Student Wellbeing

Parents engaging tutors for their children should be asking the tutor to provide a Working With Children Check application or clearance number – then verifying that number online.

Verifying a clearance online is quick and easy on the Office of Children’s Guardian website, and ensures that a Working With Children Check clearance is current. Open the hyperlink to access this application here.

The Certificate for Self Employed People from the old Working With Children Check system is no longer valid.

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 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

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

Chaplains' News

I remember walking through my schooling days, wondering how I fit into this world. Descending from Greece, England, Scotland, and New Zealand, moving house frequently, attending 6 different schools, and the list from my individual journey goes on.

We all have a journey don’t we. We all represent many memories. Highs and lows. Talents and struggles.

The Bible speaks about our different journeys..

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all it's many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one spirit so as to form one body - whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free - we are all given one Spirit. Even so, the body is not made up of one, but of many”

- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

It reminds me of that song.. “We are one.. but we are many..” .

As a chaplaincy team, and as a school at large, we celebrate our differences, the things that we each offer as staff and students alike. And all of this, this belonging, this harmony, is given to us by God. It is His Spirit that unites us. His common cause for the good of humanity that unites us.

As we recognise each student, we recognise you too. We recognise you as a wonderful creation, loved by God.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

- Ephesians 2:10

May we as a school community recognise each other as we walk forward into the future together. May we honour each other. May we speak highly of each other. May we continue to build this beautiful community up, into the safe haven that God has planted it to be for our students and the ones who have not yet walked through our doors.

Pr Nicholas (On behalf of the chaplaincy team)

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Since our last Newsletter we have announced the students from Years 3 to 12 who have been voted to form this years SRC. They have already been busy helping to organise our Harmony Day. The students have shared some great ideas about future projects so we are looking forward to what is to come!

School News - Years P to 6

A Note From Mrs Anne-Marie Deppeler

Year 2M hosted Chapel this week. We were greeted with students holding flags that represent different countries and Pastor Andy shared about Harmony Day. All the Chaplains sang a song for us (with some help from the students) which was amazing. Our Chapel Mascot, Stirling has spent some time in 2M where he was able to see all the chickens. This week he is going to visit with Prep. I am sure that he will have a great time with the Preps. I wonder where he will visit next time?

The students are very excited about Harmony Day. They are looking forward to being able to come dressed in their cultural clothing or in orange. Just a reminder that students will need to bring a gold coin donation.

There have been lots of students out and about over the past weeks for various sport gala days and other sporting events. It always makes me proud when I hear students say encouraging words to each other.

As the weather is starting to get a little cooler, it’s important to check that each jumper/jacket is clearly labelled. Students often take them off during the day and its easier to return them to the rightful owner when the label is clear.

It is great to see students so enthusiastic and involving themselves in the extra-curricular activities during lunchtimes and outside of school hours.

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Primary Music Program

Year 3 – 6 students participate in a weekly small group music tuition program, which enables them to develop not only their music skills, but also promotes language and math skills, memory and coordination. Thank you to the music tutors and to parents who have donated instruments to enhance the music program.

Paul Kelly Cup AFL Day

On Tuesday 9th March, twelve Year 5 and 6 boys participated in the Paul Kelly Cup at the Castle Hill Showgrounds. They competed in three matches and a had a great time playing in their team. They all displayed excellent sportsmanship and their confidence grew as the boys became more familiar with their positions and each other. Logan was chosen to race in the sprint event and we cheered him on against the very quick boys from the other schools. Harry Panarello was nominated for the sportsmanship lucky dip, for always checking in on players from other teams to make sure they were ok.

ASISSA Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 11th March, selected students from Years 2 to 6 participated in the ASISSA Swimming Carnival at Warringah Aquatic Centre. They had a wonderful time supporting their school and enjoyed the positive and competitive atmosphere. Jude (Year 4) came away with five, first place ribbons and the Boys Under 10 Champion Medal. There were lots of other victories during the day from other age groups and events and we celebrated those achievements with smiles and congratulations.

CIS Girls Football Trials

Neve A and Chloe D represented our school on the 15th March at the CIS Girls Football Trials. Neve did an amazing job and played a total of 10 games and made it through to the last game before she was cut. Chloe had a great experience as well playing against some high calibre opponents, but unfortunately didn’t get selected. She is looking forward to trying again in the future.

Basketball Gala Day

On Thursday 18th March, students from Years 5 and 6 participated in the Adventist Schools Basketball Gala Day at the Minto Indoor Sports Stadium in Redfern. The boys and girls teams played 5 rounds each before the finals began. The girls made it through and competed against MacArthur Adventist College, winning by one point. The boys won 3 games and had a draw in one. It was a very positive day with lots of great teamwork and sportsmanship.

CIS Primary Swimming Championship

On Thursday 18th March Jude, Lukas, Logan, Levi and Lachlan represented ASISSA at the CIS Swimming Carnival held at the Sydney International Aquatic Centre. The boys had a great day competing in their races - well done boys, making it to his level is a huge accomplishment, we are very proud of you.

CIS Boys and Girls Hockey Selection Trials

On the 27th April there is the CIS Boys and Girls Hockey Selection Trials. If your child plays representative sports in Hockey and would be interested in going to the trials, please contact me at nathan.hurst@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.

Abbotsleigh Holiday Program

If you are looking for a holiday program to entertain the children over the holidays, Abbotsleigh have now released the details of their Autumn Holiday Program for 2021 - With loads of fun things to do in Junior Activities and other courses, plus the ever popular tennis – there is something for everyone.

To download the program/access application forms click the link below;

School News - Years 7 to 12

Year 7 Camp

Last week students in Year 7 participated in the annual school camp at Crosslands Youth & Convention Centre. This camp was one of the highlight memory events for Year 7, and students had a great time connecting, learning, challenging themselves and having lots of fun. Some of the best memories were made during the night activities, which included a night flying fox ride and learning how to safely and efficiently light a camp-fire – and how to perfectly roast marshmallows!

Band Program

The music department has been busily working on the co-curricular programs offered at the school. We are happy to announce that our band program has started and grown considerably this year. It is under the formation of a concert band structure and we have both teachers and students playing together and learning new music weekly. Miss Afele and Mrs Miller both play in the band which the students love to see their teachers assist them in their playing. The support from all the parents has been wonderful and all the students are eager, excited, and happy to come in at 7:30am every Wednesday morning to practice and have a great time making music together.

This Harmony Day will be the first opportunity for a performance for the band, and we are very excited to be participating at this event. The students will be playing two pieces.

If your child is interested in participating in band please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Vuceski at kristina.vuceski@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au for further information.

Year 10 Science

On Thursday 11th March Year 10 Science classes went on a city adventure to The Australian Museum where they explored the newly renovated facilities and learnt all about fossils, geological time and evolution. Students spent most of their time in the Tyrannosaurus: Meet the Family exhibit where they compared and contrasted tyrannosaur relatives. The interactive exhibit showcased the evolution, survival and extinction of Tyrannosaurus rex. The excursion was more than just Tyrannosaurus rex, as students were also able to discover a variety of biological specimens and Australian Megafauna such as the Diprotodon and Megalania. Year 10 were most excited to compete in the jaw crushing tyrannosaur challenge where Mr Hokin ended up being the one to beat!

Representative Basketball

Our representative basketball teams are having great success at the Weekly Inter-School Sports Competition. The U15 Boys and Girls, and Open boys have qualified for semi-finals, and the Open girls have qualified for the finals. This coming Tuesday, teams will compete against the following teams. Keep up the great work and good luck!

U15s Girls Basketball - WAS vs Wycliffe Christian School

Open Girls Basketball - WAS vs Wycliffe Christian School

U15s Boys Basketball - WAS vs The Lakes Christian School

Open Boys Basketball - WAS vs Nepean Christian School

CSSA Zone Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday the 10th of March, selected students represented Wahroonga at the CSSA Zone Swimming Carnival at Warringah Aquatic Centre. Students competed against Covenant Christian School, Oxford Falls Grammar, Northern Beaches Christian School and Pacific Hills Christian School. It was a fantastic day with all students participating and representing our school with pride. Well done to all students for doing your best and striving for excellence.

We had a few outstanding performances of athleticism throughout the day. A special mention to Felicity (Year 11) who broke the 200m Freestyle record in a time of 2:13.66, and Salani (Year 7) who broke the 50m Backstroke record in a time of 34.90. Felicity (Year 11) and Nathaniel (Year 12) both received Age Champions. The senior Girls Freestyle and Medley Relay came first, and for the first time ever, Wahroonga was able to participate in the super relay – a relay of 6 of the fastest swimmers in each age group. We came 4th in both the boys and girls super relays. Overall, Wahroonga placed 4th in the total points score. Below are the high achieving swimmers who will be progressing to CSSA State on Tuesday the 30th March as SOPAC.

CSSA Volleyball Gala Day

On the 10th of March, an open mixed volleyball team that consisted of 10 students, represented Wahroonga Adventist School at the CSSA Mixed Volleyball Gala Day. As this was the first Volleyball Gala Day that our school has attended, the team was nervous yet excited. Our first game was against William Carey Christian School and we were able to win 2 sets to 0 which was a positive boost for the team. The second game was against Tyndale Christian School who unfortunately defeated us 2 sets to 0. Our third and fourth games were against Wycliffe Christian School and Mamre Anglican School with our team dominating both games and winning 2 sets to 0. This put us in a position to be tied first place in Pool B. Unfortunately, we missed out on competing in the grand final due to the points and sets differential. The day was a great learning and fun experience for the students and we are excited to see more students playing volleyball.

CIS Golf Championships

On Monday 15th of March, William Moody competed at the CIS Golf Championships at Macquarie Links Golf Club. The competition was strong, with over 40 boys competing. William was successful in making the CIS team where he will compete at State in May. Congratulations William and we look forward to more golfing success.

Balmoral Triathlon Club Women's Triathlon - 18th April 2021

Balmoral Triathlon Club have invited our students to attend their upcoming women’s triathlon on April 18th at Middle Head, Mosman.

The non-competitive event is designed to introduce girls aged 15+ to the sport of triathlon in a safe and fun environment. It will be hosted on a traffic-free bike course, any type of bike is permitted and swim aids (e.g. flippers) can be used.

The entry fee is $10 for individuals or relay teams, and the distances are 250m swim, 9km bike, 2.5km run.

In addition, the club is hosting the following training sessions prior to the event, at no cost to participants. These will be led by experience triathlon coach Christina Thomas from Energy Link Performance Coaching.

All the information for the race and training sessions can be found here.

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) for correctly solving the Junior Challenge and Anthony (8W), Ivan (8W), Samarth (5K), Fraser (11W) for correctly solving the Junior and Senior Challenges. Remember to include your name and all working out when submitting solutions. Keep up the good work!

Junior Winner – Justin (7A)

Senior Winner – Ivan (8W)

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 March

Student Spotlight - Year 12 - 2021

Meet Genevieve (Gen)...

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga? I’ve been at Wahroonga since term 4 of Year 7.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC? Advanced English, Advanced Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Studies of Religion II

3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)? Getting my licence.

4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school? Stop putting pressure on myself to achieve high marks and to understand that we all have our own individual strengths and weaknesses.

5. What career would you like to do once you leave school? Ministry in the Adventist church.

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades? Know your learning type because it helps you to understand the way that you will learn best and get the most out of school. Also, to just enjoy the relationships that you form with your friends and your teachers because they are really valuable.

7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch? Haloumi burger from the canteen.

8. Favourite excursion? When we went to Sunnyside in Cooranbong. It was cool because it was Ellen White’s house and we got potato gems.

9. Favourite day at school and why? Any day that we do Bible studies and get to spend time with awesome gals.

10. A quote from you... “So Miss, at CrossFit last night...”

Meet Lachlan...

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga? I started in Year 7 so this is my 6th year.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC? English Standard, Maths Standard, Food Technology, Business Studies and PDHPE.

3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)? Being voted as Year 11 School Captain.

4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school? You’re only a teenager once. Don’t worry if you’re not doing great all the time, there’s still time!

5. What career would you like to do once you leave school? Real estate or something to do with property.

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades? Get ready and be prepared for the workload to increase in the upcoming years of high school and you’ll be fine.

7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch? Definitely Paul’s (Dad’s) famous pasta sauce!

8. Favourite excursion? Our Year 10 Photography excursion to Manly.

9. Favourite day at school and why? Every last day of school when we get to celebrate the year.

10. A quote from you... “I promise I’ll get my licence… soon”