Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 3 - Friday, 10 February 2023

Message from the Headmaster

I am so thankful to God for the outstanding staff that he continues to provide. We are blessed to have a full complement of high-quality Christian teachers and support staff across the College. Working alongside each of these people is a joy and a privilege as they diligently provide and support great learning and care while promoting our strong student culture. We really are a great team, working together and supporting each other so that your children are provided with the very best education we can provide. 

I would also like to thank our parents for being outstanding ambassadors of the College. When I meet new or prospective parents, they frequently mention that a friend, neighbour or work colleague has children attending WAC, and they rave about the College. It is so encouraging to hear this positive feedback, and thank you for spreading the word on our behalf.

I hope Term 1, 2023 is a wonderful term for you and your children as they continue or begin at Wollondilly Anglican College.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

Submission of Assessment Tasks
I would like to remind students of the importance of submitting assessment tasks. Students are encouraged to ‘work diligently with sustained effort’. One aspect of demonstrating this is ensuring that all tasks are submitted by their due date. Most assessments should be submitted to the teacher either before or during the scheduled class on the due date. Some tasks will require an upload to Canvas while others will be submitted as a hard copy. Students should refer to the assessment notification for these instructions. 

As I moved around the College last week, I dropped into a number of classrooms and was encouraged to see so many wonderful things happening in terms of Teaching and Learning. Students seeking to use their God-given gifts to better understand themselves, others and the world around them. We have a College focus on Explicit Instruction and it is encouraging to see students clearly understand the purpose behind their learning and how they are able to show success in this. 

The general tone continues to be a positive one as we settle into 2023. The ongoing support of parents is appreciated. 

Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews 28 Feb and 2 March
We have recently evaluated the timing of our Parent Teacher Interviews and our Year 12 students will have interviews early in Term 2. This will provide parents and students with an opportunity to reflect on Term 1 and time to make adjustments leading into the Half Yearly Examinations. 

I would encourage all parents and students to prioritise these dates and make themselves available to discuss progress with teachers.

Mr Baulch will communicate further information in the coming days including the process for booking the interviews.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Learner Dispositions

In 2023 the College has a focus on developing specific Learner Dispositions in our students. This is not something new, but the focus of this will be more intentional. Dispositions can be defined as a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

The importance of developing dispositions as opposed to knowledge or skills is that dispositions have a life long focus, unlike skills or knowledge that can be lost or ignored.

The College will have a specific disposition focus each term. In Term 1, the focus will be on Resilience. Below is a summary of a presentation from Mr Hewitt, Leader of Learning Humanities in Secondary. All students at Assemblies, Year Meetings, within Pastoral Care programs, and through class teachers will be challenged regarding the development of this disposition in their learning.

As a parent, some areas where you can support your child to develop resilience can include:

• Dealing with being stuck - Do you enable your child when they get stuck with their learning or do you support them to persevere?
• Managing distractions - When you are supporting their learning at home, what approaches are in place to assist them to manage distractions?
• Working toward goals - Is there discussion and recording of goals for learning at home? This will assist in providing purpose and direction.
• Rising to challenge - How does your child respond to challenges as part of their learning and what do you do to assist in supporting them to be stretched as part of these challenges?

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Uniform Expectations

I would like to extend my thanks to students and parents for the way they have supported the College as we uphold the uniform expectations. Where there have been minor issues, I have been very thankful for the positive way that students have responded to staff and made adjustments as necessary. 

Parents are reminded of the communication sent home in January which stated that any student who wears the incorrect jewellery to the College will have that jewellery collected, placed in an envelope and taken to Student Reception where it can be collected at the end of the day. 

Parents and students are reminded that we strongly recommend that items of value are not brought to the College, this includes jewellery. In the event of any jewellery going missing, please be reminded that the College cannot be responsible for these items. 

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Primary Sports

IPSSO 
Congratulations to the students selected to represent WAC in our 2023 Summer IPSSO competition.

IPSSO Uniforms
Early next week, students selected for the girls’ soccer, basketball and oztag teams will be issued a WAC IPSSO uniform. Students are expected to keep their uniform in as good condition as possible and have it ready for every Wednesday IPSSO match. It is not to be worn in place of the College Sports Uniform. The uniform is on loan and students are expected to return it to their coach at the conclusion of their IPSSO season. 

The next five weeks of IPSSO are below:

• 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
• 8 March - Home against St Peter’s Anglican School
• 15 March - Away against Macarthur Anglican School

2023 Primary Swimming Carnival - Friday, 17 February
On Friday, 17 February, all students in Years 3-6 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 200IM 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.

Please complete the digital permission note and accompanying Google Form. Participation in swimming races is not compulsory. 

Stage 2 College Sports Swimming Lessons
Beginning on 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. Please note, spots in this program are limited. 

Cheyannah Hall - High Jump Champ! 
Well done to Cheyannah who had an amazing competition at the Athletics Regionals in Griffith. Cheyannah is off to State in March after bringing home gold in the Under 13 girls' High Jump. On top of this, Cheyannah did well to achieve her personal best. Well done Chey!

After school AFL program
On Friday afternoons throughout Term 1, students in Years T-6 have the opportunity to sign up for an Auskick program provided by AFL NSW/ACT. The AFL is running a taster session during Years K-2 sports on Friday of Week 3. To register, click here and enter 'Wollondilly' then click on "Wollondilly Anglican College (After School) Auskick Centre” 

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Performing Arts News T-12

Our first week of rehearsals with our Performing Arts Groups has kicked off well. It has been amazing to see the buzz and excitement in many of the Groups. Just as a reminder, please see the rehearsal schedules below for both Years T-6 and Years 7-12 groups, as there have been some minor tweaks to the schedule including WAC Crew now regularly meeting at Recess (previously lunch) on a Wednesday.

Music Tuition
We were happy to welcome Mr Joshua Lewis to the WAC Music Tuition Program this week as our new Piano Tutor. Josh is scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at the College.

Josh Lewis began classical training on the Piano at the age of 5. With over 20 years of experience as an Assoc. A.M.E.B teacher, Josh brings the knowledge of the many thousands of lessons he has held both in private tuition and in school settings all over Sydney. Josh is the owner/operator of Pianoman School of Music, which has been offering music tuition in the Wollondilly/Camden area for over 20 years. With experience in both church and secular bands, as well as coaching television performers overseas, his mix of classical, and the most contemporary aspects of pop music on the Piano, is highly sort after. Catering for all students and all levels, either in AMEB examinations, HSC prep, or a more relaxed approach, his passion and unique teaching style foster a love for music in students that sees that they become lifelong musicians.

If you are interested in having your child take piano lessons by Josh or any other of our amazing Music tutors, please head to https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/college-life/creative-arts-co-curricular/music-tuition/ for each of our Tutor's bios and subsequent application forms which are available for you to fill in. Once this has been completed, our Administrative staff are on board to assist with the availability of the tutor, timetabling a lesson or putting you on a waiting list if there are no current vacancies. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator 

eSafety

In caring for our children, we often need to consider the things that are occurring online. I invite you to investigate some free webinars that the eSafety Commissioner has released. These live webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. Examples of topics include 'navigating online friendships' and 'getting started with social media'. The link provides further information and a pathway to register. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Year 7 students have been issued with a hard copy of the 'Parent's Guide To Online Safety'. All parents also have access to the material in an electronic format online. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/online-safety-book

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

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Term 1 Working Bee

The Term 1 Working Bee will be held on Saturday, 18 February 2023 from 7.30 am until 12.00 pm.

The morning will commence with a BBQ breakfast from 7.30 am until 8.00 am. If you plan to attend the breakfast, please RSVP to email: m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au

There are a number of jobs that require attention:

• The main focus will be to beautify the John Lambert Garden (the garden between Sturt and Melba). This includes weeding, branch removal and mulching
• Rubbish collection
• Leaf blowing

Please note, we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day.

This is a great opportunity for you to work alongside others within the College community.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Daniel Warland
Property Manager 

Term 1 Prayer Breakfast

I hope you had a great holiday break and had a chance to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Amongst the business of Term 1, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 1 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 18 February. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some bacon and egg rolls before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. But in this business of the world, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial. I encourage you to seriously consider attending.

If you're able to make it please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 15 February. I'd love to see you there!

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Secondary Homework Club

Just in case you hadn't heard... SECONDARY HOMEWORK CLUB STARTS Wednesday, 15 February!

You may have noticed that plenty of assessment items are looming on your calendar. We encourage students in Years 7-12 to attend Homework Club to make use of the generous guidance provided by teachers to help you with these tasks. 

When: Wednesday afternoons 3.00 pm - 4.30 pm (Term 1, Weeks 4-9)
Where: Flynn Library
What to bring: Homework, assessment tasks, puzzling questions, necessary equipment and a positive attitude! It is essential that you have a work plan for the time you attend Homework Club and can work productively on your own. However, there are plenty of staff to help if you need assistance.
Pick up: Students need to be picked up by 4.30 pm in the Melba carpark or catch the late bus ~ 4.20 pm.
Contact: Dr Bearlin, Mr Aquilina, Mr Beckinsale, Miss Clark, Mr Shellshear, Dr Smiltnieks & Mr Stewart. 

See you there!

Dr Rob Bearlin
Careers Adviser & Science Teacher

We're Hiring!

Year 8 TAS Forensic Science Camp

Library News

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 19 February
The Book Club Issue 1 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary select their usual class.  All orders are to be made online or through the LOOP App.

Library Monitors Year 6
Over the coming weeks, in Library Lessons, Year 6 will have the opportunity to apply to be a Library Monitor. Being a Library Monitor is a rewarding way to be of service to the College. You will attend Quarmby Library one lunchtime per week, and your tasks include returning and lending books, shelving, tidying and helping with the younger students. You will be trained to use the Oliver Library System Circulation Desk. If you wish to apply, please see Mrs Reid and Mrs Moller in the Library.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool sells good quality used uniform items for all Year Groups.

We now have clear contact available for $2 per roll 

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. 

Please remember that we are cashless and only accept card payments. We can take payment over the phone if you cannot come in.

Thank you for the donations of uniforms that have come in over the first week, please keep them coming in! Donations can be left at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or at Student Reception.

We have some new volunteers coming on board (THANK YOU!) which means we will be opening every morning this term! Volunteers are still needed for Mondays! If you have a spare 45 minutes in the morning to help, please call or email Melissa at 0415 402 013 or  clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Opening Hours: 7.45 am - 8.30 am 
Days: Monday - Friday
Location: White Cottage - side windows adjacent to the rear of the Canteen. 
Phone: 0415 402 013
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
Clothing Pool Coordinator

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: