A Message from the Head of Secondary School
This long weekend my daughter went on her first pathfinder expedition. For those unfamiliar, it is a long weekend adventure in wilderness areas such as National Parks, State Forests and involves bushwalking, navigation, and camping. Everything she needed for the four days was strategically packed. Her tent and wet weather gear, cooker, food, sleeping bag and mat, headtorch, first aid kit, water and snacks were all accounted for.
The weekend was cold and windy, with each morning waking up to a tent covered in ice. But she assured me it was one of the best times of her life. While I didn't have the pleasure of attending with her, I did see a photo of her as she headed into base camp, staggering around with a pack that dwarfed her and weighing her down.
This image provided a good laugh for the whole family, especially her younger brothers, but also gave me pause. It reminded me of the continual encouragement in the Bible to cast our burdens on Jesus (Psalms 55:22, Matthew 11:28-30, and 1 Peter 5:7 are just a few).
Often the weight is legitimate and includes responsibilities, pressures, obligations, schedules, and entanglements. The price of groceries, fuel, inflation, and interests are all very real for each of us. Yet, how often do we stagger through life weighed down by anxiety, stress, and worry when Jesus has urged us to give these to Him. The Bible says that to run and win your life's race, you must 'lay aside every weight’ (Hebrew 12:1).
Each time I see this photo, I smile. Not only am I reminded of my tiny but mighty daughter, but also that we only need to ask, and Jesus, like a parent carrying a pack for their child, gently takes our burdens to himself and sustains us.
Today I encourage you to stop and take an inventory of what you're carrying and give your burdens to the One who Sustains us.
Mr Michael St Mart - Head of Secondary School
Chaplains' Message
New Life
This week has been cold as our nightly temperatures have dropped to near zero and frost on the ground has been seen for the first time this year. The breezeways at school have been wind tunnels and most students have sought out sheltered sunny positions in our play areas to catch what rays they can.
As we have moved from the colours of autumn in the cold of winter the Year 2 classroom has been "eggcited" as 20 plus chickens hatched. We prayed together that God would spark the new life in the eggs and then we counted down 21 days with increasing anticipation and right on time they hatched much to our amazement and wonder. We thanked God together for His new life miracle as we held our chickens.
When new life happens we are always excited and marvel at the wonder of God in these situations. This week has also been a busy week for our Chaplains as they have been involved in our Greater Sydney Conference Schools "Big Day of Worships". What amazing days they were as all the schools came together to interact and worship our almighty God. Years 9 and 10 attended Hills Adventist College on Wednesday and Years 11 and 12 attended on Thursday. We as Chaplains were thrilled as the children got to experience what new life in Jesus looks like as Pr Priscilla and Pr Murray challenged the students with the Gospel of New Life found in Jesus Christ.
We are excited to be working alongside your children and the WAS staff so that your children are constantly immersed in Jesus with each new experience.
Pr Andy and Pr Daron - School Chaplains
Whole School News
Wahroonga Adventist School Alumni
We are excited to announce our recently formed Wahroonga Adventist School Alumni! All past students, parents, teachers and volunteers of Wahroonga Adventist School are invited to register their details by clicking the link below to be kept up to date with school news, projects and events.
Connecting past and present students, staff, parents, and volunteers is the purpose of WAS Alumni as we share memories, experiences and common values.
Our Alumni provides a platform for friendships and networking and offers opportunities to give back to the school and its wider community through mentoring and more.
SAVE THE DATE - Wahroonga Reunion and Homecoming Service
Music Program
Camerata Strings
On 3 June our Camerata String Orchestra participated in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod. Students firstly played for the student body at our chapel service with great energy and enthusiasm. It was a wonderful experience for the student body to hear their peers who have been working tirelessly on their string playing.
Once chapel ended the students all boarded the school bus and left for Chatswood where the event was taking place.
We entered into the intermediate string division where we played with many other schools. Our students performed beautifully and captured the audiences interest with every note. A big congratulations to our students and conductor Mrs Jameson on a truly wonderful performance.
Our New Instruments
Our music students have been fortunate enough to utilise our new instruments both in band, classroom music and string groups. It has truly been a blessing to be able to have students play the various instruments which have added so much joy and excitement within the student body. Students have become familiar with the marimba, tubular bells and timpani’s as just a start!
I would like to thank you all for filling out the orchestral interest form. We have had a number of teachers also express interest in playing their instruments in the orchestra. We are excited that these instruments have aided in the formation of this new ensemble and added a great deal of understanding in our classroom teaching!
If you have further questions about orchestra, tuition and music in general please do not hesitate to contact the School.
Mrs Kristina Vuceski - Head of Department, Creative and Performing Arts
Introducing Shirley Wu - Piano Teacher
Being in love with music all her life, Shirley Wu started her journey on the piano at the age of 4, and she has never looked back. She is a graduate of Sydney Conservatorium High School, a recipient of Licentiate in Music from the Australian Music Examination Board in 2002, and has performed in many concert halls around Sydney. Intrigued with the concept of tailored and effective teaching methods, Shirley who also has a science degree incorporates these ideas into her lessons, making them enjoyable and fun yet ensuring a high standard of content is delivered in each and every session.
As a mum of two young boys, Shirley will use music in a creative way to enrich her student’s life, and use music as a platform to allow her pupils to become confident and engaging individuals, as this is what she believes her parents have done for her.
Shirley is also currently a piano teacher at Barker College.
In her spare time, Shirley is a lover of all things great outdoors. She enjoys DIY projects and is a fabulous cook. She firmly believes in loving people unselfishly and the need to contribute wherever she is.
She is absolutely looking forward to meeting your child to help with starting his or her own musical journey. For further information please contact kristina.vuceski@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.
Co-curricular Program
The afternoons have been a hive of activity at Wahroonga with our co-curricular programs. Students have been building motorised lego, practising their basketball skills, learning dance routines for the end of year showcase, fine tuning their chess skills, debating and many more activities that have been put into action. We are excited to announce a few new programs for both Primary and High School for Term 3. Further information will be emailed in the coming weeks.
Primary School
- Code Camp
- Drone Camp
- Public Speaking
- Cricket
- Motiv8 After School Sports Clinic
High School
- Debating
- Drama
- Orchestra
Taekwondo
WAS students took part in their very first grading with the Institute of Modern Taekwondo (IMT) last week. Students need to demonstrate a good understanding of the basic stances, blocks, strikes and kicks to progress to the next level.
Taekwondo is a traditional Korean Martial Art and also an Olympic sport. Taekwondo values are to be courteous, show self-control & to have a "never give up" attitude.
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
Year 2 Baby Chick Update...
They are finally here! Year 2 has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our little chicks! They have been patiently waiting and watching them grow more and more every single day! They have enjoyed holding, feeding and giving them lots of cuddles!
Up-coming Events
Years 3-6 Showcase – 22 June 2022
Please join us for an evening of music entertainment by our Year 3 - 6 students on Wednesday, 22 June 2022, from 6:00pm. This will be held at the Fox Valley Community Centre.
We ask that students arrive no later than 5:45pm. This is a compulsory school event, however if your child cannot make it please email natalie.miller@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au.
Student artwork will be on display in the foyer where tea and coffee will also be available from 5:45pm. Artworks can be purchased by the family for $5, with all proceeds going towards the purchase of additional musical instruments for our students.
Please book your free tickets for the event at https://www.trybooking.com/CAGNT.
We look forward to seeing you on the night.
Parent Teacher interviews
Reminder that our Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Tues 28 and Wed 29 June. Directions for booking have been emailed to families.
Primary School Sport
Jump Rope for Heart
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 $2,288 What an amazing achievement!!!!!
Children who are eligible for their personal prizes will be contacted directly by a representative from Jump Rope for Heart in the coming weeks.
Thank you 😊
Parents information : www.jumprope.org.au/parents
Sporting Achievements
CIS Cross Country
Congratulations to the 9 students who were selected to represent WAS at the CIS Cross Country.
Unfortunately, due to illness and prior engagements Callum, Sean and Kyle were not able to compete on the day, but the other 6 boys did an amazing job and enjoyed learning how to compete at a very high level. Well done boys. 😊
- Thomas B
- Oliver B
- Ewan K
- Levi L
- Logan L
- Callum P
- Sean P
- Joel R
- Kyle S
Fencing
Victor K recently competed in the 2022 NSW Fencing Association – Peter Witkop Shield representing Hills Athletic Fencing Club and received the Bronze Medal in the Boys U12 Sabre category. His continuous hard training and passion for the sport has yielded an excellent result for Victor and we are very proud of his achievement.
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
- Primary School Athletics Carnival - 5 August
- Infant Sports Day - TBA
- CIS Girls Cricket - 17 August
- ASISSA Athletics Carnival – 18 August
- CIS Primary Boys Cricket - 12 and 13 September
- CIS Athletics - 20 September
Mrs Chloe Gilbert - Primary Sports Coordinator
Primary School Holiday Fun...
During the School Holidays our School will be offering two fun programs to keep the kids entertained...
Code Camp
We will be offering Code Camp from 5-7 July, for more information or to register, please click here.
Olympics Camp
And Motiv8 a super fun Olympics Camp on 19 and 20 July. For more information or to register click here.
Other Holiday Activities on Offer from External Providers...
Secondary School News
Space Seeds Update...
As part of the Space Seeds program, the Science Discovery Team were able to compare 'space basil' with 'earth basil'.
The students unanimously decided that 'space basil' had the best flavour. They also measured and compared the size of the leaves, and found the 'space basil' won on size as well!
The Science Discovery Team has worked hard to record data and upload this real-life science data to the One Giant Leap Foundation. Great job, Discovery Team!
Mrs Zuze's Year 7 Food Technology students have also been creating sustainable pasta dishes to showcase the space basil in the kitchen...
Year 10 History - Anzac Memorial Excursion to Hyde Park
Did you know that one of the Anzacs killed at Beersheba played cricket for Australia? Or that women who served as nurses during World War I had to pay for their own voyage to the front? And did you know that one young man, killed just hours after arriving at Gallipoli, was 15 years old – the same age as many of our Year 10 students?
On Friday the 20th of May, the Year 10 History class learned these and many more details about the men and women who served Australia during both World Wars. At the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park they took part in ‘20 lives in 20 objects’, where each student was assigned an artefact and a pair of dog tags, with the task of finding the individual they represented in the Memorial exhibition. Students reported back to the rest of the class about what they discovered about their serviceperson and read out a ‘postcard home’ they composed from that person’s perspective.
When asked what they learned at the Memorial, Chloe G commented, “I was deeply intrigued by the Japanese submarines captured in Sydney Harbour. I found out that the Australian government held a funeral for the Japanese soldiers who died - our ‘enemy’ in war.” Jasper P remarked, “I thought that the stories behind the soldiers’ experiences during the war, were extremely interesting, I also thought that it was disappointing that a lot of these stories are not really talked about.”
Year 10 were also asked whether they would recommend a visit to the Anzac Memorial, to which James L responded, “Definitely yes! I enjoyed getting to know individual service people through writing my postcard and listening to my classmates’ postcards.” Lucas P echoed these sentiments, stating that, “It was a great experience.”
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 9 – Friday, June 24
- Week 10 – Thursday, June 30
WIRED! - Friday 17 June 2022
Secondary School Sport
CSSA Zone Football Gala Day
On Friday 3 June, Wahroonga Adventist School sent 3 teams to our CSSA Zone Football Gala Day – an U15s Boys Team, Open Boys Team and an Open Girls Team. Our teams competed in 4 tough games against Northern Beaches Christian, Christian Covenant , Pacific Hills and Oxford Falls Grammar. Although we did not qualify to attend the CSSA State Football Gala Day, our football teams did our school proud. Well done students!
CSSA State Netball Gala Day
On Monday 6 June, the U15s and Open Girls Netball teams attended and participated in the CSSA State Netball Gala Day at Jamison Park in Penrith. Both teams played 6 games against a range of schools from CSSA. A special mention goes to Sarah V (Year 11) who attended and assisted with umpiring. Well done girls on your efforts representing our school!
CIS Cross Country
On Wednesday 8 June, the CIS Cross Country Championships was held at Sydney Motorsport Park. Jess M and Charlie L from Year 12 represented our school proudly and ran 6km – which is 2km extra from the qualifying event. Well done girls!
Tuesday Representative Sport
U15s Netball
The U15s Girls Netball team had qualified for the Semi-Final in the weekly Nepean Zone Netball Competition. The team versed The Lakes CC and won 18-7. Congratulations girls and good luck in the Grand Final next week!
U15s Futsal
The U15s Boys Futsal team have been competing in the Nepean Zone Futsal Competition and have done well so far. On Tuesday, they played The Lakes CC and tied 3-3. Well done boys!
Honourable Mentions
CSSA State Gymnastics
On Thursday 2 June, Daniel P (Year 9) competed at the CSSA State Gymnastics Competition at Level 5. He participated in a variety of events which included vault, p-bars, pommel, floor, rings and high-bar. Congratulations Daniel on your efforts in Gymnastics!
NSW All-Schools Swimming Championships
Salani S (Year 8) achieved an amazing achievement earlier this year by qualifying for the NSW All-Schools Swimming Championships at the CIS Swimming Championships for the Girls 14 200m Backstroke. On Friday 3 June, she competed in this event at the NSW All-Schools Swimming Championship and placed 2nd which is an astonishing achievement! Congratulations Salani and good luck at the Australian All Schools Nationals!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School Holiday Fun...
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to Ishika K (KE), Marissa F (KE), Reynold S (1K), Aiden P (5M) and Sri Jayanthi S (7A) who have all completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Keep up the great reading!
The Premier’s Reading Challenge does not finish until the end of August so why not give it a go? Please contact Mrs Savage if you need your username and password. Happy Reading!!
Holiday Borrowing
This week is the last week of borrowing for Prep students for this term. Please make sure all library books are returned to the Library before the school holidays.
Borrowing is continuing up to the holidays for all other students. If you would like your child to have extra books for holiday reading (maximum of 10 books), please email me your request (library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au) and these books can be collected in the last week of term. Thank you!
Library WebApp
Please note that since a recent upgrade which synchronized our library management system with our whole school database, students have been unable to log in to their individual library details in the Library WebAPP. We are in the process of rectifying this problem, but until then you can continue to view the WebAPP homepage and search the library catalogue as a guest. To visit the Library WebApp go to bit.ly/waslibrary
Mrs Leonie Savage - Librarian
Home and School
Term 3 is going to be filled with social events so make sure you save the dates in your calendar!
We are planning for whole school Ice Skating at Macquarie - date to be confirmed. Wear your favourite funky hat or beanie for the chance to win a prize.
There will also be the annual Dad's campout for Primary School students, the proposed dates are the 22-23 October. This is traditionally a big event for our little people with their dads - lots of fun and great memories are made.
We are doing Gingerbread Houses - orders to be taken in Term 3 but instead of building the Gingerbread Houses at home we are hoping to hold it on the school campus with Christmas music and light refreshments.
SAVE THE DATE - Parent Master Class - 15 August 2022 @ 6.15pm
Luke Kennedy will be a guest speaker to our parents and students on bullying. This will be a valuable Parent Masterclass. Please click here to read more about Luke's masterclass.
More details to follow but please put this in your calendar, not an event to miss out on and is funded by Home and School.
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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Bits and Pieces
Dance Element Studios Concert - 2022!!
We are so excited to announce the theme of our annual concert this year… “Once Upon A Time”
Our concert setting is a library where each dance will open and explore a book and take you on the adventure with them!! 📚📖
Please get in touch if you would like further information on our classes/concert. danceelementstudios@gmail.com, 0479 087 581
We are so excited to put on an amazing concert this year and showcase all our students’ talent and hard work!!
Eczema Support Australia has recently released a new video series with Dr Justin Coulson on Practical Parenting for Eczema Families. The video resource provides an insight into the daily challenges faced by families with eczema. It also provides strategies to help develop positive coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of isolation for the family unit.
This resource could be useful to parents of children with eczema. Please click on the link to view the video series.
Additionally, Eczema Support Australia have developed new Eczema Information Sheets on caring for Eczema. These resources can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the link. For further information or questions regarding these resources please contact Eczema Support Australia - Tel: 0477 014 112, Email: ruth.duggan@eczemaSUPPORT.org.au. or www.eczemaSUPPORT.org.au