Whole School News
A Note from our Principal - Mrs Julia Heise
Schools are busy places, and the beginning of Term 2 has highlighted the multi-faceted nature of learning in our school. Students have participated in cross country, commemorated the sacrifices of men and women for our country on ANZAC Day, represented the school and zone in sporting events, camped and caved at Bungonia Caves, and continued their academic learning.
As Principal I am very proud of the efforts of staff and students in many different arenas of learning. This week the school had its five-yearly accreditation appraisal and our visitors from NSW Education Standards Authority and Adventist Schools Australia commented very positively about the learning environment.
Over the course of last term, the school community including staff, parents and students met to collectively define the values of the school, values which reflect what is important to us and guide our attitudes and actions. We now have symbols for each of the four values and the visual representations provide a platform for deepening understanding and guiding choices in behaviour:
• Integrity is represented by the shield and cross, and is an authentic representation of how values are at the core of everything we do.
• Respect signifies people connecting with and valuing all others as equals.
• Compassion demonstrates how we use both our hearts and hands to care for others.
• Responsibility is designed to impart that each member of the school community is responsible for learning in the broadest sense, holding it in their own hands.
I encourage you to use the language of these values with your children at home as we partner together in developing confident learners who will make a difference in their community.
ANZAC Day Services
Our students took part in special ANZAC Day services last week to commemorate and honour the men and women who bravely served our nation. Students who participate in their local clubs were invited to wear their uniform and take part in the service.
Music Tuition - Introducing our Tutors...
Zac Sellars is in his final year of studying a Bachelor of Music at JMC Academy majoring in Songwriting and Music Theory. Zac began playing guitar at the age of 5 and began singing at the age of 10 at Wahroonga Adventist school - where he was school captain in 2013. Since then, he has put a large focus on songwriting and released 3 songs on Spotify and other streaming services. Zac began teaching guitar and bass to students in his final year of high school and began teaching at Wahroonga Adventist at the start of 2021. If you are interested in lessons with Zac, feel free to contact the music department at kristina.vuceski@wahroonga.edu.au where you will be put in touch with Zac!
Co-Curricular Program for Term 2
There are a number of co-curricular opportunities available for students in Years K to 12, before and after school and/or at lunch time. Please click on the link below to access our Co-Curricular Program. If you have any questions please contact kelly.oldfield@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.
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
Exciting News!! Week of Worship 2021 is happening over the next fortnight. Our Junior School will enjoy a time discovering more about how God knows us, God hears us, God comforts us, God forgives us, God chooses us and we are God's precious treasure!
The dates and times for Junior WOW is 3-7 May 2021 and daily from 8:50am to 9:30am. A notice is being sent to invite the parents/carers of each grade group on specific days (for covid reasons) and this will come out shortly.
WOW 2021 for Middle and Senior School will be themed Future. We can know and trust that God gives us security, stability and hope for our future and invites us to journey with Him into eternity!
The dates and times for Middle and Senior WOW are 10-14 May 2021 with the following daily times-
Senior School 8:40am-9:30am
Middle School 9:40am-10:25am
School News - Years P to 6
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Years 5 and 6 Canberra Excursion
Students from Years 5 and 6 recently participated in an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributed funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the overall camp costs. This rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Sport - Prep to Year 6
Primary School Cross Country - 20 April 2021
We have hit the ground running, literally and figuratively at the beginning of this term. We held the School Cross Country during Week 1 on Tuesday, 20th April and the weather was perfect. The day ran smoothly with some great results and a lot of students enjoyed the pancakes on offer during the fundraiser. Congratulations to all our winners who were announced at Assembly on Monday! A big thankyou to all the parents who came on the day to help and support the students.
CIS Hockey Trials - Tuesday 27 April 2021
On Tuesday 27th April, Year 6 students Rhea, Heidi and Leo participated in the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Hockey trials at Pennant Hills Park. They represented the school proudly and had a fantastic day, meeting new friends, learning new skills and demonstrating their hockey talents against a broad group of students from schools across Sydney and beyond.
All three Wahroonga students impressed, with Leo’s exceptional day as left half mid resulting in being selected to represent CIS at the PSSA Championships in Newcastle in late May. Well done Leo, it is a great achievement amongst such tough competition and it will be wonderful to see Wahroonga Adventist represented at the PSSA Championships.
Upcoming Events
19th May – CIS Rugby League (Year 5 and 6 only)
20th May – ASISSA Cross Country
26th May – CIS Rugby Union Trials (Year 5 and 6 only)
If your child plays representative sports in Rugby Union or Rugby League and would like to represent the school at the CIS Trials please let me know at nathan.hurst@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au
School News - Years 7 to 12
Year 8W Geography Excursion - Thursday 22 April 2021
Year 8W Geography class went on an excursion to Norah Head Beach last week. They completed fieldwork and worked on other geographical skills as part of an assessment. It was also Earth Day, which was a coincidence for the excursion.
Year 8 Camp - 27 to 30 April
Our Year 8 students have come to the end of their camp after spending the last 4 days exploring Bungonia National Park... They have been enjoying their time together - caving (both during the day and at night), orienteering, abseiling, hiking and taking part in team building activities. As the students make their way home this afternoon they are tired, but satisfied and are looking forward to getting home after a huge effort and a lot of fun!
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Sport - Years 7 to 12
High School Cross Country - Tuesday 20 April 2021
On Tuesday the 20th of April we had our annual Cross Country. It was fantastic to see so many students get involved and compete to a high standard. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this day possible. Thank you to all those who bought pancakes from the fundraiser, we raised $350! Congratulations to the following students who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Permission notes have been sent via email for the CSSA Cross Country.
CIS Swimming - 26 & 27 April 2021
On Monday night and Tuesday morning, selected students competed at the NSW CIS Secondary Championships 2021. This is a very competitive event and we are very proud of our students! A special mention to Salani who came 5th in the 50m and 200m backstroke, and 6th in the 100m backstroke and 200m IM and Felicity who came 5th in the 100m and 200m Freestyle.
CSSA Netball Umpiring
On Wednesday the 21st of April, Charlotte Lineen umpired at the CSSA Primary Netball Gala Day to trial as an Umpire for CIS Netball. Charlotte was selected and will be umpiring at the upcoming CIS Netball Gala Day. Well done!
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
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. Remember to include your name and all working out when submitting solutions. Keep up the good work!
Entries close Friday 7th May
Student Spotlight - Year 12 - 2021
Meet Christian...
1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?
I started here in Kindy and came back to do Year 8 onwards so over 11 years.
2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?
Standard Maths, Standard English, Industrial Technology (Timber), Textiles & Design, Music, and Ancient History.
3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)?
Continuing to learn from my failures. It’s an ongoing thing.
4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school?
Start learning an instrument or a language now.
5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?
Primary Teacher.
6. Any school survival tips for those in younger grades?
Be respectful to others. Also be kind and show forgiveness!
7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch?
A fish taco that I ate when I was in the USA.
8. Favourite excursion?
Art Express for Year 10 Visual Art.
9. Favourite day at school and why?
It hasn’t happened yet, but I think the final day of Year 12 is going to be amazing.
10. A quote from you...
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity” – Sun Tzu
Meet Michelle...
1. How long have you been at Wahroonga?
I have been here since Kindy. So over 12 years.
2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC?
Advanced English, Modern History, Ancient History, Legal studies, Visual Arts & Extension History.
3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)?
Turning 18 soon!
4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school?
Stop overthinking and go out more before it's too late, time goes by faster every year.
5. What career would you like to do once you leave school?
Not sure yet, but something to do with Humanitarianism.
6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades?
Don't leave tasks until the last minute.
7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch?
Probably pizza.
8. Favourite excursion?
Year 8 Forensics excursion to the Australian Federal Police Headquarters.
9. Favourite day at school and why?
Multicultural Day in 2018, it was really fun, and we got to eat foods from other countries.
10. A quote from you...
“In the end, they’ll judge me anyway so whatever” - Min Yoongi
Library News
Library News
Congratulations to Ethan W (KA), Hugo B (1K), Annabelle J (1S), Sophia W (2M), Nicolas J (3K) Kyle S (4R) and Oliver X (6J) who have all completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Keep up the great reading! The Premier’s Reading Challenge finishes at the end of August, so there is still plenty of time to get on board – why not give it a go? It’s fun!
Book Fair Guessing Competition
Congratulations to Isabelle R (KE) and Callum P (5C) who both correctly guessed that there were 79 milky way bars in our book fair guessing competition. Congratulations also to all the other lucky children who received prizes from the lucky draw. Thank you once again for your wonderful support of our ‘To the Book Fair and Beyond’ Book Fair.
Upcoming Library Events
National Simultaneous Storytime (11am, May 19) – This year our school is participating in the National Simultaneous Storytime. At 11am, May 11 we will be tuning in online with other schools from all around Australia and New Zealand to listen to an astronaut reading the book ‘Give me Some Space’ by Philip Bunting.
Kids’ Lit Quiz (May 24) – 12 students will be selected to represent our school at the Sydney Heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz on May 24! We look forward to seeing our students shine during this fun and fast paced literature-based trivia quiz.
Home and School
Welcome to Term 2!
On the 22nd of April Pymble Ladies College kindly opened up their Parent Master Class on Respect Matters to the wider community. It was for parents/carers around relevant information to educate and empower their children about sex education and consent. Some of you may have attended the live forum, but if you missed it there has been a recording put on youtube so you can watch at your convenience.
Home and School Meeting - Tuesday 4 May 2021
The next Home and School meeting will be held this coming Tuesday the 4th of May at 7.00pm in the Wedge.
Please note we will also try to facilitate a zoom option for those who cannot attend in person.
Mothers Day Stall - Friday 7 May 2021
Home & School Meeting Dates for 2021
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
Meals with Love
Meals with Love is back for Term 2!! If you know a school family that needs a little TLC and would benefit from a home cooked meal then please send us an email and we can arrange for one to be sent home. Many thanks for supporting this initiative.
Tish Armstrong: tishiarmstrong@hotmail.com
Nicola Binns: nicolasweetman@gmail.com
Vanessa Carter: Vanessa.c.carter@hotmail.com