Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 1 - Friday, 1 August 2025

Building Our Community Together: Thank You for Your Feedback

We extend our sincere gratitude to all families who took the time to provide valuable feedback through our recent strategic planning parent survey. Your insights are incredibly important as we reflect on our College's strengths and identify exciting opportunities for growth, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible environment for your children.

It has been truly encouraging to see many positive themes emerge from your responses regarding Care and Student Wellbeing and the Learning Environment. We are delighted that so many of you highlighted the dedication of our staff, with wonderful comments such as "Your pastoral care and support is first class" and "Teachers genuinely care about student welfare". We deeply appreciate that you feel heard, with feedback noting, "I’ve always had any concerns listened to and remedied", and value our commitment to "Staying connected with parents and keeping us updated with any challenges the children may face". The approachable nature of our teachers and stage leaders, their genuine interest in student wellbeing, and the inclusive and caring environment were also frequently praised. We were also heartened by observations of positive engagement with students and the support offered to students who have recently joined our College. Importantly, positive comments also emerged regarding learning, with many positive mentions of "the teachers and the curriculum design" and the positive impact of "conflict resolution through restorative conversations" in early years learning.

Your feedback also provided valuable insights into areas where we can further enhance our offerings and build upon our successes. In Care and Student Wellbeing, we see opportunities to strengthen communication channels even further with parents and to explore additional strategies for peer conflict resolution among students.

Regarding Culture and Community, we are excited by opportunities to explore new ways to foster parent involvement. We are also focusing on reinforcing and strengthening positive classroom behaviours and maintaining high expectations to ensure a consistent and supportive learning environment for all.

When considering College Growth and Development, your feedback provided a rich array of perspectives on student numbers. We were particularly encouraged to see such strong alignment with our shared vision. Many parents highlighted their desire to "remain at the current size", valuing the "perfect size for classrooms, teaching and caring for each other" and the "personal feel" of our community. This resonates deeply with our publicly shared intention to grow towards approximately 1350 students. We do not desire to grow beyond this number as we strongly value the strong student culture and excellent pastoral care that this size enables. We are carefully reviewing your comments regarding practical considerations such as traffic management and facilities, to ensure our strategic growth plans thoughtfully address all aspects of our College experience. There is a lot of excitement about the second entrance being built and our plans for a multi-purpose indoor sports centre in the near future.

Please be assured that all your feedback is being thoughtfully reviewed as we shape the strategic direction of Wollondilly Anglican College. We are committed to fostering a supportive, enriching, and thriving environment for all students, and your contributions are instrumental in this exciting journey. We look forward to sharing our finalised strategic plan with you in due course.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 3, Week 2

From the Deputy Headmaster

Traffic Management and Locking Cars
I would like to thank the community for the ongoing patience that is shown in the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. We are getting closer to the completion of the second entrance on Olive Lane, which is very exciting. Below are some reminders as we commence Semester 2.

• Parents shouldn’t be leaving their cars in the ‘Kiss and Drop’ area outside White Cottage. Please make sure you are vacating that area quickly to maintain traffic flow.
• Parents shouldn’t be dropping students off in the bus bay. We have a constant flow of buses in the morning, and it is dangerous for buses and cars to share this area.
• Please ensure that you lock your car when picking up your child. The College is open to members of the public, so please ensure you are securing your property when on the College site.

Bus Travel - Safe Travel Guide for Students on Buses
At Wollondilly Anglican College, we want all students to travel safely to and from the College. Whether you are a regular bus traveller or use it occasionally, following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and respectful journey for everyone.

At the Bus Bay
✅ Students should not be waiting at the bus bay. Students will be called in each wave when the buses have come to a complete stop.
✅ Be respectful of others and avoid pushing or running. Allow younger students to board the bus first.

On the Bus
✅ Find a seat quickly and remain seated while the bus is moving. If standing, find a secure seat or pole to hold onto.
✅ Wear seatbelts for the entire trip.
✅ Keep noise levels low to avoid distracting the driver.
✅ Keep all belongings secure and out of the aisle.
✅ Be courteous to other passengers and follow the bus driver’s instructions.

Getting Off the Bus
✅ Stay seated until the bus has completely stopped.
✅ Exit in an orderly manner, without pushing.
✅ If you need to cross the road, wait until the bus has moved away and check for traffic before crossing.

Safety Reminders
🚫 Do not distract the driver or engage in unsafe behaviour.
🚫 Do not throw objects inside the bus or out of the windows.
🚫 Do not eat on the bus to keep it clean and safe for all. Drinking water is permitted on the bus.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Year 12 Trial Exams
Please be praying for our Year 12 students who start their HSC Exams on Monday, 4 August. Pray that they will remain calm and that they will be able to recall information that they have learnt in class. The exams are held off-site at the Tahmoor Baptist church, and students are reminded they can attend the College to study, and should sign in through the front office.

Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher Interviews were held this Week for Years 7-10 students. It was great to see so many parents and students come to discuss progress and student learning. We have another evening next week – Wednesday, 6 August from 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Singapore Student Reflection
Our trip to Singapore was an unforgettable adventure that helped us grow closer as a group while experiencing a vibrant new culture. It was a combination of growing in our confidence, particularly around performing arts and also in our understanding of culture, especially through attending school and what education is like in a foreign setting.

The first few days were a big adjustment, especially with the heat, but we quickly found our rhythm. We immersed ourselves in school life at Anglican High School (AHS), attending classes with our buddies, trying new food in the canteen, and taking part in activities like K-pop dancing. We also explored Singapore’s famous sights, including Marina Bay and the wet markets, and ended each day sharing meals and reflections, which helped us bond even more.

The middle part of the trip was filled with exploration and creativity. We visited tourist destinations such as Universal Studios for a day of thrills, went on an Aquaduck tour, walked through cultural districts like Little India and Chinatown, went to the Orchid Gardens, visited the Gardens by the Bay and performed music, dance, and drama that we had been preparing for over the last few months at WAC. We played badminton, caught the MRT train every day and were able to experience traditional Singaporean activities such as Dragon boating, eating Kaya toast and other amazing foods.

Our formal dinner was a touching celebration, where we gave presentations, shared gifts, and said heartfelt thanks to our Singaporean friends and reflected upon what the experience has provided us with.

As the trip drew to a close, we finished with powerful experiences like performing at the Anglican Care Centre, touring the Australian International School of Singapore, and enjoying other tourist sites such as the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands. Our final day at Changi Airport was a chance to reflect, shop, and say our last goodbyes before flying home. 

Throughout the journey, we laughed, learned, and grew together. We’re grateful to our buddies, teachers, and everyone who made this trip so memorable—it’s an experience we’ll carry with us forever. It has been a powerful, life-changing event, and I was able to do things as a student that I would not be able to do even if I went back as a tourist. 

By Tutu Akinba

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Creative Arts & Languages

HSC 2025 Major Work Dance & Drama Preview Evening - Tonight!
Our College HSC 2025 Major Work Dance & Drama Preview Evening, taking place in the J11 studio from 6.00 pm tonight, is an opportunity for our Year 12 students to showcase their Major works as they currently stand. This will provide students with a chance to get feedback from a wide audience of peers, supportive staff and family to allow them to refine the work before final submission. Feel free to come along to support our HSC performers. 

Holiday Workshops
Our Visual Arts, Dance and Drama Holiday Workshops were well-attended by our HSC candidates. We would like to acknowledge the support and above-the-call-of-duty efforts of our teachers in supporting our students to achieve HSC success. Our HSC teachers in these subject areas also offer multiple break time rehearsals and after-hours rehearsals/workshop time every week.

AMEB Examinations
Congratulations to Annabel Williams, who has been awarded an A+ grade for her performance in her recent AMEB Grade 4 Violin Examination. The AMEB grading examinations are rigorous, and an A+ grade is exceptional. Thank you also to her tutor, Ms Jillian Bridge, for her support of Annie in preparing for this examination. Ms Bridge offers tuition on string instruments at the College. Please see the College website if you would like to enrol your child in musical tuition with one of the College Music tutors.

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

We're Hiring!

We are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2026:

• Assistant Leader of Learning English 7-12
• Mathematics Teacher 7-12
• Primary Teacher Pre K-6

For further information on any of the permanent positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577 or at g.adams@wac.nsw.edu.au

Book Week - Week 4

Book Week Parade 2025 for T-2 students
The Book Week Parade will take place in Week 4, Friday, 22 August, from 1.15 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. The Parade is for Transition 3-Day, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. T2 students will have their own parade on Thursday, 21 August, with their teachers only. This Year's Theme is ‘Book an Adventure’. 

Students are to dress as a book character, and can come to the College in their costumes. Please make sure students have warm, practical clothing that they can play in all day. College sports shoes are to be worn, and hair and jewellery need to be in line with the usual College expectations. Please be aware that onesies have been found to be very hot to wear all day.

Parents are invited to the Parade and are to remain in the Shelter before and during the Parade. Break 2 at the College ends at 12.55 pm, so there is plenty of time to find a seat after the lunch bell. Parents are asked not to disturb students during the break. Years 3-6 students will not be allowed to sign out and watch the Parade. 

Afternoon dismissal will be at the usual location. Parents are to communicate in the College Diary if normal pick-up plans have changed for that day. 

We are looking forward to an engaging afternoon celebrating the benefits of reading!

Other Book Week Events and Activities
In addition to the T-2 Book Week Parade, we have several other Book Week events during the Term:

• Week 2: Melissa Garside author visit for Year 3

• Week 6: Sami Bayly author/illustrator visit for Years 1-6 and Selected Secondary Students.

• Primary Book Week Competitions will take place during Library Lessons. Book Prizes for the winners.

• The Secondary Book Review Competition is now open. How to Enter: Just search on the Library Catalogue for a book you have read and click on the ‘Write a Review’ section. Write your Review on Oliver between now and 15 September. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will receive a Bowral Bookshop gift card. Contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au with questions.

Melissa Garside Author Visit
Melissa Garside, author of the Lexie Moon series, will visit Year 3 on Friday, 8 August. Melissa has two books published in the series so far: Lexie Moon and the Word Burgling Bungle and Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster.

If you would like to order one of these books through the College, please fill out the Trybooking form below and pay online. The books will be delivered to the College and given to students by Library Staff after the author visits.  

To learn more about Melissa and her books see: https://www.melissagarside.com/

Please note, there is a 50c fee for using Trybooking. If you would prefer not to pay this fee, the books are also available from The Bookshop Bowral.

• Lexie Moon and the Word Burgling Bungle (9781763526037) Paperback RRP $13 
• Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster (9781764007115) Paperback RRP $13

Book Club Issue 5 - Orders Due Sunday, 10 August
The Book Club Issue 5 Catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering.  Primary students should 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 Book Club and parental discretion is advised. 

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Change to School Bus Stop S867 Swan service - Remembrance Driveway (Picton Fire Station)

Equestrian Results

A big congratulations to the following students who competed at the 2025 ENSW State Interschool Championships.

MacKenzie Bleeker

• 9th Overall - Intermediate Show Horse 

Tahlia O'Reilly

• 2nd Overall - Primary Preliminary Dressage 
• 1st - Primary 45 cm Combined Training 

Olivia Carter

• 8th Overall - Senior Secondary 120 cm Showjumping

Erin Brown

• 3rd Overall - Intermediate Working Hunter

Erin and Tahlia will be competing in Nationals in September, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.

Miss Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

Lowes 20% Off Sale - 31 July - 2 August

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

One of the Kids - ADHD Workshop

This workshop will support parents as they navigate the school years, giving them the ability to support their school and their personal planning goals. We welcome families with all types of disability, including autism, ADHD and those yet to have a formal diagnosis.

https://family-advocacy.com/events/

Facebook event links:

• Picton: 14 August 9.30 am -2.30 pm  https://www.facebook.com/events/1181156040485591
• Goulburn: 15 August 9.30 am -2.30 pm  https://www.facebook.com/events/1269030814719884/ 

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 30 August  
• Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5.00
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note this is a CASH-ONLY & ALCOHOL-FREE event.