Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 8 - Friday, 20 June 2025

Your Voice, Our Future: Shaping the Next Chapter at Wollondilly Anglican College

Last week, we shared an exciting glimpse into "What's Next?" for Wollondilly Anglican College, highlighting the upcoming completion of our new driveway, the visionary plans for our new gymnasium, and the introduction of Agriculture as a new elective subject. These developments represent a significant commitment to enhancing our campus and expanding opportunities for our students.

Now, as we move forward with these ambitious plans, we want to ensure that the voice of our College community is central to our strategic development. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable as we shape the future of Wollondilly Anglican College.

An Invitation to Contribute
We are embarking on an important consultation phase, and we warmly invite all parents, grandparents and carers to contribute their thoughts on these strategic initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to provide direct input on the plans that will impact our students' learning environment, facilities, and educational pathways for years to come.

Your feedback will help us to:

• Refine the details of our new facilities to best meet the needs of our students and community.
• Strengthen our strategic vision for the College's growth and development.
• Understand what is most important for our families when they choose a Wollondilly Anglican education.

How to Participate
A brief survey will be sent to parents/carers via email during the last week of Term 2. Your responses are vital and will be carefully considered as we progress with these exciting developments.

We deeply value your partnership in the Wollondilly Anglican College journey. Together, we can ensure that our College continues to be a place of excellence in Learning, Care and Culture, while providing exciting opportunities for every student.

Thank you for helping us shape the next chapter of Wollondilly Anglican College.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 9

Secondary News

South Coast Public Speaking Competition
On Tuesday, 17 June, nine Secondary students travelled to Holy Spirit College in Bellambi to participate in the South Coast Public Speaking Competition. It was a highly successful event for our College, placing 3rd overall out of the 13 participating schools. It was great to see the reaction from our students and parents when this was announced as part of the evening, evident of the significance of the team's achievement. Below are the students who participated and their results:

Year 11 – Katie Russell 1^st, Dali Martin 2^nd

Year 9 – Annabel Williams 2^nd, Hannah Godkin 3^rd

Year 7 – Grace Williams 3^rd

Clancy Maitz (9), Eleanor Holloway (8), Hannah Perry (8) and Audrey Lovell (7) also participated and impressively represented the College in their respective age groups.

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House Soccer Competition
Results this week:

• Sollya 3-1 Wollemi - MVP Toby Digger
• Telopea 1-1 Grevillea - MVP Kian Koolman

Secondary Family Chapel
A reminder to all students and parents of the importance of attending this evening. Students are encouraged to attend and to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the relevant House Bins. This will accrue points toward the Overall House Shield. House Points will be awarded on a sliding scale to the Houses, with the House that has the most students attending receiving the highest number of points. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and reflect on and consider a relationship with God.

Foundation Day Mission Fundraising
On Friday, 4 July, we will celebrate Foundation Day. On this day, all students will be able to wear their House shirt and Sports Uniform for the day. The day will commence with the collection of money for various missions supported by the College. We have always had a very generous focus on mission fundraising and I would encourage all families to continue to support this as they have previously. The College encourages donations of $10 per family or $5 for each student. The House that raises the most money will be crowned Mission Fundraising Champions 2025. More information about other activities that will take place as part of Foundation Day will be provided soon, so keep an eye out for this.

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Primary Open Afternoon - 3 July

Little Plastic Temu Ducks - Banned Items
The little ducks (pictured below) are now officially banned at the College. These items have been causing problems and will be confiscated if found at the College, starting Monday, 23 June. All Primary students have been advised of this. Some students have been selling and trading them, while there have also been problems with school students swallowing them, putting them down drains, in their ears, etc. They also contribute to the vast quantity of plastics in the environment.

Students should not bring any personal toys to the College unless approved (Eg some very young children bring a little soft toy to help them settle in).

Thank you for your support with this.

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

Years 7-10 PAT Testing - Week 9

Students in Years 7-10 will undergo PAT Testing next week in Week 9.
For some of our tests, students will need to use headphones in addition to their device.
Students should ensure their devices are fully charged and headphones are packed.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon

The Primary Performing Arts Showcase Afternoon is on today from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm! 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.

Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Creative Arts & Languages

Secondary Performing Arts Showcase Evening
Last Friday night, students in our Performing Arts ensembles and selected Performing Arts soloists were able to showcase their current performances for friends, staff and families. This was also an opportunity for our Year 11 VET Entertainment students to test out their event management and technical skills. 

We were able to enjoy a wide variety of high-quality performances. Congratulations to all involved!

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning Creative Arts & Languages / Performing Arts Coordinator 7-12

Year 10 Law Information Day

This term, students in Year 10 took part in a fascinating Law Information Day, led by Mr Rattenbury, a former Police Constable, Prosecutor, and Criminal Lawyer. Students gained valuable insight into the Criminal Justice System and the life of a legal professional.

The session covered the journey of a case through the court system—from investigation and arrest to prosecution and sentencing. Students also participated in a hands-on activity where they witnessed a simulated crime and explored the procedures involved in charging an offender.

It was a highly engaging and eye-opening experience that brought legal studies to life and sparked interest in potential career paths in law and justice.

Mr Michael Carmona
Secondary Teacher HSIE

HICES Maths Challenge Day

On Wednesday, 18 June, 12 enthusiastic students from Years 7 and 8 — Isla, Katelyn, Hope, Torin, Harry, Reiner, Hannah, Hayley, Jonas, Elijah, Chaniya and Josiah —represented the College at the HICES Maths Challenge Day. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage in a series of hands-on, problem-solving activities designed to stretch their mathematical thinking.

Throughout the day, students worked in teams to tackle challenging tasks, apply new strategies and test their logic and reasoning skills. There was a great buzz of excitement as they collaborated, took risks and explored creative approaches to solving complex problems.

We are proud of the way these students represented the College and embraced the day with enthusiasm, teamwork and a love of learning.

Mrs Erica Bawden
Mathematics Teacher & Year 12 Patron

College Photo Day - Thursday, 26 June

The College Photo Day will be held on Thursday, 26 June for Transition (2-Day) - Year 12 in the Warne Auditorium (Secondary) and in the Deakin classrooms (Primary). 

Transition 3-Day classes will have their photos taken on Friday, 27 June, in the Deakin classrooms. Sibling photos for the Transition 3-Day classes can be taken on Friday, 27 June, in the Deakin classrooms from 7.30 am.

Students are to wear their full College Winter Uniform and adhere to the College Uniform Guidelines found in the Diary. Failure to comply with the College Uniform Guidelines may result in the student not having their photo taken on the day.

Sibling photos will be captured during Breaks 1 & 2 on Thursday, 26 June.
Break 1 - Surnames A-L
Break 2 - Surnames M-Z

Photos can be ordered in advance via the link below and using the code X1385PSB54W
https://store.theschoolphotographer.com.au/
Please note that online sibling orders are closed one day prior to the Photo Day.

If you would prefer to place your order with cash, please use the envelopes that will be distributed shortly to students.

There will be a catch-up Photo Day on Monday, 30 June, for individual portraits for any students who are absent on the College Photo Day.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

MISA Debating Workshop

On Thursday, 12 June, a group of 14 Year 7 and Year 8 students attended a MISA Debating Workshop, hosted by Broughton Anglican College. This was a training day for the MISA Debating competition in Terms 3 and 4. To start the day, we went through the basics of debating - Method, Matter and Manner. These three topics describe how to structure a debate, what you talk about in a debate and how to present your arguments. We all split into teams, were given a topic and 45 minutes to come up with our points and arguments. Our topic was that McDonald's should be banned. We were taken to separate rooms with our teams and took part in a practice debate against other schools. After lunch, we had the opportunity to be the adjudicators of a Year 10 Debate. The students were all very professional and it was extremely inspiring to watch. We would like to thank the teachers who helped make this educational, exciting day possible.

Chloe Parr
Year 7 Student

Students who took part:

Year 7: Jacinta Benero, Hope Deutschbein, Torin Ford McGuire, Jonah Goldsborough, Leah Holloway, Joyce Lloyd, Chloe Parr, Harry White and Grace Williams.

Year 8: Marcus Castellano, Katelyn Davies, Isabella Dvorak, Eleanor Holloway and Hannah Perry.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability (NCCD)

Every year, schools across Australia participate in the annual collection of data. One piece of data that is collected is the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a disability (NCCD). The collection of data will take place early in August.

If you are interested in knowing more about the processes and what is involved for schools, please see the attached Letter to Parents, Guardians and Carers and Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers, both of which can be found on the NCCD website.

Stuart McIntosh
Advanced Learning & Learning Support Coordinator T-12

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, 24 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

Lowes 20% Off Sale - 25-27 June

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

Drum Lessons