“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on...”
Philippians 3:12

At Wahroonga Adventist School, we recognise that excellence is not a destination but a journey of continual growth and improvement. Like the Apostle Paul’s quote above, we seek to learn, refine and grow as we strive to provide the very best educational experience for our students. 

This year, all staff have been working collaboratively in Action Teams to advance the strategic priorities that will guide our school from 2026 to 2028. These teams are focused on three key areas connected to our vision of being a thriving Christ-centred learning community where every student can flourish. 

The first priority is strengthening organisational clarity and culture through improved communication, leadership development, effective systems and supportive staff structures. The second is teaching and learning excellence, with staff working to strengthen teaching practices, literacy, numeracy, assessment, feedback and the informed use of student data to improve outcomes for every learner. The third is student connectedness, wellbeing and agency, with initiatives designed to strengthen student voice, engagement, belonging and a Christ-centred understanding of identity and purpose.  

This work forms part of our broader commitment to school improvement and accountability. Following our successful NESA registration audit on 20 May, we are now preparing for our Quality Adventist Schools (QAS) Cyclic Review on 11-12 November. Conducted every five years, this review provides an opportunity to celebrate strengths, evaluate progress and identify future priorities for growth. 

As valued members of our school community, I invite you to share your thoughts and add your voice by responding to a short survey by clicking this link please.

Your feedback will help shape our future planning and ensure we remain focused on what matters most to our community. Thank you for the privilege of partnering with you in the sacred work of education as we seek to Reveal Jesus and help our students become the people God created them to be. 

May our Awesome God continue to bless you and your family. 

Craig Young 

Principal in Christ's service 

Our Primary Week of Worship was incredible! Not only did all our Year 6 students show up fully and grow in their gifts they experienced joy and this joy is contagious and overwhelming, like when the psalmist would sing Hallelujah!  

Behind that joy, though, is a lot of unseen work. The week before WOW and the week after are always the hardest for our team that's when the setbacks show up, the hurdles need clearing, and the lessons get learned the hard way. And yet, the goal never moves Week of Worship exists to serve our primary students. They are always the ones leading. We hold onto Jesus' words "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

A huge thank you to our Year 6 team, who made this year what it was. From the Crew and Junior Chaplains solving problems and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, to the Royal News Network creating entertaining, inspiring content, to the Prayer Team covering the week in prayer, to every student who stepped onto the stage to preach, lead worship, or bring a character to life in this year's drama, Secrets of the Crown. 

We see Week of Worship as sacred space a week where kids get to lead and worship God with their whole selves, and we believe God celebrates over His children in a special way because of it. Watching the students step up in their roles, support each other, and lead their peers, their class, the staff and even themselves we learned something new this year: JESUS IS THE KING OF KINGS. For a week, we got a glimpse of what it looks like to live under His reign and authority … and it was exhilarating. 

Looking ahead, for 2027 Primary Week of Worship we'll be setting sail for the Seven Seas with a wild mix of characters of Pirates and Politicians along for the ride. We cannot wait! 

Pastor Renee, WAS CHAPLAINCY  

In Term 2, Mrs Allsop challenged her Year 9 Design & Technology class to design and create a set prop inspired by one of this year’s CBCA Shortlisted books. The result was an impressive collection of creative and skilfully crafted props that have helped bring the stories to life for our primary students. A big thank you to Mrs Allsop and the Year 9 students for their hard work, creativity, and dedication. Their amazing creations are now proudly displayed in the library, adding a special dimension to our Book Week celebrations and encouraging younger students to engage with books. 

To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply now for any siblings intending to enrol for Year 7, 2028 or Kindy, 2027. Click here for the link to our enrolment form Enrol Here and submit your application, places are filling up fast.

If you have any questions about enrolling a sibling, please contact the Registrar, Sally, on enrol@wahroonga.adventist.edu.au .

Wahroonga Adventist School was bursting with colour and creativity during our annual Dress-up Parade on Monday, August 24. Students proudly showcased an amazing array of book characters, including The Bad Guys, Spiderman, Robin Hood, One Piece manga heroes, the Queen of Hearts, and many more. The spectacular parade delighted students, teachers, and parents alike. Thank you to all the families who helped create such special memories through their wonderful costumes and enthusiasm. 

On Wednesday, August 26, our Prep to Year 4 students were treated to a special Book Week performance, Something Special. This fun-filled and interactive literacy experience captivated students while highlighting the important values of creativity, cooperation, and compromise, along with the importance of listening to other people’s opinions. The students thoroughly enjoyed the engaging performance and its inspiring message.

Book Week concluded on a high note on Friday with our second-hand book sale, where students had the opportunity to pick up some wonderful bargains. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, hundreds of books were donated to stock the sale. Proceeds from both the dress-up day donations and the second-hand book sale will support our chosen charity, Reading Out of Poverty (ROOP), helping to establish pop-up libraries in remote communities across Arnhem Land. 

Science Week was an exciting celebration of curiosity, discovery and innovation across our school, with this year’s theme, Seeds of Science, inspiring students to explore the many ways science shapes our world. 

Throughout the week, students participated in science-themed escape rooms, working collaboratively to solve challenges while learning about the different branches of science. Students in Years 7–9 were also treated to an entertaining and interactive Fizzics Science Show, bringing scientific concepts to life through some spectacular demonstrations. 

A highlight of the week was the iWISH program, where a group of our Year 10 girls had the opportunity to partner with scientists, medical professionals and women working in STEM fields. Students were challenged to tackle a real-world problem within their assigned field and worked alongside students from PLC and Abbotsleigh to develop an innovative solution. 

Each team then pitched their idea to a panel of judges, supported by a PowerPoint presentation. We are thrilled to congratulate Lucy Marshall and Summer Kang, whose group was selected as the winning team! Each student received $100 in recognition of their innovative idea and outstanding presentation. 

Congratulations, Lucy and Summer! 

What an awesome way to celebrate Science Week! 

As part of their Australians at War studies, Year 10 students recently participated in an engaging and interactive World War I incursion. Through a fascinating collection of authentic WWI artefacts, historical images, and firsthand stories, students gained valuable insights into the experiences of Australian soldiers who served on the Western Front. 

Students were highly engaged throughout the session, examining genuine wartime items including military equipment, uniforms, personal belongings, and medical supplies. Many also enjoyed the opportunity to wear replica equipment and learn how these items were used during the Great War. The hands-on approach encouraged curiosity and discussion, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges, sacrifices, and resilience of Australians who served on the frontlines. 

The incursion was a memorable learning experience that brought history to life and strengthened students' historical knowledge, empathy, and appreciation of this significant period in Australia's history. 

Congratulations to our students who earlier in the year participated in the Australian Mathematics Trust Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) Competition. This international competition challenges students to apply their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills in a range of engaging and thought-provoking questions. 

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students:- 

High Distinction: Andrik D 

Distinction: Thomas B, Yumo Z, Max L 

Credit: Arjun D, Gabriel G, Trent L, Patrick M, Darsh T,  Ava A, Ethan B, Yugh B, Max G, Tiffany L, Aarav M, Makan W, Nethya W 

These results reflect the dedication, perseverance, and mathematical talent of our students. 

Year 11 Legal Studies and Art students recently travelled to Canberra for an exciting and educational excursion. The visit provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia’s political and legal systems by exploring some of the nation’s most significant institutions. At Parliament House, students observed democracy in action,  gaining insights into the law-making process and chatting with MP for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele.  The tour also included a visit to the High Court, where students learned about the role of the judiciary in shaping the law, and the National Electoral Education Commission to learn about the complexities of voting.  

A new highlight was a guided tour around the National Art Gallery, which provided insights into our heritage expressed in art form. Of particular interest was Jackson Pollock’s ‘Blue Poles’ painting.  Purchased by the government amidst controversy in 1973 for $1.3m, it is now valued at over $500m.  Overall, the excursion was a highly valuable experience that brought classroom learning to life in an engaging and memorable way. 

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the overall excursion costs, paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in the ACER Advance Awards, a program designed to recognise and challenge academically talented students across Australia. The awards require students to demonstrate strong achievement in both literacy and numeracy, applying advanced thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic knowledge to a range of demanding tasks. 

This year, our students achieved excellent results: 

High Distinction: Andrik D 

Distinction: Gabriel G, Ava A, Nethya W, Noah D, Jake E, Dylan B 

Credit: Jonathan T, Ayden J, Thomas Binns 

Participation in the ACER Advance Awards provides students with the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and showcase their abilities against a national standard. We congratulate all students who took part and commend them for their commitment to academic excellence. 

Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students recently participated in a guided tour showcasing 200 years of the Supreme Court, our highest court in the state. Starting at the contemporary Banco Court and ending in the heritage King Street Courts they learned about famous criminal trials, colonial law, and historic traditions rooted in the Supreme Court. A highlight of the day was the opportunity to observe a murder trial in progress and the prosecution’s closing address in a kidnapping trial. The day provided a unique and engaging learning experience, bringing concepts studied in the classroom to life and deepening their understanding of the complexities of criminal law and the judicial process.

On Monday, Year 8 Japanese students visited the Japan Foundation in Sydney for a Japanese Cultural Adventure. Students enjoyed trying on yukata, exploring the gallery and learning about Japanese festivals and traditional festival games. They also had the chance to practise some Japanese and enjoy a Japanese-style bento lunch.  

It was a fun and enjoyable day experiencing Japanese language and culture outside the classroom. 

It has been an exciting yet busy term for our students demonstrating outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship and school pride across our recent gala days. We would like to congratulate all students who participated and represented our school with enthusiasm and commitment. 

Over the past few weeks, our students have competed in: 

OzTag Gala Day 

Flag Football Gala Day 

Basketball Gala Day 

Our OzTag teams showcased excellent skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the competition. Students demonstrated resilience and positive attitudes while competing against strong opposition. We sent an U15s girls and an U15s boys team to the Kingways Playing Fields out West. Special mention goes to our boys team for scoring multiple tries and achieving a few victories.  

The Flag Football Gala Day provided students with an opportunity to develop their tactical understanding of the game while competing at a high level. The day was filled with rain, a little more rain and finished with rain. The playing conditions were difficult due to the wet weather, however our U15s girls, 2x U15s boys and an Opens boys team were still able to showcase their skills. Each team secured 2 wins and 1 loss, which qualified each team for the 3rd place final. Congratulations to our flag football athletes.  

Our 4 teams represented the school with pride during the North Met Zone Basketball Gala Day, competing with determination and displaying excellent sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Backed by the support and work of Jeremiah and the basketball program, our teams started the day well and secured wins in each division. Our open girls tied first with two other schools after the pool games, but unfortunately missed out on the Grand Final due to for/against points. Our U15s girls, U15s boys and Open boys teams all competed in the grand final but unfortunately fell short. Congratulations to all our basketball athletes.  

Congratulations to Maxwell K (KC), Samuel D (1BC), Mateo K (1BC), Callie T (1BC), Zivah S (1D), Leah W (1D), Cassadee Z (1D), Bramma A (3K), Delta B (3K), Marina G (3K), Mia Y (3K), Oliver L (4W), and Lissy G (5L) who have all finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Well done to you all! 

PLEASE NOTE: Student access to the Premier’s Reading Challenge closes on September 18! Please have your reading record completed by this date to ensure your entry is validated. 

Help our school win an incredible $1000 worth of books through the QBD Book Week Competition! Students simply need to take the brochure they were given during library class this week and hand it in at any participating QBD bookstore during Book Week. We encourage everyone to get involved and maybe we will be the lucky winner! 

As we prepare for the transition to summer uniform next term, the Uniform Shop will be open every Wednesday from 8:30am to 3:00pm. In addition, all Flexischools orders will be processed twice each week. 

We encourage families to use the coming weeks to check that their child has the correct summer uniform items ready for Term 4. If any replacements or additional items are required, please place your orders early to ensure they are received before the start of term.