February Edition
the whitsunday word
2017 New Staff Middle School Pillars of Character 2016 Year 12 Scholarship Winners
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From the Principal - Mrs Maria McIvor
A special welcome to all new and returning students and staff. I look forward to a wonderful 2017, full of promise and opportunity. I hope all who are new to our community find a warm welcome and discover that we are generous in helping you adjust to our ‘Whitsunday Way’. Over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed visiting classrooms and seeing the fresh faces of the boys and girls, and it has been fascinating to learn about some of the extraordinary places they have visited over the holidays. I know most parts of the globe have been visited by a student or more during the holidays. Some, of course, stayed very close to home. I also enjoyed holidays with my family in Mackay, and for the first time in quite a while, I enjoyed a true beach holiday. We have all had very different experiences while being apart these holidays, and these experiences have enriched all of our lives. While breaks from routine are essential, it is also good to be back for a new year. Today we celebrated the beginning of the new year with our annual Principal’s Welcome assembly. One of my great pleasures as a principal is to witness the growth and development of our students. Marking the beginning of the year, as we did today, gives our school community the opportunity to re-set our focus for the year ahead, while recognising how far we have all come. The academic results from last year are a matter of some pride to our School. Our 2016 graduands surpassed our expectations with 86% of our students receiving an OP1-15. Special congratulations must go to our three students who received an OP1 - Dana Stolp, Julia Boets and Meghan Dansie. Across the state, 2.77% of students received an OP1. At Whitsunday Anglican School, the percentage of OP1s was 5.2%, among one of the highest percentages in the state. 17.2% of students received an OP1-3, compared to the state results of 11.4%, with three students receiving an OP2 and four students receiving an OP3. Students have received their university offers and we are thrilled to learn that of all our students, who applied to university, 100% have received an offer. Students have chosen their universities and courses diversely, ranging from Nursing, Education, Law, Business and Science at James Cook University, QUT and UQ, to Arts at the University of Melbourne, Dentistry at Latrobe University and Visual Arts at the University of Woolongong. We are also very proud of our three students who received apprenticeships before the end of 2016. In this economic climate, this is no mean feat. I am also delighted to announce that we have received some outstanding scholarship news from our Year 12 graduands of 2016. Dana Stolp, our School Dux and winner of the 2016 Peter Doherty Award – Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award, has been awarded a University of Queensland Academic Excellence Scholarship, a University of Queensland Economics Scholarship and Emmanuel College, University of Queensland – Academic and Rural Scholarships.
Dana will study a Bachelor of Business Management/Bachelor of Economics. Meghan Dansie, our School Captain, has been awarded a University of Queensland Academic Excellence Scholarship and a Bond University Collegiate Scholarship. Meghan received early offers to study a Bachelor of Arts/Law (University of Queensland), a Bachelor of Arts/ Law (Australian National University), a Bachelor of Journalism/Law at Bond University and a Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne). Of these highly competitive courses, Meghan has chosen to study Arts at the University of Melbourne. Joel Bennington, our School Captain, has been awarded a Queensland University of Technology Acting Scholarship. One of 900 students to attend an audition, Joel is one of 16 students chosen to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) and one of four students to receive a scholarship. Travis Joblin, our Charles House Captain, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the renowned International College of Hotel Management, Adelaide (ICHM). One of only four Australian students to be awarded this scholarship, Travis will commence his Bachelor of Business and Hotel Management, with access to international hospitality industry placements. Another tremendous outcome comes from our Giving Report. Mr Hodge announced that since 2014 our community has donated over $120 000 to our supported charities. This is testament to our service learning ethos. As I come to the end of writing this newsletter, I wish for each one of you a year beyond your most optimistic imaginings. Let’s make the most of each day and delight in the new experiences we will encounter along the way. Let’s strive to be even better in 2017.
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From the Chaplain - Reverend Janet Story Welcome everyone to this new Year. We have celebrated the new Liturgical Year in December, the Calendar New Year on January 01 and the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival on January 28. Happy New Year everyone. As we dance across the new year, what foot prints will we leave in our community? Jesus said: “Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14: 27 Whatever challenges and joys this new year might bring, remember to surround yourself with kind and thoughtful friends who will share the journey with you. From the letter of Apostle Paul to the Galatians Chapter 6 verses 4-5 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Who are we? What is our purpose in this life? Where are we going? How will we get there? And what gift will our footprint leave in the community? Saint Paul, the Apostle, challenged the community in his teachings – especially his teachings about character. Good character is…..showing LOVE when those around are not lovable; having JOY when those around are discouraged and discontent; exuding PEACE when those around are anxious; practicing PATIENCE when those around are hurried and frantic; reaching out in KINDNESS
when those around are difficult; shining with GOODNESS when those around do evil; standing in FAITHFULNESS when those around have no commitment; flowing with GENTLENESS when those around are harsh and cruel; demonstrating SELF-CONTROL when those around have none. A reflection on Galatians 5v 22 to 6 v 2 Thank you to the Class of 2017 Office Bearers, Vice-Captain, Maggie Formosa, Chapel Captains, Rebecca Senini and Aidan Bobby, and Service Captains, Jessica Bowen and Max Gill for welcoming the Staff at the 2017 Commencement Service. On Wednesday (during term time) everyone is welcome to our SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND HOLY COMMUNION in our Chapel at 7.45am. Enquiries are welcome for Pastoral services including baptisms, confirmation, weddings and memorial services. KIDSPLUS – the children’s group meets from 3.15 – 4.30pm on Wednesday near J11 for afternoon tea, games, stories and activities that encourage us in our Christian faith. Term 1: Wednesday February 8 – March 15. Many in our community are experiencing challenges, illness and the loss of loved ones. Thank you for your continuing prayers for our School Community. May God continue to bless your journey with love, peace, hope and patience.
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From the Head of Senior School - Mrs Sarah Wright Welcome back to a new school year and in particular a warm welcome to our new families and those students entering Year 9 as they become part of the Senior School community. The Senior School staff and I look forward to supporting our students this year as they develop greater independence and self-reliance in their education. Last week we welcomed 14 new students into the Senior School, including 10 new Boarding students and 4 international students from China and Canada. We particularly welcome Ashley Manou back to our School after she spent six weeks with us last year as a Global Exchange Student from Canada. I have every confidence that our new students will settle quickly into our community. We have five new Senior School staff members joining us this year. Mrs Teresa Hackney – Science, Mr David Cameron – English, Ms Nicole Kling – English, Mr Luke Chamberlain – Health and Physical Education, and Mrs Sarah Archie – Mathematics. Due to Mrs Kathy Steggles’ period of Long Service Leave, Mrs Jacqueline Notley will be the Acting Head of Science. By now your son/s and/or daughter/s should have settled into a school routine. Please support them by reading the front pages of the Student Diary which contain information about academic, study, uniform, personal presentation and behavioural expectations.
Sun Safety Policy We are a sun safe school. The appropriate hat is to be worn as part of the school and sports uniform. •When arriving to and leaving from school in the formal school uniform, the formal hat must be worn. •If arriving or leaving in sports uniform, the red bucket hat must be worn. •When on campus during the day, the red bucket hat may be worn with either uniform. If students are arriving at or leaving school without the appropriate hat, they are not considered to be correctly attired. As many of our students arrive at school by private vehicle, I ask that parents assist in ensuring that this expectation is met. Senior School Information Evening Thank you to those parents/guardians who were able to attend the Senior School Information Evening. We had a very good level of attendance. If you were unable to make the evening, please contact Margie Haines, our Senior School secretary, on 49 69 2032 to request a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.
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Year 9 students I commend our Year 9 students for their smooth transition into the Senior School. They seem to have adapted very well to their new environment and I welcome their contributions throughout the year. Year 12 Cohort It is a pleasure to look out and see excitement among the Year 12s as they start their final year. Teachers report that they have made an excellent start and I am looking forward to working with our Senior cohort, the Student Leadership Team. This week, our Seniors have received their first OP projection for the year and so are on track to commencing their final year of study with clear goals in mind. Senior School in 2017 I am looking forward to working with all members of the Senior School community to achieve great things for our students in 2017. Our focus remains on continuing to build on the strong academic culture of the Senior School in which every student is encouraged to give of their best to achieve the best outcomes. Our Year 12 cohort of 2016 performed particularly well last year with the highest percentage of OP1s since 2008. This year will also be a year of innovation. We will be improving our leadership program for all students with the Character and Leadership Learning (CaLL) program to be developed and implemented next year. We are also increasing our STEM offerings which currently equate to more than forty activities on offer. We have our new Citizenship Diploma and, of course, our ongoing focus on the health and mental wellbeing of the young adults under our care.
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From the Head of Middle School - Ms Karen Owens It is one of the best days of the year. To witness and be immersed in the energy, excitement and some nervousness as the Middle School comes alive on day one is very special. The sounds of happy, friendly students arriving to start the school year reinforces how privileged we are as educators to be working with such amazing young people. Students are the heartbeat of our school and after months of preparation for their arrival by maintenance staff and in more recent weeks with the return of teachers it is fair to say we are off to another very positive start. I extend a very warm welcome to our new families and students. We have 25 students joining us this term and 17 of those are boarding students from Year 5 through to Year 8.
of individuals and cohorts. Parallel to this is teachers reflecting on pedagogical practices that supports the development of “Thinking Classrooms”. This is very much about what teachers do to bring about good thinking in students. Following the success of the CARS and STARS reading comprehension program trialled in Year 5/6 in 2016, this program has now been extended to Year 7. Again, students will be placed in learning groups based on reading and comprehension levels. These will be Year level based. We continue to reflect and evaluate the trial of Critical and Creative Thinking in Year 5 and 6 and all Mathematics classes in Year 5-8 are arranged in Flexible Learning Groups to best cater for the learning needs of individual students.
On behalf of all Middle School teachers we appreciate and thank you for the time and effort that is undertaken to prepare your child/children for the start of the school year. Overwhelmingly, students have been very organised and arrive at school looking very smart in the correct uniform for the day.
As a team of teachers we strive to be effective and timely communicators and we seek your support in monitoring the student diary on a weekly basis and sharing with us early, rather than later, if matters arise.
If you need to contact your child’s Tutor teacher in relation to Pastoral or Academic matters you can email the teacher directly or call the Middle School office. Mrs Christine Grobler will assist you connect with the teacher you need to speak with. 49692061
Pillar of the fortnight: Responsibility Each fortnight through Chapel services, Assemblies and Pastoral Access students will be exposed to one of the Pillars of Character. The past two weeks we have focussed on the Pillar of Responsibility. We encourage families to discuss the Pillars and reinforce at home, at sports and in the wider community. In general we reinforce the following:
Focus Areas Again this year our focus in Middle School aligns with the School Strategic Plan 2015-2019 which highlights 6 key direction drivers. In Middle School, we will continue to further strengthen the focus on Learning and Teaching. We continue to look for growth in individual learning over time and draw on the internal and external data available to us to allow us to reflect, evaluate and plan accordingly to the needs
Actions speak louder than words Your character is determined by what you do when you think no-one is watching you. Treat everyone with respect.
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Specifically the following has been shared with students regarding Responsibility over the past fortnight: Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others Leadership In Pastoral Access and during our Leader In Me Day students have been discussing the leadership opportunities available to them. Voting for formal roles will take place in Week 3 and our Leadership assembly will be held on Wednesday, 22nd February at 2.00pm in the Ron Bourne Hall. All students were involved in Leadership talks and activities today (Friday) as part of our CaLL program. (Character and Leadership for Learning). I thank the teachers involved and the students for their organisation and participation as we set the tone for the year ahead. We look forward to the GRIP Leadership conferences coming up in Week 4. This is a great opportunity for our up and coming leaders of the future to meet students from other schools and be exposed to great leaderships tips and ideas. Character and Leadership for Learning Character development and leadership continues to be a focus here in
the Middle. Opportunities for boys and girls are carefully considered and age appropriate to optimise personal development. More formalised responsibilities and accountability of students in leadership roles we believe will enhance the visibility of our student leaders. Working together as a whole Middle School on fundraising initiatives we aim to develop a greater sense of community and parental involvement. It provides an occasion for staff, students and parents to celebrate together and support our focus on strengthening relationships. At the forefront of our thinking is that our Middle School boys are afforded opportunities that reflect their interests and needs. That there is an avenue for student feedback and initiative and students are an active part in seeing their ideas come to fruition. Middle School initiatives to develop Character and Leadership form part of the Character and Leadership Learning (CaLL) Scope and Sequence being developed across the whole School. Our first whole Middle School fundraising activity will be Harmony Day held for us on Friday 17th March. Each Tutor class will have a country and students will bring food to sell at their class stall. Dress up is optional. Students may bring traditional food and dress up in their own cultural dress if they wish. More information will be available in the coming weeks on this special Middle School event.
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From the Head of Junior School - Mr Mick Martin Welcome back to what has been a lovely (albeit hot, humid & wet!) start to the 2017 school year. It would appear that we have all settled in quite well and I thank students, parents and staff for the roles played in such a smooth transition.
Welcome again to Mrs Yvette Iturbe (Year 3) and Mr Luke Chamberlain (HPE); Yvette and Luke take up teaching roles in the Junior School. The ‘honeymoon’ period is well and truly over for students, parents and staff as we complete our second week of the 2017 school year. The transition from summer holidays back to school, from one school to another and from one Year level to another are quite significant occasions for students and parents and how we deal with these shifts may be influenced by the support provided at school and through the home. Whilst we have moved past the initial transition back to school last week there are a number of families with children, and parents, who will still find the first few weeks a period of apprehension. It is well documented that the weeks following the ‘first day’ are often critical to a successful term: the ‘transition’ to school encompasses the first few weeks as the students and families become familiar with routines, rules and relationships of a particular school environment. I have previously included some information from Dr Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, a Senior Lecturer in the Early Years Faculty at the University of Wollongong, regarding the ‘transition’ into school and I feel that it is worthy of another run. All children (and parents!) benefit from a bit of planning and preparation in order to ensure the transition to school goes as smoothly as possible. Dr Neilsen-Hewett states that early positive school experiences are important for a child’s social and emotional wellbeing and continued academic achievement. Likewise, those students who experience a less than positive start to school are more likely to continue to experience difficulties throughout their school life.
Refusal to go to class, stay in the classroom without mum or leave the car in the car park may occur on the first day (or days of the first week) of the school year or beginning of a new school term. At these transition times the dread of the unknown or the thought that they will not do well at school, difficulties with peers or being separated from parents builds the angst in some children. This angst may appear with complaints of nausea or stomach aches in a morning before school, only for this to disappear when they are allowed to stay home. As a parent it is crucial that your child attends school and that you keep your child in school. In the majority, children settle quickly once the routine of the school day begins and time away from school may actually enhance your child’s anxiety rather than resolve it. Dr Neilsen-Hewett provides a few suggestions as to how parents may support their child as they transition into a new environment, a new and even known school. •Predictability – many children can be exhausted by the comings and goings of a new start to school so it is important not to introduce too many things at the beginning. Look to keep routines familiar. •Drop Off – for some parents and children, leaving your child can be quite an emotional time. If your child is anxious or upset at the drop off to class ensure that you reassure them about what a terrific time they will have and that you will be there at the end of the day to pick them up. •Connections – look to establish a connection with your child’s teacher to assist in supporting your child at the beginning of the day. Let your child’s teacher know in advance of any possible anxiety issues and measures such as a buddy or tasks to do can be put in place. •Look after yourself – find time on your child’s first day to start connecting with other parents. Arrange for a few parents to go for a coffee or morning tea. Give your child time to settle in. It is not unusual for children to show signs of stress or anxiety during the first few weeks of school. As your child becomes more familiar with school and the classroom context, and as connections with their peers and teachers improve, so will their
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coping strategies. If, however, your child continues to exhibit signs of stress or anxiety make an appointment to discuss this with your child’s teacher. Congratulations to our 2017 cohort of Year 4 Junior School Leaders who were inducted at this week’s Junior School Assembly. There are a number of opportunities presented to our Year 4 students to assist them on their ‘leadership’ journey: buddy for a Prep student, assist in our Chapel Services and in our Junior School assemblies, represent the School at significant community events such as the Rats of Tobruk Service and the Relay For Life, manage the Junior School Sports Shed, and generally present as terrific ‘role-models’ for the younger students in our precinct. The Year 4 Leaders also meet with our Junior School Captains to discuss ‘leadership’ in general as well as the road to School Leadership in Year 12. Congratulations also to Brittany Masters and Zac Chrzanowski for their selection in the School Student Leadership Team as Junior School Captains for 2017. We look forward to seeing Brittany and Zac around the Junior School Precinct throughout the year. You Can Do It! Education – Mr Adam Shield, Assistant Head of Junior School It is has been long acknowledged that a quality education is a multifaceted product where each part is in balance with the others to provide the best all round grounding to enable learners to strive towards becoming global citizens. A quality education not only provides an excellent academic grounding, but helps to also develop the physical body, a sense of faith and strong emotional resilience. Tools all necessary to face the many challenges life throws at us. A happy, healthy and positive minded student will almost certainly achieve the very best they can. ‘You Can Do It!’ (YCDI!) aims to develop social emotional well-being through explicitly taught experiences helping learners to upskill and own the tools they need for their emotional toolkit.
You Can Do It! Organisation
YCDI aims to develop strong and resilient learners through developing the 12 Habits of Mind and skills in its five key Foundations: •Personal ORGANISATION to help prepare for all possibilities. •Cooperation through GETTING ALONG, helping to work and play with others. •Giving things a go through CONFIDENCE and not being afraid of making mistakes. •Using PERSISTENCE to remain on task to the end and not allowing distractions. •These combine to help build RESILIENCE when we know how to face any challenge and not let it get on top of us. Here in the Junior School, we make YCDI the cornerstone of our Pastoral Care framework and practice, not only through explicit teaching of the five foundations, but by involving the terminology in our behavioural discussions with students and using actual experience to reflect upon the foundations. We encourage our families to engage in these foundations to help support their children as they continue along a life-long path of social
emotional growth and development. We encourage our families to be part of the journey of Social Emotional Learning in partnership with their children and their teachers. Junior School Parent Information Evening Thank you to those parents who were able to attend this week’s Information evening despite the weather. There was a plethora of information shared. If you have questions please speak to your child’s teacher, or direct more gereral questions to Mrs Natalie Jonas or me. Respect The North Queensland Cowboys, together with the National Rugby League (NRL), are visiting the Junior School on Friday 10 February (10.15am) to share the NRL Community pillar of ‘RESPECT’. The NRL RESPECT- My Team, Your Team, Our Team message aims to provide an interactive learning experience that empowers young people on the values that make a successful team, group, or community. Respecting yourself, respecting others and taking responsibility for your actions are the key themes of the visit by members of the North Queensland Cowboys. The 2017 message will focus on 2 main values that promote a respectful and successful team: Belonging and Celebrating differences. Developing a sense of belonging and connectedness to your community is a key aspect of how you participate in your community or team. Our young people come from diverse cultures, abilities, social backgrounds, gender and religions. We are a rich with diversity and it’s everyone’s right to feel included and welcome in their community. Respecting and valuing diversity is important in Rugby League. If we look at our NRL teams, no player is the same. When the players have respect for their teammates, they are able to bring together their different abilities and experiences in a team to achieve common goals. We will use this message to encourage young people to respect others and appreciate the opportunities they have to work together in their school community. You Can Do It! – Organisation
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From the Head of Boarding - Mr Bruce H Keys Exciting Commencement in Booth House Banter, chatter and laughter once again fills the dorms of the Boarding House with many eager and some nervous to begin or start back at school and boarding. With 72 Boarders (23 new including 4 International) Booth House is back in full swing. I look forward to working with all staff and students within boarding to maintain the happy and friendly home environment that Booth House has to offer. A special thanks to all our boarding families that were able to stay for our meet and greet lunch and Boarder Parents’ meeting. It was great to have a chance to meet you and set a tone for what is quickly shaping up to be a very busy and exciting year. Booth House Captains and Vice Captains Lainey Christensen, Jonas Randell (Captains), Renee Lloyd and Tadiwa Mlambo (Vice Captains) have assumed their leadership roles in Booth House for 2017 with passion, enthusiasm and a genuine caring approach for all the boarders within our residential setting. Our Booth Boarders’ Committee was selected this week and I look forward to their support and input throughout the semester. The Committee are charged with the responsibility of representing their peers in organising and implementing boarder initiatives and special events, the first of which will be our St Valentines Dinner to be held in the dining room on Thursday 16th February. Principal’s Welcome All Boarding families will have received a personal invitation to the Principal’s Welcome on Friday 10 February in the Ron Bourne Hall. Please ensure you RSVP to this event in time to assist with our catering arrangements. We would also appreciate any material you feel comfortable providing to use on the night which has elements of your country lifestyle. Home videos with footage of home, interviews with you and your children discussing boarding and photographs are the material we would appreciate receiving to use on the night. New Booth House Residential Staff We welcome back our returning Booth House staff along with new
Residential Boarding Staff (RBS) for 2017. Nicola Apps, Steven Brown (England) & Michael van Breda (South Africa). In the next few editions of The Whitsunday Word each new staff member will be writing a brief introduction and comment on why they have been drawn to work in boarding in Booth House at WAS. Alliance Catering We welcome back Ms Sandra Lee Riley, Mr Jon Cracknell and all the staff as Alliance Catering continues their operations in our dining hall. This professional company continuing from last year have been greatly received and will be further welcomed into our home away from home. HATS & Co-Curricular Programs All our boarders have been advised of the availability of these two WAS programs and encouraged to sign on electronically this week. I would strongly recommend parents discuss these options with their children to ensure they are gaining the maximum benefits with our academic support and enjoying the socializing aspects of physical activity and competitive sport. Communication to Booth House In an attempt to centralise the volume of communication and requests from our boarding families, we are now streamlining this process. Could you please ensure that all correspondence is now emailed to the following address: boarding@was.qld.edu.au. Leave requests must be emailed to this address, as texting will no longer be an option. This will ensure that requests are not overlooked. 24 hrs notice will remain as the standard time required. Personal Invitation I would like to extend an invitation to all members of our WAS Boarding Community to make direct contact with me if you have any concerns or issues relating to your daughters/sons’ experience in boarding. As Head of Boarding I believe my major responsibility to be the accountability, safety and most importantly, the happiness of your children, while they are under our care and responsibility.
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From the Head of Staff and Student Development - Mr Jamie Novosel We have a number of new staff that have joined the WAS community this year. We hope they enjoy WAS.
to family.
Nicola Apps - Boarding Residential Staff - Letzlive program. Nicola comes from Sittingbourne in Kent in the UK. Where she completed a BA in Ancient and Medieval History, Nicola plays the trumpet and cornet and enjoys drama, theatre and creative writing.
Alexandra Doherty - MS - Core Teacher Originally from Tasmania, Alex studied at a double degree B – Teaching & B – Art at Deakin University in Melbourne with Drama and English as her majors, Alex’s first appointment is with us here at WAS.
Sarah Archie - SS / MS - Maths Sarah has come from Brisbane to support her husband, Rod’s time as a doctor at the Base this year. She co-ordinated maths at Citipoint Christian College. Sarah has three children in all Subschools, Christina, Santo and Bella.
Teresa Hackney - SS / MS Science - Has joined the WAS team from Mercy College. Teresa led the science department for many years and is an extremely experienced campaigner who enjoys reinventing herself through current pedagogical practices – embracing and embedding new practices into the curriculum.
Steven Brown - Boarding Residential Staff - Letzlive program. Steven comes from Ipswich in the UK. He has studied History at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Steven has been a Youth Scout leader and counsellor in the USA in outdoor education style camps.
Nicole Kling - SS/MS - English / Humanities Nicole has returned to WAS. Formerly a Pre-service teacher at the School, Nicole has taught in the state system through distance education in Longreach for a few years though has also spent a year teaching in Sydney. We are happy that she has returned to WAS.
David Cameron - SS - English & Acting HoF David comes to us from Pioneer SHS with a wealth of English and teaching leadership experience. He will be taking over as the Acting Head of English and Languages, while Ms Sam Bennington is on maternity leave.
Michael van Breda - Boarding Staff - Letzlive program. Michael comes from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Studied at Kingswood College University. Enjoys all sports and has played and coached water polo and rugby in South Africa.
Luke Chamberlain - SS/MS/JS - HPE Luke hails from South Australia and has taught at Glossip SHS. He enjoys a varieties of sports and has moved to Mackay to be closer
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From the Head of Sport - Mrs Kerryn Mc Duff Australian Volleyball Schools Cup 2016 In December last year Whitsunday Anglican School took our Open Boys and Open Girls Volleyball teams to Melbourne to compete in the annual Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. Students not only had a sporting experience in the biggest schools’ competition in the Southern Hemisphere. They also experienced the culture of Melbourne which has become a highlight for players, staff and family members attending this competition. The Open Boys team played well throughout the week finishing an admirable 7th while the Open Girls team fought hard all week with some late night games finishing 5th place. We are all very proud of these students who train for the majority of the year, fundraise and practise in their own time to make this trip such a success. A big thank you to coaches, managers, supporting staff, parents, siblings and family members who migrate to Melbourne each year to support our students. It is a fantastic week and we look forward to some great successes in 2017. Volleyball training will begin next Tuesday morning with the U15 and Open boys training between 7.15am-8.15am and Wednesday morning for the U15 and Open girls training between 7.15 and 8.15am. Amazing Achievements Georgia Wright—was selected in the 15yrs Queensland Schoolgirls Cricket team late in 2016 and has recently returned from the National Schoolgirls Cricket Titles Sophie Chrzanowski—won the 15yrs 1000m single scull at the recent Queensland Rowing Championships Andrew Bekkeli—has been selected in the U11 Australian Futsal Team and will travel to San Francisco later this year Jarrod Jones—has been selected in the Capricornia Aquathlon team and will compete in the State Schools Aquathlon in the near future Simba Walz, Tom Monckton and Zac Chrzanowski—have been selected in the Capricornia Triathlon team to compete at the State Schools Triathlon Titles in coming weeks. . . . . . And many other students have been heavily involved in sport over the summer break. Rowing It was great to see some new faces at the Rowing Information night on Wednesday. Over the summer break our rowers have been working hard in preparation for the recent State Titles. Congratulations to the Whitsunday Anglican School rowers who
were part of the Mackay Rowing Club team at this event; Murphee Foley, Clare Tayler and Sophie Chrzanowski. These rowers travelled from Mackay to Wyaralong Dam, outside Beaudesert, to compete with competitors from all over QLD and NSW in this two day event. Over 440 rowers competed including many of Queensland’s top elite rowers. Conditions were tough with high temperatures and high humidity over the 2 days. This small squad proved a force to be reckoned with, with outstanding results. The Whitsunday Anglican School highlights included: Sophie Chrzanowski (13 years) won the Under 15 women’s single scull over a distance of 1000m Clare Tayler (14 years) and Murphee Foley (15 years) competed in their first ever 2000m single race, both raced well with Clare winning her heat in the Under 17 women’s single scull progressing to the semi-final before losing to older competitors. Clare Tayler (14 years), Murphee Foley (15 years) and Sophie Chrzanowski (13 years) all competed in the Group 4 Women’s single scull over 1000m with Clare Tayler making the final and finishing 5th. Murphee Foley (15 years) and Clare Tayler (14 years) raced well to make the final of the Group 4 Women’s Double, coming an impressive 6th in the final. Thank you to the coaches Joe Jarvis and John McIlwham from the Mackay Rowing Club, who have volunteered many hours of their time in training the rowers over the Christmas break. We look forward to many more successes for WAS rowers throughout 2017. Next week sees our first training session take place at school Thursday afternoon in the gymnasium. Touch Football There has been a lot of interest in Touch Football this year. Please ensure families involved in fixtures beginning next week have accessed Parent Lounge to confirm their child/ren’s attendance and paid the registration fee. The Junior Mixed Touch Football competition will begin on the Monday 20th February and the Senior Mixed competition will begin Wednesday 8th February. WAS Football Club I am pleased to welcome Tass Kalogirou as the new Coaching Coordinator of the WAS Football Club. Tass will guide the progression and development of coaching within the club including coach education, training session planning and evaluations, player and coach evaluations, game day support, and assist in coaching teams. Tass comes with a wealth of knowledge from the United Kingdom and Canada. He has coached for many years and has a wide range of experiences to share with families of the WAS Football Club.
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Wednesday 8th February will be the first day of training for all age groups with the U5-U11 age groups training between 3.15 and 4.30pm and the U12-U16 age groups training between 4.30— 6.00pm. Sessions next week will require players to wear football boots, shin pads and sport uniform and bring a water bottle as each age group will be taking part in games to assist in placing new students in appropriate teams and give Tass a chance to meet families and players associated with the club. We are very excited with the new direction of quality coaching within the club and look forward to a successful season with Mackay Regional Football. WAS Netball Club WAS Netball Club have already begun trials for the Junior Development League with many of our girls chosen to take part in this competition. The WAS netball Camp will be taking place this weekend with trials for various age groups and lots of fun sessions planned by our coordinator Mrs McHugh and her team of volunteers. We look forward to a very successful and fun year at WAS Netball. Futsal This term the second half of the summer futsal fixtures takes place. The first games were played on Thursday with the season going through until March. This term we also have an Interschool Futsal competition. There will be training for those students who signed up as per the co-curricular timetable: U12 and 13 Monday 7-8am with Mrs Michelle Binney and U15-19 Friday 7-8am with Mr David Pritchard.
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Training will begin next week Monday 6 February. Track and Field Coaching Cheryl Dixon is back with us this year and is vey enthusiastic about the new group who will begin training next Monday morning between 7-8am. Triathlon and Running Club Nikki Giles from Triactiv8 will again be taking our Middle Distance Runners and budding triathletes this year with a focus on Cross Country for Term 1. These sessions begin Monday afternoon next week. Please be in comfortable clothing and ensure you have a waterbottle with you. Sports Trials 2017 This year Northern Suburbs 10-12yrs, Mackay District 13-19yrs and Capricornia 10-19yrs trial information will be communicated in a slightly different way. Trials will be advertised on Daily Correspondence and in Student Notices. Students/Parents need to let Kerryn McDuff know you are interested. You will receive an invitation to access Parent Lounge to pay and complete consent/medical forms for the trial/s. The consent/medical form can be emailed back to Kerryn or printed and returned to the RBH office. Please feel free to call Kerryn McDuff on 4969 2024 if you would like any clarification.
It is always wonderful to hear of student achievements. Please pass any information to Mrs Kerryn McDuff at kmc@was.qld.edu.au as it is always great to celebrate these achievements with the school community.
14 The Whitsunday Word
The Whitsunday Word
From the Head of Service and Global Learning - Mr Matt Hodge Welcome back to all members of the Whitsunday community! Service Learning 2016 – A year of giving! At the end of each year we compile a report that identifies the various donations that we have provided the many local, national and international charities. Last year we provided over $23 000 of financial and in-kind support. This is a tremendous effort. Some of the charities supported last year include: World Vision Australia Anglicare Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp Cancer Council Fiji Association Mackay Region RACQ CQ Rescue Beyond Blue Buy a Bale Heart Foundation MARS In the three years that we have had to compile these reports, our community has provided over $120 000 our supported charities. Thank you in advance for the support that you will offer to our charities this year. Interact Valentine’s Day The first major fundraiser this year for the Interact Club is their Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Due to a clash with the Year 12 Leadership Retreat, the fundraiser will be held on Monday 13th February. More information will be shared via the Daily Correspondence next week. Students will need to make their orders from Monday-Thursday next week. Service Activities Sign-On Information was shared this week from Mrs McDuff about the cocurricular offerings this year. Our various service activities were included in this process. If students wish to participate in a service activity this year, they must sign on via the electronic sign-on form. Any students who have missed the cut off must see either Mrs McDuff or myself. Global Learning Laos & Vietnam Expedition It is not too late to sign up to our Laos and Vietnam Service Learning Expedition. Bookings close on 10 February. If you are interested, please either Mr Martin or myself.
Final 2016 Global Exchanges It was wonderful to hear the positive reports from Josephine Shepherd and Monique Fettell who spent 6 weeks during their Christmas holidays in Japan. The girls appreciated the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Japanese language and cultures. The girls will provide some additional feedback on their experiences in future editions of the Whitsunday Word. Facebook Pages You can keep up to date with news and information on our several service and global learning programs: WAS Facebook Page WAS Global Learning Facebook Page Mackay Sony Camp Facebook Page
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