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Newsletter - Friday 6 November 2020

Chaplains' News

Kindness is probably not a word someone would associate with the United States 2020 Election. As the United States continues with the counting of electoral votes; the world watches on with bated breath. Currently, across several states, there have been outbreaks of riots. A riot is defined as six or more people engaging in tumultuous and violent conduct that creates a grave risk of causing public alarm.

There has been a lot of writing and research about the benefits of being kind to others. We like to think of ourselves as the most advanced civilisation that has ever lived. You can read about the breakthroughs in neuroscience and the benefits of oxytocin and serotonin on the brain when you do something kind to others.

The apostle Paul finishes the fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesians with the words:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Peter Wallace

It is with sadness that we inform you that Mr Peter Wallace, the E-Learning Co-ordinator at the Greater Sydney Conference passed away last Friday.

Over the past 3 years our School has enjoyed learning about technology. Peter assisted many students with coding, supervising NAPLAN, online IT bootcamp and organising the annual STEM challenge days. We were fortunate to have Peter as a member of our teaching staff when he taught Years 9 and 10 Information Software Technology. The students enjoyed his classes and enthusiasm for technology.

Peter's positive attitude, ever present smile, and desire to be of service to others were a joy to experience.

As a staff we have been praying for Peter's wife and family during this very difficult time and we invite your families to do the same.

Whole School News

Primary and High School Speech Nights

The Primary and High School Speech Nights will be going ahead under a different format this year. The events will be held online, parents will receive a link the day of Speech Night so they can view the event with their children from the comfort of home that evening.

Primary School Speech Night - Wednesday 2nd December 2020

High School Speech Night - Wednesday 9th December 2020

Students from Kindy to Year 6 will bring home their Semester 2, 2020 reports on Wednesday 2nd December.

Student Reports for Years 7 to 10 will be available on Seqta from Wednesday 9th December 2020.

End of Year Events

Monday 7th December 2020 - Primary School Fun Day - Further details to follow

Tuesday, 8th December 2020 - Year 6 Dinner - Wonderland @ Wahroonga

Thursday 10th December 2020 - High School Fun Day - Raging Waters

Wahroonga Adventist School - Facebook Page!

A quick reminder Wahroonga Adventist School now has an official Facebook Page! If you are yet to like or follow the page jump on to see all the latest news going on around School!

Wahroonga Adventist School - Calendar

To keep up to date with events going on around School - don't forget to view the Calendar on the School Website....

Return and Earn Update

Over the past year, Wahroonga Adventist School has been participating in the Return and Earn initiative and has been steadily collecting bottles and cans in the cage in the basement. So far, we have raised a total of $508.80. Some of these funds have been used to purchase shelving for our new sports shed that is beside the basketball courts. Our next fundraising goal is to purchase high school representative shirts.

What do you do with returnable bottles and cans - throw in the bin? Why not collect them and bring them to school to be put towards a worthwhile cause (and help the environment at the same time). This can easily be done in the mornings/afternoons as you drop off/ pick up your children.

Please ensure containers are eligible for a 10c refund and are empty, uncrushed, unbroken, and have the original label attached.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Junior School News

A Note From Mrs Deppeler

Over the past few months, in particular, I have noticed many media stories about the way people treat each other. When I see these I often reflect on my own understanding and attitudes towards others. Am I being inclusive with my words and my actions? The Bible explains how we should speak and act towards one another. It tells us that we are all made in the image of God and that he cares for each of us so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I challenge each of you to reflect on our own attitudes and understandings and discover the value in diversity so that we may all reach the God given potential and purpose for our lives.

For those who still like to complete the challenges that I have been posting on Seesaw, I will be posting a challenge into your child’s folder on a fortnightly basis this term. These challenges are not compulsory and are in addition to any work set by the class teacher. Once completed please upload and post to Mrs Deppeler's Weekly Challenge folder on your child’s class homeroom page in Seesaw.

God’s beautiful World Challenge?

This week’s challenge requires you to share God’s beautiful world. You can either draw a picture, write or provide a video explanation. I look forward to what you come up with. See your learning journal in Seesaw for more details.

Prep Orientation

In the next few weeks we will be hosting our Prep Orientation days and I am super excited to welcome them to our School. If you are planning to, or know someone who is thinking about enrolling in Prep in 2021, please contact the School Office to confirm your place in our Prep Orientation program for 2020.

Middle & Senior School News

CSSA Secondary Tennis Gala Day

On Tuesday 27th October Aarush, Nathanael and Joshua represented Wahroonga Adventist School at the CSSA Secondary Tennis Gala Day at Wollongong Tennis Centre – Beaton Park. Well done to all of you!

Aarush, currently in Year 8, finished 2nd in the under 15 years old category! Aarush is currently in 8th place in NSW 2008 born children, ranking 1687 in Australia. Big congratulations to Aarush for this brilliant win! We are all very proud of you!

School Cross Country

A big congratulations to all our students in Years 7 to 11 for their efforts at the Annual School Cross Country. Please see the table below for results...

Upcoming Middle & Senior School Events

Exams - Years 7 to 10

We wish all our students in Years 7 to 10 the best as they study for their end of year exams taking place next week. The exam schedule can be found under the School Documents section in Seqta.

Years 8 to 12 - Opal Cards to Expire January 2021

Transport NSW have advised us that from January onwards, a number of School Opal cards will be expiring as the physical card has reached its lifespan.

These are cards for students who will be in Years 8 to 12 in 2021, and only those Opal cards which haven’t been replaced in the last five years.

Impacted students and/or their parent/guardian will be contacted directly by Transport NSW via email or post. They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.

If contacted by Transport NSW, details should be submitted online by December 1, 2020 at the latest. Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address we currently have on file.

Student Spotlight - Year 12, 2021

James is the first student to feature in our Student Spotlight series. We hope you enjoy getting to know the Class of Year 12, 2021 as much as we have!

Meet James...

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?

Since Year 7 so 5 years now.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?

Ancient History, Industrial Tech Timber, Standard Maths, English, Physics.

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

Under-6 Pirates MVP.

4. What advice would you give your year-seven-self who is starting high school?

Actually do the homework and start assignments earlier.

5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?

Something mechanical involving electric cars.

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades.

Actually do the homework!

7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch?

Definitely the haystacks from the canteen - guacamole, no sour cream.

8. Favourite excursion?

Last year’s Year 10 camp because we didn’t have to walk very far.

9. Favourite day at school and why?

The day we did the Amazing Race around the city.

10. A quote from you...

‘Is Dilbert a good name for a cat?’ James Bell (2016).

Meet Emily....

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?

Since Kindy which is 12 years.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?

Standard Maths, Advanced English, PDHPE, German Beginners & Music 1

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

A role in a semi-professional production of Cats.

4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school?

Keep your options open because if you just have one set idea, you won’t get very far.

5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?

I would like to get into the Performing Arts industry; Broadway would be my ideal.

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades.

At the end of each week, make a revision page of the stuff that you’ve learnt so that it’s easier to go back to and revise.

7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch.

Vegemite scroll and a vanilla cupcake with strawberry icing from Fox Bakehouse.

8. Favourite excursion.

Our trip to the Australian Federal Police Headquarters for Year 8 Forensics.

9. Favourite day at school and why.

Well we weren’t at school for the day but our day out to see Aladdin at the Capitol Theatre.

10. A quote from you...

"If I am ever grumpy, just feed me!"

Term Dates for 2020

  • Term 4 - Monday, 12th October 2020 - Thursday, 10th December 2020

Term Dates for 2021

Return to School Dates - Term 1, 2021

Prep, Kindy, Year 7 & Year 12 - Wednesday, 27th January 2021

All Other Years (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 & 11) - Thursday, 28th January 2021

  • Term 1 - Commencement Dates Above - Thursday, 1st April 2021
  • Term 2 - Monday, 19th April 2021 - Friday, 25th June 2021
  • Term 3 - Wednesday, 14th July 2021 - Friday, 17th September 2021
  • Term 4 - Tuesday, 5th October 2021 - Friday, 10th December 2021

Library News

Year 5 and 6 Author/Illustrator Visit

Last Friday Year 5 and 6 had a zoom visit with well-known Australian children’s author, Claire Saxby and illustrator Tannya Harricks. Claire and Tannya gave the students an excellent insight into the creative processes that take place when writing and illustrating children’s books and gave the students some useful tips and practical advice to assist them with their own research projects, story writing and artworks. As Tannya Harricks lives nearby in Wahroonga she has kindly offered for us to display some of her original pieces of artwork in our library before they go on exhibition at The Children’s Hospital in the new year. We would like the thank both Claire and Tannya for giving their time to inspire our Year 5 and 6 students.

Carnival Virtual Book Fair

Thank you to all those who supported our Carnival Virtual Book Fair during book week. A commission of $191.84 has been spent on new books for the school library. The orders arrived yesterday and have been distributed – the back ordered items will be sent home as soon as they arrive.

Last Week of Borrowing

Next week (Week 5) will be the last week of borrowing for this year. It would be much appreciated if all books could be returned promptly by the end of Week 7. Please follow the instructions below to check if your child/ren have books to return. Thanking you.

Library WebApp

Please monitor your child/ren’s current loans and due dates by logging on to the Library WebApp (bit.ly/waslibrary). Details on how to access your child/ren’s personal details are on the home page. If you have any problems please email Mrs Savage (library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au).

Home and School

To get in the Christmas spirt make sure you all join in for our Gingerbread House Decorating Competition. The Home and School have organised kits from the Gingerbread Folk company and they are beautiful as well as delicious! You can choose from gingerbread, chocolate and gluten free options. If there are any specific dietary requirements then please head over to the Gingerbread Folk website for detailed information. www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au

There will be prizes! $20 gift vouchers for winners in:

Most Creative Junior School Entry

Most Creative Middle School Entry

Most Creative Senior School Entry

Best Nativity House

Best Summer Themed House

Best Winter Themed House

Here are the important details...

How to Order: Kits are available through Flexischools as an option in the canteen menu

Orders Close: 5pm Tuesday 10th November

Delivery: Kits will be given to the eldest child after the 18th November

How to apply: submit your photos, including a photo of YOU with your house, along with your name, category you are entering, class and teachers name to homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au

Competition Closes: 5pm on Thursday 26 November

Judging: the houses will be judged by the Principal and the Chaplains on 27th November.

Meals with Love

If you know a school family in need of a home-cooked meal, then please email us. Due to the current climate we cannot accept donations of meals, however we would gladly welcome any donations of dry food such as packets of pasta, microwave rice and garlic bread which we can add to our meals. Donations can be delivered to the School Office. All meals will continue to be prepared by Meals with Love and the Canteen.

We thank you for your continued support!

Nicola - nicolasweetman@gmail.com

Tish - tishiarmstrong@hotmail.com

Canteen

Bits and Pieces

Dear Parents,

My name is Tahlia and I currently tutor a number of Wahroonga children in cello. I will be teaching again next year in after school lessons.

If you have a child who plays cello or would like to start, please contact me on 0418 114 089 for details. My lessons always aim to create a love for the cello, a fun environment, and a personal sense of achievement. Thank you!