As part of their Development Affective Science workshop series, the University of New South Wales would like to invite students to experience being a Researcher for a Day!
The workshops will take place next month at UNSW’s Kensington campus, on:
Friday, 11 October from 2-4pm
Thursday, 17 October from 4-6pm
The workshop offers interested students from Years 5-12 the opportunity to learn about what it’s like to be a researcher. The aim is to create a fun environment where young people can learn about what researchers do and get involved in the research process.
As part of the day, students will be given a brief talk about what research entails and then get some hands-on experience in brainstorming and running their own experiments. The event will close with the Developmental Affective Science Lab Director Dr Susanne Schweizer presenting some of the research conducted in the lab.
Please click the following link for more information and how to sign up. The workshop flyer can also be found here.
From Head of Drama, Alison Jinga
For students in Years 7 to 11, who would like to audition for the 2020 Kincoppal – Rose Bay Musical – Matilda, please click here.
On Wednesday, 4 September, Years 5 to 12 collaborated to share in National Indigenous Literacy Day.
From the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s website:
“We are proud to say that in our lifetime we have gifted over 350,000 books to over 280 communities, and published 90 stories with communities, that reflect 18 Aboriginal languages. We continue to work closely with communities across Australia to create more books for the younger generation”.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s brief is to get books to remote outback Indigenous communities.
The exciting and powerful aspect of this is that books are being developed in multiple Indigenous languages along with English.
Waverley was thrilled to participate.
Boys in our Senior Sustainability Group (Years 10 and 11) under the guidance of Pat Alborough, along with the preparation and promotion work carried out by Mr Roberts, and our Junior Innovation teacher Natasha Zivanoovic facilitated boys in Year 5 and 6 to swap books, boosting their literacy and reducing waste at the same time as raising funds for Indigenous literacy initiatives.
Boys brought in books from home they had finished with, to then swap with other boys, who did the same. A gold coin donation was all it took to participate in this wonderful event.
I thank all the boys who participated with such keenness on the day.
Well done!
Click here for the latest careers update.
Waverley College is pleased to offer various payment options to our parents.
For parents looking for alternative payment arrangements (monthly, fortnightly or weekly payments over 12 months or longer), we are now referring parents to Edstart (www.edstart.com.au). Edstart offers an easy, flexible and low-cost way for you to pay for your child’s education over a time frame that suits your family budget.
With Edstart, you can fund your tuition fees, additional charges such as extra-curricular activities, camps and excursions, as well as technology levies and amounts in arrears.
Apply online at www.edstart.com.au The simple three-step process: Calculate => Select Payment => Application can be completed within minutes.
Once approved, Edstart will pay the school on the three installment due dates and you will make regular monthly, fortnightly or weekly payments to Edstart.
Please note, in providing information about Edstart, we do not provide any recommendations, brokering or advice services. We do not receive referral fees, commissions or other remuneration from Edstart.
If you have any queries, please contact Edstart on 1300 139 445 or chat with their team at contact@edstart.com.au
Mobile phones are ubiquitous in modern society and schools are in no way immune to the phenomenon. Across the world, in the media and among our lawmakers and academics, there has been an ongoing debate about the impact of mobile phones being used by students during school hours. This discussion was reignited in Australia after Victorian Education Minister, James Merlino, announced that mobiles will be banned for all students in Victoria’s state primary and secondary schools.
While there are compelling reasons in favour of removing mobile phones from schools, there are also good reasons for being cautious about instigating such a sweeping ban. Unlike government schools who must abide by Department policy directives, Waverley College as an independent school can apply our discretion in relation to this issue.
Arguably the key argument raised in favour of banning mobile phones from schools, or at least from our classrooms, is that they distract students and detrimentally affect learning – just as an open laptop can on occasions. Waverley College agrees with this argument and bans mobile phones in the classroom or on the boys during class time.
Lowering the incidence of cyberbullying is another commonly cited reason for preventing students from using their phones during school hours. Current research suggests half of all young people have experienced cyberbullying via mobile phones. Child psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, similarly points out that‚ ‘all schools have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment in which to learn’ and that banning mobiles makes this easier to achieve.
However, it is worth noting that much of the cyberbullying experienced by young people does not occur during school hours or on school premises. In fact, part of what makes cyber-bullying so dangerous is that it can occur anywhere and at any time. Clearly then, the problem will not suddenly come to an end by preventing students from using their phone at school.
The College recognises that most students possess mobile devices such as mobile phones, iPads, and Apple Watches. These devices are a useful way for family members to keep in touch. The devices are often expensive, so securing them safely is a priority for all students. They also have the capacity to be a distraction in a school environment and so guidelines are required for their use.
Our policy covers all students from Years 5 to 12.
At the College (Years 7 to 12):
Devices are to be stored in lockers, and placed on silent or flight mode to eliminate loud ringtones. They can only be used next to one’s locker before school, recess, lunch or after school for short periods of time.
The only exception to this is when students are instructed to contact their parent/guardian regarding variations to scheduled events or, under direct teacher supervision, they may use their device.
Devices cannot be taken to class (every student has a laptop in class).
If a mobile phone is brought to any class, a student will receive a three-hour detention.
Parents needing to contact their son during class time should contact school reception directly.
Boys found to have mobile devices switched ‘on’, using devices to ‘hotspot’ laptops to external data sources, bypassing the College’s network, or used in any way deemed inappropriate by College staff or a supervising adult can expect a three-hour detention. Mobile phones will be confiscated if it becomes an ongoing disruption to the learning process, has been a medium for a breach of privacy or holds information pertaining to a crime. Parents/guardians will be notified immediately about any confiscation.
At the Junior School (Years 5 and 6):
Devices are collected in the classroom at the beginning of the day and placed securely in the office. At the end of the school day they are collected and returned to each student.
During College Activities:
The College will determine the use of mobile phones during off-campus activities arranged by the College, including field trips, camps and retreats.
The College takes no responsibility for a mobile device on its premises or excursions. Families are advised that the College expects that if boys bring mobile devices to school or on excursions they do so with the full knowledge and authority of their parents. Parents are therefore advised to take appropriate measures to insure such mobile devices against loss, damage or theft.
The College recognises that with many students travelling considerable distances to and from the College, with often irregular bus and train transport, it is important for the safety of the students that they have the capacity to contact their parents or other family members in an emergency.
The College recognises that most devices have the ability to take photos or videos. Boys are reminded that the law prohibits the use of devices for taking photos or videos of anyone without their permission and expressly forbids the use of cameras in change rooms and toilets.
In Term 3, Waverley College Religious Education and Geography Departments worked together to develop a cross-curricular assessment task. Based on the ABC series‚ ‘War on Waste’, students were required to identify issues adversely affecting our environment and develop an inspiring education campaign designed to promote change.
With a focus on sustainability, Tashi Daoud and Matthew Frost went above and beyond. The boys’ ‘Straws no Mores’, advocacy campaign included screen-printed T-shirts, pamphlets, poster and an engaging video. The campaign highlighted small achievable changes which, could be implemented within the school community and beyond.
It’s wonderful to witness the authentic learning taking place within Year 7 Religion and Geography classes, and the commitment of students at Waverley College to promote a cleaner healthier environment for all. Well done Tashi and Matthew.
As part of the Teacher Reading Aloud Programme and Drama Showcase, two teachers shared their love of reading with our Year 7 boys. The boys were also treated to a Year 12 drama group performance, entitled ‘The Happy Happy Fun Time Show’.
On the 9 September, Richard Chen enticed the Year 7’s with some Revolting Rhymes from Roald Dahl, while Alison Jinga delighted them with a short story entitled‚ ‘Wanna Buy This for Five Bucks?’ from the fourth book in Tim Harris’s short story series called Exploding Endings.
Thank you to Richard and Alison for taking time out of their busy schedules to read to the boys and Andrew Badger, Ethan Vella, Pedram Biazar and Roman Koteczky for their fantastic performance.
School Holidays are a fantastic time to sit back and read! And the October School Holidays are fast approaching! The Senior Library has a wide range of reading resources available for students to borrow over the break. Please encourage your son to drop by the Library and borrow a book!
The HSIE Department is pleased to offer a USA Tour in 2020. Year 9 to 12 students studying at least one of the following subjects will be eligible to attend Commerce, Business Studies, Legal Studies and Economics.
If you wish to attend can you please complete the attached form and return to vpurnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Alternatively, please email if you should have further questions or would like a copy of the itinerary.
Recently Year 12 attended a study skills session titled ‘The HSC Countdown’ with Dr. Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services. The aim was to help Year 12 put together a plan of attack for between now and their final exams. The session focused firstly on what students need to do before the end of the term. It is essential that study notes are completed, students work through their returned Trial HSC exam papers thoroughly (using the checklist provided), pinpoint areas of weakness by completing more past HSC papers and seek help on these, and endeavour to do as much practice of essay writing and examination questions as they can before the end of term so they can obtain feedback from teachers.
These last weeks of school are also the time where some students do not necessarily use their class time as effectively as they could, however after making the plan for the weeks just prior to the HSC exams, students can now see how quickly the time will go and how important it is to use the rest of this term to the full. Year 12 also reviewed the study techniques they are using and looked at ways to improve and avoid common study mistakes using research about the brain. Each Year 12 student also filled out a grid with their HSC exam timetable, planning the best way to allocate their study time over the weeks prior and during the HSC exams using the guidelines that Dr. Salter explained.
Having a plan in place can take away a lot of exam anxiety, as students know what they need to do to move forward and can see the steps they need to take to make the most of the last few months of their final year of school. Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and have students explain their study plan as often discussing these ideas can clarify students’ approach.
Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://
Go to www.studyskillshandbook.
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG, GCVO, CD, ADC presented Luke Harris and Oliver Ruse with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award last Friday 13th September during a ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall. This is the first time Waverley College students have achieved this prestigious and internationally recognised award after the College began to offer the program in 2017.
The following two students have committed themselves to life long learning outside of the classroom and improving the lives of others for the two and a half years whilst also maintaining high academic standards, sporting commitments and leadership roles in the school. Their ability to self motivate and juggle the demands of their HSC year and the hours required to achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award is inspiring and a credit to their dedication.
Luke Harris has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award by applying himself to co-curricular activities and developing his skills as a Level 1 Rugby Referee. This led him to referee in the Sydney Juniors Competition and assisting in the mentorship of Junior referees. Luke completed his service component assisting the elderly and spending a week during the holidays on an Eddie Rice camp where he was a mentor for disadvantaged kids in Sydney, something which Luke shows interest in participating in again. Luke achieved all of this while excelling in his Year 11 and 12 subjects.
Oliver Ruse has achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award through his love of cricket, tennis, and music. He has been an active member of many of the school’s music bands, developing his skills on the Alfa saxophone. Oliver completed his service component assisting young children at preschool with reading and activities as well as our Year 5 and 6 students with the Junior School reading program. The Gold Award also took Oliver all the way to Samoa to support a school in need of improved facilities and resources. Oliver achieved all of this while maintaining a leadership role in the college and high academic standards.
I would also like to acknowledge the following Year 12 students who will be completing their Gold Award in the near future.
Matthew Gallagher
George Vouros
Timothy Waring
Congratulations boys, what inspiring leaders you are for your peers at Waverley College.
As Term 3 comes to an end, it was lovely watching our Junior boys be a part of the Year 12 Farewell last week. We had a final house assembly to celebrate the successes of individual students. It was inspirational to hear how much our Year 12 students have accomplished during their school years. Our boys created farewell cards and wrote words of wisdom for the boys. We wish them luck as they prepare for their final exams and their future endeavours.
It was heartwarming to see the overwhelming support for RUOK? Day last week. We acknowledged and celebrated RUOK? Day with many significant initiatives.
We were blessed to have Sam from OneWave speak to us. OneWave is a non-profit surf community who work together to tackle mental health issues with a simple recipe: salt-water, surfing, good mates and Fluro Fridays. The boys engaged in a variety of activities to raise mental health awareness and empower them to be able to meaningfully connect with those around them. Ms Katrina King organised a delicious cake stall that was very popular with the boys. The Junior School raised a total of $1,679.75. A huge thanks to the community for the support of such an important initiative.
Congratulations to The Waterford Concert Band (Year 5-6) combined band, who played on Sunday afternoon at the UNSW campus. In the Robert McAnally Primary School Concert Band Event, the boys received a Silver Award.
Our Year 6 students have been fortunate enough to work with the Senior School TAS Department throughout this term on different projects. The boys learnt about agriculture, planted their own seeds, made garlic bread with the herbs and took a booklet back to school to graph the growth of their plant. We have been so lucky to tap into the expertise of the TAS team. A special thanks to Mr Kyle Newbury, Mr Garth Aird and the TAS Food Technology Assistant Ms Anne O’Loughlin for facilitating this program.
A group of Year 6 students were also fortunate enough to work with Senior School Geography teacher, Mr Brad Thompson. Mr Thompson organised and facilitated an enriching Geography Field Work experience where Year 6 and Year 7 students had the opportunity to work together. The Junior School boys thoroughly enjoyed the activities and gained a great deal from working with the Year 7’s. The Field Work linked with the Geography skills being taught in Geography.
We are so excited about the 31st annual Junior School Walkathon being held tomorrow at Centennial Park. Thank you to the 132 parents who are volunteering on the day, I am blown away by the support. I have received quite a few emails acknowledging boys who have set up stalls and really stepped out of their comfort zone to go the extra mile with fundraising. I congratulate all the boys on their fundraising efforts. To date, the boys have promised just over $46,000. It is so so wonderful to see the Waverley community have so much support for such a worthwhile event. The Edmund Rice ethos is very much alive within this school. I look forward to catching up with many families tomorrow.
On 9 September, a number of Year 5 & 6 boys participated in the IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge at a school level. In the preliminary round, the boys presented their three-minute speeches on the theme of ‘Reimagine’ to a group of students, teachers and visitors from St Boniface, South Africa.
Congratulations to Max Sheehy and Kayden Baker who will represent Waverley at the IPSHA NSW Branch Speakers’ Challenge on Thursday, 14 November at Abbotsleigh.
Although not all the boys could progress to the finals, the boys displayed outstanding public speaking skills and presented speeches of sincerity, depth and conviction. We wish the boys well for their future public speaking opportunities.
Congratulations to Sam and Alfie Frain who competed as part of the CIS team, in the PSSA Golf Championships at Blackheath Golf club in the Blue Mountains. Alfie finished 4th out of the 80 competitors and has qualified for the NSW team, he is the only year 5 student to do so. Sam also played well but sadly finished just outside the top 8 to make the team.
Congratulations to all the boys who competed in the IPSHA Athletics. A special mention to Basiley Gosbell, Felix Kelly, Julian Minto and Darcey Parkes, our Junior boys relay team who came third in the IPSHA final. They have now qualified for PSSA.
Well done to Luke Newrick and Jack Johnson who competed in the CAS Athletics Carnival today. This is a huge achievement considering it is a Senior School event.
Also congratulations to Charles Coughlan, Johno Mcdonald and Ben Van Dam who represented Waverley College at the IPSHA Cricket Trials.
Zholtan Szabo and Lincoln Tanner have been given a fabulous opportunity to represent Waverley on the Hawaii Swimming and Waterpolo Tour in 2020. A fantastic effort from both boys.
As we got off the bus at the Wollongong Planetarium we were all so excited! The instructors guided us into a hall full of science experiments. We played with magnets, tested parachutes for air resistance in the air shoot and got up close and personal with dinosaurs.
Next, we got to do lots of interesting experiments with energy in the science show. The most dangerous was when we saw a lightning creator conduct electricity through Mr Lavorato to light up a bulb! We also took part in experiments involving static electricity and liquid nitrogen. It was so cool!
But really what everyone was busting to see was….wait for it THE PLANETARIUM!!
It was AMAZING. First had an introduction to star constellations and then watched an animation about the universe called WE ARE STARS.
Although it was a long trip, it was worth it.
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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