Chaplains' News
One of the best decisions a person can make in their life time is saying YES to a life with Jesus. Tomorrow we will celebrate two of our Year 12 students doing just that. Genevieve and Amelia have decided to give their life to Jesus and will be baptised as a way of declaring that commitment.
Seventh-day Adventist Belief on Baptism:
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.
Supporting Scripture:
Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.
We as a school community are so proud of you both and we wish you all the best as you begin this new journey in your relationship with God. Always remember that there is an entire community behind you who love and support you.
The Chaplaincy Team
Pr Eden & Pr Richie
(Photo: Amelia, Grace and Genevieve)
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.
Prep and Year 6 - Dedication Services - Wednesday 2nd December
We will be holding Dedication Services for families who have students in Prep and Year 6 on Wednesday, 2nd December. The service will take place in Wahroonga Adventist Church.
Prep Dedication Service: 2.00pm to 3.00pm
Year 6 Dedication Service: 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Due to restrictions around Covid-19 we please ask that only immediate family members attend. (Eg. Mum, Dad and brothers/sisters of the student).
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
Junior School News
A Note From Mrs Deppeler
This year, like many in our community, I have become super vigilant about keeping healthy and protecting myself and my family. As we head towards what can be the busiest time of the year, remember to look after your own wellbeing and that of others.
• Connect – Communicate and talk with those you love and care for regularly.
• Give – your time, patience and presence.
• Take Notice – Remember to notice the things that give you joy.
• Keep learning – encourage new opportunities and experiences.
• Be active – Enjoy life and keep moving.
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.
Christmas Art Challenge?
This week’s challenge requires you to create an art work that shows what Christmas means to you and your family. Once you have drawn your picture, provide a video explanation and upload into Seesaw. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. See your learning journal in Seesaw for more details.
Prep Orientation
Next week 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 for 2021, please contact the School Office to confirm your place in our Prep Orientation program for this year.
Head Lice Reminder
Please be vigilant with checking your child’s hair regularly and applying treatment as required.
Road Safety
Just a reminder that if your child rides a bike, scooter or skateboard to and from school, a helmet is required to keep them safe and protected.
Middle & Senior School News
"What'll happen to the wattle?"
We are very excited to share the news that Wahroonga Adventist School has been selected to take part in Giant Leap Australia Foundation’s “What’ll Happen to the Wattle??!” space seed program!!
Wattle seeds will be flown to the International Space Station this December, then return after 6 months to be germinated and grown. Students will regularly upload data and take part in teleconferences to monitor progress. Well done Year 6 for putting together a great submission!
Year 10 - Invictus Wellbeing Activities
Year 10 students have been enjoying their Invictus Wellbeing Day Activities this week... Over the last few days students have hiked and kayaked their way through Ku-ring-gai Chase, Brisbane Waters and Berowra Valley National Parks and had a really challenged and fantastic time!
Year 7 - 2021, Orientation Day
Orientation Day for students commencing Year 7 in 2021 took place yesterday. Over 70 students enjoyed their day participating in fun classes, a bbq lunch and games in the afternoon. It was a lovely opportunity for students to start creating new friendships and get a snapshot of the fun instore for them next year.
Wahroonga Adventist School - Mountain Biking
The mountain biking program at WAS has been in full swing in Term 4. Students have been participating in rides at Hornsby’s “Old Mans Valley” trails each Tuesday for sport. The first Sunday group ride for the term also took place on Sunday November 8th, with students and parents completing laps of the Westleigh “H20” trail. It is great to see our students engaged and active in the outdoors while increasing their physical fitness and skills on a bike.
The final Sunday ride for 2020 is this weekend, taking place at the Ourimbah Mountain Bike park on the Central Coast. Contact Mr. Starrett for more information.
Congratulations - William M!
A big congratulations to William M - whose team made it to the finals at the Eric Apperly Shield competition played at Twin Lakes Golf Club last Sunday. William was the youngest player selected to represent Avondale Golf Club at the State's pre-eminent inter-club competition for elite Junior Golf. Well done William, this is such a great achievement!
Upcoming Middle & Senior School Events
Year 6 Surf Day, Avoca Beach - Wednesday 25th November
Year 6 students will be heading to Avoca Beach for one of their Activity Days on Wednesday 25th November. Please below for details;
Location: Avoca Beach, 10 Vine St, Avoca Beach
Departure Time: 8:00am
Return Time: Approximately 4:00pm (Office will update parents if arrival time is delayed)
Uniform: School PE uniform, hat
Transport: School Bus and private vehicle
Lunch: Fish n chip lunch will be provided
Need to Bring: Snacks, minimum 2 litres of water, swimmers, rashie/sun protection, wetsuit (optional), goggles (optional), beach shoes, towel
Year 5 - Sydney Zoo - Thursday 26th November 2020
Year 5 will be heading to Sydney Zoo as one of their Activity Days on Thursday 26th November. Waiver forms have been emailed to parents, please ensure they are completed and returned to the School Office asap.
Location: Sydney Zoo
Departure Time: 8:00am
Return Time: Approximately 4:00pm (Office will update parents if arrival time is delayed)
Uniform: School PE uniform, hat, enclosed shoes
Transport: School Bus
Need to Bring: Lunch, Snacks and min 2lt Water
Year 5 - Glenworth Valley - Thursday 3rd December 2020
Year 5 will be heading to Glenworth Valley to enjoy some horse riding and bush walking as one of their Activity Days on Thursday 3rd December. Waiver forms have been emailed to parents, please ensure they are completed and returned to the School Office asap.
Location: Glenworth Valley, Cooks Rd Glenworth Valley
Departure Time: 8:00am
Arrival Time: Approximately 4:00pm (Office will update parents if arrival time is delayed)
Uniform: School PE uniform, hat
Transport: School Bus
Need to Bring: Lunch, Snacks and min 2lt Water; enclosed shoes, long pants (ie. jeans for horse riding) swimmers (optional), towel
Year 6 - Glenworth Valley - Friday 4th December 2020
Year 6 will be heading to Glenworth Valley to enjoy some horse riding and bush walking as one of their Activity Days on Friday 4th December. Waiver forms have been emailed to parents, please ensure they are completed and returned to the School Office asap.
Location: Glenworth Valley, Cooks Rd Glenworth Valley
Departure Time: 8:00am
Arrival Time: Approximately 4:00pm (Office will update parents if arrival time is delayed)
Uniform: School PE uniform, hat
Transport: School Bus
Need to Bring: Lunch, snacks and min 2lt Water; enclosed shoes, long pants (ie. jeans for horse riding) swimmers (optional), towel
Middle & Senior Term 4 Fundraiser & Free Dress Day - Friday 4th December 2020
This term the student leadership committee have elected to fundraise for the Movember Mental Health Foundation. The students made this choice in light of the significant impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown on the mental health of individuals and groups throughout society.
The student leaders have been running Friday lunchtime events, selling jelly cups and ice blocks to raise funds for the cause. There are also a number of our senior students and staff growing moustaches for Movember - you can support them and raise money for the cause at the link below. Any donations should include the sport house of the student/family donating as each dollar will be matched by a house point!
https://au.movember.com/team/2349631
The Term 4 free dress day will take place on Friday the 4th of December, with gold coin donations on the day also going towards the Movember Mental Health Foundation. Please help us in supporting this great cause!
Wahroonga Adventist School - Running Training
Running Training has been back on each Friday throughout term 3 and 4. With the lack of carnivals, racing and events in 2020 the group is completing a four race series for Term 4. Last week saw the first event of the series, a 1km time trial. This week the students completed a 2km time trial along the Fox Valley road pathway. Over the next two weeks students will compete in 3km and 4km events. The finishers each week are divided up into boys and girls, junior, middle and senior categories, with points awarded to all runners. At the conclusion of the series prizes will be awarded to the overall winner of each category.
Running training takes place every Friday morning at 7am, with breakfast provided through our Canteen afterwards - contact Mr. Starrett for more information.
Student Spotlight - Year 12, 2021
Meet Jonathan...
1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?
Since halfway through Year 7, so 4 ½ years.
2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?
Advanced English, Modern History, Biology, French Beginners and Drama.
3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)?
Being involved in competitive contemporary dance teams.
4. What advice would you give your year-seven-self who is starting high school?
Get things done as early as possible so you don’t have to worry about them later. Also, in your earlier years, just have more fun. It’s not the end of the world if things go bad. You may well miserably fail Year 10 maths but you will be fine!!
5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?
Secondary Teacher in Modern History and Language but I would still like to be part of the Performing Arts outside of work.
6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades.
Have a big binder for each subject and then any notes that you make throughout the year or any handouts that you’re given, put them all in that one binder and it’s there ready to look at.
7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch?
Mum’s Moroccan pie or barbeque but outside of school, a café in Los Angeles that makes the best Argentinian hotdogs.
8. Favourite excursion?
Year 9 Drama excursion to see the Accidental Death of an Anarchist.
9. Favourite day at school and why?
Multicultural day because we got to learn about other cultures and eat lots of food.
10. A quote from you...
I’m too old to technology.
Meet Ariane....
1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?
Since Year 7 so nearly 5 years.
2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?
Standard Maths, Advanced English, Drama, Biology, Modern History and History Extension.
3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)?
One time I met Tony Abbott at the official opening of my local pool. Sadly he wasn’t in his famous swimwear but I did notice that he had very hairy arms!
4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school?
Don’t try to be cool and you can weather the storm no matter what.
5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?
Primary School Teacher, hopefully Kindergarten if I can.
6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades.
Don’t procrastinate. I know it’s tempting, and that YouTube is addictive but when the assignment is not due for weeks and you only have one more thing to do on it, you will thank yourself.
7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch.
I had some really good pasta this year and the wedges from the canteen are a 10/10.
8. Favourite excursion.
Year 9 Drama excursion to the Opera House to Accidental Death of an Anarchist.
9. Favourite day at school and why.
Work experience at a primary school in a Prep/Kindy class.
10. A quote from you...
What’s the stupidest thing you’ve heard me say? There are a lot to choose from.
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
Please note that borrowing books from the library has now finished for the year. If you could please ensure students return their borrowed books by Friday 27th November it would be greatly appreciated.
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
Gingerbread Competition
Gingerbread kits have arrived so if you missed collecting them at school pick up on the 18th of November please contact the School Office to arrange collection.
Send a photo of your decorated gingerbread house to the Home and School email homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au by the 26th November 20 with which category you are entering and your name. The Chaplains will then judge on the 27th of November 20.
Family Date Night
Don't forget Family Date Night this Saturday evening! We encourage you to get together with another family and set up your computer for a zoom connection!
Saturday - 21st November - 7.30pm
Beyond our School Yard
Well, what a year it has been, one that most of us would like to forget!! A tough and challenging year for everyone but spare a thought for the most vulnerable in our communities.
As part of our initiative to encourage our children to consider others, ‘Beyond our school yard’ (part of our School Committee and run in conjunction with our school children) are supporting three charities to help spread joy this Christmas time.
For the sixth year running we will be supporting Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sending a shoebox of gifts to those in need overseas. Our school has consistently provided around 130 boxes each year. Last year the NSW branch of OCC sent 96,529 gifts overseas and will be sending containers of gift filled shoe boxes to Malawi and Cambodia this year.
In addition, this year we will also be collecting gifts for two local charities.
Dignity is a charity who empower people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness by providing food, shelter, clothing, advocacy and education.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter provide temporary supported accommodation for women in times of crisis.
To make it easy for families, we will be emailing out a list of items that all charities are desperate for. Boxes for Operation Christmas Child will be available for collection in the pick up/drop off line from next week. Students and representatives from our Home and School Committee will be standing in the line most days to happily accept filled boxes and donations for Dignity and the Women’s Shelter.
Please encourage your child to become involved - take home a box or two to fill or drop off items which the two local charities require.
Thank you!!
Any questions in relation to this initiative, please contact Mel Harris - melinda@spect.com.au
Meals with Love
The end of the year is nearly here and we only have a few meals left in our freezer. If you know a school family that would benefit from a meal, then please let us know.
We are also planning for next year and would love to add some volunteers to our 'Meals with Love' Team. We are accepting Expressions of Interest from school families that would like to be involved with MWL for 2021. This would involve preparing/supplying meals for our freezer and distributing meals to families throughout the school year. Please forward your EOI to us below and feel free to contact us if you would like further information about our program. Many thanks for your continued support.
Nicola Binns: nicolasweetman@gmail.com
Tish Armstrong: tishiarmstrong@hotmail.com