Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 4 - Friday, 25 February 2022

Message from the Headmaster

The highlight of my past week at the College has been visiting Kindergarten classes and reading them a great story. Each of the classes were so well behaved and so excited to listen to a story.

Our Kindergarten teachers are so amazing in the way that they support our young students and get them started on this amazing learning journey.

It was clear to me that the students love coming to the College each day, they love learning and they are having fun! So, thank you to Mrs Barber, Miss McMaster, Mrs Napier and Mrs Turner; our fantastic Kindergarten team.

 I would love to encourage all of our parents (of students of all ages) to encourage a love of learning. When your children are enjoying coming to the College each day, and are engaged in learning, they are going to have great outcomes now and in the future. You could encourage this by asking your children how their day was, and particularly, what they have been learning today. If you can guide the conversation with positivity and encouragement, then your children are more likely to have positive feelings about learning. 
The following suggestions will also prove helpful as you encourage your children in their learning;

• Speak positively to your children about the value of education and learning
• Publicly support your children's teachers (they are your education partner) and 
• Share your own experiences (talk about your success and your failures, the highs and the lows, and how all of these have contributed to who you have become).

from: https://www.sparktheirfuture.qld.edu.au/be-positive-about-school-at-home/

Every day, we are helping our children to develop the right attitude to learning and life. As Henry Ford famously said “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't.... you're right.” 

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy's Desk

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

Over the last few weeks during the Monday’s secondary assembly I have been reminding students of the importance of gratitude. Wollondilly students have always had a spirit of thankfulness which I have been very grateful for!

‘Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hope it will make them happier or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. And, although it may feel contrived at first, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice’

Below are some suggestions from the Harvard Medical School on ways to cultivate gratitude on a regular basis. I encourage you to give these a go.

Write a thank you note. You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank you letter or email expressing your enjoyment and appreciation of that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. Make a habit of sending at least one gratitude letter a month. Once in a while, write one to yourself.

Thank someone mentally. No time to write? It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank the individual.

Keep a gratitude journal. Make it a habit to write down or share with a friend or a loved one thoughts about the gifts you've received each day and those things you are thankful for.

Count your blessings. Pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings - reflecting on what went right or what you are grateful for. Sometimes it helps to pick a number - such as three to five things - that you will identify each week. As you write, be specific and think about the sensations you felt when something good happened to you.

Pray. People can use prayer to cultivate gratitude (Personally I enjoy bringing to God those things I am thankful for and helps to remind me of the blessings I have in Christ).

Be Mindful. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase (such as "peace"), it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for (the warmth of the sun, a pleasant sound, etc.).

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Matters T-12

Help-seeking for children and young people in schools
Help-seeking is about communicating an issue or challenge to obtain support, advice or help. Asking for help can act as a protective factor for a child or young person's mental health and wellbeing.

A focus on getting help early is important to prevent small issues or challenges continuing or escalating.

Help-seeking is a positive coping strategy. This could involve seeking assistance with:

• learning
• relationships
• feelings/emotions
• relationship breakups
• general health matters
• mental health or wellbeing

Help can come from different sources including:

• your learning community
• external agencies
• organisations

Support may come in different ways and may involve peers, families, schools or other supports. The goal in providing support is to find the best pathway to maintain or improve the wellbeing of the children, young person or their family.

Being able to ask for help can act as a protective factor because help-seeking can lead to accessing resources that support mental health and wellbeing.

When children and young people view help-seeking positively, it builds a sense of agency and confidence that they can influence their world and receive help if needed.

How teachers and parents can promote help-seeking behaviours

• role-modelling help-seeking behaviours
• empowering children, young people and families to reach out for support when necessary
• supporting children, young people and families to develop positive attitudes about help-seeking

Adapted from Be You Beyond Blue Fact Sheet (2022)

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Performing Arts News T-12

Performing Arts Ensembles
Please consult this version of the 2022 Ensemble Timetable for the latest changes. We don't anticipate any further changes for the remainder of this Term. 

Welcome to Mr Jonathan Dollin who will be leading our Primary Band Ensemble during lunchtimes on Fridays (don't forget your instruments) and a special thank you to Mrs Rigg who will be running our College Choir this year after experiencing great success with the Primary Choir ensemble last year. 

Thirlmere Festival of Steam
Our College Strings, Dance Company and College Cheer students have been invited to perform as part of the Thirlmere Festival of Steam on Sunday, 13 March. Parents have been issued with an in-app permission slip. Please respond at your earliest convenience. 
Please note: Strings Ensemble members should meet at the College tent at 10.00 am, and College Cheer and Dance Company students should meet at the College tent at 10.30 am. 

Musical 
On Monday, 28 February, we will be holding auditions for students in Years 7&8 to be involved in the performance of our 2022 Musical, Shrek. Any student in Years 9-11 who was unable to attend last week's auditions is also invited to attend. This will take place at the S2S Shelter after the College day until 4.15 pm. 

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Passing on Messages or Forgotten Items

We have had an increasing number of parents calling or visiting Student Reception requesting that messages or items be passed on to their child in Primary. Firstly, I would like to say that if there are important or urgent messages/items we will pass these on. An example of this would be to let a child know that they are being picked up and are not to get on the bus as usual OR a diabetic/anaphylactic child has forgotten their bag that contains essential medical supplies.

From time to time children forget hats, sports equipment, instruments etc. Just like adults, they need to learn that there are consequences when we forget things and that sometimes we can find other solutions. The Administration staff are very busy and do not have time to be dropping off items or run non-essential messages to students.

If children forget their lunch, we will try to pass this on to them if parents drop it in. The Canteen can provide a sandwich and a piece of fruit if needed. Parents will be notified that this has occurred and payment will be arranged.

Parents should never go to a classroom or playground to pass on items that have been forgotten or to give a student a message.

Phone calls between students and parents during College hours are not to happen unless permission has been given by a College staff member.

Parent volunteers should not seek to contact or visit their children while at the College. We value your contribution, however, we need to keep children in the areas they should be in and allow them to have their normal day at the College.

In summary, please be aware that the College Administration staff are very busy and that in most cases children will survive the day if they forget things.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship

Students studying History in Years 10 and 11 have the opportunity to apply for the Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship which awards up to 20 students across NSW with a place on a unique two-week study tour of significant war sites throughout Sydney, regional NSW and interstate, accompanied by a military historian.  The tour will take place in the September/October 2022. 

Applications can be made by following the ‘How to apply’ process online at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/how-to-apply/

Interested WAC students are encouraged to speak to their History teacher about this exciting and unique opportunity.

Mr Doug Hewitt
Humanities Coordinator 

Year 7 Camp

Last week, our Year 7 students went on camp to the Youthworks site at Port Hacking for three days. We were very blessed with the campsite’s beautiful location and some good weather, and we were able to enjoy some great outdoor activities such as sailing, archery and the ‘SkyWeb’ high ropes course. All the students were very keen and eager to be on camp and they are to be commended on the way that they got involved in the activities and encouraged each other, particularly with activities like the ‘SkyWeb’ that pushed them out of their comfort zone.

 I asked the students for some highlights from camp and here are some of their responses:

What was something you enjoyed about camp?

• I enjoyed getting to know other people and learning new outdoor things
• Doing all the different activities and pushing myself out of my comfort zone

 What was something you learnt on camp?

• I learnt not to be afraid to try something new
• That I made heaps more friends than I would’ve expected to meet

 A massive thank you to Miss Bodor, Mrs Bethune, Mrs Miller, Mrs Mozejko, Mr Roberts, Mr Clarke and Mr Houweling for taking time away from their families to come along to camp, and helping make it such a great time. It was an excellent way to start our time together as a Year group and I look forward to seeing us all build upon what we learnt at camp and continuing to bond and work together as a team as we progress through the Secondary Years.

Mr Josh Stewart
Year 7 Patron

Year 9 Food Technology

This Term Year 9 Food Technology has been learning about the topic Food in Australia. This week they got to watch a demonstration of cooking with a campfire from Dr Smiltnieks.

Students had the opportunity to prepare the dough for three different types of damper, and viewed a demonstration of cooking damper in a camp oven with coals, kangaroo sausages BBQed over a camp fire, and got to enjoy the treat of S’mores at the end of the lesson. 

Mrs Emily Taylor
TAS Coordinator 

My New Gallery

Year 12 Community and Family Studies

During this term Year 12 Community and Family Studies (CAFS) students are completing their Independent Research Project, investigating the impacts of various technologies on the wellbeing of community members. As part of their research students create and conduct a questionnaire to gain primary data.

Most questionnaires will be sent out via Canvas to Secondary students. We encourage Secondary students at the College to help the CAFS class by seriously completing questionnaires that are applicable to them. If you have any questions please contact me j.hewitt@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator 

Lunchtime Christian Groups

During Thursday lunchtimes, students can volunteer to meet together in groups throughout the College. They mostly engage with material from CRU, who provide activities and learning experiences about the Bible to enrich their faith and grow strong followers of Christ.

Over the last two years, these groups have had periods of recess, but most will be active again over the next few weeks. The Secondary group will be meeting in Sturt 4 every Thursday lunchtime. Please contact me if you would like further information.

Mr Craig Russell
Christian Groups Coordinator 

TOYS in T-6 Playgrounds

Students are reminded not to bring toys or Pokemon Cards to the College. Toys frequently cause significant issues in the playground, requiring teachers to spend a great deal of time sorting these. This takes precious time away from teaching and learning.

Please support us in reminding your children to leave their toys at home. Toys will be confiscated and returned to the child after the College day.

Mrs Lisa Maher
Primary Teacher/Stage3 Coordinator 

Secondary Sport

Round 2 MISA

The wet weather this week saw many of our matches postponed to later in the Term. We did however manage to get a few indoor matches played. In the Girls Basketball competition our side has made it two wins from two matches with another comprehensive victory, this week over Macarthur Adventist College 41-19. Our two Volleyball sides improved with each set but a slow start saw both teams defeated this week. Fingers crossed for dry weather next week so we can get all our teams in action.

Students and parents are reminded that the MISA website is up and running. You can access all draws, results and competition tables at https://www.misaonline.org.au/   

NASSA Touch Football Gala Day

The Touch Football Gala Day sides have now been selected and permission notes have been uploaded to the App. Students are reminded they must be in full sports uniform with playing singlets distributed on the day. Please ensure you secure your spot in the side by granting permission on the App. Failure to do so may see your child replaced with a reserve student to ensure we have a full side.  

Secondary NASSA Swimming - Wednesday, 2 March

NASSA Swimming will take place next Wednesday, 2 March in the evening at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Parents are permitted to attend, however, will be required to sit in a separate area to the competitors as part of the COVID plan for the event. Students will receive a College Swimming Cap on the night which must be worn in all races. If a student cannot attend or compete in each of their races please contact Mr Goldsbrough asap so a replacement can be organised.

Representative Pathway Sports

NSW CIS and AICES have representative pathways available for high performing students across most sports. If your child is currently competing at a high level in their chosen sport please contact Mr Goldsbrough so he can inform you of the various trials or pathways available for your child to represent at these higher levels. Many of these trials begin in early Term 1 so get in quick so you don’t miss out. 

Upcoming Events:

NASSA Tennis Gala Day - Friday, 25 February

NASSA Swimming (PM event) - Wednesday, 2 March

NASSA Touch Football Gala Day - Friday, 4 March

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

College Nurse

Year 7 Vaccinations
The NSW School Vaccination Program will be onsite at the College for Year 7 Vaccinations on Friday, 11 March. All students in Year 7 should have received their vaccination information pamphlet and parental consent form. Consent forms need to be returned to Student Reception. If your child does not return their vaccination form, they will not be vaccinated. Vaccinations for Year 7 include Human Papillomavirus (HPV), diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). 

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Employment Opportunities

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

Clothing Pool

Phone Access
Let your fingers do the walking! The College Clothing Pool now has a telephone line which you can call to check stock availability! The Clothing Pool's direct line is 4623 0286 extension number 286.

Donations
Thank you for all your great donations, please keep them donating them at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or neatly leave them at Student Reception.

New Socks 
We have sold out of most sizes and styles of Socks. We have placed an order with Lowes and will notify you when they arrive.

New Volunteers 
Thank you and Welcome to our newest volunteers -  Renu and Amanda. If you would like to join our team, we still require volunteers on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Mornings. Please call Melissa for more information on 0415 402 013.

Locations and Opening Hours 
Located at the back of White Cottage (Transition) 
7.45 am to 8.30 am Monday to Friday
EFTPOS available

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator

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)
Traditional Church Building - 8.00 am, 9.30 am & 4.00 pm
Church Auditorium - 9.30 am & 5.30 pm
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 News

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.

MW Physie & Dance

Come and try MW Physie & Dance.
Your first lesson is free!
Commences Wednesday, 2 March at the Picton Shire Hall

Wollondilly Wellbeing - Free Self-Defence Classes
Wollondilly Shire Council was successful in gaining a grant from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia to provide our new project “Wollondilly Wellbeing”

The aim of this project is to support 18 to 30-year-old Wollondilly residents to look after their wellbeing through a holistic approach.

As part of this project, there will be free Self-Defence classes available for 18 to 30-year-old Wollondilly residents.

Click here to register for these classes- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wollondilly-wellbeing-self-defence-classes-tickets-266364843417

Rugby League Ready Program 2022
It is an exciting time for our game moving into season 2022 with a lot of exciting opportunities for our area.

As a game, we are looking for SUPERSTAR coaches and deliverers for the upcoming Rugby League Ready program which is a program designed to get young participants in the Under 6 ages group “ Rugby League Ready”. The successful Coaches and deliverers will possess an ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, be confident and have experience working with young children. This is a paid role.

The Rugby League Ready program runs over a period of 6 weeks of an afternoon at local junior rugby league clubs. This position is suited to an existing junior league coach or school teacher. 

To apply please follow the link below. Alternatively please circulate within your club or school network.

Click Here to Apply

Football Star Academy

Heidi Jones Super Swim Fundraiser

https://superswim.org.au/heidijones

Reaching 4 Korina
The annual Trivia Night is on Friday, 11 March 2022, at Mittagong RSL. Tickets are $60.00 per head. This includes a two-course dinner and trivia. if you would like to join us and meet Korina (if you haven’t already), please come along. In the past, we have had a wonderful time with a lot of laughs.

 We are currently selling raffle tickets (2 for $5.00)
1^st Prize # $1,500 Hello World Travel voucher
2^nd Prize # Posh Picnic Co voucher for 2 with Mumm champagne
3^rd Prize  # Rochelle Adonis Cakes & Confections High Tea

Auskick AFL

Picton Rangers Football Club

Tahmoor Netball Club

Picton Netball Club

Buxton Netball Club

Online Road Rules Information Session

How well do you know the road rules?

Council invites you to join us for an online information session where you can brush up on your driving skills and knowledge of the NSW road rules including the top 10 most misunderstood road rules.

This information session is aimed to increase knowledge and gain an understanding of new road rules and the most misunderstood road rules in NSW.

Registration is available online - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/x/top-10-most-misunderstood-road-rules-9-march-2022-tickets-170075364995

ANNUAL WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday, 4 March 2022
VENUE: St Anthony of Padua Church, Tahmoor
START: 10.00 am Refreshments to follow
Prayer for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Theme: Jeremiah 29:11 God's promise to his people in exile in Babylon, found in the book of Jeremiah.