On Thursday 26 October I was pleased to extend a warm welcome to more than ninety of our Old Boys who graduated 50 or more years ago. It was the 50th anniversary year of the Class of 1967. A special welcome was also extended to Mr Frank Ellis from the Leaving Class of 1936 and to Mr Phil O’Sullivan of the Intermediate Class of 1938, two of our oldest Waverlians.
Old Boys attend ‘Roll Call’ at the Back to Waverley Assembly
Fifty years ago, the Class of 1967 were part of the first group of around eighteen thousand to sit the first ever HSC exam. There were no computers and no calculators. Language students could listen to tapes but in terms of support during exams, that was pretty much it. There were 28 subjects at a range of levels available for most subjects. Ninety per cent of students completed one of four maths courses, eighty per cent completed one of three combined science courses. There were twelve languages, with French studied by more than one third of students and only 5 out of the 18,000 or so studied Japanese … and for our current Visual Arts students, the Art exam in 1967 included a three-hour practical exam. The expectation for those students was vastly different from what our current class of 2017 faces today. There was less pressure from all sides, unemployment was low and Universities were desperate to attract undergraduates. To hear it from the men who joined us, 50 years on from their experience, there was and still is a real love for Waverley College and for the academic success that came from being a part of this school, a great admiration for teachers such as the esteemed Percy Watson, and a happiness that comes from still being an important part of their College.
The College graduates who joined us, having last attended as students fifty or more years ago, exemplify the attributes we still expect from our students:
Patrick McClure gives an address at the Back to Waverley Assembly
Our guest speaker was Mr Patrick McClure from the Class of 1967, a fine example of these attributes. As a student at Waverley College, in his final year he was Adjutant of the Waverley College Cadet Unit, College Oratory and Debating Champion and he was awarded the JJ O’Brien Memorial Prize for Leadership, Study and Sport. Upon graduation, he joined the Franciscans and, after extensive study, was ordained in 1975, As a young Franciscan priest, Patrick was passionate about working with homeless people. He resigned from the ministry in 1975. He rose to become CEO of St Vincent de Paul and Mission Australia, and continues to play a leadership role in community welfare. Patrick has been instrumental in major social policy issues, including welfare reform, privatisation of employment services, innovations in homeless services, pathways for young people and partnerships with government and business. Patrick was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003 by then Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir.
Back to Waverley Day included a Mass, Assembly and Luncheon, all organised by the college’s Development Office. The Old Boys took the opportunity at lunch to bid a fond farewell to our Alumni Liaison Officer, Robyn Moore, who will retire at the end of this year after 15 years of working with the Old Boy community.
Robyn Moore, Alumni Liaison Officer
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Patrick and to every one of our old boy attendees for their support of the Back to Waverley event and their ongoing support for the College.
This week the College has hosted a team from Edmund Rice Education Australia who are conducting a School Renewal review which occurs every five years. More than 100 students, parents and staff have participated in the review process.
School Renewal in Edmund Rice Schools is a process by which a school community is helped to critically reflect on its nature as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition and to identify ways for continuous improvement. The objective of renewal is positive change for the school community.
Our four Touchstones (Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity) are the lens through which the school is invited to look at its policies, structures, practices, culture and relationships.
The outcomes of the renewal process will be used by the EREA Board in accrediting the school as being an authentic Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition.
School renewal is not a process of inspection or checking adherence to curriculum or legislative requirements. These areas are monitored through school registration processes managed by other bodies. School Renewal focuses on authenticity to catholicity and charism, with schools focusing on how they see the EREA Charter being a lived reality within the school.
The external panel appointed to undertake our renewal included;
Thank you to our review panel and to all students, staff, parents and Old Boys who participated in the process.
Congratulations to Green House who are raising awareness this month about Domestic Violence. On 24 November our students will participate in the White Ribbon Day Walk which is designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and asks men to stand up and say “NO” to violence against women.
Leading up to this event, Green House will spend the month of November raising awareness around Domestic Violence and discussing the horrifying statistics that one in three women in Australia will experience physical or sexual assault from someone known to them, and that one woman is actually killed each week by a current or former partner. We will also be raising funds for the White Ribbon Foundation and a local Women’s Refuge during this period.
This week Waverley College proudly hosted a student forum with the Anti Discrimination Board (ADB) of NSW. One hundred and twenty students and staff from a number of schools in our district attended the Board’s first youth forum day in more than 10 years.
Anti Discrimination Board Youth Forum
The forum was designed to give young people from the local area the opportunity to have their say and learn about their rights and responsibilities regarding bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Increasing awareness among young people of their rights is incredibly important, especially as they move out of school and into the community to become active in the workplace. The age bracket of 18-24 years actually tops the statistics for people experiencing bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Waverley College firmly believes that the lessons that students learn at school should not be solely academic, but should include lessons that are important for life after school. Every young person has the right to be treated with fairness and respect, and to feel safe, happy and sense that they belong to a community.
The Board representatives on the day were impressed by our EREA Touchstones of Inclusive Education and Justice and Solidarity, which resonated very strongly with their mission at the ADB.
I would like to thank the ADB for partnering with us on this important event. Congratulations also go to Dominic Hearne, who coordinated the forum here at Waverley.
On Thursday 19 October we inducted a new group of student leaders for 2018 at our Leadership Assembly, where I challenged them with the following questions:
How do great leaders inspire?
How does a group of leaders ensure that every student here at the college does not just survive at school, but flourish?
How will they face the challenges of their leadership year?
There is a very simple answer – they will need to cooperate and work together.
By working together as a team, our leaders can help every student to feel that they belong and are surrounded by people who have their best interests in mind.
Our Year 12 students have to take the lead in this. It is their duty to to protect the vulnerable and the young – to make them feel safe, valued and part of the bigger picture here at Waverley. But no individual in their group can achieve this alone.
The Aesop fable of the Oxen and the Lion is a perfect symbol of what their leadership will require: A Lion used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell to quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.
The moral of this story? United we stand, divided we fall. When we stand together – when we are united – we can more effectively face the challenges of life.
Some people refer to being united in this way as ‘school spirit’.
If you have to worry about the bus or train ride to school; if you have to worry about being bullied; if you feel alone because you struggle to make friends; if you have to worry about peer pressure to do something you know is wrong … all of that energy spent does not then go into building a better community, it goes into trying to just feel safe – it is destructive.
I spoke at the start of the year, about the drive for connection, which is stronger than our need for shelter and food. it is our leader’s responsibility to help our students feel connected.
To create a sense of connection in our community we must answer the following questions:
With ‘Inclusive Community’ one of our touchstones as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition it is pretty easy to answer who is in the circle; whatever your skin colour, whatever your religion, whether you were born in Australia or elsewhere, whatever your sexuality – you belong. Our seniors of 2017 acknowledged this when they themed their year – strength through diversity.
What theme are our 2018 Leaders going to choose? I look forward to their answer and I encourage them to think about what they want their legacy to be at the end of their year of leadership. They have the power to make a big difference in the lives of our 1350 students.
How big is our circle?
The Waverley circle is limitless and it lasts forever – from when you get up to go to school for the first time, when you are online, at the beach, in the classroom, visiting another school, or fifteen years after you have left school, you should know you are safe and that someone has your back even if you think there is no way out – I like to think of this as the concept of ‘RUOK for life’.
What values do our leaders need?
I’ve come to believe with my whole heart that our job as leaders is to inspire and equip the people we influence to find purpose and meaning in the work they do.
SERVE FIRST
Serving first sounds easy. But when your life unfolds each day and you’re faced with challenges, your motives are tested. Your motives need to be pure, which is not always easy. The most important measure of serving others is this: Are people better off after they’ve come into contact with you? To put it another way – are you filling their bucket or are you emptying it?
BUILD TRUST
Building trust is one of the most difficult behaviours required of a leader. Do a little self-assessment: Are you trustworthy? Are you willing to extend trust to others? As a leader, you need to emanate trust or others will not follow you. Trusting yourself first and then extending trust to others will give you the right to have others trust you. Building trust is critical to your long-term influence as a leader.
LIVE YOUR VALUES
We need go no further than the Gospel for values that should shape your life:
Compassion – sensitivity to, and concern for, the wellbeing of other people.
Courage – to follow what is true and right and to persevere in the face of suffering and opposition.
Love – The gift of sincere care, concern and empathy extended to others.
Service – Loving care for the needs of others.
Dignity – Respect for life, and above all the dignity of the human person.
Hope – A spirit of optimism and joy sustained by faith.
We are all in the circle, our circle is large and our values are clear.
We all can be leaders, because we can all serve.
Good luck gentlemen for the year ahead, I have high expectations of you and I know you will surpass them.
List of captains and prefects.
On behalf of the College, I would like to recognise the work and dedication to the College of Mr Sam Hardjono who has served on the College Board since 2006 and for the last four years as Chairperson. At the completion of is four year term as Chair this year, Sam will leave the Waverley College Board.
Sam Hardjono
Sam has been involved during an incredibly significant period of change for the College as it has moved from the administration of the Christian Brothers to the administration of Edmund Rice Education Australia. He was a Board Member under Chairman, Paul Gillian, when the College’s first lay Headmaster, Ray Paxton, was appointed in 2010.
In February 2014 Sam was appointed as Chairperson and since then the College has been extremely well served by having in the role a person of Sam’s capacity and standing, both professionally and in the broader community.
Sam is a member of Waverley’s Class of 1988 and was Captain of 1st IX Football. His loyalty and enthusiasm for his alma mater has been evident over the years in his dedicated and energetic commitment to his role on the Board.
During his time as Chairperson the college has seen major changes to its teaching and learning program, its marketing and development and the implementation of a major capital works program which came to fruition in 2016 with the opening of the Cosgrove Centre.
More recently, I have enjoyed working alongside Sam in my role as Head of College and I would like to extend my personal thanks for his support during this time.
I would also like to extend a warm congratulations to Sam, who was recently bestowed the highest Red Cross award, a ‘Distinguished Service Award for Exceptional Leadership’. The award was presented by the Governor of New South Wales and the President of the Australian Red Cross. As Chairman of NSW and a National Board member, Sam will soon be in Turkey representing the Australian Red Cross at the global General Assembly in November with 193 nations present.
Sam will complete his term as Chairperson of the Waverley College Board at the end of 2017 and a successor will be confirmed in the near future.
Red Cross Award for Sam Hardjono
Setting a great example
Since the start of the HSC, Year 12 student Jack Henderson has been found sitting under his favourite tree early each exam morning, going over his study notes and exam prep. His focus and work ethic have been phenomenal: Today Mr Porter snapped this photo of him in action. Jack, you’ve set a great example for other students and we wish you every success with your exams.
For our Year 12 boys nearing the end of their HSC, the long hot summer ahead should be one of the happiest and most exciting times of their young lives. Schoolies is a perfect opportunity to explore their new found freedom, assert their independence and celebrate the end of thirteen years of education with their mates. “What happens at Schoolies stays at Schoolies…” is a nice idea, unfortunately, the consequences of a rash decision can be permanent, life changing and haunt young people and their families for years to follow.
Each year the Newspaper headlines reflect the tragic consequences of a poor split-second choice often made under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Too many young lives are changed forever. Our role as parents and educators is not to tell or boys what not to do, but rather to talk openly and honestly about identifying, managing and minimizing risk. The following tips appeared in a recent article that I wrote for the Wentworth Courier; I have expanded on each of these here:
Get to know your son’s friends and their parents. This way you can present a united front on reasonable expectations and encouraging responsible decision making. Encourage them to look out for one another, buddy up, and commit to seeing each other home safely. Never leave a mate behind and this counts double for dates, girlfriends and female partners. Never leave someone to walk home alone or wait for a cab by themselves. If someone is not permitted into an event or venue then no body goes in, you find somewhere else to celebrate or you call it a night. Volunteer organizations such as Red Frogs can be a fantastic base of support.
Brush up on your own drug and alcohol knowledge. Begin discussing hypothetical scenarios with your son from an early age. This should include defining a standard drink, pacing their alcohol intake and the signs of intoxication. Discuss the importance of drinking plenty of water, eating three substantial meals per day and getting enough sleep around their celebrations. Discuss how to respond if someone offers drugs or alcohol, drink spiking, sexual consent, respectful relationships, refusing lifts with intoxicated drivers, avoiding and responding to aggressive behaviours and when to call the police or an ambulance. You are so much better off having these conversations proactively rather than picking up the pieces after a curfew is broken or a mistake has been made.
Plan how to get home from the celebrations well in advance, what to do if they can’t get a cab, etc. Agree on a check-in time each day, a text or call at a specified time just to let parents know that they are OK and having a great time. Find out who they are staying with and get their phone numbers as a back up for a lost phone, flat battery, etc. Agree on a “safe person to call” on older sibling, a relative, ideally not a parent. Someone they can call if they find themselves in a jam with no judgement and no consequences. If your son finds themselves in a predicament you want them to know there is always a way out and always someone to talk to. Know where the nearest hospital is, emergency room, police station, etc. Hopefully you don’t have to go looking for a missing friend. Know that it is OK to call for help particularly if a friend is unwell, ambulance drivers well not contact police unless they fear for their safety and the safety of others. Always remember you win 100% of the fights that you don’t have. Call the police before things get out of hand, if you feel threatened or unsafe, trust your gut and get out of there. Help your mates to stay calm and walk away if they have been provoked. Make good decisions.
To all the Schoolies enjoy a well-earned celebration and please do so safely.
Preparing for the 2017/2018 CAS basketball season was a long and physical process. This year, off-season and pre-season basketball was introduced early for players to train and improve their skills. More than 20 players each week woke up early for three training sessions at 6:30am run by coaches Mr Johnny Jovine, Mr Phil Noreika and new recruit, Mr Joan Creus Custodio. As pre-season began, players would start to showcase their refined skills in training and games.
In preparation for the upcoming CAS season, a holiday training camp was organised and up to 30 players battled it out for the remaining spots to play in the pre-season tournament and CAS season. The camp was run under the direction of Mr Gibbs and the three 1st V and 2nd V coaches. The camp allowed the boys to bond with each other both on and off the court. The first day of the camp involved several physical challenges and a large fitness component. The second day focused on key areas of improvement for each individual, as well as team selections so that the players could gel together and move forward, not just as 1st’s and 2nd’s, but as a whole unit. Day three involved the integration of new plays as well as a well-earned (less gruelling) itinerary for the day so that the boys could recover and rest before the tournament the next day. The camp contributed to showcasing the immense growth and depth of talent in Waverley Basketball.
For the 1st V and 2nd V teams, along with camp and training sessions, friendly games against local schools would help prepare them for the upcoming season. Playing against schools such as Marcellin, Shore, St Patrick’s, Grammar and more, the boys were off to a steady start.
With the annual tournament coming up as part of pre-season as well, this allowed the boys to experience different levels of basketball, playing against championship teams such as Newington. The 2nds players put together a massive effort in the tournament with a hard draw beating high level teams such as Sydney Grammar and GPS contenders Newington. However due the nature of the pools and divisions, Waverley were to lose to a very strong Shore side who had significant depth off the bench. The game was closely contested by Waverley, although due to a few errors, Shore came out on top, leaving Waverley with a must win game against the Charity Bounce team in order to qualify for the next round. As the game began, Waverley started off strong with the help of Ash Backlund, Daniel Marando and Tom Deakin-Bell, who held the opposition off with stellar defensive plays accompanied by the offensive presence of Samuel Frazer, Mark Goncalves and Justin Capra. Unfortunately, due to some big shots from the opposition in crucial moments of the game, it resulted in an unlucky defeat with the end result being a whisker of margins, 33-35. The boys of the 2nd V were disappointed with the result, however they should be proud of their achievement and the way they conducted themselves throughout the tournament.
Playing Newington in their first round, the 1st V had been dealt a difficult first hand in the competition. From the start of the game, Newington showed dominance in both defensive and offensive plays on the court as they grew a lead from early on. Waverley fought every minute but we were no match for the 12 time GPS champions. Reflecting on the game and assessing areas for improvement, Waverley would go on to play Grammar, who had defeated Waverley in the pre-season. As we knew this would be a tough game, we gave it our all and led the game at half time. With baskets being scored on each end, Waverley got some key stops to ultimately put them on top at the final buzzer, winning the game. From here we picked up momentum and this helped in beating our next opponent, Shore.
Due to this success, the 1st V team advanced to the second stage of the tournament where we faced Sydney Boys High. This was a team full of skillful athletic guards who have been very successful in pre-season and regular season games. However, Sydney Boys were no match for Waverley’s bigger size as once again Waverley came out with the victory.
Next in line was Kings, this time a much larger team. Going into the game, Waverley were struggling early on as Kings grew a lead of 20 points. After halftime, our determination to win narrowed the scoreline to just 2 points within the last minutes of the game. Unfortunately key player, Alex Higgins-Titsha suffered a major injury and broke his wrist and the team registered a loss. Despite being eliminated at this point, there was satisfaction with our performance because Waverley had not made it this far in the tournament for many years.
Getting into the first game against Knox in CAS season, the junior teams recorded some standout games, with the 8A team securing a comfortable 15-point win, with great performances by some of the development players like Jake Weinstein with 10 points and Jack Ringrose with 24 points.
The 9A team had a tough start with a 17-point defeat. The game was well contested throughout but some errors and turnovers lead to a shift in the game and ultimately their loss.
The 10A team line-up also featured development players Ben Walton and Christian Diaz, along with a new look team and whilst the 10A lost 50-41, the performance by the team showed flashes of things to come for their basketball this season.
As training continued, teams worked hard on all areas that needed improvement, so that Waverley would be ready for the first CAS game against Knox at home.
The 2nd V squad were out to a rough start against a highly competitive Knox team with each side finding it extremely hard to capitalise on scoring opportunities due to strong defensive plays by both teams. Waverley began to attack the rim and find easy jump shots and began to settle in their offence. As halftime approached the two teams headed to the bench. With the scores tied it was looking like a game that would be decided in the final minutes. Due to a scoring outbreak from Tom Deakin-Bell with 10 points and Mark Goncalves, 9 points, Waverley began to exploit holes in the well drilled Knox defense. Coming into the fourth quarter a close game was on show as every shot counted and could decide the victors. Time ticking away, some crucial last-minute points put the Waverley side ahead in the final seconds which resulted in a win 41-38.
Following the successful conclusion of the 2nd’s game, the 1st V squad immediately started their warm up in preparation for the big game. Knox, being a championship contender, was going to be a big challenge, especially since Waverley were still missing injured players Alex Higgins-Titsha and Luca Zanarini. As the ball was tipped, Waverley were already off to a slow start as Knox grew to a lead of 6-10 points. Thanks to some skillful plays, Waverley narrowed the margin and were trailing by 2 points by the end of the first quarter. Into the second quarter, the game continued to go back and forth but Waverley’s turnovers allowed Knox to continue to keep their lead. As half-time approached, Waverley had to make some adjustments both offensively and defensively to give them the edge. As the second half began, Waverley made some progress in their defensive side, however some controversial calls made by the officials, left some players frustrated, earning ourselves fouls which gave away easy points and possession for Knox. As time ticked away, some good shots by Kyle Goulding narrowed the gap to one point. Going into the fourth quarter, it was the last hope for Waverley to take the lead. Within the last four minutes, Waverley got some crucial stops as Ryan Abbott had two blocks and two 3 pointers that gave Waverley a 3-point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. Waverley finished strong to secure the victory against Knox winning 66-62 in their first game back from pre-season. A shout-out to Kyle Goulding for scoring 16 points and Ryan Abbott with a double, grabbing 13 rebounds along with 15 points. Despite this success, we still have areas that need improvement, particularly in turnovers and fouls. Overall, Waverley’s positive start to the CAS season was well deserved and showcased talents across all years. We will need to focus on several areas of improvement for next week’s opponent, St Aloysius’.
Last weekend saw Waverley take on Knox for the first round of the 2018 CAS basketball season. For the 1st and 2nd squads basketball did not stop following the end of the 2017 season, as many players continued training in the off-season program offered during Terms 2 and 3, which included strength and conditioning and a basketball skills sessions each week.
During the last month of Term 3 the pre-season program for the 1st, 2nd and all A/B teams commenced. The 1st and 2nd squads played a series of trial games against regular pre-season opponents Shore, St Patrick’s and Sydney Grammar, however the first trial game was against Marcellin and despite losing 64-55, it was a solid first up effort for the 1st V.
The following weekend the 1st V and 2nd V travelled to North Sydney to take on Shore with the 1st team posting a strong 88-74 win and the 2nd team losing 72-59 in a well-fought tussle. A trip out to Strathfield to play St Patrick’s the following week saw the 1st V (69-46) and 2nd V (51-35) post big wins. The final trial games of the pre-season were away to Sydney Grammar where both 1st and 2nd lost 78-62 and 49-32 respectively.
During the Term 3 holiday break, Waverley Basketball ran another Junior Development Camp with approximately 15 eager players participating in a range of individual skills sessions over 3 days under the supervision of 1st V coach, Mr Johnny Jovine and Assistant 1st V coach, Mr Joan Creus Custodio. Mr Creus Custodio, is from Spain and is currently studying in Australia whilst working as a coach for Waverley and a number of other local basketball associations. Mr Creus Custodio has played in the top division of Spanish basketball, the Liga ACB, for 3 years representing Manresa and Estudiantes. After the departure of Mr Tom Chamberlain last season, the 2nd V are now under the tutelage of new coach, Waverley Old Boy Mr Phil Noreika. Mr Noreika represented the College in the 1st V from 2001-2004 and CAS 1st V in 2004 and has been playing for the Sydney Comets in the ABA for the past two seasons. Along with 1st V coach, Mr Jovine, Waverley has a very experienced and highly qualified coaching team leading them this season.
During the October break, the 1st V and 2nd V participated in a 3-day training camp in preparation for the annual Sydney School Shootout Tournament that was held at Newington College. Both teams played extremely well throughout the tournament, with the results showing it was Waverley’s best tournament performance for many seasons. The 2nd squad defeated Newington and Sydney Grammar in their pool games and narrowly lost to Charity Bounce by 2 points and Shore (39-29). Had the 2nd squad won 3 of their 4 pool games, they would have advanced to the semi-finals. While the 1st squad lost their first pool game to Newington (45-26), they were able to bounce back to defeat Sydney Grammar (52-39) and Shore (41-30) to advance to the quarter finals where they faced Sydney Boys’ High. In a high quality game, Waverley was able to edge out Sydney Boys’ to set up a semi-final showdown with Kings. In the semi-final, Kings were able to establish a sizeable lead in the first half, however in the second half, the 1st V played outstanding basketball to claw their way to within one point of Kings with 90 seconds left on the clock and all the momentum. Unfortunately, a serious injury to Alex Higgins-Titsha halted Waverley’s momentum and Kings were able to close out the game 51-46. Regardless of the score, it was a valiant effort from the 1st V and a fantastic achievement by both 1st and 2nd teams, who showed they will be highly competitive this season.
Seventeen Old Boys returned to the College to play in the highly popular Old Boys vs 1st V and Old Boys vs 2nd V games in the weekend before the start of the CAS competition. In the 2nd V game, the Old Boys proved too big and too strong, however the 1st V game was a much closer affair. The 1st V were in front for much of the game, only to end up in a draw after regulation time. One minute of extra time was played and it was frenetic as each team tried to make an elusive basket, however nothing was sticking. It was not until the final seconds of the game that the Old Boys were able to make a free throw that sealed the result in their favour. Special thanks to the following Old Boys for taking the time to come back to Waverley: Ryan Azzopardi (2011), Tom Chamberlain (2012), Ned Crerar (2015), Patrick Duffy (2012), Lachlan Ho (2014), Jasper Howell (2015), Haydn Johansson (2013), Patrick Kava (2013), Dean Kormanyos (2015), Jamie Mattick (2014), Harrison Petritsis (2015), James Sekhas (2011), Linden Smith-Hyde (2007), John Sommerville (2011), Dean Stojanovski (2017), Sammy Tam (2013) and Jackson Tate (2012).
The 2nd V played through early jitters to perform extremely well and defeat Knox 41-38 in their first CAS game of the season. The game was neck and neck the whole way with neither team being able to break away. Coach Mr Phil Noreika was extremely pleased with his players saying, “every team member contributed when needed, especially on defensive transitions and the offensive end of the floor.” He was also happy that Waverley were able to show grit to grind out a win against a highly spirited Knox outfit. While the whole team played well, captain, Mark Goncalves had an outstanding game, as did Ash Backlund, Justin Capra and Tom Deakin-Bell.
Buoyed by the 2nd V’s win, the 1st V took the court. The last two outings against Knox had been close games that were decided by 3 and 4 points in Knox’s favour and this game turned out to be no different. The score at the end of the first quarter was 15-13 to Knox. By the end of the first half it was 32-30 to Waverley and going into the last period, the score was 45-44 to Knox. The game ultimately finished 66-62 with Waverley – not having beaten Knox since 2012 – recording a notable victory. It was the first time in my tenure as Convenor that both the 1st’s and 2nd’s had defeated Knox. Ryan Abbott, Kyle Goulding, Hayden Walton and Captain, Jeremy Petritsis had great games. Coach Johnny Jovine thought the players, “matched the intensity and then some against Knox, showing why Waverley has become one of the top contenders in the CAS.” He was not happy with the team’s 33 turnovers to 10 assists, however he was pleased with the way the players, “stuck together in time of need and their ability to pull off clutch shots,” towards the end of the game. He believes that the 1st V’s free throws still need work, however their shooting from the field has improved vastly since last year.
In other games, Waverley enjoyed limited success against Knox. The following teams won their games: 9E (27-23), 8A (52-37) and 8B (35-25). The 10B drew 32-32. The 8A and 8B teams are looking very strong this season, possessing a number of talented players in their ranks. The 9A squad played a mid-week trial game against Moriah College this week and despite playing very well, lost by 2 points. Coach Mr James Spargo was very satisfied with the manner in which his players conducted themselves, playing hard to the end.
In December 2017, 32 Waverley students and 6 staff members will be participating in a Basketball Development Tour to the USA and Canada. Coaching staff and players have undertaken training sessions since the beginning of Term 2 and all are eagerly awaiting their departure in just over 40 days. The tour will visit Portland, Seattle and Vancouver and three Waverley teams (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman) will play against a variety of North American high schools while also participating in homestays with local families. The tourists will also be attending NBA and NCAA games in Portland and Seattle respectively.
Long sleeve ‘Waverley Basketball’ shirts are being sold to help raise money for the tour. The shirts are made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester and are smart, comfortable and perfect for wearing to basketball training, games or casually. The cost of the shirts is $50 each with some of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts going towards the Social Justice component of the Tour. Many families have already purchased the shirts and you will have no doubt seen them being worn. Show your support for the players on tour by purchasing a shirt before they are all sold out! You can purchase shirts at the Saturday Basketball BBQ or at school on the ground floor of the TAS Building on Wednesday’s at Lunchtime.
Best of luck to all teams this weekend against St Aloysius’ this week.
Welcome back to the final term of 2017!
It is my great pleasure to share with you the list of major award winners for the Class of 2017 and to announce the College’s new student leadership team.
At the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2017 at the end of last term we recognised the following outstanding students for their achievements this year:
Class of 2017 Academic Awards
Stephen Croft
Lachlan Stewart
James Rusconi
Joe Nardo
Finn O’Sullivan
Tyler von der Heyden
Riley Addison
Huon Beccaris
Marco Bell
Billy Cam
Joe Capron
Ralph Chang-Smith
Cyrus Chow
Ryan Crawshaw
Hal Cumpston
Taaj Davis
Ben Donaldson
Joshua Donovan
Joel Ellis
Alexander Fomenko
Jake Galluccio
Daniel Harasta
Ayden Janssen
Felix Kafka
Alfie Killigrew
Ryan Lewis
Kelvin Li
James Matis
Ross Mormanis
Daniel Morris
Angus Mullins
Jack Ovens
Matteo Panucci
Jordan Perdia
Daniel Priestly
Liam Rayner
Luke Ryan
Matan Sharon-Lemon
John Soden
Nicholas Sterianos
Alex Vardanega
Jonathan Wu
Congratulations to all of our graduates and best wishes for the HSC examinations, which commence on Monday 16 October and conclude Tuesday 7 November.
I am also very pleased to announce our new Student Leadership Team from the Class of 2018. These outstanding young men were selected from a large number of nominations from the Class of 2018 and I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the selection process for the high standard that was set.
Captain
Harley McGuiggan
Vice Captains
Daniel Andrews
Jack Hardwicke-Owen
Dominic Augoustis
Prefects
AUNGIER
Jasper Wilde
Andre Vumbaca
Domenic Abruzzese
Stephen Davies
BRENNAN
Coen Finati
Ethan Reid
Daniel Hassan
Luca Zanarini
CONLON
Luca Martin
Ryan Connolly
Jonathon Schacht
Anthony Roydhouse
GREEN
Daniel Brown
Ben Scarf
Nathan Higgs
Allan Cannes
LACEY
Felix Valentine
Jacob Gibson
Byron Howe
Ben Webster
O’CONNOR
Reece Thorn
Patrick Kossenberg
James Bodkin
Tadgh Murphy
QUINN
Kiva Gwynne
Hunter Markham
Joseph Wightwick
TEVLIN
Daniel Callaghan
Jacob Tomasiello
Adam McCabe
Fred Watkins
Our new school leaders were presented at our Leadership Assembly on Thursday.
A warm welcome to a number of new staff members for this term:
We welcome back the following staff members returning from Long Service Leave: Mr Tony Moore, Mr Greg Harris, Mr Mark Claridge, Mr Matt Barr, Ms Deanne Seamons, Mr Brad Thompson and Mr Gary Kennedy.
I would like to wish Mr Ben Meadley a quick recovery. Ben sustained a fracture of his hand and is being replaced by Mr Tony Proudfoot for the first two weeks of Term 4.
Good luck to the following boys who have been chosen in their respective Club sides to compete in the National Oztag Championships being held in Coffs Harbour this weekend: Aaron Dimovitch (Year 8), Josh Algie (Year 8), Ethan Flanagan (Year 8), Blair Kallis (Year 9), Flynn Wild (Year 9), Emmanuel Di Bartolo (Year 9), Zavian Taylor-Simi (Year 9), Corey Kallis (Year 12) – safe travels north.
Congratulations also to Xavier Scally (Year 7) who has been selected to represent his association in the NSW Indoor Hockey State Championships and also Oliver Davis (Year 7) who has been competing in National golf competitions over the holidays including coming 8th in the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic from 91 starters. Oliver was also team captain at the recent National Match Play in the Southern Highlands.
It has now been ten years since the establishment of Edmund Rice Education Australia. I would like to share with you the following message to our community from Paul D Oakley cfc, President of Edmund Rice Education Australia:
Greetings to all in Edmund Rice Education Australia
During the recent school holidays a significant anniversary was reached for Edmund Rice Education Australia. Ten years ago, on the first of October 2007, the Christian Brothers established Edmund Rice Education Australia. In doing so the Christian Brothers delegated to the members of its Council the necessary authority to conduct the schools which had before that been the responsibility of the four Provinces of Christian Brothers in Australia.
The planning for this decision on the part of the Brothers had been in train for quite some years and since 2000 had been focussed on developing this new entity for all of Australia. The leadership teams of the Brothers, school leadership and school board members all contributed to the thinking and eventual shape of what would become Edmund Rice Education Australia. At the end of 2012 Edmund Rice Education Australia was formally recognised by the Church as a Pontifical Public Juridic Person and incorporated for Australia as Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia.
Our story and celebration would be merely that of one organisation taking on the work of another if it was not for our immersion in the story of a particular person, Blessed Edmund Rice. In his introduction to his compilation of sacred songs in ‘Sacred Story’ the poet, song writer and singer Liam Lawton wrote:
“It was only when I began researching the life and times of Edmund Rice for this collection, did I realise how unique this story was – with very few, if any, parallels in Irish History. As the story unfolded I found myself being drawn into the world of one who experienced the harshness of penal days, the loving environment of family, the excitement of merchant business, the bliss of courtship and marriage, the tragedy of losing a partner, the sadness of holding a disabled child, the courage to leave one world and enter another and the selfless giving and complete service to the voiceless.” (Sacred Story, A Celtic Celebration, Liam Lawton, Carlow, 1997)
It is nearly one hundred and fifty years since a follower of Edmund Rice, Brother Patrick Ambrose Treacy, stepped ashore with his companions at Station Pier in Melbourne to commence to do for the young voiceless ones of Australia what Edmund Rice had done for those in Ireland some sixty years earlier. In Edmund Rice Education Australia we are taking up the ministry of the many Brothers and their colleagues who followed in their footsteps.
On this tenth anniversary of the establishment of Edmund Rice Education Australia we can rejoice that the vision of those who planned and worked long and hard over so many years has been fulfilled. Edmund Rice Education Australia now governs, manages and conducts over fifty schools and learning centres. This is a great responsibility and a very great privilege. The Brothers have not only generously gifted the schools and their resources, a physical patrimony, to Edmund Rice Education Australia, but more importantly, they have gifted their spiritual patrimony by sharing the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice to enliven and inspire all in Edmund Rice Education Australia as we continue to develop this schools ministry in Church mission.
Our continuing development as Edmund Rice Education Australia has only been possible because of the generous contributions of the Christian Brothers and all our parents, staff, students and administrators. Many have been inspired by the Charism that we share. ‘The Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition’ gives practical expression to that Charism through the Touchstones that have been developed by our community. As the Charter proclaims:
“These touchstones give us ideals authentically linked with the charism which underpins the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours. They help us set our direction and define our goals as, following Blessed Edmund’s vision, we continue to reflect and seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities.”
May each of us and each of our schools share in the prophetic mission of the Catholic Church to continue the work of Jesus and bring good news to the poor.
With deep and sincere thanks for all you do to bring this mission to life.
Paul D Oakley cfc
President, Edmund Rice Education Australia
On behalf of the Council – 9 October 2017
The Waverley College weights room was designed in in consultation with FIT1 training studio. It is a functional training area that works for all students and staff at all fitness levels, providing equipment and space for the following activities:
Aside from scheduled classes and training, the facility is open for use by students and staff from from 7am to 8am and from 3.30pm to 5pm on selected days under the supervision of a Weights Room Manager. The facility is located below the main gymnasium.
The floor plan focuses on different training zones. Each training zone has different exercise equipment and a unique training focus. For example, the LIFT ZONE is designed for advanced barbell strength work where the TRACK offers speed, agility, and leg power training with sleds, ladders, battle ropes and tyres.
The different training zones also allow pods of 4 to 6 students (or adults) to work together in a larger circuit class of up to 40 people. The zones make it easier for teachers to take classes using all of the available floor space.
Weights room activity zones.
The “LIFT” zone is not used during the super circuits but by students under supervision and direction.
The dumbbells selected are hex head rubber rogue dumbbells. These dumbbells are easy to use and easy on hands. The dumbbell rack is very stable and has a grade incline for easy pick up and placement. There are two flat benches and two adjustable benches in this zone, where four to six athletes can work dumbbells during the super circuits.
This is the most versatile functional piece of equipment at the gym, offering exercises including: seated row, tricep extension, wood chop, squat pull, bent over row and cable fly.
Six students can be working on the cables at one time, making them perfect for larger group super circuits. The cables are safe and easy for students with no background in weight training.
A high bench and fixed barbell set allows for bench rows. The ten-piece fixed barbell set is also perfect for drop sets on multiple exercises.
The Rogue Abram GHD is a comprehensive tool for midline stabilization and the strengthening of hamstrings and glutes.
In the cardio zone there are two rowers, two ski ergs, two assault bikes and two spots for skipping. The cardio options are great for warm ups, metabolic conditioning and injury rehabilitation. The cardio zone fits eight athletes during a super circuit.
The track is a dynamic and challenging space for all athletes.
The track floor space is left open for long body moves such as sprints, broad jumps, speed crawls, cheetahs, planks walks and more.
New training tyre for weights room
The cross-training zone offers great variety with multiple exercises able to be executed in this space. The floor is left open with all equipment on the side, leaving room for body, ab, core and flexibility work. Fit-balls, plyo boxes, sliders, core bags, bosu balls, slam balls and kettlebells focus on functional strength and balance. During a super circuit there can be 2 or 3 groups of 4 to 6 athletes completing different exercises.
In this zone there are 6 chinning bars set at different heights to suit all athletes. Each Chinning station has a mid-height horizontal bar that acts as a spot for all pull up exercises. The spotting bar also creates two great full body pulling movements; window chin ups and swinging chin ups. Each of the chinning bars have a set of gymnastics rings fixed at mid height. This allows for exercises such as: inverted pull, single arm pull up, split squat jumps, freeze jumps and ss inverted. There is also a set of long rings for ring push ups. During a super circuit, six athletes can be working in this zone.
In 1936 an enshrined statue of Our Lady of Succour was procured from France and presented to the school by J.J O’Brien on behalf of the Old Boys. Rev Father Piper OFM blessed the statue just prior to the May Procession. For some time it was situated on top of the “Merrowie” building on Birrell Street.
‘Merrowie’ had been purchased by the College from John Field in 1934 and used as a residence for the Brothers.
On the completion of the Centenary Building in 1975, the statue was moved to the centenary building rooftop – the highest point of the College – by helicopter.
The statue remains atop the College to this day as a reminder of the dedication to Our Lady of the founders of the College, as well as of Our Lady’s continued role in our school life.
Term 3 has been exceptionally busy and productive at Waverley. I wish our Year 12 students all the best as they embark on their final study period before the HSC. I have been impressed with their overall performance this year as a cohort that has grappled well with change and formed new traditions. I am sure both parents, staff and students are looking forward to an enjoyable and well deserved graduation day on Friday. With this end comes a new beginning for all of our students in Year 11 who will be expected to lead the College with passion and conviction for the next 12 months. Formal positions including Captains and Prefects will be announced on Friday, prior to the Graduation ceremony. Early Term 4 will see a leadership assembly take place that acknowledges all of the Senior Leaders, Prefects and Captains.
With two members of the executive away – Mr Patrick Brennan (EREA Immersion) and Mr Tony Moore (LSL) – I would like to thank and congratulate the following staff for acting in those positions, as well as other staff who have also stepped up as a result of these changes:
Ms Elizabeth Watson – Acting Deputy Head of College
Ms Martina Cooper – Acting Director of Personnel
Ms Lynsey Porter – Acting Director of Learning
Ms Angela Stanley – Acting Head of English
Ms Cath Stewart – Acting Head of Religious Education
We wish Ms Georgie Jeffries all the best as she takes maternity leave from Term 4. Ms Hilary de Joux will be taking her position for Term 4.
We also farewelled Ms Rosa Nunez of our Business Office last week who is relocating to Singapore in a new role.
Please have a conversation with your son about being mindful of his personal safety in public places. One of our Year 8 students was involved in a frightening incident this week whilst travelling to school on the 380 (North Bondi) bus. A man tried to first lure and then forcefully remove him from a bus against his will. Fortunately, he was able to seek assistance from other passengers and the bus driver. He stayed on the bus past his stop and then phoned for assistance. The Police have now arrested a person in relation to the incident. Our Year 8 student was very brave and acted with composure and presence of mind under difficult circumstances.
Please talk to your son about taking the following steps if he finds himself in a threatening situation:
Congratulations to our Cadet Unit on their Ceremonial and Valedictory Dinner. It was an impressive view seeing more than 300 Cadets in action at Queens Park last Sunday. There was certainly plenty of honour, commitment, discipline, camaraderie and service on display. A record 41 cadets and their parents shared a meal together at the Stamford Plaza to celebrate each student’s five years of service and development. Congratulations to Mr Anthony Evans who was recognised for his 40 years service to the Unit.
Congratulations to the following boys who were selected to represent the CAS at the NSWCIS carnival at SOPAC this week: Dane Towns (Y7), Remy Crompton-Lamb (Y8) , Kurt Kress (Y8), Matthew Chapman (Y9), Alex Talbot (Y9), Charles McGrath (Y11), Barnaby Bickmore-Hutt (Y11), Jack Hardwicke-Owen (Y11), Declan Stupak-Horgan (Y12), Dylan Quirk (Y12) and Tyler von der Heyden (Y12).
During late August Sam Jagoe-Fisher (Y10) was selected as one of six referees for the NSW PSSA Rugby Union State Carnival. Congratulations to Sam who was named as most improved referee for the tournament.
Good Luck to any students participating in holidays sports competitions or teams.
Mac Jenkins will be heading to Queensland next week to compete in the National Under 17 Cricket Championships as Captain of the Australian Under 16 team. We wish him well.
All boys in Years 5 to 10 should be aiming to read one book these holidays. The benefits of reading are well documented and pay large dividends in the senior years when time is short. Please encourage your son to fit one book into what I hope will be a restful and safe time for all students.
In response to a need for parents and students to have greater certainty regarding school enrolment, the College has revised its enrolment timeline. The effect of the change is that students enrolling for Year 7 will have their places confirmed whilst they are in Year 5. Students enrolling for Year 5 (Junior School) will have their places confirmed during Term 1 of Year 4. This means that enrolment deadlines are now much earlier – please check the details below to see if you will be affected. The change will begin to take effect in 2018 and will impact on families planning to enrol their sons at the College in 2020 and later.
The College is currently finalising its enrolment intakes for Years 5 and 7 for 2019. For these two Year groups you should contact the Registrar prior to lodging your application to ensure that it can be considered for 2019 entry. The College has some limited availability in other years for 2018 and 2019 enrolment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Enrolment Office on 9369 0698.
Below is a message for the College Community from the executive Director of EREA Dr Wayne Tinsey regarding the appointment of the Deputy Head of College;
Dear College Community,
It is with much pleasure that I announce that Mr Patrick Brennan has been appointed to the position of Deputy Head of Waverley College.
Patrick has over twenty years teaching experience in schools in Australia and the United Kingdom. Patrick is well known to the Waverley community and is currently the Acting Deputy Head of College. Prior to this, he has held the positions of Director of Co-Curricular and Head of PDHPE. Previously, Patrick worked in the United Kingdom where he was Program Coordinator for the Lewisham Education Authority and before this he had the role of Sports Coordinator at Bossley Park High School.
Patrick complements his leadership experience with a sound academic record having a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Wollongong. He also has strong ties to the Edmund Rice network, being an old boy of Edmund Rice College, Wollongong. Patrick and his family are active members of the St Francis of Assisi Parish in Paddington.
Patrick is currently preparing to leave with other EREA staff for the ‘Ireland to India Pilgrimage’. On behalf of all members of the Edmund Rice Education Australia community, I warmly congratulate Patrick on this significant appointment.
With every best wish.
Yours sincerely
Wayne Tinsey
Executive Director
Edmund Rice Education Australia
Thank you to all the families and businesses that donated cakes and biscuits to the College’s RUOK bake sale. A big thank you must go to Ms Donna Drew-Morris for coordinating this event and Ms Marg Morton, Ms Louise Mattick and Ms Hayley O’Sullivan for their assistance.
Raising funds for this community organisation that helps and supports young people is valuable work for us all. The numbers of depressed young people or young people taking their own lives in this country is way too high and we can all play a key part in encouraging each other to embrace the RUOK? theme for this year, ‘You’ve got what it takes’. At assembly this week the College heard from RUOK? ambassador Simon Gillard author of Life Sentence which examines a police officer’s battle with PTSD. Simon encouraged the students to look after each other, to be alert for changes in behaviour and seek assistance and support for their mates when there is a problem.
RUOK? Day Bake Sale
Good luck to our representatives at the 88th CAS Track and Field Championships being held today. The students and coaches have put in many long hours of preparation for the event. Unfortunately, we have been hit with a few injuries and recent sickness, but I am sure our boys will do us proud both on the track and in the stands at Homebush.
Track and Field Team Presentation 2017
Thank you for your support in following the guidelines set by NSW Health for keeping your sons at home for 48 hours after experiencing an episode of vomiting or flu-like symptoms. Following these guidelines benefits all of our students and staff, preventing the spread of these highly contagious illnesses.
At the last Parent Association Committee meeting on Wednesday 30 August, I received both positive feedback and suggestions for improvement from Year Parents and Committee Members, on behalf of the entire parent body. Feedback is vital to encouraging open communication and working together for school improvement. There are many great things about Waverley, but there are areas we can work on to improve outcomes for the students in our care. Feedback included:
What’s working well:
Areas for improvement/consideration:
Parents also came up with a broad range of ideas for future improvements at the College. This feedback will flow into the development of our new College Strategic Plan, along with the EREA school renewal process that takes place in early November 2017 and the national school improvement agenda documents. In addition, the College is planning a whole school survey of parents, students and staff for 2018; this will be a great opportunity for the entire community to have input into every aspect of school life. The last full school survey was conducted in 2012 and provided enormously valuable information to the Executive.
I hope all dads, grandads, stepdads and other significant male carers had an enjoyable Father’s Day last Sunday. Thank you to all for the large attendance at our Junior and Senior School Father’s Day masses held by Father Bernie Thomas.
Every child has the right to feel safe and should be free to trust those who are in positions of care and leadership around them. We all have a part to play in protecting children and Child Protection Week is a timely reminder of our obligations.
The College has a zero tolerance of child abuse and all allegations and safety concerns are treated seriously, consistent with our robust policies and procedures. We have a legal and moral obligation to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously. This policy is in accord with the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Charter and underpinned by EREA core values. EREA endorses the Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs’ ‘Educational Goals for Young Australians’ and The National Safe Schools Framework.
The College complies with all child protection legislation and applies robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers. It is Waverley College policy that all staff have compulsory up-to-date Working with Children certification and the College is compliant with every legislated safeguard including obligatory police clearances, working with children clearances and mandatory reporting training. These, in conjunction with strict codes of conduct for staff behaviour, give full effect to our priority to provide a safe environment for all children at our school.
Thursday, 14 September is RUOK? Day, which provides an annual focus on suicide prevention. The College will be taking the opportunity to remind students and staff that ‘a conversation can change a life’.
The College has very strong links to this charity through the Larkin family, whose late father, Gavin, founded the organisation. Gavin and Maryanne’s son, Van, is currently in Year 6 and Van’s late brother, Gus, was part of the Class of 2016. Sadly, Gus died from brain cancer in 2013.
A cake stall fundraiser for RUOK? will be held on Thursday at recess (10.15am – 10.35am), so please make sure your child brings a gold coin to support this event. If you are able to bake or supply some cakes or biscuits it would be greatly appreciated; just drop them at the Senior School Reception on Thursday morning.
I have had excellent reports back from the Somerset Outdoor Education Centre on our Year 9 students from their adventure last week. I also received similar endorsement from the cruise operators of our Year 10 students after their Dinner Dance on Sydney Harbour last Friday evening. The common themes were that our students were the best they had seen for quite some time in terms of their manners, behaviour and respect – a great endorsement of our parents and the College. Thank you to all the staff that assisted in making these rich learning experiences possible.
Congratulations to our Year 12 Drama students who presented their major works last week to a large audience in the Performing Arts Centre. The standard of performance was impressive, as was the support they received from their peers, who turned out to support them en masse. Such support for each other is indicative of the camaraderie among Year 12 students this year. Thank you to Mr Peter Lamb and Ms Alison Jinga for hosting and coordinating the evening.
Congratulations to Angus Mullins who is the 2017 recipient of this prestigious award. Angus will be presented with his award by the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher OP at a ceremony on Friday 8 September at St Mary’s Cathedral. This award acknowledges a student’s achievements and contribution to school life in areas including leadership, academic and sporting life, social justice, parish life and faith, and community service.
Congratulations to Year 12 student Will Johnston and Ms Kath Knowles, Head of Senior Studies & Careers, who both received excellence in VET awards at a ceremony held at Bonnie Doon Golf Course this week.
Congratulations to the following students who have been recognised out of 200 entries for their outstanding photography and film work:
Bradley Marzol (10) – Title of work: ” Fading Past ” – Photography
Dylan Quirk (12) – Title of work: “Nature’s Embodiment” – Photography
James Campbell (12) – Title of work: “Medicine Salt” – Film
Congratulations to Mark Rynberg of Year 12 on being awarded the highly prestigious Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award. The ADFA Education Award is presented annually to Year 12 students in recognition of outstanding achievement exhibited during the recruiting process for entry to ADFA. The Award is presented to students who have excelled in academics, sporting achievement and leadership potential. The selection process is extremely competitive. Award recipients are selected after completing psychometric testing, psychological and recruiting officer interviews and finally an Officer Selection Board in which all applicants are ranked in order of merit. The aim is to identify those candidates with the most potential to be tomorrow’s military leaders.
Congratulations to Stuart Swinburn (Year 10) who recently competed at the Junior World Championships in Indianapolis. Stuart came tenth overall in the 200m Backstroke, moving up 5 places from his previous rank. The Head Coach made special mention of Stuart’s attitude and maturity at the event.
Congratulations are also due to Erwan Le Pechoux (Year 12) who competed at the NSW Short Course Championships where he picked up silver in the 400m freestyle and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
Congratulations to Nikita Strbac (Year 9) who has recently returned from the 19th FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships in Belgrade. Nikita was one of the team’s strongest and most consistent players.
Congratulations to the following students who have been officially selected to compete for Australia in Hong Kong at the world championships: Zach Havard (Year 12), Noah Havard (Year 11), Jeremy Heys (Year 12) and Ben Walker (Year 12).
Congratulations to Dominic Augoustis who placed 3rd in the Eastern Regions Inter Schools 2017 Cookery Competition last week and has made it through to the next round. Liam Flanagan also performed very well in the competition. Congratulations to Maximo Coleman who competed in the Construction Competition and who has made it through to the next round.
The Waterford Concert Band was awarded Gold for their performance in the NSW School Band Festival, held at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium, University of New South Wales last week. This young band had to present a hymn or slow melody, with at least one piece by an Australian composer and one of their own choice – Congratulations!
Thank you to the parents and students who attended the reading evening held last week in the Library. Guest speaker Paul Macdonald unpacked some great tips on encouraging reading and the latest popular books for boys. College Captain, Tyler von der Heyden really hit a chord with the younger boys who were most interested in what he reads. We are looking at asking more senior students to share what they enjoy reading with Years 7 and 8 students in the future.
Congratulations to our Year 10 students and the St Clare’s College students who hosted the annual Holdsworth Ball last weekend. Thank you to Ms Stephanie Boyce, Ms Geraldine Cullen, Mr John Kara and Mr James Horrocks for assisting and coordinating the evening along with St Clare’s staff. The CEO commented that this night is the most anticipated event on the Holdsworth calendar. The Holdsworth Community supports children and adults living with intellectual disabilities and their families and caregivers throughout Sydney.
This year we have held two major fundraising events – our Annual Giving and our Blue & Gold Ball. We have raised in excess of $100,000 which will be put towards landscaping works in both Senior and Junior campuses. Last week, we acknowledged those who had raised funds for the College at our Blue & Gold Ball, which you can reread here.
This week, I would like to extend the College’s heartfelt thanks and acknowledge those who have kindly donated to the College Building Fund this year via our Annual Giving campaign:
We will endeavour to keep you updated on the progress of the landscaping works at the College. Again, thank you for your support and your efforts in ensuring that the future at Waverley College looks very good indeed.
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
