From the Principal

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Kristine MacPhail and I am the 4th principal appointed to Wyndham College. I am so excited to lead a school bearing the name of Sir Harold Wyndham - a giant in education in Australia. Already I can see it is a school with a strong culture of educational success, a wealth of opportunities unlike any other and a passionate and vibrant school community. I would like to acknowledge the fabulous leadership of Classa Martinuzzi over the last 18 months as relieving Principal. She has led the school expertly with passion and dedication, allowing Wyndham students and staff to continue to thrive.

A little bit about me - I am an experienced principal, I have led a selective school and a comprehensive school. I have been a principal in residence in the High Potential and Gifted Education unit and was a consultant in Literacy and Numeracy. Inevitably, when a new principal is appointed to your school, you think about what is likely to change and what the new vision for the school will be. My answer is always that a vision with purpose is created by all the people in the organisation. So, our school vision is the one that is already in place. As I learn more about the school, its culture and community, I will have a more nuanced ability to lead our collaborative vision.

Our vision is that every student and every teacher is challenged to learn and improve every day, every week of every year.

Our legacy will be measured by the ability to nurture young adults, as they develop a love of learning; a suite of skills; a global outlook; and a willingness to constructively participate in the wider community.

I look forward to working with you on realising this vision.

HSC 2024

Next week we will be welcoming back our distinguished achievers from the 2024 HSC. Our current students will be able to hear how these students built their success in the HSC. We are enormously proud of the achievements of all of our students in the Class of 2024. I can see from their academic data that the vast majority of students grew their skills, acted on teacher feedback and improved their performance from one assessment task to the next, culminating in their strongest performances for the HSC examinations. Credit also goes to the expert teachers we have in our classrooms at Wyndham College. The drive and passion they have for teaching their students is unmatched.

HSC Merit List students

Thomas Arvo (English Extension 1 & 2)

Michael Hingston (Economics & Software Design & Development)

Scarlet Masters (Investigating Science)

Chelsea Nowak (Mathematics Standard 2)

Rohan Shankar (English Advanced

HSC Showcases

ARTEXPRESS- Visual Arts

Luis Lemiri: AK-M7 - Art Gallery of NSW

Hayley Taskis Holy Glow: Embracing the Divine ARTEXPRESS Virtual Gallery and Mudgee Arts Precinct

CALLBACK - Dance

Jessica Glastonbury and Sarah Glastonbury both nominated

SHAPE - Industrial Technology

Aliya Armeda (Timber)

Harini Jayabalan (Multi Media)

Giselle Scott (Timber)

Komal Sultan (Multi Media)

Whole school course highlights :

20 courses with improved Exam Means compared to 2023
6 courses with Exam Mean above the HSC state average
Dance, Japanese Beginners and Visual Arts – all students received a Band 5 or 4
English Advanced – all students received Bands 6, 5 and 4
All students received Bands 5, 4 and 3 in Community and Family Studies, Design & Technology, Food Technology, Hospitality – Kitchen Operations, Mathematics Standard 1, Music1, Retail Services
24 courses with no Band 1 results

We will continue to build on these fine results with our 2025 HSC students.

Kristine MacPhail - Principal

Welcome to all our new Year 11 students

School Spectacular 2025 - Remarkable

Applications are open for individual students from Wyndham College who wish to participate in School Spectacular 2025.

Featured Vocalist, Dancer, Instrumentalist and Specialist Performer applications close soon, so apply now.

Email Karen Tuynman (Careers) for more information or click on the link in the post below.

karen.tuynman@det.nsw.edu.au

Mathematics Afternoon Tutorials – Supporting Student Success

We are pleased to inform you that Wyndham College is offering free Mathematics Afternoon Tutorials to support students in their learning and enhance their mathematical understanding.

Purpose of the Tutorials

Our goal is to provide students with additional guidance in mathematics, helping them to:

Strengthen fundamental concepts
Develop problem-solving skills
Gain confidence in tackling challenging topics
Prepare effectively for assessments and exams

Session Details

Days: Monday Afternoons

Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Location: C4

These sessions are open to all students who would like additional assistance in mathematics, whether they need help with specific topics or want to improve their overall performance.

We encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to reinforce their skills in a supportive learning environment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rohit at Wyndham College.

Email: Rohit.prakash@det.nsw.edu.au

Ph: 92087100

Year 11 Assessment Handbook

Year 11 students received their Assessment Handbooks in Connect. Their mentors explained the NSW Education Standards Authority, Department or Education and Wyndham College processes to students. Parents will have an opportunity to learn our processes at the Parents Meet and Great event on the 24th of February at 3.30pm.

Parents can view the handbook on the Wyndham College website and read through to find out when assessments are due throughout the year.

Exciting Proposal: Assistance Dog at Wyndham College

We are excited to announce a proposal for an Assistance Dog to be part of our college community. Assistance Dogs provide valuable support to individuals and can have a positive impact on wellbeing and engagement in learning.

Before moving forward, we want to ensure that this initiative is inclusive and considers the needs of all students and families. If you or your child has a genuine allergy or fear of dogs and you may be impacted by the presence of an Assistance Dog on campus, please let us know.

To share your concerns, please contact Deputy Principal & WHS Committee member Ann-Maree Ager at ann-maree.ager@det.nsw.edu.au by February 21st, 2025.

Your input is important in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Senior Student Equipment List

Clubs at Wyndham

One of the aspects of our school that we value are the sheer number of opportunities for students to form connections with students and staff, and to build skills and knowledge through shared interests . On the first day of school, students were able to see and sign up for all the different clubs that are proposed for the year. Some were new, and some are continuing on from previous years. If the student had a hobby or interest that was not already catered for, they were able to propose new ideas.

Currently we have availability in:

Anime and Manga Club - talk, draw and share all things Anime and Manga.
Choir/Rock Band - opportunities to sing and jam together.
Rainbow Youth - support for LGBQTI+ youth and allies.
Science Club- celebrate special moments in science, perform experiments and discover science in a fun way.
Robotic and coding Club- building practical skills in a fun environment.
Women in STEM - helping women gain an advantage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Games and Gaming Club - Playing board games together and sharing our knowledge and experience in gaming.
Library leaders - learning the workings of the library and assist staff in maintaining a high level of order, cleanliness and content.
Gym Club- working out together.
Jesus Club - an opportunity to share and learn together with other students of Christian faith.
Faithful Futures (Muslim) - an opportunity to share and learn together with other students of Muslim faith.
Social Justice Forum- For students who are drive by the desire to make a difference in the environment and in communities.
Chess - social and competitive tournaments and practice.
Minecraft - build a shared world, and share hints and tips with others who love Minecraft.
Sew for fun - learn new skills and express your creativity through textiles.
Colouring - a space where mindfulness and creativity meet.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum - For those students who have an interest in proactive mental health strategies and activities.
Pacifikuz - a place for students of Pasifika heritage to share dreams and culture as well as harnessing opportunities available.

Other suggestions for clubs included cars, cooking and eating delicious foods, dance, NRL, and other sports, which we are looking into. The key message here is that there really is something for everyone.

If you would like further information or to suggest some ideas, please contact Juanita our Wellbeing and Engagement Counsellor.

School Based Apprenticeship & Traineeships (SBATs)

For students, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) is a head start to your career combining paid work, training and school. Not only will you get an industry recognised national qualification, but also unit credit towards your NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).

You can start an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and some training arrangements can contribute towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Students develop practical skills and can be “work ready” when they finish school. SBAT Engagement Officers provide mentoring and assistance with employers, local communities & schools.

Lesley Mingare is your schools SBAT Engagement Officer. Lesley is a proud Gomilaroi women who has a previous trade background of Hairdressing including her own business and facilitating Cert II & III in Hairdressing\Barbering.

Lesley has spent 18 years in previous roles networking with local communities, employers, schools and other stakeholders to assist people of all ages into employment opportunities and career pathways.

Lesley most recently worked with Training Services who are the regulatory body for Apprenticeships & Traineeships. Lesley is most passionate about assisting our young people into creating a career path for themselves and creating their future.

You can get in touch with Lesley via email Lesley.mingare2@det.nsw.edu.au or via her mobile – 0488 146896 or speak with your Careers Advisor to find out when Lesley is next visiting your school.

Tradewynds Cafe

LIBRARY NEWS

Sally Govett - Teacher Librarian