Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 4 - Friday, 20 May 2022

Message from the Headmaster

NAPLAN
This week, our students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 completed a series of NAPLAN assessments. These assessments provide our College with valuable feedback about our students' learning over two year periods. These assessments target essential skills in literacy and numeracy that our students have been learning over many years. While it provides helpful feedback to our teachers, it should not be seen as the most important feedback on any individual students' learning progress. The NAPLAN assessments are simply point-in-time feedback. Some students perform better than expected, and some students underperform according to their own expectations. We encourage all students to do their best, to continue to strive for learning and improvement in every lesson, and to work hard in all class work, homework, classroom assessments and even NAPLAN. We enjoy looking over NAPLAN results, identifying students who have shown improvement, or have demonstrated limited improvement. It helps us to continue to refine our teaching, to support particular students who may need additional guidance, and to continue our important work of preparing students for great learning now and in the future. 

Secondary Athletics
On Friday our secondary students will be enjoying, we hope, a warm, sunny day of running, throwing and jumping in a variety of athletic pursuits. Our students are encouraged to get involved in as many events as possible and enjoy participating as much as competing. We pray that the day will be a safe, competitive and fun day where students can demonstrate their sporting gifts and positive attitudes.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From The Deputy

Student-Teacher Communication - Have a Good Conversation!

The Last Samurai, Katsumoto  ‘This is a very good conversation’.

Over the last two years, we have needed to make use of different forms of communication (for example email, seesaw and canvas). While these all served a purpose when we were in periods of lockdown, they certainly aren’t the most effective or time-efficient way to communicate. 

Since the College has returned to full-time face-to-face teaching this year we have noticed that many students have continued to use electronic means of communication with their teachers. This should only happen in a small number of circumstances, such as the student being absent due to sickness.

Students have multiple face-to-face interactions with their teachers across a week and I would encourage students to make use of this time to be asking questions and having good conversations.  A face-to-face conversation is much more effective and time-efficient and allows for clarification and interpretation of body language. Before sending an email to a teacher please consider….

1. Will my question be answered by carefully reading instructions on the assessment outline or marking criteria?
2. Will one of my friends be able to answer the question?
3. Will my teacher be able to answer this question quickly and easily in written form or might it require a conversation?
4. Do I need an answer quickly? (if so, email is not effective, as a teacher may not respond for up to 48 hours or on weekends. You shouldn’t be emailing a teacher the day before an assessment task is due).

Please remember that some teachers will be teaching more than 150 students each week and they are working hard at producing great lessons as well as marking tasks and helping out in a whole range of extra-curricular activities at the College. It is also important that they prioritise time with their families outside of work hours. Students are reminded to please support teachers by having a good conversation when you see them at the College and only emailing when absolutely necessary.

RAHT Kit Collection
If you are yet to do so, I would encourage parents to collect any outstanding RAHT Kits from Student Reception. The College still has a significant number of these that have not been collected. The use of RAHT Kits are a quick and convenient way to detect COVID-19 and can help to prevent an outbreak in our community.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Secondary News

Explicit Instruction
Across the College, teachers in both Primary and Secondary have been looking at and continuing to develop their skills in ‘Explicit Instruction’ as a method of teaching their lessons. The ultimate aim of using the Explicit Instruction model is to improve the learning outcomes of students and to improve the delivery of lesson content. Explicit Instruction is a concept that has been part of the College’s Educational Framework for some time, however, it is an area that the College has chosen to focus on. It will include regular professional learning as well as teacher observation designed to improve their professional practice. I explained to students at a recent Secondary Assembly the elements involved in Explicit Instruction and explained why they might see more than one teacher in their class during a lesson.

Elevate Education – Year 7 Seminars
Elevate Education are coming to the College to present a session on time management and basic study skills. Often students when they begin their time in the Secondary Years will feel challenged to manage their homework from the various teachers and subjects, as well as additional assignments. Students may need assistance to form a balanced approach to their studies. The time that the students will spend with Elevate Education will give them some tips and strategies to ensure they learn to manage their time well, how to study and how to adopt strategies to help them in not only Year 7 but throughout the Secondary Years.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Secondary Sports News

MISA Round 3
The weather stayed clear and we were able to get all matches in this week. The Senior Boys' Rugby League side had a hard-fought 8-4 win over Mount Carmel Catholic College. Their defence was the stand out this week with Tane McDonald and James Parry leading the way. In Basketball both our Years 7-9 Boys' and Girls' sides had close wins over Broughton Anglican College whilst the Boys' Hockey side cruised to a 4-0 win. Our Girls' Indoor Cricket side continues to improve with some impressive batting in their 41 run win over William Carey Christian School. Unfortunately both our Soccer sides had losses despite a great goal from Jayde Gitto and some fantastic goalkeeping from Sienna Lopez. Our Ultimate Frisbee side also had their best match yet but couldn’t overcome Broughton Anglican College, going down 7-14. 

NASSA Cross Country
NASSA Cross Country will take place on Thursday. 26 May. All students who qualified should have received the event information on the College App. Please ensure permission is granted ASAP. Parents are encouraged to attend and if you are planning to drive your child to the event, please ensure this is indicated in the notes section. A reminder that the highest placed student in each age group at NASSA will also be named College Age Champion.

CIS Representatives - Lauren O’Sullivan, Dante Machiavello and PJ French
Congratulations to Lauren O’Sullivan and Dante Machiavello who were both recently selected in NSW CIS Sides. Lauren made the U/15 Girls' AFL side and is the inaugural WAC student to be selected for the CIS AFL side. Dante has been a member of the CIS Softball Side for many years now and it is great to see him back competing at a high level after battling injury. PJ was selected to attend the NSW CIS U/15 Rugby League Training Camp. This will be a great experience and we wish him the best as he aims to make the final 20.

AICES Football (Soccer)
Last Friday we had three students, Domonique Guido, Madeline Noble and Cydney Todd, representing NASSA at the AICES Football Championships. Domonique was a member of the Open Boys' side whilst Madeline and Cydney were a part of the U15 Girls' side. Both girls had a fantastic championship, coming together to win all of the Pool Games. Unfortunately, a loss in the Semi-Final prevented them from going any further in the competition.

Volleyball Gala Day:
We have several Volleyball Gala Days coming up in the next few weeks for both boys and girls in Junior and Senior teams. Trial dates are still being finalised. Once they have been determined, further information and a Google Form for nominations will be communicated to students via email and daily broadcasts. 

Upcoming Events:
WAC Athletics Carnival - 20 May
NASSA Cross Country - 26 May
AICES Cross Country - 1 June
Years 10-12 NASSA Volleyball - 3 June
Years 7-9 NASSA Volleyball - 17 June

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator 7-12

Primary Sports News

IPSSO
Next week's IPSSO match is away against Broughton Anglican College at the grounds. Parents are welcome to spectate, however, please remember to sign in using the QR code. 

When placing a lunch order with the Canteen, IPSSO students will need to state clearly that they require an EARLY LUNCH. This allows students to collect their lunch before they depart for away games.

Primary NASSA Cross-Country - Thursday, 26 May
A group of WAC students will be representing the College at NASSA Cross Country. Students are reminded to wear their full College sports uniform. The bus will be departing the College at 10.35 am. The bus will return from the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at around 3.45 pm.

Primary Athletics Carnival - Friday, 27 May 
The WAC Primary Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday, 27 May on the WACA. Students are reminded to wear their House sports shirts for the day. Any students competing in the 800m race will need to indicate this on the digital permission note that was issued last week. Competitors in the 800m will need to be on the WACA by 8 am sharp to begin the race. All other students will need to meet their class teachers at 8.10 am so they can walk up to the WACA in their Year Groups.

Community Sport - NSW Judo Representative
Congratulations to Wollondilly’s Abbey Cook for making the NSW State Team for Judo. This is a massive achievement! Abbey will be attending the National Championships on the Gold Coast from 10-13 June 2022. Abbey has had an unbeaten run so far this year, not losing a fight to win all qualifying competitions. Pressure is on to defend her last year's National title.

We know Abbey will make, not only the WAC community but the great State of NSW very proud. Good luck Abbey!

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator T-6

Year 11 Camp

Year 11 enjoyed their time away at the Year 11 Camp last week, with students reporting "it was the best camp ever". Students braved the cold and drizzly weather as they spent time undertaking leadership exercises on Manly Beach before shopping for the $5.00 challenge. This involved planning and cooking food for three meals on a very tight budget. The students also participated in workshops about homelessness and experienced a night of 'sleeping rough' in Woolloomooloo.

The final day had the hotly anticipated 'Amazing Race' which involved nearly four hours of scavenger hunt type tasks using much of Sydney's public transport. A big thanks to the Boomerang Adventures team for hosting us all and also a thank you to the staff who gave up their time – Mr van Netten, Mr Roberts, Mrs Mozejko, Mrs Miller, Mr Grant, Mrs Madden, and Mr Hart

Mr Daniel Aquilina
Year 11 Patron & Humanities Teacher

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English News

Genre Fun In Year 8 English
This Term Year 8 has been undertaking a study of Genre. Each class has been exploring the ways that composers use certain generic conventions by reading and engaging with a wide variety of texts.
This week, both Ms Bodor and Mrs Norman's classes participated in a crime-solving lesson to enhance their understanding of the crime fiction genre. Students had to work in groups to examine a range of pieces of evidence and clues in order to solve the crime that had occurred. They then needed to present their findings to the class, justifying their reasons as to who committed the crime and why. 

Mrs Sarah Wellington
English Coordinator

Years 11 & 12 Parent Teacher Evening

All parents with students in Year 11 or Year 12 should now have received an email with instructions on how to book online parent-teacher interviews on 31 May and 2 June. Your availability for these interviews needs to be submitted by 5.00 pm Thursday, 26 May. On Friday, 27 May you will then be sent details of your parent-teacher booking(s). Any changes to the bookings can be made up until 8.00 am on Monday, 30 May and the Zoom links for these meetings will be sent out after this. 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

Performing Arts News

Musical Rehearsal Reminder
A reminder that we have our next rehearsal for Shrek on Monday, 23 May, again meeting staff under the Shelter at 2.45 pm to have names marked off before moving to the designated rehearsal area. The students have been making great progress with their character traits and movement in the Act 1 scenes. 

I am looking forward to furthering the progress the students make into the back half of this Term.
Students in Year 5 and Year 6 should start to think about whether they would like to join the Musical cast as we will be advertising for expressions of interest soon.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

College Photo Day

The College Photo Day will take place on Thursday, 2 June 2022 for Transition 2 Day - Year 12. Transition 3 Day students will have their photos taken on Wednesday, 1 June 2022.

If you have a child in a Transition 3 Day class and would like to order a photo with their sibling at the College, this can be organised for Wednesday, 1 June between 7.50 am and 8.10 am in the College Cafeteria. Please have your children ready in their full College Winter Uniform at the Cafeteria prior to the photo. Siblings in Years 3-6 will need to change into their College Sports Uniform after the photo has been taken. Please email me at a.hitchins@wac.nsw.edu.au to book in for the photo.

Sibling photos for all other students from Transition 2 Day - Year 12 will take place on Thursday, 2 June during Recess and Lunch in Deakin 2 & 3 (see below). You do not need to email me to book in for this photo.

Please have your older child collect the younger sibling/s and take them to Deakin 2 & 3 for the photo.

Sibling photos on Thursday, 2 June are split into two groups based on the first letter of the oldest sibling’s surname.

Recess – Surname A-L
Lunch – Surname M-Z

Students must bring their completed Sibling Photo Envelopes with them on the day. These can be collected from Student Reception.

The Sibling Photo sessions are strictly for Sibling Photos, not friend groups.

Please read the attached PDF for our College Uniform Expectations for Photo Day.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

Family Chapel & Dinner

Family Chapel & Dinner - Thursday, 9 June
Dinner 5.00 pm; Chapel 6.00 pm
Our next Family Chapel is to be held on Thursday, 9 June and will have a Kindergarten to Year 4 focus. We particularly encourage parents/carers and family members of students in Kindergarten to Year 4 to join us in the Warne Auditorium for an exciting evening of fun and fellowship. Our very own Kindergarten to Year 4 students will be performing for us and we will be having some special visitors from Quiz Worx to share stories about Jesus and entertain us. While the focus is on Years K-4, all members of the College Community are welcome to attend the Chapel.

The P&F will be serving dinner before the Chapel with hot dogs and drinks. So we are able to cater for everyone, please go onto the link below in TryBooking and register for your hot dog and drink. Remember to register for each family member who wishes to eat. If you have any problems with your booking, please contact Mrs Hay at the Office.
https://www.trybooking.com/BZMBU

Mrs Carolyn Clark
Family Chapel Coordinator

Food Allergy Week

Food Allergy week in Australia kicks off across Australia on Sunday, 22 May. This week aims to improve community understanding of food allergies and raise awareness through the organisation Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia. It is important that the wider community is aware of and understands allergies so that they can help those at risk.

We have many students at Wollondilly that have anaphylaxis. You can help support students at risk of Anaphylaxis in the following ways:

• Educate your child about food allergies so they understand why they should only eat their own food and why they should not share their food with other students
• Ensure your child's lunchbox and drink bottle are clearly labelled with your child's name
• Do not bring in food treats as gifts for birthdays or other special celebrations such as Christmas or Easter
• Be allergy aware and avoid packing any recess/lunch items that contain nuts or nut products
• Encouraging your child to wash their hands before and after eating.
• Educate your child about the importance of getting help immediately if their friend with an allergy looks sick

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Library News

National Simultaneous Storytime Event Wednesday, 25 May
Next Wednesday, 25 May will be our first big Library event for the year, National Simultaneous Storytime. This is an annual event of the Australian Library and Information Association, to promote Australian authors, reading and literacy. More than 1 million children take part in ‘NSS’ across the country each year. In the morning, our Deputy Headmaster, Mr Burns will read the book to Kindergarten in the Cook Library. Then, after lunch, all of Years T-2 will watch a performance by Year 9 Drama of this year’s book ‘Family Tree’ written by Josh Pike and Illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh. This is a wonderful tradition we have at the College. This will be Year 9’s first public performance, and Years T-2 students will have the opportunity to watch live theatre.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

We're Hiring!

www.wac.nsw.edu.au/employment

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.

Wollondilly Shire Wide Flood Study
The draft Wollondilly Shire Wide Flood Study is currently in Public Exhibition – thank you to everyone who contributed knowledge of flooding history and rainfall amounts in Wollondilly.

The Flood Study uses the latest topographic data and modelling techniques as well as local knowledge from our community, in an effort to better understand the nature and extent of flood risk across Wollondilly Shire. It’s part of a process that will lead to later Flood Risk Management Studies and enable Council to determine the best mitigation options to include in future Risk Management Plans.

Take a look at the draft study, and let us know if the mapping and information is consistent with your observations and experience.

PLUS we are seeking more detailed information about flooding around Appin, Tahmoor and The Oaks. Drop a pin on the online map, or join us at a drop-in session.

• The Oaks Community Hall | Wednesday 18 May | Drop in any time between 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• Appin AIS Community Hall | Tuesday 24 May | Drop in any time between 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• Tahmoor CWA Community Hall | Thursday 26 May | Drop in any time from 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Please visit Council’s engagement platform www.yoursay.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au or call 4677 1100 to find out more.

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

Wollondilly’s Plans for the Future – Have Your Say
Council is planning for Wollondilly’s future – and with the help of community input, we have updated our Community Strategic Plan and supporting strategies to reflect the community’s aspirations, priorities and needs.

Currently, we are inviting feedback on the vision, objectives, priority projects and resourcing of these long-term, medium-term and short-term plans:

• Community Strategic Plan (10 years)
• Delivery Program (4 years)
• Resourcing Strategy – Long Term Financial Plan (10 years), Asset Management Strategy (10 years), Workforce Management Plan (4 years)
• Operational Plan & Budget (1 year)
• Capital Works Program (5 years)

Join Council staff at a Community Drop-in Information Session; drop in any time between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm.

• Warragamba Town Hall – 19 May 2022
• Wilton Public School Hall – 25 May 2022 (please enter from the car park)

Visit Council’s engagement platform Your Say Wollondilly for more information, to view the documents, and share your thoughts.

Youth Week Skate Lessons
Join us at Tahmoor Skate Park to celebrate Youth Week 2022. Skate Now will be showing all the tricks and tips to mastering skateboarding. Come down to Tahmoor Skate Park to pick up some new skills and have fun!!

When: Saturday, 28 May
Where: Tahmoor Skate Park
Time: 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Women’s FREE Aviation Job Skills Workshop,
Join us while we share Airport & Aviation career pathways, training options and skill requirements. The workshop includes interview skills coaching- including CV and application writing with aviation terminology and tips on how to apply for airport & aviation jobs. Only 50 places, so reserve your spot now.
Morning tea will be provided.

When: Thursday, 9 June 2022
Where: Wollondilly Shire Hall, 60 Menangle Street, Picton  NSW 2571
Time: 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

For more info and to book- www.empoweringwsw.com.au/events

Interview with Confidence
This free interview workshop is for young people aged 14-24 years old as part of the Youth Upskill project. Interview with Confidence will cover-

• Interview preparation
• Common questions and best answers
• STAR method to structure answers
• Strengths and areas of development
• Tricks when you don't know the answer
• Do's and Dont's
• Mock Interview

When: Wednesday, 15 June
Where: Wollondilly Library, 44 Menangle Street, Picton
Time- 4.30 pm- 6.00 pm

Mittagong Junior Disco  

Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street
Date: Saturday, 28 May     
Times: 4.00 pm-6.00 pm
Cost: $5.00

Please note that all money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community. We hope to see you there. Thank you as always for your ongoing support.

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