Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 1 - Friday, 29 July 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Welcome back to Term 3; the start of a new Term and the start of a new semester. A message that we are reinforcing with our students is that Semester 2 is a great opportunity to practise self discipline, especially if Semester 1 included a few too many behavioural, academic or uniform infringements. I am all too aware that everyone makes mistakes, I have made plenty of them as a Student, Teacher and Headmaster. What is most important is that all students are striving to achieve great outcomes.

Sometimes it is the seemingly small details that make a big difference; the discipline of wearing the uniform well, the discipline of completing homework and assessments, the discipline of being thankful and respectful with our words. Generally speaking, these reminders are for our Secondary students; however, I believe that students of all ages can learn to practise self discipline in these ways. As I wander around both the Primary and Secondary classrooms I am encouraged that most students are embracing these high expectations and I am thankful for this.

Well done! Parents of students who attend the College as well as parents who are hoping to enrol their children regularly speak to me about the value of these high expectations and the great benefit that our students will derive from embracing these and being held accountable to them. They appreciate that our staff are working together with them to grow and develop young men and women who will make valuable and worthwhile contributions to their families, communities and workplaces.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster's Report

Year 12 Trials

I would like to wish Year 12 all the best for the trial examinations commencing next week. These are an important opportunity to refine examination technique and practice, in many cases a three hour exam. I would strongly encourage students to prioritise their time during the examination period. For many subjects these examinations form a significant part of the overall assessment mark and rank. 

Year 11 2023 Courses and Lines

Lines have now been finalised based on students preferences submitted last term. Many models have been run to ensure the maximum number of students were able to study the courses they put as their top priorities. I have distributed to students their final subject allocations. I have also met with students who have missed out on subjects that unfortunately did not have enough student interest to run. A small number of students are needing to choose courses on some lines. I have asked that they speak to their parents about this and then see me at Student Reception.

At this stage students should not be simply changing their minds in terms of their preferences. Some courses have a small number of students in the class and even 1 or 2 students wanting to change out of these courses may put in doubt the viability of  the course running.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Employment Opportunities 2023

Employment Opportunities - 2023

If you would like to apply for one of the below roles, please click on the link: www.wac.nsw.edu.au/employment

Pastoral Matters T-12

We would like to notify you that from next Monday, 1 August 2022, Picton Buslines drivers and staff will be implementing a two-week blitz on school student bus passes.

 The Transport for NSW School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) provides eligible school students with free or subsidised travel on public transport between home and school. When travelling between home and school, students must adhere to various regulations regarding passenger behaviour and the Codes of Conduct for travel by bus. One of the obligations of students is to show their travel pass or ticket when requested.

 We ask that you notify any students that catch Picton Buslines buses to and/or from school to have their physical bus passes ready to display to the driver before boarding the bus. Note that we will not accept students showing a photo of their bus pass on their phone.

 If a student is planning on catching the bus and they do not have a current valid bus pass, their pass is damaged or lost card, please inform their parents/guardians to contact our office on 02 4677 1564 or email us at info@pictonbuslines.com.au to organise a pass.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Performing Arts News

Ensembles/Groups Term 3

We have hit the ground running this term with our Performing Arts ensembles and groups. Our groups are right back into the swing of things and continue to work towards fantastic performance opportunities in the not too distant future. We are also fortunate to have Mr Law, our new Music teacher taking over the College Band this Term. 

As this is a new semester, you might be considering involvement in one of our ensembles and groups. Best practice with joining an ensemble or group should include the following elements:

1. A conversation between the student and their parents is had - this provides a great opportunity for discussion regarding time management and the importance of committing to an ensemble or group
2. A conversation between the student and the ensemble/group leader (or Mr Grant) - this gives the leader an opportunity to provide the student with any additional information that might not already be known to the student
3. The leader will add the students name to the group list/roll and parents may be notified with any additional information or permission slip via Edumate portal

Please see our Term 3 schedules below for both Primary and Secondary ensembles. 

(NOTE: all groups that have the word Primary are focused on the Primary years (K-6) and all groups that have the word College are focused on the Secondary years (7-12) with the exception of College Cheer - this is offered to students in Years 5-10).)

Musical Update

Our upcoming College Music ‘Shrek’ preparations continue this term, with our excited Junior Chorus members joining rehearsals on Monday afternoons. Rehearsals continue each Monday and conclude at 4:15pm.

With regard to pick up arrangements, we are encouraging students to wait behind the Johnson/Melba buildings in the back carpark. We are therefore asking parents to please proceed to this area to pick up your child. If students are utilising the services of the late bus, staff are on hand to accompany these students to the bus bays after rehearsal. 

As the Term progresses, the rehearsal times for secondary students (Years 7-12) in the cast may be extended but we will ensure that parents have prior notice to work on pickup arrangements for their children. 

Dance Company Eisteddfod

I am pleased to share that our wonderful Dance Company lead by Ms Valente won the Bluescope Wollongong Eisteddfod Dance Troupe section during the recent school holiday period with a score of 91/100. The performance was a modified version of their magnificent and artistic work entitled ‘Artiste’ that they performed at the MISA Dance Festival last term. It was performed beautifully and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their hard work and talents on display. 

In addition, the Year 12 students of Dance Company entered the same category and these girls also placed 3rd, with their work they performed at Mr Norman’s Commissioning Service in Term One.

Congratulations to the students and Ms Valente on this magnificent achievement at their very first competition. 

AMEB Piano Result

I am also pleased to share that Torin-Ford McGuire of Year 4 achieved an ‘A’ (Honours) result in his recent Grade 2 Piano AMEB examinations. This is a fine achievement. Torin is tutored by Mrs Dwyer, our Piano tutor at the College. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Year 7-Year 10 Online Parent-teacher interviews

Parent-teacher interviews for students in Years 7-10 are occurring via Zoom on Thursday 4, August and Wednesday, 10 August between 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm.

All parents/carers should now have received details of how to book appointments. There has been an update to booking system which has
caused some unexpected changes and you may have noticed that it states there is a per childbooking limit to how many teachers you can see. This is not correct and the only time you wouldnot be able to see all the teachers your requested is if there were not enough time slots available.

Please also note that Emily Madden and Emma Caughey who both taught Mathematics and Gabrielle Bodor who taught English have left the College and therefore there will be no
Mathematics or English interviews available for students in these classes. If you have a child in one of these classes and have concerns or questions about their progress please contact the relevant Teaching and Learning Coordinator. The Mathematic Teaching and Learning Coordinator is Joemon Philip and he can be contacted at j.philip@wac.nsw.edu.au The English Teaching and Learning Coordinator is Sarah Wellington and she can be contacted at s.wellington@wac.nsw.edu.au

To ensure that you get the best possible schedule of interviews please complete the booking process by 8.00 am on Monday, 1 August. After this individual interview schedules will be sent to parents and then the day before the interview the ZOOM links will be sent. If you need to adjust your interview times or book additional interviews then you will be able to do this up until 8.00 am the day before the interviews.

If you have not received an email about parent teacher interview or have questions about bookings you can contact me at w.baulch@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Wayne Baulch
Administration Coordinator T-12

Secondary Sports

MISA Sport

In Round 1 of the MISA competition only 3 teams had matches due to council ground closures. These matches have been postponed and will be replayed later this Term. In the matches that could proceed our Netballers started the season firing with the Year 7/8 Girls winning 12 - 9 over Oran Park Anglican College whilst the Year 9/10 Girls won 18 - 7.

Our Boys' Indoor Cricket side also faced Oran Park in Round 1 and started the season with a huge win 130-12. Alex Birkett was impressive with the ball, claiming a hattrick, whilst Emmett Shafer and Jacob Croft top scored with a partnership of 39.

 AICES Athletics

The AICES Carnival will be held in Week 7 of this Term. At the carnival additional events are run to those at the NASSA carnival. Students wishing to nominate for the Triple Jump or the 3000m event need to submit distances/times from recent competitions. Generally only times in the last season of competition will be accepted. Please note this is for high level competitors only. If you wish to submit a result please contact Mr Goldsbrough asap. 

Australian All Schools Rugby League

Throughout the holiday break PJ French of Year 10 competed at the Australian All Schools Rugby League Championships as a member of the NSW CIS side. This competition saw the best U/15 Rugby League players battle it out at Redcliffe, Queensland across the week. The CIS side played some amazing football and walked away as National Champions after a last minute kick secured the win in the Grand Final. Congratulations to PJ on this significant achievement!

NASSA Football (Soccer) Gala Day:

Unfortunately due to council ground closures next week's scheduled NASSA Football Gala Day has been cancelled. There is no information to date as to whether or not this event will be rescheduled or completely cancelled. 

Significant Student Achievements

Congratulations to Mackenzie Cook (Yr 9) and Lochlan Cook (Yr 7) who represented NSW at the Australian Judo Championships on the Gold Coast back in June. Lochlan placed third in the Senior Boys under 40kg division whilst Mackenzie placed 7th in the Female Cadets under 57kg division. A great achievement by the both of you.

Nathan Jones (Yr 8) also represented Southern Highlands at the Under 15s Hockey NSW Field State Championships in June. The competition was held in Grafton over 3 days and comprised of 32 teams from across NSW.  Nathan’s side placed 3rd in the Division 3 competition which was a great result. Well done.

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator 

Primary Sports

IPSSO

Mr Wayne’s soccer boys achieved two fantastic wins over OPAC. Juniors up 2-0 and Seniors victorious at 3-0. Great goals Will McPherson, Lachlan Malcolm and Will Rodden.

Mr Stark’s AFL teams remain undefeated with two barnstorming wins over OPAC. 

Mrs Frederick’s newcombe and volleyball teams both tasted some long awaited victories.

It was a more difficult week for Mrs Maher’s netball sides who both went down to tough opposition in OPAC. The senior netballers are still sitting in a commanding position on the table but hoping to return to their winning ways. 

Our next IPSSO match is at WAC against St Gregs. 

Bucketz at IPSSO

We thank Mrs Barker and her bucketz crew for their support of our netballers and soccer players last Wednesday. They sounded amazing and helped our soccer boys rouse to success. 

Minka van Son - CIS Representative 

Well done to Minka van Son who represented CIS at the NSWPSSA netball championships! She had a wonderful time and came away with new skills and most of all great memories. The CIS team finished 3rd overall which is an amazing achievement.

T-2 AFL

For sport throughout Term 2, T-2 students will be participating in AFL training sessions. 

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator 

Library News

Author Visit for Years 3-6

Author R.A Spratt visited the College (in person!) this week and presented a highly entertaining and informative talk to Years 3-6. R.A. Spratt  is the author of The Peski Kids, Friday Barnes, The Adventures of Nanny Piggins, and the new Shockingly Good Stories. (And, she is a Bowral local.) 

If you would like to purchase a signed copy of her books go to this website and the books will be delivered to the College: https://rasprattbooks.square.site/

Also, try her Podcast: Bedtime Stories with R.A.Spratt https://raspratt.com/__trashed/

Book Club Order Due Date: Sunday, 7 August.

Book Club Issue 5 catalogue is now available. 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 due Sunday 7th August.

Please note that the Book Club catalogue is set out with suggested age ranges for the books, each page has a different age range, with age 12+ towards the back. The College does not necessarily endorse the books available through Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

Premier’s Reading Challenge closes in August

The Challenge closes for student entries: Friday, 19 August 2022. Make sure you have finalised your online reading record by that date if you are in Years 3-9.

Book Week Parade 2022 for T-2 students

This year’s Book Week Theme is Dreaming with Eyes Open…  

The T-2 Book Parade will be on Friday, 26 August 1.35 pm. 

Students are to dress as a favourite book character and carry the book in the parade. Students will come to the College in their costumes, so practical costumes will be a consideration and enclosed shoes will be needed.  Parents are welcome to come and watch the event. Further details to come.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian 

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Adventurous Journey – 21 July to 24 July

Fifteen students and three staff set out in the dark early morning on Thursday to catch a flight to Hervey Bay for our four-day adventure.

We were not to know that all the time spent planning and bookings made weeks in advance were to be of no avail!!

The adventures began with a delayed flight, unplanned bus rides and severe weather warnings.  The itinerary was reversed so students were walking in the rain on the main land and able to enjoy the dry accommodation provided by Hervey Bay Baptist Church. This enabled students to enjoy bushwalking on Fraser Island during the warm dry weather on Saturday and Sunday.

The highlight for many students were the white sands of Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, hiking over sand dunes to the eastern beach and our vibrant 4-WD bus driver “Kev”.

The students’ flexibility and resilience were a credit to them and their families. They are real troopers – despite suffering sore feet and other ailments they soldiered on.

Congratulations to Abby Cupitt, Joshua Croft, Josiah Smiltnieks, Joshua Phillips and Aaron Landrigan for completing their qualifying Adventurous Journey.

Mrs Pauline Cochrane & Mr Craig Lobb
Organisers of D of E

P&F News

Term 3 - Week 1 2022

Next Meeting: Wednesday, 3 August

Save the date Saturday, 10 September

Country Fair is happening for 2022

CWA Cake Competition

This year the cake competition will be judged by the wonderful ladies at the Picton District CWA Branch. The competition will be run per CWA guidelines

Cakes entered cannot be sold after judging

Competition Categories per age. You can enter a higher age group, however, you are unable to go down and age group. You can choose your own recipe, however, no packet cakes are to be used.

• Infants – Best Decorated Biscuit (Arrowroot)
• Primary – Plate of 4 Decorated Cupcakes
• Years 7-9 – Plate of 4 Butterfly Cakes
• Years 10-12 – Plate of 6 pieces of slice (3 varieties)
• Open – High Tea tray, Preserves
• Open – Jam of any variety

Entry Forms will be available at the Student Reception Office soon.

Country Fair

Photo Competition 2022

Get the camera out and ready for entering into the Country Fair Photo Competition.

Age Groups

Under 8 year old, 9-12 year old, 13-16 year old, 17 +

Categories:

• People & Pets
• Sunset/Sunrise
• Sporting
• Plant Life

Entry Forms will be available at the Student Reception Office soon

Volunteers Required for

Country Fair

To help with the running of the Country Fair we are also seeking parent/carer involvement for volunteers. Once again if you are interested in helping out please give Leah Frost a call on 0413 942 243 or pandfvolunteer@wac.nsw.edu.au

2022 Country Fair amusements

• Camel Rides
• Pony Rides
• Wood Chopping
• Animal Farm
• Prizes for Cake Competition
• Prizes for Photo Competition

Silent Auctions - Seeking donations

We are seeking donations of goods or services for our silent auction. If you have a business or know of anyone whom might be able to assist please contact Mrs Deirdre Fitzsimmons on 0417 249 877 or pandfsecretary@wac.nsw.edu.au for sponsorship packages and information.

Mrs Deidre Fitzsimmons
P&F Secretary 

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool has a great selection of used College uniforms from Transition to Year 12 for purchase. Our friendly volunteers can help you Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am at White Cottage. Payment is via EFTPOS only. If you can't make it in call us on 4623 0286 or email clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Volunteers to run the shop are also needed, if you can help contact Melissa via the clothing pool email.
Donations of used uniforms are gladly accepted at the clothing pool during opening hours or can be left at Student Reception.

Have a great start to the Term!

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.