Waratah Weekly - Term 4, Edition 4 - Friday, 3 November 2023

Success

As our Year 12 students complete their final HSC Exams, and our Secondary students finish their last Yearly Exams, it's a poignant moment that underscores a fundamental truth: success takes on different forms for different individuals. Academic success is undoubtedly a worthy and appropriate goal, and striving for strong academic results is a vital endeavour. A solid education opens doors to a myriad of opportunities as students progress through life – from TAFE and university options to a vast array of career choices and even the potential for entrepreneurial pursuits.

However, it's crucial to recognise that success isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. At our College, we firmly believe that success can also manifest in the form of character development. Many of our students exhibit remarkable growth in maturity as they journey through their time here at the College. While part of this transformation can be attributed to the natural process of growing older, it is equally a testament to the powerful partnership between parents and the College, underpinned by consistent expectations for each child.

For some of our students, success takes the spotlight on the stage, the sports field, in the kitchen, or within the workshop. These opportunities for success in skill development and creative endeavours illuminate the profound notion that each of us is uniquely created with special skills and abilities that can be nurtured to achieve success. It's this diverse tapestry of talents that makes our College community vibrant and dynamic.

Success isn't just about what one achieves academically; it's about the holistic growth of each student, fostering their God given individual strengths and talents. The confidence gained through a successful Drama performance, the teamwork and leadership skills honed on the sports field, the culinary artistry discovered in the kitchen, and the craftsmanship developed in the workshop – these are all forms of success that extend beyond the confines of traditional academia.

As educators, parents, and supporters of our students, we take pride in guiding them to recognise and cultivate their unique abilities and values. It's through these varied experiences of success that we shape young individuals into well-rounded, confident, and capable members of our community.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Student Anonymous Reporting

As a College, we are always looking for ways to continue developing a safe and nurturing environment for our students. One crucial aspect of this endeavour is the implementation of anonymous reporting systems, a tool that empowers our students to play an active role in maintaining the well-being of themselves, others and the College community.

Anonymous reporting allows students to report concerns, incidents, or issues they might encounter or witness. Children have a voice through this avenue can empower them to report concerns that they may otherwise not. By offering an anonymous avenue for reporting, we can:

Promote Safety: Encouraging students to speak up without fear of retribution can help prevent potential safety hazards. Whether it's bullying, harassment, substance abuse, or other safety concerns, students can play a vital role in keeping our College safe.

Prevent Victim Blaming: Reporting anonymously eliminates the stigma that may be associated with being a "snitch". It empowers students to do the right thing without the fear of social consequences.

Encourage Responsibility: Teaching our students that they have a responsibility to look out for one another and the College community as a whole is a vital life lesson. Anonymous reporting reinforces the values of integrity, empathy, and standing up against injustice. These are all important as we continue to promote Care and Culture at Wollondilly.

Early Intervention: Timely intervention in response to anonymous reports can help resolve issues before they escalate. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Please note however that the anonymous reporting system will not be monitored outside of College hours. Students will be directed to triple zero (000) for emergencies.

How it Works
Our anonymous reporting system is designed to be easy to use, accessible, and confidential. Here's how it works:

Reporting Platform: We have established a user-friendly platform where students can submit their concerns or observations. A link to this platform will appear on the student cloud.

Confidentiality: Reports are submitted without revealing the identity of the student. Students will need to indicate the Year Group they are in to assist in determining who best to follow up on the concerns. Only authorized College staff members have access to the reports, ensuring the utmost confidentiality.

Follow-up: Once a report is received, a designated member of the Care and Culture Team will investigate the issue. 

The online platform will be active from Monday, 6 November. We are continuing to explore ways for our younger students to have a voice through anonymous reporting. We will likely implement a drop box system in which students can place feedback or concerns in a physical box located in the Libraries.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Learner Disposition - Reflective

This week at the Stage 6 Assembly, Dr Eaton challenged students to be reflective as they plan for the final year of their schooling. He related this to his own experiences planning for his Masters study. He provided a series of questions and unpacked these for students which provided a useful framework for this process.

The questions ensure, in a helpful way, that students are being reflective throughout the learning process.

• Do I know what I need to succeed?
• Do I have a plan?
• Is my plan realistic?
• Can I be flexible?
• Can I adjust my expectations to still achieve?

Mr Liam Toland
Director of Pastoral Care T-12

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

Term 4 Working Bee

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

I am writing to encourage students and parents to join WAC staff and College Student Leaders at the Term 4 Working Bee. As students of the College, we would like to promote this as an opportunity for service and community building. Your contributions can make a real and positive impact on the lives of others and your environment. Serving others helps you develop personally and inspire and motivate others to get involved and serve. Leading by example. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare an hour to serve at this event. All students that attend will be issued with a Community Service Merit, this also adds one House point toward the Overall House Shield. It would be great to see as many students as possible coming along to serve at this event.

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.

Mr Warland College Property Manager will be onsite to assist students and parents if you have questions.

Eve Jones
College Community Service Prefect

Health and Physical Education Day

On Friday, 20 October, Health and Physical Education (HPE) Day, endorsed by the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER), was recognised at the College to conclude Wellbeing Week. The theme of the day was “Balance”, showcasing different technologies that can enhance physical activity rather than detract from it.

Students who had PDHPE on the day all engaged in a PE lesson and there were a number of activities held at break times. The “Just Dance” activity on the big screen was a hit at Beak 1. There was also “9 Square in the Air” (Modified volleyball game), Sprint Timing Gates, Speed Gun (throwing), Virtual Golf, “Blaze Pods” (Reaction time lights), Ball Machine (catching) and “Zwift” (virtual cycling) on the big screen.

Mr Joshua Hewitt
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Open Day 2023

Tomorrow - Saturday, 4 November 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

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.

When you hear the word 'heart' what do you think about? It encompasses not only our emotions but also the biological engine of our existence. In the Bible, the heart represents the very core of who we are, what makes us tick, the true reality of our wants and desires, who we really are. 

 In Mark 7:6, Jesus challenges certain leaders for their outward show of acting in a way that looks good, like they're honouring God, but their hearts tell a different story. Perhaps an Aussie way of describing them would be, "they're talking the talk but not walking the walk".

This challenge is something we all grapple with. It's natural to want to appear good while struggling with inner challenges. Yet, Jesus emphasizes inner transformation above outward appearances. He calls for a genuine, heart-level commitment. The good news is that Jesus has enabled a way for our hearts to be changed; and it's through His presence in our lives. It's through His intervention!

 Remember a good and perfect God entered into human history 2000 years ago in order to make a way for our hearts to be transformed. He is kind,  He is patiently waiting for us to reach out to Him. Can I encourage you, reflect on what's going on inside, and invite Jesus into your heart.

Romans 10:13; “For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved”.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

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

GFG Student Programme

Congratulations to the 15 students from Year 9 and Year 10 who have just completed the 20-week GFG Student Programme. This programme was a collaborative project run by SIMEC Mine, CSIRO and GFG. Students participated in weekly sessions with mentors to complete inquiry based learning and STEM projects. As part of the program, students enjoyed two excursions to the Colliery, one where they even went 400m underground. They were amazed and impressed by the vast number of jobs that take place at the mine.

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with many stating that the excursion underground was a highlight. The students all commented on their gratitude to the mentors who gave up their time each week to guide the students through the activities and reflections. All students were given access to Work Experience through the mine as well as being presented with trophies and certificates upon completion of the programme.

I would like to thank parents for their commitment in allowing their children to attend these sessions each week and being available to pick them up at the conclusion. I would also like to thank Dr Bearlin for attending both excursions and going underground so that I didn't have to! You were all much braver than me. The GFG Student Programme will run again in 2024 for students in Years 9 and 10 in 2024. Students who have already completed the programme are invited to return for a second year, if they wish. Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 programme:https://www.csiro.au/en/education/programs/gfg-foundation-students

2023 GFG Student Programme:

Alexander White 
Amelie Burke 
Bailey Jones 
Benjamin White 
Blake Dalrymple 
Dali Martin 
Jackson Pohl 
Jorja Williams 
Liam Coskerie 
Lisa Fouche 
Max Lennox
Megan Gilbert
Ryan Myers 
Slater Crossman
William Hearne 

Mrs Christine Mozjeko
Leader of Care & Culture - Stage 5

Mandatory Technology - Drag Cars & Rollercoasters

During Semester 1, some students in Mandatory Technology completed the Engineering Module of the program. The unit is divided into two projects, the first being the construction of a CO2-powered Drag Car and the second a Rollercoaster with a unique design brief.

The Drag Car Unit requires students to design and construct an aerodynamic body for their car from a balsa wood blank, which is then sanded and painted to the student’s specific design. The car is then assembled with wheels and other hardware and then raced on our drag car track complete with timing gates to test their design against that of fellow students.

The Rollercoaster Unit requires students to work in groups to construct a cardboard rollercoaster within a specific-sized frame using a maximum of three sheets of cardboard (of a specific colour) and one roll of duct tape. Students are given the colour on a random basis and are required to come up with a theme based around this colour. Points are awarded for elements such as theme, funnels, loop to loop, vertical drops, uphill sections etc and the aim of the design is to get a marble from the start to the finish in the longest possible time.

Students are given the additional challenge of being able to start up to four additional marbles using the first marble to compound their time. 

Dr Shane Smiltnieks
TAS Teacher

eSafety

In caring for our children, we often need to consider the things that are occurring online. The Australian Government eSafety Commissioner has a dedicated website full of resources, videos and links to assist parents, including how to report online harm.

This facility exists to educate Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

I invite those who have the need, to investigate these resources and tools.

If you have any questions about the MyTech program in the College please email mytech@wac.nsw.edu.au

Mr Craig Russell
Secondary Learning Innovations Coordinator

2023 College Book Fair Weeks 5-6 & Library Borrowing

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

Library Borrowing Finishes on Friday, 17 November 2023
The last day for borrowing from our Libraries will be Friday, 17 November. All books will be due to come back the next week (Week 7) so that Library Staff can complete the stocktake for the year.

This does not apply to current HSC students.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Primary Sports

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

• 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 $100.00 for all eight sessions (working out to $12.50 per session)

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

Upcoming events:

• IPSSO FINALS - 22 November (VENUE TBC)

Mr James Gooden
Primary Sports Coordinator

November PD Days - Vacation Care Program

College Sponsors

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool has a great selection of pre-loved uniforms for purchase. Our lovely volunteers Renu, Rochelle, Janise, Phoebe, Melissa, Kath, Sonya, Kerrie, Katie, Amanda, Annette and Christina are ready to help you. The Clothing Pool is located at White Cottage, through the side windows, every morning from 7.45 am to 8.30 am.

This week I include pictures of our Thursday and Friday volunteers, say hello and thank you if you see them around!

Thank you also for the donations of uniforms, keep them coming in! 

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.

Co-curricular - Physical Culture

Congratulations to Mia Hanchard who has been training in two codes of Physical Culture this year, Burns Physical Culture and Australian Physie and Dance. Mia has made it to the Burns Physical Culture Grand Final in the Seniors 15-17 Years section and has also been selected as a National Finalist in Australian Physie and Dance in the 16 Years Senior section and will compete at the ICC in December.

Congratulations also to Ruby Grae who has been selected as a National Finalist in the Australian Physie and Dance in the 13 Years Senior section and will compete at the ICC in December.

Australian Air League Cadet of the Year 2023

On Sunday, 29 October, Phillip Wellington of Year 5 was named the Australian Air League Junior Cadet of the Year for NSW.

He was nominated by his squadron for this award as he demonstrated leadership and passion for aviation. As part of the judging process, Phillip participated in a leadership camp where he was in charge of commanding a section for marching and drill. He also had to demonstrate his communication skills and aviation knowledge in a formal interview and a written exam.

As well as winning a large trophy, Phillip also won a free flying lesson.

Congratulations Phillip!