2017 Term 4 Tevlin House Report

From Head of Tevlin House, John McCallum

Tevlin House has enjoyed a fantastic fourth term for 2017, packed full of challenge, achievement and a large social justice role in learning about and wanting to demonstrate support for homelessness. Tevlin students and their mentor teachers can go into the summer break proud of their achievements, and optimistically awaiting many great opportunities next year.

Tevlin students inspired to support homelessness in the Matthew Talbot Christmas Appeal

This term, Tevlin boys have learned about, discussed and then actively engaged with homelessness issues in its coordination of Waverley’s annual appeal for the Matthew Talbot Hostel. Tevlin students were fortunate to hear at their House Assembly from Mr Paul Longobardi from the St Vincent DePaul Society. One important service of Vinnies is the Matthew Talbot Hostel, located in Woolloomooloo and other Australian locations and provides accommodation, food, health, counselling and employment support for thousands of men each year who are experiencing homelessness or other difficulties. Boys were challenged to better understand the different types and factors involved with homelessness, and realise all people’s desire to have dignity in their lives. Boys left this experience feeling motivated towards helping this year’s Matthew Talbot Appeal become highly successful.

The Tevlin students then spent three weeks in November not only donating important toiletry, clothing and other necessary items, but led weekly visits to the other house groups to share the importance of supporting homeless charities like the Mathew Talbot Hostel. All of the Waverley Community can be very proud, as donations reached one tonne of items and 50 large sacks were delivered to the hostel this week, ready for distribution to homeless men in Sydney.

All of Tevlin House enjoyed a fantastic rooftop BBQ at the final house assembly last week, hosted by the Year 12 students and prefects. The views and bacon and egg rolls were amazing, and students had a chance to enjoy celebrating the end to a fantastic Matthew Talbot Appeal.

Tevlin students have also gratefully thanked each of their mentor teachers for the support and care they have provided throughout the year. In particular, we thank our two departing mentors, Mr Barbour and Mr Kingsley, for their amazing energy and the supportive manner in which they have made significant contributions to their groups and Waverley’s wellbeing program.  We wish both of these outstanding role models and talented science teachers the very best in their future. 

House Competition Success

Tevlin finished first overall in the Junior School House Sports and Colour Comp, while also in the top four of Senior School Houses. Tevlin were crowned the tug-o-war champions at a very competitive house assembly, and represented with gusto in the finals. Charlie Tindale was the star of the house diving finals, coming equal first with a couple of big-scoring dives. We had an inspiring a top five finish overall for the men in yellow caps.

 

Tevlin 2017 Final Presentation Evening Academic Awards

Congratulations to all students across all year levels for the effort they have put into their learning, improving their skills and academic results. The following Senior School boys were awarded prizes in this week’s Presentation Evenings:

 Year 7

• Jake Weinstein: Dux of Year 7
• Carl Waterson: 2^nd in Academic results
• Dane Towns: Head of College Sport’s award

 

Year 8 – First in Subject Awards

• Ronan Schocher

 

Year 9 – First in Subject Awards

• Jasper Stern
• Gabriel Kidston
• Alex Talbot
• Samuel Tsaousis

 

Year 10 – First in Subject Awards

• Ethan Vella
• Brad Marzol
• Harry Whitaker

 

Year 11 – First in Subject Awards

• Oliver Small
• Benjamin Heal
• Damian Lin
• Xiaolong (Roby) Guo

 

2017 Academic prefect Dylan Quirk has had his HSC major work “Nature’s Embodiment” marked so highly that is has been selected as part of the Art Express HSC showcase. This series of four photographs included stunning scenes of nature’s fire, air, earth and water – each including Dylan himself transformed through body paint into these elements of nature.

 

Year 10 Step Up Ready for their Senior roles

 Year 10 students took part in an outdoor education camp with Camp Somerset on the Colo River. They tackled a series of physical challenges which they overcame by team work and perseverance.  These valuable experiences serve as great memories and milestones to take on fresh challenges for their future.

On their return, Year 10 also enjoyed two spirituality days, where they were highly engaged and active in considering the complexities of the world around them. This included an excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum with a moving account from a Holocaust Survivor named Eddie. The trip also included a social justice seminar focussed on refugee issues and an inspiring story and workshop run by Sam Clear – using his solo walk around the world to look at the power of prayer, God and humanity.

School Involvement and Individual Term 4 Achievements

A number of students have made notable contributions and had some excellent achievements including:

• Year 5 students had an amazing three days at Vision Valley last week. All the teachers spoke very highly of the enthusiasm and the participation shown by the boys at the camp. The behaviour of the students involved was exceptional and all of Year 5 are to be commended. The students had a great time whilst involved in a host of activities including abseiling, archery, bike riding, rock climbing, swimming, waterslide, canoeing or orienteering. The trivia night and “W Factor” were big hits as well.
• The Junior School Walkathon again was an amazing opportunity for so many boys and families to make meaningful contributions to important community charities. Over $50,000 has been raised, and two Tevlin students in particular can be congratulated for being in the top three fundraisers: Tristan Lee from Year 5 with $6,635.00 and Jack Smith from Year 6 with $2379 – great work!
• Numerous Year 5 and 6 Tevlin boys showcased their fantastic music skills at the Junior School Music Festival. All our talented musicians should be encouraged to continue both their individual music development, and their key contributions as part of major bands and ensembles in the future.
• Jacob Tomasiello was appointed Captain of Cricket and Harry Whitaker joined Jacob in the 1^st XI Cricket Team. Ben Heal and Fred Watkins also join Harry and Jacob on the NZ Cricket Tour this week.
• James Foster was appointed Captain of Basketball and member of 1^st V, including an exciting USA/Canadian tour in December.
• Damian Lin was appointed Captain of Music, while Damian also has been a leading driver of new lunchtime-based chess competitions – a fantastically popular innovation that will only further develop in 2018.

I wish all boys and their families a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and look forward to more rewarding experiences in 2018.