Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 3 - Friday, 11 August 2023
- Message from the Headmaster
- From The Deputy
- Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-10
- Performing Arts News
- College Chaplain - Relationships
- Term 2 Working Bee & Prayer Breakfast
- WAC Country Fair
- Year 9 Textiles - Hoodies
- Term 3 Family Chapel - Years 10-12
- MyTech Loan Devices
- Library News
- P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!
- P&F Clothing Pool - Volunteers Needed
- Church Services
- Oxley Equestrian Day
- Community News
- College Sponsors
Message from the Headmaster
You may have read headlines or heard comments suggesting that Independent (or Private) Schools are being overfunded at the expense of Government Schools. Many parents accept this and are unsure how to respond if someone presents this viewpoint. The following are some myths vs reality that may help you to understand NSW School funding.
Myth: Private schools receive more funding than Government schools. Reality: On average, Government schools receive $21,900 per student and Independent schools receive $11,600 per student. This is on a sliding scale whereby schools charging high fees typically receive significantly less funding (approximately $2700 per student), and lower-fee schools receive higher funding (up to $15,000 per student). All schools (Government and Independent) receive additional funding to support disadvantaged students (this varies across schools). You may hear that funding to Independent Schools is increasing at a higher rate than it is for Government Schools. This is correct; however, it simply reflects the increase in the total number of families choosing an Independent School for their children.
Myth: Funding Independent schools drains taxpayers' money. Reality: If every student enrolled in an Independent School in NSW enrolled in a Government School, it would cost the Government an additional $4 billion annually. Independent Schools in NSW are actually saving taxpayer money. If we break this down, we see that every student enrolled in an Independent School in NSW is saving the Government $8,800 on average.
Myth: Independent Schools use funding to build extravagant buildings and facilities. Reality: The school community pays for 90% of capital works in Independent Schools.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and provides some clarity about how schools in NSW are funded. I recognise the financial investment you are making in your children's education and I am thankful to partner with you as we continue to provide an outstanding, well-rounded education for your children.
Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster
From The Deputy
WAC Country Fair - Saturday, 9 September
The WAC Country Fair is fast approaching and it is time to start to get excited about this wonderful community event!
The College P&F have been working very hard in preparation for this. Please consider volunteering for an hour or so on the day. To volunteer please sign up here, all help is much appreciated. You may have noticed that the Olive Grove has been cleared which will allow for much more parking on site this year.
Year 8 Electives
Mrs Evans and I distributed the Year 8 electives results to students this week. Most students received their first or second elective choice. If your child would like to make a change to their elective, please sign the form that was distributed, indicating your approval for this change. Please indicate the preferred course. Changes can only be made if there is room in the preferred course.
Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-10
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-10|
Parent-Teacher interviews are a great chance to meet your child's teacher(s) and to find out how your child is progressing in their studies. We are conducting face-to-face Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in Years 7-10 at the College on:
- Tuesday, 15 August between 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm and
- Thursday, 24 August between 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Parents should have now received the details for how to book via email. If not, please email Mrs Gabrielle Lacey: g.lacey@wac.nsw.edu.au
Kindly note that Mrs Karen Norman and Mrs Justine Holmes will be available for interview bookings on Thursday, 24 August only.
Mrs Gabrielle Lacey
Executive Assistant
Performing Arts News
Music Tuition
Wollondilly Anglican College offers Music Tuition throughout the College day by a number of qualified music tutors, for a range of musical instruments and styles. All of the lessons at the College are run in our music tuition rooms in Melba Cottage (or in some circumstances, in other rooms).
If you are interested in our Music Tuition program, I’d encourage you to click here to visit our dedicated webpage on the College website.
We have a range of information including our dedicated music peripatetic tutors, the age ranges they cater for, the instruments they are available to teach and the respective application forms.
Please note, there are some wait lists currently for some of our tutors.
If you have any specific questions about this program, please feel free to email me on l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au
Country Fair
Very soon, we will be able to release the schedule of performances at the WAC Country Fair on Saturday, 9 September. This will include our respective Performing Arts Groups, as well as soloists and other groups that will be featured on the stage under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter, or on the big screen.
If there are any students who would like to put their name forward for consideration for a solo Dance, Drama or Music performance on the stage during the day of the Country Fair, they can contact Mrs Barker (T-6) at s.barker@wac.nsw.edu.au or myself (7-12) at l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au
Your Next Step Dance/Cheer Competition
On Tuesday, 22 August, students involved in Dance Company and College Cheer will be participating in the Your Next Step Challenge Eisteddfod at Camden Civic Centre. This event is for schools only and offers entries in a variety of dance or movement styles. The Dance Company will be performing in the Jazz and Lyrical sections. The College Cheer will be performing in the Open section.
Students will be transported to the Camden Civic Centre by External and College Buses. Students should meet at the Bus Bay for departure from the College at 7.50 am and will arrive back at the College after being transported by bus before 2.35 pm. As a result, no Dance Company rehearsal will take place that afternoon.
Students will need to wear their College Sports Uniform and will be provided with a WAC Dance/Cheer Competitive jacket to wear to and from this event. Students will be distributed their representative jackets the Friday before the event at Break 2 and must follow protocols in looking after the jackets as well as return it promptly after the competition. Costumes and props for the performance routines will be brought on the bus and given out on the day of the competition. Students must organise their own makeup, hair and other necessities for the Dance and Cheer performance presentation, which Miss Valente will also communicate.
This is an exciting competition that our students are eager to participate in. We are encouraging parent attendance to support our Dance/Cheer Ensembles. Listed below are the section times for WAC items:
- WAC Dance Company Lyrical - 9.10 am
- WAC Open (Cheer) - 10.00 am
- WAC Dance Company Jazz - 11.00 am
Awards will conclude at the end of the final session.
If you intend to pick up your child from the venue at the conclusion of the event, please indicate this on the WAC App and also have your child notify Miss Valente.
HICES Music Festival 7-12
Three students in our Secondary Years are attending the HICES Music Festival in the coming days. Annie Williams (Year 7), Harriette Martin (Year 8) and Ha Mee Jung (Year 9) will be participating in rehearsals and workshops at The Tops Conference Centre and an exciting performance at the Sydney Town Hall next Wednesday evening.
We wish them well and I look forward to reporting back in next week’s Waratah Weekly about their experiences.
Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12
College Chaplain - Relationships
The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 3 is Relationships. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students, their learning, their character and also in their faith.
Have you ever signed up for a running race? How was your preparation? Were you fully invested, striving to do the best that you could, or were you unsure, wavering in your commitment and desire? Being fully committed to the cause directly links to good preparation; to a diligent and scheduled training routine. And it's precisely this training routine and commitment to it that enables you the best chance to endure the race well.
This morning we looked at Hebrews 5:11-14. I think the author shows that the Christian life is very much like preparing for a race. Training is vital, it's a non-negotiable in order to endure well. The author Hebrews identifies a danger; the readers have become dull to hear and sluggish regarding the good news about Jesus. This is having an impact on their Christian walk.
The antidote to becoming sluggish towards the things of God is found in verse 14. Take responsibility for your training. What does this look like? Listen to God, discern what he is saying and implement that into our lives. Practising this regularly is key to growing in our relationship with God. God is actively involved in our lives by what Jesus has done. Through this, we can know God personally. But in order to grow, we need to continue placing our trust in Jesus. This is how we prepare most effectively to endure the journey before us.
The author of Hebrews is emphasising that a relationship with Jesus is of vital and utmost importance to help us endure the journey ahead. The question I want to leave you with is, "How are you preparing for this journey of life?" Is Jesus your focus or something else?
Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain
Term 2 Working Bee & Prayer Breakfast
On Saturday, 2 September 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 - 9.00 am - Opportunity to join in on the Prayer time or start on the many jobs for the Working Bee (RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday, 23 August)
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.
This will be one week before our Country Fair where we will have a large number of visitors at the College, so it will be great to have the College grounds looking spectacular.
Jobs to be done:
- Mulching of the garden beds behind Flowers Canteen and alongside Sturt classrooms
- Weeding
- Leaf blowing
- Rubbish collection
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
WAC Country Fair
MARKET STALLS REQUIRED For This Year’s Country Fair.
If you or anyone you know would like to hold a Market Stall at this year's Country Fair, please get in contact with us!
When: Saturday, 9 September 2023
Where: Wollondilly Anglican College
Contact: Bill Norman at b.norman@wac.nsw.edu.au
Unlimited Rides Wristband
Purchase your unlimited rides wristband before the day for just $30! The wristbands will be on sale for $45 dollars on the day. The wristband will give you unlimited rides on the following attractions:
- Dodgem Cars
- Superhero Round-Up
- Jumping Castles
- Camel & Pony Rides
- Windjammer Sizzler
- Giant Slide Teacups
- Soccer Shootout
- Gladiator Duel
- Children's Chair-O-Plane
- Inflatable Obstacle Course
- Wipeout Balls
Year 9 Textiles - Hoodies
Students in Year 9 have been working hard on their recent Textiles project. They designed and manufactured their very own hoodie from scratch! Some students decided to use the sublimation printer to transfer their designs while others opted for embroidery or vinyl heat press. They have done a wonderful job, finished just in time to enjoy wearing them over the Winter season.
Miss Emily Bailey
TAS Teacher
Term 3 Family Chapel - Years 10-12
The Term 3 Family Chapel will be held on Thursday, 31 August from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm. This Family Chapel is for is for Students in Years 10-12 and their families.
All students and parents/carers in these Year Groups are encouraged to attend. It is important that students attending wear their full College Winter Uniform. Rolls will be marked on the night and students who attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit.
The Secondary Family Chapel will be a great opportunity to gather together and hear about how God is working in the lives of students here at Wollondilly Anglican College.
There will also be an opportunity to continue to bless our broader community. Donations of gold coins or non-perishable foods are welcomed. These will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare meals for those experiencing hardship in our community. Additionally, House points will be allocated to students who attend and these points will go towards the Overall House Shield.
Prior to the commencement of the evening, a BBQ dinner will be served from 5.00 pm. All parents and students are encouraged to join us for the BBQ from this time. Please register at the following Trybooking link if you're joining for dinner beforehand.
Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain
MyTech Loan Devices
There may be times when a student’s device is damaged, not functioning properly or is reaching a point of obsolescence. In order to ensure that students do not miss out on important learning opportunities, the College has a limited number of loan devices that students may borrow. In order for a student to borrow a loan device they need to fill out a ‘MyTech’ Student Loan Agreement.
A handwritten note from a parent is not sufficient as it is important that you are aware of the terms of the loan before we loan out a device.
This agreement can be picked up from Student Reception or downloaded from the ‘MyTech’ website http://mytech.wac.nsw.edu.au/
If you have any further questions about this or any other ‘MyTech’ issue please do not hesitate to send these to mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au
Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator
Library News
Book Week Parade 2023 For Years T-2 students
The Book Week Parade will be on Friday, 25 August at 1.35 pm under the Shoulder to Shoulder Shelter. The Parade is for students in Transition 3-Day, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. This year’s Book Week Theme is Read Grow Inspire….
Students are to dress as a book character and carry the book in the Parade and can come to the College in their costumes. Please make sure students have warm, practical clothes they can play in all day. College sports shoes are to be worn and hair and jewellery need to be in line with the usual College expectations. Please be aware that onesies were found to be very hot to wear all day last year.
Parents are invited to the Parade and also to a sausage sizzle beforehand, in the BBQ area, starting at 1.00 pm. We request that visitors to the College stay in the BBQ and Shelter area so as not to disturb the students at lunchtime. Please note, the sausage sizzle lunch is for parents/grandparents/non-College-attending siblings only. Students will not be able to join their families during this time.
Please let us know if you intend on joining us for the sausage sizzle through the link below or via the QR code: https://www.trybooking.com/
Premier’s Reading Challenge ends Friday, 18 August
If you are taking part in the PRC this year, please make sure you complete your reading log by Friday, 18 August and I will validate your record. For any questions please contact me at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au or ask our Library Staff.
Book Week Competitions for Years 3-6
During Library Lessons this Term, Years 3-6 are taking part in our Book Week Competition. A winner will be selected from each class and announced in Week 9. Winners will receive a book prize.
- Year 3 - An artwork done in class based on Frank’s Red Hat by Sean E Avery
- Year 4 - An artwork done in class based on Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- Year 5 and Year 6 - Working in pairs, students will create a board game, based on a chosen shortlisted book for Younger Readers. The game will reflect aspects of the story. In Week 7 or Week 8 of Term 3, students will play their games with their Kindergarten Buddies or their Year 1 buddies.
Secondary Book Review Competition:
To celebrate Book Week 2023, Secondary students are invited to write a Book Review on the Library catalogue. Search for a book you have read on the OLIVER Catalogue and add it to the ‘Write a Review’ section. The best reviews will receive a book prize!
Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian
P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!
P&F Clothing Pool - Volunteers Needed
Come and visit the P & F Clothing Pool to see how we can help you with your uniform needs. Our great volunteers are only too happy to find what you need from the wide variety of good-quality used uniforms we have in stock. The prices are very reasonable too, here is a sample :
- Shirts $10
- Pants from $15
- Blazers $60
- Jumpers $20
- Tunics $30
- New Socks and Ties are also available for purchase.
Payment: Card Only (no cash)
Location: White Cottage through the side windows
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am
Phone: 4623 0286
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au
Have a great day!
Mrs Melissa Whishaw
Clothing Pool Coordinator
Church Services
Oxley Equestrian Day
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.
Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.
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
