Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 2 - Friday, 3 February 2023

Message from the Headmaster

I hope the return to College life has started well for you as we kick off the 2023 College year with high energy and excitement. As we wrap up our first week of classes, we encourage you to help your children establish strong habits for the rest of the year. It is important for students to set aside some time each afternoon for homework, assessment preparation, or revision, depending on their age. For our younger learners, reading time and talking about what they have learned can be helpful. As students progress into upper Primary and into the Secondary Years, they can develop more formal homework habits which will lead to their success this year. Remember, "Consistency beats Intensity." A consistent daily routine of homework and revision is more valuable than hours of last-minute cramming. This approach not only helps students stay on top of their work but also promotes good mental health by reducing stress. 

Thank you for your continued support and let's work together to make this a successful year!

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

College Parent Helpers
We are very thankful to the many parents, grandparents and friends who invest their time to volunteer at the College. This service contributes richly to the education of students and is of great assistance. There are three ways that volunteers are able to assist on a weekly basis, in the Clothing Pool, (7.45 am - 8.30 am) in the Canteen or assisting in Primary classrooms. If you would like to assist in one of these activities, I would encourage you to contact Student Reception and request a Parent Helper Form.

It is important that all volunteers sign in on arrival at the College either at Guest or Student Reception. When signing in, please indicate the area in which you are volunteering in one of the three ways below:

• Canteen Helper
• Clothing Pool Helper
• Classroom Helper

College App and Edumate Portal
It is a great time to remind parents of the importance of downloading or updating the College App. This will allow you to easily verify and explain absences as well as give permission for events including sports, excursions and camps. A new feature on the app is the ability to view student marks, awards, discipline records and download reports.

When accessing Edumate on your computer, you are able to make payments, update medical details including medications and pre-existing conditions as well as update personal details for student or parent (phone number, email address etc) including swimming capabilities.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Teaching and Learning 7-12

Organisation is an integral part of being in the Secondary Years. Regardless of whether a student is in Year 12 or has only recently joined us and in Year 7, organisation can really assist in quality teaching and learning. Below are a few simple points to follow and discuss with your child:

• Students should be reading their Edumate timetable and packing their bags with the correct books and equipment the night before coming to the College each day. Please remember that the College operates on a Week A and a Week B schedule
• Students should also be checking their Edumate Broadcast messages for important meetings and lunchtime activities that may be occurring. This is best done at least twice a day - in the morning and in the evening or afternoon
• Use the College Diary to write down important events and dates. Note when assignments are coming up, when homework is due or when you have a topic quiz or test coming up and complete revision work leading up to this event
• Don’t leave assignments and assessment tasks until the night before they are due. When possible, submit a draft of your task to your teacher for early feedback and discuss suggested changes with them. This will also help to ensure you are on the right track with the task that has been issued
• Get into a homework and study routine early. While a student may not have ‘homework’ as such, they can always be revising content that had been taught in class that day
• Write a weekly or daily list of tasks that need prioritising - a list is helpful so you can allocate your time accordingly
• Factor into your schedule things such as activities and sporting commitments. Homework and assessment tasks need to work around these things.
• Have a clean and organised study or homework area - with adequate lighting, no distractions (TV, phones or tablets), limited noise and a comfortable chair

We know that there are many things that lead to quality teaching and learning in a school environment and organisation is a key success factor in starting well. 

Explicit Instruction

The College continues to use Explicit Instruction as its pedagogical focus. Explicit Instruction is a process where the teacher clearly and directly teaches new information or skills to students. The goal is for students to fully understand the material and be able to apply it independently. This approach has been shown to be highly effective in helping students learn and it has many advantages. Some of these advantages include:

• Increased Understanding: With Explicit Instruction, the teacher breaks down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps and guides students through each step. This helps students to understand the material more deeply and enables them to retain information more easily
• Better Student Engagement: Because Explicit Instruction is interactive, students are more likely to stay focused and engaged during the lesson. The teacher can ask questions and give immediate feedback to students, which helps to keep their attention and encourage active learning
• Improved Learning Outcomes: Studies have shown that students who receive Explicit Instruction make significant gains in their academic performance compared to those who receive traditional instruction
• Increased Student Confidence: When students understand the material and are able to apply it successfully, their confidence in their abilities increases. This in turn can lead to greater motivation to learn and improve academic performance.

Year 11
Students in Year 11 will be working with an organisation called ‘Elevate Education’ on Wednesday, 8 February who will be presenting a Seminar on study skills, organisation and time management. Following this presentation, Mr van Netten and I will be working with the students through some follow-up activities where we will be looking to implement some of the strategies talked about in the Seminar. The Seminars will occur at the College in the Warne Auditorium. Students will need to read the Edumate Broadcast messages for where and when to assemble for the Seminars.

Year 7 
All students in Year 7 have completed an intensive ‘My Tech’ program, which is to get them on board with the College’s digital platform. Students have been shown how to use CANVAS the platform that is used by all Secondary teachers across the College. CANVAS is used in all faculty areas slightly differently but through this mechanism, students will have access to things like course content, videos and slide shows, assessment tasks, topic texts and quizzes, and announcements to the class from the teacher.

It is important that all Year 7 students know how to access this platform and use it. Secondly, it is vital that students come to the College with their devices charged.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Secondary Sports

Secondary Swimming Carnival
Friday,10 February will host our Annual Secondary Swimming Carnival which will be held at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre. Parent permission is to be granted via the College App ASAP. Students are reminded to ensure they have their full College Sports Uniform along with their House Polo. Appropriate swimwear must be worn when competing (one-piece swimsuits, no bikinis). The first events will not take place until roughly 9.00 am to ensure all students have arrived by bus. Parents are permitted to attend and can transport their children if they wish.  

Date: Friday, 10 February
Venue: Wollondilly Leasure Centre
Time: The first event will take place at 9.00 am
Attire: College Sports Uniform & House Polo
Swimwear: One-piece, no bikinis
Parents welcome

NASSA Tennis Gala Day Trials
This week students were invited to nominate to trial for the College Tennis side to compete at the upcoming NASSA Gala Day. As this is an Open Age event of a high standard, not all students will be permitted to try out. Only those with sufficient experience will be eligible. Trials will take place for those students on Tuesday, 7 February. Further information will be emailed to the successful applicants. 

NSW All Schools Triathlon
On Thursday, 23 and Friday, 24 February, the All Schools Individual and Teams Triathlon Event will be taking place. Registrations are due next week so any interested students need to speak with Mr Goldsbrough on Monday. Once nominated by the College, parents will be emailed to confirm details of their child to complete the registration process. Due to the need to transport equipment and the small number of students in attendance, parents are required to transport their child/ren to and from the event. 

Tuesday Sport Program
Parent information has been sent out via the College App outlining our Tuesday Sports Program. Parents are encouraged to read through this document carefully as it outlines the sporting options available for students as well as provides information regarding venues for each sport. Despite Sports being a compulsory part of College life for students in Years 7-10, parents are also required to grant permission via the College App for their children to participate and travel if required. This needs to be completed ASAP. 

MISA Trials
Next week will be our final MISA Term 1 Sports Trials. Teams will be announced on Wednesday, 8 February with games commencing in Week 4. If students missed the opportunity to sign up this week they are welcome to complete the Google Form that they have been emailed by Monday, 6 February to ensure they can be considered for the trial.

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Primary Sports

IPSSO 
For the first two weeks of Term 1, Years 3-6 students will participate in selection trials for WAC teams in the Summer IPSSO competition. 

These sports are:

• Girls’ Soccer
• Boys’ Cricket
• Mixed Oztag
• Mixed Basketball

The first five weeks of IPSSO are below:

• 1 Feb - IPSSO trials
• 8 Feb - IPSSO trials
• 15 Feb - Home game against St Gregory's College
• 22 Feb - Home game against Oran Park Anglican College
• 1 March - Away game against Mount Annan Christian College

2023 Primary Swimming Carnival - Friday, 17 February
On Friday 17, February, all Years 3-6 students will be participating in the Primary Swimming Carnival. The Swimming Carnival is being held at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre. Students will depart the College by 8.10 am by buses organised by the College. Students are expected to return to the College by 2.25 pm. 

Students who wish to compete in the early 8.00 am events of 200M or butterfly are permitted to be transported to the pools with their parents or carers. If you wish to compete in these early events, please see Mr Gooden before the day of the Carnival.

Along with a digital permission note that will be issued in the coming days, a Google Form will be sent home that will allow parents to nominate the events they wish their child to compete in. Participation in swimming races is not compulsory. 

Date: Friday, 17 February 
Venue: Wollondilly Leasure Centre
Time: The first (early) event will take place at 8.00 am, students will depart from the College at 8.10 am for the remaining events
Attire: College Sports Uniform & House Polo
Swimwear: One-piece, no bikinis
Parents welcome

Stage 2 College Sports Swimming Lessons
Beginning on Wednesday, 15 February, students in Stage 2 who are not part of an IPSSO team have the opportunity to take part in swimming lessons at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre during College sport time. A note with further details will be sent out in the coming days. Please note, spots in this program are limited. 

Sporting Code of Conduct
All students are required to sign the WAC Sporting Code of Conduct Form. Agreement to the conditions on this form are a prerequisite for participation in the weekly IPSSO competition and NASSA Gala Days.

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Performing Arts News T-12

Performing Arts Groups
It is exciting that starting on Monday next week, our Performing Arts Groups across the College will commence their rehearsals for the year. We have had our Rehearsal Schedule below in Broadcasts this week. In the schedule, you will see some information about each group including the staff member responsible, the day and time the rehearsal occurs and some specific information, including whether the group requires an audition or is chosen by a particular staff member. 

Some changes for 2023 include:

• Primary Drama Group open to students in Years 3-6, commencing with Mrs Barker and Mrs Gooden on a Tuesday Lunch in Elizabeth 5
• College ‘Bucketz’ has expanded to include Years 5-7 students, and will now occur Monday Lunch with Mr Hopkins in Elizabeth 5
• String Trio is offered to students in the College Strings Group - students will be hand selected by Mr Grant and Ms Bridge. This will occur on Thursday Recess.
• The WAC Crew will now meet regularly, Wednesday Lunchtimes in the Warne Auditorium with Mr Grant. There will be more regular opportunities for students to assist with College events and activities. 

NOTE: Students involved in the Singapore Collaboration Trip will receive personalised information from Mr Grant regarding their specific rehearsal schedule soon. 

Music Tuition
Music Tuition will commence on Monday, 6 February. A schedule each day will be displayed in the window of the Monk Room (Music Tutor Room on the corner of Melba 1 and Melba 2). Parents should receive communication from the specific tutor regarding their times and days soon. 

In next week's Waratah Weekly, I will share information on two of our new Music Tutors that we have joining the Music Tuition Program at WAC this year. Stay tuned!

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Cooridnator 

'My Tech'

May I encourage you to ensure that certain software is downloaded onto student devices.

On the MyTech website, https://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/software.php there are many FREE downloads available, here are a few essentials.

• Google Chrome is the preferred browser for BYOD devices.
• Adobe Acrobat reader is best for viewing PDFs.
• Microsoft Office, giving access to Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Canvas Lockdown Browser is required for in-class assessments.

I would also like to recommend an online typing tool typingclub.com. This is free and contains a series of fun interactives that takes learners through keyboard basics, enabling them to type faster and with greater accuracy. Students are encouraged to make use of this facility during study periods and at home. 

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

Term 1 Secondary PE Lessons

Year 7-10 PDHPE students have designated PE (Practical) lessons. These are shown in the timetable below. Students are to wear their Sports uniform to College on these designated days.

Students who do an elective course, Physical Activity and Sports Studies (Years 9 and 10) or Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation (Year 11) are required to bring their Sports uniform to College to get changed.

Students have been informed via email, assemblies, Edumate Broadcasts and their classroom teacher. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the classroom teacher or Mr J Hewitt (PDHPE Coordinator).

A reminder that students require their Sports hat for each PE/practical lesson and must have sports shoes, not flat soled casual shoes (eg Nike Airforce 1).

If there is a reason why students cannot participate in PE/practical lessons, a note is to be written in the student diary.

Mr Josh Hewitt
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Primary Music

Primary Music - Instrumental Program
Primary Music classes have started and there is lots of excitement amongst the students, particularly those receiving new instruments as part of the Years 3-6 Instrumental Program. Each week the Years 3-6 students will bring their instruments and Music book to the Music lesson, and continue to learn how to play their instruments and read music. At the end of the lesson, students will write down in their diaries what they can practise throughout the week, in preparation for the following lesson. Regular practice helps the student’s body and brain to become familiar and confident with what they learnt in the lesson so that they can build upon it in the next lesson. 

Benefits of playing an instrument
Dr Anita Collins is an educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. She has created a TED talk to show what they have found happens to the brain when playing an instrument. Here is the link, if you would like to watch it:https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain?language=en

I am looking forward to teaching Music to all of Primary this year. You're welcome to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the music program: s.barker@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Sallyanne Barker
Assistant Performing Arts Coordinator T-6
Primary Music Teacher

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

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.

MW Physie and Dance

Registrations are open for MW Physie and Dance. Part of the Australian Physie and Dance organistion. (https://www.mwapda.com.au/home/ ). New members are welcome. Come along to have a look. Class times below: