Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 3 - Friday, 27 October 2023

Family Wellbeing

Today (Friday, 27 October), we celebrated World Teachers' Day, a perfect occasion to express our gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional teachers at Wollondilly Anglican College. It's astonishing to see how the role of a teacher has evolved over the past decade and beyond.

The rise of technology has transformed the educational landscape, with online learning platforms becoming increasingly vital. The curriculum continues to evolve, and the COVID-19 pandemic compelled schools across Australia to master the art of online learning. Our teachers have risen to this challenge with grace and expertise.

Beyond their roles as classroom instructors, our teachers have a range of additional skills. They provide vital support for the well-being of our students, offering guidance and counsel when needed. They actively participate in character development, playing a key role in shaping our young men and women into responsible and mature adults. When we talk about Learning, Care, and Culture, it's clear that our teachers are deeply committed to each of these aspects.

Our teachers provide exceptional learning opportunities through their dedication to Explicit Instruction and differentiation skills to cater to all learners' needs. Their care for every student is not only intentional but genuinely heartfelt. They consistently uphold our expectations for our students, fostering growth in character and maturity.

I am profoundly grateful for our remarkable teachers and the extraordinary work they perform each day.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Secondary News

Year 11 2023 End of Courses Reports
All of the Year 11 End-of-Preliminary Course Reports are now up for viewing on Edumate. Parents and students are encouraged to read and reflect on this Report. Students will have the ability to change their pattern of study for Year 12 2024 from Week 4. Please see Guest Reception for a Change of Senior Subject Form. This form will need to be signed by a number of teachers as well as parents. Students will need to wait until changes have been made in Edumate before not attending classes they intend to drop.

Exams - Years 9 & 10
Students in Year 9 and Year 10 started their exams this week. Students are reminded to ensure that they follow and carefully read their examination timetable. Students in preparation for their exams should also consult their examination notification which will go through the exam format in detail and what will be examined for each of their subjects. Students are encouraged to implement some of the revision strategies that I mentioned last week at our Stage 5 assembly and are to ensure they are preparing for these items.

Year 12 2023 – HSC Exams Continue
Our Year 12 2023 students continue their HSC Exams in the Warne Auditorium. Some of these students sat their last examination this week, but many still have exams that go right up to Friday, 3 November. Please be praying for these students as they continue with their studies and as they finish up at the College. Thank you for being mindful of the noise around this area.

Mrs Kelly Evans
Director of Teaching & Learning 7-12

We're Hiring!

Due to the ongoing growth of the College, we are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2024:

• TEACHER'S AIDE
• ASSISTANT CANTEEN MANAGER

For further information on any of the Permanent Positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577

Vietnam Information Evening

Many students have already indicated that they are interested in the 2024 Vietnam Service Trip. To this end, there will be an information evening held on Thursday 9, November at 6.00 pm at the College in the Warne Auditorium. 

The information evening will cover: 

• Specific details of the trip and proposed itinerary 
• What to expect and FAQs
• Student experiences and expectations 
• Duke of Edinburgh tie-ins 
• Costings 
• How and when to apply 

Below is an overview of the trip which has been provided to the students: 

The Vietnam Service Trip is an exciting and life-changing experience, enabling participants to experience the rich history and culture of Vietnam, while focusing on a service-based project – building a house for a family in need within the local community. 

This trip has been run on a number of occasions in past years with great success and we are excited to be able to offer it again during the Term 2-3 holidays in 2024. The trip is open to students who are currently in Years 9/10/11 (will be in Years 10/11/12 next year). The trip is 10 days long and will be during the first week of the holidays. (Note for Year 12 - the trip will take place in the first week of the holidays, likely leaving on the Thursday or Friday of the final week of Term 2 and returning on the Sunday of the first week of holidays. This will still allow for two full weeks of study in preparation for your Trials upon return). 

Highlights of this trip include: 

• Building a house for a family in a local community (which can contribute towards the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Program) 
• House-stay with local family during the build (getting to be a part of a local family) 
• Learning about the history of Vietnam 
• Visiting local markets and restaurants 
• Cooking experience 
• Visiting and contributing to an orphanage 
• Staying in the historic seaside town of Hoi An 

Mr Tim van Netten
Leader of Care & Culture - Stage 6

Primary Sports

IPSSO results vs Mount Annan Christian College

Overview of IPSSO in Term 4: (subject to change)

• 1 November - WAC BYE
• 8 November - HOME: WAC vs Broughton Anglican College
• 15 November - WAC BYE
• 22 November - FINALS (VENUE TBC)

WASP Academy - CRICKET - Term 4
WASP continues in Term 4! Throughout Term 4, WASP transitioned to cricket training and development sessions run by the professional staff from myPEAC. https://www.mypeac.com.au/

All boys and girls from Years 4 to 8 are welcome to join. There will be eight sessions on Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4 for a flat rate of $100 for all eight sessions (working out to $12.50 per session)

Please email sport@wac.nsw.edu.au to sign up.

Primary NASSA AFL Gala Day - Runners Up!
Well done to our mighty Stage 3 AFL Team who not only battled against every other NASSA school but also the trying heat of South Western Sydney at the Primary NASSA AFL Gala Day. Our AFL Team finished at the top of their pool and then convincingly defeated The Illawarra Grammar School to earn a berth in the Grand Final against a slick and formidable St Luke’s. The team from the North Shore proved too good for the battlers from the Wollondilly Shire, winning 31-8. Some highlights were the Dustin Martin-like ‘don’t argues’ of Walker Thompson; the toughness and never-say-die attitude of Abbey Cook and the aggression and grit of rugby-league turn AFL players Clayton Merchant and Issac Milford. 

Well done to Cheyannah Hall for representing WAC at the NSWPSSA Athletics. 
Cheyannah has added another achievement to an already long list, representing WAC at the highest level of Primary School Athletics in NSW. All the best Cheyannah!

Community Sport - Harper Hallsworth at Coffs Harbour Oztag Junior Australian Championships 
Harper went up to Coffs Harbour to compete in the Oztag Junior Australian Championships last weekend. Harper and her teammates all played so well (she is actually playing up an age division this year in the U9s). They were knocked out in the Semi-Final by the eventual winners of the competition, finishing in 3rd place in Australia for U9 Girls. Unfortunately, no medal this year but Harper is very excited for next year! 

Upcoming events:

• IPSSO FINALS - 22 November (VENUE TBC)

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

College Musical - Rehearsals & Set Construction

Sherlock Holmes - College Musical Rehearsals Continue
Rehearsals for the Years 6-12 cast (2023) continue to occur each Monday afternoon, 2.45 pm - 4.15 pm with students meeting outside Johnson 11 Studio. Rehearsals will be in a variety of locations whilst the HSC Examinations occur in the Warne Auditorium. Students can utilise the late bus service or be picked up by parents in the car park behind the  Johnson/Elizabeth buildings. 

Sherlock Holmes - Set Construction
Ms Bailey and Mrs Taylor are now looking for expressions of interest for students interested in joining the Musical Set Construction Crew. As part of the Set Crew, you will be involved in the construction of sets and the building of props. No specific painting/art skills are required, just be willing to work hard and have fun! Set crew workshops will be run in two groups (Week A Team and Week B Team) but students can be part of both and attend every week. Workshops will run during Musical rehearsal time: Monday afternoons from 2.45 pm - to 4.15 pm. Fill out the form using the following button to register your interest by Monday, 30 October 3.00 pm.

Mr Lloyd Grant
Performing Arts Coordinator

Term 4 Prayer Breakfast Invitation

Amongst the business of Term 4, I'd like to extend an opportunity for you to join us as we stop, pause and bring the things on our hearts and minds to God in prayer.

Our Term 4 Prayer Breakfast will be kicking off on Saturday, 11 November. All are welcome to join us from 8.00 am - 8.30 am for some bacon and egg rolls before we join together in prayer from 8.30 am - 9.00 am. 

I completely understand the busy schedule all of us have on the weekends. There are many competing factors and commitments. Saturday is normally full of community sporting events along with various other activities. However, in this business, taking the time to stop and pause with our great God is incredibly beneficial.

I'd love to see you there!

If you're able to make it please RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au by Monday, 6 November. 

 “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Mr Matt Roberts
College Chaplain

Term 4 Working Bee

The Term 4 Working Bee is on Saturday, 11 November 2023 from 8.00 am until 12.00 pm.

The morning will commence with a BBQ breakfast from 8.00 am to 8.30 am. 

There are a number of jobs which require attention:

• Mulching of the garden beds
• 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.

This is a great opportunity for you to work alongside others within the College community.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Daniel Warland
Property Manager 

From the College Chaplain

The College Learner Disposition focus for Term 4 is Reflective. This is a habit that we are working on developing and cultivating in our students, their learning, their character and also in their faith.

I love a good story, there's something about hearing a good story that seems to make time stop. When I hear a good story, whether in a book, movie or in person, all the outside noise seems to be pushed to one side and everything is focussed on the characters and events in the story. A really good story has me hanging on every word, needing to know the outcome of the ups and downs of the main character's experience. Can you relate to starting a Netflix or Disney Plus series and thinking, I'll only watch one episode and then before you know it, the whole series has been binge-watched? Or finishing an episode that's a cliffhanger, not realising the next episode hasn't been released yet and feeling a momentary sense of bewilderment that can only be described as heart-crushingly horrible! 

There's something about a good story that captivates us, it engages the human heart in a way that often transcends understanding and causes us to stop, pause and reflect. 

I wonder if it surprises you that Jesus was a great storyteller. In fact, almost a third of Jesus' teaching was in stories, known as parables. Jesus shared stories in such a way that the average person, worker, fisherman or farmer could relate to and understand. Last week in staff devotions, we looked at a story Jesus told about a lamp (Mark 4:21-25). In this story, Jesus makes it clear that the purpose of a lamp is to be put somewhere that illuminates the darkness. Jesus is the lamp, he lights up the brokenness and darkness of this world. He helps us better understand this world and ourselves and he deeply desires for us to be people who respond to Him in a way that acknowledges this. As we look out to this world we are faced with darkness and brokenness everywhere - hurt, pain and anguish. The one who can help us make the most sense of why this is happening is Jesus, and just like a light in the darkness, he offers you an opportunity to be able to see this world and ourselves clearly. Can I ask, how will you respond to this claim by Jesus? I encourage you to reflect on Jesus' words and respond to Him as The Light of the World - a light that this world and each of us are in desperate need of. 

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

2023 College Book Fair Weeks 5-6

Dates: Thursday, 9 November to Tuesday, 14 November
Location: Cuthbert Library
Stock on sale: Books for all student ages, posters, stationery
Payment: Eftpos and cash sales are available or parents are welcome to make a payment online (note receipt).

Students (not Transition and Kindergarten) will be able to visit the Book Fair in Break 2. Students in Transition and Kindergarten will be able to visit the Book Fair during their designated class times and they will be able to complete a wishlist in their diary. Parents are able to visit the Book Fair between 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on 9, 10, 13 and 14 November.

Please contact Mrs Colombo with any questions at j.colombo@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

November PD Days - Vacation Care Program

Scholarship Applications are Now Open!

Scholarships 2025/2026
I am delighted to advise that the Wollondilly Anglican College Scholarship Program is now open for Academic and Creative Arts Scholarships commencing in 2025.

The College Headmaster may award a number of scholarships offering partial fee remission for each year in the areas of Academic, Music and Dance. Most scholarships will be awarded for two years and are conditional on the continuation of the relevant criteria being met. They will be available to students currently enrolled at the College or at other schools. Students who will be studying in Years 6, 8 and 10 in 2024 may apply for a scholarship as they enter their next stage of learning.

Application Process for Scholarships

Academic Scholarships –

• Complete the Scholarship Application Form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Madilyn Shelley with the supporting portfolio.
• Complete the online application with ACER at https://scholarships.acer.edu.au. (Parents will need to create a Parent Account, from which they can register their child for the scholarship test at Wollondilly Anglican College. A $120 application fee is also payable to ACER as part of the registration process)
• For Academic candidates, scholarship testing will take place at the College on Saturday, 24 February 2024. Students are expected to attend on this date.

Music and Dance Scholarships –

• Parents should complete the Scholarship Application Form and return it to the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Madilyn Shelley, with the supporting portfolio.
• Music/Dance Scholarships need to be accompanied by a Scholarship Application Processing Fee of $120.
• Short-listed students will be required to audition before a panel. Their audition will include pre-prepared performance/s by the student. The performance piece/s they choose to exhibit for their audition should last for between two and four minutes. The piece/s the student chooses to perform should exhibit a range of skill in their chosen Creative and Performing Arts form/s. The examiners will also require the students to improvise in their art form/s, following direction provided on the day. There will not be an additional audition fee.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 2 February 2024. The closing date is final and late applications cannot be accepted.

A comprehensive information pack and application form is available for download from the College website at https://www.wac.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/scholarships/our-scholarships/.

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

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

Open Day 2023

On Saturday, 4 November 2023, the College will be holding an Open Day!

If you have any friends or family who are looking to shift schools, feel free to invite them along. The day will involve opportunities to meet our staff, have a tour of the College grounds and facilities, and ask any questions over a delicious morning tea.

The link for registration is below, don’t miss out!

Mrs Madilyn Shelley
Enrolments Officer

P&F Clothing Pool

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 via the College Office. Confidentiality will be respected. If you know of anyone who may need meals at this time.

Go4Fun
Go4Fun is an evidence-based, free, 10-week healthy lifestyle program for NSW children aged 7-13 who are above a healthy weight and their families. The program focuses on improving eating habits, fitness, overall health, and self-esteem. 

Olivers Pheasants Nest - Positions Available

Email - mia.balaz@olivers.com.au

Espresso Lane Position Available
Espresso Lane, Tahmoor is looking for part-time casual all-rounder staff. Flexible working hours. Need to be able to work weekdays and weekends (not all weekends). On-the-job training, fun working environment with a great team. Experience is preferred but not essential. Enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to learn. Long-term employment is also available. Contact Louise at louiseturner948@gmail.com

Cedar Creek Orchard - Positions Available
Cedar Creek Orchard in Thirlmere is looking for casual workers this Summer during their picking and packing season, this would suit motivated and proactive Senior students after finishing school/exams for the year. You will work as a casual alongside trained staff and need to be diligent with a good attitude towards physical work outside in the orchard. There are options for both weekday and some weekend work, weekend workers will need to have good customer service skills and be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Perfect for the Summer break before starting uni. There is also potential for longer-term casual employment for the right people. For more information please call 46818457, or to apply, it is best to visit the orchard to fill in an application form. 

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

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.

College Sponsors