Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 10 - Friday, 10 December 2021

Message from the Headmaster

I would like to take this final opportunity for the year to say thank you to our families for their commitment to their children's studies over this strange year that we have had. Congratulations in particular to our Year 12 students (and their parents!) who have finally made it. The final Graduation Assembly and Year 12 Formal were wonderful events at which we could celebrate this great achievement. Thank you also to parents for your warm welcome. This has not been the kind of start to Wollondilly that I was anticipating but I have very much appreciated the supportive messages through the year, as have the staff who have been working so hard throughout 2021. I would also like to thank the staff for their support during my first year at the College. This really is a wonderful place to come to work each day, surrounded by people who are genuinely caring and giving their best to their specific roles. We say goodbye to a few staff this year, and we would particularly like to acknowledge Mr Fred Schroder and Mr Ian Croger who have made an amazing contribution over many, many years. Thank you Ian and Fred, you will be greatly missed.
I pray that you all have a wonderful break and enjoy some quality time together as a family. I look forward with great anticipation to what 2022 brings as we continue to serve our families with excellence in all we do.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy's Desk

Farewell and Thank You
I am retiring at the end of this year after 43 years of teaching and 17 years at Wollondilly. I leave with mixed feelings as I will miss the students, staff and connections with the College community. However, I am also conscious that change is inevitable and I look forward to a new season of life.

Thank you to those parents who have provided support and understanding over the years. In particular, I have appreciated our hardworking P&F. I have enjoyed the friendships and connections that have been made.

To our College staff – thank you for your endless support, professionalism and dedication to your roles at the College. I feel blessed and privileged to have been involved in the growth and development of the College since 2005. My contribution has all been part of God’s plan and I have been part of a team that has developed a strong culture based on the College Distinctives - Education within a Christian framework, the Pursuit of Excellence, Pride in Belonging, Community Engagement and Involvement and a Second Education that has developed character and values.

Wollondilly is a great College with great kids. I look forward to seeing the outstanding success of our students in the years to come under the leadership of Mr Norman and the experienced Executive Team of Mr Burns, Ms Huxtable, Mr Toland, Mr Adams and Mrs Evans. My prayers are with you all for 2022 and into the future.

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Farewell From Mr Schroder

Thank You
Back in 2003 when I was driving tourist coaches in Sydney, I prayed for a job, closer to home, which would allow me to be home with my family more as well as have weekends off. God allowed me the privilege of being able to serve Him here at WAC. In those early days, I used to welcome people to the College by saying “Welcome to Paradise”

I have been here at the College for 18 wonderful years. During this enjoyable time, I have learnt so much, made good friends and have truly been blessed by God to work here for HIS Glory. I am so thankful!

I will miss you all and will be praying for the College which is in excellent hands.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3, 5-6

Mr Fred Schroder
Property Manager

Secondary News

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the College community a safe and fun filled holiday. This year has certainly provided its fair share of challenges, and I am proud of the manner in which the WAC community has rallied together to support one another. The Presentation Mornings have been a great celebration of the many successes throughout the year. I have also enjoyed reading students' reports and seeing the growth that has occurred in 2021. The students' reports have now been uploaded to Edumate and will be posted out shortly.

I am confident that next year will be an exciting time as we head into the next phase of Wollondilly’s growth. The one thing that won’t change, however, is that Christ will continue to be at the centre of who we are at Wollondilly. 

I encourage students to log onto their Edumate portal after Saturday,15 January to view their 2022 timetable and begin to prepare for the academic year.

I hope you are able to take some time out over the next few weeks to reflect on the year that has been. Enjoy the holiday period and I look forward to seeing you all in 2021.

God Bless

Mr Paul Burns
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Primary News

Primary Thanks
This will simply be a thank you for another great year at Wollondilly. Staff in the Primary team have appreciated the support of parents and the positive attitude of our students. While there is a lot being said about this year (and last), I personally feel that every year has its challenges and that much of life can be unpredictable, involving us needing to problem solve, support each other and face whatever arises. I believe that Wollondilly excels at doing this. Our students have been wonderful and I am so proud of them. I am also very thankful for the staff that I have the pleasure of leading. Being at Wollondilly is a daily reminder of God's goodness in my life.  

Goodbye
We are saying goodbye to Mr Simon Jones as he seeks to serve God in ministry and Mrs Jennifer Aston as she moves on to Macarthur Anglican School. We are grateful for the work both of these teachers have done in Primary and pray that God will continue to bless them as they serve Him. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2022.  

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Pastoral Care News

Students have been made aware of some changes to staff working on the Pastoral Team in 2022. I provide the following to inform parents of the changes

In Primary the staff below will be working in dual Teaching and Learning/Pastoral Care roles. If there are Pastoral Care concerns beyond the scope of the class teacher, please contact these staff -

Early Stage 1 - Mrs Tracey Turner
Stage 1 - Mrs Kim Reid
Stage 2 - Mr Michael Matthews
Stage 3 - Mrs Lisa Maher

In Secondary the following staff will be the Year Patrons in Years 7 and 8.

Year 7 - Mr Josh Stewart
Year 8 - Mr Tim Clarke

Please contact Mr Stewart or Mr Clarke as the first point of contact regarding the care of your child in Year 7 or 8.

As an additional level of support for students in Years 7-8, we have made a temporary appointment of Mrs Christine Mozejko to the Assistant Middle Pastoral Coordinator role. This is to recognize the wonderful work that Mrs Mozejko has done as a Year Patron and also to acknowledge the continued growth in the Middle Years and the needs of students in this area of the College.

Mr Houweling will remain in his role as Middle Pastoral Coordinator Years 5-8. He will be supported by Mrs Maher, Mrs Mozejko and the Years 7 and 8 Patrons to oversee Pastoral Care in the Middle Years.

In the Senior Years (9-12), the following staff members are the Year Patrons and Assistant Year Patrons -

Year 9 Patron - Mrs Erica Bawden and Assistant Year Patron - Mrs Justine Colombo
Year 10 Patron - Mr Craig Lobb and Assistant Year Patron - Mrs Naomi Conquest

I would like to welcome both staff into caring for Year 10 and thank as well as acknowledge the work of Mrs Christine Mozejko and Mr Josh Davis working with this group.

Year 11 Patron - Mr Lloyd Grant and Assistant Year Patron - Mrs Carolyn Clark
Year 12 Patron - Mr Tim van Netten and Assistant Year Patron - Miss Emily Bailey

I would like to thank Mr Josh Stewart for his work with Year 11 this year and commend him on his appointment at Year 7 Patron for 2022, moving from a temporary role to having his own Year Group.

Mr van Netten was appointed as the Senior Pastoral Care Coordinator Years 9-12 earlier this year and will operate in a dual role in 2022. He will take on the Year Patron role with his original Year Group supporting them as they finish Year 12 as well as being the person you should contact following any concerns that you have raised with Year Patrons in Years 9-11.

We are fortunate at the College to be blessed with an outstanding team that provides quality pastoral care for our students. As the leader of this team, I feel confident that they will be able to address concerns and provide the appropriate support for your child. Please work in partnership with them so we can ensure that your child feels safe, cared for, valued and known.

2022 Captains
Congratulations to our Captains for 2022.

Primary Captains - Kiah Evans and Leo Micari
Middle Captains - Dali Martin and Nathan Jones
Senior Captains - Emily Galea and Caleb Boardman
College Captains - Klarisza Ricciarelli and Joshua Phillips

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Peer Support

Pastoral Program – Peer Support Training
On Monday, 6 December and Tuesday, 7 December, 34 students from Year 9 underwent training to run the Peer Support Program with Year 7 in 2022. This program is a leadership opportunity for students in Year 9 as well as a program that will assist students in Year 7 2021 to transition into the Secondary Years. Students engaged in a range of group challenges, teamwork exercises and individual reflection. A range of qualities that constitute leadership were addressed with all of the students engaging in a positive manner in all activities.

Students were asked to reflect at the conclusion of the day on the following areas, these were some responses:

‘I learnt how to be a good and supportive leader. I learnt about many new and different skills I need to use and how to cooperate with new and different people’ / ‘I enjoyed spending time and getting to know people I wouldn’t usually interact with’ / ‘I learnt how to come out of my introverted box’ / ‘I learnt that no matter how much you prepare, something could always go wrong and it’s how you adapt to the problem that shows what type of leader you are’ / ‘I enjoyed learning more about myself and my peers’ / ‘I learnt that peer support is all about using our skills as a person and empathising with others. It’s also about having a happy attitude’ / ‘I enjoyed all of it, but especially bonding with new people and having opportunities to try new things and step out of my comfort zone' / ‘I learnt that different teaching styles can be complementary to one another and that’s a positive’.

Mr Tim van Netten
Senior Pastoral Care Coordinator

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Website
Our Performing Arts website,  https://stalbot1.wixsite.com/wacperformingarts202 has now been updated to include our end-of-year performances and photos of students rehearsing during Off-Campus Learning. 
Congratulations to those who participated in and submitted performances for these end of year events. The videos allowed us to showcase our students' significant talents.

Think about getting involved in Performing Arts in 2022
We have some big things planned (such as the next College musical which will be announced early in 2022). 
Merry Christmas from all of your ensemble leaders - we are very proud of your efforts this year!

Certificate III in Dance.
Hayley Underwood of Year 11 recently completed her Certificate III in Dance. Hayley studied 13 units in addition to her regular Year 11 studies focusing on developing performance, composition and dance teaching skills. She performed and choreographed her own works that were showcased this weekend at her Dance Graduation, where she also received her certificate of completion. Congratulations Hayley!

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

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From the College Nurse

Students with Asthma
Plan ahead and be Asthma ready for 2022 by following the below checklist: 

• Please ensure your child's Asthma Action Plan is within date (Less than 12 months old) and provide a copy to the College Nurse 
• Ensure your child has their reliever/spacer and updated Asthma Action Plan clearly labelled in their College backpack each day
• Ensure your child's ventolin is well within expiry date
• Notify the College if you feel your child is not able to have the responsibility to carry their reliever/spacer in the backpack.
• Update the emergency contacts on the Parent Portal via Edumate so that you can be contacted to provide advice in care or to pick up their child if unwell. 

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge Platinum Awards
I handed out hundreds of PRC certificates this week at the College. We had a record 380 students complete the challenge in 2021 from Years K-9. I would particularly like to congratulate the 7 students who received the Premier’s Reading Challenge Platinum Award this week in small assemblies. This award signifies 7 Premier's Reading Challenges completed.

Platinum award recipients:
Ailie Carroll (Year 6), Laura Carruthers (Year 6), Ryan Colombo (Year 6), Lauren Frost (Year 6), William Fussell (Year 6), Noah Rigg (Year 6), Jackson Welsh (Year 7).

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

2021 at Wollondilly Anglican College

2022 College Dates

Employment Opportunity

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

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/

Douglas Park Evangelical Church
10.00 am Sundays at Douglas Park Community Hall or online via Zoom.
Contact David Luxford on 0404754105 or via Facebook.com/DPEChurch

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

Wollondilly Beach Bus
The Wollondilly Beach Bus is back in 2022!

The bus is a free service for everyone in the community and in 2022 is operating every THURSDAY in January taking residents from the Shire to North Wollongong Beach.

Thanks to the very generous sponsorship from SIMEC, we are again able to operate two routes to the beach to accommodate more people and reduce travel times.

Pretend Headmasters