COLLEGE NEWS

Welcome

Welcome to the 15th issue of the College Newsletter.  This fortnight the College held the 2022 Student Leaders inductions across both the Junior and Secondary schools.

Our annual Anglicare Christmas Food and Toy Drive has begun, and our College Captains attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony yesterday held at the Victory Memorial Gardens.

Year 12 IBDP students have now wrapped up their exams, with the HSC examinations underway. We continue to have these students in our thoughts as they prepare to finalise their 13 years of learning.

NAPLAN Online 2022

In preparation for transition to NAPLAN online in 2022, students in Years 7 and 9 will be participating in the School Readiness Test (SRT) on Friday 3rd December. 

SRT is an opportunity for schools to set up and run simulated tests to become familiar with the online assessment platform and reflect on areas that may need to be addressed ahead of moving online. SRT is not an assessment of student ability. Student test attempts will not be marked, and results will not be available. The SRT consists of one omnibus test (a combination of reading, conventions of language and numeracy). 

If you have any questions about SRT please contact Mr Anthony Heffer. 

Helen Foster | Head of Academic Administration

Procedures for Collecting Students from Secondary School

Please be advised that the following procedures must be followed if you are planning to drop off or collect your son/daughter from the Senior School between 9am and  3:10pm:

For planned arrivals/departures:

• Parent/guardian is not to enter the ADMIN Building but is asked to enter an Attendance note on the Compass portal OR Student presents a handwritten note signed by parent/guardian.
• Student must sign-out/in via the Compass Kiosk portal located in the ADMIN Building. 

For unexpected departures:

• Parent/guardian is not to enter the ADMIN Buildingbut is asked to wait outside the ADMIN Building in line-of-sight of the receptionist. 
• Student must sign-out via the Compass Kiosk portal located in the ADMIN Building.
• Once the parent/guardian has been identified and details recorded, the student may join the parent and leave the College grounds. 

If needing entry into the ADMIN Building to collect a student who needs assistance to leave sickbay:

• Scan the QR code located outside reception.
• You may only enter reception if you are double vaccinated and can show staff a verification.

Alex Sarantakos | Head of Operations

Scholarship Applications - Closing today! 

Late application will incur a late fee

A limited number of scholarships are available for students enrolled next year in Years 7,9 and 11. Parents of current Year 6, 8 and 10 students are invited to apply online. Academic Assessment Services is engaged to administer the scholarship examinations in 2021 for applicant placement in 2022. All testing will take place on the same day for academic and music scholarships.

For more information and to apply click here.

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 at the end of the year. 

To find out more about the student leaving process, click this link.

Cancelled - Year 7 2022 Orientation Programme 

Due to escalating concerns regarding Covid-19 in Wagga Wagga and for the safety of the community, the Year 7 2022 Orientation Programme has been cancelled. 

The programme will now be held in Week 1 of Term 1, 2022.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation on this matter. 

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.

Secondary School Leaders Induction Ceremony

Last Friday, saw the 2022 Secondary School Leaders being inducted. We look forward to the leadership and insight they will bring to the College over the next 12 months.

Junior School Leaders Induction Ceremony

Today, the Junior School held their Leader Induction Ceremony.  Congratulations to all the students on their appointment.

We look forward to your achievements in the coming year.  

You can read more about the Leaders on the Head of Junior School page of this edition of the newsletter.

Remembrance Day

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them."

Yesterday,  College leaders attended the Rememberance Day Ceremony at the  Victory Memorial Gaurdians. 

Students on campus also paid respect and paused for one minute to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and currently serving men and women of the Australian Defence Force.

Lest we forget.

Year 9 Commerce Zooper Dooper Challenge

Mrs Voss and Mrs Allen's Year 9 Commerce class have been working very hard learning about the topic of 'investing'. To further their understanding of the content within this topic, students completed the 'Zooper Dooper Bucket Challenge'. Click on the image below to read more about the challenge.

Maryanne Voss | Head of Department - HSIE

Anglicare's Christmas Food and Toy Drive

For more than 20 years the College has donated to Anglicare's Christmas Food and Toy Drive.  

The drive will run during Weeks 6-9.

The Library is now accepting your Christmas donations of non-perishable food items and new toys.  

You can read more about the the Drive on the Chaplain page of the newsletter.

Film Making Opportunity

Learn how to make films in a 10 episode course with support materials and activities for only $100, or a Creative Kids Voucher: Nextwave Filmmaking for Students.

Enrolments close on November 25.

Clare Brassil | Director of Music Performances

Around the College

Congratulations to all of our Stage One academic award recipients from last week. Our junior school online Assemblies have been quite energetic, it's lovely to see such enthusiastic participants in our celebration of learning. 

'Food For Special Occasions’. 

This term Year 9 food tech have been looking at the social and historical impact of food on quality of life. A key component of this topic is to design and produce a birthday cake suitable for a chosen age group. 

Year 10 PDHPE took time for some mental training practice, participating in mindfulness meditation. 

Year 3 students meet the Agriculture team’s brand new chicks. Look how gentle Mrs Baxter’s class were with the school’s newest babies. Thank you Mr. Dawson for a beautiful impromptu lesson on the life cycle of chickens. 

Mr Kennedy has his Year 7 Blackwell Mentor Group practice their teamwork skills with a game of tug-o-war.

Our Head of Junior School Sport, Miss Addison works across year groups to promote healthy growth and development through physical activity. Pictured are KW practising movement challenges and sequences using different body parts. Not only are our kindergarteners developing their muscles and motor skills, through physical education they are improving their concentration and thinking skills. 

Uniform Shop - Extended Trading Hours - Term 4 and January 2022

The Uniform Shop has now reopened for instore trading. Please remember to use the QR code upon sign in and wear a mask. Limit of 2 customers at any time.

Normal term trading hours will apply.

Tuesdays 8am-4pm

Wednesdays 12pm-4pm

Thursdays 8am-12pm

Families can still place an online order and the students can collect the order from the Uniform Shop during the above hours.

The last day of trading for Term 4 will be Friday 10th December. See below for the upcoming extended trading and holiday trading hours.

Parents with students entering Kindergarten, Year 7 and Year 11 will be required to book a time for their Uniform fitting.  These families will be emailed a direct link to book their fitting in the coming week.

Click here to access the online ordering portal.

Elevate Education - Register Now for the Final Webinar!

Register here 👉🏼 for the final webinar in the series for parents and guardians on assisting students in the final stretch before exams in 2021. https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/motivation

• Exam Room Skills (24th November)

Elevate is a global education organisation that helps over 1-million students to improve their study skills and boost academic performance. You can learn more about them at https://au.elevateeducation.com or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/

COVID Safe exam procedures for HSC Examinations

Please read the following guidelines, which will be in place during the HSC examinations.  These guidelines have been produced by NESA and all students are required to adhere to these in order to maintain our COVID safe procedures. 

All students can access the HSC timetable at:

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable

They can also access a personalized timetable on their NESA students online account. 

Please read the following information carefully: 

Exams will be held in the following locations. 

• Arrive at school no more than 20 minutes before your examination and report directly to the designated exam room for screening and to sign in.
• Hygiene supplies will be available at all exam venues.
• For the English and Maths exams, 2 entry points into the gym will be utilised.
• Students with Special Provisions must sign in for exams at the locations listed above then proceed to their allocated exam room.
• Do not attend an exam if you or any member of your family is unwell.
• If you are unable to attend an examination, be reassured the College will assist you with the submission of an Illness and Misadventure Application.
• In the event the College grounds cannot be utilised for the exams an alternative venue will be arranged and details forwarded to all involved students.
• Do not mingle in large groups prior to or after the exam.
• Please leave the College grounds on completion of your exam.
• It is mandatory that masks are worn during all examinations unless a student has a medical exemption.
• If you have a known illness that may have similar symptoms to those of COVID – 19, please provide written assurance from your doctor/GP that the symptoms you are displaying are of a known medical condition.
• Desks and chairs will be sanitized prior to and at the conclusion of all exams and exam rooms are cleaned daily.
• No stationery or other items can be shared. Please ensure you have all the correct equipment for your exam.

If you have any queries in regards to these procedures, please contact Helen Foster. 

Helen Foster | Head of Academic Administration

College Term Dates for 2022

Please find attached the 2022 College Term Dates for your information.

Do you need to update your contact details?

It is important the College has current contact details on file for all parents/guardians.

Have you moved house, had a change in family circumstances or changed your mobile number recently?

Please email office@trac.nsw.edu.au to advise the College of your updated contact details. Alternatively, you can updated your file through the Compass parent portal.

School Travel for 2022

2022 school travel applications are now open.

A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid. 

Please read the attachment below on how to apply.

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.

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. 

Compass - Absence/part day attendance procedures for students

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.

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.

Junior School parents are required to sign a student in/out at the Junior School Office.

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. 

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 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 Policy

Driving to School Permission Form

Passenger Permission Form

College Office

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.