself enough time to organise replacements or a uniform alternative if needed.

• The day before returning, encourage your child to check their College timetable if needed, pack their bag, and get their lunch box, drink bottle and uniform ready.

• Allow more time than usual on the first morning back to calmly get ready. Take your child to the College if that will help build a greater sense of security. Alternatively, encourage your child to meet up with a friend before and travel in together.

Update the College

• Let the College know of any concerns relating to your child that may impact their transition back to the College. This will assist the College to work with you to plan and put in place appropriate support strategies.
  

At the end of the College day

• Talk to your child about their day and what they are looking forward to tomorrow. If your child prefers, get them to write down or draw their feelings.
  

• Provide opportunities for your child to play and relax at the end of the day. Returning to the College may contribute to tired and emotional reactions at the end of the day.

• Help re-establish after-hours routines to review the day’s learning and complete homework tasks.
  

• Consider having extra family time together as your child may have missed being at home with you.

Supporting your child

• Returning to College routines may take some time. Reassure your child that this is normal. Encourage them to ask for help if they need it

• Take care of your own wellbeing while supporting your child’s return to learning at the College. You may have some children returning to campus while others are continuing to learn from home. You can help your child by explaining that all children will be returning to the College soon.
  

• If they are finding things difficult, remind your child of times in the past when they were able to do things that were difficult and face situations that made them nervous or scared.

• If you are concerned about your child, seek support by contacting the College

education.nsw.gov.au

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Transitioning Back To On-Campus Learning

Mr Mitchell Barnes
Educational Psychologist

From the College Nurse

Masks are mandatory for all Staff and Students in Years 7 and above. Please remember that mask-wearing should be combined with other preventative measures including frequent hand hygiene and physical distancing. Masks can generally be used for a period of around four hours, as long as it does not become moist, soiled or damaged. Potential self-contamination can occur if masks are not changed when wet, soiled or damaged or by frequent touching/adjusting when worn for prolonged periods. Single-use and reusable cloth masks both help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, if used correctly. 

Disposable Masks
A disposable mask is only designed to be used once, not multiple times, don't be tempted to reuse it! When the mask is removed, it should be disposed of safely and replaced with a new mask. Students will therefore need to pack more than one disposable mask. Purchase single-use masks from reputable retail outlets including chemists, supermarkets and other shops.

Cloth masks
Cloth masks are effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 to other people when they are made and worn correctly. To ensure adequate protection, cloth masks should have at least three layers of fabric: Students and staff will need more than one reusable mask as cloth masks are less effective when damp. Cloth masks should be washed after each use or at least daily. Reusing a cloth mask without washing it, can lead to self-contamination and infection of the person wearing it.

Face Sheilds
Face shields are not a substitute for masks. While a face shield may confer partial protection of the facial area against respiratory droplets, these and smaller droplets may come into contact with mucous membranes or with the eyes from the open gaps between the visor and the face.

Scarfs and bandanas 
Scarfs and bandanas are not considered a “fitted face covering” under the public health order. A scarf or bandana is not recommended as they do not offer the same amount of protection as a well-fitted mask. Using a scarf is also an infection risk because people keep wearing the scarf. 

Helpful tips for applying face masks 

• Perform hand hygiene, with either hand sanitiser, or soap and water.
• Use the ear loops to apply the face mask, pushing the wire across the bridge of your nose and fastening ear to ear.
• Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face.
• Adjust the mask to ensure that it is comfortable so that you are not going to keep fiddling with it after it has been put on.
• Refrain from touching the front of your mask while wearing or removing it.
• Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.
•  To avoid the risk of contamination, NSW Health recommends you put on a new, clean mask when you have finished eating or drinking. If this is not possible, remember to wash or sanitise your hands. 
• You should always use hand sanitiser or wash your hands before and after changing your face mask.

 Helpful tips of reusing/disposing and maintenance of face masks       

• When removing your mask, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times.
• Remove your mask outside and away from other people, if possible.
• Carefully remove your mask by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties. For masks with a pair of ties, unfasten the bottom one first, then the top one.
• Dispose of single-use masks responsibly in the general rubbish bin.
• Don’t put disposable masks in the recycling. Most single-use masks contain soft plastics and cannot be recycled. They can also get caught in recycling equipment and be a hazard to waste management workers.
• Wash and dry reusable cloth masks after each use. 
• Store in a plastic or zip-lock bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. 
• Washcloth masks in the washing machine in hot water (between 60°C to 90°C) with other clothes. If washing the mask by hand, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap in hot water. 
• Layout flat to dry (in the sun if possible) or put in the dryer.  
• Store masks in a clean, dry place.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/face-mask-rules

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

STEM News

Angus Taylor Virtual Visit
Last Friday, the new Minister for Industry, and Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Angus Taylor, took time out of his busy schedule to make a 'virtual visit' to the Year 8 Grace Science class. As the Acting Minister for Industry, Science and Technology he was keen to encourage students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities and to also see how online learning is being conducted. Students were able to ask him questions about being a Minister and he shared childhood stories of how technology had improved and changed his life while growing up on a farm. It was an informative time with the Minister and he was impressed by the technology available to students in the online-learning environment. It was a great opportunity to do something a bit different during this time of Off-Campus Learning.

Mr Wayne Baulch
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Secondary PDHPE

Returning to Secondary Physical Education Lessons
From the time all students return to College on Monday, 25 October, practical Physical Education (PE) classes will resume under COVID safe conditions. Students are able to wear their Sports Uniform to College, rather than get changed, on their designated PE day, which is to be communicated next week. Please note that this designated PE day may not be the same day as that during Off-Campus Learning. The same rules for wearing Sports Uniform on a Tuesday sports day apply to wearing the Sports Uniform on the designated PE day. This includes wearing the white College sport polo shirt. We understand this can place pressure on washing uniforms, especially when the PE lesson is the day before or after Tuesday sports day. 

In addition, students will also be required to wear a mask to and from their PE class, however, whilst participating they are not required to wear a mask. Students are to bring a refillable drink bottle (not to be shared) and are to wash or sanitise their hands before and after the PE lesson.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact

Mr Joshua Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

From Student Reception

To limit the flow of unnecessary traffic through Student Reception and the College, we now have a drop box located outside Student Reception. Any urgent items that are required to be dropped off need to be placed in this box and labelled accordingly. (Medications excluded)

Items such as student lunch boxes and drink bottles, need to be clearly labelled and can be followed up with a phone call to the office on 4684 2577 advising items have been left and any instructions required. 

Whilst we have set up this system, in line with NSW Health, we are not encouraging external members of the College community to be onsite.

Staff will regularly check the drop box throughout the day.

We appreciate your help so we can best support the health and wellbeing of our staff and students during this time. 

Mrs Leanne Molluso
Student Reception Supervisor

FLOWERS Canteen News

The College Canteen will be open for orders from Monday, 18 October 2021.

There is a range of exciting new items on the menu for both recess and lunch as well as the return of some of your old favourites.

For recess, we are introducing the Flowers Snack Box which includes fresh veggies, dip, crackers and cheese, hot toasted sandwiches and for those of us with a sweet tooth we have raspberry and choc muffins.

New lunch items include: homemade sausage rolls and half-sized toasted focaccias, also watch out for the FLOWERS Lunch Box Meal Deal.

Due to COVID restrictions, we will only be taking orders through the Flexischools app, there will be no over-the-counter sales.

To access the Flexischools ordering system, download the Flexischools app and register an account. 

For further information visit the Flexischools website www.flexischools.com.au/parents

Mrs Lucy Londregan 
Canteen Manager

Employment Opportunites

P&F 2021 WAC Golf Day - CANCELLED

Attention Golfers and High Tea Attendees

Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions with running events, we are cancelling the 2021 Wollondilly Anglican College Golf Day which was meant to be on Wednesday, 27 October 2021.

Mr Bill Norman 
P&F President

Mrs Rhonda Hay
Headmaster's Personal Assistant 

Enrolment News

Students Leaving at the End of 2021

If your child will not be attending the College in 2022, please give written notice immediately so that your bond may be returned and to avoid Term 1, 2022 fees and charges, as agreed in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on 4684 2722 or at k.biddle@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Year 7 2023 Sibling Applications

The Headmaster will begin reviewing places for Year 7 2023 siblings in the upcoming holidays. If your child is in this cohort, please send in their application ASAP to avoid disappointment. If your child is already enrolled at the College, they do not need to apply.

Application For Enrolment

Applications continue to pour in for 2022 and beyond, across all Year Groups, but especially our entry years of Transition, Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11.

All current College families looking to enrol siblings for the coming years are encouraged to do so without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Enrolment packs are available from the College Office or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Scholarships 2023/2024

I am delighted to advise that the Wollondilly Anglican College Scholarship Program is now open for Academic and Creative Arts scholarships commencing in 2023.
The College Headmaster may award a number of scholarships offering partial fee remission for each year in the areas of Academic, Music and Dance. Most scholarships will be awarded for two years and are conditional on the continuation of the relevant criteria being met. They will be available to students currently enrolled at the College or at other schools. Students who are studying in Years 6, 8 and 10 in 2022 may apply for a scholarship as they enter their next stage of learning.

Application Process for Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

• Complete the scholarship application form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Kristy Biddle with the supporting portfolio.
• Complete the online application with ACER at https://scholarships.acer.edu.au. (Parents will need to create a Parent Account, from which they can register their child for the scholarship test at Wollondilly Anglican College. A $110.00 application fee is also payable to ACER as part of the registration process).
• For Academic candidates, be available to complete the scholarship test on Saturday, 26 February 2022.

Music and Dance Scholarships

• Parents should complete the scholarship application form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Kristy Biddle, with the supporting portfolio.
• Music/Dance scholarships need to be accompanied by a scholarship application processing fee of $110.00.
• Shortlisted students will be required to audition before a panel at a later date to be confirmed. There will not be an additional audition fee.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 4 February 2022. The closing date is final and late applications cannot be accepted.

A comprehensive information pack and application form is available for download from the College website. Alternatively, all information and forms are available from myself at the College Office.

Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on 4684 2722 or at k.biddle@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer
Ph: 4684 2722

Berrima Buslines Updates

Transport for NSW have updated their website for School Bus Pass Applications and Updates. Parents who need to apply for a new student or to update exiting students' details should now be directed to: 
https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel 

Due to a change in our structure, students who travel on both Picton and Berrima Buslines will require a pass with both operators from 2022. Where students only hold a current pass for either operator they will need to update their details on the link noted above. 

Parents are advised to update details during Term 4 to ensure that applications are validated before Term 4 holidays begin. Berrima Buslines will mail all approved bus passes for 2022 to the students' postal addresses during the last week of January.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any queries regarding these changes. 

M Net Maureen North SSTS Administrator 

Tel: (02) 4871 3211
Fax: (02) 4871 3225 
www.berrimabustines.com.au
inio@berrimabuslines.com.au

Lowes Three Day Sale

Church Services

Staying connected in the Wollondilly Shire

During this time, it is important that we stay connected as a community. Due to the restrictions in the Wollondilly Shire, this cannot happen face-to-face. However, many churches in our local area still gather together online. For those within our community who have a faith, can I encourage you to keep meeting as a community of believers as it says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

To those in the College community, we encourage you to consider attending a Church Service or Bible Study Group online. In these difficult times, you may be feeling isolated, burdened and even fearful. Because of this, we encourage you, even more, to connect to your local Church, to explore Christianity, to seek the peace and relief that Jesus can give you. It says in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” There is no better time to seek and to come into relationship with Jesus than now. Below are some local Churches in the Wollondilly Shire and surrounds with their services and programs and contact information for any enquiries. 

Wollondilly Anglican Church
Currently posting pre-recorded messages and services on their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LQDtFMRt1RFZQ8KhRC2kA  
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit these links for more information
https://wollondillyanglican.org/grown-ups/  
https://wollondillyanglican.org/youth-ministries/  
We also encourage you to check out their website to stay updated with any new information https://wollondillyanglican.org/
Contact them about any enquiries at
https://wollondillyanglican.org/contact/

C3 Picton and Camden
Live-streaming their services on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV-SaFqz0okwO85XQE01CKw.
If you would like to find out more information about C3 connect groups, please visit these links:
https://www.c3picton.church/groups
If you would like to know more information about C3 and keep updated please visit their website:
https://www.c3picton.church/
Facebook page:
https://m.facebook.com/C3Picton/
Contact them at:
https://www.c3picton.church/contact

Campbelltown Christian Community Church (C4) 
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel:

Wollondilly Presbyterian Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGGkiM_xP5rCdViW3uo6Xw/featured
They are also holding Church Zoom Calls at 9.15 am on Sundays, if you are interested in connecting to the community in this way, please visit their Facebook page for the links as well as updates, information and to contact about any enquiries.
https://www.facebook.com/WollondillyPC/

Tahmoor Baptist Church
Gathering via Zoom on Sunday mornings, please visit their page for the Zoom link, as well as resources, other services, and updates.
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit this link for more information
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/activities.html

Picton and Wilton Anglican Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel at 9.30 am on Sunday mornings.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PWAChurches/videos
I also encourage you to visit their website
https://pwac.org.au/
To stay updated with information or to contact them about gathering groups and for any general enquiries, please click on the link below:
https://pwac.org.au/contact/

Most importantly, we encourage all to meet with God directly and personally through daily reading of The Bible and prayer. This is the best way to get to know who God is and further trust in him during this time. If you don’t have a Bible or don't know where to start, we encourage you to download “You Version” on your device, this is a great resource to assist you in your journey and relationship with God.

Staying connected in the Southern Highlands area.

Highlands Christian Church: 
Online Service:
https://www.facebook.com/highlands.au/videos/highlands-church-online-experience/930979114318498/
Website:
https://www.highlandschristianchurch.org.au/

Highlands Baptist Church
Website:
http://www.highlandsbaptistchurch.org.au/

St Judes (Bowral Anglican)
Website:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/
Online Service:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/online/

Mittagong Anglican
Website:
https://www.mittang.com.au/
Sermon Archive:
https://www.mittang.com.au/sermons/

C3 
Website:
https://c3destinychurch.com/
Livestream/Video Archive:
https://c3destinychurch.com/sunday-live-stream/

Bowral Baptist
Website:
https://bowralbaptistchurch.net/wordpress/
Video Archive:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCED4wlEz42j6thR9-OsVn4A

Christian Leadership Prefects
Nerida Seidel and Ethan Schultz 

Community

WAC Kids Care

From time to time, families undergo trauma such as severe or terminal illness. There are short term support structures in place at the College to assist families during these times.

We have a collection of beautifully prepared meals that are ready for distribution for any families in need.

The WAC Kids Care Program offers support to families in the way of meals. Please contact Mrs Hay or Mrs Rockwell at the College. Confidentiality will be respected. If you know of anyone who may need meals at this time, please contact the College office.

JDRF Fundraiser

One of our parents will be participating in a fundraiser for JDRF, raising funds for diabetes research and support. Nikki will be walking 100km during the month of October. If you wish to support this cause, please click on the link below. https://walk.jdrf.org.au/fundraisers/nikkifoley

Learner Driver Online Workshop

Wollondilly Shire Council has an online workshop on Wednesday, 27 October 2021 for anyone who is supervising a learner driver in NSW.

This ‘Helping drivers become safer drivers’ online workshop starts at 6 pm through to 7.30 pm and aims to make the process smoother and easier to help when teaching someone to drive.

To register, please click on the link below or contact Wollondilly Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer on:
4677 1100.
https://teaching_learner_drivers-27_oct_2021.eventbrite.com.au

Your Say Wollondilly

Is Wollondilly Shire the best place to live, work and visit? Share your thoughts by completing a Community Scorecard, in Wollondilly’s annual community survey.

The Community Scorecard enables Wollondilly Council to keep in touch with the current wishes of local residents, determine priorities, and make the best decisions possible on behalf of the community. This year it will also help us in our review of the Community Strategic Plan, which is our map to making Wollondilly even better, together. 

If you live, work or play in Wollondilly, it’s important that we hear from you!

To find out more and complete the Community Scorecard head to Your Say Wollondilly, and have your say.

Pretend Headmaster