Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 6 - Friday, 11 March 2022

Message from the Headmaster

We are halfway through the Term, and almost one fifth of the way through the year; how are those New Year resolutions going? We often begin a new year and a new term with great aspirations and high hopes for what we will achieve. Unfortunately, it is easy to get off track if we are not intentional about our goals. I have found that regular planning and reflection helps me to stay on track with the goals that I set. I still get off course but because I am reviewing my goals regularly, I remind myself that I need to take steps to move towards my goals again. Our children can often feel the same way about their start to the year.

They begin the year full of enthusiasm, but they may begin to lose some of that discipline and effort as the term unfolds, particularly with all of the disruptions we have faced so far this year. Towards the end of this Term your children will receive Progress Reports. This will provide you with information about your children and how they are progressing in their classes so far this year. It is a great opportunity to start a conversation with them about how they feel they are progressing in each of their classes. You may even take the opportunity now to have a conversation about your own goals for the year, whether that is health related, work related or some other important area of your life. Sharing with your children the difficulties of staying disciplined and working towards goals can help them to recognise the efforts they can make in their own lives. As our children get older, they will take more and more responsibility for themselves and for their own life outcomes. The challenge of setting goals, and striving to achieve goals, will strengthen and prepare our children well for adulthood. God reminds us that if we include him in our planning, he will guide us into a fulfilling future.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." Zig Ziglar 

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." Proverbs 16:3

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

College Disruptions

Once things we have become accustomed to, and adept at, is pivoting to Off-Campus Learning. Thank you for your understanding over this last week as we have navigated the challenging weather conditions. While this is not ideal, given the significant road closures, bus route cancellations, along with the dangerous driving conditions it really was the best decision. I trust that students made the most of the time at home and completed work provided to them on See Saw and Canvas. 

While it was disappointing that the Year 9 Camp was postponed, Youth works assured us it was the only option with the Shoalhaven River having broken its banks. Had we been able to attend the program it would have been significantly disrupted. The plan is to reschedule the Camp to a later date. 

Road Crossing

Parents are reminded to please use the pedestrian crossings when crossing the roads in the College grounds. These are located between Johnson and Melba and adjacent to the lawn area leading to the Warne Auditorium. Recently we have had a number of parents with their children crossing near Banks building to access the Warne carpark. This is particularly dangerous especially in the afternoons with the constant buses and traffic. We would appreciate you supporting the College in using the pedestrian crossings.

Creative Arts and Lote Coordinator 

We thank Mr Simon Denley for his service to the College over many years and wish him all the best in his new role. It is with pleasure that we can announce that Mrs Sarah Talbot has been appointed in the role of Creative Arts and LoTE Coordinator commencing later this Term. 

PDHPE Teacher

We know Mrs Rockwell is looking forward to her retirement (although no doubt she will be back teaching casually) after many years of faithful service to the College. Mr Houwelling will be moving from Year 5 into the PDHPE role for the remainder of this year. He is a trained PDHPE teacher and is looking forward to the challenges of teaching again in the Secondary years.

Year 5 Teacher for 2022

Mrs Buckley who has been working  as a Support Teacher this year will be taking Year 5. She is looking forward to having a class of her own and we are very confident that she will do a wonderful job with Year 5.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Schools are always a busy place. Wollondilly Anglican College is no exception with plenty of wonderful learning opportunities being provided for our students at our College. Things such as:

• Excursions are being planned to enrich the learning content delivered
• Field trips are being organised
• Duke of Ed hikes run on weekends
• Dance and drama performances are attended
• Afternoon activities such as Homework club and Workshop Club allow students to gain extra help, from our dedicated staff
• WAC Kids Care is a group that students can join to cook and provide opportunities for students to serve others: In making meals for others that get distributed to the wider community
• Maker space is run during the week at lunch: Where they learn about Science, Technology and Maths and how they work together in a practical setting
• Band and choir programs enrich the musical element of the College
• Christian groups held at lunchtime and allow students to come together and hear more about God’s word
• Streamwatch and crystal growing: allow students with specific science interest to come together
• Wollondilly Wildflowers: Create bunches of flowers to decorate the College reception areas and learn the finer art of floral arranging
• Students who are interested in the College Musical and College cheer team can gain extra tuition in performance and dance skills

All of these things touch on certain areas and skills and then of course on top of that there is the College’s regular sporting commitments.

It is important for our Secondary students in particular to plan their weekly activities so they build into their week these other commitments. In the front of the diary is a section entitled ‘A Year at a Glance’ and I have encouraged all students to write in all their assessment tasks for the year here so they can see what is coming up week by week and month by month. Time management and organisation to complete your best possible work on these tasks is essential, and the key to doing assessment tasks well is to plan and manage time so you can allocate the required hours on these tasks.

The extra curricular activities the College provides allows students to gain skills and be provided with learning opportunities that are often best taught outside the classroom environment. Skills such as teamwork, communication and conflict resolution, service and serving others. The staff at the College are very giving of their time to the students and it is great to see so many of the students taking up the opportunities that are provided to them.

Shape Exhibition opens with outstanding HSC Major Projects from students from the 2021 cohort

The SHAPE 2021 exhibition opened at the Powerhouse museum last week, and Wollondilly Anglican was excited to have Hophnie Noblett from the 2021 HSC cohort exhibit her Industrial Technology - Furnishings HSC  Major Project. Hophnie along with her teacher Mr Shane Smiltnieks created a wine case with a veneered rhombus pattern to showcase her father’s VIP wine collection for her HSC major work. SHAPE is a collection of Major Works from students around the State in subject areas of Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design that have outstanding practical skills as well as creative elements. Hophnie’s project is on display until Monday, 14 August and we are very proud of the project she created during what was already a difficult year in 2021. Well done Hophnie and congratulations also to Mr Smiltnieks who attended to watch Hophnie receive her award.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching and Learning 7-12

My New Gallery

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. Please try to do this prior to 1.30 pm so the messages can get through.

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 Student Reception 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 staff in Student Reception 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

Family Chapel - Friday, 1 April

Due to COVID restrictions we have decided that our first Family Chapel of the year will focus on Year 7 and it will be held at 7.00 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder shelter on Friday, 1 April.

We will be praising God and listening to our very own Mr Matt Roberts. Students are also encouraged to bring a donation of gold coins or canned goods which will be counted for the annual House point shield. Our College House Captains will collect these donations at the rear of the Assembly area. The donations will then be used in the WAC Kids Care Program to create meals for those in our Community who are experiencing hardship.

I would like to thank you in advance for your donations to this important ministry and I look forward to seeing you at our Family Chapel.

Mrs Carolyn Clark
Family Chapel Coordinator 

Education Perfect Language Championships

Students across the College in Years 7 -12 are currently competing in the Education Perfect Language Championships. The competition started at 4.00 pm Tuesday and continues for one week.

At the moment we are ranked 3rd for German, although the results can change quite quickly. Thank you to everyone who has competed so far. Let me encourage you to keep earning points for the College over the weekend and maybe you will earn a prize or certificate.

Go team Wollondilly!

Mrs Carolyn Clark
Family Chapel Coordinator 

Pancake Day

Last Friday Year 11 Hospitality served pancakes to staff and students. This was the first function for the students and I congratulate them on the way they rose to the occasion. Students in the lead up to the event used their hospitality practical lessons to prepare over 200 pancakes which were then sold to staff and students to raise money for the Mission Aviation Fellowship.

This function gave students the opportunity to cater for a large number of customers and get a feel for the fast-paced nature of the industry.  

A total of $336.00 was raised for MAF. Thank you to all who purchased pancakes to support this great cause.

Miss Emily Taylor
TAS Coordinator 

My New Gallery

Transition - Year 6 Parent-Teacher Online Interviews

All parents of children in Transition to Year 6 should now have received an email with instructions on how to book for Parent-Teacher Online Interviews on Tuesday, 22 and Thursday, 24 March. Your availability for these interviews needs to be submitted by 9.00 am on Sunday, 6 March.

On Friday, 8 March you will then be sent details of your Parent-Teacher booking(s).

If you have not received an email or have questions about booking Parent-Teacher interviews you can contact me at w.baulch@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Mr Wayne Baulch
Administration Coordinator 

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 Guest Rceeption 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 of clothing, 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.

If you or your child is interested in trying out Physie and Dance, your first lesson is free. Please visitmwapda.com.au

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

Wollondilly Community Relief Program - Local Community VenturesCriteria - Must be a resident of the Wollondilly LGA and been financially impacted by COVID-19Apply at lcventures.org.au/wollondilly-community-reliefInterpreter services available

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

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

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