Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 7 - Friday, 9 June 2023

Message from the Headmaster

We are grateful for the positive student culture at Wollondilly Anglican College and continue monitoring it closely. Our teachers and leaders regularly (weekly or fortnightly) assess how our student culture is tracking across the College regarding RESPECT; Respect for Self, Staff, Peers and Environment. 

Recently, we have asked students to share their thoughts about each area and let us know how they feel each area is tracking. The feedback that we are receiving from students is so helpful and insightful. It is interesting to note that the staff and students provide very similar views in most of these areas. However, there is an interesting discrepancy in the area of Respect for Peers. Our students feel this category is tracking lower than our teachers' observation. This suggests that some students speak or act a certain way in front of teachers but act less respectfully when teachers are not nearby.

It is encouraging to hear from many students who want to encourage their peers to behave and speak more respectfully and maturely than they currently are. Our students strongly value the culture here at WAC. They value their safe and respectful relationships, and many are concerned when some students cannot meet these expectations. I want to encourage our students to continue having these expectations of each other and themselves. The student culture in any College is the sum of every individual's contribution. 

Please have a conversation with your children this long weekend. Ask them what they like about the student culture and how they would like it to continue improving. Maybe ask them about their contribution to this. We really do have a fantastic, positive student culture at WAC and I encourage every student to continue to contribute positively to this.

Have a great King's Birthday long weekend. I hope that it is a great time of refreshment and relaxation with family and friends.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Secondary News

Years 7-10 Reports 
The College will upload the reports for Years 7-10 and parents will be able to download their child’s report via the Parent Portal. A printed copy can be provided if required, please contact Student Reception in Term 3 to have this done and mailed out to you.

It’s important that students and parents take the time to read and look at their report from Semester 1. I personally always find the personal profile interesting where all students in all subjects areas are encouraged to be:

• motivated learners
• reflective learners
• organised and prepared for class
  

Students should take note of their academic performance across all their subjects and begin to think about specific academic goals as they move into the final semester of the College year. Students should be encouraged to work hard and apply themselves to their learning, so they can achieve their personal best.

Changes to timetable 
Students are reminded that they need to check their Edumate timetable before they return to the College as there will be some changes that will occur to their timetable over the break. Changes will mainly be in the HSIE rotation and Technology rotation, but students may also have room changes. 

Champ Camp - Year 12 Study Camp
I am excited to see so many of our students in Year 12 take the opportunity to attend a free study camp during the holidays. Many of our staff have been so gracious and generous with their time and are running additional workshops for students to help them get ready for their upcoming HSC Trial Exams and give them an opportunity to work on Major Works. The Camp will be held at the College and we hope that it will be a great opportunity for students to help consolidate their learning. Many thanks to the staff who are running these workshops.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

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.
Parents/Carers are also invited to attend the 20th-Year Celebration breakfast commencing at 8.00 am in the BBQ area followed by a short presentation from 8.30 am under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. If you would like to attend, please click here to RSVP. Years K-2 Parents will have the opportunity to go straight from the 20th-Year Celebration Morning to the K-2 Athletics Carnival on the Front Field. 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.

Foundation Day Events for Parents/Carers

• 8.00 am 9.00 am: 20th-Year Celebration Breakfast & Presentation
• 9.00 am: Tour of the new Kindergarten Building and College Mural
• 9.00 am - 11.00 am: K-2 Athletics Carnival
• 1.30 pm: Foundation Day Relays WACA

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Care & Culture T-12

Secondary Sport

AICES Cross Country
In Week 6 we sent a team of 16 runners to the AICES Cross Country Championships. It was a great day against some strong competition where we managed to have two students progress through to the CIS Championships. Congratulations to Joshua Summerson (18 Years Boys) and Clancy Maitz (12 Years Boys) on your efforts. 

MISA
We are now down to the business end of the Term 2 MISA Season. Next week we have Boys' Hockey, Mixed Frisbee and Girls' Indoor Cricket all in the Grand Finals whilst Girls' Soccer and both Basketball Teams will play off for 3rd place. Trials for our Term 3 MISA sports will take place in Week 10 during Sport time. Further information regarding nominations and the sports on offer will go out to students via email/Google Form in Week 9. 

NSW All Schools Swimming
Congratulations to Denise Grabe and Heidi Jones who recently competed at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships. Heidi had a fantastic 4th place finish in the 13 Years 50m Freestyle whilst Denise competed in three events, walking away with an impressive 2nd (200m Free), 4th (400m Free) and 5th place (100m Free). Congratulations to both girls for their amazing achievements against the best swimmers in NSW!

NASSA Volleyball Gala Day
We recently sent two teams to the NASSA 7-9 Volleyball Gala Day. It was a great day of competition with our Girls' side claiming 3rd place whilst the Boys' side finished in 4th despite a strong start to the day, winning all three pool matches. Best of luck to our Senior sides who will get their chance to compete on 16 June. 

Secondary Athletics Carnival
This year our Secondary Athletics Carnival will take place on the WACA on Thursday, 22 June. All students are invited to participate to earn House points with the top two competitors in each event qualifying for NASSA. Due to time constraints, some field events may have reduced attempts, however, our best efforts will be made to maximise participation whilst also determining our team to progress to NASSA. 

This year we will also be running an Athletics afternoon on Tuesday, 20 June. During Break 2 and Sport time on Tuesday we will be running the 1500m events as well as one field event for each Age Group. Students will need to nominate for the 1500m via a Google Form which will be emailed out. This event is optional and will occur during Break 2. However, all students will attend and either participate or support their age group through their allocated field event during Sport time (period 6). 

Upcoming Events:

• NASSA Senior Volleyball - 16 June
• 1500m/Field Event Athletics Afternoon - 20 June
• Secondary Athletics Carnival - 22 June
• Foundation Day - 23 June
• Term 3 MISA Trials - 27 June

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sport 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 click here to book the number of sausage sandwiches required for your family

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.’

TASC Choral Festival 2023
Students in the Primary Choir and College Choir are travelling to Penrith Anglican College on Friday, 16 June to participate in the TASC Choral Festival. This festival celebrates all things singing and I am looking forward to hearing all about this wonderful opportunity from the students and staff attending. Students and staff will meet on the Front Lawn by 8.10 am to leave straight away and return later that afternoon before they participate in the Performing Arts Showcase. A big day but well worth the experience!

MISA Dance Festival 2023
The WAC Dance Company will be travelling to The Cube at Campbelltown Catholic Club on Tuesday, 20 June to participate in the MISA Dance Festival in which they will be performing at 10.50 am. Their ‘Artiste’ routine performed at last year’s event was amazing and we look forward to what I have been told is a striking number being prepared for this year’s festival. Those in attendance at the Showcase Evening will be treated to the choreography prior to the festival. How lucky!

This a general reminder that there is an extended rehearsal next week on Tuesday, 13 June that all students in Dance Company are expected to attend. 

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
This a reminder to the students preparing for the Singapore trip later this term that there is a Parent Info Evening on Monday, 19 June at 7.00 pm in Deakin. And Mrs Evans has sent a training link for you to complete prior to this meeting. 

The schedule left for the remaining weeks of the term is below:

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

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

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 does being resourceful look like? I think being resourceful looks like finding uses for things that others may overlook. I think it looks like having the capacity to respond quickly to challenging situations in order to overcome difficulties. What about from a Christian perspective? God's created us with the ability to use resources in our lives in a way that is either helpful or harmful to ourselves and others. But more than this, as Christians, we have access to God - the most incredible resource anyone in human history could ever ask for.

In fact, the beauty of the Christian story as revealed to us in God's word is that God desires to resource us with things that we are lacking. In James 1:5 we're told, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. More than desires, God delights in giving His people the things that He knows they need. So my question to you is, what are you lacking in? All of us have areas of growth that if we want to we can identify. But when we've identified them, how are you trying to grow in them? Relying solely on your own strength and power, or asking the almighty everlasting God for His help?

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Camden Police Hour of Power

Parent Information Session
Camden Police Crime Prevention Team with the support of Wollondilly Shire Council are hosting an information seminar “Hour of Power” for parents and carers of young people. 

The Hour of Power will be:

• 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm
• Tuesday, 13 June 
• Tahmoor’s CWA Hall, 
• 98 York Street Tahmoor

If you work with young people or live with young people, you are encouraged to attend. 

 The topics covered include:

• Sexual Consent
• Healthy Relationships and Respecting Others
• Consequences
• Bullying
• Banning Notices
• Anti-Social Behaviour

Tea and coffee will be provided, Book your place here- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/camden-police-hour-of-power-tickets-633077290217

Mrs Christine Mozejko
Leader of Care and Culture Stage 5

Important - Updating your child/rens personal details on Edumate

We wish to inform parents that a new automatic feature has been added to Edumate which will send an email to Parents/Carers if your child's details have not been "CONFIRMED" or "UPDATED" for 12 months. In order for the College to be able to effectively care for your child’s needs, we need to have the most recent contact details and up-to-date medical information. This process will commence next week.

Updates are done via the Parent Portal on Edumate (not through the College App). Login details for Edumate are the same as your login for the College App. If nothing has changed, please log in and press 'Confirm No Changes'.

We request that you please carefully check that the following details are accurate:

1. Family details -  Carer contacts, call order, contact details or emergency contact details and much more.
2. Medical information - allergies, medical conditions, dietary needs, swimming ability, Medicare card details or private health and much more.

Please note: Only after making all changes, click 'submit changes'.

Any Medical Action Plans or Medical Letters will need to be emailed to our College Nurse at medical@wac.nsw.edu.au for review and upload into Edumate. 

Mrs Sally Lloyd
College Nurse

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 Working Bee & Breakfast

On Saturday, 17 June we invite families to come along and participate in all or part of the activities occurring on this day.

8.00 am - Egg & Bacon Sandwich

8.30 am - Opportunity to join in on the Prayer time or start on the many jobs for the Working Bee

Some family members may wish to attend the prayer time while others go straight to the Working Bee or people may wish to attend both.

This is a great opportunity to build community and undertake some work around the College. If you can spare one hour out of your day that would be greatly appreciated.

Jobs to be done:

• Topping up the mulch in the Transition playground 
• To beautify the Sturt and Banks Garden area. This includes clearing, weeding, and mulching
  
• Raking up/leaf blowing of all the fallen Autumn leaves around the College grounds
• Rubbish collection
• General mulching of the gardens around the College grounds
  

Please note, we only have a limited supply of tools and equipment, therefore, it is important that you bring your own gardening tools, blowers, gloves and anything else you think might help on the day.

We look forward to seeing you.

Mr Daniel Warland
Property Manager

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

German News

Last week, students in Year 7 and Year 8 had the opportunity to see a bilingual German-English Puppet Performance of “Aladin und die Wunderlampe” by Carrousel Theatre.

Students were enthralled by the puppetry, responding with laughter at the jokes, horror when the bad guy was 'done in', and all the emotions at the romance. They were a wonderful audience.

As well as being able to engage in the performance using their German language skills, students had the opportunity to enjoy the Puppetry and Drama skills on display.

Please enjoy the photos from the performance.

German Club: Wednesdays Break 2 J10
Our German Club is currently brainstorming ideas to prepare a submission for the MLTANSW Linguafest Film Competition. This year’s theme is History, and we must incorporate a Necklace into our film. Encourage your child to come along if they would like to be involved.

Frau Justine Holmes
Secondary German Teacher

ICAS Competition

The ICAS Competitions will be held during Term 3. We are offering students the opportunity to sit the Competitions for English, Maths and Science for students from Secondary Year Groups.

If you would like to participate in one or any of these Competitions, please email me at s.mcintosh@wac.nsw.edu.au before the end of Term 2.

Stuart McIntosh
Advanced Learning & Learning Support Coordinator T-12

P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!

Library News

‘The Owl’s Apprentice’ by Little Wing Puppets
Students in Years T-2 had an early Book Week event on Thursday afternoon with a performance of ‘The Owl’s Apprentice’ by Little Wing Puppets. Little Owl learns that wisdom is not just about knowledge. He learns about persistence, listening carefully, being flexible and taking things slowly. You could say he learns to be resourceful and resilient! The performance featured Australian animals in shadow puppetry, hand puppetry and story-telling. Students have been reading all about owls in Library lessons this term.

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.

Southern Highlands Water Polo - Eight Week Winter Water Polo Training.
Dive into Excellence this Winter! Join Southern Highlands Water Polo in Mittagong for 8 Weeks of Water Polo Training! Are you ready to make a splash this winter? Look no further than honing in those Water Polo skills and we're thrilled to announce our exhilarating eight-week Winter Water Polo Training Program! Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the sport, we've got the perfect training regime to take your skills to the next level.

 All Levels Welcome:
Don't worry if you're new to Water Polo—we cater to players of all skill levels! We can accommodate beginners seeking a fantastic introduction to the sport, as well as intermediate and advanced players looking to sharpen their abilities. Our coaches will tailor the training sessions to meet players' needs, ensuring everyone enjoys a fulfilling and challenging experience.

 Team Spirit and Camaraderie:
At Southern Highlands Water Polo, we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork and camaraderie flourish, we rely on community involvement and parent/family participation. Join our Winter Water Polo Training Program, and you'll become part of a tight-knit community that shares your passion for the sport. Forge lifelong friendships, build resilience, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

 Embrace the Winter Challenge:
Winter is the perfect time to embrace a new challenge and dive into an exciting sport like Water Polo. We are lucky to use Frensham’s state-of-the-art facilities which provide a comfortable and controlled environment, allowing you to focus on honing your skills without worrying about the elements. Feel the rush of the water, push your limits, and emerge as a stronger, more confident athlete.

 Mark Your Calendar:
Our eight-week Winter Water Polo Training Program kicks off on Wednesday, 26 July and runs on a Wednesday evening from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm, so make sure to reserve your spot today! Whether you're dreaming of representing your school, pursuing competitive play, or simply seeking an invigorating workout, Southern Highlands Water Polo is the place to be.

 Contact Us Now:
Don't miss this opportunity to take your water polo game to new heights. Call us on 0402 115 111 or visit our website at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/shwpolo/  to learn more. To book and secure your place in our winter training program https://www.revolutionise.com.au/shwpolo/events/list/ Spaces are limited, so don't delay!

Dive in, train hard, and let Southern Highlands Water Polo guide you to water polo excellence this winter! 

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