Principal's Message
Connectedness to peers is an essential aspect of a student's journey through school. It is in the company of friends and peers that students find support, share experiences, and develop a sense of belonging.
School houses can play an important role in facilitating connectedness and a students overall school experience. As our school continues to grow we have reflected on our current house structure of Phillip and Hunter.
After consulting with parents, staff and students we have decided to move to four houses in 2024 and broaden the scope of houses to include a more comprehensive representation of student interests and perspectives. The expansion of school houses broadens the spectrum for students to connect and lead and enhances house spirit. I have appreciated the thoughtful input at the Parent Focus Group and the voice of students and staff.
Over the next month input will be sought about the names of the houses and breadth of student leadership portfolios. Overwhelmingly the input has been to start afresh with four new houses rather than add to our current tradition of Phillip and Hunter. These changes ensure that we continue to provide opportunities for students to thrive and develop into well-rounded individuals.
Over the last fortnight we have been delighted to see so many of our primary students involved in performances and welcomed our beloved grandparents for a special chapel.
In the sporting arena our Primary School soccer teams came second in the Adventist School Soccer Gala Day and Miss Sutton, our Head of PDHPE, has returned from representing Australia at the Asia Oceania Flag Football Championships. The Australian Women’s team place second, which is Australia’s best performance ever. In moments like this we can celebrate the success of others and be inspired in our own lives.
May God bless you and your family.
Mrs Julia Heise - Principal
Upcoming Events
Primary Music Night
Beyond our Schoolyard - Christmas Hampers
The year end is fast approaching and we are excited to partner with Hornsby Fusion to provide excellent Christmas Hampers for their food programs. Last year we created 120 hampers and the need is still high. Thank you for your generosity last year it makes a huge difference to the families and individuals in our local area. We will be collecting non perishable food items with a focus on party and pantry items for the next 2 weeks. There is a class prize in high school and primary school for generous donations. Every tin or packet helps!
Jodi L - Beyond our Schoolyard
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
Grandparents Day
It was lovely to see so many of our grandparents and special people join us today for our Grandparents Day celebrations. They were treated to some light refreshments prior to our Primary Chapel program which focused on the special connection that exists between our children and their grandparents. Afterwards they visited classrooms and ended with a picnic lunch. A special thank you to Miss Kohama and Mrs Code for coordinating our event today.
To all our Grandparents, we thank you for bringing joy and laughter into our lives. You've shown us what unconditional love is all about. Your hugs, smiles, and encouraging words make us feel so loved and supported. Thank you for transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Endless Praise
Students enjoyed the music and inspiration of the Adventist music group Endless Praise in Chapels last week. They are a dynamic group whose love of their Jesus is very evident in their joyous music.
Flag Football Asia/Oceania Championships
Over the past 10 days, I have been in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, playing for Australia in the Asia/Oceania Championships for Flag Football. There were 9 women’s teams from New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Japan. Australia finished 2nd in our Pool, only losing to Japan who is ranked 6th in the World. Australia defeated Malaysia in the semi-final 35 to 7 and progressed to the Grand Final against Japan. It was a competitive game, however Japan won 29 to 47.
I am so proud of the girls and the history we have made as the first ever Australian team for Flag Football. We entered this competition unseeded with no world ranking, competing against teams that have played for many years. To wear the green and gold, represent my Country and come home with silver has been the greatest privilege. Thank you to the WAS community for all the support leading up to and during this tournament.
Tamika Sutton - Head of Department PDHPE & Secondary School Teacher
Our Basketball Coach had a Birthday
It was Jeremiah's birthday today, our much beloved basketball coach. You could really feel the respect and care the students have for their coach as they loudly sang happy birthday! We all hope you enjoyed your day. Happy Birthday!
Primary School News
Zoo Excursion - Kindy - Year 2
This week our K-2 students visited Sydney Zoo as part of our living things unit in Science. We saw lots of animals and even got to have a close encounter with some insect and reptile friends. During this time, we were challenged to use some natural materials such as stones and bark to create a shelter for Hunter the Blue Tongue Lizard. Our students enjoyed seeing all the different animals from Australian wildlife, to the animals of Africa and all those in between.
Coin Snake - Year 6 Fundraiser
Thankyou to all of the students who participated in the Year 6 Fundraiser by bringing their coins along and competing to join the longest line of coins - a snake! The Year 6 students were on hand in all of the Primary classrooms to help the younger students make really long lines of coins. The prize for the longest snake went to Year 4K and they really loved their slushies.
Traditionally, each year, students from Year 6 raise money in order to purchase a gift for the school. This year was no different with over 32kg worth of coins lugged to the bank with the official tally being $865.70. These funds will be used to purchase a 3 x 6 marquee with school branding suitable for protection from the elements during school events. A huge thankyou to Year 6 for their efforts as they have contributed something special for the entire school community.
Kids Church
On the 21st October, at 11 am, Fox Valley Church hosted a spectacular event that left hearts filled with joy and spirits soaring. Fox Kids Church, a special program, had the auditorium packed. The church was brimming with eager faces, as families gathered to partake in this special occasion. We began with lively, uplifting songs, followed by a super cool science experiment that used fire, leaving the audience wide-eyed with wonder. We even witnessed a precious baby dedication, a testament to the bonds of faith and family that unite our community. Pastor Daron's heartfelt message resonated deeply, offering spiritual guidance and inspiration. However, stealing the show were the young voices of the Prep-Year 2 choir, who sang "Pharaoh, Pharaoh" and “Thankful” - they did an incredible job!
Chess at WAS 2023
It has been a whirlwind of a year for primary Wahroonga Adventist School chess! Our primary teams participated in 2 key events this year, the Sydney Academy of Chess' Interschools Chess Challenge and the NSWJCL Interschools Competition, the latter of which we are proud to share had attracted our largest junior school competitive chess attendance to date.
The NSWJCL's Interschool's Competition was held across a series of Fridays after school during Term 2. 24 WAS students from years 1 through to 6 were assembled into a Championship team, an Intermediate team and 4 Rookie teams. Each week the teams would either play at the home venue or an away venue (another school) so we had competitors and their parents whizzing all over the upper north shore for their away games during most weeks. Students were often welcomed with a snack before their game and this was a good opportunity for the students to see different schools and meet other students. Our students demonstrated great team spirit and much to some parent's dismay, at times stayed back an hour or so later to watch and support fellow team member's games that extended beyond their own game. Our home games were kindly supervised by Mrs Heise and Mr Cowley and we thank both of them for championing chess at our school. Well done to all of the competitors!
We also participated in the Sydney Academy of Chess Interschools' Chess Challenge in March 2023. Our team placed 3rd in their heat and 2nd in their semi-finals heat which qualified us for the finals. The finals were held in September 2023 with 17 schools across the NSW and Wahroonga Adventist placed 4th which is an incredible result. Congratulations to the team!
If there are any students that are interested in chess and participating in the 2024 competitions, The Sydney Academy of Chess are currently running after school sessions on Friday afternoons for additional training.
We are also looking at running a chess mentoring program in a weekly lunchtime session with selected students in Term 1, 2024 in preparation for the NSWJCL Competition in term 2 next year. We will be inviting expressions of interest for mentors and mentees shortly.
Kim T - WAS Chess Parent
Primary School Sport
Soccer Gala Day
Primary school sport has had a lot of fun over the last 2 weeks. Learning new ball skills, fielding techniques and striking movements. Stage 2 students represented the school at the soccer gala day on Thursday, November 2. They showed great sportsmanship and fair play and both the girls and boys teams came second overall. Congratulations, this is a great achievement!
Mr Jack Fulton - Primary Sports Coordinator
Secondary School News
Invictus Revolving Fire Night
The Invictus Revolving Fire night reflected the year long theme of 'journey' and was an opportunity for the Year 8 cohort to come together, enjoy some food and participate in team building and reflection activities. The event celebrated the journey they have been on this year as a group and as individuals. Next year, the Invictus focus will be on 'mastery' and they will have the opportunity to build and share new skills and experience the confidence and resilience that comes from slowly working towards a goal.
Achievements in Music
Matthew N, Year 9, has achieved a Distinction on his AmusA violin exam! Well done Matthew! We know that your family is very proud of your achievement!
High School Sports
CSSA State Tennis Gala Day
On Wednesday 1 November, three students from the secondary school participated in the CSSA State Tennis Gala Day that was held out in Penrith. Sophie M (Year 9), Mary V (Year 9) and Alexander M (Year 11) represented the school well and demonstrated some amazing serves and rallies. Congratulations to our athletes!
Mr Ignatius Ah-You - Secondary Sports Coordinator
Library News
Last Week of Borrowing
This week was the last week of borrowing for this year. It would be greatly appreciated if all books could be returned promptly by the end of Week 6.
If your child has overdue loans or lost library books it is now time to either return these copies or provide a replacement copy of the missing book. A replacement fee of $25 per book will be added to school accounts for all unresolved loans at the end of the year.
If you are unsure of what books your child has out and when they are due back, please log on to the Library WebApp at bit.ly/waslibrary (or click the button below) and follow the instructions on the home page to access your child’s library records.
‘Library Bag’ Podcasts
Years 5 and 6 have been busy over the last 2 weeks learning how to edit their ‘Library Bag’ podcasts using the BandLab App. We look forward to hearing the finished podcasts that will soon be broadcast on the Library WebApp.
Thank you to Brenden and Suzanne Lovett for the massive amount of work that has gone into providing this wonderful opportunity for our students.
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 Kelly Oldfield - Uniform Shop Manager
Home and School
"Thank you to those who were able to attend our Family Focus Group this past week. On behalf of Home and School we really appreciated hearing your voice around the School Houses, how we can better manage Home and School and a quick catch up with what is happening around the grounds at WAS. So many great ideas that we can look to implement in 2024.
It would be wonderful if any of you would like to be part of our Home and School - whether it be part of one of our following Portfolios
Gardening Club / Community Engagement / Meals with Love / Social Events / Beyond our School Yard
Or if you would like to be on our volunteer list and help out when you can feel free to send us an email to our Home and School email at homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu.
Beyond our Schoolyard
Next Meeting
Meetings are finished for the year but we would love to see you next year!
Mrs Michelle Roberts - Home and School President (homeandschool@wahroonga.adventist.edu)