Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 9 - Friday, 9 December 2022

Message from the Headmaster

I would like to say thank you to our parents and students for celebrating a wonderful year with us. Our Presentation Evenings on Wednesday and Thursday were fantastic events that showcased many of the talents and achievements of our students. Well done parents; you must be very proud of them. I am very much looking forward to another great year in 2023. As we continue to focus our attention on Learning, Care and Culture, you can be assured that we will continue to provide an outstanding academic and values-based education to your children. But until then, I pray that you enjoy a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing Christmas break with your family as we remember the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. A virgin birth that was foretold hundreds of years before it happened!

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Reflecting On Reports

Reflection and self-evaluation are important skills that can help us to constantly grow and improve. Students will now have received their 2022 course reports and this provides another fine opportunity to evaluate the learning that has taken place. I encourage all students to carefully read their reports and think about both their strengths and weaknesses and what opportunities are presented for further growth in 2023. It may be helpful to consider finishing each of the statements below:

1. ‘The strengths I have consistently shown across my courses are…’
2. ‘The comment I am most encouraged by is...’
3. ‘The area of application that I could improve the most is...’
4. ‘I need further help with...’
5. ‘I am keen to improve…’

The Christmas holiday period provides a great opportunity to begin thinking through some goals for 2023 and I encourage all students to do this prior to returning next year.

2023 has been a great year at the College and the Presentation and Showcase Evenings this week highlighted all the wonderful experiences our students have had.

Have a wonderful break as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Secondary News

Yearly Reports 7-10
Parents and caregivers will have received a broadcast message informing them that the Yearly Reports are now accessible via the College App. Just a reminder the College is no longer printing these reports and reports are available for parents to download. If parents do wish to have a printed copy of their child’s report – please contact Student Reception.

Parents and caregivers may also notice that the reporting templates look different this year and as we look to improve our reporting process, concerns around your child’s report should be directed to the class teacher in the first instance followed by the Teaching and Learning Coordinator.

Year 12 2023
Students in Year 12 that will sit the HSC in 2023 are encouraged to use this upcoming holiday and break time to organise and prepare themselves for aspects of their courses. Students in particular who have major works can use this break time to complete a lot of the preliminary research and background work. It's important that students use this time wisely as it will be to their advantage when they return in 2023.

Reminder Year 12 2022
Reminder to our Year 12 2022 students – The College is looking forward to seeing you at the HSC BBQ on the day the HSC results are released – Thursday,15 December 2022. Many of the College staff and teachers also look forward to seeing you on this day.

I trust that all of our families have a very merry and blessed Christmas and we look forward to seeing your safe return in 2023.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Performing Arts News

It was great to celebrate the end of the year and the hard work our Performing Arts groups have demonstrated at the Primary and Secondary Presentation Evenings.

Many thanks and congratulations to the staff and students involved in the following groups that provided formal duties or performed on both evenings:

Primary Presentation and Showcase Evening

• Primary Band (under the direction of Mr Jonathon Dollin) - that provided music for the Official Party to walk in and out
• Primary Choir (under the direction of Mrs Kerry Apps and Mrs Sarah Barber) - that led the National Anthem

Secondary Presentation and Showcase Evening

• College Band (under the direction of Mr Chris Law)
• College Strings (under the direction of Ms Jillian Bridge)
• College Choir (under the direction of Ms Cate Rigg)
• Dance Company (under the direction of Ms Kara Valente)

Our College Band and Strings provided music for the Official Party, the College Choir led the singing of the National Anthem (accompanied by the College Strings) and the Dance Company performed an emotional work entitled Rescue on stage. Our College Band, Strings and Choir also performed Viva La Vida by Coldplay under the direction of our Guest Artist, Mr Richard Lane, who worked closely with the students in some workshops earlier this term.

They were both fantastic evenings that showcased our amazing Performing Arts groups and Ensembles.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts 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!

WAC Equestrian Clinic

Premier’s Reading Challenge Awards Update

The 2022 PRC certificates have been handed out for Years K-2 and Years 7-9.  For Years 3-6, many students are receiving Gold and Platinum awards. The Gold and Platinum certificates have not arrived yet. For this reason, the PRC certificates will have to be handed out at the beginning of next year. Sorry for any inconvenience. The students who are receiving awards were published in last week’s Waratah.

Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Little Elves Vacation Care Program

LOWES Back To School Vouchers

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.

MERRY MAKERS! CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP

• Thursday 15 December, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm, Renwick Community Centre (Ages 6-12yrs)

JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS (All @ Green Door Studios, SHAC Robertson)

• Spectacular Starfish, Friday, 13 January 2023, 10.00 am - 11.30 am (Ages 5-7yrs)
• Mixed Media Rainforest Frog, Friday, 13 January 2023 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm (Ages 5-12yrs)
• Drawing is NOT Boring, Wednesday, 18 January 2023, 9.30 am -11.30 am (Ages 6yrs+)
  
• Sumi-e Ink Brush Fish, Wednesday, 18 January 2023, 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm (8yrs+)
• Magiclay Coral Reef, Thursday, 19 January 2023, 9.30 am -11.00 am (5yrs+)
• Clay Shell Watercolour Palette, Thursday, 19 January 2023, 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm (10yrs+)
• Watermelon Acrylic Painting, Tuesday, 24 January 2023, 10.00 am - 11.30 am (5-12yrs)
  

$100 Vouchers from Service NSW are accepted.