Welcome back to Term 2 and the first round of CAS for the 2018 Season. While most were enjoying a restful break from school, the 1st XI were training and playing trial games and competitions to prepare themselves for season. I would like to thank Pat Darvill and James Hems who always go above and beyond with assisting the 1st XI. During the holiday period the 1st XI played in the St Andrews cup at Valentine Sports Park in a 2 day competition. The St Andrews Cup puts schools into different pools where they play a series of games to give them a rank for the second day to play for the shield and a plate. The 1st XI finished mid table by the end of the competition with some great wins.
The first Friday of the holidays was a trial game against The Scots College on Queen Park 1 which was the first time that the 1st XI have played another school on Queens Park 1. This gave them the opportunity to have some game time on the field before CAS season starts this week. The game was very close with both schools wanting to win but more so for the Waverley boys with it being their first game on that field. The game finished 1-0 with a winning goal from Dom Abbruzzese. The following Friday the 1st XI played against touring school Hale. The game ended with a 4-0 win against Hale as Dom Abbruzzese, Marco Arambasic and Mario Rebollo all scored goals. It was great to see the 1st XI play on QP1 and prepare themselves for a big weekend against Knox for Round 1.
During the Holidays Zlatko Arambasic ran a holiday camp for 4 days at Queens Park. The camp looked at the skill development of players and the cognitive development. I would like to thank all players who signed up for the camp to further improve their skills but also thank Zlatko for giving up part of his holiday to assist with the development of Football at Waverley.
This weekend is our first game of CAS for the season and the home game for the year. As it is a home game the 1st XI will be playing their first CAS game on Queens Park 1. It would be great to see as many supporters for the 1st XI down at Queens Park to cheer them on as they verse Knox. We will also have Years 7, 10 and Opens playing at Queens Park and Years 8 and 9 at Knox. Please ensure that you arrive 30 minutes prior to kick off and allow extra travel time if you are travelling to Knox. All players are also reminded that you must be wearing the full Waverley playing attire which includes the gold playing jersey, football shorts, socks, shin pads and boots. If it is a cold weekend players need to be wearing the Waverley jacket.
Wednesday 9 May is the 1st Supporter Club meeting of the year. The meeting will be in the TAS building ground floor foyer in the Cosgrove centre of the College, starting at 5.30pm. The Football Supporters Club would like to extend a warm invitation for any parents who would like to get involved to come along to assist with organisation of key events throughout the year.
Football will be hosting a BBQ own at Queens Park on Saturday the 19th of May. We are again looking for volunteers to man the BBQ for 1 hour blocks starting at 6.30am. This will be a home game for football meaning Years 7, 10 and Opens will be at home. Volunteers please email me at swilmot@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A reminder to our families that any siblings who wish to be enrolled at the college in 2020 must apply earlier than in the past. Our new enrolment deadlines are listed below.
Please note the key application deadlines for 2020 as follows;
Applications for Year 7 in 2020 should be lodged by Thursday 31 May 2018. Interviews will be conducted and offers will be made during Terms 3 and 4, 2018.
Applications for Year 5 in 2020 should be lodged by Friday 30 November 2018. Interviews will be conducted and offers made during Term 1, 2019.
Applications to be addressed to:
The Registrar, Ms T Kielt
131 Birrell St Waverley NSW 2024
Email: tkielt@waverley.nsw.edu
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Terese Kielt on 02 9369 0698
Click here for more information about the enrolment process and forms
During Term 2, Waverley College will once again take part in the $20 Boss Program, a fantastic initiative established by the Foundation for Young Australians. $20 Boss is an immersive entrepreneurship program, where students are provided $20 of start-up capital to create, launch and operate their venture over the course of a school term.
Twenty students from Year 9 will have the opportunity to test their entrepreneurial skills by running their own business for the four week competition period. Students from last year became tycoons in the areas of baking, car washing and dog walking, just to name a few.
It is now time for a new wave of students to join this fantastic initiative and start taking those steps towards becoming the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.
If you think your son would be interested in this initiative, please encourage him to contact Miss Patricia Alborough (palborough@waverley.nsw.edu.a
Join us on campus for a fun and informative evening. You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.
Camperdown/Darlington Campus – University of Sydney
Tuesday 8 May 2018, 6 – 8pm
Thursday 17 May 2018, 6 – 8pm
9 May, 6pm
This evening is the best place for you to start if you are thinking about coming to uni in two years’ time and are currently a year 10 student (or you are the parent or teacher of a year 10 student).
Sutherland Tuesday, 15 May
Kogarah Tuesday, 26 June
Find out more
Tuesday, 15 May 8:30am to 3:30pm
UNSW Engineering’s High School Information Day is designed to give year 11 & 12 students the opportunity to sample several fields of engineering through interesting and stimulating hands-on activities over a day at UNSW Kensington Campus.
Thursday 14 June 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Hear from industry professionals about future tech careers and the skills you need to get there. Follow with key course information for engineering and IT and UTS.
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.
Tuesday 22 May, 6pm
160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Get to know what it’s really like at Notre Dame’s Getting to Know Nursing event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet academic staff and hear from our guest speaker who will provide information on a current innovative nursing topic.
Places are limited. Please register here or contact us on 02 8204 4404 or sydney@nd.edu.au for further information.
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.
Saturday 16 June
Applications for 2019
Applications for 2019 Bachelor & Diploma Courses are open from 2 July to 30 September.
Sydney 30 May
During the Hotel School Info Evening event prospective students have the unique opportunity to experience ‘The Hotel School Advantage’, meet academics and other key support staff and find out about studying at The Hotel School.
Saturday May 26
Are you serious about studying overseas? Don’t miss this opportunity to meet students from around Australia who have recently gained admission to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Oxford, Columbia and more! Hear how they planned their journey, how they picked the universities to apply to and their tips for acing the academics, essays and interviews.
Use this link to get 50% off your ticket exclusive to MHS subscribers:
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
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.
Applications for the Business Cadetships Program opened on 5 March and close on Wednesday 16 May. The 2018 Program provides Year 12 students with the opportunity to apply for a cadetship at UBS, a top-ranking global bank.
Applications for the 2018 Engineering & Technology Cadetships (ETCAD) Program open on Monday 30 April. Under this Program, Engineering Cadets are placed at Cubic Transportation Systems and Technology Cadets are placed at Macquarie Group.
For details of these programs and for the Business Cadetships online application form, go to www.professionalcadets.com.au
SAVE THE DATE! Career Kickstarter – Business and Accounting – 23 May@ Luna Park
Previously known as “Meet the Business Leader”. Year 12 students are invited to attend to meet with and hear from business leaders in Industry. Students will also learn about work experience and scholarship opportunities. Registrations will open in the coming weeks.
It’s a unique opportunity for your students to try out a career in Navy, Army or Air Force and get a feel for a military life without committing for a longer period.
In 2019 there are 14 roles to choose from ranging from admin to artillery and even flight crew, plus this year we’re offering 30 Army Officer roles – places are limited.
Army Infantry Soldier – Closes 14 May 2018
Army Driver – Closes 21 May 2018
Army Administration Assistant – Closes 21 May 2018
Army Warehouse Assistant – Closes 21 May 2018
Army Air Defence Operator – Closes 21 May 2018
Air Force Warehouse Storeperson – Closes 28 May 2018
Air Force Aviation Support Technician – Closes 28 May 2018
Air Force Airbase Protection and Security – Closes 4 June 2018
Air Force Administration Assistant – Closes 4 June 2018
Closing dates are driven by demand and may close sooner than listed.
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
Academy of Film, Theatre & Television Open Day
You’ll be able to soak up the culture, learn about the best way to finance your studies, meet our tutors and speak to current students about their experiences. Find out why AFTT is now Australia’s most contemporary fully immersive arts academy.
Saturday 12th May 2018, 9.30am to 2.30pm
41 Holt Street, Surry Hills
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 – https://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/get-paid-to-study
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.
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.
Upcoming course dates for RePL training in Sydney:
21 May (Monday) – 25 May (Friday)
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Will Robots Take My Job?
Worried about robots stealing your job? Find out the chances of your chosen field becoming automated in the future.
https://www.mskills.org.au/media-centre/news#NewsHint=14168
https://upto.com/embedded/detail/5HQ1O?pt=a1SO
https://www.skillsroad.com.au/parents/career-planning/stemsubjects
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.
This article from Careers with STEM has some great tips for choosing a university degree if you don’t quite know what you want yet.
Wavelength returns in 2018 with comprehensive coverage of the many exciting changes and achievements that have occurred since the last issue: Both the College and the Old Boy’s Union have new leadership, the college has opened a range of exciting new facilities, and there have been many milestones achieved by students and Old Boys alike. Download your copy by clicking on the link below.
Thank you for supporting your son and the College this term. It has been a busy, long and productive term. Most boys have worked towards their semester goals effectively and have a well-deserved break just ahead. I am hoping parent/teacher interviews earlier this week provided you with some areas to focus upon in partnership with your son for his academic improvement.
All year 12 students were invited by Ms Cassie Foster recently to book an appointment during their study periods next term to attend a literacy mentor session aimed at improving their writing skills. This service would benefit:
In checking the data on boys that attended these sessions last year, a clear improvement was evident for each boy. The data does not lie. If your son is in Year 12, encourage him to take advantage of this opportunity and also ask him about his holiday study program that Ms Knowles handed him at a recent briefing regarding half yearly examinations.
To assist us to continually improve the quality of education we provide to our students. I wish to provide you with an opportunity to express confidentially your views of the ways in which we meet your needs and those of your son.
The College has commissioned MMG Education to conduct an online survey of all stakeholders of the College. MMG Education is a specialist education research consultancy that works with some 160 Australian independent schools throughout Australia.
Parents, staff and students will be invited to complete questionnaires commencing on Friday 13 April 2018 (Year 7-12) and during June for parents, staff and Years 5 and 6.
Parents will be invited to complete confidential questionnaires over a two-week period commencing on Friday 1 June 2018. On that day you will receive an email from MMG Education that will provide you with access to your own, unique questionnaire.
To ensure confidentiality and to encourage you to express your views fully and frankly:
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG Education will provide me with a report. I will then provide opportunities for members of the school community to receive feedback from the research.
Please remember that, by completing your questionnaire, you will be making an invaluable contribution to the future of the College as we strive to ensure that we are providing the best opportunities possible for your son.
I look forward very much to your participation in this important project and to receiving MMG Education’s report.
This tour to the NASA Kennedy Space Centre will captivate your son as he learns about the past, present and future of space science. This is a once in a lifetime experience for the students of Waverley College. They will be exposed to a whole new realm of learning which could, in turn, develop into an exciting and prosperous STEM-based career, as well as creating lifelong memories. The STEM tour will be leaving on Sunday, 14 April 2019 (the first Sunday of the school holidays) and returning on Thursday, 26 April 2019. If you would like further information about the tour or would like to express your son’s interest in the tour please contact Garth Aird as soon as possible via email gaird@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
The History Department is proud to offer students the opportunity to take part in an intensive historical and cultural tour of Europe during the June-July holidays of 2019. The tour will explore significant Western European sites in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. Students from Year 9 to 11 are invited to attend. The tour offers many cultural and cross-curricula opportunities in addition to the enrichment of their study of senior Ancient and Modern History. An information night will be held in early Term 2, and further information will be provided to students currently in years 9 to 11. Queries can be directed to Miss Alice Walker from the History Department or Mr Barry Smith, Head of History.
Congratulations to past Head of College Br Paul Oakley who is celebrating 50 years as a Christian Brother. Br Paul is the current EREA President, Chair of the Council of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons and the new Chair of the Council of the Federation of Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Person Catholic School Authorities in NSW and ACT.
Paul’s significant contribution to the Brothers, Catholic education and Edmund Rice Education Australia is widely recognised and much appreciated.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Dr Wayne Tinsey who has been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Wayne’s prognosis is positive. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to any member of our community who is struggling with ill health themselves or one of their loved ones.
Congratulations to Michael Hamill (Year 10), Lachlan Muir (Year 9) and Hayden Wild (Year 9) who have all been accepted in the University of Sydney’s Gifted and Talented Science program. The boys had to sit a qualifying exam where only the top 5% are accepted into the program. Please read more in Mr Gary Kennedy article (Head of Science) later in this edition.
Congratulations to Luke Harris (now Year 11) who was the Dux of Year 10 2017 and this week was invited along with other top students from each school to the University’s academic award recognition celebration in the ‘Great Hall’. I was lucky enough to attend with Luke’s parents to watch him being awarded. The evening certainly brings home an insight into exciting times ahead at University and studying in such a rich learning environment.
Kearsney College is one of South Africa’s premier schools and Year 10 student Finn McClean left Waverley this week to spend term two immersed in this different learning and cultural environment. I commend Finn on his courage to step out into the unknown and challenge himself in a different context. I wish him a safe and rewarding experience.
Waverley will be hosting a boy from Kearsney College in Term 3 and we hope this is the start of many opportunities to provide a global learning experience opportunity for our boys and reciprocal visitors.
Old boy Cooper Silk has been assisting one current student, Josh Nathan and one recent student James Markham (WCOB 2017) with regards to podcast production. These two boys have recently been announced as finalists in the Best Newcomer Category at this year’s Australian Podcast Awards. A great achievement in their 1st year.
Congratulations to our swimmers who have qualified for the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships:
These boys qualified for NSW All Schools in the following events at CIS:
These boys have also qualified for NSW All Schools by time submissions:
We wish Mr Tony Banboukjian (Term 2) and Mr Steve Ghattas (5 weeks) all the best as they take LSL. We congratulate Steve and his wife Kristy who just had a baby boy.
As a result of these changes, I would like to congratulate and thank the following staff who will take on positions of added responsibility:
Mr Greg Harris – Acting Director of Waterford.
Mr Matt Ryan – Acting Assistant Director of Waterford
Mr Anthony Gill – Acting Assistant Director of Mission
Mr Ben Meadley – Acting Waterford Head of Sport
Mr Anthony Proudfoot – teacher
Mr Jack McCarthy – teacher
We farewell and thank Mr Jose Carlos Burgos-Macedo – Science Lab Technician
Welcome back Ms Nina Strzechowski – Science Lab Technician and Mr Chris Blenkinsopp (Music Teacher) who is returning on 0.5 load for Term 2 and sharing classes with Ms Susannah Pinter. Thank you to Ms Marilyn Tanner who has been taking Mr Peter Langdale classes whilst he has been away on sick leave.
Ms Agi Lebek will be taking on further responsibilities with regards to Blue and Gold Ball and some other key events, therefore the College has employed Ms Emma Laurence two days a week to assist with publications in the marketing team.
Thank you for a great Term 1, I wish all of our Year 12 students all the best with their study programs over the break and all students a restful and safe holiday break.
The College Executive recently reviewed the timing of the annual May Procession. We received feedback from key stakeholders including staff, parents, Old Boys and our Chaplain.
There was overwhelming support to move the commencement of this to a more family-friendly time, at the same time respecting the need of individuals to still attend Mass during the morning.
The College decided to commence the May Procession this year at 12pm. Students are required to be in full winter uniform (blazer and tie) and have their names marked off by their Wellbeing Mentor by 11.30am.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, the College is phasing out plastic water bottles. Though water will still be sold during Term 2, the canteen will also stock reusable water bottles. Students are encouraged to transition to reusable bottles during this time, either bringing their own to school or purchasing one from the canteen.
The College has installed a number of water filling stations to meet the extra demand in Term 3, when no water bottles will be sold on campus.
At our assembly last week I spoke to the students about this initiative, which includes the introduction of new recycling bins across the campus. To support our sustainability initiatives, we ask that when making recess and lunch for your son(s), please keep the disposable packaging to a minimum. We all know that this is a tough endeavour in a world that has become so addicted to plastic packaging but anything that you can do to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your son’s lunch box will be significant in supporting our goal of caring for our environment.
Ryan Smith, Year 11, using one of the new water stations
A reminder that students are required to wear their College blazer and tie when travelling to and from the College during Terms 2 and 3. As was the case last year, failing to do this will result in a Saturday detention.
The College has high expectations of our students when they are in public; particularly when travelling to and from school on public transport. The positive message we give to the public through our uniform and grooming is an extension of the ongoing cultural change we are seeing at the College.
Haircuts will also be checked by Heads of House from day one next term.
In November 2017, fifteen of our best Science students in Years 8 and 9 completed a qualifying exam for entry into the University of Sydney’s Gifted and Talented in Science Discovery program.
This year, three of our students were successful and were offered places in the program.
As only the top 5% of students are offered places, Michael Hamill (Year 10), Lachlan Muir (Year 9) and Hayden Wild (Year 9) are to be congratulated on this fantastic achievement.
The boys will attend the program at the University of Sydney in July this year.
The holiday break offers a welcome opportunity to step back, unwind and rest up for a busy term ahead. Unfortunately, students will often fall into bad habits or undo some of the positive gains made in Term One due to a lack of consistency and routine. It is easy to stay up late, sleep in of a morning, spend too much time on screens and devices and occasionally making some poor choices in how boys utilize their new found freedom.
Losing the positive social connections, daily routines and learning habits of normal school day can lead to a backward step in the early part of Term Two when poor habits can be hard to break. For Year 12 boys who will face their HSC assessments at this time, staying focussed and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices could be the key to success.
There are a number of ways you can support your son’s mental health and wellbeing in these term holidays:
Social relationships are important to any young person’s general wellbeing. Having a variety of friendship groups both in and out of school will provide a diverse social support network essential for developing appropriate relationships. Encourage your son to keep in contact with friends and the broader family over the holidays. Be aware if your son is isolating himself or does not feel up to going out. While social media is great for connecting to a wide range of people it is not the be all and end all and should not take the place of face to face communications.
Getting a good night’s sleep not only helps boys to feel energised, focused and motivated but is also essential for neurological growth and development. Adolescence is a time when a number of changes to the “body clock” impact on sleeping patterns and young people are more likely to feel tired later than their parents and sleep in later as a result. Developing a sleeping routine can help. Encourage your son to wake up around the same time each day, get out of bed when they wake up, and go to bed around the same time each night.
Staying up late in the holidays and sleeping in the following day will make it that much harder to snap out of this routine when classes resume for term two. Avoiding caffeine after lunchtime, having a quiet, dark and uncluttered bedroom and shutting down electronic devices before bed can also help them to get a good night’s sleep.
Physical activity elevates heart rate, oxygenates the brain and increases the release of endorphins which have positive effects on health and wellbeing both in the short and long term. Often boys fall out of the routine of exercising regularly without the structures of school sports and training. Even small activities, like walking the dog, can help relieve stress and frustration, provide a good distraction from worrying thoughts, improve concentration and improve mood. Exercising as a family will not only benefit your health but also creates a fantastic way to reconnect and strengthen the bond between parents and their sons. Make time to go to the beach take a hike or kick a ball together. You may be surprised by what your sons will discuss or disclose when they are relaxed, energized and having fun.
A healthy well balanced diet doesn’t only reduce the risk of physical health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, but it can also help with sleeping patterns, energy levels, mood, and general health and wellbeing. Good dietary choices include avoiding junk foods which are often high in fat, salt and sugar and opting for a well. balanced diet with fresh vegies, fruit, lean proteins,whole grains and plenty of water will ensure your son has all of the nutrients to fuel those growing beds. Perhaps the best part is they will stay full for longer.
For more information on adolescent diet and exercise please see the following link:
https://waverley.nsw.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter
Try to avoid setting up unnatural “we need to talk” talks. Often doing something together, taking a drive or a walk or having, device free times such as in the car or at meal times will lead to more natural conversations. Keep calm and non-judgmental, use open ended questions and don’t feel as though you need to “fix” the problem. A big part of adolescent development is helping our boys to build their own problem-solving strategies and resources for managing challenging situations. Often being heard is enough. You want your son to know that no matter what it is that is on their mind, you are always their to listen.
Nothing turns boys off more quickly than “helicopter parenting” or spying, being nosy, overly protective or suspicious. Adolescents is a time where each individual will form their own identity and strive for independence on their journey towards adulthood. Unfortunately the prefrontal cortex in the male brain which controls emotional regulation, planning and decision making doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. This can often lead to boys doing some really silly things, where the answer to the age old question “didn’t you think?” can quite honestly and genuinely be “No!”. At this time conflict in the home may seem unavoidable as the needs wants and priorities of our sons differ from the expectations or rules of their parents. So how do we strike the right balance between concern and care without being too controlling?
The following web sight provides some useful tips on keeping teens safe:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/risktaking_teenagers.html
Have a happy safe and enjoyable holiday break and we will see you all back and ready to go in Term Two. For our Year 12 boys best of luck with your upcoming assessments.
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to be a good person these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.
Help us to be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord
Amen
Blessed Edmund Rice: Pray for Us
Mary, Mother of God: Pray for Us
Live, Jesus in our Hearts: Forever
It really is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the first term. The boy’s will finish school on Friday April 13 at the normal time of 3.00pm. I hope everyone has a chance to have a break and enjoy the holidays and ready to come back for an even busier (if possible) term 2.
Term 2 will start for the Junior School on Wednesday May 2 (after the parent/student/teacher interviews) with the boys wearing their full winter sports uniform. Please ensure all clothing is labeled.
Starting in Term 2 Homework Club will no longer run on Wednesday afternoons during the Winter Sports Season.
All boys will take their bags with them to Queens Park. All teams will be staying for training after Wednesday Sports and dismissed with their bags at 3:30pm to make their own way home. Boys may make their way back to school if you wish as a pick up point.
Winter Training goes until WEEK 3 of TERM 3. At this point Homework Club will run again from Monday to Thursday inclusive.
Friday 11th May 2018 – 12pm
A special opportunity for mums, step-mums, grandmothers and other special women in our students’ lives to attend Mass with them for Mother’s Day.
Mothers, Grandmothers and significant females in the lives of Waverley College students in Years 5 to 12 are invited to accompany their sons to a special Mother’s Day Mass in honour of Our Lady and mothers everywhere. The Mass will be followed by a luncheon for students and their guests.
WHEN: 12pm FRIDAY 11 MAY 2018
Location
MASS: Br J P Lacey Gymnasium, Senior Campus 12pm – 1pm
JUNIOR LUNCHEON (Year 5 & 6): Free luncheon immediately after Mass at the Junior Campus. Boys from the Junior School will be allowed to go home with their parents at the end of the lunch (approx. 2pm).
Please RSVP for this event
Your reservation is requested to assist with catering. Please book for both adult attendees and your son/s when you RSVP for this event.
To book, click the link below:
https://www.trybooking.com/VEVB
Please respond by Friday 4 May, 2018.
A reminder Tuesday May 1 next term has been set aside for Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews. Parents should have received a Skoolbag App notification explaining how to book online. If there are any problems please contact Mrs Coupe before the end of the week.
Please note bookings close at 4pm on Friday April 13.
We wish all the boys travelling to Armidale next weekend to participate in the Rugby Carnival all the best of luck and hope they have a wonderful experience. Thank you to Mr Harris, Ms Hoare, Mr Stanton, Mrs Ryan and Mr Ryan for giving up their first weekend of the holidays so the boys can participate in this terrific carnival. Special thanks to Mr Anthony Proudfoot who has kindly offered his support for the weekend.
The 108th Annual May Procession and Celebration of the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice will take place on Sunday 6 May. Please note the information from Mr Brennan:
Dear Parents and Carers,
The May Procession is a significant event in the life of the College and it is compulsory that all students attend in full winter uniform.
Following a recent review by the College Executive team there was overwhelming support to move the start of this event to a more family friendly time, at the same time respecting the need of individuals to still attend mass during the morning.
The College has therefore made the decision to commence this May Procession at 12pm. All boys are to report to their Wellbeing Mentors at 11.30am to have their names marked off.
If there are extenuating circumstances why your son cannot attend please contact your Head of House as soon as possible, and if your son is unwell you will need to provide a medical certificate.
With kind regards
Patrick Brennan
Deputy Head of College
Last Saturday a number of boys represented Waverley College at the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival held at the Kings School. The junior runners competed in the 2km run while the senior runners ran the 3km circuit.
Congratulations to the following athletes:
Under 10 – 175 runners (Winner – 7:24.19)
| Place | Name | Surname | Time |
| 5 | Jack | Johnson | 7:35.38 |
| 35 | Ben | Pignatelli | 8:34.15 |
| 60 | Adam | Cutten | 8:54.03 |
| 66 | Sonny | Patone | 8:59.93 |
| 125 | Jackson | Lorimer | 9:44.85 |
Under 11 – 175 runners (Winner – 11:13.12)
| Place | Name | Surname | Time | |
| 22 | Zachery | Duane | 12:52.54 | |
| 25 | Montomery | Armstrong | 12:55.09 | |
| 40 | Zoltahn | Szabo | 13:33.35 | |
| 64 | Dillon | Duke-McCoy | 14:02.38 | |
| 65 | Tom | Park | 14:04.76 | |
| 75 | Fred | Carmody | 14:16.32 | |
| 91 | Orlando | Maisgnbacher | 14:32.63 | |
| 92 | Tristan | Lee | 14:33.82 | |
| 94 | Ivor | Colquhoun | 14:36.18 |
| Place | Name | Surname | Time |
| 63 | Tashi | Harrison | 13:56.24 |
| 69 | Eden | Byrd | 14:03.73 |
| 86 | Jack | Tindale | 14:25.29 |
| 117 | Liam | Gabriel | 15:03.52 |
| 123 | Campbell | Porteus | 15:33.02 |
| 130 | Jack | Kerves | 15:53.73 |
Special congratulations to Jack who because of his top 15 finish will now represent IPSHA at the CIS Carnival next term.
During the 2018 season, Waverley College Football will be holding a development program open to all players in Years 5 – 10. The training is designed to help every player reach their potential and improve on their football skills.
The development program will be held at Waverley Oval Synthetic field every Friday morning of Term 2 and weeks 1-3 of Term 3, from 7.15am – 8:15am (excludes Founders Day holiday on 8/6/18). The sessions will be $220 for the full program and needs to be booked by the end of term 1 to organise the coaching staff.
Please follow the below link to book your spots for this great program available for all football players.
https://www.trybooking.com/UVOJ
This year we will be running a holiday camp for any student in football over the second week of the school holidays. Details on the camp can be found on the below flyer and bookings can be made through the following link https://www.trybooking.com/UVOL
Last Friday, 6 April, 2018, the Green House Mass, was celebrated by former College Chaplain Fr Martin Milani. The Gospel (Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26), which was acted out by Green students, mirrored the message Speak through Action, the theme which our Year 12 Leaders have chosen for 2018. Green Prefect of Spirituality, Nathan Higgs connected this theme with life at Waverley College in his Reflection.
Other features of this Mass included the Entry Procession and Gospel Procession. I would like to thank the staff and students responsible for their organisation and specific roles during the Mass. I would also like to thank Mr Coleman, Head of Green House, for his assistance, as well as the many parents who attended the Green House Mass. The next House Mass is the Lacey House Mass on Friday 18th May, 8.00am in the College Chapel.
Below is Green Prefect of Spirituality, Nathan Higgs’ Reflection:
Good morning members of Green, I stand here today to talk to you about our motto for 2018 ‘Speak through Action’. Demonstrated within the previous reading from the Gospel, it is important that you understand the impact and importance that speaking through your actions can have on others.
In the first reading, Edmund Rice decides to make a difference to help out those who are struggling, by giving them an education. He had a plan, which he stuck with and followed through till the end, not for himself but for others. He set out to help those poor boys and spoke through his actions by not just saying and dreaming of helping but actually committing to the goal with everything he had and standing out to make a difference.
Being a student of Waverley comes with multiple opportunities for you to grow and succeed, whether it’s academic, sporting, cadets or any of the other co-curricular activities. They all come with chances for you to set a goal or give you an idea for your future that you won’t achieve without putting in the effort, studying hard or pushing yourself in your elective sport. You need to act to achieve.
Also, in the Gospel, we are told how Jesus stuck to his word about the child who was thought to be dead but was actually alive; he was laughed at and made fun of but that didn’t stop him because he did not care about what others thought. This also reflects ‘speak through action’ by showing us that people will sometimes be a barrier in your path. Don’t let others stop you from proving yourself just because your answer or action is different.
We can all contribute and speak through action in everyday school life by helping someone who may look worried or alone, calling out bullying by stepping in or If someone is short of money and needs an extra dollar or 50c, lend it to them; the feeling of making someone’s day better will have a positive impact on you more than you think.
The Scripture readings that you heard today, link strongly with ‘Speaking through Action’. Many of you might not acknowledge the stories but it shows you that actions speak louder than words because actions are what people remember. Don’t just set a plan, follow your goals and exceed your limitations, so that you can make a change in this world just like Edmund Rice and Jesus.
This year’s May Procession and Celebration of the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice will begin at the new time of 12.00 noon in the Centenary Quadrangle on Sunday 6 May, 2018. The guest speaker is Sr Jan Barnett rsj, the Justice Coordinator of the Sisters of St Joseph, who were founded by St Mary MacKillop.
The Mothers’ Mass for 2018 will take place in the Br Lacey Gymnasium at 12.00 noon on Friday 11 May, 2018.
This Mass will be for Mothers, Grand Mothers and significant females and their sons from Years 5-12. The Mass will be followed by lunch at the Junior School and a luncheon for the Senior College Mums. Please register your attendance: BOOK NOW
“… Christian ethical behaviour … connects our real lives with others so that we might be the best people we can be. At its best, it is never moralising but allows a tradition with ancient roots of reflecting on human nature for two thousand years to adapt it to the here and now. I find that liberating.”
Waverley College invites our community to attend a special evening for adults with a focus on how to find meaning in today’s world. A challenging mixture of spirituality and life experience, this informal event includes a light meal, lecture and discussion with a prominent Australian theologian who lectures internationally and writes on faith and culture: Richard Leonard, SJ, is a writer and film critic who has written and spoken about cinema, culture, and faith on four continents. An Australian Jesuit with advanced degrees in theology and film, Leonard is the director of the Australian Catholic Film Office. As well as his interest in cinema, he has written books including Where the Hell is God? Why Bother Praying? and What are We Doing on Earth for Christ’s Sake?
Parents get the most out of their child’s Catholic education when they commit to reinforcing at home the values taught in the classroom. Catholic education prepares our children to be people of moral conscience, social justice and community; things that make it possible for them as adults to be contributors to a better society. The power of a Catholic education is that it is more than lessons from a textbook; it is also lessons in life. This lecture series for adults is designed to engage parents with perspectives on the Catholic faith that will support their conversations with their sons.
Richard Leonard SJ will speak at Waverley College on Tuesday 29 May, 6pm, Senior Library. Attendance is free of charge. Please register your attendance: BOOK NOW
As we reflect on a meaningful and encouraging Term 1, each student in Green House should think deeply about how their approach to learning, mentoring and relationships at Waverley have shaped their experiences. Through their approaches to learning, we hope that students build on their knowledge, skills, attitudes, perspectives and character.
Most of the current research demonstrates that the key attributes to success for the 21st-century learner are:
Here at Waverley, social learning and emotional intelligence underpin what each student engages in at the start of each day. Learning together, sharing information and supporting each other are key facets for students as they engage in student lead initiatives empowering students to create change within their community. We see examples of this with the Green House White Ribbon Day March. When Waverley became advocates for White Ribbon Day, the students embraced the opportunity to stand up and be counted for a cause that matters.
Our Wellbeing program was developed in line with the needs of 21st-century learners and constructed to help each boy understand his strengths and how to value them. Students have been taught skills and attitudes to overcome setbacks under the concept of a ‘growth mindset’. This will assist them to be patient and persistent in achieving their goals. While this learning takes time, the long-term goal is life changing for students that welcome this way of thinking. I would recommend further reading in this area for parents or students alike, especially from the researcher Carol S. Dweck.
As I see it, in partnership with parents, it is our role as teachers to shape the minds and hearts of our young people to be contributors and active citizens of the world of tomorrow. I believe strongly that we at Waverley are providing education designed to encourage the growth of our young men who will ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.’ – (Micah 6:8) and build an even better world before them.
And hopefully, through all these lessons, each student learns that ‘the manly thing’ will always be defined by integrity, compassion, faith and wisdom. Because Waverley boys will all eventually discover that ‘Virtue is its own reward’.
This term we welcomed 19 new students into year 5, 25 new students into year 7 and 2 year 8 students. I would like to welcome these families to Green House, we are blessed to have such supportive parents and this has continued in 2018. I hope each student has managed to make friendships, get settled into a good routine and have enjoyed their time at Waverley College so far.
Our year 7 students were involved in an outdoor learning program, the focus was on team building and for the boys to step outside their comfort zone. It was a great chance for students to get to know each other as they started their journey at Waverley. As their Head of House, it was also a great chance to get to know each student. It was a very enjoyable experience, and each boy will have gained valuable friendships from their time away.
The Waverley College Cadet Unit took part in another valuable camping experience this term. Thanks to all the teachers that took part as well as our year 8 students that had their first experience at what the WCCU has to offer.
All students in the College attended the Commencement Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday the 8 February. I want to thank Green students Allan Cannes, Nathan Higgs and Ian Vuk for their support during the event as well as all students from Green House. It was a wonderful gathering to start 2018.
We held our annual Green House Breakfast during week 6 this term. I would like to thank all the parents that attended the event, it was a great opportunity to meet some new faces and hopefully, parents had a chance to meet other parents from Green House. I would like to thank all the students involved in preparing and serving the food during the day, we are very lucky to have the involvement of Green students that we do. I would also like to make a special mention of Ms Stephanie Boyce for her coordination, involvement, cooking and setting up for the day.
Green House held our annual Mass during week 10 this term. Thanks must go to Mr Davis for his support in organising the event and Nathan Higgs for the work that he completed for the mass.
During week 6 the junior school swimming carnival took place. I want to congratulate our junior school swimmers for taking out first place at the carnival. Our junior students showed a lot of spirit and determination to succeed in the way they did during the carnival. We also had some individual success with Jack Kerves winning the Under 12’s Age Division and Oscar Bennett coming second in the Under 11’s Year 6 Age Group.Thanks also to our Junior School Mentors Mr Stephen Ghattas and Ms Gabrielle Bransby for their support of the students throughout the day.
Congratulations to our 2018 Green House leaders who have done a fantastic job in their roles this term. Their leadership at assemblies, during Green events and in general has been consistently outstanding. All our leaders need to be congratulated for their role at the various functions and events in term 1.
Our Green House leaders for 2018 are:
Prefects:
SRC Members:
Junior School Leaders:
Congratulations to all our leaders for 2018.
Congratulations to the Green House students that have been awarded a gold award during term 1. It takes 5 blue merits awarded for students to receive a gold award. They are a sign of consistent effort in the classroom in regards to work and behaviour. Congratulations gentleman.
I must also thank our Green Mentors for 2018. Green House has been blessed with outstanding teachers who bring life and meaning to everything our students experience. Our team of wellbeing mentors have done a wonderful job in their wellbeing roles this term, building positive relationships with the students and welcoming them every morning. We thank the following staff for their role as Green House mentors in 2018:
Junior school:
Senior school:
I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable break.
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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