Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 9 - Friday, 24 June 2022

Message from the Headmaster

I think that being a Headmaster is the greatest job in the world; I truly love it! This week I was able to experience a few particular highlights. Firstly, I have been enjoying visiting our Kindergarten classes each week and reading a story to them. We always have great fun and our Kindergarten children are so well behaved, and they ask great questions as well. Secondly, I was able to watch our WAC Dance Company perform at the MISA Dance Festival, and they were superb. It was not only great fun to watch, but they were also technically excellent; the choreography was entertaining, they used all of the space available and their timing was perfect. Well done to every one of you and a huge thank you to Ms Kara Valente who has prepared our dancers by instilling a strong work ethic and a disciplined commitment to excellence. The WAC Dance Company provided a stand-out performance on the day. Thirdly, it is simply a great experience to just walk around our amazing College. I get to see students learning or having fun in the playground (which are amazing thanks to our Property Team), observing the positive interactions our students and staff have with each other, feeling proud of the way our students wear their uniforms and represent WAC so well. This really is the greatest job in the world.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster's Report

Assessment and Reporting at Wollondilly
Assessment is an important part of student learning and can be defined as ‘the collection and evaluation of evidence of a student's learning’ (NESA 2017).

Assessment is far more than a mark and can be used to answer a whole range of questions for the student, the teacher and the parent. Teachers integrate assessment into their programs which is often referred to as assessment for learning. Teachers use this to help plan meaningful and appropriate learning activities. We also strongly encourage students to engage with assessment as a reflective tool and help them plan their own learning which helps students to take responsibility for the learning process. Finally, teachers use assessment of learning as evidence of students learning against outcomes and performance bands. 

In determining grades, teachers will use both Informal Assessment and Formal Assessment. Please reflect on the Academic Grades provided on reports as well as the effort grades. 

Student Diary 
At Wollondilly, we encourage students to take responsibility for their learning. An important part of this is developing organisational skills through the use of the Student Diary. Students should be writing relevant assessment dates in their Diaries so they can plan well for busy times of the year. Parents are reminded to check and sign their child's Diary weekly.

As we conclude Semester 1 with the distribution of reports, it is a great time to reflect on whether there has been diligence and sustained effort and look to plan for ways to improve in Semester 2.

Semester 1 Formal Assemblies
I am looking forward to celebrating the achievement of our students in a whole range of fields from academic, sporting, College Contribution and co-curricular next week at the Formal Assemblies. Parents of students who are being recognised have been sent invitations. 

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Middle Pastoral Care News

Year 7 & Year 8 Cyber Safety Seminar
Senior Constables Melanie Sumerta and Kate Gandy from the Camden Police Area Command attended the College and delivered a Cyber Safety Presentation to students in Year 7 and Year 8 this week. The presentation provided a balanced perspective of technology, providing information about both its benefits and its challenges.

During this presentation students learned about:

• What they should and shouldn’t upload onto social media
• What is cyberbullying and what should they do if they are being bullied online
• The types of images that are appropriate and inappropriate to post online
• Strategies students can use if they encounter these situations and people that they can contact for support.

How you can help

• Be aware of how your children are interacting online. 
• Ensure what they are engaging with online is age-appropriate, as this impacts behaviour.
• Monitor their social media conversations and online search history.
• Have conversations with your children around what is appropriate or inappropriate behaviour.
• Talk to them about how to solve situations effectively.
• Put consequences in place to address issues.
• Encourage your child to be proactive in reporting disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour.

The following websites may contain some helpful information that will assist you with ensuring your child is safe and respectful online.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens 

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Challenging_behaviour_teenagers/

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Mr Stuart Houweling
Middle Pastoral Care Coordinator 5-8

Performing Arts News

Dance Company
Congratulations to the WAC Dance Company students who performed their dance work 'Artiste' amazingly at the MISA Dance Festival on Tuesday, 21 June. It was a thoroughly entertaining routine that ‘wowed’ the audience with costumes, lighting and all!

The students are commended for their hard work throughout the many weeks of rehearsals and for what they produced on stage. Thank you to the families, friends, Mr Norman and other members of the community who watched and supported the girls at the event, it was greatly appreciated.

We continue to wish the Dance Company well as they prepare for their first Eisteddfod next weekend in Wollongong. The students are competing in the school division/category and I know Miss Valente and the students are working extremely hard preparing for this Eisteddfod.

Parents should have already been notified via the Edumate App regarding information for this competition and I encourage parents to reply to this ASAP. As this is a public competition, it is a ticketed event. Miss Valente and I are encouraging parents and the wider WAC community to support these girls by purchasing a ticket.

The event is on Saturday, 2 July (the first Saturday of the upcoming holiday period).

Tickets are ON SALE NOW via merrigong.com.au

All Tickets are $15.00 (If the dancers would like to enter the theatre after their performance, they must purchase a ticket.) Tickets are General Admission - Not Allocated Seating.

Thirlmere Festival of Steam - College Cheer and College Strings
Our College Cheer (Years 5-10) and College Strings (Years 7-12) groups are performing/participating at the upcoming Thirlmere Festival of Steam. The Festival was postponed due to weather conditions earlier in the year. The groups will be at the Festival on Sunday, 26 June.

The College Strings will perform on stage at 10.30 am. They are to meet Ms Bridge at the College tent at 10.00 am. (Parents should pick their children back up at the College Tent at approximately 11.00 am)

The College Cheer group will be participating in the parade and are scheduled to meet Mrs Kluit, Mrs Turner and Mrs Evans at the College Tent at 10.00 am. They will receive accessories/props for their Cheer routine in the parade on the day. All students should have received their costumes this week via Mr Grant. Parents should pick their children up at the College Tent at approximately 11.45 am-12.00 pm. Both groups will then proceed to their designated areas for their respective performances.

Performing Arts Group Rehearsal Schedule
See below our current rehearsal schedule of our Performing Arts groups.

Please note that some groups have the word ‘Primary’ and other groups have the word ‘College’. Groups that have the word ‘Primary’ are focused on students in our Primary Years (mainly Years 3-6). Groups that have the word ‘College’ are focused on students in our Secondary Years (mainly Years 7-12). The only exception to this is College Cheer which is open to students in Years 5-10.

College Musical Update - Shrek - Final Rehearsal
A general reminder to the Secondary cast that the final rehearsal for this term is next Monday, 27 June. Students should continue to meet staff under the shelter at 2.45 pm for the rehearsal before we move to designated areas.

Set Design students will continue to meet Mrs Ware at Melba 3 classroom at 2.45 pm on Monday, 27 June as well.

Junior Chorus Signups
Information regarding Junior Chorus signups was made available to the students this week and students in Year 5 and Year 6 are encouraged to sign up if they wish to be a part of the cast. Students will join the rehearsals in Term 3.

Holiday Rehearsals (between Terms 3 and 4)
A friendly reminder to parents and students of the cast that during the second week of the holiday period between Terms 3 and 4, we will have rehearsals. Please see the details below:

Monday, 3 October (Public Holiday)
Tuesday, 4 October - Friday, 7 October (9.00 am - 4.30 pm each day)

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Thirlmere Festival of Steam - Parade Details

Please note that due to Council decisions regarding the structure of the Parade at this year's Festival of Steam, the normal participation of students in the Parade will NOT occur. A move to a themed parade with a focus on particular school groups has been Council's decision for this year.

The students from the College who are involved with this year's Parade have already been informed. Only students involved with the groups in the Parade or performing on stage are expected to attend and will receive a merit.

Apologies for any confusion surrounding this event. 

Creative Arts & Languages News

Subject Selections
The Creative Arts team have been speaking with students in Year 10 and Year 8 about their options for subject selection and strongly encourage all students to include at least one Creative Arts subject amongst their subject choices. Why?

Creative Arts is good for you and can help you achieve...

• It supports brain function and development
  https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/how-creativity-works-in-the-brain-report.pdf
• It helps with stress and mental load management
  https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-8109-y
• It explicitly trains you to develop employable skills (collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, confidence)
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iRH9JbrmiVxJAfmeZL4B2b8fu2fal6hw/view?usp=sharing
• We have a record of high-level achievement in Creative Arts subjects at Wollondilly Anglican College (HSC Band 6s, HSC Showcase Nominations and students achieving their best HSC course results in our subjects)
• It gives you a voice and a healthy way to express your ideas and feelings
• It's fun and will provide you with memorable experiences (like performances and excursions) as part of your education.
  

HSC Dance
Last Friday, the 2022 Year 12 Dance class got to see their HSC Core Appreciation Dance Work 'Terrain' by Bangarra Dance Theatre performed live on its 10th Anniversary at the Sydney Opera House. This was a wonderful experience for the students as they were able to witness the work up close and immerse themselves in the significance of Dance storytelling. 

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Creative Arts & LOTE Coordinator

SLR Outdoor Recreation Camp

Cockatoo Island, once home to convicts and then shipbuilders, was the site for our inaugural Outdoor Recreation camp for students studying Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR). After setting up our tents, students raced around the island to complete the permanent orienteering course. Josiah and Alex finished in record time. Leila and Hayden fired up the BBQ and ensured all the students were well fed. The views of the city, which included the Sydney Harbour Bridge alight with “Vivid” colour, were spectacular. With the island practically to ourselves, we enjoyed the campfire S’Mores and snacks provided by Jayde and Dante.

Although chilly overnight, the weather was remarkable – sunshine and no wind – perfect weather for sailing. Our skipper, David, welcomed us aboard “Surprise” – a Seawind 1000 Catamaran. Students had the opportunity to learn about different sailing terminology and help raise and lower the sails all whilst enjoying the beautiful harbour. Special thanks also to Mr Roberts for his support and encouragement. 

Mrs Erica Bawden
Year 9 Patron & Secondary Teacher

Year 11 PDHPE First Aid

On Friday, 17 June, the Year 11 PDHPE class completed their formal First-Aid Certificate at the College. Students undertook some prior online learning and then engaged in the one-day course, which included both a theoretical and practical assessment. Ms Huxtable and Mrs Cochrane and I also completed the course alongside the students. It was a very worthwhile day that will prove valuable for the class when they commence their course option of first aid.

Mr Joshua Hewitt
PDHPE Coordinator

Year 9 & Year 10 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Technology this Term have been looking at the unit 'Food Equity'. This unit is where they explore food production and distribution and the factors that cause individuals to experience food inequity. Students had the challenge for their most recent assessment to prepare a main meal and dessert that would feed a family with one of two mystery boxes containing some basic ingredients and kitchen staples. Students are commended for the way they rose to the challenge and showed creativity with limited ingredient options

Year 10 Food Technology over the last two terms have studied Food Product Development and
Food Service and Catering. Through these units, they had the challenge of developing a food
product that would be suitable to be sold in a food truck, develop a menu, and create an advertisement for
their food truck as they look at the truck as a food service and catering operation. Students
have created professional-looking advertisements and creative food ideas.

Ms Emily Taylor
TAS Coordinator

Year 9

Year 10

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Transition (Pre-K) News

This term, students in Transition have been learning about the College and local community for their Geography unit on ‘Places’. Students have been visiting places around the College including the Administration building, Johnson Dance Studio, and Fred’s Shed and will have a special cooking lesson in the Hospitality kitchen.

Last week, volunteers from the Buxton RFS visited Transition and spoke to them about their important role in the community and how to be safe if there is a fire. Students also had the opportunity to see the fire truck and learn about how the fire hose works. Transition have been thoroughly enjoying this unit and can’t wait to learn more!

Mrs Barnes, Mrs Belusic & Mrs Clayton
Transition Teachers

Little Elves Vacation Care Program 18-22 July

WAC Country Fair Stall Holders

Recruitment - Mathematics Teacher

P&F Clothing Pool

With all this wet weather, it is a good idea to have some spare uniform items at home.
Come and say hello and see how we can help you!

Volunteers Needed
Come and join the friendly team at the P&F Clothing Pool! We are currently looking for volunteers to help out on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings from 7.45 am to 8.30 am. If you are interested, please contact Melissa on 0415 402 013.

Donations
We have greatly appreciated your donations of high quality and clean uniforms. If you would like to make a donation, please leave your items at the Clothing Pool in the mornings or at Student Reception.

EFTPOS Only
The P&F Clothing Pool only accepts card payments. EFTPOS, VISA, Mastercard or use your phone with Apple or Google Pay. Payments can also be accepted 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

College Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

SIMEC Mining

Tahmoor Colliery is an underground coal mine producing high-quality coal for steel production. Tahmoor Coal is a proud supporter of local charities, businesses, organisations and schools; and is committed to responsible mining operations, and taking care of the community and environment.

Phone: 02 4640 0100 (within office hours) 1800 154 415 (after hours)
Email: tahmoorenquiries@simecgfg.com
Web: www.tahmoorcoal.com.au

Double Gold Sponsors

Little Elves Childcare Centre

T/ Little Elves OOSH

Bargo Public School

Ph: 0487 000 245

Email: littleelvesoosh@gmail.com

Thirlmere Quality Timbers

http://www.thirlmerequalitytimbers.com.au/

60 Oaks Road Thirlmere, NSW, 2572

Phone: Deb 0417 486 522

Office 02 46841 8580

Email: sales@thirlmerequalitytimbers.com.au

About our business:

We supply quality rural hardwood fencing products and quality seasoned firewood sourced from sustainable regrowth forests. We produce 90% of our stock on-site and strive to supply the best timber products in the area to our customers.

The Associates Insurance Broking Services Pty Ltd

Address: PO Box 56, Bowral NSW 2576

ABN: 90 638 881 660

Contact Person Name: Victoria Holt (Company EA)

Email address: victoria.holt@is-insurance.com.au

Insurance Investment Solutions Pty Ltd

Address: PO Box 56, Bowral NSW 2576

ABN: 94 604 594 345

Contact Person Name: Victoria Holt (Company EA)

Email address: Victoria.holt@is-insurance.com.au

About our business:

Insurance Investment Solutions (IIS) opened its doors for business in 2017 and quickly built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialist underwriting agencies. We provide brokers with market-leading insurance solutions.

Gold Sponsors



Silver Sponsors

Tahmoor Garden Centre

Church Services

Wollondilly Anglican Church
Our church services are all held at St Stephen’s Thirlmere at 9.30 am and 4.30 pm. Both are family services and all ages are welcome. 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 Cultural Precinct, a space everyone can enjoy!
Things are progressing with the Wollondilly Cultural Precinct and we are ready to develop concept designs for Stage 2 works. We want to hear from you to help design some of the key community and civic spaces that make up the Wollondilly Cultural Precinct including the village green, library and Government Services Building.

We want to understand how you and your family would like to use these spaces, what community activities you would like to see take place there and to discuss ideas for how we can create a vibrant and lively Precinct that everyone can enjoy.

Want to know more?
Head to www.yoursay.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au for more info.

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

HSC Seminars
Our Seminars covering Maths (Standard), Maths (Advanced) and English (all levels) will get you prepared to ace your upcoming Trials.

Places are strictly limited in these FREE sessions.

Book now to secure your place- https://www.library.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/youth#hsc

Healthy Eating/ Nutrition Online workshop
Want to learn how to cook healthy meals from a professional in the comfort of your own home?

We have a free online Nutrition/Healthy Eating workshop for 18 -30 year-olds which includes certificates of participation, healthy food and nutrition activities, food cooking demonstrations while you cook along with free food which has been delivered to your home.

There are limited places, book now!

https://innersparq.com.au/2-nutrition-healthy-eating-workshop-wollondilly-shire-council/

Mittagong Junior Disco  
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street
Date: Saturday, 25 June    
Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Age: 0-14

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.