Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 3 - Friday, 16 May 2025

From the Headmaster

At Wollondilly Anglican College, our commitment to our students extends from their very first steps in Pre-Kindergarten through to their final year in Year 12. Our purposefully designed buildings, alongside our commitment to effective teaching and intentional care and support, provide a stable and supportive environment for learning across a comprehensive curriculum encompassing all core subjects and a diverse range of academic electives. However, our vision for education reaches beyond academic achievement. We are deeply invested in nurturing the holistic development of our students, shaping them into mature, responsible and hardworking young adults ready to embrace the opportunities and navigate the complexities of life.

This commitment is central to the message we share with parents as they entrust their children to our care. We believe we have a vital role in guiding each student towards becoming a mature, responsible and respectful young man or woman. In a society that sometimes inadvertently fosters a sense of entitlement by offering excessive freedom without commensurate responsibility, our philosophy is clear: we can and must set a higher standard of expectation. We firmly believe that our students are capable of greater responsibility, increased maturity and a stronger work ethic than societal norms might currently suggest.

At Wollondilly Anglican College, we actively cultivate these qualities. Our rigorous academic programs instil the discipline and perseverance necessary for success. Beyond the classroom, opportunities for leadership, participation in College life, and engagement with the wider community foster a sense of ownership and accountability. We challenge our students to strive for excellence, nurturing resilience and a strong work ethic through both their studies and extracurricular pursuits.

We see our role as a partnership with parents, working collaboratively to make a positive difference in society. By intentionally training each new generation in maturity, responsibility, and respect, we aim to equip them not only for future careers but also to be thoughtful, engaged citizens who contribute meaningfully to the world around them. The journey of growth and preparation for life is a shared endeavour and at Wollondilly Anglican College, we are privileged to play a significant part in laying a strong foundation for the success and fulfilment of our students.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

From the Deputy Headmaster

Welcome to Mr Peter Ramm – Leader of Learning, English

We are delighted to welcome Mr Peter Ramm to the Wollondilly Anglican College staff team as our new Leader of Learning - English.

Mr Ramm brings with him a wealth of experience as an English teacher, having taught across a range of year levels and led teams committed to fostering a love of literature, language and critical thinking. 

Mr Ramm is a published author, has led professional learning for English teachers and is an experienced HSC Senior Marker. His passion for English is matched by a genuine desire to see students flourish academically. 

We look forward to Mr Ramm joining us at the beginning of Term 3, 2025.

Mr Paul Burns
Deputy Headmaster

Key Dates - Term 2, Week 4

Head of Secondary Years

Learning

As part of our Thematic goal Embedding a culture of academic achievement a range of students have engaged in challenges during break times across varying disciplines. It has been wonderful to see students showing their gifts and talents in these areas, reflecting the capabilities and potential of our students across all areas of studies. Below are some notable performers across the varying disciplines.

Maths Challenge

Isla Broome, James Kirschner, Kayla Kirk, Harry White, Katelyn Davies, Sammy Turkington, Reiner Groves-Young, Torin Ford-McGuire, Campbell Shaw, Mackenzie Bleeker, Erin Little, Ella Seery, Leah Dalrymple, Olivia Turner, Blake MacDermott, Vivian Hearne, Harrison Kluit and Myka Lampard.

Spelling Bee

Jayden Field, Ethan Boardman, Harrison Kluit, Kiah Evans, Alyssa Galea, Alistair Novak, Laura Jefferys and Jessica Shaw.

Engineering Challenge

Hope Deutschbein, Alex White, Ben White, Matt Higham, Nathan Jones, Bowan Parnell, Kayathri Baranowski, Job Tindall, Eden Liddiard and Olivia Smith.

Care 

Year 11 Camp took place last week which involved a City Experience that encompasses leadership skills, homelessness workshops and an amazing race. The camp exposes students to the hardships and challenges that a number of people experience that contribute to homelessness, displacement and marginalisation. The feedback received from staff, Boomerang Adventures and the general public in relation to the Year 11 group continues to affirm the excellent reputation that they have cultivated.

As a group and throughout this experience they demonstrated excellent care for each other, positive engagement in the activities and excellent representation of the College. Speaking with students on their return it is clear from their experiences that a greater understanding and empathy for the circumstances of those less fortunate than themselves is clear. The experience also garnered an appreciation of their own circumstances, a great outcome from an excellent long-term program at the College.

A big thank you to the staff that attended Year 11 Camp, led by Mr van Netten and Miss Valente, your care and dedication for our students is greatly valued.

Culture

Positive involvement in the life of the College is something that is encouraged at the College and integral to driving culture. It has been encouraging to see regular involvement of students across a range of areas in College life, below highlight a couple of recent areas.

On Thursday, 15 May, William Norman and Indi Spagnolo of Year 11 represented the College at the MISA Public Speaking Competition at St Francis Catholic College Edmondson Park. This involved both students preparing and delivering a speech of up to six minutes on a topic of interest and an impromptu speech of up to two minutes.

Both of the students constructed and delivered thoughtful speeches with great insights into their chosen areas. For the impromptu speech both were given a topic with one minute to prepare to speak to the audience on the topic. Both students demonstrated agility in their thinking to confidently speak on this area and conveyed their thoughts well.

William Norman placed 2nd in the competition out of 11 schools and 23 participants.

Indi just missed out on a place but was highly commended.

Further upcoming opportunities in the South Coast and MISA Public Speaking Competitions are upcoming for those that are keen to represent the College in this area.

It has also been fantastic to see so many students engaged in House culture as part of our week-long academic challenges. The challenges have included areas such as -

Maths
Spelling
Engineering
History/Geography
Music

The challenges finish on Friday of this week, so a final point score will be provided in next week's WW. The points as they stood after three days of competition.

Telopea 385
Acacia 325
Sollya 280
Grevillea 265
Wollemi 245

Mr Liam Toland
Head of Secondary Years

Year 11 Camp

Last week, Year 11 embarked on a fulfilling journey with Boomerang Adventures on a City Camp. Students were able to reflect on empathy from a whole new perspective and take on challenges outside of their comfort zone. This experience helped them cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and resilience while pushing their limits. 

Two large groups were formed across the cohort to take on different activities across the first few days of the Camp. 

Students engaged in leadership challenges on Manly Beach in small groups and reflected on leaders they admire as well as the qualities they possess. From here, students then took part in the $5.00 food challenge, where they had to plan and prepare two meals on a tight budget which is a tricky task given the current inflation. A cook out was held for dinner where the students showed creativity with their ingredients and cooked up a storm. 

Year 11 also participated in workshops on homelessness at Hope Street and spent a night 'sleeping rough' in the city at Central Baptist Church. Almost all of the students embraced this difficult experience with enthusiasm and perseverance, through the rain and all.

Another activity that the students participated in thoroughly was Rock Climbing, where they supported each other and gained confidence practically. 

The final day featured the iconic 'Amazing Race’, which is an exciting scavenger hunt using Sydney’s public transport system to travel to Australian known destination spots including Darling Harbour, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Luna Park, Town Hall, Paddy’s Market and more.

Throughout the entire Camp, Year 11 displayed outstanding engagement, respect for one another as well as the public and an eagerness to take on each task. A huge thank you goes to the Boomerang Adventures team for supporting the organisation of this Camp as well as the staff who volunteered their time to encourage the cohort, including Mr van Netten, Mrs Bawden, Mr Clarke, Mrs Miller, Mrs Evans, Mr Stewart, Mr Wilson and Mr Lobb. It was an unforgettable, rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Miss Kara Valente 
Year 11 Patron/Dance Teacher

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College Speed Limit & Texting While Driving

As a general reminder, there is a 10 km/h speed limit on the College grounds. We have seen an increase in rushed driving where the limit is well and truly exceeded. There has also unfortunately been an increase in texting while driving on College grounds. With so many students moving around during the busy drop-off and pick-up times, this is a dangerous and real hazard. Please be aware that, as on the road, the same rule applies while on College grounds. Thank you.

Mr Daniel Warland
Property Manager

The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) Notice for Parents/Guardians

Education Perfect World Championships

Congratulations to those students who competed in the recent Education Perfect Language World Championships. We finished a very admirable 5th in German out of 759 schools. The competition ran for a week and during that time, Wollondilly students answered 109,687 questions and earned 23 awards. Wollondilly students earned 1 Elite, 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze and 15 Credits.

Remember, "Monolingualism is curable. Learn another language!"

Mrs Carolyn Clark
German Teacher

From the College Chaplain

How the Selfless Love of a Devoted Mum Helps Us to Have a Greater Appreciation of the Perfect, Selfless Love of God.
Think for a moment about the love of a devoted mother. It’s a love often expressed in countless unseen acts: the packed lunches, the late-night comfort, the unwavering belief in our potential even when we doubt ourselves. This love asks for little in return, prioritising our well-being and happiness above her own. While the love of a mother is a powerful and beautiful reflection, it’s also a glimpse – a wonderful, earthly echo – of the perfect, selfless love of our Heavenly Father. God’s love for us is boundless, unwavering and completely unconditional. Just as a devoted mother sacrifices and cares tirelessly, God’s love motivated the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus Christ. He gave His only Son so that we might have life, not because we deserved it, but because of His profound and perfect love for us.

This Mother's Day, as we celebrate the incredible love of our mothers, let it also serve as a reminder of the
even greater love that surrounds us every moment – the selfless, perfect love of God. May we be filled with
gratitude for both the earthly and the divine love that shapes our lives. May we more profoundly grasp the
perfect selfless love of God and be filled with a deep desire to persevere in humble service of Him.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Years 7-12 Family Chapel - Thursday, 26 June

The Years 7-12 Family Chapel for this year will be for Secondary Students and their families. The evening will begin at 6.00 pm on Thursday, 26 June in the Warne Auditorium. 

Dinner will be available from 5.30 pm. Dinner must be pre-ordered through the Trybooking link below. 

https://www.trybooking.com/DBQTV

We will gather together to hear student stories about the impact the gospel has had on them, along with hearing a gospel-focused message. 

Should you be unable to join us for dinner but still plan to attend, kindly RSVP to m.roberts@wac.nsw.edu.au, by Tuesday, 10 June.

Finally, donations of gold coins or non-perishable food items will be accepted at the rear of the Auditorium. These will be used by the WAC Kids Care team to prepare nourishing meals for those in our community who are struggling with illness or hardship. House Points will also be given, which will go towards the House Shield.

Useful items to be donated to WAC Kids Care:

• Tinned Tomatoes
• Dry Pasta
• Dry Lentils
• Rice
• Curry Paste
• Herbs and spices
• Stock - Chicken/Beef
• Tinned Tuna
• Tinned beans (Kidney, Three Bean, Black Beans)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Lowes 20% Off Sale - 14-16 May

P&F Clothing Pool

The Clothing Pool offers a selection of pre-loved uniform items from Transition to Year 12 at excellent prices. We also stock new ties, socks and Sports hats for purchase.

The Clothing Pool relies on donations of uniforms and needs volunteers to keep the Clothing Pool open. Donations can be left at the Clothing Pool during opening hours or at Student Reception at other times.

Payment: Card Only (no cash)
Location: White Cottage through the side windows
Monday to Friday 7.45 am to 8.30 am
Phone: (02) 4623 0286
Email: clothingpool@wac.nsw.edu.au

Have you been wanting to help out at the College but don’t have much time to spare?

The Clothing Pool is looking for volunteers!
It only takes 45 minutes of your time, one morning a week.
Is a great, quick and simple way to really help the WAC community.

Training provided (but it’s so easy!) A great way to meet other parents.

Volunteers are needed for Monday - Friday mornings between 7.45 am to 8.30 am. If you are able to help at all, please get in contact.

Mrs Cristina Negi and Mrs Amanda Coles
P&F Clothing Pool Coordinators

College Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

• SIMEC Tahmoor Coking Coal
• Little Elves Childcare Centre
• LOWES

Gold Sponsors

• PB Catering
• Prestige Landscape & Construction

Silver Sponsors

• Picton Eyecare
• Kwik Kopy Macarthur
• Momenta Advisors
• Thornton Bros Roses

Bronze Sponsors

• Narellan Pools
  
• Breakaway Education
• NSW Rail Museum
  
• ESP Security

Community News

Tuning in to Teens- Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Workshop
Tuning in to Teens is a universal parenting program for parents of children aged 10 years and over. The program aims to increase parent-child connection by improving emotional communication in the family. 

The program provides parents with a greater understanding of their teen’s emotional experiences while teaching specific skills that can assist in being supportive, empathic and staying connected with the young person. The program encourages the development of emotional intelligence, which has many benefits in future wellbeing, healthier relationships, conflict resolution and thriving socially, emotionally and professionally in the long term.

Tuning in to Teens commences 22 May 2025 and will run for six sessions each Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm at The Cottage, 6 Weir Rd, Warragamba.

Bookings are essential. To register for the program, click on the link to complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/vqhmNhwVhX

Mittagong Junior Disco  

• Date: Saturday, 31 May
• Times: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
• Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
• Cost: $5
• Ages: 0-14
• Please note: This is a CASH-ONLY and alcohol-free event.

All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.  
We hope to see you there!

Drum Lessons