Please join me in congratulating Jack Preller on the success of his Student Based Tutoring (SBT) initiative. Jack began this program as he entered Year 12 in Term 4 2022. He has worked diligently to provide a quality academic service that supports students at Waverley College. He and his team are to be commended on their passion and commitment to the academic care of their peers.
Click here to view the Student Based Tutoring SBT poster
To learn more about the success and impact of this program, please read the following from Jack.
After a year of operations, SBT (Student-Based-Tutoring) has now provided over 100 hours of free tutoring through senior volunteers. Over a dozen different senior students have volunteered their time to help tutor; with our top tutor, Harrison Rimell completing an outstanding 20 hours of tutoring since the commencement of SBT last year. Through these tutors’ commitment, SBT has been able to help dozens of students reach their academic potential.
The notable positive impact of SBT is captured through the statements of two students who have consistently come to receive tutoring for months: Jet Powell and Alex King.
Jet Powell – “I think it was great, for helping me understand my assignments which I struggled with and getting them started which is probably the hardest part of the task. Overall it has helped me a lot.”
Alex King – “I am a regular at SBT for about a year now and the changes that it has had to my academic journey are phenomenal. My marks have skyrocketed over the past year and I have had multiple Academic awards.”
SBT has considerably improved the results of participating students, which you too can attain by attending SBT at the library any day from Monday – Wednesday, 3:30pm – 4:30pm. So make sure you come down to the one-stop shop for academic aid so we can help you reach your full potential.
Ms Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind.” – Bill Nye
This is exactly what the Year 11 Engineering Studies students did on Monday, they got interested and they made a significant difference to another person’s life.
As part of the Biomedical Engineering module within the syllabus, students got to work with some medical grade components and built artificial hands that will be sent to “an amputee land-mine victim that would not otherwise be able to afford a prosthesis.“
Below are some of the students’ thoughts from the day.
“The experiences of today were truly enlightening. Witnessing firsthand the challenges that amputees confront on a daily basis has provided a new perspective. It’s truly gratifying to realise that the artificial hands that we built hold the potential to positively impact and improve someone’s life.”
“Today I learnt the importance of helping and the significance engineering innovation like this can have on thousands of people worldwide. I also learnt the importance of being grateful for the limbs we are born with and the safe environment we live in.”
“Building hand prosthetics was very interesting and fun, especially when being told that we would be helping those who had lost their hands to landmines. It was also interesting to see the function of the prosthetic hand and how it was so simple yet so effective.”
“I reflected upon the difficulties faced in developing countries and how my small amount of effort will benefit amputees receiving my team’s developed prosthesis. These prostheses from Helping Hands were easy to build and were a good way to analyse how different components of prosthesis work in a real-world example.”
It was an absolute privilege to have been able to provide this opportunity to the students, not only did they get to learn with their minds, they also got to learn with their hearts.
Click here to view a seven-minute video about the Helping Hands Program
Ms Silvia Baylie
Science & Engineering Studies Educator / Ecology Coordinator
sbaylie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are delighted to announce that the HSC Art and Design Showcase 2023 marked a moment for Waverley College as it introduced a brand-new tradition of celebrating artistic and design excellence. This solo showcase provided a platform for our students to shine individually, and the response it received surpassed all expectations.
The showcase not only displayed the remarkable talents of our students but also established Waverley College as a hub of creativity and innovation. This inaugural event was an opportunity for us to highlight the outstanding achievements of our students in the fields of Visual Arts, Visual Design, Industrial Technology – Timber, and Design and Technology.
We extend our congratulations to the students who demonstrated exceptional dedication, vision, and skill in their respective disciplines. Your hard work has not only enriched the showcase but has also set a high standard for the years to come.
We proudly recognise and congratulate the students who have been honoured with awards for their exceptional contributions. Your achievements serve as an inspiration to your peers and a reminder of the remarkable heights that can be achieved through dedication and creativity.
Thank you to everyone who supported and attended the showcase, contributing to its resounding success. As we look ahead, we anticipate the continued growth of this tradition, nurturing future generations of artists, designers, and innovators.
*All photographs courtesy Zac Coonan.
Ms Jenna Turnbull
(Acting) Head of Visual Arts
jturnbull@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week, our Year 11 SLR students took part in a practical seminar focusing on strength training. The program covered the anatomy of the human body along with training programs for elite athletes and every day people.
Students were able to create their own training programs to assist them to reach their own fitness goals.
A massive thank you to Mr Mark Mitchell and the team at Advanz Therapies who prepared and delivered an engaging seminar.
Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris
PDHPE Teacher
ldrewmorris@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Australian Financial Security Authority is encouraging young people to learn about the importance of searching the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) prior to buying their first second-hand car privately.
A PPSR search takes a few minutes to complete, is available online 24/7 and provides you with peace of mind.
For just $2 you can easily check if the car is:
For more information or to complete a vehicle search, click the button below.
Click here to complete a vehicle search
Waverley Council is kicking off our Safe Routes to School program, which aims to make walking safer and easier. We’re also looking to encourage parents/carers and children to choose walking, scooting or riding to school.
The well-understood benefits of walking to school include increased physical activity, better concentration in class, and improved wellbeing through a degree of independence. This is in addition to reducing car congestion around schools.
Waverley College has joined in our first round of the program. Achieving this requires teamwork. Council can improve footpaths, install crossings, improve lighting, and other infrastructure and safety upgrades where it’s needed most. We would like your feedback about the most important upgrades needed so your child can safely travel to school.
Please do so via the survey and map (by 30 August 2023) by clicking the button below.
Click here to view and complete the survey
You can use any existing Waverley Council Have Your Say login or create a new one by clicking “Join” on the Have Your Say homepage and following the prompts.
Last Friday, Mr David Parnell (Head of Learning Support), Ms Stephanie Falk (Visual Arts Teacher), and Ms Samantha Jessen (Psychologist) were invited to share about the Waverley College Student Pride Group at the CSNSW Disability Network Meeting. The presentation covered the history of the Pride Group and placed emphasis on the importance and significance of this group for its students, particularly around feelings of connectedness and relatedness within the College.
The Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Safe & Inclusive Learning Communities Statements/Policies and Waverley College’s “Inclusive Community” Touchstone were also highlighted around creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
The key takeaways of the presentation, such as how to start a Pride Group, modelling appropriate communication, and educating students on unhelpful language were regarded as useful strategies for other Catholic schools.
The presentation concluded with the words of Vice Captain, Bert Cottell, “No matter our differences, we are entitled to live in our own way …. May you always be proud of who you are… We are one community. Let us always be people of faith and integrity.”
Students from the Pride Group, including allies, are invited to Woollahra Library Pride Book Club on Thursday, 7 September, 4pm – 5pm. Click the button below for details.
If students would like any further information about the Pride Group or how to join, they can contact their Head of House.
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age, sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.
Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practised behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.
Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Click here to view this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week we celebrated the successful 2023 Winter co-curricular season with our awards assembly. As part of this assembly we also recognised and instigated the Parent Supporters’ Awards and perpetual shield.
In 2023 we recognised Denis and Megan Hickey and John and Maureen Andrews. Both of these families have given so much time, effort and sacrifice to ensure that both our summer and winter co-curricular programs delivered effective catering, lunches, after match functions and presentation evenings, as well as countless other duties for over 10 years.
On behalf of the College I want to say a huge thank you and we will certainly miss you. A big thank you also to all of the other parents/carers in Year 12 who have assisted where they can with Supporters’ Groups and the Parents’ Association.
Well done to all of our award winners which you can view by clicking on the button below.
Click here to view the Winter award winners
Last Saturday we held our first Invitational Athletics Carnival and there were some impressive performances across all age groups and disciplines.
This Saturday we are at Homebush and it is not too late for any students to come and join the squad.
The CAS Championships will be held on Thursday, 14 September at Homebush and this will also be a compulsory event for Years 7 and 12 to attend. More information will come out closer to the date.
Dear Waverley Cricket Community,
Summer sport and cricket season is fast approaching, and we are asking for expressions of interest to join the Waverley Cricket Parent Supporters’ Executive Committee.
Should you be interested, please email/contact Mr Sean Picone or Mr Craig McDonald.
Sean – spicone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Craig – cmcdonald@racingnsw.com.au
We will also be seeking a parent manager for each team, please let us know if you would be able to take on this role.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr Sean Picone and Mr Craig McDonald
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 3, Week 7. 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 | Room | Teacher |
|
Monday 28 August, 2023
|
Visual Arts | 3:30pm – 5pm | C13 | Turnbull |
| Extension English 1 | 7:30am – 8:30am | K23 | Ryan | |
|
Wednesday 30 August, 2023
|
Standard Mathematics | 7:30am – 8:30am | E23 | Riley |
| Studies of Religion I and II | 3:30pm – 5pm | E40s | Cooper/Stewart | |
|
Thursday 31 August, 2023
|
Spanish | 3:30pm – 5pm | W25 | Quintana |
| Standard Maths | 7:30am – 8:30am | E33 | Cornish | |
| Design and Tech | 7:30am – 8:30am | T04 | Spargo | |
| Friday 1 September, 2023 | Hospitality | 7:30am – 8:30am | TF1 | McCarthy |
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 Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers,
You are cordially invited to the 2023 Basketball Supporters’ Club AGM.
Date: Tuesday, 29 August 2023
Time: 5pm-6pm
Venue: Senior School campus, exact meeting room to be confirmed.
The agenda for the evening includes:
Your presence and insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory and success of this upcoming season. The more minds and perspectives we gather, the more robust our strategies will be.
*Please RSVP by emailing Mr Anthony Gibbs agibbs@waverley.nsw.edu.au by Monday, 28 August 2023, to confirm your attendance.
We look forward to your presence and collaboration.
Sincerely,
Waverley College Basketball Supporters’ Club
We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will soon be hosting a free webinar for our parents/carers ‘How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking.’
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation.
By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
Click here to register for free
Here’s what we’ll be covering on the night:
A reminder that our Immersions Information night for 2024 will be held on Tuesday, 29 August in the PAC at 6pm. All Year 9 and 10 students, parents and carers are welcome.
Congratulations to all those who have just returned from our 2023 Timor-Leste and Red Earth Immersions. It was wonderful to hear at their debrief dinners their gratitude for such fabulous formation experiences and the valuable friendships they have forged with the communities they served.
A special thank you to all the staff who made these experiences possible and we look forward to our upcoming Fiji and Central NSW Indigenous experiences.
Click here to view the Week 6 Careers newsletter
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Monday, 28 August during Period 6 in the PAC, Year 12 will have the opportunity to learn about some amazing service opportunities post Year 12.
The Cardoner Project is a not for profit Jesuit organisation offering Immersion experiences for students after Year 12. These opportunities range from three weeks to three, six or 12 month experiences.
Countries include:
As many students missed out on our Waverley immersions due to COVID-19, this is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 12 students to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves.
I look forward to seeing our Year 12s there.
Another busy and exciting week at the College: Feast of the Assumption, 120 Years Celebration, Matildas on the big screen, Old Boy Mentoring, College Leadership presentation, HSC Art & Design Show.
The College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Tuesday. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.
On Tuesday we also celebrated our 120 Year milestone as a College. It was wonderful to see so many of our students involved in all facets of the day. The day began with an innovative welcome by our College Captains, a Cadet Showcase, Acknowledgement of Country, Indigenous dancing and smoking ceremony, beautiful singing and Haka from our Pasifika students and a 120 Years Video montage. As one of our guests Old Boy Patrick McClure said, “they were all very inspiring, creative, interesting and contemporary. It was a showcase of Waverley College’s culture, history and values.”
This was followed by a fun activities time on inflatables, dunk tank and staff student dodgeball and netball, before a wonderful ‘Waverley’s Got Talent.’
Congratulations:
We apologise for the slowness of the food vans on the day, we will rectify for next time. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for making our celebration so special. A special thank you to Fr Bernie who celebrated a beautiful Mass and Ms Sue Walsh for coordinating the 120 day celebrations.
We welcomed a special guest, Mr Vic Alhadeff, who spoke at the presentation of the College Leaders Assembly this week. Mr Alhadeff’s career includes being Chief Sub-Editor of the anti-apartheid Cape Times in South Africa, Chair of Multicultural NSW, Chair of the Jewish Board of Deputies, and recently appointed SBS Board Member.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vic has been a champion for human rights causes and building more resilient, respectful and inclusive communities. He achieved the passage of a new law in Australia outlawing incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender and sexual preference as well as receiving the Premier’s Award for his contribution to civil society.
Vic shared his moving personal story of his grandparents and other family members being murdered by the Nazi regime in the Holocaust and also his experience of living through apartheid South Africa. He outlined how this type of evil starts with ordinary people’s words and a lack of acceptance and understanding of difference which leads to violence and a loss of humanity. Vic implored us all to stand up for anything you see or hear that you know is wrong. Bystanders have a responsibility to take action.
Vic was the perfect speaker choice to unpack servant leadership and to celebrate the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Congratulations to our College Leaders for 2024;
New captains
Aungier
Brennan
Conlon
Green
Lacey
O’Connor
Quinn
Tevlin
This week I attended the Waverley Council Net Zero launch hosted by James O’Loughlin. I sat on a panel and articulated our current work towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and increasing biodiversity. We signed as a foundation member of this alliance and we intend to work hard to achieve our goals. I will expand further in next week’s newsletter.
On behalf of EREA and the College, I would like to congratulate Ms Gabrielle Smith on her appointment to the substantive position of Deputy Principal – Students at Waverley College. Gabby has held a number of leadership positions at both Waverley and Loreto Kirribilli, and she is excited to be working with students, parents, carers and staff in this key leadership role at the College.
I would also like to congratulate Ms Laura McLarnon who has been appointed Acting Head of House – O’Connor for the remainder of Term 2 while Mr Matt Barr is on leave.
Congratulations to Louis Fearon (Year 9) who had the amazing opportunity to be the official FIFA Coin Toss assistant at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Semi Final last Wednesday.
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
