COLLEGE NEWS

Welcome

Welcome to the second last edition of the College Newsletter for 2021.  We wish everyone a safe and dry weekend after the torrential rains we have received over the past two weeks. 

ONLINE VIRTUAL ART EXCURSION - Matisse: Life & Spirit, Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris

This week our Year 11 and Year 9 students were fortunate to experience the current exhibition Matisse: Life & Spirit, Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, on show at the Art Gallery of NSW, as a virtual excursion. This exhibition offered an extraordinary immersion in the range and depth of the art of Henri Matisse, one of the world’s most beloved, innovative and influential artists. Filled with brilliant colour, dynamic energy, visual joy and emotional power, it took the students on an inspirational journey through the life and art of this ceaselessly inventive and life-affirming painter. 

The HSC and IBDP courses both require students to experience exhibitions and visit galleries, which has been impossible to plan this year due to COVID restrictions, so this online tour was a most valuable opportunity. 

Lindie Mannion and Kate Lenehan | Visual Arts Teachers

Students in photo – Isabel Brown, Ostara Loesch, Aimee Redway and Jordanna Coleman (Year 11).

Movember

The male staff members of TRAC have been looking increasingly dapper this month, as they have carefully cultivated their facial hair for a great cause. Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health. These distinguished gentlemen have succeeded in raising $1200 for Movember so far, and there is still time to donate. 

https://movember.com/t/the-riverina-anglican-college?mc=1

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

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.  

TRAC Wordmasters

Wagga Eisteddfod: Public Speaking Success!

Recently, a troupe of our wonderfully talented wordmasters elected to compete in the Wagga Eisteddfod for both prepared and impromptu public speaking. We came away victorious! 

Junior participants (Years 7, 8 and 9) were: Hanza Rathnayake, Carter Zhang, Amelia Domeny, Karin Rezkalla, Maeve Ryan, Brooke Graham, Quinntesaa Sankar, Ariarne Mota, 

The winners of the prepared speech were: 

1st: Karin Rezkalla

2nd: Brooke Graham

3rd: Quinntesaa Sankar

Highly Commended: Amelia Domeny

The winners of the Junior Impromptu speech were: 

2nd: Karin Rezkalla

3rd: Carter Zhang and

Highly Commended: Maeve Ryan

Senior participants (Years 10, 11 and 12) were: Diya Bhengra, Dionisa Gendy, Karina Zhang, 

The winners of the Senior Prepared speech were: 

1st: Diya Bhengra

2nd: Dionisa Gendy

Equal 2nd: Karina Zhang

The winners of the Senior Impromptu Speech were: 

1st: Diya Bhengra

2nd: Karina Zhang

3rd: Dionisa Gendy

All students performed admirably and should be commended for their dedication to the perfection of their skill in public speaking. Well done!

TRAC Wordmasters

Young Women’s Leadership Initiative and Competition: 

Are you a budding writer? Are you looking to make your voice heard? 

Do you feel you have important messages to share with the world? 

Then this could be for you!

Our resident Young Womens Leader, Karin Rezkalla, has brought forward yet another initiative for our aspiring young leaders. Karin has recently been appointed to the global committee of the Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) and she invites the TRAC students to participate in this fabulous opportunity. Further to this, because Karin is a committee member, she is able to provide all participating students from TRAC a discount of 30% on registration fees. The fee is $15 US. 

What is it about?

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition provides a platform for young, ambitious high school students to exercise their writing skills and expand their competencies. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and explore different styles of writing to ultimately strengthen their writing skills. At the end of their learning journey, students submit a 500-word essay about a topic, and in the form of their choice. Participants will have access to best in class webinars and workshops with access to professionals usually out of reach! The schedule will be released soon, their rock stars and being finalised now!

The prizes!

The 2022 global prizes include six (6) internships at The Harvard Crimson, eight (8) essays published on the official HCGEC website, Crimson credit, cash, and Harvard Merch! This is an opportunity not to be missed. If you have any questions, please reach out to the team at info@essaycomp.org.

Early bird registrations are now open. The final date for the Global Essays Submission is the 19th of February 2022. This could be just the project you need to work on over the holidays. 

Below is the link to discover more information. Or you could see Karin Rezkalla or Mrs Hawke 

Corrina Hawke | Head of English

Around The College

This week the Junior School have been working with school chaplain Mr Tyndall on a special performance for the K-12 Principal’s Assembly. They did a fantastic job celebrating the message of Isaiah 9v6.

Pictured are some very enthusiastic Early Stage 1 and Stage One students. 

Both Sherry and Emma in the Library are spreading the Christmas spirit with decorating the Library.  It looks so cheerful!

Thank you all for your generous donations to the Anglicare Food and Toy Drive so far. If you’ve not donated yet, there is still time.

Let’s fill our tubs to overflowing. 

Congratulations to our Stage Two academic awards recipients from last week. Our Junior School online assemblies have been such fun, only a few to go until the end of year.

Early Stage One and Stage One students are treated to the fabulous Mrs Brassil and her morning beats. Pictured are our very enthusiastic year two class.

Our Stage Two strings students and Mrs Baxter are sounding sweet. How fortunate we are to have such fantastic music programs available to students across the College. 

Year 12 Graduation Day

On Wednesday 1st December we will be formally celebrating the end of secondary school for the 'Class of 2021'. 

The celebrations will begin at 8.00am with breakfast at TRAC (provided by the school in line with current Level 3 COVID-19 requirements). 

 9.00am Graduation Assembly (students only)

This event will be live-streamed and recorded and included in the video package for the students. 

10:30am – Year 12 students depart the College. 

4pm  – 5pm – Memorial Gardens - photographs. Details to be confirmed via Compass notificaiton at a later stage. 

6pm – Arrive at the Range Function Centre. 

A professional photographer will also be available. 

7pm –  Formal proceedings commence.

11pm – Conclusion of the evening. 

Alcohol will not be available at the event in line with the current Level 3 COVID-19 requirements. A soft drink package has been included in the price of the ticket.

Jazz Summer Camp in Sydney

Enrolments are open now and closing on November 28:  For 10 - 19-year-olds. 

Work with some of Australia's best musicians to learn more about jazz styles and improvisation. January 4 - 8, 2022.

https://jazzworkshopaustralia.com.au/jazz-camp/

Employment Opportunity 

2022 AFL Young Leaders Program – Southern NSW

ABOUT THE ROLE

Don’t settle for a boring job, when you can kick-start a career in an industry you love. We are currently recruiting for two Young Leader roles with the team at AFL NSW/ACT – Southern NSW.

• Work with a dynamic team in a fast-paced, exciting environment• Get paid while studying for a nationally recognised qualification

• Learn new skills in leadership & administration

 • Make your mark in a growing organisation

We are looking for two outstanding individuals who are wanting to launch their careers in sports administration and/or sports development. This specifically designed program will introduce the trainees to all aspects of the AFL NSW/ACT business with a focus on customer service, events, leadership and working with volunteers. You will be trained by experts in their field to support local clubs and competitions as well as promoting the game to support these competitions in local schools.

Wanted: Wagga Wagga Youth Conference Team Members

Vinnies is seeking new Youth volunteers for our Youth Team (affectionately known as “St Sebs”). 

Would you mind putting the advert in your school newsletter (see link below) or sharing it on your Facebook page (see link below) please?  And circulate amongst your networks?

https://www.volunteer.com.au/volunteering/159496/wagga-wagga-youth-conference-team-members?fbclid=IwAR2zK69uKwzlg4Jxar8LlUU9_bv-XPUAxv96eUwnwf67_H886K0ezgwrXuU

https://www.facebook.com/333878377151777/posts/1079962362543371/

Year 6 Graduation Day

We are very excited to be making final preparations for the Inaugural Year 6 Graduation Ceremony.

Please find below a summary of the details:

12:00 pm - Year 6 Graduation Assembly - virtual- recorded for parents and guardians. 

1:00 pm -  Year 6 Farewell Luncheon - Students and Teachers.

1:45 pm -  Year 6 Farewell Disco - Music and Drama (MAD) Space - Students and Teachers

Year 6 students have received an invitation that states the dress requirements. It is expected that students wear full school uniform to the graduation assembly. 

The dress-up theme for the Year 6 Farewell Disco is 'Musician', students will be provided with time to change into their costumes/dress-ups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.