Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 4 - Friday, 18 August 2023

Message from the Headmaster

In a previous newsletter, we discussed the importance of creating a Child Safe College. We are committed to ensuring that all staff are understanding of and committed to child safety and that students have the skills to make wise decisions about their own safety.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place to keep our children safe, including:

• Rigorous recruitment and screening processes for staff
• Ongoing staff training on child safety
• Regular staff meetings to discuss child safety

In tandem with our staff-centred initiatives, we are equally dedicated to empowering our students with the knowledge and skills to make prudent decisions regarding their own safety. It is our sincere aspiration that every child feels empowered to voice their concerns without hesitation, knowing that we have established open channels of communication that encourage support and understanding.

Integral to achieving this goal is the role of our PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) teachers. Through their guidance, our students are equipped with the tools necessary to express themselves confidently. By nurturing this sense of empowerment, we foster the safety of individual students and cultivate an environment in which all students thrive.

In light of this, we actively encourage a culture of open dialogue surrounding matters of concern. We recognise that addressing these topics openly is paramount to building a safe and supportive community. Our overarching objective is to ensure that no student ever encounters any form of abuse. As we educate our students, we contribute to the foundation of this culture, one that unites us all in the collective effort to ensure the wellbeing of our students.

Moreover, we extend our call to you, parents and guardians, to join us in this endeavour. We encourage you to engage in similar conversations with your children, adapting the content to suit their age and understanding. These discussions play an instrumental role in our shared mission to create a secure environment for every child within our community.

To facilitate such conversations, here are a few topics you might consider exploring with your children:

• What makes you feel safe?
• What makes you feel uncomfortable?
• Who can you talk to if you feel uncomfortable?
• What should you do if someone acts or speaks in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable?

Here are some additional tips for keeping your children safe:

• Teach your children about personal boundaries and what is and is not appropriate.
• Encourage your children to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Tell your children that they can always come to you or another trusted adult if they need help.
• Be aware of your children's online activity and talk to them about the risks of online predators.
• Set rules for your children about who they can talk to and where they can go.

Your active participation in these conversations reinforces that we are a united front, all working together to safeguard the wellbeing of our students.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and collaboration in our collective pursuit of child safety. Together, we can instil a sense of confidence, empowerment and security within our students, providing them with the tools they need to navigate the world around them. Thank you for your support and partnership. By working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all of our children.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From The Deputy

Discipline
One of the challenges of the Deputy Headmaster role is that I sit at the pointy end of discipline matters at the College. While I find it a privilege to talk through situations with both parents and students and how to move forward in these, they aren’t always easy conversations. I was recently reading a reflection from a respected Christian Educator about their reflections on discipline and this resonated well with me. Are there elements of this reflection that you can relate to?

‘The word ‘disciple’ means learner and according to God’s Word, everyone needs discipline and correction to learn and grow as the human being God designed them to be; for “My Son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke.”(Proverbs 3: 11). For discipline is designed to lead to discipleship. Discipline includes both positive commendation of that which is good, correction of inappropriate attitudes and behaviour and restoration of relationships.

Hebrews 12 tells us that our Heavenly Father “disciplines the one He loves and He chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (v5) because even though “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful” (v11). “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we might share in His holiness” (v10) so that in the future “it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (v11).

Many students are presenting broken lives at younger ages and anxiety and mental health issues are rife amongst adolescents. These cannot be separated from cultural confusion. Coupled with this, in our culture, we now have two generations of children raised by parents who are trying to be liked. These are kids who have received a lot of unconditional love but virtually no authentic authority in their lives. As a result, many children have been shown unconditional love where they are cared for but remain as well‑loved infants who don’t practise submission to authority, take personal responsibility for their choices or respond to boundaries. We must recognise that behaviour flows from the orientation of a person’s heart and so each child comes into the world as a self‑centred being.  Students need to be seen as fallen image‑bearers with intrinsic worth and value, who need to experience the grace found in Christ, demonstrated through God’s people. (The Excellence Centre)

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Term 3 Learner Disposition - Relational

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 3 is Relational. This encompasses four areas including Interdependence, Collaboration, Empathy and Listening and Imitation.

This disposition is reinforcing the importance of students to be ready, willing and able to learn alone and with others. Students will be exploring this disposition through Assembly talks both in Primary and Secondary as well as within their lessons and pastoral care sessions.

Below is an infographic of this area and the aspects that make it up. The focus on developing this disposition in our students is important both for their learning and their character. The context of both their current and future learning, the capacity to be relational and work with others will be essential to future success.

Each week we will unpack an aspect of this disposition and look at how we can continue to build it in our students.

7-12 Teaching and Learning

Year 12
We welcome back Year 12 after spending two weeks completing their Trial HSC Examinations. Year 12 are reminded that in many of their subjects, teachers are still teaching course content, but more importantly, they are providing feedback on student performance with the intention to improve and make small changes to their learning. Many subjects such as Drama, Visual Arts and Design and Technology still have Major Projects that students are working on, which will be submitted to NESA later in the month. I encourage Year 12 to use the feedback given for these recent examinations, to reflect upon their learning and to ensure they maintain consistency with their revision.

Year 11
Year 11 will receive their end of preliminary examination timetable next week. These exams will occur at the College during week 8. In preparation for these exams, students are encouraged to maintain a program of regular revision and to ensure they are up to date with course content. Practising written responses under timed conditions is also going to be most helpful as they write responses under timed conditions. Mr Burns and myself are also mid-way through interviewing all of our Year 11 students, to look at their study habits and to make small suggestions to assist in preparing for the upcoming examinations.

Student Engagement Survey
A few weeks ago, in relation to a recent survey for students in Years 7-10 on student engagement, I was interested in discovering if many students were asking their teachers questions about their learning. These questions when asked promoted several things which include:

1. Engagement and Curiosity: When students ask questions, it shows that they are actively engaged in the learning process. Curiosity is a powerful motivator that drives deeper understanding and a desire to explore the subject matter further.
2. Critical Thinking: Asking questions encourages students to think critically about the material. It helps them analyse concepts, connect ideas, and evaluate information, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
3. Active Participation: Asking questions promotes active participation in the classroom or learning environment. This can lead to more dynamic discussions, collaboration among peers, and a richer overall learning experience.
4. Clarification and Understanding: Students might ask questions to seek clarification on concepts they find confusing. This process of seeking clarification can lead to a better grasp of the material and help address any misconceptions they might have.
5. Personalisation: Questions allow students to personalise their learning experience. They can focus on areas they find most interesting or challenging, tailoring their learning journey to their individual needs. They can also often relate new information to their own personal circumstances or situations.
6. Problem-Solving Skills: Questioning fosters problem-solving skills. When students encounter challenges or obstacles, they often ask questions to find solutions. This practice of identifying problems and seeking solutions is a valuable life skill.
7. Communication Skills: Formulating and asking questions require effective communication skills. Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, listen actively to responses and engage in meaningful dialogues.
8. Ownership of Learning: When students ask questions, they take ownership of their learning. They become more proactive learners, driving their education forward rather than being passive recipients of information.
9. Teacher-Student Interaction: Questioning encourages interaction between students and teachers. It creates a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, where teachers can provide tailored guidance and support.
10. Depth of Learning: Going beyond surface-level understanding, asking questions encourages students to delve deeper into the subject matter. This depth of learning leads to a stronger grasp of concepts and the ability to apply knowledge in various contexts.
11. Lifelong Learning: Cultivating the habit of asking questions promotes a mindset of lifelong learning. This skill is not limited to the classroom; it carries into professional and personal life, enabling continuous growth and adaptation.
12. Innovation and Creativity: Many breakthroughs and innovations stem from asking questions that challenge existing norms. Encouraging students to question aspects of learning can lead to creative thinking and novel ideas.

As you can see from the graph below, many of our students are asking questions only when they don’t understand the content (29.5 %), many of our students only sometimes ask questions (31.9%) and there are a significant number of students who avoid asking questions all together (16.5%). I encourage all of the students to ask questions about what they are learning in class to help facilitate and foster learning.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Primary Sports

IPSSO 
The first few weeks of IPSSO in Term 3 are below: 

• 23 August - AWAY vs St Peter's Anglican Grammar

• 30 August - AWAY vs Oran Park Anglican College

• 6 September - IPSSO finals (venue TBA)

IPSSO Ladder Update
1st and 2nd place qualify for Finals. There are still two rounds to play before the Finals.

IPSSO - Behaviour Reminder
Students are reminded of the privilege it is to represent the College in sporting events, particularly IPSSO. This privilege comes with the expectation of a consistently high standard of behaviour in accordance with the sporting code of conduct that students and parents signed at the beginning of the year. Students who fail to hold to this standard will be liable to miss out on representing the College in the IPSSO competition.  

Primary NASSA AFL Gala Day - Thursday, 7 September - Victoria Park, Minto
Our Senior AFL team will be competing at the Primary NASSA AFL Gala Day on Thursday, 7 September accompanied by Mr Mayhew. This will be an all-day event. A bus will be provided to transport students for the day. Students are reminded to wear their white WAC AFL Uniform.  

Report on Primary NASSA Athletics Carnival 
Well done to our WAC Athletics Representatives who competed at the NASSA Athletics Carnival in Campbelltown last Thursday. It was a very successful day for the Wollondilly Wombats with many a ribbon taken home. Congratulations to Cheyannah Hall and Eleanor Holloway who were tied for Age Champion in the 12/13 Girls' age category! Well done to Jack Cashmere who broke a record for the 11yr Boys' 1500m race and Cheyannah Hall who (again!) broke a record for the 12/13 Girls' High Jump! Names of the CIS Athletics qualifiers are to be released soon.

WASP Academy - Wollondilly Anglican Sports Performance Academy: Football (Soccer) continues Term 3! 
Just as we did in Term 2, we are running our WASP Football (Soccer) Academy on Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 3.

All boys and girls from Years 4-8 are welcome to join. Access the following link to complete your registration: https://www.trybooking.com/CKEVI

Please contact sport@wac.nsw.edu.au for more information.

Upcoming Events:

• WINTER IPSSO FINALS - Wednesday, 6 September 
  
• NASSA AFL GALA DAY - Thursday, 7 September

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-10

Parent-Teacher Interviews - Years 7-10|
Thank you to the parents who attended the Years 7-10 Parent-Teacher Interviews this week. We continue to value the partnership between parents and the College for the benefit of our students.

Schedules have been sent for our second round of Parent-Teacher Interviews being held on Thursday, 24 August between 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Parents can make manual changes to these bookings up until 3.00 pm Wednesday, 23 August.

If you have not received an email or have any questions about booking Parent-Teacher Interviews, please email g.lacey@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Gabrielle Lacey
Executive Assistant

Book Week Parade 2023

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/CJXWH

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Health NSW

WAC Country Fair - Unlimited Rides Wristband

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

Performing Arts News

HICES Music Festival 2023
Three students in our Secondary School attended the HICES Music Festival earlier this week. Annie Williams (Year 7) played Violin in the Strings Ensemble, Harriette Martin (Year 8) performed on Trombone in the Concert Band and Ha Mee Jung (Year 9) performed on Violin in the Symphony Orchestra. They participated in many rehearsals and workshops (up to 6 hours a day) at The Tops Conference Centre and finished with an exciting performance (in amongst eagerly awaited updates on the Matildas semi-final match) at the Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday evening.

Harriette also eloquently spoke as a student MC during the course of the evening.

At the camp, they had heaps of fun with student concerts, Just Dance competition and a preview concert of all the ensembles and performances, whilst partaking in a ‘camp related’ activity such as giant swing or pedal karting. 

We cannot wait for the 2024 HICES 5-8 Festival!

WAC Country Fair 2023
With the Country Fair approaching, our Performing Arts Groups are excited to be performing under the Shelter on the new stage throughout the course of the fair. Please see the schedule of performances below:

We have various open slots available for soloists of Drama, Dance or Music. Please consult with Mrs Barker (s.barker@wac.nsw.edu.au) or one of the Performing Arts staff if your child is interested.

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. 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 WAC 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 jacket 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. However, 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 event 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 at the conclusion of the event from the venue, please indicate this on the WAC App and also have your child notify Miss Valente.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

HSC Dance

HSC Dance Practical Examinations
Yesterday, our Year 12 Dance students completed their HSC Dance Performance Examinations. These practical examinations are a huge component of the HSC Dance course and require a large amount of rehearsal and preparation as well as theoretical study. The students performed their Core Performances and Major Study Performances with an Interview. Additionally, students taught younger students their Core Compositions which were performed and discussed to markers as well.

Congratulations to all involved!

Miss Kara Valente
Dance Teacher

Tech Girls' STEM Day

On Thursday, 17 August, 40 girls from Years 2-6 were given the opportunity to engage in a full-day STEM workshop designed by The Tech Girls' Movement Foundation, with a qualified STEM professional presenting.

Students gathered in mixed-age groups working to identify a problem in our community. They devised an App idea that could help solve their identified problem. The process involved a considerable amount of collaboration, conversation and compromise. The girls create logos and wireframes for the Apps. We had some fantastic ideas from the girls including, reducing native animals being killed on our roads, linking isolated people in the community with qualified assistants and even a mobile child safety app.

One of the important things the girls uncovered was that you don't need to be a programmer to learn STEM.

It was a very engaging and positive day for all the girls involved.

Mrs Kath Frost
Primary Teacher / Primary Learning Innovations Coordinator

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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.

Imagine you've gone away for the weekend and are staying overnight at a hotel. You wake up in the morning and head down for breakfast and are presented with two options. Option 1 is toast and cornflakes. Option 2 however is the buffet breakfast,  we're talking sourdough bread, freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurt, berries, croissants, bacon, sausages, hash browns; the whole kit and kaboodle. Which option would you choose? Most of us, I imagine, would be choosing option 2. The Buffet Breaky is far better, it supersedes the toast and Cornflakes in so many ways. 

Why are we talking about breakfast? Great question. The point I'm making is that the Buffet Breaky is so much better than toast and Cornflakes. In Hebrews 8 the author is making the point that Jesus is like a Buffet Breaky; He's far superior to the previous way the Jewish people used to worship God. The author talks about the ways in which God achieved the promises He made to His people. Covenant means 'promise' and the author highlights that the Old Covenant was always pointing towards something better. The thing that was better is Jesus. He is the one who fulfils all the Old Testament promises God makes to His people. As a result, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 8:1). Jesus is ruling and reigning in heaven and as a result of His sacrifice, we can now draw near to God and have a personal relationship with Him. 

A relationship with Jesus is the best thing in this world. God as our creator earnestly desires that we know Him personally and through Jesus we have the incredible opportunity to do so. For the Jews that the author of Hebrews was writing to, their religious traditions, history and culture were a significant distraction for them. The author says don't settle for those things, they're like choosing toast and Cornflakes when there is a Buffet Breaky available. For us in our modern-day context, there are many distractions in this world. Money, success, looks and power to name a few. I encourage you to reflect for a moment. What are the toast and Cornflakes that you're settling for in your life? The Buffet Breaky is right there, available, waiting. Jesus' words are so simple yet so profound. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:35).

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Work Experience

Last week, Natalie Watts (Year 11) completed a Work Experience placement at Taronga Zoo. She cared for reptiles, including this Galapagos Island tortoise which was 117 YEARS OLD! Natalie was very fortunate as each school is restricted to one student per year and placements are very limited. Understandably, Natalie had an amazing week.

Dr Rob Bearlin
Secondary Science Teacher / Careers Adviser

Chess Gala Day

Chess Gala Day - by Paxton Reid and Riley Trives
On Wednesday, 9 August, two teams of chess players from WAC went to The King's School, Tudor House in the Southern Highlands, to play chess in our first gala day competition. We played against 19 other school teams. 

• Team A included Beau Bartolo, Angus McClelland, Elijah Pullen and Riley Marshal. 
• Team B was Riley Trives, Job Tindall, Conner Grabes and Paxton Reid. 

As soon as we got there, we knew it was going to be a great day. When we got inside, we saw a lot of excited, concentrating and serious faces. Eventually, we got started and launched into competitive chess. Both teams started off strong in the first couple of matches and in round three Wollondilly A team took on the Wollondilly B team. It was a good battle but team A took the win. We all played six games each against various schools and by the end of the day, our brains were mush. It was worth it because, although we didn’t make it through to the finals in Sydney, both our teams placed, which made Mrs Reid extremely happy and proud of us!

Team A placed equal 2nd and Team B placed equal 3rd.

The games were competitive and fun at the same time. 

Chess is a great game and we would recommend that anyone from Years 3-6 who is interested in learning how to play, should come along to Cuthbert Library during Break 2 on Fridays.

Term 3 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

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

Equestrian Results

Arndell Equestrian Carnival

• Tahlia O'Reilly placed 1st in the Ridden Pony Class, 2nd in the age group Riding Class, 2nd Best Presented Mount and Rider, 2nd Handler Class, 3rd Active Rider Class, 3rd Please Rider (one-handed riding), 4th Pair Riders.
• Savannah Hatton placed 3rd in Best Presented, 6th in Best Position, 4th in Best Hands, 5th in Best Exhibit, 5th in Pleasure Mount, 4th in Pair Riders, 6th in Western Pole Bend and 1st in Fancy Dress
• Eva Golowenko and her horse Fizz won their Hunter over 16h class, Champion Intermediate Hunter and Supreme Intermediate Show Horse.
  

Orange Anglican Grammar School Equestrian Carnival

• Charlotte Armstrong placed 1st in the 80cm Combined Training.
  

Marcus Oldham National Interschool Championships
Coming up in September, Erin Brown will be representing New South Wales in the Intermediate Dressage both Prelim and Novice. She is also first reserve for the 60cm Combined Training. Olivia Carter will be representing New South Wales in the 1m Show Jumping. 

Ms Stacey Baker
Primary Teacher / Equestrian Coordinator

Oxley Equestrian Day

Library News

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! 

Premier’s Reading Challenge Ends Tonight!
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. Any questions please contact j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au or ask Library Staff.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!

LOWES Sale

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

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.

Carers NSW Young Carer Program
Young carers are young people who help look after a family member or friend who lives with a disability, mental illness, medical condition or who is frail. Providing support can be very rewarding for young carers, however at times it can have a big impact on their education and wellbeing.

Our Carers NSW Young Carer Awareness Training is a free, one-hour session aimed at supporting professionals and educators to identify and help young carers.

The session will explore:

• Who young carers are and why identifying young carers is important
• Potential impacts (both positive and negative) of their caring role
• Practical support options available 

Carers NSW can help you to continue to reflect the principles of the NSW Carers Charter in your work to ensure that young carers across NSW are achieving their highest potential.

If you would like to organise Young Carer Awareness Training, please email the Carers NSW Young Carer team at yc@carersnsw.org.au or you are welcome to call me on 02 9280 4744. 

Natalie Elliott
Young Carer Project Officer
Carers NSW

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 26 August  
• 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 and 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.

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Silver Sponsors

Tahmoor Garden Centre

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