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Newsletter - Thursday 1 April 2021

Whole School News

A Note from our Principal - Mrs Julia Heise

As the term concludes I write this newsletter from Canberra where our Year 5 and 6 students are engaged in a range of activities in learning about their nation. A significant part of Australia’s history is based on the values we share as a nation and it is with delight that I announce the four values for Wahroonga Adventist School based equally on parent, staff and student voice. It is interesting to note that there was strong commonality in the values selected with parents and staff aligning exactly and students identifying justice as a higher priority.

The values selected to represent our school now and into the future are respect, compassion, responsibility and integrity. These values will now form our positive behaviour for learning framework and our daily conversations with students as we collaborate with you in developing the minds and hearts of students who will do their best for themselves and their community.

We have much to be thankful for this term and I pray that you will be blessed as you connect with family and friends in a special way over the Easter weekend.

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

There's no doubt that many people love Easter because of chocolate! Some time ago as we travelled through the Victorian alpine, stopping at Bright there was a little chocolate factory with the Mac families name written all over it. Even more importantly, it was open to the public that day!

Stepping inside we were greeted with an amazing, sweet and nutty mix of aromas, sufficient to ensure we didn't leave any time soon! There were nutty chocolates, spiced chocolates, lollies in chocolates, light chocolates and dark chocolates just to name a few of the amazing tastes and smells!

Going back to the chocolate factory a little while later, we were looking for the chocolate experience again, only to be quite disappointed! Yes, you guessed it, the doors were closed and the site empty. Sure, we could go look around in another shop, but we were looking forward to that experience.

Similarly, the surprise of Easter all those years ago, was to find an empty tomb and was also met with disappointment and sadness! Well, that is until they realised Jesus had already explained He would NOT be in the tomb 3 days later! Disappointment turned into amazement and joy when they saw Him, when they ate together and shared together. Finally, when Thomas put his own hand on Jesus wounds (which the Bible tells us were for the healing of the nations) there was no doubting the sweet experience of seeing their forever friend Jesus.

The followers as they gathered, recalled the conversations in which Jesus had shared in advance and foretold would happen! We read one of these conversations in John 2:19 "Destroy this temple, and in three days I'll raise it up." It is clear that He wasn't talking about bricks and mortar, as we look again one can see the statement is clear when Jesus said of His body He would "RAISE IT UP"!

This Easter as we reflect on the hope of Jesus resurrection that brings eternal life, we can look again at our lives and be reminded that the many experiences of happiness that can be short lived, or grief, or loss, or disappointment, or challenges in this life, these all can be replaced by gratitude for an empty grave!

Enjoy the chocolate this Easter, fill your family not just with the chocolate though, fill each other with gratitude and joy. This is done as we tap into the promise that an empty grave makes possible a life of fullness and for eternity- that's the sweetest aroma one can taste!

May you experience joy and hope this Easter.

Blessings

Pr Andy

School News - Years P to 6

Kindergarten

The integration of Science and Creation has been very exciting in our Kindy classrooms. Discovering our Creator’s unfathomable love and the perpetuity of simple, tiny seeds has been enlightening. Watching their own snow peas burst into life has been truly exciting! It was fascinating to observe their little seeds reach for the light and warmth of the sunshine and respond to a few steady drops of rain.

Sharing discoveries and observations has been a daily point of discussion but when the roots extended and appeared beyond the confines of the little pot, it was pure amazement. Witnessing the awe and wonderment provided by a tiny seed, tucked away safely in the heart of a sweet green pea has reinforced nature as our tutor. We all look forward to seeing them continue to flourish and yield.

For us all, it’s a timely reminder of the greatness of little things.

Year 5 & 6 Canberra Excursion

Year 5 & 6 students are having a great time in Canberra for this year's camp! Over the last three days they have visited the CSIRO Discovery Centre, National Aboretum, National Mint, Australian Insitute of Sport, Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy and Questacon. They have enjoyed a scenic bike ride, driving tour of the Embassy and Lodge District and a visit to the Mount Ainslee Lookout. Today students are visiting the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial before heading back home... It is safe to say I think the students will sleep well tonight!

French Food Day 2021

What a treat it has been for the last three weeks exploring French cuisine! Last week we had the amazing opportunity to again host our French Food Day for Years K-6.

Individual class menus for each ‘guest’ had our taste buds salivating for the delicious French baguettes, pastries and warm cassoulet and ratatouille devoured by our little restaurant goers!

Students enjoyed cooking, serving each other and sampling the delicacies in our Tour Eiffel Restaurant and Black Quatre Bistro!

Sporting Skills Clinics

Our Basketball Skills Clinic finished up in week 8 with students completing 3 weeks of training with Michael D’Agostino from the Hornsby Spiders. Students had a wonderful time benefitting from the experience of the coaches. Football NSW also wound up their coaching in the same week after completing 3 weeks of skills development and games with the students during sport time each Wednesday.

Primary House Basketball Competition

On Wednesday, 5th of May we will be holding a House Basketball Competition between Phillip and Hunter. The games will involve students from Years 3 to 6. The House Captains will be involved in selecting students for each team and are looking forward to seeing some team spirit and sportsmanship on the day.

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School News - Years 7 to 12

Industrial Technology

Year 7 and 8 students have been busy in their Industrial Technology classes this term! Year 7 have just completed their first term of Technology Mandatory Materials, where they combined multiple materials to create their own money boxes to the shape of their choosing!

Year 8 have just completed the first term of their 100 hr Industrial Technology Timber elective where they produced a small stool combining laser cutting with traditional woodworking.

High School Choir

The choir has been practicing every Tuesday morning and has grown to thirty members. The choir is preparing for the week of worship where they will be singing at the program. There are many performances which are scheduled for this ensemble. The students are most excited to be able to once again participate in choir. If there are any students interested in joining this ensemble please contact Mrs Vuceski on Kristina.Vuceski@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au for further information. All are welcome!

Physical Activity and Sport Studies

On Monday, Year 8 PASS (Physical Activity and Sport Studies) students taught prep and KA students Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS). Year 8 PASS has been studying the importance of FMS as they are the building blocks for further movement acquisition. The Year 8 PASS students did a wonderful job at teaching, instructing and guiding the Prep and Kindy students through the multiple stations. The students focused on kicking, running, throwing, catching, balancing and jumping. The Prep and Kindy students were fantastic as they listened, learnt and participated in the activities. Well done all.

Extra Curricular Sports

Over the course of term 1 students have attended running training on Friday mornings. The group has seen 40-50 participants every week, completing 4-5kms, running in the bush and along the Fox Valley Road paths. It has been great to see the fitness and speed of the students increasing each session in preparation for the upcoming Cross Country. Thanks as always to our committed parent volunteers for providing breakfast after the run! Running training will continue in term 2.

The WAS mountain bike rides were impacted by the wet weather, however, we did manage to sneak one ride in for term 1. Over 50 riders, students and parents, from Wahroonga descended upon the "H20" mountain bike trail at Westleigh. The experienced riders completed a full lap of the trail, while beginner riders completed skills, drills and laps of the green rated trails. The ride finished with an informal handicapped time trial race where students tried to chase down their friends on a lap of the green trail. More mountain bike rides are scheduled for term 2!

The Wahroonga Basketball training group have been working hard every Monday afternoon. The junior and beginner session have come a long way in developing their skills! The senior session has focused primarily on training for the Tuesday afternoon representative basketball competition, the senior boys and girls teams are developing into a highly talented group.

Representative Basketball Results

Throughout term 1 Wahroonga has participated in the CSSA Western Zone Basketball competition on Tuesday afternoons. Four teams have participated in the competition, junior boys & girls and senior boys and girls. All four of our teams made it to the grand final on Tuesday afternoon - an excellent effort. The senior girls took home a convincing win. The senior boys, junior boys and junior girls all came up just short, losing by the narrowest of margins. All of our teams performed extremely well under pressure and represented themselves and our school with great sportsmanship. The basketball teams will continue to train on Monday afternoons, with our sights now set on the CSSA Met-North gala day later in the year.

CSSA Football Trials

On Friday the 19th of March, Marco (Year 7) attended the U16 Boys CSSA Football Trials for CIS. The day was wet and rained for the entire trial. Marco was able to perform very well despite the adverse weather. He qualified for the Possibles v Probables game at the end where the final selections occur. Unfortunately, he was not selected, however as a Year 7 student versing Year 9 and 10 students (15 and 16 year old), he holds great promise for future years. Keep up the great work Marco and congratulations on your achievement.

CSSA State Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday the 30th of March, selected students competed at the CSSA State Swimming Carnival held at SOPAC. Our students did so well, competing and giving each race their all. We had some outstanding performances on the day with many PBs achieved. Congratulations to the following students who will be continuing onto CIS on Monday and Tuesday 26-27th of April.

NSW Junior State Swimming Championships

A big congratulations to Salani (Year 7), who swam in 12 events at the NSW Junior State Championships held at Homebush last weekend. Salani came 3rd place in the 200m backstroke and also swam PB's in many of her races - well done Salani!!

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Student Spotlight - Year 12 - 2021

Meet Nicholas (Nic)...

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga? I have been at Wahroonga since Year 5 which makes it 8 years.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC? The subjects I am taking for my HSC are Business Studies, PDH, Modern History, English and Food Technology.

3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)? Playing over 150 games in AFL.

4. What advice would you give your Year-seven-self who is starting high school? Be nice to your teachers. They actually do a lot for you.

5. What career would you like to do once you leave school? I’m not sure yet but something to do with sport would be interesting.

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades? Get organised!

7. Best thing you’ve ever eaten for lunch? Toasted Turkish bread with avocado and cheese from the canteen.

8. Favourite excursion? The Forensics excursion in Year 8 to the AFP headquarters.

9. Favourite day at school and why? Multicultural day in 2019 because I got to cook on a BBQ to represent Australia.

10. A quote from you... There are no words...

Meet Amelia...

1. How long have you been at Wahroonga? From Kindy to Year 6 and then I came back two weeks into Year 7 and have been here ever since.

2. What subjects are you studying in your HSC? Advanced English, Standard Maths, Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Textiles.

3. What’s your greatest life achievement so far (either in school or out)? I got my Ps, got baptised, and I got into CIS for 50 meters breaststroke.

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

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

6. Any school study/survival tips for those in younger grades? Bring a water bottle to school. It saves you time.

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

8. Favourite excursion? 1. The Accidental Death of an Anarchist excursion in Year 9 Drama. 2. Visiting Ellen White’s house/ Avondale College for Year 10 Bible.

9. Favourite day at school and why? Agriculture day because there was a petting zoo.

10. A quote from you... Oh g'day!

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to the following students who have now completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge: Emily S (KA), Elsa K (1K), Charlotte L (2M) and Oliver L (5C). Well done to all of you – Keep up the excellent reading!

Book Fair

A HUGE thank you to all those who supported our ‘To the Book Fair and Beyond’ Book Fair – it was a huge success! Thanks to your support our sales tallied up to $7,240, with $374 worth of books being donated to the classrooms! This total has set a new record for our school and we are so grateful for your support. A commission to the value of $1,824 has been chosen to buy some new books and resources for our school library.

An extra big thank you goes to the wonderful army of volunteers who came and helped set up, run and pack down our Book Fair. Your efforts are truly appreciated and your support for our School is highly valued. Thank you.

Last Week of Borrowing for Prep

Last week saw the end of library borrowing for this term for our Prep students. Please ensure that all library books are returned before the school holidays so the Prep boxes can be sorted and changed over during the holidays. Thanking you.

Home and School

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

Bits and Pieces