This week, we continued with our Tech-Free Week for Years 5-12. This initiative aims to reset our habits with technology and promote the benefits of handwritten notes and focused study techniques.
We are grateful for the overwhelming support and participation from our students, teachers and parents and carers even through the challenges that the initiative presented.
It was really exciting to hear that some of our parents and carers even committed to tech-free time at home during the period.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, we will be seeking feedback to review, reflect, and understand what aspects of Tech-Free Week were effective in our context.
Part of our commitment to offering liberating teaching and learning that celebrates curiosity, and critical thinking as well as nurturing globally-minded citizens at Waverley College includes exploring learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
We were fortunate to embark on an extraordinary journey to the United States Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in their world-renowned Space Camp.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 44 of our students resonates with C.P Bedford’s observation, “You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”
By providing our students with real-world, hands-on experiences like Space Camp, we aimed to ignite their curiosity and inspire them to consider their future professions. James Barber (Year 10) notes of our students, “the mood was one of excitement, but also nervousness as most of us had never travelled without our family. These nerves were quickly quelled as we boarded our flight to Huntsville, Alabama in the U.S.A. With more engineers per-capita than any other American city, Huntsville is home to the Marshall Space Flight Centre where the Saturn V rocket that took the first man to the moon was designed”.
Upon arrival, students were immersed in an unforgettable experience, James emphasises this in his report, “while at Space Camp we engaged in realistic space mission simulations. We flew Space Shuttles, went on space walks, simulated space emergencies and even walked on Mars! We designed and tested heat shields that could endure the searing temperature of a blowtorch and astronaut suits that could withstand the hostile environment of space. We even designed and launched rockets that could carry a small passenger, in our case, an egg-stronaut. Most rockets landed successfully…some became lawn darts and others made omelettes. But we learned from NASA’s instructors that failure is necessary for success, helping us to learn and grow. The instructors also taught us how to pilot military jets and how to scuba dive, which we experienced in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer, a seven-metre deep pool in Space Camp. All were lessons and challenges that we could only experience at Space Camp.”
Our Year 9 attendees, Jake Barden and Hamish Wilson recount their experience on the Tour, as “it was amazing to learn about the universe from experts and see real NASA equipment up close. The best part of the trip was bonding with classmates during challenges that pushed us to think like scientists and work as a team. Every single day was packed with excitement and adventure, something that I know I’ll be talking about for years!”
This trip is just one example of how we are committed to fostering a holistic learning culture that extends beyond the traditional classroom.
We believe that providing our students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, research projects, and community service initiatives is essential for their long-term success.
By cultivating their interests and experiences, we are privileged to play a role in shaping the next generation of experts.
Ms Helen Barrie
Head of Academic Enrichment
hbarrie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are incredibly excited to launch the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premier’s English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.
Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!
The Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.
Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books.
Perhaps there is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience. Food will be provided!
Date: 20 November
Time: 6pm
Venue: Waverley College Library
In anticipation of our Term 4 Reading initiative across both Junior and Senior schools, we are also excited to announce our Poster/ Bookmark Competition for all students from Years 5-12. Please see the attached poster for details.
Closing Date is the end of Week 4.
View the Week 2 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
To help both students and parents navigate the upcoming HSC journey, we invite Year 10 & 11 (new Year 12) students and their parents to our free November kickstart seminars, with our partners Macquarie University, UTS and the University of Newcastle.
For nearly twenty years, these seminars have provided valuable insights and practical tips for students entering their HSC years, as well as guidance for parents on how to best support their children during this critical time.
The sessions will be delivered by qualified counsellors and experienced HSC markers, covering the following topics:
Managing stress during assessments and exams
Secrets to HSC success: insights from the marking centre
Understanding the ATAR: what you need to know
English tips and tricks for Advanced & Standard students
Strategies for parents: how to provide academic & emotional support
Please click here for an event flyer and below are further details:
Dates & Venues: Sunday 3rd November (Macquarie University) OR Sunday 10th November (UTS) OR Saturday 16th November (UON)
Time: 9:30 am – 12:15 pm
Cost: Free
Registration: https://events.inspired.edu.au
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.
Waverley College is seeking a corporate sponsor for our Rugby teams, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to partner with a thriving community and align their brand with the spirit of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship that defines Waves Rugby.
By becoming a sponsor, your business will enjoy significant visibility across a wide range of platforms, both locally and internationally. Sponsorship will provide prominent brand exposure at every training session, home game, and away match throughout the season. Your logo will feature on team kits and promotional materials, ensuring that your brand is seen by our passionate supporters, school community, and the broader public.
Waverley Rugby will also embark on an international tour, representing the college on a global stage. As a sponsor, your brand will travel with us, gaining exposure to international audiences and further solidifying your company’s association with excellence in sport.
Most importantly, your support will play a crucial role in making these tours more accessible to our students. By helping to reduce travel costs, you will be assisting families who might otherwise find it difficult to participate. This ensures all our talented players have the opportunity to experience the benefits of international competition.
This is more than just a sponsorship; it’s an investment in the future of young athletes and a chance to connect your brand with a vibrant and engaged community.
If your business is interested in partnering with Waverley College Rugby and gaining invaluable exposure while making a real difference, please contact me. We’d love to discuss how we can create a winning partnership!
Harry Lind
Convenor of Rugby
hlind@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Wishing all students, staff and parents/carers a great Term 4. Term 4 usually flies by, please assist your son with his organisation and to make a strong start across all of his pursuits.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Year 12s as they sit their final examinations. I congratulate them on the energy they have brought this week to the start of their HSC examinations. We met with them on Tuesday morning before their first examination and shared the message that all our community are behind them over this 3 week period.
Our College Captains delivered the following prayer at College Assembly this week which resonated with staff and students.
Reader: Kayden Baker
Gracious God in the busyness of our days, we sometimes forget to stop and thank you for all that is good in our lives. Our blessings are many and our hearts are filled with gratefulness for the gift of living and for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of your creation. As we begin Term 4 we thank you for your many gifts.
Lord Hear Us
Reader: Archie Godby
We pray in gratitude for those things in our lives that are less than we would hope them to be. Things that seem challenging, unfair or difficult. Grant us the resilience we need to never give up, and to be encouraged by knowing you are always there for us. Help us to realise we are Stronger together.
Lord Hear Us
Reader: Lachlan Isaac
We pray in thanksgiving Lord for all the teaching and learning that will take place in our school, both in and out of the classroom this coming term. For the talents and gifts that will be shared and the challenges that will be faced; For the respect and care that will be given.
Lord Hear Us
Reader: Fox Stapleton
O Lord, as we work together to build your Kingdom, let us be the light that leads the world to you. God, teach us to be good role models to the people around us, so that when they see you and your love within us, they would want to know you more.
God, grant us the patience to work together, bring us all together as a family.
Let us work together with understanding and compassion in our hearts.
We make all these prayers through Christ our Lord.
Amen
We welcome back the following staff from leave:
I thank and congratulate the following staff who did excellent jobs acting in these respective positions:
I congratulate Mr Mark Neale who has been appointed to the position of VET Coordinator.
Farewell to Mr Ben Steel who left us at the end of Term 3 after three years at the College. Mr Steel has been a valued member of our HSIE department and been the Convenor of Touch Football. We thank him for his dedication and contributions during his time and wish him all the best as he takes on a role at Roseville College. We wish Mr Kyle Newbury all the best as he takes leave for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 to spend time with his wife’s family in Canada, whilst they are expecting the birth of their second child in December.
We welcome Ms Linda Griffin to our HSIE department. Ms Griffin has a Bachelor of Business (honours) and a postgraduate Diploma in Education. Linda has worked at Our Lady of Sacred Heart College, Kensington, Randwick Boys high, Cairnsfoot School Brighton-le-sands, and Stranraer Academy Scotland.
Thank you to the parents that were able to attend this important session on Tuesday evening held in the senior school library. The feedback along with students, staff and other stakeholders will help formulate the College’s next strategic plan. Ms Robyn Edwards from AIS facilitated the evening and appreciated the diverse perspectives and experiences shared. This process allows for collective intelligence and collaboration which can far surpass individual effort. This planning process for our next strategic plan seeks to draw on the strengths and insights of the entire community to achieve better outcomes. Robyn will be running a similar process for students and collecting their thoughts and wisdom.
At assembly this week, I reflected on some of the amazing guest speakers that have shared their wisdom this year with students and staff. Ms Jelena Dokic (refugee, ex-world class tennis player, commentator, survivor of family violence) shared her journey and thoughts on International Women’s Day with us all. Jelena’s message was clear ‘be kind to each other, to never abuse anyone, never get involved in bullying, to not do things to others that you wouldn’t like done to yourself, to have a good heart and be a good person’.
Mr Stan Grant (award winning national/international journalist, presenter and Wiradjuri man) spoke at Reconciliation Week and shared his journey from attending more than a dozen different primary schools where he was persecuted because of his colour, to travelling the world and reporting on international events and issues. ‘Where you are today will not define the person you will be tomorrow. I have learned that despite our differences, we are human beings first, in the image of God. Reconciliation is about seeking to transform relationships that have become damaged or destructive, into relationships of trust that bring new life’. Stan reminded us of the extraordinary opportunities students have at Waverley and that they should always say ‘yes’ to new pathways or pursuits.
Mr Daniel Witthaus (Founder, CEO of Rural Pride Australia, Kids Help Line, Human Rights Commission, educator, author) spoke at Wear it Purple Day and shared his journey around Australia where he promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusion and safety strategies in rural communities. Daniel shared the significant impact that low level language and casual comments can have on students’ feelings of safety and the important role we can all play in challenging and interrupting these behaviours.
Mr Gus Worland (Radio presenter, Gotcha4life Charity) spoke at RUOK? Day and reminded us that building mental fitness is much like physical fitness. It requires repetitions to build up strength. We do this by working on our relationships and building our social capital. It can start with as little as a text telling the people in your village that you love them and appreciate what they do’.
In conclusion, I reiterated that Waverley is a school that seeks to be a safe and inclusive space for every student and staff member. There is no place for hate, and that we respect difference and different opinions, and that we each have the opportunity to build others up and leave people and places better from our presence and interactions. I am looking forward to hearing Mr Jay Steven speak at our International Men’s Day assembly. Jason suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a helicopter crash. Jason will share his journey and talk about overcoming hurdles and building resilience.
Wishing all a great Term 4.
A big welcome back to all our Waverley College families. I hope the break gave you a chance to slow down and spend quality time with your family. We are back in full swing and excited for the term ahead.Just a reminder that students no longer require a blazer’s in Term 4 except for special events.
We are extremely excited for our first Junior School Musical partnering with St Catherine’s. Witnessing this whole production from start to finish has been amazing to watch. I’m in awe of Mr Bowden and his ability to have over 320 students involved meaningfully. It is going to be a spectacular day and we hope as many parents and family members can attend.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 4 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2024 ICAS Assessments.
A special congratulations to the following students who received a credit or above in Writing.
Year 5
Credit
Hugo Lehmann
Spencer Murphy
Eric Rakoczy
Year 6
Distinction
Zac Hughes
Cillian Stankard
Thomas Taylor
Credit
Flynn Roberts
As they say, ‘The days are long, but the years are short’
Please join us as we celebrate our boys’ final year of Primary school before they head off to High School!
This is an event that is not funded by the school and is organised by the Year 6 parent representatives.
Your ticket cost will include:
– BBQ dinner (with all the trimmings) being served at 5:30pm
– Photo Booth to capture all the fun
– DJ
– A celebration cake
Each attendee over 2 years old must hold a ticket. Siblings are welcome to attend.
Soft drinks will be provided in your ticket price whilst alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the bar.
Adult supervision is required throughout the duration of the event.
Smart Casual attire will be required
Date: Mon 2 Dec 2024
Time: 5:PM – 8PM
Location: Coogee Beach Club, 51 Dolphin Street, Coogee NSW 2034
My Gaby Bransby
Director of the Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome back to Summer Sport at the Junior School! We are picking up right where we left off in Term 1, with Round 7 this Saturday, 19 October. I wish all the boys the best of luck at their respective fixtures, and look forward to hearing their results.
At Waverley, we know that playing sports in a team and attending training and games build fitness, character, skills and resilience. We look forward to the next six rounds of Saturday sport and appreciate the commitment from students and families. Go Waves!
By Sally Mann.
During the School Holidays, a number of Waverley College students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in an unforgettable week of sport, culture, and community on the Coral Coast.
The boys played two rugby matches against St Peter Chanel School and Ratu Filise Memorial School, both located in the region. These games went beyond competition, serving as a chance to build friendships and foster connections with the local students.
In preparation for the trip, the team collected and donated jerseys, shorts, socks and boots, sharing these resources with the two schools. Parents and students also came together to gift a brand-new set of 23 rugby jerseys in the schools’ colours, complete with their name and logo. The gesture was met with heartfelt appreciation from the local communities.
The boys also donated 10-12 rugby balls to each school to support their rugby programs. During the week, the group visited another nearby village, where they gifted additional rugby balls to the local children.
Both matches were played on scenic school grounds complete with bamboo goalposts. The games were lively, filled with running rugby, but the camaraderie off the field was equally remarkable. From singing hymns together in perfect harmony to spending time with new friends, the experience left a lasting impression on all involved.
This tour was not just about rugby; it was about giving back, building relationships, and creating lasting memories.
Boys included: Jack Mann, Jack Morahan Saliba, Hugo Tonga, Leon Dunkley, Luca and Oliver Robinson, Lachie Anson, Tom Pendleton, Patrick Madden, Winnie Cross and Oliver Stewart.
Ms Jade Sparks
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Junior School)
jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A warm welcome back to Term 4. I am pleased to share with you the Term 4 Curriculum Overviews for Years 5 and 6. These documents are a guide to the learning that your son will be covering in class this Term.
Term 4, Year 5 Curriculum Overview
Term 4, Year 6 Curriculum Overview
I hope this is a useful document that will help you to support your son and engage him in conversation about his learning experiences at school.
SMART Goals
At the commencement of each term, students are encouraged to set SMART goals for their learning with their classroom teachers. Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed will set our students up for success. We know that writing meaningful goals down allows students to revisit them throughout the term, encourages focus, and builds strategies to make sure they achieve their goal/s. The goals for Term 4 can be found on Pages 138 and 139 in the College Diary.
Charlotte Stephens
Assistant Director of Curriculum
cstephens@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 4:00 pm – 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.
Mike Sager, the father of Leo in Year 5 and Kobey in Year 9 launched our first lunchtime talk for Term 4.
As an entrepreneur, Mike captivated the students with insights into what a startup entails and shared details about the companies PAWSSUM & ANKOR he has founded.
He emphasised the importance of documenting all ideas, which for him have included themes like pets, videos, and superyachts. Mike, discussed the significance of building a successful team of tech experts, hustlers, and financial supporters to help his business ventures.
PAWSSUM started in 2016 is now the biggest pet startup in the Southern Hemisphere, where pet owners can book vets in every major city in Australia and New Zealand.
This is not the only startup Mike founded he and his friend Elliot founded Ankor in 2022 after identifying a significant technological gap in the yacht charter industry, where other luxury travel sectors had already embraced digital solutions.
Through research, they discovered high customer expectations but a lack of advanced technology in yacht chartering, leading them to create a platform that connects brokers, provides real-time availability, and streamlines booking processes.
This inspiring and engaging talk left the boys motivated to dream big!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Teacher of Literacy & Innovation
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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 see the following information from Transport for NSW regarding school student travel.
Transport for NSW is adjusting the rail and bus timetable in regional and outer metropolitan areas from Sunday 20 October 2024.
The changes are designed to match with the new Sydney trains network schedule.
The adjusted rail timetable and bus network changes are now available for viewing in Transport’s Trip Planner. We encourage you to remind your school community to plan ahead at https://transportnsw.info/trip before travelling and allow extra travel time.
This change is happening during the NSW Higher School Certificate and may also align with other important dates in the school calendar, so it would be appreciated if students familiarise themselves with what this may mean for travel to and from school before 20 October by visiting transportnsw.info.
To provide feedback on any Transport services, please visit transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback.
In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there’s a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.
To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.
This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children’s financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Here is the link to your Special Report
It is with great pleasure that we invite all Students in Year 8 and above to be part of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award here at Waverley College.
Paramount to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award is individual ownership and responsibility towards achieving goals in a skill, physical activity and voluntary service. The onus will be on our gentlemen to ensure they are meeting the expectations and demands associated with completing their Award, utilising the many resources available to them through the College.
With a large proportion of boys at the College already part of many co-curricular and social justice commitments, the Award can be a meaningful way to recognise the wonderful achievements already being undertaken by many of our students. There are also opportunities to progress towards Silver and Gold Awards, which also carry great reward, recognition and prestige.
There will be an information session this Thursday for all new students to receive extra information and details about the Award.
When: Lunchtime, Thursday October 24 (Week B)
Location: N31
For more details and information please email:
Alon Horry: ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Laura McLarnon: lmclarnon@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Alon Horry
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu.au
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
TERM 4
View the Week 1 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
EducationUSA Australia will be holding a virtual webinar on 21 October for any students, parents, career advisors, or coaches interested in understanding the pathways to studying in the United States.
SESSION DETAILS
Monday, October 21
6:45 pm – 8:15 pm AEST
Topic
U.S. undergraduate and college sports session
Register HERE.
All attendees must register. If you can’t join this session due to commitments on this day, stay tuned for future sessions or review a recording from one of our previous sessions HERE.
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
