On Tuesday 11 October, Waverley College held its annual House Swimming Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush. Although it was the second day back in Term 4, there was plenty of energy amongst the student group. The question on everyone’s lips was who would secure a podium finish? Would it be Aungier, Brennan, Conlon, Green, Lacey, O’Connor, Quinn or Tevlin House?
While many students wouldn’t remember the Sydney 2000 Olympics, every student had the opportunity to swim in the pool used at the historic event. It was a pool where legends such as Susie O’Neill, Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett had won gold for Australia. It was also a pool in which the heroic efforts of athletes like Eric ‘The Eel” Moussambani; were broadcasted to the world, epitomising the Olympic Spirit.
Furthermore, every student who participated had his name and time recorded on the big screen. The same big screen that would have listed many world records which further highlighted the privilege that Waverley College had in using this wonderful facility.
At the end of the day it came down to the novelty race to determine the winner of the carnival. When Brooklyn Hardaker (Year 11) jumped on the ‘Boogie Board’ and paddled down the pool to touch the wall in first place, Quinn House had won. This followed very a tight battle with Brennan House throughout the day. The final results were as follows:
A big thank you must go to Mr Paxton, Mr Leddie and the Waverley College Executive for allowing for such an enjoyable and spirited day to continue in such a busy calendar. Thanks to all the Waverley College Staff for the assistance in running the day as well as the Maintenance Team who helped to set up the venue.
Ultimately, it was great to see all students participate in great spirits. All students are encouraged to join the Waverley College Swimming Team, as the journey to the 2017 CAS Swimming Carnival begins.
Junior Apprentice – Grant Walker Electrical
We are looking for a junior electrical apprentice to join our awesome team of guys. Mainly working on pubs and restaurants in the east and city. Great conditions, all long term employees, lots of perks. Interested applicants should be pretty good at Maths. Please give Renee a ring today for a chat 0404 632 385 or email renee@grantwalkerelectrical.com.au
Apprenticeships
Tabma is looking for two apprentices – one in Carpentry and the other in Joinery. Please see Mrs Knowles for more information.
Qantas Apprenticeship Program
Qantas offer apprenticeships at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports. Applications for 2017 open in August/September.
https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/apprentice-overview/global/en
UNSW: Minerals Summer School
18th – 20th January 2017
Applications close 30th October 2016
Students in Year 10 or 11 who are interested in science or engineering can take part in this four day residential summer school. Students will learn about study, careers, lifestyles, and opportunities in the Australian minerals industry.
Contact: mining@unsw.edu.au
https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/mining-engineering/unsw-minerals-summer-school
USYD: Sydney Summer School
Summer School allows students to take units outside of semester, for those students who have completed year 12 this will provide the opportunity to get a head start on their degree or just have a taste of academic study. All units are full-fee paying, although FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.
University Preparation Program Information Sessions
14 November, 6:15pm to 7:15pm, Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre, 1st Floor Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street
15 November, 6:15pm to 7:15pm, Marrickville Library, Corner of Marrickville and Petersham Roads
16 November, 6:15pm to 7:15pm, UNSW Australia, Tyree Energy Building LG05, Kensington Campus
17 November, 6:15pm to 7:15pm, Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra
The program aims to help prospective university students develop their academic skills.
https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/university-preparation-program-information-session-14-nov
Gap Year – Applying for Uni – Scholarships
Students planning on taking a gap year should apply for university this year and if accepted into a course they can then apply for deferment for 12 months.
https://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/offers/defer.shtml
ACU Pathway Programs
Successful completion of a pathway course can provide eligibility into your chosen ACU undergraduate course.
https://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/alternative_entry/pathway_programs
AIE Open Day
Sat 19th November, Sydney and Canberra Campuses
Learn about the courses designed to get careers started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects. The day will include a presentation on different areas of industry to get into as well as information about AIE full-time and part time courses.
https://www.aie.edu.au/openday
New York Film Academy Open Days
12/11, & 10/12
Sydney: Suite 127, Building 61, Fox Studios Australia, 38 Driver Ave, Moore Park
Tel: +61 2 8964 9321 RSVP at: rsvpsydney@nyfa.edu
https://www.nyfa.edu.au/nyfa-events/
New York Film Academy Summer Film Camps
Students looking to spend their summer making films need look no further than NYFA’s digital film camps offered at the Academy’s locations in Sydney and the Gold Coast.
https://www.nyfa.edu.au/summer-camp/film-camp.php
Entry Pathways to UTS
Almost half of UTS’s current students came through a pathway option, rather than directly from high school. These pathways included an external TAFE or VET course, as well as the university’s own pathway program courses such as Foundation Studies or those that area offered by Insearch.
To learn more about these entry options, visit:
https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/undergraduate/non-current-school-leavers/entry-pathways
Changes to Police Officer Recruitment Process
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
2018 ADF Gap Year intake
Students interested in taking an ADF Gap Year in 2018 can register their interest to receive an email as soon as the 2018 details are available.
Entry requirements:
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/gap-year/
Australian Defence Force Academy Education Award
This award is presented to Year 12 students in recognition of leadership potential and academic and sporting achievements achieved during Year 11. The award includes a tablet device and certificate for you, along with a plaque for your school. There are up to 50 awards available on behalf of the Navy, Army and Air Force, which will be presented to suitable applicants who have applied for entry to the Australia Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Current Year 11 students have until 28 February 2017 to apply for this award. The award is unbonded. That means you do not have to accept an offer to attend ADFA.
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/howToApply/educationAward.aspx
ADFA
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/
Defence Jobs Information Sessions
Parramatta – 24 October, 6:30pm, Pilot Careers
Parramatta – 31 October, 6:30pm, Comms, I.T. and Intelligence Roles
https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustralia/events
University of Sydney: Introduction of Mathematics Prerequisite
The University of Sydney will introduce a mathematics prerequisite for some courses in 2019. The courses that will have the prerequisite will be listed in UAC’s 2016 Year 10 guide.
Bateman Battersby Lawyers Law Bursary
Applications close: 28th October, 5pm
Bateman Battersby Lawyers provide a $10,000 bursary to a student who, upon completion of their Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate, intend to apply for admission to a full-time University law course in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle or the ACT. The bursary is awarded to the applicant who receives the highest ATAR or IB equivalent.
https://www.batemanbattersby.com.au/copy.asp?key=bursary
Release of Results: Time to Update Your Information
Students about to undertake their HSC exams should update their personal details so results can be sent to the correct address or texted to the correct mobile number.
https://news.bostes.nsw.edu.au/blog/2016/8/31/release-of-hsc-results-time-to-update-student-details
ATO Tax File Number Applications
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/
Study Tips: Flashcards, Mind-maps and more
https://notastudyblryet.tumblr.com/post/125534130652/study-methods-part-1-ill-be-posting-soon
TSFX: HSC Study Tips – Top Tips from Past Year 12 Students
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HSC-2016-Study-Tip-1.pdf
UNSW: Stay Motivated During STUVAC with These Study Tips
Tips for note-taking
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/students-take-note-and-ace-your-exams
UK Private Schools
UK Private Schools lists over 200 schools & colleges around the United Kingdom and can be of use for students looking for a school to work in during their gap year.
https://www.ukprivateschools.com/
Careers in Sport
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/
Where could STEM take you?
https://www.mskills.org.au/media-centre/news#NewsHint=14168
https://upto.com/embedded/detail/5HQ1O?pt=a1SO
TSFX: How to memorise things quickly and easily
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HSC-2016-Study-Tip-4.pdf
TSFX Exam/Study Tip #4: The Most Effective Learning Tip Known to Man
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HSC-2015-Study-Tip-4-FINAL.pdf
TSFX Exam Study Tip 6: Getting more out of Learning Sessions
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/HSC-2015-Study-Tip-6-FINAL.pdf
TSFX Exam Tip: HSC Exam Advice Chemistry
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HSC-Tip-5-2016-Exam-Advice-Chemistry-FINAL.pdf
TSFX Exam Tip: HSC Exam Advice Modern History
TSFX EXAM/Study Tip: The Smartest Way to Work Through Past Exam Papers
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips/
TSFX Exam Tips
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips/
Top Tips from Past Year 12 Students
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/VCE-2016-Study-Tip-11.pdf
TSFX Free HSC Survival Guide
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
TSFX: Creating and Implementing Effective Exam Study Timetables
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips/
5 things to consider when picking a degree
https://thefootnotes.com.au/5-things-you-need-to-consider-when-picking-a-degree/
Career FAQs: 10 Arts Degree Majors you might not have considered
Hobsons Course Finder: Year 12 Survival Tips
https://www.hobsonscoursefinder.com.au/Latest-news/Getting-into-university/Year-12-survival-tips
Tips for note-taking
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/students-take-note-and-ace-your-exams
Download the newsletter below for more ideas and information for school leavers.
In this edition:
Welcome back to Term 4, I hope all students had a restful break. The Head of College, Mr Paxton sends his best wishes for the Term ahead. Over the holidays and this first week of term, Mr Paxton is representing us at the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Congress in Kolkata, along with all principals of Edmund Rice Schools across the world. I am sure he will share his experience and learnings with us upon his return next week.
We started the Term with a brief assembly where students were challenged to set short and medium term goals for the final term of the year. We emphasised finishing the year strongly and being resilient. Life can be quite challenging at times and being more resilient will help the boys to cope with and grow through life’s challenges. Being resilient is more than just surviving; it’s about growing through adversities and being able to deal with the challenges that life brings, whether big or small. Resilience is not found by hiding from the world but by meeting the challenges we face with authentic actions. For the students at Waverley College, acting with resilience means they are prepared to stay committed to their studies and responsibilities and will work through changes that are happening around them.
I would like to congratulate our Year 12 cohort who participated wholeheartedly in their end of schooling processes and displayed great respect, grace and poise. The Mass, lunch, graduation, dinner and formal were all wonderful events and on behalf of the entire Waverley College Community we wish them all the very best for their HSC examinations which start on Thursday 13 October.
We welcome back to the College the following staff who are returning from extended leave: Mr Frank Mastroianni, Mr Scott Bailey, Mr Bill Roberts, Ms Belinda Buchan and Mr Richard Moylette.
Welcome to the College: Ms Susanna Pinter who replaces Ms Anne Fahy on Long Service Leave and Mr Thomas Harwood-Stevenson who replaces Mr David Reidy also on Long Service Leave.
A warm welcome also to Mr Matthew Porter, our new Director of Student Wellbeing who joins us from Warawa College in Melbourne where he was the Deputy Principal and Head of Teaching and Learning. Matthew’s office will be directly behind mine during Term 4 whilst we refurbish the top floor of the Conlon Building for our Student Wellbeing Centre.
A reminder to all parents and carers of Years 7 to 12 students that there will be an early finish to the school day at 2:30pm next Tuesday as all staff are required to undergo mandatory child protection training. Junior School students will not be affected.
We are embarking upon an exciting time at Waverley College for 2017, with the House System driving wellbeing, student management, student leadership and a closer connection to our Junior College. This will bring a more connected and supportive Waverley College community into action.
The College sees every Year 12 student as a leader, with a positive role to play in shaping the year ahead and the future years of this great school. For Year 12, it is their final year at the College as a student and as a collective they have the opportunity to learn, develop themselves, work as a team and leave a legacy.
At the end of Term 3, Mr Paxton appointed eight staff as the new Heads of House for 2017:
The College has this week called for applications from Year 12 for the following leadership positions. You will note that there are now more leadership positions and a greater focus on student and peer leadership opportunities under the new wellbeing model.
Each Captain and House Prefect will have a portfolio that they are responsible for developing. The Leadership portfolios are:
Key Portfolio – SPIRITUALITY
Key Portfolio – ACADEMIC
Key Portfolio – COMMUNITY
Key Portfolio – WELLBEING
All Year 12 students have now received a Leadership package that includes the following five documents to assist them with their application:
1 – Leadership Letter
This document outlines leadership positions available and the leadership portfolios and invites each student to apply for a role
2 – Application Process
This document outlines the details required in their application including a cover letter, curriculum vitae (based on the 4 EREA Touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Education, Justice and Solidarity and Liberating Education). The document also outlines the selection process: This will include a Year 12 cohort, House and Staff vote, as well as interviews with the Heads of House and Executive.
3 – Leadership Thinking
This document outlines the College’s emphasis on servant leadership, as well as Sir Peter Cosgrove’s outline of leadership character traits and Kouzes’ and Posner’s ‘Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership’ model.
4 – Captain and House Prefect Role Descriptions
This document outlines role descriptions for each position, its purpose and core responsibilities.
5 – Leadership Opportunities at Waverley College
This document outlines all of the leadership opportunities that are on offer at Waverley and will assist students to remember how they have developed their leadership skills.
We will announce the appointment of our new student leadership team in the next few weeks.
Head’s Graduation Day Speech
Year 12 Academic Award Winners
2016 Cadet Award Winners
Junior School News
…and much more.
…and much more.
In their debut season as a coaching couple, 1st XV coaches Paul Cornish and debutant, Scott Coleman took out the CAS Rugby Premiership for Waverley College.
Paul, a former Wallaby and professional coach in Japan has been coaching the 1st XV for eleven seasons, winning three premierships.
Scott a former Waverley 1st XV player and Waratah Junior has made a perfect pairing with Paul Cornish creating an outstanding team culture both on and off the field.
Their pre-season stated in October 2015 with a significant strength and conditioning program. It also included a camp at the AIS in Canberra and a session with the Brumbies at Easter time.
Congratulations to Paul and Scott on their tremendous season and the outstanding commitment they have to the rugby program at Waverley. The time they have spent on this co-curricular activity far exceeds expectations, with both giving many additional hours of their own time.
An update on what we’ve been talking about with our students during Wellbeing Time at Waverley College.
I read an article recently that examined some of the thinking of Mr Dave Brailsford. I believe our students can take a lot from his thinking and apply it to their own pathway. Often as parents we tell our sons and daughters where we would like some improvement, but struggle to articulate the process of how to do this, other than a general ‘work harder’, ‘apply yourself’ etc. (I know I do.)
Brailsford, took up the role as General Manager and Performance Director of Team Sky (Great Britain’s professional cycling team) in 2010. Up to this point, Great Britain had never had a cyclist win the Tour de France. Brailsford’s approach to change this was simple. He believed in a concept that he referred to as the ‘aggregation of marginal gains.’
The aggregation of marginal gains is ‘the one per cent margin for improvement in everything you do’. Brailsford belief was that if you improved every area related to cycling by just one per cent, your small gains would add up to remarkable improvement.
Brailsford started working on the things you might expect; the nutrition of riders, their weekly training program, the ergonomics of the bike seat, and the weight of the tyres. Brailsford and his team however did not stop there, they searched for one per cent improvements in tiny areas that were overlooked by almost everyone else. For example, discovering the pillow that offered the best sleep and taking it with them to hotels, testing for the most effective type of massage gel, and teaching riders the best way to wash their hands to avoid infection. They searched for one per cent improvements everywhere.
Brailsford believed that if they could successfully execute this strategy, then Team Sky would be in a position to win the Tour de France in five years time. He was wrong… they won it in three years. From there, British cycling has dominated world cycling for the past six years – just look at their performance in Rio.
The take away for all of us is to highlight how easy it can be to overestimate the importance of one defining moment, and underestimate the value of making better decisions on a daily basis. Almost every habit you have, good or bad, is the result of many small decisions over time. Improving by just one per cent isn’t notable and sometimes it isn’t even noticeable, but it can be just as meaningful, especially in the long run. If you find yourself stuck with bad habits or poor results, it’s usually not because something happened overnight. It’s the sum of many small choices – a one per cent decline here and there – that eventually leads to a problem.
In the beginning, there is basically no difference between making a choice that is one per cent better or one per cent worse. In other words, it won’t impact you very much today. But as time goes on, these small improvements or declines compound and you suddenly find a very big gap between people who make slightly better decisions on a daily basis and those who don’t. This is why small choices don’t make much of a difference at the time, but add up over the long term. There is power in small wins and slow gains. This is why the system is greater than the goal. This is why mastering your habits is more important than achieving a certain outcome.
Success is a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. As we approach the end of Term 3, hopefully there is something in this for all of us that we can take on board as we face our own challenges; exams, assignment submissions, HSC and friendships. The boys have been encouraged to remember that, tomorrow never comes, start making those one percent changes today.
The 2016 Visual Arts and TAS Exhibition held on 23 & 24 August was a combined show from Waverley College and St Clare’s College Waverley. Special guest for the evening was renowned Australian artist Craig Waddell. Hundreds of families and students attended opening night and prizes were awarded for the most outstanding works. Congratulations to all of the prize winners.
Awards for Years 9 to 11 were for 1st in Class and Year 12 awards were for excellence in completing their major projects.
Year 9 – D&T – Luke Harris
Year 10 – D&T – Ben Heal
Year 11 – D&T – Kelvin Li
Year 12
Year 10 – Graphics – George Pantazis
Year 9 – iSTEM – Rocco Evans
Year 9 – Industrial Technology Timber – Chase Hardaker
Year 10 – Industrial Technology Timber – Noah Havard
Year 11 – Industrial Tech Timber – Liam Rayner
Year 12
Year 10 – Industrial Technology Multimedia – Hunter Foley
Year 11 – Industrial Tech Multimedia – Finlay Davis
Year 12
Year 8 Art
Year 9 Art
Year 9 Photographic and Digital Media
Year 10 Art
Yr 10 Visual Design
Year 10 Photographic and Digital Media
Year 11 Art
Year 12 Visual Art
A big congratulations to all Waverley College Debaters for a successful year in debating.
The CAS season concluded on Friday 19 August 2016 at Cranbrook School and all students are commended for their excellent speaking and skills at constructing arguments and delivering rebuttals.
Our coaches saw a remarkable improvement in performances as the year progressed. A special congratulations to Max Shanahan who was selected in the CAS 1sts Representative Team.
Debating is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop both academically and socially. It is exciting to see the growing interest for the activity here at Waverley.
I encourage all students to consider their own potential in debating for the 2017 season.
Cassandra Hill
CONVENOR OF DEBATING
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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