From the Principal

This is the final Wyndham Whispers for 2024, and it is an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and events here at Wyndham over the last term.

Outstanding HSC Practical Examination performances

Last newsletter, I had the pleasure of congratulating our two Dance students, Jessica Glastonbury and Sarah Glastonbury, nominated for CALLBACK. Since the last newsletter, we have had news of more outstanding student works recognised by the NESA HSC markers.

Industrial Technology - SHAPE

Congratulations go to Aliya Armeda, Harini Jayabalan, Giselle Scott and Komal Sultan for their HSC Major Projects in Industrial Technology. Their Industrial Technology (Timber & Furnishings or Multimedia) major projects were identified by the HSC markers as of extremely high quality and so have been nominated for inclusion in SHAPE. These students not only completed an amazing physical piece of work, but also completed their portfolio, documenting the whole design process, to an extremely high standard.

Visual Arts – ARTEXPRESS

CONGRATULATIONS go to Hayley Taskis and Luis Lemiri for their outstanding Bodies of Work. The works produced by these two students are inspirational and challenge the viewer to step out of their comfort zones. This clearly left an impression on the HSC markers and the ARTEXPRESS judging panel who have selected both these works for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS. This is an amazing achievement.

ARTEXPRESS is an annual showcase of HSC Visual Arts works and will be exhibited at various galleries around NSW throughout 2025. You can read more details about their amazing efforts and works in the Visual Arts section of this newsletter.

Year 12 Formal

The Nirimba Collegiate Formal was held on Wednesday 13th November at Rosehill Gardens. Year 12 students from Wyndham celebrated the end of the HSC and of 13 years of schooling in style with their peers from Quakers Hill, Riverstone and Seven Hills High Schools. All who attended had a fun filled night of dancing, chatting and many selfies and photos. What a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate the end of high school.

A reminder to the class of 2024, HSC results will be released on 18th December. All Year 12 are invited to come in for a morning tea on Wednesday 18th December at 9.40am to share and celebrate their results with their teachers and their friends.

Year 12 2025

The Year 11 Presentation Assembly will be held on Thursday 5th December. This will be our celebration of the successes of our students in their Year 11 courses this year. Even though at this stage of the term students are well into their Year 12 courses and many are ready for their first HSC Assessment Task, we look forward to celebrating their amazing achievements.

Visual Arts Programs at the National Art School

A huge congratulations to Jirapath Ekwonganan and Olivia Hayes on their outstanding achievement following a series of extracurricular Visual Arts Programs at the National Art School of Sydney. These students devoted much of their holiday time throughout this year to engage with these programs. What amazing success both students have had with each of the programs they have engaged in.

Again, you can read more details about the outstanding achievements of Jirapath and Olivia later in this newsletter in the Visual Arts report.

Year 11 2025

On Tuesday 26th November, we will host students enrolling here in Year 11 2025 for their Orientation Day. The Executive and Wellbeing teams have been hard at work preparing for an amazing experience to welcome our new cohort of students to the Wyndham community. Some of our current students are being trained as the new Wyndham Wingmen, who together with the SRC will be actively involved in running activities and sessions for the day.

On Thursday 6th February 2025, we will then welcome them all back as Wyndham College students. Starting off the day with a breakfast for new students and their parents. I look forward to meeting our new community members.

Some important dates to remember for 2025

Recently it was announced that all NSW Department of Education schools will start the year with four School Development Days (SDD) in Term 1. There will be two days at the start of Term 2, and then terms 3 and 4 will have one SDD each. Term dates for 2025 are as follows:

Term 1:

School Development Days (staff only) – Friday 31st January to Wednesday 5th February
All students return Thursday 6th February – Year 11 will commence at 8.00am, and Year 12 at 8.45am on this day.
Last day of term – Friday 11th April.

Term 2:

School Development Days (staff only) – Monday 28th April & Tuesday 29th April
All students return Wednesday 30th April. Last day of term – Friday 4th July.

Term 3:

School Development Day (staff only) – Monday 21st July.
All students return Tuesday 22nd July. Last day of term – Friday 26th September.

Term 4:

School Development Day (staff only) – Monday 13th October.
All students return Tuesday 14th October. Last day of term – Friday 19th December.

Finally, I would like to thank and acknowledge the amazing staff (both teaching and administration) here at Wyndham College. They are dedicated and committed to their students and to teaching. Many devote a great deal of additional hours of time to support

and assist our students to be the best they can be, and then aspire for more. These additional hours of support are not just in their lunch time, but after school in ACE

tutorials, school holiday workshops and tutorials and even late-night workshop sessions to finalise HSC major projects. They also devote much of their time to put together showcases of student works so that students can be celebrated for their achievements. We are extremely fortunate to have such a professional and committed staff who always go above and beyond for our students and support each other.

I wish everyone a safe and restful time in the holiday season.

Classa Martinuzzi - Principal (Rel)

International Men’s Day

On Tuesday 19th November, our school community came together with our Collegiate Schools—Quakers Hill High School and Seven Hills High School—alongside our Precinct Partner, St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba, to celebrate International Men’s Day.

The focus of the day was Men’s Health Champions, a theme that underscores the importance of fostering healthy habits, supportive relationships, and resilience in men of all ages.

We were privileged to hear inspiring talks from two exceptional guest speakers. Developmental Coach W Leon Naufahu shared valuable insights into the role of mentorship and mental wellbeing in building strong communities, while North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes provided a powerful perspective on leadership, teamwork, and prioritizing health in high-pressure environments.

The engaging Q&A sessions that followed sparked fantastic conversations, with thought-provoking questions from our students and staff. The discussions reinforced the importance of raising awareness around men’s health and creating supportive networks where everyone can thrive.

A huge thank you to Deputy Principal Ann-Maree Ager, whose vision and leadership made this event possible, as well as to the talented staff and students of the Tradewynds Café. Their hard work and hospitality ensured that the morning was not only thought-provoking but also welcoming and enjoyable for all.

As we reflect on this important day, let us continue to champion men’s health and support one another in building healthier, stronger communities.

Year 12 2024 Morning Tea

Youth in Parliament

Thank you to Faith, Regina, Ayak, Aluel, Salha, Husenatou and Hasanatou who recently attended Youth in Parliament on behalf of Wyndham College. We are proud of these students who were personally selected to have conversations with the Premier and other politicians at Parliament House.

Housing, cost of living and mental health emerged as the three biggest concerns for young people at the Riverstone Youth Forum, hosted by local MP Warren Kirby. Young people are the future of our state, and Wyndham students are working hard to find solutions to the biggest issues impacting our younger generations right now by having insightful discussions with leaders in our community.

RUOK? ANY DAY EVENT

On Thursday 31st October the @ruokanyday caravan visited the Nirimba Education Precinct. Staff and students from across the Precinct enjoyed a great lunch, some snacks and played games while checking in with each other, because it's ok to ask RUOK? any day.

Order of Australia Award

Earlier this year School Captain Christine Douglas was nominated by our School Principal, Classa Martinuzzi, for the Youth Community Service Award conducted annually by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association.

The award recognises NSW senior High School students who have shown commendable service to their communities. Christine had been selected and recommended to receive the Award for her commitment, initiative and leadership in community service. We congratulate Christine on her selection for the Order of Australia Award.

WSU Campus Tour

Wyndham College Pasifika students had an incredible experience at Western Sydney University’s Kingswood Campus.

The “Check it Out Campus” tour, part of the Pasifika Achievement to Higher Education (PATHE) program, opened doors to new possibilities and pathways.

Our students participated in workshops in policing and education, heard from current WSU Pacifika students and even got to experience an impromptu concert from university band Twin Deluxe.

PATHE is all about empowering Pacific communities to grow, gain skills, and build brighter futures. Wyndham students connected with peers, explored university life, and took part in activities to inspire their career aspirations. Here’s to unlocking potential and paving the way for exciting journeys ahead.

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 2025.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Term 4 , 2024

November 2024

December 2024

January 2025

February 2025