Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 8 - Friday, 2 December 2022

Message from the Headmaster

Life contains many paradoxes (a paradox is an apparently contradictory statement that may prove to be true!) Some examples include;

• The more you fail, the more you succeed. We all know that we need to try, fail, and learn, in order to succeed. But it just doesn't feel right
• A life without difficulty leads to a difficult life. I find this one tough to manage, especially when it comes to my own children. My preference would be to protect them from pain at all costs, but in doing so I might just be setting them up for more pain in the future. Better to let them experience disappointment, difficulty, and even failure, if it is going to help them grow into mature, responsible young men and women

As we start to think about the Christmas season, I am most grateful for the paradox of Grace, that comes from Jesus. I like the reminder of GRACE being God's Riches At Christ's Expense. God's Word tells us that when Jesus died on the Cross, he died with all of the punishment that we deserved. So when we die, if we trust in Jesus as our Saviour, then we inherit eternal life with God even though we don't deserve it. This is Grace. Jesus took my sin; I accept his riches. Now that is a paradox! As you prepare for Christmas, I would encourage you to read God's account of Jesus' birth as recorded in the Bible (Luke 2: 1-20).

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Primary News

Primary Presentation Evening Information for Parents K-6 
All students from K-6 are expected to attend the Primary Presentation Evening. This evening is a chance for all year groups to perform and for us to celebrate a blessed 2022, with some students also being presented with awards.

Date: Tuesday, 6 December 2022

• All students will need to arrive between 6.45 pm and 6.50 pm ready for a 7.00 pm sharp start. 
  
• Students need to be in their Summer uniform, with clean shoes and neat hair. (Jackets/blazers may be worn)
  
• Students playing instruments should bring them on Tuesday morning to the College
  
• Students will sit in their class groups. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at this evening.

Primary Reports & Handover
We will be uploading Primary Reports to Edumate for parents to access during the day on Wednesday, 7 December. Should you have any concerns, please contact your child's class teacher either on the following Thursday or Friday morning.

Primary teachers do a handover to the new teachers each year. In this handover, we highlight areas of concern and special needs as well as areas of strength. The goal of this is to enable a smoother start to the new year for our students.

The Importance of Speech to Learning and Development 
Speech is an essential part of communication and is a requirement for effectively learning how to read and write. Children who have speech issues, even mild ones, can find it difficult to learn to read and write. It is often difficult for parents to identify speech problems as they tend to learn how their child speaks and don't always notice that they are not speaking correctly. This link can help identify what students should be able to do by certain ages.

Communication Milestones 12 months - 5 years

I would like to emphasise that children do not always 'grow out' of speech issues and the damage that is done by not addressing them early can lead to lifelong learning difficulties. Even if they do ‘grow better’ they are then usually delayed in learning to read and write. Children with speech issues will struggle to socialise appropriately as they cannot be fully understood and will often find it hard to understand others. We have found an increase in the number of children with speech delays. The ability to access speech therapy is sometimes difficult, we would highly recommend that parents seek help early. Class teachers will advise parents of concerns around speech. The risk of learning problems associated with speech issues is too high to ignore. While we are able to do some things at the College, through our Explicit Instructional approach, we are not speech pathologists, and cannot address speech delays effectively in a classroom setting. A simple rule of thumb would be that if your child is not speaking clearly in mostly adult sentences by the time they are in Kindergarten, then they may require professional intervention.

Changes to Primary Staffing 2023
As often happens we have had some changes occur since my previous notification about class teachers for 2023. Mrs Rebecca Craig will be moving to Kindergarten to replace Mrs Sarah Barber, who is leaving us to take up a Children’s Ministry position at her church. We have welcomed Mrs Kylie Law to Primary this term and look forward to her joining the Year 4 team in replacement of Mrs Wendy Fredericks who will be leaving to take a position at MAS. Alongside Mrs Law, we will be welcoming Ms Hannah McGarry who is joining us in 2023. She will also be on Year 4.

We are sad to say goodbye to Mrs Fredericks and Mrs Barber, both ladies have been dedicated to our students for the time they have taught at the College. We have appreciated their contribution and hope that their move to different employment goes smoothly.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching and Learning T-6

Creative Arts News

This has been a big term in Creative Arts and Languages subjects. Check out some of what our classes have been up to below;

Year 7 German Gingerbread Houses
All of Year 7 have enjoyed building and decorating their Lebkuchenhäuser (Gingerbread Houses).

Year 8 German Breakfast
Year 8 had the opportunity to participate in a typical German Breakfast. They used their German skills to ask for what they wanted to eat and Elective German students served them. It was a great opportunity to use their German in an authentic situation as well as consider how other cultures differ from students’ own.

Elective German Kekse, Kunst und Kinderpunsch!
Year 9 and 10 German Elective Students participated in a German Art Experience Day. We learned about the Austrian artist Hundertwasser and explored some of his works. Students created artworks inspired by his techniques. Students learned about Colour Theory and followed instructions in German! While students painted, the room was filled with the delicious aroma of Kinderpunsch, a warm spiced Christmas punch. Students enjoyed some typical German Kekse (biscuits) and other Christmas treats.

German Club - Linguafest
Our German Club created a video submission for a competition called Linguafest and their entry won the best use of props! The team of students had to create a 2-minute video, written by students, in German, with the theme of generosity and it had to contain a musical instrument. They had so much fun creating this piece. 

Year 9 & 10 Drama
Our Years 9 and 10 Drama students were privileged to see a live theatre production this term titled 'A Practical Guide to Self Defence'. It was a great two-man show production and we were able to have a discussion with the actors and playwright after the production. It was such a valuable experience for our students in understanding the real-world demands of making a staged production come to life.

Also, our students in both classes have been play-building their own works using Bunraku puppetry and Invisible theatre techniques.

Year 9 & 10 Dance
This week our Year 9 and 10 Dance students participated in an Aerial Arts and Circus workshop at Circus Monoxide in Wollongong. The students were taught specific skills on Aerial apparatus types including Silks, Lyra and Trapeze. They also got to participate in different Circus ground skill activities with a range of equipment and practice their tumbling skills. It was a wonderful and challenging physical experience that worked well into the current Stage 5 Dance study of work, where students were able to gain an insight into a variation of the art form of movement.

Elective Music
Throughout the year, our Elective Music students have been able to attend a series of concerts, called Meet The Music, held at The Opera House showcasing a wide variety of instruments and performance styles. 

Visual Arts
Our Year 7 & Year 8 Visual Arts classes were able to participate in an Indigenous Art Weaving Workshop this week where they learned basket weaving techniques and created bush animals with artist Ronnie Jordan from Culture On The Move.

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Creative Arts and Languages Coordinator

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Performing Arts News

Combined College Band and College Strings Rehearsal
On Tuesday, 6 December, during the normal scheduled College Band rehearsal, the College Strings are encouraged to attend at 2.45 pm in Melba 4 Amphitheatre to rehearse together in preparation for the Secondary Presentation Evening.

Week 9 - After-College Hours Rehearsals
Tuesday, 6 December

• College Band and College Strings combined rehearsal 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm
• Dance Company regular rehearsal 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm

Wednesday, 7 December

• NO College Cheer rehearsal (due to Secondary Presentation Evening)

Thursday 8 December

• NO Rehearsals - last day for students

Guest Artist Rehearsals
The students in the College Band, College Strings and College Choir have been rehearsing with a Guest Artist, Richard Lane, in preparation for an item to be performed at the Secondary Presentation Evening. They have worked hard to perfect a vocal item. It has been fantastic to see the fast progress they have made in such a short amount of rehearsal time. We thank Richard Lane for his expertise and experience.

Performances at Formal Assemblies
At the Senior Formal Assembly this week on Wednesday, 30 November, we had a number of fantastic performances including:

• Ha Seung Jung (Year 12) who performed a Cello duet with his tutor Ms Catherine Barnett
• Jessica Fraser (Year 12) who performed a Dance solo
• Year 10 Music Elective class that performed a Crowded House favourite ‘Weather With You’

On Thursday, 1 December, the high calibre of performances continued at the Middle Formal Assembly with:

• The College Cheer group performing a fast, active number entitled ‘Lost in the Love of the Rhythm’ under the direction of Ms Valente
• Job Tindall (Year 5) and Ewan Garside (Year 7) Saxophone Duet
• Jackson Welsh (Year 8) performing a drum solo to a Van Halen classic ‘Jump’
• A beautiful arrangement of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ performed by College Strings - 2 years in the making

Finally, earlier this morning, at the Junior Formal Assembly, we saw great performances by:

• Primary Dance (Stage 2) under the direction of Mrs Grant
• Primary Choir who performed a quiet (but also loud) number entitled ‘Whisper’
• Primary Strings group under the direction of Ms Bridge, College String Tutor

Congratulations to all of our ensembles, groups and soloists that performed at each of the Term 4 Formal Assemblies. You should be very proud of each of your performances, as well as your commitment and dedication to your Performing Arts discipline. 

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Performance for upcoming Presentation Evenings
Primary Presentation and Showcase Evening - Tuesday, 6 December under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter

• Primary Band - under the direction of Mr Dollin
• Primary Choir - under the direction of Mrs Apps and Mrs Barber
• Curriculum Performances - these are performances they have been working on in class

Secondary Presentation and Showcase Evening - Wednesday, 7 December under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter

• College Band, College Strings and College Choir - under the direction of Mr Law and Ms Bridge
• Dance Company - under the direction of Ms Valente
• Guest Artist Combined Performance - under the direction of Guest Artist, Mr Richard Lane

NOTE: Due to the last day for Year 10 on Friday, 2 December (Friday, Week 8), students in the Ensembles involved in the Secondary Presentation Evening (College Band, College Strings, College Choir and Dance Company) are still required to attend the evening and perform with their respective ensemble(s).

There will be rehearsals scheduled during class time on both Tuesday, 6 December (for Primary Presentation Evening) and Wednesday, 7 December (for Secondary Presentation Evening). Students that are involved should have already been notified by their respective Ensemble Leaders. 

If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au

Christmas Markets in the Garden (Picton)
On Friday, 9 December, our Primary Choir will be performing at the Christmas Markets in the Garden at the Picton Botanic Gardens. Parents of the students involved should have received a notification via the Edumate app with further information. An additional note has been distributed to the students involved last week. The students are eagerly preparing for this event and certainly getting in the Christmas spirit, the time of the year that celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

TAS News

During this Semester, students in Year 10 Industrial Technology Timber have completed the construction of a Tasmanian Blackwood Trinket Box. This project utilises a number of interesting joints such as the Stopped Bare Face Tongue and Groove joint and the Stopped Housing joint. Throughout the project, students have had the opportunity to use their creative skills in designing and producing their own laser-cut marquetry veneer insert for the lid, and a customised storage solution for inside their boxes. Many students chose to use machine-cut dovetail joints in the construction of their inserts which is an advanced joining technique. Once completed, students finished their boxes using wiping polyurethane and a number lined their boxes and inserts with felt. Many of the students have also taken on the challenging task of mastering the art of Bowl Turning and have created some high-quality bowls as a result. Congratulations Year 10, I'm looking forward to seeing what many of you will produce in Industrial Technology Furnishings in Year 11. 

Dr Shane Smiltnieks
TAS Teacher

MyTech - Important Notices

Outstanding Loan Devices - End-of-Year Returns
Just a friendly reminder to students that have utilised our Loan Device service that if they are currently in possession of a device, that the device, bag and subsequent charger should be returned through Student Reception in the Deakin Administration Building ASAP. These students should have already been contacted via their student email.

Loan Device Applications CLOSED LAST WEEK
As the end of the year is fast approaching, the Loan Device service provided by the College has closed as of last week (Friday, 25 November) and the IT Department will not be accepting any further applications to utilise this service in Week 9. 

Attention Year 6 Parents - Need to purchase a device for 2023? - see the Purchasing Portal
A Purchasing Portal has been set up for parents to purchase a range of devices that meet the minimum required specifications for ‘MyTech’. The College is providing this as a service for parents to help ensure they are able to purchase suitable devices at a competitive price. The products, software and services provided on these portals are not sold directly by Wollondilly Anglican College, or the Anglican Schools Corporation. The College makes no money from the sale of these products. 

To purchase from the company, simply follow the links on the ‘MyTech’ website under the Purchase tab (http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/purchase.php). The process is relatively simple, by selecting the device and any extras, enter your home delivery details and select your payment method. Please note that the pricing and the availability of the devices offered by this supplier may vary at different times depending on the stock that they have. 

Please remember it is not necessary to purchase through this portal and parents have the option of purchasing elsewhere if they so choose. Or if an existing device already owned at home meets the minimum requirements, this can also be used next year. We believe the above purchasing portal offers convenience in buying a device that meets the required specifications at a commercially competitive price.

Please remember that once purchased, the management and care of the device are the responsibility of the parent/student. The College IT staff will provide technical support related to the connection to the College wireless network and Internet. This will take place initially during the ‘MyTech’ Connect sessions early in Term 1 next year, as well as ongoing throughout term time. For any hardware issues that arise, you will need to contact a Computer Technical Support Service or the company where you bought the device. 

If you have any specific questions regarding any part of the ‘MyTech’ program or device specifications, please check the ‘MyTech’ section of the College website or feel free to email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Lloyd Grant
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Jr Engineers Holiday Code Camp

During the upcoming Christmas Holidays, I am very excited to announce that the College will be hosting a Jr Engineers Holiday Code Camp. The three-day camp will begin on Wednesday, 18 January and conclude in the afternoon of Friday, 20 January. I will be attending on all three days whilst the camp runs between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm.

You can expect our Wollondilly students to explore the world of Minecraft Education to develop and manipulate code and create amazing effects in a Minecraft world.

Students will be required to have the normal necessities they would bring to College for the day. They will need to have a packed recess and lunch (no canteen orders), a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and any medications. College uniform is not required. although, students will need to wear appropriate casual wear including covered shoes. 

Booking and payment can be made directly to Jr Engineers via the QR code provided on the flyer or by clicking here. The experience qualifies for the Creative Kids rebate.

If you have any questions please contact me via email.
k.frost@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kathrine Frost
Primary Learning Innovations Coordinator

We're Hiring!

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge Awards (PRC)
The 2022 PRC certificates were handed out during the smaller assemblies this term. We had a record 427 students complete the challenge this year from Years K-10. Congratulations particularly to our eight Platinum Award recipients, signifying seven Premier's Reading Challenges completed; and 52 Gold Award recipients, signifying four Premier's Reading Challenges completed. Below is a list of students in Years 3-10 that completed the PRC this year. Years K-2 all completed as a group and will also receive certificates this week.

Matilda Carruthers received the PRC Medal for 2022. This is a significant achievement indicating that Matilda has completed the PRC every year from Year 3 to Year 9 (Year 10 was included for 2022 also, due to the disruption of lockdowns).

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Little Elves Vacation Care Program

P&F Clothing Pool

Thank you for all your support of the Clothing Pool with your donations and purchases this year.
A very big and special thank you to the lovely Mums and Nans who have kept the clothing pool open throughout the year: Renu Tondak, Deb Bunch, Janise Hawksworth, Claudia Hall, Jodie Ross, Amanda Coles, Cristina Negi, Kerrie Holloway, and Annette Dalrymple.

A couple of our volunteers are moving on to other commitments next year and we would love to welcome some new volunteers to the Clothing Pool. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email, we are always keen to add to our friendly volunteers!

All uniform donations are welcome over the Christmas break, please leave them at Visitor's Reception.

Our last day for the Clothing Pool will be Thursday, 8 December.

Have a wonderful time with family and friends over Christmas, and we hope to see you in the New Year.

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinator
0415 402 013
clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

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.
All enquiries - 0493 540 885 or look us up on Facebook.

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, 26 November 2022
Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
Cost: $5.00
Ages: 0-14
Please note: This is a CASH ONLY and alcohol-free event.

We are having a special guest appearance - one of Santa’s helpers is coming to say hello.  

All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.  

We hope to see you there.