We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Waverley College Long Lunch! Join us for a vibrant celebration as we kick-off the new year with friends and family.
You’ll have the option to choose from an array of lunch options provided by local vendors, paired with a selection of refreshing beverages, including beer on tap, fine wines and French champagne.
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy live music, providing the perfect soundtrack for this unforgettable day of celebration along with a raffle and silent auction.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen the bonds that unite our Waverley community.
Date: Sunday, 16 February, 2025
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: Waverley College Centenary Quadrangle
Dress code: Summer casual
Ticket: $50 includes drink on arrival
Mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and celebration.
In the Catholic tradition, November is a time dedicated to remembering those who have passed away. This aligns with the conclusion of the Liturgical Year at the end of the month, with the new year beginning on the First Sunday of Advent—a four-week season of preparation for Christmas.
During this month, the Church encourages reflection on the end of earthly life and the hope that it is a passage into new life in God’s presence. Throughout November, we honour the memory of those who have gone before us, praying and hoping for their eternal life in heaven.
Yesterday marked the success of our inaugural Ecology Symposium, drawing 100 students from nearby schools, including some from as far as Wollongong, who came together to learn, share, and engage in meaningful action for a sustainable future.
We were honoured by inspiring talks from Uncle Dean Kelly, Mr Geoff Lui, Ms Allegra Spender MP, Mr Costa Georgiadis, Ms Mary Ryan, Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, Mr Sam McGuinness and Ms Lynsey Porter. Together, we delved into the significance of Indigenous knowledge, holistic approaches to sustainability, and the essential role of youth in environmental advocacy.
Thank you to Ms Silvia Baylie and the students of the Waverley College Ecology Group for their dedication to the environment and for making this event possible.
Please find more details in Ms Lynsey Porter’s article.
I attended the The Principals of Wentworth’s High Schools roundtable discussion hosted by Allegra Spender MP in conjunction with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and Together for Humanity on Monday, 14 October.
The objectives of the discussion were to explore and identify opportunities to build social cohesion across all of our schools in the Eastern Suburbs with a particular focus on the challenges our school communities are currently facing with antisemitism, and to share strategies to support all students and teachers to feel safe and included in their school environments, including addressing the challenge of antisemitism in integrated, collaborative ways that are codesigned with each other’s external experts.
I would like to thank all parents/carers who have been involved in the work carried out by the Parents’ Association throughout 2024. Particular thanks to the tireless work of the Year level representatives, past parents representatives, clothing pool representatives, canteen volunteers, co-curricular supporters groups and the executive, for all of their organisation, support and efforts in organising events and communicating across our community.
From the recent November AGM, I would like to congratulate the following parents/carers on their elections to the Parents’ Association Executive for 2024-25, and I look forward to working with them in the new year.
Parent Executive for 2024-25
President – Louise Lakomy
Vice President – Rozy Dorizas
Vice President – Mande Illec
Secretary – Carl Lee
Treasurer – Peter Sertori
Parent Representatives for 2024-25
Year 5 – Kim Szabo
Year 6 – Samantha Mott
Year 7 – Daniella Strbac, Nicole Perrin Draper
Year 8 – Kim Szabo
Year 9 – Daniella Strbac, Anne Clerc-Johnson
Year 10 – Claire McGaffney, Eileen Trinca
Year 11 – Camille Owen
Year 12 – Jade Stapleton
Clothing Pool – Kirsten Hott, Camille Owen
Friday, 15 November 2024 will be the last day of class for Year 10 students.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 4 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Dear Parents & Carers,
You are all invited to the Year 6 Graduation on Wednesday 27 November to acknowledge the end of your son’s primary school years. Please see the invitation below.
As part of the Year 6 Graduation, we will be putting together a slideshow presentation. It would be appreciated if you could send through a photo of your son’s Kindergarten photo (or their first day of Kindergarten, or similar), as this will form part of the presentation. (Please just one photo only)
If you could please send a labelled photo through to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au by no later than Friday Week 5. Picture format as a JPEG or PNG file would be preferred – Please do not send through pdf files.
Next Friday, 8 November, the Parents Association will be raising funds to cover the cost of the photo booth at the Year 6 Graduation Party. They will be sold for $2. We are planning to do this every Friday where possible, until the end of the term.
On Wednesday 6 November, MSP Photography will be coming in to take a whole group photo of the Year 6 cohort. Students will need to come to school dressed in academic uniform including their blazer. If they have training before school, they will need to ensure that they have their full academic uniform with them to change into after training.
You will be able to purchase a copy of this photo. Details are in the attached flyer.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to all Junior School Sport teams on their efforts over the first two rounds of Term 4 Summer Sport. Our Basketball Ns team, coached by Cooper Flint, had a solid win against Scots 20-16 in Round 8 last weekend.
Best of luck to all teams in Round 9 tomorrow!
Ms Jade Sparks
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Junior School)
jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are so excited to welcome Year 7 2025 students to the Cadet program in Term 3 2025.
In preparation, and to give our boys a taste of the exciting activities they can look forward to, our Support Company Commander and RHQ members are hosting a Cadet Orientation afternoon for all year 6 boys from 3pm – 5.30pm on Friday, 15 November.
You will get to see our senior cadets in action as they demonstrate their skills in the field and on the Parade Ground.
You’ll get to have a play with some of the specialist equipment cadets are trained in for camps.
You’ll be provided with afternoon tea and you’ll have the opportunity to ask lots of questions! Further information will be sent out this week.
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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 – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Register your son HERE
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, Tuesday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Thursday
Mr Steve Ghattas
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@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.
It was a privilege to welcome Jethro Venning (Year 7) to present a Lunchtime Talk on healthcare in remote communities. Jethro’s insight into healthcare in Moree was very enlightening, highlighting the unique challenges families face in accessing essential services.
Jethro’s presentation not only informed the Junior School about the current state of healthcare in remote regions but also inspired us to think critically about how we can contribute to improving access and equity in health services for all. Thank you, Jethro, for sharing your valuable insights!
The Junior School students were given a creative brief to create a piece for the cover of Time magazine an influential publication.
The boys developed a deeper appreciation for both creative building and current affairs, linking design and real-world in an engaging way.
L-R Spencer Murphy, James Peate & Toby Pounder (Absent Luke Haddock)
I would like to thank James Peate the Captain of Public Speaking for generously dedicating his time to mentor Spencer and Toby for their upcoming IPSHA Public Speaking Competition. His guidance proved to be incredibly beneficial, providing the boys with excellent feedback. We truly value James’ ongoing support for the Junior School students.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Teacher of Literacy & Innovation
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
5 Blue has jumped right into a new term with special projects that have showcased their creativity, teamwork, and dedication.
Lion King Jr Musical by Leo Sager
This term we performed the much-loved musical of The Lion King. The whole thing was a blast—first, the auditions, then the holiday practice, then coming together as a whole school to rehearse. It was all leading up to the main performance, which occurred on Wednesday 23rd of October. The main characters knew the lines off by heart and were excellent. The audience burst into laughter every time a joke was made on stage; some costumes were hilarious, and some were elegant and mesmerising. All in all, we all agreed that we had a terrific time, and we left smiling. We all worked together to bring the vibrant story of Simba to life.
We made the masks for our performance in our art lessons. Our class performed the song, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” Therefore a variety of creatures were chosen, including zebras, flamingos, foxes, and more. I painted my mask as a parrot. Other classes did similar masks, and they all looked amazing up on stage.
By Henry Grantham
We made the masks by cutting out shapes and sticking them on them to represent the animal shape we chose. I chose a zebra because it would be very fun to make. After that we used paint to make a full base layer so that later, we could add the appropriate colours. After that, we added details to define our animal. We are very grateful to Mr. Bowden and Mr. Burns for their guidance and hard work; without you, we could not have succeeded.
By Henry Avenell
The Big Brother Little Brother program kicked off at the start of term, allowing our older Year 10 students to connect with their younger buddies and continue to make a positive impact.
Big Brother Little Brother by Tom Pendleton and Oliver Starkenburg
In week one we had Big Brother Little Brother. First, we did our secret handshake and spoke about our holidays. After that, we played the game, two truths and a lie. We also read a magazine about the Guinness World Records. We took turns reading the magazine with our Big Brothers. We learned some interesting world records. We had so much fun that day.
This week 5 Blue have been analysing poems using the SMILE technique! We examined three poems, ‘Tiger,’ ‘In My Eyes’ and a poem of our choice. We took a deep dive into the deeper meanings of poems and how they can connect to bigger issues in the world. Miss Hunt told us that whatever weird and wacky deep meaning you think of can always be correct as long as you can back it up with evidence.
The SMILE technique consists of 5 key aspects.
S-Structure: Identify the poem’s structure.
M-Meaning: Identify the key ideas and messages.
I-Imagery: Identify the visual details.
L-Language: Identify the poet’s language.
E-Effect: Identify how the poem makes you feel.
We are excited to learn more about poetry throughout the term.
Ms Elise Hunt
Teacher of 5 Blue
ehunt@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are excited for our upcoming Year 10 parents get together and are venturing to Coogee this year!!
Date: Friday, 22 November
Time: 12pm
Location: Pier Bar
We have a beautiful balcony spot, overlooking Coogee Beach at the Pier Bar, rooftop of Coogee Legion Club.
Join us for a long lunch, to celebrate the end of another year, meeting and catching up with other year 10 parents.
It will be a relaxed lunch, where you purchase your own food and drinks at the bar at your leisure. Come for as little or as long as suits your schedule. Due to space, numbers are limited.
$12 secures your seat for the lunch, a drink on arrival, an amazing view and fantastic company!!
We look forward to dining with you!
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 (2025) Tutorials in Term 4, Week 4. 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, 4 November 2024 | Spanish | 3:30pm – 5:00pm | Best | W25 |
| Thursday, 7 November 2024 | PDHPE | 7:30am – 8:30am | Coleman | GHR |
| Friday, 8 November 2024 | Hospitality | 7:00am – 8:00am | McCarthy | T04 |
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.
Mrs Brooke Pannia has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
Patrick Darvill
Acting Director of Curriculum
pdarvill@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please read this article ‘Mental Health Support Must Go Beyond the Counsellor’s Office’ written by Mr James Horrocks, Head of Student Wellbeing. This article was published in Education today. The story highlights all the initiatives at Waverley, while providing advice and guidance for other schools.
Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there’s now an even newer challenge on the horizon – the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.
The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.
Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.
As AI reshapes social dynamics, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation.This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.
Here is the latest report from SchoolTV.
View the Week 3 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
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
TERM 4
At this week’s College assembly, 2025 College Captain, Kayden Baker shared his opening speech with the students and staff. I commend Kayden on wanting to create ‘better connection and a greater sense of unity within the College community’. Kayden invited all year levels to engage with the captains and prefects on any topic. Kayden also launched the College motto for the next year that Year 12s want the community to focus upon –
Motto: Driven by Passion; Inspired to Serve
Gospel verse; Mark 9:35: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”
I include Kayden’s speech below for your reference as you too have a part to play…
Good afternoon Mr Leddie, College Leadership Team, Staff and Students,
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kayden Baker and it is with immense pride, gratitude and honour that I embrace the position of College Captain for 2025.
I would like to congratulate Archie, Lachie and Fox on their appointment as vice captains and all respective house captains and prefects. I am excited for the coming year and know that we can continue what the 2024 leaders have paved for us and create something special, a truly memorable legacy. Those who are not in a leadership position across year groups, know that this legacy requires the effort of each and every one of you to come into action. Your service and respect should reflect the best version of yourself, the values instilled in you, by your family and those dearest to you.
Something that I, along with all of the leadership team want to place greater emphasis on is connection and a greater sense of unity between the College community. You hear a lot about culture and spirit, but what exactly does that mean? I like to think of culture as what you accept, the standards that you uphold and a shared sense of belonging. As Mahatma Gandhi says, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
This sense of connection stems from a greater student voice, as Mrs Smith and Mr Leddie spoke about last week. The last thing that I, along with all of your Captains, House captains and prefects want, is to seem distant and on a pedestal where you feel that you cannot speak to us. We truly want to hear your voice and input. It is what will allow us to grow in unity.
Before I announce the 2025 motto, I would like to use an example that we have all seen in the last few weeks that I believe displays our motto perfectly, ‘Electrician turned runner, Nedd Brockmann pushed himself to the physical limit in the name of raising awareness and funds for ‘We Are Mobilise’, a charity focused on helping Australians who experience homelessness. Nedd ran 1000 miles in 12 days 13 hours 16 minutes and 45 seconds, Averaging 128 kilometres a day and raised almost $4 million dollars for ‘Mobilise’ in the process.
It is this resilience and passion that makes myself and all of the 2025 Leadership team proud to announce the 2025 motto, “Driven by Passion, Inspired to Serve.”
You will observe a cross in the centre of it. This symbolises the Christian values that underpin all we do as an Edmund Rice School; respect, love, compassion as well as the connection that exists across and between classes, year groups, mentor groups, sports teams and the broader Waverley Community.
The golden heart that lies in the centre of it represents the passion that drives us to succeed and grow. The passion from within yourself, your peers, family, coaches and teachers. It is this passion that enables service in action, acting with our hearts and hands to create positive change and a true sense of unity. The colour gold reflects a vibrant spirit of unity, a spirit that is what will set Waverley apart.
So boys, I challenge each of you to find your passion. Find your why?
Why do you work hard?
Why do you pursue that personal best or PR?
Why do you chase even better marks?
Why do you want to make that particular team?
Why should you be the best version of yourself each day?
The answers to these questions may come easily straight away, or maybe not for weeks, terms or years. However, it is with great confidence that I can say once you find your passion and the driving forces behind it, growth will follow and you will truly find joy in maintaining respect and resilience, and in the service of others.
The feet that work their way up the cross will be placed on it over the coming year at particular assemblies. The theme of service in action will be unpacked at each of these assemblies. Ultimately, they represent following in Jesus’ footsteps, being empathetic and putting yourself in one’s shoes and growing throughout the year on your journey.
To the new class of 2025, embrace our last year together, the opportunities, the setbacks and the growth, as I know and you all know, it will fly by. Hold each other to the high standard that I know we can maintain and most importantly, enjoy it.
To each of you here today, make your mark, find your passion and thrive in the service of others. On behalf of the 2025 leadership team, we are here with you and for you. Together, let’s make our imprint on 2025 and build a legacy we are all proud to be a part of.
Thank you.
Today we celebrated World Teachers’ and Support Staff Day. To work in a school is a vocation, an opportunity to teach or assist in the development, care and education of the next generation. On behalf of the Waverley College community, I thank our Teachers and Support Staff for their commitment, wisdom sharing, and care of our students.
Thank you to the College Captains and prefects who cooked a bacon and egg roll for all the staff this morning which was very much appreciated.
Well done to all Junior School Staff from both Waverley College and St Catherine’s School who assisted with the amazing production of the Lion King Jr. this week. Particular thanks to Mr Jonathan Bowden who coordinated and was the producer.
It was a wonderful experience for the Junior School students and an opportunity for them to perform, stretch their comfort zones and be involved in a production.
The level of performance and energy displayed by the students was impressive.
Thank you to crystal productions who supported the production and assisted the audience feel like they were really on the plains of Africa.
Congratulations to the captains and teams who were presented at assembly this week.
For the full list of selections and appointments please view the article by Mr Steve O’Donnell.
Ms Martina Cooper (Director of Curriculum) is undergoing emergency surgery on her knee next week. Mr Patrick Darvill will be Acting Director of Curriculum for the next 4 weeks and Mr Ben Shorthouse will be Acting Head of PDHPE.
A big thank you to Ms Martina Cooper for taking the time to share her insights on HSC exams. The article turned out great with very valuable and practical tips for students HERE.
The next Parents’ Association meeting and AGM will take place face to face in the Senior School Library on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, at 5.30pm where the office bearers for 2025 will be elected.
Please submit expressions of interest for any of the positions for 2025 and beyond to Ms Louise Lakomy, louisel@bdhl.com.au or Ms Emma Laurence, elaurence@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION PAGE
As we reflect on our Tech Free week and begin to collect data to assess the benefits of the week, I thought you would appreciate being able to unpack the positive research and stories stemming from the mobile phone ban that was introduced in Term 4 2023. We hope that with the banning of mobile phones and tougher restrictions on social media we will continue to see more positive outcomes for our students.
A recent article in Education Daily looks at the impact of banning mobile phones in schools. School principals and parents have given mobile phone bans at Australian schools almost universal support – and more restrictions are on their way for children using technology outside of school hours. Please read the article here.
I also draw your attention to the latest discussions amongst some Independent Schools in regards to banning smartphones. I recently heard that Frensham (Boarding School in the Southern Highlands) is banning smartphones from 2025 for Year 7 – 9. Waverley is not planning on moving in this direction at this point in time, however, I have included an article here for your interest as we continue to navigate this fast paced world.
As we move towards Christmas, we are reminded to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
St Canice’s is a Jesuit parish in Elizabeth Bay, just behind Kings Cross, and their outreach centre works to provide weekly health, legal and employment clinics, daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and brand new clothing, along with daily meals and a coffee shop to those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
These services are entirely funded by donations from generous parishioners, local residents, businesses, schools and the Waverley College community.
They are currently seeking donations of hamper items for Christmas, including:
If you are able and willing to, these donations would be greatly appreciated. All donations can be dropped to the Senior School reception. We will be making regular deliveries to St Canice throughout Term 4.
Once again, your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.
Please find below information from Transport for NSW regarding School Travel Passes.
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
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.
Terms of Use
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 7.00pm 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.
Waverley College 2023 Year Books are hot off the press and ready for collection.
Our annual, glossy Year Books record, highlight and commemorate our College, and are a beloved tradition at Waverley.
A wonderful memento of your son’s year at the College, we encourage all families to obtain one copy of this special keepsake, so that together they may reminisce over what happened in this incredible year, and recall forgotten moments through inspiring images and reports.
Should you wish to obtain a copy of the 2023 Year Book, please collect your free edition from either the Junior School or Senior School Reception.
* The 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Year Books are also available for collection from the same locations.
Tickets on sale NOW!
We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Waverley College Long Lunch! Join us for a vibrant celebration as we kick off the new year with friends and family.
You’ll have the option to choose from an array of lunch options provided by local vendors, paired with a selection of refreshing beverages, including beer on tap, fine wines and French champagne.
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a live band, providing the perfect soundtrack for this unforgettable day of celebration.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen the bonds that unite our Waverley community.
Date: Sunday, 16 February, 2025
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: Waverley College Centenary Quadrangle
Dress code: Smart casual
Tickets go on sale at 5pm on Wednesday, 6 November, 2024
Mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and celebration.
Stay tuned for more details!
Waverley College Events
events@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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.
Watch our video
