This week, we start the more practical aspects of Cadets with Alpha, Charlie and Echo Companies learning the art of a weatherproof hutchie, and Bravo and Delta concentrating on ration packs and how to efficiently pack their trek pack. In just three short weeks, they will put these lessons into practice in the field.
A reminder to all that the Bivouac Google Form below needs to be completed for all members of the Unit by this evening please.
Click here to complete the Bivouac Google Form
Special guests from HMAS Watson will be joining us at lunch time on Tuesday, 8 August to present career options in the Navy to our Years 10 and 11 boys. All are welcome to bring their lunch and interact with ADF members in the PAC.
Click here to view the HMAS Watson flyer
Expressions of Interest are called for the 2023 CAS Milskills Team. The team competes with Cadet Units from Barker, Knox, St Aloysius’ and Trinity across a range of field craft skills on Saturday, 14 October. For further information, please see the Commanding Officer.
Click here to view Senior and Junior Sport Fixtures, Training Schedules and Maps
We play our final round of winter fixtures for 2023 this weekend, except for Debating with two rounds to go. Well done to our 1sts and 2nds Debaters who were successful in their competition against a strong St Aloysius’ last weekend.
I want to thank and wish well all of the Year 12 students playing their final winter fixtures this weekend, as well as pay tribute to their parents/carers and families, particularly the long-serving members of the various Supporters’ Groups. It is a big weekend for a number of teams who are vying for premierships.
Last Friday we had four students competing in the Tag Team Challenge Surfing competition at Maroubra where they secured 2nd place and were only two points off 1st. Well done to Judah Miller, Milan Mann, Fred Carmody and Cooper Gee.
In the July holidays we also had a large group of boys competing in the NSW Schools Snow Sports competitions. A huge thank you to Ms Paula McCabe for once again facilitating this event.
In the school holidays, eight Waverley College students also competed at the Sydney Interschool Snowsport Championships at Thredbo from 10-14 July.
Congratulations also to Connor Moran (Year 5), Oscar Litchfield (Year 6), Jordan Mano (Year 8), Aidan Giusti (Year 8) and Charlie Thompson (Year 12) for their commendable races and first ever Sydney Interschools events.
We hope to see more boys competing next year on behalf of the College.
#GoWaves
Welcome to the August 2023 digital edition of Wavelength magazine, our alumni publication that creates an important connection between Waverley College and our wider community of Old Boys, families and friends.
As part of our continuing celebration of our 120th year, this edition proudly showcases feature articles about Waverley’s numerous high achievers and photos from our memorable 120 Year Party.
Read about: Rhodes Scholar Leonard King (Class of 1930), the faithful service of Mr Col Blake (Class of 1962), the Conlon marble honour boards restoration, an interview with music educator Mr Chris Blenkinsopp (Class of 1970), our two Federation Star recipients, the future of Science at Waverley, regular spotlights on co-curricular sport and culture, alumni reunions and so much more!
Click to read Wavelength Issue 30, August 2023
Should you wish to keep a hard copy of this edition of Wavelength, copies will soon be available to collect from the table in the Senior School and Junior School Reception.
When these are ready for collection, we will advise via Nurrunga and the Waverley app.
Warm regards,
Marketing Team
From next Monday, 7 August the 2023 Track & Field season commences. Any students wishing to be involved are more than welcome.
To view all information, please click the button below to access the season guide, also published on the College app.
2023 Track & Field Season Guide
Moore Brothers are actively looking to employ a 1st year plumbing trainee.
This is a full-time position in an established plumbing company in the Eastern Suburbs.
They have a small team who specialise in maintenance plumbing and work mostly in the east.
Immediate start and traineeship offered to successful applicant.
Please email your CV to Ms Narelle Moore nmoore@mbps.com.au
Are you interested in a US university pathway?
This free information session will cover the application process as well as the higher education system in the United States.
It is best suited for students and their families in Years 9, 10, and 11.
When: Wednesday, 23 August, 6pm AEST
Click here for the Week 3 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
August 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
December 2023
January 2024
Congratulations to the following students who were presented with an academic award at this week’s Senior School College assembly. These students should all be congratulated for their hard work, high skills and the competition that striving for excellence brings and benefits all. I hope other students are inspired by them to strive just a little bit harder in Semester 2.
Student |
Name |
Subject |
Harry |
Bowcock |
History Elective |
Samuel |
Caro |
Equal First Commerce |
Joao |
Cornelius |
Mathematics Level 2 |
Yannick |
Hott |
PDHPE |
Axl |
Igra |
Equal First Commerce |
Thomas |
Jackson-Whitlock |
Equal First Commerce |
Luis |
Larriera |
Photography |
Liam |
Munro |
Equal First Industrial Technology Timber |
Sean |
O’Neill |
Mathematics Level 1 |
Hugo |
Perks |
STEM |
Lucas |
Simcocks |
Design & Technology |
Benjamin |
Van Dam |
Equal First Industrial Technology Timber |
Theo |
Varvaressos |
Equal First Commerce |
Benjamin |
Webb |
History Equal First |
Finlay |
Wilde |
Graphics Technology |
Oscar |
Wilson |
Mathematics Level 3 |
Hamish |
Witten |
Work Education |
Nicholas |
Zanapalis |
History Equal First |
Kayden |
Baker |
English |
Kayden |
Baker |
PASS |
Kayden |
Baker |
Applied Philosophy |
Max |
Sheehy |
Religious Education |
Max |
Sheehy |
Music |
Max |
Sheehy |
Food Technology |
Max |
Sheehy |
History Equal First |
Lachlan |
Marzol |
Equal First Commerce |
Lachlan |
Marzol |
Information Software Technology |
James |
Peate |
English |
James |
Peate |
Mathematics Accelerated |
Renato |
Rovacchi |
Visual Art |
Renato |
Rovacchi |
History Equal First |
Harrison |
Thorpe |
Science |
Harrison |
Thorpe |
Drama |
Student |
Name |
Subject |
Sebastian |
Blowers |
English Studies |
Louis |
Brokenshire |
Sport Life & Recreation |
Remy |
Demetriou |
Marine Studies |
Drew |
Devereux |
Construction |
Deuchar |
Dezarnaulds |
Equal First Physics |
Riley |
Evans |
Mathematics Advanced |
Jet |
Foltman |
Visual Art |
Remy |
Frampton |
Spanish Beginners |
Matthew |
Frost |
Equal First Hospitality |
Tashi |
Harrison |
Design & Technology |
Eamon |
Henderson |
Engineering Studies |
Marcus |
Henderson |
Equal First Chemistry |
Mitchel |
Ho |
Accelerated Maths |
Otto |
Hulewicz |
Equal First Modern History |
Jack |
Kerves |
Industrial Technology Timber |
William |
Kirk |
Industrial Technology Multimedia |
Marcus |
Marin |
Software Design and Development |
Lachlan |
Miranda |
Equal First Modern History |
Sonny |
Mori |
Investigating Science |
Robert |
Muir |
Equal First Legal Studies |
Charlie |
Murphy |
Ext 1 Maths |
Aston |
Owens |
Equal First Standard Maths |
Frankie |
Pedder |
Visual Design |
Nathaniel |
Smith |
Equal First Hospitality |
Anton |
Svensson |
Geography |
Henry |
Whitehouse |
Entertainment |
Aren |
Yaghoubian |
Standard English |
Ricardo |
Zanapalis |
Food Technology |
Bailey |
Barker |
Biology |
Bailey |
Barker |
Equal First Chemistry |
Huxley |
Butters |
Studies of Religion I |
Huxley |
Butters |
Equal First Physics |
Zac |
Coonan |
Equal First Business |
Zac |
Coonan |
Equal First Economics |
Jock |
Edwards |
Music Course I |
Jock |
Edwards |
Equal First Economics |
Oliver |
Malzard |
Equal First Legal Studies |
Oliver |
Malzard |
Drama |
Ewan |
McDonald |
Equal First Ancient History |
Ewan |
McDonald |
Society and Culture |
James |
Medland |
Studies of Religion II |
James |
Medland |
PDHPE |
Campbell |
Porteus |
Advanced English |
Campbell |
Porteus |
Music Course II |
Asher |
Thomasyu |
Extension English |
Asher |
Thomasyu |
Equal First Ancient History |
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Standard Maths |
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Modern History |
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Business |
Name |
Surname |
Subject |
Christopher |
Armstrong |
Advanced Mathematics |
Christopher |
Armstrong |
Design & Technology |
Angus |
Birrell |
Music Course II |
Angus |
Birrell |
Equal First Music Extension |
Jay |
Briggs |
Extension English II |
Mitchell |
Cahill |
Equal First Industrial Technology |
Finlay |
Chandler |
Equal First Standard Mathematics Course II |
Jonas |
Dowling |
Equal First Standard Mathematics Course II |
Wylie |
Durrans |
Equal First Construction |
Anderson |
Franulovich |
Visual Design |
Thomas |
Gleeson |
Equal First Industrial Technology |
Charles |
Hely-Hammond |
Legal Studies |
Charles |
Hely-Hammond |
PDHPE |
Luca |
Holmes |
Biology |
Wilford |
Hyde |
Food Technology |
Lenny |
Joseph |
Standard Mathematics Course I |
Jamie |
Khov |
Equal First Extension Mathematics II |
Frederick |
Le Vay |
Standard English |
Frederick |
Le Vay |
Music Course I |
Fynn |
McAusland |
Equal First Construction |
Hugo |
Morgan |
Physics |
Penn |
O’Connor |
Investigating Science |
Daniel |
Palacio |
Spanish Beginners |
Mackenzie |
Palmer |
Visual Art |
Aiden |
Pascoe |
Studies of Religion I |
Jake |
Perks |
Equal First Extension Mathematics II |
Jake |
Perks |
Chemistry |
Jack |
Preller |
Studies of Religion II |
Jack |
Preller |
Business Studies |
Jack |
Preller |
Economics |
Liam |
Russell |
Equal First Music Extension |
Leo |
Schmid |
English Studies |
Leo |
Schmid |
Marine Studies |
Leo |
Schmid |
Sport Life & Recreation |
Sam |
Stewart |
Drama |
Benjamin |
Stirling |
Extension Mathematics I |
Arjun |
Sukumaran |
Equal First Geography |
Theodore |
Varvaressos |
Equal First Ancient History |
Theodore |
Varvaressos |
Modern History |
Vasili |
Vertsonis |
Extension English I |
Thomas |
Walker |
Equal First Geography |
James |
Wellington |
Hospitality |
Liam |
Wood |
Advanced English |
Liam |
Wood |
Equal First Ancient History |
Last Friday afternoon, the headmistress of St Catherine’s School, Ms Judith Poole and myself congratulated the new cadet leadership positions for the coming year.
The Unit celebrates 110 years of service this year, and the strength of candidature was such that we made the decision to commence a new Recruit Company (Echo Company with Platoons 13, 14 and 15) and a new Support Company Platoon with Engineers.
These developments provide additional leadership opportunities and allow the Unit to grow as it continues to flourish.
A full list of our new rank was published in last week’s Nurrunga. We congratulate our new Corporals, Sergeants, Warrant Officers and Cadet Under Officers as they lead the Cadet Unit into the 2023/2024 Cadet Year.
Students in Years 9-12 (2024) who are thinking of studying a language should read the newsletter article authored by Head of Languages, Ms Priscilla Quintana, for more information. The following languages are available to be studied: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
There are some great strategies in the newsletter article authored by our College Psychologist, Ms Samantha Jessen. She unpacks how to engage with Term 3 effectively by utilising Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
The Director of Junior School, Ms Gaby Bransby, will be taking Long Service Leave from 31 July until 15 August 2023. Mr Steve Ghattas will be (Acting) Director of Junior School during this time.
HSC Study Guides were distributed this week to all Year 12 students sitting the HSC this year. The Study Guides include exam advice from teachers and past students along with tips on looking after students’ mental health and wellbeing, in the lead up to exams.
Click here for this year's guide
Senior Teaching & Learning staff also went through the Trial HSC protocols this week, in preparation for the Trials which begin on Monday, 31 July and conclude on Monday, 14 August 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Year 12s at this time and we wish them the best of luck with their Trials.
Please read the newsletter article authored by Ms Adele Cutbush- College Registered Nurse, for the Third Vaccination Clinic for Year 7 HPV and Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY Catch Up Dose information.
Celebrate National Tree Day with Waverley Council’s wonderful initiative. Come down to Waverley Park this Sunday to receive free native seedlings to restore garden habitats for birds and wildlife. Engage in insightful conversations with Wilderness Society volunteers and Transition Bondi, who will share their expertise in revitalising our native forests and fostering a sustainable community.
Time: Sunday, 30 July, 9am-12pm
Location: Waverley Park (near the BBQs), Bondi Road Waverley Park, Bondi Junction
Calling all budding filmmakers (Years 7-12). Don’t miss your chance to participate in the thrilling Parli-Flicks Short Film Award. Get creative and share your thoughts on this year’s theme, “Should the Voting Age be Lowered?” Explore the wonders of Australian democracy and make your voice heard.
Excitingly, the finalists will be treated to an awards night at the Parliament of NSW in Sydney in October, where the ultimate winner will be unveiled.
Entries close soon! Get your entries in by the Friday, 11 August deadline.
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 at https://haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au/safe-routes-school-survey by 30 August 2023.
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.
Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.
Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.
Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.
Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. 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 help from a medical professional.
Click here for this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
2023 Fees
*As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website, all Years 5 and 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2023) students into Year 7 (2024). This replaces the “continuing confirmation deposit” usually charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Year 5 and 7 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2024 for any applicable sundries, sibling discounts, excursion fees and camps. Please be advised that if this payment is not made by the due date, your son’s enrolment will be forfeited, and his place will be offered to a waitlisted candidate.
2024 Fees
Discounts and Additional Fee
Fees paid before 4pm on the Prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the due date will attract an administrative fee of $110.00.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).
Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.
Enrolment Withdrawal Notice
You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from enrolment at Waverley College, you are required to give one Term’s notice in writing to the Principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.
The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school Term, is the first day of the same Term. If not received by that date, a withdrawal fee equivalent to one Term’s tuition fees will be payable. The relevant dates for 2023 are below:
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.
I will be taking Long Service Leave from Monday, 31 July until Tuesday, 15 August. During this time, Mr Steve Ghattas will be replacing me as Acting Director of Junior School. This is a great opportunity for him and I know he will do a wonderful job.
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The celebration of fathers, grandfathers and significant others in the lives of our Waverley College Students will be celebrated on Friday, 1 September at 12pm (Week 7, Term 3). This will be at Mary Immaculate Church followed by lunch at the Junior School.
Part of the celebration will include a slideshow. Can I please ask that you send through a photo of your son(s) with their fathers/grandfathers if you would like a photo included in this presentation.
Please send through all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I am pleased to share with you the Term 3 Curriculum Overviews for Years 5 and 6. These documents are a guide to the learning that your son will be covering in class this Term.
I hope this is a useful document that will help you to support your son and engage him in conversation about his learning experiences at school.
Click here to view the Year 5 Term 3 Curriculum Overview
Click here to view the Year 6 Term 3 Curriculum Overview
Ms Charlotte Stephens
Assistant Director of Curriculum
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school to complete home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave, a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work in the Learning Hub and not cause a disturbance for others.
Teachers
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Try to avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
4 | 7:30am | Wednesday, 9 August | Writing |
8am | Thursday, 10 August | Digital Technologies | |
5 | 8am | Wednesday, 16 August | English |
6 | 7:45am | Wednesday, 23 August | Science |
7 | 8am | Wednesday, 30 August | Mathematics |
Topic: That we should teach cooking classes in primary school
Last week the debaters had tough competition and a tough topic. Both Waverley teams put forward strong arguments and presented their cases clearly and firmly rebutting the Moriah team’s cases. The boys did themselves and Waverley very proud. Both teams winning their debate!
All Year 5 students will be participating in a school-based Public Speaking Competition this term. The competition aims at allowing students to develop their speaking skills. Speaking well in public prepares you for positions of responsibility, visibility and the future. Speak up, speak well, and many opportunities will be open to you.
In Week 6 we will be celebrating Book Week at the Junior School. The theme this year is Read, Grow, Inspire…
All students from the Junior campus are encouraged to enter one or both of the competitions running for Book Week.
An essential aspect of supporting your son with his reading is to allow him to make his own book choices. The Pop-up Bookshop will be running in Term 3 Week 6.
This year I would like to introduce a new sustainable and cost-effective Pop-up Bookshop.
If you would like to help this initiative, I would like you to donate pre-loved books that will be sold at a very reduced amount.
The money raised will be donated to one of the Edmund Rice Foundations.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy and Innovation Teacher
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It was great to see all teams back in action this past weekend. There are only two rounds left for the Winter Co-Curricular season for 2023. This weekend is Round 9, on Saturday 29 July.
Students will have a break from sport between Weeks 4 to 10, Term 3. During this period, students who make it through to IPSHA Athletics, were named age champions or performed highly at the Athletics Carnival, will be invited to train with the Senior Athletics squads for their respective events. This will allow those students to prepare for both IPSHA and CIS Athletics later in the term. All relevant information will be emailed out to those parents/carers in the coming weeks.
Please ensure you refer to the Waverley College app announcements each week, as I will continue to send out the weekly sports fixtures and scores for each round. All families can also locate all relevant Junior School Co-Curricular information through the College website by clicking the button below.
Click here to view all Junior School Co-curricular information on the Waverley College website
During the week, Joel Peisley, our HipHop Dance instructor ran an exhibition to get all students involved in HipHop and to spark interest in students doing HipHop Dance Club for Term 3. It was a fun time for our students and allowed them to enjoy different forms of movement and exercise.
I encourage all parents/carers to ask their son if they enjoyed the session and if they’d be interested in doing HipHop this Term. It will now be undertaken during lunchtime to remove clashes with training, which is yet to be confirmed (likely to be a Wednesday). It won’t begin until Week 5, once Wakakirri rehearsals are finished.
If your son enjoyed himself and is interested in joining, please click the button below to complete the Google Form.
Click here to sign up for HipHop
All players, families and supporters from our AFL community from Years 5-12 are invited to attend the AFL end of season celebration. Families will be informed in advance if their son is receiving an award on the night.
Date: Friday, 11 August from 5:45pm
Location: Easts Rugby Club, Woollahra
Tickets can be purchased by clicking the button below.
Click here to purchase tickets
Let’s celebrate the end of a cracking AFL season at Waverley.
Mr Ben Shorthouse
Convenor of AFL
bshorthouse@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College Football Awards Night 2023 will be held on Friday, 11 August 2023.
All students are invited to the Football awards night, and families will be informed in advance if their son is receiving an award on the night.
Venue: Waverley College Gym and Braidwood/BBQ area
Time : 5pm-7:30pm
Cost: $20 per person (+.50c TryBooking ticket fee)
Refreshments: Food and soft drink will be provided
Contact: Ms Brooke Kent bkent@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Tickets can be purchased by clicking the button below.
*Ticket sales for this event close on Thursday, 3 August 2023.
Click here to purchase tickets
Mr Edward Davis
Football Convenor
The Waverley College Rugby Presentation Night will be held on Friday, 18 August, 2023. The Presentation Night will again be held at Easts Rugby Club, Woollahra.
More information will be sent out to the community soon, including how you can purchase a ticket, but please save the date!
*Due to significant interest in students and families attending the Rugby Presentation Night, only the award winners will be invited to attend. Families will be informed in advance if their son is receiving an award on the night.
Waverley College Rugby Supporters’ Club
State Surfing Championships
Brynn Spierings competed in the State Championship for Surfing last week and out of 84 kids competing, Brynn came 6th in the state!
This is a significant achievement by Brynn, and Waverley is truly proud of his efforts against the best surfers in NSW.
Congratulations!
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-curricular Years 5-12
jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I have been made aware of a current scam targeting parents of Commonwealth Bank school customers that requires your vigilance.
A summary of the scam being attempted is below:
Please be aware of these elaborate scams and contact the school immediately if you suspect something suspicious.
Mr Bryn Gregerson
Director of Business Services
bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we navigate the first few weeks of Term 3, it can take all of us (even adults) time to adjust from being on holidays back into a routine. Whilst holidays can provide us with much needed rest and play, our brains absolutely love consistency and predictability which sometimes is reduced without a school schedule. In saying this, our brains may also find the transition back to school quite challenging! You might notice you feel a bit more tired, stressed, irritable, or overwhelmed than you did during the holidays. Although these experiences and feelings can be uncomfortable, they are a completely normal part of life.
According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to live fulfilling lives, a lot of emphasis may need to be placed on some of our basic needs that may be overlooked during a busy schedule during the Term time.
Firstly, we can gently help ourselves by acknowledging that it may take us a little bit of extra time to feel our usual selves again. We might like to place emphasis on rest (e.g., creating a consistent sleep schedule), designing an achievable study plan (e.g., setting realistic time aside for homework/assignments), prioritising time to move our bodies in a way that feels good to us (e.g., beach walk, stretching, taking our dogs to the dog park), eating nutritionally-dense foods, filling up our water bottles, and perhaps most importantly, connecting with our loved ones (e.g., having dinner together around the table each night).
If you feel like your basic needs may need a little tweaking, Psychology services are available for students at Waverley College to help with getting back on track in a way that works for you. Feel free to reach out to the Wellbeing Team or your Head of House for further information.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346
Image: courtesy Psychology Today