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I felt very privileged last week to be commissioned as the fourth principal of West Moreton Anglican College. Thank you to all staff, students and community members who worked to put together such a wonderfully welcoming Commissioning so early in our school year.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the support that I have received since the announcement of my appointment, with the reach of the West Moreton Anglican College community demonstrating the strength of the network that has been developed over the last 32 years.
It was an honour to have Archbishop Jeremey Greaves visit our College last week and lead the service. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our College Captains for their thoughtful and well-delivered speeches on behalf of the student body.
As I look forward to the year ahead and the start to my tenure as Principal of the College, I am exceptionally excited by a number of great opportunities for our school and community. The foundations laid by our previous principals and our College Council have our school very much ready for the next chapter of our journey.
The facilities work that is well underway at both the front of the school and through our 2040 Master Plan will fundamentally reshape our school environment. The opportunity for us to open our new Student Hub next year is a tangible reminder of the value that the College has always placed on the importance of our students and the care we will take to support them through school and beyond. It is also a building which will provide a symbolic reminder of our connection with each other and the work we can do together to support each and every student of West Moreton Anglican College.
That being said it is the people who make a school great, not the facilities.
When I look back at my previous 27 years working in schools – and my two years working outside of schools – I know that our greatest strength is the quality of people involved in the organisation.
West Moreton Anglican College is blessed to have so many wonderful people in its College Community and that provides me with a high level of confidence in our ongoing and future success.
My commitment to this community is that I will work to ensure that our school provides the very best opportunities for our students, and for our staff, to pursue excellence.
I look forward to further connecting with our school community over the coming months.













Andrew Peach
Principal
Concerns over student wellbeing are being raised around the country. Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are being cited as one of the main drivers of a downward trend in school attendance since the Covid-19 lockdowns and studies show that more students are receiving support for anxiety and stress than ever before.
To address these issues, some schools are thinking of new ways to widen the scope of wellbeing initiatives they offer. One method that’s becoming increasingly popular is the use of wellbeing dogs.
Wellbeing dogs are furry friends trained to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support. They promote overall mental health and can be found in similar settings as well as universities, workplaces and community centres, where they help create a calming environment and reduce stress. Wellbeing dogs are playing an increasingly important role in schools to support students' well-being and learning, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote attendance.
I am pleased to announce that late last year approval was granted for the Chaplaincy Team to have a College Wellbeing dog. So…..
Meet Evie.
Evie is a 5-month-old first generation Cavoodle with an enormous heart and love of cuddles. She has been undergoing training for her role at WestMAC and is expected to be on site from Term 2, 2025. As expected, there are many students and staff who are super excited to have Evie join the WestMAC Community, so for her own wellbeing, I will be rolling out some educational materials throughout term 1 to teach everyone how to calmly and appropriately interact with her. Interactions with Evie can be requested by students and staff and she will always be on lead with a trained handler. Evie’s office will be in the Wellbeing Centre and her workdays will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. She will be a fantastic addition to the College and to the wellbeing of our students and staff.
World Day of Prayer 2025
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. Throughout the entire day, we collectively pray all over the world, beginning with the first sunrise and ending at the last sunset. Our prayers follow the sun’s path around the globe. WDP’s motto is “Informed prayer leads to prayerful action.” Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world.
Coordinated services of Christian worship and prayer are held across the world in over 170 countries, directed by the international body – the World Day of Prayer International. The program for the service is prepared well in advance by women from one focus country of the world. Each service has an advertised theme and involves Bible readings, prayers and songs and a reflection and is attended by women and men.
This year the Ipswich Central event for the World Day of Prayer on Friday, 7 March is being hosted by St Paul’s Anglican Church. If you are interested in attending or would like to participate, please contact 3812 0377 for more information.
College Hymn
In 2025 approval was granted for the use of another version of the College Hymn “On Eagle’s Wings” by Michael Joncas. A version which Michael, himself, modernised to contain more inclusive lyrics.
An important part of Anglican Identity, and therefore WestMAC, is to be inclusive. Inclusion is both a reality and a goal of Anglican schools. As College Chaplain, one of my responsibilities is to uplift and uphold the Anglican Identity of our school hence the change to a version of the College Hymn which is used in Anglican and Episcopal Churches around the world.
In the new version of "On Eagle's Wings" 5 words were changed by the original author of the hymn and the number of verses, choruses, and the musical composition remains the same.
Please see attached the new version of "On Eagle's Wings" by Michael Joncas.
World’s Greatest Shave 2025
It’s back!!! This year WestMAC will again host a World’s Greatest Shave event raising much needed funds for The Leukaemia Foundation. This College event will occur on March 27.
Blood cancer is Australia's hidden cancer crisis. Today, there are 150,000 families facing blood cancer, and 17 Australians will lose their life. Every year, thousands of Australians step up to Shave, Cut, or Colour their hair and raise funds in support of those affected.
Every dollar you raise will help provide families with practical and emotional support to get them through the many challenges that blood cancer can bring. And you'll power Australia's brightest research minds, bringing us closer to our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
For more information, please contact Rev’d Jane or Mr Alcorn.
Many blessings,
The WestMAC Chaplaincy Team
Read LessJunior School Newsletter Submission
A very warm welcome to all our Junior School families. We are looking forward to sharing your children’s learning journey this year. For all the latest news and information about the Junior School please check into NEST.
Junior School Reception
Junior School Reception operates from 8.00am – 4.00pm daily. Mrs Natalie Rains and Mrs Emma Mitchell are available to assist families in person or via phone or email. Our reception phone number is 3813 4549 and the best email contact is junioradmin@wmac.com.au
- Families arriving late to school or departing early are asked to please visit reception and sign the late arrivals / early departures register.
- Parents visiting the College (other than for drop-off / pick-up) are asked to sign in and out at Junior School Reception.
- Lost property is collected in Student Reception and parents are welcome to visit and browse for missing items.
Uniforms
Students are expected to be well-presented for school each day and adhere to our Uniform Policies. Full detail about uniform expectations can be found on NEST.
Outlined below are reasons why we have uniform standards.
Uniform Focus this fortnight – Earrings
Our College Uniform policy requires students who wish to wear earrings to school to wear plain gold or silver spherical studs.
Article from Michele Juratowich - Nutrition for Brain Power
High performance racing cars need high octane fuel and children and adolescents who are growing rapidly and thinking quickly need regular nutritious meals that will provide appropriate levels of energy to enable high performance. Energy for the brain comes from the digested food which releases sugars into the blood. High ability children and adolescents think efficiently but they use up more glucose in the process. They need regular supplies of glucose to provide the required energy and this is best provided through foods that are digested slowly and release blood sugars over time.
Breakfast is a critical meal for us all because our bodies have been deprived of food for hours and we need the energy from a nutritious breakfast to get us through the day. Students who rush out of the house without breakfast often suffer from headaches, dizziness, irritability, declines in concentration and reduced memory function around mid-morning. A breakfast which includes complex carbohydrates as well as protein allows the body to slowly release energy, enabling the brain to function at peak efficiency.
When we experience depleted levels of blood sugar, there is a tendency for the body to crave sweet, sugary food to provide a quick increase in blood sugar levels. The problem is that sugary foods or simple carbohydrates provide a surge in blood sugar levels but these levels crash again as the blood sugars are quickly used up, setting up a pattern of fluctuating blood sugar levels and frequent cravings for another sugar “fix”.
Snacks throughout the day are needed to provide the steady release of energy, but the snacks should include fruit, vegetables, wholegrain and protein foods rather than sweets, cakes and biscuits. Energy levels are maintained because the digestion of these foods provides a slow release of blood sugar into the blood and then to the brain. Students who arrive home tired and irritable may be suffering from depleted blood sugar levels and need another nutritious snack before they sit down to study. Brains don’t work properly without nutritious food to keep brains energised.
Fluid – preferably plain water, not high sugar or caffeine drinks – throughout the day is also critical to hydrate the body and provide the biochemical environment in which neurons synapse. A lack of fluid will also contribute to reduced brain function, irritability and headaches as well as placing stress upon kidneys, especially in our hot climate.
When students have had a good night’s sleep and begin the day with breakfast which includes whole grains, fruit and protein, have nutritious lunch and snacks at morning and afternoon breaks, they are well equipped to concentrate in class, think clearly and maintain energy for their bodies and brain throughout the day.
© Michele Juratowitch
Read Less
Great start!
The start of the 2025 school year has been exceptionally positive for our Middle School. The students have shown remarkable enthusiasm and dedication, setting a high standard for the rest of the year. One of the standout aspects has been the grooming and uniform standards. The students have adhered to the guidelines with great diligence, presenting themselves in a manner that reflects the school's values of discipline and respect.
The uniformity in appearance has not only fostered a sense of belonging and pride among the students but has also minimized distractions, allowing them to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities. The minor issues that have arisen have been swiftly addressed, thanks to the proactive approach of the staff, parents, and the students. These issues have been few and far between, and their quick resolution has ensured that they do not disrupt the overall positive atmosphere of the school.
A significant factor in this successful start has been the unwavering support from the parents. I would like to thank our parents and carers for their involvement and cooperation ensuring that the students are well-prepared and motivated. The excellent turnout of middle school students is a testament to the strong partnership between the school and the families. This collaboration has created a nurturing environment where students feel supported both at home and at school.
The teachers and administrative staff have also played a crucial role in this smooth beginning for 2025. Their dedication to maintaining high standards and their commitment to the students' well-being have been evident in every aspect of the school's operations. From organizing engaging and informative orientation sessions to ensuring that the school facilities are in top condition, their efforts have laid a solid foundation for the rest of the academic year.
In addition to the academic focus, the school has also placed a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities. The various sports teams and the Arts programs have seen enthusiastic participation from the students, providing them with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. These activities have not only enriched the students' school experience but have also helped in building a strong sense of community and teamwork. Our TAS fixture vs St Pauls on the weekend show cased the enthusiastic participation by our students.
Overall, the start of the 2025 school year has been marked by a sense of optimism and excitement. The excellent grooming and uniform standards, the swift resolution of minor issues, and the strong support from parents have all contributed to a positive and productive environment. As we move forward, we are confident that this strong start will pave the way for continued success and growth for our middle school students.
Thank you once again to the parents for their invaluable support and to the students for their dedication and enthusiasm. Together, we are creating a school community that is not only focused on academic excellence but also on fostering a sense of pride, respect, and unity. Here is to a fantastic year ahead!
Congratulations to the following Middle School Leaders for 2025
- Middle School Captains – Aurora Bayley and Jesse Frommelt
- Faith and Service Captains – Georgia Christensen and William Stroud
- Wellbeing and Cultural Captains – Olivia Cavell and Levi Dawson
- Academic Captains – Damilola Sanni and William McLay
- Environment Captains – Zaria Burton and Mikaela Learoyd
- Gilmore Captains - Amelia Rule and Oliver Prickett
- Lawson Captains – Stella Walsh and Lara Harris
- Mackellar Captains – Macie Mottram and Corey Stewart
- Paterson Captains - Eden Van Zaden Bitmead and Matthew Bowen
- Wright Captains – Dean Naude and Selasie Ziyambe















John Chalvatzis
Head of Middle School
Read LessWelcoming Ms Allison Flanagan (College Counsellor) & Mindfulness Practices: Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing
Firstly, the WestMAC Student Wellbeing team is excited to welcome Ms Allison Flanagan as our new College Counsellor joining Mrs Tia Reardon. Ms Flanagan is a Social Worker with an extensive background in supporting young people and offering therapeutic interventions across community, medical, and schooling contexts. To meet with Ms Flanagan please utilise the email contact information provided or refer to the Counselling and Wellbeing Centre NEST page.
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing emotional wellbeing. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, and it can be incredibly beneficial for both children and adults. Research has shown that mindfulness not only reduces anxiety and stress but also improves concentration, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.
The Benefits of Mindfulness: Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can have lasting positive effects. For children, mindfulness can:
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: By teaching children how to focus on the present moment, mindfulness can reduce the worry and stress that often arise from school, friendships, or personal challenges.
- Enhance Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps children become more aware of their emotions and reactions, allowing them to pause and choose more appropriate responses to difficult situations.
- Improve Concentration and Attention: Research indicates that mindfulness exercises can improve children’s ability to focus, which can enhance their academic performance and overall attention span.
- Boost Resilience: Mindfulness fosters a sense of calm and balance, helping children cope with setbacks and adapt to challenges more effectively.
How Parents Can Practice Mindfulness with Their Children
Engaging in mindfulness with your child doesn’t require extensive training – it’s about incorporating simple practices into everyday life. Here are a few ways parents can get started:
- Breathing Exercises: Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths. Try the “5-4-3-2-1” technique: inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 3, hold for 2, and breathe normally for 1. This helps ground them when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
- Mindful Eating: Encourage your child to eat a meal or snack mindfully by focusing on the texture, taste, and smell of their food. This activity helps children slow down and be present in the moment.
- Body Scan: Guide your child through a body scan, where they focus on each part of their body from head to toe, noticing any tension or sensations. This can help them relax and increase awareness of their physical state.
- Mindful Walking: Go on a walk with your child and encourage them to pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around them. Ask them to describe what they notice as a way to bring their focus to the present. Another fun way that can add to this strategy, especially with younger students, is to introduce a scavenger hunt element to the mindful walk. A mindful scavenger hunt may encourage the participants to look for certain elements of nature, a specific colour, or a sound.
Mindfulness is a skill that, when practiced regularly, can bring immense benefits to your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing. By making mindfulness a part of your family’s routine, you can help your child develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and a greater sense of calm.
If you have any questions about how to implement these recommendations or other concerns about supporting young people with emotional regulation, please feel free to contact the counselling team as needed.
College Counsellors
Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au
Tiana Reardon
treardon@wmac.com.au
Blast Off to Space Camp Easter holidays 2026!
Attention all budding astronauts and thrill-seekers aged 15-18! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our exclusive Space Camp trip, a 12-day journey that will take you to some of the most exciting destinations in the U.S. dedicated to space, speed, science, and adventure!
This incredible itinerary starts with a 6-day hands-on experience at the US Space and Rocket Centre Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Known for its immersive training simulations, Space Camp is designed to give you a taste of life as an astronaut. You'll learn about rocket design, tackle astronaut training exercises, and even experience the thrill of simulated space missions. It’s the perfect place to launch your passion for space exploration!
From Huntsville, we’re revving up the excitement with a visit to Barber Motorsports Park, a premier facility for motorsport lovers. Experience the science behind speed as you learn about high-performance engineering and see some of the most powerful machines in the world.
Next stop: Kennedy Space Centre! Stand in awe of the towering rockets, explore interactive exhibits, and see where history has been made. From the Apollo missions to the latest Mars Rover explorations, this is the ultimate space-lover’s destination.
For a dose of outdoor adventure, we’ll head to Boggy Creek in Florida. Get ready to glide through the Everglades on a thrilling airboat ride, spotting alligators and wildlife along the way. It’s an unforgettable journey through Florida’s natural landscape!
Finally, we’ll wrap up this epic trip with a visit to Universal Studios in Orlando. Discover heart-pounding rides and jaw-dropping attractions inspired by your favourite films and shows. It’s the perfect way to end this action-packed journey with a dash of Hollywood magic!
Trip Details:
- When: Easter Holidays, 4th - 16th April 2026
- Who: Students aged 15-18 at the time of the trip.
- Cost: Approx. $10,000. Final costs depend on student numbers but will be provided before a deposit is required in March/April 2025. A minimum of 16 students is required to run this trip.
- Information Evening: Tuesday 4th March 5:30 -6:30pm MBG2
- Expressions of Interest: Opens Monday 10th March.








Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a journey that is out of this world!
Pam Burt
Leader of Learning – Science
Read LessWelcome back to our new school year for 2025. A huge welcome and welcome back to all our new and existing families.
For our new families that may not know me, my name is Jenny Sheehan and I am the Defence School Mentor for WestMAC. I am here to offer any assistance when there are absences due to deployments and exercises etc. If students are feeling sad or just not having a good day, I am an extra resource the teachers call upon to lend a hand.
I will go in and speak with the children about ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day and how special those days are, and being a Defence child is also vey special. I run a Defence Kid's Club on Wednesday's at lunchtime. Normally, students from Year 1 can bring a non-defence friend with them to play games and have zoopers doopers and an occasional special treat. Kid's Club will be starting in Week 3. There is a Defence page on NEST, so head on over there for more information on happenings around the College and within Defence.
If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me here at the College. I am at the College Mon- Fri and can be reached by email at jsheehan@wmac.com.au or by phone on 3813 4508.
Welcome to Amberley Evening
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) are hosting a Welcome To Amberley night at the Drive In at Tivoli.
Gates will open at 4pm, walk amongst the many stall holders, gather up to date information on what is available to you whilst living in the Ipswich Region. Check out the Military Static Displays and Kids entertainment. We have dinner covered then back to the car with the Popcorn for movies Moana 2 and Wicked. Bring the whole family, single, partner or even mum and dad! New or old to the area, we would love to see you there. When: Friday 21 February 2025 Time: 4pm – 10pm Register via the link Welcome to Amberley Expo Tickets 21 Feb 25.
Please see the DFMS e-News for more details and the link to register.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Jenny Sheehan
Defence School Mentor
Read Less
2025 is shaping as a fantastic year for Extra-Curricular Activities at WestMAC.
We eagerly await the delivery of the covered Keswick Road courts and renovated Senior School multi-purpose courts. These facilities will contribute significantly to growth, flexibility and pride in our sporting program.
This year the College will stage The Addams Family and production auditions will be held on Thursday and Friday during Week 2. If you would like information about the production, please see the Musical Production NEST page.
I thank all of the students, staff, coaches and officials that have worked hard to have our TAS teams ready for the Round 1 fixtures against St Paul’s School this past weekend. I am looking forward to seeing our JTAS teams in action on Saturday 8 February for their first round of competition.
In 2025 the College has established a partnership with Brookfield Tennis Centre. Brookfield Tennis Centre has appointed experienced coach Darren Verrall to operate their program on campus. In addition to the TAS and Junior TAS Programs, Brookfield Tennis Centre is excited to offer a before and after-school Tennis Hot Shots Program (Red, Orange and Green Ball) at the College. We are confident this level of service will significantly strengthen our program. Please see the Sport NEST page for more information on these programs.
A reminder to regularly check your email and the Student Experiences NEST page for updates on activities. Many activities, auditions and ensembles commence in Week 2 and others in Week 3.
During 2024, I challenged students with a series of focus points for the year. I would like to focus our 2025 efforts. Over the break, I took the opportunity to catch up on a highly-recommended show Ted Lasso. No doubt it is known to many of you. There are numerous lessons blended through the narrative. As we commence our year, I would like you to consider the idea that… “Courage is the willingness to try”.
Courage is an important concept at WestMAC and we see it in the pillars of the WestMAC way. As 2025 begins, with courage I challenge you to:
- Commit to trying something new and something just for you,
- Support your peers as they engage and commit to events and activities, and
- Set and start working on goals that will make a difference.
A reminder about the Middle and Senior School Swimming Carnivals in Week 3 and Year 10 Camp in Week 5 (Wednesday – Friday).
Heath Del Favero
Director of Student Experiences
Read LessWelcome to the 2025 Sporting Year!
A very warm welcome to all new and returning families. We hope you had a fantastic break and are ready for an action-packed year of sport at WestMAC.
Sport is an integral part of our college community, providing students with opportunities to build friendships, develop valuable life skills, and experience the joy of teamwork and competition. Whether students are looking to represent the College, try a new sport, or simply stay active, there is something for everyone.
This year, we are excited to continue building on our strong sporting culture, offering a wide range of programs across TAS, Junior TAS, and foundation sports. We encourage all students to get involved, challenge themselves, and make the most of the opportunities available.
We look forward to seeing our students training hard, competing with pride, and displaying great sportsmanship throughout the year.
TAS Sport
The first round of TAS fixtures for 2025 saw WestMAC athletes take to the field, court, and pitch with determination and spirit, securing an overall TAS victory with a 13-12 result.
It was a fantastic start to the season, with our teams showcasing skill, teamwork, and resilience across all competitions.
- Cricket: 2/3 Wins
- Boys Volleyball: 3/6 Wins
- Girls Football: 3/5 Wins
- Girls Tennis: 2/3 Wins
- Girls Basketball: 3/6 Wins
Several of our Shield teams also notched up great wins, adding to the College’s success. For those teams that fell short on the scoreboard, their valiant efforts were clear, and no doubt they will continue to grow and improve throughout the season. Full results and ladders can be found here.
One of the highlights of the day was the incredible atmosphere surrounding our Year 7 Volleyball team. After claiming a hard-fought victory, the entire team was swamped by cheering WestMAC students, who rushed onto the court to celebrate. The College war cry rang out loud and proud, reinforcing the strong school spirit that defines WestMAC sport.
Congratulations to all players and coaches for a fantastic start to the season—let’s build on this momentum as we move into Round 2!
Junior TAS Sport
The first round of Junior TAS Cricket and Hockey kicks off this weekend. Students have been training hard over the last 2 weeks, including a very hot training clinic last weekend. The Sports Department wishes all the students the best of luck for their first game of the term.
TAS and Junior TAS Draw
The season draw is available https://fixtures.clipboard.app/tas/fixtures Instructions on how to read the draw can be found on NEST.
Communication - College App and NEST
Parents are to ensure they download the College App. Training schedules and any wet weather cancelations are uploaded on to the College App. Further information regarding each sport is also be available on NEST.
Primary After-School Sport Programs
WestMAC are pleased to announce that there are several user-paid sports programs on offer this term. These include:
- Hot Shots Tennis – available most days before and after school - Enrol now!
- Ultimate Athletics – Wednesday afternoons starting Week 3 - Register here.
- Astros Hockey – Thursday afternoons starting Week 6 - Register here.
The flyers for Tennis, Athletics and Hockey are available at the bottom of this submission.
Coaching Opportunities
The Sports Department are always looking for members of the community who may be interested in doing some coaching within our Junior TAS and TAS Sporting programmes. To register your interest to coach, please click here.
Representative Sport
10-19 Years Representative Sport registrations have now closed. If students have missed the registration, they are to email sport@wmac.com.au ASAP with the sport they wish to be considered for.
Term 1 Save the Dates
- Junior TAS Sport Round 1/TAS Round 2 - Saturday 8 February
- Senior School Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 12 February
- 10-19 Years Western Ranges Swimming - Thursday 13 February
- Middle School Swimming Carnival - Friday 14 February
- TAS Swimming Carnival - Thursday 20 March
- Junior TAS Swimming Carnival - Friday 21 March
- Secondary Interhouse Cross Country Carnival - Monday 31 March
- Prep to Year 6 Interhouse Cross Country Carnival - Tuesday 1 April
Training
A reminder to all students and parents/caregivers that Junior TAS and TAS sport and training is a full term commitment. If a student cannot make a training session or game, they are to let the coaches and managers know in advance where possible. This allows teams to not be caught out and have enough players for their game. Students must wear their PE uniform to training and ensure they are dressed in full school uniform at the conclusion of training.
From time to time there may be a clash with training and other College commitments. If there is a clash, students are to submit the clash form. This can be found on NEST.
Congratulations to…
Hudson Anderson
A huge congratulations to Year 9 athlete Hudson Anderson on his incredible achievement at the National Futsal Championships in Melbourne! Hudson was selected for the Football Queensland U13 Boys Futsal Team, competing at the national level from 8–12 January 2025.
Hudson played a key role throughout the tournament, including scoring crucial goals in tight matches. Queensland went undefeated, securing victory in a thrilling Grand Final against NSW Thunder with a 2-1 win, making them back-to-back National Champions!
Well done, Hudson, on this outstanding achievement—we are incredibly proud of you!
Jedidiah Onaga
A huge congratulations to Jedi Ongaga who was selected to represent Little Athletics Queensland on their 2025 New Zealand Tour! As one of just 30 athletes chosen, Jedi competed in two major events on the South Island from 9–20 January—the Colgate Games in Christchurch and the Lovelock Classic in Timaru.
Jedi showcased his talent across multiple events, including the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, shot put, discus, and long jump. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of his hard work, dedication, and confidence in athletics.
Special Achievements
The Sports Department endeavours to acknowledge school and representative sport achievements throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to send any special achievements to sport@wmac.com.au so students can receive special recognition.
Head of Sport
Read LessCollege Musical 2025 – The Addams Family
Thank you to all students in Years 7 to 12 who have registered to audition for a principal, supporting principal or ensemble role in our 2025 College Musical production of The Addams Family.
Important Dates for Term 1
- Friday 14 February: Cast list announced on NEST
- Monday 17 February: Cast meeting and script distribution
- Friday 21 February: Vocal rehearsal
- Friday 28 February: Vocal rehearsal
- Saturday 1 March: Musical rehearsal
- Friday 7 March: Vocal rehearsal
- Friday 14 March: Vocal rehearsal
- Saturday 15 March: Musical rehearsal
- Friday 21 March: Standby rehearsal (no Year 12s)
- Friday 28 March: Vocal rehearsal
- Saturday 29 March: Musical rehearsal
- Friday 4 April: Vocal rehearsal
Students are encouraged to regularly check the 2025 Musical NEST page for updates to the rehearsal schedule, which will also be communicated via the College app. As the term progresses, students may not be required at every rehearsal or only required for a certain time frame. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, please email Ms Hoiberg in a timely manner.
We can't wait to see our students bring this wonderful show to life over Semester 1 – stay tuned for more updates!
Tina Paliadelis
Leader of Learning - Music
Read LessThe Junior School Dance Crew (Years 3 – 6) is back and ready to hit the stage for another incredible year of dance! With a fresh new year ahead, our dedicated dancers are eager to refine their skills, take on new challenges, and bring their energy to the stage.
This year, our goal is to master three dynamic new routines to showcase at upcoming Eisteddfods. Our dancers are already showing fantastic enthusiasm and commitment, and we can't wait to see them grow in confidence and ability as they tackle these exciting performances.
We are also thrilled to welcome an alumni back to choreograph one of our routines. Having a former dancer return to share their expertise and creativity is an incredible opportunity for our students, and we are sure this collaboration will bring something truly special to our performances.
With a year full of rhythm, teamwork, and unforgettable moments ahead, we can’t wait to see what the Junior School Dance Crew will achieve. Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to cheer us on as we take the stage!
Let’s get dancing!
Miss Rhiannon Strohben
(Teacher in Charge of Junior School Dance Crew)
Read LessThe 2025 WestMAC Dance Program recommences in Term 1 Week 3, continuing to inspire creativity, technical excellence, and a passion for movement among students. With over 75 students across both Dance Troupe (Years 7 - 9) and Dance Company (Years 10 - 12), 2025 promises to be an exciting and busy year full of fun, laughter and teamwork.
This year, Dance Company will see the return of four specialist teams: Jazz/Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical and Student Choreography, whilst Dance Troupe will once again feature three specialist groups: Hip Hop, Contemporary/Lyrical/Jazz and Musical Theatre. Both teams will compete in at least three local dance eisteddfods this year, alongside showcasing their talent and dance expertise at our much-anticipated Dance Concert in October.
Thank you to all those students who attended auditions earlier this week. It was fantastic to see so many motivated and energetic students who would like to join our dance family. Audition outcomes will be emailed to both students and families by Friday 7 February.
Early morning rehearsals for all Dance students will commence on Monday 3 February. Please see the Dance NEST page or student group NEST pages for the most up-to-date schedule. Thank you in advance to all families for supporting your child’s dance endeavours this year.
Ms Cassie Hoiberg
Teacher in Charge of Extracurricular Dance
Read LessDo you want your child to experience the benefits of learning chess while still having fun along the way?
At Chess Mates, our chess classes for kids from Years 1 - 9, focus on fun, enjoyment, and cooperation, not performance and competition.
Our attentive teachers will help your child learn and build upon the fundamentals of chess, while also using chess as a vehicle for teaching math skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence in an interactive and cooperative environment.
School Performance
It’s been shown that learning to play chess from age 3 can improve a child’s overall performance at school by nearly 20% compared to children who have not learnt chess. In other words, learning chess helps your child to leap ahead of their peers at school.
Overall Wellbeing
Chess classes help your child improve their attention span, develop emotional intelligence, make friends, prepare to start school, and have fun… all at the same time.
If this sounds like an activity your child would like to do, come along to Chess Mates every Wednesday afternoon from 3:10 - 4:10pm in JA, during term. Cost is $15 a lesson and is open to students from Years 1 - 9.
Please see the link (https://www.chessmates.com.au/), or contact Jenny Sheehan, at jsheehan@wmac.com.au for more details.
Hope to see you there.
Jenny Sheehan
Chess Mates Co-ordinator
Read LessParents and Friends Association Welcome
We’re excited to kick off the year with a warm welcome to our Parents & Friends (P&F) community! Our dedicated team is here to support WestMAC and help create a strong, connected school community for our students and their families.
Meet the P&F Executive team for 2025
- Rebecca Butler - President
- Therese Clarke – Vice President
- Jane Weston - Treasurer
- Laura Loveday – Secretary
Meet the 2025 P&F Representatives
- Judith Loxton - Junior School Representative
- Karrie Bishop - Middle School Representative
- Belinda Booth - Senior School Representative
- Danita Perrett - TAS Sports BBQ Coordinator
- Belinda Walker - Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Stall Coordinator
Meet the Subcommittee
FOTA
- Ally Hodgson – Chairperson
- Karlie Bulow – Treasurer
- Emma Mitchell – Secretary
We would also like to welcome our wonderful general committee members and volunteers for 2025.
This year, we’re focusing on building community, sustainably. We want to foster a positive environment where everyone feels welcome and engaged, while also prioritising practices that support the long-term well-being of our school and community.
We’ve already kicked off the year with our first event, Welcome to WestMAC! A huge thank you to all our volunteers and to everyone who stopped by to enjoy a cuppa and a morning tea on the P&F. It was a great way to start the year together!
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking ahead, there are some great volunteering opportunities coming up for the Senior Swimming Carnival (12th February) and the Middle School Swimming Carnival (14th February). We’d love for you to get involved and make these events even more memorable for our students.
We're using SignUp to organise our upcoming volunteers opportunities.
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
For the Senior Swimming Carnival:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/KysrdVB
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact us at pandf@wmac.com.au and we can sign you up manually.
Middle School Swimming Carnival: https://signup.com/go/QkJzOfn
P&F Monthly Meetings
Our first meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday, 12th February at 6:30pm at Keswick House. We would love to see you there – your ideas, energy, and support will make a real difference.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 full of connection, fun, and community spirit!
The 2025 P&F Team
Read LessUniform Shop Opening Times – School Days only
Day |
Terms 1 & 4 |
Terms 2 & 3 |
Monday |
7.30am to 3.30pm |
7.30am to 3.30pm |
Wednesday |
7.30am to 3.30pm |
7.30am to 11am |
Friday |
7.30am to 3.30pm |
7.30am to 3.30pm |
Due to the late arrival of some formal uniforms to the Uniform Shop, it has impacted stock availability for our customers. We appreciate customers understanding and patience of the situation. Unfortunately, the late delivery of the uniforms is outside the College’s control. We will contact all customers as soon as possible to arrange for the delivery of all orders that are currently on backorder when they arrive.
Lost property
Over the holidays any lost property items found at the College were brought to the Uniform Shop.
These items will be outside the Uniform Shop on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until Friday 15 February 2025.
Any items left after that date will be processed as second-hand, donated to a charity, or destroyed.
Please note that the Uniform Shop only receives lost property at the end of the Term. If a student loses an item during the Term, they should contact the various College Sub School Receptions to see if they have the lost item.
Blazers
All students in Years 7 to 12 are reminded that they must have a blazer in Terms 2 and 3.
It is recommended that students organise their blazer as soon as possible to ensure that one is available for them. Blazers can be purchased, ordered or placed on lay-by.
Any students who think that they may need a specially made blazer should contact the Uniform Shop. These blazers need to be ordered before 16 February and will incur a $55.00 surcharge. The cost to alter a sleeve length is $27.50.
The College will be holding a blazer fitting day on Saturday 8 March 2025 from 8am to 12pm (noon) for customers that are unable to come during the normal trading hours to purchase a blazer.
Lay-by
Uniforms can be placed on lay-by with a minimum 10% deposit. Items are at the prices current when placed on lay-by. Items can be exchanged or refunded after the lay-by has been collected if required.
Orders
If you are unable to visit the Uniform Shop during trading hours, we accept orders by Flexischool, phone, and email. Paid orders can be:
- collected from the Uniform Shop
- collected from sub-school receptions
- delivered to students in Prep to Year 6
Glenda Boike
Uniform Shop Convenor
Phone: 3813 4533
Email: uniforms@wmac.com.au
Read Less