As we both heard and read many times, 2020 was a year like no other. One in which the Brennan Wolf Pack truly demonstrated how strong, supportive, and resilient their bonds are in the way they rallied together throughout the year. Despite the challenges, the young men of Brennan House continued to find ways to innovate, challenge and apply themselves to their learning, just as they have with their Social Justice, Music, Drama, and Co-Curricular activities. Just like pressure turning coal to diamonds, the students of Brennan house have been able to flourish and grow under these, at times, challenging conditions.
Brennan Prefects at the Swimming Carnival
Cheering home the Wolf Pack
The beginning of 2020 saw students return, eager to make a positive start to the year after a fire-ravaged Christmas and New Year holiday period. While it saw a return to classes, it also saw the beginning of the House competition with the Junior and Senior School Swimming Carnivals. Thanks to huge levels of participation and support from all students, Brennan was able to go back-to-back winning BOTH swimming carnivals for the second year running. The House spirit from all and the leadership of our House Captain Reid McNamara, College Vice-Captain Liam Andrews and House Prefects, Valentius Wirjana, Ryan Abbott, Jake Lewis, Will Cooley and Hugh McSweeny was outstanding and the goal has been set for a Brennan three-peat in the pool for 2021!
Junior School Swimming Champions 2020
Early in Term 1, Year 7 students were fortunate to embark on their annual camp, this year to a new venue at Camp Yarramundi. Throughout the few days spent at camp our Year 7 students connected with one another, and learned what it means to be part of the Brennan Wolf Pack. They were also able to take part in cross-country hikes, the giant swing, and a range of team building activities. While the middle of the year saw many of the regular activities and camps cancelled, it was wonderful to see students being able to get back out and into experiences such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Year 10 Activities Week in Term 4. These experiences are vital to the overall development of our young men and it will be good to see a full return to these activities in 2021.
Year 7 Camp at Yarramundi
The year that was 2020 also, unfortunately, saw the cancellation of Brennan House’s annual Holdsworth Ball. An event where students plan, fund and cater a full three-course dinner and dance for the local Holdsworth Community. This is always one of the most rewarding Social Justice activities available to students and one which we will be bringing back better than ever next year. So keep your eyes and ears open for more information on this in the first half of 2021. While this was the case for the Holdsworth Ball, some other Social Justice activities were able to run in the last quarter of the year and the strong involvement of Brennan students visiting Jarjum and Wairoa, while also working hard to raise funds for organisations such as Best Foot Forward and the Matthew Talbot Kiosk was outstanding.
This year we were able to find alternative ways in which to further grow the Wellbeing Program of Brennan House and the College as a whole. During the short period of Off-Campus Learning, students were able to meet regularly with their Wellbeing Mentors who helped check in on students, guide them through some reflective journaling practices and also help the boys engage in some much-needed socialisation to keep them engaged with each other during this period. It was during this time in particular that the strength of the bonds in Brennan House was really seen. The way in which boys reached out and connected with each other virtually by creating study groups, social get-togethers over Google Hangout, or just asking each other how they were going helped many through a time in which it was easy to feel isolated.
Year 10 Activities Week
In a return to some more normality Term 2 saw students again able to throw themselves back into their academics, co-curricular and creative pursuits. As a result of this, students were able to enjoy; the Junior School Walk-A-Thon, resumed House Assemblies, Year 10 Activities Week, Service Week and an adjusted Winter Sports season, and a full start to the Summer Sports season. Term 4 also saw our Class of 2020 able to hold their formal at Randwick Racecourse and enjoy their graduation ceremony at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground. This day was a highly deserved special celebration of the Class of 2020 following the challenges faced over the course of the year. Special recognition on this day also went to Hugh McSweeny, who was awarded Dux of the College. Congratulations Hugh on this recognition of your hard work and dedication to your studies.
Brennan House Leaders for 2021
As it does each year, Term 4 also brought about the beginning of Higher School Certificate studies for our new Year 12 cohort, the Class of 2021. It was also the beginning of their time as the new leaders of the College. While all members of Year 12 are always considered to be leaders, we welcomed our new House Captain and House Prefects for 2021. Congratulations to House Captain Nicholas Quinn and House Prefects Spencer Kapos, Jack Hickey and Finn Anderson on attaining these roles from a very strong pool of candidates. The leadership of Brennan House is certainly in a very strong position moving into 2021.
Finally, thank you to the wonderfully dedicated Brennan House Wellbeing Mentors. Their dedication and care for each of their wellbeing groups have made all students feel valued, safe, and welcomed at school each day. The Wolf Pack is fortunate to have such great role models and mentors for the young men of Brennan House. In sadder news, we say goodbye to one long-serving member of Brennan House, Ms Anne Fahy. Anne has been a kind and welcoming face for students in Brennan Seven for many years and I know I speak for all in Brennan House when I say we will miss her dearly and wish her all the best in her upcoming retirement. I look forward to seeing you all in 2021!
Wednesday, 2 December | Year 5 – 12 Presentation Day
Wednesday, 2 December | Classes Conclude Term 4
Term 4 always brings with it a buzz of rites of passage that conclude and start respective year level journeys at the College. Our Year 12 2020 cohort, celebrated three events last week that brought their student time at the College to an end.
Last Thursday evening the Year 12 Formal was held at Australian Turf Club, Randwick. Although COVID restrictions meant the boys and girls were unable to dance, they enjoyed a three-course meal together, played some games and enjoyed each other’s company. Thank you to Ms Suzi Sucur, Mr Sue Walsh and Mr Partrick Brennan for organising this event.
Last Friday afternoon, the Year 12 Graduation was celebrated at the Sydney Cricket Ground, enabling students, parents, grandparents and siblings to attend this significant event. Thank you to Father Bernie Thomas for his words and blessings to the boys and thank you to Ms Suzi Sucur, Ms Sue Walsh and Mr Patrick Brennan for organising this fitting and memorable celebration. Please view my graduation address below.
Last Sunday, our 2020 Year 12 boys and their mothers sat down together for the annual Mother and Son lunch, which was postponed from earlier in the year. Thank you to the guest speakers at the lunch; Ms Ana Elder, Mr Luke Stewart and Old Boys Mr Quinn Darragh, Mr Ben Quigley, Mr Nick Bardetta, and Mr Cameron McAusland. Thank you to Ms Deb Johnson, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event was able to occur and presented in such a fine fashion.
As we farewell one year group of boys at the end of their journey, we welcome another who are about to embark on the start of their journey with us. This Friday, we will be running an orientation day for our new Year 5 and Year 7 students who will be joining us in 2021. Our Prefects and Heads of House have organised a program for the day that will assist the boys with their first steps at Waverley.
On Wednesday 11 November, the College Community paused to remember all those who have died in war. All Year 8 students gathered in the Gymnasium, while the rest of the College joined via livestream for the Ceremony of Commemoration of the Fallen. Members of the College Cadet Unit provided the Flag Party as well as an armed Guard around the College Cenotaph which is inscribed with the names of all of our ‘Old Boys’ that paid the supreme sacrifice in the two World Wars.
Remembrance Day 2020
The NAIDOC theme ‘Always was, always will be’ was celebrated throughout last week during Wellbeing Time. Ms Fran Grant (Mother of Lachlan Year 9 and Charlie Year 7) outlined the significance of NAIDOC week for everyone and unpacked the 2020 theme
and the symbolism around this year’s celebration. All week smoke was used in the Centenary Quad to symbolically remember the significant contributions and learnings of our First Nations People to the country, people and culture. Uncle John Allen performed a smoking ceremony and explained the significance of this to First Nations people. John is a Waverly Old Boy and grandfather of Hamish Witten (Year 7) and Oliver Brownie (Yr 11). John also took part in the “Living Library” NAIDOC week edition. Fran teamed up with Elemarnie Close-Brown (sister of Isaiah) as part of the “Living Library” NAIDOC week edition. Congratulations to Mr Richard Bryant for organising the many celebrations and acknowledgements last week.
NAIDOC Week 2020
Br Paul Oakley, previous Headmaster of Waverley College (1985-1992) and an early architect of Edmund Rice Education Australia, retires from EREA’s Council on 31 December 2020. The Chair of the EREA Council Mr Graham Goerke, acknowledges Pau’s significant contribution to Catholic Education, the Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice Education in the following letter. On behalf of the Waverley College community, we extend our thanks and appreciation to Paul.
Anyone who saw the last two College Musicals with St Clare’s College of High School Musical and Guys and Dolls would remember the fantastic performance skills of Year 12 student Jack Lynch. His energy and character portrayal were memorable. Jack’s continued hard work has paid off with his HSC work being shortlisted for inclusion in the OnStage exhibition, which includes the best performances from across the state. The final selection will be held in February – congratulations, Jack.
Owing to incredible community collaboration, a home has been found for all secondhand Waverley uniforms – the Navosa Central College in Fiji – and we need your help to get them there!
The school is situated in a remote location deep in the Fijian interior and only recently had electricity connected. Some students board there because of the distance they need to travel to attend school. Most of the families are subsistence farmers. Students do sports and athletics in bare feet. Even those that compete in national competitions run in bare feet.
Donate – Junior and Senior uniforms, medium-large packing boxes
Instead of binning your Waverley-branded items or leaving them with charity shops, please:
The shipping container is leaving for Fiji during the holiday break, so we are kindly requesting members of our College community to return their old uniforms to the second-hand clothing pool by Wednesday, 9 December.
Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help pack the uniforms. If you are available at any of the dates and times below, to sign up to volunteer please click here.
Volunteers meeting point: Fitzgerald Room, Level 4
Thursday 3 December, 10am – 12pm and 12pm-2pm
Tuesday 8 December, 10am – 12pm and 12pm-2pm
Monday 14 December, 10am – 12pm and 12pm-2pm
This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work from the following people:
Lara Barclay – Year 6 parent, Adaptation Environmental Support; Roy Pereira – Year 6 parent, logistics coordinator; Jade Stapleton, Parents’ Association President (2021); Mary Ramsay, Parents’ Association President (2018-2020); and Kirsten Hott and Camille Owen, Secondhand Clothing Pool Representatives.
A friendly reminder that from day 1 of Term 1, 2021, all students will need to be in the new academic and PE uniform. The on-field co-curricular uniform is only compulsory for new Year 5 and 7 families. More information on co-curricular uniforms will be provided in the final Nurrunga of the term.
On behalf of the College, I would like to thank all parents that have been involved in the work carried out by the Parents’ Association throughout 2020. Particular thanks to the tireless work of the year level representatives, past parents representatives, clothing pool representatives and the executive for all of their organisation, support and efforts in organising events and communicating across our community. Special thanks to the 2020 Executive: Ms Mary Ramsay (President), Ms Lisa Sullivan-Smith (Vice President), Ms Lamya Sadi (Vice President) Ms Stephanie Van Dam (Secretary) and Ms Deb Johnston (Treasurer). Despite all the challenges of 2020, the Parents’ Association has still been able to contribute significantly to the overall success of the College. Please click here to view the president’s report for 2020.
I would like to thank Ms Mary Ramsay, President of the Parent Association. Mary has stepped down as president this year after three years of distinguished service to the College. Mary has led with passion, energy and care, always ensuring communications lines have been open and responsive. Under Mary’s leadership and support, significant areas of the College have been better resourced and improved for the betterment of all students. Mary will continue with her role as a College Foundation Board member.
From the recent AGM, I would like to congratulate the following parents on their elections to the Parent Association Executive for 2021, and I look forward to working with them in the new year.
Matthew Talbot Hostel: helps over 35,000 Sydney men each year in providing accommodation, counselling, health and employment assistance. All boys from Years 5-12 are encouraged to bring in toiletry and other essential items to be able to provide a Christmas gift hamper for the homeless and marginalised groups which the Matt Talbot Hostel assists. All donations can be brought into daily Mentor Groups or to the Wellbeing Centre (Senior School), or Junior School Office.
Item Requested (all items must be new):
This year’s theme “always was always will be” recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for well over 65,000 years. It recognises that First Nations People are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.
NAIDOC Week 2020
This year Waverley College celebrated that connection in several different ways. The most significant of these celebrations was the smoking by John Allen, grandfather of Hamish Witten and Oliver Brownie, John explained the importance of smoke to First Nation People and gave us a beautiful “Fire Blessing” which resonated with us all.
NAIDOC Week 2020
Fran Grant (mother or Lachie and Charlie) came in later in the week and explained this year’s theme, she explained how NAIDOC week had come so far in her lifetime but also recognised we had much further go.
It was great this year to have NAIDOC week fall during the school term, and we look to celebrate further in 2021.
With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of this past year, behind them.
To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion – no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be.
Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.
Click here for a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Matthew Talbot Hostel is a wonderful organisation helping over 35,000 Sydney men each year in providing accommodation, health, counselling and employment assistance. Waverley has had a long history of boys helping in its kiosk in Woolloomooloo, and strongly contributing towards making Christmas easier for those in need.
All boys from all Houses from Years 5-12 are encouraged to bring in toiletry and other essential items in order to be able to provide a Christmas gift hamper for the homeless and marginalised groups which the Matt Talbot Hostel provides assistance for. This will run in Weeks 5, 6 and 7 of Term 4 until the end of November. Tevlin House students have their Social Justice focus area in Homelessness, and have been actively promoting the request to contribute items, and “show our gratitude with deeds, not words”.
All donations can be brought into daily Mentor Groups, or to the Wellbeing Centre (Senior School), or Junior School Office.
Item list for Waverley Students to bring in (please note these items must be new):
• Toiletries, including small toothbrush and toothpaste packs, shaving foam and razors, deodorant, small shampoo.
• Keyring torches and caps
• Men’s underwear, handkerchiefs and socks
• Packets of playing cards and puzzle books
• Inexpensive wallets
• Pens and small writing packs.
Many thanks for your support of this great appeal.
Please click here for the latest careers newsletter.
Every year, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we, at Waverley College, remember the men and women of our Nation who have served, and continue to serve, for our country and our freedoms. This year, the Waverley College Cadet Unit commemorated Remembrance Day with a Ceremonial Parade in the Gymnasium.
Remembrance Day 2020
Observed by our recruits in Year 8, and broadcast to the rest of the school, members of Flag Party, Catafalque Party and the Guard, accompanied by the Senior Ranks, conducted a flawless parade of solemnity and dignity. A wreath was laid by CPL Mitchell Cahill and CPL Finn Backlund, and the Last Post and Rouse were expertly played by WO2 Daniel McSweeny. Marking a new and special tradition, we were joined by St Catherine’s cadets, WO2 Alison Zaczek and WO2 Sophia Voigt as members of the Guard and Flag Party, respectively. The Ceremonial Parade was led by the beat of the Drum Corps, commanded by Drum Major Harrison Gippel.
Remembrance Day 2020
Remembering the courage, commitment and pride of those who have gone before us, reminds us that we are very much a part of a bigger picture and gives context to the traditions that the Waverley College Cadet Unit follows. We were so proud of the mature approach all gave to the occasion, ably commanded by the SUO, Mark Gaponov.
The College worked hard to ensure Year 12 received a fitting send-off following the completion of their HSC with two major events held last week.
On Thursday, students enjoyed their formal which was held at the AJC Randwick. The large space allowed for boys to bring a partner and enjoy a meal with the wellbeing team including their Heads of House. There were many laughs on the night with the boys taking part in a trivia competition as well as presenting a number of humorous awards to their peers.
Friday saw us move up ANZAC Parade to the Sydney Cricket Ground where over 800 of the boy’s family and friends were able to say farewell to Year 12 with a COVID safe graduation. Despite the weather forecast looking ominous all week, we were blessed with warm sunshine for the event with the rain only starting as the boys processed out of the ground to conclude the graduation.
The College would like to extend an invitation to view our Presentation Day events on the 2nd December to help us celebrate our successes in 2020 as a College Community. Due to COVID restrictions, this will be a streamed event for parents at the below link.
Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/53683/c/568913
Password: pres20
| Years 5, 6, 7 & 8
Wednesday, 2 December Commencing at: 9am Finishing approximately: 10:15am Access from: 8.30am Location: Centenary Quad |
Years 9, 10, 11
Wednesday, 2 December Commencing at: 11am Finishing approximately: 12:30pm Access from: 10:30am Location: Centenary Quad |
Presentation Day is a compulsory event for all students to attend and attendance rolls will be taken.
Years 5-6 students must arrive at the Junior School at the normal time in their academic uniform (shirt and tie). They will be escorted up to the Senior School for the Presentation. Following the presentation, they will be escorted back to the Junior school for a normal School day.
Years 7-8 students must arrive at school at the normal time wearing full academic uniform (tie and blazer). Following the presentation, they will be dismissed for the holidays.
Years 9-11 students must arrive at school from 10:30am onwards wearing full academic uniform (tie and blazer). Following the presentation, they will be dismissed for the holidays.
The Senior Library will be open between 8:30am and 3:15pm for students in years 7-12 who require supervision.
Next year’s event will be a Years 5-12 Presentation Night at the State Theatre on 1st December.
The College recently provided Year 12 students and parents with access to Australia’s youth drug and alcohol expert Mr Paul Dillon in the lead up to their formal and schoolies.
The focus was on teenagers, parties, alcohol, and other drugs and titled: What’s happening now and what can we expect in a post COVID world?
We believe that this session further enhanced our students the knowledge and decision-making skills empowering them to make informed choices as they celebrate the end of their examinations and indeed time at the College.
The College in conjunction with the Sydney North Health Network is offering a free webinar for all parents.
With a focus on prevention, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents and carers of children and teenagers to better understand and promote positive body image and healthy relationships with food and physical activity in the home.
It’s being offered via Zoom on Thursday, 26 November at 7pm.
Please click on the following to register.
For more information click here to see the event flyer.
All students will need to be in the new College uniform in 2021. This new uniform rollout will be the culmination of over three years of planning and design.
Students can only attend class without an academic uniform if they have a medical certificate or clearance from the Uniform Shop that they are awaiting delivery on an item. In this case, they must be in full sports uniform. These students must attend the Wellbeing Centre before Period One to obtain a uniform pass.
During Terms Two and Three the College blazer must be worn to and from school. If a student is wearing the wet weather jacket, the blazer must still be worn and be presented for inspection on request.
Sports windcheaters issued to teams or touring groups are not part of the normal daily uniform. On Saturdays, the sports windcheaters are not to be worn with other normal school day items such as school trousers or blazers.
At formal occasions the blazer and tie are to be worn, include at; House Masses, Presentation Day, and College Assemblies in Terms 2 and 3.
All students will transition to the new College uniform in 2021
There have been great steps taken by Cricketers to improve many of their skills, and this is collectively bearing fruit with some strong team performances. A pleasing aspect is many teams are adopting a growth mindset, and know that by putting in the effort (and having fun whilst doing this), their teams will improve and they can very proud of their development.
8As on the attack with Sam Caro
A good example can be seen in with the Year 7 boys in the 8A, B and C teams taking on feedback from their coaches to continually improve, and strong victories by the 8A and 8C teams over Knox last weekend were excellent stepping stones. The McDonald brothers Toby (58 runs) and Jonathon (42 runs) shared an unbeaten 100-run partnership to chase the 144 run total. Angus Sundkvist also scored a rapid 60 run and Costa Iatrou and fluent 46 not out in the great team total of 6/190 in the 8Cs victory.
Smiles all round
The 2nd XI are full of confidence in their teamwork, and the ability to bowl any team out – despite not putting on large totals. They are showing faith in each of their bowlers, with Murray Shearer at his intimidating yet crafty best – taking 4 wickets in each of the last 2 games in victories against Barker and Knox. James Hoggett has also taken 3 wickets and scored a crucial 30 runs, and Max Farmeary, Pat Hoggett, Pat Abrahams have all had key contributions. The mental application in batting is crucial for the premiership hopes of the 2nds, as is also required by our 1st XI and Year 9 and 10 teams to see pressure transfer from on Waverley to their opposition. Josh Barr and Charles Thompson-Owens showed great discipline in the 9As, while a fantastic 60 to Finley Bates in the 8Cs are great displays we can see more of from teams.
Best of luck for all teams to finish the Term 4 games on the strongest terms.
The end of the year is fast approaching. It is hard to believe we only have a few weeks left of school for 2020. This Saturday marks the end of our Summer Sports competition. I hope the boys soak up every last minute and enjoy being part of their team for one last time. I want to give Mr Matthew Ryan a huge thank you for the amazing job he has done this year in organising and running all our sport and for his dedication to our boys. We have many events coming up in the next few weeks and I have listed key dates below. I am looking forward to a busy but exciting end of the term.
Friday, 20 November – Year 7 2021 Orientation Day
Thursday, 26 November – Year 6 Farewell at the school Chapel. This will be live-streamed.
Monday, 30 November- Year 6 Excursion to Manhattan Bowling – 6 Indigo, 6 White, and 6 Orange
Tuesday, 1 December – Year 6 Excursion to Manhattan Bowling – 6 Red, 6 Blue, and 6 Gold
Friday, 27 November – Junior School Reports Home
Wednesday, 2 December – Presentation Day Years 5, 7, & 8 – 9 am – This will be live-streamed.
Wednesday, 2 December – Final Day of Term 4
This term, Year 6 has been part of an exciting program called Robo Bricks. Robo Bricks expose students to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), equipping them with the necessary skills for the economy of the future, all while having fun with LEGO®. This program is run by a company called Young Engineers. They offer unique STEM enrichment programs which involve students building various motorized LEGO® models and teaching them logical thinking and coding using LEGO®.
Robotics Program
During each lesson, students employ mechanical engineering skills to build a robot and software engineering skills to code the robot to perform the desired tasks. The boys are completing this program as part of their Science and Technology Unit – Designing our Future. This program focuses primarily on the Digital Technologies content strand whilst still creating robots that fit in with the Material World content strand.
Students work in pairs to solve complex projects based around a kitchen mixer, conveyor belt, and scarecrow. These lessons include the following activities and skills;
Program Subjects
Valuable Skills Gained
There has been wonderful feedback from the students who have been part of the program so far. I’m looking forward to hearing more feedback once all Year 6 have taken part in this deep learning experience.
I am in awe of the critical and creative thinking behind these outstanding designs and builds. The challenge was to create a setting from a favourite book with bricks. It is very clear that the boys’ critical & creative thinking played an important role in the design and build aspect.
Building LEGO® Competition
By allowing our boys to practice critical thinking, we are allowing them, not only to solve problems but also come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows the boys to analyse ideas and adjust them accordingly. The judge has a difficult decision to make. Judging is currently underway and the winners will be announced Monday morning.
Building LEGO® Competition
A huge thank you to all the boys that entered!
The holidays are fast approaching and it is vital we encourage the boys to read as much as possible during them.
The current Year 5 students will be permitted to borrow books for the holidays. There will be new titles for the boys to pick from.
Borrowing for the holidays
It has been a very challenging year for our music ensembles due to Covid-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, four of our Junior School music ensembles were able to perform yesterday to a very small audience of their fellow students.
Junior School Band
The Junior School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr Dan Williams and supported by Mr Chris Blenkinsopp, started with a performance of Eye of the Tiger and Chillaxin followed by the Guitar ensemble playing Jazzy and Yesterday. The Guitar Ensemble is directed by Mr Nick Yatsev and with Mr Jesse Johnston also joining in the performance. The Stomp Ensemble, directed by Mrs Michelle Rollins, was next to perform with their own composition The odd one out!. Finally, the Junior School Rock Band, directed by Mr Sean Windsor, entertained the audience with Danger Zone from Top Gun.
The Stomp Ensemble
Special thanks to Mrs Keiran Kossenberg for her continuous support of all things musical in the school, Mr Bishoy Wasef for filming our concert which will be available for viewing next week and all of the tutors who help our Junior School musicians participate in ensembles.
Academic scholarships are awarded to a limited number of students who demonstrate academic excellence in the ACER examination. They can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.
Academic scholars are expected to maintain high standards of academic and co-curricular performance and are traditionally placed on the Principal’s Award List every term.
This scholarship is open to students who will commence Year 7 in 2022.
You need to register for the ACER Scholarship Selection test through the ACER website.
Applications open: Tuesday, 29 September 2020
Applications close: Midnight AEDST Monday, 8 February 2021
Test date: Saturday, 27 February 2021
Examination venue: Waverley College senior campus
Cost: $130 is payable to ACER upon registration
Academic scholarships are awarded based on:
Academic Excellence
Success at Interview
Further information on our Academic Scholarship is available through our website.
Please feel free to contact the Registrar, Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au, if you have any further questions.
In this edition of Nurrunga I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students on their academic achievements, offer insight into the cross-curricular learning opportunities offered at Waverley, and share with you the latest recommendations from the recent NAPLAN review. I am also pleased to be able to announce our 2020 writing competition winners and highly commended students as well as share with you one of the many academic celebrations that occurred throughout NAIDOC Week at Waverley College.
Congratulations to our Year 12 students on the completion of their schooling at Waverley College. The final year of school is always a challenging but ultimately rewarding one, providing the opportunity to demonstrate your growth, in every sense, as you finish your time at school. This is indeed true for 2020 and, in the face of unprecedented challenges, our boys have shown more than they might possibly realise.
The boys are now ready to embark on a new journey. An unpredictable journey. A journey that may run straight just as you thought it would, or it might wind in a roundabout direction or branch off in ways you never expected. Given the ever-changing world that we’re in, it’s most likely to be the latter. But that’s the beauty of being on a journey. There’s no way of knowing where you’ll end up. Everything is a possibility and I wish all our Year 12 boys all the very best as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
Cross-curriculum learning involves establishing patterns of information between different academic subjects. It offers a creative way of developing knowledge, understanding, and practical skills through a study of interconnected topics. Cross-curriculum learning benefits students as it enables them to identify patterns of information between subjects that will help to enforce key knowledge. Strong cross-curriculum learning can involve a wide variety of different subjects, making sure the links between lessons are natural and not forced.
Most recently, Miss Rebecca Gair (PDHPE teacher and Innovation Leader) developed a cross-curriculum project that involved Year 8 students across Visual Arts, TAS, and PDHPE. The project had a focus on embedding Indigenous Perspectives in the curriculum, with a goal of enhancing the educational experiences of non-Indigenous students as well as our Indigenous students here at Waverley. This project aimed to provide students with a more accurate and richer understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and develop a connection to our First Nations Peoples.
The boys created and shaped boomerangs in TAS further developing a connection to our rich Australian Indigenous history by educating and informing our students about the significance of the Boomerang. They then engaged in a workshop with the contemporary artist Blak Douglas where they created designs for their boomerangs. PDHPE lessons followed this where the boys investigated ways in which the boomerang was used as a hunting tool and they also had an opportunity to try their boomerangs out in the cricket nets.
Year 8 students across Visual Arts, TAS, and PDHPE listening to a guest speaker’s Indigenous perspective as part of the cross-curriculum project
In September 2019, a panel of Australia’s leading education assessment experts was commissioned by NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT to undertake the independent review on NAPLAN.
It may be of interest to you that the NAPLAN Review’s final report was released on 28 August 2020 and included the following recommendations:
The steps that follow this recommendation are that the review’s participating jurisdictions will ensure that action in response to the recommendations is considered by the Education Council in December 2020.
I will continue to update the community on this when further information is released.
For the 2020 College writing competition, the library teamed up with the College’s literacy and enrichment coordinators. This brought a new element to this annual competition.
Under the inspiration of Mr. Tall, we incorporated a stimulus prompt this year: a set of slightly mysterious keys! And wow did students respond.
One of our winners took this concept and in a delightful twist, a short story was submitted where a boy finds his musical ‘keys’ in the College choir. Well done Lachlan.
As summer approaches I encourage your sons to not only read but do some writing for fun; it makes a simple activity at home. It could be writing a note to family members or a short extract for siblings!
Leo Jreige
Lachlan Rowney
Bailey Barker
Jonathan Booy
Asher Thomasyu
O’Connor 08 Wellbeing Group
Yannick Hott
Lachlan Marzol
A set of slightly mysterious keys! the stimulus prompt for the 2020 Writing Competition.
The library facilitated student engagement with NAIDOC week via being a participant in a live event from the State Library of NSW. This event was broadcast during the students’ lunchtime live in the library via Zoom.
It was a captivating and unique NAIDOC experience with students being able to connect via objects with context and explanations from Melissa Jackson from the NSW State Library’s Indigenous Engagement branch.
Below is the summary from the State Library of NSW:
Description: You will know the name Bungaree but have you heard of Matora or Karoo? Join Melissa Jackson from our Indigenous Engagement branch as she introduces little known Aboriginal women from colonial Sydney. In this interactive virtual excursion, students will be immersed in Library collections that reveal the fascinating story of strong and powerful Aboriginal women.
This session, artworks, film, and sound clips are protected by copyright and may not be recorded, reproduced, or used in any way without the express written consent of the State Library of NSW.
NAIDOC Week Library Activity
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.
Watch our video
