Dear Parents & Carers,
2020 has certainly been a very challenging year, we have experienced close personal loss and we continue to keep the family of Archie Perkin in our prayers.
As a nation, we have experienced the loss of life and country associated with six months of bushfires and the ongoing tragedy that this has brought. Severe storms, power outages, ongoing climate change and a pandemic have brought about situations of an unprecedented level. There has never been a more important time to support each other, lend a hand and respond to difficult situations with poise and compassion.
Last week every student from Year 5-12 had a session with Sound Off For Schools who unpacked and explored the world of mindfulness and meditation. The timing was very good considering some of the pressures and stress in play at present. High stress can compromise your immune system and at present we need to be at our best, not reacting out of irrationality, or from stress and fear. I encourage your son to embed some of the techniques and strategies explored into his everyday habits.
National Close the Gap Day
Today we celebrate National Close the Gap Day which reminds us of the work that is still urgently needed to address the unequal health outcomes between First Nation People and non-First Nation People. The life expectancy of First Nation People is 10-17 years lower. High life expectancy is not just a health issue, but it is a human rights issue. Poverty, education, and employment levels all have a long-lasting impact on the health of a community. The mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is on par with some of the world’s most impoverished nations. The Close the Gap campaign recognizes this and emphasizes that closing the gap in early childhood development, schooling, housing, and employment is the key to also closing the health gap.
No to Bullying & Violence
This week we are focusing on National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence which is celebrated on Friday. The day encourages the whole school community to ‘take a stand together’ against bullying and violence in the classroom, in playgrounds, in schools and beyond. We acknowledge and promote the Day of Action so that everyone in our school community understands that there are different types of bullying that can threaten the health and safety of students, bolstering the message that bullying and violence are never okay. It is also important to educate students about what to do if they need help. Parents will also find useful information at the following link: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/YourRole/Pages/For-Parents-and-carers.aspx
CAS Swimming & Diving
Congratulations to both our swimmers and divers who both took out fourth position in the recent CAS competition. Both teams performed with great spirit and enthusiasm. Thank you to coaches and parents for all of their support throughout the season. We congratulate Knox (swimming) and Trinity (Diving) on their respective wins.
Talented Team
I appreciate wholeheartedly the talented support and teaching staff at Waverley College that are working hard to adapt to change and provide a focus on student learning while carefully monitoring their wellbeing and sense of safety. COVID-19 is certainly challenging every one of us at a certain level and I thank the many parents who have written to me acknowledging their gratitude for the staff at the College who are performing very well under challenging circumstances.
Hygiene Standard Reminders
The key strategy in fighting against COVID-19 or any virus as we approach the flu season is to improve our hygiene standards. The College Captains Ben Elder, Liam Andrews, William Baker and James Waterhouse have put together a humorous video to remind us of some changes we need to embrace to reduce our chances of catching the flu or a virus. I also note their new haircuts in support of the Leukemia Foundation and World’s Greatest Shave – congratulations gentlemen!
The short video addresses:
How we greet people…
What not to put your hands on if you can avoid it…
How to sneeze or cough…
Practising social distancing…
How to get around the campus safely…
https://www.instagram.com/p/B95wUWSpH0E/
Wednesday, 17 March, saw the launch of our College’s new leadership initiative – The Edmund Rice Waterford Academy. This is a leadership program that focuses on the character and faith development of students. During each session, a guest speaker addresses different topics on Christian leadership, with special emphasis on Servant Leadership. The aim of the program is to provide students with opportunities to live out their call to be men for others through a faith that does justice. It aims to instil in our graduates the ideals of being young men of faith and integrity, so that their lives will be a reflection of the values espoused by Jesus and Edmund Rice.
Mr Daniel Street, well-known political journalist and current member of the World Bank Group, provided inspiration for our young men. He encouraged them to be men of action and to never see an injustice without doing something about it. Having a conscience and following your heart are some of the guidelines that Daniel has followed throughout his life. Our thanks to such an amazing young man for sharing his passion and commitment with us – and our congratulations to those young men who took up this wonderful opportunity. We will be having other guest speakers in the future and look forward to having more young men join this group.
A corner of the library has been transformed with a Liquid Galaxy Screen installation. This has attracted a huge amount of interest among the boys. It was first created in 2008, as a project by Google, and shows satellite imagery, panoramic images from Google Street View and much more. It is possible to view panoramic videos and tours of places and buildings. 3D modelling and visualisations are also a feature.
Students and staff will be encouraged to examine the educational uses of this technology. A Geology class could go on a virtual excursion to Uluru to get a 3D sense of the formations of this massive rock. Viewers can go on 3D experiences, such as the Sydney Opera House, or to look at a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You can find out more by heading to the Liquid Galaxy website.
One big desk out and one movable desk! Over the long holidays, the large circulation desk was removed and a new movable and smaller sit/stand desk was purchased. The new desk will give staff and students more space and more flexibility, providing greater teaching possibilities. The whole space can now be moved around for meetings and presentations, bringing the library space to everyone.
Congratulations to Ms Gaby Bransby and her husband Michael, who welcomed their beautiful daughters to the world on Tuesday night. They are gorgeous twin sisters for big brother Mason.
For home learning this week, 5 Red had to design and make an abstract colour wheel. In Visual Arts we’ve been learning all about primary and secondary colours. Our task was to be creative and we were challenged to include tertiary colours into our colour wheels. I chose to make my colour wheel into a pizza because I thought this was really different from what anyone else would do, and I really love pizza!
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected into a variety of different school representative teams.
Hayden McAusland – NSWCIS AFL
Zac Ellis – IPSHA Football
Louis Fearon – IPSHA Football
On Friday, 6 March, the Waverley boys welcomed guest speaker Rebecca Mikula-Wright, board member of The Orangutan Project and Director of Asia Investor Group. Rebecca shared valuable information about the work that happens in Indonesia to help protect the orangutans and how we can make small changes in our everyday lives to reduce emissions. Rebecca’s main message ties in perfectly with our 2020 motto, ‘Small Action, Big Impact.’
Thank you to Rebecca for educating the boys on two very important issues.
Our next guest speaker will be in Term 2. Brendan Cook, Dad of Mikey Gauci-Cook (Year 5) will share information about the world of animation across film, television, and digital and physical spaces crafting visual communications through moving image design.
Congratulations to the following boys, who were successful in joining the Junior School Debating Team: Aidan Carpenter, Hugo Fernandez, Will Jacques, Jethro Jensen, Tom Madden, Max Nearn, Zach Pereira, Owen Smith and Charlie Easson.
The College enters two teams in the IPSHA Debating Competition. The teams debate fortnightly on a Friday afternoon. Debating hones skills in analysis, critical thinking, listening, speaking and teamwork. I look forward to working with our new debaters.
On Thursday, 12 March, the College participated in the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation. The shave aims to raise money for treatment and support for people with leukaemia and their families, as well as medical research to help find a cure.
This year there were over 50 boys who raised money and shaved their heads for this great cause. The Waverley team has raised $8,461.49 so far – and the Junior School alone raised $1264.65 on the day.
A special mention to the following fundraisers from the Junior School for their incredible effort:
Oscar Greenane – $2131
Oliver Lorimer – $925.74
William Elliott – $288.15
Oliver Adkins – $209.75
Sponsoring stops at the end of April, so there is still time to sponsor the Waverley College team or an individual. To do so, please click here.
St Patrick’s Day was the first big event for our SRC this year and the students did a wonderful job of providing baked goods and BBQ foods for all to enjoy. Lots of wonderful green clothing was worn on the day and the spirit of St Patrick was certainly celebrated. Thank you so much to all those who supported this great initiative and helped to raise much-needed funds for our upcoming social justice initiatives.
Please click here for this issue’s Careers Updated
With a break in Cadets due to the swimming carnival on Friday, March 6, our senior cadets met with staff to discuss plans for AFX – Cadet Camp.
Special mention goes to CUO Josh Conacher-Smith, X Platoon Commander, and CUO Heath Jackson, PNR Platoon Commander, who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to pull together a suite of engaging activities for our cadets to enjoy over the course of the Annual Field Exercise.
And, speaking of working tirelessly, our dedicated Quartermaster Platoon devoted their time on Saturday to wash, clean and organise the equipment needed to support 400 cadets and staff in the field on AFX. A big thank you to Joe Simonella, Lachlan Muir, James Privett, Brandon Reid, Owen Punch, Matteo Paolella, Harry Cox-Nugent, Evander Hudson and Darius Hall for their professional and hard-working approach to the day.
Last Friday, A Company enjoyed their turn at the school-based laser tag activity in the Quad, while B Company completed their Defence Youth Safety Training. C Company were taught the pertinent lesson of health and hygiene in the field, before having their first taste (not literally!) of ration packs and how to cook an individual meal with a hexi-stove.
Decisions are being made as to the level of Cadets activity over the coming weeks, and I will let you know of further developments as they come to hand.
Coronavirus is an evolving international health concern. Around the world, people are being affected in many ways. Individuals of all ages from numerous nationalities are being diagnosed with the virus – it doesn’t discriminate. Although children are considered to be at lower risk, they are not immune to the multitude of news reports regularly in the media.
This pandemic is a cause for great concern to parents, but it is also very worrying for young people. Many adults are wondering how to discuss this pandemic in a way that will be reassuring to their children, without making them feel more worried than they may be already. Below are some general guidelines for talking to young people about COVID-19 that may help reduce anxiety.
No matter your child’s age, the issue of COVID-19 is present in their social world whether you talk about it or not. If you, the adult, can provide a supportive environment at home to openly discuss these issues, it provides a safe platform and reduces anxieties. Avoiding this topic could cause anxieties to heighten.
Check in with your son to see where they are at first. That way you are more able to meet their needs based on what they bring to the conversation. You could ask them what they know, what they have questions about, and what they are worried about.
Share factual information from reputable sources. There are a lot of rumours or information with unknown sources being shared online. Rationalising these with statistics or factual information will reduce anxiety. Some places to get updated information about COVID-19 are:
While it is important to stay informed, reading articles and watching videos on COVID-19 for hours a day can be distressing and even traumatic. Monitor and limit how much media content your son is absorbing.
It is important for young people to know they are not alone in their feelings. Many people are feeling fearful and confused during this time. Listening, paraphrasing and acknowledging young people’s thoughts and feelings will allow them to process, and possibly assist in managing, some of their fears.
In times of uncertainty it is especially important to provide a stable structure for young people to manage their anxiety. This can provide comfort and reassurance during a very unsettling time where many things may seem out of their control.
For a lot of our boys, events such as sports or social gatherings may be suspended or postponed during this time. This could cause distress for some, and create a negative outlook on how they view the world. Over time, this type of outlook could have an impact on their motivation and engagement. It is important to acknowledge these disappointing outcomes, but rationalise that, in time, it will return.
If you feel that your son’s mental health is being negatively affected by the breakout of Coronavirus, please encourage him to seek help through one of our school psychologists or an external agency. If your son is coping well, you could encourage him to look out for his mates. During times of crisis, everyone responds differently, and it is more important than ever to be looking out for each other.
Please feel free to contact us:
Ms Tessa Prior | tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au (Conlon, Quinn, Lacey, Green)
Mr Greg Cameron | gcameron@waverley.nsw.edu.au (Brennan, Aungier, Tevlin, O’Connor)
Ms Alex McCredie | amccredie@waverley.nsw.edu.au (Junior School)
To access immediate or crisis support, please contact:
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Each for Equal’, with the intent being to promote a gender-equal world. An equal world is an enabled world (IWD 2020).
If we review our performance thus far under a male-dominated world considering our climate crisis, widespread environmental damage and pollution, world wars, ongoing conflicts, political mistrust and tensions, domestic violence rates, and the very fact that not everyone is equal on the planet and has the same rights and opportunities, the scorecard would not be kind.
But where do we start?
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, call out poor behaviour, fight bias, broaden perceptions and improve situations. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, each one of us can play our part in creating a gender-equal world.
In 1911 when International Women’s Day was first started to be celebrated, only eight countries allowed women to have the vote. Some would argue that we have made some good progress over the next 109 years. I would argue that it is everyone’s fundamental human right to have an education, equal opportunity and status and this should have already occurred. It is part of our human condition to afford everyone the same respect, dignity and rights. Sadly, in Australia and many parts of the world, this is not the reality for women. Half a billion of the world’s illiterate adults are women and this trend has not changed in 20 years. The progress has been too slow and International Women’s Day reminds us and calls us to action for an acceleration of gender equality.
At College Assembly today our guest speaker was Ms Katie Kelly OAM – ambassador, advocate and elite female para-triathlete. She has won two Gold medals at the Paralympic Games and two World Championships and she is currently trying to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Katie spoke about the importance and power of being inclusive and accepting that we all come in different shapes and sizes. She encouraged the boys to embrace being gentle with themselves, their family and peers. Katie also spoke about the importance of having a values code to live your life by to assist you to overcome the difficulties and challenges that we will all have to face.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and affirm all female staff at Waverley College across our Pre-School, Junior School and Senior School Campuses. It is a privilege to work here at the College with them and I am fortunate to be surrounded by the most impressive leaders, teachers and support staff. They have all made the choice to work in a predominantly male environment, for the good of the young men we try to form and teach. The modelling, expertise, leadership and care that the women at Waverley College offer our young men is very impressive. To all females in our community, I celebrate you as we approach International Women’s Day. It is a day to celebrate all women and their achievements, whether social, political, economic or cultural. Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender-equal world.
We need to work together to prevent the Coronavirus/Covid-19 impacting our community. We want to keep everyone safe. Please support and adhere to the following nine steps to try and limit the spread of the virus and keep our community safe.
Click here for the latest careers update.
On Friday 21st February, Year 9 Commerce students made their way into Sydney CBD for an excursion to the Reserve Bank of Australia, Westfield shopping centre and Paddy’s Markets.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) provided the students with an opportunity to engage with leading economists, improve their understanding of the Australian economy, and learn about Australian currency security features, the lifecycle of retired bank notes and Australia’s impact on the evolution of bank notes. William Hickey reflected on his time at the R.B.A and enjoyed the presentation at the Reserve Bank of Australia as it went in depth about how businesses work and develop, and how money is made to avoid counterfeit notes. Students were shown the security features of the Australian bank notes and enjoyed using, ‘spy pens’ to uncover invisible inkings on the notes; to keep consumers and businesses safe from counterfeit notes.
Students impressed the RBA with their enthusiasm, inquisitive questions and their knowledge of the economy and history of Australia’s currency.
Westfield and Paddy’s Markets put students’ knowledge to the test. They were required to enter into an informed commercial transaction and think about the different factors and influences that made them choose to buy the item they did. Students were asked to reflect and compare the different shopping centres, and consider things such as buyer safety; consumer protection; the relationship between quality and price; and how they might be able to educate their fellow peers and consumers on making smart purchasing decisions. Hirav Ghandi particularly enjoyed this part of the excursion, saying, “I liked how we got the opportunity to learn interesting facts about consumer decisions and investigate our own experiences and choices to either spend our money or save it”.
The excursion provided students with invaluable first-hand information from the Reserve Bank of Australia and a hands-on experience to make purchasing decisions as informed consumers.
The message last week on Ash Wednesday was that, whilst elements of religion have lapsed, the message of religion should not be dismissed universally. Each Sunday at St. Francis of Assisi in Paddington, Father Paul preaches about love, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, peace and – much to my chagrin – humility. I can’t think of too many other forums where the same attitudes and attributes are placed front and centre.
Lent is a time for prayer, penance and almsgiving. As we lead up to our most sacred liturgical celebration, please take time to speak to your sons about sacrifice; about going without so as to be in solidarity with the marginalised; about prayer and contemplation (we all need someone’s prayers or thoughts, and there is always someone who we can pray for, or provide our best wishes to); about Project Compassion; and about your hopes and dreams for his formation. When the messages from home are in sync with the messages from school, we have the greatest chance of success in forming the most beautiful young man possible. As we approach Easter it is important to remember that God’s messages and good messages are always in perfect harmony.
Pope Francis provides us with some alternatives to fasting, which could have a better impact on those around us than abstaining from meat alone:
Later this month, our Senior School students will be reminded that vulnerability in characters can, in fact, be a strength. The Brainstorm Productions reveal how one’s vulnerability can be addressed in a healthy way.
A recent article within Generation Next highlighted the clever approach of Brainstorm drama performances. Brainstorm Production’s Dr Ameika Johnson, Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Consultant, wrote about the difficulties and necessity of vulnerability, explaining that while necessary in building relationships, vulnerability opens us to hurt. She explains the tips to help nurture vulnerability in our children while helping them to stay safe online and offline.
The Power of Vulnerability for Student Wellbeing
Be a role model by being open, compassionate and authentic in our own relationships.
Help them make informed choices about difficult issues such as alcohol, drugs, relationships, online safety etc. and to feel comfortable to speak about concerns to you/trusted adults; as well, to show them how to access information to help them understand risks.
Teach them about personal boundaries, and assertiveness skills to help them speak up if something doesn’t feel right (ideally role-play).
Encourage appropriate online sharing through private accounts, accepting requests with those they know only – and build their awareness of risks involved in sharing personal information and images. Help them connect with safe online communities by using private messaging platforms.
Talk to them about values, what is important to them (and you), who they want to be and the life they want to live.
Accept all emotions – not just the pleasant ones, but also the painful. Help them accept that the uncomfortable ones help them to appreciate the good ones; if we allow difficult feelings then we can allow ourselves positive emotions of love, gratitude, connectedness and belonging.
Let them know they are enough. Let them know that you don’t expect perfection, which is unrealistic. Show your vulnerability and reveal your own imperfections. Reveal when you have made a mistake and use this to build closeness. Let them know they are worthy of love and belonging, no matter what, this will support their resilience, self-worth and mental health.
Join Clinical Psychologist and family therapist, Andrew Fuller, for an evening on all things parenting in the modern age. Waverley College parents have the opportunity to attend this seminar for free.
Andrew has recently been described as an interesting mixture of Billy Connolly, Tim Winton and Frasier Crane – and as someone who puts the heart back into Psychology. As a Clinical Psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families. He is a Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne.
Andrew will discuss how to open a conversation when kids won’t talk, how to confidently negotiate the boundaries in your household, and lots more. Walk away equipped with the practical tools and understandings to better support your children in this increasingly complex world. Andrew is a member of the National Coalition Against Bullying. He has established programs for the promotion of mental health in schools, substance abuse prevention, the reduction of violence and bullying, suicide prevention and assisting homeless young people. Andrew also continues to support young people’s mental health in his private practice.
This event is being held at Brigidine College on Monday, 30 March at 6:30 pm.
To access your free tickets, please click here.
Another reminder for After the Bell, the parent event being hosted by Waverley College. This year’s focus is our students’ social and emotional wellbeing.
Key messages include:
Parents will also be provided with strategies to best navigate their son’s journey through high school. I would encourage you not to miss it!
Tickets will be available from Friday, 17 March and cost $10. Proceeds will go to Youth Off the Streets.
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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