Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 2 - Friday, 21 October 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Over the next three weeks, I would like to share further details on our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, before an official launch later in the term. I have appreciated the input that parents, staff, students and our College Council have provided through email or conversations with me. We have also sought God's guidance through this whole process and feel confident that He has been leading us into this plan that has been developed. Our Strategic Plan focuses on Learning, Care and Culture. This week I will unpack Learning. I am so excited to be part of a College that is committed to high levels of learning for every student. Our staff are passionate about helping students learn, and our strategic focus on Learning means that we will continue to grow and improve as teachers. We are committed to using the most effective approaches to learning so that every student has every opportunity to achieve their academic potential. Our approach to learning uses an Explicit Instruction model. We have chosen to develop our skills in this model because it is a proven teaching method that will bring ongoing improvements in learning for all of our students. Through an Explicit Instruction approach, teachers ensure that students know what they are learning, know how they will know they have learned and will be supported to achieve this learning if they are struggling. Students demonstrating clear understanding are provided with opportunities to extend their learning.  We will also ensure that all new teachers are highly supported to deliver high-quality teaching immediately. Finally, our teachers will be thoroughly prepared to deliver the new curriculum being introduced by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority), starting in 2023 for some subjects. Our Years K-2 Teachers are already well prepared for the introduction of the K-2 English and Mathematics courses in 2023, with all other courses being introduced over the following five years.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Pastoral Care - Vaping

Vaping
The College is focused on educating students about making positive health choices. As evidenced by the information below, the use of Vapes by young people in Australia has increased significantly. Vapes and Vape pods are banned items at the College and bringing, using or selling Vapes at the College will lead to students being suspended from the College. This is to ensure that we have a safe environment for all that attend the College. Furthermore, as educators, we want our students to make informed and healthy choices about in this instance Vaping and the negative consequences the use of Vapes can have on the lives of young people. Education and a focus on health and the associated harms of Vaping are important in supporting young people and as such, a few helpful approaches for parents have been included to help work through having both proactive and reactive approaches to this important issue.

Adolescents (12-17 years of age)

• In Australia, around 14% of 12 to 17-year-olds have ever tried an e-cigarette, with around 32% of these students having used one in the past month.
• Students who had vaped most commonly reported getting the last e-cigarette they had used from friends (63%), siblings (8%) or parents (7%). Around 12% of students reported buying an e-cigarette themselves.

What are the Australian Health Organisation saying about Vaping?

• There is increasing evidence of health harms
• E-cigarettes may normalise the act of smoking and attract young people.
• E-cigarettes should be more properly regulated

Harms associated with E-cigarette use
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquids may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes.

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase the risk of future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

E-liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate.

E-liquids can also be a danger to young children if inhaled, swallowed, or spilled on the skin. A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine. The effects of nicotine poisoning can come on very quickly. If you think your child may have been exposed to nicotine, you should seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.

While scientists are still learning about the short and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes, a recent outbreak of lung disease and deaths related to e-cigarette use in the United States demonstrates that e-cigarette aerosol can be harmful to the lungs. E-cigarettes can also be modified to deliver marijuana and other harmful substances that have been linked to lung disease.

Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, which expose the user to the risk of serious injury and burns.

Talking about Vaping with young people

Start with information - Get the key facts, learn the basics about vaping products, and think through what you want to say. Consider some questions you might be asked, and how you want to respond. 

Approach it calmly - You might want to start the conversation when you’re doing an activity together, such as driving or preparing a meal. Keep things casual and relaxed. You might want to use something you saw in a TV show or on the news as a chance to bring up the issue. 

Don’t make assumptions - If you think they may have tried vaping, avoid making accusations. Going through someone’s space looking for evidence isn’t recommended, because it can undermine trust. 

Avoid judging or lecturing - Listen to their point of view and keep it a two-way conversation. Being mindful to keep your body language and tone respectful can go a long way. If they have tried vaping, try asking questions like: ‘what made you want to try?’ and ‘how did it make you feel?’ 

Don’t exaggerate - Make sure you are honest with them about potential harm and avoid exaggerated statements. 

Focus on health and explain your concerns - Focus on how you care about them and want them to be healthy. For example, if they are vaping nicotine you can say that you are concerned about the evidence that this can affect adolescent brain development.  

Source - Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation https://adf.org.au/

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care

Primary News

Primary Teachers 2023
We are pleased to present the Primary staffing for 2023. Please note, it is possible that changes may occur. Over the next few weeks, teachers will be placing students into classes for 2023. From time to time, parents do contact us regarding their child's class placement. Parents should contact their current class teacher if they have social concerns regarding their child's class placement eg they do not want their child to be in the same class as a cousin or a best friend. It is important to note that we consider requests, however, we do not guarantee them. Teachers put a lot of time and effort into class placements. They have been working with the Year Group every day for a year and know how the children work together. Parents should not make requests regarding specific teachers. If however, there are extenuating circumstances, parents should email me at j.huxtable@wac.nsw.edu.au Again these will be considered, however, there are no guarantees. Parents who wish to make requests, as described above, should email the class teacher or myself by 29 October at the latest.

Meet Your Teacher Afternoon
On Monday, 5 December, Years K-5 students will meet their teacher and classmates for 2023. After this date, no changes will be made to classes. This is always an exciting afternoon. On rare occasions, students can be disappointed because they are not in a class they wanted to be in. Parents can help children by being positive about their new classes, encouraging them to understand that we don't always get what we want, however, it can be great anyway. Sometimes what we think isn't actually helpful or correct and having an open mind to new situations is the best approach.

Primary Sport

IPSSO vs Broughton Anglican College
It was a very encouraging opening round for the WAC IPSSO teams. 

Mr Whitelaw’s Oztag Teams dashed Broughton in two exciting wins. The Juniors won 7-5 and the Seniors 15-4. 

Miss Domanski’s Girls' Soccer Team began the new season red hot. Georgie Pile’s goal snatched a 1-0 win for the Juniors. Leah Dalrymple and Rebecca McIntosh's precision shooting led the WAC girls to a 5-0 victory. 

Mr Stark’s Boys' Cricket Team went down in both age groups. Juniors 55-65 runs and Seniors 31-41. 

Mr Wayne’s Basketball Team's results were mixed. The Juniors overcame Broughton 10-4. The Seniors went down 24-4.

Next week’s games are away against Oran Park Anglican College (OPAC). The Girls’ Soccer and Boys' Cricket Teams will be at Brabham Reserve. Oztag and Basketball will be held at the OPAC campus. 

Oztag Champ: Harlow Hallsworth
Congratulations to Harlow Hallworth who was selected to join the Southwest Wolverines 9s team at the Australian Championships in Coffs Harbour. 

Harlow competed at the Australian Championships last weekend. The 9s Girls' Team went into the Final undefeated (drawing one, winning five rounds and winning the Semi-Final). Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold on to the win for the Final but left with silver medals and lots of memories.

Well done Harlow - such a big achievement! We’re sure she’ll bring her rep experience and skills to the Junior Oztag team. 

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Picton Buslines - Frog & Kangaroo Bus Changes

Year 8 Science - VALID Exam

VALID (Validation of Assessment 4 Learning & Individual Development) is an online Science assessment for Year 8. It is optional for private schools for Year 8. In 2022, Year 8 students from Wollondilly Anglican College will be doing the examination. This examination allows the College to evaluate our Science programs, although students will also receive individual reports as well. Students will do a 20-minute Sample Test during class time during Weeks 2 or 3, requiring them to bring their earphones. The actual VALID examination will be run on Tuesday, 25 October (Week 3), also requiring students to bring earphones/headphones. Students will receive further information closer to the sitting date.

Dr Andrew Eaton
Science Coordinator

German Linguafest Team

Congratulations are in order for the students who participated in the WAC Linguafest Team.

Their Video called “Gib es Weiter – Pay it Forward” has made it through to the finals which is an impressive result for a first attempt.

The screening of the finalist videos and announcement of prizewinners will occur on Saturday, 19 November. Stay tuned for further updates.

Well done!

Frau Holmes
German Teacher

Performing Arts News

Shrek The Musical
All of the shows of the College Musical this year were a huge success and the students involved in the cast and crew were very pleased with the efforts and results of the performances. There was a real buzz at each show! On Thursday evening’s performance last week, Mr Norman was presented with a commemorative ‘Shrek’ polo shirt in acknowledgement of his support of the production and subsequently, Mr Norman presented four of the new Year 12 students who have demonstrated a long-term commitment of five years to the College Musical productions. These students included:

• Erin Large (who played Shrek this year)
• Agnes Abdelmalek (who played Fiona this year)
• Jessica Fraser (who played Gingy this year)
• Joe Zervos (who assisted in the Crew this year)

It was also a testament to the students (and some parents) of the production this year when approximately 40 students returning on Sunday morning after a late, final show on Saturday evening to dismantle the set and return the Warne Auditorium to examination format for the continuation of the HSC Examinations. It was a huge task, but everyone worked extremely hard to ensure the exams could continue in the Auditorium. Many thanks also to Ms Littler, Mr and Mrs Warne and Mrs McIntosh for coming along and assisting with the pack up.

End-of-Year Performances
We are currently planning for Term 4 Formal Assemblies and the end-of-year Presentation Evenings with regard to our Performing Arts Ensembles and Groups. When we have finalised these plans, we will endeavour to provide this information.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Year 11 Textiles

Year 11 Textiles students have finished their second Preliminary Project by completing a Duffle Bag. Students had the opportunity to develop their construction skills, their use of a commercial pattern and their embellishment techniques. I commend the students on their creativity and efforts in completing the project and supporting documentation. 

Ms Emily Taylor
TAS Coordinator

Homework Club - Secondary

Hi Secondary students and parents,

Just in case you hadn't heard... SECONDARY HOMEWORK CLUB IS ON!

You may have noticed that plenty of assessment items are looming on the calendar. We encourage students in Years 7-12 to attend Homework Club to make use of the generous guidance provided by teachers to help you with these tasks. 

When: Wednesday afternoons 3.00-4.30 pm (Term 4, Weeks 1-5)
Where: Flynn Library
What to bring: Homework, assessment tasks, puzzling questions, necessary equipment and a positive attitude! It is essential that you have a work plan for the time you attend Homework Club and can work productively on your own. However, there are plenty of staff to help if you need assistance.
Pick up: Students need to be picked up by 4.30 pm in the Melba carpark or catch the late bus at 4.20 pm.
Contact: Dr Bearlin, Mr Aquilina, Mr Beckinsale, Ms Clark, Dr Smiltnieks & Mr Stewart. 

See you there!

Dr Rob Bearlin
Careers Adviser & Science Teacher

We're Hiring!

Equestrian Events

Library News

Book Fair Has Begun!
The College Book Fair commenced on Thursday and will continue until Tuesday, 25 October. The Fair is in the Elizabeth Downstairs Library area. Access is from the doors at the lower end of Elizabeth near the Years 5-6 Playground. 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.

Your child may bring home a ‘wishlist’ with books they would like to purchase. Purchases can be made online and a receipt number can be brought to the Fair for the collection of the books. There will be posters and stationery as well as a huge selection of books. The books are suitable for Pre-Kindergarten to Secondary age groups. Eftpos and cash sales are available. Great for Christmas Gifts!

Any questions email: j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Book Club
Due to the Book Fair, we will not have any more Book Club Issues for the remainder of the year.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Enrolment News

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.