Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 7 - Friday, 18 November 2021

Message from the Headmaster

This week I would really like to acknowledge the great work that so many people are doing in and for our College. Our College Council is a dedicated group of faithful Christian men and women who meet regularly to ensure we continue to provide an excellent Christ-centred education to our students. I am very thankful for the planning days and evening meetings that they attend as well as the ongoing prayer support that they provide. I would publicly like to thank Mr Armin Gruening, Mr Chris Nobbs and Mr Ron Webb who have collectively served the College for over 40 years in this important role and will finish their time on Council this year. Their wisdom, guidance and commitment to Christian education has ensured that Wollondilly Anglican College continues to grow and provide a wonderful service to our community.

I would also like to thank our staff who have learned and re-learned so much during this past year. Our teachers provided excellent teaching while students were at home and with much excitement, they are now back to providing excellent teaching in the classroom. Our many and varied non-teaching staff continue to support our teachers, students, parents and families in so many ways; whether that is helping a parent over the phone, supporting a teacher in their teaching or simply being part of the great team that makes up this College. There are too many to mention here but I am so thankful for every one of them. Above all, I am most thankful for the guidance, protection and blessings that we receive from our God. We could not do anything without Him, yet through Him, we can do anything.

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy's Desk

Junior, Middle & Senior Formal Assemblies
Due to the current restrictions on Schools, parents will not be able to attend the Formal Assemblies this Term. The Formal Assemblies will be combined. A  Formal Assembly for Years K-11 will be held on Wednesday, 1 December with award recipients and staff in attendance only. Award recipients will need to wear the College Summer Uniform.

Year 5 Award recipients will attend the Formal Assembly and will then be transported to the pool after the assembly.

Junior, Middle & College Presentation Evenings
Due to the current restrictions on Schools, parents will not be able to attend Presentation Evenings. It has been decided to have a Primary Presentation Morning on Wednesday, 8 December before recess and a Secondary Presentation Morning on Wednesday, 8 December after recess with award recipients and staff in attendance only.  Award recipients will need to wear the College Summer Uniform.

A digital record of these events through photos/video will be uploaded to the College website and Social Media platforms.

Responding Honestly to Dishonesty
You enter the kitchen. Your child looks at you like she’s hiding something. You see cake crumbs on the bench and the tips of her fingers. ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Your child smiles at you, with chocolate stuck in her teeth, and innocently replies, ‘No.’

You know your child is not telling the truth. The evidence is everywhere! So, what do you do?

Honesty is an essential value for children and young people to develop as it’s central to building trust and community cohesion. Here are some simple, effective ways to encourage your child to be honest.

Remember, telling fibs is normal
Catching your child in a lie can be frustrating, but remembering that it’s a normal part of growing up can help you keep calm. While there is a moral aspect to honesty, children in the early years of Primary school tend to be very concrete thinkers, responding better to your immediate concerns such as ‘I need to know you are telling the truth’ instead of the moral aspects of right and wrong. For older Primary aged children and teenagers, the broader issues of trust and morality are parts of the conversations you should have.

Don’t ask questions if you know the answer
If your son is smeared in chocolate cake, don’t say, ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Instead try, ‘I can see you ate some chocolate cake. You must have been hungry huh?’ Then pause and ask, ‘Do you think I’m pleased or upset? Why? What should we do next time?’ Use the awkward situation as an opportunity to find out more about what your child may need.

Show the truth
If you are a parent of a teenager, you know how easily parent-teen relationships can be harmed by accusations and criticism. If you think that a teenager may have mislead you about an area of concern such as not being where they said they were, then it’s probably wisest to bring your young person’s attention to evidence of the truth rather than back them into a corner with an accusation. “You said you were at Jana’s, but her mum said that Jana didn’t have any visitors yesterday” is a statement of truth from your perspective that invites a response from a young person.

Listen to their side
Things often aren’t as they seem so if you think your child or young person is not being completely honest, be prepared to listen to their side of a story. This is not to suggest that you let them pull the proverbial wool over your eyes, but there are times when kids may believe they are telling the truth. Alternatively, they may have told a lie to keep themselves safe or to prevent them from following the crowd. Get your child talking, ascertain if they believe they are being truthful and if they aren’t, listen to why they bent the truth.

Let the consequences do the teaching
Acknowledge truthfulness when a child or young person owns up to doing the wrong thing. Help them fix the dishonesty and discuss how to do better in the future. Avoid punishment as this will cause more lying in the future. Allowing the consequences to do the work helps keep your relationship intact and ensures that lessons are experienced, and responsibility is taken.

Extract a simple promise
Studies show that children are less likely to be dishonest once they have promised to tell the truth. If they tell you the truth, and then you punish them severely, they will be less likely to tell the truth in the future, promise or not.

Model honesty
Many adults are guilty of social ‘white’ lies. Such ‘little white lies’ that conveniently bend the truth to your advantage are commonplace.  Children and young people take their cues from parents, so these little white lies show them it’s okay to bend the truth in certain circumstances. You don’t get away with anything when you are a parent – your behaviour is always on show, so stick to the truth, even when it’s difficult if you want your kids to do the same.

In closing
Honesty takes time and maturity to learn, especially in the face of the clearly tactical advantages of bending the truth. As parents, nurture honesty in kids by modelling, discussing its merits and acknowledging that it’s not always easy to be honest.  And maybe, avoid keeping the chocolate cake on the kitchen table.

Michael Grose (parentingideas.com.au)

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral News T-12

Student Leadership
It has been encouraging to see the number of students nominating themselves for the various Student Leadership roles that are currently being finalised, ready to announce as part of our end of year proceedings. Roles such as the College Captains/Prefects, Senior Years Captains, Middle Years Captains, Primary Years Captains, Secondary and Primary House Captains, and Peer Support Leaders have all seen students nominating and voting. In conjunction with the voting process, checks on student involvement and engagement in the life of the College are a significant part of the appointment process. I would like to commend all students that have been nominated.

Looking for opportunities to serve in student leadership is a commendable quality. Leadership doesn't always mean wearing a badge, so for students that miss out on these roles, I would encourage you to explore with the Pastoral Care Team, ways in which you could get involved or alternative ways in which you could serve.

The following roles will be announced either as part of the Formal Assembly on Wednesday, 1 December, or during Presentation Morning on Wednesday, 8 December.

At this time I would also like to acknowledge our outgoing Captains and thank them for their work in 2021 -

College Captains - Samantha Cefai and Ethan Schlutz
College Prefects - Maisie Hart, Jack Carroll, Tanya Garakasha, Jordan Mottershead, Piper Rudd, Cooper Sharp, Nerida Seidel and Jackson Tzitziris
Senior Years Captains - Hannah White and Joe Zervos
Middle Years Captains - Estelle Kluit and Joshua Newman
Primary Years Captains - Isabella Evans and Max McPherson

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

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Secondary Years News

COVID Safe HSC Examinations - Thank you!
A big thank you for continuing to provide a COVID safe area for the Year 12 HSC Examinations. Please continue to stay away from the Warne Auditorium and the adjacent car park. The car park is continuing to be used by Year 12 students both for parking and for the screening process. Please continue to pray for our Year 12 students as they push through these examinations.

Singapore Sister School Opportunity
Prior to the COVID Pandemic, we had started to build a connection with an Anglican School in Singapore. We are keen to further develop this relationship and there is an opportunity for some of our Year 9 & Year 10 students to be involved in a cultural exchange with students from Singapore. This would occur through Zoom and would allow students to develop an appreciation for life and schooling in Singapore. We would like to start this early Term 1 2022. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity please email Mrs Evans (k.evans@wac.nsw.edu.au) and Mr Burns (p.burns@wac.nsw.edu.au)

Mr Paul Burns
Secondary Teaching & Learning Coordinator 7-12

Primary News

Class Placements 2022
Teachers from Transition to Year 6 have started the process of placing students into classes for 2022. This process is one that we take very seriously and spend a great deal of time on. Should parents have any social concerns regarding their child's class placement for 2022, they may email their current class teacher. An example of this would be to request that your child is not placed into a class with a close neighbour or a cousin or a specific friend. Please note these requests will be considered however there is no guarantee that they will definitely occur. Parents do not usually make requests regarding class teachers. If there is a significant matter relating to the welfare of your child and their possible teacher placement you should email me at j.huxtable@wac.nsw.edu.au

Children from Years K-5 (2021) will be informed of their class and teacher at our Meet The Teacher Afternoon on Monday, 6 December. This is always an exciting (sometimes a little bit of a nervous) afternoon. Parents can help their children in this process by being positive, helping their children to see opportunities to make new friends and being excited for the new year. Year 6 students will be informed of their Year 7 class for 2022 on the first College day of 2022 unless they are offered a place in the Advanced Learning Class. These offers will be made in the last week of November.

Transition and Kindergarten (2022) will receive letters during January to inform them of their teacher and class. Transition 2021 students will also receive a note in their diary in the last week of this year indicating their class and teacher for 2022.

Please see the list below for the 2022 Class Teachers.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

K-2 Athletics Carnival

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Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Website

Our Performing Arts website has been updated to include content from Talent Quest, Junior Years Talent Quest, the Year 11 Musical Theatre Review, and Term 3 Performing Arts Challenges. Check it out! 
https://stalbot1.wixsite.com/wacperformingarts202

Some of our Ensembles are Back - Current Term 4 Arrangements!

Restrictions guiding ensemble practice have been eased which has allowed some of our ensembles to re-start rehearsals (see pics). This will impact our College Strings, College Cheer and Dance Company ensembles. Other ensembles will continue with previously published arrangements (see below). 

Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs Talbot if you need further support for your young performer, s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Strings
Thursday rehearsals as normal with some students on site (see below) and others attending by Zoom if they can. The group will rehearse outdoors under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter with two year groups in attendance and each separated by some distance. 

Week 7 - Year 9 & Year 10 attend, others Zoom if they can OR just rehearse the pieces they are working on when they get home. Can email Ms Bridge if there are any issues. Film/record as needed.

Week 8 - Year 11 attend, others Zoom if they can OR just rehearse the pieces they are working on when they get home. Can email Ms Bridge if there are any issues. Film/record as needed.

Week 9 -  Year 7 & Year 8 attend, others Zoom if they can OR just rehearse the pieces they are working on when they get home. Can email Ms Bridge if there are any issues. Film/record as needed.

College Cheer
Wednesday rehearsals as normal with some students on site (see below) and others rehearsing with the choreography videos Miss Valente has provided. The group will rehearse outdoors under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter with two year groups in attendance and each separated by some distance. Year 9 students should discuss options with Miss Valente.

Week 7 - Years 7 & 8. Year 7, please meet Miss Valente at the front of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area. Year 8, please meet Mrs Kluit at the back of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area, others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Week 8 - Years 5 & 6. Year 5, please meet Miss Valente at the front of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area. Year 6, please meet Mrs Kluit at the back of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area, others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Week 9 - Years 7 & 8. Year 7, please meet Miss Valente at the front of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area. Year 8, please meet Mrs Kluit at the back of the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area, others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Dance Company

Thursday rehearsals as normal with some students on site (see below) and others rehearsing with the choreography videos Miss Valente has provided. The group will rehearse outdoors under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter with two year groups in attendance and each separated by some distance. Year 12 students will rehearse in J11. 

Week 7 - Years 9 &10 meet at the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter, Year 9 near Sturt and Year 10 near Cook. Others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Week 8 - Years 7 & 8 meet at the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter, Year 7 near Sturt and Year 8 near Cook. Others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Week 9 - Year 12 meet J11, others rehearse with choreography video at home. Film as necessary.

Music Ensembles

College Band - Mr Grant has placed instructions on Canvas, l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au
Primary Band - Students should continue working with the music they have been given and may access 'Essential Elements' online which will provide them with further support, s.denley@wac.nsw.edu.au
College Strings - see above

Primary Strings - Continue to practise with the music you have and keep an eye on your emails, jillbridge7@gmail.com

College Choir - Students should continue working on 'You Will Be Found'. Resources on Canvas, alisonclairerobertson@gmail.com

Primary Choir - Songs to sing with are on See-Saw, k.apps@wac.nsw.edu.au and c.rigg@wac.nsw.edu.au

Dance Ensembles

Dance Company - see above
College Cheer - see above
Stunt Group - see above

Primary Dance - Please email Miss Valente if you would like to receive the College Cheer videos and you are not already involved in College Cheer, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Drama, Musical and Visual Arts

Photography Club - Please continue to work through the challenges being set via your Canvas course, j.ware@wac.nsw.edu.au
Art Club - will only be available for students now studying the HSC Visual Arts course, j.ware@wac.nsw.edu.au
Musical - This is on hold for now, but don't worry. We will let you know when it is time to audition!
Primary Drama - We would love to see your Term 3 Paper Puppets stories, https://digital.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/art-bites/making-mini-paper-puppets,  j.atkins@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

From the College Nurse

NSW Health Schools COVID Vaccination Program
You will have received an email regarding the NSW Health Schools COVID Vaccination Program. Students 12 years and over are being given the opportunity to be vaccinated at the College with the Pfizer vaccine on the following dates: 

Tuesday, 7 December – Dose 2

(This is not a mandatory vaccination program, vaccination is given only with signed parental consent)

Students will only be able to be vaccinated if they have their forms signed by their parent/carer. Students will need to bring their signed form to the College on Tuesday, 16 November. A hard copy of the form has been sent home. Extra copies will be kept in Student Reception.

If your child has already had their 1^st dose, they are also able to have their 2^nd dose here at the College. An opportunity is also available to parents/carers to be vaccinated at the College on the two dates above, after College hours, between 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Parents will also need to complete the documentation. We are happy to be supporting this important program to offer vaccinations to our Students and Parents.

If you have any further questions, please contact Mrs Sally Lloyd, College Nurse at medical@wac.nsw.edu.au

COVID Results
Currently, we are unable to accept Rapid Antigen COVID Test results. COVID test results are required to be conducted via either a GP, Respiratory Clinic or COVID testing clinic. The results are usually sent to the patient via an SMS which can then be forwarded to the College for record purposes. Results are to be sent to covidtest@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Science News

Chemistry Quiz Results
This year a number of selected students in Years 7-10 attempted the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ). The results were very pleasing, all things considered. Congratulations to the following students on their fine results:

Credit: Lincoln Campbell (7), Megan Gilbert (7), Gemma Hoare (7), Ashton McCabe (7), Sofia Novak (7), Katie Russell (7), Benjamin White (7), Amelia Gurner (10), Emmett Shafer (10). 

Distinction: Shaun Parasher (10), Jennifer Wales (10).

National Youth Science Forum 2022
Congratulations to Joshua Phillips (Year 11) on his selection for the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) this Summer. It is a highly competitive selection process and we are excited about his participation in this program.

Dr Andrew Eaton
Science Coordinator

Library News

Last Borrowing Day - Friday, 19 November
It’s that time of year again. Students in Years T-10 will have their last available borrowing day on Friday, 19 November, with all items to be returned in Week 8. This includes library books, home readers, textbooks and also musical instruments that are not continuing into next year. Primary students can return on their Library day. Secondary students can return their books to the designated dropbox for their Year Group or to Library staff during Roll Call.

Wheelers eBooks and Audiobooks
For those looking for something to read over the break, Wheelers ebooks and audiobooks are available for Year 5 and above, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Visit the Student Cloud or download the App to access our College e-Library.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

College Hair Ribbons

College Hair Ribbons are available for purchase from Student Reception for $3.00 per ribbon. As per the College Uniform Requirements found in the College Diary, the Ribbons should not be cut or altered in any way.

Mrs Leanne Molluso
Student Reception Supervisor

Clothing Pool News

Seeking Volunteers 
Would you be able to assist by volunteering some time at the Clothing Pool?
You will be conducting sales at the clothing pool (an easy process and you’ll have help too!). You will meet other parents/grandparents at the College. The students will love seeing you involved at the College. This is a great way to get to know and be a part of the WAC community.

There are opportunities available every weekday morning from 7.45 am to 8.30 am.

To be part of the team, you will need to be fully vaccinated and follow the College COVID safety guidelines and College volunteer procedures.

If you have any questions about volunteering please feel free to contact me.

Clothing Pool Reopening
On Monday, 22 November, The Clothing Pool, be reopening from 7.45 am to 8.30 am to provide you with good quality, pre-used College uniforms and accessories. If you have any donations, we will gladly accept them at the clothing pool or they can be left at Student Reception if the Clothing Pool is unattended. the Clothing Pool will be open every weekday morning until the end of Term. 

Steps for visiting the Clothing Pool
1. Sign in at the College Reception - wear your mask whilst on the College grounds and proceed to the Visitors Reception where staff will confirm your vaccination status. Scan the QR code and sign into the College as a visitor. You will then be provided with a visitor sticker.
2. Show your Visitor sticker at the side windows of White Cottage to be served. Please remember to maintain social distancing of 1.5m with other parents.
3. Preferred payment by EFTPOS facilities (Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS available). We only have a limited amount of change available for cash sales. 
4. Sign out at the Visitor's Reception when you have finished at the clothing pool.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator 
0415402013

Enrolment News

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

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer
Ph: 4684 2722

College Merchandise

Lowes Sale

P&F - Fresh Christmas Tree Fundraiser

We have three sizes available:

• 1.5m for $75.00
• 1.8m for $90.00
• 2.1m for $105.00

 Order through TryBooking until the Tuesday, 23 November.

https://www.trybooking.com/BVOWS

 Pick-up from the College on the afternoon of Friday, 26 November.

Mr Brandon Cooper
P&F Vice President

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) 
Services run on Sundays at 10.00 am. Also currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel:

Wollondilly Presbyterian Church
Sunday Service starts a 9.15 am. 
The Service is also streamed 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
Sunday Service starts a 9.50 am. 
Also streamed at 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
Picton - Sundays 9.30 am – 10.50 am all welcome.
Also live-streamed on Youtube: http://youtube.com/PWAChurches/
Wilton - Sundays 5 pm – 6.20 pm all welcome.
Also live-streamed on Youtube: http://youtube.com/PWAChurches/

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.

The Oaks Anglican Church
Sunday at 10.00 am. Services will also be streamed online live: toa.church/livestream/

Staying connected in the Southern Highlands area.

Highlands Christian Church: 
Sundays at 10.00 am
Online Service:
https://www.facebook.com/highlands.au/videos/highlands-church-online-experience/930979114318498/
Website:
https://www.highlandschristianchurch.org.au/

Highlands Baptist Church
Sundays at 10.30 am
Website:
http://www.highlandsbaptistchurch.org.au/

St Judes (Bowral Anglican)
Sundays at 10.00 am
Website:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/
Online Service:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/online/

Mittagong Anglican
Sundays at 9.30 am & 11.30 am
Website:
https://www.mittang.com.au/
Sermon Archive:
https://www.mittang.com.au/sermons/

C3 
Sundays at 10.30 am
Website:
https://c3destinychurch.com/
Livestream/Video Archive:
https://c3destinychurch.com/sunday-live-stream/

Bowral Baptist
Sundays at 10.00 am
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.

Tahmoor Community Links - Christmas Hampers
Tahmoor Community Links are again preparing Christmas Hampers for people in need in the Wollondilly Shire. The College is collecting donations on behalf of Tahmoor Community Links. If you would like to contribute please drop items into the baskets outside of Student Reception at the College. Please see the donation list of preferred items below:
http://www.communitylinks.org.au/

Mrs Corinne Woolcocks
Tahmoor Community Links

Pretend Headmasters