Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 6 - Friday, 2 June 2023

Message from the Headmaster

"You can't handle the truth" declared Col Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson) in the film "A Few Good Men". Even when we know the truth, we often don't want to tell it. As human beings, we are inclined to avoid sharing information that may expose our weaknesses and our mistakes or take responsibility for poor decisions. As adults, we often struggle with this. It is a similar challenge for our students. Whether out of embarrassment, fear of repercussions, or concern about a friend getting in trouble, young people are frequently less than forthcoming with the truth. Sometimes it is small matters ("Did you eat the last ice cream last night?") and sometimes, it is more serious ("Did you have friends over to the house while we were away?") When we are speaking with students and trying to determine "the truth" about a matter, our goal is to support each young person to become a truth-telling person. Often there are consequences when we tell the truth and acknowledge our mistakes, but these consequences are far less than the lifelong consequences of becoming a deceitful person. 
Jeremiah shares God's message in the Bible that "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jer 17:9). God knows our hearts better than we do. Yet, despite our tendency to turn away from God, he has made a way for our relationship with him to be fully restored. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). When we know Jesus, we know that our life now and forever is secure in him. He helps us live lives of truth, but that doesn't mean it becomes easy. However, this is our hope for ourselves and your children that we, and they, would be courageous enough to always speak the truth.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Foundation Day

On Friday, 23 June, the College will celebrate Foundation Day. This year the celebrations are even more significant with the College being in its 20th year. As part of Foundation Day, there is a focus on raising funds to support Missions supported by the College. In 2023 the following missions will be supported -

• Years T-6 - Samaritan's Purse (Operation Christmas Child)
  https://samaritanspurse.org.au/
• Stage 4 (Year 7 & Year 8) - Mission Aviation Fellowship
  https://maf.org.au/
• Stage 5 (Year 9 & Year 10) - African Aids Foundation
  https://africanaidsfoundation.org.au/
  
• Stage 6 (Year 11 & Year 12) - Hope Street Mission
  https://baptistcare.org.au/hopestreet

The College has always encouraged donations of $5 per student for this event or $10 per family. The money will be collected during Roll Call/Jam Session time from Monday, 19 June to Friday, 23 June. The House that raises the most money will be recognised as the Mission Fundraising Champion for 2023.

Students need to wear their full College Sports Tracksuit and House Shirt to the College on Foundation Day.
There are a number of planned celebrations which will be detailed further. The end of the day will see Years T-12 come together to watch the Relays with the winning House crowned the Foundation Day Activities Champion.

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Anglican High School Singapore Visit WAC

This week we had the pleasure of hosting 20 students and four staff from Anglican High School in Singapore. This collaboration project has involved a number of our Wollondilly students working on a range of future-focused projects via Zoom, but during their stay, the students were able to meet face-to-face for the first time. The students from Singapore joined a variety of classes and were able to participate in a range of lessons including: Making vegemite and cheese scrolls, joining a Commerce lesson, seeing a woodwork demonstration, participating in Art and Drama classes, going to an English lesson, seeing a variety of Science lessons, watching a Textiles lesson and participating in a PASS lesson.

During the regular Sports period, students went on a bushwalk together and then stayed after hours to experience an extra-curricula Music lesson and a Dance lesson that was led by Miss Valente and Mr Grant. Their final day with the College was spent at Symbio Wildlife Park then, a walk on Seacliff Bridge and beach games at Wollongong before a farewell dinner held at the College.

The students were able to learn about each other’s countries and cultures with lifelong friendships formed. At the end of Term 2, selected WAC students will travel to Anglican High School in Singapore to partake in a similar program – attending their school, experiencing the culture and sightseeing around the country.

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Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Information Evening
This is a reminder that Year 10 students will need to bring their Course Information Booklets which they received a few weeks ago, next week to their Subject Seminar Days. The Seminar Days will be held in the Warne Auditorium on Tuesday, 6 and Wednesday, 7 June during the College day.

On the evening of Wednesday, 7 June – parents and students are invited to hear more about the subject selection process as well as be given the opportunity to talk to the Leaders of Learning about their child’s possible choices. A digital copy of the Subject Selection Booklet can be found on the Year 10 Assembly page on Canvas.

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

Primary Sports News

IPSSO 
Our next four weeks of IPSSO are below: 

• 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
  

NASSA Cross Country - well done to our all WAC runners!
Last Thursday, a group of Primary students went to compete at the Primary NASSA Cross Country. It was quite the successful outing for WAC; we placed 3rd overall and had 13 students qualify to represent NASSA at the CIS Cross Country on Thursday, 8 June. They were: 

• Kiella Brown
• Abbey Cook
• Jeremy Frendo
• Eleanor Holloway
• Berg Koppelhuber
• Ryker Koppelhuber
• Nicholas Laukaitis
• Matilda Lucaci
• Declan Maxwell
• Joe Rebelo
• Norah Rebelo
• Locky Schwartz
• Grace Williams

We wish our NASSA Representatives all the best!

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

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. Parents should have received a notification via the College App.

The P&F will kindly provide a BBQ for all after the performances conclude. 

Please see below a schedule of performances:

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 - Performing Arts
It was fantastic to have the Singapore Anglican High students participate and collaborate with the students of Wollondilly Anglican College earlier this week. The students partook in a Dance workshop on Monday afternoon and then learnt a classic Aussie song ‘Give me a Home Among the Gumtrees’ that we anticipate performing and teaching the entire Singapore Anglican High School when we travel as a group later this month. We were treated to a school chant and Singaporean song by the students during this time. Such a rewarding and fulfilling experience for students and staff, collaborating in the areas of Performing Arts. 

Just a general reminder to the students travelling to Singapore later this month of the schedule left for the remaining weeks of the term below:

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

How to Encourage Your Children to be More Resourceful

As parents, we want nothing more than to raise our kids to be the best versions of themselves as possible. Instead of shielding our children from failures, we should teach them how to become more resourceful and resilient!

Here are some tips on raising resourceful children:

Coach, Don’t Control
Parents typically fall into the trap of doing things for their child if they feel their child needs help. This does nothing to help the child and only teaches them that their parents will always be there to pick up where they fail. Instead of controlling the situation, allow them to make mistakes and learn from them. Let them try a solution and discover for themselves that it doesn’t work. Then coach them through it! Offer useful suggestions and encouragement but allow your child to do the task at hand by him/herself. 

Model Resourcefulness
Children learn by example. If they see you coming up with a quick solution, they’ll pick up this way of thinking and apply it to themselves in the future. Instead, let your child know that you aren’t sure how to fix something and look up a YouTube video tutorial explaining how to do it. Find a substitute for buttermilk in your pancake recipe when you don’t have buttermilk in the fridge. Talk to them - age appropriately - about everyday problems you encounter and how you solve them. Include them in discussions of emergency preparedness for power outages or fires. Help them see that creative thinking and willingness to learn will prepare them to handle many of the obstacles life will inevitably present to them. 

Value Effort, Not Perfection
An important thing to teach your child is that their efforts matter more than their results! Encourage their effort and hard work instead of telling them how smart or clever they are. Your child will encounter problems and they need to believe that they are capable of learning new things and solving hard problems, if they continue to work at it. Children who believe that their abilities are tied to a fixed level of intelligence will give up more easily when they are presented with an obstacle or new problem. 

Encourage and Teach Self-Encouragement
The most important thing you can do to raise a resourceful child is to encourage them. Stop underestimating your child and trust that he/she can figure out a solution on their own. 

It is not resources but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference. Tony Robbins. 

Mrs Tracy Turner
Leader of Learning, Care & Culture - Early Stage 1

20th-Year Celebration Morning

Join us on Friday, 23 June from 8.30 am - 10.00 am at the College for a Celebration of our 20th Year!

All parents and carers at the College are invited to join us at the College from 8.30 am for a delicious bacon & egg roll, cafe-quality coffee and Sonoma Bakery muffins while enjoying some background music at our BBQ area. Foundation Headmaster, Dr Stuart Quarmby and our current College Headmaster, Mr Trevor Norman will share about the history and future plans of the College while our College Performing Arts Groups will perform on the newly built stage under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. As the morning concludes, there will be an opportunity to visit the new College Mural at the Front Lawn which celebrates our beautiful grounds and College House Groups.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to meet with other parents and carers of our College community in a relaxed and fun environment.

Please RSVP by Monday, 19 June so that we can adequately cater for this event.

Mr Alex Hitchins
Development Manager

Singapore Visit - Creative Arts Classes

It was a fantastic opportunity to have a number of the students from Anglican High School in Singapore visit our Creative Arts classes earlier this week. After familiarising themselves with the College layout and a few ice-breaker activities with some WAC students, the Singaporean students were straight into the classrooms, learning and collaborating with their WAC peers. 

In Drama, students were learning to use 'slapsticks' to create believable and comedic moments of impact in a heavily stylised theatrical style called Commedia dell 'Arte (an old Italian style of theatre). In Dance, students learnt about Australian Dance including the Nutbush and also engaged in a series of lyrical/contemporary combinations that focused on performance skills. In Visual Arts, students in Year 9 were completing still-life drawings, using graphite pencils to create a tonal drawing of a cat skull. In Music, students studied some theoretical elements including intervals in major and minor scales, and also shared short performances with each other, including their preferred style of music, many of which were similar.

WAC students appreciated the experience and that despite the long geographical distances between the two countries and schools, there were similarities in how and what each student learns whilst at school. It was an overall enjoyable experience for both the students and the staff over the two days.  

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.

The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:16 says," I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being". Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus and asking that God the Father would STRENGTHEN with POWER the Christians in Ephesus. This strengthening happens out of God's glorious riches, in other words in God's infinite capacity and splendour, He is able and willing to strengthen those who turn to Him. This is remarkable, the never-weary and ever-strong infinite God resources His people with His power.

This made me think about one of my boys, my eldest Elijah. He's almost three and loves trying to turn the tap on to wash his hands. He can get the soap fine but when it comes to turning the tap, he's not yet strong enough to turn the water on. What normally happens is, he strives and struggles away for a while before almost sheepishly turning around and looking at me saying, "Dadda help me please". See he gets it, he knows that I as his dad, am so much stronger and more capable than he is. A task he finds virtually impossible, turning the tap on, is simple for me. And he knows when he can't do something that I'm waiting to help him, more than that, I delight in helping him. I'm the resource he always has access to, that is ever willing to help and support him.

It's not a perfect analogy, but the point I think is clear. God is so much more powerful and capable than we are. And for those who turn to Him, who recognise their own sinful selfishness and ask for help, God promises to strengthen them with power from His glorious riches. What an incredible resource for the Christian.

My closing challenge is, are you asking God for His strength, or are you struggling and striving away like my son Elijah, trying to turn the tap on with your own strength?

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Domestic Violence Forum

On Wednesday, 31 May, Students in Year 10 had the privilege of meeting and hearing from domestic violence survivor Anj Barker OAM. The presentation was confronting but powerful and students were provided with information to support them in making positive choices as they navigate relationships. Anj’s parents spoke about the difficulty they faced, watching their daughter in a troublesome relationship. Both Anj and her parents urged students to listen to their friends and family members if they expressed concerns about relationships. The message they wanted young people to take away was:

1. Speak up. If you are in a situation where things aren’t right, speak to someone and get support
2. If someone talks to you about violence, believe them and be there for them. Help them to get help
3. If a partner tries to control you, constantly puts you down, is aggressive towards you or limits your contact with other people, don’t make excuses for this behaviour - it is not okay 

We are thankful to the organisations who made this event possible. If anyone requires support, we can help link you with support systems. 

Mrs Christine Mozejko
Leader of Care and Culture Stage 5

Cyber Safety Presentation to Year 5 and Year 6

Youth Officers attached to Camden Police Area Command will be presenting a Cyber Safety presentation to Year 5 and Year 6 on Monday, 5 June. This presentation provides a balanced perspective of technology, providing information on both its benefits and its challenges.

During this presentation, students will learn about:

• Keeping themselves safe while using devices and social media
• What they should and shouldn’t upload onto social media
• What is cyberbullying and what should they do if they are being bullied online
• Sending inappropriate images
• Stranger danger online.
  

If you have any questions or concerns about the content that will be delivered to students, please contact me at l.maher@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Lisa Maher
Leader of Learning Care & Culture - Stage 3/Primary Teacher

Year 10 Vaccinations

Vaccinations for students in Year 10 will be held on Tuesday, 20 June. Parents now need to provide online consent for their child/ren to receive routine College vaccinations. 

Students in Year 10 are offered the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine. 

The vaccination will only be provided at the College if consent has been received.

How to Provide Consent:

• To complete online consent for your child’s College vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
• 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. 
• Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required. 
• 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

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 a 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

Book Club Orders are Due Thursday, 15 June
The Book Club Issue 4 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary students 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.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Secondary Years Open Morning

Join us for our Secondary Years Open Morning on Monday, 26 June from 8.30 am - 10.00 am!

Discover how your child can reach their full potential through Years 7-12 at the College. Meet our Headmaster, Staff and Student Leaders, tour the grounds and facilities and ask questions over a delicious morning tea!

Limited positions are available! 

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

2023 Key Events & Dates

NSW Back-to-School Vouchers

Time is running out to use your NSW Back to School Vouchers. The vouchers expire at the end of June. Yeronga Uniforms accept these vouchers and can be located at the following locations

Roselands

• Monday to Friday – 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
• Saturday – 9.00 am - 2.00 pm

Camden

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
• Saturday – 9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Tahmoor

• Tuesday & Wednesday – 9.30 am - 4.00 pm
• Thursday – 12.00 pm - 5.30 pm

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.

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