Principal's Message
Flying to St Louis, USA, as I write this message, I am reminded of how we are preparing our students for a world that is a global community and constantly changing. I have the privilege of being a delegate of the Greater Sydney Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at a world-wide session representing more than 21 million members from over 200 countries as we vote on important items affecting the worldwide church.
Our students likewise make decisions every day that affect their future. Decisions about how much time and effort they put into their academic learning, decisions about how they treat themselves, their classmates, and the environment. While each individual decision may not be significant, the cumulative effect moulds who they become and the opportunities they may be able to access in their future.
Numerous reports on young people predict that our current school students will likely have a working life spanning five or more different careers and over 15 employers. What is evident is that knowledge alone does not prepare young people for the future. They will need to be problem solvers, creative and critical thinkers, and good team players – skills and mindsets that are transferable in an increasingly complex world.
It is our purpose to teach students to make wise decisions and to develop the ‘soft skills’ that will prepare them for the future.
Mrs Julia Heise
Chaplains' Message
The sense of nervousness and yet excitement was so obvious as we stood at the front of the big room for Chapel. Having just prayed together, practices complete, planning and preparation done over a period of time to bring us to this moment. It brought such joy to the teachers and to other staff, to the parents watching and certainly to us as Chaplains to see someone up front sharing, having once wondered if they could do so! Yet here they were upfront, in front of peers, and having completed it the joy on their faces told a wonderful story of how all this effort and encouragement flowed together! Was it perfect, no. But was it a meaningful, engaging, growing, maybe even healing experience? YES! And, did it matter - most certainly yes! It mattered to everyone involved and everyone who engaged, it brought joy to see them succeed together!
That's what God does, He wants our lives to flow out of His goodness and belief in us and what He purposes will flow best!
It brings so much satisfaction and joy to see young people succeed at something they were unsure they could do. When support, encouragement, direction, effort, mentoring, learning and growing work together, and when it flows into a positive outcome, it brings so much joy to everyone who has collaborated and contributed! This flow of effort and joy coming together is what makes it all worthwhile!
The Bible shares God's joy and hope for us, that our lives will flow from His plan and into our lives - Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
This term as we explore how to be fully immersed in Jesus, we are exploring what flows into and out of a relationship with God. Even though there are some real and deep life challenges for many of our school community at this time, we pray for many more joy-filled experiences in the lives of our students, families, staff, and community.
May your life flow and be filled with God's goodness!
Pr Andy and Pr Daron
Whole School News
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
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2022.
Primary School News
Da Vinci Decathlon - Years 5 & 6
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars. Two teams of our Year 5 and 6 students recently competed virtually in Da Vinci Decathlon, an academic competition run by Knox Grammar School. Their minds were challenged and stimulated as they worked together to solve problems and think creatively. Students were challenged in ten disciplines: Science, Ideation, Cartography, Mathematics, Poetry and Art, Engineering, English, Code-Breaking, General Knowledge and Creative Producing.
Not only did students embrace their individual skill sets, but also demonstrated an outstanding level of maturity when it came to supporting each other and communicating under pressure. The organisation and commitment our students applied before and during this event is inspiring and they are to be commended for their efforts.
Year 2
Pr Daron has been introducing the Year 2 students to some eggsciting things this week... each child got to place an egg in the incubator and are now officially counting down till the hatch!
Shining a torch through the egg the students got to see the embryo moving! The giggles, wow’s, squeals of amazement and exclamations of delight make this the best type of learning!
Things to Note...
Bell Times
Just a reminder that the bell for Primary goes at 8:40 am. If students arrive after this time they will need to go to the office to sign in.
Uniforms
Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform items for Primary. It is expected that students are wearing their full winter uniform unless it is their sport or PE day where sport uniform is required. Please contact the Uniform Shop to obtain any missing items.
Primary School Sport
ASISSA Cross Country
Congratulations to the 50 students who took part in the ASISSA Cross Country on Thursday 26 May at Queens Park. We were blessed with amazing sunshine and had a brilliant day of running, cheering and celebrating success.
A special mention to the following children who all progressed to the next level (CIS).
- Thomas B
- Oliver B
- Ewan K
- Levi L
- Logan L
- Callum P
- Sean P
- Joel R
- Kyle S
This is one of our best outcomes ever. What an amazing achievement! 😊
SDA Basketball Gala Day
On 1 June a group of Stage 3 students attended the SDA Basketball Gala Day at Bankstown Basketball Stadium. The students have attended training sessions and practiced hard in the lead up to the gala day. Their skills and hard work showed on the court! The boys team won 3 games and lost two games both by 1 point in each. The girls team were undefeated and went on to win their grand final. It was an incredible day where students showed incredible sportsmanship and team work. Rebecca H and Kyle S were awarded the team award for their respective teams. Lily A was awarded the girls player of the competition.
SDA Soccer Gala Day
The Year 3 and 4 boys represented WAS at the SDA Soccer Gala Day on 26 May at Hills Centenary Park. The boys played 6 matches back-to-back and had a brilliant time learning some very special skills such as teamwork and cooperation. They returned to school with enormous smiles on their faces and really enjoyed, for some, their first real taste of interschool competition. Well done!
Jump Rope for Heart
As we approach our final week of Jump Rope for Heart, I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all the students who have taken part in this programme and joined together to raise funds for the National Heart Foundation. We have raised over $1300 and there is still time to get some last-minute sponsorship. The final day to collect sponsorship will be on Wednesday 9 June.
Good luck and remember a healthy heart is a happy heart! 😊 In the link below are some awesome tricks to try at home...😊
Parents information: www.jumprope.org.au/parents
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.
Upcoming Dates
- CIS Cross country- 8 June
- Netball Schools Cup - 8 June
- CIS Boys Softball 10 June
- CIS Girls Cricket 17 August
- ASISSA Athletics Carnival – 18 August
- CIS Athletics 20 September
- CIS Primary Boys Cricket 12 and 13 September
Mrs Chloe Gilbert - Primary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School News
Sydney Prayer Breakfast - 31 May 2022
After an early start our School Captains and Prefects had the opportunity to participate in the annual Sydney Prayer Breakfast. An event that brought over 1800 people together from across the city through prayer. Our Christianity isn’t just who we are in our schools but is a far greater movement that we belong to.
English Department - Clubs Now Available
We are very excited to announce the Clubs currently being run by our English department - available to all High School students;
- Debating Training - Tuesday mornings from 7:25 – 8: 25 in GLA1 (open to all 7-12 students who have paid/confirmed yearly attendance – there is still room for some students to join).
- Debating Performance - Tuesday lunch time in GLA1 (same as above).
- Creative Writing Club - Wednesday lunch time in GLA1 (open to all 7-12 students).
- English Enrichment - Thursday Morning from 7:25- 8: 25 am (7-8 by selection only) in GLA1.
- Drama Club - Friday Mornings from 7:25-8:25 am in GLA1 (open to all 7-12 students).
For further information please contact Jasmine Delacruz, Head of English Department at jasmine.delacruz@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.
Music - Sing Praise Concert
On Saturday 21 May three of our music students were invited to participate in the Sing Praise concert held at Wahroonga Church. It was a great way for our students to engage in the wider school and church community. It was a wonderful concert which was enjoyed by all!
Year 10 Commerce Class
Ben Caswell, who ran as an Independent for Berowra in the recent election, came to speak to our Year 10 Commerce students about his recent election campaign. Ben explained the voting process, described how parliament is elected and outlined how his faith played an important role in his decision making process.
Year 11 PDHPE
Year 11 PDHPE students are learning about the movement of blood through the body and the influence of the circulatory and respiratory systems on movement efficiency and performance. Erin Keegan who is a nursing lecturer from Avondale University, presented important information about blood pressure and taught students how to use a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope to take a blood pressure reading. It’s harder than it looks!
Year 8 Cafe
A reminder that Year 8 Café is open and we would love our school community to pop in and say hi! We are proud to offer a range of tasty snacks and drinks prepared and served by our Year 8 students. Over the last term, we have worked hard to refine our skills, and are looking forward to having you join us soon!
If you are joining us, please sign in at the front office before making your way up to the Textiles room on Level 3.
Café will be open between 2-3pm on the following dates:
- Week 8 – Thursday, June 16
- Week 9 – Friday, June 24
- Week 10 – Thursday, June 30
WIRED! - Friday 17 June 2022
Secondary School Sport
Athletics Carnival
On Monday 23 May, Secondary students competed at the School Athletics Carnival at the Warm-Up Arena at Olympic Park. The day was predicted to be rainy, however, the rain held off and the carnival was conducted smoothly. A big congratulations to our Age Champions and Runners Up for the day - we are really proud of you all!
CSSA State Cross Country
On Friday 27 May, 42 Secondary students competed at the CSSA State Cross Country at Horsley Park. The sun was out and despite the very muddy and slippery conditions our students persevered and represented the school well. Congratulations to Jess M and Charlie L who have qualified for CIS State!
Tuesday Representative Sport
U15s Netball - The U15s Girls Netball team competed against Richard Johnson Anglican School in the Nepean Zone Netball Competition. It was a competitive game with our Netball team winning 15-10. The U15s Girls Netball team are undefeated. Well done girls!
U15s Boys Futsal - The U15s boys Futsal team played against Richard Johnson Anglican School in the Nepean Zone Futsal competition. We won 8-2 with Marco scoring 5 of the goals. Well done!
Honourable Mentions
Orianna E graded successfully to Black Belt (Jowgar Kung Fu), a month ago, after 5 years of training. Her grading lasted 1 hour and included multiple forms and sparring with the instructor. We are very proud of her efforts, diligence and patience that has resulted in this achievement. Congratulations!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to William L (1C), James B (1C), Martina C (2H), Jack C (2H), Jamie L (2H), Nicole D (3K), Amrit G (3L), Eliza C (4R), Mia M (4R), Sophie F (5M), Sophie L (5M), Kyle S (5M), Zara X (5M), and Arianna K (6J) who have all finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Awesome effort!
The Premier’s Reading Challenge does not finish until the end of August so there is still plenty of time to complete it. Happy Reading!!
National Simultaneous Story Time
On Wednesday, 25 May Wahroonga Adventist School participated in the National Simultaneous Story Time where author, Joshua Pyke read his fabulous new picture book ‘Family Tree’. Over 2 million students across Australia and New Zealand tuned in at 11am to listen to the reading.
Kids’ Lit Quiz
On Monday, 23 May Wahroonga Adventist School sent three teams to participate in the Sydney Heat (3) of the Kids’ Lit Quiz, the Sport of Reading! There were 9 schools represented at the Loreto, Kirribilli heat, with a total of 27 teams all competing for a place in the National Final being held at the State Library of NSW in August. Our students all displayed excellent team work and represented our school with beautiful manners and good sportsmanship. Whilst we were not amongst the winning teams on the day, Wahroonga Adventist School did achieve the highest score in three of the ten categories and two of our students came home with $5 instant quiz wins! A big thank you to Shivon C (6K), Sophie C (7A), Ryan J (6J), Sri J (7A), Tiffany L (6K), Lucy M (6K), Ishaan S (6J), Nathan S (7A), Diya S (7S), Sheressa S (6K) and Derek W (6K) for being wonderful ambassadors for our school.
Mrs Leonie Savage - Librarian
Home and School
Home and School met this week on 31 May via Zoom, it was another productive meeting where we were able to discuss requests made to the Home and School.
- Home and School has agreed to pay for the purchasing of 2 new pie warmers for the school canteen. Perfect timing coming into the winter months when our students will be wanting access to warmer food options.
- We have also provided funds for the school to purchase a WAS specifically designed Marquee to be taken to sporting events or other events for our students.
- Parent Masterclass in Term 3 – Bullying – date to be confirmed.
The Garden Subcomittee have been working hard making applications for grants so that we can further enrich the environment around our school. Watch this space...
We are also planning on holding a Working Bee in Spring – so get your gloves ready!
If you would like to join the sub-committee or have some idea’s you would love to share please email bradcrossman1@gmail.com.
Mums At The Table
Mums At The Table is a parenting website filled with plenty of great articles about raising children. They’re also focused on creating community and support for parents in the local area. We’ve teamed up with them with the aim of developing better connections between our school and our parents.
Parents (and any of your non-school-aged kids) are invited to join the Mums At The Table meet-ups on Mondays at 10.30am, at the Fox Valley Community Centre.
We want Mums At The Table to work for you, and so, we would like a volunteer (or two) to help:
- Moderate the existing Upper North Shore Mums At The Table Facebook group, where you can ask questions and find support in a safe, online environment;
- Be a part of our coffee morning, to connect with parents in person;
- Help with the Monday meet-ups or organise other social events, to create a thriving school community.
If you’re interested to be a part of the school’s Mums At The Table initiative, please contact Daron Pratt at daron.pratt@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.
Movie Event!
Last chance to buy the movie tickets today 3 June 2022 – if you are free this coming Sunday 5 June in the afternoon please feel welcome to join us for this social event.
The next Home and School meeting will be held on – Tuesday 2 August at 7.30pm.
Meals With Love
Do you know of a school family that has just welcomed a new baby, has a sick family member, or a family that just needs a little TLC? We would love to be able to support them on behalf of the school community with a Meals with Love meal. Please send us an email and we'll arrange for a meal to be sent home. Meals are prepared by the Canteen and the MWL team, however if you would like to contribute, we would gratefully accept any dry ingredients such as pasta or microwave rice to accompany our dishes.
If you have received a MWL meal, please return the blue cooler bag to the Canteen.
Many thanks for your support.
Mealswithlove@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au
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