Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 10 - Friday, 8 April 2022

Message from the Headmaster

A well-deserved term break is almost upon us and I encourage you to enjoy some downtime with your families when you can. A holiday break for our students should include some relaxation and recreation and it is also a great time for some alternate mental stimulation.

A few suggestions for you to consider as you look ahead to the next two weeks:

- It can be very easy to let our children spend most of their day in front of a device but with some planning and discussion, they may find even better ways to spend their days

- Reading is the most valuable contribution that children and young people can make to their development. Consider a trip to the library and grab a couple of great books for them to start on. With the extra time available in the break, they should be able to get into some exciting reading adventures. 

- Maybe suggest that your children engage with one of their areas of interest or try a new hobby such as painting, drawing, writing, playing a musical instrument or gardening. 

- Getting outside is always a great idea, whether that is going for a walk, a bike ride, kicking a ball or playing some backyard cricket. Exercise is great for the body and great for the brain.

For more adventurous ideas go to https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/family-holidays/school-holidays for some school holiday inspiration.

Enjoy your break and we look forward to seeing you back next term.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From The Deputy

Great To See Families!
The last few weeks have provided a great opportunity to spend some time with families at the College. I have enjoyed spending time chatting with parents at the Working Bee, Family Chapel as well as the recent Formal Assemblies. It has been a great reminder of the wonderful community we have here at the College. The Parents' and Friends' Association is another great opportunity to connect with other families and the College. I have enjoyed getting to know the members of the P&F and I would encourage anyone interested in joining to make contact with me or by attending one of the monthly P&F meetings (first Wednesday of the month) at 7.00 pm in the Deakin building.

I wish our community a wonderful break and I will be praying that through this period, you will be able to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins and be able to rejoice in the fact that He conquered death and rose again.

College Canteen Term 2
The College will be returning to normal operations from Term 2. However, the extended COVID period has allowed us to review how this can work most effectively. From Term 2:

Secondary students will be able to order food online, or alternatively purchase items with money at the counter both at Recess and Lunch. Students ordering online will need to collect their orders from the Canteen.

Primary students will continue to purchase food through a cashless system in which all purchases need to be made through the online ordering system (Flexischools). 

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

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Care

Overall House Shield
The Overall House Shield is awarded to the House that accrues the most points across the course of the year. Students can earn points for their house through participation in the College Sporting Carnivals, via the award system with each award worth one point and through donations to mission and service activities. This system provides students with a number of ways that they can contribute to and belong to their House Group.

The following is an update on the point score at the end of Term 1:
Ist - Wollemi - 1692
2nd - Acacia - 1646
3rd - Sollya - 1558
4th - Grevillea - 1547
5th - Telopea - 1405

Below is also an update on the points accrued from the donations at the Middle Years Family Chapel on Friday night:
1st - Grevillea - 108
2nd - Telopea - 97
3rd - Acacia - 83
4th - Wollemi - 70
5th - Sollya - 43

Thank you to all students and parents from the Middle Years who attended and donated. A donation of $282 has been made to Mission Aviation Fellowship, a mission partner of the College. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Donated goods will also be used to prepare meals as part of the WAC Kids Care Program.
You can find out more about the work that Mission Aviation Fellowship does via the link below.
https://maf.org.au/

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Secondary News

Year 12 Half-Yearly Exams 
Our Year 12 classes have just completed their Half-Yearly Examinations, and it is an important time to reflect on this experience. Answering questions under timed conditions is a skill that needs to be practised by students, and they must ensure they are writing with depth and using appropriate subject terminology with explicit examples to support their answers and statements. I encourage Year 12 to look at the feedback that they receive from this experience of their recent examinations and make adjustments to their patterns of study or review content that is perhaps not learnt in depth. The next formal examination period for Year 12 is in Term 3 in which they undergo their Trial HSC Examinations.

Years 7-10 Progress Reports  
The Years 7-10 Progress Reports will be uploaded to Edumate at the end of the Term. As the name suggests, this is to give parents an indication of the ‘progress’ their child is making in specific subject areas. Please take the time to read this with your child and discuss areas for growth or improvement and areas that they are currently doing well in.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Secondary Sports News

Term 2 Sport
This Tuesday we held trials for our Term 2 MISA Teams. Students have been notified via email if they were successful. Year 7 and Year 8 students who are not involved in a MISA Team will move on to their next sports rotation for the Term. These groups are listed below. 

All Year 9 and Year 10 students need to complete their nomination form which has been emailed out. Any student who doesn’t submit a response will be allocated a group and will forfeit the opportunity to choose. A reminder that no changes will be made to the sports rolls once they have been finalised. 

Secondary Cross Country
Due to the significant rain, the decision was made to cancel Friday’s Cross Country Carnivals. These events will now take place on Monday, 2 May before Recess. Students who place in the top six will qualify for NASSA. Due to the new date clashing with CIS Swimming, those students attending CIS will still be permitted to attend NASSA if they wish to do so. They will be entered as additional athletes on top of those students who have qualified from the College Carnival. 

National Beach Sprint Champion - Isabella Evans
Over the weekend, Isabella Evans attended the NSW Surf Lifesaving National Championships on the Gold Coast. Isabella was crowned the U/13 Beach Sprint National Champion making her the fastest 13 year old across the sand in Australia. Congratulations on such a great achievement. She also competed in several relays as well as the 2km Beach Run and Flags events.

NSW Indoor Cricket Representative - Chloe Ford 
Congratulations to Chloe Ford of Year 9 who was recently selected as a member of the NSW U/17 Indoor Cricket Team. This is a fantastic achievement and we wish her the best when she travels to Melbourne in July to compete with the side. 

NASSA Football Trials
Due to the constant wet weather, the NASSA Football Trials have been postponed until May 4. New permission notes will be sent out via the App at the start of Term 2 once a new venue has been finalised. 

NASSA Rugby Nominations
Any students wishing to compete at the AICES Rugby Championships need to speak with Mr Goldsbrough to get nomination information. This is for the U/16s and Opens Competition. Please note, this is a representative side so only high-level players will be permitted to nominate. The Trials take place on 10 May. Parents will be required to transport their child if they are accepted. Further information can be found on the AICES website. www.aices.com.au 

NSW CIS AFL and Rugby League Trials
Any students who wish to trial for the U/15 CIS Girls and Boys AFL sides or the U/15 and U/18s Rugby League sides need to contact Mr Goldsbrough ASAP. This is for high-level students only as it is an NSW side open to all Independent Schools. For further information please speak with me. 

Upcoming Events:
WAC Cross Country - NEW DATE - 2 May
CIS Swimming - 2 & 3 May
NASSA Football - 4 May
CIS AFL Trials - 5 May

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Tuesday, 10 May to Friday, 20 May
NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills of all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, in schools across Australia. NAPLAN results will help you understand how your child is progressing through their education. The tests will be occurring between Tuesday, 10 May and Friday 20 May. Wollondilly Anglican College carries out NAPLAN testing through NAPLAN Online and students will complete the tests online except for the Year 3 Writing Test.  A more detailed timetable will be sent out closer to the date. Students who are absent from a testing session will do a catch-up test session. It is better that absences be avoided, other than illness, during the test period.

To help familiarise students with the test and to ensure the tests run smoothly, students participated in a practice session in Weeks 8 and 9 of this Term.

Some students are entitled to special provisions, such as rest breaks or extra time. Letters will be sent to the parents/carers of those students. 

Should you have any concerns regarding NAPLAN and your child, please contact their class teacher or Year Patron. We take the approach of helping students feel relaxed about these tests, at the same time understanding that it is helpful if they do the best they can.

The following link provides information regarding NAPLAN and has some demonstration tests.

https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

Mr Wayne Baulch 
Administration Coordinator

Performing Arts News

Musical Update
This Term, it has been fantastic to have the Lead Cast members of our upcoming Musical, ‘Shrek’ commence rehearsals and perfecting their character profiles, mannerisms and gestures as well as look at some of their solo songs and choreography. The students in these lead roles have worked hard and Mrs Talbot, Ms Valente and I want to commend them on their efforts this Term.

Next Term, all of the Secondary cast members are required at rehearsals commencing Week 2 (Monday, 2 May). The rehearsals are on Monday afternoons, 2.45 pm-4.15 pm. Students will meet staff members under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter area, before moving to designated rehearsal spaces. 

Formal Assembly Performances
I want to commend the students who performed at the recent Senior and Middle Formal Assemblies. Despite the late changes to the venue, the following students performed exceptionally: 

Senior Formal Assembly
College Band
Joshua Phillips, Year 12 - Piano Solo
Sienna Lopez and Natalie Watts, Year 10 - Dance Duo

Middle Formal Assembly
College Strings
College Bucketz - Debut performance
Khloe Sutton, Year 8 - Dance Solo

New Rehearsal Schedule Commencing Term 2
Below is a preview of the Term 2 Rehearsal Schedule for our Ensembles and Groups we have on offer in the area of Performing Arts at the College. Due to the busy schedule, we have split our schedules into Primary and Secondary age groups, for ease of reading. Please note, some of the groups have changed their rehearsal days or times for next Term. Please check the schedule carefully.

If you would like your child to participate in one of our groups, please get in touch with me via email (l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au) and I would be more than happy to direct your inquiry to our enthusiastic staff. Most of our groups are open to all students within a specific age or Year Group, and we welcome all students of all abilities. However others, as specified, are open by invitation only.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Stage 3 Cyber Safety

On Tuesday, Senior Constables Kate and Greg from the Camden Police Area Command visited the College to speak to students in Years 5 & 6 about cyber safety. Students learned about; 

• Keeping themselves safe while using devices and social media
• What they should and shouldn’t upload onto social media
• What is cyberbullying and what should they do if they are being bullied online
• Sending inappropriate images
• Stranger danger online
• Keeping passwords private
• Age requirements for social media platforms

The session was very informative for students, encouraging them to think carefully about the way they are communicating online. 

Mrs Lisa Maher
Junior Pastoral Care Coordinator T-4

ANZAC Day

ANZAC DAY - Monday, 25 April
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 last day of the Term 1 Holidays.  

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 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 the roll with the attending 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 College students attending this March, it is asked that students please be prompt.   

Parents of Years 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, Mr & Mrs Hay, Mrs Colombo, Mrs Rockwell, Mrs Turner, Miss McMaster and Mr D 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. Mr Burns or Mr McIntosh will be attending. 

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, Mrs Biddle and Mrs Cook will be attending.  

Mittagong Dawn Service
Meet from 5.15 am at the Cenotaph, Hume Highway, Mittagong. The 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 envisages that it will be back to the traditional time and route. A Service will follow at 10.45 am. Mr Smiltnieks, Mr Grant, and Mr and Mrs McIntosh will be attending. 

Thirlmere March and service
There is NO march or Service at Thirlmere this year. 

RSL Lifecare Queen Victoria Memorial Home:  A service will be held at RSL Lifecare Queen Victoria Memorial Home, 615 Thirlmere Way, Picton on Sunday, 24 April. Students are to meet at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am Service. Henry Good of Year 12 will deliver the address at this Service. Mr D Hewitt will be attending. 

Students from across the College are encouraged to participate and join 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 too early to determine the weather forecast for these events, but a reminder that if the weather is forecast to be warm, taking a bottle of water is a good idea.

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

NSW Crystal Growing Competition 2021

Last year, some Year 6 students entered their crystals in the NSW Crystal Growing Competition. Then lockdown happened. Then we waited some more. At the very end of last year, their crystals were judged and the following students achieved excellent results: 

Finalists: Justin Pace, Isaac Londregan, Hayley Myers, Annaleise Maher, Ella Jones, Katie Douglas, Tapiwa Garakasha, Ivy St Quintin, Halilee-Anne White, Natasha Parasher, Ethan Walker, Ryan Colombo, Zachary Taylor, Samuel Bennett

Highly Commended: Ella Jones, Katie Douglas

Dr Andrew Eaton
Science Coordinator

Library News

Library Lunchtime changes for Term 2
From Term 2, the Johnson and Sturt Libraries will be open for all of Years 7-10 students on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during Lunch 2.

Quarmby Library will be open to Primary at Lunch 2 on the following days:

Monday: Kindergarten
Tuesday: Years 3-4
Wednesday: Years 1-2
Thursday: Years 5-6
Friday: Years 5-6

We look forward to seeing you in the Libraries.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

P & F Mother's Day Stall

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 Visitors' Reception or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer
Ph: 4684 2722

Employment Opportunities

www.wac.nsw.edu.au/employment

Clothing Pool

Term 1 has just flown by and I hope all your families are safe and well after all the rain and COVID challenges that we have faced. Below are a couple of updates from the Clothing Pool.

Winter Uniforms
During Term 2 & Term 3, students are required to wear their College Winter Uniforms. We are open every morning from 7.45 am to 8.30 am if you require any uniform items. We have a fairly good stock of most items that have been donated from our generous College community. So pop in or give us a call and we can see if we have what you need.

Socks
All sizes of new socks are back in stock at $11 a pair.

Thank You Term 1 Volunteers
Our College Clothing Pool is run by volunteers and I am very grateful for the parents & carers who have donated their time to help at the Clothing Pool this Term. Thank you to Jodie Ross, Renu Tondak, Deb Bunch, Claudia Amanda Coles, Cristina Negi, and Annette Dalrymple.

Volunteers Needed
Are you free on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings for an hour? We are currently seeking volunteers to help out from Term 2. More hands make light work! It is an easy process at the Clothing Pool and everyone is friendly and enjoys themselves. You can meet parents while you serve them at the window, it's a great way to be part of the College community! Please call, Melissa Whishaw on 0415 402 013 if you would like more information or would like to volunteer.

Donations
Your donations have kept us well stocked this Term and we continue to ask if you could donate any Uniform items that your children have grown out of. Donations can be dropped at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or at Student Reception outside of opening hours.

Opening Hours 
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.00 am
White Cottage Windows
Direct Phone 
4623 0286
Payment
EFTPOS

I hope you have a wonderful Term break and I look forward to meeting you next Term.

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator
0415402013

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

Wollondilly Uniting Church
110 Thirlmere Way, Tahmoor.
Sunday Service 9.15 am
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WollondillyUniting/

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

Mittagong Junior Disco  

We are so excited that we are now able to hold the Junior Disco again, it's been over 12 months since the last one.  

If you are looking to have a birthday party, please contact the wonderful team at the RSL for help at 4872 6700. They can organise catering for your special occasion while the children have a great time dancing and catching up with their friends!   

We have several gift vouchers to win, these are drawn on the night.

Venue: Mittagong RSL

Date: Saturday, 30 April    

Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm

Cost: $5.00

Please note, that all of the money raised will go back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.   

We hope to see you there!

Chris and Sandra Roberson - and the amazing committee of the Mittagong Junior Disco.
0412 321 555.

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 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