The final weekend of Rugby for Term 2 saw a number of Waverley College teams successful with 14 wins from 20 matches played. It was a highly entertaining day of Rugby and a number of Cranbrook players, coaches and parents expressed their thanks for the good spirits in which all matches were played.
We particularly thank the Cranbrook community for their support of our Indigenous Round. It was wonderful to witness history with the 1st XV players running around for the first time in the specially-designed Indigenous “Double V” jerseys. We thank Mr Billy Reynolds, Aboriginal artist and Yuin man, for his artwork “Coastal Connections” which was featured on the jerseys.
Rugby Indigenous Round
Waverley College vs St Augustine’s by Student Journalist Lucas Coe
Both teams looked ready and fired up! Waverley kicked off deep into St Augustine’s half, with a good chase early. However, Waverley gave away an early penalty for coming in from the side. St Augustine’s took the kick to touch and gained 20 metres from it, placing them into Waverley’s half. St Augustines’s halfback saw some space wide and passed a cut out ball straight out to the winger to score. St Augustine’s led by five, missing the conversion.
Waverley kicked off again, with another good chase. St Augustine’s gave away a penalty for not releasing the ball. Waverley took possession close to the Augustine’s line. Waverley threw a good line out and a forward took a great hit up. St Augustine’s got penalised for being offside and Waverley chose to take the tap. Waverley had a forward ready to take a hit up but I was on the blindside with the winger. Before our halfback tapped it, I told him that there was a gap on the blindside. The Halfback tapped it, dummied it one way, then passed it to me. I dummied to the winger and then got the ball over the try line. Try to Waverley to even things up, and sadly we also missed the conversion. Both teams went into half time at five all.
Not long into the second half, St Augustine’s had a scrum 60 metres away from the try line, giving it to one of their fast centres as he made a break. Fortunately, Waverley’s fullback made a great cover tackle to stop their momentum.
Waverley then gained about 25 metres when St Augustine’s got penalised for being off their feet. Waverley decided to take the penalty kick for the chance to be up by three, however, the attempt was unsuccessful.
At one point, St Augustine’s knocked the ball on in the ruck and Waverley gained possession off the scrum. The St Augustine’s halfback was offside. He had been doing this multiple times during the game, so he was given a yellow card from the ref. The score was still even with only a few minutes to go.
Waverley took the tap and spread the ball out to the wing. One of our forwards did a pick and drive to score right on the bell! A great Waverley moment to win at the last second. The students were very happy and should be proud of the win. Final Score 12-5.
We would like to sincerely thank all those wonderful parents and friends in our community who gave up their time to assist on the BBQ and Canteen across Term 2. We are so lucky to have such generous support in our community, who always make guests to Queens Park feel welcome. To steal some words from Virginia Woolf, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” I certainly do not think we would love our Rugby as much without the wonderful hospitality we are fortunate to enjoy each and every week at Queens Park. Thank you!
This weekend a number of students will be involved in the NSW Junior Rugby State Championships representing a variety of clubs across Sydney. Always an exciting weekend, a number of age groups will be travelling to venues all over NSW including Orange, Dubbo, Camden, Concord and Narrabeen. We wish all players involved the best for a successful weekend and look forward to hearing your results when you return. Safe travels!
Please note we will not be holding any training sessions in the final week of Term 2, following a big term of Rugby. The coming weeks will certainly provide all players the chance to have a rest and recover from any injuries ahead of the important final rounds of CAS Rugby in Term 3.
In the holidays, we will be holding training sessions for players in As and Bs teams (13s, 14s, 15s and 16s) in the final week of the holidays leading into the St Augustine’s matches (details below). These training sessions (for all age groups) will be taking place on Tuesday 6 July and Thursday 8 July from 8:30am to 11am at Queens Park. Our 1st XV and 2nd XV will have their own scheduled trainings over the holidays under the direction on their coaching staff.
On Saturday 10 July, all “A” teams will be having a match against St Augustine’s at Queens Park. This is extremely important match up as it should help blow out the holiday cobwebs and ensure players regain some match fitness ahead of CAS Round 3 against Barker College (17 July). It will be good to see how teams have progressed this season having played St Augustine’s early in Term 2.
The schedule for the day is as follows (all matches will be played on QP1):
If players are unable to make these matches due to being away on family holidays, we ask students to contact their team coaches as well as Mr McCoy on jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au so we can ensure teams have enough numbers.
I would like to wish all those students involved in the State Championships this weekend.
Waverley to Win!
Mr John McCoy
Convenor of Rugby
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The AFL Presentation Night will take place on Friday 30 July from 6-7pm in the PAC. It will recognise outstanding player performances in 2021 as well as farewell Year 12 players.
Entry tickets and raffle tickets are available to purchase on the night.
Raffle prizes include a signed football or jersey donated by the current Swans team. All proceeds will be donated to the GO Foundation.
Everyone is welcome and Years 5-6 students are encouraged to attend.
Special guest to be announced!
Mr Alan Riordan, AFL Convenor E: ariordan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Alan Riordan
AFL Convenor
E: ariordan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday, 4 June, Year 10 completed their first session of the Land, Sea, Air Drawing incursion with artist Tania Mason.
Students experimented with a variety of techniques and processes to create samples in charcoal, ink and watercolour. For each medium, students were encouraged to push the boundaries in terms of mark making and application techniques to create unique representations of local flora and fauna.
Students engaged with the artist’s practice and learnt a lot from tutorials demonstrated by Mason as she simplified her process and demonstrated how to build these materials through layering to create a resolved work.
These fundamentals learnt in the first session will be built on next term, when Tania Mason returns for the second and final incursion.
Ms Natalie Oates
Head of Visual Arts
E: noates@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 students of Studies of Religion II were immersed in aspects of the Jewish faith on Friday 4 June. They attended the Great Synagogue in the city and heard from the rabbi about aspects of Jewish worship and life, including the lack of images of God in their place of worship, the separation of women and men in an Orthodox synagogue and the centrality of the Torah in rituals. The students also experienced the wearing of kippahs to signify humility in the presence of the transcendent God.
Following a walk to Darlinghurst, the next aspect of the day was at the Sydney Jewish Museum. This program was specifically tailored to the Studies of Religion Preliminary Course and included a tour and lecture. Aspects covered included an understanding of the branches of Judaism, sacred scripture and rituals. The students were able to get a hands-on experience of significant themes in the lives of Jews in Australia. It is hoped that these students may return to this museum at a later stage to encounter the impact of the Holocaust on the lives of Jewish adherents.
Ms Martina Cooper
Head of Religious Education
E: mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
When studying a foreign language such as Spanish, it is important to be exposed to a variety of authentic resources and experiences to enrich a student’s understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which the language is used, as well as develop an ability to reflect on their own culture.
Last week, Year 12 Beginners and Continuers students had the opportunity to watch a film based on a book written by the Mexican author, Laura Esquival, entitled: Like Water for Chocolate in the Performance Arts Centre. The film was set in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution and presented a visually stunning tale of love and the magical powers of food.
Before watching the film, students were treated to a traditional Spanish breakfast of chocolate caliente, churros y magdalenas. Sampling the delectable treats was an integral part of their incursion, as they were able to appreciate the importance of delicious food and flavours in Spanish cuisine.
Ms Priscilla Quintata
Head of Languages
E: pquintana@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Traditional Spanish breakfast of chocolate caliente, churros y magdalenas. YUM!
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I would like to thank Mr Michael O’Loughlin, Aboriginal artist Mr Billy Reynolds and Mrs Fran Grant for their presence here today and for assisting us all to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, but also remembering that reconciliation is a process and a journey, not a day or week event.
By dictionary definition, ‘reconciliation’ means:
Let’s start with the first definition – the restoration of friendly relations. I certainly believe that if someone arrived from overseas and took over the land where I lived, killed many of my people via murder and disease, changed all the natural systems around me, and treated me as not human, then friendly relations would be very hard to extend. Yet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are extending the olive branch to us all. They are wanting to share their 60,000 + year culture with us, the world’s oldest living human culture, and they are wanting respectful relationships.
The second definition, the action of making one view or belief compatible with another, certainly brings up passionate debate among people. And I certainly acknowledge my bias when I put forward my thoughts on the subject. My parents came to Australia in 1959 from Scotland. We lived in Middle Cove Sydney and I attended an independent school. This skews how I look at the world and it skews how I am treated in this world. All of us bring our own learned bias into respective situations.
Sometimes, there is debate about our current National Anthem Advance Australia Fair. Is it inclusive for all Australians? There has been a change recently to try and address some of that debate, but it still does not mention Australia’s First Nations Peoples. For many people, this needs to occur to assist in reconciliation.
Advance Australia Fair was chosen as the national anthem in 1984. That was only 37 years ago, replacing God Save the Queen which was decided as our National Anthem at Federation in 1901. 37 years is not very old, to my way of thinking; flexibility shouldn’t be too hard in this space. New Zealand’s national anthem has both English and Maori languages, and South Africa’s national anthem employs five different languages in the same version of the official lyrics.
Australia’s Constitution is another area that brings debate. Australia’s First Nations Peoples are not mentioned in it – 60,000+ years of connection to land not recognised. When I look at America’s Constitution, particularly the second amendment ‘the right to carry arms’, it reminds me that sometimes constitutions need updating, and need to represent new learnings and wisdom.
And finally, the date of Australia Day, 26 January, creates more and more debate each year. For some Australians, the date makes sense as it marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip. For others, it represents the day they were invaded, the day they lost their Country, and life changing forever.
If we go back to the second meaning of the word ‘reconciliation’, the action of making one view or belief compatible with another, it is hard to see how keeping 26 January as our national day is going to be compatible. Particularly if we are trying to build respectful relationships and trust between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sometimes, to move forward, you need to acknowledge the past, one’s failings and learnings, and these can take time. But you who represent Australia’s youth, can increase the speed of reconciliation, of truth telling and of change needed for our reconciliation journey.
This year’s theme urges us all to take action for reconciliation and on the National Reconciliation website they suggest 20 actions. I chose three that jumped out for me:
Yesterday we launched our new Indigenous round jersey, designed by local Aboriginal artist and Yuin man, Billy Reynolds. Billy’s artwork Coastal Connections is about the grounds on which we play today, Queens Park, which was once connected to Centennial Park.
The area was once a meeting place for the Bidjigal, Kameygal and Gweagal people of Botany Bay and the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, who lived nearer to Watsons Bay. The parks had fresh waterways which provided Aboriginal people with plentiful food and spaces for them to camp, trade and hold meetings during their journeys.
The circle in the middle of Billy’s artwork represents this meeting place and the features on either side represent Aboriginal people coming together. As Waverley is on the coast, Billy used gradients of blue and yellow to represent the land meeting the ocean.
We would like to thank artist Billy Reynolds, parent Fran Grant, and designer Jonathan Ward for this special collaboration. Below you can watch Billy’s reaction as he sees his artwork on the Indigenous Round jersey for the very first time.
I’d also like to make a special mention to all students who put themselves and their artworks forward for entry into the recent Waverley Youth Art Prize and Clancy Religious Art Prize. It takes courage to enter art competitions because you are putting yourself and your unique work out there. It shows a belief in your own strengths, your ambition to develop your talents, and does a great deal to nurture your self-confidence.
Congratulations to our three Waverley Youth Art Prize winners:
I begin by paying respect to the Elders – past, present and emerging – of Australia’s First Nations people, and in particular the Gadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land Waverley College occupies.
On Monday we were blessed with a Welcome to Country during wellbeing time from Uncle John in the Centenary Quad, with a smoking ceremony and prayer. During the week we were also lucky to host Torres Strait Islander artist in residence Zachery Bennet-Brooke who has exhibited worldwide. Over two days, students had a rare opportunity to chat to him as he painted a First Nations mural outside room K01. On Thursday the entire College came together for our Reconciliation Week Assembly.
Our community is richer because of the enrolment of a growing number of First Nations students. Reconciliation Week invites us to take time to listen so that we acknowledge our past in order to understand the present lives of Aboriginal Australians. Together we can commit to shaping a future for this nation where dignity and justice are afforded to all First Nations people and all Australians are active contributors to achieving Reconciliation.
It is important that all students who catch public transport to the College do so using their Opal Cards. With significant timetable changes proposed by Transport NSW to many popular bus routes, data obtained by Opal Card use informs decisions when routes and services are reviewed. You and your son may be greatly impacted by these changes.
I ask all students to remember that is also an offence to travel on public transport without an Opal Card which has been activated.
| Current routes | Proposed routes |
| 314, 316, 317, 348, 353, 360, 379, 400 | 313, 350, 360, 379, 390X |
Click here to apply for all categories of Opal Cards
Hundreds of people rallied in Randwick on Sunday 30 May to protest against the proposed changes to our local bus network and the huge impacts these will have if implemented.
Click here to learn about the rally.
Unfortunately, a small number of students are still making poor decisions in terms of vaping. 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. Students face a minimum two-day suspension and are subject to a meeting at the College with their Head of House and Deputy Principal. This applies to any student in the company of a student consuming a vape or e-cigarette.
Any students found selling vapes to other students will put their enrolment at the College in jeopardy, as vapes and e-cigarettes fall under our drug and alcohol policy. Students in this category will have their enrolment suspended and face an enrolment review meeting with the Principal and Deputy Principal.
Next Thursday our student leaders along with St Clare’s College have organised a Push Up Challenge which aims to raise awareness and money for mental health. The aim is for each school to complete 3138 push ups, which is the total number of people who committed suicide in 2020.
We believe this is a great way for our students to unite and work coherently together to not only build their leadership capacity, but to raise awareness for such an important cause which too often affects our community.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
During Open Day on 1-2 June, it came to our attention that some parents missed the notice that applications for Year 7 2023 have closed.
If you are already enrolled in the Junior School, you do NOT need to re-enrol for the Senior School.
Ms Kylie Anderson
Registrar
E: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I am pleased to confirm that the Lacey House Mass will be going ahead on Wednesday, 9 June 2021, as indicated in the Waverley College calendar. This will commence at 6pm at the College Chapel.
Please take note of the following:
Please feel free to contact me should you have further questions about the House Mass.
Damien Thompson
Head of Lacey House
E: dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All students complete reading and writing placement testing to establish strengths and weaknesses in reading and writing. This is conducted via Academic Assessment Services. As part of this process all students receive a recommended list of books to read, aligned to their reading level. Here is a sample of what Academic Assessment Services make available to staff and parents:
This is just to notify you that we have reviewed our library collection to ensure we have every one of these books in the College library for all students. Books will be a mix of print, e and audio.
For any further recommendations or questions please be in contact.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@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.
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