Those who contribute to the 2018 Appeal will play an important role in shaping the future of Waverley College and the experiences available to our students. As tax time approaches, this is the perfect time to make a donation.
For more information on the Appeal and how to donate, download our brochure at the link below or donate online at giving.waverley.nsw.edu.au.
If you would like more information, please contact Victoria Poole in our Development Office at advancement@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for supporting Waverley College.
On Wednesday 6 June, the annual CAS Drill Competition was held at Knox Grammar School. Competing against other CAS Cadet Units including Barker College, Trinity Grammar School, Knox Grammar School and; for the first time, a team from St Aloysius College. The Waverley College Drill Squad demonstrated self-discipline, precision and a will to succeed while conducting a series of 26 complex drill movements.
The squad began training at the beginning of Term 2 under the direction of the RSM, Warrant Officer Class 1 Dylan Jackson. With training held three times a week at 7:40am, rain, hail or shine, the squad would meet and train relentlessly. Each member of the squad exhibited incredible dedication and a will to sacrifice simple pleasures in what would eventually become one of the strongest and most prepared drill squads from Waverley ever to compete in the competition.
Finally, 6 June arrived and the competition began. Each unit’s name was drawn out of a hat and Waverley had the honour of presenting first. The competition commenced with a dress inspection, whereby the squad was formed up on the parade ground while two Army Warrant Officer Class 1’s inspected each individual member. Following the inspection was the drill presentation. The squad remained perfectly still and waited in suspense for the first order to be called. Each drill movement was carried out to an exceptionally high degree of perfection. The conduct of Waverley’s Drill Squad even impressed the members of other units who commended our squad on their level of precision and dedication. This year, Waverley “was the school to beat”. After our presentation had been completed, each school then conducted their drill routine. Our most notable contender and rival, Knox, was the last to compete. Ambivalence arose among all competitors and spectators; Waverley and Knox were neck and neck at their level and precision of drill. The judges deliberated over the scores and came to the decision that Knox had won overall. We extend our congratulations to Knox for their outstanding performance.
Although we did not emerge as the victors of the competition, I wish to commend every member of the Drill Squad as their level of dedication and sacrifice to the competition was outstanding. In the end, everyone was extraordinarily proud of the work they had put in, of the fact that we had represented Waverley College to such a high standard and assurance that we had presented one of the finest drill squads in the history of the competition.
Over the weekend, we had many Waverley College students involved in the Junior Rugby Union State Championships. While leaving the Blue and Gold jersey at home for the weekend, those players involved played for a range of club sides and travelled to venues ranging from Orange to Concord. Congratulations to all players involved and thanks to all the parents who supported a great weekend of junior rugby.
I would also like to congratulate our students who were involved in refereeing over the weekend. Special mention to Daniel Andrews who was given the duties of refereeing the Under 14s Grand Final and Sam Jagoe-Fisher who was rewarded by being appointed AR1 (reserve referee) in the Under 13s Grand Final. We are very grateful for the time that referees dedicate to rugby to ensure each match can go ahead. This means we can continue to gain some wonderful memories on the playing field.
This weekend sees the commencement of the CAS competition. We face an extremely tough challenge first up as we play against Knox Grammar School. Knox were the joint premiers of the Henry Plume Shield in 2016 with Waverley, and will definitely send out some quality teams which we will need to be prepared for. Our 13s, 16s and Opens will be travelling up to Wahroonga, while our 14s and 15s get to start off the CAS at our home ground, Queens Park.
As the preparations over the last two weeks have been significantly impacted due to the wet weather and the field closures, I encourage all players to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to kick off. This will not only allow for a thorough warm up, but give coaches some extra face-to-face time with teams ahead of the match. For those playing up at Knox, traffic can be harsh on a Saturday morning so please give yourself plenty of time.
As it is the opening round of competition, I anticipate that there will be a great deal of anxiety, excitement and emotion in this fixture. It is important that all players, coaches and supporters maintain a “Blue Head” (i.e. keep calm) at all times when playing or supporting each game. It is extremely important that all involved remain composed, respect opposition players/supporters and officials at all times, and applaud the positive elements of the game. Please take note of the CAS Code of Conduct ahead of the weekend:
In the event of a player, or athlete being sent-off during a CAS fixture, it is the responsibility of that boy’s Headmaster at his discretion to determine the penalty. It is generally understood among Headmasters, however, that the boy will serve at least one week’s suspension from participating in the CAS competition.
Good luck to all teams in CAS Round 1! I hope all players put their best efforts in this weekend and ensure they can get the CAS season off to a flying start for the Waves!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
NSW Rugby recognises the significant contribution of schools, not only to future professional players, coaches and administrators, but to the broader rugby community and the culture and values that are integral to the game.
Over the last 12 months NSW Rugby has made significant steps to better work with schools, one being the creation of the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation is to:
As a thank you for the ongoing support of Waverley College, NSW Rugby would again like to offer students and their families the opportunity to attend the last two home games of the season vs the Sunwolves on the 7th of July and the Brumbies on the 14th of July for FREE!
WHAT: NSW Waratahs vs Sunwolves
WHEN: 7.40pm Saturday 7 July
WHERE: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
OFFER: Complimentary family pass (4 tickets) for each student and staff member.
AND
WHAT: NSW Waratahs vs Brumbies
WHEN: 7.40pm Saturday 14 July
WHERE: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
OFFER: Complimentary family pass (4 tickets) for each student and staff member.
Please contact me before the end of term for more information and to take up this offer on jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or jdivall@waverley.nsw.edu.au if you need more information during the school holidays.
With the second half of the CAS season commencing this weekend against Knox, I challenge all teams to see if they can improve on results they had in Round 1. This can be improving on how teams work together, the communication between players, following set pieces or getting a win. As we are versing Knox this weekend Year 7, 10 and Opens will be making the trip out to Curagul or Samuel King fields. Please ensure you check the fixtures for where teams are playing and what time the games commence. Players are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the kick-off for an adequate warm up, however please ensure you allow plenty of travel time as traffic is heavy on Saturdays getting to Knox.
Round 5 saw Waverley travel to Summer Hill to take on a confident Trinity side who had gained their first win last week. Upon arrival it was evident that the weather was to play a significant role in the game, with rain and strong winds belting the artificial surface. Play began with both teams probably underestimating the strength of the wind with the first half seeing end to end action. Waverley had the better of the first half opportunities, most notably Dom Abruzzese who was looking in fine form leading into the half-time break.
With scores locked at the half, Waverley opened the scoring early through that man Abruzzese, who neatly finished a well worked move. It was not much longer until Abruzzese again got his name on the scoresheet, tapping home a fumbled ball by the Trinity goalkeeper which was a result of a strong Mario Rebollo strike. Waverley seemed to be cruising, creating a number of chances to extend their lead. However, it was a counter attack by Trinity which gave the game life, leaving the score 2-1 with 20 minutes to play. Waverley continued to apply pressure and create more opportunities although the score wasn’t to change with Waverley coming away with a well earned 2-1 victory. Special mention must go to the Waverley defence and goalkeeper: Lachlan Forrest, Liam Flanagan, Carter Kiligrew, Luke Fuller and Marcus Cowan, who each handled the unfavourable conditions well and were reliable throughout the match.
At the halfway point of the season, Waverley sit in 2nd position, just 2 points behind leaders Barker. As the second round of matches fast approach, the team is looking forward to having a shot at redemption against Knox. Waverley sit in a very exciting position which promises for some entertaining football.
The next Football Supporters Club meeting will be on the 20th June at 5pm in the TAS Foyer of the Cosgrove Centre. The meeting will focus on the preparations of the presentation night. If you would like any further information regarding the meetings please send an email to the Convenor of Football Stephen Wilmot at swilmot@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Old Boys Union is inviting all members of the Waverley community to come together to enjoy the drama and excitement of all the Socceroos fixtures. With the games broadcast on the big screen and seating for all, bring your friends and family to join in the great atmosphere.
Queens Park Rangers man and Waverlian, Massimo Luongo arrives in Russia after a stellar club season that saw him voted “Player of the Season” by both the club and its fans.
Australia’s 4-0 and 2-1 friendly wins over Czech Republic and Hungary respectively, has seen them leap into 36th place in the FIFA World rankings, one ahead of Iran which means The Green and Gold are now the highest ranked Asian nation heading into the World Cup.
Join us at Waverley College PAC for a live telecasts on the big screen. Tickets are $10 per person for each game with light food and beverages provided. Buy your tickets at the door.
France v Socceroos: 8pm AEST – Saturday, 16 June 2018
Denmark v Socceroos: 10pm AEST – Thursday, 21 June 2018
Socceroos v Peru: 12am AEST – Wednesday 27 June 2018
RSVP: Let us know you are coming by text or email to
Peter Hannigan: 0418 400 669 or thetreefellas@bigpond.com
Come and cheer on Massimo and The Socceroos!
June 20 | Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Law
June 21 | Art & Design
This event will give students in Years 11 and 12 (and their parents) an insight into our unique student life and the degrees on offer.
Your aim is to attain the best HSC result you can. So, you should choose courses that you are good at, interested in and may use in the future.
When considering which courses to study, explore the content of a course. For example, what are the course outcomes? Will you be required to submit a major work, or perform, as part of your exams? Talk with your teachers about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as individual course requirements, before making your selections.
June 27 | Macquarie Head Office, Sydney
In partnership with Explore Careers, Macquarie Group would like to invite year 11 and 12 students to our Global Headquarters to find out more about the Banking and Financial services industry.
Lots of accounting firms look for cadets at this time of year. These cadetships pay you to work full-time while you study part time. You’ll get lots of support from your employer to continue and excel in your studies. And we often get told that companies can’t find enough applicants to fill the roles, so you’ve got a great chance if you meet the criteria.
For most of them you must be in Year 12 and planning on going to uni in 2019.
Here are some we found, but if you google cadetships in your area you’ll find many many more:
Applications close Friday 6 July
To find out more please contact the HR Team on (02) 6621 8544 or submit your application through Seek today.
June 21 | University of Sydney
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies at the University of Sydney is launching its new Bachelor of Advanced Computing degree in 2018. Join us at an information evening where you will learn more about this new degree and the opportunities that it brings to our students.
Thursday 21 June 5:30 pm
Wednesday 18 July 5:30 pm
There’s more to modern nursing than meets the eye. Whether you’re in high school, TAFE, working as an AIN or EN or looking to embark on a change in career, this session is for you. Hear from nursing academics and current students before touring our world-class clinical laboratories and taking part in a hands-on workshop.
We recognise students who are engaging with their school and community in service and leadership have diverse interests. So, we’ve decided to open the Global Leadership Entry Program (GLEP) to almost all Macquarie degrees.
Your students can now:
Applications close Monday 27 August, but apply now and you could receive an offer as early as NEXT MONTH
In 2019 we’re excited to offer two Co-op programs:
Actuarial students will receive a scholarship of $18,200 p.a. and accounting students will be paid by our partners while they are on each placement.
These highly competitive courses will see students alternate between classroom studies and placements throughout their four years of study. Students will undertake three placements, totalling 15 months.
Applications are now open for both programs. We encourage students to commence their applications as soon as possible.
June 26 | Broadway Campus
Applications for Notre Dame’s Early Offer Program close on 31 July 2018. This event provides a great opportunity for students to find out tips and advice on submitting a comprehensive application. Students who gain an Early Offer are notified before they sit their final Year 12 exams.
July 12 | Chippendale
Join us at our Careers in Law day to explore all programs in Law, and where this profession can take you.
Applications close Tuesday 31 July
Are you motivated, forward-thinking and eager to get a head start on your future? Secure a place at Notre Dame before you sit your final Year 12 exams with the Early Offer Program.
Apply here –
Contact (02) 8204 4404 or sydney@nd.edu.au
Early Offer and Parent Information Session – Tuesday 26 June at Chippendale
Tuesday 19 June 2018
Discover why studying at UTS will give you an edge! This event is open to Year 11 and 12 students, and their parents. Careers advisers and teachers are also welcome to attend. Registrations will open here in February.
Applications for 2019 Bachelor & Diploma Courses are open from 2 July to 30 September.
As part of your online application you need to submit a Teacher Selector Statement which consists of a concise (approximately 1000 words) statement demonstrating your suitability to teaching. There is some great advice to help you write this statement here
NOTE: the advice could help you write similar statements required by other universities, not just ACU.
July 10 – North Sydney Campus
University Experience is a free program that gives you the opportunity to sample the degree of your choice. Get a taste of life at ACU by meeting academic staff and current students and trying out the course you’re interested in.
Regular volunteer work in your community – through a social justice organisation, sporting, performance, cultural or religious group – may be rewarded through our Community Achievers’ Program with entry into an undergraduate degree.
A successful CAP application means you could receive an offer as early as August to study at ACU. Being part of this CAP group also offers unique opportunities to enhance your leadership and volunteering skills, while you study with us.
Applications open Tuesday 1 May 2018 and close Tuesday 31 July 2018
July 12 | Strathfield Campus
University Experience is a free program that gives you the opportunity to sample the degree of your choice. Get a taste of life at ACU by meeting academic staff and current students – and trying out the course you’re interested in.
ACU’s new Passion For Business (P4B) program is not just about your ATAR – it’s about providing a unique opportunity for student’s with a passion for business. Are you a current Year 12 student studying a business related subject at school and want to gain an early competitive edge?
ACU believes passion and commitment to learning are important. Passion for Business is a guaranteed early entry program designed to nurture your learning passion and give you a step up in your future business career.
We understand you might need support to maintain sporting or performing excellence while studying. The Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP) is designed to give you that support, and encourage excellence in both your sport/performing and academic life.
Future Student Applications are open year round.
Commences in 2019. The Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Education degree has core studies that provide an extensive knowledge and skills base in human health, wellness and performance, with a specific focus on the role of sport, exercise and outdoor education.
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
How to make the right choice at High School to prevent issues later.
The Mathematical Association of NSW has put together a guide to selecting maths subjects for the HSC.
Read the guide here
Find out more here
Entry into undergraduate medicine degrees is highly competitive. Take these steps to make sure your application is considered.
Thinking of studying medicine, dentistry or health sciences? You need to know about UMAT.
UMAT stands for the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test. It’s a test that’s designed to help select students for undergraduate medicine and health science programs for participating universities.
If you’re in your final year of secondary school and want to enter a medicine or health science degree next year then you need to sit UMAT in 2018. It’s only held once a year.
In 2018 it will be held on Wednesday 25 July , 2018
Want to become a teacher? You could get paid to study and have a guaranteed job on graduation. Subscribe to their mailing list to find out more .
July 28 – Sydney
Join us at our Open Day in July and learn all about AIT, the creative industry and amazing opportunities available to you.
July 13 – Sydney & Canberra
AIE’s Industry Experience Days are a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries. Students will get the opportunity to learn about the different pathways to get into the industry, what should be in a portfolio and will be able to get creative in practical workshops using industry-standard 3D animation and game development tools.
June 20 | Sydney
AIT’s Info Night is perfect for those wanting to explore the endless opportunities available in the growing creative industry. This fun and interactive seminar is a great way to get further information on our curriculum, course requirements, study pathways. Our friendly staff & students will also be there to talk to and get advice from.
This workshop provides students with an introduction to desktop Special Effects compositing and motion graphics using Adobe After Effects.
These workshops will run every Thursday for five weeks beginning on May 3rd 2018 in Ultimo.
Our courses are the perfect way to learn new skills, have fun and make new friends and are taught by industry professionals at AFTRS’ state-of-the-art film, TV and radio studios in Sydney.
Jul 02 The Real Filmmaking Workshop: 13-17
Jul 09 AFTRS Trop Jr Filmmaking: 10-15
June 16 | PCYC Auburn, Lidcombe
Thinking of a Sydney Trains apprenticeship? Try-a-Trade Day lets you try before you apply.
Applications open soon for Rio Tinto’s incredible apprenticeship program. If you’re interested, then do your research and start putting your documents together to apply.
The 4 year program offers qualifications in the following areas – electrician, heavy duty diesel mechanic, mechanical fitter, and light vehicle maintenance.
Applications will be advertised here – www.riotinto.com/careers
At NECA we’re here to help you complete a national qualification that supports a career in data/ communication, home automation, renewable energy, construction, the installation of lights, power, air conditioning, fire protection, building management systems and more.
They pay for everything, including your tools, and you’ll get a nationally recognised qualification.
80% of their apprentices graduate and 99% of graduates find a job in the first 3 months, with up to $91k starting salary.
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.
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.
The police force is recruiting, and they’ve launched a new Facebook page.
They’re also running info sessions and practice sessions for the Physical Capacity Test.
Recruitment Information Session – Parramatta COMING SOON
Saturday 16 June 9.00am – 12.00pm
Find out more
NSW Parliament has passed reforms which increase the training requirement for Real Estate Agents. The previous course took 5 days (or less), but now recruits will need to complete more units and undergo 12 months industry experience before they can become a Licence holder.
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.
Australian Defence Force Academy applications are now open. To avoid having to do the application when you are busy with year 12 exams, think about starting your application soon!
2-4 June ICC Darling Harbour
Skills Show Australia 2018 provides visitors with an opportunity to discover future careers through interactive events, demonstrations and competitions. It aims to equip young Australians with the knowledge to make an informed choice about their future career options. The Skills Show also provides them with a unique chance to network with the hundreds of industry and educational experts.
There are robotics competitions, and Try’aSkill events, plus much more.
Register to attend (it’s free)
A resource that provides students and career advisers access to the relevant tools to explore career, education and employment options.
The 400+ job descriptions covered by the guide include information about personal requirements, education and training, employment opportunities and related jobs
A tax file number is a unique nine-digit number issued to individuals and organisations to help administer tax and other Australian Government systems. Students need a TFN before they can start any type of paid work.
For information on how to apply
Get your copy of the Career Guide by downloading it here
Sunday 17 June 2018 | 10am to 2pm | UNSW Sydney
Examinations are a great source of stress for students, but it doesn’t need to be this way. With the right advice and a solid study plan, you can reduce stress levels, cut down on study time and significantly improve examination marks!
Valued at over $150, this lecture is FREE when you make a $10 donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation on the day.
Book now
Start the new school year off right with these great tips for staying focused while studying.
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Think Education have produced a free eBook with tips on how to master your final year of school.
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
Top Tips from Past Year 12 Students
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.
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.
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
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.
This article from Deakin explores what an engineering degree can lead to in the current environment where what we know about manufacturing, business and career paths is all changing.
Our subject-specific lecture program will enable you to learn essential content and methods from the most qualified teachers in NSW.
Held at Macquarie University, UTS, University of Newcastle, and UOW.
Want to help your child prepare for their best possible marks, but not sure where to start? This guide was written with you in mind…
This article from Youth Central has some great tips on surviving and succeeding in Year 12. Start your year off right by thinking about how you’re going to balance your year.
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.
This page has electronic resources on a number of topics, including comparing universities by state or by degree. The information is all sourced from The Good Universities Guide 2018.
Check out the Construction Bullseye from MyFuture here.
Construction is about much more than just residential homes. On the big worksites, cranes are essential pieces of kit that can lift, move and carefully place materials and resources in the right locations.
Video – Just the Job, Crane Operator
Qualified crane operators are in demand in many places across Australia where the building industry is booming. There are lots of different types of cranes, and the tasks you’ll be doing vary depending on the type of worksite you’re working on, and the industry you’re working in.
The downsides can be the long shifts (often 10 to 12 hours), the noise, and the low levels of contact with other people (you literally spend most of your work day stuck in a tower in the sky).
Salary: There was some conflicting advice about pay – SkillsVic say that the average pay is $102,472, and Glassdoor list it as $83,040. Starting salaries may be slightly lower than this amount, and there is potential for you to go on to own your own equipment and start your own business (which could significantly increase your salary).
Job Prospects: It depends on your location, and on the level of construction going on. SkillsVic list the job prospects as poor, but when I searched on Seek I found 152 jobs currently listed across Australia.
Qualifications: Most states require you to have a High Risk Work Licence (see the NSW version here) and you’ll need to find an RTO offering formal HRW licence training. You can also undertake a traineeship or study for a Certificate at TAFE.
Where do I start? Read this article about the ‘ups and downs’ of being a crane operator, then check out this site from the Good Universities Guide which has a list of crane-operator courses.
All boys in Year 7-10 are currently undergoing their half yearly examinations and we wish them all the best with their respective subjects. It is very important to maintain good habits during this time – healthy diet, exercise, hydration and most importantly sleep as this will have the greatest impact on boys’ ability to have the right frame of mind to recall facts, comprehend and respond to problems.
Most of our actions have either a positive or negative consequence. One could argue a third option of neutral consequence is possible. Problems arise however, when we don’t think about or recognise the possible consequences of our action or we get away with our actions a few times without a consequence which leads to a false sense of security. In these circumstances, we of course are playing with great risk, that only suddenly becomes very clear when a tragedy occurs or we get caught out. The tragedy or consequences then usually have a ripple effect upon others and can drag families into very difficult circumstances. The College has some clear boundaries which are outlined in each student’s diary and are also reiterated to the boys throughout the year across multiple forums. Communities need boundaries to ensure they prosper and are safe environments to learn and work in. Encourage your son to make good choices in his life, we all make mistakes, but learning from these mistakes is very important in determining the man he will become. Also remind him that some consequences have significant ramifications and they can influence his journey dramatically.
Congratulations to Jack Hardwick-Owen who has been awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award. This is a prestigious award that recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. Each year, secondary school teachers are invited to nominate one recipient for the Award from Year 10, 11 or 12. Each nominee must participate actively in the school’s physical education program with a consistently positive attitude and must have represented the school in sport.
Congratulations to Hunter Foley (Year 12) who in 2017 received a NSW Police Eastern Suburbs Local Area Command Commendation for:
“Being recognised for his assistance in apprehending an offender who committed a break and enter offence in Waverley. Hunter chased and restrained the offender in violent circumstances. As a direct result of Hunter’s actions, police were able to arrest and charge the offender who was later convicted and sentenced”.
The Commendation ceremony took place last Tuesday, 5 June 2018.
Congratulations to Robbie Beal who will be representing New South Wales in swimming on Saturday, 16 June.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent CAS at the CIS Cross Country on 14 June at Eastern Creek.
Year 12: Kiva Gwynne, Jonathon Schacht, Charles McGrath
Year 11: Til Kathriner, George Vouros, Oscar Davis
Year 10: Alex Talbot, Monty Parsons
Year 9: Thomas Clothier, Hugh Clothier, Remy Crompton-Lamb, Luuk Zilich, Kurt
Kress
Year 8: Banjo Studholme, Leo Morgan, Liam Davis
Year 7: Hugo Morgan
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to trial for NSW CIS Rugby League.
U15’s: Christian Smirnotis, Aaron Dimovitch, Emmanuel Di Bartolo, Davvy Moale, Clem Halaholo.
U18’s: Luca Moretti, Marco Moretti, Lathan Hutchinson-Walters, Jarrod MacAskill, Levi Milford
In the U15’s Christian Smirnotis and Davvy Moale were chosen to play in the NSW team. In the Open’s all boys were selected.
Max D’Agostino is playing for the NSW U17’s AFL team this weekend.
The following Cadets represented the College in the CAS Drill competition held at Knox Grammar on Wednesday, 6 June.
Year 9: Charles Adonis, Isaac Kopsiaftis, Noah Matet, Luca Paolella, Bryn Parry, James Privett, Hayden Walker.
Year 10: Joshua Cornelius, Cullen Di Mattina, Aidan Korpa, Brock Preston, Noah Ratcliff, Christopher Salem, Joseph Simonella, Emile Stephenson.
Year 11: Fletcher Duff, Cooper Flynn, Joshua Gleeson, Hugh Marshall, Bradley Marzol, Logan Ryan, Samuel Tsaousis, Nathaniel Yarrow.
Year 12: Dylan Jackson, Flynn Schulz
Men’s Health Week – 11-17 June 2018
The school will mark Men’s Health Week with a number of events next week. This year the them is, ‘Men and families – Making Healthy Connections’. The theme explores the different ways that families support the health and wellbeing of men and boys and the positive contribution that men and boys make to their families.
Pilates on the Beach
For the second year the College will offer a free pilates session for students and their dads on Thursday, 14 June at 7.00am (sharp) on the sand in front of the main Lifeguard Tower on Bondi Beach. The event is open to Waverley College fathers (or male role-models) and their sons. Places are strictly limited by Waverley Council to 100 people. Please be sure to bring along a yoga mat or towel. Students MUST wear full PE uniform to this event (no other sport uniform items are acceptable). Fathers should wear clothing that is comfortable for moving and stretching. This is a free event but you MUST register to attend as numbers are limited. BOOK HERE.
At the conclusion of the session, students will walk together back to the College where free fruit will be available for all students.
Throughout the week a variety of additional activities will be available to promote health, wellness and positive social connections for our students.
The Good News
We are living in an environment where being unhealthy has become normal. Over half of adults and more than one in five children in NSW are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and type 2 diabetes later in life. The good news? It’s never too late to make a change for yourself or your family. Small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. We need to change normal. We need to make healthy normal.
Find out more about making healthy normal HERE.
Waverley College’s campus sees the movement of 1500 students, 180 staff and external hirers across two campuses plus a preschool each day of the school year.
Transport NSW figures show that over 50 students annually are significantly injured in pedestrian accidents in close proximity to their schools.
Our staff are committed to ensuring our community arrives and departs the campus in a safe manner each day.
The College does not have designated drop off or pick up zones due to the proximity of our campus to Birrell Street. Most of our students walk, bus and train to and from the College.
To ensure the safety of all, parents who drive are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times and insist that their sons enter/exit the car on the footpath side.
Parking inspectors as well as the NSW Police have a presence in our vicinity at the start and end of our day so parents should ensure they are always parked legally and avoid manoeuvres such as illegal U-turns and three-point turns and ensure their speed is within the 40 km/ph school zone limit.
Finally, use of the main turning circle at the administration office should be avoided as this is an area of high student density. Departing students are often more focused on getting to their bus stop rather than awareness of surrounding vehicles. The College uses this space for numerous deliveries during the day and is an area that quickly becomes built up and jammed.
The following is a summary of our safe drop-off and pick-up advice:
“ICAS Writing is an English language writing test perfect for assessing a student’s writing skills. This skills-based assessment gives teachers a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses in their students’ writing ability. With annual participation, over time this writing competition provides valuable insights for both the individual student as they progress in their studies, and schools as they compare the performance of students in the current year against previous years.” – ICAS, 2018
Any students from 7-11 who are interested are to see Angela Holmes (Assistant Head of English) for a permission note (aholmes@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Write a Book in a Day is a unique, creative and challenging team competition for writers of all ages. Teams of up to 10 have just 12 hours to complete a book from start to finish. To make it even more fun, unique parameters must be included in the story. Select students from 7-10 will be participating.
For more information please contact Bill Roberts, Head of Library Services (wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is available for all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 9, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.
For more information please contact Bill Roberts, Head of Library Services, (wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
“The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) is a not-for-profit, professional organisation that offers a range of mathematical competitions for students aged from around eight to 14. The programs are unique in that they focus on the students’ ability to solve mathematical problems in a creative manner – as opposed to simply reaching a solution using a prescribed method.” – APSMO, 2018
Year 7 and 8 Mathematics students have the opportunity to participate in the Math Olympiads every year. They will be sitting the competition on the following dates:
23rd May, 13th June, 25th July, 15th August, 12th September
For more information, please contact Lachlan Hillman, Assistant Head of Mathematics (lhillman@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
Students in Frank Mastroianni’s Year 7 class were encouraged to extend their learning through creative writing tasks. “The focus for Learning Enrichment is to expand knowledge laterally, ensuring the reward for hard work is NOT more hard work. Since Year 7 English classes are mixed ability, learning enrichment allows boys to work at their own pace… Learning Enrichment involves a writing activity with an aim to create sophistication and flair”, such as using figurative language (metaphors, similes, analogies, personification) all of which add variety and personality to creative writing.
Students can create an online profile and access a range of different STEM tutorials, challenges, and resources
Students can compete in a range of computer coding and programming courses, alongside a competition where they compete with students from all around the world. Participants will receive online tutoring, a participation certificate, and their rank on a leaderboard. No experience required! A fantastic way for students to challenge themselves in an upcoming area with many job opportunities.
An online platform with activities, challenges and research projects focussing on geography and science.
‘Boys and girls, from both government and independent schools in the city and the country, are divided into groups of four detectives. They then solve fictitious felonies using a range of forensic techniques, including microscopy, chromatography, fingerprint analysis, cryptography and general science.’
The camp is designed for Year 8 science students, and is held at TAS Armidale. Students need to send in a written application to be accepted as a competitor.
Provides a major focus for secondary school students on the relevance of chemistry. Secondary students. Registrations opened 5 March 2018. Closing date for registration is 8 June 2018.
Every year, every student from every school across Australia is invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song for a chance to win prize-money that can be allocated towards musical equipment and tuition, as part of the ACMF’s annual National Songwriting Competition. Our annual National Songwriting Competition is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage creativity and self-expression through songwriting. “Songwriting is a highly creative process. We want kids to free their imagination and engage with learning in a fun way” – Don Spencer, Founder & CEO.
Thank you to those students and parents who emailed in their feedback regarding this excursion. The support for the continuation of this program in 2019 and beyond was overwhelmingly positive.
The issue with the current course seems to be that there is too much demand for the staff and facilities at Royal North Shore Hospital to keep up without detracting from their core business of saving lives. Unfortunately for us, the short term solution is to limit access to the P.A.R.T.Y program to those schools located in RNSH’s geographic area.
There is some good news: I have been put in contact with the St George Clinical Skills Centre in Kogarah who now cover schools in the Waverley Council area. I am currently liaising with them to establish an ongoing partnership.
Thanks again for your positive feedback – here’s a little of what parents and students had to say about the program:
I personally found the excursion very confronting but I also learned a lot about the seriousness of car crashes and attempted suicides. After learning about what it’s like being a quadriplegic and a paraplegic and how much they have to suffer for the rest of their lives, this is happening to teenagers and young people every day here in Australia and all those young people will now be like this for the rest of their lives. For every teenager to actually see the consequences of their actions such as drink driving, stealing your parent’s car, texting while driving, it will deter them from committing such actions in the future. Having the nurses speak to us and physically seeing the process of a car crash victim, this sticks in your mind, it stuck in mine. I believe that yesterday’s trip w a life changing experience for many people and we should be thankful to our teachers for arranging this for us and we should thank the staff of the Royal North Shore Hospital for giving up their time to show us the true consequences of actions that many see as harmless. If Saint Vincent’s for example could do something like this for all the boys here at Waverley College, then it would be the best experience for the boys because they will be educated and deterred from drinking and driving, speeding to impress mates and texting while driving.
I can safely say that myself along with my peers took many things away from today’s experience at the hospital. I feel that the information presented to us about harms associated with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as the damaging effect risky behaviour can have on a young life was extremely important and relevant for us to hear (given our age/gender group being most at risk). Also, the stories of how lives like Matt’s were changed forever due to harmful behaviours put all of the prior warnings and info into perspective and made it a reality. I think the excursion was very well managed as a whole by the hospital staff, and one of the best school excursions I have attended.
Today was a very eye opening program that I wish all students should get the opportunity to experience. Throughout the day we all learned about the life long consequences of risk taking behaviour, not only on the patient but their extended family, friends, first responders and all medical staff involved. The program walked us through real life situations with patients & doctors, which meant the style of learning was more engaging and knowledgeable for us. The P.A.R.T.Y program is extremely valuable to future students due to the harsh reality of risk taking behaviour amongst teenagers. The program is also a form of education that can’t be taught anywhere else as it would not have the same benefits if done in school classrooms.
I was reading about the possible cessation of the P.A.R.T.Y program. I think this is an invaluable opportunity for our boys to learn first hand the effects alcohol can have on their lives, especially when so many are starting to experiments and another important step to help them own their actions. It would be a real shame for this program to stop after 2019 and I certainly would like to lend my voice to its continuation.
I am writing to express my support for the Prevention of Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth programme. This is an invaluable excursion for teenagers at a very impressionable and vulnerable time of the lives. It would be wonderful if this can be expanded to the Eastern suburbs or continued for Waverley Students in the North Shore so that more youths can be educated on risks and preventable accidents and the sad consequences that can occur. I strongly hope that this can be supported by the hospital as if one boy learns to follow the motto “Live once, think twice” preventing them to make a bad choice it would be worth every investment made.
I read with interest the news item in last week’s Nurrunga regarding P.A.R.T.Y. and disappointed to learn that the program won’t be continued past 2018. I would like to see this invaluable experience continue in 2019 and send this email to you as a letter of support advocating for the continuation of this program and/or the expansion and provision of this program in the Eastern Suburbs. Sometimes being able to see first-hand provides our young men a deeper understanding and provides a reason to think differently about the actions or decisions they may make.
I was disappointed to hear that the P.A.R.T.Y program was no longer to be offered to the boys of Waverley College. I have a son in Year 10 and one in Year 8. As anyone who has anything to do with teenagers will understand, you can talk to them all you like about risk and consequences but at this stage of their development they believe they are bullet proof, as most have not seen or suffered the consequences of life changing tragedy. Therefore, I believe that a program like P.A.R.T.Y is vital to creating an understanding in them of the very real possibility of harm or tragedy entering their lives by seeing firsthand the results and the hearing from the people who deal with it on a daily basis. A visual and real life encounter with emergency services and the place where all this takes place is vital to the boys gaining an understanding of the risk of injury posed by unthinking, impulsive behaviour. I believe such an encounter would promote a pause for thought moment in some and hopefully all of the teenagers who have the opportunity to attend. This is a very real and practical way to get the message home to teenagers. It would be an enormous shame if such a program were no longer available at Royal North Shore or in the Eastern Suburbs where they are likely to end up in the case of an accident. I cannot fathom why such a program would not be readily available to all schools.
I’m writing to you about the Prevention of Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth program that Waverley College has been a part of. Reading about this program on Facebook and in the College newsletter, I was blown away and thought what an amazing opportunity for our boys to participate in. There are far too many life changing ‘accidents’ caused by bad choices within our community and I think this kind of practical experience would resonate deeply with our boys. It would be so sad to see this program come to an end. Please let me know of any further support I can offer to help maintain Waverley’s participation in this program.
Our family would like to deeply request that the PARTY programme continue into 2019 and beyond, at the proposed St Vincent’s. Our children today are exposed to so much dangerous information that they don’t yet have the faculties to understand via online media or simply in their peer groups. Children today are finding themselves in situations where they don’t stop and think about their decisions, which can be absolutely life threatening. It seems that experts in the field are definitely the people who can make the strongest impact on our kids, to help them stop and think, in order to make decisions that will keep all our kids safe. We applaud such a valuable programme and are very grateful that the school be part of such an initiative.
Thank you very much for giving my son the opportunity to attend yesterday. He spoke a lot last night about what he had seen and heard to his Dad, myself and his 2 also teenage sisters. He was full of admiration for the young man who told his very sad story of becoming a paraplegic, including links with earlier drug use. The man’s insights into how drugs felt good at first but really made everything worse made a real impact on Angus. One of those messages that any parent or teacher could give – but from someone that has been through it, has a different impact on a teenager. My son has also come back with a very detailed understanding of how Emergency, ICU, Ambulance Services link together – and the role of the ambulance officers, nursing, medical, physio, OT and social workers in the care of patients and their families. It is a day that will always be remembered by my son – hopefully as he guides himself, his friends and family to avoid risky behaviour. It would be wonderful if this program was established at POWH OR SVH so eastern suburbs schools had access.
I am writing in support of the P.A.R.T.Y. program. As the mother of an current year 8 student I feel it is an important program to continue at Waverley College. My son and his peers would benefit greatly from this insight. They really need to be shown the real life consequences of their actions and I feel this program would be invaluable for them. I support the continuation of this program and know that all parents of my sons peers would also.
Thanks again to everyone who took time to email me with their support.
The health status of males in most countries, including Australia, is generally poorer than that of females. On Average the life expectancy for males is 4 years less than females. In most cases the last 11 years of a man’s life will be spent in poor health due to preventable lifestyle choices. More males than females die at every stage through the life span. More males have accidents, more males take their own lives and more males suffer from lifestyle-related health conditions than females of the same age. Meanwhile, men are less frequent visitors to general practitioners, and the perception is that they don’t care about health or that health services are not structured to interact with men effectively.
Each year, Men’s Health Week provides an opportunity to prioritize our own health and wellbeing as well as the men that we care about. In Australia, Men’s Health Week provides a platform for challenging and debating key issues in men’s health and to raise the profile of men, their health outcomes and health needs around the country. Each year we take time out to celebrate the qualities and attributes of men, the contributions they make and the important role they play in society. The focus for 2018 is on “Making Healthy Connections”, social connectedness and belonging is one of the biggest protective factors in terms of Mental Health and Wellness.
During the course of the week the boys will participate in a series of events and house based activities designed to prioritise the power of positive social connections and healthy lifestyle choices. The key event will once again be our Sunrise Fathers and Sons Pilates session thanks to Advanz Therapies and our Senior Student leaders. This will take place 7:00am Thursday morning on Bondi Beach in front of the main lifeguard tower. BOOK HERE TO ATTEND
We look forward to seeing you there.
FEAST of CORPUS CHRISTI Taken from excerpt from Patricia Thomas
Sunday 3rd June was the Feast of Corpus Christi. On this day we celebrate the tradition and belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ and his Real Presence in the Eucharist.
This celebration of the Eucharist is incomplete when there is hunger in the world. The Eucharist is incomplete so long as people in the world go hungry, live without adequate shelter, are neglected and forgotten. If what we do in our churches when we celebrate Eucharist on Sundays is to have any real meaning, it has to translate into what we do during the rest of the week.
Good God, of plenty,
Give us the willingness
to make present in our world,
the love of Christ.
We offer to you a solemn pledge
Of undivided love
Christ’s disciples forever,
Chosen, blessed, broken and given to the world.
May we as the body of Christ,
welcome all, share God,
give nourishment according to need.
All good gifts are made holy by the Spirit
in SHARING what we have.
In Christ Jesus we are enough,
always have enough,
and should endeavor to give enough.
Through God there is always plenty.
Amen
St Mary of the Cross: Pray for Us
Blessed Edmund Rice: Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever
‘Give them something to eat yourselves’? Luke 9:11-17
The disciples come to Jesus with the request to dismiss the people so they themselves could go and find food. Jesus challenged them with his reply:
Give them something to eat yourselves?
Jesus tells the apostles ‘You do it.’
Christ Jesus also tells us the same today, ‘You do it!’ More than enough food is grown to feed everyone on this planet.
Why do we not give them something to eat ourselves? More than 60,000 people will die of hunger on this feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Two-thirds of them will be children.
Why do we not give them something to eat ourselves? Nearly one in five people worldwide is chronically malnourished—too hungry to lead a productive, active life.
Why do we not give them something to eat ourselves? One-third of the world’s children are significantly underweight for their age.
Why do we not give them something to eat ourselves? The amount of money the world spends on weapons in one minute could feed 2,000 malnourished children for a year.
I always love a good story from staff or students that has something to share about our wonderful community here at Waverley. This story and prayer ties in well with the celebration of Reconciliation Week that happened last week and was acted upon with the Book Swap for Indigenous Literacy held last Friday in the Junior School – more on that later.
There are not many who don’t know our beautiful Irish school secretary, receptionist, problem-solver and wise sage, in Audrey Coupe. Audrey has a direct family link to the Indigenous Community at La Perouse through her son-in-law, David. Audrey often attends mass at the Reconciliation Church at La Perouse, where one of her grandchildren is currently going through the Confirmation Program.
The Reconciliation Church and office are situated at Phillip Bay (near La Perouse), at 11 Yarra Road. They do not have a permanent priest attached to this church, however they have a visiting priest each month. The Church is part of the Parish of St. Andrew’s at Malabar and has been refurbished in the spirit of Aboriginal culture and art.
Audrey shared with me this beautiful Reconciliation Prayer that was recited by all at the church last Sunday to mark Reconciliation Week. I cannot think of a better time to share this with you:
Holy Father, God of Love
You are the Creator of this land and of all good things.
We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history
and the suffering of our peoples,
and we ask your forgiveness.
We thank you for the survival of indigenous cultures.
Our hope is in you because you gave your Son Jesus
to reconcile the world to you.
We pray for your strength and grace to forgive,
accept and love one another,
as you love us and forgive and accept us
in the sacrifice of your Son.
Give us the courage to accept the realities of our history
so that we may build a better future for our nation.
Teach us to respect all cultures.
Teach us to care for our land and waters.
Help us to share justly the resources of this land.
Help us to bring about spiritual and social change
to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities,
especially the disadvantaged.
Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem by your Spirit.
May your power and love be the foundations
on which we build our families, our communities and our nation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prepared by Wontulp-Bi-Buya – Indigenous Theology Working Group, 13th March 1997, Brisbane
There was great excitement on the playground last Friday as Mrs Tunks and the High School Library Staff, along with the support from the Lacey boys from the Junior School and Year 7 SRC, went about running the Great Book Swap and Cake Stall for Indigenous Literacy. The weather was terrible and it was a bit manic but we raised $576, which was a lot better than expected for our first attempt at this event. The wild winds whipping across the playground did not dampen anyone’s spirits to walk off with a handful of books or a mouthful of cake and many had both.
Mrs Tunks asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone who contributed on Friday as mentioned and also including:
· Junior Staff
· All the boys and families who supplied books, cakes and slices.
· Mr Proudfoot, Bill Roberts and Yr7 SRC
The Great Book Swap was a fantastic way to celebrate reading in our local community and raise much-needed funds for remote Indigenous communities. The idea was to swap a favourite book in exchange for another, for a gold coin donation. Last year, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation raised over $190,000 from the Great Book Swap and this year their goal is to raise $300,000 to gift 30,000 new books to remote communities who have few to none.
We will certainly give this another run next year.
Apologies for the time it has taken, but technical difficulties with the Term One Interim Report have taken a lot of time to rectify. We are nearly there and hope to have these reissued to you through the Parent Portal very shortly.
In the meantime, I ask that you understand we are moving into a very busy time for staff with late nights and busy weekends trying to finalise the Semester One Mid-Year Reports. This is a very busy time for staff as they try to ensure boys have lessons prepared; work corrected; sports teams coached and reports marks checked and verified and comments written. I ask you to be patient with your demands of staff at this time.
Mrs Rollins was invited to be interviewed for Channel 7’s show ‘House of Wellness’ last Friday. I’ll let this email excerpt explain the rest:
Ch.7’s House of Wellness program is seeking a music education specialist to appear in a short TV segment on “Music for the Mind”. We would like to highlight the benefits of music education for all areas of life, as very concisely outlined on the Music Australia Website .
Yet again Mrs Rollins’ reputation in the Music Education sphere has seen a group reach out for her expert opinions on this area. Congratulations Michelle for these great acknowledgments of the work you do for us and beyond.
We welcome back Mr Ghattas who is back from his combined Long Service Leave and Paternity Leave after his wife, Kristy, gave birth to their son, Zane. It is great to have him back and the first thing he did on his return was to send this word of thanks out for the job done by Mr Gill. He gave permission for it to be shared in this week’s Nurrunga:
I would like to thank Anthony for the wonderful job that he did in my absence. From all accounts, everything that he took on (and there was quite a lot of it) was done with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
I threw him right into the mix with May Procession (both practices and the actual event – and from what I hear, he did a lot of organising including of the Senior Students). This was then topped off with the Mother’s Day Mass a few days later and I know from speaking with a couple of parents that they were very impressed with how the day was run – thank you.
Added to this was the Confirmation practices, evenings and lessons that Anthony attended to help ensure the Waverley students were being looked after in the process.
I know that he has made it a smooth transition for me to come back into and I cant thank him enough for everything that he did.
Regards, Steve
Waterford is currently engaging in a very exciting initiative where the boys are part of an Independent Inquiry Unit called ‘i-Time.’ This involves the boys following their interests and passions as part of an educational experience. The boys solve problems and develop 21st Century Skills whilst enjoying learning, encouraging curiosity, awe and wonder. Our common goal is to equip our students with the skills they will need for in the future for jobs. This initiative was started when Gabrielle Bransby and Charlotte Stephens attended a conference in 2017 called ‘A More Beautiful Question’. From this, ‘I-Time’ was developed based on the research presented and the amazing initiatives other school were involved in.
We thank these ladies for their enthusiasm and commitment to change in the Junior School and the great initiatives they are presenting to staff to challenge our boys and enhance the learning environment along with professionally developing staff with new and exciting practices and ideas.
It is a busy year in the Junior School with staff taking advantage of well-deserved leave to pursue outside passions and family circumstances. We have just had Mr Ghattas return and starting on Thursday this week we have Mr Robinson heading to Brazil for family reasons. Mr Robinson will be away for the three weeks to the holidays and the 6 White class will be taught by Mr Jack McCarthy who has just successfully completed the 5-Week block on 5 Blue. We are lucky to have such loyal and reliable casuals to allow a smooth transition for classes where absence occurs.
We wish Mr Robinson and his family a safe and enjoyable trip and hope he returns to us safely after the June holidays.
Thanks to all the parents who made the point of letting me know how much they enjoyed this section of the newsletter last week. I thought I’d try and keep it going with something a bit lighter and little less philosophical this week.
Tuesday’s Help Session was affected by rain as many boys decided to stay in supervised classrooms and do their work as the weather kept them off the playground. Still, I had a hardy group of about 8 Year Six boys turn up to finish some English work they had to complete.
It was as interesting for me as it was for them as I began to discuss what they were there to do. All were researching and playing around with examples of words and expressions that are as hard to spell as they are to create and understand. We sat there having a wonderful chat and sharing ideas on lots of language techniques like onomatopoeia, hyperbole, personification, similes, metaphors and oxymorons. As the teacher in the room, and one that has not taught English as much these days, and especially at this level, I did have to dive for a few Google definitions to brush up my knowledge. However, it did give the boys the opportunity to do a bit of teach the teacher. There were plenty of funny terms that had us all giggling or sometimes trying to explain to each other or understand.
I shared with them an old YouTube video of a Todd Rundgren song called ‘Onomatopoeia’ and all eventually left with work done and the words of the song bouncing around in their heads. It was a great chat about words and the ways they can be used and I think we all got something out of it.
How do you think you would go at home with your knowledge of these deceitfully clever terms?
The boys entered into the Edmund Rice Theme Day with much enthusiasm as we spent Thursday celebrating our Founder; learning a bit about his life and sharing a movie that has a social justice theme. Mr Ghattas is back and threw himself into the organisation of the day, where the boys enjoyed wearing their mufti clothes and donating a gold coin to The Smith Family.
I hope some discussion over the value of the day can be shared over the dinner table tonight and boys can share with you some video info about Edmund Rice that they have access to on their Google Slide Weekly Notices shared with them each week.
Please remember Friday 8th June is the Founder’s Day holiday and there is NO SCHOOL and Monday is the Queen’s Birthday Holiday. School starts again on Tuesday 12th June.
The final Confirmation Lesson will be held on Friday of Week 7 in the 5 Blue Classroom from 7:30am to 8:15am with Mr Ghattas. Once this is done all the boys in the local parish will be ready to make their Confirmation and become full and active members of their church. We wish all boys well in their preparation and congratulate them on taking this big step forward with their faith.
This information comes from a great website I recommend to you as a parent of young people. It would be a great one to bookmark or even subscribe to their emails:
https://www.generationnext.com.au/
Parents can play a key role in helping children develop good mental health. It is important that parents support and encourage positive mental health habits in children from an early age and continue encouraging positive mental health behaviours during adolescence. These positive habits will support young people’s health and wellbeing in all life domains into the future
Parents can help children and young people build good mental health habits by supporting them to:
When parents are warm and loving, set appropriate limits and find the positives in their young person, it helps build good mental health.
This flyer is from Mrs Tunks, who is on this committee, for the launch night for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Eastern Suburbs Sub-Branch. There will be Children’s authors speaking so it may be of interest for some parents. This night is for adults (it isn’t a Children’s event)
The Prep 1st boys were honoured by the school with a game on Queens Park No.1 last Saturday. It was a wonderful experience and one enjoyed by both boys and parents. We took on one of our great rivals, in Knox Grammar School. The boys performed admirably to claim a 24-12 victory.
The following is some of my Team App report about the game:
It was our big game on Queens Park No.1 today and I know the boys were really excited by the prospect. This is a great initiative of the Rugby Supporters Club with the support of Steve O’Donnell (Director of Co-Curricular) and John McCoy (MIC of Rugby) started just a few years ago to give the Prep 1st team a chance to play on the No.1 field. It has been well received and become an important part of our Rugby calendar.
The boys gathered in the change rooms that the 1st XV have used for years. Here they were met with a photo of the Prep 1st squad from 2011 on the wall to remind all 1st XV boys of where they have come from. Steve O’Donnell talked to the boys briefly about the great history and pride held by every boy who has represented their school and especially those who have made it to the top team and worn the double vee. He encouraged them, whether win or loss, that they always gave their very best when representing their school, and all those others they represent and take out on the field with them who have invested time and energy into their game.
Josh Weinstein was looking more comfortable as coach and gave the boys their final instructions before they headed out to the tunnel. He was very happy with the way they had trained this week and was telling me all about the new moves he had worked in the backs. His enthusiasm for the boys; the game and his school is passionate to say the least. We are so lucky to have him take over the team. There was certainly a bit more fire in the belly of the boys when they took the field than seen last week.
From the kick-off the boys looked good and were controlling the ruck well. Good early runs from Angus Sullivan and Ed Lyons set the tone. Early scrums were a good sign that the boys were willing to compete and were switched on. Newly promoted, Judah Miller, was responding well to his first run and added some real punch to the back row. Christian Robbins was back and making a powerful impact, which we missed last week. All was looking good.
Easily our finest game of the year and a real team effort from all, including the great job done off the bench. Thanks for all those boys who stayed back a bit later to support and help out, especially Eden who came to watch with his injury. This was a style of play we hope to see more of. Well done on your first No.1 field victory. Wishing you many more.
Sport at Waverley College is an exciting activity that involves every student at all different levels. We are now up to our third game of our Saturday Winter Sports Program and the excitement and energy is clearly visible.
Waverley College’s co-curricular directorate is using a free app again this winter for all football and rugby teams and their supporters. Team App is a platform that will allow our football community to improve communication by integrating everything one needs to know about football at Waverley College including:
• News
• Fixtures
• Competition Ladders
• Selection News
• Player Profiles
• Live Scores
• Photos
If you would like to access this information on your device or smart phone simply download this free App. Team App is available on both Apple and Android devices. Once you have done this search for Waverley College Football or Rugby. The College will then authenticate you giving access.
A reminder that Homework Club is held in the Junior School library each Monday-Thursday from 3.00pm-4.30pm. It is the expectation that boys using this service are working or reading.
All Year 5 boys had a Google Doc shared with them this week to list down their interest in the 2019 Armidale Rugby Tour. We are looking for 40 players to fill the positions listed. We will choose from both current Year 5 U10 & U11 Rugby Squads for the U12 Tournament in Armidale in 2019. U10 boys will need parent permission to play in an U12 Tournament. A detailed permission note will be coming home shortly. To be up for selection you must:
Selection is being carried out NOW by ALL COACHES as you play your 2018 season on both Saturday School Games and Wednesday Colour Competition. We select only 40 players so there is no guarantee that by having your name on the list you will make the squad.
We do this now as to leave the selection to 2019 would not allow interested parents to organise accommodation as this weekend is always University Graduation and Rugby Tournament in Armidale in the same weekend.
If there are any boys CURRENTLY playing rugby outside of school who would be interested we will let you have a trial at Colour Comp Rugby in Week 8 and 9. Please come prepared with boots and mouth-guards. If selected then you would be expected to play rugby in 2019. Squad announcements will not take place until the end of the 2018 season.
Please remember the details to get pictures on the Waverley Sport Facebook Page and Waverley Sport Messenger.
You can contact Lindsay through the Facebook Page; Facebook Messenger or at his website: lindsayjordan1122@hotmail.com :This email is best to use if you have many photos to share with him – Please let him know via Messenger if you have emailed him as he only uses this address for photos. If you have just small numbers of photos then attach them directly to Messenger Service with a message.
It would help if as many parents as can LIKE the page as Lindsay wants to put a lot more focus on the Junior School teams this year. He will also add any reports we send about games.
The argument that ‘boys will be boys’ actually carries the profoundly anti-male implication that we should expect bad behaviour from boys and men. The assumption is that they are somehow not capable of acting appropriately or treating girls and women with respect – Jackson Katz
Based on The Suicide by Nikolai Erdman
Adapted by Eamon Flack & the company
Director Eamon Flack
“I did not even weep at my own mothers’ funeral but I weep now” Sami in Paradise; directed and adapted from Nikolai Erdman’s 1928 play The Suicide by Eamon Flack and performed at the Belvoir Theatre, Surry Hills on the 11th of April. Sami in Paradise is a hilarious and excellently produced production than had me smiling the whole way through, except for when I was crying.
Sami in Paradise tells the story of Sami a refugee down on his luck feeling inadequate in an inadequate world. It is only when he starts to get suicidal thoughts though, that his world, really starts to fall apart (don’t worry, it’s funnier than it sounds).
Sami in Paradise explores many ideas throughout the play however the most prevalent were the themes of Exploitation and Manipulation. Constantly throughout the play Sami is treated as nothing more than a stepping stone to self-benefit one’s self. Sami is oblivious to how he is being used as merely a component in all the characters plans to self-propagate their own situation. Although hilarious to see these characters manipulate Sami to their own benefit, it is a profound social commentary. Would we sooner see a person take his own life just to improve our situation than to help that person? Looking into the ‘Rat Race’ and capitalistic ideals of ‘myself before my fellow human being’ in this growing competitive landscape.
Yalin Ozucelik is brilliant as Sami Bazzi, when he verbosely says what he’s thinking in long monologues, he leaves us completely engaged at every word he is saying. Not only is he compelling, he develops his character, Sami Bazzi fully through physicalisation and gestures. Initially we see Sami as a pathetic free-loader under-achiever which is played off as a gag. However, throughout the play we see Sami turn depressed and miserable. When we see Sami progress as a character we not only see how weak Sami becomes but also understand how Sami is thinking through Yalin’s character work. Not only is he miserable due to his situation (living in a refugee camp) but he is self-aware enough to be ashamed of the person he has become and is further becoming from his situation. Yalin expressed the body language of man who is falling into a downward spiral excellently. When Sami inevitably gets his hands on a gun, Yalin expresses how uncomfortable and unnatural it is in the hands of Sami and while being hilarious physical humour Yalin doesn’t sell-out the character for a gag but rather uses the characters motivations and state of mind and incorporates it within his comedic tangents. When Yalin would monologue on Sami’s thoughts and decision making every word feel genuine. We could hear how he was falling apart from his voice and the words he was saying. Whether it was through a slurred voice when drunk or his convention of self-doubt and self-questioning when rationalising his thoughts, he spoke and presented his thoughts true to his character. Sami is integral to the Earnest in the performance and Yalin understands when it is appropriate to take a scene jokingly or seriously. Yalin brings a certain energy to each scene which keeps you engaged whether making you laugh or making you tear up and brings the needed sincerity to the performance when touching such a disastrous and ever-growing issue. Yalin was easily able to work off his fellow actors and able to improvise through the situations he is put through throughout the performance especially through the live Foley which I will elaborate more on later.
Charlie Garber as Charlie Gerber is fantastic. Portraying one of the several leaching characters looking to use and abuse Sami, Charlie plays an important role as he sets the stage for the intentions of the characters attaching themselves to Sami. From the moment Charlie stands on the stage we get a sense of his slimy motives. His body language excellently gives us a sense of his character the way almost looks down upon Sami and how he sees him as a mere trophy piece through his character work. The way he spoke giving us this snobby back-handed impression excellently carried the characterisation of Charlie. Being the representative of the characters trying to use Sami, he stood out in his humour and callous lines. He was complete the whole performance and until the end you can’t help but be disgusted of how much he is willing to use Sami.
The use of a Thrust theatre was a great decision. You felt as if you were in their environment, a bystander watching from the side rather than a show before your eyes and it worked well with the style of the performance. When looking at the characters we believed their positions in the camp due to their costumes. In total, the performance was extremely aesthetically pleasing and added to the story.
The artistic vision of Sami in Paradise was extremely clear through the play with use of live Foley and keeping all characters on stage at all times made for a much more intriguing and dramatic performance. Live music as well as live sound effects were used throughout the play setting the tone for a scene or simply to add comedy to a scene. The uses of lighting and sound mixed exceptionally with the style of the play and kept you immersed and absorbed in a scene. Even though realistically the set was quite simple and basic it was perfect not only for the scenario of a refugee camp but for the overall style of the play. The style of the play mixed with the acting and costuming made for an amazing sensorial experience.
Sami in Paradise is a dark, quirky, and surprisingly enough, quite a conscientious thought provoking piece tackling hard hitting issues in a hilarious yet respectful way. When stepping into the theatre I was pleasantly surprised to laugh and laugh at the performance, expecting a preachy politically biased take on the refugee crisis. In fact, I believe I was most impressed in the sophistication in which they handled their subject matter. Although I did very much enjoy the performance I did have some issues with it as well. With quite a big cast of characters I found many characters to be underdeveloped or simply used for a gag. Although funny, comparing it to some of the other better performed comedy it fell flat for me. Another issue I had was with many characters serving as merely stereotypes for our main characters to feed off. Facing the same problems as the point before, however funny, they fell flat amongst the rest of the play. My biggest issue though was with the finale of the performance, the big climax to the story was of the character that was mentioned earlier in the play in the end ending his life. I was left scratching my head trying to remember who he was and why, really, I should care. It left me a little disappointed that the whole play built to this moment which felt executed quite poorly.
Overall though this is definitely one of the funniest, well produced and artistically driven performances I have ever seen. I would have to give it a 9/10.
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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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