Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 3 - Friday, 22 October 2021

Message from the Headmaster

Every Independent School in NSW must maintain its registration and accreditation to continue to provide education to students. This involves a thorough process of review every five years to ensure that we are meeting the requirements of the Education Act 1990. During this review, our teaching programs, assessment items, quality teaching practice, professional development of staff, reporting processes, compliance controls, policies and procedures, governance and many other factors are all assessed. I am very pleased to announce that Wollondilly Anglican College has received notice of an additional five years of registration and accreditation. This means that we are registered to operate and accredited to provide students with a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and/or Higher School Certificate (HSC).

It has been a tiring, and sometimes stressful time of preparation, planning and review and I would like to thank all of our staff who have worked so hard to make sure that we were able to complete this process with flying colours. Our Inspector explained that Wollondilly Anglican College has an excellent reputation and he had no concerns about recommending that we receive the full five-year renewal. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy's Desk

Students’ Return to the College

Congratulations to our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students who have shown a great deal of responsibility as they returned to learning on-Campus this week.

We are looking forward to the return of the rest of our students next week (Monday, 25 October). As part of the safe return, our COVID Safety Plan has incorporated a number of factors:

• Staff on-site are fully vaccinated
• Increased cleaning of surfaces and high-touch areas
• Follow protocols if students or staff present with COVID symptoms
• Monitoring of student health and hygiene practices
• Dedicated room usage to allocated base rooms where the majority of learning will occur in the one-room while separate from other Year Groups. Secondary students will still have access to most specialist rooms for Technology, Science and Creative Arts
• Specific walkways for Secondary Year Groups
• Monitoring and ensuring room ventilation and air conditioning maintenance
• Dedicated playground areas based on individual Year groups and minimised mixing
• Staggered or separated recess and lunch breaks
• Regulated dismissal for buses in the afternoon
• Canteen service via pre-order for Recess and Lunch via Flexischools. Food distributed to restricted areas per Year Group
• Mandatory wearing of masks (except for medical exemptions) for all Staff and Secondary students indoors. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged for Primary students
• No assemblies or large group activities
• Ensure staff and students follow health guidelines with regard to restrictions on activities and learning as indicated in Mr Norman’s letter to parents last week
• Restrictions on visitors and parents on-campus
• Pastoral support for students as they transition from Off-Campus Learning to On-Campus Learning
  

This is not the normal return we hoped for, however, we are following the Public Health Orders and NSW Health guidelines. We are hoping restrictions may ease as vaccination levels in the wider community increase.

Timetable Changes – Secondary Students

To facilitate the changes for the safe return of our students, a timetable update was required for Secondary students.

The updated timetable should be on Edumate by this weekend. Students return on Monday, 25 October - Week 4A.

Roll Call/Assembly Rooms

Students in Years 7-12 are required to line up at the rooms listed below at the start of Period 1 for their Roll Call and Zoomed Assembly.

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Matters T-12

Return to Campus
The College Staff are greatly looking forward to the return of all students to the College on Monday, 25 October. As we are returning under significant restrictions I wanted to reiterate a number of things that have been communicated to students this week in their morning meetings.

Areas for students
The two maps below provide the details of the playground and dismissal areas for Year Groups. This is helpful for parents to be aware of and to discuss with their children. The restrictions state that Year Groups must be kept separate and this has been implemented for the safety of students and staff.

Seating Plans
In classrooms, students will be seated in seating plans. This is to assist should there be a need to complete contact tracing, which is a significant exercise.

Uniform
If there is an issue with an area of uniform that will be unable to be resolved by Monday, please email the class teacher in Primary of the Year Patron in Secondary to advise of this. Alternatively, place a note in your child's diary.

Wellbeing Sessions
Across the College from Years T-12, Wellbeing sessions are being implemented to assist with the transition back to On-Campus Learning. This will be facilitated in Roll Call groups and Pastoral Care Periods. The groupings for these sessions have again been adjusted to single Year Groups to meet the guidelines. A session for Secondary will take place on Tuesday, 26 October during study time to unpack the Off-Campus Learning experience and explore both the current emotions students and teachers may be feeling and to acknowledge these as well as reflect on the positives about being back on Campus.
Please communicate with the Pastoral Care Team as always regarding your child's wellbeing. We are keen to support them in the transition back to On-Campus Learning:

Year 7 - Mr Tim Clarke - t.clarke@wac.nsw.edu.au
Year 8 - Mrs Erica Bawden - e.bawden@wac.nsw.edu.au
Year 9 - Mrs Christine Mozejko - c.mozejko@wac.nsw.edu.au
Year 10 - Mr Lloyd Grant - l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au
Year 12 2022 - Mr Josh Stewart - j.stewart@wac.nsw.edu.au

Junior Years Pastoral Care Coordinator - Mrs Lisa Maher
Contact regarding Pastoral in Transition to Year 4
l.maher@wac.nsw.edu.au

Middle Years Pastoral Coordinator - Mr Stuart Houweling
Contact regarding Pastoral Years 5-8
Years 7-8 make contact with Year Patron first
s.houweling@wac.nsw.edu.au

Senior Years Pastoral Coordinator - Mr Tim van Netten
Contact regarding Years 9-12 following contact with Year Patron
t.vannetten@wac.nsw.edu.au

I work closely with all of these team members and am confident in their ability to support you or address your concerns.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Returning to the College

I am very much looking forward to the return of students to the College. While this period of Off-Campus Learning has allowed for different rhythms in life, there will certainly be some aspects I will miss, such as having lunch with my kids and an extra 30 mins of sleep a day. As we transition back to a more normal routine, I encourage you all to reflect on the things that have both been enjoyable and challenging over the past few months. It is also good to consider the things that you are looking forward to as you return. I know for myself, I have missed the structure and routine of the College week along with interactions with both students and colleagues. I encourage you to share with others the things you are most looking forward to.

Year 12 2022 Assessment Information Evening - Thank you

I would like to thank both the parents and students who were able to attend the Year 12 Information Evening this week. For those unable to attend, I will catch up with you on your return to the College. All students will also receive a copy of the HSC Information Booklet and the NESA Policies and Procedures booklet. During the evening, I encouraged all students to log onto their student online accounts. Please contact me if you have trouble with this.

COVID Safe HSC Examinations 

Year 12 students this week met with the Presiding Officer Mrs Kate Boardman. Students were reminded of important information related to the smooth running of the examinations and the strict processes we are required to follow to ensure students remain COVID Safe. Students were also provided with COVID safe guidelines. 

Years 7-10 Yearly Reports 

The Off-Campus Learning Environment and less student-teacher interaction has meant that we have made some adjustments to the final reports for this Semester. We have adapted this to better suit the learning that has taken place over the Off-Campus Learning period. Students will still receive an overall achievement grade, and overall effort grade as well as an indication of their achievement in the cohort through the graphs indicating the grade percentages. 

The individual student comment will be replaced with a course outline providing information on the content and teaching that has occurred. The personal profile indicators have also been adjusted and the number increased to provide more detailed and specific information related to your child's engagement during the Off-Campus period.

Mr Paul Burns
Secondary Teaching & Learning Coordinator 7-12

Pastoral Matters - Junior Years T-4

Mimicking Violent Behaviour

You may have heard about or watched the new series 'Squid Games' on Netflix. It has gained a lot of attention through the media due to its popularity. While it may be riveting television for some, it is extremely graphic, violent and gory and certainly not something children should be watching. If your child has access to social media such as Tik Tok, or access to a Netflix account without restrictions in place, there may be a good chance they’ve already seen Squid Games or at least some of the potentially disturbing scenes from it. There are also clips of it all over youtube; not to mention a version of the game children can play on Roblox. 

Children are impressionable and some have difficulty distinguishing between what is virtual and real. The exposure to graphic content in shows such as Squid Games can see the behaviours they are viewing being mimicked in the playground and this, of course, will not be tolerated at the College. 

To prevent your child from watching this, you can change your Netflix settings and closely monitor their online activity to minimise further exposure. 

Mrs Lisa Maher
Junior Pastoral Care Coordinator T-4

From the College Nurse

Masks are mandatory for all Staff and Students in Years 7 and above indoors. 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. 
• Wash cloth 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

'MyTech' News

2022 Year 7 students

Students in Year 6 moving into Year 7 in 2022 will be joining our ‘MyTech’ program which involves all students in Secondary bringing their own device to College. Parents with students who will be in Year 7 in 2022 have been sent an email that provides all the necessary details about this program. Information about ‘MyTech’ and the specifications for devices can also be found on the College website http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au. To assist you with the process of purchasing a device, we have produced a Question and Answer Booklet that can be downloaded from the above website. This booklet provides answers to all the frequently asked questions about ‘MyTech’.

Once you have purchased a device, it is important to install all the required software. This software can be accessed at http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/software.php free of charge. This also includes free access to Office 365. Those students going into Year 7 in 2022 will be able to access Office 365 once Term 1 begins and will be given more details about this at the ‘MyTech’ connect sessions at the start of the year.

If you have any specific questions about ‘MyTech’ that are not answered on the website, you can email them to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Wayne Baulch
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

PE and Dance Practical Lessons

Starting from Monday, 25 October students will be required to wear their Sports uniform to College for practical lessons in PE and Dance.

All students have been informed via email as to when they have their scheduled practical lesson (shown below). Please note that this scheduled lesson may be different to that during Off-Campus Learning. Students are to wear their white Sports polo and Sports tracksuit top on their allocated day. If you have any questions please contact Mr Hewitt or Miss Valente at the College.

Mr Joshua Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Library News

Last Book Club for the Year! 

When all students return on Monday, 25 October, the final Book Club catalogue for the year will be available to take home. This is the Christmas catalogue and will need to be ordered by Monday, 8 November to receive before the College breaks for Summer Holidays.

All orders are to be made through the LOOP App or online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

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

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

Church Services

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

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 6.00 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 the council review the Community Strategic Plan, which is a 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 Headmasters