Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 1 - Friday, 29 April 2022

Message from the Headmaster

A return to College and a return to our high expectations. We know that 2021 was a disrupted year, and the beginning of 2022 also had more than its fair share of disruption. But we are confident that Term 2 is going to be our most settled term since the pandemic began.

One of the most frequently cited reasons that parents want their children to come to Wollondilly Anglican College is our high expectations of uniform and behaviour. This is consistent with our existing parents who appreciate the culture that has developed at the College over many years. Having said all this, we are noticing that some students are not quite rising to this expectation; some extra jewellery, some shirts untucked, the occasional less than respectful comment to a peer or staff member. We have spoken to our students about this and have reminded them of the wonderful College that they have the privilege of attending. We have also informed our students that we will be expecting this high standard from here on out.

This may mean that your children receive a note in their diary, or perhaps a uniform warning. This is all part of our process of guiding every student into maturity and responsibility. We all want our own children to become responsible adults who make great contributions to their families and workplaces, and their years at Wollondilly Anglican College are a great training ground for that. Please speak to your children about this, remind them of the expectations that we have and if you do come across a comment or infringement notice in their diary, use this as an opportunity to speak to them about how they are growing in maturity and responsibility.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From The Deputy

Culture and Expectations
A consistent strength of the College that many parents regularly communicate is the discipline and high expectations that we have of students. At the beginning of this week, I reinforced this with students in Years 7-12. I reminded them that the little things are important and challenged them to start this Term well. While a number of these are related to behaviour in the classroom, I reinforced the importance of wearing the uniform well. This is particularly important during the transition period to the Winter uniform. I would encourage parents to support the College in ensuring that your children come to the College wearing their uniforms correctly. Students who are wearing the uniform in the community are expected to follow the same dress code as if they were on College grounds. Thank you for your support in this.

ANZAC Day
Thank you to all of the students and parents who supported the ANZAC Day services around the Wollondilly Shire. I am always encouraged to see so many putting time aside to reflect on those who sacrificed so much for the country we live in. A big thank you to Mr Hewitt and Mrs Hay who coordinated many of the activities. Thank you also to those students who ran the ANZAC service at the College on Tuesday morning.

Reminder about 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 food 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.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Care

Exploring Vaping - Free Workshop
With an increasing demand for information on Vaping, Youth Solutions is delivering an online information session early next month for parents/carers and educators to feel more empowered to talk to young people about vaping and better understand the health implications of use.

This online workshop will be run via Zoom on Monday evening, 9 May, and is completely FREE of charge. 

Register Here

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Primary News

This is a reminder that as the Parent-Teacher interviews were held late in Term 1 for Parents/Carers to receive feedback on Years T-6 there will be no Progress Reports for the Primary Years for Term 1. Students will receive half yearly reports at the end of Term 2.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Performing Arts News

Musical Update - Shrek, 2022

Reminder to ALL Secondary cast members that rehearsals for Term 2 commence next Monday, 2 May. The rehearsals are on Monday afternoons beginning at 2.45 pm and concluding at 4.15 pm, in time for students to utilise the late bus. Students will meet staff members under the Shelter area, before moving to designated rehearsal spaces. They will be provided with necessary materials and Canvas access to musical resources during this rehearsal.

Performing Arts Group Rehearsal Schedule Term 2

Due to the busy schedule, we have split our rehearsal 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 this term. 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 welcome all students of all abilities. However others, as specified, are open by invitation only. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Secondary Sports News

Term 2 Sport Changes

This week there was some confusion for our Year 7 and Year 8 students as to which sport group they were scheduled to complete this term. This was due to differences in what had been communicated to students and what was displayed on Edumate. This has now been adjusted so all students are grouped in their mandatory technology groups - as they were in Term 1. Please ensure you come prepared for your allocated sport. If you have any questions please contact myself at m.goldsbrough@wac.nsw.edu.au so I can assist you before next Tuesday. 

Secondary Cross Country

Unfortunately we have had to postpone the Cross Country Carnival on Monday, 2 May for the second time. The track and WACA have been assessed and due to the recent rain it would be unsafe to have students competing in the current conditions. The Carnival will now be rescheduled to Friday, 13 May (Week 3) before Recess. Year 11 students will be on Camp at this time so Year 11 students will have the opportunity to compete at another time for those wishing to progress through to NASSA. Further information will be communicated around this shortly.  

National Beach Flags Champion - Kaitlyn Williams

At last term's Surf Lifesaving National Championships on the Gold Coast we had further success with Kaitlyn Williams taking out the U/13 Beach Flags National Title. Like Isabella Evans who was mentioned last term, this is a fantastic achievement to be crowned the fastest across the sand in Australia. Better yet to have two students crowned National Champions from the same school. Congratulations on your success this year and we look forward to seeing Kaitlyn’s further achievements as she progresses in the sport. 

NASSA Football Trials

Due to the constant wet weather the NASSA Football Trials have been postponed until 4 May. Permission notes are now live on the WAC App for those selected students. Please ensure you check the note carefully as the timing has changed due to ground closures. The trials will now take place on synthetic turf to ensure they can run despite the weather. 

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 Rugby League Trials

Any students wishing to trial for 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 a NSW side open to all Independent Schools. For further information please speak with me. 

Upcoming Events:

WAC Cross Country - POSTPONED from 2 May (new date below)

CIS Swimming - 2/3 May

NASSA Football - 4 May

CIS AFL Trials - 5 May

WAC Cross Country NEW DATE - 13 May 

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Year 11 Camp

On Wednesday, 11 May to Friday, 13 May (Week 3), Year 11 have the exciting opportunity to head out on Camp. We will be heading into Sydney and staying at Sydney Central YHA and Hope Street Mission, Woolloomooloo. This Camp, coordinated by Boomerang Adventures, is designed to provide students with new experiences and to help them grow as young adults.

All students should have received an information letter, an itinerary, and an equipment list. Permission to go on this Camp needs to be completed through the WAC App. A couple of reminders regarding medical needs:

• We have medical information for each student already on file at the College. Please ensure this information is up-to-date using the Parent Portal.
• Any medication that a student requires must be clearly labelled in its original packaging, with the student’s name and the instructions for dispensing it (eg times, amounts etc). This MUST be given to Student Reception at least two days prior to the Camp (Friday, 6 May 2022). All medications must have a Medication Authority form filled in.
• Boomerang Adventures requires that you complete an Indemnity and Health Status form via their website: https://www.boomerangadventures.com.au and select FORMS then MEDICAL FORM. The password to access the form is “medform”.

This Camp has always received great reviews from staff and students who have attended previously and I strongly encourage all Year 11 students to attend. If you have any further questions regarding the camp, please contact me via email d.aquilina@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Mr Daniel Aquilina
Year 11 Patron 

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

NAPLAN Lockdown Browser

Attention all Year 7 and Year 9 Mac Device Users

Students in Years 7 and 9 will be completing the NAPLAN tests later this term. Students will be completing these tests on their own devices. All students should have downloaded a Lockdown Browser to their device as per NESA's request, in order to access and complete the tests.

NESA have just released a new update to the Lockdown Browser that ONLY impacts the Mac version of the browser. The most up-to-date Mac version of the browser is now available on the MyTech software page - https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/software.php

NOTE: Windows users are not affected by this update/new release. No action is required for Windows devices.

Students will be provided with IT support in due course if they are experiencing issues with downloading the latest version. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

PDHPE News

PE, PASS, SLR and Dance Practical Lessons
As of Monday, 2 May (Week 2 Term 2), students who do elective courses (PASS, SLR and Dance) are required to bring their Sports uniforms to the College on the day of their scheduled practical lesson to get changed. Students will still wear their Sports uniform to College for Years 7-10 PE on their designated day, shown below in the timetable. If you have any questions please contact your child’s classroom teacher or Mr Hewitt (PDHPE Coordinator).

Year 7 PDHPE Units in Term 2
As part of the PDHPE unit ‘Looking In and Looking Out’,  students will learn about the physical, social and emotional changes that occur during adolescence. This will include the presentation of information and discussions relating to puberty, reproduction and aspects of sexual health. They will explore behaviours associated with the positive management of changes specific to adolescent males and females. A variety of teaching materials and techniques will be used such as educational videos, case studies, ICT research, question box, small group and class discussions. Themes of mutual respect, sensitivity and personal support will be discussed with the class at the start of the unit. If you require further information or have any concerns please contact your child’s PDHPE teacher or the PDHPE Coordinator, Mr Joshua Hewitt.

Year 9 PDHPE Units in Term 2
Year 9 will be studying a unit on relationships and sexual health, named “Relate”, as part of the PDHPE course. In this unit, students will explore the characteristics of equal and respectful relationships in lights that God made us relational and sexual beings, created as male and female. During the unit, students will investigate God’s design and purpose for sex and how this informs sexual choices. 

Year 9 parents have been emailed a letter, further detailing the components of the unit. If you have any questions regarding the unit, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s PDHPE teacher or Mr Joshua Hewitt (PDHPE Coordinator).

Mr Josh Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Visual Arts News

National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice
Last year two of our talented Visual Arts students were selected for the National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice. Brooke Webber was selected for the Painting Studio Practice and Ruby Smith was selected for the Ceramic Studio Practice. In NSW there are approximately 8500 students studying Visual Arts for their HSC and from that, only 112 students from 70 high schools across the NSW were selected for the program. The students were tutored by 10 practising artists, working in the arts industry and exhibiting commercially.

The artists instructed the students in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and ceramics. The program concluded last Saturday with an exhibition showcasing the student body of works. Brooke and Ruby are among the 112 students in the State that have completed the extension unit for Visual Arts HSC that is only offered at National Art School. We are proud of their progress and that they have taken the opportunity to learn from some exceptional practising artists. We look forward to seeing their completed HSC body of work in the future. 

Mrs Belinda Taylor
Visual Arts Teacher

Year 10 Vaccinations

The NSW School Vaccination Program will be onsite at the College for Year 10, Tuesday, 24 May. Students will be given Meningococcal ACWY.
Students are to wear their full College Sports uniform.

All students in Year 10 will 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 signed vaccination form, they will not be vaccinated. 

If your child has recently recovered from COVID and is feeling well, they are able to receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine. If you have any concerns relating to this, please contact your local GP or local Public Health Unit to discuss further.

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

ANZAC Day - Thank You

Thank you to the many students and staff who participated in a range of Services and Marches to mark and commemorate ANZAC Day. Thank you also to the parents who helped to make this day possible.

The participation of so many young people is very encouraging and is greatly appreciated by the organisers, the returned servicemen and women present and the communities in which the events took place.  

A large number of students from Years T-12 and staff participated in the March and Service at Picton.  Mikaela Adams of Year 12 read the Lord’s Prayer during the Service. Our College Captain, Joshua Phillips and Primary Captain, Kiah Evans laid a wreath on behalf of the College. Mr Norman represented the College by delivering the benediction at the service. 

ANZAC Day morning saw a small group of students and staff attend the Camden Dawn Service, where our students participated in the laying of a wreath. 

The College was also well represented at the Camden ANZAC Day March.  

At Hill Top Dawn Service the address was delivered by Ellie Shaw of Year 11. 

Five students attended Taara Gardens, RSL LifeCare Nursing Home at Thirlmere, Sunday, 24 April and took part in the Commemoration Service where Brook Whyte of Year 12 read the Prayer for the Queen, Jessica Fraser of Year 11 read the Prayer for the Nation, Hayden Stone of Year 11 read the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Sarah Young of Year 10 and Tylan Stone of Year 7 laid the wreath

Our staff and students also participated in both the dawn service and march at Mittagong. 

Mr Doug Hewitt
ANZAC Day Coordinator

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Library News

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 15 May
The Book Club Issue 3 catalogue will be handed out this week during Primary Library Lessons. Secondary students can find them at Student Reception and Johnson and Flynn Libraries. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary select their usual class. All orders are to be made online or through the LOOP App. Orders are due Sunday, 15 May.

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

Recruitment

www.wac.nsw.edu.au/employment

LOWES Sale

P&F Clothing Pool

We really need some more parents to volunteer at the Clothing Pool!
The P&F Clothing Pool is a great resource for all families and we need more volunteers to keep it open every College morning. Clothing Pool is an easy way to help the College community and meet some lovely parents/grandparents. Make it part of your morning drop off routine. Choose a morning that suits you. Open Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am. Please come and see us at White Cottage or call Melissa on 0415 402 013 to ask any questions or to volunteer.

Seeking Donations
With a growing College, we are always in need of uniform donations. Please check your cupboards for any uniform items that have been outgrown and drop them into us at the Clothing Pool or Student Reception. We particularly need Sports tracksuit pants and jackets, small sizes are out of stock at the moment.

New Socks & Ties 
We stock brand new socks and ties for Transition through to Year 10
Years 11 & 12 girls' socks - we have some brand new “seconds” available for $2.00 per pair.

EFTPOS Only
We are only accepting card payments. If you are unable to attend the College, we can process payments over the phone. 

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

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator
0415 402 013

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.

Youth Week Outdoor Movie Night
Let’s chill out, enjoy a snack and watch Disney’s Encanto for Youth Week 2022.#wedonttalkaboutbruno 
Come out to The Oaks Hall this Saturday, 30 April, bring a chair or picnic rug and enjoy FREE popcorn. Pre-book to secure a place- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-week-outdoor-movie-night-tickets-320406272787  

Skate workshops at Warragamba skate park
Come out to Warragamba Skate Park on Saturday, 7 May to learn some new skills and have fun.

The team from Skate Now will be there to teach you everything you want to know about skating!  Book in for our new Skate Sessions at- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wollondilly-skate-sessions-tickets-321108804077   

Don't forget to sign the waiver- https://skate-now.com.au/waiver/  

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