Principal's Message
Today in Chapel the question was asked, ‘What does it mean to be wise?’ Synonyms that come to mind are discernment and good sense. In our school context this is a pertinent question as our purpose is to nurture young minds so that they wise, not just smart.
In the 2023 World Happiness Report undertaken by UNESCO, Australia ranked 12th with a happiness scale of 7.1. Finland was first for the 6th year in a row. Why? Because of the generosity of community where people look after each other.
Across the world there is a move towards thinking about values and other people more explicitly. Values are a core part of making wise choices, and a core aspect of the education we provide our students. In the end, wisdom and happiness are not about grades, they are about living a purpose filled life where community is more important than the individual. As a faith based school, we believe that Christ gives us purpose and helps us to grow in wisdom. May your week be filled with purpose and may we all make wise choices.
God bless.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Chaplain's Message
To all of our school family and community,
How is it that we are at the end of week 8, term 3? Time really does fly! And when we look back over the term what stands out? What stays with you?
Our chapel theme for Term 3 is Wisdom, and our interview questions have been built around this theme. As a chaplain, I have loved seeing our high school staff interviewed in chapel every week. It’s powerful hearing how people have impacted their lives. And while I was listening I realised, it’s the relationships they had that made the difference. They were known, valued, and believed in by people.
As a chaplain and a father I want to leave this kind of impact. I want to mirror the heart that God has for us. To let my kids, and yours too, know that they are known by God and by us, that they are greatly valued, and that we believe in them.
Remember the impact of relationship!
Pr Nicholas Kross - Chaplains
Volunteers Needed for HSC Exams
Upcoming Events
Dad's Campout
The Sabbath Gift Creative Competition
The Sabbath Gift competition will officially kick off during Adventist Education Week. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries from each year level: Prep to Year 12.
Tell us what you love most about the gift of the Sabbath. You can express your creativity through a drawing, building a sculpture with Lego or Play-Doh, designing a captivating poster, composing a thought-provoking poem, or producing an inspiring video clip. We look forward to receiving your unique contributions.
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 2023 & 2024
Please click on the link below to view the school term dates and public holiday information for 2023/2024.
Whole School News
Father's Day Big Breakfast
What a wonderful turn out we had for our Father's Day Big Breakfast. Our Dad's enjoyed some hot breakfast along with fun activities. What a way to celebrate our Dads!
A massive thankyou to the volunteers who again put so much time and effort into our events. A extra special thanks to Michelle Roberts and Jeanne van Warmelo who went above and beyond to make this morning a success.
COLA Update
Our Covered Outdoor Learning Area is well underway with crane activity quickly following the fencing. Once completed the hard surface courts will have an all weather roof that protects our students from the elements making this space more versatile. A special thanks to Home and School for being a major support in this project. The contributions that families make with the Home and School levy are being put to amazing use!
2024 School Captain Speeches
This morning a selection of students presented to all of senior students as the selection process for our 2024 School Captains began. All of the speeches were heartfelt, clever and showcased their personalities and gifts. Well done to you all, it will be a hard choice for our staff and students to decide on our 2024 leaders!
Art Club
Jane our lovely Art Club (co-curricular) teacher has expressed that it has been a true joy to teach and create art with this group of 13 kids. It’s a weekly highlight for many of us I think!
Primary School News
Kindy - Year 2 Events
Geography
This term in Geography, Stage 1 have been learning about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. We had an Indigenous representative from the Kempsey region join us via zoom to share the Dreamtime story of Tiddalik the Frog. The story of Tiddalik teaches us that through teamwork and mateship we are able to conquer the hardest of tasks just as Jesus tells us.
Science
This term in Science, we have been learning about Living Things. This week we designed and created our own bird feeders in small groups using recycled materials. We loved researching, thinking about safe materials for our birds and creating our amazing creations!
P-2 Infants Athletics Carnival
SRC ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’
Our Primary SRC students have loved running our ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ games during recess, with out latest games being Poison ball and Tunnel ball! Stay tuned for more exciting game every Wednesday during recess!
Fox Kids Church & the Infant Choir
The Infant Choir which includes students from Prep to Year 2 will be singing at the next Kids Fox Church on the 21st October. All students and their families are welcome to come and join this service from 11am.
Gymnastic Achievement
Marissa K from Year 1/2J has achieved a gold band overall in the Gymnastic Northern Region Qualifier. We will know if she qualifies to represent State in a few weeks time. Well done Marissa on your achievement!
Dance Eisteddfods
Emily and Natalie have been dancing their little hearts out at a number of Eisteddfods, The Hills Dance Eisteddfod and Hills Dance Spectacular, in the recent month. They have received both trophies and ribbons for placing first and second in both Jazz and Ballet dancing. Well done girls!
Primary School Sport
Mr Jack Fulton - Primary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School News
Year 11 Economics Canberra Excursion
Our Year 11 Economics students recently participated in an education tour of the national capital, delving into the heart of Australian democracy and economics. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s legal and democratic heritage. A visit to both Parliament and Old Parliament, the High Court and the Royal Mint highlighted the role of government and democracy in action. The trip was capped off with a sunset trip to Mount Ainslie lookout where students could watch the blue moon/super moon rising over the city horizon.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the overall excursion costs.
Year 12 Business Studies Excursion
The Year 12 Business Studies class visited Sanitarium Health Food Co. in Berkeley Vale this week. They observed the processes involved in producing Australia’s #1 breakfast cereal, Weet-bix, and the #1 breakfast drink ‘Up-&-Go’. It was a great opportunity to see a large manufacturing plant in action and gain insight into the complexities of coordinating all parts of the business to achieve targets.
In comparison, the class then visited Luka Chocolates, a boutique chocolate manufacturer and retail store. Complexities of operation were quite different and students were able to appreciate the ability of a small operation to pivot when market demand shifts. Students could view operations through the viewing window in store and were treated with samples of the product, made fresh that day.
Food Technology High Tea
Our Year 10 Food Technology students have been studying a unit called Food Service and Catering. In their assessment, students had to plan, prepare and present a High Tea to celebrate the opening of their new business. They did this by preparing a selection of dishes which included, sweet, savoury, sandwiches and a drink. They invited 5 guests which were a mix of students and teachers. It was impressive to see the beauty and diversity in the restaurants the students ran.
Food Technology Excursion
On Monday the 24th of July year 10 and 11 food tech visited the Sydney Eye Tower and SkyFeast. We toured the kitchens and got to see where all the preparation of food occurs for the buffet and restaurants in the tower. Following this, we had lunch at SkyFeast which is the buffet. We tried several cuisines of food and had many desserts. We enjoyed learning about mass food preparation and tasting the amazing food ourselves.
Business Studies Expert Visit
Danial Hearn recently visited the Year 11 Business Studies students to share his knowledge and experience with start-ups. His valuable insights and first-hand stories were invaluable for students as they consider starting their small business journeys. Thank you Danial for volunteering your time and expertise with the students.
High School Sports
CSSA Zone Basketball
On Wednesday 30 August, our Junior boys’, Junior girls’, Senior boys’ and Senior girls’ basketball teams participated at the CSSA Zone Basketball Gala Day at Hills Sport Stadium. Our teams saw plenty of success, with both our Junior girls securing 4th place with a win over Covenant Christian and our Junior Boys securing 3rd place with victories Pacific Hills Christian and Covenant Christian. Special mentions go to both our Open Girls and Open Boys’ team for making it to the Grand Final, with both teams winning and qualifying for the CSSA State Basketball Gala Day! Congratulations to our basketball athletes!
CSSA State Basketball
Following on from their successful Zone Basketball Gala Day, the Open Boys and Open Girls travelled out to Penrith Sport Stadium on 6 September to participate in the CSSA State Basketball Gala Day. Both teams played well throughout the pool games and finished with 2 wins and 1 loss – placing them 2nd place in their pool, qualifying for the Semi Final. Once again, both teams raised to the occasion and secured victories to play in the Grand Final. The Open Boys played extremely well but fell short – winning the Runners-Up medal. The Open Girls battled a well-rounded Inaburra School, with our Open Girls winning by 1-Point! They are now back-to-back CSSA State Champions! Congratulations to our basketball athletes!
PHOTOS/IMAGES – ones with the medals
Honourable mention - Ella G (Year 11) NSW All-Schools Basketball
Ella G (Year 11) is an exceptional basketball player for not only our school, but also our sport association. On Monday 4 September, Ella G attended the NSW All-Schools basketball competition at Hill Sports Stadium. Here, she represented the prestigious team of CIS (Combined Independent Schools) who played CCC and CHS. Ella competed at a high level throughout the two games which later saw her rewarded with the invitation to represent NSW at the National level! This is a fantastic result and congratulations to Ella for her amazing achievement!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge:
Congratulations to Willow Z (1J), Ollie F (6A), Oliver L (1C) and Scarlett A (2A) who have all finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Well done!
Congratulations to the 185 students who completed the 2023 Premier’s Reading Challenge with special mention to 6C who took out the class participation prize with an undefeated 100% participation. The Premier’s Reading Challenge Certificates will be handed out at the end of the school year.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge is now finished for 2023. Any books read from now on can be listed on your 2024 challenge list, so please keep a written record of the books you’ve read so you can add them when the website becomes active again early next year.
Last week of borrowing - Prep
This week is the last week of borrowing for Term 3 for our Prep students – please ensure all your books are returned to the library before the end of term. For all other classes, borrowing continues up to and over the school holidays. If you are wanting extra books for holiday reading, please email your request to Mrs Savage (library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au).
Year 11 - 2024 Year 12 Book Lists
If you have not already purchased your books for Year 12 please consult the 2024 book lists (Click here) for your textbook requirements.
‘Box of Books’ orders need to be placed by Friday, September 8 to guarantee delivery before Term 4, however you can continue ordering after this date, but may have to wait a little longer for your books. Click here for instructions on how to order from ‘Box of Books’.
Very limited second-hand textbooks are available from the library for Biology, Chemistry, English Advanced (only Nineteen Eighty-Four left), English Standard, Legal Studies, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Ext 2, Modern History, and Physics. Email library@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au for a quote.
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
Parent Masterclass
We had a Parent Masterclass recently with Neill Thompson. He provided us with relationship tips and how to keep the relationship growing and alive. His main take home tip was "quality friendship equals quality connections".
The Home and School are invested in providing our families with opportunities to learn and grow. We will advertise any upcoming masterclasses here and we look forward to seeing you at our next one.
Meals with Love
Home & School would like to say an enormous thankyou to Tish Armstrong and Nicola Binns for their tireless efforts in the Meals with Love program. They have both been managing this portfolio for a number of years and as the school has grown so has the demand for Meals with Love and they have certainly cooked far too many meals to remember.
Sadly both Tish and Nicola have decided to step down from this role. Their generous hearts, compassion and commitment to Meals with Love has been appreciated by the many families who have received a meal. We all give you enormous thanks.
If you would like information about this program run by the Home & School then we welcome any enquiries. It is a wonderful initiative and we will be putting together a new team. You can reach out to Michelle Roberts at homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu.
Dad's Campout
Focus Group
Next Meeting
Tuesday 24 October 7pm. All parents and carers are welcome to attend at any time during the year. Any input during these meetings contributes to the richness of our community.
Mrs Michelle Roberts - Home and School President (homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu)
Employment Opportunities
Interested in Joining a Dynamic, Mission-focused Team?
Do you feel called by Jesus to make a difference in the world? Would you like to join a dynamic, mission-focused team? The leaders of the Ministry & Strategy Team in the South Pacific Division, which is across the road from the school, are looking for someone who would be interested in joining their team to provide administrative support for a dynamic team of ministry leaders. You will be deeply involved in helping grow the Seventh-day Adventist disciple-making movement across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. Call Pastor Sven Östring on 0422 544 183 or Pastor Nick Kross Sr on 0406 754 929 if you would like to learn more about this mission opportunity.