Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 8 - Friday, 25 March 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Last week I was able to visit our nation's Capital to hear from our Education Ministers and other distinguished thought leaders. A presentation I found particularly interesting was regarding the most recent PISA testing. PISA is an international test of over 600,000 students worldwide and "measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges" [www.oecd.org/pisa/]. Over 14,000 Australian students were tested giving us an interesting comparison with students from across the world. Disturbingly, Australia's international results have continued to decline relative to other countries across almost every period since 2000 (see image below). As an educator, I am very disappointed to see Australia's reputation falling internationally and this strengthens my resolve to ensure that education at Wollondilly Anglican College is always improving. As parents, you have invested wisely in your children's future and I am determined to ensure that this is a valuable investment as we support and educate your children to achieve their very best.

One further statistic that is very disturbing to me is that Australia ranked 69 of 75 countries in the category of minimising education time lost due to disruptive behaviour; this indicates a lot of lost and wasted learning time compared to almost every other OECD country in the world. I am so pleased that our teachers are committed to maintaining a well-disciplined learning environment in the classroom. I know that our students are here to learn, not to fool around wasting time. This commitment by both students and staff means that our students are making the most of every learning opportunity and as a result, our students are experiencing greater learning improvements than students elsewhere (as measured by NAPLAN and HSC results). Thank you for partnering with us and reinforcing these high expectations with your children. 

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

Formal Assemblies 
I am very excited that we are able to return to running Formal Assemblies this Term. These are a great chance to celebrate the achievements of so many students in a range of areas from Sporting, Creative Arts and Academic. There will also be an opportunity to recognise Leaders in the College. Parents of award recipients will receive invitations to these assemblies in the near future. 

Middle Formal Assembly - Thursday, 7 April
Senior Formal Assembly - Wednesday, 6 April

Term 2 Mine Entry Disruptions
We have been notified that Tahmoor Mine will undertake a significant Mine entry upgrade commencing on the Tuesday, 19 April and lasting for approximately 8-10 weeks (weather dependant). The Mine recognises that Remembrance Driveway is a high traffic road and is planning minimising disruption during peak traffic times. However the works will likely lead to some delays so please consider this when dropping off and picking up students at the College. 

Pride in Belonging
There are some great opportunities coming up for students to show the pride they have in being part of the Wollondilly community. The College working bee is a great chance to assist in keeping the gardens and surrounds in tip top shape. I certainly value the opportunity to mingle with students and parents. I hope to see you there!

Mr Hewitt will communicate the details of the upcoming Anzac services and these are always very well attended by students from the College. We will have staff in attendance at each of these events and encourage students to wear their full Winter College Uniform with pride. Please make sure you have your name marked off to receive a merit for community service. 

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Care

Community Building
The College has two upcoming events that I would like to encourage students and parents to attend and be part of. Firstly on Saturday, 26 March 8.00 am - 1.00 pm the Term 1 College Working Bee will take place. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to serve in relation to our College grounds. There are a number of jobs that additional hands would assist in completing to keep our College grounds looking spectacular. More importantly, it is an opportunity to meet in community, serve with an outward focus and make new connections with one another.

Term 1 Working Bee Program:
8.00 am - BBQ Breakfast - Please RSVP to Daniel Warland Property Manager on d.warland@wac.nsw.edu.au to indicate if you are attending this section for catering purposes. Bacon and Egg rolls on the menu.

8.30 am - Working Bee Commences. A special encouragement to Year 11 and Year 12 students to attend and assist in a specific project tailored at working on the gardens around the Flynn Building. Tasks around other parts of the College include weeding and mulching of gardens, raking up bark that has spread outside of Gardens and blowing paths and walkways. We do have equipment, but if you have your own hand tools, gloves, wheelbarrows and even blowers that may be helpful.

12.30 pm - A Sausage Sizzle Lunch served by our P&F with the day to conclude at 1.00 pm

All students who attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit.

Family Chapel
On Friday, 1 April, 7.00 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter, the College will host our first Family Chapel for 2022 which will focus on Years 5-8, so our Years 5-8 students and families are invited to attend. This event allows us to gather and hear God's word as well as engage in worship together. The House Captains will be on hand as students and parents arrive to receive non-perishable food items and gold coin donations. This will be used to provide meals to families in need as part of our WAC Kids Care outreach. Each gold coin or item donated will count as a point toward the Overall House Shield. Students are to attend in their College Summer Uniform, have their name marked off by their Class Teacher or Year Patron.

Students who attend Family Chapel will be issued with a Community Service Merit.

This is a significant event that is focused on strengthening the Christian culture of our College.

Please come along and join us for this event.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

PDHPE News

Secondary PE Timetable Change
Due to recent timetable changes, there have been some changes in the days that students are to wear their sports uniform to College, commencing in Week 8. Many classes remain unchanged but some have moved days. These changes are underlined in the schedule below. If you have any questions please contact

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Secondary Sports News

MISA
It was great to get eight matches this week in MISA with six of the eight teams winning. In Basketball, the Girls' Team remain undefeated with their 37-20 win over Oran Park Anglican College despite many of them competing after the Netball Gala Day on Monday. The Boys' side continued the winning for WAC this round with their 62-32 victory over Macarthur Anglican School.

Our Boys' OzTag side were dominant in their 7-1 win with Lucas Hollingworth scoring four tries, Connor Miller and Jacob Smith also both crossed the white line. The Girls' side was also victorious in a close match, 6-4 against Mount Annan Christian College. 

Our Girls' Indoor Cricket side had a 73 run win with Olivia Carter and Khloe Sutton proving to be the strongest partnership, top-scoring with 26 with the bat and minus 12 when bowling.

Both Volleyball sides will look to improve next week after the boys lost in two narrow sets 0-2 whilst the girls lost in straight sets. 

AICES Swimming
Next Monday, 28 March we have 11 swimmers attending the AICES Swimming Championships. We wish all the students the best of luck as they look to continue the fine performances in the pool that we have witnessed this year. Parents, please ensure permission is granted via the College App. Further information can be found on the AICES Website regarding approximate event times and records.

NASSA Netball Champions
On Monday, 21 March we sent both an U/15 and Open Girls' side to compete at the NASSA Netball Gala Day. The U/15 side had two wins from their four matches. Our Open Girls' side had a fantastic tournament. In the Grand Final, they found themselves three points down with four minutes remaining. In the dramatic final minutes, our girls managed an amazing 1 point victory over long time champions, St Lukes. All the girls stepped up for the challenge in tough conditions and have represented the College fantastically. Morgan Botha was selected in the NASSA Representative side whilst both Claire Allen and Kelsie Carruthers were very unlucky just missing out on selection also. Thank you to all the girls and their coaches Mrs Mozejko and Mrs Rockwell. 

NASSA Football Trials
Students who have been selected to attend the NASSA Football (Soccer) trials need to collect their nomination form from Mrs Bawden. This needs to be filled out and taken to the trial next Thursday, 31 March. 

Upcoming Events:
AICES Swimming - 28 March
NASSA Soccer Trial - 31 March
NASSA Touch Football - 5 April
WAC Cross Country - 8 April

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is a day of national significance and one that marks the anniversary of Australia’s first major military action during World War I. This year, ANZAC Day will be observed on Monday the first day of Term 2.  

ANZAC Day is a major event in the life of the College and students are encouraged to join us as we remember the men and women who have sought to serve their Nation in that first engagement and over the over many decades that have followed.  

Those students who attend the services in their full Winter Uniform will be acknowledged with the receipt of a Community Service Award. There will be teachers present at the services and students should get their names marked off with staff.

Picton March
Assemble in the car park behind the Picton Hotel between 6.00 am and 6.15 am in preparation for the march which will commence at 6.30 am sharp. As there will be a significant number of WAC students attending this march, it is asked that students please be prompt.   

Parents of K-2 children are asked to collect their child at the gate of the park after the march as we enter the park before the service commences. 

Mr Norman, Mrs Hay, Mrs Colombo, Mrs Rockwell and Mr Hewitt will be attending. 

Hill Top Dawn Service
Please meet at 5.45 am for the service to commence at 6.00 am at Hill Top Memorial Hall. Hannah White of Year 11 will deliver the address at this Service.  

Camden Dawn Service
Please meet at 5.00 am at the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Memorial, Cawdor Road, Camden.  Service commences at 5.15 am. Mr Clarke and Mr Aquilina will be attending. 

Camden March
Those who would like to march are asked to assemble in Elizabeth St between Mitchell and Elizabeth Streets from 10.15 am with the march commencing at 10.30 am. The march will then move to Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park for the commencement of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service at 11.15 am. Mr Powter will be attending.  

Mittagong Dawn Service
Meet from 5.15 am at the Cenotaph, Hume Highway, Mittagong. Service commences at 5.30 am. Mrs Miller will be attending. 

Mittagong March
The march for Mittagong traditionally assembles at the Tourist Information Centre on the Old Hume Highway at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start. The start location and route are still being finalised, but the RSL envisage that it will be back to the traditional time and route. The Service will follow at 10.45 am. Mr Smiltnieks will be attending. 

Thirlmere March and Service
There has traditionally been a march and Service at Thirlmere to commemorate ANZAC Day.  As soon as details of this event become available, I will update the Waratah Weekly. 

RSL Lifecare Queen Victoria Memorial Home
A service will be held at the RSL Lifecare Queen Victoria Memorial Home, 615 Thirlmere way, Picton on Sunday, 24 April at 10.30 am. Henry Good of Year 12 will deliver the address at this Service. Students who would like to attend this Service are asked to contact Mr D Hewitt at the College prior to the end of Term 1 for details. 

Students from across the College are encouraged to participate and join with the community in this important commemoration.  

Please note that parents are responsible for all transport to and from ANZAC Day events and for the supervision of their child whilst at the event. 

It is understood that students may attend a variety of services to commemorate ANZAC Day, both locally and further afield. If a student attends a service and a photo is made available of them representing the College by wearing their full Winter Uniform, they too will be acknowledged by receiving a Community Service Award. 

Email ANZAC Day images to d.hewitt@wac.nsw.edu.au or d.cook@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Mr Doug Hewitt
HSIE & ANZAC Day Coordinator

Years 5-8 Family Chapel - Friday, 1 April

Due to COVID restrictions, we have decided that our first Family Chapel of the year will focus on the Middle Years (5-8) 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 Years 5-8 families at our Family Chapel.

Mrs Carolyn Clark
Family Chapel 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 Visitor's Reception 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 Evans at the College. Confidentiality will be respected. If you know of anyone who may need meals at this time, please contact the College office.

 2022 ANZAC Day - Picton Memorial Park

MW Physie & Dance
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 Ventures
Criteria - Must be a resident of the Wollondilly LGA and have been financially impacted by COVID-19
Apply at lcventures.org.au/wollondilly-community-relief
Interpreter 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