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Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 8. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.

DATE SUBJECT TIME STAFF ROOM
Monday, 17 June 2024
Economics revision 7:30am – 8:30am McCallum W35
Studies of Religion 3:15pm – 5:00pm Cooper/ Stewart W40
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Visual Arts 3:15pm – 5:00pm Turnbull C13
Maths Standard 2 7:30am – 8:30am O’Connor E36
Mathematics Advanced 7:30am – 8:30am Guirguis E42
Drama 7:30am – 8:30am Cohen P12
Society and Culture 3:30pm – 4:30pm Theodorou W32
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Industrial Tech Multimedia 7:30am – 8:30am Gibbs W32A
Maths Standard 2 7:30am – 8:30am Cornish E33
Modern History 3:15pm – 4:15pm Brophy K11
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Engineering Studies 7:30am – 8:30am Baylie Library
English Advanced and Standard: Using the marking criteria to access higher bands – Short Answer 7:30am – 8:30am Barrie K24
Society and Culture 3:30pm – 4:30pm Theodorou W32
Friday, 21 June 2024
Hospitality 7:00am – 8:00am McCarthy TF1
Biology 7:00am – 8:00am Chen K2L3

It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial do attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3:00pm the day prior.

Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.

 

Ms Martina Cooper

Director of Curriculum

mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au

July Holiday Clinics Now Open To All!

Manchester City coaching clinics will give girls and boys in Year 5-8 the opportunity to develop their skills and learn ‘beautiful football’ in the playing style of Manchester City, utilising the football club’s coaching and playing methodology.

Players of all abilities will be challenged to develop in a safe, fun and authentic environment that reflects how Manchester City train and develop football players.  They will learn how to master the ball, play with style, dominate the game and achieve their goals.

Waverley College is one of only two schools in NSW and one of five in the entire country to offer this exceptional program.

Who: Boys and girls in Years 7 & 8 from any school
Date: Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 July 2024
Time: 9am – 3pm
Venue: Queens Park
Max Players: 16
Cost: $300pp

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Who: Boys & girls in Years 5 & 6 from any school
Date: Monday, 1 – Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Time: 9am – 3pm
Venue: Waverley College
Max Players: 16
Cost: $450pp

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Term 3

Beyond

Weekly Careers Newsletter – Term 2 Week 7 2024

View the Week 7 Careers Newsletter HERE.

Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.

 

Ms Kath Knowles

Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator

kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Thank you to the parents, friends and families for their unwavering support over the past 18 months of preparation for the European Music Tour.  The students will have the opportunity to perform in some of the most iconic performance venues in Europe as they travel across Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland.

We would like to acknowledge the generosity of our Music Supporter’s Group along with Sponsors for the evening: Technical Audio Group – Audio Technica, RAWBar, Turramurra Music, Sax & Woodwind, Jams Catering.

The raffle prize winners are listed below.

RAFFLE TICKET WINNERS 6 JUNE 2024
Prize Winner
1 Audio Technica Turntable – 1 with Headphones William Elliott
2 Audio Technica Turntable Tim Owen
3 METERS Connect Headphones donated by Turramurra Music Sophie Smith
4 Katoh Classical Guitar George Ellis
5 Audio Technica Headphones Mary Knapman
6 Audio Technica Headphones Angela Borek
7 Audio Technica Headphones Zayn Khatib
8 RAW Bar Dinner Voucher & Sake Ziggy Aris
9 Verona & Music Stand donated by Sax & Woodwind Rhonda Maher

Mrs Keiran Kossenberg

Performing Arts Centre Coordinator

kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au

A Fantastic Week 6

We had a productive Week 6 of the term, beginning with a combined Mass with St Vincent’s College and Waverley College students in the College Chapel on Tuesday morning with Father Bernie. It was a pleasure to host St Vincent’s College students in a combined Mass. 

Our 2026 enrolment interviews have commenced for Year 7 and will continue over the coming weeks with many Year 5s attending the Senior campus. If there are any sibling enrolments who have forgotten to place an application, please contact our Registrar immediately as all places will be confirmed shortly. 

Our combined Cadet Unit with St Catherine’s School participated in the CAS Cadet Drill Competition at Barker College on Wednesday. They participated with great enthusiasm and skill, showcasing their dedication and hard work. They performed admirably and secured 2nd place in the competition. It is our 3rd year in a row coming second and the students and staff should be congratulated on their high performance and consistency. Of course they are eager to break this record soon. 

Years 7-10 examinations conclude at the end of the week and teachers are busy accessing and marking the exams. Feedback from assessment forms an integral part of student development and improvement. Understanding clearly, what worked and what needs greater attention provides good insight for students. 

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Athletics Carnival due to the severe weather warnings around Sydney. We will look to try and reschedule it to another day, but this will not be easy due to the busyness of the calendar. Mr Stephen O’Donnell (Director of Co-curricular) will update the community once we have a decision on this.  

European Music Tour Concert 

I had the great pleasure of attending the European Music Tour Concert last night in the College’s Performing Arts Centre along with parents, carers, staff and friends. The boys ranging from Years 7-12 showcased their wonderful talents that they had been developing over many years, but particularly over the last nine months in preparation for their upcoming tour of Europe. The quality and range of the music performances was outstanding and they are a very impressive group of talented musicians.

School boys singing on a stage and being instructed by conductor

Congratulations to everyone involved and special thanks goes to the Waverley College European Tour Staff: Mr Chris Balkizas, Ms Jaz Dolso, Mrs Jazz de Witte, Ms Lynsey Porter, Mr Alexander Lee and Mr Thomas Kennedy. Thank you also to Mr Daniel Williams, Mrs Keiran Kossenberg, Mr Stephen O’Donnell, our peripatetic staff, Music Supporters’ Club, Mr Bishoy Wasef, our Maintenance Department, Ms Catherine Sharp and our very generous sponsors whose donation of raffle prizes made the night so much fun!

School boys lined together playing trumpets

World Environment Day – 5 June

World Environment Day is celebrated each year on 5 June and is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. The theme for 2024 is ‘Our land, Our Future’, focusing on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. You can learn more about this important initiative here and here.

Waverley Council Reference Group – Open to Students

 Driven by recommendations of the 2023 Waverley Youth Summit, Waverley Council is creating a reference group to guide the development of a new project that will promote cultural awareness and inclusion in the Waverley community.  The reference group is open to all 14 to 18 year old students that live in the area.

The reference group will engage with a co-design producing activities that support diversity and inclusion, and enable a sense of belonging and inter-connectedness in the community.

Participation on the reference group will provide students with;

Students are encouraged to apply directly via the application form. Applications are open until Monday, 22 July.

For further information about this initiative please contact Madly Bodin Community Development Officer, Diversity on 9083 8658 or diversity@waverley.nsw.gov.au 

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

We’re really proud of the following students who elected to spend their spare time volunteering during the term and the April school holidays.

Hudson Callum (Year 7), Toby Williams (Year 7), Olivier Giese (Year 7)

These students were part of a crew of 930 young legends who helped provide over 6,500 meals, snack packs, and care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney.

One of the key findings from The Growing Up In Australia – The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children is that “if by age 13 a young person was involved in volunteering, the odds of having ‘clinical levels’ of emotional symptoms two years later were reduced by approximately 28%.  This underscores the profound impact that volunteering can have on young people’s emotional well-being.

If you would also like your child to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back July School Holiday Community Programs

 

Free Mental Health Resources for Families 

Caregivers of children experiencing mental health issues often feel alone, but research clearly indicates this is not the case. The most recent Australian population survey estimated that approximately 1 in 7 children/adolescents aged 4-17 years had experienced a mental health illness in the previous 12 months  (Lawrence, et al., 2015). It has also been estimated that half of all mental health disorders in adults start before a child is 14 years of age. What’s more, over 50% of children displaying mental health difficulties are not receiving any professional support. ADHD and anxiety are reportedly the most common diagnoses, followed by major depressive disorder, and conduct disorder (National Mental Health Commission, 2021; Lawrence, et al., 2015).

Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that prevent caregivers from seeking psychological help, including uncertainty about support services, cost, and long waiting lists.  The good news is there are a number of excellent, evidence-based resources that are free and easy for caregivers and students to access. These can be a great first step to resolving issues and are particularly useful for families who find themselves on a waiting list: 

Tuning intoTeens

This group program is for caregivers of children aged 9-18 years and is held over 6 x 2 hour sessions. The aim is to facilitate communication and connection with your child.

Triple P

The Triple P program has been extensively researched. It offers free online parenting programs for 1) caregivers of children under 12 years; 2) caregivers of children experiencing anxiety and 3) caregivers who are in the process of separating or divorcing.

Parent Works

This online program is for caregivers of children aged 2-17 years. It has been developed to be father friendly since having both caregivers complete any parenting program is valuable. 

Anxiety Canada 

This evidence based online program is designed for caregivers and offers strategies to support an anxious child.

BRAVE Anxiety Program 

This self directed, evidence based online program is for children aged 3-17 who are displaying or reporting symptoms of anxiety. Each has a parallel caregiver program.

This Way Up – Teen Sadness and Worry Program

This free online program is designed to help teens (aged 12-17) manage stress, anxiety, worry and low mood. Caregivers can also complete modules to support their child. This program requires a prescription from a GP or mental health professional. 

Bite Back

A free self guided online program aimed to build resilience and well being in teens aged 13-16 years. It promotes strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression whilst enhancing wellbeing.

Moodgym

This free, self guided program is for individuals aged 16 onwards.  It aims to teach well established Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to assist with depression and anxiety.  

ADDitude

This website is an extremely useful resource for parents of children/teens with a diagnosis of ADHD. It provides videos and webinars with evidence-based practical strategies.

 

The Waverley School Psychologists would be very happy to provide any further guidance about these programs. They are also available to offer psychological support to your son, but if you believe that your child needs more urgent assistance, please contact your GP.

Junior School Psychologists

Senior School Psychologists

 

References:

Lawrence J.S., Hafekost J., Boterhoven De Haan K., Sawyer M., Ainley J, &  Zubrick S.R. (2015). The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. Report on the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Department of Health, Canberra.

National Mental Health Commission. (2021). National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. National Mental Health Commission. 

 

Ms Dawn Young

Psychologist (Year 6 students)

dyoung@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Hearts 4 Arch Day, Thursday, 13 June, 2024

A reminder that we are holding a Hearts 4 Arch day on Thursday 13 June in memory of Year 8 student Archie Perkin who passed away in 2020 from a pre-existing heart condition over the summer holiday period. Archie would have been graduating from Waverley College this year. We look forward to welcoming Archie’s family to our College Assembly where they will share Archie’s story and the importance of the Hearts 4 Arch Foundation.

Students will wear mufti clothes and are required to give a gold coin donation.

All money raised will go directly to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Cardiac Unit and to the purchase of mobile ECG units known as ‘Kardia’. The aim is to provide a Kardia unit to every eligible cardiac patient at Sydney Children’s Hospitals, and at $173 each, every dollar counts. Donations can be made through the Hearts 4 Arch Foundation

We also encourage students to purchase merchandise which they can wear throughout Week 7. This will be available for purchase at school on Thursday 13 June and Friday 14 June, or you can also purchase merchandise here. 

Archie Perkin

Archie Perkin

 


Year 10 Dinner Cruise, Thursday, 13 June, 2024

Year 10 students will be dismissed from school at 1:15pm at the conclusion of the Hearts 4 Arch Assembly on Thursday 13 June.

Dinner Cruise details

Date: Thursday, 13 June 2024

Time: 5:45pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)

Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship

Embark/Disembark: Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

Dress: Smart formal attire for all guests – boys to wear suit with jacket, tie and trousers

If you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) at ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au 

 


Morning Drop Off Zone – Birrell Street Reminder

Local parking enforcement officers have noticed that parents/carers in cars are dropping off their sons in the ‘No Stopping’ zone at the front of the Senior School on Birrell Street.

On Wednesday morning, parking enforcement officers attended this zone and took photos of cars. Please be aware that parents/carers dropping their sons in the ‘No Stopping’ zone may be fined $300 with one demerit point taken.

Parents/carers can either drop off where the parking sign is, which is a drop and go area (30 metres down from the driveway entrance) or you can come into the driveway.

I ask all parents/carers to please do the right thing and be good role models for your children – this helps keep everyone in our community safe.

Ms Gabby Smith

Deputy Principal – Students

gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Lunch Club

This year, Waverley College was approached by the Board of Jewish Education (BJE) who have offered to run programs for all Jewish students at the college.  Part of this involves a weekly ‘lunch club’ for Jewish students run with staff from the BJE.

 

Mr James Horrocks

Head of Student Wellbeing

jhorrocks@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Navigating the Post-Exam Period: A Guide for Students and Parents

As we reach the end of the half-yearly examination period for Years 7-10 and as Year 11-12 students work through a range of Term 2 assessment tasks, it is important for students to take a step back and reflect on the academic journey thus far.  Here’s how students can respond effectively to their exam results and make the most of the upcoming terms.

  1. Prioritise Feedback Over Marks

While it’s natural to focus on the marks received, the real value lies in the feedback from teachers. Detailed comments and suggestions highlight strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. Students should carefully review this feedback and seek clarification from their teachers if needed. Understanding the rationale behind marks can provide insights into specific skills or knowledge gaps that need attention.

  1. Reflect on Term 2 Goals

The end of the half-yearly exams is a perfect time for students to revisit the SMART goals they set with their Wellbeing Mentors at the beginning of Term 2. Were these goals realistic? Are these goals being achieved? Reflecting on these questions can help students gauge their progress and adjust their goals for the remainder of the year. Parents can support this process by discussing these goals with their children, helping them to set new, achievable targets.

  1. Focus on What Works Well

Identifying what worked well during the first half of the year is crucial. Whether it’s a particular study technique, a consistent study schedule, or specific resources, understanding these successful strategies can help reinforce positive habits. Students should continue to utilise these effective methods and refine them further. Parents can encourage their children by acknowledging these successes and encouraging them to maintain these productive habits.

  1. Address Areas Needing Improvement

Equally important is recognising and addressing areas that need improvement; students should view challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether it’s time management, understanding complex subjects, or improving exam techniques, focusing on these areas can lead to significant improvements. Students should seek additional resources, such as after school tutorials or study groups to help bridge these gaps.  Currently, for all students, we offer a range of opportunities such as after school study groups for Literacy on Mondays and Tuesdays, Numeracy on Wednesdays and Thursdays, before school Science on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the Student-Based Tutorial program to name but a few.  All of these sessions run in the Senior School Library.

  1. Plan and Adjust Moving Forward

Armed with feedback and reflections, students should create a revised study plan. This plan should incorporate their strengths and target areas for improvement. Setting specific, measurable, and time-bound goals can keep students focused and motivated. Parents play a vital role by providing a supportive environment, helping to monitor progress, and encouraging a balanced approach to academics and extracurricular activities.

In conclusion, the end of the half-yearly exams is a pivotal time for students to reflect, reassess, and plan. By prioritising feedback, reflecting on goals, focusing on strengths, addressing weaknesses, and adjusting plans, students can make significant strides in their academic journey. The Dr. Prue Salter’s Study Skills Website offers a range of resources for achieving academic success and personal growth. One resource that would be really helpful is the ‘Post-Exam Evaluation pdf’ in the list of ‘Things to Print.’  

The login details for the Study Skills website are below:

Study Skills Website Link

Username: forwaverleycollegeonly

Password: 94results

Let’s embrace this period as an opportunity for development and look forward to a productive and fulfilling second half of the year.

 

Ms Lynsey Porter

Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning

lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar. 

 


Musical – Disney’s The Lion King Jr.

We are excited to announce that in Term 4, the Junior School will be performing the musical – Disney’s The Lion King Jr!

All Junior School students will participate in this amazing experience, and preparations and rehearsals will begin in Term 3 during Performing Arts classes. We will also be having some students from St Catherine’s Junior School join us for the main roles, which is very exciting. This is a great opportunity and a unique learning experience for our students. More information and details will come soon, so keep an eye out!

Mr Bowden spoke to the students yesterday about the opportunity to be cast as a main role (i.e. Simba, Timon, Scar, etc). Please have a discussion with your son if you think he would be interested in auditioning, as it is a great opportunity. 

 


Koojay Corroboree 2024

I would like to congratulate Mr Burns for organising a wonderful experience for our Indigenous students and Class Captains to attend the Koojay Corroboree last Friday during Reconciliation Week. 

This event was organised by the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Randwick City Council to celebrate Aboriginal ceremony, tradition, and culture. 

The theme of this year’s event was “Now More Than Ever,” highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Students watched performances by various dance groups, visited cultural stalls, and had the opportunity to engage with performers and stallholders.

School Students watch the Koojay Corroboree at the beach

Koojay Corroboree 2024

 

Ms Gaby Bransby

Director of the Junior School

gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Junior Sport Fixtures, Training Schedules, Maps and Venues

Click HERE.

Thank you to all students, families and staff involved in our Indigenous Round in Round 5. Each team respectfully acknowledged the traditional custodians of the lands, and showed gratitude for First Nations’ ongoing connection to the beautiful Country we are so blessed to play on.

 

Please enjoy the sport-free weekend this King’s Birthday Long Weekend. We look forward to Round 6 next Saturday, 15 June. 

 

Ms Jade Sparks

Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Junior School)

jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Year 6 History Showcase Invitation 2024

Please see the information below regarding the Year 6 History Showcase, coming up in Week 8.

Date/Time

Wednesday, 19 June.

Parents invited to arrive from 1.30 pm. Students dismissed at 3pm.

Location

Waverley College Junior School, Basketball Courts

Details

In History this term, we have been studying Migration. Parents and family members are welcome to attend our annual History Showcase. It is a special day for Year 6 to immerse themselves in their chosen person of study, by presenting their History ‘Digital Story’ as well as an artefact whilst dressed as the person. This is an assessment we have been working on at home and in class. It is made up of:

  1. Digital Story & QR code
  2. Showcase Dress Up and Q & A
  3. Showcase Artefact

The instructions for how students complete the above elements are on their CANVAS History page > Module 5. Any questions should be directed to your son’s class teacher.

Prizes will be chosen and awarded on the day, with special guests from the Senior School attending. 

We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate all the hard work the boys have put into History this term.

 

Warm regards,

Year 6 Teachers

 


Home Learning Term 2 Week 7

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 3pm until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.   

Procedures

You can register your son here but please 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 in the Learning Hub and not cause a disturbance for others.

Teachers

Monday

Mrs Natasha Zivanovic

Tuesday & Wednesday 

Ms Gaby Bransby 

Thursday

Mr Steve Ghattas 

If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.

nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au

gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au 

sghattas@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, 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.

 

Ms Natasha Zivanovic

Teacher of Literacy & Innovation

nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


2024 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. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

If you would like your son to compete in the 2024 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. At the Junior School, the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics. 

This year all the competitions will be held in August / September, Term 3, and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts. A timetable will be shared closer to the assessment dates. 

Click here to register your son.

Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. You can use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2024. 

Waverley’s School Access Code: YGC063

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. More information about the assessments can be found here.

If you require additional support registering your son contact the customer service team on 1800 931 775

 

Ms Natasha Zivanovic

Teacher of Literacy & Innovation

nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


IPSHA Gala Day Barker College and Home Debate

It has been a pleasure and privilege working with the JS debate team and their mentor, Dante Fearn. Throughout the first half of the season, these debaters demonstrated incredible dedication and perseverance.

Last week, the team had an intense schedule that included back-to-back debates. On Thursday, 30 May, they attended the IPSHA Gala Day at Barker College. Under immense pressure, the boys displayed their debating skills in four rounds of debates. They earned two well-deserved wins and two hard-fought defeats. 

The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. The next day, Friday, 31 May, the JS debating team hosted a home debate versing Emanuel, demonstrating their oratory and arguing abilities once again. 

 

Ms Natasha Zivanovic

Teacher of Literacy & Innovation

nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Drawing Club

The drawing club runs at lunchtime every Tuesday, and over the last two weeks the focus has been on drawing characters. Our inspiration was drawn from Shaun Tan – a very creative and clever artist who draws intriguing characters which are found throughout the stories he has written and illustrated. 

I’m extremely proud of the dedication and commitment to drawing these boys show on a weekly basis. Not only do they have fun showing off their creative talents, but the boys are also developing new friendships. 

Ms Natasha Zivanovic

Teacher of Literacy & Innovation

nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 


Storytelling Through Words and Illustrations – News from 5 Blue and Ms Elise Hunt

 This Term students in 5 Blue have been studying the picture storybook, The Rabbits, a work of historical fiction by Shaun Tan and John Marsden. Our deep dive into The Rabbits not only enriched the students’ understanding of the book but also significantly enhanced their analytical skills. We focused on literary techniques within the illustrations and the story’s deeper meaning about the colonisation of Australia. 

Students worked hard to redesign the final page of the book to show ‘reconciliation’ beginning to take shape. The design was to include salience to draw their audience’s attention, and colour to represent the damage that has been done, as well as the hope that can be achieved. 

For their learning checkpoint, 5 Blue completed a written reflection explaining the symbolism displayed in each illustration. Throughout the unit, the boys are learning to approach texts with a critical eye, exploring the symbolism and themes in the story of invasion, colonisation, dispossession, violence and destruction of the environment. In noticing body language and repeated use of symbols within the text, the boys have gained understanding of characters and appreciation for visual literacy techniques.

 

“We learnt about metaphors, phrases and words that represent another meaning and can express a bigger idea. Some symbols in the texts. In the book, I noticed amazing illustrations which, If you look closely, help you understand what is maybe going on in the background. For my character profile I chose one of the rabbits from one of the pages. I thought that this rabbit in general might have been a government official since it was holding an official note which in the book said “And, They, Stole, Our, Children” referring to the Stolen Generation of Indigenous children. Since the rabbit was holding an official note, which in the past might have been used to evict people from their property, it meant to me that it was a government official.”

– Cooper Stamatelatos, 5 Blue 

 

“In my written reflection I explained the way the authors used strong images and words to express the feelings on the page and the descriptive way that they would live and work according to my chosen page. I made sure to focus on the literacy techniques that the authors used in order to bring out advantages and disadvantages of the colonisation and how the rabbits ruined the land at the time. I noticed the changing landscape which symbolises the loss of land for the Indigenous and the expansion of machines due to colonisation.”

– Hayden Greenberg, 5 Blue

 

Ms Elise Hunt

Teacher of 5 Blue

ehunt@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,

Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 7. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.

DATE SUBJECT TIME STAFF ROOM
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Visual Arts 3:15pm – 5:00pm Turnbull C13
Maths Standard 2 7:30am – 8.30am O’Connor E36
Drama 7:30am – 8:30am Gina Cohen P12
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Industrial Tech Multimedia 7:30am – 8:30am Gibbs W32A
PDHPE 7:30am – 8:30am Darvill GHR
Maths Standard 2 7:30am – 8.30am Cornish E33
Mathematics Advanced 7:30am – 8.30am Phoebe Guirguis E42
Modern History 3:15pm – 4:15pm Brophy K11
Thursday, 13 June 2024 English Advanced and Standard: Using the marking criteria to access higher bands – Short Answer 7:30am – 8:30am Couani/Barrie K24
Friday, 14 June 2024
Hospitality 7:00am – 8:00am B McCarthy TF1
Chemistry 7:00am – 8:00am G Kennedy E04
Biology 7:00am – 8:00am R Chen K2L3

It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial, attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3:00pm the day prior.

Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.

Ms Martina Cooper

Director of Curriculum

mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Weekly Careers Newsletter – Term 2 Week 6 2024

View the Week 6 Careers Newsletter HERE

Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.

 

Ms Kath Knowles

Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator

kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au

We are so looking forward to welcoming our new recruits to the Unit as they commence their Cadet journey on Friday, 2 August in Term 3.

Uniform and equipment is provided on loan from the Q Store for the duration of your son’s involvement in Cadets. In order to issue the Year 8 students with their kit, parents are asked to make an appointment for the Recruit Issues Weekend held on Saturday, 22 June – Sunday, 23 June by clicking here.

Appointments take about 10 minutes at the Q Clothing Store outside the Grange Building. For ease of access, please park in the Carrington Road carpark.

 

MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow

Commanding Officer – WCCU

jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au