Waratah Weekly - Term 3, Edition 6 - Friday, 1 September 2023

Message from the Headmaster

Although the content of this article might appear familiar, I wish to emphasise its importance. I am writing to address our strategic priorities as we move forward. Our central focus encompasses Learning, Care, and Culture. I find it essential to delve into these areas again to extend an invitation for your insights into our progress in these domains. Additionally, I aim to ensure that parents comprehend our wholehearted dedication towards these pivotal areas. I would like to point out that these priorities are not transitory measures or fleeting aspirations. Rather, they embody our conviction in the fundamental elements contributing to an exceptional education for your children. Consequently, we are unceasingly dedicated to enhancing our performance in these critical facets.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of our staff, recognising their tireless efforts in providing excellent learning experiences for your children. Nevertheless, we are cognizant that there is room for ongoing growth year by year. Our teachers are unswervingly committed to ongoing improvement and personal development. They engage in continuous learning to refine the art of teaching, ensuring the delivery of exceptional educational experiences.

Our second focal point centres on Care – specifically, cultivating an environment where all students feel nurtured. We aspire for every student to experience a sense of security, ease, and connection, recognising that when students are enjoying their time at school, they are also improving their own learning. 

Thirdly, the ethos of our student culture is an aspect of our College that we hold in high regard. We extend our gratitude for our students' exemplary conduct, who understand our expectations and embody them. Be it in matters of uniform adherence, presentation, work ethic, respect, or numerous other facets, our students uphold the standards we have set. I firmly believe that when students are held to high expectations, they naturally rise to meet those standards. Conversely, if expectations are lowered, their efforts may diminish. Our ultimate goal is to guide each student towards becoming a mature, responsible, and self-disciplined young man or woman. I want to express my particular appreciation for those students who consistently encourage their peers to uphold these expectations. Their actions show a mature understanding that the whole student body benefits when everyone strives for excellence.

In conclusion, I trust that this article serves as a reinforcement of our shared values rather than a monotonous repetition. My intention in reiterating these key messages is grounded in their paramount significance to your children's educational journey at Wollondilly Anglican College. I sincerely thank parents for upholding these high expectations within their own families and partnering with us to uphold these expectations at the College.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Primary Sports

IPSSO results vs Oran Park Anglican College

IPSSO Finals - Wednesday, 6 September
We are proud to announce that half of our Winter IPSSO teams have qualified for the Finals! This is a great achievement!  We wish all our IPSSO Finalists the very best of luck and know they will do their College proud.
They are:

• Junior Boys’ Football 
• Newcombeball (Junior)
• Volley Ball (Senior)
• Senior AFL

The finals will be held at Thomas Hassall Anglican College for Football and Newcombe/Volleyball. The AFL finals will be at Greenway Park in West Hoxton. Parents are welcome to attend as spectators.

The bus will depart the College at 7.30 am and is expected to return by 3.00 pm

Winter IPSSO Finals Draw

The finals day will run according to the following schedule:

• 9.00 am Welcome – at each venue
• 9.15 am Junior Semi-Finals 
• 10.15 am Senior Semi-Finals
• 11.15 am break
• 11.30 am JUNIOR Grand Final - Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 - 3rd, 4th place game – Loser SF1 v Loser SF2
• 12.40 pm SENIOR Grand Final - Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 - 3rd, 4th place game – Loser SF1 v Loser SF2
• 1.40 pm Presentation at each venue

Primary NASSA AFL Gala Day - Rescheduled to Tuesday, 24 October
Due to scheduling changes, the Junior NASSA AFL gala day has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 24 October. The Gala Day will be held at Greenway Park, West Hoxton. (NOT Victoria Park, Minto)

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, 24 October

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Sports News

NASSA Athletics Overall Champion School
Last Wednesday, we sent a team of 100 students to the NASSA Athletics Carnival at Campbelltown. It was a great day for the students to represent the College and showcase their talents. For only the second time in the history of our involvement in NASSA Athletics WAC was crowned the Champion School in the overall point score. It was a narrow victory of just 32 points, which is the equivalent of just two events. A big thank you goes to all the students who filled in on the day to ensure WAC was represented in every event. Whilst individual success is a contributor to the overall point score, a significant amount of points are either gained or lost due to student participation. The data on the day showed that we had the highest participation rate across all NASSA schools so well done WAC!

NASSA Athletics Age Champions
Congratulations to the following students who were named Age Champion at the NASSA Athletics Carnival:

• Isabella Evans - 14 Year Girls
• Myles Brooks - 14 Year Boys
• Kaitlyn Williams - 15 Year Girls
• April Foster - 18 Year Girls
  

NASSA Athletics Record Breakers
Congratulations to both Isabella Evans and Myles Brooks who not only took out Age Champion honours but broke records in the process. Isabella broke the 14 Girls 800m record in 2:26.84 whilst Myles Brooks broke the 14 Boys High Jump record with a height of 1.75m. 

MISA Finals
Next week, the Term 3 MISA Finals will take place for all sports. Congratulations to the 7-8 Girls Netball Team, 7-9 Girls AFL Team and the 7-9 Girls Soccer Team who have all made it to the Grand Final in their competitions. We wish you the best in your final match.

Upcoming Events:

• AICES Athletics - 5 September
• Term 4 MISA Sport Trials - 12 and 19 September
• CIS Athletics - 19 September

Mr Mark Goldsbrough
Secondary Sports Coordinator 7-12

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 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

WAC Country Fair - Scrumptious Cake Stall

We're looking for donations of cakes to sell at the Country Fair on Saturday, 9 September. The money raised will go back to the P&F.

Items required:

• Cupcakes
• Biscuits
• Slices
• Muffins
• Small Baked Goods
• Gluten-Free Baked Goods

All items need to be delivered to the Student Reception by Friday, 8 September. 

Mrs Rhonda Hay
pa@wac.nsw.edu.au

Wac Country Fair - Volunteers Needed!

In order to have our best Country Fair to date, we need your help! Even an hour or two would be greatly appreciated.

Year 5 Camp

In the picturesque landscape of Stanwell Tops, Year 5 embarked on a journey of self-discovery and adventure during their time on camp at The Tops. The Camp began with a sense of excitement and anticipation and upon arrival, we were greeted by the stunning natural surroundings that would serve as the backdrop for our upcoming adventures. The Camp leaders wasted no time in introducing the students to a series of physically and mentally challenging activities that were designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. The biggest challenge for many; students and staff alike, was overcoming their fear to go to the top of the giant swing 'Goliath, one of the highest in Australia! Through conquering challenges, embracing new experiences, and supporting one another, Year 5 emerged from the Camp stronger, more confident, and better equipped to face the challenges that lay ahead. The memories and lessons learned during this camp will undoubtedly remain with them as they continue to grow and thrive.

Mrs Lisa Maher
Leader of Learning Care & Culture - Stage 3/Primary Teacher

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Performing Arts News

Primary Music
Students in Year 4 will be performing on their instruments at the Primary Formal Assembly on Tuesday, 19 September at 8.30 am. This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to show what they have learnt on their instruments after completing nearly two years of the Instrumental Music Program. Parents are invited to the Formal Assembly. 

WAC Country Fair 2023
The Performing Arts Groups have been working hard during rehearsals to prepare their performance for the Country Fair. All of the slots for soloists have been filled, and we look forward to a variety of performances featuring Music, Dance and Drama. Please see the schedule of performances below:

Mrs Sallyanne Barker
Primary Music Teacher/Acting Performing Arts Coordinator T-12

Transition - Farm Lessons

Students in Transition have been learning about Farms this term. They have been excitedly watching eggs hatch and the birth of the cutest chicks. They have also been learning lots of amazing facts about chickens. Did you know that there are more chickens in the world than people? Looking after the chicks has been so much fun for all of us and we really loved giving them cuddles.

Mrs Anita Belusic, Mrs Danielle Barnes & Mrs Emily Clayton.
Transition Teachers

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 been for a walk in a botanical garden and seen an array of flowers established in a way that takes your breath away? The layout of flowers and the complementary nature of the colours are put together in such a way that causes the garden to be beautiful. One word comes to mind when I see gardens that look like this, flourishing. The nutrients and water have come together perfectly in order to enable the garden to 'flourish'.

Why am I talking about flourishing gardens? Because I think this is a beautiful picture of how God desires His followers, Christians, to live their lives. He desires that we flourish and that we live our lives to our full potential, this can only be found by knowing God. The secret to flourishing is a personal relationship with God; only possible through the Lord Jesus. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the author suggests some ways that Christians are able to ensure they flourish in this life.

The author highlights the importance of spurring one another on, loving one another well and encouraging one another. He warns against stopping meeting together. The author is helpfully highlighting the importance of being part of a Christian community, primarily at a local church. In this community, people are able to be encouraged, cared for, loved and looked after. The reality according to the author of Hebrews is if someone is a Christian and they're not connected to a local church then they are missing out. Missing out on how God desires them to be flourishing. The Christian journey is not a lone wolf adventure, it's one that must be lived out in community with one another. This is key to how we, as Christians, grow and flourish.

If you're a Christian and you've found yourself in the wilderness for a while, I encourage you to reconnect with a local church. If you're not sure where to start, I'd love to chat with you about it, feel free to get in touch. If you're not a Christian can I ask you what you think flourishing in life looks like? I encourage you to consider the message from Hebrews, that a loving God, who is revealed to us from the Bible as 'Father' earnestly desires for you to flourish in this life. The starting point for that to happen is getting to know this great God. The awesome thing is that God has reached out to humanity and offered a way in Jesus that we can know Him personally. I encourage you to take the time to pause and consider that this weekend.

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Library News

Book Club Orders due Thursday, 7 September
The Book Club Issue 6 catalogue is now available. Secondary students should select the class ‘Secondary’ when ordering. Primary select their usual class. All orders are to be made online or through the LOOP App. Please note that the Book Club catalogue is set out with suggested age ranges for the books, each page has a different age range, with age 10+ towards the back. The College does not necessarily endorse the books available through the Book Club and parental discretion is advised.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

2023 Leavers & Sibling Applications

Students Leaving at the End of 2023
If your child will not be attending the College in 2024, please give written notice by the end of Term 3 so that your bond may be refunded and you avoid the Term 1, 2024 fees and charges, as agreed upon in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.

Should you have any further general queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on 02 4684 2722 or at enrolments@wac.nsw.edu.au

Year 7 & Transition 2025 Sibling Applications
Applications have already begun to be reviewed for places for Year 7 2025. If your child is in this cohort, please send in their application ASAP to avoid disappointment. If your child is already enrolled at the College, they do not need to apply.

We are also continuing to experience high demand for our Transition program and this demand is exponentially increasing! We strongly encourage all siblings who are in the cohort for Transition 2025 to submit their applications now to avoid disappointment.

Our Kindergarten entry year is trending to have less and less available places due to the numbers in Transition, so we do encourage you to apply for Transition if suitable for your child. Places are limited and siblings are not guaranteed spots.

Application For Enrolment
As a general note, applications continue to pour in for 2024 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. Just a reminder again, if your child is already enrolled at the College, they do not need to apply.

Enrolment information and the online application form are available on the website here www.wac.nsw.edu.au/enrolments

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Enrolments Team should you have any questions.

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

P&F Golf Day - Save The Date!

P&F Clothing Pool

The WAC Country Fair is just around the corner and the Clothing Pool will be open on the day! If you haven’t been able to visit before College hours, this is a great opportunity to see what we have to offer! 

We have a great selection of used uniforms for all Year Groups from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 at very reasonable prices! 

• Shirts and Polos $10
• Sport & Boys Shorts $10
• Tunics $30
• Blazers $60
• We also have new socks and ties available for purchase.
  

Come and say hello to our friendly volunteers and grab some uniform bargains!

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.

Name the Feathered Friends Masked Owl Competition

Charity Car Rally
This October, my husband Brandon and I will be participating in the Cancer Council Charity Car Rally for Spring 2023. The Rally will see us driving our Holden Rodeo pictured below (purchased for $800) from PORT DOUGLAS to ADELAIDE through the centre of Australia with 550 other participants.

Last October we raised almost $8,000 and completed over 9,000kms driving to Darwin. A few photos of the trip are attached. 

WE NEED SPONSORHIP!

This year, the Rally aims to raise $2 million for Cancer Council, which is used to fund cancer research projects nationally. Since the Rally launched in 2009, it has raised over $30 million and is the largest private fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia.

Would you Like to donate? Please follow the link and Donate Here

Any assistance you could give would be most appreciated and will help our team achieve our goal.

Thank you very much for considering sponsoring us!

Mrs Lisa Cooper

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

Community Links Wellbeing (CLW) will be running the following Parenting Education courses commencing 2023:

• Managing Challenging Behaviours Collaboratively- October 18 to December 6  - An eight-part session of 2 hours each week at Tahmoor Community Centre.

A very popular and in high-demand course for parents of children exhibiting challenging Behaviours which can often co-exist with a diagnosis that impacts emotional regulation eg. ASD, ADHD, ODD, intellectual concerns etc. This is the course for parents if other popular parenting courses & strategies have not worked.

• Tuning in to Teens – October 26 to November 30 at Tahmoor Community Centre in partnership with CLW and Health SWSLD- Family Connect and Support: a six-session, evidence-based program for parents/carers who have young people aged 10 to 17 years old. The course teaches skills in emotion coaching and raises awareness of the developmental needs of their young person so parents can better respond to their teen’s emotions and needs which improves their connection with their teen.

When parents and carers respond to teens’ emotions in ways that validate and accept emotions but still guide them with appropriate behaviour, young people learn important skills in emotional intelligence. Over time young people use these skills in all aspects of their lives. Emotional intelligence helps teen’s to be more resilient so that when they face challenging experiences they can talk about their feelings and work through these experiences.

• 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching: Coming Term 4, dates to be confirmed. Taking expressions of interest now. A three-session program of 2.5 hours for parents of children aged 2-12 years old with an extra booster session for support ( four sessions in total). The 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion Coaching program aims to help parents and carers manage difficult child behaviour with a focus on strategies and techniques that promote positive behaviour; encouragement in developing the child's ability to manage their emotional reactions; and relationship-building. 

Priority placement is given to parents in the Wollondilly, Wingecarribee and Camden LGA’s. Parents outside these areas may still be able to attend, please contact the email below to discuss further.

HCS Study Camp
Wollondilly Library is supporting local Year 12 students in the lead-up to the HSC in a number of ways. We’d love for you to share this information with your students and staff. Please find a PDF flyer attached for distribution.

Extended Wednesday Hours:
In addition to our regular Thursday evenings (7 pm close), Wollondilly Library will be staying open until 7 pm on Wednesdays in September and October.

Events for HSC Students:
A number of events have been organised to support our Year 12 students while they are studying. Follow the link to our events page for more information and to book.

• 6 September: Study Skills Workshop
• 13 September: Thriving in the HSC (also suitable for Year 11 students)
• 4 October: HSC Pizza Night

HSC Collection:
Physical collection of up-to-date books for HSC students including Excel, Cambridge Checkpoints, ATAR Notes and A+ Study Guides, covering a range of HSC subjects. For use in the library and for borrowing.

View the catalogue here. 

HSC4Me Online Resource:
A free online resource filled with study notes, practice questions and responses and on-demand videos for 11 HSC subjects.

Register now for HSC4Me

Please note: This resource is for library members. Not a member? It’s free and easy to join online. 

Free Photocopying and Printing:
HSC students have access to free printing tickets to print study notes and past papers or photocopy from HSC resources.

Mindful Activities:
A break-out station offering a changing selection of mindful activities will be available upstairs at the Library, with activities including LEGO, jigsaw puzzles, colouring and crafts.

Additional Study Space:
In addition to our newly renovated community lounge and study rooms, extra study space for HSC students will be made available in our events space when it is not in use.

We hope to see your students soon at Wollondilly Library. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. 

Kind regards,

Emma Kramarzewski
Children & Youth Librarian

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

Wollondilly Redbacks Junior AFC
Email: redbacksafl@gmail.com

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