COLLEGE NEWS
Welcome
Welcome to the third edition for Term 3.
This edition of College News follows students through their online learning journey, an amazing job opportunity is available for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Agriculture, information on external competitions, upcoming Elevate parent webinars, in-school competitions; such as TRACTIVE and Wellbeing Challenges and reports on recent student excursions.
Read below for more information.
Stay safe everyone!
Online Learning at TRAC
Willsher House
Students and staff from Willsher House met to have a cook-along and make scones.
Junior School Learning in Action
Year 7 Science
Year 7 Science students got the chance to participate in an online practical lesson with Mrs Lough. Students learned about the separation technique of chromatography using smarties.
Elevate Webinar
Elevate Education are continuing to provide parents of The Riverina Anglican College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 3, 2021.
Final upcoming date for Term 3
1st September - Exam Homestretch and how to support your child in the final weeks.
To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,
You can register by clicking here.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com
💻 https://au.elevateeducation.com
👍 https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/
Year 11 Exams
NESA has wisely allowed schools to independently determine how assessment may need to be changed to suit their local environment and situation during COVID-19. Consequently, the College spent last week looking at Year 11 examinations and the viability of being able to carry them out during the current lockdown. Difficult decisions have been required as to the efficacy and validity of doing examinations online electronically, online with hard copy or other alternatives. Heads of Department were consulted because, as you would imagine, examinations are really quite different depending on the nature of the subject and the format in which an electronic response would be useful or even possible to administer whilst maintaining academic fairness and validity. We were also conscious of the wellbeing of our students in making these decisions. As a consequence, the following determinations have been made:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations will not take place in Term 3. These will take place during Term 4 at a date to be advised. It is important to understand that the IB is a two year course, unlike the two stages of the HSC (Year 11 Terms 1-3 and Year 12 Terms 4-3). It is also important for students to understand that formative assessment will be ongoing and this will continue to aid staff in developing predicted grades for end of semester reports. The learning and its assessment do not stop. Students should expect formative assessment to take place over the coming weeks and will be informed about the specifics of each task.
Mrs Patricia Humble will issue additional communication to all IB parents and students to clarify assessment details in the coming days.
- HSC Stream students will undertake a variety of approaches that have been developed by Heads of Department. These include three main options:
- Examinations will be completed online in the times allocated on the original examination timetable. Heads of Department will communicate with students to inform them of the nature and logistics of this kind of task
- Examinations will be replaced by ongoing formative assessments. based on in-class tasks. These subjects will not have formal examinations, but will instead develop tasks within the online environment that will be used to measure student performance against the usual NESA grade descriptors
- Examinations will take place online using an external provider at a time allocated by them and indicated in the republished timetable.
Head of Academic Administration Helen Foster has republished a timetable that has the formal online assessments included - please see attached.
I encourage all students and parents to check this timetable to determine what subjects will be having formal assessments over the next three weeks. Heads of Faculty and teachers will inform students via the Google classroom as to the process for any other kinds of formative assessment that will take place over this time. The core message here too is that the learning and its assessment do not stop, regardless of the means by which it is being assessed.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact myself, Helen Foster (HSC) or Patricia Humble (IB) at the college.
Anthony Heffer | Deputy Principal - Teaching, Learning and Innovation
2022 Job Opportunity - Jackaroo/Jillaroo Positions
Are you currently studying Agriculture? Are you interested in becoming a Jackaroo or Jillaroo? The College has been contacted by Agrista, who has three clients looking for a Jackaroo/Jillaroo, to commence in 2022.
Further information is attached.
Please contact Prue Francis at Agrista on 0435 052 255 if you have any questions or queries relating to this position.
TRACTIVE Strava House V House Challenge is back for Secondary Students!
Secondary Students have been encouraged to sign up to their house club on the strava app and will receive points for every kilometer they walk, run or cycle. It is a Term 3 House v House competition set up for secondary school sport - the leaderboard will be updated and announced weekly.
Week 6 results from the TRACTIVE Challenge are below:
Well done to Browning! With over 500km travelled in Week 6, they are currently in first place in the TRACTIVE Strava Challenge.
Congratulations to the following students who have earned a Sports Award for topping the leaderboard in their given houses.
Browning: James Boetto & Hareem Ahmad
Blackwell: Kip Flinn
Fox: Clayton Gunning
Sheppard: Ed Thompson
Stanley: Hugh McEachern
Willsher: Sarah Harper
How can I stay active and earn house points if I can't go outside?
Sometimes, due to the weather or other factors, we can't go outside for Physical Activity (and accumulate Strava points). Attached is a poster with inside Physical Activity options.
"Strike a Pose"- upload a photo/video of you completing an inside workout or challenge via the google form and receive house points!
The club links are below if you would like to be involved.
https://www.strava.com/clubs/BlackwellTRAC
https://www.strava.com/clubs/FoxTRAC
https://www.strava.com/clubs/SheppardTRAC
https://www.strava.com/clubs/BrowningTRAC
https://www.strava.com/clubs/WillsherTRAC
https://www.strava.com/clubs/StanleyTRAC
Year 11 Biology Marrambidya Wetlands Field Work
On Tuesday 10th August, the Year 11 Biology students completed the field work component of their course at the Marrambidya Wetlands. The weather was glorious and the students were able to conduct water testing and population counts. They also heard from the Wagga Wagga City Council Environmental Education Officer, Alice Kent. She guided them through the history of the area and ecological species interactions, and took them on a site tour. Student learning was enriched through the combination of practical activities, observations in the context of the Biology course content.
Megan Bromley | Science Department
Outdoor Education (PenPal - connecting with the Community)
Students that have studied Outdoor Education at the College know full well the benefits of putting pen to paper, as written communication and reflective journal writing have formed, over the last 15 years, some of the building blocks for Outdoor Education.
The skills of letter writing are embedded within the Year 9 Written Communications unit. Although the idea of writing a letter is not always embraced with enthusiasm, it only takes a few letters before students begin socially connecting with someone they don’t normally communicate with, particularly with a device that doesn’t require WiFi.
The PenPal program was developed early last year (click here to read DoE article) is once again in full swing thanks again to the tremendous support from Judith Cottee (College Laboratory Manager).
Since the beginning of the term, letters are being sent to the members of the Wagga community and to several isolated secondary school students who board in remote community schools within the Solomon Islands.
Pandemic or not, studies show that the act of letter writing has tremendous benefits for both the writer and the recipient. A paper published by Northern Illinois University's Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language and Literacy states that, “Although extended letter writing is less common today, given the ease of text messaging and email for instant communication … letter writing can be seen as significant and consequential in people's lives, serving to maintain familial ties, communicate news and personal information.” The simple act of writing itself has many positive benefits, the paper says, including “improve[d] memory function, and greater feelings of happiness."
It has been wonderful reviewing and monitoring the letters being exchanged between the students and the community knowing that the students, and the recipients for that matter, feel special and valued when their personal letter arrives. This is especially true during times when some of the recipients are physically distanced from family who are in isolation or live across the country or the other side of the world.
Alex Sarantakos | Head of Operations/Outdoor Education
Around the College
The Riverina Anglican College was very grateful to our local businesses for having Mr Hayward's Year 11 VET Construction students partake in Work Placement during this term. Dylan was hosted by J.J. Smith Metalworks; Jack and Harry spent their placement with Bruce Constructions - Betterlook Homes; Felix worked with Paul Hallcroft Building; Elliot was placed with Luke Cuthbert Constructions and Joshua with Stephen Lawrence Constructions.
Young Voices Competition and Internship Opportunity
Students in Year 7-12 are welcome to participate in this “pilot” journalism and creativity competition. In addition to the focus areas identified in the above flyer, students are also welcome to write about 'culture'. This may provide an avenue for students to explore and showcase their heritage, history, traditions and current life scenarios.
This round competition closes on 30 September. Finalists from each round will go into the running for the major prizes and the terms of the internship can be negotiated to suit age groups and circumstances.
For more information visit the link below.
Student can submit their entry via the link below:
Engineering your Future - Webinar and Live Q&A
(for students in Year 7-12)
Are you interested in Science and Engineering? Engineering Your Future is an online program to support students to learn more about opportunities in engineering.
Details and how to register are available in the attached flyer.
Engineering Summer School
Engineering Summer School for students sitting their HSC/IB in 2022
Dates: Sun 5 – Fri 10 December 2021(currently on hold due to COVID -- express your interest via the link below)
Details and registration: Express your interest on the waitlist here -registration link
Students will be selected based on the subjects* that they are undertaking, their teachers’ comments (Year 11 school report) and co/extra-curricular activities.
Required Subjects:
. Advanced Maths, Ext 1 & 2
. Physics and/or Chemistry
Valued Subjects
. Engineering Studies
. Biology
. Design & Technology; Software
*English as a subject is compulsory for HSC/IB, so is not listed.
Isaac Mannion | Assistant Head of Department - TAS
Book Week
This week the College celebrated Book Week online! This year’s theme was ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’ and explore different worlds through reading.
We recognised Book Week with a series of activities for students to participate in virtually. Competitions run by the College library close today at 4pm.
Prizes will be awarded to the best entries in various categories - Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds and Book Review.
You can read further about Book Week on the Library page of this edition.
An update on the competition winners will be published in the next edition of the College newsletter.
Stanley House Day - 26th August
in lieu of Stanley House Day, and the current lockdown restriction, Head of Stanley House - Mr Buckley and Stanley House Captains - Harrison and Toby asked students to be involved in Crazy Hair Day. Students showed their support by coming up with crazy hair and headwear in support of Stanley House charity Riverina Bluebell.
A Mufti day will be held later in the year to support this charity.
RSA and RCG Postponed
Western Riverina Community College, has advised that due to the current NSW Health lockdown orders being extended until 10th September, ALL courses including the upcoming RSA and RCG course being held here at the College, are postponed until further notice.
Uniform Shop - Temporarily Closed
Please be aware the Uniform Shop is currently closed to due NSW COVID-19 restrictions.
The Midford team would like to thank everyone for their support during this time.
The College will notify families once the shop reopens.
Families can place an online order and the order will be filled once the shop reopens.
Click here to access the online ordering portal.
ENROLLING NOW for 2023
K and Year 7 are the major intake years at
The Riverina Anglican College
Enrol Now for 2023! Limited places are also available for Kindergarten 2022.
If you have a child in Year 5 and have not submitted an enrolment application for Year 7 2023 we would love to hear from you.
Students enrolled at our Junior School will automatically continue their enrolment to the Secondary School, therefore no further action is required from parents.
Places are filling fast for Year 7 2023 and we don't want siblings to miss out on enrolling.
For Junior School and Secondary School Enrolments If you would like more information about enrolling at the College, enquiries are welcome at any time.
Please contact the Director of Enrolments and Public Relations, Mrs Karen Wilson on 02 69 331811 Press 3 or via Enrolments@trac.nsw.edu.au
Further details about the Enrolment process and a copy of the Application Form, can be found on our website, by clicking on the link below.
Are you leaving us?
It is that time of the year when planning for the following year takes place at the College, and we appreciate the earliest notification possible if students are leaving the College.
To find out more about the student leaving process, click this link.
College phone lines - Main Menu Updated
The College phone menu has been updated to improve the flow of communication.
Please note the following NEW menu options or listen carefully before making a selection:
For Secondary School reception, please press 1.
For the Junior School, please press 2.
For Enrolment enquiries, please press 3.
For the Uniform Shop, please press 4.
If you know the extension of who you would like to be connected to, please press 5 and enter the 3 digit extension number.
College Term Dates for 2022
Please find attached the 2022 College Term Dates for your information.
IMPORTANT REMINDERs:
Late Arrivals and Early Leavers
Secondary School students who are arriving late or leaving early will be required to report to the College office to sign themselves in/out using their ID cards. Parents are required to submit a leave/arrival notification on the Compass Portal stating the reason and time.
College staff will then confirm we have received the formal notification before the student can sign out.
Due to Covid restrictions parent entry to the College Office is not advisable for this task.
Medical Action Plans
If your child has a Medical Action Plan please ensure that the College Office has an up-to date copy for the student's file and Sickbay.
If you need more information, please contact the Office on 69 331811 or Office@trac.nsw.edu.au
Student ID Cards
Example only
Secondary students are asked to bring their ID cards to school each day, to use for the reasons listed below. Please ensure they are kept in a safe place such as their locker.
The ID cards replace those previously printed by the College Office and are for general use as proof of age. Students are also required to use the ID card when arriving late or leaving early by scanning into the Compass Kiosk in the front office. The Library borrowing system also allows students to scan the cards when they borrow a book or other resources.
Compass - Absence/part day attendance procedures for students
It is imperative that an Attendance note is submitted on the Compass parental portal if a student is away for a full day, arriving late, or leaving early.
Secondary School students who are arriving late or leaving early will be required to report to the College office to sign themselves in/out using their ID cards. Students will not be permitted to leave without the formal notification on Compass.
Junior School parents are required to sign a student in/out at the Junior School Office.
College Offices
As families would be aware, with the opening of the Junior School, the administration now operates from two offices - College Office and Junior School Office.
For all K-12 enrolment enquiries, school fees and account enquiries, signing secondary school students in/out and meetings with Secondary School staff, please report to the College office (located in the front of the College)
For signing in/out Junior School students, meetings with Junior School staff and general enquiries regarding current Junior School students, please report to the Junior School office (located at the Eastern end of the Campus)
Term Dates for 2021
Term 3 concludes - Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4 commences - Tuesday 5 October 2021
Term 4 concludes - Wednesday 8 December 2021
Term Dates for 2022
Term 1 Commences - Monday 31st January - Year 1 to 12
Term 1 Commences - Wednesday 2nd February - Kindergarten
For a full list of College dates for 2022 see below.
Have you downloaded the Compass Parent Portal?
This communication platform is a secure site where you can access an array of information about your child/children.
Please contact the College office, if you are yet to receive your login details.
Access to the College
Please view the parking arrangements in the image above if you are not familiar with the parking arrangements in the image
Driving to School - Year 11 and 12
Students in Years 11 and 12 who wish to drive to school, need to ensure the following steps are taken and agreed to before students are permitted to drive to and from the College.
• Complete a 'Driving to School Permission Form' (see attached), and return the signed form to the College Office for processing.
• Taking Passengers - Any student travelling in the car of another student will be required to complete the 'Passenger Permission Form' (see attached), and return the signed form to the College Office for processing.
The College recommends that siblings be permitted and, at most, one other authorised person.
Vehicles must not leave the College during the day without the student/s signing out from the College Office.
Driving to School Forms:
Driving to School Permission Form
College Office
Do you need to update your contact details?
Have you moved address or had a change in your family circumstances and need to update your contact details?
If you have changed your contact details recently. We urge you to contact the College office to update your phone numbers and email, so if we need to contact you urgently we can do so.
Please email Office@trac.nsw.edu.au
with your current details or update in the Compass portal.
Long-term Absences
If the student will be absent for more than 2 weeks (10 school days), an application to the Principal is required via the Application for Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel Form prior to departure. Once this document is completed by the Parent/Guardian, please return to the College Office for processing. You will then receive a Certificate of Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel.
Students who will be absent for shorter periods of time (less than 2 weeks) are also required to supply written notification to the College.
All student long-term absences should be reported to the College via email absences@trac.nsw.edu.au.