There have been a range of engaging activities over the past two weeks that has contributed to the cohesion of our school community, from secondary students sitting examinations to welcoming new students during orientation days, sporting events, and the Colour Fun run that raised our target of $20,000! We also celebrate the baptisms of a few of our students, which is a testament to the three-fold partnership between home, school and church.

A big shout to our primary music teacher, Miss Walkden-Brown, our tutors including Ms Aree Kim, and Mrs Felicity Stanwell, our ensemble and tutor coordinator and conductor, for the Primary Music Showcase spotlighting our Primary students’ musical talents, commitment and dedication to this very important component of our wholistic education offerings. Appreciation also goes to our parents for supporting their children and the school’s program.

Additionally, our Year 10 students recently completed two days of Peer Support leadership training, preparing them to serve as mentors for Year 7 students in 2026. These sessions are essential for fostering confidence, empathy, and resilience among our students. Initiatives like this offer valuable opportunities for personal development, and we look forward to seeing our students thrive as positive role models for their younger peers.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation with the changes to the road entry and exit to the school. Please adhere to the 5 km/h speed limit to ensure the safety of all. A reminder that pedestrian access to the school is only through the front gate.

I look forward to welcoming you at the Presentation ceremonies on 8 December.

God bless

Craig Young

Principal

Recently, our senior leadership students had the opportunity to attend the GLS Local Host event. This was an event where local leaders from the school, hospital, university and church offices came together to sharpen their leadership skills. One of the standout sessions was led by Craig Groeschel, who shared a surprising truth: “Leadership isn’t always exciting often, it’s actually quite boring.”

What he meant was that leadership is built on something simple but incredibly powerful: consistency . Craig explained that strong leaders aren’t defined by the big, dramatic moments. Instead, they are formed through steady, faithful actions repeated over time.

We all have goals and things we want to do. Whether it’s improving our study habits, being kinder to others, or stepping up in leadership, good intentions are only the beginning.

Consistency is what turns intentions into reality.

This message also connects to what we have been exploring in the book of Daniel at Fox Valley Community Church. Daniel is a great example of a young leader who stayed steady in his character and faith. He didn’t wait for a crisis to seek God he built a lifelong habit of praying three times every day. That daily consistency shaped who he became and prepared him for every challenge he faced. He was so dedicated that he continued to pray when it may have cost him his life.

We all have things we wish we were more consistent with and that’s totally normal! Being consistent can be challenging, but you’re not alone. I want to encourage you and your students as we all try to grow, do our best, and build helpful habits that make life better.

Another exciting part of this season has been seeing several of our students take meaningful steps in their faith journey. Recently, four of our students (And one former student) decided to be baptised. A moment that is both personal and publicly significant. We’re incredibly proud of their courage and their desire to follow Jesus in a deeper way.

Baptism is a symbol that Christians have practised for thousands of years. It represents a person’s decision to follow Jesus and live in a new way. Going under the water symbolises leaving behind an old life, and coming back up represents being raised into a fresh start with God. It’s an outward expression of an inward commitment—a way of saying, “My life belongs to Jesus, and I want to walk with Him.”

For these students, baptism wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a bold step of faith, supported by friends, family, and our wider community. Moments like these remind us that God is at work in the lives of young people, shaping them, guiding them, and helping them grow.

We celebrate with them, and we continue to encourage all our students as they explore faith, ask questions, and take steps forward big or small.

From 10 December 2025, new laws will take effect in Australia to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This important change reflects growing community concern about the impact of early social media use on children's mental health, wellbeing and development.

Research shows that social media can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, online pressure and harmful content long before they are emotionally ready to manage it. While regulation is a positive step forward, real safety begins at home. Families continue to play the most powerful role in helping children build confidence, resilience and awareness in the digital world.

These new regulations provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child about their online experiences and what these changes mean for them. It's also a chance to review family technology habits, reinforce healthy routines, and explore age-appropriate ways for young people to connect, learn and express themselves.

This Special Report explains what the new laws mean in practice and offers practical guidance to help families prepare for the upcoming changes.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://wahroonga-adventist.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations-what-you-need-know

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 need to re-apply .

Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new distance requirements, they will receive an expiry notification.

Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement need to renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications before the end of the year, so students travel entitlement can remain valid for the start of the 2026 school year.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

On Monday the 10th of November our Stage 3 Boys and Girls teams competed at the State Basketball Championships in Penrith after winning their regional competition a fortnight ago.
The Boys team missed the semifinals and finished 5th overall after winning their play off game.
The Girls team went on to win the State Championship, defeating Belmont Christian College 12–9 in a close final.
A pleasing effort and result from both teams.

During the October school holidays, Sophie had the opportunity to take part in an unforgettable experience aboard the STS Young Endeavour, a tall ship operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Alongside a group of other young Australians aged 16-23, she joined the crew in Geelong for an 11-day voyage up the coast to Sydney Harbour.

The journey began with introductions and safety briefings, followed by a dramatic departure through the infamous Rip and into Bass Strait, where towering waves crashed over the bow. It was a wild start that quickly brought the youth crew together, forging bonds that would carry them through the days ahead.

As they sailed along the Victorian coastline, the crew faced strong winds and heavy swells, settling into a rhythm of 24-hour watches and shared responsibilities. Despite the challenging conditions, there were plenty of amazing moments - like spotting pods of dolphins and humpback whales, some breaching spectacularly near the ship.

One of the most memorable stops was Twofold Bay at Eden, where the youth crew climbed the 35m foremast at sunset. Sophie described it as a moment of personal triumph, pushing past fear and soaking in the views from high above the deck.

After a short rest in Eden, the ship continued north to Jervis Bay, where the youth crew practiced sailing drills and prepared for Command Day - a tradition where the youth crew takes full control of the ship for 24 hours. The youth crew successfully navigated the vessel into Sydney Harbour, where they were honoured with a visit from the Governor General. As the ship sailed into port, the youth crew stood proudly on the yards, waving to their families and friends below - a fitting end to an incredible journey.

Sophie’s time aboard the STS Young Endeavour was more than just a sailing trip - it was a chance to challenge herself, make new friends, and experience the beauty of Australia’s coastline from a whole new perspective.

The final celebration for the graduating class of 2025 took place on Thursday November 13th. Our students looked excellent in their Formal attire as they gathered at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf to share a final meal together. The evening included photo and video memories dating back to the beginning of their school journey, entertaining student voted ‘awards’, last reflections from our outgoing school captains, and final messages from Mr St Mart and Mr Young. We wish the class of 2025 well as they embark on the next chapters of their journey!

A group of 11 students travelled to Central Coast Adventist School and took their chapel programs on Tuesday. It is an excellent opportunity to see and meet people from our sister school, and also to participate in and encourage worship.  There is nothing quite like leading your peers in worship.  Abi M, one of the chapel team leaders, spoke to the CCAS students a message about fighting for freedom.  The rest of the team used their musical talents in worship and hosted the rest of the chapel.

Year 12 Business Studies students visited Luna Park Sydney last Friday to investigate real-world operations management, focusing on quality control, technology use, and inventory systems. Students learned how Luna Park maintains efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction while also enjoying its rides. The excursion provided a memorable and engaging way to apply HSC Operations content through a unique historic, iconic business enterprise.

We are proud to share some exciting news! Having one of our students nominated for an HSC Showcase is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations to Kenneth P on being nominated for Composition in Music 2.

ENCORE highlights the very best of HSC Music across New South Wales, presenting exceptional major works in performance, composition, and musicology. Kenneth’s nomination is a testament to his talent and dedication.

Library borrowing for the year has finished and all books should now be returned to the library.

Please note that a replacement fee of $25 per book will be charged for all lost or outstanding loans. Alternatively, a replacement copy of the lost book can be provided as a replacement.

If you are unsure if your child still has outstanding loans, please log on to the library WebAPP at bit.ly/waslibrary and follow the instructions on the home page to access your child’s library records. Physical reminder notices are also handed out each week to the students.

High School textbook return will take place in the last week of school (Week 9), so please encourage your children to make sure all their hire textbooks are accounted for and ready to return. Current loans lists will be emailed and given out in Week 8 along with cleaning instructions.

Please note that only hired textbooks need to be returned to the library, so please do not return any self-purchased textbooks – they belong to you!

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday 8:20 - 9:30 AM

Thursday 2.30 - 3:30 PM

Friday CLOSED

Please order through Flexischools for any orders where you know your sizing and what you may need. Flexischool orders will be collected from the office for High School and dropped to classes for Primary school on Thursdays and Fridays.