Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 3 - Friday, 12 May 2023

Message from the Headmaster

Thank you to all the parents who attended our Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews this week. We value communication with our parents and hope that this face-to-face interview was helpful as you continue to support your children in their Wollondilly education. We also communicate with parents through our Waratah Weekly (and I encourage you to look through the whole newsletter), through the students’ diaries, through email home as necessary and through the WAC app. Please engage with each of these as we seek to keep you informed of what is coming up at Wollondilly Anglican College and how your child is progressing.

When you sign your child’s diary, please take a quick glance at the earlier pages of the diary that list any uniform infringements, detentions etc. Our aim is to provide guidance and correction to students as needed so that they will grow in self-discipline and personal responsibility, becoming the mature adults that we know they can become. Even as adults we experience correction at times (from your boss, or maybe your partner!) and it can be an unpleasant experience. I don’t know anyone who enjoys being corrected, but we recognise that it is important and often necessary even if we didn’t agree at the time.

God reminds us that discipline is important as it helps to train us to live righteous lives. It would be valuable to speak to your children about the importance of correction; both from their teachers and from their parents. Even though they may not appreciate it at the time, it really is for their long-term benefit

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster - U-Turn The Wheel

Next week, students in Years 10-12 will be attending a Road Safety Day - U-Turn the Wheel. This is an excellent program targeted at helping to lower car-related accidents on the roads. The program is run by Rotary Club in conjunction with a number of other organisations. Please be aware that the Warne Auditorium carpark will be closed from 7.15 am Thursday, 18 May until 3.30 pm Friday, 19 May.

Little Elves will continue to use the Auditorium for after-hours care during that time, however, parents will need to park in the front carpark near Deakin to pick up their children.

2024 Term Dates
Please see below, the 2024 Term Dates for your information.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Transition & Mr Hopkins Parent Teacher Interviews

Transition Teachers and Mr Hopkins will carry out Parent Teacher Interviews in Week 6. More information will be sent in regard to booking a time. Please ensure that you have updated your Edumate account with your current email address.

Mrs Clayton, Mrs Belusic and Mr Hopkins will be available Tuesday, 30 May from 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm.

Mrs Belusic, Mrs Stucken and Mr Hopkins will be available Wednesday 31 May 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm.

Interviews will be held face-to-face. If these times do not suit you please contact your child's teacher to arrange another time to meet.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

We're Hiring!

2023 Roles
The College is currently seeking applications for a Secondary English Teacher and an Administration Assistant to join our team!

Hurry! Applications close Wednesday, 24 May 2023

2024 Graduate Teachers
We are seeking to employ three exceptional Graduate Christian Teachers to commence at the College in 2024:

1. Mathematics Teacher 7-12
2. English Teacher 7-12
3. Primary Teacher Pre K-6

The successful applicants will be registered with the New South Wales Educational Standards (NESA) and be accredited as a Conditional or Provisional Teacher. The teachers will be responsible to the relevant Faculty Leader of Learning and work alongside and be supported by highly competent, experienced and enthusiastic staff. 

Hurry! Applications close Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Primary Sports News

CIS Hockey representation - Hayden Valentine
The Wollondilly community wishes to extend a big congratulations to Hayden Valentine for his success in being selected to represent the College in the Primary Boys’ CIS Hockey Team. This is such a massive achievement - well done Hayden!  We know you will do your College proud.  

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. 

Primary NASSA Soccer Gala Day - Tuesday, 9 May
In ideal Autumn weather, two teams from WAC participated in the NASSA Soccer Gala Day. The Girls' Team showed potential, with Georgie Pile's attacking energy and Abbey Cook's stamina maintaining the pressure on the opposition's defence. Norah Rebelo consistently provided attacking opportunities with searching forays up the wing into space. Erin Luxford and Indi Luhr provided stability in defence. They finished 7th.

The Boys' Team had a challenging day but demonstrated resilience. Les Vidal's speed kept defenders on their toes, while Logan Buckley's tenacity helped keep score lines respectable. Hunter Pycroft and Ethan Byrnes provided grit and toughness in the face of talented opposition.

IPSSO 
Our next five weeks of IPSSO are below: 

• 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
• 14 June - Away against Macarthur Anglican School

Upcoming events:

• Thursday, 25 May - Primary NASSA Cross Country at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park
• Thursday, 8 June - Primary CIS Cross Country
• Wednesday, 21 June - WAC Primary Athletics Carnival
  

WASP Academy - Wollondilly Anglican Sports Performance Academy: Football (Soccer)
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. Click the button below to register.

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Sports News

NASSA Cross Country
On Thursday, 25 May we will be sending a team of over 80 students to the NASSA Secondary Cross Country Carnival held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Permission notes are currently live on the App and parents are reminded of the need to complete the Google Form indicating their child’s transport needs on the day. Students will return to the College for their Period 5 classes and therefore need to pack their usual learning materials such as a laptop, diary, pencil case, workbook and/or textbook. Parents are permitted to attend to support our WAC students. 

MISA
It has been a strong start to the Term 2 MISA season. After two rounds, our Indoor Cricket, Hockey, Girls' Basketball and Ultimate Frisbee teams remain undefeated whilst our Soccer Teams and Boys' Basketball teams all have one win, one loss. Students in Soccer and Hockey are reminded of the need to wear their College socks during matches along with all necessary safety gear. These are available for purchase from Student Reception.

AICES Hockey
Congratulations to each of the students who represented NASSA at the AICES Hockey Championships on the Central Coast back in Week 1. It was a great day for the U16 Girls who won the Carnival with Matilda Contre narrowly missing selection in the AICES side.

CIS Swimming
In Week 2 we had five students attend the CIS Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. Denise Grabe had a fantastic two days in the pool walking away with gold in both the 100m and 200m Freestyle and a Bronze in the 50m Freestyle. Heidi Jones also had a strong outing with a bronze in the 50m Freestyle to accompany two 4ths and a 5th place. Congratulations girls.

Upcoming Events:

• AICES 15’s Girls' Soccer - 12 May
• AICES Open Netball - 24 May
• NASSA Cross Country - 25 May
• AICES Cross Country - 1 June
• NASSA Junior Volleyball - 2 June

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator

Performing Arts News

REMINDER - 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. As the timetable is constantly modified, a copy of the most current timetable will also be displayed on the Melba Digital Noticeboard, in the window of the Monk Room (between Melba 1 and Melba 2 classrooms). Students are encouraged to look at this timetable each day.

Performing Arts Showcase - Week 8 (Friday 16 June)
Our Performing Arts Groups will be performing in a Performing Arts Showcase afternoon/evening on Friday, 16 June in Week 8. The groups have been preparing items that they will perform before family, friends and the other groups under the Shelter on the newly constructed stage. This showcase will commence at 4.30 pm and will conclude between 6.00 pm - 6.30 pm. More information regarding this event will be provided to parents via the College App in the coming weeks and via the Waratah Weekly. 

I am certainly looking forward to seeing what our students have been preparing.

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. The next rehearsal/meeting after that is in Week 5 (Monday, 22 May). 

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Year 7 Vaccinations

Year 7 Vaccinations will be held on Tuesday, 23 May.

If your child is in Year 7, 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. 

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

How to Provide Consent

1. To complete online consent for your child’s College vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW 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. 
3. Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required. 
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to: 

• Enter your child’s personal details
• Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child  
• Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
• 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

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.

When faced with difficulty how do you respond? Someone who has the capacity to find quick and unique ways to overcome difficulties displays resourceful qualities. God has created us all uniquely, Psalm 139 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He's created us with the capacity to utilise the various resources in our lives in a way that is either helpful or harmful to ourselves and others. When we choose to use the resources in our lives in a way that honours God, it results in a beneficial outcome. It results in God doing work in us and us growing as a result. It leads to others being blessed as we seek to share the resources God has given us with those who are less fortunate. All of us have this God-given capacity to use our resources in a way that honours God and helps others. The question for us to reflect on is, "are we"?

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

WAC Family Outdoor Movie Night

Creative Arts - Drama

This week, students in Years 10-12 Drama had the opportunity to participate in MISA Drama PIP Day. This is an annual event for Drama students and their teachers in the Macarthur region to make connections and undertake theatre training with industry professionals. 

This year's focus was on Shakespeare which saw our students improvising, creating images and exploring language. Some of our students made friends with those from other MISA schools. It was a fun day, rich with educational value.

Please enjoy the pictures from our day.

Also in the pictures, our Year 9 Drama students are underway with preparations for their National Simultaneous Storytime performance and our Break 1 Film Club kicked off this week with an exploration of film cliches. This week we learnt about the Wilhelm Scream and created a film using this industry inside joke. 

Film Club runs during Break 1 on Thursdays and is open to all Secondary students. 

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning, Creative Arts and Languages

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Equestrian News

Free eSafety Parent and Carer Webinars

P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!

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

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 - Volunteers Needed

Are you free from 7.45 am to 8.30 am to help out in the P&F Clothing Pool? We would love to see some new faces helping out with this great WAC Parent & Friends activity. There are spaces to fill on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings.

Come and meet other volunteering parents and contribute to raising funds that go back into the College for your children.

The Clothing Pool is open every term-day morning

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

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.

All funds raised will go to The Charlotte Project - a public fundraising appeal to erect a bronze statue of Charlotte Atkinson (1796 - 1867) in Berrima Park near the children’s playground. Charlotte was the very first children's author in Australia and the first Australian woman to secure legal custody of her children. 

Attached is the colouring-in contest. The winner will revive two free tickets to our fundraising event. 

U-Turn the Wheel - Parent Supervisors
The Trybooking event link is now open for parents/supervisors of the Learner Drivers function on Saturday, 17 June 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm at Vabys Picton. This is a free event for attendees. Afternoon tea will be served, so bookings are essential . Budget limit set at 100 guests.

Be Street Wise and Next Gear Driving School will present an overview of what the students have been/will be taught at the school based events. There are a few changes to laws around supervisors of learner drivers (eg no supervisor mobile phones in view and supervisors to also have zero blood alcohol), plus a set of recommendations from the professionals which will be invaluable during the Log Book Driving Hours.
Be Street Wise will have their mobile drive simulator and the Next Gear Driving School vehicle will be in the car park for attendees to see.

Please click here to register

Lyn Davey
0484132 060

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