Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 2 - Friday, 5 May 2023

Message from the Headmaster

This week we began our WASP Football Academy. The students enjoyed being active, developing their skills and improving their fitness in an encouraging and positive environment. Staying physically active is so important for our health, both physical and mental. I would encourage everyone to make sure they include regular physical activity into their week. Being physically active has many benefits; it improves cognitive function, reduces stress, improves overall wellbeing and is a lot of fun. At WAC there are many opportunities to be physically active. I see many students running around on the oval playing football, touch football or tag games. Many students enjoy playing handball or simply walking around during their breaks. We also have many sporting opportunities for students to play against other schools, or play against each other in College sports. And the WASP Football Academy is another great option! It is not too late for any students from Year 4 to Year 8 who are playing Football (soccer) and would like to further improve their skills and fitness. I am looking forward to next week's training session already! Have a great, active, healthy week.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster - Year 11 & Year 12 Reports

Year 11 and Year 12 Reports - Resourcefulness
Reflection is an important skill linked to resourcefulness. In order to make links and determine what the best course of action is, there is a need to self-evaluate strengths and weaknesses. This can help us to constantly grow and improve. Year 11 and Year 12 have now received their Mid-Course Reports through Edumate. These Reports provide another fine opportunity to evaluate the learning that has taken place. I encourage all students in Year 11 and Year 12 to carefully read their reports and think about both their strengths and weaknesses and what opportunities are presented for further growth in the coming months. 

It may be helpful to consider finishing each of the statements below:

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

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Primary Sports News

Primary NASSA Cross Country - Thursday, 25 May 
The top eight placed finishers of each age group have qualified to represent WAC at the Primary NASSA Cross Country on Thursday, 25 May. 

Rescheduled Primary NASSA Soccer Gala Day - Tuesday, 9 May
The following NASSA Soccer students are reminded to be on the Front Lawn next Tuesday by 6.30 am to attend the Primary NASSA Soccer Gala Day at Blacktown Football Park. Students are required to wear shin pads, a WAC Soccer Shirt and College Football Socks. 

IPSSO 
Our next five weeks of IPSSO are below: 

• 10 May - Home game against Mount Annan Christian College
• 17 May - Home game against Macarthur Anglican School
• 24 May - Away game against Mount Annan Christian College
• 31 May - Home game against St Gregory's College
• 7 June - Home game against Broughton Anglican College

Gymnastics for Stage 3
From Weeks 3-6 students from Stage 3 will have the opportunity to participate in gymnastics sessions at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre (WLC) with Gymtastics during College Sports. This program is open to the first 50 respondents. Later in the term, during Weeks 7-10, Stage 2 students will have the opportunity to participate in gymnastics at the WLC.  

WASP Academy - Wollondilly Anglican Sports Performance Academy: Football (Soccer)
Wednesday afternoon was our first session of the 2023 WASP Football Academy. The students received expert coaching from Mr Norman and his assistants. Students practised their passing, first touch and movement off the ball.  

It’s not too late to sign up! Boys and girls from Years 4-8 who play at a competitive level are welcome to join.

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

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Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher Interview

Parent-Teacher interviews are a great chance to meet your child's teacher(s) and find out how your child is progressing in their studies. Interviews for students in Year 7 to Year 10 will be occurring in Weeks 3 and 4 of Term 2. On Tuesday, 9 May teachers will be available for face–to–face interviews at the College between 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm and on Thursday, 18 May teachers will conduct interviews via Zoom between 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Please put these dates in your calendar and make sure your email addresses are up-to-date in Edumate. Parents should have now received the details for how to book. If not, please email g.lacey@wac.nsw.edu.au

 Mr Wayne Baulch 
Administration Coordinator

Performing Arts News

Talent Quest 2023 - Moves to Term 2 (Foundation Day)
The WAC Talent Quest has been moved from its usual place in Term 3 to our 20-Year Foundation Day on Friday, 23 June (Week 9 Term 2)

This year, like that of last year, the WAC Talent Quest is going to feature a combination of live and pre-recorded auditions and performances. This format has enabled us to feature some of the amazing talents that our students have, which would not be possible in just a live format on stage. 

Information on how students in Years 7-12 can apply for an audition or on how to submit a video entry will be made available via the Student Resources Canvas page in the coming days as well as via Edumate Broadcasts.

We look forward to seeing the entries for our special Talent Quest celebrating the 20 years of Wollondilly Anglican College and who could win the illustrious ‘Meerkat Trophy.’

Upcoming Events - WAC Crew
Below is a short summary and reminder of students in our WAC Crew that have volunteered their time at various events. 

Singapore Collaboration Trip Rehearsals
A reminder to the students involved in the upcoming Singapore Trip, the schedule has been sent via email and has also been amended already this term due to some unforeseen circumstances. Next Monday, 8 May (Week 3), Music and Zoom students are rehearsing and meeting. The next rehearsal/meeting after that is in Week 5 (Monday, 22 May). 

Changes for the Week 4 Music Tuition Timetable
Due to Primary Assessments occurring in Week 4 (commencing Monday, 15 May) we will have an adjusted timetable for most Tutors which will be advertised in next week’s Waratah Weekly. A copy of each day’s timetable will also be displayed on the Melba Digital Noticeboard, in the window of the Monk Room (between Melba 1 and Melba 2 classrooms). The Music Tutors will also contact parents to inform them of these arrangements, as there may be some changes to days and times to accommodate the Primary Assessments. 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

College Chaplain - Resourcefulness

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 2 is Resourcefulness. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students, their learning, their character and also in their faith.

What do you invest your time, money or resources into? The way in which we use our time speaks profoundly into what we consider to be important. The more closely I look into the current cultural climate, I can't help but see the trend of 'me'. This 'me' trend elevates my wants and desires as being the most important thing. This trend pushes an agenda that says any hobby I have, any spare time or money MUST go back into the pursuit of MY enjoyment. 

Now don't get me wrong, God has fearfully and wonderfully created us. He's made us unique and wired each of us to enjoy investing time into what brings us joy. However, there is also a reality that is upheld in the bible that true joy can only be found through a relationship with God. That He, as our creator, knows the best way for us to live and as much as I think I know better, the Bible argues that I don't. It's been my experience in my walk with Jesus that my joy has grown as I've grown in my relationship with Him. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". This beautiful piece of scripture teaches us that as we pursue Jesus, as we delight ourselves in Him, as His Spirit transforms us, our desires become more and more like His and this is the path that leads to true and everlasting joy.

The Bible presents a different narrative to that of thinking only of 'me'. It presents a story that says, consider the God who made you. Devote yourself to Him, this is the best way. As you do this, you will consider others' needs, you will no longer be fixated on your own wants, instead, you will use your time and money, your resources to care for those around you. Imagine what type of world we'd live in if we devoted ourselves to being people who reflect God's selflessness instead of our selfishness. The way in which we use our resources demonstrates what we think is important. I want to finish by posing this question to you: 

How are you choosing to use the many blessings that God has graciously given you; selfishly or selflessly?

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Year 11 SLR Bronze Medallion Award

The Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion is a nationally recognised award that equips students with the skills and knowledge to be able to keep themselves or others safe around water and perform a safe and effective aquatic rescue.

During SLR lessons in Term 1, students participated in multiple training sessions at Wollondilly Leisure Centre. During these sessions students learned personal survival skills and were provided with the knowledge and skills to develop the level of judgment, technique and physical ability required to safely carry out water rescues.

Students are to be commended for the persistence and effort that they demonstrated as they applied rescue techniques and also developed teamwork, communication, problem solving and effective decision making skills.

Mr Stuart Houweling
Stage 4 Leader of Care & Culture

Family Chapel - Term 2

Term 1 has flown by and coming up early in Term 2 is our first Secondary Family Chapel for the year. This Family Chapel is for students in Years 7-9 and their families and will be held on Thursday, 11 May from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm. All students and parents in these Year Groups are encouraged to attend. It is important that students attending wear their full College Winter Uniform. Rolls will be marked on the night and students who attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit.

The Secondary Family Chapel will be a great opportunity to gather together and hear about how God is working in the lives of students here at Wollondilly Anglican College. It'll be a chance for us to gather together and be encouraged by God's word.

There will also be an opportunity to continue to bless our broader community. Donations of gold coins or non-perishable foods are welcomed. These will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare meals for those in our community experiencing hardship. Additionally, House points will be allocated to students who attend and these points will go towards the Overall House Shield.

Prior to the commencement of the evening, a BBQ dinner will be served from 5.00 pm. All parents and students are encouraged to join us for the BBQ from this time.

Please register via the following trybooking link if you're joining us for dinner beforehand.

https://www.trybooking.com/CHHSB

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

German News - Auf Deutsch bitte!

Part of learning a language involves learning about the culture and traditions of the main country that speaks the language being studied. This week, Year 8 enjoyed a German breakfast, ably served by volunteers from the Year 10 elective German class. As well as realising not everyone in the world eats toast and vegemite, students were able to use their German speaking skills to ask the Year 10 students for their food preferences. In addition, Year 9 German had the opportunity to sample a black forest cake this week. Mmmmm lecker!  

Remember "Monolingualism is curable. Learn a second language."

Frau Clark  &  Frau Holmes
German Teachers

Year 11 Textiles - Wall Hangings

During Term 1 students in Year 11 Textiles and Design were tasked with designing and constructing a wall hanging. Through the application of the Elements and Principles of Design, and the implementation of New Construction and Decorative Skills, students created a textile artwork reflecting the theme: ‘Australia: From Ocean to Outback’. Their pieces were highly detailed and decorative, with many making social and environmental statements.

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Equestrian News

Free eSafety Parent and Carer Webinars

UOW Learning Labs Enrichment Courses

During the upcoming July Holidays, the UOW Learning Labs will be running Enrichment Courses for students in Years 1-10 on their Wollongong Campus. 

If you are interested in attending any of these enrichment programs, applications close on Wednesday, 10 May 2023.

Further information can be found on the website.
https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/outreach-pathways/learning-labs/

Mr Stuart McIntosh
Advanced Learning and Learning Support T-12 Coordinator

WAC Family Outdoor Movie Night

Library News

Book Club Orders Due Sunday, 14 May
The Book Club Issue 3 is now available - back in the old kid-friendly catalogue size! 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. 

Please note that the Book Club catalogue is set out with suggested age ranges for the books, each page has a different age range, with ages 12+ towards the back. The College does not necessarily endorse the books available through Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

What is the Premier’s Reading Challenge?  
Encourage your child’s love of reading by entering the Premier’s Reading Challenge. The Challenge is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10. The books your child reads this year need to be logged on the site by Friday, 18 August. Each student has an individual login, and those who complete receive a participation certificate each year. Students who complete four challenges receive a Gold Certificate and seven challenges completed receive a Platinum Certificate. Further, if a student completes all challenges from Years 3-9, they receive the PRC Medal and a letter from the NSW Premier. Click here for more details. Contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au with any questions.

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. Years 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. Years K-2 can either read or be read to for the PRC. Any questions please let me know.

Coming Up 
National Simultaneous Storytime - Wednesday, 24 May

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

We're Hiring - Administration Assistant & English Teacher

Enrolment News

Application For Enrolment
Applications continue to pour in for 2024 and beyond, across all Year Groups, but especially our entry years of Transition, Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11.

All current College families looking to enrol siblings for the coming years are encouraged to do so without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Enrolment packs are available from the Visitors' Reception or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

2023 Key Events & Dates

P&F Clothing Pool

Clothing Pool Summer Uniform Sale
10% off Summer Uniform Items  

The Clothing Pool has a great selection of pre-loved uniform items, come in and see what you can save! 

Cashless transactions only - Visa, MasterCard & Eftpos accepted.

Sale items include :

• Primary, Secondary and Senior Boys' Summer Shirts & Shorts
• Primary, Secondary and Senior Girls' Summer Blouses and Tunics
• Sport Polo Shirts and Shorts
  

Items are on sale until the end of this Term! 

Also, we would like some more volunteers - are you free for 45 minutes on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning? Contact Melissa on 0415 402 013 

• Location: White Cottage
• Open: 7.45 am - 8.30 am
• Payment: Card only

Have a great week! 

Mrs Melissa Whishaw
Clothing Pool Coordinator

Church Services

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.

Youth Solutions Movie Night
Youth Solutions is hosting a Movie Night on Thursday, 11 May at Event Cinemas Campbelltown, screening Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. They would be delighted to extend you an invitation to join them and welcome you to also share this with your friends and contacts. They have standard and youth tickets available: https://events.humanitix.com/youth-solutions-movie-night. All funds raised will help Youth Solutions to continue its important work with young people in our community.

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