Wollondilly Anglican College eNewsletter

Building a Life of Purpose: The Power of Your "Next Steps"

This week, I had the privilege of addressing our Primary and Secondary students at their Formal Assemblies. The following is a summarised version of my address.

As we celebrate the achievements of this term, it's important to remember that true success isn't just about the moments of triumph we see, but about the consistent, often unseen efforts that lead to them. As boxing legend Joe Frazier said, "Champions aren't made in the ring. They are merely recognised there. What you are is what you've been doing when no one was watching".

This term's address, "Your Next Step: Building a Life of Purpose" (for Secondary students) and "Your Next Step: Making Each Day Count" (for Primary students), focused on the power of these intentional "next steps". These are the small, deliberate choices we make daily that build true growth and genuine maturity.

We explored "next steps" in two key areas:

Learning: This includes fundamental actions like diligently completing homework, reading beyond assigned reading, and actively engaging in class. These consistent efforts solidify understanding and build essential skills.
Wellbeing: Crucial for overall flourishing, these steps involve prioritising enough sleep, integrating regular physical activity, and intentionally managing digital balance (let's all cut back on that screen time!). Developing new skills or hobbies also contributes to becoming a well-rounded individual. These are necessities, not luxuries, ensuring you have the energy and clarity to thrive.

Finally, we considered the most significant "next step" of all: a step towards knowing Christ. This doesn't have to be a giant leap, but could be as simple as a prayer, an open mind in Christian Studies, or asking a genuine question about Jesus. Just as every great journey begins with a single step, so too does a deeper relationship with Christ, offering guidance, hope, and an eternal purpose.

I encourage all parents to ask their children what their "next step" might be when they return for Term 3.

Mr Trevor Norman
College Headmaster

Primary News

In Primary, we have seen some amazing learning occur this semester. Students have been enthusiastically engaged in improving their vocabulary. They have been keen to show their understanding of new words; they are using them in their writing and their talks. As a result, we have seen impressive growth in the quality of their writing, and their understanding of Science, Mathematics and History has also benefited from a focus on high-quality vocabulary. This is not new for us to value and seek to build student vocabulary; however, we have made a determined effort to have students set goals and be more aware of the words they are learning.

We have also seen a growth in students Seeing it, Saying it and Stopping it when it comes to noticing and saying something about unacceptable or unhelpful behaviours and attitudes. Our goal is to empower students to be active, responsible members of society. Willing to speak up with friends and to reflect on their own behaviour and how it contributes to the wellbeing of all.

Thank you, parents, for your support in setting a culture of learning and care at Wollondilly that is noticed by visitors and makes us a College that parents want their children to be at. It is not always a smooth process, and we all make mistakes that need fixing; however, we are very proud of our Wollondilly students and the efforts they make. We pray that all of our Primary families have a lovely break. We would encourage some reading and maybe even some Maths, Spelling or other quizzes on long trips. I currently pay 10c per word spelt correctly in our at-home/in-car quizzes. It has paid for a few hot chocolates on chilly mornings and has been a good motivation for learning the words that are spelt incorrectly.

Ms Jacqui Huxtable
Head of Primary Years

Primary Sports - Term 2 Sports Round-up

CSSA Gymnastics Competition
Well done to the girls from WAC who competed at the CSSA Gymnastics Competition last month. This was the biggest cohort of WAC students at the competition. The students ranged from Kindergarten to Year 6. Well done girls!

Students involved: Bentley Mladineo, Hannah Gillian, Harper Hallsworth, Harper Wagstaff, Kallie Rodden, Laylah Castellano, Sophia Ovski, Stella Jupe and Willow Poli

Shout Out to Tim Ovski - Local Athletics Champion
The College extends warm thanks to Tim Ovski from Wollondilly Little Athletics for his donation of some high jump mats. WAC students across the College made able use of these new mats at our Athletics Carnivals. See a photo below of Sophia's PB breaking jump!

CIS Softball Representative - Oriana Mileto
Well done to Oriana Mileto, who competed at the NSWPSSA Softball Championships in Blacktown, representing CIS. An awesome achievement, especially considering Oriana is only in Year 4! On top of all this, Oriana’s CIS team took out the tournament! Well done Oriana.

Boston, not wanting to be shown up by his younger sister, was likewise selected for the boys’ CIS softball team. Boston will compete in the NSWPSSA Softball Championships in August. Good luck Boston!

Koa van Althuis-Jones and Izaak Heath - National Little League Series
A few weeks ago, Koa and Izaak competed at the National Little League Series Baseball Competition. They battled through multiple tough games, ultimately finishing in a hard-fought three-way tie. While they didn’t walk away with the ticket to the World Series in the US this time, they absolutely can walk away with their heads held high and be incredibly proud of their effort, determination, and sportsmanship.

Well done Koa and Izaak!

CASA Football Representatives
Well done to Nicholas Laukaitis, Will Rodden, Xavier Thompson and Paul McKay for their admirable effort at the CIS Football Championship at Speers Point last week. Despite tough competition, the boys remained very competitive. Perhaps never before has WAC had so many representatives in one CASA team. A highlight from the day was a long-range goal from defender Paul McKay.

NSW Netball Competition
Last month, Miss McGarry accompanied the Stage 3 Netball Team to Narrellan Sports Hub to compete in the NSW Netball Competition.

Below is her report of the day:

The girls were beautifully behaved and had a wonderful day. We had some quite tough games (particularly our first game!), but the girls persevered and tried their best even when we were down. We won one of our four games, against Harrington Park PS.
The parents were all extremely supportive, and helpful. Special thanks to Nicole and Nicole (Jordan and Lulu’s Mums) for umpiring and scoring.
Emily Turner had a fall but pushed on for the remaining games. Brontë Vermaak went down in style (a great thwack) in the last half of the final game. Our WAC parents were calming and useful during first aid too.

The Cook Judo Dynasty Continues
The three elder Cook siblings competed at the Australian Judo Championships last month.

Leaving one poor victim with a concussion and possibly a broken nose, Abbey (44kg Senior Girls) went on to win her fifth straight National Title. Such a mighty achievement - well done, Abbey.

Including Lochlan and Mackenzie, the Cooks made up a full medal set, with Mackenzie earning Silver (Silver in 57kg Junior Women and Silver in 57kg Senior Women) and Lochlan finishing with a Bronze (Bronze in 60kg cadets and Bronze in 60kg Junior Men).

Mackenzie and Lochlan will be abroad representing Australia in Europe and Asia later in the year.

CASA Representatives at CIS Cross Country
Well done to our WAC students who competed at the Primary CIS Cross Country representing CASA. In what were cold and challenging conditions, our Cross Country runners did their College proud. A big congratulations to Emerson Hill who qualified for the next level and was invited to represent CIS at the NSWPSSA Cross Country.

Our CASA Cross Country reps were: Estelle Galea, Hannah Gillian, Asha Hallsworth, Harper Hallsworth, Emerson Hill, Kaelum Hill, Nicholas Laukaitis, Sophia Ovski, Knox Rainey, Joe Rebelo, Jace Rodden, Will Rodden and Issac Thompson.

Mr James Gooden
Secondary English Teacher/Primary Sports Coordinator

Parent-Teacher Interviews are an excellent opportunity to meet your child's teachers and discuss their academic progress. Interviews for students in Years 7-10 will be held in person in the Warne Auditorium during Week 1 and Week 2 of Term 3. These will take place on Thursday, 31 July and Wednesday, 6 August, from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

You should have already received an email with details on how to book these interviews. Please select the interviews you wish to attend by 9.00 am on Thursday, 24 July. Your schedule will then be sent to you via email after Thursday, 24 July.

Should you have any questions, please contact Mrs Cherie Wilk at c.wilk@wac.nsw.edu.au or by phone at (02) 4623 0230.

Mr Wayne Baulch
Administration Coordinator / Secondary Science Teacher

We're Hiring!

We are currently seeking applications for the following roles to commence in 2026:

Director of Learning, Care & Culture Primary Pre K-6
Director of Care & Culture Secondary 7-12
Assistant Leader of Learning English 7-12
Mathematics Teacher 7-12
Primary Teacher Pre K-6

For further information on any of the permanent positions, please contact Mr Geoff Adams on 02 4684 2577 or at g.adams@wac.nsw.edu.au

Click Here To Apply Online

STEM In Primary

On Tuesday, 60 students from Years 5 & 6 participated in a Primary STEM Day. The students were asked to ‘Problem Find’. This process involves students looking for problems within the community. The students needed to recognise the importance and quality of their problem. They were asked to focus on problems that impacted a number of people and had a lasting effect. Students were then asked to ‘problem-solve’, identifying what they knew about their problem and what technology could be applied to the problem. The students applied a Christian focus to their end product through the application of empathy maps. The day was very productive. The students had a wide variety of ideas, some of which reflected their learning in other subjects being taught in their classrooms. Congratulations to those students who attended, as their application was outstanding. Thank you to Mr Koski, who also attended the day and made it an exceptional learning experience.

Mrs Kath Frost
Primary Teacher/Primary Learning Innovations Coordinator

On Wednesday, 2 July, the Year 11 Health and Movement Science and 12 PDHPE classes visited the University of Wollongong (UOW) to engage in practical workshops to complement and reinforce their study in sports science-related concepts. Year 11 went to the Anatomy Lab where they examined cadaveric materials to identify body structures and systems. They then completed a biomechanics practical session, measuring and observing the physics behind movement in sport. The Year 12 group attended the Physiology Lab where they measured the capacity of the body to complete movement by measuring heart rate, power output and oxygen uptake. They also undertook a workshop on exercise prescription in the gym. This was a practical session where they engaged in different types and methods of training. The day was very worthwhile for the students, being able to experience first-hand the science behind movement and improving performance in sport.

Mr Josh Hewitt
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Years 7-12 Family Chapel Service

Last Thursday, our Secondary students and their families gathered for our 7-12 Family Chapel. It was a wonderful evening that clearly showed how central the Gospel is to our College Community.

It was a great reminder of how God is at work within our College community. We heard from several students about their deep care and desire to be proactive in sharing the Gospel with their peers. We joined together in worship of our great God, and we were reminded of the importance of building our lives on the steadfast foundation of the Lord Jesus – a foundation that will never falter or fail.

A big thank you to all the staff and students who worked hard to make the night possible. I would also like to extend my thanks to all the families who came along and supported the night. Lastly, thanks to our great God, our creator and sustainer, for how he is graciously at work in our College community.

Romans 11:36 - "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen"

Mr Matthew Roberts
College Chaplain

Congratulations to Torin Ford-McGuire, who performed in the main concert hall of the Sydney Opera House last Saturday. Torin performed as part of the Camden Community Band & Wollondilly Community Band, sponsored by RSL. He represented the College beautifully.

Melissa Garside Author Visit Term 3, Week 2

Local children’s author Melissa Garside will visit Year 3 at the College on Friday, 8 August. Her debut novel, Lexie Moon and the Word Burgling Bungle, was published in January this year, and the next title in the series, Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster, will be published in August.

If you would like to order one of these books through the College, please do so via the button below.

The books will be delivered to the College and given to students by Library Staff after Melissa’s visit.

To learn more about Melissa and her books, see: https://www.melissagarside.com/

Please note, there is a 50c fee for using Trybooking. If you would prefer not to pay this fee, the books are also available from The Bookshop Bowral.

Mrs Justine Colombo
College Librarian

Book Here

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

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Narellan Pools
Breakaway Education
NSW Rail Museum
ESP Security

Schoolzine Website

Community News

FREE School Holiday Fun Across Wollondilly!

Looking for exciting ways to keep the kids active and engaged these holidays? We’ve got you covered with FREE activities happening all over the Shire!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on:

AFL – Hannaford Oval
Golf – Antill Park Country Golf Course
Bunnings DIY Fun – The Oaks Community Hall
Cricket – Dudley Chesham Sportsground
Macarthur Bulls Soccer Clinics – Wilton, Tahmoor & Picton
NRL Clinic – Bargo Sportsground
Martial Arts – Warragamba Town Hall

Sessions are running at different times
Various locations across the Shire
Suitable for kids and young people!

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL – Limited spots available!
Book now: https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/events-and-community/youth

Mittagong Junior Disco

Date: Saturday, 26 July
Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
Cost: $5.00
Ages: 0-14
Please note this is a CASH-ONLY & ALCOHOL-FREE event.

Please note that the above is a service to the Community and items advertised do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the College. The College tries to be selective with what is advertised but cannot take responsibility. Please look into events advertised carefully.

Waratah Weekly - Term 2, Edition 10 - Friday, 4 July 2025