Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope that you have had an enjoyable break over the term break and that your child is ready for the learning and activities planned for the new term.

I wanted to provide you with an update with regards to the installation of a crane on the building site, the new road that will replace the temporary access road to the underground carpark/drop off/pick, and related traffic issues.

As you would have noticed, part of the crane overhangs the school. The developer has provided details about the crane installation, confirming that loads will never be lifted over or within the school lot boundaries. We are advised that the crane has been fitted with an electronic limiter that will enforce loads not being lifted over the school. Whilst the jib will enter school airspace without a load, when not in use, it will be free slewing for safety. We have requested and received the commissioning certificate for the crane to ensure all safety measures are in place.

The new road to the school is currently being completed, and the changeover from the temporary access road will start next week in week 3. There will be traffic controls in place for the first two days to assist with traffic management.

Remember the staggered pick-up timetable below, designed to effectively manage traffic and prevent congestion on the new shared road to ensure that school traffic does not go beyond the Construction Worker crossing (please see highlighted area ) to allow for construction site vehicle access and assist in smooth student pick-up operations.

While construction continues, there may be occasional construction vehicles on White Road during peak times. This complies with the updated Traffic Management Plan approved by Council, which ensures no trucks operate on Fox Valley Road within the school zone in front of the school during peak times. Thank you for your continued cooperation with traffic controls as we prioritise the safety of our community.

We continue to work with all stakeholders on a permanent safe solution so our students, staff, and parents can walk to Fox Valley Church. Currently, primary chapels will remain in the Wahroonga church, and secondary students will use the White Road pedestrian footpath under staff supervision. All necessary safety precautions will be taken in accordance with our risk assessment.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we manage this season in our school’s journey. We continue to actively work with the construction site manager and the developer to monitor that all agreed safety mitigations are being followed to ensure student, staff, and visitor safety.

Yours in Christ’s service

Craig Young

Principal

ANZAC Chapel is a moment where our whole school community gathers to honour those who have and continue to serve and sacrifice for our country. We pause to remember and to reflect on the cost of the freedoms we are so blessed to have.

During ANZAC chapel, we were privileged to hear from Navy Lieutenant Sebastian. He shared what it means to live with courage, to respect tradition and to serve: our community, our country, and God.

So, what does ANZAC mean to us as Australians? As Christians? It means we recognise the sacredness of life and the immense cost of freedom. We honour those who have gone before us, acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of their sacrifice. At the same time, we don’t shy away from the reality and tragedy of war, but instead hold a deep awareness of the brokenness of our world.

The ANZAC tradition is not only something we honour, but something we continue to shape with wisdom and intention. We are invited to embody the values often associated with the ANZAC spirit: courage, mate-ship, sacrifice, and service. These are not just ideals to admire, but values to live out at Wahroonga Adventist School.

LEUT Sebastian shared the image of life as a ship, where each person has a role. As shipmates, we look out for each other. We may have different responsibilities, perspectives and experiences but we are moving in the same direction… together.

As a school community, we are a crew under God. And in that, there is both responsibility and purpose: to care for one another, to serve with humility and to walk forward with courage.

WAS CHAPLAINCY – Pr Renee

Dear Mums, Grandmothers and Carers

You’re warmly invited to a special Mother’s Day Breakfast as we celebrate and honour the incredible women and mother-figures in our lives.

Join us for a relaxed morning of delicious food, meaningful connection, and heartfelt appreciation as we gather in gratitude for all that you do. Bring your loved ones and enjoy this beautiful time together.

📅 Friday, 8 May 2026
🕖 7:15 am – 8:40 am
📍 Wahroonga Village Green

We would love to celebrate with you.

Warmly,
Home and School

We’re excited to celebrate the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and carers in our community. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast is a perfect chance to show your appreciation by volunteering your time. More hands make lighter work, and your support truly makes a difference. If you’re interested, please click the link below.

Mothers Day Volunteers - Click Here

Year 8 Cafe students have been working hard on our Semester 1 Cafe ‘Funday Monday’.

We are excited to invite you as customers. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practise their skills in a real-world setting and for families to enjoy an afternoon tea experience prepared and served by the class.

Profits will go towards the 2026 Fiji Mission Trip.

To help our students prepare for the number of guests attending each week, we encourage families to make a reservation by emailing Ms Allsopp.

[email protected]

However, walk-ins are also very welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there and supporting our amazing Year 8 students!

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 [email protected] .

Over the past two days, our students have taken part in engaging and age-appropriate cyber safety presentations delivered by ySafe, Australia’s leading provider of online safety education. These sessions were designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to navigate the online world safely, responsibly and with integrity.

The presentations aligned strongly with our school values, particularly respect, responsibility, care for others and personal integrity, as students were encouraged to reflect on how their online choices impact themselves and those around them.

ySafe’s approach recognises that children and young people encounter very different online challenges as they grow. Sessions were carefully tailored to each stage of learning:

Kindergarten to Year 2 focused on identifying safe people and places online, understanding personal and private information, and learning how to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.
Years 3–4 explored chatting safely online, protecting private information and turning to trusted adults for support.
Years 5–6 discussed cyberbullying, bystander empowerment, safe use of social media and games, and the importance of digital footprints and online accountability.
Years 7–8 addressed managing online conflict, toxic behaviours, digital wellbeing and the legal implications of online behaviour.
Years 9–10 focused on respectful relationships, managing online conflict and understanding long-term digital footprints.
Years 11–12 explored online wellbeing, self-regulation, respectful relationships and how digital behaviour can impact future employment and opportunities.
Across all year levels, students were encouraged to think critically, show empathy, and take responsibility for their digital actions—values we actively promote both online and offline.

We thank parents and carers who engaged with the online ySafe parent presentation, which provided practical strategies and guidance on supporting safe and healthy technology use at home.

Families are also encouraged to access our Online Safety Hub, available via:
https://wahroonga-adventist.onlinesafetyhub.com.au/

This hub provides trusted resources, videos and conversation starters to help parents partner with the school in reinforcing positive online behaviours and digital wellbeing at home.

We are grateful to ySafe for their expertise and engaging delivery, and we look forward to continuing to work together as a community to support our students to be safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens.

We’re thrilled to celebrate Elina W , who has been selected as a finalist in the Young Archie 2026 competition . This year’s Young Archie received over 4,350 entries from across Australia , with an exceptionally high standard of work submitted making Elina’s achievement even more remarkable.

All Young Archie finalists will have their artworks displayed at the Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday 9 May to Sunday 16 August . The Young Archie exhibition will be located in a free‑to‑enter section of the gallery , so no ticket is required to visit and enjoy the works.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Young Archie finalists will be showcased in the Kaldor Hall at the Art Gallery of NSW an exciting and prominent space for young artists to shine.

The Year 12 Engineering Studies class recently swapped the classroom for the cockpit during an exciting excursion to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) at Shellharbour Airport. It was a day packed with hands‑on learning, real‑world engineering marvels, and a close‑up look at Australia’s aviation heritage.

The standout moment of the trip was stepping aboard HARS’ iconic Qantas Boeing 747. Students learned that this particular jumbo jet isn’t just any retired aircraft it’s a rare long‑range variant with an extraordinary service record. Over its lifetime, it carried an estimated four million passengers and travelled the equivalent distance of flying to the moon and back ten times . Seeing the scale of the aircraft up close gave students a new appreciation for the engineering challenges behind long‑haul aviation.

Beyond the 747, the class explored a wide range of engines and aircraft currently maintained in airworthy condition. From piston engines to massive turbofans, students were able to observe the inner workings of propulsion systems they’ve studied in theory. HARS volunteers many of them former engineers and pilots shared insights into restoration techniques, maintenance requirements, and the importance of preserving aviation history.

The excursion offered a rare opportunity to connect classroom concepts with real engineering practice. Students returned inspired, curious, and with a deeper understanding of the innovation and expertise that keep aircraft in the sky.

On Friday, 24 April, Year 9, 10, 11, and 12 Visual Arts students, accompanied by their teachers Mr Stretton and Miss McCartney, visited the NSW Art Gallery to experience this year’s Art Express exhibition alongside Mike Hewson’s installation, The Key’s Under the Mat .

During the excursion, students were exposed to a wide range of contemporary artworks and explored how artists engage audiences in creative and interactive ways. The visit highlighted the diversity of approaches, materials, and ideas present in current art practices, particularly those showcased in HSC major works.

Students were highly engaged and inspired by the experience, gaining a deeper appreciation for the possibilities within their own artmaking and the broader world of contemporary art.

Our Year 12 Biology students recently visited the Museum of Human Disease at University of New South Wales, gaining a powerful and eye-opening insight into the real-world impacts of disease on the human body.

A key focus of the excursion was the liver and the long-term effects of alcohol consumption. Students explored how excessive alcohol use can lead to scarring of liver tissue, a condition known as Cirrhosis. Through examining real specimens, students saw firsthand how this damage becomes irreversible over time, preventing the liver from repairing itself and severely impacting overall health.

Throughout the museum, students observed a wide range of preserved specimens illustrating the effects of various diseases on different body systems. These visual and tangible examples helped bring classroom learning to life, deepening students’ understanding of both infectious and non-infectious diseases.

The excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect theory with real-world applications, reinforcing their learning and highlighting the importance of making informed health decisions. It was a memorable and impactful experience that will support their continued studies in Biology.

Mrs Leisly White – Head of Science

A number of our students recently had the opportunity to attend an Innovation Evening at Sydney Adventist Hospital, gaining insight into the cutting-edge developments shaping modern medicine.

Throughout the evening, students were introduced to a range of innovative clinical studies and emerging medical technologies. One highlight was learning about advanced treatments for Parkinson's disease, including the use of “pacemakers for the brain” a procedure known as Deep Brain Stimulation which can significantly improve quality of life for patients.

Students also explored how lasers and robotic technologies are transforming the treatment of Cancer, allowing for greater precision, reduced recovery times, and improved outcomes.

Another fascinating development discussed was the shift toward personalised medicine in orthopaedics. New research shows that no two knees are identical, leading to customised, scan-based knee replacement surgery that are tailored to the individual. These advancements are already making a significant difference in patient mobility and long-term recovery.

The evening provided students with a valuable glimpse into the future of healthcare, highlighting how innovation, research, and technology are working together to improve lives. It was an inspiring experience that broadened their understanding of the many pathways within the medical and scientific fields.

Mrs Leisly White – Head of Science

Mr Blackman and Ms Allsopp are beginning a club which will be running skills sessions in the workshop on Thursday afternoons between 3.15-4.15pm.

They will complete individual projects guided by their interests and learn how to fix existing items. This session is for students in Year 8 and above. This is a Duke of Edinburgh opportunity, so those students currently participating will be prioritised! Students are encouraged to email Ms Allsopp to secure their place.

Ms Allsopp is beginning a cooking club that will run one morning a week in the Food Technology (day to be confirmed depending on student interest). Students will learn prepare a variety of foods and serve hot beverages. These sessions are open to all high school students. This is a Duke of Edinburgh opportunity, so those students currently participating will be prioritised! Students are encouraged to email Ms Allsopp to secure their place.

Starting a conversation with your teen about mental health can feel intimidating. You want to say the right thing, choose the right moment, and avoid shutting them down. But here’s the truth: teens don’t need perfect parents. They need present ones.

Mental health challenges are increasingly common among young people, and open communication at home is one of the strongest protective factors they have. When parents create space for honest conversations, teens are far more likely to reach out when they’re struggling.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want guidance on what to say, we’ve found a helpful resource that breaks down simple, effective ways to support your teen’s emotional wellbeing. Click on the Link below.

CLICK HERE

On Tuesday, April 28, twelve selected students from Years 5-8 represented Wahroonga Adventist School at the Western Sydney Kids’ Lit Quiz Heat held at William Clarke College. We are so excited to announce that our Year 8 team, comprising of Zara N (8A), Mia M (8S), Noah D (8W) and Edward B (8S), came FIRST PLACE at this event. Our winning team will now proceed to the National Kids’ Lit Quiz Final being held at the NSW State Library on May 25 where the winning teams of all fourteen of the Australian Heats will battle it out to represent Australia at the World Final being held in New Zealand on July 10, 2026. After nine years of participation in the Kids’ Lit Quiz, this is Wahroonga Adventist School’s first team to make it through to the National Finals, so we wish them all the very best on May 25.

Wahroonga Adventist School’s other two teams also participated very competitively with our Year 7 team (Georgina M (7S), Anusha D (7W), Lucas M (7A) and Bryn P (7W)) coming in seventh, and our Primary School team (Lucy N (6A), Evie B (6Q), Ava M (5L) and Cade T (5L)) in thirteenth place out of twenty-five teams. A brilliant effort amongst some very stiff competition. We are so proud of the effort and sportsmanship displayed by each of our student representatives as they gave their best on the day.

Congratulations to Aidan C (KC), Emery L (1B), Hamish K (1D), Artin N (1D), Alexandra L (2J), Melody L (2J), Stella Y (2J), Ira W (3K), Neo M (4W), Ava M (5L), Eisha B (6A), Geneva D (6A), Hunter F (6A), Jonas F (6A), Lucy N (6A), Harrison Al (6Q), Liam C (6Q), Jack E (6Q), Eliza C (8A), Jasmine L (8W), and Abigail G (9S) who have all completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge.  Keep up the great reading!

Congratulations also go to both Miss Quick and Mrs Ah-Yu’s Year 6 classes with every student in Year 6 having completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2026. The Premier’s Reading Challenge finishes on September 18, so there is still plenty of time to get on board – it’s fun! Please email Mrs Savage at [email protected] if you need your log-in details.

National Simultaneous Storytime (May 27): On May 27 our Primary School students will be meeting together at Fox Valley Community Centre from 12-1pm for the National Simultaneous Storytime, where millions of students from all around Australia and New Zealand will enjoy the reading of the book ‘Luna Roo: the Kangaroo Baller’ by Adam Jackson, Adrian Lloyd and Jake Minton followed by some crafty activities. If you would like to come and join the fun, you would be most welcome.

All uniform items must be purchased from the Wahroonga Adventist School Uniform Shop or ordered online through www.flexischools.com.au

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Wednesday - 8:20am till 9:30am
Thursday - 2:30pm till 3:20pm

Flexischool Orders

Online orders will be available for collection on Wednesday and Thursday of each week. All orders close at 8pm the night before. Secondary students can collect their orders from the office. Primary student’s orders will be delivered to their classroom.

For questions or further information please email [email protected]

Qualtrics Survey are running a taste test next Wednesday 6th or Thursday 7th (afternoon/evening times) for Mums and their 8-12 year old child.  The session would take 30 mins and you will be paid $120 total for your time if you qualify.

If you interested, please complete the screening questions via this link or call us on call 0434 916 400 with any questions: https://survey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dptf8qQyHXk04N8

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