Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 6 - Friday, 5 September 2025
- WAC Country Fair - Saturday, 13 September
- Key Dates - Term 3, Week 7
- Online Safety and Our Primary Aged Children
- Seatbelts on Buses
- Creative Arts & Languages
- Primary Performing Arts
- Live Shakespeare Performances Onsite
- Tournament of Minds Regional Competition
- From the College Chaplain
- Library News
- We're Hiring!
- College Sponsors
- Community News
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
- Reptile Show
- Carnival Rides
- Woodchopping
- Pony and Camels
- Medieval Knights Display
- Market Stalls
- Book Fair
- Much, much more!
Unlimited Rides Wristband!
Get ready for an action-packed day! Lock in your unlimited ride wristband for the WAC Country Fair and enjoy non-stop fun. For one great price, your wristband gives you all-day access to an incredible lineup of attractions, including:
- Dodgem Cars
- Sizzler
- Round Up
- Gladiator Duel
- Big Balls Wipeout
- Camel and Pony Rides
- Children's Chair-O-Plane
- Windjammer
- Giant Slide
- Tiki Island Inflatable
- Inflatable Mega Obstacle Course
- Super Hero
Don't miss out on the ultimate fair experience! Purchase your unlimited ride wristband online to save time on the day. Your wristbands will be available for collection from 9.00 am at the Administration Tent, located under the Shoulder to Shoulder shelter.
We Need Your Help!
To make this event a success, please consider helping through volunteering via the link below. This event only happens due to the hard work of the College Parents and Friends Association.
Major Event Sponsorship
Looking for a fantastic way to boost your business's visibility? Consider sponsoring a major event at the Wollondilly Anglican College Country Fair! One of the largest attractions in the Wollondilly Shire!
Each Major Event Sponsorship Includes:
- Your branding, prominently featured via signage at the attraction.
- Announcements over the loudspeaker.
- Branding displayed under the shelter and main stage throughout the day.
- Opportunity to have a store/booth next to the attraction.
Major Events
Up to two sponsors per event
- Pig Racing - $2500
- Sheep Mustering - $1500
- Wood Chopping - $1000
- Reptile Display - $500
Key Dates - Term 3, Week 7
| Monday | Year 11 Hosting Year 12 - Morning Tea |
| Tuesday | AICES Athletics |
| MISA debating | |
| Wednesday | IPSSO Winter Finals |
| Thursday | MISA Year 9 Public Speaking Competition |
| Year 11 Exams Commence | |
| Friday | CASA Year 7 Netball Gala Day |
| Junior CASA Football Gala Day | |
| Saturday | WAC Country Fair |
Online Safety and Our Primary Aged Children
The Australian Government has recently introduced a new law, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, that legislates a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This law, which will take effect on 10 December 2025, places the responsibility on social media companies to ensure their users are over the age of 16. There are no penalties for children or their parents.
In line with this and our College's existing policy, we strongly advise against primary school-aged children having social media profiles. We also strongly advise against the unsupervised use of platforms such as Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.
Why This Matters for Our Primary Students
Social media and messaging can expose young children to a range of harms, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and data privacy risks. For Primary-aged children, whose social and emotional development is still in its early stages, these platforms can be especially harmful.
We are often notified of incidents of online bullying or the use of language and put-downs that would not be used in face-to-face communication. These often occur outside of College hours and are frequently later at night.
How Parents Can Help:
Model healthy digital habits yourself. Show your children how to balance screen time with other activities.
- Talk About Online Safety: Have open conversations with your child about what they are doing online. Discuss the importance of privacy and being kind to others.
- Know Their Digital World: Be very aware of the apps and games your child is using. Many games now include messaging functions that can be used for communication with strangers.
- Establish Family Rules: Create a family agreement about when and where devices can be used, and what content is appropriate.
- Check What Your Children Are Doing: regularly check what students are typing or saying to others, and check their history. Prevention is always the best approach.
For more information and resources, we recommend visiting the eSafety Commissioner's website at esafety.gov.au.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Head of Primary Years
Seatbelts on Buses
We have been focused on having students wear their seatbelts while on buses. We have seen an improvement; however, there are still some students who do not take this seriously. We would appreciate parents discussing the importance of this with their children of all ages. The recent school bus accident in Victoria is a sad reminder that buses, just like cars, are a form of transport with the potential for serious injury to occur. Seatbelts are there to be worn for the safety of our students.
Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Head of Primary Years
Creative Arts & Languages
College Musical
We are very excited to reveal that the 2026 College Musical, Disney’s Dare To Dream Jr. is set to be staged at the new Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre. This was revealed to students at our special Monday Assembly. Congratulations to the Vocal Ensemble, Dance soloists and sing-along-audience-members who brought a little extra extravagance to this exciting event.
Auditions and Rehearsals (Secondary)
For all Secondary cast members, the College Musical rehearsals will be held each Monday afternoon from 2.45 pm until 4.15 pm (remaining Mondays in 2025) and may be extended until 5.30 pm in Term 1, 2026.
This will commence in Term 3, Week 7, for students in Years 7-11 (Years 8-12 2026) and Term 1, Week 1, for students currently in Year 6 (Year 7, 2026).
Secondary students were able to self-nominate to be included, and those who have nominated will soon receive further information, along with the parent permission, via the College App.
Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning Creative Arts & Languages / Performing Arts Coordinator 7-12
Primary Performing Arts
Talent Quest
- Friday, 26 September (Last day of Term 3)
- There has been a considerable number of entries. Thanks to all who have shown an interest in performing. We are going to begin the audition process very soon. Successful entries will be notified by the end of Week 7.
Primary Musical Term 2 2026
- The next musical will be Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.
- All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be given the opportunity to perform at one of the shows.
- Students will learn the songs in Music lessons.
- For those who are interested in participating at a higher level, students in Years 5 and 6 in 2026 will be able to choose to be in a Musical CAPA group that learn songs and dances for the shows in Term 1 during CAPA periods. This group would have the privilege of performing their parts at every show. These students may need to attend additional rehearsals (some of which might be in the holidays). It is an extra level of commitment, though, from those involved in the previous musicals; it is a valuable experience, and all found it a rewarding time. Information about signing up for this CAPA group will come out later in the year.
Mr David Hopkins
Performing Art Coordinator T-6/Primary Teacher
Live Shakespeare Performances Onsite
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” From dreams to life, Shakespeare comes to our College!
Over the past two weeks, students in Years 9 to 11 have been immersed in the world of Shakespeare through a series of live, in-College performances by the Australian Shakespeare Company. These vibrant productions brought three of Shakespeare’s most enduring plays to life right here on campus.
Year 9 were swept up in the timeless romance and tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
Year 10 were transported to the magical island world of The Tempest.
Year 11 experienced the gripping tension and emotional intensity of Othello.
Each performance ran for about an hour, delivering a fast-paced, energetic version of the plays that kept students engaged from beginning to end. The actors captured Shakespeare’s humour, drama, and emotion in ways that were both accessible and captivating for their audience.
Adding to the excitement, many students were invited to participate directly — stepping on stage, reading lines alongside the cast, and even dressing up in costume. This interactive approach not only entertained but also helped students feel a sense of ownership and connection to the plays.
After every performance, the cast generously stayed on to answer questions from students. These Q&A sessions gave valuable insights into characterisation, dramatic choices, and key themes, offering perspectives that will directly support students’ understanding as they prepare for upcoming assessments and exams. Teachers noted the depth and thoughtfulness of student questions, showing how much the performances had sparked their curiosity and critical thinking.
Overall, these incursions were immensely rewarding. They not only enriched students’ appreciation of Shakespeare’s works but also gave them a vivid reminder of the power of live theatre to engage, challenge, and inspire.
Mr Peter Ramm
Leader of Learning - English
Tournament of Minds Regional Competition
Congratulations to all students who represented our College at the South West Sydney Tournament of Minds Finals. The event was a celebration of original thinking, teamwork, and persistence under pressure. Both our Primary and Secondary teams worked extremely hard, responding to a spontaneous challenge and presenting a long-term solution developed over the past five weeks. We were so proud of the way our teams supported one another and represented the College with maturity throughout the day.
A special mention must go to our Primary Green team, who were recognised with a Tournament Merit award. This is a significant achievement and a well-deserved reflection of the focus and effort they brought to each stage of the competition.
Team Members:
Secondary Team
Harriette Martin, Tapiwa Garakasha, Evie Maxwell, Ryan Colombo, Eleanor Holloway, Isabella Dvorak
Primary White
Hugh Davies, Arlo Bryant, Finley Jennings, Xander Egan, Lucinda Turnock, Oliver Frederiksen, Declan Maxwell
Primary Green (Tournament Merit)
Marlee Gray, Noah Post, Evie Williams, Edward Hallowell, Gabriella Micari, TJ Singh, Emmett Williams
Thank you to Mr Carmona, Mrs Hamden and Mr Powter for their guidance during both the preparation time and on the day. Their encouragement, along with the students’ commitment, made the experience a rich and rewarding one for all involved.
Eleanor Willard
Primary Teacher
From the College Chaplain
Do you think about God? If you do, what comes to mind when you consider Him?
Whatever you picture about God, have you ever thought about how He thinks about you? The Bible teaches in Psalm 139 that we exist because He created us. The Bible teaches us that we are precious and valuable to God (Matthew 6:25-34). God demonstrates how much He cares for us by sending His son, the Lord Jesus, into our world. Through Jesus, we're handed an invitation to become part of His family.
God desires that we have a relationship with Him. That we would be people who turn to Him and ask Him to be the most important thing in our life, that we would spend time with Him, talking to Him; bringing the things in our heart and mind, our fears and worries to Him. God invites us to do this through prayer. As a loving father, He delights in hearing from us, and as God, He is the most objectively able to intervene in our lives.
On Saturday, 30 August, we spent some time together reaching out to God; we held our second Prayer Breakfast for the year. It was a really encouraging morning where over 50 students, parents and staff gathered together for a time of prayer. Thanks to all who attended. I encourage all of us to be people who reach out to God through prayer; He delights in hearing from us.
Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain
Library News
Sami Bayly Book Week Visit
Author/Illustrator Sami Bayly visited the College on Thursday as part of our Book Week Events for this year. Sami is a 29-year-old international award-winning author and illustrator, based in Newcastle. Sami specialises in scientific illustration and writes and illustrates non-fiction books about weird and wonderful animals. Sami presented four workshops at the College with students ranging from Year 1 to Year 11.
A group of 26 artistic Secondary students attended the first workshop and had the opportunity to draw a Tripod Spiderfish and hear all about how Sami became an author and illustrator at the age of 21, combining her two passions for science and art. Primary students had Stage-based workshops, and each did a step-by-step drawing of a rare and peculiar animal, like the ‘headless chicken monster’ and the ‘Ocean Sunfish’. It was a joyful, inspiring and informative day for all the students involved. Ask your child what they drew at school today!
Book Donations for the Country Fair
The College Library will host a Book Stall at the Country Fair on Saturday, 13 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.
Secondary Book Review Competition
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.
Book Club Issue 6 - Orders Due Thursday, 11 September
The Book Club Issue 6 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
We're Hiring!
We are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2026:
- Leader of Care & Culture - Stage 4
- Assistant Leader of Learning English 7-12
- Mathematics Teacher 7-12
- English Teacher 7-12
- TAS Teacher
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
College Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
- Narellan Pools
- Breakaway Education
- NSW Rail Museum
- ESP Security
Community News
Tahmoor District Cricket Club
Free family fun at the Parliament of New South Wales - Friday, 11 October, 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
Visit us at Australia’s oldest Parliament as it opens its doors for Family Fun Day, an open day packed with fun educational activities for families with children aged from 4 to 12 years. This year’s highlights include:
- Visiting our heritage chambers
- Giving a speech for an election campaign
- Participating in a committee role play
- Enjoying live music
- Making craft animals and objects
- Learning how to vote
Entry is free and the event will be held at NSW Parliament, 6 Macquarie Street Sydney. Please use this link to search for directions and public transport options to Parliament House.
Bookings Essential:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/events/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2022.aspx
P: (02) 9230 2047
E: dps.education@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Wollondilly Little Athletics
https://www.facebook.com/
Parenting Course - Saturday, 13 September, 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
St Jude’s Mothers Union, Bowral, is hosting a parenting course on ‘Parenting your Teens’ with guest speaker Ann Cunningham, Parenting Course Developer & Educator. The course will explore ways to parent your teenager as their brain undergoes adolescent restructuring. Please come along and encourage others to join you. Cost: $10 per ticket.
For tickets - https://events.humanitix.com/
Email: gillytruman@gmail.com
Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre - Girls Gone Wild
Calling all dancers!
Perform in a Curtain Raiser for GIRLS GONE WILD
High School Years 10–12 | No experience needed | Free to join.
We’re inviting bold, curious, and creative young people to join a brand-new youth dance-theatre project and perform as the curtain raiser for GIRLS GONE WILD, a professional dance-theatre production coming to our stage this September.
No prior dance experience is needed - just a willingness to move, be creative, and work as a team. This is a unique chance for students to perform live in a professional venue and collaborate with a team of professional artists to create an original piece exploring identity, social norms, and self-expression through movement, comedy, and storytelling.
What’s included:
- The chance to perform live on stage in a professional venue
- A fun, collaborative creative experience
- Skills in movement, storytelling, performance, and teamwork
- Mentorship from acclaimed choreographer Bonnie Curtis and professional dance artists
- A supportive environment where students’ voices and creativity are valued
We would love for Wollondilly Anglican College to be involved, and we’d be grateful if you could pass this opportunity on to any interested students or staff.
Head to our website HERE for more info and registration.
Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.