Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 9 - Friday, 23 September 2022

Message from the Headmaster

As we move into this Spring holiday break, I would like to wish you all a refreshing and energising break from our regular routines. Please continue to support and pray for our Year 12 graduates who have completed their time at the College and are now moving into their final HSC exam block. The following few suggestions are primarily for our Senior students, but I have also found these to be helpful for myself as I seek to maintain good physical and emotional health. Firstly, do not underestimate the power of sleep and routine (together). Your goal should be to get around eight hours of sleep per night, with a routine for when that will be. Whether you choose to wake at 6.00 am or 7.00 am doesn't really matter; what matters is that you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day/night. This simple sleep routine is a powerful factor that supports both mental and physical health. Additionally, when you wake up in the morning, try to do 10-20 minutes of physical activity in the first hour of waking. This could be as simple as going for a walk or even lifting some light weights at home. The last part of your morning routine should be to plan the two or three most important activities you will do that day. This might be specific study time, a plan for additional exercise or how you will spend some quality time with your family. When you start your day focused on what is most important, you set yourself up for a successful day. I would like to wish everyone a great break and I trust that it will be a healthy and productive one! Congratulations Year 12, just a few exams to go. We know that you will do great.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

TERM 3 - That’s a Wrap!
What a wonderful term we have had at the College. It has been great this last week to celebrate the achievements of so many through our Formal assemblies. Year 12 have been able to enjoy their final weeks with us and it was an amazing evening at their Formal on Thursday. Well done Year 12, enjoy this week, refocus and prepare well for the HSC Examinations starting in early October. I am looking forward to the Talent Quest on Friday with a coveted Meerkat Trophy on the line. 

The Country Fair was definitely a highlight of Term 3 with unprecedented numbers of visitors attending. The weather held up and a great day of good old fun was had by all. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who volunteered on the day in a range of different ways, I would like to particularly thank the small group of P&F members who planned, set up, worked on the day and then cleaned up following the Fair. Thank you for all you do for this College. 

Students should be checking edumate a few days prior to the start of Term 4 in case there have been some changes to timetables. 

I trust that the upcoming holidays will be an opportunity to rest and enjoy time together as a family.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Secondary News

HSC Exams for Year 12 2022
As we celebrated Year 12 Class of 2022 finishing this week with the College Graduation and Year 12 Formal, students are reminded that the HSC exams are to start on Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Please read and check your examination timetable carefully, bring the appropriate equipment to your examinations, and turn up with plenty of time before the exam starts.

We hope Year 12 use this upcoming holiday period to continue their study for these examinations and we wish them all the very best.

Year 12 2022 Inaugural Showcase Evening
Last Thursday night, the College held the first ever Year 12 Inaugural Showcase Evening which allowed for Year 12 students that had practical works, performances and major elements of various subject areas to display their work. On display were Major Projects from Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music, Science Extension, Society and Culture, Industrial Technology – Furnishings, Industrial Technology – Multimedia, Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, English Extension, and Community and Family Studies

It was a fabulous night that parents, caregivers, extended family and friends could attend and marvel at the talented work produced by the Year 12 this year. Light finger food and refreshments were provided by the Year 12 Hospitality class. It was a wonderful night to celebrate the achievements and hard work of all the students.

Expression of Interest – Singapore Cultural Exchange
The College is investigating an overseas trip for students in Years 9-11 in 2023. This trip is designed to be a cultural exchange to learn more deeply about Singapore, and its culture. The overseas trip and exchange has a deliberate Performing Arts element and is suited to students who are currently studying, Music, Dance, or Drama, or for students who have been involved in extra-curricular performance (such as College Performing Arts Groups and Ensembles including College Band, Strings, Choir, Dance, Cheer, and Musical).

The trip is also for the students who were involved in the Singapore Collaboration Zoom program that ran during Terms 1 and 2 earlier this year. This was a collaborative project in which students worked on broad worldwide issues, problem-solving through creative and critical thinking. The students worked via Zoom and were involved in a series of presentations. The College has established a link and a connection to Singapore Anglican Highschool and regular communication between the two schools has been ongoing.

The exchange is a voluntary program and will require students to be involved in preparation activities in the lead-up to the travel experience.

Questions regarding any element of the proposed trip can be directed to either staff listed below. 

Mr Lloyd Grant on l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au (Performing Arts Coordinator T-12)
Mrs Kelly Evans on k.evans@wac.nsw.edu.au (Director of Teaching and Learning 7-12) 

Parents of these Year Groups have already been sent more direct information about the Cultural Exchange program and an information session regarding the Cultural Exchange will be held for all interested students and parents/carers which will be compulsory to attend by those wanting to go. This will occur on Wednesday, 26 October at 7.00 pm in the Deakin classroom at the College.

At the information evening, we will also provide a more detailed cost estimate, details on the deposit required to secure your child’s spot, and the interview process undertaken for selection at this event. The deposit will be due on Wednesday, 2 November 2022.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Performing Arts News

College Musical Update
A reminder to all cast and crew about the upcoming holiday rehearsals. 

Secondary cast and crew ONLY (no Primary cast) will be required to attend Tuesday, 4 October, starting at 9.00 am and finishing at 4.30 pm. 

ALL cast and crew (Primary and Secondary) will be required to attend the remaining days - Wednesday, 5 October, Thursday, 6 October and Friday, 7 October, starting at 9.00 am and finishing at 4.30 pm each day.

TICKET SALES
The performance dates and times include:
Monday, 10 October – 7.00 pm
Thursday, 13 October – 7.00 pm
Friday, 14 October – 7.00 pm
Saturday, 15 October – Matinee 2.00 pm
Saturday, 15 October - Evening 7.00 pm

Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults $20
Children/Concession: $15
Family of 4 (2x Adults, 2x Children): $60

Click here to purchase your tickets!

Formal Assembly Performances
Congratulations to our performers at the recent Middle and Senior Formal Assemblies held recently. It was fantastic to see and hear our confident performers on stage. 

At our Middle Formal Assembly, the College Band entertained the audience with a medley of disco tunes entitled ‘Disco Lives’ and our Primary Dance (Stage 3) group performed a cultural dance entitled ‘Winter Ducks Play on Water’ featuring Japanese-inspired dance techniques.

We were fortunate to witness some of our talented Year 10 students at the Senior Formal Assembly on Monday including Maddelyn Phillips performing a piano solo entitled ‘The Little Shepherd’ by composer Claude Debussy and a dance duo by Jessica-Lee Crowfoot and Jasmyn Grieve entitled ‘Bird Set Free'. Many thanks also to the College Strings for playing music for the Processional and Recessional, as well as Year 11 student (and upcoming lead in the College Musical) Agnes Abdelmalek for leading the National Anthem. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Mini Movers Term 3

Mini Movers is a Performing Arts Group for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students run by Mrs Barker and Mrs McTaggart. Each week the students participate in music, drama and dance activities. A few of the highlights this term have been bucket drumming and playing games using the parachute. A new group of students will be invited to join Mini Movers at the beginning of next term. 

Mrs Sallyanne Barker
Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator T-6
Primary Music Teacher

Library News

Year 5 Book Week Competition
Congratulations to Isabella Dvorak, the winner of our Year 5 Book Week Competition.

Highly commended:
Hannah Grzasko, Eleanor Holloway, Sarah Nyamadzavo, Elijah Pullin.

Book Fair in Term 4!
Thursday, 20 October - Tuesday, 25 October 2022

The College will hold a Book Fair during Weeks 2-3 in the Elizabeth Downstairs centre area. The Fair will run at Lunchtime for students and from 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm for parents on 20, 21, 24, and 25 October 2022.

Your child may bring home a ‘wishlist’ with books they would like to purchase. More details to follow in Term 4.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Years K-2 Instrumental Performance Afternoon

Students in Years K-2 who have instrumental tuition at the College had an opportunity to perform for their peers, teachers and families on Tuesday afternoon this week. Students performed on the piano, drumkit, guitar and violin. It was a great opportunity for the students to share what they have been learning in their lessons, and have experience performing to an audience. All of the K-2 students were an excellent audience and very encouraging of their peers performing. The students who performed enjoyed an afternoon tea with their families afterwards at the FLOWERS cafeteria. 

Mrs Sallyanne Barker
Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator T-6
Primary Music Teacher

Employment Opportunities

Due to the consistent ongoing growth of the College, we are currently seeking applications for the following roles:

Applications close Wednesday, 21 September 2022

P&F Golf Day - Wednesday, 26 October 2022

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 refunded 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.

Application For Enrolment
Applications continue to pour in for 2023 and beyond, across all Year Groups, but especially our entry years of Transition, Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11.

All current College families looking to enrol siblings for the coming years are encouraged to do so without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Enrolment packs are available from the Visitors' Reception or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool has a great selection of used College uniforms from Transition to Year 12 for purchase. Additionally, 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

PRISM Human Capital
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

Narellan Pools

Electro-Service Solar

Ken Shafer Auto Body

Thornton Bros Roses

Studio 6 Photography

Silver Sponsors

Tahmoor Garden Centre

Pheasants Nest Produce

Eyepower Tahmoor

F45 Bowral

F45 Picton

FS8 Bowral

Gumnut Patisserie

Country Valley Milk

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 to 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.

Mittagong Junior Disco  
Date: Saturday, 24 September 2022
Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
Cost: $5.00
Ages: 0-14

Please note, that this is a CASH ONLY and alcohol-free event.

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.
Chris Ph - 0412 321 555

Southern Highlands & Wilton PCYC School Holiday Activities
Looking for things to do in the upcoming school holidays?

PCYC NSW runs a variety of safe, fun, creative and inclusive school holiday activities for primary and high school-aged youth. Our structured programs have a selection of sports and creative-based activities to ensure we offer something for everyone!

From multi-sport, gymnastics and boxing to painting, dance and crafts. From pirate days and graffiti to coding classes and skateboarding, we have lots on offer!

Looking for school holidays child care while you're vacationing elsewhere in the state? PCYC membership gives you access to any of our 65 clubs! Drop your kids off for school holiday activities while you're on your 'staycation'! 

PCYC Southern Highlands school holiday activities are run by qualified coaches that have a passion for working with young people in a sports and recreation environment. Our programs are designed to be affordable for the local communities that surround our clubs ensuring a cost-effective school holiday option for all families. We also accept Creative Kids vouchers at all of our clubs.

Click here to check out our timetable of upcoming school holiday activities.