Principal's Message
It is said that a school is like a village – busy, complex and people focused where it takes many people to educate a child. This is certainly true of Wahroonga Adventist School where students participate in a wide range of learning experiences and community is valued.
The last two weeks have been exciting with a wonderful Book Week celebration in Primary, Science Week in Secondary, Year 3 – 8 STEM day with teams representing our school, ICAS tests, HSC Industrial Technology (Timber) showcase, and representative sport competitions. Not to mention excursions and regular learning. One of our Year 12 boys is currently representing NSW in the Australian Schools Golf Tournament and a Year 8 girl placed 7th in 200m Backstroke in the School Nationals Swimming Championships.
The Home and School Gardening Club has been very active in greening our school and I would like to thank Brad Crossman, a parent and environmental educator for his leadership in the recent Gardening Working Bee – it was a wonderful day. We now have student Environmental Ambassadors throughout the school, and I know our school community will benefit from their drive for sustainability.
Educators from around Australia and overseas have also visited us to view our learning environment. It is a privilege to be part of a broader network of educators and share as we continue to consider the future of education. Our philosophy of a wholistic, values-based education provides an excellent foundation for our students, and our professional and dedicated teachers make a big difference in the students lives.
Your partnership in education is valued and I invite you to join one of the strategic planning focus groups as we have the exciting opportunity to consider ways to further enhance the learning and wellbeing of our students. Your input in this process is important. There will be three group sessions run over the evening of 7 September and the morning and afternoon of 8 September.
Finally, I invite all dads and father figures to our Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday morning, 2 September. It will be a fun morning with a BBQ and games and I look forward to seeing you there.
May God bless you and your families.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Chaplains' Message
You’re Good Enough
At the parent information evening the presenter, Luke S Kennedy said, "You are good enough". Later as Pr Daron and I reflected on the presentation we acknowledged again our desire to assure to our young people just how important it is that they understand their value.
But how many times do we actually say to our children/students you’re accepted, you are good enough, you're important, you matter to me… do we say it and show it with our time and energy? This is a great call to us as parents and carers for this generation to know that they are loved, valued, accepted in the present, not for what will be achieved, not for what will be purchased and owned, not for mistakes and failures, but they are already valuable! Upon this value they can love, learn, strive and grow!
This is the message of the gospel, it is grace, to see value despite shortcomings, to uphold the value of our children and young people both with affirmation and with encouragement. The great truth of grace is presenting this in the tough times. Let's make it clear that our children don't earn our love, or have to rise to a certain level to know of that love, but the love we share esteems them to the place of value we know they belong to. God does this to us, we are greater than what is done right or wrong, greater than what we own or buy, because of the loving purchase of Jesus for our eternal life!
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
If you'd like to explore further the importance of saying and showing "You Are Good Enough", there will be an encouraging opportunity Friday night 2 Sept whilst the students are at the High School Worship Night (Held at Fox Valley Community Centre). We want to invite parents to the Opal Room to share in a small meaningful time with Amanda Bews (Author) and Brendan Pratt who will share "The Challenges of Consumerism for our Children" and will discuss strategies to support our young people and children. You're invited!
Remember as parents and carers "you are good enough!" Keep going, you're accepted and loved!
Pr Andy and Pr Daron - School Chaplains
Whole School News
Wahroonga Reunion and Homecoming Service - 17 September 2022
Please join us for our very first Wahroonga Adventist School Alumni Homecoming Service on Saturday, 17 September, 2022. This will be a special opportunity to reminisce about your time at the school and catch up with others who have been involved in the school over many years.
The service will commence at 11am in Wahroonga Adventist Church, followed by lunch at the school and guided tours. Guest speakers include Mr Greg Hinze and Mrs Michelle Streatfield, former Principals; Dr Andrew Pennington, former student and current parent; and Roseanna Fairfax, former student.
All past and current students, teachers, volunteers and their families are welcome to attend.
If you are a past student, parent, teacher or volunteer of Wahroonga Adventist School click on the link below to register your details for the Wahroonga Adventist School Alumni, and also like/follow the Alumni Facebook Page to keep up to date with school news, projects and events.
Scholarships Available in 2023
Seventh-day Adventist Schools (Greater Sydney) Ltd operates a Deductible Gift Fund for its Scholarship Program. Generous funds are received from Seventh-day Adventist churches, school communities and individuals for the purpose of supporting students in Adventist schools in Sydney. Scholarships are awarded annually to students who face financial hardship in coming to our schools, by paying their tuition fees. Please see the school website for further details. Applications close 31 August 2022.
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 2022 and 2023
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2022 and 2023.
Primary School News
Kindy Thai Theme Day
Our Kindies have loved learning about Thailand and have explored many aspects of its colourful and happy culture. Last week, they were able to bring their learning to life and were excited to bring the joy of Thai culture to school by wearing a bright and happy colour. They also added another level of learning by tasting some authentic Thai food! There were lots of things to touch, smell AND taste while they sat in a sea of glowing ‘krathongs’.
“This is SO yummy” and “Yes, please!” was heard, however some items have been added to the “No, thank-you” list by some. Luckily for our classes, “This is the BEST day ever” was heard echoing with the most gusto, accompanied by many happy grins.
Miss Brittany Andrews - Kindergarten Teacher
STEAM Event - Thursday 18 August 2022
Students from Stage 2 and 3 attended a STEAM event last week. STEAM is just like STEM but with the addition of appropriately decorating your solution to the problem. This year students were asked to observe the sources of waste on their school campus including rubbish, food, energy, water, and more... They then had to design a solution that could be trialled at your school to reduce or eliminate one of the identified waste issues.
The day was busy and challenging however our teams worked well together to brainstorm and then construct their prototype, remain engaged for 4 hours (even through lunch for some), and to nut out the problems that arose such as how to code the microbits. I also saw confident presentations made at the end. They were amazing! Awesome! So impressive in their ideas and teamwork!
Well done Ishaan S, Samarth P, Tiffany L and Jaz B who represented Stage 3; and Oscar L, Alex L, Nikki D and Georgie M who represented Stage 2 - you would have been so proud of them, as I was.
Mrs Coralee Kemp - Year 3 Teacher
Primary School Sport
ASISSA Athletics Carnival
Well done to all the students who participated in the ASISSA Athletics Carnival. It was a great day with so many of our students receiving personal bests. Everyone should be very proud of themselves.
A big congratulations to Joel R (Individual 11 Years old Age Champion), Harper W and Kyle S who all progressed to the next level CIS.
CIS Girls Cricket
Congratulations to Ira Sahai (yr 5) who made the Primary CIS cricket team. What an amazing effort. Well done!!!
Infant Sports Day
We are excited to be hosting our first Infant Sport Day on Wednesday 31 August. All parents from Prep to Year 2 are invited to come and watch our little ones displaying their amazing sporting skills. 9-11am (including a small picnic at the end with a fundraising store selling treats). Come along.
Upcoming Dates
- Infant Sports Day - 31 August
- SDA Touch Gala Day (Years 5 & 6) - 8 September
- CIS Primary Boys Cricket - 12 and 13 September
- CIS Athletics - 20 September
At Wahroonga, we are very proud of our students’ achievements across the sporting fields. So, we encourage you to share any sporting achievements that you child accomplishes with us.
Mrs Chloe Gilbert - Primary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School News
Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber
Students of Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber recently finished up their Major Works reaching a significant milestone in their HSC through completing both their Major Project and Portfolio. Over the course of this class for the HSC they spent the best part of year 11 at home during Online Learning, and to produce such products after such an ordeal is really spectacular. The students should be proud of what they have created and will remember this experience for years to come.
There were range of projects which were designed and skilfully crafted, the students did really well to complete what they did given the circumstances.
The student and project list is below:
- Lewis W - Epoxy Hall Table
- Andy R – Sydney Blue Gum TV Unit
- Mitchell R – Chess/Checkers Board
- Ethan T – Guitar Case
- Charlie L – Rattan Sideboard
- David L – Foosball Table
- Gabby S – Day Bed
- Nasa A – Sun Lounge
Thank you to the students for their ongoing commitment to their projects, we wish them well in their HSC.
Mr Lindsay Gates - Senior Design & Industrial Technology Teacher
Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology. Each year introduces a new topic or theme, and for 2022, we're excited to explore "Glass: More Than Meets The Eye". Students have been learning how glass is one of the planet's most versatile materials, and our secondary students have been challenged to create glass terrariums. Year 8 and 9 students attended the Kaleidoscope Science Show where they discovered the many ways that matter can change. Our representatives from stages 2, 3 and 4 attended the STEAM challenge day at Mountain View Adventist College, where our students worked together to design and create sustainable waste solutions for our school.
Avondale Open Day - 16 August 2022
On Tuesday 16 August our Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to visit Avondale University for their Open Day event. The students took a tour of the campus facilities, heard from lecturers of various courses offered and enjoyed some live music, games, and time to connect with other high school students visiting the campus for the day. The event was an excellent opportunity to experience what university life and the on-campus experience can be like. Congratulations to our students who have already secured early entry to their university courses. There are a range of scholarships available at Avondale University, if you are interested in more information on these please contact Mr Starrett.
Year 11 Business Studies
Year 11 Business Studies students recently visited Luna Park Sydney for a day of learning and fun. Students participated in a presentation on how the park is run as a business, challenges it has faced over the decades and plans for the future.
Wahroonga Adventist Teens Night - Saturday 27 August 2022
High School Worship Night - Friday 2 September 2020
Parent Masterclass - Friday 2 September - "Consumerism, Challenges, Choices and your Children"
You are invited to a Parent Masterclass with Dr Brendan Pratt (Researcher/Pastor) and Amanda Bews. (Author) This is an event just for parents whilst your High School aged children are enjoying the High School Worship Night.
Time: 6:15pm to 7:15pm
Date: Friday, 2 September
Where: Opal Room, Fox Valley Community Centre (Behind the School)
Cost: Free
All Welcome. (Primary parents are welcome to come too but please note that there is no care arrangements for primary aged children.)
Topic: Consumerism, Challenges, Choices and your Children, How can we as parents show our children how to live in a consumerist culture without us or them becoming its product?
Secondary School Sport
CSSA State Athletics
On Thursday 18 August, 26 students proudly represented Wahroonga and our North Met Zone at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre for the CSSA State Athletics. Our students competed extremely well with many students qualifying for CIS Athletics. Special mentions go to Nathan R who performed extremely well and was awarded CSSA State Athletics 15 Years Boys Age Champion. Congratulations Wahroonga athletes!
Weekly Representative Sport - Mixed Volleyball
The Under 15’s Wahroonga Mixed Volleyball Team has continued to compete in the Nepean Zone Volleyball competition. In their game last week, the mixed volleyball team was able to win 2 sets to 1 against Wycliffe. In this week’s game, they competed against Nepean Christian and won 2 sets to 0. The team currently sits 2nd place on the ladder which is amazing! Good luck Under 15’s volleyball team!
Weekly Representative Sport - Rugby League 7’s
The Nepean Rugby League 7’s competition has finally commenced after being delayed due to the poor weather and closures of the fields! Our Under 15’s and Open Boys teams are enjoying the physicality and skills, drawing on their personal experiences with rugby league and training at school. The Junior and Senior teams both competed against Penrith Christian this week. Good luck throughout the rest of the competition.
Honourable Mention - William M (Year 12)
Congratulations to William M - Will was asked to Captain the NSW boys team at the All Schools Golf Championships this week, Will and his NSW teammates are competing for the title today! So far the boys have won against ACT, SA and WA, had one loss to VIC and are now playing Queensland… The best of luck for today guys!
Honourable Mention - Salani S (Year 8)
A big congratulations to Salani who placed 7th in the 13/14 Girls 200m Backstroke at the School Nationals Swimming Championships held in Brisbane last week! Salani was selected to be part of the NSW All School Squad - An incredible result all round Salani - well done!
Upcoming Events
- CSSA State Oztag 15&U - Wednesday 31 August - The Kingsway Playing Fields, The Kingsway, Werrington
- CSSA State Oztag Opens - Thursday 1 September - The Kingsway Playing Fields, The Kingsway, Werrington
- CSSA Zone Basketball GD - Friday 2 September - Hills Sports Stadium
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Aston C (KA), Hosana K (KA), Oliver L (KA), Camila Z (KA), Willow Z (KA), Milana A (KE), Ethan K (KE), James L (KE), Isla N (KE), Adrian S (KE), Scarlett A (1C), Cole A (1C), Elisabeth G (1C), Flynn Ma (1C), Abby S (1K), Sabir C (2H), Elke G (2H), Rian K (2H), Dhruv S (2H), Aarav S (2H), Chloe Z (2H), James A (2R), Porsha C (2R), Brody L (2R), Hayley M (2R), Aashvi S (2R), Antonio Z (2R), Hugh A (3K), Thomas B (3K), Madison E (3K), Shourya M (3K), Yijie S (3K), Tate G (4R), Alexis G (4R), Sophia T (4R), Lucas Z (4R), Sarah L (5C), Avantika S (5C), Ira S (5C), Yifei S (5C), Dia C (5M), Elijah F (5M), Ashton K (5M), Abbey R (5M), Ryan J (6J), Tilly C (9A) and Peyton S (9W) who have all finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Well done to all 153 students who have completed the Challenge this year!
PLEASE NOTE: Student access to the Premier’s Reading Challenge has now closed!! Mrs Savage will have access to the PRC website until Friday, September 2, so if you missed the cutoff date please send her a list of the books you have read so she can enter them for you - email Mrs Savage (library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au). Entries can no longer be accepted after September 2.
Book Week 2022- ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’
Book Week Performance ‘Story Quest’
Last Friday our Prep to Year 4 students enjoyed the first of our book week celebrations when they attended the live production ‘Story Quest’, a lively and interactive performance featuring three of the CBCA 2022 Shortlisted books. During the show the students learnt that differences are wonderful and that ‘happily ever after’ is just the beginning of a new story.
Dress-Up Friday!
The Primary School was overrun with an amazing assortment of book characters today at our annual Book Week Dress-up Parade. Students were asked to come to school dressed as a book character they dream of being to fit in with our Book Week theme of ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open.’ As usual the children astounded us with their creativity and enthusiasm.
Mrs Leonie Savage - Librarian
Co-curricular Program
School Holiday Fun!
Canteen
The Canteen currently offers a full menu every day of the week, please see attached menu. For more information or to order please log into www.flexischools.com.au.
We are looking for Canteen Volunteers. Mums, Dads and Grandparents are all welcome. Anything from 30 minutes to a couple of hours any morning of the week, we would love to see you. No experience is needed, just the willingness to help, chop, pack bags and serve our lovely students. If you are interested or have any spare time please click here and complete the form.
Uniform Shop
A reminder to check your child's summer uniform. All students will return to school in Term 4 in full Summer Uniform. The Uniform Shop will not be open during the school holidays. Last online orders will close at 1pm on Wednesday 21 September 22. The last shop day for this term is Wednesday 21 September 22 from 8am-10am.
Uniform Shop Opening Times: The shop is open 8am-10am each Thursday during school Terms.
***Please note that in the last week of Term 3 the Uniform Shop will be open Wednesday 21/9/22 8am-10am. The shop will not open on Thursday 22/9/22. Online orders will close at 1pm on Wednesday 21/9/22 and will be delivered to primary classes and ready for collection at the office on Thursday 22/9/22
Home and School
We are half way through Term 3, feels like we are sprinting through the weeks with so much going on in the school space and within Home and School events.
On 15 August we had the Parent Master-class on anti-bullying. I acknowledge that a weeknight can get busy for many of us, so thank you to those who were able to fit it in their schedule. It was certainly a valuable evening. Luke.S. Kennedy spoke of his own background and how his own experience of being bullied made him a bully of others and especially of himself. He focused on the impact of self-bullying and discussed strategies to manage changes around self-bullying as individuals. His take home message was “be yourself”. He has written a book called “Stabbed Ego”, a copy is available in our school library should you be interested.
WAS Gardening Working Bee
A big thank you to all those who could attend the WAS working bee last Sunday. It was such a wonderful day. The sun was shining and there was a buzz in the air. We had a really big turnout and this enabled us to achieve so much. From building two new wicking veggie garden beds (with the help of Peter and Rachel from Kimbriki) to constructing a chicken hotel. Eight new smaller wicking cells have been transported to Level 3 so we can grow our own herbs onsite for food tech. We also revitalised a storage area, painted existing garden beds, mulched gardens, trimmed hedges, prepared areas for our new composting system and much, much more. There was joy and delight as we had a cuppa and chatted together. We celebrated the morning with a beautifully cooked BBQ lunch. Thank you to everybody who was able to attend. We will hold another working bee soon and you are most welcome to join in.
Brad and the WAS Gardening Committee
Next Social Event:
Fathers Day Big Breakfast - Friday 2nd September 2022
Gingerbread House - Orders Close Friday 14 October 2022
Dad’s Campout – Save the Date - 22-23 October 2022
Ice Skating - Saturday 29 October 2022
Next Home and School Meeting - 13 September 2022 at 7.30pm (via Zoom)
It was voted that Home and School Meetings will alternate between face-to-face and Zoom. So please note that the next one is ZOOM.
Mrs Michelle Roberts - Home and School President (homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu)
Meals With Love
If you know a school family that would benefit from a home cooked meal, please let us know and we’d be happy to arrange it.
We would greatly appreciate any meal or lunchbox snack donations that can be stored in our school freezer. These meals and snacks are packaged up with fresh salads provided by our Canteen. Please attach a list of ingredients and the date the meal was made to aid in distribution. We do request no pork or shellfish ingredients please. If you require storage containers, please see the Canteen. If you have any questions or would like us to arrange a meal for a family you know, then please send us an email. We thank you for your continued support.
mealswithlove@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au