Many thanks to our volunteers for generously giving their time to help in the Waterford canteen. We would not be able to operate without your support and we are so appreciative.
Please note, the canteen will be closed on Wednesday 5th – Thursday 6th June for minor works. There will be no canteen facilities open on this day.
Well done to all the boys on a great start to the winter sport season. I have been impressed by the sportsmanship that has been on display at training sessions and Saturday sport.
A reminder that all sport training finishes at 4:30pm. Please pick up your son at this time as there is no supervision after 4:30pm.
Congratulations to Archie Godby, Yannick Hott, Lachlan Marzol, James Peate, Fox Stapleton, Zoltahn Szabo, Finlay Wilde, Oscar Wilson and Nicholas Zanapalis who make up the Waterford debating team.
The first debate was held on Friday 10th May at Kincoppal Rose Bay. The topic for the debate was “That farm animals (chickens, horses) are better pets than domestic animals (cats, dogs).”
Both Waterford teams put forward strong arguments, engaged with their audience and firmly rebutted Kincoppal’s case.
The boys did themselves and Waverley very proud and won both debates. The opposition was very strong so the victory was a terrific achievement.
Best of luck against St Catherine’s on Friday!
Congratulations to Ben Pignatelli, Ricky Meyrick and James O’Loughlan on being selected in the NSWCIS Primary Boys AFL Team. They are currently competing in the NSWPSSA AFL Championships in Penshurst. This is such a wonderful achievement, we look forward to hearing about their experience.
Ben Pignatelli, Ricky Meyrick, James O’Loughlan
Congratulations to the following boys who were selected for the following IPSHA squads:
Rugby Union Squad: Lachlan Algie, Nate Devereux, Rhys Ferguson, James Finegan, Archie Godby, Brooklyn Heath and Henry Parkes
Touch Football Squad: Jack Johnson, Hamish Punch, Lachlan Algie, Cruz Clarkin and Monty Armstrong.
We wish them well in their efforts to make the NSWCIS Squad.
Last Saturday the Prep 1st Rugby team had the honour of playing against Cranbrook on Queens Park 1. I have included an excerpt from Mr Harris’ rugby report:
Steve O’Donnell began our day’s quest by gathering the boys in the upper level of the Pavilion to familiarise them with the representative success the school had achieved over the years.
A number of boys were in awe of the enormous array of photos and sports stars produced by the school over its 116 year history. Many noted that they had never been in this area before and had no idea all this was hidden here.
Mr O’Donnell explained to the boys, with some passion, the individual stories of some of the Waverley greats that festoon these walls. Some were from the distant past to our boys in the likes of Morris Curotta – Olympian – Michael Cleary – Olympian; Dave Brown 1st XV and Roosters Captain whilst he was still at school. Some were more recent in Australian Sevens player Ben Donaldson; Luca Moretti – 2018 Australian League and Union schoolboy teams and Massimo Luongo – Socceroo. James Finegan proudly pointed out his dad, Owen, and cousin, Finn Wright.
It was indeed an impressive presentation, whilst only scratching the surface of the school’s successful sports stars. It was destined to inspire the boys to claim their own destiny.
From the Head of Senior Studies and Careers, Kath Knowles
Dear Parents,
Head of Aungier House, John McCoy is currently on long service leave, and as a result, Aungier’s end of Term 1 report shall be emailed separately to Parents once the report is received.
We apologise for the delay and wish you a very safe and happy Easter holiday.
30 April | First day of Term 2 | ANZAC Ceremony 2pm
1 May | Senior School Open Morning
5 May | May Procession, Midday
8 May – 26th June | Spanish Evening Classes for Parents
Watch below to find out more!
9 May | Mothers’ Day Liturgy 9am
https://animoto.com/play/HfJ1Jq8rPG3L8ZcYOk2g0A
During Lent we are called to turn again and be reconciled with God the Father so that we fully embrace the hope that comes with Easter. When we have hope in the promise of the resurrection we can completely surrender to the love of God and give ourselves completely to building the community of love that is his Church:
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me
and in all your creatures-
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
It has been a productive and rewarding term for the young men of Conlon House. As a community we welcomed twenty Year 5 students and their families to the College, and, twenty-six Year 7 boys began their high school journey. We were very competitive in both the Junior and Senior swimming carnivals, the Inter-House ‘Greatest Race’ competition and once again Conlon boys enthusiastically supported the World’s Greatest Shave. We congratulated past Conlon students at the High Achievers assembly, had an overwhelming number of boys receive outstanding Term 1 reports, and, many Conlon students were also acknowledged at a whole school assembly for their co-curricular pursuits.
Our wonderful Wellbeing Mentors continue to provide your son/s with a warm, caring, inclusive and nourishing Wellbeing period each day. This year we welcomed four new mentors; Miss Suzanne Walsh (CO 1), Mr Jean-Paul Boumelhem (CO 4), Mr Matthew Johnson (CO 8 ) and Mr Steven Rosenstrauss (CO 9) We welcomed back; Ms Jennifer Hoare & Mr Anthony Gill (Junior School), Mr Nick Brophy (CO 2), Mr Paul Cornish (CO 3), Mrs Mary Ryan (CO 5), Ms Kaitlyn Downey (CO 6), Mrs Sherri Falkinder (CO 7), Mr Richard Bryant (CO 10) and Mr Chris Blenkinsopp ( CO 11)
Our Prefect leaders for 2019; Oliver Ruse (College Vice-Captain), Lachlan Manastrovski, Max Johnson, Ryan Smith and Hugh Marshall continue to be wonderful role-models for all students. They work together to encourage, lead, inspire and challenge the young men of Conlon to engage and contribute to the rich fabric of life here at the College.
Conlon House Mass
During week 8, together with Fr. Bernie Thomas ofm we celebrated our first evening Mass together as a community. After communion, our Year 12 students were honored with a special ‘Candle Ceremony’. Each Yr 12 student received a candle and we all said a special prayer for their year ahead and for their journey beyond the College. Thank-you to Miss Walsh for inspiring this special ceremony. All students from Years 5 to 12 are to be highly commended on the respectful way in which they participated and contributed to the mass. I have never heard Waverley boys sing so beautifully. It was wonderful that so many parents were able to attend, and, the beautiful supper at the conclusion of Mass provided by the parents was a lovely way to end what was a very meaningful and special evening.
Year Group Activities
Year 7’s first day at the College was shared with their Yr 12 ‘big brothers’ who enjoyed taking them under their wing for the day – sharing their knowledge and ‘insider tips’, playing games, reading timetables, effective use of diaries etc. The Year 12 boys are to be commended on the way they embraced this responsibility, and they will continue to have this close relationship with their ‘little brothers’ during the year.
Later in the term, Year 10 and Year 5 students participated in the first session of the Yr 5/Yr 10 ‘big brother/little brother’ program. Our Yr 10 and Yr 5 boys first spent time together getting to know each other and then playing a game of dodgeball. This is the beginning of a seven-year journey designed to assist with the Year 5’s transition into High School.
The Year 7 camp in week 2 was a great opportunity for the boys to form friendships and to begin their high school journey together with their Conlon peers. The boys had an opportunity to throw themselves into a range of activities – such as raft building, bushwalking, hiking, team building and initiative games. They faced many challenges, but, were always encouraging and supportive of each other. These friendships will serve them well throughout their time at the College, and indeed as the ‘old boys’ of the future.
Our Year 9 boys after only two days of ballroom dancing lessons, attended an evening dance with the students from St Clare’s College. Despite some feeling a little out of their comfort zone, all students are to be commended on their manners, attentiveness, and polished style on the dancefloor during the evening.
In the last week of term the Waverley College Cadet unit and all Year 8 students attended the week-long Cadet Camp. This year the boys were blessed with near perfect weather.
Conlon performed well in both the Junior (2nd) and Senior (4th) school swimming carnivals. It was great to see so many boys getting in the pool and having a go, regardless of their skill and speed. Our prefects were amazing organisers on the day, ensuring that Conlon had a swimmer in every race. We again placed 2nd in the ‘chant off’, however, there is no denying that Conlon is a house full of spirit and pride.,
After a hiatus of several years, ‘Waverley’s Greatest race’ was once again run. This year, the relay race involved each team including a student from Yr’s 5 to 12. The race depended on both physical and mental prowess. Our Conlon team put in a valiant effort, and, we were very unlucky to be beaten into second place right on the finishing line.
Congratulations to the following boys who received recognition at the recent Summer Sports Awards Assembly:
Swimming
Peter Cassimatis Yr 11 – Boyd Wright Memorial award – Best Team man
Cricket
Ryan Smith – Yr 12 – Best Team man
Matthew Frost Yr 7 – Best Team man
Jesse Sonego Yr 10 – scoring over 50
James Hoggett Yr 10 – bowling 5 wickets
Cooper O’Donnell Yr 10 – bowling a hatrick
Touch Football
Kalani Sullivan Yr 7, Christian Dos Santos Yr 9, Reeve Smith Yr 11
Tennis
Oscar Melder Yr 7, Kai Jones Yr 8, Cuba Kanakis Yr 9
Water Polo – Joshua Magadas Yr 11
Table Tennis – George Vouros Yr 10
Surf Life Saving – Daniel Lambert Yr 12 -Best & Fairest
Congratulations also to Calam Baird, Yr 10 who represented NSW in the Under 18 Hockey championships, and, Ash Backlund who was selected to play in the CAS basketball team.
During the holidays some Conlon boys will be travelling overseas; Hayden Wild on the S.T.E.M tour to the United States, and, Charlie Barber, Miles Amatosero, Hunter Keyes-Ahern, Hugh Johnson, Max D’agostino, Max Johnson and Emmanuel di Bartolo on the Rugby tour to Japan. We wish all boys a safe and happy journey.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and guardians for their continued support and to sincerely wish you a happy, safe and holy Easter break.
Day 1 we welcomed new O’Connor students to the senior campus to start the new year. Students from Yr 7 partnered up with their ‘Big Brothers’ in Year 12. Our Year 12 students were able to advice and guide their new ‘Little Brothers’ around the school, and engage in a number of activities aimed at making positive connections early.
To extend on the Big Brother/Little Brother Program, our Year 5 students were also partnered up with Year 10 students in Week 4. This was designed to assist in building stronger relationships between our senior and junior students, with the intention of giving our younger members confidence in making the transition to high school as well as giving our senior students leadership opportunities. The students participated in a range of activities that included: Tug o war, Touch Football and Soccer.
Year 7 started their journey into Senior School with a 3 day camp at Broken Bay Sport, Life and Recreation. It is a great venue with individual and team building activities that provided the students and staff a flexible learning environment and an opportunity to form and build relationships with their peers and staff.
We had the Senior College Swimming Carnival at Des Renford and the Junior School Carnival at the College Pool. The boys and staff of the O’Connor House demonstrated great enthusiasm and participation throughout both days. There was a lot of strong performers, however, the best performance of the day was out of the pool, was once again the Senior School boys demonstrated great spirit and passion, winning the House chants with “O’Connor’s Call”.
There was three House assemblies throughout the term that enabled us to come together as a community to build on the Wellbeing content and student achievements. I would like to congratulate and thank the House Prefects Luke Harris, William Durkin, Noah Glasel and Nikita Hatjinikitas who have displayed outstanding leadership in their roles. These assemblies provide time to develop on our culture and recognise the great achievements by our students.
The Wellbeing Mentor Interviews took place on Tuesday 12th February. This was an opportunity for students and parents to catch up with our very supportive O’Connor House Wellbeing Mentors to review the individual student effort of 2018 and set important goals for the new year.
O’Connor House also had a Cake Stall to raise funds to purchase Solar Buddies for our students to take and donate to students in Timor Leste. A big thanks to many students and staff for bringing in treats to help raise $860 dollars. We will be constructing the Solar Buddies during Wellbeing time next term so they are ready for the students attending the Timor Leste Immersion to take along and donate to the students in energy poverty regions.
Other highlights of the term include:
I would like to congratulate all students in O’Connor House for the positive start to the school year. There was a high number of students from O’Connor that achieved excellent marks and grades for their Interim Report. I hope these exceptional standards and results can be maintained and even further improved on in Term 2.
I would especially like to thank the O’Connor Wellbeing Mentors for their wonderful support of students in O’Connor.
Tevlin House had a highly positive and rewarding first term of 2019, with students enthusiastically engaging in numerous activities across our school. All Tevlin boys from Years 5-12 and their Wellbeing Mentors can be congratulated with the way in which they have developed relationships and it’s pleasing to witness our vertical wellbeing groups help form genuine friendships between students. There was a focus on groups discussing individual academic and community goals that they can strive towards, revisit during the year and be accountable for. Year 12 students, in particular, have excelled in their role as leaders in groups and Big Brothers, especially with new Year 7 boys in their groups. Year 5 and 10 boys have also begun fostering a great big and little brother relationship over some games together that will only develop with further upcoming activities over the year.
The Year 7 Camp was the first opportunity for Tevlin Year 7s to form new and strong friendships, whilst challenging themselves in outdoor activities. Our 24 Tevlin boys thoroughly enjoyed activities at the picturesque Broken Bay Centre, including raft-building, a high ropes course, bushwalking and a great outdoor campfire with the boys making their own damper – lavished with honey inside!
Tevlin House Activities
Both Junior and Senior House Swimming carnivals were thoroughly enjoyed by the Tevlin boys, demonstrating both determination and some fantastic house spirit. The Junior school boys again excelled, finishing a narrow 2nd, while the Senior Carnival saw great participation and some innovative chants to represent the Yellow Army with pride!
Congratulations to Tevlin Prefect Brad Marzol, who was selected at the NSW Constitutional Convention to attend a 3-day National Convention in Canberra this term. Brad spoke strongly to a recent school assembly about his experiences at the National Constitutional Convention, and the role of our constitution and how they debated whether amendments are necessary to specific sections with changes in society. Next Term, on Thursday, May 30 at 6pm, all Tevlin House will have a special Annual Mass in the College Chapel. Please mark and save the date, with all families invited to join their sons in a liturgy and supper together – and we look forward to this great opportunity to build relationships.
I wish all boys and their families a lovely Easter period and look forward to the opportunities coming in Term 2.
Lochie Colquhoun from Year 5 represented Waverley College recently at the NSW State Equestrian Interschools Event during March.
Competing in all disciplines, he was very competitive and placed 1st and 2nd in Showjumping and Dressage. He should now be invited to represent Waverley at the National level for the NSW Interschool team.
We wish you all the best Lochie, at the National competitions.
Sunday was a very special day for a large number of Year 12 boys and the special women in their life. A new event on the Waverley Social calendar, the Year 12 Mother & Son Lunch organised by year 12 parents, Deb Johnson and Lamya Said was incredibly special for both boys and their mothers and celebrated a huge milestone in both their lives.
The day could not have been better and there was definitely a buzz in the air, seeing all the boys dressed up with their mums with smiles beaming from ear to ear.
After the atrocious weather the day before, the clouds parted and the sun shined brightly, allowing for welcome drinks to be held outside on the front terrace of the stylish Doltone house venue. Following all the hellos, initial catch ups and photos at the media wall, guest were seated for a sumptuous two-course lunch.
However, without a doubt, the highlight of the day was the guest speakers. A panel discussion, chaired by Luke Stewart, Year 6 Waverley College parent with a stellar line up of Waverley College Old Boys – Quinn Darragh (Class of 95), Ben Quigley (Class of 95, Cam McAusland (Class of 95), Adam Freier (Class of 97)
The audience was spellbound, listening to highly entertaining stories and insightful and motivating messages. The Old Boys spoke about their school years, the paths they took after leaving school, their individual ups and downs, challenges and unexpected bumps along the way. The overriding message was how much Waverley College meant to them, how important their Waverley friendships still are and how much stronger the Waverley connection gets over time.
The speakers had the Year 12 boys hanging on their every word – inspired and motivated. The thank you messages received after event were unanimous in their sentiment that the day was a very special one indeed and those that attended felt extremely proud to be part of the Waverley College Community.
On Wednesday the 20th of March, Years 11 and 12 Entertainment classes set off on an adventure to the heart of the city to attend the musical; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was filled with intricate set pieces, spectacular special effects, amazing actors and many more features to delight the audience.
The show was relevant to the staging elements we have been learning in class. It was jam-packed with many techniques and certain aspects of staging we have learned, such as; scrims, trucks, fly towers and many more techniques. This was really interesting to view live, as thus far, we have only seen these techniques used in productions viewed online. To see these intricate techniques in person, was spectacular. We have also just started our new topic, audio, so it was really interesting to see how it worked in a live performance. There were a lot of sound effects that enhanced our experience of viewing the show.
Everyone on the excursion was thrilled by the production values and theatrics of the show, including the singing, dancing, acting, as well as the lights, set, costumes, vision screens, etc. The culmination of all of that made it such an amazing experience to attend Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
For any parents or students in the Junior School keen to improve their Water Polo skills and confidence in the water. All experience levels welcome!
Dates: Term 2 May 10th to 28th June
Duration: 8 weeks
When: Friday nights 7pm to 8.30pm
Where: UNSW Pool
Costs: $200 new players (includes rego fee to Water Polo Australia) or $50 for returning players
Use the following link to find out more and register: