School Dedication Service - 6 February 2021

On Saturday 6th February, Wahroonga Adventist Church hosted a welcome service for our new Principal, School Captains, and Chaplains. Pr David McKibben invited the team up the front of church and spoke words of encouragement and prayer over us all with eloquence and thoughtfulness. Pr Eden shared a wonderful message introducing our ‘Look again’ theme for the year - as she is also an employed Pastor in this Church.

In addition to this, one of the Wahroonga Adventist Church elders came forward to speak words of encouragement to us as a team. He assured us that Wahroonga Church has a heart for our school - and that they want to support us and build us up wherever they are able.

I could see through the words spoken over us, that this church loves our school. They care greatly about it. Their support and willingness to serve goes beyond their desire to bless us as new leaders in Wahroonga Adventist School. They see you in the same way. This church cares about you, they pray for you - for blessing in your life. And if there was a way that they could help to bolster you along, they would happily meet the need.

So why not drop in and say hi! In fact, if you have children in year 10 or above, this Friday night Wahroonga Church is hosting an awesome event for young people - and Pr Nick is speaking there about life with Jesus.

You have a family. Younger and older children alike need as much support and mentorship as possible - and church life provides a wonderful framework to bless your children with friends, good memories, and a world view that will act as a solid foundation into their future.

If you want to know more about what is happening there - check out this website: https://www.wahroongasda.com.au Wahroonga Church family would love to get to know you and your family.

Pr Nick,

On Behalf of the Chaplaincy team

Wahroonga Adventist School Facebook Page

If you are yet to like or follow our School's Facebook page jump on to see all the great things going on around School!

Calendar of Events

Please see the School Calendar for a list of upcoming events. You can access the School Calendar via the Parent Information tab on the School website. A link to the calendar has also been included below.

Term Dates for 2021

Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2021.

Chaplains' News

Over the year end, as a team of Chaplains, we started excitedly messaging each other as we shared dreams and hopes for what 2021 would bring for Wahroonga Adventist School.

We began sharing stories of where God had lead us in the past and how we all felt that we were meant to be here right now for a reason.

We spoke of how each of us gave God a chance in our lives, and how all our lives were changed for the better. As we chatted Pr Andy read a verse, you may have heard it before. It goes like this:

“For we walk by Faith and not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7

We loved it. And we started to unpack the idea behind what this is saying. At a first glance we can often think that we see the whole picture. We can look at our lives and feel as though what we see is the full extent of our potential. Yet when God looks at us, He see’s who we were created to be - who we were meant to be.

We want to invite our young people to give God the chance to show what He has in mind for their lives, because if its anything like what we have experienced - it will be the best adventure they could dream of.

After chatting further, we arrived at the title “Look Again”.

This year as a team of chaplains, we invite you to ‘look again’ at what God has said to you. To look again at the plans He has for you and to give Him a chance to prove Himself - He’s real you know!

We believe that life with God is a blessing. That when we give Him the time of day, we see the day in a whole new light. Our perspectives change and we look at other people differently. We even look at ourselves differently.

It’s too easy to see God as a religious figure surrounded by mystery and ceremony. Yet when we look again, like it says in the Bible, we discover He has ‘given us richly, all things to enjoy.’ - 1 Timothy 6:17

Pr Nick,

On behalf of the chaplaincy team.

School News - Years P to 6

A Note From Mrs Anne-Marie Deppeler

This week in Chapel, our Prep to Year 4 students were introduced to our Junior School Mascot, Sterling. Sterling is a quiet and shy little creature who just adores being with children. He is super eager to be with all the students. This week 1S will have the opportunity to have Sterling visit in their classroom. He has already been a hit with many of the students as he is so soft and cuddly. I wonder where he will visit next week?

It has been wonderful to see the students involve themselves in the many extra-curricular activities during lunchtime and outside of school hours that are on offer this term. These activities provide students with opportunities to learn new skills or simply for enjoyment. I am very thankful to the many teachers who have provided these experiences for our students. Next week our Year 3-6 students will be able to showcase their talents in the pool at our Swimming Carnival. I know the students are excited about this event. Last year we had many new school records created. I wonder how many records will be broken this year?

.

ASISSA Basketball Trials - Wednesday 10 February

On 10 February we had a small group of students attend the ASISSA Basketball Trials. Thankyou to Samuel (Year 6), Violet (Year 5), Lukas (Year 4) and Sasha (Year 6) for representing our School on the day and a special congratulations to Sasha who has now made it through to a CIS basketball team.

Paul Kelly AFL Cup & Basketball Gala Day Trials

Over the last week we have had Year 5 and 6 trials at School for the upcoming Paul Kelly AFL Cup Gala Day (Cherrybrook 9th March) and the Basketball Gala Day at MacArthur Adventist School (18th March). Notes for these events will be handed out on Monday next week.

Upcoming School Events - Years P to 6

Primary School Swimming Carnival - Years 3 to 6 - Wed 24 February

The Primary School Swimming Carnival will be held next week (Wednesday 24 February) at Knox Grammar School. If you are yet to complete the form for this event, please do this as soon as possible. Please note that this event is not compulsory for Year 2. The event is open to students who will have turned 8 by 31 December 2021. Only those students who are confident swimmers need to attend.

School News - Years 7 to 12

A Note from Mr Michael St Mart

I have spent most of my afternoons this past month welcoming parents into the ‘temporary carpark’ as they navigate the pickup routines in the afternoons, and I thank you for your patience as we worked towards adopting a more efficient and sustainable model for families. If you have feedback about the new arrangement, please wind down your window and call me aside, I’m happy to take your ideas and suggestions.

While standing in the carpark, rain, hail or shine, I have enjoyed my time talking with some of you while you wait patiently in your cars. It has been fascinating from a social perspective witnessing what occurs in your cars while you wait for your precious children to join you.

Some parents have taken the opportunity to catch up with friends who are either in the car next to them in the pickup lines or on a phone call. Others take the time to listen to the news on the radio or take the opportunity to read a number of enthralling pages of a book you haven’t had the opportunity to read for a while due to the busyness life throws your way. The parents I have been most fascinated by are those who wind down the car window and close their eyes. It is in this time that you look at peace.

Some of you will be familiar with the Hebrew word shalom, meaning “peace” in English. But beyond that simple definition, what does “shalom” truly mean?

In a way, it is a blessing for coming and going, used at any time and in any situation. There are many biblical references to the word, and the Apostle Paul, uses it in 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

So as I bid you farewell from my position in the carpark this afternoon, and despite all the craziness that has occurred throughout the week, I bid you Shabbat Shalom. My hope is that you end the week with a rest that brings that inner peace that re-centers you on the God, who gives peace.

High School House Captains and Vice Captains

Students in Years 10 to 12 were invited to apply for the role of House Captain and Vice Captain for their House. The Principal, Head of Senior School and Sports Co-ordinator interviewed the applicants, those students then made a speech to their relevant houses before students cast their vote. Well done to all the students who applied, we had so many impressive candidates!

Congratulations to our new House Captains and House Vice Captains for 2021!!

Hunter Captains: Namah and Renee

Hunter Vice Captains: Daniel and Charlotte

Phillip Captains: Amogh and Adwina

Phillip Vice Captains: Tyrone and Felicity

CIS Baseball Trials - Tuesday 16 February

On Tuesday, Hamish Treatt represented Wahroonga at the CIS Baseball Trials. It was a very competitive field with the best baseball players in the State attending. Unfortunately, Hamish was not selected, however he remains optimistic for 2022 in his baseball endeavours.

CIS Tennis Trials - Wednesday 17 February

On Wednesday, Aarush attended the CIS Tennis Trials at The Kings School. Aarush was selected from his outstanding performance last year at the CSSA Secondary State Tennis Gala Day where he placed 2nd in the U15 boys. Unfortunately, due to wet weather, the organisers decided to select the top 16 players of the pool to compete which meant that Aarush was unable to compete. Although this was disappointing, it is still a fantastic achievement and we are very proud.

Inter-School Sport - Basketball Update

Congratulations to the U15 Boys and Girls and Open Boys Basketball teams on their wins for the first round of Inter-School sport. With just 5 players, the U15s Girls team defeated Nepean Christian school 28-11. The U15 Boys won considerably by 34 points against Nepean Christian School 48-14. The Opens boys team also secured a win against Nepean, 51-12. Well done!

High School Swimming Carnival - Thursday 18 February

The High School Swimming Carnival took place yesterday at Knox Aquatic Centre. All the students did a great job supporting their teams on the day, both in and out of the pool! There were more records broken and new cheers echoing as everyone did their bit to make a great day! The House winner and Age Champions/Runners Up will be announced at Chapel next week.

Upcoming School Events - Years 7 to 12

Year 7, 2022 Academic Scholarships - Registrations Open

Year 7, 2022 Academic Scholarship registrations are open - All students entering Year 7 in 2022 are encouraged to apply.

Please see the following link for further information: https://wahroonga.adventist.edu.au/year-7-2021-2/

Registrations close 23rd February 2021.

Year 7 Vaccinations - Monday 1 March

Year 7 vaccinations will be taking place on Monday 1 March. If you haven't done so already, please return your child's consent form to Student Services urgently. Students will need to wear their sports uniform on the day.

Maths News

Maths Help Club

If you are in Years 7-12 and would like some help with maths assessments or homework, Maths Help Club runs every Wednesday lunch in GLA 2. Come and ask a question!

Maths Newsletter Challenge

Well done to Justin (7A), Elliot (8S), Angad (11W) and Fraser (11W) for correctly solving the previous newsletter challenge. A special mention must be made of Samarth (5K) who also submitted a correct solution for the Junior Category. Keep up the good work!

Junior Winner – Justin (7A)

Senior Winner – Angad and Fraser (11W – a combined effort!)

Worked solutions for this week’s challenge can be submitted to the Office in the Maths Challenge post box and Junior and Senior winners will be drawn from the correct entries.

Entries close Friday 26th February.

Term 1 Events

Eager mathematicians from Years 7 to 10 have been invited to participate in the Maths Challenge program run by the Australian Maths Trust. The program begins in Term 1, Week 8 and runs for three weeks. Students who demonstrate particular aptitude may be invited to take part in the Maths Enrichment program in Terms 2 and 3.

High School Sport

• Monday 22nd February - CSSA Open Boys Cricket Gala Day: Held at Hills Centenary Park, bus departs school at 7am, returning 4.30pm. Students are to bring personal cricket kits and wear cricket whites with school sports shirt.
• Wednesday 10th March - CSSA Open Volleyball Gala Day: Trials have occurred and team lists are available on Seqta notices. Training will be held at lunchtime on Mondays.

Please refer to Seqta notices for all upcoming individual nominations and information.

NSW Youth Advisory Council 2021 – Applications Now Open

Applications are open for the NSW Youth Advisory Council 2021. Children and young people between 12-24 years of age living in NSW are encouraged to apply. Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences. The 12 member YAC advises the NSW Government on subjects relevant to young people across the state. Applications close 14 March, 2021.

More information on the NSW Youth Advisory Council as well as application forms are available here www.acyp.nsw.gov.au.

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge website will be active as of March 1 for the 2021 challenge. Any book that has been read since the 2020 challenge finished last August can be listed on your 2021 reading record. On the NSW PRC website (https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html) you can read about the challenge, check the rules and regulations, access the extensive book lists, read the privacy policy, and from March 1 enter books onto your child’s reading record. Please use the same username and password as last year. I have a list of the usernames and passwords so if you have forgotten them please email me at library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au. Kindy students and those new to the school will receive usernames and passwords within the next couple of weeks, along with an introductory letter to get you started.

If you are new to our school and your child has completed the challenge elsewhere please contact me with the details of those challenges (which school and which years) and I will contact the PRC team and have your challenge history brought over to our school.

Book Fair 2021

Get ready for some fun in the Library at our Term 1 Book Fair which is being held during Weeks 9 and 10 of this Term!!! Our theme this year is: To the Book Fair and Beyond!

Book Fair will run from Wednesday, March 24 – Monday, March 29 (8.00 am – 4.00 pm & Thursday until 6.00 pm) in the School Library. Please come and enjoy the giant range of children’s books from Scholastic. Purchase books for your personal use, for gifts, or you can select books from your child’s class wish list and donate them to their classroom.

** Please note: Our dress up day this year is going to be in August during our Term 3 Book Week celebrations. The theme will be: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds!

** There will be no book exchange in the Library during the Book Fair so please keep your books at home and return them the following week. Tuesday classes will be rescheduled so that they can also attend the Book Fair.

Home and School

Wahroonga Adventist School Values Focus Groups

Values are core to supporting your child’s wellbeing and are at the heart of what we do at Wahroonga Adventist School. As a parent you want to know that your family values are also reinforced at school. With this in mind, you are invited to have a voice in identifying four key values for Wahroonga Adventist School.

There are three focus group times available for you to choose from if you would like to attend. Please note there is a limit of 30 adults in each session as this is a face to face event in the new Wedge open learning space:

1. Thursday evening, 4 March, 7:00 – 7:45 pm

2. Friday morning, 5 March, 8:45 – 9:30 am

3. Friday afternoon, 5 March, 2:15 – 3:00 pm

Tickets can be booked here. Please note that ticket sales will close at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 3 March.

On behalf of the Home and School we look forward to your input.

Home & School Meeting Dates for 2021

TERM 1 - Tuesday 9th February and Tuesday 2nd March

TERM 2 - Tuesday 4th May and Tuesday 1st June

TERM 3 - Tuesday 27th July and Tuesday 31st August

TERM 4 - Tuesday 5th October and Tuesday 2nd November

Canteen

Volunteering

Many hands make light work! Mum’s and Dad’s are all welcome. Anything from 30 minutes to a couple of hours any morning of the week, we would love to see you. No experience is needed, just the willingness to chop, pack bags, follow a recipe and serve our lovely students. Please click here to register your interest. Please note due to COVID we require all volunteers to complete to registration form and sign in to the office before proceeding to the canteen.

We look forward to having you volunteer in our fabulous canteen.

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 climate 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.

Nicola Binns: nicolasweetman@gmail.com

Tish Armstrong: tishiarmstrong@hotmail.com

Vanessa Carter: vanessa.c.carter@hotmail.com

Bits and Pieces