2017 Term 2 Quinn House Report

From the Head of Quinn House, Olivia Kite

Term 2 has been a busy term for Quinn House and as we reflect back on the last nine weeks, there are so many students and events of which Quinn House should be proud. Term 2 saw our students shine during House Assemblies, on the sporting field and in the water. We hosted Ruby from HeadSpace, held a bake sale to support the Waverley College’s Lenten Appeal and got behind Ned Wieland in the final weeks leading up to his English Channel Swim. Our Quinn students would not be the amazing young men they are without the support of their parents and I would like to thank all the Quinn House parents for their contributions to Term 2.

 

Quinn House Events

There were a number of events this Term that allowed Quinn students the opportunity to display their passion, enthusiasm and talent.

Quinn House showed off their baking skills in Week 2 and their support for the Ruben Centre in Nairobi. Thank you to all the parents and students who provided cakes, muffins, biscuits, slices, cupcakes and sweets to be sold to raise money for the College’s Lenten Appeal.

Ruby from HeadSpace, Bondi Junction spoke with Quinn House students in Week 5. Students were engaged and participated in an interactive presentation that helped students identify the early warning signs of mental health and mental illness in both themselves and their friends. Students were given information about the difference between mental health and mental illness and where they can go to seek help. The presentation also sought educate the boys about the various avenues they can pursue to help themselves and their friends.

 

Quinn House students gave it their all on the track and field during the House Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to: Riley Vidulich who placed 2nd in the U13’s Long Jump and 2nd in the U13’s High Jump, Jack Hardwicke-Owen who placed 1st in the Open’s Long Jump and 3rd in the Opens High Jump, Brooklyn Hardaker who placed 3rd in the Opens Shot Put, Finn O’Sullivan who placed 2nd in the Opens Javelin and Michael Browning who placed 2nd in the 800m. The students showed their passion and enthusiasm in during the House Chant competition. Thank you to the Quinn House Prefects for their leadership on the day and their encouragement of the younger students to participate in as many events as possible.

 

Quinn Wellbeing Group 02 presented an engaging and fun House Assembly in Week 4 that saw the Junior School students move into a Senior School Wellbeing Group to participate in a team building activity. Each Wellbeing group were tasked with building the tallest newspaper tower using only newspaper and the sticky tape provided. The activity required communication skills, teamwork skills and some engineering. Congratulations to Quinn Wellbeing Group 05 for building the tallest free standing newspaper tower.

In Week 8, Quinn House explored the importance of belonging. Feeling a sense of belonging to a group, a sports club, your family, your friendship group or your religion is one of the most significant protective factors against mental health. People who feel like they belong are happier, more relaxed and more successful learners. Hunter Doyle, Christopher Salem, Kurt Kress and Lachlan Miranda all shared their ideas of belonging and what it means to them. Each boy spoke of their family ancestry and the cultural traditions and customs that tie them to their culture. These boys also spoke about what makes up their own identity and the people and associations that help them feel like they belong to Waverley College.

Thank you to all the Wellbeing Mentors and students who participated in activities throughout Term 2. Your contributions to Quinn House and College life are greatly appreciated and add a great deal of value and experience to the boys’ time here at the College.

 

Congratulations

A number of Quinn House students have succeeded this term in CAS sport and their own personal sporting endeavours outside of school.

• Congratulations to Will Johnston, Brooklyn Hardaker and Luca Moretti for being selected for 1st CAS Rugby. Congratulations to Will McCormick and Harry Whiteman for also being selected for 2nds CAS Rugby.
• Congratulations to Liam Flanagan who made waves and placed 1st in the Australian Bodyboarding Association Mystics Pro Event in May this year.
• Congratulations to Nicholas Anderson who was selected in the NSW PSSA AFL team. Nicholas will compete in the 12 years and Under Australian Football Championships in Darwin in August. We wish Nicholas the best of luck.
• Congratulations to Darcy Stanfield on his selection in CIS and IPSHA Rugby and IPSHA Touch and selection in the East Coast Stingers Junior Oztag Representative side. Darcy will represent the team in Coffs Harbour in October and we wish him the best of luck.

I’d like to wish all those boys competing over the holiday break the best of luck in their endeavours.

 

Upcoming events in Term 3

Term 3 is going to be another busy term for Quinn House. In Week 2, Quinn House will attend their House Mass in the College Chapel. This will be a time for the younger students to reflect on the year that has been and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The Mass will also serve as an opportunity for the Year 12 students to reflect and gather themselves before undertaking their HSC Trial Examinations. Parents are invited and welcome to attend the Mass. The Mass will begin at 8.15am in the College Chapel.

Ryan Cross, an ex-Waverley student and former Wallaby and Roster player will be speaking with Quinn House on Friday 8 September for R U OK? Day. Ryan will chat to the students about breaking down the stigma associated with mental health and remind them that is it OK not to be OK.

Finally, Quinn House would like to wish Ned Wieland the best of luck for his upcoming English Channel swim. Ned’s endeavour is an incredible testament to the motivated, disciplined and driven young man that he is. Ned will turn 16 on the 15th of July and attempt his swim between the 16th and 28th of July. Upon completion, he will be the youngest Australian male to swim the English Channel.  Good luck, Ned.

Wishing you and your loved ones a restful and enjoyable break.