Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 5 - Friday, 26 May 2023

Message from the Headmaster

Starting Saturday 27 May, Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week. This is an important week as we continue our National journey of reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends. This celebration began in 1993 when faith communities committed to a week of prayer for ongoing reconciliation. God reminds us in Genesis that while we are many different people groups, we are all one race under the first man Adam. Not only that, we are all God's children and in need of a Saviour. Reconciliation Week reminds us of the importance of reconciling with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends and also reminds us of our need to be reconciled with God. 

In the beginning, God created a perfect world and placed mankind in this perfect world to develop and enjoy under God's perfect guidance. However, as we know, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God when they decided that they knew a better way to live, which included disobeying God's wise instructions. God knew that this would happen and had already developed his plan for our reconciliation. He would send his son Jesus who would willingly die on the cross to pay the price of our sins. In this way, a perfect and just God was able to make a way for us to be reconciled to him. When we accept this free gift from God, we enter into his family, permanently reconciled to God. We live on this earth temporarily, serving a great God, until the day he calls us home to be with him forever.

I pray that this coming week may be a great reminder of the importance of reconciling with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait people as well as an invitation to be reconciled with God.

May we walk upon this land with respect so that God will be glorified and justice and equity may be shared between all people groups here. From the College Acknowledgement of Country

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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

Secondary News

Year 7 Elevate Education Session
This week students in Year 7 attended an incursion by Elevate Education in which they were taught how to develop important study skills and time management techniques. One of the biggest challenges that can be faced by a Year 7 student when they start their time in the Secondary Years at the College is the ability to manage and complete a range of homework and assessment tasks for a variety of subject areas. During the session, students were given some helpful tips. Below are some of the students' thoughts regarding these tips:

• I should do homework before leisure activities
• I should do the homework I least enjoy first, rather than leaving it to the last
• Time management is important to ensure I stay on top of my work
• 15 minutes – 30 minutes of revision is helpful to help consolidate what I have learnt in class
• It is helpful to split assignments into four main areas: Research, Organise, Write, Present

Year 8 into Year 9 2024 – Subject Information Booklet
Our current Year 8 students have been given a Subject Information Booklet which has a variety of course information about their possible Elective choices for 2024. This has been deliberately given to students early so they can start having important conversations with teachers and also parents about future pathways and subject choices. Students will attend an information session at the College to hear more about these subjects on Wednesday, 14 June and following that, an opportunity for parents to attend an information evening with their child on the same night starting at 7.00 pm in the Warne Auditorium. Students who were absent when these booklets were given out can access their copies at Student Reception.

Year 10 into Year 11 2024 – Subject Information Booklet
Our current Year 10 students were equally excited to receive their information booklet regarding their subject choices for 2024. Our Year 10 students will undergo a two-day program to hear about subject choices, how to ensure they maintain balance during their time in Stage 6 and information on various pathway options. This program will be held at the College and will occur on Tuesday, 6 and Wednesday, 7 June with a parental information session also being held at 7.00 pm in the Warne Auditorium. Students who did not receive a copy of the Information Booklet can collect one from Student Reception.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning Secondary (7-12)

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!

Due to the ongoing growth of the College, we are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2024:

• CAREERS ADVISOR
• SCIENCE TEACHER
• HSIE TEACHER
• MATHEMATICS TEACHER
• ENGLISH TEACHER
• PRIMARY TEACHER
  

Hurry! Applications close Monday, 31 July

For further information on any of the Permanent Positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577

Primary Sports News

IPSSO 
Our next five weeks of IPSSO are below: 

• 31 May - Home game against St Gregory's College
• 7 June - Home game against Broughton Anglican College
• 14 June - Away against Macarthur Anglican School
• 21 June - WAC bye (WAC Primary Athletics Carnival)
• 28 June - Away against Broughton Anglican College

Upcoming events:

• Thursday, 8 June - Primary CIS Cross Country
• Wednesday, 21 June - WAC Primary Athletics Carnival
  

IPSSO Highlight - Junior Boys' Football Team
Mr Wayne has high hopes for his heroic band of Junior footballers. They continue to march confidently, undefeated towards the Finals. Recently, the Team dispatched Mount Annan Christian College 3-0. Mr Wayne believes the boys are forming into a well-oiled machine. From the robust defence provided by Koa van Athius-Jones and Henry Parr to the slick attack and speed of Nicky Laukaitis and Will Rodden, the Junior Boys' Football Team were unstoppable.

Gymnastics For Stage 2
For Weeks 7, 8 and 10, students from Stage 2 will have the opportunity to participate in Gymnastics sessions at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre with Gymtastics during College Sports. This program is open to the first 50 respondents. 

Primary Athletics Carnival - Wednesday 21 June 
The WAC Primary Athletics Carnival will be held on Wednesday, 21 June on the WACA. Students are reminded to wear their House Sports Shirts for the day. Any students competing in the 800m race will need to be on the WACA by 8.00 am sharp to begin the race. Unlike previous years, the Discus event will be held during Break 2. More information about the Primary Athletics Carnival to follow in the coming weeks. 

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

Transition and Year 11 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Transition (Pre-K) Parent-Teacher Interviews and catch-up Year 6 Parent-Teacher Interviews with Mr David Hopkins are occurring face-to-face next Tuesday, 30 May and Wednesday, 31 May.

Year 11 Parent-Teacher Interviews are also occurring face-to-face on Tuesday 30, May.

If you put in preferences for interviews, you should have now received your schedule. New bookings or changes to interview times can be made online using the original booking instructions that were emailed to all parents. Changes can be made up until 3:00 pm on Monday, 29 May.

If you have any questions about these Parent-Teacher Interviews, please don't hesitate to contact us at g.lacey@wac.nsw.edu.au or on 02 46230230.

Mr Wayne Baulch
Secondary Science Teacher / Administration Coordinator

NSW Secondary Schools Student Leadership Program

Last Thursday our College Captains, Jessica Fraser and Emmett Shafer, participated in the NSW Secondary Schools Student Leadership Program. They met the Local Member, Judith Hannan, and spent time discussing issues that they had noticed in the local area during a private tour of NSW Parliament House. Following this, they met with other State Members, observed Question Time and watched Judith present her Inaugural Address to Parliament. 

Mr Daniel Aquilina
Secondary Humanities Teacher/Year 12 Patron

Performing Arts News

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 - Year 5 and Year 6 can NOW Apply!
This is a general reminder to students regarding the Talent Quest that is coming up in Week 9 of this term. It is open to all students in Years 5-12. Instructions on how to audition and apply to showcase your talents were sent via email and there is also a Canvas Assignment and Seesaw Activity for entrants. 

If you have any questions regarding these auditions or video entries:

• Primary Students in Years 5-6 are encouraged to see Mrs Barker
• Secondary Students in Years 7-12 are encouraged to see Mr Grant

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 who 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. The next rehearsal/meeting is next Monday, 29 May for both Music and Dance students. Due to Miss Valente’s absence last week, Dance students should receive an email regarding a catchup rehearsal.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability (NCCD)

Each August, all Australian schools participate in a collection of data across a variety of areas. The information collected becomes the basis for our funding arrangements from the Commonwealth Government in the following year.  

One section of the data collected includes the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability (NCCD). This is where schools are required to identify information linked to the supports that are provided for students with disabilities. 

An information sheet published by the Australian Government is attached.

If you have any further questions, please email me at s.mcintosh@wac.nsw.edu.au

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

Year 11 Industrial Technology Furnishing

During Term 1, Year 11 Industrial Technology Furnishing students have been constructing a Shaker Table as part of their second Assessment Task. Students have been fortunate enough to have been able to work with Tasmanian Myrtle, a highly sought-after cabinet-making timber. Many of the students have applied extra skills during the production of their tables such as regular inlay and stringing inlay in the manufacture of their tables, utilising the contrasting colours of Queensland Walnut and Tasmanian Sassafras with the Myrtle to highlight the inlay. A wiping polyurethane was then applied to the tables to protect the timber and accentuate the beautiful grain and colour of the timber. The finished tables were a great credit to the student’s enthusiasm and dedication to the project. The next project the students will undertake is a Japanese-inspired Tasmanian Blackwood Kumiko Cabinet – watch this space!

Dr Shane Smiltnieks
Secondary TAS Teacher

U-Turn the Wheel

On Thursday, 18 May and Friday, 19 May, Years 10-12 attended a road safety education day called “U-Turn the Wheel”. The event made a welcome return, after COVID disruptions, coinciding with “National Road Safety Week 2023”. The event is coordinated and funded by the Rotary Club of Picton and conducted at both Picton High School and Wollondilly Anglican College. The day was a great success with students experiencing a range of activities to reinforce safe decisions on the road and adopting protective behaviours whilst driving. Students had the opportunity to hear from the local Police about safe road use and were able to rotate around workshops that focused on drink and drug driving, driver distraction, speeding, learning to drive and being a responsible road user. Highlights of the day were “Lofty’s” truck, using the driving simulators (some kindly lent by Picton High School) and using the fatal vision goggles that simulated drink and drug driving.

Mr Josh Hewitt
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

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Year 9 Drama - National Simultaneous Storytime

Congratulations to our National Simultaneous Storytime performers from the Year 9 Drama class who delivered an energetic and fun dramatic retelling of this year's National Simultaneous Storytime story, The Speedy Sloth. Our young audience loved your work! Also, thank you to our older Drama students who supported this performance, giving their own time to help with the final set installation and preparation of audio files. It's lovely to have our older students supporting our younger ones to succeed. Also, thanks to our WAC Crew for helping this performance to run smoothly and to our Library staff for the opportunity to perform!

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Leader of Learning - Creative Arts & LOTE

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.

I heard this riddle the other day, "Until I am measured I am not known. Yet how you miss me when I have flown". I thought about it for a moment then all of a sudden it dawned on me .... the answer is .... time. How do you use your time? It's the resource that is always running out that we can never get back. The Christian perspective on the God-given resource of time is that it is a gift given by God, therefore it should be used purposefully in a way that brings honour and glory to God.

I love spending time with my kids, I delight in them and it brings me joy just being with them. Of course, there are frustrating times when I lose my patience. But overall, I love just hanging out with them, jumping on the trampoline, watching a movie or reading a book. I love using my time to be with them. In a very similar way, God loves spending time with us, He delights in being present with us. If the claims that the Bible makes are true, then the best way we can use our time is by spending it with God and getting to know Him better. The amazing thing is that God is a loving Father who earnestly delights in us spending time with him.

In my own personal Christian journey as I've spent my time getting to know God, it has helped in every facet of my life, it's enabled me to be a better husband, father, and friend. Why? Because it's become clear to me that it's easy for me to be selfish. It's easy for me to think only about myself and make decisions in my best interests instead of considering others. The Bible describes this reality as sin and argues that through Jesus, there is a way to live differently, no longer controlled by sin. Through Jesus, I've seen my desires slowly change, I'm not perfect by any stretch, but I do see the influence of Jesus in my life as I've grown in my ability to consider others and be less selfish. So, I finish by challenging you to use the gift of time wisely. The Bible would argue that the wisest use of our time is spending it with our great God, the good news is that He delights in being with you as you pursue Him.

James 4:7, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Term 2 Prayer Breakfast & Working Bee

I'd like to extend an opportunity for you and your family to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 2 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 17 June (The same day as the Working Bee). All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some bacon and egg sandwich before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

There is no pressure to pray out loud if you don't want to but your presence is welcome. For those who would like to participate in the Working Bee, please stay around after the program.

I'd love to see you there!.

If you're able to make it please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 7 June. 

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

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!

Library News

National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 -The Speedy Sloth
Wednesday, 24 May was our first big Library event for the year, National Simultaneous Storytime. This is an annual event of the Australian Library and Information Association, to promote Australian Authors, reading and literacy.  More than 1 million children take part in ‘NSS’ across the country, and internationally, each year, all reading the same book on the same day. During the morning, our College Headmaster, Mr Norman, read this year’s book ‘The Speedy Sloth’ written by Rebecca Young and Illustrated by Heath McKenzie to Kindergarten in Cook Library. After Break 2, Years T-2 watched a performance by Year 9 Drama of the book. This is a wonderful tradition we have at the College, as it is Year 9’s first public performance.

Students in Years T-2 have been learning all about sloths and reading several other sloth picture books as well as other non-fiction books throughout this term.

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)
Students in Years 3-6 have been logging into the Premier’s Reading Challenge in Primary Library Lessons this term. If you would like to log in from home, your login details are in your College Diary. The following link explains how to log in: https://vimeo.com/264540639

Any questions about the PRC, please contact Mrs Justine Colombo, College Librarian and PRC Coordinator - at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

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.

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 27 July  
• Times: 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5.00
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note: This is a CASH-ONLY event.
• Alcohol-free event.

If you are looking at hosting a birthday party, please get in touch with the wonderful team at the RSL at 4872 6700 – they can organise catering for your special occasion while the children have a great time dancing and catching up with their friends!  

We have several gift vouchers to be won on the night.

All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.  

We hope to see you there.

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