I would like to take the opportunity to thank all families for another busy and rewarding term. Some highlights from this term have been the wonderful Year 6 Camp, Father’s Day Mass, City 2 Surf, Athletics Carnival, Book Week and Science Week to name only a few.
A huge thank you to Ms Jade Sparks for organising the Fun Run this week. A big thank you to all students and families for raising over $54,000 for our four special charities, Educating the Future, Edmund Rice Camps, RUOK and The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This is a true example of Faith in Action and I am so proud of the efforts and the heart that went into raising this type of money for charity.
I hope the break provides much needed rest and family time. I look forward to seeing the students return to school in Term 4 renewed and ready to finish the year off strong.
The students have been working hard to pull this production together and we are almost there! We will have two performances of the Lion King Jr in Week 2 of Term 4, both on Wednesday, 23 October. There will be a matinee at 11:30am and an evening show at 7pm. We expect the show itself to run for approximately an hour. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at both shows.
Tickets can be purchased here. As there is limited seating, we have had to restrict the number of tickets to two per show per student. You will have until Wednesday 17th October to purchase your allotted tickets. When purchasing via the link above, you will need to use your son’s username as a password. If you are unsure of your child’s username, please see below…
Child Name : John Smith
Child Email: Jsmit2030@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Child Username : Jsmit2030
[First Initial] [4 Letter of Surname] [Graduating Year]
Lastly, students will need to have their costumes organised by the beginning of Term 4. The boys have been painting masks, shields, etc in class as a part of their costume, but will need to arrange clothing to wear in addition to this. You DO NOT need to spend a lot of money on the costume! In fact, we don’t want people to buy onesies, specially designed costumes, etc. We just need them to wear clothing that matches the animal they are portraying. For example, a child playing a zebra might wear a white shirt with black pants; a child playing a rhino would wear grey clothing. If you can’t find pants that match your animal, black pants are fine. Please avoid clothing with large logos, images, etc and keep it as plain as possible. If you are struggling or are unsure, please don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification.
Last week, we celebrated ‘Activism Day,’ which was a real highlight for all of us. We were lucky enough to have three incredible Indigenous sports stars—Cody Walker, Michael O’Loughlin, and Maurice Longbottom—come in to speak to all of Year 5. The students were captivated as these inspiring figures shared their personal stories and experiences in activism. The boys asked excellent questions, and it was clear they took away valuable lessons on how they, too, can make a difference in their communities.
The Prep 1st basketball team recently competed in a mini 6-team tournament at Barker College, facing tough competition from the start. In our first two games against Knox and St. Augustine’s, we were outplayed and unfortunately lost both matches. After shaking off the rust from a long winter co-curricular season, the team rallied with a strong performance in our final game against Kings, securing a dominant win. This victory showed the potential and promise of what’s to come as we look ahead to future challenges in Term 4!
On Wednesday, the Junior School celebrated their FunRun fundraising efforts in a very colourful, bright, wet and fun Colour Run! We were sprayed by the Fire Department and we are very grateful that they could fit us in amongst their busy schedules being first responders. Once the boys were soaked, they got sprayed with loads of coloured paint powder as they ran laps of the course. We had the best time running, singing, and of course sliming the teachers!
Thank you to our parent helpers on the day and to all parents who have been supporting their son’s fundraising efforts over the past weeks. We have fundraised almost $54,000 for our four special charities, Educating the Future, Edmund Rice Camps, RUOK and The Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This is a testament to the Waverley spirit in our boys, and the compassionate, generous nature of our community.
Patrick Spencer (6 Gold) played at Leichhardt Oval in the Under 11 Division 1 Rugby League Grand Final the weekend before last. His team, Paddington colts, were undefeated and won the grand final. Patrick was selected by league officials as man of the match. Well done Patrick!
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave, a parent’s signature will be required.
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work in the Learning Hub and not cause a disturbance for others.
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday – Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Thursday – Mr Steve Ghattas
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Congratulations to Toby Pounder (Year 5) and Luke Haddock (Year 6) who were the 2024 Junior School Public Speaking champions. In November, they will be representing Waverley College at the 2024 IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge. We wish them all the best as they prepare for the competition.
I’m thrilled to announce that in Term 4, we will be continuing our Lunchtime Talks!
This initiative, which began a few years ago, is designed to ignite passion and inspiration in the next generation of learners, leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, scientists, and professionals across all industries.
Get ready for an incredible lineup of speakers who will share their insights, experiences, and stories that will motivate students to reach new heights. Each talk is an opportunity to engage with thought leaders and visionaries who are shaping the future. I have included Senior Students who are doing incredible work in the community to join this initiative.
In 5 Gold it is all about getting into our routines and making sure we’re improving every single day. Whether it’s reading, writing, or just tackling the day’s challenges, the boys know that even getting 1% better each day adds up to something BIG. We love our writing (IDEAWr) and reading (IDEAR) sessions, where we see daily growth, pushing ourselves to reach new goals and build on what we’ve already learned. It’s great to see how committed the boys are to making progress and really owning their learning journey.
Our focus in English this term has been on activism. The boys have been exploring what it means to stand up for causes they believe in and how they can make a positive impact on the world. From environmental concerns to social justice, we’ve had rich discussions and asked thoughtful questions. It’s been amazing to watch them realise the power of their own voices and how they can contribute to meaningful change. One of our favourite quotes we discovered through our studies was ‘You are never too small to make a difference ‘ by Greta Thunberg.
It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial, attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3:00pm the day prior.
Mrs Brooke Pannia has emailed the registration sheets to students to register their attendance at the tutorials. Please bring any equipment you may need for the tutorial (e.g. textbooks, notepads, pens etc.).
Students may wear casual attire, and are to enter through the main reception.
Martina Cooper – Director of Curriculum
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
TERM 4
As we approach the end of Term 3, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible progress and accomplishments of our students over the past ten weeks. From engaging in challenging assessments to wrapping up important milestones, there’s much to celebrate.
Our students have demonstrated perseverance and dedication, completing a variety of rigorous and authentic tasks this term. A special highlight is the Deep Learning initiative in Year 9 Science and PDHPE, which you’ll find more details about below. This exciting project has pushed students to think as global citizens, critically and creatively, preparing them for the future.
For Year 11 students, the completion of their final exams is a significant achievement, and they are now eagerly preparing to begin their Term 4 courses. It’s an exciting time as they look forward to new challenges and learning experiences ahead.
Year 12 students are also staying focused as they take advantage of HSC holiday tutorials, which began this week. In addition, they will have access to the Library and Study Lounge, providing them with the resources and environment they need to prepare for their upcoming exams.
Looking ahead to Term 4, we are excited to announce the launch of our Student and Parent Book Club. This initiative, which was first introduced a few weeks ago, will offer a fantastic opportunity for parents and students to engage in meaningful discussions and share the joy of reading. Stay tuned for more details below!
Wishing everyone a restful and well-deserved break, and we look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth in the coming term!
An Academic scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students who demonstrate academic excellence in the ACER examination.
Is My Son Eligible?
The Academic and Senior Academic Scholarship is available to students entering Year 7 or Year 10, 2026. The scholarship is open to both existing and new enrolments.
How are Applicants Assessed?
An Academic Scholarship is awarded based on the outcome of the ACER scholarship examination and following an assessment by the Academic Scholarship Panel.
How to Register:
Applications Close: midnight AEDST Sunday 2 February 2025
Test date: Saturday, 22 February 2025
Examination venue: Waverley College Senior Campus
Cost: $160 is payable to ACER
<<<Click here to register>>>
Want to find out more?:
Please visit the College website, or email the Registrar, Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are incredibly excited to launch the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning – The Children’s Bookshop and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premiers English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.
Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!
The Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.
Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books. Perhaps there is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience. Food will be provided!
Date: 20 November
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Waverley College Library
In anticipation of our Term 4 Reading initiative across both Junior and Senior schools, we are also excited to announce our Poster/ Bookmark Competition for all students from Years 5-12. Please see the attached poster for details. Thank you to Ms Jenna Turnbull for her assistance with both posters.
Ms Mary Ryan, Literacy Coordinator
This term the Year 9 PDHPE and Science departments have collaborated to develop a Teaching and Learning unit that supports students to develop the Global Competency of Citizenship as a part of our Deep Learning work.
The goal of the unit is to develop the competency of citizenship as students learn to break down barriers and discuss the issues facing young adults in understanding consent and sexual health practices to encourage respectful relationships and health awareness.
You can hear from our students in their testimonies about the unit of work below:
“I believe that it made things much easier, fusing two subjects into one made it a lot easier to cope with the stress that normally comes with having many assessments at once… having both subjects fused into one assignment gave me and probably others two different perspectives on the topic, ultimately helping me make my video a more detailed and informative piece.
I look forward to the development of more of these sorts of tasks.” – Oliver
“I understood what the Deep Learning Dimension was about, and it helped keep me accountable for what I needed to do, helping me stay on top of the work.” – Jordan
“It was good to have one less assessment to do this term. It was an awkward topic but it was good to see it from both a scientific and health perspective.” – Blake
We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for one Year 10 student who is passionate about engineering and eager to explore its academic and practical dimensions. Sydney University is offering a one-week (during Term 4 Service Week) internship in their Chemical or Electrical Engineering faculties, and we are seeking motivated students to participate in this enriching experience.
Click here for further details on criteria and application process.
We are excited to announce a collaborative sustainability workshop hosted by a team of dedicated students from St Catherine’s and our own Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG). These talented young leaders will be sharing their knowledge and passion for environmental issues with our junior school students through a hands-on workshop next term.
In preparation for these workshops with junior students, we are asking families to participate in this initiative by collecting suitable waste items that will be used in the hands-on workshops.
Some suitable waste items (please wash and rinse these items prior to donating):
Please drop off your bags of items to the Junior School reception. We thank you for your participation in advance.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator
Ecology Coordinator
As students start the spring holiday break, I’d like to send my warmest wishes to all families. I hope this break brings our students rest and rejuvenation.
We wish our Year 12 students all the very best as they make the final preparations for their HSC examinations and for some, their first steps into the world of work and training via an apprenticeship. Thank you in advance to Year 12 teachers who continue to provide Year 12 tutorials over the break and provide feedback to draft essays and responses.
Congratulations to our Junior School students, parents and staff on this week’s fun run which raised over $54000 for Educating the Future (NGO that builds primary schools in Timor Leste), Edmund Rice Camps, RUOK, and Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Special thanks to Ms Jade Sparks for coordinating the event. Well done to all!
We wish our students and staff heading on Immersion to Fiji and Timor Leste or on the Space Camp in the United States a wonderful learning experience and safe journey.
Best of luck to Old Boys Isaac Heeney (OB 2014) and Nick Blakey (OB 2017) as they play for the Sydney Swans against the Brisbane Lions in the 2024 AFL Grand Final. We’re cheering you on!”
Further to Year 12 Drama student Matthew Frost’s nomination for OnStage last week, I would like to congratulate the following Year 12 students who have received a nomination for SHAPE, the annual showcase for outstanding works from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students. If you attended the recent Art and Design exhibition at the College, you would have seen the high quality of work and creativity on display first hand. To be nominated for this selection of works is an outstanding achievement and testament to the hard work students and staff have put into their work.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the growth and success of Waverley College, we are excited to invite you to a Strategic Planning Session to help shape the future of our school community.
Date: Tuesday 15 October 2024
Time: 6pm – 7.30pm
Location: Senior Campus, Library, Waverley College
This session will provide an opportunity for you to contribute valuable insights and perspectives that will inform the development of our next strategic plan. The plan will set the direction for Waverley College over the coming years, focusing on key areas such as academic excellence, student wellbeing, community engagement, and infrastructure development.
Your input is vital to ensuring that we continue to create an environment where every student can thrive. We would greatly appreciate your attendance and participation in this important discussion.
Please RSVP by Friday, 11 October via this RSVP Link
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to Robin Ball on rball@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to the 2024/2025 Basketball Year
Welcome to the new Head of Basketball, Steve Carfino!
Important Dates:
- Season Launch – Wednesday, 16 October (Details to come)
- Basketball AGM Meeting – Monday, 21 October (Please join Us – all welcome )
IMPORTANT Please see attached a WhatsApp group for each age group. Please join this if your son is in Basketball for 24/25 season.
This will be where any detail communication for basketball will be – important dates
- BBQ rosters
- fundraisers
- Holiday competition
- Weekly Games
Remember your child’s year for next year 2024/2025 basketball season
Year 8 https://chat.whatsapp.com/
HmpqBJcJu1y9oJozGlD204 Year 9 https://chat.whatsapp.com/
JlrzQAfTZDmI9feO5WeOMJ Year 10 https://chat.whatsapp.com/
EkUF2OwnXeZ5RqGFxPe1pn Opens https://chat.whatsapp.
com/DiO50skHd5y3lvWls32xZw Thanks, Natalie Gibbins – Basketball Supporters Group
View the Week 10 Careers Newsletter HERE.
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Internationally Educated in partnership with Revolution Prep will be offering a practice digital SAT. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is essential preparation for the official test. A proctored practice exam will help you build testing endurance, provide insight into the types of questions asked, and give you a real-time snapshot of your testing performance.
When: Saturday 12 October 9:00am – midday AEDT
Where: Online
Who: The digital SAT practice test may be taken by students in Years 10, 11 or 12.
Why: Sitting the digital SAT practice test under timed conditions provides more exposure and familiarity to the test which can be used for admission purposes to many US universities. Even in a test-optional environment, a strong test score may support your application well.
Cost: US$20. Your registration includes a personalised score report available directly after the test and a 30-minute scheduled one-on-one score review session with a Revolution Prep Adviser who can assess specific strengths and identify areas to focus on for improvement.
Registration and additional information can be found here.
Tuesday, 10 September – Timor-Leste September Immersion – 2nd Formation Night, Library, 6pm – 8pm (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share)
Wednesday, 11 September – Fiji September Immersion – 2nd Formation Night, Library, 6pm – 8pm (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share)
Thursday, 12 September – HSC Drama Showcase – PAC Theatre, 5pm – 7pm
Tuesday, 17 September – Last Day of Classes for Year 12
Wednesday, 18 September – OBU Breakfast and Year 12 Reflection Day
Friday, 20 September – Year 12 Graduation Mass, 10am – 11:15am
Friday, 20 September – Year 12 Graduation Assembly, Centenary Quad, 1pm – 3pm
Friday, 20 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont 6pm – 10pm dinner
Thursday, 26 September 2024 – Term 3 classes Conclude
Friday, 27 September – Fiji & Timor-Leste September Immersions Depart Sydney
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2024 ICAS Assessments.
A special congratulations to the following students who received a credit or above in Science.
Distinction
Credit
Distinction
Credit
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of the Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Today our Year 6 students were involved in their annual retreat day. The day began with the students attending the morning Mass at Mary Immaculate Church allowing them to reflect on their own lives and bring them closer to God. The rest of the day focused on themes of friendship, community and leadership. All activities were led by our Year 11 students including defining qualities that make good leaders, delving deeper into the history of our Houses and activities that asked students to step outside their comfort zone and step up to the challenge.
To conclude the day, they participated in some House team-building games, including Kick Tennis, allowing for some friendly competition and a whole lot of enjoyment.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Toiling away on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon whilst working up a sweat, our students at the Junior School have been thriving in our new Fitness Club. The boys have been participating in a variety of exercises across four separate groups on both days.
The boys are all relishing the opportunity to stay fit in the weeks after the Winter Sports Season, getting their heart rates going and enjoying quality time with their peers with some lovely spring weather.
Continually growing from strength to strength, with fitness goals both personal and shared, we are proud of the enormous efforts being put in by all the students and staff members involved.
Mr Alon Horry – Fitness Club Coach
During Week 9, we will be holding a Junior School Winter Co-curricular Awards Assembly (date & time to be confirmed). Here students who missed presentation nights will receive their trophies. We will also acknowledge other co-curricular activities that students have participated in, and announce Athletics Age Champions.
Kai Freeman and Teddy Walker, both from Year 6, were selected by Hoops Capital to represent their Sydney Kings and Flames Youth League teams in a special halftime activation during the pre-season game between the Sydney Kings and the NZ Breakers at the Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park. They had an incredible experience playing on the court in front of a packed crowd and enjoyed the unique opportunity to interact closely with the Sydney Kings players.
On Thursday, Uncle Dean led a Learning on Country workshop at the Junior School, for students and teachers to connect to Country through artefacts, story telling, knowledge sharing and cultural mentoring from a local Aboriginal elder, Uncle Dean. In Aboriginal culture, Country is not only the land, the waterways and the skies, but all living things. Connecting to and caring for Country fosters a sense of belonging by connecting us to where we are, the people, animals and plants around us.
During this workshop we got to pass around boomerangs, digging sticks, spears, clap sticks, didgeridoos, message sticks, possum skins and model canoes and hand-woven ropes made from stringy bark trees. All the boys enjoyed touching, hearing and looking at these cultural artefacts while listening to stories.
“NSW schools can ensure successful and sustainable learning outcomes for all students by working in partnership with their local Aboriginal community… Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures is a Learning across the curriculum priority.” (New South Wales Education Standards Authority)
We are grateful for the wisdom, knowledge sharing and storytelling that Uncle Dean has offered us, helping us engage with community and deepen our understanding of Aboriginal culture.
The FunRun ‘Big Show’ event is now less than 3 weeks away (Wednesday, 25 September) and we are so excited to have all students at Waverley Park to celebrate the fundraising with our Colour Run.
The Colour Run will be taking place between 10am and 12pm at Waverley Park. It will involve students running around the marked track through colour spraying sections and giant inflatables. There will be an awards ceremony and staff members will be slimed at the end of the event. Parents are warmly welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there. Once the event concludes, teachers will walk their class back to school for a sausage sizzle lunch catered for by the Junior School. Dismissal information will be sent out in next week’s Nurrunga.
Please help your sons prepare for the day by:
We are looking forward to celebrating our incredible efforts in fundraising for our four special charities:
Thank you for all your support thus far!
Ms Jade Sparks
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Junior School)
jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave, a parent’s signature will be required.
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work in the Learning Hub and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Thursday
Mr Steve Ghattas
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
This week, we had the Year 5 Public Speaking Competition. All the boys put in an incredible amount of effort, with one stand-out student taking home the trophy!
Well done to all the finalists, and thank you to Ms Alice Curtis, Mr Jack Wachtel, and James Peate for adjudicating the finals.
Congratulations to our finalists Harry Maley, Spencer Murphy, Cooper Green, Jensen Honey, Tristan Francis and our Public Speaking Champion 2024 Toby Pounder.
In Year 6, our students are diving into the unit “Make Yourself Heard,” where they are encouraged to take a stand on issues that matter to them and communicate their thoughts effectively to a wider audience. Our focus this term has been on social justice issues, particularly those affecting marginalised communities, such as refugees and asylum seekers.
In 6 Orange, we have been deeply engaged with the graphic novel “Illegal”, written by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin and illustrated by Giovanni Rigano. This powerful story follows a young boy from Ghana named Ebo, who embarks on a perilous journey across the Sahara, through the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and across the sea in search of a safer, more hopeful life in Italy. Our students have been creating reflective journals that not only capture their emotional responses to Ebo’s journey but also explore the unique techniques used in graphic novels. Through this work, the boys are gaining a deeper understanding of empathy and are recognising just how fortunate we are to live where we do.
Here are some fantastic examples of the front covers of their journals!
Front Cover “Illegal”
Rufus Nicholson
Max Roberts
James Morgan
Mr Tom Olds – 6 Orange Teacher
Yesterday, the Year 10 Commerce students held a highly successful Market Day in the Centenary Quad, creating a vibrant, bustling marketplace atmosphere. This hands-on experience allowed students to tackle real-world business challenges and display entrepreneurship with all proceeds generously donated to the R U OK? charity. Thank you to the many parents/carers who assisted their sons in the preparation of their goods and produce for sale. Congratulations to Ms Angelique Theodorou (Assistant Head of Department HSIE) and our HSIE teachers who coordinated the experience.
We held our second Open Day for the year this week and hosted many prospective students. The range of ages were from stroller age through to school age. If there is someone you know who is seeking enrolment for 2025, there are some spots available in respective Year levels. Please encourage them to contact our Registrar as we are currently developing our timetable and setting classes for next year.
Ms Kylie Anderson on 9369 0698 or by email registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 5, 2026 Applications close November 2024.
Congratulations to Ms Lynsey Porter on her appointment to Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning.
Lynsey has been the acting Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning since Term 4 last year and prior to that the Director of Curriculum for five years and Head of English for eight years. Lynsey has previously worked at Marcellin College (English Coordinator), Coffs Harbour Senior College, NSW Department of Education and Haslingden High School, Lancashire UK. Lynsey is currently completing a Masters in Education (Leadership). We wish her all the best with this position.
Recently the College advertised a new position – Head of Basketball. This position will develop the Waverley College Basketball Academy. We welcome Mr Steven Carfino who will take up this role next week. Steven has previously played professionally for the Sydney Kings and Hobart Devils, been an NBL commentator, Senior Vice President Sydney Kings, Director of Basketball Barker College and Senior Coach at Scots College. Steven brings with him a lifelong passion for developing players and coaches to be the best they can be, both on and off the court.
Congratulations to Christian Elfes (Year 12) on receiving the VET Excellence Award for 2024. The award is through Youth Partnership (the organisation that sources our work placement venues). His nomination was based on skills, competence and enthusiasm in the kitchen, and excellent work placement reports.
Last Friday, some of our Senior Cadet Rank supported Legacy Day by selling badges at school, Charing Cross and Bondi Junction. We thank the wider and Waverley community for their generosity in helping us to raise $2,368.50, helping the families supported by this worthy charity. Thank you to Ms Julie-Ann de Kantzow and Ms Jessica Stanley for their coordination of this important event.
We are very proud of the following students who elected to spend their spare time volunteering during the term and the July school holidays.
These students were part of a group of students who provided over 6,500 meals, snack packs, and care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney. If you would also like your child to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back October School Holiday Community Programs.
Bookings NOW OPEN! please click here for details.
I encourage our Year 12 parents/carers to read Ms Lynsey Porter’s article which has many University Scholarship, Early Course Applications, and University-provided HSC final preparation lectures.
It was lovely to see the energy of our Advance Party arriving at dawn to school this morning, eager to get started on their weekend Cadet bivouac preparations. ‘Touch wood’, the weather is looking nice for the weekend for all of our Cadets. Wishing them a wonderful weekend out camping in the bush.
As we have passed the halfway point of the Term, some students may experience a dip in motivation and focus. This midterm slump can make it tempting to let good learning habits slide. However, this is the perfect time to reaffirm a commitment to effective learning practices and set yourself up for success.
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasises the power of small, consistent changes. By refining daily routines and fostering positive habits, students can create a strong foundation for academic success. This is why we have our Waverley College Learning Routines in every classroom:
Using these guidelines can really help with self-regulation in the classroom which is a crucial component of maintaining good learning habits. This involves managing your own behaviour and emotions to stay focused and productive. Also, this involves adhering to lesson routines, participating actively, and managing distractions. It’s important that everybody works together with peers and teachers to create a supportive learning environment where everyone follows established routines and respects classroom norms.
Another effective strategy to maintain and enhance learning habits is to use the feedback and reflection activities in our Learning Checkpoints. These provide opportunities to assess progress and set new goals. By evaluating assignments, understanding strengths and areas for improvement, and setting specific, achievable targets, you can stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
Incorporating these practices not only helps in managing academic responsibilities but also builds resilience and self-discipline. Remember, maintaining good habits isn’t about perfection but about consistency and adaptability. As you continue through the term, keep these strategies in mind to finish strong and reach your full potential.
ACU | Year 12 Revision Webinars
19 August to 12 September 2024
Join ACU for a series of free online webinars run by experienced Year 12 exam markers and assessors. They’ll guide you through how to respond to possible exam questions, help you get your head around the class content to deepen your understanding, and offer plenty of tips and strategies along the way.
WSU | Free Online HSC Study Sessions
30 September to 4 October 2024
Western Sydney University will be offering a range of online study sessions to assist Year 12 students in their preparations for the HSC. Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 24 free sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas.
University of Sydney | 2024 School of Project Management
Spring Camp 4 October 2024
The School of Project Management at the University of Sydney is hosting a Spring Camp on Friday 4 October 2024, for students in Years 10-12. This in-person event provides a deep dive into project management, career paths, and degree insights. Hear from industry experts, academics, students and alumni. Past programs included tours to Google, Atlassian, and Western Sydney Airport.
NIE | Future Doctors Australia, Sydney 10-13 October 2024
Gaining medical work experience is essential for young people considering a career in medicine. It provides insight into the field, helps develop skills and attributes, and provides networking opportunities. However, obtaining medical work experience can be challenging due to various restrictions such as limited opportunities, safety concerns, and confidentiality issues. That’s why NIE has developed the “Future Doctors Australia” program. It is an engaging and high-impact four-day program that provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment.
Early University Course Closing Dates
Please note there are early closing dates for some courses. Some of the most popular courses in NSW are listed below.
Scholarships at Sydney University Webinar – Wednesday 18 September 5pm-6pm
At the University of Sydney, they offer over $135 million worth of scholarships and prizes every year. To make the process easier and more accessible, they have created a centralised form where students can be considered for a scholarship through one simple application.
Some of our scholarships require no application at all! In this webinar, you will learn about the scholarships they offer, find out about your eligibility, get tips on writing a strong scholarship application and have your questions answered by our team. Register here
Tax File Number (TFN)
Please note that if you are applying for a Tax File Number (TFN) you should use the Australian Tax Office website – the link is here. It is free to apply for a TFN.
There has been some fraudulent activity reported regarding applications for TFN so please be vigilant.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are running a series of workshops designed to enhance English and writing skills as Year 11 students work toward their Preliminary Examinations. All students in Year 11 Standard and Advanced English courses are expected to attend these workshops at least once.
Students must register for these workshops which will be conducted in P6 on Thursday afternoons. Registrations will be capped at 20 students per workshop.
*Students are advised to sign up using the spreadsheet which has been shared.
Many students are on a waiting list and we will accommodate them over the next two weeks.
If students sign up, it is essential that they attend. Otherwise, it is requested that they remove their names from the spreadsheet to allow other students to register.
Details of the workshops are as follows:
Effective Academic Writing
Facilitator: Ms Mary Ryan – English Teacher and Head of Literacy
Time: P6 Thursday
Venue: K23
This workshop is relevant to all subjects which require the writing of long answer responses and extended responses.
Focus will be on the following:
Ms Mary Ryan
Head of Literacy and English Teacher
mryan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As part of the Year 11 Engineering Studies Biomedical Engineering Module, students got to work with medical grade components and built artificial hands that will be sent to “an amputee land-mine victim that would not otherwise be able to afford a prosthesis” (Helping Hands Program).
This was a very enriching day as it was not just about learning but that students made a significant difference to another person’s life.
“Creating the robotic hand was an insightful and practical way for us to learn how engineering can change peoples’ lives. It was also good to know that through gaining practical skills we would also be helping disadvantaged individuals from around the world.“
“It was a great hands-on experience where we learnt to put together an engineered product that was used to help people missing a hand to be able to perform everyday tasks, such as writing and eating food… all essential functions of life.”
“It was great to see how engineering can change someone’s life for real.”
This week, Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) had the unique opportunity to participate in a “Walk on Country” with Uncle Dean Kelly. This enriching experience was part of an effort to deepen students’ understanding of ecology through the lens of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.
The Walk on Country Experience
The Walk on Country took place on Burnum Burnum, where students were guided by Uncle Dean through various natural landscapes. This immersive experience allowed students to connect with the land in a meaningful way, learning about the intricate relationships between the environment, flora, fauna, and Indigenous cultural practices.
During the walk, Uncle Dean shared stories and teachings that have been passed down through generations, highlighting the deep respect and care for the land that is integral to Indigenous culture.
Reflection and Learning
The Walk on Country was more than just an educational outing; it was an experience that encouraged students to reflect on their own relationship with the environment.
By learning directly from Uncle Dean, students gained insights that go beyond what is typically taught in the classroom. This experience emphasised the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and incorporating it into modern ecological studies.
“Uncle Dean walked us through the land of Burnum Burnum, teaching us valuable lessons along the way. Lessons that extended beyond just Indigenous culture, educating us on issues of ecology, climate change and our moral responsibility as caretakers of the planet. I particularly valued his lesson on the liveliness of nature. Whether it’s a bird soaring through the sky or a stick laying in the earth, all of nature is alive.” – Archie
“It was an incredibly informative and immersive experience on Country at Burnum Burnum where we learnt about how Indigenous people used plants and nature to build their society and for use as medicine, food, and tools. Uncle Dean taught us how things never die and everything can be re-ignited as seen with Indigenous culture, as well as the respect Indigenous people paid to their Elders and the knowledge they had. Overall, I have gained a new perspective on nature and the world as a whole, and found this to be an amazing way to learn about the amazing things Indigenous culture can teach everyone.”– Luke
“The excursion was incredibly inspiring for me, and my views on the ecosystem and life itself changed for the better. Uncle Dean and his cultural view of life is a new insight – that everything is alive and has a meaning and impact on the environment, an example being that fire is alive, and changes the environment so that it can thrive more, and pieces of wood that fall off trees house various creatures and make an impact on the ecosystem. Towards the end of the excursion, Uncle Dean showed us a gigantic tree that had a huge part of it hanging off a ledge. The tree was surrounded by huge boulders and was held down on the back by a large rock. The rock and tree were maintaining a mutual relationship, by supporting each other and making sure nothing falls. Such are the teachings and views of the First Nations people of Australia.” – Ari
Moving Forward
As we continue to explore the intersection of ecology and culture in our curriculum, we are committed to providing more opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous knowledge. These experiences are vital in shaping well-rounded, environmentally-conscious individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to our community and the world.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Uncle Dean for extending his warm welcome and sharing his wisdom. We look forward to sharing this wisdom and insights with other students from schools near and far at our very first ecology symposium on 31 October.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator
Ecology Coordinator
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
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