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Waratah Weekly - Term 1, Edition 6 - Friday, 3 March 2023

Message from the Headmaster

As I move around the College and visit classrooms, I am excited by seeing the hard work students are putting into their learning. May I continue to encourage our students as they strive for their personal best. I was alerted this week to a Facebook post by a local media source which based their data from raw NAPLAN data (which is not a true indicator), that a number of Independent Schools are low value. I would like to reassure parents and students that our staff are proud of our students and can see them consistently applying themselves to their lessons. It is interesting that this same media outlet that branded numerous schools as poor value for money had not long ago listed those same schools as the best-performing schools in the region. I recently attended the Wollondilly Mayor's High Achievers Awards where students who in 2022 received Band 6 (top band) in their subjects in the HSC. I am pleased to inform you that out of the 25 students who were recognised 14 of them were from Wollondilly Anglican College.

As we continue our focus on Learning, Care and Culture, we are confident that academic outcomes will continue to improve. However, we will also see growth in character, personal skills, self-discipline, great friendships, service to others and resilience, aspects of education that are rarely reported. I appreciate the partnership that we have with parents, and I am thankful for your support and trust in us. To our students, I say "Keep up the Great Work".

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster - College Uniform

College Uniform - Why does it matter?
I would like to thank the College community for the manner in which the majority of students have been wearing the College uniform this year. Pride in belonging is a distinctive of Wollondilly and wearing the uniform well is one way in which students can display pride in belonging. The following points are good reminders of why our College uniform is important.

School uniforms create a level playing field among students
When all students are dressed alike, competition between students over clothing choices and the teasing of those who are dressed in different ways can be eliminated. There are many ways that people make comparisons between themselves and others. This may be the type of mobile phone, home, car or holiday destination. Comparisons such as these have their source in envy and can be an automatic response. A school uniform takes one of these possible comparisons out of play. When all Wollondilly students are dressed in a common uniform, it removes one aspect of comparison from their lives.

College uniforms are a signal to learn
Clothing often sets the tone for the activity. When on holiday we enjoy the comfort of a t-shirt, shorts and thongs. The change in clothing is a change in gears to a more relaxed mode. Sports uniforms have the same effect on people’s focus and purpose – working as a team to excel in sporting competitions. College uniforms work the same way to send a non-verbal signal to students that their time at the College has a learning focus. Putting the College uniform on is a change in gears for students as well. It is, for this reason, we require our Year 12 students to wear their uniform during the HSC examinations.

College uniforms provide a sense of belonging to a community
A society that emphasises individuality can also produce a negative by-product of isolation. More than generating a sense of pride, uniforms can have the effect of generating a sense of belonging to a community. A uniform can work to reduce division within a group. It is important that students learn that they belong to a community, developing thinking and actions that both connect them and enable them to support others in that larger body. A sense of belonging is critical as we continue to define the cultural markers here at Wollondilly.

College uniforms make life easier
College uniforms make it just that bit easier to get to the College on time! The amount of angst and time required for getting ready each morning is reduced by having a uniform. The cost of clothing is also reduced by using uniforms. While the financial outlay for good quality, long-lasting uniforms seems additional, it actually costs less than to purchase the same non-uniform clothing requirements for a year or longer.

College uniforms reduce the focus on the external
Finally, we live in a society in which media encourages people to pay great attention to their appearance and invest a large amount of time, money, and effort to project an ‘acceptable’ external appearance. This has significant negative impacts on the way that many young people think about themselves. It seems counterintuitive, but by taking care in how a uniform is worn, actually provides our students with a break from the pressure of maintaining their appearance under the scrutiny of their peers. Wearing a uniform well provides the opportunity to demonstrate their character, intellect and heart.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

We expect our staff to be vigilant regarding our students’ uniforms; to check that they are wearing the uniform and wearing it correctly. As a College, we seek to do this consistently. However, to maximise learning time, staff should not have to spend time following up on uniform issues. Thus, the responsibility for wearing the uniform correctly lies with the student.

Again, I would like to thank the support of our parents in holding to our expectations regarding uniforms.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

7 -12 Teaching and Learning

Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews
Thank you to the parents who came along to the Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews this week. It’s a great opportunity for teachers, parents and students to conduct this three-way conversation and look at areas of student learning that are going well and areas for improvement. If you missed the opportunity to talk face-to-face to your child’s Year 12 teacher, please email the teacher to see if a phone discussion can occur. Thank you also to the staff who gave up their afternoon and evening to facilitate these important conversations

Year 11 Information Evening
Tuesday, 7 March in the Warne Auditorium, for parents and carers.

Singapore Zoom Collaboration Students
Students that are travelling to Singapore later in the year with Miss Valante, Mr Grant and myself have started rehearsals and have been meeting regularly this term. The students that I am collaborating with are working on collecting ideas for projects that can be undertaken when we meet face-to-face. We are also excited to hear that students from Singapore Anglican High School will be visiting us in May which will give our students an opportunity to meet face-to-face before our trip.

Year 11 Hospitality
Year 11 Hospitality did an excellent job on two major functions this week. For the first function, students worked after normal College hours and provided finger food for members of the TASC board. This was in fact only the second time the students had completed a practical and they found the experience to be quite enjoyable. Year 11 Hospitality students learnt about the importance of clear communication and teamwork.

The second function was ‘Pancake day’. Students made over 1000 pancakes and sold them to staff and students during lunchtime. They learnt how to make a batter, the collaborative features of working in a team, and understood the importance of mise en place. The money raised from the day will be donated to Samaritan's Purse.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

T-2 Parent Literacy Information Session

Date: Wednesday, 8 March
Time: 1.00 pm - 2.20 pm
Location: Quarmby building

We are inviting T-2 parents to come along to learn about how we teach Literacy (reading, phonics, writing).

We will address what is essential for children in learning to read and write, with tips for parents at home.

Places are limited, please book through the following link.

Book Here

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Primary Sports

Judo Champions - Abbey, Lochlan and Mackenzie Cook

Well done to Abbey Cook of Year 6 our Judo Champion!

Over two weekends, Abbey managed to throw, grapple and sweep her way to two Gold Medals! At the ACT International Open, she won Gold and, the following weekend, at the Sydney International Open she managed to wrestle her way to a second Gold.

Well done Abbey - it’s not often you can say you’ve bookended your week with Gold medals!

At the ACT International Open, Lochlan managed to fight his way to the top, winning Gold. Mackenzie achieved a gallant 5th place against tough competition.

Lochlan backed up his success in his home state at the Sydney International Open, narrowly missing out on Gold, achieving a very respectable Silver. Mackenzie, however, would not be denied in Sydney and managed to win a Gold medal of her own.

Lochlan is now waiting to see if he has qualified for the Australian Senior Boys' team to compete in Hungary later in the year.

IPSSO
Our next five weeks of IPSSO are below:

8 March: Home against St Peter’s Anglican School
15 March: Away against Macarthur Anglican School. Cricket at Cut Hill. All other sports on MAS campus.
22 March: Away against St Gregory’s College
29th March: Away against St Peter’s Anglican School. Cricket, soccer and Oztag at Campbelltown Showground, Basketball at St Peter’s campus
5th April - Away against Broughton Anglican College

NASSA Primary Swimming Carnival
Last Tuesday, the Primary Swim Team went to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre to compete at the NASSA Primary Swimming Carnival. Well done to all our mighty swimmers! You have done your College very proud! A big congratulations to Lily Bartolo who won 11yr Girls' Age Champion.

Well done to our Junior Boys' 50m Freestyle Relay Team who came first in a most thrilling race. A big congratulations to Camden Frendo, Harrison Goddard, Lachlan Morris and Joe Rebelo.

The following students have qualified to represent NASSA at the CIS Swimming Carnival on Wednesday, 22 March:

Lily Bartolo
Harrison Goddard
Jeremy Frendo
Camden Frendo
Norah Rebelo
Joe Rebelo
Lachlan Morris

POSTPONED - Primary NASSA Soccer Gala Day Tuesday, 7 March
The Primary NASSA Soccer Gala Day scheduled for Tuesday, 7 March 2023, has been postponed. Students are to attend class as normal. An alternate date is yet to be confirmed. If you have any further questions, please email sport@wac.nsw.edu.au

Gymnastics
On Friday, throughout the remaining weeks of Term 1, Students in Years T-2 will be participating in gymnastics lessons underneath the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. The lesson will be run by the coaches from Gymtastics.

Upcoming events:

Monday 27 March - Primary NASSA touch football gala day
Wednesday 5 April - Primary NASSA netball gala day
Thursday 6 April - Years 3-6 Cross country

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Performing Arts News

Singapore Collaboration - Performing Arts Students
This is a general reminder to all Singapore Collaboration students. A schedule of rehearsals and meeting times has been sent directly to those students involved. It is imperative that students provide as much notice to Miss Valente or myself if they are aware that they are unable to attend any of these rehearsals. Our next scheduled rehearsal/meeting will be on Monday 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm of Week 8 (Monday, 13 March).

HICES Music Festival
This is another reminder to all students in Years 7-12 involved in one of the Music Ensembles at the College of the upcoming HICES Music Festival.

The HICES Music Festival brings together over 400 musicians from across HICES schools in New South Wales. Students will work with experienced conductors at The Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops. All camp participants will be transported to Sydney Town Hall for final rehearsals, and the event will culminate with the Festival Concert on the evening of Wednesday 16 August 2023.

There is a $595 cost involved in the festival, but it is a fantastic opportunity for students to partake in a joint effort of schools across the Sydney and greater Sydney area that share the same passion for Music making and performance in a range of ensemble contexts.

I am encouraging all students who play an instrument in an Ensemble, or sing in our College Choir to consider applying. Please see Mr Law (Secondary Music Teacher) or myself for more information including an application link.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 29 March 2023.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

MyTech Loan Devices

There may be times when a student’s device is damaged or not functioning properly. In order to ensure that students do not miss out on important learning opportunities, the College has a limited number of loan devices that students may borrow. In order for a student to borrow a loan device they need to fill out a ‘MyTech’ Student Loan Agreement.

A handwritten note from a parent is not sufficient as it is important that you are aware of the terms of the loan before we loan out a device.

This agreement can be picked up from student reception or downloaded from the ‘MyTech’ website at the bottom of the Devices tab http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/devices.php and needs to be signed by both the parent and student. This agreement then needs to be presented at Student Reception where, if available, a device will be loaned for a period of two weeks. This program has been a great help to many students and it is vital that students take proper care of the devices so that they can be used by other students after them. This means that if a device is damaged while in a student’s possession, they will be required to pay for the cost of repairs. Once a student’s device has been repaired, the loan device then needs to be promptly returned to Student Reception.

If you have any further questions about this or any other ‘MyTech’ issue please do not hesitate to send these to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

Online Consent For Vaccinations

A message from NSW Health regarding online consent for your child’s College vaccinations in 2023.

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you will now need to provide online consent for their routine College vaccinations.

In Year 7, students are offered vaccines for diphtheria–tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

How to Provide Consent

To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
Follow the steps to log in to your existing Service NSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
1. Enter your child’s personal details
2. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
3. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
4. Provide Consent

The Benefits of Providing Consent Online

Easily update your child’s details
Receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
Faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

2023 Key Events & Dates

Click Here

We're Hiring!

Click Here To Apply Online

Resilient Parent Free Webinar

Resilience. When it comes to your kids, you’ve probably heard this word many times. From teachers, on social media posts, and even from other parents on the playground – it seems that resilience is the watch word of the day. And as parents, we want our kids to be strong and good, so they can weather the storms of life.

But resilience isn’t just for kids.

As parents we’re faced with challenges every day. We have a seemingly unending list of little tasks, like making lunches and getting our kids to after school commitments on time, soothing the daily hurts – both physical and emotional – in our children. We need to meet homework demands, push music practice, make dinners, kick footballs, and much more. And we do all this while trying to manage our own physical and mental health and responsibilities at work and home. It's no surprise that research shows that parents are more burnt out than ever.

But research also tells us that being resilient helps us bounce back from adversity and frustrations, and return quickly to a state of healthy functioning.

So now all we have to do is figure out how to become a resilient parent so we can teach those skills to our own kids. Introducing...

The Resilient Parent
Thursday, 9 March
8.00 pm

School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS)

The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) moratorium free travel period for 2023 has now expired. The moratorium period was provided to allow eligible students who have not yet received a student bus pass to receive one.

From yesterday, Monday, 27 February 2023, all students will be required to present to the driver their physical 2023 Picton Buslines School Bus Pass, for every trip. We will not accept photos of bus passes taken on students’ phones. Please have the pass ready to show to the driver as you board the bus.

If a bus pass is not presented, the students must pay the required cash fare.

Students who have not yet applied for a 2023 Bus Pass, can still do so via the link here https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel
Students who are not eligible for free school travel via SSTS can pay for a Term Pass by contacting Picton Buslines https://pictonbuslines.com.au/contact-us/
Students who have applied and received the approval email but have not received a 2023 Bus Pass should contact Picton Buslines

Further information and terms and conditions of School Bus Passes can be found via TfNSW, https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms.

For any questions or concerns that cannot be resolved via the TfNSW link above, please contact Picton Buslines directly.

We appreciate your assistance with this and look forward to working with you throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks and regards,
ANDREW FERRIS
Manager | Director
M: 0409 811 343 P: (02) 4677 1564
W: www.pictonbuslines.com.au
E: aferris@pictonbuslines.com.au
A: 18 Wonga Rd Picton NSW 2571

Premier's Reading Challenge

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023 - Important changes to the K-2 Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year we are making some changes to the way we administer the Premier’s Reading Challenge for Years K-2. K-2 will not take part in the Challenge as a group anymore. If parents would like their child to complete the PRC they can add books that they read at home to their child’s online record. Please email j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au and I will provide your child’s login details and instructions on how to do that. K-2 can either read or be read to for the PRC. Any questions please let me know.

Years 3-6 will be logging into the Premier’s Reading Challenge during Library and Technology Lessons throughout the year and can complete the Challenge by reading for pleasure at home and adding books to their online record. Years 3-6 will be given their login details in Library Lessons.

Please note, completing the PRC from Year 3 to Year 9, every year qualifies the students for the PRC Medal.

Years 7-9 can access their logins by contacting Mrs Colombo for further information. Those students that have already signed up will receive their logins soon. I will also follow up with students that do the Challenge every year.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is a way to be rewarded for your leisure reading, is a great addition to your resume and encourages wide reading, which is so important for literacy skills.

For all the PRC rules and regulations please visit the Rules Page.
Students can add their books via the PRC Student Site.

Any questions about the Premier’s Reading Challenge please contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Justine Colombo
College Librarian

WAC Equestrian Clinic

Over the weekend, a handful of our WAC Equestrian Team participated in the first Clinic of the year with instruction from Equestrian Coach, Sue Lowe.

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 to date, 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

Church Services

Click Here

LOWES 20% Off Sale

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:

Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.

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.