A Message from the Head of Secondary
We all know mums have superpowers, right? They can find lost socks in the blink of an eye, whip up delicious meals from seemingly empty pantries, and give the best hugs that instantly make everything better. Not only are they our everyday superheroes, but they also embody God's love, grace, and strength. Mums are a living example of selflessness, unconditional love, and unwavering support. They guide us, nurture us, and shower us with the care that mirrors the love of our Heavenly Father. Their love, strength, and faithfulness are blessings that we cherish.
To honour our incredible mums, a Mother's Day celebration that included a scrumptious afternoon tea was prepared. The school grounds were filled with love and joy as mums and mother figures arrived, and seeing the students eagerly welcoming their mums, ready to spend a memorable afternoon together was heartwarming.
The celebration wasn't just about mums and their children. It was an opportunity for our school community to come together, forging new friendships and strengthening existing bonds. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and camaraderie as mums shared stories, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. It was a reminder of the incredible support and unity within our school community.
With the support of mothers, our students have been incredibly busy this fortnight. Some competed in the Cross Country and Kids Lit Quiz, showcasing their physical and intellectual abilities. Others performed at the music soiree, impressing the audience with their musical talents. Additionally, our school community attended the secondary days of worship with sister Adventist schools, fostering unity and spiritual growth. Year 8 and 12 students also enjoyed memorable camping trips, building bonds and creating lasting memories. It has been a dynamic two weeks, highlighting the diverse experiences of our students.
So, with hearts full of gratitude, we extend our deepest thanks to all the mums, grandmothers, and mother figures who make our world brighter.
Mr Michael St Mart - Head of Secondary
Chaplains' Message
Since Term 1, the whole year 6 grade has been preparing for our upcoming Week of Worship. Week of Worship is a special week, where we gather as a school to worship together every day. Whether that be through hearing stories of Jesus, experiencing biblical values through creative dramas/ videos, singing together, or serving behind the scenes.
From the hosting, drama, video, praise & worship, prayer and preaching teams – to our behind-the-scenes teams like the crew and junior chaplains. Our students have been eagerly taking part in creating a week of worship where we experience the goodness of God. It’s been incredible watching students take ownership of their roles– to see them leading their friends and team – to hear their excitement in participating in worship and to see many of them try things they didn’t think they could do. Thank you to our year 6 teachers have been incredibly supportive to work with.
To our primary school parents, please feel welcome to come and support our Year 6 students next week. Primary week of worship will be running each day from 8:45am – 9:30am. We’ll have the coffee cart running so grab a hot drink on your way in. Please keep us in your prayers– we’re excited to see God work!
Renee Vaovasa (on behalf of the Chaplaincy Team)
Upcoming School Events
School Calendar
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.
Wahroonga Adventist School's Big Breakfast
The SRC (Student Representative Council) would like to invite our school community, parents and families, to our ‘Wahroonga Adventist School’s Big Breakfast’ on Wednesday 31st May from 7.30am - 8.30am near the Library. We will have pastries, pancakes, hot drinks and yummy greats to purchase. Money raised will go to the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. We hope to see you there!
If you would like to support our schools online fundraising page and make a donation, please use the following link or scan the QR code on the poster.
SRC Co-ordinators :)
Term Dates for 2023
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2023.
Whole School News
School Photos
Just a reminder School photos are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 7 June and Thursday, 8 June.
Your child should have a letter from MSP Photography detailing the ordering process. Please place your order by midnight on Thursday, 8 June to avoid a late fee.
PLEASE NOTE:
- There should be no students from K-12 in Sports uniform on the 7-8 June. All students need to be in full Winter school uniform, including blazers and hats.
- Please ensure you have all necessary items for your child as this impacts the class photo. The uniform shop will NOT be open to borrow items for School photos.
- It is important that the correct uniform is worn neatly.
- Hair should be brushed and long hair tied back with either blue, red or back hair ties.
- Earrings should be plain gold or silver studs no longer than 3mm in diameter.
Please contact MSP Photographers on 9499 6555 should you have any queries regarding ordering of photos.
Thanks for your assistance.
Chaplaincy Medallion
Pr Richie Reid has been a very special part of the Wahroonga Adventist School's community blessing the students and families with his spiritual leadership and showing God's love. This week he received a Chaplaincy Medallion from Adventist Schools Australia in recognition of his service and leadership in Chaplaincy over many years. A well deserved honour for a man who is passionate about connecting people and revealing Jesus.
Environmental Ambassadors
Some of our Environmental Ambassadors received the Easter Show Highly Commended Award this morning during assembly. Well done to you all for your hard work showcasing the environmental initiatives and sustainability projects our school invests in.
Phoebe P, Riley P, Nathanael R, Isla H, Audrey K, Lachlan L, Max L, Lily A, Lucy M
Primary School News
Year 2A Happenings
Mathematics - Year 2A have been learning about arrays and skip counting. Last week we made ‘array cities’, cutting out each little window and creating all different, unique arrays and skip counting the windows to find the total!
“It’s Art and Maths and I love both these subjects – so it’s even better when we get to do them together!” - Lissy
“I chose the purple one and it looked like a tower at night time!” - Banjo
Soks Visits Year 2A - The students love having weekly visits with our school therapy dog, Soks. This week we picked some of our favourite books and read out loud to Soks. She loved listening to some of our favourite stories, and loved all the pats and belly rubs too!
“I really liked her looking at my books as I read to her” – Reynold
Mother's Day Art and Craft - After looking at different mixtures in Science last term, 2A decorated some special trinket dishes for our mums by mixing them in a mixture of nail polish and water creating some beautiful designs! A special thank you to one of our school parents, Gina, for her amazing photography skills and helping make our Mother's Day cards so special!
Mrs Georgia Ah-You - Year 2 Teacher
Year 3 and 4 Geography
Stage 2 students have been learning about all the elements of maps. We’ve learnt about the purpose and uses of a variety of maps and have been learning about all the elements on a map. Students are also researching countries that neighbour Australia to learn more about the unique features of these countries.
On Tuesday we learned about the cardinal directions on a compass and discussed the reasons why the needle of a magnet always points North. Then we used our design thinking skills to make a compass using foil, a sewing needle, a magnet and a cup filled with water. Students needed to think of different methods to fold the foil in order for the magnetised needle to float on the water and spin towards North. This was a fun learning activity and the children were engaged and worked well in their teams.
Year 3 & 4 Teachers
Primary School Sport
ASISSA Cross Country
Our Primary top runners from Years 2-6 participated in ASISSA Cross Country this Thursday. We were blessed with good weather and our students showed great sportsmanship throughout the day. Notable achievements for the day were Joel.R and Kyle.S achieving 3rd and 5th in the 12 Year Old boys heat and Thomas.B and Sean.P coming in at 3rd and 8th in the 10 Year Old boys heat. Thank you to Mr Fulton for organising the day and our parent helpers. -
Miss Reiko Kohama - Year 4
Secondary School News
Year 12 Study Retreat
Early last week, the Year 12 cohort went to CRU Galston where they spent two days at their study retreat. Whilst there, they spent time doing intensive study sessions with subject specific teachers, listening to guest speakers who gave them study techniques, university information and advice for getting through the end of year 12. The students were able to ask questions and receive study tips that would help them later during their studies. Students were able to engage with teachers during talks and study sessions when help was needed. The study skills provided them new insight on how to study and what would help them personally to study for the HSC.
When not doing school-work, students enjoyed some downtime with various activities offered at the facility. Even some of the staff got in some sporting time.
Music
Elective Music Evening
This term has started with an array of musical performances. The elective music students have been working on their performances throughout the year. On Wednesday the 10th of May a Soiree was held. Parents, siblings, teachers and friends were all in attendance. There were over 80 people who came to support our musicians. Our school accompanist Ms Amanda Miller performed with our senior students in preparation for the HSC. The audience were in awe of the growth, musicality and maturity displayed that evening. A special thanks to all who attended this evening and made it a wonderful experience for all! The music elective students have already busily started preparing for the composition evening and CAPA night which will be held next term.
Special Music Service at Wahroonga Adventist Church
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2
Through music our accomplished musicians in the School Orchestra and Senior Choir gave thanks to God during a special music service at Wahroonga Adventist Church The Orchestra, which is comprised of students from Year 5 through to Year 12, played pieces ranging from contemporary Christian music to a Mozart symphony. The Choir lead the church during the song service and the Orchestra accompanied them as well as playing various ensemble special items. A special mention to Kenneth P, Hannah L and Ryan C who were soloists throughout the service. God has blessed us at Wahroonga Adventist School with wonderful students who participate in the Music program.
Mrs Kristina Vuceski - Head of Creative and Performing Arts
High School Sports
CSSA State Volleyball Gala Day
Our U15 Mixed and Open Boys Volleyball teams participated in the CSSA State Volleyball Gala Day on Wednesday 10 May. The U15 mixed Volleyball team displayed a high level of skill and teamwork in a competitive pool at the CSSA Zone Volleyball Gala Day. We came back to win 2-1 against Calderwood Christian School, as well as against Mamre Anglican School. The final game was a nail biter, unfortunately going down in 2 sets, 14-15 in both. The Open Boys team also started well with winning two sets to zero against Dubbo Christian School and later went on to beat Penrith Christian School. Unfortunately, we did not get the result we hoped for in our final games. The teams executed skills in a high-pressure environment and should be proud of their efforts. Bring on next year!
CIS Basketball
As our basketball culture continues to flourish, we have had the pleasure of witnessing amazing basketball athletes. Byron R (Year 10) and Ella G (Year 11) competed at the CIS Basketball Championships and trials. They each competed in their respective teams through some challenging drills and games. A special mention must go to Ella as she was selected in the CIS Secondary Girls 18 Years & Under Basketball Team. Well done!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Congratulations to Evie B (3K), Jaeden L (KD), Sierra B (3L), Jack C (3L), Cara T (4K), Diana K (6A) and Hugo B (3L) 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 – it’s fun!
Kids' Lit Quiz
On Monday, May 15 Wahroonga Adventist School sent three teams to participate in the Loreto Kirribilli Heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz – the Sport of Reading! All three teams put in a solid performance against some very stiff competition and represented our school with excellent team work and good sportsmanship. Our Primary School team of Jemima S, Zara X, Olive G and Sophie L were particularly outstanding coming 6th overall with a score of 74 out of 100 and winning a book prize along the way - well done girls! A big thank you to these girls along with Lucy M, Caitlin M, Ethan B, Rithwik J, Tiffany L, Ryan J, Aojie L and Diya S for being wonderful ambassadors for our school.
Upcoming Library Events
National Simultaneous Storytime
On Wednesday, May 24 our school is participating in the National Simultaneous Storytime. At 11am we will be tuning in online with other schools from all around Australia and New Zealand to listen to the reading of the book ‘The Speedy Sloth’ by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie.
Mrs Leonie Savage - Librarian
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Hours
The uniform Shop is open Thursdays during the school term from 8:30am – 12pm during the school term.
Mrs Meagan Sullivan - Uniform Shop Manager
Home and School
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea
"Mother's Day Afternoon Tea" was blessed with the sun shining, the birds singing, children laughing, music playing and mothers/carers having some beautiful food to share with their child/ren. Thank you to those who could join us for this special event. It was so lovely to meet new members of our community or catch up with those we already know. I hope you got to have a photo with your child/ren in the photo booth and capture the moment.
Movie and Pizza Night
Please start to book your tickets for this fun evening
Meals with Love
We would really welcome and appreciate some support with our Meals with Love, a donation of a home cooked meal to go into our freezer would be received with much gratitude. So next time you are making lasagna or a cooking a soup, feel free to make an extra large proportion and contribute to our Meals with Love.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 13th June in The Wedge.
Mrs Michelle Roberts - Home and School President (homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu)