As we come to the middle of our summer season (for Years 8-12 anyway), it’s a timely reminder of the behavior expected when we as a College community attend co-curricular events.
Co-curricular sports and activities is a critical time where our behavior and sportsmanship are on display to other schools and members of the general public. At times unfortunately, a minority undo a lot of the positive cultural change the majority of our boys, teachers and parents have achieved in recent years.
We encourage all supporters to positively support their school teams and require boys to be dressed in the school’s uniform while doing so.
We expect barracking to be enthusiastic but not to be fanatical or designed to heckle, belittle or disturb the opponents. For example, barracking, for or against, during a free throw or a kick at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Boys should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual team member. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and wholly unacceptable.
It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee’s or umpire’s decision – no matter whether the referee be adult or schoolboy.
We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing in either case undue emotion. Good play, by our own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
At all times spectators should leave the area tidy and free of rubbish when they leave.
We look to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at matches.
I look forward to our next fixture on February 16th against Knox.
The full CAS Code of Conduct is as follows:
PLAYERS
PARENTS
SPECTATORS
The Australian health and medical research council suggests one in five of us experience a mental health condition in any given year. Waverley College’s wellbeing program acknowledges this and supports the research which shows the benefits of good nutritional habits (including adequate hydration), regular exercise and healthy sleep patterns in reducing the stress which is an inevitable part of our lives. Of these three variables, diet is often overlooked as a way of combatting daily stress and ultimately, more serious mental health conditions.
Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem can also be linked to a bad diet. While nutritious foods alone are not a silver bullet in terms of mental health, the vitamins in what we eat do have the ability to positively impact our mood, clarity and cognitive ability — ultimately improving our performance at work and school, and the quality of our personal lives. There is a range of foods that can be used to address mood-related issues like sleep, anxiety and depression.
Serotonin, dopamine and the lesser known gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are chemicals in the brain that affect mood. They are not only key to brain function and producing healthy sleep patterns, but may also have a role to play in reducing depression. So what foods will give us these benefits?
You can boost serotonin levels by eating foods that contain tryptophan (an essential amino acid). Foods high in protein and iron in combination with foods such as eggs, cottage cheese, turkey, seafood, chickpeas, nuts and seeds with healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and quinoa will achieve this. Carbohydrates cause the body to release more insulin, which promotes amino acid absorption. This short-term insulin response drives tryptophan into the brain increasing your serotonin levels.
A good breakfast improves mental performance, and kicking off the work/school day with a full stomach can reduce anxiety. For greater focus and motivation, consider making a dopamine-rich breakfast may include a morning cup of green tea, scrambled eggs or an omelette with high protein veggies (such as broccoli and spinach) that is sprinkled with nuts and seeds (such as pumpkin and sesame) or even just a protein smoothie.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the body. It plays a powerful role in reducing anxiety and depression. Like serotonin and dopamine, GABA is not directly available in food. But the amino acid, glutamine, which can be found in food converts to GABA.
GABA-rich foods include almonds, walnuts, lentils, beef, brown rice, gluten-free whole oats, oranges, bananas, broccoli and spinach.
Combined with exercise and adequate sleep (for a triple hit of dopamine), a good diet could be the key to bouncing back from mental health challenges.
In recent years the College has reviewed its canteen menu, removed sugar drinks from campus and installed additional hydration stations but more needs to be done. This week tuna is being trailed as a lunch option in the canteen.
Parents can assist our drive for a healthier food consumption by visiting healthylunchbox.com.au. This Cancer Council initiative provides parents with snack ideas, sandwich alternatives, recipes, tips and easy healthy swaps for those common lunch box items that are not the best for our kids. Parents can also get their kids involved in choosing lunch box foods they will actually eat and enjoy using the interactive healthy lunch box builder.
Last week the Year 12 Marine Studies students flew to Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay in the southern Great Barrier Reef.
The students snorkelled with a variety of rays, sharks, turtles, fish and coral, but the highlights were manta rays and a 3.5m tiger shark.
We are incredibly proud of the way these boys represented the College. The behaviour and respect they showed each other and the other guests on the island was impeccable.
It is hard to grasp that we are already well into Term 1 at Waterford. It has been lovely being able to visit classrooms over the past weeks and see that the boys are settling in so well to new environments and routines.
A huge thank you to the parents who have already volunteered to help in the tuckshop. We still need help filling up the roster for Term 1. If you are able to give up some of your time, please sign up using the link below:
Thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend the information evening on Monday night. I hope you appreciated all the information and are now better prepared to assist your son on his journey at Waverley.
Special thanks as well to all the Junior School staff for their support throughout the evening.
Once again, Waverley College Pool was the scene of the Waterford Swimming Carnival held on Friday, February 15th. The House spirit and enthusiasm from all participants went a long way to making the carnival a success.
The support of the parents was very evident with the great turn out on the day. Special thanks to all the staff who ensured the carnival ran smoothly. A big thank you to the Assistant Director of Co-curricular Waterford – Mr Matt Ryan – who again organised and ran such a successful carnival.
Congratulations to Brennan House on an excellent win followed closely by Tevlin in second place with Conlon placing third.
Age Champions – special congratulations to the following boys who won places in their respective age groups.
| 2019 | Prompt payment date | Due date |
| 2nd Payment | 26/04/2019 | 10/05/2019 |
| 3rd Payment | 19/07/2019 | 02/08/2019 |
N.B The first payment due date has now passed, 1 February 2019
Please see the reverse side of your account for payment method and contact details.
Fees paid before 4.00 pm on the “prompt payment date” attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the “due date” will attract a penalty fee of $110.00.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (eg internet / bpay).
In 2019, a number of students in Years 10 and 11 will have the opportunity to undertake an immersion experience in Timor-Leste.
The students will spend time interacting with the young people of Timor-Leste, building friendships, participating in community-support tasks and learning about subsistence economies. Students will also develop an understanding of Timor-Leste’s recent past through visits to places of historical significance.
Immersion is a different type of experience. It is people from different backgrounds walking beside each other, sharing a journey and gaining understanding.
Core elements of an immersion expedition
Sunday 14 July to Thursday 25 July
This involves the last week of the mid-year holidays and the first week of Term 3. You will need to consider carefully what other commitments you may have at this time.
We anticipate that the cost will be approx. $4,200 per participant.
This cost includes;
Please respond to the following questions and submit a hard copy response to the Wellbeing Centre by Monday, 4 March.
Q1. Can you describe yourself and your special interests?
Q2. Why are you interested in participating in the Timor-Leste experience and what do you hope to achieve?
Q3. Travel in a developing nation such as Timor-Leste can have its challenges…What personal qualities do you think you have that suit an experience like this?
Q4. How will you share your insights and learning with the Waverley College community on your return?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to talk to Ms O’Sullivan, Mr Thompson or Ms Downey.
The following Year 12 boys have also participated in an immersion to Timor-Leste and they would be happy to answer any questions; Harry Whitaker, Oliver Ruse, Joshua Gleeson, Carter Killigrew, Tom Jaeger, Max Curry, Anthony D’Ettorre, Cooper Flynn, Matt Gallagher, Pat Kite, Luke Marshall, Hugh Marshall, Angus McPherson, Logan Ryan, Tom Tyson, Nat Yarrow.
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.
In 2019 the following vaccines will be offered to Year 7 students*:
Parent Information Kits that include an information sheet, consent form and privacy statement have been sent home to parents/guardians. To consent to the vaccination of your child, parents/guardians are advised to:
Please note that students who commence HPV vaccination in school clinics in Year 7 but do not complete the course during the school year may be offered catch up doses at school in Year 8. Students who have any any HPV doses at their GP will be advised to complete the course with their GP.
* A record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic as a physical card. Parents/guardians should ensure this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination.
The date of the first visit for Year 7 vaccinations is Friday, 22nd February, 2019.
This week the cast of our combined musical with St Clare’s attended a Musical Theatre Camp at Kiah Ridge Christian conference centre for three days. What a fantastic opportunity to really work on the singing, acting, choreography and blocking of the show. Our students worked from 9am to 9:30pm each day! It was fantastic to see the show coming together and the students collaborating so well. We managed to run the entire show by Thursday morning and now we look forward to detailing all elements at upcoming rehearsals, as well as inserting 22 new Year 7s from St Clare’s into the show.
I want to thank the following staff members for all their hard work and dedication to this project; Peter Lamb, Anne Fahy, Chris Balkizas and Christopher Blenkinsopp. Additionally, the following St Clare’s staff; Vanessa Hurley, Lisa Shipley and Keira Nightingale as well as Elizabeth Porter, our choreographer, for all their hard work.
I asked some of the students to comment on their camp experience and I have included a few quotes.
“This experience has been an above amazing experience to grow and adapt to different creative and social situations. We have each had the unique opportunity to take part in musically, dramatically physically challenging experiences. The chance to observe an enjoy these experiences is such a blessing and all students are highly grateful for everyone involved in the organisation of this camp.” Ruby Baird
“To be honest, I wish I could substitute musical rehearsals instead of actual school work every-day.” Roman Koteczky
“A fun and enjoyable experience to rehearse the play and make new friends.” Massimo De Napoli
“The cooperation and energy of the dancers and choreographer was exemplary.” Kelly Callaghan
The show is being staged at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) in the Parade Theatre from 8-10 May at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek at the following link, https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=GUYDOLLS19
Adults are $35, Children $25 and a family ticket is $110 for 2 adults and 2 children. Go ahead and buy your tickets now to ensure fabulous seats.
Well done to Max Brooks in Year 9 who was successfully selected in the U15 CAS Cricket side as well as Lachlan Forrest who was selected to trial for CAS to make the NSWCIS Cricket team. We also have a number of staff and coaches who have been selected to coach CAS Teams in 2019:
CAS 1st XI Football – Mr Patrick Darvill
CAS 1st XV Rugby – Mr Scott Coleman
CAS 1st XV Rugby – Mr Paul Cornish
CAS 2nd XV Rugby – Mr Kyle Newbury
CAS U16 Rugby – Mr James Horrocks
CAS U16 Rugby – Mr Steve O’Donnell
CAS Touch Football – Ms Rebecca Gair
CAS Touch Football – Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris
CAS 1st XI Cricket – Mr Greg Elliott
CAS 2nd V Basketball – Mr Johnny Jovine
Waverley College is hosting the 35th Annual Christian Brothers Swimming Carnival at North Sydney this Saturday night from 7pm. I am sure that our swim squad and the coaches will do an amazing job and please come along and support the squad in the last formal carnival before the CAS Championships on 14 March. The CAS Championships is also a compulsory event for all boys in Years 8,10 and 11 as well as Prefects.
We have had a really positive start to the year in a range of co-curricular events and activities. Our 1st XI Cricket played Barker in the T20 Final last week and went down narrowly by 16 runs in a hard-fought final against a very good Barker side. We also have had some impressive performances in Water Polo with our two Year 7 teams playing well and also much improved performances by our U15’s Water Polo. A big thank you to Mrs Marilyn Tanner who has been assisting with training and game strategy that has helped these teams improve so much. Our Touch Football teams have also been performing in both the Tuesday afternoon and Saturday competitions.
Just a reminder that we also have our College House Swimming Carnival at Des Renford on Friday 8 March and parents are welcome to this event also.
We finally have the Gym back on line and all Basketball teams have reverted back to two training sessions per week. This schedule is now on the College website as well as being sent out last week. We are also rapidly moving to the end of the Summer season and commencement of the Winter season. If there are any parents or old boys that are interested in coaching an activity in Winter can I please ask that they get in touch with me via email: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
James Medland, Year 7 sails a Sabot out of Drummoyne Sailing Club. In the 2nd weekend of Sailing Sabot States he won 1st on Handicap (for 2 up class) He also competed in the Nationals in Melbourne out of Sandringham Yacht club in January of this year. Congratulations James!
We are also changing the structure of the Homework Club from the start of the Winter season. Students in Years 7-10 will be able to access the Library Mondays – Thursdays to receive support and tutoring in our Study Group with a focus on Numeracy and Literacy Skills to begin with. There is no cost and this is to supplement these students learning, however, students would still be expected at all other co-curricular commitments. The Parent and Friends Association have also very kindly asked to assist in creating this essential program. We will also be looking at providing some specific subject tutoring for those boys in Stage 6 but as a user pays service.
Best of luck to all teams and activities over the next two weeks and ‘Go the Waves!’
On Friday 8 February the Waverley swim team headed to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatics Centre to compete in the CAS invitational. We had a fantastic turn out with over 50 students taking part.
Over the course of the evening we had some great performances from the newest members of the swim team in Year 7, where many managed to break PB’s in their debut performances. We had impressive times all the way up to our experienced swimmers in Year 12. PB’s were broken by swimmers across all strokes and distances, a fantastic start to the year!
The highlight performance of the evening was Peter Cassimatis who broke the 28 year long Waverley record for the 50 metre Breaststroke in a time of 30.90 seconds. The previous record of 31.53 had been held by Jason Cooper since 1991. What a great way to start the new year and the road to CAS championships!
Although the evening did finish later than scheduled, our Waverley boys swam strong right up until the end, with Campbell Groves finishing with a PB in the 400 metre Freestyle. Our strong turnout and confident performances across the board gives us high hopes for our upcoming competitions. CAS is just around the corner and we look forward to improving further on these outstanding performances.
Waves to win!
The first round after the holiday saw Waverly with a tough match up against one of the most dominate schools, Barker. Although Waverley was able to achieve some good results Barker most proved too dominate in all age groups.
The firsts and seconds’ winning streak were halted by a strong Barker opposition, despite this some boys were still able to achieve some amazing results. Will Durkin successfully defeated his opponent in a 6-2 trashing of his counterpart. Nikita Nikitenko was also able to achieve an astonishing result beating his opponent 6 games to 3. Furthermore, the partnership of Will Durkin and Patrick Smith were stuck in a stalemate as they were able to tie in their doubles 1 set all. Although the 1st performed well, the 2nds were left scratching their heads as they went down to Barker 8 sets to 0 in a more than dominate performance.
Unfortunately, Waverley’s 3rds and 4ths also lost convincedly to a dominate Barker opposition, losing 4 sets to 1 in the 3rds and 4 sets to 0 in the 4ths. Despite the disappointing result the partnership of Fin Warren and Dylan proved to be successful as they edged a close 7 games to 5 victory. Overall the 3rds lost 29 games to 10 and the 4ths more unfortunate losing 24 games to 2.
The 10as and 10bs also had a tough day at the office against Barker losing convincing 5-1 in the 10as and 6-0 in the 4ths. Despite the tough opposition Diego Berdaa was able to nudge a nail-biting victory, overcoming his opponent 7-6. Despite losing 6 sets to the 4ths were down two players to their credit.
Waverly’s woes continued in the 9a’s as they lost 6 sets to 0, from a strong Barker team. Cuba Kanakis was unfortunate to narrowly lose his match 4-6, as he displayed a great deal of sportsmanship and professionalism. Despite the tough loses in the 9as, the b’s were able to produce a better result as they tied 3 sets all. Toby Ryan produced Waverly’s strongest result over all year groups trashing his opponent 6-0 in what can only be described as a masterclass performance. Jimmy Ashbridge also asserted his dominance in spectacular 6-4 victory in his singles.
The 8As and Bs continued their fine form from last year, once again proving to be the team to beat as they dismantled their opponents in what can only be described as a whitewash performance. With only 2 games dropped over the 6 sets played, Oliver Schai, Kai Jones, Connor Joyce and Jack Preller were all able to achieve near perfect victories. This underlying theme of dominance was also displayed in the 8b’s as Waverley overpowered their opponents 4 sets to 2. Bellino Testafredda were both able to achieve adequate results in their matches winning 6-0 and 6-4 respectively
Welcome back to all the boys to the start of the year, although we faced a tough opposition this week, there are still another 4 matchdays where we can prove our winning ways. Despite the heavy losses, the boys will train hard this week in training with victory in their minds for next week.
All Waverley Cricketers have begun Term 1 with some strong team performances, while there have been some fantastic individual performances across our Year groups. Seeing so many enthusiastic boys sharing roles, encouraging each other and playing a positive brand of Cricket has been highly encouraging, and a great platform to build upon in coming weeks. The new Year 5,6 and 7 teams in particular have shown excellent team spirit, with positive friendships also developing.
Great contributions to Cricket aren’t limited to the boys, and thank you very much to the many parents and the Cricket Supporter’s Group for operating a great canteen at Queens Park each Saturday, and in their plans for a great end of Season Presentation Evening. Please mark and save the date of Friday March 15, for a 6;30pm BBQ Dinner and Presentation to conclude the Summer season – all boys and families from Years 5-12 are welcome!
Quick Singles: Highlights From on the Pitch
Ouch! Barker batted first racking up a total of 301! Lachlan Forrest was the pick of our players, bowling consistently taking 3 wickets and offering some resistance with the bat. Alex Ferrara batted with confidence hitting the ball to all areas of the park eventually being dismissed for 43.
Barker got off to a flying start scoring 60 runs from their first 6 overs. There were some half chances given and some tight bowling by Schultz and Preston but Harry Schultz came back and took two quick wickets and from there Barker felt the pressure. The spin twins, Forrest and Jenkins, kept things tight in the middle overs which allowed Owens to bowl with a license using his usual flamboyant unpredictable pace and bounce. Barker batted out their 20 overs scoring a very gettable 139.
A calculated start by Jenkins and Ferrara kept the run rate ticking over and keeping us in the game. Ferrara eventually falling cheaply to a sharp bouncer that was gloved through to the keeper. Ridley Owens and Mac Jenkins formed a great partnership which certainly made the Barker team anxious. Mac crafted out a sensational 34 mostly scored through decisive running between the wickets while Ridley hit the boundary a few times keeping us well within range of the target for 45. One of his shots was the shot of the day! A wonderful pull shot that shook the commuters on the north bound, 5.35pm Hornsby bound train.
Spirits were high despite the big injury list and it was great to shake hands with the debutants Zac Wotherspoon and Dylan Brown who were warmly welcomed by the squad.
Ridley Owens, as opener, began well while Harry Whitaker bowled tight at the other end securing two early wickets. Zac Wotherspoon managed two early wickets making his debut a memorable one. Waverley keeper, Jack Hickey took his fifth catch, securing his name on the QP board for the rest of Waverley’s cricket history.
Chasing 186 for victory, enter the Waverley batting line-up and …. exit the Waverley batting line up. We were 4 for 6 after a few overs and what seemed like an easy target at the start all of a sudden looked like Mount Everest. We didn’t really recover from that early collapse and despite Brock Preston and Dylan Brown 19 not out, providing some resistance later in the day. We struggled to put a partnership together and the end result showed.
If you’re a Year 12 student in NSW, or an interstate student planning on applying in 2020 to a Uni in NSW through UAC, there’s some good news.
You can now start the undergraduate admissions process from 9am on 3 April 2019 (in previous years you had to wait until August). So if you know what you want to study and where, you could get your Uni applications done early in the Year, leaving more time to focus on study near to your exams.
Join us on campus for a fun and informative evening where we will answer the important questions: How does scaling work? What should you consider when selecting your subjects for Year 11 and 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.
The UCAT ANZ test will replace the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) from 2019 (for university entry in 2020).
The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.
It is also an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate aptitude for a demanding programme of study.
The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas locations.
Please note that some pathways to medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences will not require the UCAT. For some applicants a different test may be required. For details candidates should refer to the websites of the universities to which they intend to apply.
Find the dates for 2019 here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
UCAT has now replaced UMAT as the admissions test for entry into medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes in Australia and New Zealand.
The UCAT is a 2 hour computer-based test that will run throughout July 2019. You can download a brochure here – UCAT Handbook
We also have UCAT guides and a free full-length UCAT practice exam available for download on our website: www.matrix.edu.au/beginners-guide-to-ucat/part-8-ucat-practice-paper/
Find out about the UCAT Masterclass here – https://www.matrix.edu.au/ucat-courses/
Candidates taking the UCAT in 2019 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2020 should note these key dates:
| Registration and booking opens | 1 March 2019 |
| Registration closes | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Final booking deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Cancellation deadline | 17 May 2019 at 11:59pm AEST |
| Testing begins | 1 July 2019 |
| Last testing date | 31 July 2019 |
| Results delivered to universities | Early September 2019 |
Find out more here – https://www.ucat.edu.au/ucat-anz/dates-and-fees/
9 March | UTS Sydney
MedView’s “A Day in the Life of a Surgeon” will cut through the fat and give you a gross-anatomical view of what it’s like to be a surgeon, and how to excise the relevant information to become one.
Understand the complex pathway on training to be a doctor, and ultimately a surgeon (including UCAT, Medical School and specialty training)
Learn basic Surgical and Suturing Techniques
Understand the human body with an Anatomy Masterclass
Hear from an inspiring Surgeon , and junior doctors from Queensland’s best hospitals.
Find out more – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-surgeon-sydney-tickets-54791981291
11 February I Sydney
With the New HSC Syllabus starting for the HSC 2019, Year 12 students will be the first students to sit this new syllabus for their HSC!
To help you get your head around all the changes + ace your HSC, in this 1.5 hour workshop led by CEO of Art of Smart Education you’ll learn what you need to know about the new HSC syllabus.
In February and March we have weekend introductory courses in Directing , Screenwriting , Documentary and Producing which will give you insight into key career paths in the screen industry and are open to students 16+. We also have skills-based two-day courses in Premiere Pro , Budgeting and Camera and Sound and Online courses in Radio and Podcasting . Also just scheduled for April is John Collee’s one-day Writing for Hollywood , a great insight for all aspiring feature film writers.
Find out more here or here – https://www.aftrs.edu.au/courses/
Test dates for 2019 are coming up in March and May. You can sit it multiple times but you need to register!
Learn how to put your name down for the exam in this comprehensive article
To get into some of our courses, you’ll need to choose certain elective subjects in Years 11 and 12. That’s why it’s important for you to start preparing in advance. This guide will help you prepare and provide you with
some key things you should know about studying at uni.
Read Guide – https://sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/resources-for-career-advisers/UniSyd-Year-10-Guide.pdf
If you want to study education at uni next year then you’ll possibly need to sit the CASPer test. It’s a test designed to assess traits like professionalism, empathy, communication and ethics. Find out more about it here.
ACU is using CASPer results for 2019
Find out more and take the test here – https://takecasper.com/
In a new scheme designed to diversify the university’s ranks, school leavers will be asked to meet a minimum threshold of community service and extra-curricular activity such as working part-time, playing sport or volunteering, on top of achieving the right score for their degree.
ANU vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said students were more than “just a score” and had unique skills on offer from time spent volunteering, working part-time, excelling in sports or performance or participating in student leadership.
You can find out if you meet the tests here – http://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/new-admissions-for-2020/co-curricular-or-service-requirement
This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre.
https://www.educationusa.info/australia
The main changes to the recruitment process include no minimum academic requirement, introduction of a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials, the entrance exam is now known as the Police Entrance Exam, copies of transcripts and other mandatory documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace, online application via JobsNSW and a case office will contact applicants once applications are received.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
Our students are provided with a unique study experience, access to custom-built facilities and resources, outstanding industry networks, and graduate with a degree from one of the top universities in the world.
Find out more – http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/study
A great article for Year 12’s, with useful advice about how to avoid anxiety and perform your best in the year ahead. Read it here.
Start the new school year off right with these great tips for staying focused while studying.
Check them out – http://learningfundamentals.com.au/blog/breaking-bad-study-habits-16-effective-habits-for-success/
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Edge Online is an online resource portal that provides exclusive resources designed to provide students with the best opportunities to optimise their Year 11 and 12 scores.
http://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
Volunteering is a great way to give to your community, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It can also be a great way to get some experience on your resume before you get a job. Youth Central have some tips on finding a volunteering position and making sure you’re not being exploited in the role.
http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
Support from family and key people in their life is important in helping young people through the process of thinking about and planning for their career.
As a parent or carer, four areas where you can provide practical support are self-awareness, opportunity awareness, decision making and transition support.
Read more at – https://myfuture.edu.au/career-insight/details?id=supporting-your-child-s-career-development – /
Find out which occupations have skills shortages
Choosing a job in an industry where they need more workers is usually a smart decision. Right now, most professions are adequately supplied with large numbers of qualified candidates competing for vacancies. There are shortages for architects, surveyors, sonographers, audiologists and veterinarians, and many trades need more qualified people.
Find out where more people are needed here – https://www.employment.gov.au/occupational-skill-shortages-information
This website is for anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness. There is information about recommended qualifications and pathways, along with a list of available positions and courses.
http://www.sportspeople.com.au/
The School for Excellence (TSFX) have put together a 36 page guide to help year 12 students achieve the best possible marks in end of school exams. The guide has advice about goal setting, managing stress and procrastination, time management skills, effective learning techniques, planning study timetables and more.
Download it here: http://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
What do they do?
Paramedics are highly trained healthcare professionals, they respond to medical emergencies outside of the hospital environment. They provide care and treatment of critically ill or injured patients with the aim of keeping them alive or stabilising their condition until they get to hospital.
If you’re a people person and have a desire to help people and make a difference. Or you’d like a job that’s guaranteed to be different every single day, where you never stop learning and you’d be a member of a supportive team for life. A career as a paramedic could satisfy all your requirements.
Duties:
Skills required:
Prerequisites for applications (what the ambulance service may expect you to have before you apply)
Pathways
Average salary for a fully qualified and experienced paramedic is $88,400 but this varies massively depending on overtime (Source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
Job growth in this area is very strong (source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
Renewable energy is a booming industry and set to continue growing.
You’d be assembling, installing and maintaining solar panels for residential or commercial projects, in accordance with predetermined plans, building codes, and safety restrictions.
If you’d like a hands-on job that also comes with some responsibility. If you enjoy technical puzzles and working outside (also at heights or in small, confined spaces), then this could be a career for you.
Duties:
Skills required:
Pathways
CEC (Clean Energy Council) accreditation through trade-based training/apprenticeships combined with Certificate III / IV. or a University degree in Renewable Energy Engineering or Energy Studies.
Average salary $72,800 (Source: indeed.com)
Job growth in this area is strong (source: Joboutlook.gov.au)
Most boys have started the year very well and overcame some challenging conditions, including hot days, an internet crash, a blackout and of course the transition from holiday time to a school timetable. However, in light of these challenges, it is important to keep the obstacles we experience in perspective, particularly when we compare it to people in Tasmania who are dealing with bushfires, people of North Queensland in the flood crisis, people who have lost loved ones or people struggling with health conditions on a daily basis.
Overcoming life’s hurdles and struggling to solve an issue is how boys develop and learn resilience, which becomes more important downwind when they have to navigate life’s voyage under their own sail.
As parents and educators, we have to walk the fine line between caring for our sons versus cutting down all the obstacles in front of them. As a parent myself, I have certainly been guilty of the latter, as no parent enjoys watching them struggle, even though sometimes that is exactly what they need to do to improve, learn and develop resilience.
Resilience or grit is about the ability to try again, and again, when things don’t go according to plan. It is about having stamina, day in, day out and working hard towards long term goals. Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania University and author of the book Grit, Prof. Angela Duckworth says her research supports the notion that resilience/grit are bigger indicators of long term success than a person’s talent or IQ. Therefore, it is very important in our ever-changing world that we try and help our boys develop it.
Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, Ms Carol Dweck is considered an expert in this field. Dweck suggests that we develop resilience by adopting what she refers to as a “growth mindset”. When our boys believe they can achieve more, they understand that effort makes them stronger. Therefore, they put in extra time and effort, and that leads to higher achievement.
Dweck believes that how you praise your son will have an impact on whether he adopts a ‘fixed mindset’ or a ‘growth mindset’. If you tell your son he is smart or talented it encourages a fixed mindset and makes him vulnerable. Whereas praising the process he engages in, his hard work, the strategies he uses, his impressive focus and perseverance encourages a growth mindset. When boys have a growth mindset, they take on challenges and learn from them, therefore increasing their abilities, achievement and resilience.
This morning I met one of our new parents, Ms Sophie Smith, who has certainly adopted a growth mindset to overcome significant life challenges and support her family. Sophie has just been awarded the 2019 NSW Local Hero in the NSW Australian of the Year awards for her work with the charity she co-founded, Running for Premature Babies (RFPB). The charity has raised over $3M for the Royal Hospital for Women’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Tragically, Sophie lost triplets as premature babies and then lost her husband, Ash, to brain cancer. Sophie has also written a book called Sophie’s Boys with all profits going to the charity. Sophie has donated a book to our school library and will speak on College assembly in a couple of weeks time to expand on how one can find positives even in extremely painful experiences.
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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