Krista Thomas, Author at Waverley College

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.

NAPLAN

We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their dedication and perseverance during this week’s NAPLAN assessments. Despite some unexpected changes to the schedule, they demonstrated remarkable flexibility, resilience, and a positive mindset. Their hard work and determination have been truly commendable. We look forward to continuing to support them as they complete their remaining NAPLAN tests next week.

HARMONY WEEK

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. In the Junior School, we will celebrate Harmony Day on Friday 21 March. Please see details below:

What to Wear: Students are encouraged to wear a ‘Touch of Orange’ to school that day. They may choose one item of clothing to represent this (to work in conjunction with their Waverley College uniform) e.g. shirt, socks, hat, scarf, ribbon, etc.

What to Bring: Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to be shared amongst their classmates that acknowledges their cultural background. (Note: Please ensure ingredients are listed on all foods to ensure the safety of any students with allergies)

Donation: Students are encouraged to bring in a gold coin donation to go towards our capital works projects in Fiji, Timor Leste and Cambodia.

LUNCHTIME TALK

It was a privilege to have Markus Svensson, the CEO of QANTAS domestic airport present at Waverley Junior School’s Lunchtime Talk, inspiring young minds to dream big. Markus, the father of Jakob Year 6, and Anton Class of 2024, shared stories of perseverance and ambition, motivating students to pursue their passions.

The Lunchtime Talks initiative at Waverley Junior School continues to bring influential figures to inspire and educate its students, fostering a culture of innovation and aspiration.

For the remainder of the term, we have an exciting lineup of Lunchtime Guest Speakers who will share their experiences and insights, further enriching the educational journey of our students.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Congratulations to all students who ran on Monday morning at the Junior School Cross Country trials. A special shout out to the following boys who have been selected to represent Waverley at the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival in April.

Under 11s: Sonny Milis, Andre Szabo, Hardy Macpherson, Reggie Gillespie, Alexander Achurch, Dylan Plumb

Under 12s: Jagger Michael, Ziggy Coombes, Dexter Billington, Jack Darvill, William Rodgers, Jude Large

Well done to the 15 AFL players who represented Waverley at the AFL Paul Kelly Cup on Monday. The boys put in a solid effort over the day, coming out victorious with a convincing win of 26-7. Regional Finals in June, here we come!

A positive attitude and energy was in the air when we had our first of three Winter Sport Trials. Spreading across Upper Queens Park, boys trialled in AFL, Rugby Union or Football. We look forward to seeing this strong approach continue into the next two trials, on Wednesday 19 March and Monday 24 March.

Wishing all the Junior School Waves good luck in Round 5 Summer Sport this weekend!

St Patrick’s Day

Next Monday, we celebrate St Patrick’s Day which is a time of joy, reflection, and community as we celebrate the rich heritage of Ireland and the values that St Patrick himself embodied of faith, resilience, and compassion. This day holds special significance because of our deep ties to our Irish Founder, Edmund Rice and the 55 EREA schools operating across the nation.

St Patrick is revered as the patron saint of Ireland, known for his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to spreading Christianity. His life story is one of perseverance, having been taken as a slave to Ireland as a young boy, he later escaped, only to return as a missionary to teach and serve the very people among whom he had once been enslaved. His message of forgiveness, faith, and service continues to resonate today, reminding us all of the power of compassion and purpose in overcoming adversity.

We also acknowledge the significant contributions of Irish culture to our school and society. Beyond the religious and cultural observances, St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. It is a reminder that traditions and heritage, when shared with openness and respect, bring us closer together. Students will have the opportunity to engage with some Irish cultural activities on Monday including a staff vs students Gaelic Football game and a cake stall.

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”
Irish Blessing

Swimming and Diving Championships

Congratulations to our Swimming and Diving Teams who performed admirably at the 95th CAS Championships, held last night at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC). Thank you to our Year 8, 11 and Wavecrew students who supported our teams.

Well done to Knox Grammar and Trinity Grammar who won the swimming and diving competitions respectively. We placed 5th in swimming and 3rd in diving.

Whilst many personal bests were achieved, special mention to the following team members:

Ollie Moclair (Year 12) won both the Opens 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle championships. It has been a very long time (20+ years) since a Waverley student won these races. Ollie also finished 2nd in the Open 50m Butterfly

The 4 x 50m Opens Freestyle relay finished 2nd – Nick Hjorring (Year 12), Zoltahn Szabo (Year 12), Lincoln Tanner (Year 12), Ollie Moclair (Year 12)

Competition was tough and close in both competitions and we’re very proud of all our competitors. Thank you to Ms Nicola Silsby, Mr David Parnell, Mr Nick Nezval, Ms Kath Knowles, the assistant coaches, and all the staff who contributed to the success of the evening. Your dedication and support, whether it was on the field, helping with hospitality, managing the buses, or ensuring a positive crowd presence, were truly appreciated.

Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening – Thursday 20 March

We’re looking forward to welcoming Year 7 parents and students to the Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening with Dr. Prue Salter, taking place on Thursday, 20 March at 6pm in the College Gymnasium.

Open Day

The College held its first Open Day of the year this week, showcasing the very best of Waverley College. With over 400 families visiting both the Junior and Senior schools, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience firsthand the College’s impressive community, facilities, broad curriculum and culture.

A highlight of the day was the guided tours, led by our Year 11 leaders. These student leaders did an exemplary job of representing the College, sharing their knowledge and passion for Waverley with enthusiasm and pride. Their dedication and commitment to showcasing the College’s spirit and values were evident throughout the morning, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to them for their efforts.

Throughout the day, families were able to explore the College’s state-of-the-art facilities, meet with teachers and staff, and gain a deeper understanding of the College’s values and mission. The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many families expressing their admiration for the College’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We are thrilled with the success of our Open Day and look forward to welcoming many of the visiting families to our community in the future. Thank you to Ms Kylie Anderson (Registrar), Tessa Holt (enrolments) and Mr Angus McPherson and Ms Krista Thomas and for their organisation and running of the open day.

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

It is with great anticipation that we prepare for one of Waverley College’s most significant annual events, the Blue & Gold Ball. Last year, more than 700 members of our community came together for this special occasion, and we look forward to an even greater celebration in 2025.

The success of this event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners, whose support ensures a memorable evening for all. This year, we are seeking two Gold, four Silver, and six Bronze Sponsors, as well as donations of high-quality auction items to contribute to the evening’s fundraising efforts.

We invite those interested in supporting this event to contact our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au to discuss how you can be part of this important event.

I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an outstanding evening in support of Waverley College.

2026 Term Dates

Farewell to Science Teacher

After six years at Waverley College, we bid farewell to Mr Harry Lind as he embarks on his next chapter as a Science Teacher at Scots College. Mr Lind has been a passionate and dedicated Science and Physics teacher, inspiring his students with his enthusiasm for the subject. Beyond the classroom, he has made a lasting impact through his involvement in the co-curricular program, in particular last year as Rugby Convenor. We wish him all the best in his new role.

And we welcome Mr Jake Batters who will be taking over his science classes until the end of Term 1. Mr Batters has taught at St Luke’s Grammar School, Sydney and previously at the Canadian Rockies Public Schools, Canada.

Year 11 Galmatic Car Workshops

On Monday 10 March, our Year 11 students participated in the Galmatic Car Maintenance Workshops. The workshops covered;

These are practical life skills that our students will take with them into the future. The Galmatic trainers commented on how polite, attentive and engaged our students were.

World’s Greatest Shave

Our World’s Greatest Shave Campaign was launched at the CAS Swimming & Diving Assembly on Thursday by a moving address from Year 12 parent, Mrs Kate Carey and the Prefects of Lacey House.

This cause is held very close to the hearts of the Waverley College community and has been at the forefront of our Social Justice initiative for the past ten years.

The World’s Greatest Shave Foundation is one that I know many in our community cherish and support graciously every year and one that has directly supported some of our past and present families at the college.

While our campaign is led by Lacey House – the Lacey students, families and staff showing unwavering support since its inception at the college – the Lacey Leadership Team would like to thank you for your support.

Tens of thousands have been raised in the past but the need grows as the years go by.

Thank you for your support and if you would still like to make a donation please click on the following link:

50th Year Reunion – Class of 1975

Our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and myself had the pleasure of attending the Class of 1975’s 50-year reunion at The Icebergs Club in Bondi—a milestone celebration marking half a century since their time at Waverley College.

It was fantastic to connect with this remarkable cohort and hear the stories and memories that have stayed with them for five decades. The sense of camaraderie and lifelong connection was truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Paul Gillian for the kind invitation and to Mr Bob Tate for organising such a memorable evening. We also appreciate the opportunity to share the school’s vision for the future and our philanthropic initiatives that will help bring it to life.

This is their year, and we look forward to welcoming them back for Back to Waverley Day in November!

School student travel information – A message from Transport for NSW

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Please note, students over 16 need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to prove they are still in full time education. Please see link below:

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) 2025

Congratulations to Archie Godby in Year 12 who will be representing Waverley College at the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention which will be held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra from 24 – 27 March 2025. As a national delegate, Archie was selected from hundreds of students from government, independent and catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory.

Download the College App

As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.

The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:

By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.

TERM 1

TERM 2

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Monday, 16 June – Cambodia’s 2nd Formation Night, 6pm – 7.30pm in the Library

TERM 3

Monday, 21 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

TERM 4

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sale

A huge thank you to all of our Waverley community for your pancake donations for Shrove Tuesday. Together, we raised an incredible $800 for CARITAS! It was wonderful to see our boys enjoying their pancakes and donating to such a wonderful cause. Thank you Mr Ghattas for organising this special event.

International Women’s Day

On Thursday, we celebrated International Women’s Day by attending a whole school assembly and honoring the incredible women in our lives. We were also fortunate to hear from Elka Whalan, an Olympic swimmer, who shared her experiences and delivered key messages to our boys about the progress made in gender equality, particularly in sports. Inclass, our students took part in research activities to learn about prominent and trailblazing women in society.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will commence Wednesday 12th March for our Year 5 students. Please see the recent app notification which outlines further details and information. We look forward to supporting your child through the NAPLAN period, and if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Well done to all students who trialled for the AFL Paul Kelly Cup on Monday morning. We selected a team of 16 students who will compete on Monday, 10 March at Queens Park. We wish them all the best at the competition and look forward to hearing how they go! Thank you in advance to Ms Hunt and Coach Vas for taking them.

Congratulations to all 14 students who competed in the IPSHA Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. It was a massive day out at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and all the boys gave their best efforts. Some PBs were made and a shout out to the boys who made it through to CIS Swimming (26 March):

Thank you to Mr Horry for taking 5 keen Touch Football players from the Junior School to the IPSHA Touch Football Trials on Thursday – Liam Morrissey, Walker Leondis, Koby Leondis, Billy Kehoe and Freddie Saville. All the Waves did extremely well and congratulations to Koby, Freddie and Billy who were selected for the CIS Touch Football Trials (30 April).

A huge congratulations to Marley Fuller, who has made the CIS Basketball team after trialling on Friday. We are so proud and wish you all the best on May 13 at the PSSA Basketball Trials.

Finally, a friendly reminder about Cross Country Trials at 7.30am on Monday, 10 March. Meet Mr McKimm at Waverley Park to run.

Ash Wednesday

We celebrated Ash Wednesday this week, which was a student run liturgy supported by Ms Sue Walsh (Director of Identity), Mr Tom Kennedy (Spirituality and Mission Coordinator) and Ms Cath Lipman (Social Justice Coordinator) and Fr Bernie. Over 20 students were involved.

College Vice Captain – Archie Godby delivered an impressive Gospel reflection which I include below:

As we begin this season of Lent, we’re called to reflect on our lives and the choices we make each day. When a lot of us think about ‘Lent’ we associate it with giving up material matters, chocolates, Netflix or social media. But today, I want you to think deeper. What could you give up that really matters? What could you sacrifice that would impact someone other than yourself?

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus warns us of the hypocrisy in performing actions for praise. “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. In other words, when we behave in class or help a teacher we shouldn’t start asking for positive notes or believe that participating in social justice initiatives entitles us to leadership positions.

When we are sacrificing in Lent, or donating to Project Compassion we shouldn’t seek praise. Obviously this is a big ask. As humans we innately and naturally feel that our actions should be recognised, even rewarded. But Jesus reminds us that when we feel no one is watching, God sees our actions. ‘Your Father who sees in secret will reward you’. Jesus is encouraging us to use our right hand to lift up our mate from the floor and not even consider raising our left hand for praise.

Today, you will have the opportunity to have ashes sprinkled on your head, it will be unlike other experiences you’ve had where a prominent cross is placed on your forehead. The ashes will be hidden in your hair and you will be told to ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’. Essentially through the power of the sacrifice Jesus made for us we are encouraged to be virtuous. The practice of concealing the ashes is not new but can be traced back to Pope Urban II in 1099 who believed that concealing the ashes in your hair fulfilled Jesus’ message of humility. The knowledge that we have practiced our faith is beautifully only known by you and God. Our faith, our actions are not performances. They are not measured by how loudly we pray, how many people see our kindness, or how much we give for the sake of recognition. True faith is quiet, sincere, and rooted in the unseen moments—when we forgive without being asked, love without seeking praise, and pray without needing an audience. We live in a world obsessed with visibility. Likes, followers, and public approval often seem more important than private integrity. But Jesus calls us to a deeper way of living. He asks us to give, to pray, and to fast—not for applause, but because it shapes who we are.

This Lent, let us turn inward. Let us seek change that is real, not just seen. Let us trust that the God who sees in secret is the only one whose approval truly matters. This idea is echoed in our school motto “Virtus Sola Nobilitat” (Virtue is its own reward). Virtue can be defined as behaviour that exhibits high moral standards, kindness, compassion, service, love, with the idea that displaying such ideals is a reward in itself. These are virtuous qualities that each of us can adopt during this time of Lent and hopefully carry them through. What is something that you can sacrifice this Lent that truly matters? This Lent, consider giving up hatred, abstaining from judgment or turning away from the fear of failure. When you perform these actions, do not raise your left hand for praise. Make kindness a second nature in which you do not even consider praise necessary. Allowing the kindness shown to you at this school by your teachers, your friends or anyone you meet will create a butterfly effect, perpetuating a cycle of kindness. Be inspired to serve one another. Consider performing random acts of kindness simply because they are acts of kindness. Help your mate because they are your mate. Be kind to one another, because it’s the right thing to do.

International Women’s Day

Yesterday, we came together as a College community to celebrate International Women’s Day, embracing this year’s powerful theme: “Accelerate Action.” We began the assembly with a powerful Welcome to Country led by local elder Aunty Barb Simms, followed by a moving smoking ceremony conducted by some of our Walawaani students and their sisters. To help share the day’s inspiring message, Elka Whalan joined us to discuss her trailblazing journey in women’s swimming. Through her reflections on the importance of education, community, and faith, our students gained valuable insights into the significance of working in equal partnership with girls and women leaders in their lives. Thank you to both St Clare’s College and St Catherine’s School who both sent representatives along for our assembly.

International Women’s Day is a vital occasion to acknowledge, as gender equality remains an ongoing challenge in Australia, particularly in business, corporations, pay equity, safety, and opportunities. In many other countries, the gap is even greater, with women still lacking the fundamental rights afforded to men.

Year 10 Information Evening

Thank you to the large number of parents and carers who attended the Year 10 Information Evening this week and were updated on our Wellbeing program and the HSC patterns of study, subject selection, post school options and Service Week.

All of the subject selection requirements and prerequisites are on the Waverley College website:

Further information on Student Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships can be found here:

Upcoming Parent Webinars

Toolbox Education is running a ‘Thinking Traps’ Parent Workshop via Zoom on Monday 10 March. This workshop gives parents a set of tools to help young people catch their unhelpful thoughts before they spiral. See Flyer attached for more details.

This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.

NAPLAN

This is a further reminder that students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 12 and 24 March.

Year 7 students will sit their test in Periods 1-2 and Year 9 students will sit their test in Periods 3-4 on the following dates:

There will be an opportunity for students, absent on those days, to do a catch up test between Friday 14 March and Monday 24 March.

Talking Mental Health Parent Webinar

Please find attached an invite to a webinar for Parents and Carers on Tuesday, 18 March from 2-3 pm. The focus of the webinar is on how to talk with young people about mental health. There will also be a focus on the Future Proofing Study and their findings.

A recording of the webinar will be sent to all of those who register for the webinar to accommodate people who can’t make it at the allocated time.

SchoolTV Digital Media Literacy & Safety Parent Webinar

Parents and carers are invited to attend a webinar run by SchoolTV regarding digital media literacy and safety (Part 1), to support primary and secondary school students.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1)
DATE: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
TIME: 7 pm

Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean. Gain invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Healthy Masculinity – A Parent and Teacher Webinar

Join us online for an inspiring and practical discussion on promoting healthy masculinity among teenage boys and young men. Designed for parents and teachers, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable tips from the experts at Top Blokes Foundation to help foster emotional intelligence, effective communication, and positive behaviors in young men.

Healthy masculinity is about recognising the incredible role men play in creating a more equal, compassionate world. When men embrace empathy, respect, and authenticity, they enrich their own lives, strengthen their relationships, and support women in meaningful ways. This webinar is also a timely opportunity to spotlight these contributions as part of the International Women’s Day conversation—celebrating the power of men and women standing together for a brighter future.

Don’t miss this chance to gain tools to empower the next generation and contribute to a more inclusive environment for all. Register using the QR code attached.

Generations Breakfast

After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.

This special event celebrates the enduring legacy of Waverley College families—where past students remain an active part of our community through their children, grandchildren, nephews, and other family members. It’s always inspiring to see generations of Waverlians continue their connection with the College, shaping each other’s educational journeys and strengthening our shared history.

We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.

Old Boys Muster

We are thrilled to host the 2025 Old Boys’ Muster in partnership with the WCOBU on Friday, 21 March, atop the stunning Centenary Building rooftop. This year, we’re making the most of daylight savings and the warm autumn evening to welcome our esteemed alumni back to Waverley.

Join us for a complimentary Brazilian barbecue, refreshing drinks, and an evening of great company as we reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the stories that have shaped Waverley College for generations.

If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!

Download the College App

As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.

The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:

By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.

TERM 1

Monday, 10 March – Cambodia’s 1st Formation Night, 6pm – 7pm in the Library

TERM 2

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Monday, 16 June – Cambodia’s 2nd Formation Night, 6pm – 7.30pm in the Library

TERM 3

Monday, 21 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

TERM 4

As many of you may have heard, Pope Francis has been facing health challenges in recent days.

As a faith-filled community, let us keep him in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to grant him strength, comfort, and healing. Pope Francis has been a guiding light for our Church, reminding us of the power of compassion, mercy, and service to others.

In this time of need, let us unite in prayer for his well-being. May God continue to bless Pope Francis and our entire school community.

Lent

Next week, we begin the season of Lent, a sacred time in the Church’s calendar that invites us to reflect, repent, and renew our faith in preparation for Easter.

Lent lasts for 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before beginning His public ministry. It is a time for us to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (acts of charity and kindness).

Shrove Tuesday – A Day of Preparation

The day before Lent begins is known as Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, this was a day for confession and preparation before the fasting of Lent. It is also commonly called Pancake Tuesday, as people would use up rich ingredients like eggs and butter before the Lenten season of fasting and simplicity. The College will be selling pancakes on Tuesday before school at the Junior School and at lunch at the Senior School and all proceeds will go towards Project Compassion, Caritas.

Ash Wednesday – The Beginning of Lent

Lent officially begins with Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of reflection. During our Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday 5 March 12pm, we will receive ashes by sprinkling them on our heads.

This is an ancient practice and the fact that the ashes are not readily visible to others reminds us that our Lenten observance should be something personal known only to God and ourselves.

It also reminds us of our need for repentance and our journey back to God. The words spoken, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, call us to reflect on our faith and how we can live it out more fully.

Parents are warmly invited to attend our 12 Noon liturgy or the Ash Wednesday Masses, led by Father Bernie for the local Parish, in our College Chapel at 7am and 6pm.

Throughout Lent, we will have opportunities as a school community to pray together, take part in charitable initiatives, and reflect on how we can grow in faith.

We encourage you to take this time seriously, setting personal goals to make Lent a meaningful and transformative season. Lent isn’t just a time of fasting but a time of taking up things like gratitude, kindness, compassion and forgiveness as we strive to follow the examples of Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice.

May this Lent be a time of grace and renewal for us all. Let us journey together in faith, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the hope of Easter.

EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting the EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day welcoming students from CBC Lewisham, Edmund Rice College Wollongong, St Dominic’s College Penrith, St Edward’s College Gosford, St Patrick’s College Strathfield & St Pius X College Chatswood.

Beginning with a meaningful Smoking Ceremony led by our Walawaani students and a welcome liturgy in the Chapel led by Ms Sue Walsh and students from all 7 NSW EREA schools.

Students then had the privilege of hearing from Waverley College alumnus, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who shared his insights on leadership.

He emphasised the importance of compassion, care, communication, and honesty, encouraging students to embody the core values of their school in all aspects of life. The questions from the floor were impressive to Sir Peter!

He certainly got the audience thinking deeply about their positive impact on others and the energy leadership requires.

This was followed by some group sessions from mental health workshops with ‘Talk to Me Bro’ (Mental Health provider) and some enlightening sessions from EREA alumni on the importance of lifelong leadership and seeking to make a difference:

Jack Brown – Former Vice Captain Edmund Rice College & ‘Talk to Me Bro’ founder

Adam Hegedus & Alexi Piovano – Waverley College 2015 & Educating the Future founders

A final workshop explored the need to “fill your own well” while supporting others. The day concluded with a powerful exchange of ideas, as each leadership team shared their one big plan for the year ahead.

Year 9 Ballroom Dancing

As part of our PDHPE and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student took part in the Ballroom Dancing program, led by the esteemed Joan Carmody Dance Academy.

In collaboration with students from St Clare’s College, they attended lessons in preparation for a special evening of dance on Wednesday.

Congratulations to our Year 9 cohort for their outstanding presentation, manners, and enthusiastic participation.

It was truly impressive to witness 400 students listening, observing, and embracing this new challenge with such positivity. A heartfelt thank you to the staff who assisted in supervising this wonderful program from both schools, and to Mr. Patrick Darvill for his excellent coordination of the experience.

House Swimming Carnival

Today, students from Years 7 to 12 took part in our first-ever House Swimming Carnival & Events Day. They competed in a round-robin format, engaging in swimming, tug of war, basketball shooting, dodgeball, and kick tennis.

A big congratulations to Brennan House for taking the top spot with 588 points. It was fantastic to see everyone having a great time under the beautiful sunshine!

Our school will participate in NAPLAN Online from March 12-24, 2025. Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 will take the national literacy and numeracy tests. Students must bring fully charged laptops and headphones.

No excessive preparation is needed, as NAPLAN is not about keyboard or handwriting skills.

Students are not expected to study, and parents can support by encouraging their child to do their best and to read each question carefully. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test format.

Open Days March 2025

Whether you’re interested in our Junior or Senior School, this is your opportunity to experience life at Waverley College first-hand. We encourage all friends, family members, and prospective students to come and see the incredible opportunities available at Waverley.

To secure your spot, simply register via the link provided. We look forward to welcoming you!

Generations Breakfast

After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.

We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.

Old Boys Muster

If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!

Download the College App

As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.

The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:

By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.

The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open!

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.

Please ask your sons to see Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator) located in the Senior School Library to get started or to continue!

Waverley College School Vaccination Program

Every year NSW Health works in partnership with Waverley College to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program.

In Year 7, children are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccines and in Year 10 they are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Since 2023, Waverley College has experienced a drop in vaccination coverage rates for both Year 7 and Year 10 students. There was a 5% decrease in the number of dTpa vaccinations in Year 7 and a 3% drop in HPV vaccination and Meningococcal ACWY vaccination in Year 7 and Year 10, respectively.

By getting your child vaccinated, it protects them and also protects the broader community from diphtheria and whooping cough, and particularly vulnerable people such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated, by helping to limit the spread of these diseases. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

Your child is likely to have received vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis at their last childhood immunisation, around the age of four years. The adolescent dose of the dTpa vaccine is offered as part of the secondary school-based program, and is an additional booster dose to maintain effective immunity into early adulthood.

These are the dates that the NSW Health vaccination team will come to school and vaccinate your child, providing you have given consent.

Please find the step by step guide to complete online consent for your child to receive the vaccinations onsite at Waverley College:

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.

This week, we held a special assembly to induct our Year 6 Class Captains and Vice Captains for 2025. It was wonderful to welcome parents to the event and to hear the boys reflect on the responsibilities that come with their leadership roles.

At Waverley Junior School, we are committed to providing students with meaningful leadership opportunities; whether as Class Captains, Vice Captains, Directors of various clubs in the Learning Hub, or Debating Leaders. However, leadership extends beyond titles and badges. Our students demonstrate leadership every day through their actions, working collaboratively in the classroom, showing sportsmanship on the field, and navigating challenges with their peers.

A key message we continue to reinforce is the importance of being an upstander, not a bystander. We encourage our students to call out negative behaviours and seek support from teachers when needed. We are incredibly proud of the way our boys are developing their leadership skills, and we look forward to recognising and celebrating their efforts throughout the year.

EREA Young Leaders Network

On Thursday, our Year 6 Class Captains and Vice Captains attended the EREA (Edmund Rice Education Australia) Young Leaders Network day in the Senior School. There were 300 students from other EREA schools in NSW, ranging from Year 5 – 12. Here are some of the boys’ reflections:

“I met some nice kids from other schools and they told us about the different events they have at their school.” – Billy Carroll

“One of the school’s main things was being respectful, so we spoke about that and how they have immersions at their school.” – Jack Bird

“I liked Peter Cosgrove’s approach to leadership where he spoke about not giving up. When he was 16, he was not at a high ranking in the army or cadettes, but he kept trying.” – Winnie Cross

“It was good to meet students from other schools, and I liked Peter Cosgrove’s speech about leadership.” -bMax Dillon

Aftercare

This is a reminder that our aftercare service has finished due to low numbers, therefore no aftercare service from next week. Please contact me if you need support with this change, and we can discuss options to support you.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sale

On Tuesday, 4 March, we will be holding a pancake sale with all proceeds going to our chosen charity CARITAS for the Lent period.

To make this day a success, we are asking for donations of pre-made pancakes, as well as cream and condiments.

If you could please deliver these to the Junior School by Monday, 3 March, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Congratulations to the five Year 6 students who represented Waverley at the IPSHA Basketball Trials today. It was a tough selection process and we are very proud of each of them for their efforts – Marley Fuller, Marlo Davis, Seva Signh, Leo Petit and Artie Shaw.

A special shout out to Marley Fuller who was selected to represent IPSHA at the CIS Basketball Trials on Friday, 7 March.

Best of luck to all students competing in Round 3 Summer Sport tomorrow – go Waves!

A reminder that the Paul Kelly Cup trial is on Monday morning, 3 March at Waverley Park 3 (grass field nearest Birrell St) at 7.30am.

This is open to any students who have put AFL as their first preference for Winter Sport 2025. The Paul Kelly Cup competition will take place 1 week later on Monday 10 March, with team selection and more details to follow.

Oztag State Champs

Well done to the Waverley boys who competed in the NSW OzTag State Champs on the weekend in Coffs Harbour.

The Easts 12s team finished Runners Up in an epic weekend. 38 teams and the boys finished 2nd best team in the state!

TERM 1

Monday, 10 March – Cambodia’s 1st Formation Night, 6pm – 7pm in the Library

TERM 2

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Monday, 16 June – Cambodia’s 2nd Formation Night, 6pm – 7.30pm in the Library

TERM 3

Monday, 21 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

TERM 4

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.

Year 6 Parent Webinar – ‘Puberty and Embracing Change’

Thank you to all of our Year 6 parents who attended the Elephant Ed webinar, Puberty and Embracing Change. I hope you found the session informative and supportive. We are excited to begin our in-class workshops, with the first session taking place on Thursday, 27 February. Thank you for your continued support.

Aftercare Update

We have been closely monitoring attendance for aftercare, with a maximum of just four students on any given day. Due to these low numbers, we have made the decision to discontinue the program. We understand this may be challenging for some families—please reach out if you need support in this area. The final week of aftercare will be Week 5 (next week), and bookings can be made using the link provided.

For future families, we will continue to offer aftercare for the first half of Term 1, allowing students time to transition to Waverley Junior School and build independence in getting home.

Year 6 Kanyini Lesson

Today, our Year 6 students participated in their second Kanyini lesson in the Junior School. ‘Kanyini’ is a Pitjantjatjara word that embodies the values of support, nurture, protection, and care for both the land and one another. Originally introduced in the Senior School last year, this program has now been extended to Year 6 due to its positive impact.

During today’s session, Year 12 prefects led the Kanyini lessons within House groups, creating a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with their peers and build relationships with senior leaders. With a focus on teamwork, the boys demonstrated strong collaboration skills, confidently engaging in problem-solving activities and rich discussions. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and the way they worked together throughout the session.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Congratulations to our students on their excellent efforts in Round 1 of Summer Sport for 2025.

It has been a busy time for our Waverley Junior School swimmers, who have been representing our school with pride at several Invitational Carnivals. Last Friday, Trinity Strathfield hosted us and this week we attended Cranbrook and Riverview. Well done to all our swimmers for their time and commitment in the lead up to our IPSHA Swimming Carnival.

Around the Grounds

At the recent Bronte Nippers Club Championships, Parker Recio (Year 6) achieved first in the swim, first in the board and first in the Iron Person race. Ryder Darragh (Year 6) achieved second Iron Person, second in board, third in swim and second in the sand sprint. Well done boys and all those who competed!

Congratulations also to a number of Junior School boys who played Touch Football at Wagga Wagga last weekend.

TERM 1

Monday, 10 March – Cambodia’s 1st Formation Night, 6pm – 7pm in the Library

TERM 2

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Monday, 28 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day for Senior School

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 – Staff Professional Learning day for Junior School – student free day for Junior School

Monday, 16 June – Cambodia’s 2nd Formation Night, 6pm – 7.30pm in the Library

TERM 3

Monday, 21 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 – Year 5-12 Parent Teacher Student Interviews – student free day

TERM 4

Long Lunch

Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome over 500 parents and carers to our inaugural Long Lunch. To everyone who attended, we hope you had a fantastic time. Community and connection are at the heart of Waverley, and this event was a true reflection of the joy and sense of belonging that comes from being part of such a strong and supportive network.

Thank you to our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and the Marketing team of Ms Krista Thomas and Mr Angus McPherson, as well as our Campus team, for their incredible effort in bringing this wonderful event to life. You also raised $40K towards the Science & Innovation Centre. Thank you!

Parent/ Student/ Mentor Meetings

Reminder, Year 7-12 Parent/Student/Mentor meetings are on next Monday afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm. Senior school students finish at 1pm as they are expected where possible to join their parents for the zoom interviews.

Student Led Assembly

This week, the College Student Leaders organised and presented an impressive assembly that unpacked the class of 2025 motto: “Driven by Passion; Inspired to Serve.” This motto highlights the numerous opportunities students have, both in and out of the classroom, to engage in activities they are passionate about.

The College offers a wide range of experiences to suit various student interests, including the Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG), music, Ballroom Dancing in PDHPE, a Spanish excursion to the Machu Picchu exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney, Drama and Music trips to HSC showcases, Study Skills sessions from Elevate and Dr. Prue Salter, Future Problem Solvers, and the NRMA Future of Transport Challenge to name but a few.

The College encourages students to suggest new activities if their interests are not currently covered.

Student Opportunities

Recently, two significant opportunities have been announced for students. First, a new Japanese student exchange program is being offered to Year 10 students.

Mr. Lachlan Drew-Morris will provide more information to parents and carers via the College App. Second, the Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech competition has been announced. Details for this competition can be found on the Year 11 and 12 English Canvas pages.

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

We are very proud of the following students who elected to spend part of their summer holidays volunteering to help provide over 6,500 meals, snack packs, care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney.

If you would also like your son/s to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back Community Programs www.kidsgivingback.org

St Catherine’s School

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the induction service for Ms. Deb Magill, the 14th Headmistress of St Catherine’s School.

It was a wonderful occasion celebrating leadership, learning, and the bright future of the school. In her address, Ms Magill reflected on her rich educational journey across both Australian and British schools, sharing her deep belief in the power of education to shape lives.

Her words served as a reminder of the profound influence teachers and schools have in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Year 7 Camp

Congratulations to our Year 7s who navigated their first Senior School outdoor education experience to Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Somerset is located about 90 minutes North-West of Sydney on the Colo River (known as the last pristine river in NSW). The Centre operates from a central Base Camp which services over 40km of the Colo Valley.

The boys participated in a number of activities including canoeing, rafting, abseiling, hiking, cooking, obstacle course, rock climbing and the wombat hole challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to take a break from screens and make new friends whilst challenging themselves in the outdoors.

Health Care

Please support the College Health Centre by making sure your son/s medical history and emergency contacts are updated. This will help us better manage students in our care and ensure we have the correct medications and management plans available.

Please also remember, students who fall ill at school should report to the Health Centre where their illness will be assessed by the College Nurse. Junior College Students will be directed by the Junior College Office Administrator.

Students are not permitted to call their parents/guardians themselves OR to leave the College without permission. Once a student has been sent home, the College will record the students as having left the College grounds.

Registered Nurses Ms Julia Ritoli works Monday – Tuesday and Ms Adele Cutbush works Wednesday to Friday. You can reach them on 02 9369 0644 or nurse@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Attendance

Please be advised that when submitting a pass in Orah to advise that your son needs to leave school early, please also remind your son that they will be leaving early, and that they will need to have their belongings and be ready at reception at the appropriate time.

We cannot guarantee that the front office will always have someone available to collect the student from class if they forget.

Online Parent Workshop – Toolbox Education

This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.

Social Media Ban

The new social media law is in motion-but it won’t take effect for at least 12 months. During this time:

Please follow the link to read practical tips on how to prepare your family for the social media ban.

Blue and Gold Ball – Save the Date

We are excited to announce the save the date of our major fundraiser the Blue & Gold Ball, to be held on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

Last year’s Blue & Gold Ball was a sell-out success, raising valuable funds for our building fund. This year we hope to inspire a new generation of families to contribute to the first step in our Master Plan, the Science and Innovation Centre. This inspiring appeal sees Waverley College embarking on the largest-scale construction project in its history.

Get set for a spectacular night at the 2025 Blue & Gold Ball with pre-dinner drinks and canapés under the stars followed by a formal gala dinner, drinks and dancing, live music and auction items.

We are looking for event sponsors, raffle donations and auction items, please reach out to: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au if you would like to get involved.