Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 9- Friday, 23 June 2023

Celebrating 20 Years

Message from the Headmaster

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope you all enjoyed a fantastic break and quality time with your families. As we begin this term, we are thrilled to see the campus bustling with energy and enthusiasm as we welcome both returning and new families to our Wollondilly Anglican College community. We extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all the newcomers - we are delighted that you have joined us!

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our parents and students for being an integral part of our College community. Your unwavering support and involvement have been instrumental in fostering Learning, Care and Culture. These focus areas resonate strongly within our community, shaping our collective vision for a nurturing and fulfilling educational journey.

Our dedicated teachers and staff deserve special commendation for their unwavering commitment to providing excellent learning opportunities and genuine care for all our students. They are the heart of our institution and we are immensely proud of their efforts in nurturing young minds inspired and guided by our saviour, Jesus Christ.

Speaking of our students, they continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm for learning and their embodiment of the strong student culture we hold dear. Your passion and dedication inspire us each day and we are confident that we can achieve great things together.

Recently, we had the privilege of showing some guests around our campus and we were delighted to hear their comments on the calm and caring atmosphere that permeates our college. This would not be possible without the collective effort of our entire community and we are thankful for every individual who contributes to making our campus a welcoming and nurturing place for all.

We also take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers, who recently completed a week of professional learning. Their commitment to self-improvement and passion for delivering your children's best education is commendable. During this week, they engaged in insightful sessions, including dedicated time spent learning from God's Word. We believe that our Christian foundation is essential in all we do here. As we move forward into this term and the rest of the year, let us remember that everything we achieve is possible through God's grace and sovereignty. We are grateful for His continued support in guiding and proving for our College community.

In closing, we pray that each one of you has a blessed, joyful, and successful term ahead. Let us continue to grow and learn together, cherishing the values that define us and creating an environment where every individual can thrive.

Thank you, and let's make Term 3 remarkable!

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Showcase 
Congratulations to the students who performed at the Performing Arts Showcase last Friday. It was a wonderful afternoon/evening that highlighted all of the areas of Performing Arts across the College. It was great to see so many students performing on the newly constructed stage, funded by the P&F. The Performing Arts ensembles and groups certainly need a stage big enough to fit the size of some of our growing groups (and some at capacity).  As you can see below, we have a great number of students involved in the Performing Arts right across the College. During the course of the evening, we were able to unveil new representative jackets for our Dance and Cheer Groups (see Miss Valente’s article this week for more details), as well as announce that a Years T-2 Choir will commence in Term 3, under the direction of Mrs Waters.

A big thank you to some volunteer staff and the P&F representatives who cooked a BBQ for the parents, students and families that attended. A big thank you is also due to the staff who continue to provide these opportunities for our students by facilitating rehearsals, encouraging the development of skills and making the Performing Arts an enjoyable aspect of their lives at Wollondilly Anglican College. 

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
A reminder that we have one last rehearsal/meeting for the Term before we depart on Thursday in Week 10.

Choral Festival
Last Friday, the College Choir and the Primary Choir spent the whole day at TASC Choral Festival held at Penrith Anglican College. The Choral Festival had over 10 other Anglican schools participating. During the first half of the day, the students learnt a new song called 'Shine Like Stars' with all of the other schools, under the leadership of a guest conductor. After this, the students participated in vocal workshops and activities. After lunch, the big concert began, and each choir performed their pieces. The concert finished with the combined item 'Shine Like Stars', and over one thousand voices sang together, it sounded amazing!

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Dance News

MISA Dance Festival 2023 and Dance/Cheer Competitive Jackets
On Tuesday, our WAC Dance Company performed their 2023 Dance Work ‘Masquerade’ at the MISA Dance Festival. It was an exciting medley inspired by commercial dance, musicals, hip-hop crews and movies with Masquerade scenes which students performed with energy and commitment. The tireless work on choreography, costuming and props paid off in what was a great performance that truly engaged the audience. College Alumni member Miss Rockwell and I are extremely proud of the efforts put in by our students who rehearsed weekly, had an extended rehearsal and attended extra lunch rehearsals to refine this work.

Also, at this event, our Dance Company students debuted our new WAC Dance/Cheer Competitive Jackets which were announced at the Performing Arts Showcase last week. 

Similar to the process for students when they are using and borrowing competitive WAC Sportswear, Secondary Dance and College Cheer students will be allocated and provided with a jacket of a certain size and number on the tag before an event/competition. This will be recorded by Miss Valente and Mr Grant with information about when the jacket was distributed and when the jacket was returned.

There are specific protocols for students when wearing and taking home these Dance/Cheer jackets as College property. Students will be able to take the jacket home before the event and wear it to the College or Excursion venues. Once the jacket has been worn by the student for an event, it must be taken home and washed per the instructions on the tag on the inside of the jacket. After this, it is expected that students return their competitor Dance/Cheer Jacket to Miss Valente or Mr Grant promptly. 

We ask that these jackets are taken care of respectfully and sensibly. If there are any damages please notify staff ASAP. 

Miss Kara Valente 
Secondary Dance Teacher

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.

We've been looking at the Book of Acts in staff devotions. We've been hearing about how Saul, the man who was responsible for arresting the early Christians, met the risen and reigning Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. This resulted in a remarkable transformation where he went from chief prosecutor to chief promoter of Jesus. 

I've been thinking about how one of the key attributes for our learning disposition on Resourcefulness is Reasoning. Luke and Acts are intended to be read together, and in the first chapter of Luke, Luke tells the recipient of the letter, Theophilus, that the purpose of the book is for him to have certainty about the things he's been taught about Jesus.

Then in the beginning of Acts, Luke records Jesus telling His followers, before He ascends into heaven, that they will be his witnesses in Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Throughout Acts, we see this exact thing happening; the followers of Jesus witness for Him throughout Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The point that Luke is making is that Jesus is still ruling and reigning from heaven and His presence is now with His people via the Holy Spirit. Luke shows that what Jesus said was going to happen is happening, therefore, Theophilus and other readers of this book can be confident in trusting Jesus. What Jesus said he's going to do, He will do.

Luke's reasoning is sound. He reasons effectively for Jesus' authority and power. The question that's left for us is, how are we going to respond to Luke's claims about Jesus? Will we respond like Theophilus and grow in our certainty of who Jesus is, or will we disregard this news as outdated or irrelevant?

If you know Jesus personally, I encourage you to continue to have certainty in your trust in Him. If you don't, I leave you with this challenge - What is stopping you from being open to the message of Jesus?

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Canteen Volunteers Needed

WAC Flowers Canteen Volunteer 
At the Flowers Canteen, we are always looking for volunteers to work in our Canteen, especially for Term 3, to prepare nutritious lunches for our hungry growing children and to serve over the counter. We are looking for someone to join our friendly team on a Thursday morning, after drop-off (around 8.30 am) until about 11.00 am. We would very much appreciate the extra help.

It's easy and fun work with on-the-job training. If you can dedicate some time on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis please reach out. 

All volunteers' efforts are rewarded with a healthy snack and plenty of tea and coffee.

If you are interested, please email me at e.dealmeida@wac.nsw.edu.au with your preferred regularity. We would love to hear from you.

Mrs Emma De Almeida
Canteen Manager

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

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

Lowes Sale

Little Elves Vacation Care Program

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 Parents' & 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.

HSC Seminars -Wollondilly Library
Wollondilly Library will be holding a few programs for teenagers during the upcoming July Holidays. We’d like to invite you to share this information with your students/networks.

Bookings are essential – no need to be a member, all participants are welcome.

For more information and to book, follow this link to our website.

https://www.library.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/events/?c=young-adults 

Our HSC Seminars are presented by experienced teachers and HSC markers and will help set students up for success in both trials and HSC exams. A timely push for students facing trials in Term 3, or keep the momentum going for those who are currently sitting their exams. Also suitable for Year 11 students wanting a jump-start on their studying.

HSC Maths (Standard) Seminar

• Monday, 3 July
• 1.30 pm – 3 pm

HSC Maths (Advanced) Seminar

• Monday, 3 July
• 3.15 pm – 4.45 pm

HSC English (all levels) Seminar

• Tuesday, 4 July
• 10.00 am – 11.30 am

For a fun and social break from studying for Year 12s, and for members of other Year Groups, we are offering an artist-led workshop for painters of all skill levels.

Mocktails and Monet

• Thursday, 13 July
• 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• For young adults aged 15-25

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! 

Football South Coast are excited to announce a festival of football over the July Winter Holidays for all players between the ages of 5-16.

Whether you are looking for a holiday clinic to develop your skills further or you are wanting to compete in a competition to challenge yourself against other players and teams, we've have got you covered. 

Week 1 of the holidays will see the following footballing clinics: 

FSC School Holiday Clinics: click here to register

• Venues: Terry Reserve (Albion Park), Thomas Gibson Park (Thirroul), Judy Masters Oval (Balgownie)
• Dates: Monday, 3 July – Wednesday, 5 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
• Ages: 5 years – 12 years 

Girls Only Mini World Cup: click here to register

• Venues: Ian Mclennan Park (Kembla Grange)
• Dates: Monday, 3 July – Friday, 7 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
• Ages: 6 years – 16 years

The football fun will continue in week 2 with the following clinics:

FSC School Holiday Clinics: click here to register 

• Venues: Ian Mclennan Park (Kembla Grange), Rex Jackson Oval (Helensburgh)
• Dates: Monday, 10 July – Wednesday, 12 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
• Ages: 5 years – 12 years

FSC School Goalkeeper Holiday Clinic: click here to register

• Venues: Ian Mclennan Park (Kembla Grange), Rex Jackson Oval (Helensburgh)
• Dates: Wednesday, 12 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
• Ages: 5 years – 13 years

FSC Cup (Mixed): click here to register

• Venues: Ian Mclennan Park (Kembla Grange)
• Dates: Monday, 10 July – Wednesday, 12 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
• Ages: 10 years – 15 years 

Mini-Roo’s Football Fives: click here to register

• Venues: Ian Mclennan Park (Kembla Grange)
• Dates: Thursday, 13 July – Friday, 14 July
• Times: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
• Ages: 6 years – 9 years

A summary of all our clinics is available on the attached flyer, please use the QR code to register or CLICK HERE for more information.

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 24 June
• Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note, this is a CASH-ONLY event.
• This is an alcohol-free event.

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

Kwik Kopy Macarthur

Silver Sponsors

Tahmoor Garden Centre

Pheasants Nest Produce

Eyepower Tahmoor

F45 Bowral

F45 Picton

FS8 Bowral

Gumnut Patisserie

Country Valley Milk