Principal's Message
There is an adage that says, ‘If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have never been bitten by a mosquito’. When applying this to a school context, I believe that every student, no matter how young, has the capacity to make a difference in their own lives and in our community. This is true leadership – making a difference in the everyday lives of others. As I walk through classrooms, converse with students and teachers, and watch students help others, I am inspired by those who choose to be a positive influence because they want to ‘make a difference’.
This week saw leadership in action as prefects encouraged peers to donate Xmas goods, teachers trekked along the coast with the Year 9 students, Prep students made cards for staff, Year 8 Prefects and Year 11s assisted with the orientation of Year 7, and the Home and School encouraged connections in the Family BBQ evening. All testaments to the development of leadership and connections in our school community.
Due to COVID, our award presentations this year are being livestreamed and recorded for you to view in your own time. Today, our Year 6 had their graduation chapel and next Friday Year 12 have theirs after the last HSC exam. Prep graduate on Tuesday and the presentation morning for Years 7-11 is on December 3 while K-6 is on December 7.
The first Prep-Year 12 Yearbook will be sent home with your child on the day of their Awards Presentation. Called Connections, the yearbook consists of over 160 pages of photos and memories of 2021 and I am sure you will enjoy it.
Julia Heise - Principal
Chaplains' News
As the end of the year quickly approaches, it’s hard to believe the year we have had. However, despite all the curveballs, God has truly blessed Wahroonga Seventh-day Adventist School in 2021.
It’s always fascinating to get to the end of a school year and see how far a student has come over the last 4 terms. How they have grown academically, socially, and spiritually. Watching them mature and start to see the world just a little bit differently as the year goes by.
As a chaplaincy team it has been wonderful to see the spiritual engagement from our students, as they connect with chapels, ask questions in class worships, and grow deeper in their knowledge and understanding during bible studies.
It has been an absolute privilege to journey with the students this year and we cannot wait to see what 2022 has in store for us all.
As we begin to wrap up this school year, we want to leave you with this verse of hope. For God knows all that lies ahead and has a beautiful plan for each of our lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Blessings, The Chaplains
Whole School News
CODE CAMP
Code Camp is back for Summer at Wahroonga Adventist School from 13-15 December and 11-13 January!
There is a variety of camps available, for more information or to book click here.
Calendar of Upcoming School Events
You can access the list of upcoming School events via the link below. The School Calendar is also available under the Parent Information tab on the School website.
Term Dates for 2021 & 2022
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for the remainder of 2021 and 2022.
Primary School News
A Note From Mrs Deppeler - Head of Junior School
We are fast approaching the end of the year. There are lots of events scheduled. Please make a note of the events that are relevant for your children so that you or your children are not disappointed.
Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
Today our Year 6 class of 2021 had their graduation chapel. There was excitement in the air as Year 6 students were challenged by the words of Pr Eden, to continue walking with God as they transition into high school next year. Students were also inspired by Mrs Heise’s charge to step forward into their futures with confidence, knowing that the foundations they have developed as Wahroonga Adventist School students will serve them well in they journey with God, their families and their peers. A prayer of dedication over students and their parents concluded this special event.
Prep Orientation Day
It was wonderful to meet our new Prep students and their parents last week. They had an amazing time discovering the activities in the Prep room and had lots of fun. We are thankful that the parents were able to join us on the day. It was lovely to meet everyone, and we look forward to partnering with these new families in 2022 as their children start their education journey with us at Wahroonga.
Prep Graduation Afternoon
On Tuesday 30 November at 1:30 – 2:30pm we will hold our Prep Graduation service for our 2021 Prep Students. It has been a challenging year for all our students, in particular our youngest members of our school community. The ceremony is a time to celebrate the achievements of our students and to acknowledge their efforts as they graduate to Kindergarten in 2022. Could all students please wear their sport uniform on this day.
Chess Champion
Last week I had the privilege of presenting Benjamin T with a Trophy for his outstanding efforts in Chess. Benjamin entered the Interschool Chess Challenge for 2021. He competed in the online Semi-final 2, Primary Division and came 1st place in the individual category. Congratulations Benjamin!
Reports
Student reports will be sent home on Tuesday 7 December this year. Teachers will be reporting on student progress and achievements for Terms 3 & 4, however, in light of the remote learning students experienced for a large portion of the semester, our reports will focus primarily on English and Mathematics subject areas. A description of content covered, and an achievement comment will be provided for other KLA’s where a grade is not provided.
Primary School Sport
On Wednesday 17 November, students from Years 5 and 6 competed in the 100m House Competition. There were a few close finishes as students competed to set the best time.
Staffing Update
It is with sadness that we will be saying farewell to Mrs Kelsie Beness who will be finishing up with us at the end of this year. Kelsie joined Wahroonga Adventist School in 2015. Over the last 7 years she has enjoyed teaching students in Years 2 and 3. Kelsie will be greatly missed by both students and staff alike! We wish Kelsie every happiness as she moves both house and school, to take up a teaching role at Macarthur Adventist College for 2022.
Save the Date
Christmas Chapel/Mufti Day – Thursday 2 December
Primary Fun Day – Monday 6 December
Primary Presentation Day – Tuesday 7 December – Full summer uniform.
Primary Clean-up day – Wednesday 8 December
Pupil Free Days – Thursday 9 and Friday 10 December.
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Years 1 & 2 - Sydney Zoo Excursion
The students in Years 1 & 2 were very excited to go on an excursion last week - enjoying a great day out at Sydney Zoo! As part of the Science, History and Geography units they explored this year, the students took part in a 50 minute education program and also explored Sydney Zoo to observe and gather information about various animals.
Year 7, 2022 - Orientation Day
On Thursday the 2022 Year 7 students had their orientation day. It was so wonderful to see our current students welcome new friends and practice what it means to be a Wahroonga Adventist student as they explored different elements of our high school together. Students met some key staff they will be working with next year before being divided among 4 groups and led around the school by Year 12 student leaders. Each group participated in sessions of food technology, woodwork and design, science and academic benchmarking, before having a BBQ lunch and some team building games to finish off the day.
Secondary School News
Year 7 PDHPE
This term in PDHPE, Year 7 have been studying First Aid. Students have been learning how to deal with medical emergencies including treatment of stings and bites, burns, broken bones and CPR. The Year 7s had fun practicing the different types of slings and bandages on each other. They were also able to practice their CPR skills on the mannequins.
Year 9 - Wellbeing Day
Year 9 students went to the Royal National Park for a day hike on Tuesday. Students really enjoyed getting into nature and experiencing some of the activities they would have participated in during the planned Year 9 camp. The forecasted rain held off and everyone had an amazing time taking in the views up and down the coast while they walked. The opportunity to cool off with a swim at the end of their walks was another highlight, and everyone was enthusiastic about returning to the Royal National Park again for some more great memories!
On Tuesday morning, the Year 9 students arrived at school early to board buses and begin our Wellbeing Day in the Royal National Park. We were split into four groups and embarked from different points of the track. My group started at Wattamolla and finished at Bundeena. All up, it was 13km for that track. Other groups walked a 9km route from Garie Beach to Wattamolla. All our groups either crossed paths at some point and/or met up at the end. Given the weather forecast predicted a 60% chance of 5-15mm of rain, we all prepared for the rainy weather bringing rain coats, spare clothes and lining our backpacks with plastic bags. I think the provisions we took kept the rain away, as all we got in the way of rain was a slight sprinkle. We started the walk beside the beach, walking on the sand with the water running over our feet. When we had our shoes back on, we ventured through the bush on paths made for walkers like us, making the most of the fresh water holes along the way. We also seized the opportunity for a swim in the salt and waves at the conclusion of the walk.
This day gave everyone a chance to reconnect with classmates and teachers after lockdown, strengthen friendships and connect with nature and the beautiful landscapes of Australia that we take for granted. This journey enabled us to reflect on what we have and how lucky we actually are. It allowed us all to take a moment away from the chaos and fast pace of our daily lives and enjoy the pure, fresh air that filled our lungs. It was a day we will all remember for a long time to come.
Written by Katie M (Year 9)
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 10 students have been busily engaged in work experience placements this week, with students learning about Teaching, Plumbing, Catering, Finance, Real Estate and Politics to name a few. We really appreciate these workplaces for generously offering to support our students as they explore different career options. Students will spend some time reflecting on their work experience placements and further career goals next week.
Year 10 Activity Days
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In addition to work experience placements, Year 10 students also had the option to participate in a day hike along the Bouddi Coastal Walk this week. Groups walked 8km between Putty Beach and Little Beach, and thoroughly enjoyed being the only people at two of the Central Coast’s most beautiful hidden treasures - Maitland Bay and Little Beach. Being active, spending time in nature with friends, and taking time to really enjoy the experience – along with having great fun swimming – was just what students needed to relax after a busy Term 4.
Library News
Library News
Library borrowing has now finished for the year for all class levels. Please make sure that all books are returned to the library ASAP. If you are unsure what books your child needs to return, please log onto the library WebApp at bit.ly/waslibrary and follow the instructions on the home page to access your child’s records. If a book is lost please either pay a replacement fee of $25 per book at the school office, or buy a replacement copy of the book for the library. Thanking you.
High School Textbook Return
All High School hire texts need to be returned to the library on, or before the 3rd of December following the timetable listed below. Each student has been given a list of the books they need to return so they can come prepared next week with their cleaned textbooks. If a textbook is lost or irreparably damaged a $35 replacement fee for textbooks or a $25 fee for English novels will be charged to their account. Please follow the instructions below to ensure the books are returned in an acceptable condition:
Do:
- Use an anti-bacterial wipe, or damp cloth to wipe all dirty marks and locker gunk from the covers. Make sure they are completely dry before returning.
- Flip through each book and straighten out any folds in the pages or corners.
- Remove any papers or notes you may have slipped between the pages.
- Ensure there is no writing or other markings in the book – rub them out if there are.
Do Not:
- Use a wet cloth when cleaning as dampness will cause mould.
- Write a rating in the front of your book – the library staff will assess the condition of the book.
- Repair a book yourself, but make sure you point out any rips or tears upon return so they can be repaired properly – there is no fee for normal wear and tear.
Textbook Return:
- Monday – 9A, 9W
- Tuesday – 10A, 10W
- Wednesday – 8A, 8S, 8W
- Thursday – 7A, 7S, 7W
- Friday – 11A, 11W
Year 12 Textbook Return:
Please return all textbooks to the return bins situated at the Fox Valley Community Centre as soon as they are no longer needed. Your cooperation in returning these books promptly would be appreciated so they can be reallocated to the 2022 Year 12 cohort before the year end.
Leonie Savage - Librarian
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Canteen
The Canteen's last day for taking lunch orders will be Friday 3rd December. Primary aged students are able to access the canteen through online orders. High School students are encouraged to order online, a window service will be available following a COVID safe procedure.
Home and School
We recognise it is a busy time of year, so thank you to the families who could join us for the Family BBQ Night. We look forward to holding a campfire gathering in person in 2022.
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition. So many amazing entries, the judges are having a hard time deciding and plenty of laughs! The winners will be announced in the next Newsletter.
Beyond the School Yard
Meals With Love
Do you know of a school family that has just welcomed a new baby, has a sick family member, or a family that just needs a little TLC? We would love to be able to support them of behalf of the school community with a Meals with Love meal. Please send us an email and we can have a meal arranged. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we cannot accept donations of meals this term and all meals are being prepared by the Canteen and Meals with Love team. Thanks for your continued support.
mealswithlove@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au
Bits and Pieces
Clothing Donations
Looking for somewhere to donate your old clothing?
Wahroonga Adventist Church (the big building next to our school) has 2 new collection bins out the front. All donations to the bin will go directly to those in need.