COLLEGE NEWS

From the Principal 

It is with deep gratitude and a heavy heart that we remember and honour Yateshwari Kashap, a truly exceptional teacher, a beloved colleague, and a cherished member of the Wyndham College community. 

Throughout her distinguished teaching career, Yatesh demonstrated unwavering dedication to her students and to the craft of education. Beyond her role as a devoted classroom teacher of Economics, Business Studies, Business Services and Retail Services, she contributed significantly as an HSC marker, helping maintain high academic standards and supporting students across the state. 

Her warmth, kindness, and generosity extended beyond the classroom, creating a nurturing environment that fostered both learning and wellbeing. Students and staff alike remember her as a quietly strong presence who met every challenge with grace and steadfast commitment.

Yatesh’s teaching career began in the Hunter region before she brought her passion and expertise to Windsor High School in the early 2000s. At Windsor, she was an integral member of the HSIE faculty, where she not only taught but also actively sought to enhance curriculum offerings and teaching quality. She played a pivotal role in introducing and leading the Business Services VET course, pioneering this innovative program across the Hawkesbury cluster to broaden opportunities for both students and teachers. 

In 2015, Yatesh joined Wyndham College, where her contributions expanded further. She was a natural leader in the faculty, developing processes and resources that supported outstanding teaching and learning, reflecting her deep insight into student needs and teacher collaboration. Alongside her professional achievements, Yatesh shared with pride and joy the milestones of her son Nicklesh’s life, embodying the balance of devoted mother and passionate educator.

A recent video shared with us—showing Yatesh dancing happily with colleagues and students in a school corridor during the challenging COVID period—perfectly captures the spirit of joy, resilience, and connection she brought to our community. Even in difficult times, Yatesh radiated positivity, kindness, and support, a true pillar of strength for everyone around her. She was genuinely the heartbeat of her faculty, a steady, generous, and inspiring presence whose lasting legacy of dedication, kindness, and educational excellence will continue to influence Wyndham College for years to come. 

As we celebrate her life and work, we hold her memory close and give thanks for the extraordinary impact she made on all who had the privilege to know her. She is deeply loved and will always be remembered.

Kristine MacPhail - Principal

Deadly Futures 

Representatives from TAFE NSW, Jarara, St John Paul II Catholic College and Wyndham College unified for the focus of yarning stories about different pathways. 

Students were invited to represent each College for the Deadly Futures Career Talk. Well done to Sienna and Zac for representing our school.

Year 11 2026 - Orientation Days

On Tuesday 18th November and Tuesday 26th November we welcomed Year 10 students from over 37 different schools to Wyndham College for 2 orientation days to prepare them for their journey into Senior education in 2026. The students participated in many activities and we really enjoyed getting to know our new “young adult” learners. Thank you to our Year 12 students for volunteering to help guide students around the campus and assist with questions. 

International Men's Day Breakfast

A huge congratulations to our incredible Wellbeing and Engagement Officer, Juanita McMillian, for organising another outstanding International Men’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday morning, 19th November.

With inspiring guest speakers Ash Sellers and Darren Kelly, and a thoughtful panel featuring Jason White, Principal of Quakers Hill High School, and our own Head Teacher, Shannon Finemore, the event was moving, engaging and deeply relevant.

We were also delighted to welcome students from St John Paul II Catholic College, our Nirimba Precinct partners, along with students and staff from our Nirimba Collegiate schools, Riverstone High School, and Quakers Hill High School. Their presence helped create a truly inclusive and connected community event.

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 students celebrated a memorable milestone at this year’s formal, coming together to mark the end of their secondary schooling in style. Dressed in elegant gowns and sharp suits, they enjoyed an evening filled with music, laughter, and plenty of photo opportunities. The night provided a wonderful chance for students to relax, reflect on their achievements, and create lasting memories with friends and teachers. It was a joyful and well-deserved celebration of their hard work, resilience, and the exciting journeys that lie ahead.

Year 12 2025 Student Morning Tea

Reminder to parents and carers: Apply now for 2026 School Opal cards

Applications are now open for 2026 Student Opal cards on the Transport for NSW website. We encourage parents and carers to apply early to ensure their children receive their School Opal card before the start of Term 1, 2026.

Getting to school by bus in 2026

Will your child be catching the bus to school next year? Applications are now open for a 2026 School Opal cards.  As this is a busy time of year, we highly recommend applying before the end of this year. It’s also a good idea to check the bus timetable to help make your child’s journey to school as easy as possible.

School Opal cards

• All students catching the bus in 2026 will need a School Opal card.
• Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsidised travel between home and school.
• For more information about the SSTS and how to apply for a School Opal Card, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/ (best accessed from a desktop computer) click 'Apply now'. 

Bus timetables

Busways operates your school's bus services. To find your child’s school bus timetable: 

1. Go to busways.com.au/nsw 
2. Click ‘School Services’ in the navigation bar, then proceed to ‘school timetables’
3. Enter the school’s name in ‘Enter a school name’ field
4. Select the school’s name to open the timetable. 

If you are unable to find or search for the school's name, use the drop-down menus on the same page to find the school. Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child.

Western Sydney University Taster Day

Our EALD students enjoyed an inspiring excursion to Western Sydney University (WSU), where they took part in workshops on Law and Computer Science and had the chance to connect with current WSU students. The experience, designed to support young people from newly arrived communities, offered valuable insights and motivated our students as they work towards bright, successful futures.

From the English Faculty

Attention 12 Advanced, Standard and EAL/D English Students. This is a friendly reminder to all Year 12 English students to please return your texts. Timely returns help us ensure that all students have access to the materials they need for 2026.

Salvation Army Christmas Appeal

We are collecting non perishable food items and new toys to be packed in Christmas hampers for families in need of support. Please start bringing items to the library and place there near the Christmas tree by Thursday 4th December. 

Enrolments 2026