Football Round 4 had Waverley take on Barker College at Queen’s Park. With most teams cancelled on the weekend due to a storm, The 1st XI took the field at QP2 under the sun. The 1st XI had 3 great goals slotted in the back of the net by Dom Abruzzese and Zac Conacher-Smith. The final score for the game was 3-0 with the Waves holding Trinity off from scoring during the game. The Year 9 and Year 8 teams also played on the synthetic at Trinity, unfortunately for the 8As and 9As the home ground for Trinity played against them with both teams losing in Round 4.
This weekend Waverley will take on Knox at Curagul or Samuel King Fields. Please ensure plenty of travel time is organised and that full Waverley football uniform is worn. Referees are also starting to enforce new laws of the game, which include: “Undershirts must be the same colour as the main colour of the shirt sleeve; undershorts/tights must be the same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts and socks – tape or any material applied or worn externally must be the same colour as that part of the sock it is applied to or covers”. Some players have had to remove skins or shin pad straps due to these new laws.
Over the past week, the Under 16s and Opens CAS Squad was named for games against other associations. Waverley had many players picked in the Opens. These included Zac Conacher-Smith, Mitchell Knight, Liam Preston and Jack Hardwicke-Owen. The under 16s also had 2 Waverley players with Luke Fuller and Lachlan Forrest selected. The 16s and 1st CAS team both went through winning the competition. Congratulations to all the boys selected and their tremendous achievements at the day.
Waves to win!
The second home game of the season was underway as Waverley’s 1st took on Trinity in a big battle in the CAS torment. Due to the weather all other fixtures were called off but this didn’t stop the great support that came down to watch the game which was great and is highly appreciated. Coming to support is encouraged as it gave the players a good atmosphere for a tough challenge.
The first half kicked off and Waverley came out with a new line up following last weeks game against Barker. Waverley took control of the first half giving Trinity no opportunity on goal. Waverley had multiple attacks on goal and were pushing for the first goal. For the first 20mins the game was a bit unsettled, as the pitch condition was slippery due to the rain. Waverley finally took charge of the game by pressing forward on Trinities back line and Dom netting the first goal of the game.
The same intensity continued into the game and the encouragement from the atmosphere and the goal led Waverley to score again by Dom. The battle to the half time whistle continued as a game of tough challenges and sliding. The second half kicked off and Waverley determination to win clearly showed as another goal was scored by Zac to make it 3-0. The rest of the half became more calm as Waverley knock the ball around with ease until the final whistle.
Waverley’s 1st look forward to see more support down as it was a great crowd.
Corey Spiteri of Year 12 competed last Saturday in the NSW Senior School Boys Fencing Competition in Foil.
Corey had reduced his training from four days to two this year due to working on his HSC, so his expectations for his performance in the competition were not high, especially as a total of 60 athletes were participating. Corey fenced well throughout a day that started at 10.30am and finished at 5pm with corey walking away with a bronze medal for third position.
On Sunday 21 May Corey competed in the Open category of the ‘President’s Cup’, finding his form to make it to the final and finish with a silver medal. Corey was Proud to represent the college at this event.
The State Under 17 competition will take place next weekend and Corey will also fly to Adelaide for the Australian U23’s and Open Competition. His aim is to gain enough points to join the u20s Australian team next year, and we certainly wish him well.
Corey Spiteri gains a bronze medal in the NSW State Fencing competition
30 May 2017, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm @ Sydney Nanoscience Hub, Physics Road, Camperdown. Find out everything you need to know about studying engineering, computing, technology or project management at Sydney University.
Thursday, 22 June 2017, 6:00pm to 8:30pm @ UNSW Law, Union Road, UNSW Kensington Campus. High School Students in Years 11 and 12 along with their parents, are invited to attend our combined Information Evening. Register online: https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/law-business-information-evening
Career Paths in Music, Theatre and Performance – 30 May 2017 – 6:00pm to 8:00pm:
An information evening for students (and parents) with a passion for music, theatre and performance.
Year 10 Subject Selection & Information Evening – 31 May 2017 – 6:15pm to 7:30pm
Scholarships Information Evening – 7 Jun 2017 – 6:15pm to 8:00pm:
This evening is designed for Year 11 & 12 students interested in applying for a scholarship or the Co-op Program.
https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/whats
6.30pm, 28 June @ UOW Southern Sydney Campus, Loftus. This Information Evening is for any interested student and parents who would like to know more about studying at UOW’s Southern Sydney Campus.
https://www.uow.edu.au/future/events/UOW231844.html
Year 12 Information Evenings: Liverpool – Tuesday 27 June
https://www.uow.edu.au/future/events/index.html
Closing date for Round 1 applications: Friday 2 June 2017
Closing date for Round 2 applications: Friday 20 October 2017
(Places for Round 2 applicants will be limited)
You must apply through both the Universities Admissions Centre and directly through UTS.
Successful applicants are selected on a combination of interview + ATAR.
Round 1 closing date: 3 September
Round 2 closing date: 13 October
5.30pm, 15 June – Discover Nursing
5.30pm, 12 July – Discover Nursing
6 – 8pm, Tuesday 20 June.
https://sydney.edu.au/study/admissions/events-for-future-students.html
The LAT is a requirement for domestic applicants who wish to study an Undergraduate Law Dual Degree program at UNSW.
The LAT 2017 will be held on Tuesday 26 September 2017.
Registrations for the LAT 2017 are now open and will close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday 11 August 2017. Late registrations will be accepted from 5:00pm AEST on Friday 11 August 2017 until 5:00pm AEST on Wednesday 6 September 2017. A late registration fee will apply.
6 – 8pm, 21 June @ UTS Haymarket Campus – Building 5, Block B, cnr Quay St & Ultimo Rd, Haymarket, Sydney.
Open to Year 11 and 12 students and their parents.
Register HERE
6 – 8pm, 5 July @ UTS, City – Broadway. For Year 10 – 12 and parents.
Hear from industry experts, students and leading academics about the exciting new tech careers which lie ahead. From robotics to cyber security to artificial intelligence and the internet of things, hear about the unique career opportunities for emerging graduates and the programs we have at UTS to help you prepare.
6 – 8pm, 2 August @ City – Broadway›CB11 Faculty of Engineering and IT Building, Building 11
The Bachelor of IT Co-Op Scholarship, valued at approx. $49,500, is a flagship IT program for UTS.
The BIT attracts high calibre students who are passionate about technology and motivated by the exciting opportunities which are emerging. It’s equally attractive to our 50+ industry sponsors who want to work with this niche group of students who are the innovators of the future.
Applications open 8th May 2017
The program is open to students completing the HSC or SSC or the IB, who are active in the community and achieve good results in school. To register your interest for the program, complete the online form on the website.
Bonus points are added to your ATAR and allow you to be considered for courses above your official ATAR. In addition to the categories of academic advantage, the rural bonus scheme, educational access scheme, & athletes and performers there is also the big history scheme. Completion of the big history scheme will get an extra 3 bonus points for most degrees.
As a cadet, you’ll combine full-time work with part-time university studies. You’ll gain valuable experience working with clients and will be exposed to senior managers early so that you can learn from some of the best in the organisation. And don’t worry, we’ll provide you with extensive training, coaching, detailed guidance and skills development. And when you do graduate, the experience you’ll have gained through the Cadet Program may place you head and shoulders above your peers. The Cadet Program is currently offered in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Applications open 15 May and close 16 June in Melbourne and Sydney.
If you are planning to study accounting at university in 2018, now is the time to look for cadetships.
Use Google or a Job Search site to find cadetships like these:
https://www.seek.com.au/job/33378799
https://www.pitcher.com.au/careers/locations/sydney/cadetships
Applications open May/June 2017 for 2018
The NSW Department of Education offers presentations via video conference to groups of students interested in teaching. To keep up to date with the various scholarships offered and when applications open and close, subscribe to Teach NSW.
Applications for the 2018 Young Achievers Early Offer Program will open soon and will close at the end of July.
Applicants are able to apply in one of four categories:
https://www.nd.edu.au/nav-future-students/young-achievers-early-offer-program
Applications open 1 – 25 August 2017
With UOW Early Admission, we’ll get to know you, look at your results so far and reward your hard work with a place at UOW before you even sit your first exam.
https://www.uow.edu.au/future/early-admission/index.html
If you regularly volunteer in your community – through your school, community organisation, or cultural or religious group – you could be eligible for the Early Achievers’ Program entry into an undergraduate degree. If successful, you’ll receive an offer as early as August to study, and benefit from opportunities to enhance your leadership and volunteering skills while at ACU.Applications Close: Midnight Monday 17 July 2017
Applications close Friday 15 September 2017
If you are a domestic or international student currently studying Year 12 in Australia and have completed, or are completing, a business related subject in Year 11 and/or Year 12, you are eligible to apply for entry to ACU through the P4B Program.
Applications close Friday 15th September 2017. If you are a current Year 12 student studying in Australia, you are eligible to apply for the Passion for Law program at ACU. Applicants require a minimum ATAR of 78 and must complete the Passion For Law Online Application Form: LINK
Students are able to secure an offer to the University of Canberra if their school recommends them for admission. This scheme is available to domestic students completing a year 12 program.
Study at university while you work at Westpac Group or Macquarie Group.
For students who are in Year 12 in 2017. Technology Cadets combine work in Sydney with university study in computer science, information technology or information systems. Alternatively, cadets may undertake a commerce or arts degree and select information systems as one of their majors.
Applications close: 16 June, 2017
https://www.professionalcadets.com.au/engineering-technology-cadetships-how-they-work.asp
Wednesday 21 June 6pm-8pm. Learn about careers and study options in film production, 3D animation, digital media, game design, mobile apps and IT.Take a campus tour. Learn about our $8,000 Scholarship for domestic students.https://www.ait.edu.au/information-night
This article from JMC Academy provides some great tips on how to break into these industries and others like them.
https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news/how-to-break-into-the-arts-and-entertainment-indus
Are you interested in studying Audio, Graphic Design, or Film?
9am – 4pm, 1 July in Sydney and Byron Bay.
https://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/sydney-study-for-a-day/?date=2017-07-01&id=894
https://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/byron-study-for-a-day/?date=2017-07-01&id=895
https://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/
JMC Academy and Fire Entertainment bring you a series of uniquely crafted events designed to expand your knowledge, challenge your thinking and connect you to the real opportunities and professionals you need to know in the creative industries in 2017.
There are Masterclasses, Speakshops / Industry Q&As, Workshops, Pitch Nights, & Networking Events.
Register your interest: https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/the-creative-network
6.30pm – 8.30pm, Tuesday 30 May @ The Grace Hotel, 77 York St Sydney, Level 2, Wilarra Room 1. Register online:https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=246923&
Myfuture has made updates to its website for 2017. These include my career profile. The account registration for users has also been simplified as well as a simplification of the course search to make finding a course or career path easier. For any other feedback or suggestions for the service contact, careers@esa.edu.au
The Good Universities Guide has been revamped and they are seeking feedback on the site from students and careers advisers: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3321734/GUG-Website-Survey
https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/
1st to 4th June 2017, Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
The Expo includes exhibitors from tertiary institutions, training organisations, employers, career and gap year resources. Admission is $10 per person, with school group discounts available.
https://www.hscandcareers.com.au/
https://www.skillsroad.com.au/parents/career-planning/stemsubjects
Find and compare med schools around the world.
Registrations for UMAT 2017 open early December 2016 and close 2nd June 2017.
The test takes place nationally on the 26th July 2017.
UMAT is a test that is used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs at undergraduate level at the universities listed on this website.
This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre.
https://www.educationusa.info/australia
The main changes to the recruitment process include no minimum academic requirement, introduction of a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials, the entrance exam is now known as the Police Entrance Exam, copies of transcripts and other mandatory documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace, online application via JobsNSW and a case office will contact applicants once applications are received.
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
Australian Defence Force Academy applications are now open for 2018. While this may seem like a long way away, the application process can take 3–12 months depending on your circumstances. To avoid having to do the application when you are busy with year 12 exams, think about starting your application soon!
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/how-to-apply/
May 23 Parramatta: Parents Information Session
https://www.facebook.com/pg/DefenceJobsAustralia/events/
Saturday 27 May and Sunday 4 June 2017 @ University of Sydney
Provides students with valuable study skills advice, teaches them how to avoid the costly mistakes made by past HSC students and discover the most powerful, effective and time-saving learning techniques that will not only greatly improve marks – but also boost confidence, reduce procrastination and motivate students to excel in the HSC.
FREE OF CHARGE. We do, however, require that students participating in this program make a *minimum $10 donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation representatives that will be in attendance on the day.
https://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=mastering-the-hsc
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/discover-engineering-coffs-harbour
Kickstart Biology, Chemistry and Physics are running in the July School Holidays at the University of Sydney (Camperdown campus). Students can register individually to attend these sessions.
3 July – Physics; 4 July – Biology; 5 July – Chemistry.
https://sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/high-school/kickstart/school-holidays.shtml
10am – 12pm, 3 July 2017 @ UTS Haymarket
10am – 12pm, 6 July 2017 @ Macquarie University
10am – 12pm, 10 July 2017 @ University of Newcastle
10am – 12pm, 10 July 2017 @ University of Wollongong
https://hscintheholidays.com.au/our-program/hsc-ace-the-hsc-seminars/
Preliminary Subject and HSC Subject Lectures in the July holidays.
Focused HSC Lectures in September.
https://hscintheholidays.com.au/our-program/
The courses run at various times throughout the year. There are preparation courses for biology, chemistry, economics, exam preparation, legal studies, music, visual arts, business, design and technology, English, history, mathematics and physics. Dates for specific courses can be found by following the below link.
https://cce.sydney.edu.au/courses/education/hsc
The HSC curriculum is being updated, with changes set to be implemented from 2019. The new syllabus with have a greater focus on learning in depth rather than a breadth of topics.
Available from May 8 2017. A resource that provides students and career advisers access to the relevant tools to explore career, education and employment options.
The 400+ job descriptions covered by the guide include information about personal requirements, education and training, employment opportunities and related jobs.
https://goodeducationbookshop.com/products/the-good-careers-guide
A tax file number is a unique nine-digit number issued to individuals and organisations to help administer tax and other Australian Government systems. Students need a TFN before they can start any type of paid work.
For information on how to apply visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/
Honeywell offers a four-year apprenticeship program that combines on the job training in paid employment with formal technical training. Apprentices will have the opportunity to pursue a long-term career in the innovative and diversified industry of automation and control.Applications open mid-September for 2018.Electronics and Communications Apprenticeship available now in North Ryde – Closing Date 21 June.https://www.migas.com.au/vacancies/new-south-wales/view/164
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Think Education have produced a free eBook with tips on how to master your final year of school.
https://beyou.think.edu.au/surviving-year-12
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips
Edge Online is an online resource portal that provides exclusive resources designed to provide students with the best opportunities to optimise their Year 11 and 12 scores.
Edge Online members receive over $300 worth of resources at no charge.
https://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HSC-2016-Study-Tip-1.pdf
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/students-take-note-and-ace-your-exams
Volunteering is a great way to give to your community, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It can also be a great way to get some experience on your resume before you get a job. Youth Central have some tips on finding a volunteering position and making sure you’re not being exploited in the role.
https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
This website is for anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness. There is information about recommended qualifications and pathways, along with a list of available positions and courses.
https://www.sportspeople.com.au/
https://www.mskills.org.au/media-centre/news#NewsHint=14168
https://upto.com/embedded/detail/5HQ1O?pt=a1SO
The School for Excellence (TSFX) have put together a 36 page guide to help year 12 students achieve the best possible marks in end of school exams. The guide has advice about goal setting, managing stress and procrastination, time management skills, effective learning techniques, planning study timetables and more.
Download it here: https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
This Sunday, 14 May, we will celebrate Mother’s Day
Let us take this time this week to think about the different things that our mothers do for us each and every day to make our lives special.
We remember our mothers with love for the tender way they care for us.
Let us pray for our mothers and for the generations of mothers before them.
You care for us, O God,
As a mother care for her children.
Bless, protect and strengthen all the mothers of the world.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Hail Mary; full of grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of death.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice: Pray for Us
St Mary of the Cross: Pray for Us
Live Jesus in Our Hearts: Forever
A reminder that our Mothers’ and Grandmothers’ Mass and Lunch is on this Friday 12 May at Mary Immaculate Church commencing 12pm. All mums are invited to join their sons for lunch after Mass at the Junior School.
Please note that the boys will be permitted to leave with their mums at the conclusion of lunch.
Week 5 -Tuesday May 23 to Thursday May 25 will see all of Year 6 head off to Canberra for their annual excursion as part of our HSIE Unit on government.
During this tour they will participate in a variety of educational programmes focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist you in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics and Education Rebate (PACER) programme toward the travel expenses incurred.
Activities undertaken as part of the educational tour include the tour of Parliament House, visit to the War Memorial and a session at the Electoral Education Centre. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program.
We hope that the excursion will be a rewarding experience for all students.
Special thanks to Mr Meadley for the tireless effort he has put in to ensure the boys have a great three days in our nation’s capital.
Sport at Waverley College is an exciting activity that involves every student at all different levels. We are now into our third game of our Saturday winter sports program and the excitement and energy is clearly visible.
Waverley College’s Co-Curricular Directorate is using a free app again this winter for all football and rugby teams and their supporters. ‘Team App’ is a platform that will allow our football community to improve communication by integrating everything one needs to know about football at Waverley College including:
• News
• Fixtures
• Competition Ladders
• Selection News
• Player Profiles
• Live Scores
• Photos
So if you would like to access this information on your device or smart phone simply download this free App. Team App is available on both Apple and Android devices. Once you have done this search for Waverley College Football or Rugby. The College will then authenticate you giving access.
Each May when the College celebrates its May Procession we also mark the Feast of Edmund Rice, the inspiration for our schools.
“Cast all your cares into the arms of Divine Providence”
– Blessed Edmund Rice
On the fifth of May, we celebrate the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice. One of the readings at Mass on this day is the account in the Acts of the Apostles of the conversion of St Paul. In this reading, when Ananias hesitates to accept Paul and expressed his concern that Paul was a persecutor of Christians, the response was:
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
The Bible records that God has chosen many instruments in the course of human history. Edmund Rice is such a person, chosen to proclaim God’s name in Edmund’s own time and place.
Though we may remember Blessed Edmund for many of his qualities and works, one of his sayings has particular pertinence today. Edmund’s trust in Divine Providence marked his life and is, as the Christian Brothers declare, “our inheritance”.
Providence, let alone Divine Providence, is not something that is spoken a lot about today. However, Pope Francis calls it one of the most comforting truths:
‘God does not forget us, each one of us! He does not forget about each of us with a first and last name. He loves us and does not forget us. What a beautiful thought!’
Edmund maintained the belief in the love of God throughout his life in spite of the difficulties that he faced: the death of his wife, the disability of his daughter, the obstruction of authorities, and the opposition at times even of his own brothers. His hope was firmly founded on his profound experience of God’s infinite love.
Edmund, however, did not simply keep this hope to himself. He has been described as a “providential instrument” for the Irish people and one who gave hope to them at the cultural crossroads of their history. He has been called a liberator alongside such people as Daniel O’Connell.
Though he began in small ways as an individual, he called others to him to provide an education open to all, but particularly to the poor. His was an education to develop in the young a sense of hope, a sense of their worth as individuals, citizens and followers of Christ. As Pope Francis has said:
Our hope is not a concept, it is not a sentiment, it is not a mobile phone, it is not a heap of riches! Our hope is a Person, it is the Lord Jesus Whom we recognise as living and present in us and in our brothers, because Christ is risen.
Edmund chose to share his resources and his life with those less well off than himself. He did not look to “a heap of riches”. Pope Francis went on to say:
‘If everyone is out to get whatever he can for himself, there will never be justice. By trusting in God’s providence, all can have the possibility to live in dignity.’
In a world where there is violence, indifference and war, in a world where there is devastation, injustice and suffering, our hope needs to be in the person of Jesus Christ. We are compelled to look outwards and to do our part, as Edmund did in his time, but in our own way.
Our Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition offer both hope and challenge through the living out of the Charism that we have inherited from Blessed Edmund as expressed in the Charter for our schools.
To take but one of the Touchstones of the Charter, Liberating Education means that:
‘We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.’
As we note in another Touchstone, it is Jesus’ message of compassion, justice and peace that we seek to make a living reality.
Each of our schools, and indeed each one of us, is invited to take up these challenges as we go about our lives in the world of today.
As we remember Edmund with thanks and pride, let us place our challenges and cares in the arms of Divine Providence, praying that our trust in the goodness and kindness of God will never waver.
Dear Parents, Carers and Students
Firstly, I would like to thank staff, students and parents for your support over the last 15 months. It is a great honour to lead any team and it is certainly a great honour to be given this opportunity to lead Waverley College and work with a great staff, student and parent body, Parent Association, College Board, Old Boys, College groups and wider College community. I look forward to working with all of you in the future.
Welcome back for Term 2 and I extend a special welcome to the new students and their families who have joined the Waverley College community this Term. I hope that the holidays were restorative and restful for all. I also hope that the special Church celebrations of Easter brought some time for reflection and prayer, as well as time with family and friends.
Congratulations to our Cadet Unit Representatives who did a magnificent job of staging the College’s Anzac Day Ceremony on the last day of Term 1 – it was a very moving event. They went on to represent the College proudly at both the Waverley and Sydney ANZAC Day ceremonies, where they stood out impressively.
Congratulations must also go to our First XI Football Team who were runners up in the St Andrew’s Cup, held over the holidays. Waverley College ultimately lost 4-3 to Oakhill College in a penalty shootout after scores were locked at 3-3 in normal time.
And finally, congratulations to our New Zealand Rugby tourists who survived Cyclone Cook and also won all of their tour matches. Reports back to the College were extremely complimentary regarding their sportsmanship, manners and cultural awareness.
I wish all of our students the very best for Term 2 across their respective academic and other pursuits including Year 12 examinations, NAPLAN testing, May Procession, winter co-curricular, Music Camp and Festival, Year 7-10 half yearly examinations, Canberra excursion and subject selections, to name but a few.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People face life expectancy 10-17 years lower than other Australians. They experience disproportionate rates of chronic disease, mental health and are incarcerated in numbers vastly above those of the rest of the population. National Close the Gap Day is about us recognising the gap and working towards solutions. Edmund Rice Education Australia have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Response Document. The College is currently working on our Indigenous Action Plan. It is pleasing to have 57 of our boys (supported by their parents/carers) apply to attend Indigenous immersion experiences to Walgett, Arnhem Land and Uluru this year. I challenge us to continue to play our part in working towards closing the gap.
Every House is joining in a symbolic creation of a giant human “NO” on Friday morning this week to celebrate National – “Say no to bullying day”. This week boys in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 have attended bullying workshops and filled in a survey on bullying to help us gather data and assist us target certain areas. Bullying of any type will not be accepted or tolerated at the College. Our Wellbeing Program continues to have a positive influence in creating and teaching positive and right relations between boys. However, like every school we need to be vigilant and continue to have high expectations in this area.
Thank you to many of you for your support of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave program that has been held at the College this week. Many boys have volunteered to have their heads shaved at the College Assembly, and many more students and parents have supported the boys and donated much needed funds to this great cause.
At our Year 7-12 Assembly this week, the current crisis facing many countries in Africa was raised. Sudan and Somalia in particular are struggling to meet the basic human needs of their populations. The College is running a Mufti/Plain Clothes Day this Friday and asking boys to contribute a gold coin or more to this crisis affecting our brothers and sisters in Africa. The crisis is struggling to get traction in the media at present, so our Social Justice team are also asking for assistance in bringing this crisis to people’s attention.
Gifted Awareness Week celebrates gifted children around Australia, through promoting their needs and increasing understanding and awareness in the community. This year’s theme for the week is ‘diversity: recognise, realise and respond’.
This week Waverley College hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Gifted and Talented Secondary Teachers’ Association with over 25 schools across Sydney attending. The teachers shared ideas about enriching their top end students and pushing students into this area. Our Applied Philosophy Course drew much interest from other schools.
Last week our Year 10 Applied Philosophy boys attended – ‘Philosophy – A Public Faith’ at State Parliament House. The program was designed for student school leaders and forming future leaders from within a Catholic context and explored the role of religion in matters of public debate. Presentations focussed on the philosophical foundations of free speech, the law around Church and state, religion and government from a global perspective and constructing a sound argument.
Congratulations to Ashley Backlund, Alexander Bayas, Cooper Flynn, Matthew Gallagher, Samuel Hall, Joshua Hamilton, Roy Hampshire, Roman Koteczky, Edward Kranz, Luke Mendes, Connor Pilger and James Ritchie on their contribution. Thank you also to Mr Steve Wilmot and Mr Dominic Hearne.
Good luck to our Swimming and Diving Team as they compete in the 86th CAS championships at the Olympic Centre at Homebush this afternoon/evening. All boys were presented at Assembly and wished well for the competition. Thank you to the Swimming Supporter Group for their support of the boys throughout the season and the cooking of the BBQ at the final pool session. I know the boys appreciate all that you do.
Good luck to our Swimming and Diving Team who are competing at the 2017 CAS Championships at SOPAC on Thursday 16 March … ‘GO THE WAVES!’
The CAS Swimming and Diving Championship is an annual competition at which all six CAS schools (Waverley College, St Aloysius’ College, Barker College, Cranbrook School, Knox Grammar, Trinity Grammar) compete.
Congratulations to students Angus McPherson, Nicholas Lane and Eric Cordato for producing this stunning video.
A big thank you to all of the families and guests who attended this evening. It was a fantastic opportunity to find out more about Waverley College’s commitment to holistic student wellbeing. The PowerPoint and resources from the evening are available for download HERE.
Please feel free to contact the Director of Wellbeing for further information or to suggest any ideas or resources for the Wellbeing Mentor Time Curriculum.
Parents visit the new wellbeing centre.
On Wednesday 8 March, approximately 240 guests assembled in the Lacey Gymnasium for the inaugural International Women’s Day Student Leaders’ Breakfast. This was a great opportunity to congratulate the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC), Prefects and College Captains from both the Junior and Senior Schools. It was also a great chance for the boys and young men in attendance to show their appreciation for the inspirational women in their lives.
Guest Speaker Kerry Chikarovski challenged our students to “call out” bullying and any disrespectful behaviour and take a stand in support of the victims of family violence. The gold coin donations collected on the day made a significant contribution to “Our WATCh” in support of families affected by domestic violence.
Please see below to find out more about Kerry’s work with Our WATCh.
During Lessons 3 and 4 on Wednesday all Senior School Leaders attended a Leadership Seminar hosted by Glen Gerreyn from the Hopeful Institute. Glen challenged our boys to find their vision and their passion. To take their own personal “moon shot” and challenge themselves to make a difference in their lives, the lives of those they care about and the lives of others.
Glen will be returning to Waverley College later in the year to present his “Men of Honour” workshop to Year 10 students.
To find out more about Glen’s work and get a discount on Glen’s book please see the website below.
https://thehopefullinstitute.com
Glen Gerreyn
This program links students in Years 8 and 9 with screened and trained adult mentors. The students (who self nominate), are matched with a mentor. They meet once per week at the school to work collaboratively on a Community Project. Through the process the student builds their capacity to engage with community and gains valuable life skills like communication, leadership, and self confidence.
Students can choose from project themes such as: Youth Mental Health, Community Harmony, Empowering Women, Environment, Sport, Anzac and there is a general category if the student wants to come up with their own idea.Youth Frontiers is a government funded program offered to students free of charge. We have 10 vacancies available for students in Year 8 and 9. An Information Pack and expression of interest form can be collected from the Wellbeing Centre. Expressions of interest close next Monday 20th of March.
https://www.youthfrontiers.com.au
Shave the date! The Leukemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave has been confirmed for next week’s assembly from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Thursday 16th of March. Students who wish to participate can register via the following link. Students will need a note from parents and will have to raise at least $10 in sponsors.
Friday 17 March
Next week students from Year 7-10 will participate in Anti-Bullying presentations and workshops from Brainstorm Productions and Project Rockit. During House Assembly time on Friday students will all take part in a powerful statement to say that bullying and violence is never OK.
https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/NationalDay
Opportunities to learn from others every day……
On Monday this week I was reminded of the power of being able to say sorry. The 13th February is the anniversary of the Apology to Indigenous Peoples from the Australian Government in 2008. The apology related to past laws, policies and practices which have impacted on Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly of the Stolen Generations. This apology was significant for Indigenous Peoples because it allowed for many to start a healing process. Our boys need to be able to acknowledge when they have made an error in judgement and make amends. An apology is part of the healing process, it does not get you out of consequences that you must face, but it does start a new pathway forward. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, we must play our part in trying to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. We must work to find new pathways forward.
Peer Leadership
Our New Wellbeing program provides all boys with opportunities to learn from each other. At a House Assembly last week I witnessed Year 12 students running the assembly, but I also saw a Year 6 boy get up to confidently contribute and improve the outcomes. Boys across all year levels will have many more opportunities to present and discuss ideas in front of a large audience of their peers. These opportunities are invaluable in a world looking for good communicators, collaborators and leaders. Mr Matthew Porter talks about Student Representative Council positions across all year levels in his article this week.
Heart of Gold Award
One of our Staff members reminded us and the wider community of the benefits of knowing CPR and being able to respond calmly when the pressure is really on. Mr Anthony Evans (Student Administration Officer) was recently awarded a Heart of Gold Award by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute for his life-saving CPR on a fellow Australian. Every 10 minutes an Australian has a cardiac arrest and as a country we lag behind the world when it comes to teaching CPR. All of the College’s teaching and support staff underwent our annual training in CPR and anaphylaxis conducted by Mr Anthony Evans and Mr Steve O’Donnell at the end of last year. You can see Mr Evans being presented in the attached link.
https://www.facebook.com/9NewsSydney/videos/422190024793366/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
Talented Role Models
We have many talented young gentlemen at Waverley from which others can learn and improve themselves. A few boys in their chosen sporting pursuits are certainly setting the bar very high and proving that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything. Congratulations to the following boys and the many that are training and competing for upcoming events such as our CAS swimming team, New South Wales and National Surf Lifesaving Championships and to those that competed recently at the Oztag State Cup in Coffs Harbour.
We look forward next week to learning much from our 2016 HSC High Achievers who will return for the College Assembly and share with the boys their wisdom and tips for study and preparation for examinations. Last year our Year 12 students appreciated hearing first hand a student’s perspective.
With the beginning of a new year at Waverley College each individual is presented with numerous opportunities to become involved and engaged in the culture and spirit of the school. Taking advantage of these opportunities can change a boring and unsuccessful year of school into an amazing year full of great experiences and lasting memories.
With the introduction of the new house wellbeing system this year, students and staff have the chance to integrate with students from every year and build strong relationships that will last the duration of their college life and possibly beyond. Working together with all members of the college community, we hope to create a cultural change over the course of the year and into the future. This change will include the shift to a more student driven daily College life.
In addition, the change to four prefects per house, each with his own personalised portfolio, gives our leadership body the ability to focus on a greater range of issues and communicate more effectively with the rest of the College. At weekly house meetings, the house prefects will be keeping the boys informed and updated on changes and initiatives we are working on and applying throughout the College as well as upcoming events. This includes the upcoming House Swimming Carnival in week three and the Friday night basketball game at home against Cranbrook on that same night.
As every year does, this year will go by more quickly than you think. It is important that the boys work hard this term as getting a good start will set them up for the year to come. Have a great year, challenge yourself and your peers and make it productive, successful and enjoyable.
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
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