New Parent Handbook for 2026 FINAL by WestMoretonAnglicanCollegeOfficial

Welcome to WestMAC

Over the past 32 years, WestMAC has taken extraordinary strides and experienced transformational development. It’s hard to imagine that when we opened our doors in 1994, we had just 225 students. Today, our enrolments are at capacity, with 1500 students across three sub-schools.

Our WestMAC students demonstrate confidence and pride in their achievements and potential. Staff feedback expresses professional and personal fulfilment and excitement about working at the College with one another, and with our students and families. Our graduates are thriving in post-school life and maintaining strong connections with WestMAC as alumni.

The built environment continues to improve and in coming years will evolve further to provide world-class facilities to cater to a wide range of learning experiences.

WestMAC is committed to preparing our students for rapidly changing twenty-first century life. Our strategic vision looks as far ahead as 2040 and supports our focus on graduating young people who are capable of being tomorrow’s community leaders.

Should you have any questions or concerns that you would like to address prior to your child’s commencement, please do not hesitate to contact Main Admin on 3813 4555 or the relevant Head of School:

Ms Kirsten Mullan: Head of Junior School 3813 4549

Mr John Chalvatzis: Head of Middle School 3813 4593

Dr Peter Britton: Head of Senior School 3813 4512

Our College is a vibrant, spirited and optimistic organisation with much to celebrate and anticipate. I look forward to welcoming you and your family in person, and to marking 2026 as the beginning of a long and happy association with the College.

Mr Andrew Peach

PRINCIPAL

The WestMAC Way

The WestMAC Way focuses on all areas of school life including curriculum, pastoral, sporting and cultural contexts. This is a common language that we share and is equally important for our teachers, parents and extended school community. This is not a set of rules. Instead, it is a living and breathing document that celebrates the ability of the individual to make a positive difference in their life and the lives of others.

Mission Statement

WestMAC students are in pursuit of individual excellence. The WestMAC Way is guided by our three ways of being, (be prepared and engaged, be kind to yourself, others and our environment, and be courageous), which aim to build resilient, respectful and responsible individuals.

Be Prepared and Engaged

Love of Learning Curiosity Perseverance Passion Teamwork

Learning can sometimes be hard. However, with curiosity and perseverance you can achieve great things. Learning is not about preparing for the future, but experimenting in the present, which creates a love for learning. When things get tough, approach each obstacle with grit. Become a positive member of our community and bring others with you.

Be Kind to Yourself, Others and Our Environment

Fairness Gratitude Acceptance/Forgiveness Love Controlling & Managing Emotions

Be grateful for the opportunities that exist. We are taught to love through important contexts such as Religious & Values Education (RAVE), Chapel and SpiritED. The sharing of our kindness knows no boundaries. When wronged, forgive. Be a person who accepts and loves one another without exception.

Be Courageous

Bravery Leadership Honesty Creativity Innovation

Sometimes you will fall fail and there will be things you don’t know and that’s okay. Be brave and take wise and calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to show your creativity - think outside of the box. Through your honest and innovative ways you will not only reach your potential, but also lead others.

2026 Term Dates

Term Dates are available on the website via wmac.com.au/news-events/term-dates.

Term 1: Year 7 Orientation Day and Year 12 Forward Planning Day

Tuesday 27 January

Classes Commence Wednesday 28 January

Classes Conclude Thursday 2 April

Public Holidays this Term Monday 26 January (Australia Day Substitute Holiday) Friday 3 April (Easter Friday)

Term 2: Classes Commence

Monday 20 April

Classes Conclude Friday 19 June

Public Holidays this Term Saturday 25 April (ANZAC Day)

Monday 4 May (Labour Day)

Friday 15 May (Ipswich Show Holiday)

Term 3: Classes Commence

Tuesday 14 July

Classes Conclude Friday 18 September

Student Free Days this Term Monday 13 July

Wednesday 12 August (EKKA Show Day)

Friday 4 September

Term 4: Classes Commence

Tuesday 6 October

Classes Conclude Year 12 – Friday 20 November

Year 10 and 11 – Friday 27 November

Prep to Year 9 – Thursday 3 December

Public Holiday this Term Monday 5 October (King’s Birthday)

Student Free Day this Term Friday 4 December

PLEASE NOTE

Public Holidays are currently proposed dates and will not be finalised until passed through Parliament and gazetted.

Daily Routine

8.20am Warning Bell

8.25am - 8.35am Pastoral Care Time

8.35am - 8.40am Move to class

8.40am - 9.40am Period 1

9.40am - 9.45am Move to class

9.45am - 10.45am Period 2

10.45am - 11.05am Morning Tea

11.05am - 11.10am Move to class

11.10am - 12.10pm Period 3

12.10pm - 12.15pm Move to class

12.15pm - 1.15pm Period 4

1.15pm - 1.55pm Lunch

1.55pm - 2.00pm Move to class

2.00pm - 3.00pm Period 5

Books and Stationery

Students travelling on the WestMAC Bus Network use their Student ID card to tap on and o- the bus. Payments are managed via the RollCall app, which provides a convenient and secure way to handle fares. More information is available at the link above.

Books and Stationery packs for Prep to Year 12 can be purchased through Campion Education. You can view the book list for each year level on the WestMAC website here: stationery lists are available via https://www.wmac.com.au/enrolments/book-and-stationery-information

Transport

For details on Fassifern Coaches bus routes, please visit our website: wmac.com.au/enrolments/bus-network .

There are several transport options available for getting your child/ren to and from the College. Full details can be found at https://www.wmac.com.au/enrolments/our-bus-network

Term-time and casual passes for Fassifern Coaches can be booked through the RollCall App. Parents are encouraged to download the App and register their child/ren on the appropriate bus route and stop.

The College is also conveniently located near Karrabin Railway Station, with a complementary Fassifern Coaches shuttle bus running between the station and the College each morning and afternoon. For other bus providers, please contact them directly to arrange passes.

If you are considering other bus services not operated by Fassifern Coaches, please refer to: wmac.com.au/enrolments/transport- options . You’ll ﬁnd contact details for each provider, and we recommend reaching out to them directly for pricing and service information.

WestMAC Bus Network – Information for Families

For assistance with setting up RollCall access or for any other transport-related enquiries, please contact us at buses@wmac.com.au.

WestMAC offers a range of transport options to support students and families. Students travelling on the WestMAC Bus Network use their Student ID card to tap on and off the bus. Payments are managed via the RollCall App, providing a secure and convenient way to handle fares and bookings.

For details on Fassifern Coaches bus routes, visit https://www.wmac.com.au/enrolments/our-bus-network

The RollCall system helps us manage student travel e-iciently. Through the RollCall Parent Portal, families can:

For other bus providers, see wmac.com.au/enrolments/transport-options for contact details and reach out directly for pricing and service information.

• View their child’s bus travel history

Through the RollCall Parent Portal, families can view their child’s bus travel history, update bookings, set up boarding/disembarking alerts and manage payments.

• Make changes to bookings

For help with RollCall or other transport enquiries, contact buses@wmac.com.au

• Set up alerts for when their child boards or disembarks

Bus Network Fact Sheet can be found at: https://issuu.com/westmoretonanglicancollegeofficial/docs/buses_jbr_factsheet

• Manage and pay for bus fares

Parent Lounge

Our friendly ICT team will contact you with your login credentials and a quick guide to help you get started with the Parent Lounge Portal. In January, 2 weeks prior to school commencing, parents/ caregivers will receive an email including a login link, your username, and a system-generated password. Upon first login, you’ll be prompted to change your password and begin exploring the portal.

The Parent Lounge is designed to help you stay connected and engaged in your child’s education, with 24/7 access to important information and tools. Through the portal, you can:

Provide permission for your child to attend non-compulsory curriculum and extra-curricular activities

View and pay your school fee account, and access your statement of account

Book parent-teacher interviews

Access the school calendar and daily notices

View and update your child’s medical information

Browse the community business directory

Access the parent directory

View student attendance records

View student timetables

Contact teachers directly

Access academic reports and results

Parent Lounge Fact Sheet can be found at: https://issuu.com/westmoretonanglicancollegeofficial/docs/parent_lounge_jbr

Staying Connected with West Moreton Anglican College

Parents are strongly encouraged to stay informed and engaged with both College updates and their child’s schooling. We offer a variety of communication channels to ensure you have access to important information:

Parent Lounge

WestMAC App

NEST (Learning Management System)

Email SMS

Fortnightly Newsletter

College Website

Student Diary

WestMAC Official Facebook Page

Sub-School Receptions

To ensure you receive all communications from the College, please keep your contact details up to date via the Parent Lounge.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our IT team is here to help: supportcall@wmac.com.au

WestMAC App Fact Sheet can be found at: https://issuu.com/westmoretonanglicancollegeofficial/docs/westmac_app_jbr

Tuckshop and Flexischools

The Tuckshop offers onsite catering for breakfast, morning tea and lunch each school day.

The Tuckshop Menu features a diverse selection of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. Inspired by both local and international cuisines, the menu is designed to provide quality, variety, and balance. Vegetarian and coeliac-friendly options are also available upon request.

The Tuckshop Menu features a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks and beverages inspired by local and international cuisines, with vegetarian and coeliac-friendly options available on request. For convenience, meals can be pre-ordered anytime via the FlexiSchools online ordering system.

Years 7–12 students may also purchase food and drinks directly from the Tuckshop before school and during break times.

Junior School students must place all Tuckshop orders through FlexiSchools.

For more information, email tuckshop@wmac.com.au or visit wmactuckshop@wmac.com.au.

For added convenience, meals can be pre- ordered through the FlexiSchools online ordering system - making it easy for families to manage school lunches anytime, anywhere.

• Years 7–12 students may purchase food and drinks directly from the Tuckshop before school and during break times. Alternatively, parents and students (with parent approval in the app) can pre- order via FlexiSchools with 24/7 access.

• Junior School students are currently required to place all Tuckshop orders through FlexiSchools.

For more information, please email tuckshop@wmac.com.au or visit wmac.com.au/community/tuckshop - cafe .

Uniforms

The Uniform Shop’s opening dates and hours for the remainder of 2025 and for January 2026 are provided overleaf.

To avoid the back-to-school rush, we encourage families to organise uniform requirements before the Christmas holidays. Items can be exchanged or refunded in the new year if needed.

Uniform Fitting Appointment Bookings

Appointments are available during all Uniform Shop opening hours and can be booked free of charge up to 12 hours in advance.

To avoid long wait times, new parents are strongly encouraged to make an appointment when purchasing uniforms. Window service will be available whenever the shop is open; however, priority entry is given to those with bookings.

New student fittings: 40 minutes. Two new students from the same family can share a time slot. Existing student fittings: 20 minutes. Up to three current students from the same family can share a time slot.

For more details and to book a fitting appointment, visit https://www.wmac.com.au/enrolments/uniforms

Payments

The Uniform Shop accepts payments by cash, cheques, EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa. Orders can be made by Flexischools, phone, fax and email.

Lay-by Conditions

At least 10 per cent deposit is required. Payments can be made to lay-by at any time.

Items placed on lay-by will be at the prices current when placed on lay-by. Items can be exchanged or refunded after the lay-by has been collected. The Lay-by Policy is available on the College website.

Exchange/Refund Policy

If an item has not been used and is in the same condition as when purchased it can be exchanged. A refund for an item can only be given if the price paid for the item can be verified (receipt may be necessary).

Secondhand items will only be refunded or exchanged if the secondhand tag is still attached and the item has not been used.

Normal trading hours – School Days Only

Day

Terms 1 and 4

Terms 2 and 3

Monday 7.30am to 3.30pm 7.30am to 3.30pm

Wednesday 7.30am to 3.30pm 7.30am to 11am

Friday 7.30am to 3.30pm 7.30am to 3.30pm

Uniform price lists and additional uniform information can be found in the Uniform Shop section on the College website at https://www.wmac.com.au/enrolments/uniforms

If you need any further information, please contact our Uniform Shop Convenor, Mrs Glenda Boike via phone 3813 4533 or email uniform@wmac.com.au

Uniform Shop Opening Times until 31 January 2026

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays on school days – 7.30am to 3.30pm 17 Monday 7.30am to 3.30pm

19 Wednesday 7.30am to 3.30pm 21 Friday 7.30am to 3.30pm Year 12 Final Day

to 3.30pm

November 2025

to 3.30pm

& 11 Final Day

Closed for Christmas School holidays at 3.30pm on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

to 3.00pm

January 2026

to 3.00pm 16

8.00am to 3.00pm

to 3.00pm Saturday Trading

to 3.00pm

to 3.30pm

House System

All students at West Moreton Anglican College are placed in one of five Houses for the duration of their schooling. Each of the Houses are named after Australian poets:

Dame Mary Gilmore

Henry Lawson

Dorothea Mackellar (OBE)

AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson

Judith Wright

Dame Mary Gilmore (1865-1962) was an Australian writer of prose, essays and poetry, as well as an acclaimed journalist for a variety of publications up until her nineties. She was known for her prolific contributions to Australian literature and the broader national discourse receiving national icon status and honoured with a DBE. While a well-known campaigner for the welfare of the disadvantaged, it was her poetry, first published in 1910, which captured the public imagination with her evocative views on country life.

Henry Lawson (1867-1922) was an Australian writer, journalist, and poet in the colonial period best known for the short story The Drover’s Wife, written during the droughtaffected 1890s. With the “heart-breaking depiction of bleakness and loneliness”, it is regarded as one of his finest short stories and remains popular today. Lawson, who briefly worked as a journalist in Brisbane in the early 1890s, was mainly based in New South Wales and became the first Australian writer to be granted a state funeral.

Dorothea Mackellar (1885-1968) was a third-generation Australian, who became a national figure after she wrote the poem My Country as a 19-year-old in 1908. It features the immortal lines from the second stanza I love a sunburnt country, and shows exceptional insight into the “Beauty and Terror ’’ of the Australian landscape. Mackellar wrote this poem following regular visits to her brother’s property in north-west NSW. She continued to write and publish bush poetry, as well as novels, and was appointed in 1968 as an Officer of the British Empire for her contribution to Australian Literature.

Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson (1864-1941) was an Australian poet, solicitor, journalist, war correspondent and soldier. He is best known for composing Australia’s famous folk song Waltzing Matilda, following a visit to Winton, Queensland, in 1895, having reached national celebrity status in the 1890s with the publication of the poem The Man From Snowy River and other verses. He became a living legend for his appreciation of the Outback as a ballad-writer, novelist, horseman, bushman and squatter. Paterson was recognised with a CBE in 1939.

Judith Wright (1915-2000) was an Australian poet and environmentalist, known for conservation support of the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island and as a campaigner for Indigenous land rights. Her formative creative years were spent in Queensland including when nominated for the 1967 Nobel Prize for Literature following the publication of The Nature of Love, a short story collection. She received the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 1991 and in 2009 was named as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for her role as an Influential Artist.

Senior School Leaders of Culture

Gilmore

Lawson

Mackellar

Paterson

Wright

Mrs Hannah Purvey

Mr Mitchell Thompson

Mr Shane Burt

Mrs Cindy Turner

Mrs Lily White

Middle School Heads of Year

Head of Year 9 2026

Head of Year 8 2026

Head of Year 7 2026

Leader of Learning

Middle School Curriculum

Middle School Student

Wellbeing Coordinator

Ms Sam Thompson

Ms Tess Penny

Mr Pasquale Cammarano

Mrs Liz Cordingley-D’Castro

Mrs Jo McDonald

(These numbers are correct at time of printing).

Senior School

Head of Senior School

Deputy Head of Senior School

Middle School

Head of Middle School

Deputy Head of Middle School

Junior School

Head of Junior School

Deputy Head of Junior School

Dr Peter Britton

3813 4621

3813 4586

3813 4689

3813 4675

3813 4610

3813 4694

3813 4607

3813 4555

3813 4598

3813 4690

pbritton@wmac.com.au

Ms Alison Costa acosta@wmac.com.au

Mr John Chalvatzis JChalvatzis@wmac.com.au

Ms Liz Warren ewarren@wmac.com.au

Mrs Kirsten Mullan kmullan@wmac.com.au

Mr Matthew Caldwell mcaldwell@wmac.com.au

Ms Jamie Rudd jrudd@wmac.com.au

College Procedures

Absenteeism

Parents please note:

If a student is absent from the College for any reason, parents are to contact the absentee line on 3813 4580 by 8am. Parents will be contacted via SMS regarding an unexplained absence. Should a student require special leave for an extended period of time (e.g. family holiday, sporting event) a written request to the Principal/Head of School seeking permission is required. In such instances the onus is on the student to catch up on missed academic work. Affected due dates for assignments/assessments must be negotiated with their Head of School prior to the leave being taken and generally the student will be required to submit the assignment prior to leaving.

If a student becomes injured or unwell during a class, the student should approach their class teacher to have a note placed in their diary before reporting to the College Nurse in the Health Centre. At other times, the student should report directly to their class teacher (Prep to Year 6), Head of Year (Year 7 to 9), Head of House (Year 10 to 12) or the Head of School. Permission must be sought from the student’s class teacher (Prep to Year 6), Head of Year (Year 7 to 9), Head of House (Year 10 to 12), Head of School or College Nurse for a student to go home, and the student must be signed out by a parent/caregiver.

If a student contracts a contagious condition such as chickenpox, measles, school sores, head lice etc., parents are to contact the College Nurse immediately after diagnosis by phone 3813 4513 or email collegenurse@wmac.com.au

When a student is returning to school after a significant illness, injury or surgery, please notify the College Nurse.

Student Attendance Expectations

At WestMAC we are committed to providing an environment where children and young people receive the highest standard of care, and we believe that child safety and wellbeing needs to be embedded in practice and that it is the responsibility of all staff. Effectively managing student attendance at school is an important aspect to meeting this commitment.

All students are required to be in attendance each week day during the school year for which classes or other school activities are organised. In the case of outdoor education camps or other such organised activities, this may include Saturday and/or Sunday and students are expected to attend as required.

Arriving to School

Students are expected to arrive at school in time to be prepared for the day and attend Pastoral Care Time from 8:25am. Any student not present for roll marking will be recorded as absent, and your Sub-School reception staff will follow up on the absence.

Arriving Late to School

Any student who arrives late must report to their Sub-School reception to sign in. They will be issued a late pass for their class teacher, and a note in the Student Diary explaining the reason for the late arrival is required. Prep–Year 6 students must be accompanied by a parent when signing in late.

Leaving the College Early

Any student who needs to leave the College early during the school day is to report to the relative Sub-School reception with a note of permission written by a parent in the Student Diary. The parent must sign the student out via the Early Departure Register. Any student leaving during the College day for an appointment and then returning to school will need to be signed out and signed in at the relevant Sub-School reception.

If a student becomes ill in the course of the day, they are to be directed to the Health Centre where the College Nurse will contact a parent or caregiver to collect them if necessary. In such a case the student will be signed out in the Early Departure Register in the Health Centre.

Supervision of Students Before and After School

Before School Supervision

Students in Prep to Year 6 who are on the College grounds prior to 7.45am (and not directly involved in an extracurricular activity) should be booked into and attend the Out of School Hours Care service (OSHC). Between 7.45am and 8am any students on campus should be directed to the amphitheatre near the Junior School drop-off.

Student in Years 7 to 12 should not be on the College grounds prior to 7.30am unless they are attending training or at a teacher-supervised activity. As there are no staff members on duty until 8am, any students who may on occasion arrive between 7.30am and 8am should go to the Claridge Centre Library.

After School Supervision

Students in Prep to Year 6 must be collected promptly at 3:00pm. A staff member will supervise the Junior School pick-up zone until 3:20pm. Any students still waiting after this time will be taken to the Junior School Office so parents can be contacted.

Years 7 to 12 students are expected to be collected by 3:30pm. Those waiting after this time must report to the Claridge Centre Library, where they may complete homework until collected. The Library closes at 4:30pm each weekday. Senior School students may also use the Flexible Learning Space in the Senior Building (SB) until 4:30pm.

Students being picked up from sports training, excursions or special activities, must remain with their teacher or supervisor until collected by a parent. Younger or older siblings are not permitted to wait at these activities—or around the café, Lostroh Centre, or other areas of the College—unless supervised by their own parent.

Failure to Meet Commitments

If students are unable to keep a commitment they have made to the College in respect of any activity, common courtesy expects that they inform the teacher or parent in charge as early as possible. If a student is not able to attend a musical or instrumental performance, a letter requesting permission to be excused, giving reasons for the proposed non-attendance, should be written by parents/caregivers and given to the teacher in charge of the activity a reasonable number of days before the activity is due to take place.

If students are unable to meet sport commitments e.g., training sessions or games, they are required to give timely and appropriate notification to the Teacher-in-Charge or coach of the team, outlining the reasons.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Families may choose from Apple or Windows devices as long as they meet the minimum specifications. Please note that Chromebooks are not supported and mobile phones are not considered a learning device in this context. These specifications are available on our website.

Students have full access to the Microsoft Office suite of software for the duration of their enrolment at WestMAC, so there is no need to purchase this as an additional extra. Information about the required cybersafety and virus protection software and all other requirements is available on the College BYOD webpage:

Middle School BYOD information can be found herehttps://www.wmac.com.au/our-schools/middle-school

Senior School BYOD information can be found herehttps://www.wmac.com.au/our-schools/senior-school

Mobile Phones and Smart Devices

Mobile phones and other smart devices, such as smart watches or similar technological devices, are not considered a learning device.

For all students, upon entering the College grounds and before the commencement of the school day, mobile phones and/or smart devices are not to be used and must be stored in their secured locker (or handed in at the Junior School office for Junior School students). At the completion of Lesson 5, students are permitted to remove their mobile phones and/or smart devices from their locker. These devices must be used in an appropriate manner.

Parents needing to make contact with their child, must contact the respective Sub-School receptionist.

Bicycles and Cars

Bicycles may be brought to the College but they should not have expensive accessories and the owner’s name should be clearly labelled on the frame. Students must provide the respective Head of School with a letter from their parents authorising them to ride their bike to school. Bicycles must not be ridden during the school day and should be secured in the area designated by the Head of School. The wearing of helmets is compulsory.

Students wishing to drive a car to school must first obtain permission to do so by completing a Student Driver form available from the Head of Senior School which, among other things, seeks a declaration from both students and parents that they have read and agreed to the College’s ‘Student Drivers’ Policy’ on the permission form.

Medications

All medications, including paracetamol, antihistamines and antibiotics, are to be handed in to the Health Centre for administering by the College’s Registered Nurses, along with the appropriate consent form completed by a parent or caregiver which can be obtained by emailing collegenurse@wmac.com.au

Medications must be in original pharmacy packaging, with pharmacy label stating student name, dosage and time of day to be administered.

Schedule 8 controlled drug medications such as Dexamphetamine, Ritalin and strong painkillers must be brought directly to the Health Centre by an adult, and NOT sent in with a student. These medications will be stored in the drug safe. The only medications which may be carried by students are those required for emergency treatment (such as salbutamol inhalers or EpiPens) and diabetes management (including Insulin and Glucagon kits). However, the College Nurses must be aware of the student’s condition and that they are carrying medication at school to ensure fast access and safe effective treatment in the event of an emergency.

Lost Property

The loss of personal property can be minimised if all belongings are clearly and permanently marked, and proper care is taken. If belongings become lost or damaged the matter should be reported immediately to the student’s Class Teacher (Prep to 6), Head of Year (Years 7 to 9), Head of House (Years 10 to 12) or the relevant Sub-School Reception.

For added security, students in Years 7 to 12 are provided with combination locks for their lockers.

Lost property bins are located in each of the Sub-School reception areas. All lost property is taken to the Uniform Shop at the end of each term. Please note, the College is not responsible for property lost at school.

Parents and Friends Association (P&F)

WestMAC’s Parents and Friends (P&F) Association aims to build lasting friendships, raise funds and promote a vibrant fellowship between parents, friends, staff and students as a celebration of the College’s community spirit.

The social network provided by the P&F is of great value to ensuring a strong College culture, as well as to developing partnerships with the wider community.

WestMAC’s P&F Association is an active and valuable group of College supporters, who meet monthly during term time at Keswick House. There is no obligation to join the P&F, but anyone from the College community is welcome to participate in activities, attend social events or come to a meeting. Whether it is helping on a Sports Day or making a cake for the Bake Sale, your contribution can be as small or as large as you are able to commit.

All parents and caregivers are welcome to participate in P&F activities. For more information or to volunteer visit: https://www.wmac.com.au/community/parents-friends-p-f-fota

Friends of the Arts (FOTA)

WestMAC FOTA is a sub-committee of the Parents and Friends Association (P & F), dedicated to the support of the creative arts programs at the College. FOTA performs a vital role in the life of the College providing support through catering, fundraising and other activities for students involved in music, dance, drama and visual art at WestMAC. FOTA provides parents a means to become more involved in the lives of their children at the College and to contribute to the long-term growth and excellence in the arts at WestMAC.For more information visit https://www.wmac.com.au/community/parents-friends-p-f-fota

Student Experiences

At West Moreton Anglican College we understand that a holistic education extends beyond the classroom and acknowledge that providing opportunities for students to develop life lessons through extra-curricular activities will increase wellbeing, provide a sense of community, expand their friendship groups as well as strengthen persistence and academic attitude. Involvement in extra-curricular activities at WestMAC inspires every student to build their confidence and resilience to be the best version of themselves.

Student Awards Structure

The awards structure aims to provide a system of recognition for student involvement in extra-curricular activities and to acknowledge students who demonstrate excellence in commitment or achievement.

Participation and Service

In the Junior School, certificates are given to the students at the end of the year. These list the activities that students have participated in if they have completed the necessary 80 per cent of requirements. In Middle and Senior School, students also need to complete 80 per cent attendance of the requirements of an activity to receive recognition for the activity.

Colours (Years 7 to 12)

The Colours Awards recognise a student’s participation and commitment to the full range of activities within the College’s extra-curricular program. Points are accrued for each recognised activity that a student participates in, provided that no less than 80 per cent of all aspects of the activity are attended. These points are cumulative across a student’s years at the College from Years 7 to 12 and as a student attains the required points standard, they are presented with a Colours Award. Within this category of awards, there are currently 4 levels: a Bronze Laurel is the initial award, followed by a Silver Star, then a Gold Scroll and finally, a Platinum Laurel.

Excellence Lines (Years 7 to 12)

The demonstration of excellence by an individual or a group in the College’s extra-curricular program is recognised by the awarding of a Line. Within each of the areas of the program – Sport, Music and Activities – there are a number of pre-determined criteria for a student to attain a Line e.g., State Debating Champions, a platinum award at a major music eisteddfod, a TAS Premiership team. In addition, students and staff are also able to nominate a student for a Line if they have demonstrated excellence in a particular activity. The awarding of Lines is at the discretion of the Extra-Curricular Activities Committee.

Sport

The College provides an extensive range of experiences to harness each student’s interest and passion. WestMAC is a member of The Associated Schools (TAS) competition and team sport fixtures are generally held on Saturdays. The major carnival sports of Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics are held during school days.

Representative school sport follows the program set by Queensland School Sport. Representative sports trials for WestMAC students are conducted by Western Ranges District School Sport. These trials can be held during and after school to allow students the opportunity to qualify for the Metropolitan West Region, Queensland School Sport and Australian School Sport trials and teams.

As part of accepting a place at West Moreton Anglican College, students are expected to make themselves available for College teams and to honour this commitment by attending all training sessions and games. If a student is unavailable, it is expected that the student or their parent informs the coach or manager. Where clashes occur between College and external sporting club commitments, students are required to give the College their first priority.

Students are also encouraged to support younger teams by assisting with coaching, umpiring or managing, and parent involvement is always welcome.

Creative Arts

Music

WestMAC offers students many extra-curricular music experiences including choirs, orchestras, bands and chamber ensembles. These groups are organised to provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their level of ability. Extensive instrumental and vocal tuition is also offered to the students and is facilitated by a staff of highly talented and dedicated musicians.

Music is an integral part of our way of life. As music pervades the students’ everyday lives, music is a very relevant part of their education. Music at WestMAC develops skills in the perception and practice of music in its many forms. It also fosters social interaction and develops concentration, memory, physical co-ordination and self-discipline.

Dance

West Moreton Anglican College provides high-quality youth dance performance opportunities in an enriching environment, with students able to pursue excellence through the Dance Company (Years 10–12), Dance Troupe (Years 7–9), and JS Dance Crew (Years 4–6). Under our expert coaches, students will develop dance skills as well as focus on building teamwork and dedication, while polishing their choreographed routines.

Students will perform as a representative of the College at events including the annual dance concert and at dance eisteddfods in South East Queensland. Dance curriculum and vocational subjects are also available for Year 8 students onwards.

Activities and Clubs

WestMAC also offers a number of other programs that enables students to fulfil their potential and become well-balanced, socially skilled individuals. These programs include:

Air Force Cadets Environmental Committee

Cattle Show Team Equestrian

Chess Club Esports

Chinese Club Friends of the Farm

Debating

Outdoor Education

WestMAC values the skills that Outdoor Education can offer students and runs a program that students participate in from Prep through to Year 11. As students move through each year at the College, the nature of outdoor educational experiences become more diverse and complex to encourage the development of the whole person.

Examples of a few of the activities included in the Outdoor Education program are:

Rock climbing Canoeing

Abseiling Stand-up paddle boarding

Mountain biking Archery

Orienteering

Supervision of Students Following Extra-curricular Activities

For all afternoon extra-curricular activities held at the College, parents are expected to collect students promptly at the conclusion of the activity. Staff will supervise students for 15 minutes after the scheduled finish time and will attempt to contact parents of any students who are not collected. After 15 minutes, remaining Prep–Year 6 students will be taken to After School Care (charges apply), and alternative supervision will be arranged for Years 7–12 students (charges also apply).

Student Protection and Volunteers

Anglican Schools are committed to providing environments where children and young people receive the highest standard of care, where their rights are supported and they have the opportunity to thrive and be fruitful. Such environments nurture and safeguard the intelligence, dignity, safety and wellbeing of each child or young person, by placing them at the centre of thought, values and actions.

As reflected in our Ethos, our vocation is education, driven by a vision of humanity, shaped by the image of God made visible in Jesus, present in every human being.

Every child: made in the image and likeness of God.

Every child: lovable and loved, unique and unrepeatable. Outstanding education for the flourishing of people and the good of community. Our faith is lived. We are hospitable and welcoming communities, who embody compassion, kindness, fairness, justice and love, and where exceptional pastoral care is practised.

Working and serving the best interests of children and young people is in everyone’s best interest. This is achieved through sustaining living and learning environments that are safe, supportive and stimulating. Specifically, we: place emphasis on genuine engagement with children and young people; create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people; create conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying harm; and respond to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions.

This commitment is sought to be consistently reflected through the decisions and behaviour of all persons within the School or Service, who are guided by effective governance, policies, tools and processes. This fosters a child-safe culture, where acting in children and young people’s best interests is at the heart of what we do.

The College strongly recommends that all parents have a comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities in relation to student protection. For more information and to access resources for parents visit https://www.wmac.com.au/about/student-protection-2

Parents of current students and volunteers under the age of 18 are exempt from a Blue Card. However, grandparents and other family members 18 years of age and over require a Blue Card before commencing as volunteers. Registered Teachers and Police Officers require an exemption card, known as an E card.

Even though a volunteer may be exempt from requiring a Blue Card, all volunteers must be eligible to hold a Blue Card. This means that anyone who is a “Restricted Person” as defined under the Working With Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 cannot work or volunteer with children even if exempt from requiring a Blue Card.

Further information can be found on the College website at https://www.wmac.com.au/community/volunteering-at-westmac