Click here to access the Google College calendar.
Click here to download the wall calendar in PDF.
As we come to the end of what has been a rich and rewarding term, we take this opportunity to reflect on the many moments of learning, growth and connection that have shaped the past nine weeks. Our school has been a vibrant hub of activity, with students embracing opportunities in the classroom, on the sporting field, and within the broader school community.
Highlights this term included the unforgettable Year 5 and Year 6 camps. Year 5 students explored Stanwell Tops, building resilience and friendships through activities such as rock climbing, bush cooking, beach walks, archery and the giant swing. Year 6 enjoyed the stunning surrounds of Collaroy, challenging themselves with rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering and the high ropes course. These experiences not only fostered independence and perseverance but also deepened connections between peers and teachers.
Our History Showcases were another standout, where students proudly shared their projects on significant migrants and figures from Australia’s colonial history, who have shaped Australia’s story. These events were a testament to the depth of understanding our students developed, as well as their ability to communicate with clarity, purpose and passion.
The Year 5 Retreat Day, centred around the theme of Community, Kindness and Leadership, saw students engage in meaningful service by baking over 300 cookies for the Wayside Chapel, writing kindness cards, and enjoying joyful games with Year 11 buddies. It was a day that truly reflected the values we seek to instil in our learners.
Saturdays throughout the term saw our winter sports teams represent the school with pride. Whether on the Football, AFL or Rugby fields, our students demonstrated teamwork, determination and school spirit. Their efforts were a wonderful reflection of their character and the supportive culture within our sporting community.
Across all areas of learning, our students have demonstrated deep thinking, collaboration and creativity. It has been a joy to see critical thinking skills sharpened, ideas shared respectfully and meaningful connections made across the curriculum. These important life skills have been nurtured through inquiry-based learning, class discussions and rich group tasks.
We would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts, passion and unwavering commitment to our students. Their work behind the scenes and in the classroom ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Finally, thank you to you, our parent community, for your continued partnership. Your support, encouragement and involvement enrich every aspect of school life.
We wish all families a safe, restful and joyful holiday and look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Today, your child’s school report has been made available via the Parent Lounge.
While grades and achievement levels offer insight into understanding and skill development, it is often a student’s attitude, perseverance and willingness to engage that tell the deeper story. When reading your child’s report, we encourage you to place particular emphasis on comments about effort and engagement, particularly in the Learner Profile section.
Every learner’s journey is different, and progress often looks different for each child. Take time to acknowledge and praise your child’s effort as this builds a growth mindset and reinforces the message that learning is a process. If possible, ask your child what they are proud of and what they might like to work on next term; this opens the door for supportive and empowering conversations.
A big thank you to our teaching staff for the time, care and insight they provide in the reporting process. As always, we are proud of the dedication and determination shown by our students and we look forward to supporting their .
Lunchtime Talk
Jessi Bolton, a Civil Engineer and Mum to Ben Morris, Year 6, shared her journey from Civil Engineering to the Director of Staff for LA28 Venues and Infrastructure.
From an early age, Jessi was encouraged by her dad to pursue a career in civil engineering, looking at how things are built. Jessi’s projects were based on problem-solving and finding solutions to problems. She shared her message of how she strived to discover the power of infrastructure projects and how they can deliver positive change to a community.
Jessi is now the Director of Staff for Venues and Infrastructure. In this role, Jessi will oversee the planning, design, and delivery of venues for the LA2028 Games, integrating sustainability, accessibility, and innovation to ensure the Olympic Games reflect the diversity and creativity of Los Angeles.
Thank you for giving up your time to inspire the next generation of civil engineers.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2025 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. The Junior School offers the following ICAS competitions: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics.
This year, all the competitions will be held in August, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts.
EXAM TIMETABLE TERM 3
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
| WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
| 3A | 8:00 am | Monday 4 August | Digital Technologies |
| 8:00 am | Wednesday 6 August | Writing | |
| 4B | 7:45 am | Tuesday 12 August | English |
| 5A | 7:45 am | Wednesday 20 August | Science |
| 6B | 7:45 am | Monday 25 August | Mathematics |
Click https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps to register your son.
Waverley’s School Access Code YGC063
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2025.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level. Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call us on: Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
Thank you to staff, parents, alumni and students who have made Term 2 a successful and productive one across the boys’ spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional and physical dimensions.
School Reports for Year 7-10 should have been received this week which provide an opportunity to celebrate successes and review areas of development.
Remember for tougher conversations, boys are better moving whilst discussing. Go for a walk or head to a local park and chat about strategies for the term ahead.
Write them down later and then do not harp on about them. Bring it up again at the start of Term 3.
A reminder that bookings for Term 3 Parent/Carer/Teacher/Student interviews opened 9am Friday, 27 June, and will close Friday, 18 July at 3pm.
An app notice and an email has been sent to each family with instructions on how to book.
Please keep our Year 12’s in your thoughts and prayers at this busy and crucial time of the year, as they continue their preparation for their upcoming trial and then HSC examinations.
Thank you to our staff who continue to offer extra tutorials throughout this Term, and through this upcoming holiday period.
Please ensure your son maintains good exercise, relaxation time, reduced screen time, good sleep patterns and a healthy diet during this time.
Please do not allow your son to change his normal sleep patterns drastically and sleep in. A consistent approach to his day over the next few months is what is required.
Noah has been nominated for consistently working at a high level in all class activities, completing all competency tasks to a high standard and displaying a positive attitude and an interest in Hospitality.
This is especially exciting as Noah intends to pursue a career as a Chef, and has secured an apprenticeship at Catalinas (following one of his work placements there) which he’ll take up at the end of the year.
Last Saturday I had the privilege of watching along with Ms Alice Curtis (Debating Convenor), James’ parents and a couple of his peers, our own James Peate (Y12) compete at the NSW Rostrum Speaking competition.
Over 400 students compete in this competition and the final comprises just 6 students. The competition was fierce across all competitors and James’ performance was very impressive.
Congratulations to the Baulkham Hills High School student who won the senior competition. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Northbridge and Easts Leagues who sponsor this event.
Congratulations to James on his commitment to public speaking and his successful representation of the College.
James won this competition last year, came second at this year’s Lawrence Campbell competition and made this year’s final in the Rostrum. Fantastic results and effort!
Congratulations to our Open 1st XVIII who wrapped up an undefeated CAS AFL season last week.
The team members:
Noah Bowler (Y10), Matt Borgelt (Y10) Charles Coughlan (Y12), Thomas Coughlin (Y12), Robbie Csavas (Y11), Adam Cutten (Y12), Dominic Dametto (Y10), Joseph Dametto (Y12), Dash Delaney-fielding (Y11), Zinzan Delaney-Fielding(Y12), Stellan Dymond (Y11), Marcus Hammoud (Y10), Zac Jones (Y10), Henry Lamond (Y11), Ned Larkin (Y11), Alex Marshall (Y12), Hayden McAusland (Y10), Jonathan McDonald (Y12), Toby McDonald (Y12), Ricky Meyrick (Y12) , Ryan Murphy (Y11), James O’Loughlin (Y12), Hugo Perks (Y12), Ben Pignatelli (Y12), Alexander Smith (Y12), Zoltahn Szabo (Y12), Oliver Trosti (Y12), James Tucker (Y10), Clancy Walsh (Y10) , Liam Walsh Y12), Oscar Wilson (Y12).
Well done to the following boys/coach on their selection for the CAS Opens AFL team.
Ben Pignatelli, Thomas Coughlin, James O’Loughlin, Dash Delaney- Fielding, Hugo Perks, Jonathon McDonald, Joseph Dametto, Ricky Meyrick, Liam Walsh, Oscar Wilson, Alex Marshall, Hayden McAusland
Mr Ben Shorthouse
CAS AFL coach
We also had a number of students this week selected in the CAS Opens and U16 Rugby sides to compete this week against GPS and ISA teams as part of the NSW selections process.
Well done to the following students as well as Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris as one of the CAS coaches:
Opens:
CAS1 Payton Tarau, James Finegan, CAS2 Kai McDermott, Nate Devereux, Joshua Barr, Archie Godby, Cooper Stewart, U16s Kaiasi Talakai, Uteisoni Tauheluhelu, Taoko Samson, Tom Burke, Solomone Penitani, Riley Kolster, Lior Barhaim
Our first Reading Challenge ‘Read a Book Inside and Out’ drew to a close on 18 June.
We are delighted to say that we have almost reached our community goal of 100,000 minutes. At the time of writing, we have logged over 91,000 minutes in just two months.
This is an incredible achievement and validates the importance of reading in our students’ lives.
Congratulations to all our winners, especially our individual winners in each year group. Some of the winning classes have already enjoyed a well-deserved celebration pizza party prize.
Individual prizes will be available on our return in Term 3 and will be delivered to students by their English teachers.
Year 7
1st Jake Saad
2nd Jack Kodomichalos
3rd Nicholas Heavener
Class 7.06
The Spirit of Beanstack Notable Mention: Taaj Cooke
Class winners: Nicholas Heavener (7.01), Boyd Green (7.02), Jack Kodomichalos (7.03), Buddy Ross (7.04), Conor Tharenou 7.05, Ethan Storie 7.06, Mel Spears 7.07, Jake Saad 7.08
Year 8
1st Tallis Merryweather
2nd Harry Yang
3rd Sebastian Karahan
Class 8.03
Class Winners: Remy Garvey (8.01), Hudson Callum (8.02), Tallis Merriweather (8.03), Max Lester (8.04)
Mika Dadic (8.05), Sean McCarthy (8.06), Jonathan Tyler (8.07), Sebastian Riegler (8.08), Max Garcia (8.09)
Year 9
1st Oliver Rahmat
2nd Oscar Mac Domhnaill
3rd Liam Murray
Class 9.06
Year 10
1st Kai Fernandez Paul
2nd Leo Owen
3rd Leonardo Marino
Class 10.06
‘Read a Book turned into a Movie or TV show’
This new reading challenge will ensure students are actively reading over the holidays and continue to log.
Parents are encouraged to engage with student logging on Beanstack. Why not read the same book and watch the movie version too.
Happy holiday reading!
We are delighted to share that Waverley College will again be taking part in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year, giving our students the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents.
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English and Science. Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, please visit the ICAS website.
The assessment will be carried out at school and sitting dates will commence in Term 3. English will be set in the week of 11 – 15 August and Science in the week of 18 – 22 August.
Please visit the link and use our school code RXV933 before 28 July to register and pay for for either the English ICAS, Science ICAS or both!
On Monday, the spirit of environmental stewardship shone brightly as our dedicated Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) travelled to St Catherine’s School to host an insightful and engaging “Ocean Waste Workshop” for over 150 of their junior Year 5 and Year 6 students.
This collaborative initiative aimed to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of ocean pollution and empower younger students to become active participants in protecting our marine ecosystems
Led by enthusiastic senior students from both schools, the workshop was a fantastic demonstration of cross-school cooperation and peer-to-peer education.
The workshop delved into the origins of ocean waste, exploring how everyday actions on land contribute to the pollution of our seas.
Through engaging presentations and hands-on activities, the senior students illustrated the detrimental impact of plastic and other debris on marine life and the broader environment.
“It was inspiring to see how quickly the St Catherine’s School students grasped the seriousness of the issue”, commented one of the SOTWEG members. “They were really keen to learn about what they could do to make a difference”.
This successful collaboration not only educated the junior students at St Catherine’s School but also provided an invaluable leadership opportunity for the senior students from both schools.
It reinforced their commitment to environmental advocacy and showcased their ability to communicate complex issues in an accessible and engaging manner.
Both schools are looking forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration on environmental initiatives, fostering a stronger community of young environmental champions dedicated to a cleaner and healthier planet.
SOTWEG is committed to promoting environmental awareness and action within the school community and beyond. For more information or to get involved, please contact our Ecology Coordinator, Ms Silvia Baylie.
Payment 1 of the 2025 school fees was due on 12 February, and Payment 2 was due on 20 May.
Payment 3 is scheduled for 6 August 2025. The next Statement of School Fees will be issued during the week beginning 21 July 2025 and will be sent via email.
For your convenience, they will also be available on the Parent Portal under the Accounts and Payments tab.
We ask that all fees are paid in full by the due date.
If you’re unable to do so, please ensure a financial arrangement is made with the Business Services Team by the due date.
Withdrawal Notice
If you’re planning to withdraw your son’s enrolment from Waverley College, the College requires written notice to the Principal at least one full Term in advance, in line with the enrolment contract and as outlined on our website.
To help clarify, if you intend to withdraw your son at the end of Term 2, notice must be given by the first day of Term 2. Similarly, to withdraw at the end of Term 3, notice must be received by the first day of Term 3, and so on.
If this notice period is not met, a fee equivalent to one Term’s tuition will apply, as specified in the enrolment contract and on our website.
A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today
For over 120 years, Waverley College has been shaped by the generosity and spirit of our community. Since 1903, the support of families, Old Boys, and friends like you has helped make Waverley College one of the most trusted and respected schools in Sydney.
As we approach the end of the financial year, we’re asking for your continued support during a time of increasing financial pressure, including reductions in government funding. Your help is more important than ever as we prioritise our most important project to date: the upcoming Science & Innovation Centre.
This facility will provide our students with world-class learning opportunities in Science, Technology, and Innovation. Your donation to the Building Fund will help bring this visionary project to life.
We’re also offering exclusive naming opportunities – from individual laboratories and classrooms to entire floors or the building itself – so your family’s contribution can leave a lasting legacy.
You may also choose to support the Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund, giving students in need the chance to access a Waverley College education, or leave a longer-term impact through our bequest program.
All donations are fully tax deductible, making this the ideal time to this financial year.
How to Give
Please click on the link below to donate via our secure Giving Site:
https://www.charidy.com/WCGiving
Bank transfer to:
Building Fund – BSB: 062-124 Account Number: 10151703
Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund – BSB: 062-124 Account Number: 10133871
Post a cheque to: Waverley College Foundation, 131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024
Bequests or questions? Contact us at: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for standing with us and helping secure Waverley’s future for generations to come.
The Uniform Shop has closed for the school holidays but will be open the following times during the
upcoming break:
Monday 21 July, 8am-4pm
Normal trading hours resume from Wednesday 23 July:
Monday and Friday 8am – 4pm
Wednesday 12pm – 4pm
We look forward to assisting you with your uniform.
Waverley College Uniform Shop
Telephone: (02) 9369 0709
waverley@noone.com.au
Wishing all students, staff and parents a safe and enjoyable winter break. We look forward to welcoming back your sons on campus on the 23rd July (parent/carer/teacher/student zoom meetings on 21st & 22nd July)
God of all seasons,
the winter months are hard for those who cannot escape the cold.
I cannot clothe the world,
but I can offer this prayer to those who are without four walls
to protect them from the season.
May this prayer find those who struggle to fight the cold,
that they may feel the warmth of your love.
Jesus wrapped his arms around those who struggled.
Let me do my best to follow that example.
Amen.
Click here to access the Google College calendar.
Click here to download the wall calendar in PDF.
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Stanwell Tops. Surrounded by nature and perched above the ocean, the students embraced every opportunity for adventure, challenge and connection.
Throughout the camp, students participated in a wide range of exciting activities including rock climbing, archery, the exhilarating giant swing, and bush cooking where they made their very own damper over an open fire.
A beach walk with games in the park was another highlight, providing a moment of calm reflection and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
One of the most powerful outcomes of the camp was the way students bonded with one another outside the classroom setting.
Whether it was cheering each other on as they tackled the climbing wall, sharing stories around the campfire, or supporting new friends through each activity, the camp provided countless opportunities to strengthen existing friendships and build new ones.
We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 5 students approached each challenge with enthusiasm and resilience, and how they demonstrated our core values in action.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the staff who attended and supported the boys throughout the camp, and to our families for their support in making this experience possible.
Year 5 camp was truly a memorable journey of growth, courage and connection.
Today we celebrated the Year 6 History Showcase.
It was an exceptional display not only of the incredible work our Year 6 students have put into researching and presenting their projects, but also of the diverse stories, backgrounds, and journeys that have shaped the world we live in, and the community we belong to.
This term, our students have explored a story of a migration to Australia from within their family or community.
These individuals have left their homes in search of safety, opportunity, or a better future.
Through this learning, students have discovered the courage it takes to begin again in a new land, the contributions migrants make to their communities, and the strength that comes from diversity.
At our school, we are proud of the rich cultural backgrounds that make up our community.
Each student, each family, brings something unique, a story, a tradition, a perspective, that helps us all grow in understanding and empathy.
Congratulations Year 6 – your showcase was truly exceptional and you should be so proud of what you have accomplished.
Thank you also to our wonderful teachers for guiding and inspiring our students, and to our families for your ongoing support.
The Junior School was thrilled to welcome Lucy Tweed, author, food stylist and Mum to Beau (Year 5) as our lunchtime guest speaker, whose enthusiasm and creativity turned a simple tray of brownies into a masterclass on how food connects to every part of life.
Lucy shared her journey from being told not to play with her food to building a career as a food stylist and cookbook author, showing us that it’s possible to combine all your interests, from art and science to maths and storytelling, into something truly rewarding.
Lucy’s presentation was more than cooking; it was about understanding chemistry, following instructions, dividing portions, appreciating visual appeal, and even exploring the origins and history of our ingredients.
Lucy’s talk reminded us that food is more than just nutrition—it brings people together, tells stories, and celebrates moments big and small. Her advice to embrace all our passions and not be afraid to “play with our food” resonated with the boys, making learning both practical and fun.
And of course, her brownies were the perfect sweet ending, enjoyed by all as we put our new maths skills to the test, cutting them up for the group.
Thank you, Lucy, for your wisdom, warmth, and those unforgettable brownies.
You can find the link to Lucy’s books here …don’t forget to use the code ENOTWFRIENDS20 for 20% off.
In Week 5, we will be celebrating Book Week at the Junior School. The theme this year is Book An ADVENTURE.
Book Week Competitions
All students from the Junior campus are encouraged to enter one or both of the competitions running for Book Week.
Writing Workshop
Your son will take part in a fun and engaging writing workshop that will encourage critical and creative thinking while working collaboratively in a small group to produce part of an imaginative text, which in turn will be part of a book.
The final copy will be printed and placed in the Learning Hub for all to enjoy. I am looking forward to working with Year 6 on Tuesday, 19 August, and with Year 5 on Thursday, 21 August.
Book Week Guest Author Jeremy Lachlan
Jeremy Lachlan will be Waverley’s guest author for Book Week on Thursday, 14 August.
Based in Sydney, NSW, Jeremy Lachlan is a best-selling, award-winning author whose lifelong passion for adventure—and a memorable visit to the Cairo Museum—inspired him to create The Jane Doe Chronicles.
This epic action-adventure fantasy series explores a dangerous, infinite labyrinth between worlds and follows the girl destined to rule it.
Jeremy is passionate about sharing his love of storytelling with readers of all ages. His visit aims to inspire students to expand their imaginations and think big.
We look forward to welcoming Jeremy and celebrating the power of stories together!
Pre-loved, Pop-up Bookshop – Encouraging Independent Reading Choices
One of the most important ways to support your son’s reading journey is to empower him to choose his books. I am excited to announce that our Pop-up Bookshop will return in Week 5, on Monday, 18 August.
This year, I am focusing on making our Pop-up Bookshop both sustainable and cost-effective. To help make this possible, we invite you to donate pre-loved children’s books. These books will be sold at very affordable prices, making it easy for every student to find something they’ll love.
All proceeds from the Pop-up Bookshop will be donated to one of the Edmund Rice foundations, supporting important community initiatives.
If you’d like to contribute, please send your book donations to the Learning Hub.
Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading while supporting a great cause.
Photos from past pre-loved Pop-up Bookshops!
Hoodies
I would like to take a moment to clarify the expectations around the wearing of the co-curricular hoodie. These hoodies are designed specifically for training sessions and Saturday sport.
Students are not permitted to wear them to and from school, during the school day, or underneath their sports jacket.
We understand that there has been some confusion regarding this policy, and I sincerely apologise for any mixed messages that may have been communicated earlier.
All students have now been spoken to about these expectations to ensure consistency and understanding moving forward.
We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we work together to maintain a sense of pride and uniformity in how our students present themselves.
Thank you once again for your partnership.
Due to the last week of term, there will be no Home Learning Club next week.
Yesterday, the student-led Year 7-12 assembly was an impressive event, thoughtfully organised by our College Captains.
Their leadership and initiative brought together a meaningful and engaging program centred on the theme: “What does Men’s Health mean to you?”
The captains started with a multiple choice and true or false section that each student engaged with across men’s health topics which proved that there was quite a range of opinion and knowledge about men’s health.
They also shared a youtube clip from Norwich City Football Club reminding everyone to check on those around them frequently.
A highlight of the assembly was guest speaker Mr Richard Tombs, who was introduced by our own Mr Paul Cornish who played against Richard in the same Wallabies era of the 1980/1990s.
Post rugby, Richard had a life changing accident in 2018 in a social football (soccer) game that left him a quadriplegic.
Remarkably, Richard held no anger toward the player involved. His focus was entirely on healing.
He spent seven days in intensive care, facing the uncertainty of whether he would walk again.
Spinal injuries of this kind take years to fully understand, with progress measured slowly.
Richard had to relearn everyday tasks like eating, dressing and living independently.
Richard had to call upon the resilience he developed growing up in a family of four boys (all within 5 years of each other) and the love of his three daughters to work his way through this life changing challenge.
Richard also spoke about Men’s health and his own journey with mental health and coming to terms with the loss of one of his brothers in the 1996 SAS Blackhawk helicopter training accident in Townsville.
Richard is currently working with Hearts in Rugby Union, a charity supporting those affected by serious rugby injuries, he channels his experience into helping others.
“Resilience is getting up when you don’t want to. You will face challenges in your life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Asking for help is not a weakness. Even when plans are shattered, life can still hold purpose”.
Both Digger (Year 12) and Archie (Year 10) Callander spoke poignantly and inspiringly at assembly this week about their family’s journey.
Sadly, their father Matt Callander lost his battle to brain cancer in 2017.
Matt played a big part in launching the Beanie for Brain Cancer initiative in the NRL to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.
The Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round will take place this week to raise much needed awareness and funds to promote research into this disease and provide patient support.
Please support this great cause where you can: https://markhughesfoundation.com.au/
In last week’s newsletter, we sought support for the Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Thank you for the generous donations we have received to date. A collection box is available at the Senior School Front Office and Junior School Reception.
Most needed items include:
Your generosity, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on families rebuilding their lives.
The evening presented the opportunity to host a guest to a formal dinner and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Sydney harbour with VIVID as a backdrop.
Over 380 students had a great evening and night out with their peers and friends and I congratulate them for their positive energy and behaviour.
Thank you to the Wellbeing team who organised and supervised this event.
Join us for the Waverley College Music Festival on Friday, 20 June 2025 at 6.30pm in the PAC Theatre.
This spectacular evening will showcase the incredible talent of our musicians, featuring a dynamic range of performances from our Concert and Jazz Bands, as well as the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble.
Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!
Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.
Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.
Get your free tickets here.
Join us on Saturday, 29 November from 6-11pm in the Waverley College Gymnasium for a special evening celebrating a decade of impact with Educating The Future, a youth-led, volunteer-run NGO supporting preschool education in Timor-Leste.
Founded by two Waverley College Old Boys after a school immersion in 2015, the organisation has since built and supported seven public preschools, providing early education to over 2,000 children across Timor-Leste.
All funds raised will go toward our $100,000 goal – just $53 educates a child for an entire year.
Tickets are $150 pp and include a three course meal and entertainment for the evening.
Get your tickets here!
Waverley College Students in Timor-Leste in 2024
Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.
Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees.
It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.
To apply, students must:
Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:
E: cbalkizas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0623
GW Rummery Music Scholarship Application – 2025 update.pdf
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your musical talent at Waverley College!
On the King’s birthday long-weekend, Waverley senior boys Rory Donnellan (Y12), Xavier Miconi (Y12), Petris Kalpouzanis (Y11) and Nico Palacio (Y11) attended the popular Nunawading Spectres Basketball Tournament in Melbourne.
Their team Marrickville Spirit U18 Boys Blue came home with a tournament win in A Grade.
Congratulations to these boys on their well deserved and hard earned win!
It was wonderful to see so many dads and sons in attendance at the Inaugural Father/son dinner held at Randwick racecourse recently.
The Pasifika boys danced and sang to introduce the evening and one of the dads participated in the Hakka, demonstrating the strength of the bond between father and sons.
Steven Bradbury stole the show as a crowd favourite, bringing the house down with his hilarious and inspiring life story.
From grueling early morning training sessions with his National speed ice-skating dad, to becoming Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist, Steven’s journey had everyone captivated.
Who would have thought those pre-dawn training sessions would pay off in the most epic way?
Huge thanks to the amazing mums who made this event possible: Susie Rakoczy, Davina Greenberg, Rozy Dorias, and Ivana Roberts.
Appreciation also goes to the dedicated teachers who joined us: Alanna James, Cath Lipman, Lynsey Porter, and Graham Leddie.
And the best part? The mums’ turn again next year, with planning already in full swing!
Ms Louise Lakomy
Waverley College Parent Association President
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
This week, our Year 6 students embarked on an exciting three day adventure to Collaroy for their annual school camp.
Blessed with sunny skies and plenty of enthusiasm, the students threw themselves into every activity with energy, teamwork and a strong sense of adventure.
From the thrill of the giant swing and ropes course to the challenges of rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering, students had the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience and support one another.
The camp also provided a wonderful setting for students to connect more deeply with their peers and teachers, strengthening friendships and building lasting memories.
In between the action-packed activities, students enjoyed delicious meals and relaxed together in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Northern Beaches.
Camp was a time of laughter, encouragement and shared experiences, a highlight of the year for many.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff who generously gave their time to attend the camp and ensure its success. Your ongoing support, care and commitment to our students are deeply appreciated.
On Thursday, Year 5 students took part in a meaningful and uplifting Retreat Day centred around the theme of Community, Kindness and Leadership.
The day provided students with the opportunity to reflect on the importance of looking beyond themselves and considering how they can contribute positively to the lives of others.
One of the highlights was baking over 300 delicious cookies, which were donated to the Wayside Chapel to support members of the community experiencing hardship.
Students also spent time writing heartfelt kindness cards, spreading messages of hope and encouragement.
A special part of the day was connecting with Year 11 students, who joined the Year 5s for games and activities that built friendships and reminded everyone of the power of fun and connection across year groups.
The Retreat was a valuable opportunity for students to put their values into action and to consider the type of leaders they aspire to be, both now and in the future.
A big thank you to the staff involved across both the Junior School and Senior School for this amazing learning opportunity for Year 5.
On Tuesday, the Junior School basketball courts were transformed into a living museum as our Year 5 students proudly presented their History Showcase.
The event marked the culmination of weeks of deep inquiry and creative preparation, with students researching and embodying significant figures and moments from Australia’s colonial history.
The standard of work on display was nothing short of outstanding with some of the highest we have seen.
From thoughtfully constructed booths to historically accurate costumes, and from detailed research to confident, in-character presentations, every student brought something unique and meaningful to the day.
The boys’ pride in their learning was clear in the way they spoke, stood, and engaged with visitors.
The event also provided a valuable opportunity for interaction between the Junior School and Senior School staff.
With CLT members and high school visitors attending as guest judges, the boys rose to the occasion with impressive maturity and composure.
Thank you to the families who supported the process so generously, and to the staff who guided the boys along the way.
The History Showcase remains a highlight of the Junior School calendar, and this year’s edition reminded us why: when students are given space to explore, create and lead their own learning, the results can be remarkable.
Home Learning Club
CLICK on the link to book https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday & Thursday
Ms Charlotte Stephens
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember: if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, as students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance, and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period unless it is urgent.
AFL Paul Kelly Cup
This Wednesday, 15 Junior School AFL players competed at the AFL Paul Kelly Cup Regional Finals.
With the Year 6 representatives taking leave from Camp for the day, spirits were high and camaraderie strong.
Despite facing tough teams and missing out on the finals of the day, we are so proud of the boys and their efforts. Go Waves!
Flynn Helliar (Year 6) has been competing at a national-level baseball competition this week, representing his team, Ryde, and leading their victory in the semi-finals against Gold Coast on Thursday.
We are so proud of him and his efforts at this high level of representation!
Image credit: baseball.com.au
A huge congratulations is in order for three Junior School students who competed at CIS Cross Country on Thursday this week.
A special shoutout to our two Year 6 runners, Jagger Michael and Ziggy Coombes who achieved extremely impressive results after attending Year 6 Camp on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Jagger placed 9th, and Ziggy 11th, both missing out on attending Nationals by mere seconds.
Well done to Sonny Milis from Year 5 who also raced and placed an impressive 15th in his age division. We are so proud of them for representing Waves with such pride!
As we move into Round 6 of the Winter Season, it is important we maintain high expectations of students.
Please support our coaches in reminding your sons to prepare for training sessions and Saturday games with correct gear, exemplary behaviour, and a positive attitude.
We have had such a strong season so far and I look forward to the energy and commitment continuing.
Best of luck to our Football teams who all have home games this Saturday! It is set to be a wonderful morning at Queens Park.
Click here to access the Google College calendar.
Click here to download the wall calendar in PDF.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
This past week has been a vibrant and productive one in the Junior School, filled with learning, creativity, and community connection.
From classroom achievements to whole-school events, it has been wonderful to see our students so engaged across a variety of activities.
Our school community also came together this morning to share Honour Awards, where we celebrated student achievements and reflected on the importance of effort, kindness and inclusion.
The week concluded with a busy Friday including a fire evacuation drill.
The boys responded with maturity and a sense of responsibility as they safely evacuated the school efficiently. It was a successful drill to ensure we are prepared in the rare case of a fire.
It is part of our continued effort to ensure we maintain a safe environment.
As we head into the next week, we carry with us a sense of pride in what our students continue to achieve, not just academically, but as thoughtful and capable young people contributing positively to our school culture.
We hope our Year 6 students have a restful long weekend before camp, and we look forward to the Year 5 showcase on Tuesday.
This week, we had the Year 6 Public Speaking Finals. All the boys put in an incredible amount of effort, with one stand-out student who took home the trophy!
Congratulations to all the finalists, Ben Morris, Cooper Stamatelatos, Toby Pounder, Billy Gibbons, Jack Glass, and a huge congratulations to our 2025 Public Speaking Champion, Spencer Murphy.
A special thank you to our adjudicators—Mr. Jack Watchel, Ms. Alice Curtis, and Dante Fearn, for their expertise and support. We also thank James Peate for sharing his inspiring public speaking journey at Waverley.
Ms Natasha Zivanovich
It was our privilege to welcome Dr. Joanne Jakovich, CEO, co-founder and chief creator of Humanacy and Mum of Remy, Year 5, as the guest speaker for our lunchtime talk.
Dr. Jakovich, a leader in her field, engaged our boys as she shared her remarkable journey, highlighting her vision and commitment to innovation.
Throughout her presentation, Dr. Jakovich inspired the boys with stories about transforming bold ideas into reality and making a positive impact on the world.
Her talk was filled with insightful anecdotes and valuable lessons on perseverance, curiosity, and the importance of embracing new opportunities.
Our boys thoroughly enjoyed learning about the challenges and triumphs behind Humanacy’s mission.
Dr. Jakovich explained that, at Humanacy, the focus is on nurturing the skills of human connection, alongside the foundational skills of Numeracy and Literacy.
The Lunchtime Talk left the boys feeling motivated and eager to pursue their dreams.
Thank you, Dr. Joanne Jakovich, for generously sharing your time and inspiring our students with your extraordinary stories.
Home Learning Club
CLICK on the link to book https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks.
The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday & Thursday
Ms Charlotte Stephens
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember: if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, as students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period unless it is urgent.
We are now past half way through the 2025 Winter Sport season and I am so proud of the progress the boys have made in character, skill and sportsmanship.
Each team has shown they can face challenges, learn from mistakes and push through losses in order to grow as young men in sport and in life.
We have also celebrated some mighty victories! I am looking forward to the positive commitment continuing throughout the rest of the season.
Click here to access the Google College calendar.
Click here to download the wall calendar in PDF.
This year in the midst of the King’s Birthday long weekend Pentecost Sunday is commemorated.
Pentecost marks the events following 50 days since Jesus triumphs over death and when the Holy Spirit descends on the fledgling group of Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem for a festival.
In the Roman Catholic liturgy, Pentecost marks the end and completion of the Easter season, and the birth or “great beginning” of the church.
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Year 7 student Phoenix Hedderman and family.
Phoenix’s father Slade sadly passed away earlier this week. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hedderman family during this incredibly difficult time.
May Slade Rest in Peace.
Last weekend as part of Reconciliation Week, we proudly hosted our annual Indigenous Round of Sport against The Cranbrook School – a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and respectful competition.
Across a full schedule of fixtures and ceremonies, our community came together to honour the enduring strength and wisdom of First Nations peoples and to reflect on our shared journey toward reconciliation.
The weekend began with a Friday evening AFL match at Blackman Park, followed by Saturday’s fixtures in tennis, volleyball, football, and rugby at Queens Park and the College.
Each 1sts match was preceded by an Acknowledgement of Country, while two of our key fixtures – the 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby matches – featured Indigenous Opening Ceremonies, including a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
The ceremony ahead of the 1st XV game was particularly moving.
Local Elder Aunty Barb Simms delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony and cultural dances performed by our Walawaani students.
These moments provided an opportunity for all in attendance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture.
We extend our sincere thanks to the students, staff, and families of Cranbrook School for joining us in this important tradition, and to all those who helped bring the event to life.
Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Indigenous Round – your presence and participation helped ensure these moments of cultural recognition and reconciliation remain a vital part of school life.
Opening Ceremony
Tennis
Football
Rugby
AFL
One of our Waverley parents is currently completing her Masters of Counselling placement at this local charity and seen first hand the great work the Lokahi Foundation are doing and the real need for assistance.
Lokahi Foundation is a local Bondi Junction-based charity service that helps women, youth, and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Many of Lokahi’s clients arrive in emergency accommodation with few or no belongings.
To support them, the foundation operates a Community Pantry, providing essential items like food, toiletries, baby supplies, and clothing, free of charge.
Brennan House are going to take this on as their charity focus and we invite our school community to contribute by donating new or unused essential items. A collection box will be available at the Senior School Front Office and Junior School Reception.
Most needed items include:
Your generosity, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on families rebuilding their lives.
The South Eastern Public Health Unit is visiting Waverley College on June 11 2025 to provide the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination to Year 10 students.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal.
How to provide consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit:
engage.health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account.
3. Update or confirm your personal details as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
a. Enter your child’s personal details
b. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
d. Provide consent
Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.
If you require information in your language, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Waverley Nursing Team on (02) 9369 0644.
Our Year 12 Engineering students recently embarked on an exhilarating and highly educational excursion to Bankstown Airport, providing them with invaluable real-world insights into the principles of aerodynamics and aviation.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the one-hour flight training session. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students had the incredible opportunity to take the controls of a light aircraft, experiencing firsthand the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. This practical application brought their classroom studies of aerodynamics to life, offering a unique understanding of how aircraft are controlled in three dimensions. The hands-on experience of adjusting pitch, roll, and yaw provided a profound appreciation for the intricate engineering behind flight.
Following their time in the cockpit, the students also gained exclusive access to the Bankstown Air Traffic Control Tower. This visit offered a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of air traffic management, demonstrating how critical communication, precise navigation, and continuous monitoring ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. While not directly about aerodynamics, understanding the air traffic environment provided crucial context for the operational aspects of aviation, highlighting the culmination of aerodynamic design with ground control.
“Flying a plane for our school excursion was an unforgettable experience that not only gave us the thrill of soaring above the clouds, but also deepened our appreciation for the principles of aeronautical engineering that make flight possible” commented one student, and another said “You read about aerodynamics in textbooks, but actually experiencing it in the air truly cemented my understanding”.
This immersive experience at Bankstown Airport served as a powerful complement to the students’ engineering curriculum. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application in a dynamic aviation environment, our Year 12 aspiring engineers have undoubtedly deepened their understanding of aerodynamics and gained a heightened appreciation for the complexities and innovations within the aerospace industry.
Congratulations to our Cadet Unit on their win at the CAS Cadet Drill Competition on Wednesday this week. For only the second time, and the first since 2010, the Cadet Unit brought home the trophy with fierce competition from:
Barker College
Ravenswood School for Girls / Knox Grammar School
St Aloysius’ College
Meriden School / Trinity Grammar School.
Well done to everyone involved, and recognition for the months of hard work from the Cadets, MAJ (AAC) de Kantzow, and her team.
We congratulate the 2025 CAS Drill Team members from St Catherine’s School / Waverley College;
WO1 Renato Rovacchi, WO2 Oliver Bracic, WO2 Chiara Marshall, WO2 Finnian McCarthy, WO2 Luke Nezval, WO2 Ethan Ooi, WO2 Nicholas Scerri, SGT Tristan Bates, SGT Zoe Ngu, SGT Emily Plowman
SGT Lauren Sheehan, SGT Thomas Vanderkemp, SGT Chris Wellington, SCPL James Grant, CPL Maggie-Kate Allman Powell, CPL Madeline Aston, CPL Harrison Boden-Taylor, CPL Emily Freedman, CPL Praman Gandhi, CPL Oliver Isaac, CPL Carter Kennedy, CPL Claudia Lynam, CPL Florence Vinnell, CDT Evie Messiter
Congratulations to Jacob Sheehan (Y10) who achieved an impressive result at the U16 State Surfing Championships, held in Coffs Harbour.
Jacob made it to the finals and placed 4th overall in NSW for U16, earning him a coveted spot on the NSW U16 Short Board Surf Team for the National Championships in South Australia this November.
Join us for the Waverley College Music Festival on Friday, 20 June 2025 at 6.30pm in the PAC Theatre. This spectacular evening will showcase the incredible talent of our musicians, featuring a dynamic range of performances from our Concert and Jazz Bands, as well as the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble. Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!
Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.
Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.
Get your free tickets here.
Today our Year 7-12 students gathered at E.S. Marks for a great day of competition, spirit, and sunshine at the annual House Athletics Carnival.
The energy was high, the weather was perfect, and the students gave it their all across a range of events.
Congratulations to Brennan House, who took out the overall win with an impressive team effort! A big thank you to all staff and students who made the day such a success.
For over 120 years, Waverley College has been shaped by the generosity and spirit of our community. Since 1903, the support of families, Old Boys, and friends like you has helped make Waverley College one of the most trusted and respected schools in Sydney.
As we approach the end of the financial year, we’re asking for your continued support during a time of increasing financial pressure, including reductions in government funding. Your help is more important than ever as we prioritise our most important project to date: the upcoming Science & Innovation Centre.
This facility will provide our students with world-class learning opportunities in Science, Technology, and Innovation. Your donation to the Building Fund will help bring this visionary project to life.
We’re also offering exclusive naming opportunities – from individual laboratories and classrooms to entire floors or the building itself – so your family’s contribution can leave a lasting legacy.
You may also choose to support the Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund, giving students in need the chance to access a Waverley College education, or leave a longer-term impact through our bequest program.
All donations are fully tax deductible, making this the ideal time to this financial year.
How to Give
Please click on the link below to donate via our secure Giving Site:
https://www.charidy.com/WCGiving
Bank transfer to:
Post a cheque to: Waverley College Foundation, 131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024
Bequests or questions? Contact us at: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for standing with us and helping secure Waverley’s future for generations to come.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr John Allen as Waverley College’s new Deputy Principal – Students, commencing Monday, 18 August 2025. John joins us from Trinity Grammar School with over 20 years of senior leadership experience and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, holistic education, and Catholic values.
He brings a wealth of expertise from roles including Acting Deputy Headmaster and Head of Middle School. An Oxford graduate with a Master of Science and extensive teaching experience in both the HSC and IB programs, John is a dedicated educator, leader, and mentor.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Jesse Johnson for his outstanding contribution to the Waverley College Music Department over the past seven years.
Jesse has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of our students, particularly through his passionate leadership in the development of our rock bands across the Junior and Senior School, the guitar program, HSC accompaniment and performances across most scheduled music events throughout the year.
As Jesse embarks on a new career path, having accepted a full-time position at Jands Australia, we reflect with gratitude on the creativity, enthusiasm, and collegial spirit he brought to his teaching. His positive influence has shaped the musical journeys of many budding performers and enriched the life of our Music community.
We wish Jesse every success in this exciting next chapter and thank him for the legacy he leaves behind at Waverley.
Replacing Jesse, we welcome Mr Ben Daley who joins us from Loreto Kirribilli and brings with him a wealth of teaching and professional playing experience.
Ben is a highly regarded musician with over 20 years’ experience performing, accompanying and teaching in Australia and overseas. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Grade 5 AMEB classical guitar.
The following six staff have title changes to their respective positions.
Ms Sue Walsh will change to Director of Identity & Global Advocacy
Mr Steve Ghattas – 2IC Junior School & Assistant Director Identity & Global Advocacy
Mr Tom Kennedy – Spirituality & Student Spirit Coordinator
Ms Rosanna Varrica – Identity & Global Advocacy Administrator
Mr James Horrocks – Director of Student Wellbeing
Mr Billy Nicolas – Foundation Manager
Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.
Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees. It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.
To apply, students must:
Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:
E: cbalkizas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0623
GW Rummery Music Scholarship Application – 2025 update.pdf
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your musical talent at Waverley College!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, reminds us that the journey toward reconciliation is ongoing and requires continued commitment.
Here at Waverley, we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where truth-telling, respect, and unity form a strong foundation for our learning.
This week, we celebrated Reconciliation week with a whole school assembly, Learning Hub lessons and the Koojay Corroboree.
During Learning Hub lessons, the boys took part in meaningful activities and discussions focused on the importance of Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.
They explored the history and cultural heritage of First Nations Peoples through rich literature, which helped spark meaningful discussions about the impact of the past and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
Throughout these sessions, the boys highlighted important facts and shared their reflections, leading to a deeper understanding of Reconciliation. They also participated in activities designed to encourage critical thinking and empathy.
Our Walawaani students, along with our Year 5 Class Captains, had the privilege of attending the Koojay Corroboree at Coogee Beach in recognition of Reconciliation Week.
This meaningful experience allowed our students to witness First Nations Australians sharing the richness of the Dreaming through storytelling, dance, and music.
The boys also enjoyed exploring cultural market stalls, creating their own shell art, and taste-testing a variety of native and endangered plants. It was a powerful and engaging day that deepened their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the parents and caregivers who joined us for the special screening of Seen. The Film on Thursday evening.
It was wonderful to welcome not only current families but also those whose children will be joining us in 2026.
This powerful documentary, produced by Parent TV, offered valuable insights into how healing and self-awareness in parents can positively influence a child’s brain development.
Through moving personal stories, the film explored the impact of trauma, the importance of secure attachment, and the critical role emotional connection plays in a child’s growth.
We are grateful for your engagement in these important conversations and your ongoing partnership in supporting the wellbeing of our students.
On Thursday, 22 May, sixteen enthusiastic students represented Waverley College Junior School at the annual NSW Yr 5 and 6 da Vinci Decathlon, held at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga.
What is the da Vinci Decathlon?
The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.
Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy.
Both the Year 5 and 6 teams competed with incredible team work and determination.
This was acknowledged in the awards ceremony at the end of the day with Year 6 taking out third place in the Ideation category—an incredible achievement against over 70 schools.
Congratulations on an outstanding result and for representing Waverley College so proudly.
Report by Will Collins (5 Gold) and Rex Wagner (5 Orange)
The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition for Year 5 and 6 students, held at Knox Grammar School. We arrived at school by 6:15 a.m. to catch an hour-long bus ride to the venue. The competition involved ten challenging papers: Mathematics, Science, English, Engineering, Ideation, Art and Poetry, Codebreaking, Creative Producers, Cartography, and Legacy.
We worked together on the Ideation paper and were also chosen by our team to take part in the Creative Producers activity. What we enjoyed most about the day was collaborating with our teammates and watching the entertainment that Knox had organised for all 70 participating schools.
The only downside was the weather- it poured all day, so we were stuck in the Great Hall (which, luckily, was massive!). One of the biggest lessons we learned was that even with the eight smartest kids in the world, you can’t win the Da Vinci Decathlon without teamwork.
We felt extremely honoured to be part of the Year 5 Da Vinci team, and we hope to represent Waverley College again next year.
Report by Sam Jarrett (6 Orange) and Cooper Stamatelatos (6 White)
The Da Vinci Decathlon was an extremely exciting, fun but challenging experience.
We were extremely grateful to be invited to the Da Vinci Decathlon. This event was held at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga. At the event, there were 10 papers, of different subjects.
We sat in the ‘Great Hall’ which many of our team members described as the biggest hall they had ever seen. On the day there were approximately 80 different schools, in teams of 8.
For the Ideation paper, we had to think of a way to prevent kids from spending too much time on screens.
We decided to make a software where parents can download a file, which will start to set up a software on the device. Bluelight was a key problem that we had to solve.
We did this by permanently locking bluelight off, and keeping yellow light on, which is ultimately a better alternative.
Bluelight, the light emitted by electronic devices, causes reduced sleep, and induced stress, while yellow light is a healthier alternative.
Parents can set time limits and kids need permission to use websites with age restrictions like social media platforms.
We would partner up with as many technology companies as possible, so that when setting up a new device it comes up with an option to use our software.
At the end of the Decathlon, the awards were announced by the adjudicators.
Fortunately, our paper of (Ideation) placed 3rd out of the 80 schools participating.
This was an amazing achievement, and we were all very proud of the effort we showed on the day.
CLICK on the link to book https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday & Thursday
Ms Charlotte Stephens
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember: if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, as students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance, and the capacity is always reached. Avoid messaging your son during this period unless it is urgent.
2025 ICAS Competitions | Years 5 and 6 students
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2025 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System.
The Junior School offers the following ICAS competitions: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics.
This year, all the competitions will be held in August, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts.
EXAM TIMETABLE TERM 3
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
| WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
| 3A | 8:00 am | Monday 4 August | Digital Technologies |
| 8:00 am | Wednesday 6 August | Writing | |
| 4B | 7:45 am | Tuesday 12 August | English |
| 5A | 7:45 am | Thursday 20 August | Science |
| 6B | 7:45 am | Monday 25 August | Mathematics |
Click https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps to register your son.
Waverley’s School Access Code YGC063
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2025.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son.
It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level.
Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call us on: Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
Beginner Band and Waterford Concert Band at the Junior School
The music program at the Junior School is thriving, with significant growth in both the Beginner Band and the Waterford Concert Band.
The Waterford Concert Band has blossomed into a harmonious ensemble, boasting a rich tapestry of sounds from flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets to electric basses and an array of percussion instruments.
It is truly inspiring to see many of these talented young musicians join us from outstanding bands in neighboring schools, enriching our musical community with their diverse experiences.
Equally heartwarming are the stories of those who began their musical odyssey right here at Waverley College, nurtured from their very first notes in our Beginning Band at the Junior School.
This year’s Beginning Band has embarked upon its term with enthusiasm and promise, already demonstrating remarkable progress.
We eagerly anticipate their seamless transition into the Waterford Concert Band, fostering what we sincerely hope will be a lifelong passion for music in all our band members.
As the term draws to a close, the Waterford Concert Band is thrilled to present a captivating short concert for the Junior School.
Our repertoire is filled with exhilarating pieces, including the powerful “Eye of the Tiger” and the iconic “Skyfall,” both beloved works from cinematic triumphs.
We will also perform “Spitfire,” a spirited concert march that not only tells an intriguing story but also introduces the boys to a fascinating musical genre.
Adding a special touch to this event, our esteemed Captain of Bands, Max Sheehy (Year 12), will join us.
He has been invited to share his inspiring experiences within the Waverley College Band Programme, offering invaluable insights and encouragement to both the band and the entire student body.
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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