School Newsletter

In the last Newsletter, I mentioned that we have 25 new staff this year. Each time a new staff member joins the team, we bless them with a chronological Bible. It is set up with daily readings so that you can work your way through the Bible in a year. I have taken up the challenge of reading through the chronological Bible a few times and found it very helpful, particularly given the scripture is included in the order it occurred. For example, following the story of David being pursued by Saul and feeling abandoned by God, various Psalms really bring to life the emotion of what David must have been feeling.

Presently I have been working through Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus. I have once again been reminded of how important patience is. I find it easy to gloss over some of the details because we feel we know the stories. Most people are aware that it rained for forty days and nights whilst Noah was in the ark. Genesis 7:24 makes clear that in total the earth was flooded for 150 days. I can imagine Noah getting a little impatient trying to placate all the animals (and his family) whilst they continued to wait for the waters to recede.

Again, many people know much of the story of Joseph in Egypt. He interprets the cupbearer's dream and ultimately becomes Pharoah’s chief of staff. Genesis 41:1 explains that two full years passed between when Joseph interpreted the cupbearer's dream and he was ultimately brought before Pharoah. I can imagine Joseph had many nights where his patience was tested, wrongly imprisoned, lying in jail, feeling like God had forsaken him.

I know there are occasions in my life where I have wrestled with God’s timing and had to learn patience. Indeed patience is not a virtue that gets encouraged in our society. We want to watch our movies and TV shows instantly, we expect our deliveries to arrive quickly, and we grumble when we have to wait at the drive-through too long because our hot meal needs a bit more preparation time. If you feel I am being unfair, perhaps you can run a short experiment and wait for two seconds the next time the traffic light turns from red to green and see what happens.

Similarly, at school, I feel there are lots of opportunities for me to work on my patience, and be reminded that God’s timing is best, even if I don’t always understand why. In personality assessments, I often get defined as a 'make things happen' type of person. It goes somewhat against my psyche to sit and wait patiently, which may be exactly why God likes to remind me of how important it is and forces me to trust Him more. I look forward to God growing me in patience again this year.

God Bless.

• Term 1 Commences Years 1-12 - Tuesday 28th January (Week 1)
• Kindergarten Commences - Wednesday 29th January (Week 1)
• Secondary School Swimming Carnival - Thursday 30th January (Week 1)
• Junior School Swimming Carnival - Friday 31st January (Week 1)
• Years K-11 Meet the Teacher Evening - Monday 3rd February (Week 2)
• Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 3rd February (Week 2)
• Year 7 Camp - Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th February (Week 2)
• Years 5 & 6 Camp - Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th February (Week 3)
• WCCS Open Day - Wednesday 19th February (Week 4)
• K-12 Combined Chapel - Thursday 20th February (Week 4)
• Kindergarten, Year 5 & 7 (for 2026) Information Evening - Tuesday 4th March (Week 6)
• Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing Commences - Wednesday 12th March (Week 7)
• Wellbeing Week - Monday 17th to Friday 21st March (Week 8)
• Junior School Crazy Hair Day & World's Greatest Shave - Friday 21st March (Week 8)
• WCCS Twilight Open Evening - Wednesday 26th March (Week 9)
• Junior School Athletics Carnival - Thursday 3rd April (Week 10)
• Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 7th April (Week 11)
• K-11 Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 8th April (Week 11)
• K-12 Cross Country Carnival - Thursday 10th April (Week 11)
• K-12 Easter Service - Thursday 10th April (Week 11)
• Junior School Celebration Assembly at 9am - Friday 11th April (Week 11)
  
• Secondary School Celebration Assembly at 2pm - Friday 11th April (Week 11)

SCHOOL APP - NOTICE SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you are utilising the School App and subscription settings, please remember to reset your subscriptions for 2024.

Customising your subscriptions will allow you to receive notices and alerts that are relevant to your student/s’ year group/s, excursions and activities.

How to update your subscriptions:

1. Open our School App and Log In
2. Click on Settings
3. Click on Subscriptions
4. Click on each category and select the specific tags you would like to receive notices about.

PARENTS' PRAYER GROUP

We have recently launched our Parents' Prayer Group. This will be an opportunity for WCCS parents and carers to gather each week and pray for our school community.

When: 8:45am on Wednesdays during term time

Where: Wyong Baptist Church Green Room - accessible via the Good Day Kiosk

The group will be hosted by our school Chaplain, Rev Matt Shorten, and Dr Gavin Williams from Wyong Baptist Church. All are welcome to come and pray together.

COMBINED YEARS 1-12 CHAPEL SERVICE

This Friday 16th February (Week 3), we will hold a combined Chapel service for Years 1-12 at 9am in our Multi-Purpose Centre. Families are welcome to attend.

2025 SIBLING ENROLMENTS

If you have a child who is due to commence at WCCS in 2025 and you have not yet completed an Enrolment Application form, please do so as soon as possible.

We are receiving a high volume of Enrolment Applications from new families for Kindergarten and Year 7 in 2025 and would like to know if you intend to enrol your child, so that we can reserve a place for them.

Please note that we are only able to reserve a place for siblings once we have received an Enrolment Application.

An Enrolment Application can be completed online, accessible via our school website.

Enrolment Applications are also being received for 2026 and beyond.

OPEN DAY - WEDNESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

On Wednesday 21st February we will be holding an Open Day. Our Open Days are designed to show prospective families the innovative educational opportunities and vibrant, growing community that make WCCS one of the leading Christian schools on the Central Coast. This is the perfect opportunity to find out more about WCCS.

If you know of any families who may be considering WCCS, please direct them to our website to book a tour. Tour options available are; Junior School, Secondary School, or a Whole School tour.

KINDERGARTEN 2025 & YEAR 7 2025 INFORMATION EVENING – WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH 2024

On Wednesday 6th March, at 6pm for a 6:30pm start, we will be hosting two Information Sessions:

• Kindergarten 2025 (and beyond) Information Evening
• Year 7 2025 (and beyond) Information Evening

Current parents of WCCS may already be familiar with most of the content shared during these sessions; however, you are most welcome to attend.

The Kindergarten Information Session will be helpful for parents who have not yet had a child commence in Kindergarten at WCCS.

The Year 7 Information Session will be helpful for parents who have not yet had a child move into Secondary School.

It will be lovely to host current and future parents on this evening.

You, or a friend considering our school, can register here.

SCHOOL CONCERT BANDS

The Bands are back! – with Secondary Band commencing last week and both Junior and Beginner Bands to start this week. If you are still keen for your child to be involved, it's not too late! We are on the lookout for wind players (new or experienced) and Bass players (some experience and ability to read music necessary). The Music Department has a number of instruments available for hire at a very reasonable rate, so you don’t have to commit to purchasing your own instrument up front.

Beginners in Years 3 and 4 can still respond to the Expression of Interest slip that was sent to all Years 3 and 4 families, but if you have either a Beginner or continuing student in any other year, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Lisa Whitwell, Band Coordinator, for more information.

Beginner and Junior Bands occur during school time on Wednesdays and Secondary Band is on Thursdays from 3:30–4:30pm.

JUNIOR CHOIR

Junior Choir (open to Years 3–6) is on each Wednesday in Mrs Ormsby’s classroom at 12:50pm. Everyone is welcome – just turn up!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

WCCS is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Grounds & Maintenance Person (Full Time)
• Chief Financial Officer (Full Time)
• Secondary Science Teacher (Full Time, Maternity Leave Position)

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in partnering with us to equip young people to be responsible and responsive disciples, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about these positions, please visit the Employment section of our website.

BIRTHDAY PARTY TUBS FROM THE CANTEEN

If you order a Birthday Party Tub from the Canteen, we ask that you please inform your child and their class teacher. The birthday student will also be required to collect the Birthday Tub from the Canteen (not another student). Thank you for your understanding.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT AT WYONG BAPTIST CHURCH

Wyong Baptist Church has an office space available for rent for three days per week in the church office, with immediate availability. This office space has its own private access and amenities. For further information, please contact Jenelle Kayes or phone 0422 607 115.

• Pray for our Years 1-12 combined Chapel service this Friday. Pray that students will be open to hearing God's Word and be challenged by the message from Rev Matt Shorten.
• Pray for good weather for our upcoming Open Day and for the opportunity we have to welcome families onto our school grounds. Pray that guests will feel welcome and experience God's love and presence.
• Continue to uphold our School Board and Senior Leadership Team in prayer as they seek God's wisdom for the future of WCCS.

Greetings friends of Junior School.

We have certainly packed in some events in our first fortnight and the treats just keep on coming. After the Swimming Carnival, Meet the Teacher and Camp Toukley, this Friday we will host the Years 1-12 Chapel Service at 9am in our Multi-Purpose Centre. Rev Matt Shorten has prepared a cracking message that will challenge, encourage and inspire us all. Kindergarten will not join us for this event because it will be too overwhelming to have 850+ students and 50+ staff in the MPC. We will treat Kindy to a performance of our Junior School Band in Week 4 Chapel. Mrs Whitwell is working hard to prepare our budding concert virtuosos for this event.

COVID-19 is currently and effectively making its rounds through the school with staff and students succumbing to the virus. If your child is showing symptoms of COVID, please keep them home. Obviously, we are keen to ensure the safety of our students, especially those who are immunocompromised and we are keen to ensure that our teachers are face-to-face with their classes as much as possible. Reported symptoms and signs include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Just a quick reminder that NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 is fast approaching. The test window opens in Week 7 on Wednesday 13th March and closes on Friday 22nd March.

The first test is Writing and both grades need to complete that in the first week, and the Year 3 handwritten test requires submission at the end of the first week. We will publish a formal timetable closer to the dates. This is just a reminder that any midterm holidays should be avoided during this NAPLAN season. Thank you so much for your support.

CAMP TOUKLEY

Camp Toukley – Written by Isabelle N, Year 6

"My stay at Camp Toukley was different to any other. Just like life, camp had ups and downs. Hoppy Joe and green ant bites, fears and foes. There was one activity that helped me see God’s love and protection for us. The giant swing. I looked up to the green pole, it didn’t look high. I was very wrong. I went to the top, took one look down and got super freaked out. How exactly was it so high!? Weird. But God had me in His harness of protection, He wouldn’t let me go. I’ve always wondered 'Does He enjoy looking at my absolutely horrified face?' and go, 'Oh, this will be interesting!'. I remember Vv’s words, we were walking to the giant swing. I clutched the rope and the words echoed in my head, 'Are you ready for it?'. I pulled the rope".

Camp Toukley – Written by Amani T, Year 5

"2024 Camp was an incredible experience. We did many exciting and fun things like the crate climb, laser tag, archery and more. As well as having fun we all tried hard to overcome fears and challenges together! At the end of the day, everybody would come together and hear a message about God from our wonderful teachers. We would start with a worship song, praising the Lord and opening our hearts to Him. Then end with a touching message, showing how amazing our God can be and how much He loves and cares for all of us. I think Camp Toukley was a wonderful experience for everybody, and we can all learn and take things back with us that can help us learn and grow all throughout life".

A huge congratulations to our Years 5 and 6 students for a fabulous camp last week. Students embraced the challenges of the activities and overcame many fears. During evening devotions, we heard from Rev, worshipped with Mrs Ormsby, Mr T and Mrs Harris, and shared the verse:

“For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Many of our students willingly came to the stage to share their fears and spoke of how they overcame them, with their peers (142 of them). This was a pivotal moment, and I was so proud of these students.

I would like to thank our staff (teachers and SLSOs) for their care, dedication and willingness to serve at our camp. Our parent helpers were amazing, and we are so very grateful for your help and support. Thank you Mrs Yeung, Mrs Chown, Mr Muddle, Mr Ryall and Mrs Gibbons for everything.

God bless.

This fortnight, we continue to introduce you to some of our Secondary School staff.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MATHEMATICS

Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate 9.

Why did 7 eat 9? Because we are meant to eat 3 squared meals a day.

A hearty appetite for mathematical knowledge is what we hope to foster in your child. We want to extend your child's mathematical journey, challenging them while offering the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

One way we hope to provide extension and support is through the online program IXL. This platform is not just about numbers; it's about customised learning experiences. IXL adjusts questions to meet students' needs, allowing them to review concepts they only partly understand or challenge themselves by working beyond the set tasks. Every student in Years 7 to 10 has their own IXL account, ready to be explored at any time.

The Mathematics department itself is also expanding! Alongside familiar faces like myself (Mrs Johns), Mr Benn, Mr Newman, and Mr Creanor, we are delighted to welcome Mr Berry and Miss Huang to our team in 2024. With this dynamic group of educators, we're confident in providing an enriching and supportive learning environment for your child.

Here's to a year filled with mathematical discoveries, laughter, and the joy of extending our understanding of numbers and beyond. We look forward to counting many successes together!

Mrs Alison Johns | Mathematics Learning Leader

YEAR GROUP SPOTLIGHT: YEAR 7

It has been a wonderful start to the year for Year 7!

Week 1 was busy but provided some wonderful chances to develop new connections and friendships. On Day 1, students were introduced to their Home Room Teachers and spent some time getting to know them before experiencing their first two high school classes. On Day 2, we had the Swimming Carnival which involved lots of fun, laughter and sunshine, and on Day 3 we headed off to Year 7 Camp! This was especially awesome, with Year 7 getting to participate in activities like sailing, canoeing, the giant SUP, cave maze, abseiling and archery.

What was even more awesome, was the way that both new and old students integrated so beautifully, expanding their friendship circles and welcoming new faces. There was lots of laughter, games, moments to learn about each other, and also to learn about the grace, goodness and glory of God.

We are blessed to have a wonderful Year 7 Home Room team this year, consisting of Mrs Rachael Hastings, Mrs Anne Livette-Vial and Mrs Amelia Cox, along with Mr David Thomas, Mr Bradley Robson, Mr Jonathan Eloff and Mr Nathan Irvine. This team brings so much passion for teaching and genuine care and concern for the students.

We look forward to continuing to support Year 7 as they transition into this new season of their lives and pray God’s blessing over them and their families as they do so.

Miss Kayla Christensen | Year 7 Year Advisor

God bless.

Looking ahead to 2024, it is exciting to see so many opportunities for students to extend themselves in their particular areas of interest! To help you and your child anticipate what the year ahead could hold, I emailed parents in Week 1 with a list of potential enrichment and extension activities that students may like to consider participating in this year.

This week, students in Years 5 to 8 are being asked to nominate themselves for Debating. From these nominations, I will choose a selection of students to participate in a Debating Workshop run by Masters Academy. Following this, we will choose teams who will train once a week in preparation for the Australian National Virtual Debating Competition, with the virtual debates held throughout Term 2.

Our Term 2 major enrichment project will be the Science Fair. This is an at-home project, where students will meet with me at school each week to learn about the steps of the Scientific Method, then complete the work for their project at home, submitting it each week for feedback. It should be completed by the end of Term 2, when we will hold a Science Fair to display their work. This project would suit self-motivated students in Years 3-10. I will meet with interested students mid Term 1, giving all the information necessary for students to make a commitment to this Term 2 project by the end of Term 1.

In the coming weeks, we will also be putting together our Years 5-8 teams for the State da Vinci Decathlon. This is a one-day event held at Knox Grammar at the end of July, where teams of eight students work together on some incredibly challenging tasks across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy. Students will be asked to nominate themselves and their potential areas of specialty.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about any of these very exciting upcoming opportunities!

Mrs Anne Livette-Vial | High Potential & Enrichment Teacher

On Friday 2nd February, students from Years 1 to 6 headed to Wyong Pool for our annual Swimming Carnival. Warm weather graced us with its splendour throughout the day. Witnessing the spirited house march-past, students fervently cheered for their respective teams. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as students actively engaged with many achieving numerous personal bests.

Meanwhile, the Year 1 and 2 students indulged in their traditional water fun day. Cup relays, "stuck in the mud" with spray bottles, sponge throwing, and wading pool relays were among the delightful activities they embraced. The highlight of the day for them was the opportunity to take a dip in the main pool in the 25m race.

A massive congratulations to Holly P (8 Girls 50m Freestyle), Isabelle J (12 Girls 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly), Lachlan R (12 Boys 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, Opens 100m Freestyle, Senior 200IM), Billy C (12 Boys 50m Breaststroke), Lotus V (11 Girls 50m Backstroke) and Brodie C (11 Boys 50m Breaststroke) for breaking records on the day.

It was heartening to observe a large turnout of students eagerly participating in races, striving to amass points for their houses. Gratitude is extended to all teachers, the Year 12 SLR class and some Year 10 PASS students for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Special acknowledgment goes to the Junior School teachers for their relentless efforts throughout the event. Furthermore, appreciation is extended to the families who attended and cheered on their children, fostering an atmosphere of support and encouragement. Special thanks to Mr Matt Jones for refereeing stroke technique during the day.

Mrs Papalexion and Mrs Estherby invested considerable effort into finalising the results. All results have been placed on the Junior School Sport Canvas page. Those students who have qualified for Zone will be sent permission notes in the next week or so.

We will be announcing the Age Champions and House Champion in an upcoming Primary Assembly once we have received the Age Champion trophies.

Mr Dean Knibbs | Junior School Sports Coordinator