Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 1 - Friday, 27 January 2023

Message from the Headmaster

Welcome back to Wollondilly Anglican College for another exciting year of learning.

We especially welcome our new parents and students who are joining us for the first time. I know that you are going to have a great experience here and that you will make new friendships quickly (parents and students).

As we work on elements of our Strategic Plan this year, we continue focusing on strong learning, quality pastoral care and building a strong student culture. We believe these are essential elements of an outstanding College and we will continue to develop and grow in each of these areas. 

LEARNING: We will provide high-quality teaching in every classroom, and in every lesson so that all students experience consistently high levels of academic growth.

CARE: Our aim is for every student to be cared for, feel connected to teachers and peers, and experience the safe, loving community that Jesus calls us to provide.

CULTURE: We will support all staff and students, within a Christ-centred community, to achieve and contribute to the continued high expectations of the College

We are so thankful to God for his ongoing blessing over our College. God is a great , powerful and loving God who guides us in all we do.

We look forward to partnering with you in the education and training of your children, as together we support each and every child to make great academic progress and grow in strength of character. 

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

While holidays are thoroughly enjoyed, I am looking forward to returning to the routine of College life. I have missed the smiling faces and the hive of activity. If you are a new parent or student, I would like to offer a warm welcome and trust that you have had a positive start to your journey at Wollondilly. Likewise welcome to new staff at the College!

Bell Time Changes

We have made a significant change in 2023, in lengthening recess to 30 minutes and shortening lunch to 30 minutes. These times will allow for more options of co-curricular activities at break times and assist in maintaining a positive playground environment. This means that bell times throughout the day have also altered. A copy of the new bell times can be found below. Student diaries will be updated with the new times in the coming weeks. 

Parents' and Friends' Association Meet and Greet 

The P&F will be having a meet and greet evening on Wednesday, 1 February in the Deakin Administration building at 7.00 pm. We would love to welcome current and new families. This is a great opportunity to meet other families in the Wollondilly community.

Covid Plan 2023

While there are few restrictions remaining in relation to COVID, in order to keep the community safe please:

1. Continue RAHT testing if symptomatic or have had high or moderate risk exposure to someone with COVID-19 (free RAHT tests available at the College through Student Reception)
2. Notify the College if a staff member or student tests positive to COVID -19 (covidtest@wac.nsw.edu.au)
3. Not attend the College while symptoms are present
4. Wear a mask when returning to the College after recovering from COVID-19 for 10 days from the time of the positive test

On top of these measures, the College will continue to maintain high levels of ventilation and cleaning and hygiene protocols early in Term 1.

Thank you for taking the time to read the Waratah Weekly. This continues to be the primary and very important source of information for the Wollondilly community. 

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Teaching and Learning 7-12

A warm welcome to 2023 and I look forward to another wonderful year of Teaching and Learning here at Wollondilly Anglican College. I trust you all had a restful break and are feeling positive about the year ahead. A particularly warm welcome to our new families who have joined the College in a variety of year groups in the Secondary Years.

A few upcoming dates to note in your diary:

• Year 7 2023 Information Evening

This is an opportunity to hear from a wide variety of staff at the College, and is suited for ALL of our Year 7 parents even if you have had children in older year groups come through the College. Gain a better understanding of aspects of your child’s schooling such as assessment tasks, reporting, processes to follow in regards to curriculum and pastoral care matters, sporting and performance events at the college, and use of the College diary and daily organisation. Also meet the Year Patron who will be with this year group from 2023 - 2029……when they graduate!!!

This will occur face to face in the Warne Auditorium starting at 7.00 pm on Tuesday, 7 February. It will also be a great opportunity to meet new parents. Students are to come in their College uniform and are to be seated with their parents.

• Year 11 2023 Information Evening

A similar evening will be run for Year 11 as they have entered Stage 6 or the senior aspect of their formal education period. Students will hear from teachers and important topics such as assessment, time management, balancing homework, how to manage stress, ranking and the impact that this has, how to deal with illness or misadventure plus many more senior related topics.

This will occur face-to-face in the Warne Auditorium starting at 7.00 pm on Tuesday, 7 March. It will also be a great opportunity to connect with new parents. Students are to come in their College uniform and are to be seated with their parents.

• Assessment booklet 7-11 2023

Over the next few weeks students in Years 7-11 will receive their assessment booklets for this year. This contains all the necessary information they need to know in regards to formal assessment tasks - such as when they are due, the type of task it is and there is an assessment grid for EACH subject that the student studies. I strongly encourage students to write these due dates into their diary and onto a wall planner so they can plan their time accordingly. Please see specific subject Leaders of Learning (eg Mrs Wellington, Leader of Learning - English) if you have any enquiries, questions or concerns in relation to these tasks.

• Book packs

All students have been issued with College book packs that will be needed for their subjects for the year. One of the College’s thematic goals this year is to build a strong and sustainable student culture - and this includes having respect for self, respect for the uniform and being respectful in terms of the College property and equipment. Having students take pride in the way they wear their uniform, the way they keep their classrooms and in particular the work and learning that they do in each of their subjects important.

The students will receive with exercise books with the College logo - to assist them in the process of ‘Respect for their Learning’. We ask that students cover these in clear contact or plastic covers to protect them.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Teaching and Learning T-6

This is just a brief hello to say we are excited to be back and ready to get the learning started for 2023.

We have our K-6 Information Evening on Tuesday, 31 January at 6.00 pm in the Warne Auditorium. There will be an opportunity to meet the teachers during this evening.Our Transition information afternoons are Tuesday, 31 January & Wednesday, 1 February from 1.40 pm - 2.20 pm, in the Warne Auditorium.

Sport Uniform Days

Primary year groups should wear their sport uniforms on the following days:

Mondays & Fridays - Kindergarten, Years 1 & 2

Mondays & Wednesdays - Years 3 & 4

Wednesdays & Fridays - Years 5 & 6

Library & Music Days

Student timetables on the Edumate App show their Library and Music lessons. Students in Years 3-6 will need their instrument for each Music lesson. Library bags should be packed on Library days.

A Few Things To Know 

No food gifts/sharing

As we have a significant number of students with dietary related health issues and we also wish to promote healthy eating. Students should not bring Birthday Cakes or any food to share with other students: eg Easter eggs, candy canes. These items will be returned to parents if they are brought to school. 

Break time changes:

This year we will have 2 x 30 minute breaks. We will have an eating time in classrooms of 10 minutes before one of these breaks for the students to each their lunch. Please provide lunches that are healthy and contain no nuts. Nut-substitute spreads are welcome. Soft drinks, lollies and chocolate will be sent home. Students in Primary are not permitted to bring money to spend at the Canteen. Food must be ordered through the Flexischools App.

Primary Parent-Teacher Evenings
This Term we will have Parent-Teacher Interviews on Tuesday, 21 Thursday, 23 March.

Contacting Teachers:

The best method for contacting teachers is through the College diary or email. Please allow two days for a response to emails as teachers are on class and often have meetings after school. For urgent matters please contact the College.

Student pick-up/bus travel:

For students in T-2 we will require parents to fill in details for their afternoon routines. Please be really clear about which bus students are catching if they are travelling by bus. After 2.00 pm it can be difficult for messages to get to children regarding changes to afternoon routines. If it is an emergency we will do our best, otherwise please contact the College before lunch.

Early Pick-up:

Children being picked up prior to the end of the College day will need to be signed out from the College. Parents will need to go to Student Reception to sign their children out then go to the classrooms to pick their child up. Children will not be sent to the office for pick-up.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Performing Arts News

Music Tuition

All Music tuition will commence on Monday, 6 February, 2023. Our tutors are excited for the start of the year and may be in contact with parents in the coming days, to communicate any changes to their Terms and Conditions. 

If parents are deciding that they no longer want to continue with lessons, it is imperative they make contact with the tutor to let them know, so the College Administrative staff can amend tutor timetables. 

Performing Arts Groups

All Performing Arts groups across the College will also commence on Monday, 6 February, 2023. Next week's Waratah article will feature the 2023 Rehearsal Schedule. Some groups will now be occurring at Recess this year, due to the new timings that have taken effect at the start of this year.

I can confirm there are some small changes and new additions to the schedule that students will be excited about. In the meantime, if students would like to get a sense of what groups are available, I encourge them to see myself or Mrs Barker (Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator T-6). 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

My Tech

Students returning to the College would be familiar with the expectation that a functional and charged laptop is a requirement of every College day.

It would be timely for parents and students to check the functionality of any current device. If it is found that the battery life is starting to diminish, students will need to bring their charging cables to the College and connect to a charging station during recess or lunch. These lockable charging stations are found in the Johnson and Flynn buildings.

Due to WHS issues, students cannot charge their devices in classrooms.

Students are also reminded that there may be software available for them to download for specific subjects from the MyTech website https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/software.php

If you have any questions about the MyTech program in the College please email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

FLOWERS Canteen Volunteers

At the FLOWERS Canteen we are always looking for volunteers to work in our Canteen to prepare nutritious lunches for our hungry growing children and to serve over the counter at recess and lunch. 

If you can spare any time to join our friendly team we would very much appreciate the extra help. It's easy and fun work with on-the-job training and you can dedicate as much or as little time as you like. Choose to either stay and help in the morning after College drop-off, come in for a while and help before afternoon pick-up or hang out with us for the day. 

All volunteers' efforts are rewarded with a healthy snack and plenty of tea and coffee. If you are interested please email me at e.dealmeida@wac.nsw.edu.au with your preferred days and regularity.  We would love to hear from you.

Mrs Emma De Almeida
Canteen Manager

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool sells good quality used uniform items for all year groups. 
The Clothing Pool relies on donations from the College community and is run by volunteers. It is a great way to meet other parents and save on College uniform costs. 

Opening Hours: 7.45 am - 8.30 am 
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Friday
Location: White Cottage - side windows adjacent to rear of Canteen. 

Our opening days have reduced to three days until more volunteers can assist.

If you have a spare 45 mins in the morning to help at the shop please call or email.

Phone: 0415 402 013

Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
Clothing Pool Coordinator

2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection

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.