Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 3 - Friday, 12 August 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Towards the end of Term 2, I wrote about the development of our next Strategic Plan. We are still in the drafting phase and I would welcome any feedback you have about the direction we are heading. As we continue to grow towards an estimated capacity of 1350 students over the next 4+ years, we will be directing our focus on the following three strategic themes; Learning, Care and Culture.

LEARNING:
We will provide high-quality teaching in every classroom, in every lesson, so that all students experience consistently high levels of academic growth.

CARE:
Our aim is for every student to be cared for, feel connected to teachers and peers, and experience the safe, loving community that Jesus calls us to provide.

CULTURE:
We will support all staff and students, within a Christ-centred community, to achieve and contribute to the continued high expectations of the College

We believe that by focussing our efforts on these three critical themes, we will continue to build upon the excellence that is expected from Wollondilly Anglican College. We are committed to our already amazing teachers continuing to grow and improve, utilising the most effective teaching strategies available to give every student in every grade the opportunity to achieve great learning. Our teachers have been supporting our students to achieve great learning outcomes and results across all grades; results that are significantly higher than our region's average. We want to reinforce the safe and caring community that has developed over many years, a community where staff and students feel connected and experience a real sense of belonging. Finally, I believe it is the culture of Wollondilly that often sets us apart; that culture of character development, respect for each other, taking responsibility and good discipline.

We are thankful that you have chosen to send your children to Wollondilly Anglican College and look forward to continuously improving all that we do for the benefit of our students, and for Christ's glory.

Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster's Report

Care
Pastoral Care has always been a focus at the College and we have had strong processes to support students as they move through the College. With the continued increase in student enrolments, we have made the decision to further support the needs of our Secondary Years students by adding another Pastoral Care Coordinator for Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10). We have recently advertised for a ‘Leader of Care and Culture' (Stage 5). The successful applicant will be working closely with Mr van Netten (Leader of Care and Culture Stage 6) and Mr Houweling (Leader of Care and Culture Stage 4). Years 9 and 10 are critical in maintaining student engagement in learning and dealing with many adolescent challenges. We are excited about the opportunity of having a Leader who can focus closely on the unique needs of students in Stage 5.

Country Fair - 10 September
The College Country Fair is only a month away and is going to be a wonderful day that will bring together the Wollondilly Community. The organising committee is working incredibly hard in preparation for the day. There will be rides, displays, stalls, performances and great food. Please add this important date to your calendar and make it a priority to spend a few hours at the Fair. Volunteers are always needed and you can sign up using the button below

RAHT Kits - Available at Student Reception
The College still has a large number of RAHT Kits. If you have used your allocation, there is an opportunity to restock by dropping into student reception at any time between 7.30 am - 4.00 pm. Symptomatic testing is a very important method of early detection of COVID-19 and plays a critical part in limiting community spread.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Screen Time Challenge

What are the national guidelines for screen time?
Guidelines for screen time can be found in the Australian 24-hour movement guidelines for the early years (birth through to five years) and children and young people (5–17 years) (introduced in 2018). These guidelines were developed from systematic reviews of the evidence about the effects of physical activity, sleep and sedentary time (including screen time) on children’s development, health and wellbeing. For screen time, the guidelines recommend:

• No screen time for children younger than two years
• No more than one hour per day for children aged 2–5 years
• No more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people aged 5–17 years (not including schoolwork).

Most Australian children spend more time on screens than is recommended. Estimates from primary research suggest only 17–23% of preschoolers and 15% of 5–12-year-olds meet screen-time guidelines.

What is the evidence on the effects of excessive screen time?
For children younger than five years, there is strong evidence that screen time has negative effects on:

• Weight
• Motor and cognitive development
• Social and psychological wellbeing

Screen time in this age group may be associated with the following problems in later childhood:

• Emotional problems in girls
• Family functioning for both boys and girls

For children and young people aged 5–17 years, screen time may have negative effects on:

• Weight and diet (especially from TV viewing)
• Behavioural problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, attention, self-esteem and psychosocial health
• For this age group, some research links screen time with depressive symptoms
  

Working with students at the College and talking to students about screen time and wellbeing, many students are well above the recommended guidelines. Even more concerning when discussing this with students the ingrained nature of screen time usage in their day to day lives. Exploring this with a range of students has been interesting and concerning both for staff and has even surprised a number of students.

To get a gauge on how things are tracking with your child -
Students and parents can get an easy summary of the amount of screen time by completing the following:

1. Go to Settings on your phone
2. Scroll down to Battery press on this
3. Scroll down to Activity
4. The hours and minutes will be listed under Screen On
5. Underneath this is a breakdown of Battery Usage by App
   

This is a great activity to sit down together and do. It will give both students and parents a clear usage of the following:

• Social Media usage
• Internet usage
• Messages

There are many benefits of technology usage, but like all things, boundaries around excessive use are critical to the wellbeing of children and young people. It is clear from the research provided that parents monitoring usage, modelling good behaviours in their own usage, ensuring time at home has structured screen-free time and developing self-regulation in children around screen time are all essential to healthy development in this area.

A further challenge to students and parents is screen-free days. This practice incorporated into family routines around set limits consistently is a challenge that can encourage healthy alternatives that support positive health and wellbeing. 

Finally, excessive screen time particularly with regards to phones, gaming and TV all have a huge impact on sleep. The impact of screen time on sleep is considerable. Given that sleep is a real pillar in the area of wellbeing, young people that feel that they need to be constantly 'on' or 'connected' can fail to turn off, impacting sleep time, quality and the preparation needed prior to effective sleep. Having a set time of 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to bedtime where screens are off helps the body more effectively prepare for quality sleep.

Turning your phone off completely and not feeling like you need to respond immediately to everything are the final tips. It is not sustainable to be 'On' in a constant manner, giving yourself down time in this area will promote a healthier option that will allow for much-needed downtime and relaxation.

Source - https://aifs.gov.au/

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Employment Opportunities 2023

Due to the consistent ongoing growth of the College, we are currently accepting applications for the positions listed below.

Click here to apply now

Performing Arts News

Musical Update
Our upcoming College Music ‘Shrek’ preparations continue next Monday.

Rehearsals continue each Monday and conclude at 4.15 pm for both Secondary and Primary students. We will be communicating with parents soon with regards to extending rehearsals for specific groups of students in the coming weeks, to provide ample time for parents to work on pickup arrangements for students.

With regard to the current pick-up arrangements, students will continue to wait behind the Johnson/Melba buildings in the back carpark. We are asking parents to please proceed to this area to pick up their children. If students are utilising the services of the late bus, staff are on hand to accompany these students to the bus bays after rehearsal.

Set Design for the musical also continues on Monday with Mrs Ware in Melba 2, 2.45 pm - 4.15pm. Pick arrangements are the same for these students.

Students that have expressed an interest in joining the WAC Crew for the Musical have been spoken to by Mr Grant. We anticipate that students will begin joining Monday afternoons from Monday, 22 August (Week 5) commencing at 2.45 pm and finishing at 4.15 pm with Mr Law. 

College Cheer - Your Next Step Dance Eisteddfod
College Cheer have been working hard during their regular Wednesday afternoon rehearsals preparing for an upcoming competition known as the 'Your Next Step Dance Eisteddfod', to be held on Wednesday, 24 August 2022.

Parents will soon be notified via the College App regarding information for this competition and I encourage parents to reply to this ASAP. As this is a public competition, it does require an entry fee. Miss Valente and I are encouraging parents and the wider WAC community to support these girls by purchasing a ticket at the door.

• Adult $20.00 and Child is $10.00 (CASH ONLY)
• Children under 2 are FREE

Expression of Interest - Vocal Tuition
Wollondilly Anglican College offers Music Tuition throughout the College day by a number of qualified music tutors, for a range of musical instruments and styles. We are hoping to expand this offering to include Vocal Tuition. If your child is interested in receiving Vocal Tuition, part of our existing Music Tuition program, we are asking for some expressions of interest via the following Google Form:

Administrative staff will endeavour to be in contact when we are able to offer tuition times in the near future.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

MyTech - Battery Issues & Loan Devices

‘MyTech’ provides many great learning opportunities for students and continues to help students to further develop a range of skills. To ensure the best learning opportunities for your child, it is vital that all Secondary students bring a suitable device to College every day. If a device is not functioning adequately, it is important that it is fixed in a timely manner. As many ‘MyTech’ devices could be a couple of years old, it is important to check that the battery life is still lasting an entire day. If not, the battery may need to be replaced or charged during the day. It is recommended to check the battery health status of devices regularly. Please see the links below for the method for checking the health status of a Windows or Apple device:

Windows:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-check-your-laptops-battery-health-windows-10

Apple:
https://www.imore.com/how-check-your-macbooks-battery-health

Due to WHS issues, students cannot charge their devices in classrooms. However, there are charging stations available in Flynn and Johnson that students can use by bringing a charger and placing their device in the lockable compartment during Recess or Lunchtime. Students should not be accessing this service during class times.

To ensure that students do not miss vital work while their device is being fixed, the College has a number of Loan Devices that can be borrowed for a short period of time. To take advantage of this service, a student needs to download the Student Loan Device Agreement Form that is found on the ‘MyTech’ website https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/devices.php and have it signed by a parent/carer. The form then needs to be presented at Student Reception where, if available, a device will be issued. 

To ensure this service is available to all, it is vital that all Loan Devices are returned in a timely manner.

If you have any further questions about ‘MyTech’, please send them to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Year 10 Textiles

Year 10 have just completed their Textiles unit entitled Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in which they were tasked with recreating a garment out of an old t-shirt as well as a bag out of an old pair of denim jeans. What they produced was impressively creative and showed their understanding and utilisation of the design process.

Miss Emily Bailey
Secondary TAS Teacher

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WAC Flowers Canteen Volunteer

At the FLOWERS Canteen, we are always looking for volunteers to work in our Canteen to prepare nutritious lunches for our hungry growing children and to serve over the counter at Recess and Lunch.

If you can spare any time to join our friendly team, we would very much appreciate the extra help. It's easy and fun work with on-the-job training and you can dedicate as much or as little time as you like. Choose to either stay and help in the morning after College drop-off, come in for a while and help before afternoon pick-up or hang out with us for the day. 

All volunteers' efforts are rewarded with a healthy snack and plenty of tea and coffee. If you are interested, please email me at e.dealmeida@wac.nsw.edu.au with your preferred days and regularity. We would love to hear from you.

Mrs Emma De Almeida 
Canteen Manager

Library News

Book Week Parade 2022 For Years T-2 Students
The Years T-2 Book Parade will be on Friday, 26 August from 1.35 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. Parents are welcome to come and watch the event.

Students are to dress as their favourite book characters and carry the book in the parade. As students are able to arrive at the College in their costumes. Please make sure students have warm, practical clothes they can play in all day. College sports shoes are to be worn and hair and jewellery need to be in line with the usual College Uniform Guidelines.

Book Week Competitions
The College Library has a number of competitions running this term for Book Week. The prizes will be CBCA-nominated books.

• Year 3: An artwork done in class based on Walk of the Whales by Nick Bland 
• Year 4: An artwork done in class based on Stellarphant by James Foley 
• Year 5: A poem and artwork done in class based on Everyday Wonders by Natala Graetz 
• Year 6: A Book Trailer done in class using iMovie based on Iceberg by Claire Saxby Illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Secondary: Book Review Competition:
To celebrate Book Week 2022. Secondary students are invited to write a Book Review on the Library catalogue. Search for a book you have read on the OLIVER Catalogue and add it to the ‘Write a Review’ section. Secondary reviews are due Monday, 5 September.

Premier’s Reading Challenge closes Friday, 19 August
Entries close Friday, 19 August 2022. Make sure you have finalised your online reading record by that date if you are in Years 3-9.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Enrolment News

Students Leaving at the End of 2022
If your child will not be attending the College in 2023, please give written notice by the end of Term 3 so that your bond may be returned and to avoid the Term 1, 2023 fees and charges, as agreed in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.

Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on 4684 2722 or at k.biddle@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Year 7 2024 Sibling Applications
The College Headmaster will begin reviewing places for Year 7 2024 siblings in the upcoming holidays. If your child is in this cohort, please send in their application ASAP to avoid disappointment. If your child is already enrolled at the College, they do not need to apply.

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer

P&F News - WAC Country Fair

Save the date! The WAC Country Fair is on Saturday, 10 September!

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. Please note that the cakes entered cannot be sold after judging.

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

• Infants – Best Decorated Biscuit (Arrowroot)
• Primary – Plate of four Decorated Cupcakes
• Years 7-9 – Plate of four Butterfly Cakes
• Years 10-12 – Plate of six pieces of a slice (three varieties)
• Open – High Tea Tray, Preserves
• Open – Jam of any variety

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

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

Age Groups:

• Under 8 years
• 9-12 years
• 13-16 years
• 17+ years

Categories:

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

Entry Forms will be available at the Student Reception Office soon

Volunteers Required
To help with the running of the Country Fair, we are seeking College parent/carer 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 who 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-Friday 7.45 am-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, please contact Melissa via the clothing pool at clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Donations of used uniforms are gladly accepted at the clothing pool during opening hours or can be left at Student Reception.

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, 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.