Over the holidays many of your local public libraries will be running Summer Reading Challenges. All you have to do is read books during the challenge period. By participating not only are you ensuring that your keeping your brain active over the holidays but you are also eligible to receive prizes.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students intending to participate in the 2018 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge to get a head start on reading books, as book read over the holidays can be counted towards their 20 books.
For more information about how to participate in these Summer Reading Challenges checkout your local library.
Five boys represented Waverley College in the Annual Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Tennis Tournament held at Pennant Hills in the last week of November.
The boys braved the heat, a southerly buster and roaring thunderclaps.
Congratulations to Lachlan Unsworth for reaching the year 9 boys’ singles finals, Nicholas Kimber and Aidan Trovato who valiantly lost to the top seeds in the quarter final of the year 7 boys’ doubles and Oscar Melder displayed true grit to reach the fourth round of the year 5 boys’ singles.
The tournament is one of the largest for school boys and school girls and attracted 840 entries this year.
TSFX HSC Summer Head Start Lectures
Get a huge head start to the HSC by working through Year 11 & 12 course materials in advance of school, in a simple, time-effective, step-by-step manner. Free A+ notes & bonus lectures included.
Lectures are held throughout the holidays at the University of Sydney
Year 11 info – https://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=year-11-summer-school
Year 12 info – https://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=summer-school
University Info Days
Find out what your options are after you get your results
If you’ve applied for university for 2018, you might be a bit nervous right now. Getting your results and making your final course decision can be tough.
Once upon a time, students had to wait weeks or months between receiving their results and being offered a place, but now the ‘Powers That Be’ have made some changes to dates and everything happens much quicker than it used to.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re finishing Year 12 in 2017 and have applied for university, it means that you’ll only have a little while to change your preferences once you’ve received your marks before the main round of offers.
This year, results are released on December 15, and the option to change your preferences for the main round is December 17.
There are still ways to change your mind later on (and a number of uni students change degree paths during their degree – it’s not unusual and you’re never ‘locked-in’ to finishing anything) but it’s a good idea to change your preferences as soon as you know what your results look like.
Why would you change your preferences?
It’s a big decision, but now you have more information (i.e. your results) it’s wise to rethink your options.
To help you make the best choice, many universities hold special ‘Change of Preference’ sessions (sometimes they’re called ‘Info Days’) where you can get one-on-one advice and find out about your options.
You’ll also find lots of information about university preparation courses, extracurricular activities, accommodation services and alternative entry pathways.
Below is a list of all the upcoming Change of Preference Sessions, so you can pop them in your diary today –
Australian Catholic University – Know Your Options Sessions
Sydney – Friday 15 December
Macquarie University
Saturday 16 December
https://www.mq.edu.au/about/events/view/info-day-2017/
University of Notre Dame – Course Advice Sessions
Run until 29 December – book a session online
https://www.nd.edu.au/events/2017/course-advice-sydney
University of Sydney
Saturday 16 December
https://infoday.sydney.edu.au/
UNSW – Info Day
Saturday 16 December
https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/info-day
UTS
Saturday 16 December 9am-2pm
Notre Dame Course Options Day – Saturday 16 December 2017
@ Admissions and Prospective Students Office, Pioneer House, 140 Broadway, Chippendale.
The Admissions and Prospective Students Office will be open from 9.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 16 December 2017 after students receive their final Year 12 results, and before Change of Preferences day on 17 December. Course Options Day is a great chance to have a one-on-one chat with staff and submit an application ahead of Course Info Day on January 4 (see below).
https://www.nd.edu.au/events/sydney
Applications are still open for all courses at Notre Dame in 2018
University of Canberra Course Advice Days
If you’ve received an offer to study, are awaiting an offer, or are considering applying, you can find all the information and support you need at the next University of Canberra Course Advice Day.
Find out more – https://www.facebook.com/pg/UniversityOfCanberra/events/
University of Melbourne – Sydney Info Day
Tuesday 19 December @ Mercure Sydney
For Year 12 NSW students who’ve applied through VTAC for study at Melbourne in 2018.
Course directors for the Bachelor of Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design and Science will be in attendance so you can talk with them directly about the course, its structure and majors as well as the vast range of student experiences each degree offers.
ADFA Applications Open Now
Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can take up to 12 months. It’s preferable you apply in Year 11, but you can still apply in Year 12.
Applications for 2018 Year 12 Students (for 2019 entry) close at the end of February 2018.
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/australian-defence-force-academy/how-to-apply
Coder Academy School Age Programs
There are after school and school-holiday workshops available.
https://coderacademy.edu.au/kids-and-teens-coding#school-holidays
Honeywell Summer School
Sunday 10 – Friday 15 December in Sydney
Run by the Institution of Engineers Australia. Honeywell Engineering Summer School (HESS) aims to give NSW and ACT high school students a better understanding of what engineering is and how it works in everyday life.
Over the week, students will attend lectures and demonstrations at five prestigious NSW universities. They will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with professional engineers employed by government, private companies, researchers and academics in a wide range of engineering disciplines. Visits with industry provide a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the role of professional engineers in a wide range of activities including the management of major projects.
Applicants must be entering year 12 in a government or non-government high school in 2018. They must be studying two or more units of mathematics and a form of science, and will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from Sydney.
Registration Closes 3 December at 9am.
Find out more and apply – https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/event/honeywell-engineering-summer-school
What to do if you don’t get into your first preference
You might be a bit worried about getting a lower ATAR than you hoped. It certainly won’t be the end of the world – read these two articles for some tips of what to do next.
https://theconversation.com/so-you-didnt-get-a-great-atar-its-not-the-end-of-the-world-35361
NIDA Young Actors Studio Program – Auditions
Collaborate with other young artists in an ensemble to develop skills for stage and screen. Work with the support and direction from core tutors and gain inspiration from industry professionals.
6-hour workshop each Sunday during term time for 2018.
Auditions:
Sydney
Sun 10 Dec, 2017 10am
Sun 14 Jan, 2018 10am OR 2pm
You need to enrol for the auditions.
https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OSYASAU
Australian Government Cadetships, Scholarships and Work Experience Opportunities
The Australian government has a number of cadetship, scholarship, and work experience opportunities within Australian Government departments and agencies. To view these opportunities, visit:
JMC: How to break into the arts and entertainment industries
This article from JMC Academy provides some great tips on how to break into these industries and others like them.
https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news/how-to-break-into-the-arts-and-entertainment-industry
Myfuture 2017 Updates
Myfuture has made updates to its website for 2017. These include my career profile. The account registration for users has also been simplified as well as a simplification of the course search to make finding a course or career path easier. For any other feedback or suggestions for the service contact, careers@esa.edu.au
Good Universities Guide Website Update
The Good Universities Guide has been revamped and they are seeking feedback on the site from students and careers advisers: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3321734/GUG-Website-Survey
https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/
STEM Subjects – Why are they in Demand?
https://www.skillsroad.com.au/parents/career-planning/stemsubjects
Careers with STEM Term 4 Magazines
If you’re interested in study or a career in science, technology, engineering or maths, you might want to check out the latest Careers with STEM magazines. They are full of interesting and inspiring stories about where study in STEM can take you.
https://careerswithstem.com/read-it-here/
6 things to consider when picking a degree
https://thefootnotes.com.au/5-things-you-need-to-consider-when-picking-a-degree/
EducationUSA
This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre.
https://www.educationusa.info/australia
Changes to Police Officer Recruitment Process
The main changes to the recruitment process include no minimum academic requirement, introduction of a University Certificate in Workforce Essentials, the entrance exam is now known as the Police Entrance Exam, copies of transcripts and other mandatory documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace, online application via JobsNSW and a case office will contact applicants once applications are received.
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/home
ADFA
Australian Defence Force Academy applications are now open for 2018. While this may seem like a long way away, the application process can take 3–12 months depending on your circumstances. To avoid having to do the application when you are busy with year 12 exams, think about starting your application soon!
https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/how-to-apply/
Good Careers Guide
A resource that provides students and career advisers access to the relevant tools to explore career, education and employment options.
The 400+ job descriptions covered by the guide include information about personal requirements, education and training, employment opportunities and related jobs.
https://goodeducationbookshop.com/products/the-good-careers-guide
ATO Tax File Number Applications
A tax file number is a unique nine-digit number issued to individuals and organisations to help administer tax and other Australian Government systems. Students need a TFN before they can start any type of paid work.
For information on how to apply visit: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/
Smartphone Apps to Help with Studying
This article features some smartphone apps that can help students to improve their study habits.
Think Education Surviving Year 12 eBook
Think Education have produced a free eBook with tips on how to master your final year of school.
https://beyou.think.edu.au/surviving-year-12
TSFX Exam/Study Tip 3 & 4
https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-study-tips
TSFX Edge Online
Edge Online is an online resource portal that provides exclusive resources designed to provide students with the best opportunities to optimise their Year 11 and 12 scores.
Edge Online members receive over $300 worth of resources at no charge.
https://www.tsfx.com.au/resources/
TSFX: HSC Study Tips – Top Tips from Past Year 12 Students
https://www.tsfx.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HSC-2016-Study-Tip-1.pdf
Tips for note-taking
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/students-take-note-and-ace-your-exams
Staying calm under pressure
https://this.deakin.edu.au/study/the-secret-to-staying-calm-under-pressure
or dentists in hospital for 1 – 8 weeks.
Tips for volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give to your community, meet interesting people, and learn new skills. It can also be a great way to get some experience on your resume before you get a job. Youth Central have some tips on finding a volunteering position and making sure you’re not being exploited in the role.
https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/volunteering-work-experience/volunteering
Christmas Jobs
If you are thinking of earning some cash over the Christmas period many organisations are conducting recruitment drives now. For example, Bonds stores are conducting interviews this month! Take a look at:
https://au.indeed.com/Christmas-Casual-jobs
Hot Courses Abroad
If you’re considering studying overseas, you can explore your options on this website.
https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/
Find out which occupations have skills shortages
Choosing a job in an industry where they need more workers is usually a smart decision. Right now, most professions are adequately supplied with large numbers of qualified candidates competing for vacancies. There are shortages for architects, surveyors, sonographers, audiologists and veterinarians, and many trades need more qualified people.
Find out where more people are needed here – https://www.employment.gov.au/occupational-skill-shortages-information
Careers in Sport
This website is for anyone interested in a career in sport and fitness. There is information about recommended qualifications and pathways, along with a list of available positions and courses.
https://www.sportspeople.com.au/
Where could STEM take you?
https://www.mskills.org.au/media-centre/news#NewsHint=14168
https://upto.com/embedded/detail/5HQ1O?pt=a1SO
TSFX Free HSC Survival Guide
The School for Excellence (TSFX) have put together a 36 page guide to help year 12 students achieve the best possible marks in end of school exams. The guide has advice about goal setting, managing stress and procrastination, time management skills, effective learning techniques, planning study timetables and more.
Download it here: https://www.tsfx.com.au/hsc-survival-guide-edge-teachers
Good Universities Guide Resources
This page has electronic resources on a number of topics, including comparing universities by state or by degree. The information is all sourced from The Good Universities Guide 2018.
https://australiancareersservice.com.au/resources/ – good-university-guide-downloadables
How to focus on wellbeing in times of stress
https://www.utas.edu.au/news/2017/10/6/422-how-to-focus-on-wellbeing-during-times-of-stress/
Thank you God for our families and loved ones,
we are so blessed in so many ways.
Please watch over and protect us each and every one.
Lord help us to remember that your love for us is our guide to loving each other.
I know we may not always be perfect and we may make each other crazy but when the time comes,
it is amazing how we will be there for one another.
Lord help us to step back and allow each other
to grow in the way that you intended us to be.
Thank you Father in Heaven
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice: Pray for Us
St Mary of the Cross: Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever
It is hard to believe that the 2017 academic year will be a distant memory in less than a week. It has been a very busy year for all the boys and staff – from our full academic program, sporting commitments, Wakakirri and all the other events held throughout the year. However it is important to remember that classes conclude on Wednesday December 6 and all boys are expected at school as normal until then.
Thank you for all your prayers for Will – they’ve done their job. Will is on the road to recovery. My special thanks to the exceptional response from the Junior School staff, in particular Mr Ryan, who ensured Will had the best care possible. A big thank you from all the Junior School to Mrs Maureen Andrews whose assistance and knowledge was invaluable.
Last Thursday Mr Gill conducted our walkathon assembly which saw each of the major charities we supported each receive a cheque for $11000. Overall the 289 boys at the Junior School raised over $58000 having walked a total of 5200km – a tremendous effort.
A reminder that next Monday is the start of the Year 6 laptop return program. Whether the boys purchasing or just returning their computers they need to bring them in to IT next Monday. Boys will be called down class by class. If your son is returning his laptop the charger must be returned as well. There should never be any stickers in the laptop at any time.
Well done to the following boys who volunteered last week to read picture books to the Preschool. Apparently they loved it and loved having your company.
Wednesday
6 Gold – Liam Russell
6 Blue – Rafael Di Giorgio
6 Red – Connor Andrews
6 Green – Oliver Neate
6 White – Conor Black
Friday
5 Gold – Cooper Gee
5 Blue – Lucas Atherton
5 Red – Hunter Eldridge
5 Green – Otto Hulewicz
5 White – Campbell Scally
Congratulations to all the basketballers that have been trialling for outside representative teams over the last few weeks. Well done to:
Oscar Walters-Green – North Sydney
Thomas Gleeson – Sydney Comets
Ike Musca – St George
Last Friday our new 2018 students joined us for an orientation day and BBQ lunch. I’m sure the boys left excited and enthused about coming to Waverley next year. It was great to see the boys play and work together for the first of what will be many occasions.
Many thanks to those families that have already supported our charities for Christmas – we have had a great response but all donations to the charities below are more than welcome.
Year 5 – Matthew Talbot Hostel
The Matthew Talbot Hostel is a social justice initiative run by The St Vincent de Paul Society, aimed at helping the homeless men of Sydney.
Donations include:
Toiletries (preferably small travel size items), underwear, socks, chocolates, notepads, pens.
Year 6 – Kids Helping Kids
The Kids Helping Kid program is an initiative run by The Smith Family aimed at helping the disadvantaged school children in Australia. We supported this charity earlier in the year by raising money on Edmund Rice Day.
Donations include:
Stationery (which means things like) e.g. packets of pens, colouring pencils, textas, highlighters, scissors, erasers, pencil cases.
Giving Tree
You are invited to donate a gift for our Junior School ‘Giving Tree’. The gifts are for disadvantaged children throughout the local and wider communities of Sydney. The gifts are for children of any age range, both boys and girls.
These gifts need to be wrapped in clear plastic with the age range specified on the wrapping. The gifts are then to be brought into school and placed under the Christmas tree.
Thank you for all your generosity in supporting these worthwhile charities.
Last day will be next Wednesday.
It is a great shame that this date is not publicised more widely, particularly as men and boys are over represented when it comes to mental health and suicide statistics in comparison to women. This past Sunday comes as a timely reminder to check in with the boys and men in our lives and promote conversations and help seeking behaviours in terms of their own health and wellbeing.
The objectives of Men’s Health week include
The emphasis in wellbeing mentor groups this week focussed on one simple question “What will you do to make a positive difference?”
International Men’s Day
On Monday our Year 11 students took part in a keynote presentation on Male Image, Masculinity and Relationships. This was an engaging and eye opening experience which encouraged our boys to reflect upon their own decision making and their core values as a man. When we are young what makes us popular or cool are not always the desirable attributes that we wish to guide us through life. Our boys were challenged to think outside the “Man Box” and to not take the easy way out and “go with the flow” but rather than stand up for what they know is right, “swim against the current” and strive to be the best version of themselves possible.
At the College assembly on Thursday White Ribbon Ambassador Marty Wilson and Green House Wellbeing Prefect Daniel Brown spoke out against Violence Against Women and challenged our boys to call out sexist and misognystic attitudes in their peers. The key to preventing or reducing the prevalence of domestic violence in the future lies in the hands of our boys. As the leaders of tomorrow our boys must develop the emotional awareness and self regulation skills to manage challenging situations and tense emotions. They need to hold themselves and others to account and stand in solidarity with those in need of support or assistance.
We look forward to a great turn out on Friday morning as Waverley College will no doubt again be well represented in Standing Up, Speaking Out and Acting to prevent violence against women.
Between 19 and 24 November, Year 10 successfully completed their outward bound learning experience at Somerset camping grounds. The students were met with some outstanding weather, and while there was some slight drizzle, the evenings were perfect as students sat around the campfire to discuss the daily activities and to laugh with friends. Our theme for our camp was ‘Stepping up, Stepping out’ and it was overwhelming to see the cohort take this on board with each activity. Students managed to step up into leadership and step out of their comfort zone, lessons we hope for the cohort to take into their senior years.
The students took part in a variety of activities, ranging from high ropes, to kayaking and canoeing, with everyone being provided with a chance to overcome adversity and face hardship along the way. The highlights were varied and many, from the groups that paddled 30km along the Colo river, to the group that trekked close to 100 km, each opportunity created a great sense of achievement for all the students involved. Several of the camp leaders and teachers commented on the way the students collaborated together in difficult situations and developed an understanding about respect towards others as the week progressed.
In 2017, Waverley College introduced a Duke of Edinburgh program under the guidance of Ms Brown, Ms Alborough and Mr Brophy. We had one group endeavour to complete part of their bronze award during the year 10 camp. When visiting the Duke of Ed group, it was great to see them working together as a team in planning the activities for the next day. Each student was required to map their trek using only the coordinates that had been provided. It was fantastic to see the leadership and drive by each of the students involved in the program as they pushed towards completing their Duke program for the year.
As groups sat around the campfire on the last night, they reflected and commented on how they had achieved things they didn’t think possible, and it was that moment for them when they began to understand the importance of participating in the camp. I would like to congratulate the year 10 cohort, who demonstrated incredible resolve and character throughout. Each student faced their own difficulties on camp and hopefully the lessons they learnt will be lifelong and rewarding.
I would like to thank all the Waverley families for allowing the year 10 students to take part in such an important part of their learning experience. Some lessons can only be taken outside the classroom and camp provides those. I would also like to thank all the staff that attended the camp. Without the teachers giving up time away from their families, it would not be the fantastic experience that Waverley currently offers. It is the drive of our teachers that enables students to face the challenges from the camping program and come through successfully on the other side.
Camp Leaders
Duke of Edinburgh Leaders
Support Staff
I’m very proud of the contribution our school makes to the wider community every week. One of the main aims of our Social Justice Outreach Program is to produce young men who want to contribute to our society. Young men who connect with groups on the edges of mainstream such as the homeless, aged, young disabled people. I’m always impressed by how respectful our boys are with the various groups with whom we connect.
Last Monday I was in Kings Cross on an Urban Walk with twenty Year 12 students. The students heard some pretty horrendous stories about drug abuse, mental illness and homelessness. They listened and asked lots of interesting questions. The guys who shared their stories commented on how respectful our boys were throughout the visit. Next year I will invite parents to accompany their sons on the Urban Walks.
Earlier in the term our Year 9 students volunteered to collect money for CanTeen – Young people living with Cancer. They raised a few thousand dollars at Bondi Junction train station.
Tevlin House has been collecting the toiletries for The Matt Talbot Christmas Appeal this year. Tevlin has been focusing on the issue of homelessness and supports The Talbot Hostel as its charity. Thanks to the generosity of the Waverley community, many of the homeless men of Sydney will receive a gift on Christmas morning.
On the Year 10 Reflection Days last week, guest speakers talked about human trafficking and homelessness. Students were able to discuss the issues and asked many questions. Some of our students were surprised to discover that people are trafficked into Australia to work in many industries including brothels, hospitality and farming.
Year 10 Reflection Days
Br Frank O’Shea visited our school this week. Frank manages The Ruben Centre situated in the one of Nairobi’s largest slums. The centre provides healthcare and education to 350,000 people. We have been supporting The Ruben through our Lenten Appeal the last two years.
Year 7 enjoyed a day this week at Watson’s Bay. Tim, our Aboriginal guide, grew up in La Perouse. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. We sampled all sorts of bush tucker and the students hung on his every word.
Thank you to all the staff and students who contributed to the Social Justice Program this year.
I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.
Year 10 students took part in two Reflection Days as part of their Religious Education Program on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th November 2017.
In keeping with the major themes of the Year 10 Religious Education Curriculum, the focus of these days was on Values and Social Justice. The purpose of these two days was to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on their own attitudes and values, as well as sharing in the experiences, attitudes and values of others.
The two days varied significantly and involved the following:
Sam Clear walked around the world for unity. He travelled 15,600km on foot through South America, Central America and North America, across Siberia by train, and on foot again from Moscow to the western most point of Spain. The WALK4ONE thrust Sam onto the front page of numerous overseas news services as he persevered despite exceptional adversity.
Having to find food and water every day was the least of his worries: he was threatened at gunpoint three times, robbed at knife point, beaten up on the side of the road, came face to face with dangerous animals, was hospitalised many times and endured extreme temperatures.
Sam has now presented the lessons from this epic adventure in over 700 businesses and high schools around Australia, New Zealand the United States. His tale is one of extraordinary courage, challenges and love in action under incredible circumstances.
The students were inspired by Sam’s story and ability to overcome incredible challenges. Sam challenged each student to think about their own drive to improve the world and those around them. The activities and stories encouraged students to think about their own behaviours and engagement in the world around them.
Each student attended the Sydney Jewish museum and were lead around the venue by a holocaust survivor. The harrowing story about surviving such a troubling part of human history was an eye opening experience for each of the students at Waverley. Students commented on how powerful it was to meet a holocaust survivor and see the impact this had on Jewish people around the world and the long lasting effects that are still there today.
One of the speakers was a homeless man with HIV who faces difficulties in his day to day life. Students were overwhelmed by his story and many of them discussed the issues that he faced after the discussion.
The other speaker talked about human trafficking and the impact it has on victims around the world. The students could not believe the stories that were shared with them as an eye opening account of the issue in the world around them.
Thanks must go to the following teachers for their support
Organisers
Support Staff
Thanks must also go to year 10 students for the mature and focused way they approached the reflection days. It was a great way to end the year for this cohort who continue to show their exceptional potential as our college leaders for the future years.
The reflection days finish the year 10 program for the year and the cohort must be applauded for their engagement in 2017. They bound towards being future leaders of the school and we cannot be in better shape than with this cohort taking up the mantle as leaders in less than a year’s time. The cohort continues to display all the integral components of a Waverley student and are the epitome of Virtus Sola Nobilitat, as they continue to grow into men that understand the importance of being fundamentally good.
Throughout the break choose to be good men that show compassion, justice, faith and integrity. We look forward to seeing you all next year, ready to take on 2018 with the maturity that places the college in a better place for the future.
I found the Reflection Days which were arranged for the Year 10 students to attend over the past two days to be an amazing learning experience, and an incredible conclusion to an already eventful year.
Our visit to the Jewish Museum was an extremely moving experience, and something I will never forget.
We all listened intently to Andrew, who shared his life experiences with us, and took us through the unfortunate times when he had no other option in life but to live and sleep on the streets, and the danger and fear he endured in doing so.
When we visited The Centre we were fortunate to meet Sam Clear, who shared his amazing story of his journey walking from one side of the world to the other. He shared with us his experiences, and including on one occasion where he visited a village in Panama, where he met this man, his wife and daughter who were living in extreme poverty and yet offered all they had.
I do not believe that there is anything that could be improved upon, as I found both days very inspiring, thought provoking and an amazing learning curve.
Holocaust survivor:
To mark the beginning of the Reflection Days, Quinn, Green, Conlon and Tevlin Houses had the honour of meeting Eddie, a 97 year old Jewish man who grew up in Germany. He described his horrific journey from a normal Jewish child living in Germany to a young adult who was pin-pointed for his religious background. Listening to his wise words involving his experiences in concentration camps and society during World War II, the boys and staff were able to understand the tragic time period which ruined and destroyed lives. He constantly kept us in intrigued with the surreal events he had with SS guards and the ways in which he saved and made friends. One thing the boys definitely won’t forget from the day is how he consistently asked the group the question he said he will never figure out, “Why the Jewish people?”.
Human trafficking:
After being moved by Eddie, we were further exposed to the harsh world of human trafficking, which involves the ‘inhuman’ treatment of individuals in all walks of life. We were told about what human trafficking is and how this impacts our society. The boys were further able to explore how slavery is not abolished from society and how human trafficking is referred to as modern slavery. The students were exposed to many areas of this topic and the ways in which we can help and stop this awful activity. The presentation, which was very detailed, added a personal aspect in which allowed us to see what company brands are benefitting from some form of child slavery, sexual exploitation and forced labour which are all forms of human trafficking.
Homelessness:
Our final seminar for the day was a talk with a man who had suffered from bullying, alcohol and drug addiction. Whilst being extremely humorous and down to earth, his life experiences allowed us to see the negative effects of bullying. This man suffered from bullying all throughout high school from both teachers and students. Having not received any help, he slowly ‘fell off the rails’ after his mother passed away. Due to a poor relationship with his father, he became homeless, arriving in Central from Wagga Wagga. His experiences of living on the streets of Sydney allowed the boys to realise how lucky we are and why it’s so important to be disciplined and stay focused in our own lives and to never bully others.
On Friday morning, Green House took part in the annual White Ribbon Day walk from Randwick to Coogee. It was overwhelming to see the students, parents and staff taking a stand and making their voices heard. Talking to the students of Green House during the walk, they mentioned they felt part of something bigger and that by taking part they were making an impact on social issues in the community. Each student in Green has been able to take part in an important social justice initiative and this will be the focus for Green House for years to come.
I would especially like to thank our Green House Prefects for co-ordinating, fundraising and advocating for this cause so passionately. For the boys in our younger years, look to our leaders for inspiration and motivation when you need it, they have been monumental.
We also had quite a few parents who came to walk with their sons. Their involvement shows the importance of the students taking a stand on this issue and the support behind us from our parents at Waverley. It was inspiring seeing parents taking part in such a significant event.
I would like to thank the following staff for their attendance on Friday and for taking part in the event. Their involvement allows students to see the importance of these events in the college community:
Our wellbeing Prefect, Daniel Brown spoke to school at an assembly last week, and I will use his powerful words to finish as we continue to challenge the young men of Waverley to stand up and take action, because the world is not going to change if we wait for it. Here is some of what he had to say:
“I challenge you to be aware of the way in which your peers treat women. Rethink your perceptions of women. Rethink your current attitude and vocabulary towards the girls and women in your life. And most importantly rethink what it means to be a man.
I know this speech may have been quite confronting for some of you but the vast majority of you before me are kind respectful young men. White Ribbon is men standing up against violence against women. Good men like you standing up and saying that enough is enough!
You determine the culture of the world you live in, and if you want to live in a world where women are no longer abused by men, then take action, because the world is not going to change if you wait for it.
Thanks again for all your support.
On Friday all of the boys from the Year 12 Marine Studies cohort passed their NSW General Boat Licence examination, many of them getting 100% on their first attempt.
The boys have worked extremely hard in preparation for this examination.
Congratulations are extended to:
With the holidays approaching it is a great time for reading. If reading can be built into the routines of holiday life your sons can enjoy a calming and uplifting activity.
The library has all our fiction ebooks available over the holidays.
https://waverleyau.libraryreserve.com
Students: login using the first part of your College email i.e. msmith2021 and your College network password
Here are the last reading tips for 2017. They come from Paul McDonald.
Note: In 2018 we will hold another parent seminar with visiting Author Will Kostakis, April 4 from 6.30 to 8 pm. Put it into your diary now!
Please note that the Term 4 dates for 2018 were UPDATED on 24 November 2017.
The following changes were made:
Term 1
Australia Day Public Holiday – Friday 26 January
Staff Development Day – Monday 29 January
Staff Development Day – Tuesday 30 January
Classes resume for Years 5, 7 and 12 – Wednesday 31 January
Classes resume for Years 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Thursday 1 February
Good Friday – Friday 30 March
Easter Saturday – Saturday 31 March
Easter Sunday – Sunday 1 April
Easter Monday – Monday 2 April
Classes resume – Tuesday 3 April
Term 1 Classes conclude – Friday 13 April
Term 2
ANZAC Day Public Holiday – Wednesday 25 April
Staff Development Day – Monday 30 April
Classes resume – Tuesday 1 May
May Procession/Celebration of the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice – Sunday 6 May
Founder’s Day Holiday – Friday 8 June
Queen’s Birthday Holiday – Monday 11 June
Term 2 Classes conclude – Friday 29 June
Term 3
Staff Development Day – Monday 23 July
Term 3 Classes Resume – Tuesday 24 July
Term 3 Classes conclude – Friday 28 September
Term 4
Public Holiday – Monday 1 October
Staff Development Day – Monday 15 October
Term 4 Classes resume – Tuesday 16 October
Term 4 Classes conclude – Wednesday 5 December
Staff Day – Thursday 6 December
Staff Day – Friday 7 December
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.
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