Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 2 - Friday, 8 August 2025

What do you do all day?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to step out of my office and into the Year 7 and 8 "Care and Culture" classes. It was a fantastic chance to connect with our students and, perhaps more importantly, to answer some of the burning questions they had about my role. Their curiosity was a great reminder of how our students see the world, and their questions were insightful and, at times, quite amusing.

One question that came was: "Do you get free food?" I had to laugh. While I can't just walk into the canteen and get a free meal, I did share with them that I sometimes get to enjoy a free lunch when we host special guests at the College. It was a simple question that reminded me of the importance of hospitality and making our visitors feel welcome.

Another common question was, "What do you do all day?" It's a fair question, as my work often happens behind the scenes. I explained that my days are filled with many meetings—sometimes with teams, and other times with individual teachers and staff. I am often meeting with prospective parents who would like to send their children to our College, or interviewing potential new staff who would like to work at Wollondilly Anglican. A less interesting part of my day is dedicated to reading and preparing reports to ensure we're on track with our goals and keeping the College Council and our Anglican Schools Corporation informed about progress in the College. It might not sound as exciting as being in the classroom, but this work is essential for the safe and effective running of our College.

This led to the most important question of all: "What is the main part of your job?" This is something I think about regularly, and it was a great chance to share my core mission with our students. I told them that my primary role is to support our teachers and staff. I work to ensure they have everything they need to be the best educators they can be, so that you, our students, receive the best possible education. Ultimately, my job is about you. I want every student to feel cared for, connected, and a part of our community. I want you all to grow into mature, responsible adults who are ready to take on the world when you graduate from our College.

Spending time with our Year 7 and 8 students was a fun experience. It reminded me that even though we're all busy with our daily tasks, taking the time to connect and share our perspectives is what truly strengthens our College community. I look forward to many more opportunities to engage with our students and hear what's on their minds.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

WAC Country Fair - Saturday, 13 September

The WAC Country Fair will be held on Saturday, 13 September, from 10.00 am - 3.00 pm and will be another great day of family fun!

Key attractions this year include:

• Pig Racing
• Agility Dogs
  
• Carnival Rides
• Woodchopping
• Pony and Camels
• Medieval Knights Display
• Market Stalls
• Much much more!

Key Dates - Term 3, Week 3

Creative Arts & Languages

HSC Dance and Drama Major Work Preview Night
Last Friday night, our HSC candidates in Dance and Drama exhibited their Major Works as a preview for their friends and family. We would like to thank and congratulate all performers. Further, we would like to extend these thanks to the friends, family and staff who attended. Interaction with the audience is a vital component of Dance and Drama, so your support and feedback are truly valued. 

Lastly, we would like to thank the Year 11 Drama students who managed the stage for this event, and who will also manage these things for the actual HSC Drama Examination. 

We are very proud of our HSC Dance and Drama candidates and all you have already achieved with your HSC Major Works. 

• HSC Dance Performance Examination - Thursday, 14 August.
• HSC Drama Performance Examination Wednesday, 3 September and Thursday, 4 September.
  

From Miss Valente and Mrs Talbot - CHOOKAS for your HSC!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 18

Next

AMEB Examinations
Congratulations to Job Tindall, who completed his grade 3 alto saxophone AMEB examination and received a B+. Congratulations to Job for his hard work and application to practice

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

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Year 9 Elevate – Study Skills Session
Students in Year 9 will undertake a Study Skills and Time Management Session facilitated by ‘Elevate Education’. This will be held during the College Day on Wednesday, 13 August. We hope that Year 9 are able to utilise some of the skills that they are shown and taught to help improve their learning both at the College and at home

Parent-Teacher Interviews 7-10
Thank you to the parents and students who attended our second round of Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday evening. It was a great opportunity to talk directly to teachers about student progress and areas for improvement. Thank you also to the staff who gave up their evening to facilitate these conversations.

Year 12 Trial Exams Continue
As mentioned last week, Year 12 continue their HSC Trial Examinations, held off-site at the Tahmoor Baptist Centre. We pray that Year 12 are studying hard as they head into the final term with us here at College. Some of these students, depending on their curriculum pathway and pattern, also have Major Works associated with their subject choices. So some of them are balancing exams with finishing off Major Works.

Year 11 Textiles and Design
This week, students in Year 11 Textiles completed an incursion with Textile Artist – Kathryn Harmer Fox from South Africa. The students learnt about colouring fabric with special inktense pencils, dyes and using her ‘scribble stitch’ technique to layer fabric to create an image. They will ultimately use these skills or elements associated with these skills as they start to think about their Major Project, which begins in Term 4.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 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

MyTech Reminders

Just a reminder for Secondary students that a functional laptop is required at the College each day. This device must also be fully charged. A student can charge their device in a charging station during break times. These are found in Flynn, Johnson and Sturt Libraries and require the students' charging cable. Due to WHS reasons, charging cannot occur within classrooms.

If a device is found not to be working, a Loan Device can be accessed through Student Reception after the completion of the agreement form by both students and parents. These can be picked up through Student Reception or via the MyTech website.

If you have any further questions about this or any other ‘MyTech’ issue, please do not hesitate to send them to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

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!

Book Donations for the Country Fair

The College Library will host a Book Stall at the Country Fair on 13th September.  We are asking for book donations in good condition that we can add to the stall. Please take donations to Student Reception or send them with your child to be put in the tubs located in each library.

Expressions of Interest (Years 7-12): A Path to Scientific Illustration with Sami Bayly

Author and Illustrator Sami Bayly will visit the College on Thursday, 4 September (Week 6A).

Sami will conduct workshops with Students throughout the College, including one for Secondary students who would like to apply. It would be suitable for students interested in Visual Arts, Science, Reading and Writing. Anyone in Year 7-12 can apply, and the students selected will be notified. 

• Date: Thursday, 4 September
• Session Time: 8.15 am - 9.00 am 
• Location: Warne Auditorium

This workshop will include a step-by-step drawing activity.

If you would like to take part, click HERE.

Visit https://www.samibayly.com/ for more details on Sami’s work.   

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 Book Purchases
Local author Melissa Garside visited the College on Friday, 8 August. Her presentation was a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet a real-life author and learn about the creative process. Melissa shared her journey to becoming a writer and the process of writing the Lexie Moon books. Students had the opportunity to help name one of Lexie’s inventions and come up with some sounds that it could make, linking to vocabulary, synonyms and onomatopoeia. Afterwards, Melissa held a Q&A session with the students.

We extend a huge thank you to Melissa Garside for a memorable visit. We hope this visit will inspire our young readers and writers to dream big and, most importantly, to never stop reading!

There is still time to order one of Melissa’s 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 the Library staff after the author visits. Orders end Thursday, 14 August.

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

To learn more about Melissa, see: https://www.melissagarside.com/

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

College Working Bee - 30 August

We are writing on behalf of the College Prefects to encourage students and parents to join staff and College Student Leaders at the Term 1 Working Bee. This event will take place on Saturday, 30 August from 8.00 am - 1.00 pm. 

As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally; by serving, you can inspire and motivate others to get involved and contribute positively. The Student Leaders at the College want to set an example in this area and would like to see as many students, staff and parents attend this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour of your day to serve at this event. All students who attend will be issued a Community Service Merit. This year, we will be adding additional House Points to the House of students, staff and parents that attend; these will accrue to the Overall House Shield. 

The College has reduced the number of Working Bees from four per year to two per year. With this in mind, it would be great to see our community prioritise the opportunities to build community and serve.

Please note that we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore, it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day. Mr Warland, the College Property Manager, will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Kye James & Jessalyn Smiltnieks
College Community Service Prefect

Term 3 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 3, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 1 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 30 August. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some pastries and fruit before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, amongst this, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

If you're able to make it, RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Monday, 18 August.

I'd love to see you there!

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt 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

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.