Parents — will receive some additional help for their sons!
Students — look out for invites sent to you for a Google Meet from myself, Mr William Roberts.
The drop in session is for you to get any help accessing ebooks, audiobooks and general questions you may have re navigating the College’s online tools.
Parents and caregivers just need to ask their sons to click ‘accept’ to this invite for access to this service.
The times will be a mix — during recess, lunch or from 2:30pm onwards.
Look out for this for Term 4 from day 1. We are conducting testing this week and next.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: RUOK? Day, screen-free days, straw/recycled material roller coasters, online bookshop, KIDS NEWS short story writing competition.
Welcome to Week 9! This week I spoke to our students about RUOK? Day. This is an organisation that is very close to our hearts and one that sends an important message to all.
It’s never been more important to reach out and check-in on each other. We know many of us are struggling, feeling isolated and alone. Our students have created posters today to promote the message of RUOK? Day and I hope it will bring awareness within our community.
As you know, next Thursday 16 and Friday 17 September will be screen-free days for our students. Our students are expected to use Thursday 16 to catch-up on any outstanding work they have and on Friday 17 there will be a range of activities for our students to partake in. If you find that your son has completed most of his work, he can start on the Super Fun Friday activities early.
Students are expected to choose a range of activities from the activities below and create a montage of pictures to show how they spent their Super Fun Friday.
There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize.
More details will be available for the students on my Fun Friday CANVAS page!
It was so wonderful to see the time and effort students put into last Friday’s Fun Activity. The straw/recycled material roller coasters were brilliant. Week in and week out, the students amaze me with what they create! I want to congratulate all students for their hard work. The following students were the winners for last week:
Our pop-up book shop which is proudly supported by ‘The Children’s Bookshop & Speakers’ Agency’ has gone online. Allowing your son to make his own reading choices is an important part of encouraging reading.
Books you purchase will be delivered to your door free of charge.
CLICK ON THE LINKS below to find out more:
The competition has four age groups: Kindergarten to Year 2; Years 3-4; Years 5-6 and Years 7-9.
Students write 500 – 1000 words on a theme of their choice.
A panel of judges, led by award-winning author Jackie French, will choose the winning entries, with the first prize in each age category winning 10 copies of their short story published into a printed book with a personally designed cover, plus an iPad and a HarperCollins book pack.
There are also prizes for one runner-up and three highly commended entries in each age group.
Teachers can submit their students’ entries using the online entry form in the link above. A consent form, signed by the student’s parent or guardian, must be attached to the entry form and also can be found in the link above.
Entries are open from 9am (AEST) Monday 16 August until 5pm (AEST) Friday 17 September 2021.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Public Health School-based Vaccination Program has sent our College some information in regards to the vaccinations that are scheduled for Tuesday 26 October, 2021. Please see the communication from our local public health unit below:
We are currently reviewing the school vaccination clinics impacted by the extended lockdown.
At this stage, students are not required to follow up with their GP to receive a catch-up vaccination.
We will be in contact with you over the next three weeks to advise of rescheduling arrangements moving forward.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Please note that this is not related to any COVID-19 vaccines. This is in regards to the annual school-based vaccination program for Year 7 and Year 10 (catch up doses). As soon as we hear more information, you will be notified.
Ms Adele Cutbush
Registered Nurse
E: healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au
NSW Health has implemented a Mobile Vaccination Program. This means that free Pfizer vaccinations are now available if you are between 16-59 years.
If you can’t make an appointment online, the NSW Public Health staff can help you when you arrive.
Help us stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, today.
Please view the following links to book in at one of these mobile vaccination clinics:
Club Burwood | 96 Shaftsbury Road, Burwood
Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre | 150 Belmore Road North, Riverwood
PCYC Marrickville | Steel Park | 531-565 Illawarra Road, Marrickville
Peter Forsythe Auditorium | Francis Street Corner, Franklyn Street, Glebe
Green Square Library | 255 Botany Road, Zetland
Wests Leagues Ashfield | 115 Liverpool Road, Ashfield
Please bear in mind that these are links provided to Waverley College from the Sydney Local Health District. They are not affiliated with Waverley College in any way. We are trying to assist you by providing this information about where you can get vaccinated.
Ms Adele Cutbush
College Registered Nurse
E: healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Cadet of the Week, form to complete for Cadet Uniform Issue for Recruits, last Cadets for the term, Lunge for Legacy.
Congratulations to our equal Cadets of the Week – CPL Isobel Killcross of 1 PL and REC Fox Stapleton of 10 PL!
Congratulations CPL Isobel Killcross of 1 PL
Isobel was promoted to Senior Corporal after her brilliant performance on the Junior Leaders’ Promotions Course in June, and has been excelling in her leadership with 1 PL throughout this term.
Congratulations REC Fox Stapleton of 10PL
Fox has been consistently working to improve his Cadet knowledge, week after week, and is one of the reasons 10 PL is doing so well in the Platoon Competition.
Well done, Fox and Isobel!
A reminder to all parents of Recruits (Year 8) to go online and complete the Cadet Uniform Measurement Form so we can issue your son with his Cadet uniform and equipment as soon as we are back on campus, with minimal handling of clothing.
Thus far, only 30 parents have responded. Could I please ask Year 8 parents to pass this message on, via your social networks, so we can reach everyone in the year group?
Today is our last Friday for Cadet Training this term and what a magnificent effort our rank and recruits have shown us! Every week, at O Group, our Company Commanders report that rapport is getting better and better, knowledge and skills are advancing, in the face of significant hurdles. You are demonstrating the tenacity, fortitude, service and excellence that are the hallmarks of a cadet. And you are getting to know your platoons, your companies and your staff, ready to hit the ground running on the journey to AFX, as soon as we are able.
This week, D Company and 6 Platoon are enjoying their break from the CDC as they compete against each other, and the clock, in the virtual Space Escape Room.
Thank you to Will Whitaker from Media Platoon, for his coverage of B Company activities last week:
Scenes from B Company
And a hello from RHQ below – the senior rank who have been working hard each week in planning your training and activities:
RHQ on Friday Afternoon
Thus far, the Cadet Unit has raised $2,600 towards the Lunge for Legacy Activity with A Company currently 4th in Australia for funds raised. A big thank you to the A Company Commander, CUO Darcy Ferguson, who leads by example with his individual fundraising efforts! Well done, Darcy!
SPT Company Commander, CUO Hugo Defina-Sperando, is lunging for Australia as he brings his Company to 6th on the National Leaderboard. Fantastic leadership, Hugo.
The activity continues for the rest of September. Please keep logging your lunges and pledges on your teams’ pages for your best chance in the Individual and Company competitions.
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you to Year 12 HSC plus ATAR students for attending the online study skills and motivation seminar to assist in preparation for the HSC Examinations.
User name: year12waverley
Password: year12waverley
The best support you have is each other, learning together is a great way to help you stay focused.
Wishing you all the best and feel free to contact Dr Prue Salter if you have questions or want feedback on your plan.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I encourage you to read the newsletter and contact me if you require any further information.
If you require any assistance with anything whilst you are at home please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
At yesterday’s respective House Assemblies, the following boys were announced as House Captain and Prefect positions. Congratulations to these students:
House Captain – Alejandro Zanapalis
House Prefect – Leo Astridge
House Prefect – Benjamin Finegan
House Prefect – James Kort
House Prefect – Daniel Di Paola
House Captain – William Dodd
House Prefect – Brandon Reid
House Prefect – Charles Alexander
House Prefect – Xavier Scally
House Captain – Max Barber
House Prefect – Jay Palm
House Prefect – Cuba Kanakis
House Prefect – Thomas Martin
House Prefect – Jared Garwood
House Captain – AJ Preketes
House Prefect – Daniel Smith
House Prefect – Hugo Pizzol
House Prefect – James Byrd
House Prefect – Ian Vuk
House Captain – Michael Richmond
House Prefect – Owen Punch
House Prefect – Jimmy Ashbridge
House Prefect – Conor Cahill
House Captain – Thomas Wilkins
House Prefect – Jonathan Booy
House Prefect – Patrick Healy
House Prefect – Max Leedham
House Prefect – Alex Morris
House Captain – Angus Anthony
House Prefect – Jasper Doyle
House Prefect – Bryn Siltala
House Prefect – Jackson Cunningham
House Captain – Jack Rigg
House Prefect – Sachiel Bass
House Prefect – Daniel Di Francesco
House Prefect – Hugo Roles
House Prefect – Cooper Stynes
Congratulations Dane Perica, Year 12, who received the prestigious Archbishop Award for Excellence for his service work today (Friday, 3 September). The annual awards were started in 1999 by Cardinal Edward Clancy to honour leadership qualities and service to school and parish communities.
Congratulations Dane Perica
Congratulations to Elija Heininger who is a VET Excellence Award winner for 2021. Elija was nominated for displaying excellence in the completion of all aspects of his Entertainment course.
Congratulations to the following boys on their selection for the following teams:
An Australian Schools Team has not been announced as yet.
Wishing all fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures a Happy Father’s Day on Sunday. This year, beyond all others, has reminded us of the importance of family and the vital role fathers play in the lives of their children.
Dear God,
Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to Your heart. I ask that you would bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see You and know You in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfill your special purpose for their lives.
Amen.
Next Thursday, 9 September is the national day of action for RUOK? Day and our assembly will be on Wednesday morning. The theme for 2021 is R U really OK? In her Nurrunga article, Ms Cathy O’Sullivan (Head of Conlon House) provides some website links containing self-care tips and strategies to stay connected.
Towards the end of last year, I wrote to you on behalf of the College Advisory Council Finance Committee with regards to College Fees for the 2021 year and beyond, and again in May this year.
Recent changes to the Government Funding Model for schools means that Waverley will experience a significant decline in its Government funding until 2029. This decrease is predicted to be in the vicinity of $27M, which equates to a 37% decrease in Government funding over that period. The government’s funding calculation model Direct Measure Income (DMI) is based on parental income.
For nearly 120 years, Waverley College has provided a high-quality Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice Tradition. The College has focussed on academic excellence, quality teaching and learning, student wellbeing, the faith and social formation of young men, provision of a diverse and inclusive co-curricular program, development of a strong and vibrant Waverley Family and the provision of quality, appropriate learning environments.
Funding sources for schools are generally limited to Government funding and tuition fees, with some additional income derived from other sources such as Foundations, sponsorship and donations. Government funding has traditionally accounted for approximately 38% of the College’s total income. With this source of income beginning to decrease dramatically to approximately 25%, the College will need to examine how other funding sources, including tuition fees, need to be adjusted to compensate for this significant decrease in Government funding.
The College, over many years, has endeavoured to keep school fees at a reasonable level. If you compare our fees to other independent schools across Sydney, you will find we are very good value. We are very aware that our families work hard to provide an opportunity for their sons to attend Waverley. The College also has a long tradition of providing support for families when, for a range of reasons, their financial circumstances change. This support has never been more visible than during 2020 and 2021 when COVID-19 impacted many families across the Waverley community.
In 2021, the College was able to keep fees to a flat $400 increase across all year levels to try to minimise the financial impact of COVID-19, despite the significant financial pressure this year that decreased government funding of $1.6M which equates to approximately $1100 per student in 2021, was going to have on the College.
Next week, you will receive a request from the College to respond to a survey that will take about 10 minutes to complete. This survey is designed to explore your opinions and capacity to service your tuition fee commitments from 2022 and beyond. It is a significant challenge to balance affordability and the high-quality educational offerings for which Waverley is known. Your input via this survey will greatly assist the College in gathering important data from families so that informed, equitable and genuine decisions may be made by the College in relation to tuition fees. Your answers are confidential and your anonymity is guaranteed. The data from this research will be reported only in the aggregate.
I thank you for your ongoing support of the College and importantly, of your sons. As the Waverley Family, we will successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead, and Waverley will continue to provide a quality Catholic Education in the Edmund Rice Tradition.
Congratulations to our Year 12s who have completed successfully their online trial assessments. They have shown amazing resilience in adapting to these challenging times and maintaining their composure with so many outside pressures on their shoulders.
With a little down time before they get back into their study and/or search for an apprenticeship, another look at university early entry opportunities or available further training could prove beneficial. For example, Macquarie University have reopened their early entry offer program and are offering five COVID-19 Impact Points to boost selection ranks, or ACU Guarantee program offers students a maximum of five adjustment points for students who attend schools that are in their Schools Relationship program, of which Waverley is. Or you might think a prospect of working up in the Pilbara is a good option at the moment.
Take some time to relook at where your next step could be by clicking on the links to opportunities below, or call Ms Knowles to discuss, for further advice. One of these steps could take away a fair amount of stress.
Students are eligible for this program if they are currently completing Year 12 and attend a school that has a strong relationship with ACU. Waverley College is one of these schools.
Year 12 students can receive a maximum of five adjustment points from the Schools Relationship Program.
These points will be automatically applied through UAC if students list one of ACU’s courses as a preference. There’s no need to apply separately.
Applications to ACU’s Early Entry Program, ACU Guarantee, are now open for 2022 admission.
How does it work?
By using your Year 11 results, ACU can predict a selection rank and make an offer accordingly. As part of your application, you may also choose to provide personal statements that give ACU insight into your circumstances and motivation for university study, to improve your entry score for ACU Guarantee.
*Applications close Friday 24 September 2021.
Macquarie University recognises the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by Year 12 students at this time. With the delaying of HSC exams and ATAR release, their ability to plan for university is also impacted.
An early offer can give students peace of mind and certainty about their future at university. Following the latest announcements for Year 12 students by the government, Macquarie University has reopened applications for the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme.
*The Scheme is now open and applications close Sunday 19 September 2021.
Macquarie recognises the significant impact this pandemic has had on students and the stress related to university entry for 2022.
To reassure Year 12 students, all applicants applying for a Session 1, 2022 undergraduate degree will automatically receive five COVID-19 Impact Points to boost their selection rank.
Prospective students will not have to apply for these additional adjustment factors as they will be automatically applied via their Universities Admission Centre (UAC) application.
Designed for high-achieving school students, the UTS Early Entry Program allows you to secure a place in your preferred UTS degree based on your Year 11 academic achievements.
*Applications close Sunday 12 September 2021
(SRS): Apply through UAC.
All Year 12 students are able to apply for SRS, although not all courses are included in the scheme.
*Applications close Sunday 19 September 2021
Institutions make offers based:
How to apply:
If you’ve already applied for undergraduate study through UAC, use the ‘Apply or log in’ button at the top right of the UAC website and select the SRS application.
Career opportunities across Australia’s mining and agricultural businesses.
You will learn your trade on the job and attend trade school to gain additional knowledge and skills through accredited courses.
HIA Apprentices offer these apprenticeships:
Master Builders Apprenticeship Service is a Group Training Organisation, that employs apprentices and trainees to place them with tradespeople, builders and contractors within the Building and Construction Industry for on-the-job training in their trade.
Master Plumbers Apprentices Limited (MPAL) is a group training company and is the largest employer of apprentice plumbers in NSW.
MPAL ensures that apprentices employed through the scheme are exposed to all aspects of the Plumbing industry including: Water Plumbing, Sanitary Plumbing, Drainage, Roof Plumbing, Fire Hydrants and Hose Reels. The exposure is across Domestic, Commercial, Industrial and High-rise Construction Plumbing.
Get your 2022 Career Guide delivered straight to your inbox.
In recent times, vaping has become a real problem for our teenagers and a pressing issue for teachers and parents. Waverley, like all schools, has not been immune from this issue with a small percentage of boys making poor decisions in terms of vaping. Despite anecdotal media attention to the contrary, research carried out by the Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation suggests that most adolescents are making good choices in terms of vaping, with over 86% of teenagers never consuming a vape. That still leaves us with the 14% of adolescents who are putting themselves at risk.
Vaping is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 years and has poor health consequences for the students who engage in this activity. The College has a clear policy for any student in possession of a vape or e-cigarette whilst on campus.
It is important that parents are across reliable information about how to help teenagers who may be vaping. Professor Renee Bittoun (UNSW), an internationally-regarded expert on nicotine addiction and smoking cessation, will explain how you can know if children are vaping and what to do when they are.
She will deliver a webinar on Thursday 9 September at both 3:45pm and 7pm.
Places are limited to enable participants to ask questions and make the most of the presentation.
Professor Renee Bittoun from UNSW
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
With the implementation of the new Parent Lounge, each week iAssist will be publishing a guide to a specific feature to help parents navigate around the interface.
The guides will be released through Nurrunga and then listed in the Parent Lounge under the School Links — Parent Lounge Guides section.
This week it’s Lodging an Absence.
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
E: spotter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Just a friendly reminder that as previously mentioned, the Year 12 processes for end of lease laptops is also underway. All the information on prices, payments, options can be found on the relevant information sheets.
The information sheets are also published in the Parent Lounge — School Links — End of Lease Macbooks;
OR
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
E: spotter@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
