Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 4 - Friday, 13 August 2021

Message from the Headmaster

The 2020 (or 2021) Olympics have come to a close and I know that many of us have enjoyed the escape from the current COVID situation by watching our Aussie athletes compete at the games. It has been exciting, inspirational and also heartbreaking at times. I find many of the athlete's stories to be inspirational as they strive for success in their chosen sport. Australian High Jumper, Nicola McDermott, has been one of these great inspirations to young Australians. She speaks about her preparation, her hard work, her mental training and how she works to focus herself prior to every jump. Nicola also speaks of her striving for success in sport as a way of seeking happiness, and ultimately realising that success didn't bring the joy she hoped for; "I pursued sport so hard until I was 20 that I thought that was what would make me happy – once I was an Olympian, once I reached something, then I’d be happy. I got to a level where I had everything I ever dreamed of, but I was still dissatisfied – I realised I had put my identity into performance and achievement. Faith for me was realising that I am loved regardless of performance – high jumping is simply a way to connect me to God." At Wollondilly, we want every child to achieve their own personal success, but even more importantly, we want them to know that they are loved by God exactly as they are.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Deputy Headmaster

Year 9 Elective Lines 2022

I spoke to Year 8 at their Zoom Assembly on Wednesday morning regarding their Elective choices for 2022. The majority of students received their highest preferences (96%). A few were disappointed either because subjects did not run due to low ‘take-up’ or the combination of courses created clashes against the students preferred choices. However, all students received their first preference and all received two from their first three preferences.

Once the student preferences have been entered, the timetabling software generates a result based on those preferences and the various combinations that exist between subjects. It will separate those course combinations that a large number of students wish to do.

The final result or solution was arrived at after weeks of running different models with continuous fine-tuning of the variables. The final outcome represents the best result for the greatest number of students, although certainly not perfect.

The outcome is below. Each Elective line represents a block of 6 periods per fortnight that run on the timetable.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Update

I encourage our Duke of Edinburgh students to continue to participate in the program as much as possible.

The Award allows for modifications during COVID-19 restrictions. Some of the modifications include:

• Voluntary Service – participants can change their service and volunteer for family members as part of their Award activities eg tutoring a younger sibling. Regular chores or household responsibilities can’t be used. Contact Mr Baulch or Mr Croger for details.
• Changes to the allowed regularity of logged hours
• Change Activities – Physical, Service and Skill. The link below has some great tips.

https://dukeofed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Activity-Ideas-during-the-COVID-19-Virus-1.pdf

Mr Ian Croger
Deputy Headmaster

Pastoral Care T-12

Be Pro-active

Being proactive is so much more than taking action towards something; it is actively taking charge of your own life, accepting full responsibility for decisions and actions. BE PROACTIVE is not about what you can do … it’s about what you will do … what you choose to do. A proactive mindset has a clear vision of the ‘big picture’ regarding what they want to achieve, which directs the plan they create, the decisions made and the ownership of actions taken on a daily basis towards that vision. A proactive person has well thought out and written goals, in every life area, where action towards those goals are taken on a daily basis, proactively working towards their achievement.

• Actively taking charge of your own life.
  Disciplined with good habits.
• High-level personal accountability.
• Full responsibility for decisions.
• Priority items are prioritised and done.
• BE PROACTIVE for life.

Being proactive is about harnessing your self-belief and control towards doing something, taking responsibility for decisions and actions, without blaming others for results. Being proactive is about having a healthy understanding of discipline. Discipline has power … it means ‘I am in charge’. Being proactive requires discipline, with a positive attitude towards being disciplined, knowing the reward gained at the end of that journey.

The components of a proactive mindset are learnable skills, that take a combination of education and practice to apply them in life for dramatic results. Developing the elements of BE PROACTIVE within yourself, is a key element of mental strength and cultivating positive mental health. How strong is your ability to BE PROACTIVE?

Be Unstoppable (2021)

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

Teaching & Learning 7-12

Off-Campus Learning Parent and Student feedback

Thank you to all of those who took the time to respond to the surveys that were sent out on Thursday, 12 August. The surveys are still open and we would love to hear your feedback if you haven’t as yet had a chance to send this through. We would like to finalise the results of these on Monday, 16 August. The feedback will be collated and then we will use this to consider how we continue to move forward with Off-Campus Learning. 

Merits and Awards 

I am excited to say that the College awards system is continuing to operate. Teachers are looking for opportunities to award Academic Achievement, Academic Effort and Academic Engagement merits. Teachers are recording these merits which will contribute to the College Green, White and Black awards. Green awards will be emailed home to students and parents as a PDF which will be recognised by Year Patrons. I know of a number of awards that have already been sent home this week, keep up the good work!

Mr Paul Burns
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

Pastoral Care Matters - Senior Years 9-12

Being Purposeful About Well-Being

In these challenging and uncertain times, our wellbeing can easily fall by the wayside and we can quickly lose sight of the things which matter. Firstly, I would like to seek encouragement and guidance from the scriptures, as we are loved by a God who very much cares for our wellbeing. These are three scriptures that I have particularly turned to and found reassuring in this current season:

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I take great encouragement from these scriptures which are helpful in re-adjusting our perspective and reminding us that we are not in this world or situation alone. God wants to be our help at all times. He doesn’t want us to be subject to anxiety as He strengthens us and He encourages us to look to his strength and provision for each day as it comes, not focusing on the future which we cannot control.

Secondly, it is also helpful to be purposeful with our time and consider practical ways in which we can work towards the wellbeing of ourselves and those we care for. I’ve chosen some of the following from commonsense.org who have written helpful articles aimed at assisting parents with Off-Campus Learning. I hope you can use some of these to make room for you and your child’s wellbeing. 

Be a good friend to yourself.

• If your child gets caught up saying negative things about themselves, encourage self-kindness by asking them what they would say to a friend in the same situation.
• The same goes for you: We often beat ourselves up as parents, but what would a good friend say to you? What would you say to your friend?
• Try creating a gratitude list together to give you a fresh perspective and focus.

Get help when you need it.

• You won't always know how to help your child. Think about who could help fill in the gaps. Look to family, friends, teachers, and others for help. Sometimes having another adult take over removes the tricky parent/kid homework battle dynamic and lets you go back to just being a parent.
• Communicate with the College about how things are going, leading with positives first. Everyone's doing their best, and it's important for teachers to know what's working and not working for your kid so they can get the help they need.

Use movement and humour.

• Sometimes we just need to move our bodies. Physical activity can lift our spirits and get our minds refreshed for learning. Try a lunchtime block walk or a 5-minute dance party to help everyone reset and bring new energy to the day.
• Finding the funny right now is helpful on every front, including learning and wellbeing. Be silly, make wacky connections, come up with crazy answers so your kids correct you, whatever works!

https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/parent-tips-and-tricks-for-distance-learning

Mr Timothy van Netten
Senior Pastoral Care Coordinator 9-12

Primary Matters - Book Week

To celebrate Book Week this year, there will be a variety of activities happening throughout Tuesday, 17 August. This will impact our normal Off-Campus lessons for the day. A schedule of the activities for the day will be sent out via our Teachers.

Years T-2 Digital Book Parade

Years T-2 students (both On-Campus and Off-Campus) will have the opportunity to dress up as one of their favourite book characters on Tuesday, 17 August (Monday, 16 August for Transition Tembo & Twiga). Students       Off-Campus can wear their costumes while attending Zoom activities. Parents are invited to upload a photo of their child here by 3.00 pm on Tuesday, 17 August. A video will be created and shared later that week to highlight students' costumes. 

What will happen on the day:

• Zoom Lessons will be based on CBCA (Children's Book Council Awards) books for the day.
• Fun activities will be uploaded to Seesaw.
• There will be competitions for each Year Group to enter such as Create a Book Trailer. 
• Years 3-6 will have a Zoom Author visit with Tristan Bancks.

We look forward to having a fun day that encourages a love of books.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Director of Teaching & Learning T-6

Performing Arts News

Performing Arts Challenges

As promised, our Performing Arts Challenges are now available for students. 
There is one Music option, one Drama option and one Dance option available for students in each age group (Junior Years, Middle Years and Senior Years). You may enter one or all of the options for your age group (individual entries only).

Entrant Responsibilities

Appropriate attire, background, lyrics, words and behaviours are expected in all submissions. Submit your entry to Mrs Talbot by 3.00 pm Monday, 13 September.

Submission options: email your work or a link to your work to Mrs Talbot s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au or via Canvas if you are a secondary student (Student Resources 7-12 >Performing Arts>Performing Arts Challenges).

Please understand that we may use the footage and images uploaded on both the Performing Arts website and on College Social Media accounts, and may elect to use them for future promotional purposes. 

Stay safe. Ensure you are properly warmed up and using equipment safely at all times. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times. 
Have fun!

Talent Quest

Auditions for Secondary students will be submitted virtually this year. Stay tuned to future Waratah Weekly articles for more details (start planning your entry now).

Stay In Touch With Your Ensemble

All of our Ensemble Leaders are missing our fabulous performers and want to support our students to stay engaged with their rehearsals and each other during lockdown. Below you will find a summary of what is on offer for the various Ensembles, and the contact email address for the Ensemble Leaders should your child need support in this area. Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs Talbot if you need further support for your young performer, s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Band - Mr Grant has been working to supply students with sheet music (via Canvas '7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Band' or physical supply). He will also be hosting a Zoom session for Ensemble members, l.grant@wac.nsw.edu.au

Primary Band - Students already have their sheet music to rehearse with at home. Mr Denley will be setting up a class for this group using 'Essential Elements' which will provide them with further support. s.denley@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Strings - Ms Bridge will be hosting a Zoom rehearsal for students. The link has been emailed to Ensemble members by Mrs Talbot on their College student email accounts. Ms Bridge will also be supplying students with sheet music via Canvas (7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Strings), jillbridge7@gmail.com

Primary Strings - Ms Bridge will be hosting a Zoom rehearsal for students. This link has been emailed to ensemble members by Mrs Talbot on their College student email accounts. Ms Bridge will also be supplying students with sheet music via Seesaw, with the help of Mrs Barker, jillbridge7@gmail.com

College Choir - Mrs Robertson had been working with students to learn 'You Will Be Found' from the Musical 'Dear Evan Hansen'. Mrs Talbot has placed both the backing track and sheet music for this song onto the Canvas course for this Ensemble to allow students to continue with their rehearsals (Years 7-12 Student Resources: Performing Arts: College Choir), alisonclairerobertson@gmail.com

Primary Choir - Mrs Apps is working with Mrs Turner to set up a Seesaw course for Primary Choir. There will be a small selection of songs there for your child to practice with (one that they know and a fun one to learn), k.apps@wac.nsw.edu.au and c.rigg@wac.nsw.edu.au

Bucketz - Mr Hopkins will be working to provide student access to bucketdrumming.net which has lessons and exercises for our bucket drummers to practice with (watch out for your wooden spoons and pots and pans), d.hopkins@wac.nsw.edu.au

Dance Company - Miss Valente will be sending weekly Zoom links via email for Dance Company students. The rehearsal will remain on Tuesday afternoons from 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Cheer - Miss Valente will be sending weekly Zoom links via email to Secondary and Primary College Cheer students. The rehearsal will remain on Wednesday afternoons from 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm, however, Primary students can finish at 3.30 pm, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au and e.kluit@wac.nsw.edu.au

Stunt Group - Miss Valente will be sending fortnightly Zoom links via email to Stunt Group students. A day and time will be arranged, k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au

Primary Dance - Will be invited to join the Primary members of College Cheer with their rehearsals (see above), k.valente@wac.nsw.edu.au and c.dewey@wac.nsw.edu.au

Photography Club - Please continue to work through the challenges being set via your Canvas course, b.taylor@wac.nsw.edu.au

College Musical - The College Musical is on hold for now, but don't worry, we will let you know when it is time to audition!

Primary Drama - Last Term, our Primary Drama classes were exploring puppetry performances. To keep them engaged in the fun of puppetry performance, we would like to encourage students to work through this 'Art Bites' lesson on making paper puppets, make their own paper puppets and tell stories with them, https://digital.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/art-bites/making-mini-paper-puppets
If you would like your child to film their paper puppet story, please do so and send it to Mrs Atkins and Mrs Talbot. We would love to add their remote learning project to the Performing Arts website for Primary Drama, n.atkins@wac.nsw.edu.au and s.talbot@wac.nsw.edu.au

Triple J Unearthed High

Congratulations to Year 8 Student Cara King who has entered the Nationwide Triple J Unearthed Competition with three original songs! 

Click here to support Cara and to listen to her songs 

Photoshop - Digital editing task. 

Students were tasked with entering a digital arts competition with the Australian Government ANSTO Illawarra. Students were to take a microscopic black and white image of insect anatomy from ANSTO and digitally colour the image in a creative way. 

If you are interested in the competition information please see the link below. 

https://www.ansto.gov.au/education/secondary/competitions/incredible-insects?fbclid=IwAR2LbrjvsZwpsHUUE_dx0m3JzHK4zPj5FxXeY5gX4pazsSCmNVm4c9RfhOs

Students that participated include: Zoe Smith, O'lissa Scott, Loren Adamson, Braydon Potter, Cooper Riddle, Charlotte Younie, Laura Russell

"We are pleased to inform you that Charlotte Younie's digital colouring made the top 10 in the High School Category of the Incredible Insects Competition! The entry was judged by Dr Daniel Oldfield as being of a very high standard and we congratulate her for this fine achievement. All competition results can be viewed here: https://www.ansto.gov.au/incredible-insects-competition-results. As a Top 10 entrant, you will be awarded a certificate.

Mrs Sarah Talbot
Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Library News

Changes to the Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge closing date has been extended due to the current lockdown in Greater Sydney. 

• The new closing date is Friday, 3 September 2021.

• Students on all challenge levels will be able to read 10 choice books. 

• Students on all challenge levels will be able to include books on their reading records that they read collaboratively as a class, in person or online with their teacher or at home with their parents/carers.

• For more information, see the PRC Rules page.

Book Club Term 3

There will only be one issue of Book Club this Term. It will be processed when students can return to the College - date to be announced in the Waratah Weekly. The books will be a nice surprise for students when they return. The issue is currently online and will be available to parents for the whole Term. Here is a PDF version for you to view.

It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to the College safe and sound and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or using the LOOP App, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

eBooks, Audiobooks and Digital Resources

While students cannot visit our Libraries in person at the moment, we do have a number of digital resources available from the Student Cloud. For example, our eBooks and Audiobooks are very popular with Secondary students which can also be located at https://wac.wheelers.co/ or download the Wheelers App. Use your College login to access. These eBooks can be read on your laptop, desktop, phone or tablet.

Other resources, for Primary and Secondary, include World Book Online (username: wac/password: wac01) and Clickview.

Book Week Celebrations Tuesday, 17 August

The College will celebrate Book Week on Tuesday, 17 August with activities all day for Primary Students. T-2 will do a Digital Book Parade, 3-6 will have zoom sessions with writer Tristan Bancks https://www.tristanbancks.com/, and all year groups will explore some of the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) shortlist books for 2021. To purchase your own copy of Tristan Bancks’ books go to:

https://www.thechildrensbookshopspeakersagency.com.au/person/bancks-tristan-speaker/

Book Week Competitions:

Years T-2 - Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen contains a lot of different Australian birds. Design your own bird by drawing, collage, painting, sculpture, use your imagination! Take a photo and upload it to Seesaw. Due Friday, 27 August.

Years 3-4 - Norton and the Bear by Gabriel Evans contains so many different outfits. Create your own fashion for each of the characters - Norton and Bear. Take a photo of your design and upload it to Seesaw. Due Friday, 27 August.

Years 5-6 - Dry to Dry: the seasons of Kakadu by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli details the amazing seasonal changes of Kakadu. Create a book trailer video using iMovie Trailer or a short video clip. What is a book trailer? A book trailer is like a movie trailer, but for a book. The aim of the video is to make others want to read the book. Good trailers suggest and tease the tone and content of the book without giving too much away. The best book trailers are simple. See Tristan Bancks ‘How to make a book trailer’ web page: https://www.tristanbancks.com/2016/03/how-to-make-book-trailer.html
Due Friday, 27 August.

All information will be posted on Seesaw for Primary students on Tuesday, 17 August

Secondary Book Review Competition:

Search for a Library book you have read on the Library Catalogue - Oliver and write a review in the ‘Write a Review’ section. The best reviews will receive a book prize! The Secondary book reviews are due on Monday 6, September.

Prizes: A selection of CBCA 2021 Shortlisted Books will be the prizes with one winner per Year Group.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Employment - Last Chance!

Wollondilly Anglican College welcomes applications for the following permanent positions

• HSIE Teacher

Application closes this Sunday, 15 August!

• Property Manager
• PDHPE Teacher

Applications close Wednesday, 25 August!

https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/about-us/leadership-staff/employment/

Application for Enrolment

Applications continue to pour in for 2021 and beyond, across all Year Groups, but especially our entry years of Transition, Kindergarten, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11.

All current College families looking to enrol siblings for the coming years are encouraged to do so without delay to avoid disappointment. 

Enrolment packs are available from the College Office or from the College website www.wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Kristy Biddle
Enrolments Officer
Ph: 4684 2722

Church Services

Staying connected in the Wollondilly Shire

During this time, it is important that we stay connected as a community. Due to the restrictions in the Wollondilly Shire, this cannot happen face-to-face. However, many churches in our local area still gather together online. For those within our community who have a faith, can I encourage you to keep meeting as a community of believers as it says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

To those in the College community, we encourage you to consider attending a Church Service or Bible Study Group online. In these difficult times, you may be feeling isolated, burdened and even fearful. Because of this, we encourage you, even more, to connect to your local Church, to explore Christianity, to seek the peace and relief that Jesus can give you. It says in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” There is no better time to seek and to come into relationship with Jesus than now. Below are some local Churches in the Wollondilly Shire and surrounds with their services and programs and contact information for any enquiries. 

Wollondilly Anglican Church
Currently posting pre-recorded messages and services on their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LQDtFMRt1RFZQ8KhRC2kA  
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit these links for more information
https://wollondillyanglican.org/grown-ups/  
https://wollondillyanglican.org/youth-ministries/  
We also encourage you to check out their website to stay updated with any new information https://wollondillyanglican.org/
Contact them about any enquiries at
https://wollondillyanglican.org/contact/

C3 Picton and Camden
Live-streaming their services on their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV-SaFqz0okwO85XQE01CKw.
If you would like to find out more information about C3 connect groups, please visit these links:
https://www.c3picton.church/groups
If you would like to know more information about C3 and keep updated please visit their website:
https://www.c3picton.church/
Facebook page:
https://m.facebook.com/C3Picton/
Contact them at:
https://www.c3picton.church/contact

Campbelltown Christian Community Church (C4) 
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel:

Wollondilly Presbyterian Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGGkiM_xP5rCdViW3uo6Xw/featured
They are also holding Church Zoom Calls at 9.15 am on Sundays, if you are interested in connecting to the community in this way, please visit their Facebook page for the links as well as updates, information and to contact about any enquiries.
https://www.facebook.com/WollondillyPC/

Tahmoor Baptist Church
Gathering via Zoom on Sunday mornings, please visit their page for the Zoom link, as well as resources, other services, and updates.
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/
If you are interested in attending a Bible Study, or Youth Group and connecting with the community this way, please visit this link for more information
https://www.tahmoorbaptistchurch.org/activities.html

Picton and Wilton Anglican Church
Currently streaming their services on their YouTube channel at 9.30 am on Sunday mornings.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PWAChurches/videos
I also encourage you to visit their website
https://pwac.org.au/
To stay updated with information or to contact them about gathering groups and for any general enquiries, please click on the link below:
https://pwac.org.au/contact/

Most importantly, we encourage all to meet with God directly and personally through daily reading of The Bible and prayer. This is the best way to get to know who God is and further trust in him during this time. If you don’t have a Bible or don't know where to start, we encourage you to download “You Version” on your device, this is a great resource to assist you in your journey and relationship with God.

Staying connected in the Southern Highlands area.

Highlands Christian Church: 
Online Service:
https://www.facebook.com/highlands.au/videos/highlands-church-online-experience/930979114318498/
Website:
https://www.highlandschristianchurch.org.au/

Highlands Baptist Church
Website:
http://www.highlandsbaptistchurch.org.au/

St Judes (Bowral Anglican)
Website:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/
Online Service:
https://bowralanglican.org.au/online/

Mittagong Anglican
Website:
https://www.mittang.com.au/
Sermon Archive:
https://www.mittang.com.au/sermons/

C3 
Website:
https://c3destinychurch.com/
Livestream/Video Archive:
https://c3destinychurch.com/sunday-live-stream/

Bowral Baptist
Website:
https://bowralbaptistchurch.net/wordpress/
Video Archive:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCED4wlEz42j6thR9-OsVn4A

Christian Leadership Prefects
Nerida Seidel and Ethan Schultz 

Community

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.

The WAC Kids Care Program offers support to families in the way of meals. Please contact Mrs Hay or       Mrs Rockwell at the College. Confidentiality will be respected. If you know of anyone who may need meals at this time, please contact the College office.

Getting Korina Back on the road Trivia Night (Postponed to 2022)

• When: Friday, 11 March 2022

Pretend Headmaster