Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 5 - Friday, 11 November 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Our strategic focus for the next four years is on Learning, Care and Culture. I have appreciated unpacking these in our Waratah Weekly over the last three weeks, as well as discussing these with parents at our Orientation Day and Parent Breakfasts (more of these opportunities will be available next year). As we continue to develop in each of these areas, we also commit ourselves unreservedly to being Christ-centred in all we do. We employ Christian staff who know and love Jesus and we want you and your children to also know him. God created us as human beings with the capacity to love and care for others, yet we also have the freedom not to love and care for others. This means we also have the capacity to reject God and live however we want to. God loves each of us so much that he was willing for his son Jesus to die on the cross to take away our sins so that we can have a relationship with him again. This is the good news that we want to share with your children and underpins our strategic focus on Learning, Care and Culture.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy

Student Attendance - Very Important!
I have been enjoying reading through many student reports this week. It is always encouraging to see the progress many students have made over the last 12 months. A common thread however has been the large number of absent days many students have had throughout 2022. While I appreciate many of these may be related to COVID and the isolation rules, it is important that students are at the College whenever they are fit and healthy.

Non-attendance has a variety of effects on students, both academically and socially. Absenteeism can increase social isolation, including alienation and lack of engagement with the College community and peers, leading to emotional and behavioural difficulties (Carroll, 2013; Gottfried, 2014). It is also associated with an increased likelihood of drop-out (Keppens & Spruyt, 2017; London, Sanchez, Castrechini, & Castrechini, 2016). Attendance is also an important contributor to a student’s academic achievement – all days matter. The correlation between absence and achievement is consistently negative and declines in achievement are evident with any level of absence. Although authorised absences and smaller amounts of absence were associated with only small declines in achievement, all absences count, and the impact of absence increases with the number of absences (Hancock et al., 2013). Please ensure that whenever possible your child is at the College!

Edumate App Updates 
We are pleased to announce that from Monday, 14 November, there will be a range of updates available on the College App. There are details on the flyer below, however, the key improvements include:

• Assessment Tasks - This will include reports, comments and grades from completed tasks, and a list of upcoming assessment tasks
• Academic Reports - All past academic reports will be viewable in PDF form from within the app.
• Awards and Discipline - Any awards or disciplines from the current year will be available to view

Mr Paul Burns 
Deputy Headmaster 

Secondary Sport

MISA
The sun has been shining and our MISA teams have been able to compete across the eight competitions this term. Both our 7-9 OzTag sides had wins this week. Isabella Evans and Cydney Todd shone for the Girls' team in their 5-2 win. There were some great plays and quick thinking in a really competitive game against Magdalene Catholic College. In the Boys' match, it was a convincing 13-0 win as they continue their fine form this season. In Ultimate Frisbee it was a tough 9-6 loss to Broughton Anglican College in a tight game. PJ French and Tim Prout opened the scoring with a fantastic combination whilst Natalie Watts made an outstanding catch to even the scores at half-time. Strong defence from Lucas Fitzsimmons and Keira Jobson in the second half limited Broughton's scoring opportunities, however, several late points saw the gap widen. In Volleyball the Boys' side had a 2-1 win as they start to find some stronger form whilst the Girls' team are continuing to improve each week and aim to limit conceding easy points. The Girls' AFL side had their first loss for the season by 1 point whilst the Boys' team had a dominant performance to take the win.  

Year 7 NASSA Netball Gala Day
The Year 7 Netball Gala Day will take place on Friday, 25 November. The team was selected this week after our lunchtime trial and permission notes will be posted online shortly. Uniforms will be distributed closer to the carnival by Mrs Conquest. 

CIS Rugby League 7’s Gala Day
The postponed CIS 7’s Gala Day will now run on Wednesday, 23 November. Information has been sent out via the College App where permission can also be granted. Students are reminded they must wear the College Rugby League Shorts as well as a properly fitted mouthguard. Jerseys will be provided on the day.

NASSA Cricket and Netball Gala Days
The NASSA Cricket Gala Day will be held on Monday, 28 November. Both the Junior and Senior teams have been selected from our MISA Representative sides this year. Further information will be posted on the College App next week regarding the event. 

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator 7-12

Primary Sport

IPSSO
Next week’s IPSSO match is a bye. IPSSO students will be participating in training sessions. 

IPSSO Uniform Reminder
Please search at home for any IPSSO uniforms. They must be returned by the last week of Term 4. 

K-2 Athletics Carnival - Rescheduled to Friday, 25 November
The K-2 Athletics Carnival has been rescheduled to Friday, 25 November. Students are reminded to wear their House shirts. The Carnival will be held on the Winning Field (Front Oval) from 8.35 am to 10.35 am. Parents are welcome to spectate.

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator T-6 

From the College Nurse

Hay Fever is currently on the rise. We have seen an increase in the number of students presenting to Sick Bay in the last few weeks with Hay Fever. 
It has been an unusually late start to the Hay Fever season this year due to ongoing rain, and now the warmer weather.

About one in five Australians suffer from Hay Fever and health authorities have issued warnings for potentially high pollen levels over the next few months due to the recent heavy rain and climate pattern. The Australian Medical Association (NSW) has urged residents to be careful, as thunderstorm asthma warnings are issued around the State. 

Symptoms of Hay Fever can include the following:

• an itchy, runny or blocked nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• frequent sneezing
• needing to breathe from the mouth
• always needing to clear your throat
• always feeling like you have a head cold
• snoring during sleep

According to Professor Janet Davies, head of the Allergy Research Group at the Queensland University of Technology, "Treating and controlling the underlying inflammation with a preventer is better than just trying to get symptom relief." 

If you have any concerns for your child regarding their Hay Fever management, please talk to your local GP or Pharmacist. 

People who would like more information on Hay Fever can go to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Website, as well as Asthma Australia for advice about managing their symptoms, please see the helpful links below. 

https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/triggers/hay-fever/
https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/pollen-allergy

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

Nangarin Estate Bus Changes

We're Hiring!

Performing Arts News

Reminder of Professional Development Days in Week 6
Due to the upcoming Professional Development days next week (Thursday, 17 November and Friday, 18 November) the following ensembles will not have their regular rehearsals:

• College Strings (Thursday afternoon)
• Primary Strings (Friday lunch)
• Primary Band (Friday lunch)
• Primary Choir (Friday lunch)
• College Choir (Friday lunch)

The College Strings (7-12) students, however, are encouraged to attend the College Band (7-12) rehearsal next Tuesday, 15 November from 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm in the Melba 4 Amphitheatre to work on their combined item.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Year 9 iSTEM - Hydraulic Project

Over the course of this term, students in the Year 9 iSTEM course have been researching, designing and creating a hydraulic machine as part of their studies on hydraulics. The students have been working hard to understand the complexities of how hydraulics work while putting what they've learned into action with a real-life machine that can be built using basic components found around the home. The task also includes creating an educational video showing how to build their machines which is directed towards a Year 5 and Year 6 audience.

Mr Ben Jones
TAS Teacher

Library News

HSC: All My Own Work program - Year 10
On Monday, 14 November, Year 10 will complete the HSC: All My Own Work program. All My Own Work is a program designed to help HSC students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. This includes understanding, valuing and using ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies. Students who have completed the program will also learn about the penalties for cheating and how to avoid malpractice when preparing their work for assessment. The program is compulsory for all students before submitting any work for Year 11 courses and is completed every year at the College by students at the end of Year 10. HSC: All My Own Work will take place in Warne Auditorium and will be conducted by myself. Students are required to bring their laptops, pens, pencils and highlighters. 

Book Fair Orders
All orders from the Book Fair have now been received and handed out to students. If you are waiting on anything, please contact me at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au or call the College office on 02 4684 2577.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Equestrian

Congratulations to Erin Brown of Year 6 who has received a Local Sporting Champions Grant for her achievements in preparation for the Marcus Oldham Australian Interschools Championships, which she attended in late July.

Ms Stacey Baker
Equestrian Coordinator

Junior Engineers Code Camp

P&F Golf Day Cancelled

Unfortunately, the 2022 Annual Golf Day has had to be cancelled for this year. We apologise to our Golfers, Sponsors and Guests for any disappointment this has caused. We look forward to it being run again in 2023. 

Brandon Cooper
P&F Golf Day Organiser

Scholarships Now Open

Scholarships 2024/2025
I am delighted to advise that the Wollondilly Anglican College Scholarship Program is now open for academic and creative arts scholarships commencing in 2024.

The College Headmaster may award a number of scholarships offering partial fee remission for each year in the areas of Academic, Music and Dance. Most scholarships will be awarded for two years and are conditional on the continuation of the relevant criteria being met. They will be available to students currently enrolled at the College or at other schools. Students who are studying in Years 6, 8 and 10 in 2023 may apply for a scholarship as they enter their next stage of learning.

Application Process for Scholarships

Academic Scholarships:

• Complete the scholarship application form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Kristy Biddle with the supporting portfolio. 
• Complete the online application with ACER at https://scholarships.acer.edu.au. (Parents will need to create a Parent Account, from which they can register their child for the scholarship test at Wollondilly Anglican College. A $110 application fee is also payable to ACER as part of the registration process).
• For Academic candidates, be available to complete the scholarship test on Saturday, 25 February 2023.

Music and Dance Scholarships:

• Parents should complete the scholarship application form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Kristy Biddle with the supporting portfolio. 
• Music/Dance scholarships need to be accompanied by a scholarship application processing fee of $110. 
• Short-listed students will be required to audition before a panel at a later date to be confirmed. There will not be an additional audition fee.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 3 February 2023. The closing date is final and late applications cannot be accepted.

A comprehensive information pack and application form is available for download from the College website. Alternatively, all information and forms are available from me at the College Office.

Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me at (02) 4684 2722 or at k.biddle@wac.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer

Lowes Sale

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.

We currently have a great selection of pre-loved Senior Uniform available at the Clothing Pool.
Blazers $60
Shirts $10
Trousers $20
Skirts $20
Hats $20
Ties $10

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
In-person service is held on Sundays at 10.00 am
Youth Group Friday night 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm 
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.