As we farewell Term 1, I’d like to acknowledge the busyness of the past 11 weeks and the great work that everyone in our community has done to make our College a terrific place to learn, listen, teach, grow, connect, build friendships, share and communicate. I’ve witnessed people step out of their comfort zones and recognise that they are capable of more than they realise, which is a very positive development.
In the coming April holidays, I encourage students and families to make time in their days to connect with one another, reflect, recharge and have fun! I wish all those travelling a safe and inspiring time away. And to all our winter activities that are playing both locally and travelling to Armidale and Orange, we wish them safe journeys and wonderful competitions.
For Years 11 and 12 students, I draw your attention to the article authored by Ms Lynsey Porter HERE and her crucial advice in the Study Guide and Holiday Planner. Pace yourself with a sensible balance of study and breaks, and remember that routine is essential.
Recent academic and sporting congratulations are in order for two talented Waverley College students.
Last Friday evening I had the honour of attending the UNSW Co-op Scholar Induction Ceremony for Jack Preller. Jack graduated from Waverley College in 2023 achieving second academically while being a House Captain, and a member of the first’s Tennis and Debating teams. He was also engaged with Youth UN, participating in the UN Youth State and National conferences in 2023 and awarded the UNSW Co-op Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing.
Jack Preller (UNSW Co-op Scholar) with his family
In 2022 Jack founded Student-Based-Tutoring (SBT) which is a student-led in-person peer mentoring program that has provided over 100 hours of free tutoring to help students achieve their academic goals. Congratulations, Jack!
The UNSW Co-op Scholarship had 827 applications and awarded 58 scholarships for 2024. Some characteristics that scholarship applications winners had were the following:
Jack Preller (UNSW Co-op Scholar) with Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Jack Preller with three scholarship winners
Our last previous Co-op Scholarship winner was Adam Hegedus (Class of 2015) who is the Managing Director of Educating the Future who seeks to set up and develop primary schools in Timor-Leste and educate the next generation. Adam is currently studying at Oxford University for a Master of Public Policy (Education) and MBA.
This week at the Australian Age Swimming Championships, Ollie Moclair (Year 11) did a PB in the 16 years Boys 100m Freestyle, made the A final, and placed 9th overall. He also placed +9th in the 50m Freestyle. The Olympic trials qualifying time is coming up in June which will be a fantastic experience for him. We’re all gunning for you, Ollie!
In May, a two-hour community workshop for students, parents and staff will be held locally to gather feedback and ideas that will help shape Council’s long-term Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan.
Council is seeking input from diverse ages and backgrounds as well as people who have varying experience and comfort levels with bicycle riding throughout the Waverley Local Government Area. They are even interested to hear from people who have considered bicycle riding for transport or leisure, but are reluctant due to safety concerns.
This is a great opportunity for children and young people to give Council their feedback and brainstorm with other residents. Especially as safe transport options were raised as a priority for local action at the Waverley Youth Summit in 2023.
Date: Thursday, 2 May 2024
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Waverley Library Theatrette, Level 2, 32-48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction
Dinner: will be provided.
Places are limited and registrations are essential. Register HERE.
*All ages are welcome, however, children under 18 years of age participating in the workshop must be accompanied by a parent/carer who is also participating.
All schools have been asked to highlight extra surveillance on the light rail during the school holiday period. Please ensure you make responsible and safe choices when travelling on public transport.
The police and light rail employees are reporting that more and more young people are making dangerous decisions such as ‘buffer riding’ on the light rail, especially during the school holidays.
Please know that during these holidays, light rail employees and hired security officers will be monitoring the light rail around the clock. They will work with police to identify any young person who is doing the wrong thing and criminal behaviour will be reported.
Have you heard of REELise? REELise is a registered Australian charity formed to safeguard youth mental health and wellbeing, advance education and advance culture.
Waverley students are invited to participate in the upcoming REELise Film Festival 2024 short film competition. Entry is free! Consider entering, because this is an incredible opportunity to exercise your thought leadership and showcase your creative work to a wide audience. We have had much success in short film productions over the years, so this is an opportunity to inspire others through your creative intelligence and purposeful use of digital media.
Submission deadline: Sunday, 7 July 2024
Competition theme: ‘Choices.’
More information: submission requirements are HERE.
The Future Proofing Study, conducted by the Black Dog Institute, is the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal study of adolescent mental health in Australia. It involves thousands of the same group of students completing annual, online surveys about their mental health and wellbeing for six years during their adolescence. This data collection process is due to be completed in 2026.
Please view findings from the Future Proofing Study presented by Dr Lyndsay Brown from the Black Dog Institute at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference (March, 2024) HERE.
Parents are invited to attend a virtual event, “Raising Students to Thrive” facilitated by wellbeing and leadership specialist, Daniel Merzer.
This exclusive session will unveil practical strategies to empower parents to foster resilience, wellbeing, and tenacity in their teenagers, paving the way for a future of success and fulfilment.
Date: Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Time: 7pm – 8:30pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Location: Zoom
Register: HERE.
Please see message below from Transdev John Holland regarding bus services in Term 2.
As Term 1 comes to a close, we would like to thank you for your cooperation. From Monday, 29 April 2024 some Transdev John Holland bus services will be adjusted to improve reliability and capacity on services to meet the needs of our customers.
Some bus services will be adjusted throughout the area to improve reliability and provide additional capacity on busy bus routes. Please note, your school bus service will not change, however we ask caregivers and students to check timetables to ensure their normal route service time has remained the same.
For more detailed information on any changes, please visit transportnsw.info/trip#/trip and you may “refine” your search by adding in “school service”.
We would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the topic of Opal Card Compliance for school students. It is a condition of the Student Code of Conduct when travelling that students must Tap On and Off with their School Opal Card or Child/Youth Opal Card every time when using public transport. This is so that Transport for NSW can understand customer travel patterns and adjust the services provided, if necessary.
If students do not meet these criteria, they will need to carry a Child/Youth Opal card with funds loaded onto it. If a student’s School Opal Card has expired or been damaged, lost or stolen, please visit transportnsw.info/school-travel-apply to reapply.
We will also continue conducting random visits to school bus stops to further support you and reinforce this message to students throughout the year.
Again, we would also like to take this opportunity thank you for your time and patience and look forward to working with you all throughout the year.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In Term 2 2024, Year 12 Student leaders and House Captains will attend a workshop on Consent for NSW Law Week.
NSW Law Week is an annual festival that is all about creating greater access to justice for Australians.
When: Wednesday, 8 May 2024, 2:35pm to 3:30pm
Where: Waverley Library
Further details will be available via the Parent Portal / Parent Lounge.
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am thrilled to share with you some news from the Languages Department, and how our students are going in Spanish classes here at Waverley. It has been a Semester filled with enthusiasm, engagement, and outstanding learning from our students.
In Year 8, our students have been setting the foundations in their language journey, focusing on basic conversations and developing their cultural knowledge. A highlight has been their amazing work with their multimedia Footballer Profile Assessment, and their Passport Learning Checkpoint task.
Please take some time to have a look at a few amazing examples from some of our talented students below.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have also been putting their creativity to work with their Children’s Book Assessment. During their recent mini food unit, students teamed up with the wonderful Year 10 Food Technology class. It was inspiring to see their teamwork in action to create delicious empanadas.
I must also commend the hard work and dedication displayed by our Seniors studying Stage 6 Spanish. I want to commend their dedication to assessment preparation and attendance of tutorials.
The Languages faculty are planning exciting learning opportunities and excursions for students to engage more actively with the Hispanic world. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement in nurturing our students’ love for languages.
Mr Daniel Best
Head of Languages
dbest@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Two years ago, Waverley College participated in a significant research project affiliated with Deakin University, QUT, and the University of Canberra titled ‘Teen Reading in the Digital Era.’ Research was conducted with secondary students in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, giving a broad overview of the reading habits of teenagers across Australia.
The results make for interesting reading in this recent article published in The Conversation (5 April 2024).
Recommended Reading lists have been sent to all parents, carers, and students.
Books can be borrowed from the school library.
Last week, I published a list of writing and poetry competitions happening at the moment.
Below is another wonderful local competition that Randwick City Council is running.
The Lionel Bowen Young Writers’ Award, named in honour of former Mayor of Randwick and former Deputy Prime Minister Lionel Bowen AC, seeks to uncover the writing talents of young people in Randwick City.
This year’s theme is “The Future is Wild”. There’s monetary prizes to win!
Build your story or poem around the theme The Future is Wild. Let your creativity flow in words, your short story or poem can be based on reality or be completely out of this world and imaginary.
Good luck!
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday with lots of reading and writing.
Ms Mary Ryan
Literacy Coordinator/ English Teacher
mryan01@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The break presents an opportunity for students to consolidate their study notes and prepare for assessment tasks in Term 2.
Students are encouraged to use this time wisely to balance study, leisure and exercise, to maintain their wellbeing.
Please find below useful study guides and planners for the break, which include valuable tips, resources and details of the Study Skills website.
The Online Study Skills Handbook is HERE.
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
You may also access the Online Study Skills Handbook through the College Website. Click on the Curriculum link on the Home page.
Now in its 25th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event where all Primary School children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.
Waverley College will be promoting this initiative as the below objectives are inline with the message we want to instil in our students;
The Objectives of WSTSD are:
We encourage our students to walk or catch public transport to school on Friday, 10 May 2024 or suggest parents and carers who have to drive, to park the car at least 10 minutes away from the school.
We will have fresh pieces of fruit and muesli bars to celebrate our students as they enter the school on the significant benefits that regular walking can have on their physical, mental and social health.
I wish all families a safe and restful break, and as always, we appreciate the unwavering support. We look forward to an exciting Term 2.
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of the Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The World’s Greatest Shave Foundation Campaign is led by Lacey House. I know many in our community cherish and support graciously every year and is one that has directly supported some of our past and present families at the College.
The Lacey Leadership Team would like to thank you for your support. Almost $14,000 has been raised for this charity. There were four students in the Junior School who had their heads shaved this year and we are very proud of their efforts and support, as well as raising large amounts of money.
A huge thank you to Ollie Johnson, Arlo Buchanan, Ellis Cario and Marcello Zanco.
Thank you for your support and if you would still like to make a donation please click HERE.
Jai Brodie – Lacey House Captain
Mr Damien Thompson
Head of Lacey House
dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Jai Brodie – Lacey House Captain
Mr Damien Thompson
Head of Lacey House
dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The celebration of mothers, grandmothers and significant others in the lives of our Waverley College Students, will be celebrated on Friday, 10 May at 12pm (Week 2A, Term 2). This will be at Mary Immaculate Church followed by a light lunch at the Junior School.
View the invitation HERE.
RSVP HERE.
Part of the celebration will include a slideshow. Please send through a photo of your son(s) with their mothers/grandmothers if you would like a photo included in this presentation. If all photos could be emailed through by no later than Monday, 6 May 2024.
Please email photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
For parents/carers seeking information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that you contact your local parish to find out the details regarding when the Sacrament will be celebrated, and when the preparation classes will be held.
For students who attend St Charles Borromeo Parish (Mary Immaculate Church) and attend Waverley College, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, 23 June 2024 at 2pm.
Please be aware that the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year, therefore only Year 6 students will be enrolled to receive the Sacrament.
View the boundary map HERE to see if you are within the parish boundary.
For further information, important dates and to register your son to receive this Sacrament, click HERE.
The document below will also give you important information regarding the dates of the Preparation program.
View the Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Note HERE.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Wednesday and Thursday ONLY
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
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.
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.
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Teacher of Literacy & Innovation
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We have made it to the end of an amazing term of Summer Sport and Swimming. Congratulations to all the Junior School boys who played in their Summer Teams with pride and also to those who attended our various Clubs on top of sport.
At the Junior School, we offer so many opportunities for boys to extend themselves beyond school sport, such as Run Club, Judo Club, Hip Hop Dance Club, Chess Club, Coding Club, Spanish Club, Innovation Club and more. We are grateful for the skilled and passionate coaches and teachers who run these sessions for our students.
We look forward to the winter sport season beginning and our Clubs continuing next Term, but for now you have all earned a break!
A special shout out to the 20 Junior School boys who were selected last year to play at Armidale this weekend. We have been training hard and are raring to go. Thank you in advance to the families who are transporting and accommodating the boys out there. It will be such a memorable weekend and I look forward to sharing our results here next term.
Congratulations to our Swimming Age Champions for 2024, who were presented with their trophies at Assembly on Monday. The Swimming Age Champions are calculated on the points scored at our Swimming Carnival earlier in the year.
U10 Swimming Age Champions
U11 Swimming Age Champions
U12 Swimming Age Champions
Well done to Jordan Strbac, Louie Cummins and Alex Jenkins in Year 6 who competed at the CIS AFL Trials on Monday this week. The trial was tough with lots of good footy played! The boys all tried their best to showcase their talent amongst many other boys from Sydney to Coolangatta. Jordan and Alex were both selected in the CIS team and will compete at the championships in Aubrey in May. We wish them both the best of luck.
On Wednesday, twelve Junior School boys ran in the IPSHA Cross Country Trials, after the original carnival was rained out last weekend. Jagger Michael placed 14th in the U11 race, with a time of 12:17.35 which means he has been selected to run at the NSWCIS Cross Country Carnival in the IPSHA Team. This will be held on Thursday, 6 June 2024 at Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Well done to all our runners, go Waves!
U10 Cross Country
U11 Cross Country
U12 Cross Country
On Thursday, Jack Forde and Kai Hess swam at the NSWPSSA Championships after progressing through CIS earlier in the Term.
Congratulations to Kai Hess, who placed 6th overall in U11 50m Freestyle and a special mention to Jack Forde who came 4th place overall in U11 50m Freestyle, which means he progresses to Nationals!
We wish Jack the best of luck in Term 3 when he will represent Waverley at this incredibly high level. We applaud both boys for their incredible efforts in the pool this Term.
Please find the Draft Terms 2 and 3 Junior School Winter Training Schedule 2024, HERE under ‘Training’ and the Draft Winter Draw under ‘Games’.
Wishing you all a wonderful and safe holiday break.
Ms Jade Sparks
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Junior School)
jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Step back in time with our Year 5 students as they journeyed through the cobblestone streets of colonial Australia during their history excursion on Wednesday. Students immersed themselves in the tales of early settlers, exploring hidden laneways, buildings, and historical sites in The Rocks. From experiencing life as a convict to uncovering cautionary tales, this hands-on adventure brought history to life in a thrilling and exciting way. With passionate tour guides from Ranger Jamie Tours leading the way, our students walked away with a deeper understanding of Australia’s beginnings and a newfound appreciation for the past.
Ms Chloe-Jane Tweedie
Teacher of 5 White
ctweedie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This Term in Science has been an exhilarating journey for our students! Year 5 delved into the captivating realm of forces and energy through hands-on experiments, while Year 6 students embarked on a fascinating exploration of the living world and adaptations.
Additionally, this Term marked a significant milestone with the introduction of our new VEX robotics kits, igniting passion and creativity as students delved into STEM challenges, building, exploring, and inspiring innovation.
Mr Max Mancinelli
Teacher of Science
mmancinelli@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 1. 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.
*These tutorials apply to Year 11 students undertaking an HSC subject in 2024.
| DATE | SUBJECT | TIME | STAFF | ROOM |
|
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
|
Visual Arts | 3:15pm – 5pm | Turnbull | C13 |
| Industrial Tech Multimedia | 7:30am – 8:30am | Gibbs | W32A | |
| Mathematics Extension 1 | 7:45am – 8:45am | Hall | E32 | |
| Thursday, 2 May 2024 | English Advanced and Standard: Craft of Writing in the HSC | 7:30am – 8:30am | Ryan & Fernandez | K21 |
|
Friday, 3 May 2024
|
Hospitality | 7am – 8am | B McCarthy | TF1 |
| Maths Standard 2 | 7am – 8am | Cornish | E33 |
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 3pm the day prior.
Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
Ms Martina Cooper
Director of Curriculum
mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 1. 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 |
|
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
|
Visual Arts | 3:15pm – 5pm | Turnbull | C13 |
| Industrial Tech Multimedia | 7:30am – 8:30am | Gibbs | W32A | |
| Mathematics Extension 1 | 7:45am – 8:45am | Hall | E32 | |
| Thursday, 2 May 2024 | English Advanced and Standard: Craft of Writing in the HSC | 7:30am – 8:30am | Ryan & Fernandez | K21 |
|
Friday, 3 May 2024
|
Hospitality | 7am – 8am | B McCarthy | TF1 |
| Maths Standard 2 | 7am – 8am | Cornish | E33 |
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 3pm the day prior.
Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
Ms Martina Cooper
Director of Curriculum
mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the tutorials on offer for Year 12 students during the school holiday break.
| DATE | SUBJECT | TIME | STAFF | ROOM |
|
Monday, 15 April 2024
|
Hospitality | 9am – 11am | McCarthy | TF1 |
| Visual Arts | 9am – 12pm | Turnbull | C13 | |
| Tuesday, 16 April 2024 | Mathematics Advanced | 9am – 12pm | Mountfort | E41 |
| Wednesday, 17 April 2024 | Standard Mathematics | 9am – 11:30am | Soden/Cornish | W41 |
| Thursday, 18 April 2024 | Modern History | 9am – 12pm | Brophy | K11 |
| DATE | SUBJECT | TIME | STAFF | ROOM |
|
Monday, 22 April 2024
|
Hospitality | 9am – 11am | McCarthy | TF1 |
| Visual Arts | 9am – 12pm | Turnbull | C13 | |
| Modern History | 9am – 12pm | Brophy | K11 | |
| Tuesday, 23 April 2024 | Society and Culture | 10am – 12:30pm | Theo | W32 |
|
Wednesday, 24 April 2024
|
Standard Mathematics | 9am – 11:30am | Soden/Cornish | W41 |
| Music 2 & Extension | 9am – 1pm | Balkizas | P14 |
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 3pm the day prior.
Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
Please bring any equipment you may need for the tutorial (e.g. textbooks, notepads, pens etc.).
Students may wear casual attire.
Ms Martina Cooper
Director of Curriculum
mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College are pleased to announce we will be offering skills sessions for all rugby players. Please see information below for timings and the list of skills that these sessions will target. All players are encouraged to join with no registration required.
Venue: Queens Park
Day/Time: Wednesday 6:45am
Skills targeted:
For any questions, please email ldrewmorris@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College are pleased to announce that Mr Eddie Paea from The Kicking Academy will deliver kicking skills sessions for all age groups. Players who would benefit from these sessions include any player who wants to improve their in game kicking and goal kicking skills.
Venue: Queens Park
Day/Time: Friday 6:45am
Skills targeted:
For any questions, please email ldrewmorris@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris
Director of Coaching – Rugby
ldrewmorris@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In Term 2 2024, Ms Joyce’s Year 11 Legal Studies Class will attend a Criminal Law workshop for NSW Law Week.
NSW Law Week is an annual festival that is all about creating greater access to justice for Australians.
When: Friday, 10 May 2024, Period 4 and Lunch
Where: Waverley Library
View the Week 11 Careers Newsletter HERE.
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We 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
