News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:23:35 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:08:11 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:39:01 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:22:10 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:16:29 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Taronga Zoo Visit

Wed, 22 May 2019 09:15:09 AEST

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:34:36 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:13:43 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:28:49 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

The Waratah Centre takes to the skies

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 12:52:19 AEST

On Wednesday the 10^th of April 2019, as a part of our positive reward system, the Waratah Centre was fortunate enough to take a helicopter ride of Sydney Harbour and its beaches.

This experience was earned by the students based on their;

1. Attendance

2. IEP milestone results

3. Making a noticeable positive change in behaviour

Five students started their tour from Sydney Airport, hovering over the Sydney Cricket Ground, Randwick Racecourse and eventually reaching the Opera house and Harbour Bridge. The flight then banked north towards manly and North Head, turning south to follow the coastal walk along Bondi Beach to Coogee.

"I was very nervous before going on the helicopter because I had never been on one before. I watched the first group go up in the helicopter and it was moving around a lot so that made me even more nervous. After the helicopter landed and I got out I realised that it was probably one of the best things I have done in my entire life!!! I loved it."

- Faith Devitt, Year 11.

A big thank you to Blue Sky Tours for assisting us in this experience. It was truly an amazing experience that our students will never forget.

Lastly congratulations to Jaydan Nicholson for taking the best photo of the day! See below. Requested by local Bondi Tourism to use as apart of their promotional page. Well done!

Thunder leadership program

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 08:07:52 AEDT

Boys to men - Thunder leadership program

Bunnings support

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:44:12 AEST

Bunnings to the rescue,

Over two full days, The Waratah Centre has been overly grateful to receive amazing support from a host of Bunnings stores. The school has been transformed with new art work and paint work around various parts of the school.

Not to mention all the wonderful materials that have been donated.

Thank you Bunnings

Go-Karting Excursion

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:45:24 AEST

As part of our Community Access program, we recently took a group of students to Extreme Indoor Go-Karting. The activity aligns with our Learn to Drive Program and our students had a great time experiencing the new track set up.

Fishing Program

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

Our students are currently undertaking a Fishing Program with staff member Patrick Kelly. The students are enjoying the outdoor education setting and are having oppurtunities to engage in activities they wouldn't normally get to do. This program directly aligns with our environmental program in students discovering ecosystems and water ways.

Community Access 2016

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:31 AEST

Extreme Indoor Go-Karting

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:24 AEST

As part of our Community Access Program, our students regularly visit Extreme Indoor Go-Karting in Villawood. The excursion promotes increased engagement from our students and directly aligns with our Learn to Drive Program that teaches students how to be safe and responsible drivers once they get their licences.

Battle Archery

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:21 AEST

Our students engaged in a Battle Archery Excursion as part of our Community Access Program here at The Waratah Centre. The students were thouroughly engaged throughout the excursion and learnt valuable skills in working as a team to complete a set task.

Fitness First Excursion

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

During term 1 of 2016, The Waratah Centre were involved in a Fitness First Program that allowed our students to meet PDHPE outcomes in a fun and engaging way. The program varied in what activities were provided to the students and resulted in collaborative encouragement and teamwork to push through mental barriers and succeed in intensive workouts.

Snow 2016

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:28 AEST

The excitement of never seeing snow!

The students all had a fantastic time and it's an experience they will never forget.

One Mile Beach Camp

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:27 AEST

During term 1, we took a big group of hard working students to One Mile Beach as apart of our Outdoor Education Program. The students were thoroughly engaged throughout the camp and took part in exciting activities like Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Sand Boarding.

Touch Football Tournament

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:30 AEST

The students from the Waratah Centre competed in a round robin "touch football" competition against other schools in the local area. The boys from the Waratah played their hearts out and were undefeated throughout the competition to take out the first place trophy.

It was an amazing achievement by some quite talented young footballers!

Wildlife Zoo

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:32 AEST

We took a couple of the students to Sydney's Wildlife Zoo in Darling Harbour to learn about some of Australia's native animals. They thoroughly enjoyed the snake show and looking at some of Australia's largest and most deadly animals. However, their favourite animal for the day was the Wildlife's Zoo very own bad boy ‘Rex' the crocodile. Above is a photo of the students enjoying their time on the self-propelled ride which allowed the students to see kangaroos from the sky, glide past princess parrots and ‘Rex' the crocodile.

Luke 'Punchy' Kennedy

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:26 AEST

On the 9th February 2015, the Waratah Centre were lucky enough to attend an inspirational, eye opening experience delivered by a legend of a person, Luke 'Punchy' Kennedy.

Luke spoke to the students about his life journey and the highs and lows of an incredible pathway to success.

At the conclusion of the presentation presented the kids with his book.

Stabbed EGO " A thugs journey to enlightenment"

On behalf of the staff and students, Thank You Luke.

Great day out!

Fraser Island - Trip of a life time

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

Fraser Island tour Itinerary

Departs 9.00am daily

Your Tour departs at 9.00am on the Kingfisher Bay Resort Ferry. Make sure you check in to the Kingfisher Bay Mainland Terminal (at River Heads) by 8.15am, or, for a hassle free alternative, please let us know where you're staying and we'll pick you up between 7.00 and 8.00am.

The ferry ride to Fraser Island, across the Great Sandy Strait, around 50 minutes. Your Guide will meet you at the resort's jetty and after the group introductions and a quick briefing, your 4WD adventure on Fraser begins!

Tour tip

You'll need to have a day-pack ready before you check in at the Kingfisher Bay Mainland Terminal, as your tour starts as soon you get to Fraser Island. Don't forget to pack your swimmers, towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes or sandals, essential medication and of course a camera in your day bag!

Your main backpack or other luggage will be will be dropped off at Eurong Resort before we take off.

What you'll see

Your guide is a local who is passionate about Fraser Island and will not only take you to the island's most incredible spots, but also wow you with fascinating facts (as much or as little as you'd like) about the island's history, fauna and flora. They'll also keep an eye out for dingoes and other interesting wildlife and are happy to stop for photo stops when they spot things!

Your Cool Dingo guide stays with you for the entire tour and promise to give you a fun time or the cool dingo eats his hat!

‘Day' 1 4WD TOUR

Today we check out some of Fraser's coolest, sub-tropical inland sights.

Basin Lake - first stop is beautiful Basin Lake - get up close and personal with the resident freshwater turtles - in this delightful perched dune lake!

Central Station - no trains or whistles here - just peaceful, ancient rainforest and the reminders of a former, once bustling logging camp.

Wanggoolba Creek - walk along the banks of this silent flowing creek with lush green rainforest and rare king ferns... it's simply breathtaking.

Pile Valley - check out the giant satinay trees on this forest walk.

Lake McKenzie - with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, picture perfect Lake McKenzie is even prettier than the postcards. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim before heading back to Kingfisher Bay Resort.

‘DAY 2' 4WD TOUR

An early start to explore Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the world's most gorgeous beach highway.

Eli Creek - a great spot for a refreshing dip! Float down this fast-flowing freshwater creek - which pours out 80 megalitres of water daily - to the seaside.

Maheno Shipwreck - washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935, this rusting wreck is one of Fraser Island's iconic photo stops. You won't be disappointed.

The Pinnacles Coloured Sands - With all the colours of the rainbow (well just the reds, oranges, ochres and creams really) these vibrant sand cliffs are another favourite photo stop.

Indian Head - climb to the top of this rocky headland for awesome island and ocean views... look out for sharks, rays and migrating humpback whales (Jul - Nov).

Champagne Pools - chill out in these bubbling ocean rock pools, you won't want to leave!

‘DAY 3' 4WD TOUR

A relaxed day visiting a few of Fraser's lesser well known beauty spots. As this is our last day on island.

Lake Wabby - walk through cool rainforest to beautiful emerald-green Wabby, Fraser's deepest lake and a favourite swimming hole. It's so completely different to the rest of the island's lakes and a real favourite of ours.

Hammerstone Sandblow - trek over one of Fraser's vast desert-like sand blows - no wonder it's the world's largest sand island - to the beach!

Lake Birrabeen - if you loved Lake McKenzie then Birrabeen will allure you with its sparkling clear waters and dazzling white beaches... you won't be able to resist a dip. We think it's a great way to finish the tour!

Return back to Kingfisher Bay Resort meet the 5.00pm ferry back to Hervey Bay, arriving at approximately 5.50pm... then we'll drop you straight to your Hervey Bay accommodation for some well-earned rest!

Working towards Success

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:32 AEST

Students from the Waratah Centre have been taking part in a number of successful work experience placements. Four in particular placements are The Hub at Telopea which allows students to experience a number of trade crafts such as carpentry, painting and horticulture.

Other students are busy cooking away at the GWS Giants headquarters preparing meals for the players as part of their extensive nutrition plans.Furthermore, other students have been working hard in different school settings, orginising and coaching various modified invasion games. Work placement has also taken place with the Western Sydney Wanderers, facilitating coaching practice with the staff. These and other future work placements are successfully enabling students of the Waratah Centre to find their passion and discover steps towards their potential carreers.

The following students are to be commended:

Andrew J. at The Hub, Telopea
Michael M. at The Hub, Telopea
Beau W. at The Hub, Telopea
Amy S. at GWS Giants, Olympic Park
Jacob R. at Rowland Hassall School, Parramatta
Aaron T. at Western Sydney Wanderers, Blacktown

Turning Boys into Men

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:30 AEST

Male students from the Waratah Centre have participated in the "Boys to Men" PDHPE program this semester. The program consisted of a series of theory lessons that addressed adolescent change and also some challenges that male teenagers face. The program emphasised the physical, mental and social health changes that typically occur and provided a variety of ways to address and access resources when faced with changes that may otherwise be overwhelming.
The students did a variety of workshops that covered Personal Grooming and hygiene and Mental Health. Students also did a service tour of High Street Youth Services and were able to familiarise themselves with health services that are available to them.
High Street Youth Services had two of their workers Andrew & Joanne present a sexual health workshop. They provided insight into the risks associated with unsafe sex and were able to provide invaluable information about sexual health.

Bouncing back to Championship

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:22 AEST

Students from the Waratah Centre competed in the second annual Western Sydney Wanderers Bounce Back Shield. The school competed with other like schools in a round robin indoor soccer tournament at the Ultimate Indoor Sports Centre in Silverwater. The Waratah Centre played against Pennant Parade, Rowland Hassall, Coreen School, Mt Druitt Tutorial, Naremburn and the Beach School.

The Waratah Centre was the successful champions this year and triumphed to win the Bounce Back Shield. Congratulations are due to the talented runners up: The Beach School and Mt Druitt Tutorial. This was the first time the Waratah Centre has won the Championship. The team played well and all were a big part in the success. Congratulations to Isaac who was awarded with the golden boot for the tournament by scoring a magnificent 14 goals and well done to Andrew who was a close second with 13 goals.

Overall, the tournament allowed students to practise the ability to bounce back from adversity and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

The Waratah Centre would like to thank the Western Sydney Wanderers, the Ultimate Indoor Sports Centre and all the staff and volunteers who helped make the day such a success. Lastly, speacial thanks to guest speaker Ray Kelly who inspired not only the Waratah Centre students but all participating schools with his story about resilence. Thank you.

Celebrating Success for 2014

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:24 AEST

After a great year of success in 2014 the Waratah Centre celebrated student achievement. The school inducted their first HSC alumni with Katie Denton completing her senior studies this year. Katie has her name carved in the school shield and is apart of Waratah Centre history. The school wish her well with her future endeavours..

The Waratah Centre Head Teacher Greg Fuchs also presented all students with the classroom certificates and yearly report cards. Furthemore, the following outstanding achievment awards were presented;

Oustanding Attendance Award: Jacob R (Yr 8)

Successful Transition Award: Saia F (Yr 8)

Completion of TAFE Course: Andrew J (Yr 9)

Junior Student of the Year: Neamh E (Yr 10)

Senior Student of the Year: Keirah A (Yr 11)

The School also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers and organsisation that have assited the school.

On behalf of the Waratah Centre we would like to thank everyone from parents, caregivers and organisations for their support of the school program. We also wish our students a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"

Blood Sweat & Tears

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:22 AEST

On Thursday the 13th of November 2014, two students from the Waratah centre Keira and Neamh were accompanied by their teacher Nick and myself (prac student, Hussein) as we embarked on a 24 hour bushwalk in the Blue Mountains.

The team arrived at Blackheath station around 10am, thanks to our driver Jeff and soon after met their guide Tim. The team then joined Tim in his car and drove to the Megalong valley to start the walk.

Before we got started, Tim ensured that we all had the basic bushwalking necessities. The first few hundred metres of the walk really set the tone for the rest of the hike.The first steep hill that was apparently "nothing" had us all breathing heavily and sweating. Once we reached the top of the hill, we enjoyed fantastic views of other mountains. Tim then pointed out the mountain that we were climbing later that night, we were in a state of disbelief!

Our first checkpoint was to reach the Coxs river. Once we reached the river, we had quick lunch and enjoyed fantastic views. We continued the walk and came across an injured wallaby, a lethal red belly black snake and various types of birds. Our next checkpoint was the Jenolan river. We reached it around 7pm and set up a fire. We re-energised by having our baked beans and noodles (by using sticks as chopsticks).

By 8pm, the toughest part of the walk was about to begin. We started climbing a 1km mountain with 800m altitude. Halfway through, we all showed each other our battle scares. The awesome foursome were all feeling battered and bruised but we all worked together by motivating each other! The courage and resilience displayed by the two young girls was quite outstanding.

The walk continued until 5am, when we all came to a conclusion that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. We slept on the track for around 1 hour and waited another 3 hours for Jeff to pick us up again. All in all, it was a fantastic adventure and an absolutely brave performance from the Awesome Foursome!

Panthers pouncing to Help

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:27 AEST

Whilst the NRL season is over for 2014 and the Penrith Panthers have finished their season. Penrith Panthers players George Jennings, Robert Jennings & Joshjua Tagita visited the school and assisted students with school work and provided guidance in goal setting. The Panthers players took part in PDHPE lessons assisting Mr Chris with fine tuning student's touch football skills. Music lessons are very popular at the Waratah Centre and George & Joshjua were happy to share their musical talents and help film the student's music videos.

Lastly the Jennings brothers came out to Penrith after training to participate with students at Cables Wake Park. The students learnt about failing and how to build greater resilience.

On behalf of the school we would like to thank George, Robert, Joshjua and the Penrith Panthers club for the help and assistance provided to the Waratah Centre.

Boxing to see if your O.K

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:22 AEST

As part of "R U OK" day on 11th September 2014 the Waratah Centre invited Sport Sceintist, Professional Boxing Coach and Business Owner of Rapid Loss Ray Kelly to talk boxing, his life, how to problem solve and manage your wellbeing.

The Waratah students responded well to Ray Kelly's inspiring story about his disadvantaged upbringing throughout his teenage years. He discussed obstacles in which he faced and his resilence to overcome these hardships. Ray is now a successfull Boxing Trainer, Industry leader in Sport Science and creator of Rapid Loss. Ray Kelly has also gone onto working as a trainer and scientist on reality televison shows; The Biggest Loser & The Contender.

Students were encouraged to the importance of asking questions and being their for your friends and family to provide a helping hand.

Waratah show their true Colours

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:31 AEST

This year the Waratah Centre and thousands of other Australian organisations and schools united to wear their football team's colours (AFL, NRL, Rugby Union and Soccer) to raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation to fund vital care, treatment, education and residential support programs and research into improved treatment methods and cure for leukaemia and other cancers.

The Waratah Centre conducted various sporting activities on the day and are pleased to announce they raised money to donate to the cause.

For further details about the Fight for Cancer Foundation: please contact 9342 7888 or check out their website on www.fightcancer.org.au

Fitness with a difference with Rebel Sport

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

Waratah Centre have been conducting a PDHPE; Let's Get Physical program targeted at the practical components of the PDHPE syallbus. We have had the pleasure of conducting this program in collaboration with Rebel Sport Parramatta. Waratah Centre would like to thank all the staff at Rebel Sport Parramatta and especially Assistant Manager Robert Mailo for their assistance in purchasing of sporting goods and equipment. The school looks to continue this great partnership for many years to come.

Rebel Sport Parramatta is located on the Ground floor of Parramatta Westfields, 159-175 Church Street, Parramatta.

Snow trip 2014

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:29 AEST

Canberra Excursion 2014

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:23 AEST

Canberra Excursion 2014 was a great opportunity for the students of The Waratah Centre and Rowland Hassall to jointly participate for the first time together on an overnight excursion.

It was a fantastic trip with plenty of laughter, jokes and photos.

Student stories to follow................

Giant Step for Waratah Centre

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

Students from the Waratah Centre throughout every Wednesday week 6-8 of term 2 will be taking part in the AFL Enrichment Program. The program originated with the hope of building relationships between professional athletes from the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Disengaged students in which are based at the Waratah Centre. While the program predominately focuses on PDHPE outcomes it also encomposses generic life lessons such as resilinces, dedication to success, respect and determination.

Throughout the duration of the program the Waratah students were inspired by former Telopea local and Ex Australian Cricketer Gavin Robertson who inspired the students with the story of Failures. Furthermore, GWS Giants Multicultrual Development Officicer Emad Elkheir also contributed with various inspiring presentation to further enage students.

The Waratah Centre would like to thank Emad Elkheir for his hard work and dedication.

Serving it up for suceess

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:28 AEST

Students from the Waratha Centre attended Community Access at Nam Ho Table Tennis Academy in Gladesville. The students learned basic rules of table tennis and practised playing with their peers and teachers. An informal competition was also held among the teachers and the coach. The Waratah Centre would like to thank Nam and Sue for their assistance and services. Due to the enjoyable experiences, the Waratah Centre will have coaching sessions for students.

More than a Soccer Lesson at Wanderers Bounce Back Cup

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:26 AEST

Wanderers Bounce Back Cup

The Waratah Centre along with other alternative secondary behavioural school and tutorial centre settings competed in the inaugural Western Sydney Wanderers Bounce Back Cup on April 7th 2014 at St Marys Indoor Sports and Recreation Centre.

The Bounce Back Cup is targeted at year 7-10 students to participate in an enjoyable physical activity through indoor soccer. Students that particpate engage in friendly competition against other behavioural school settings in a round robin gala day and the winner is determined by the team with the best goal difference and not the number of wins. The Waratah Centre finished third and competed against: Beach School, Coreen School, Blacktown Tutorial and the competition champions Mt Druitt Tutorial Centre. All students that participated engaged in a team environment and collaborate with peers co-operatively and demonstrated traits of leadership & sportsmanship.

Furthermore, students were enlighten by stories of bouncing back from adversity from guest speakers; Andy Waite (Australian Football Power chair Captain), Roger Antochi (Whitelion Outreach Worker), Josh Hunter (Wanderers Development Officer) and Thomas Manos (Wanderers Player). After hearing from the guest speakers, students able to problem solve and most importantly practise resilience whilst playing soccer.

AIME supporting Waratah Centre Kids

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:21 AEST

Waratah Centre is pleased to announce their partnership with AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience). AIME provides mentoring and educational services for indigenous high school students to see them get through the same rate as every Australian child. Furthermore, together with our Mentors and Mentees, AIME is building a generation of future leaders who strive to create a culture where for every step you take forawrd in life, you throw your hand back and bring someone with you. AIME will be running various workshops throughout the year and will provide addotional support for our Indigenous students.

Community Chest Fund Partnership

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:24 AEST

The Waratah Centre are pleased to announce that they are in Partnership with IGA Telopea. IGA Telopea have kindly donated a cheque to the school and making the Waratah Centre as their main beneficiary of their Community Chest Program. The kind donation will go towards the schools Out Reach program.

National Centre of Indigenous Excellence

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:27 AEST

Photo Album

NATIONAL CENTRE OF INDIGENOUS EXCELLENCE

The Waratah Centre went to the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern. Students went on a facility tour and got to use the various fitness facilities. The Waratah Centre would like to thank Hamilton Hughes and staff for there hospitality.

Greater Western Sydney Giants

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:32 AEST

Photo Album

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS

As a part of the Waratah Centres school fitness program student developed their skills in the sport of AFL. The Waratah Centre would like to thank Emad Elkheir from the GWS Giants club for his engaging coaching clinic.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:31 AEST

Photo Album

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERERS SOCCER CLINIC

Our students were involved in a soccer clinic which was conducted by the community staff of the WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS as a part of the schools fitness program. Students were engaged in all the activities and on behalf of the Waratah Centre we would like to say a big thank you to the development officers Pedro Cuccovillo and Tim Woodhouse.

Royal Lifesaving Program

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:28 AEST

Over the last week the Waratah Centre has been kindly participating in a fully funded swim survival program run at the Hills sports High Indoor Aquatic centre. The students all participated with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Royal Life Saving has been serving Australia for over 110 years and is the leading water safety, swimming and lifesaving education organisation in Australia. The Aquatic Safety Training Academy (ASTA) is a benchmark facility for the delivery of the highest quality vocational education and training in Australia.

The Royal Academy Swim School delivers the Swim and Survive program which is a comprehensive swimming and water safety initiative that seeks to increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australian children in order to prevent drowning and increase participation in safe aquatic activity.

Swim and Survive ensures that the essential components of personal survival and water safety are provided, in addition developing strong and effective swimming technique.

Skills and knowledge learnt in the Swim and Survive program aims to provide children with solid foundation skills in swimming, survival and basic rescue skills.

Swim and Survive - Active

Active is a swimming and water safety program for school aged children between the ages of 5-14 years. Active is a swimming and personal aquatic survival program that provides opportunities for learning and developing a range of essential swimming skills and knowledge. It is used to emphasise that skills learnt in the program not only save lives, but provide a foundation for participation in a range of aquatic recreation, fitness and sporting activities.

Great Schools 'Show Off' - Promoting the Waratah Centre

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:25 AEST

The Waratah Centre has entered in the Great Schools 'Show off' competition. The competition gives the students the opportunity to put together a digital media piece that encompass their school. Below is the Waratah Centres Promotional video.

Sydney Markets Present Certificate to the Waratah Centre

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:29 AEST

Sydney Markets today in conjunction with the premiers Sporting Challenge present the Waratah Centre a certificate in recognition of their Healthy Food consumption program. The Program is all about promoting healthy life choices through the use of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

I-pads in the Classroom

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:26 AEST

I-Pads, It's not just a cool toy, but rather a powerful, versatile tool that is virtually changing the face of education. With more than 15,000 "educational apps" available through Apple's app store, the Waratah Centres teachers and students alike are having no trouble finding content and material for all areas of learning. iPads offer The Waratah Centre more diverse methods for delivering instruction and engaging students for learning in the 21^st century.

A day at the Aquarium

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:21 AEST

Looking at the fish, through the plate glass; I wonder if the fish are aware that we are standing there, looking and pointing at them? Do they look at each other and think, "What are they doing there"? Maybe, they think that we are the exhibition? Maybe they think that they controlled our minds in order to put them there, so that they can observe us? Perhaps we are the laughing stock of one big master plan, of the Under Water Kingdom?!

Check out our video in the video gallery and photos in the photo gallery. What a great day!

Student Testimonials

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:29 AEST

Coming to the Waratah Centre has given me more opportunities to change for the better. I hope to finish my studies and get a job.

Wade K, 14 years

I like the Waratah Centre because they help me with my work and we do excursions every Friday and the teachers and studnets are active.

Chris. M. 13yrs

Literacy Program boosts academic success

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:26 AEST

Staff have noted considerable improvements in students abilities to read a range of text, in their confidence attempting new words and more challenging tasks through the new MULTILIT literacy program.

See in School programs more about MULTILIT.

Principal Awards

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:28 AEST

On Tuesday the 1st November 2011, two students were awarded the honour of receiving their Principal Awards. Both Nicholas and Christian have been working tirelessly over the year to improve their academic application and their behaviour goals. It takes hard work and commitment to follow through with meeting targets and these two students have gone above and beyond to achieve this. The presentation morning was filled with congratulations and applause from family and friends followed by a lunch of pizza and cakes especially requested from the students. Keep up the good work boys

New Wakeboard Program is a hit!!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:27 AEST

The Waratah Centre is utilising wake-boarding as part of the PD/H/PE program. the program involves engaging students in physical education to help create and promote healthy minds and healthy lifestyles.

Check out the photos in the photo gallery.

The Waratah Snow Trip

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:41:30 AEST

An adventure of a life time!!