Read more: Winter Co-curricular Award winners, memorable highlights and special mentions.
This week we recognised all of our Winter Co-curricular Award winners in a diverse range of activities. All of these students from Years 5-12 have demonstrated the hard work, commitment and dedication to representing Waverley to a high standard.
There have been a number of memorable highlights including the 1st XI Football making the NSWCIS Independent Cup Final; Waverley hosting the Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition; eleven members of the undefeated 1st XV being selected at a NSW representative level; the significant improvement in our Volleyball program; the continued efforts of Debating going online; the continued efforts of those students attaining their Duke of Edinburgh awards, as well as the roll out of our new co-curricular attire that displays the uniformity across all activities and sports. All of these award winners are to be congratulated.
I also want to make special mention and thank all of the parents who are members of the various supporters’ groups, as you are critical to the delivery of our programs and volunteer so much time to help. I also want to thank our Convenors, staff and coaches for all of their hard work, but mostly I want to thank the students, and in particular Year 12 for all of their efforts in co-curricular activities over their time at Waverley College.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Cadet of the Week, Space Escape, Lunge for Legacy.
Congratulations to our Cadet of the Week – SGT Sarah Teitler of 6PL. Sarah’s approach to online learning has been exemplary. She engages well with her recruits from week to week, and her passion for Cadets and the care she shows for her platoon is excellent. Well done, Sarah!
Recruits last week learnt the safe and economical way to pack a pack ready for AFX, so important for Company morale and efficiency. I was really impressed with the submissions to the assessment with the top points going to:
In lieu of the Archery and Laser Tag activities planned for Cadets in Term 3, our recruits will take turns with an Online Escape Room over the next three weeks. This will add a bit of variety to our training, and provide an excellent team-building platform for Company bonding.
I am proud to announce that the Cadet Unit will be raising funds for Legacy during September through Lunge for Legacy 2021.
This activity is open anyone who would like to support the families of our veterans who are coping with the consequences of suicide.
Our Companies will compete against each other in the online environment, seeing who can do the most lunges and who can raise the most funds. Service is a key tenet to Australian Army Cadets and we are proud that our Company Commanders are contributing to the community in such a meaningful way.
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: learn now to enter the Prize and read about the photographic entry by Duke Weiland featuring on Social Media!
This annual competition has been running since 1994 and is open to high school students in the local area. The exhibition showcases a dynamic mix of photos and short films, created by young photographers and filmmakers.
The competition comprises a range of categories, with a new category this year – ‘Inclusivity’. We see Year 12 Visual Art student Duke Weiland’s image submission ‘It’s all in the Makeup’ (above) hitting the criteria for ‘Inclusivity.’ This photograph has already become a favourite for the Prize by being posted on their Social Media.
Duke Weiland’s photograph recently featured on Woollahra Council’s Social Media pages
The competition awards cash prizes of up to $2,000 and will this year be exhibited in the new Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.
We encourage all students with a keen interest in photography and film to enter the competition. If you need assistance, please email Ms Turnbull for help.
We wish all the entrants good luck and we are keeping our fingers crossed for them.
Ms Jenna Turnbull
Teacher of Visual Arts
E: jturnbull@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Early Entry Schemes, University Open Days and Tours Update, Weekly Careers Newsletter.
I encourage you to read the newsletter and contact me if you require any further information.
It is important that you attend (virtually) the University Open Days. They are an excellent opportunity for you to have any of your questions answered.
Please note that early entry for Macquarie University closes on Friday 20 August.
Should you require any assistance with anything whilst you are at home, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can arrange a Google Meet.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Semester 1 Academic Awards Years 7-9, Old Boy Ryan Abbott, advice about online behaviour of Gen Z.
Congratulations to our Semester 1 Academic Award winners in Years 7-9. Their dedication and persistence has paid off, and we congratulate them on their fine achievements. These students were recognised at our recent online academic assembly. They lead by example and by striving to reach their potential, have set new benchmarks. We are very proud of each of them.
James Barber – Equal First in Year English, Mathematics and Geography, First in Class English and Geography
Jacob Blowers – First in Class Technology
Sonny Bowcock – First in Class Science
Benjamin Capaan – Equal First in Year Music, First in Class Music, Science, PDHPE and Technology
Aidan Carpenter – First in Class Science and Music
Charlie Carter – First in Class PDHPE
Lando Cheatham – First in Class PDHPE, Equal First in Class Drama
Lochie Colquhoun – Equal First in Year Drama, Equal First in Class Drama
Cruz Cooke – First in Class Drama
Ryan Crawford – Equal First in Year Drama, Equal First in Class Drama
Ben Cromer – First in Year Science, Equal First in Year PDHPE and Geography Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education, Science, Geography, Music and Technology, Equal First in Class PDHPE and English
Adam Curran – First in Class Religious Education and Geography
Jordan du Toit – Equal First in Class English
Marley Dugard – Equal First in Class English
William Elliott – Equal First in Year Music, First in Class Music
George Ellis – First in Class English, Zack Ellis First in Class PDHPE
Dante Fearn – Equal First in Year Drama, First in Class Religious Education, Drama, Science, PDHPE and Technology
Hugo Fernandez – First in Class English
Jonte Garvey – Equal First in Class English
Lewis Hamilton – Equal First in Year Mathematics, First in Class Geography
Aaron Hodge – First in Class Music
Josh Hodgson – Equal First in Year Drama, First in Class Religious Education and Geography, Equal First in Class Drama
Riley Joel – First in Class Music
Lachlan Jones – First in Class Science
Zac Jones – Equal First in Class Technology
Costa Karlis – Equal First in Class English
Jonathan Kingma – Equal First in Year Drama, Equal First in Class Drama
Xavier Kopsiaftis – Equal First in Year Geography and Drama, First in Class Geography and Drama, Equal First in Class English and Technology
Billy Lagos – Equal First in Year Mathematics, Equal First in Class English
Brooklyn Lagos – Equal First in Class English
Charles Le Marchant – First in Class PDHPE, First in Class Drama
Max McKenzie – First in Class Religious Education
Marcus Messaike – First in Class Technology, Equal First in Class Drama
Ryan Murphy – Equal First in Year Music, First in Class Music
Oscar Murray – First in Year Technology, First in Class Technology and Geography
Owen Patient – Equal First in Year PDHPE, Equal First in Class PDHPE
William Pollard – Equal First in Class English, First in Class Music
Zain Quettawala – First in Class Technology
Jacob Rae – First in Class PDHPE
Christian Richardson – Equal First in Year Religious Education, First in Class Religious Education
Jack Richardson – Equal First in Year Drama, Equal First in Class Drama
Alex Richmond – Equal First in Year English and Mathematics, First in Class English
Fred Robertson – First in Class Religious Education, Equal First in Class Drama
Enzo Rossi – Equal First in Class English and Drama, First in Class Science and Geography
Angus Skeed – Equal First in Year Music, First in Class Music
Peter Soumilas – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education
Max Star – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, Equal First in Class English
Dante Tyler – First in Class Drama
Thomas Vanderkemp – First in Class Science
Bowie Wanda – Equal First in Year Drama, Equal First in Class Drama
Silas Whitehead – Equal First in Year Religious Education, Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education, Science, PDHPE, Geography and Technology
Cristian Abruzzese – Equal Second in Year Mathematics
George Alexandratos – Equal Second in Year Mathematics
Dean Andrews – First in Class English and Technology
Sebastian Ari – First in Year Visual Arts, First in Class Visual Arts
Monty Armstrong – First in Class English
Kayden Baker – First in Year Technology, Equal First in Year PDHPE, Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class English, PDHPE, History, Visual Arts, Technology and Spanish, Equal First in Class Religious Education and Science
Joshua Barr – Equal First in Class Religious Education
Isaac Barton – Equal First in Class PDHPE
Fred Carmody – Equal First in Class History
Sam Caro – First in Class Science and Technology
Lieme Chan – Equal First in Year Religious Education, Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education
Charles Coughlan – First in Class Visual Arts
Tomas Crosson – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Technology
Max Dent – Equal First in Class PDHPE
Tom Donaldson – First in Year Mathematics, Equal First in Class Religious Education
Cillian Donnelly – Equal Second in Year Mathematics
Cooper Fitzsimmons – First in Class English
Huon Groves – First in Year Science, Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class English, Science, PDHPE, History, Technology and Spanish
Nick Hjorring – First in Class Science and PDHPE, Equal First in Class English
Yannick Hott – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education, Science, PDHPE, History, Visual Arts and Spanish
Lachlan Isaac – First in Class Visual Arts and Spanish
Rafal Jackson – First in Class English
Thomas Jackson-Whitlock – First in Class PDHPE
Jack Peter Johnson – Equal First in Class Religious Education
Leo Jreige – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class English, Science, PDHPE, History and Spanish
Charlie Luck – First in Class Visual Arts
Callum Macarthur – First in Class Visual Arts
Lachlan Marzol – First in Class Religious Education, History, Technology and Spanish
Kai McDermott – Equal First in Year PDHPE, First in Class PDHPE
Jonathon McDonald – Equal Second in Year Mathematics
Christian Miletic – First in Class Religious Education
James O’Loughlin – First in Class PDHPE
James Peate – First in Year English, Equal First in Year Religious Education, Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Religious Education, English, Science, History and Spanish
Tamen Peralta – Equal Second in Year Mathematics, First in Class Science
Renato Rovacchi – Equal First in Class Science
Lachlan Rowney – First in Class Technology
Max Sheehy – Equal First in Year Religious Education, First in Class Religious Education and Technology
Lucas Simcocks – First in Class Visual Arts
Fox Stapleton – First in Class Technology, Equal First in Class English and History
Giles Strachan – First in Class Religious Education
Harrison Thorpe – First in Year Spanish, First in Class Science, History and Spanish
Archie Tindale – Equal First in Class Religious Education
Joshua Tsoukalas – First in Class Visual Arts
Theo Varvaressos – Equal First in Class English
Cameron Vincent Hull – First in Class History and Spanish
Oscar Wilson – Equal First in Class Religious Education
Nick Zanapalis – Equal Second in Mathematics
Bailey Barker – First in English and STEM, Equal First in Geography
James Birbas – First in Spanish
Zac Coonan – First in Mathematics Level 3 and Photographic and Digital Media
Luke Crosson – First in Drama
Dillon Duke-McCoy – Equal First in Mathematics Level 2
Jack George – First in Mathematics Level 1
Tashi Harrison – First in Design and Technology
Milan Mann – First in Industrial Technology Timber
Ewan McDonald – Equal First in History Elective
James Medland – First in PDHPE, First in Physical Activity and Sports Studies
Lennox Miller – First in Visual Arts
Lachlan Miranda – First in Commerce, Equal First in Applied Philosophy
Robbie Muir – First in Music
Thomas Risk – Equal First in Mathematics Level 2
Will Sweetman – First in Information and Software Technology
Asher Thomasyu – First in Science, Equal First in Geography and Applied Philosophy
William Whitaker – Equal First in History Elective
Henry Whitehouse – First in Work Education
Ricardo Zanapalis – First in Religious Education and Food Technology, Equal First in Geography
After starting at the University of Sydney and playing in their inaugural UBL team, Ryan Abbott ended up receiving three US Scholarship offers and has chosen Fresno Pacific University in California. For the next four years, Ryan will attend University in California and play College Basketball. Ryan has been recently training and playing for the Illawarra Hawks NBL team in Wollongong. On behalf of the College Community, we wish Ryan an amazing next step and safe journey. We look forward to hearing about his experiences on return to Australia.
Over the last few weeks in Nurrunga, we have written much about how to assist your son get into a good routine, the importance of exercise, and of setting some boundaries around technology usage. Please take the time to read College Psychologist Ms Tessa Prior’s article in this week’s edition, around what Gen Z actually do online, as it will give parents valuable insight into this space.
Over the past year and a half, our College nurse Ms Adele Cutbush has been making creative use of her spare time by creating a recipe blog, so that others can enjoy some delicious home-cooked meals. Due to the lockdown, she has finally launched it, and hopes the Waverley community might be interested in having a look. Her mission is to add a new recipe every week. From flavoursome Corn and Zucchini Fritters to nutritious Toddlers’ Cottage Pie, there really is something for everyone. Happy cooking (and feasting)!
Adele’s Corn and Zucchini Fritters
Read more: new child safety officers, tips on keeping routine during lockdown.
Waverley College places the care and safety of all students at the forefront of everything that it does. In addition to all staff undergoing child protection training in line with our Code of Conduct, the College up until now, has appointed Child Safety Officers from its leadership team.
After consideration, we believe that students would benefit from a broader range of staff being included in this group. The College Leadership Team have therefore made the decision to expand the number of Child Safety Officers from a broader cross-section of staff.
The key responsibilities of this team include:
Ongoing training will be provided by EREA including the National Child Safeguarding conference in September.
Below are the new Child Safety Officers joining me, Ms Elizabeth Watson and Ms Gabby Smith:
I have spoken to the students at assembly a number of times about the importance of finding and maintaining a routine at this time. For most of us, our regular gym sessions, co-curricular training, competitive sport and coffee catch ups are a distant memory. There are, however, strategies we can take to maintain our ‘normal’ routine amidst the current Greater Sydney lockdown:
Start or end each day with five things you’re grateful for, and see how your mindset during the day or before your sleep shifts;
Make an effort every day to get outside for at least 20 minutes to soak up some sun (when possible), or simply observe the ocean or even lake if you’re down by the water. The sun will boost your immune system and help you sleep in the evening, not to mention the calming nature of the ocean;
It’s so easy to simply work ALL day, as you may not be leaving the house and/or there is “nothing better to do”. Take at least 30 minutes to simply relax, doing what you love … read, listen to music, play games, or go for a walk;
Snacking will easily creep in, especially when you get bored. Make an effort to only buy what you plan to consume, and keep the same eating routine. Consider healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit and cut up vegetables such as carrots and capsicum. Keep the hydration up too, drinking between 2-3 litres of water per day;
Amongst the usual benefits of exercise, the main focus here is keeping mentally and physically stimulated (endorphins are awesome), and keeping your immune system in check.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Student and Staff Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Young people’s online habits can sometimes seem like a mystery to anyone that isn’t a young person. These habits have become exacerbated since lockdown, prompting a lot of conversations about what is a healthy amount of screen time, and what is concerning.
A recent study published by Year13 YouthSense has looked into how young people use the Internet, and how much time in their day is dedicated to this. I hope this article helps to normalise some of your son’s online habits, and give you some guidance into what would be considered ‘average’ use. This study is based on 1,232 responses from across Australia.
As adults, we grew up in the age of TVs, running to do our chores or go to the bathroom in the ad breaks, so as not to miss a moment of a show. Young people today are growing up in a very different world; regular TV is hardly on the radar for Gen Zs. The Internet is playing a huge role in our young people’s lives, and getting them ‘off it’ is not the answer. To help the young people in our lives, it is important we understand what is considered ‘normal’ and encourage boundaries, based on this information.
Based on this 2021 study, 71% of young people are using their phone as their preferred device, with laptops at 18% (desktop 7% and tablet 4%). The average screen time per day is five hours, meaning they are spending close to a third of their waking lives on their phones, with only 13% of respondents having one to two hours a day. It’s important to note that these five hours are not screen time during their school day, this is in addition to their use of laptops at school.
When it comes to what young people are doing, around 37% said they were on Social Media (Instagram, TikTok etc) for three plus hours a day, while 42% said they were using Social Media one to two hours a day. If we compare this data with websites, only 8% were using websites three plus hours a day.
In addition to Social Media usage, streaming videos on YouTube and shows on Netflix etc had very similar results, with almost half streaming between one to three plus hours each day.
When it comes to online gaming, the data shows differently. 75% of males reported that they game weekly, compared to 43% of females. However only 12% of respondents reported they play games for three plus hours a day.
The term ‘addicted’ is thrown around a lot when it comes to young people and technology use. And maybe for good reason. The need for this engagement does appear as an addiction, which further emphasises the importance of boundaries and strong expectations.
Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development and changes. The everyday patterns of behaviour they engage in now, is setting a precedent for their later years. The more education and structure they are provided around screen time, the higher chance they will incorporate this into their lives as young adults.
The study mentioned above, showed that 48% of young people felt they were addicted to Social Media, with one 18-year-old stating “people are too addicted to their phones. To the point where it’s weird if you’re not addicted”.
If you are setting boundaries around screen time, do this WITH your son
The online usage for young people is something everyone has an opinion on; maybe you feel it’s bad having adolescents exposed to so much, so young. Or perhaps you think it’s an empowering tool, that they are able to create a platform and understand more about the world, in a way that we as adults didn’t at their age. No matter what side of the fence you sit on, remember that our young people today are informed, and connected. Therefore, if you are setting boundaries around screen time, or limiting certain content/Social Media platforms, I would encourage you to do this with your son.
Ask him, what does he think is fair? Get an understanding of his current use. Is he using public or private accounts? Does he think his mental health is being impacted? Creating a shared agreement or goal around screen time is an empowering and validating way to work as a team, in order to get the best outcome.
Ms Tessa Prior
School Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Wednesday morning, despite being in lockdown, our Year 10 and Year 5 students will have the opportunity to reconnect online for their first Big Brother/Little Brother gathering this term.
Each Year 10 student has been matched up with a little brother in Year 5 in their House group and will be able to engage in conversation throughout the Google Meet activity.
I know our Year 10 students are very excited to have this opportunity to engage with the younger years again, and I look forward to hearing the many interesting topics of conversation on Wednesday and seeing these relationships grow.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Despite the fact that we have not been able to go to Timor-Leste on our Immersion program since 2019, the strong relationships we built up over time have continued to flourish. As a result, some of our alumni are endeavouring to continue to help develop the wonderful classroom facilities that provide educational opportunities for the children of Timor-Leste via a fundraising venture along the Great Ocean Walk to hopefully raise $30,000.
I am sharing this news because these young men are wonderful ambassadors for Waverley, and reflect the values of Edmund Rice in caring for the disadvantaged and thinking of others before themselves. Some of our past students who were privileged to attend these immersions pre-COVID-19 include one of our Vice-Captains from 2020, Liam Andrews.
LIAM ANDREWS (CLASS OF 2020) AND TIMORESE PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS SHARING SKILLS, 2019
Liam’s reflection on his Timor-Leste experience (below) is testament to the wonderful relationships that can be made throughout these opportunities. Hopefully post-COVID we will be able to again participate and enjoy these simple, yet life-changing experiences beyond the Waverley gates.
The Timor-Leste immersion offers an experience that is distinctly unique to Timor-Leste itself. From the warm welcoming people and communities, to the natural beauty and rich history of the Timor land, the immersion allowed me to challenge my comfort zones and engage in a truly humbling experience.
Through our homestay with the families in Railaco Craic, we were not only able to build relationships that transcended language barriers, but created memories that will last lifetimes. Playing soccer with the local kids, introducing them to the beauty of rugby, and learning more about a country that exists so closely to Australia, the immersion strengthened the bonds between the Waverley boys. It offered opportunities to learn more about the staff that accompanied us, helping the boys to develop healthy student-teacher relationships that continued on as we got back in the classroom.
Additionally, the friendly nature of our guides from Timor Unearthed created a fun environment allowing us to benefit from their profound knowledge of Timor-Leste. Ultimately, the Timor-Leste immersion is a humbling experience that allows the Waverley boys to understand their privilege and experience a world greatly different from our own.
Liam Andrews, 2020 Vice-Captain
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday 20 August at 12 noon, the Children’s Book Council of Australia will broadcast live, the winners of the best books for children for 2021.
This could be a fun lunch time activity to spend with your sons and family.
All age categories are covered from preschool to Young Adult – fiction and information books.
Join in if you can.
Students can access all books in hard copy when back on site, and where available, we will source ebook and audiobook versions!
This year’s theme is certainly “app” for our COVID times: we are definitely in a new and other world!
The dystopian classic ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: National Science Week activities, experiments, innovations, competitions, championships!
From 14-22 August we are encouraging students from Years 5-12 to explore their curious side by taking part in the various activities we will be hosting virtually.
This year’s National Science Week theme is: ‘Food: Different by Design’ which explores the influential nature of our Agricultural industry and the exciting scientific innovations which are enhancing food production and sustainability in Australia and around the world.
Firstly, we encourage all students to take part in the Education Perfect Science Championships which begin on 16 August. To do this, click on the EP Science Championships 2021 button on your EP Dashboard and answer as many questions as possible.
You can browse the content and learn about any science topic you are curious about! This includes lessons on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth & Space, COVID-19, Investigation skills and many more.
The more questions answered the more points you get!
*House points will be awarded to students who achieve an award!
Secondly, we would like to announce another wonderful competition. Students from Years 5-12 are asked to record themselves undertaking an experiment at home and explaining the scientific concept behind it in a fun and engaging way.
Prizes will be awarded to a winner and a runner up from both the Junior and Senior Campus.
Video requirements:
Four ideas for experiments or innovations you may like to undertake and present to the College Community are below:
4. ‘At Home Science Activities.’ Browse the content on Education Perfect for this folder.
The Science department can not wait to celebrate Science Week with you! You may even see some of our favourite ‘at home’ experiments during the week, so keep your eyes peeled!
Ms Gemma Brown
Assistant Head of Science
E: gbrown@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
