Our commitment to environmentally-sustainable solutions has seen the Senior School Library start using the world’s first fully biodegradable book covering. The new book covering is known as Bioguard80. When placed in the right landfill or compostable environment, books with this covering will fully biodegrade without leaving toxic microplastics.
It is also fully recyclable, so at the end of its life, the whole book can be placed into recycling bin/compost/landfill for full biodegradation. These environments must contain the right mix of moisture, micro-organisms and temperatures to trigger biodegradation. There are no toxic microplastics, worms eat it and produce nutrients to enrich soils.
Wow! Come to the library and ask to see books that we’ve covered in the world’s first fully-biodegradable book covering. It gives our much-loved books a longer life and is helping to save the planet one book at a time.
We would like to congratulate Ben Cromer (Year 9) and João Coelho-Cornelius (Year 10) on becoming finalists in the Mosman Youth Art Prize. The Prize, created by Australian artist Ken Done AM in 1988, celebrates and fosters ‘Artists of the Future.’
Both students participated in the Summer Visual Arts Club and their artworks from this co-curricular were entered into the Prize. The Summer Visual Arts club explored textures and sculptural forms through ceramics.
Students from the Junior and Senior Schools experimented with natural and synthetic textures to create impressions in clay. Moving around the College campus, students collected, imprinted, designed and manipulated textures to create varying forms of three-dimensional artworks.
Developing a range of handbuilding skills such as pinch pots, slabs and coiling techniques, students created independent designs ranging from functional to sculptural pieces to create an individual body of work over the summer.
Local Australian ceramicists were referenced as inspiration for each new form of sculpture, allowing students to research varying ways of working in the ceramic medium to control balance and composition.
Ben and João’s artworks are on display at the Mosman Art Gallery until 7 June, 2023.
Joao Coelho-Cornelius (Year 10)
Students in Year 10 Applied Philosophy and Year 11 Extension English will attend the Sydney Writers’ Festival on Wednesday, 24 May 2023.
This will be an all day event, in full school uniform. Boys are to bring food and water for the day. The event is located at Carriageworks in Redfern.
Boys will need to bring an OPAL card for use on the train, to and from the venue.
We will leave from the College at 8:30am, returning at 3:15pm.
*Please respond to the parent/carer permission notification in the Parent Lounge as soon as possible.
Click here to view information about the 2023 Sydney Writers' Festival
Click here to view information about the 2023 Sydney Writers' Festival student sessions
On Thursday, 4 May we celebrated the life of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. You can read more in the Nurrunga article here by (Acting) Deputy Principal – Students, Mr Steve O’Donnell.
It was also wonderful to hear from Axel Stapleton (Year 8) and Ms Silvia Baylie, Ecology Coordinator of the Students of the World Ecology Group, and some of the initiatives they are working on. It is important we all work together to support the below initiatives:
The Ecology Group will continue to keep us updated throughout the year on these projects, but they welcome any students to come along to their meetings and get involved. Congratulations to all Students of the World Ecology Group who received their badges today.
On Monday, Elder and visual storyteller Uncle John, passionately shared his culture with students of all ages in the Conlon art rooms. Uncle John is from the Dunghutti Nation in Kempsey on the mid north coast, where he says around 17,000 Aboriginal people live.
When he was young, he was taught to be his own mentor. His father was the first National Parks and Wildlife ranger and he followed in the footsteps of his mother, who is also a talented artist. Uncle John explained that as he grew up, he was nurtured by four generations of learning and listening; from his father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Uncle John has achieved a great deal in his life and is father to 11 children and 26 grandchildren! His artistic achievements are wide-reaching and he told us that in 2004 he was asked to create charcoal drawings to send back to Nelson Mandela (anti-apartheid activist and politician who served as the first president of South Africa 1994-99) in South Africa.
Uncle John has also worked as an artist for the annual Deadly Awards (2004-07) and was the first Aboriginal artist to have his work permanently hung in NSW Parliament House in the Bunyip Waratah Room. His work tells of the traditions and stories of the people of Dunghutti country. Uncle John told us that his work sells for pretty high prices!
Uncle John said that his uncle had taught him about painting by going into caves. He explained the process of ochre painting, its many different colours, and how it is crushed, mixed with water, and put in the mouth to then spray over rock. He said that some handprints in Australia are 65,000 years old. He teaches his grandchildren to share all their knowledge with others and said that he is always painting because he is always sharing.
He also shared a sad story about how when he was young, he and other Aboriginal kids were only allowed to be taken in to the picture/movie theatre once it was dark, so he never saw the start or the end of a movie.
Uncle John spoke about the specialness of his praying mantis totem and then helped students to each create a school totem. Uncle Kevin (our Indigenous Liaison Officer) handed out canvas, stencils and sponges and Uncle John asked students to make sure they remembered the name of their totem. Uncle Kevin and Ms Turnbull then mixed up the different colours of paint. Uncle John showed students how to carefully create dots using the end of the paintbrush. Students commented that their hands started shaking when they tried to paint the dots. The painting required a lot of concentration.
Congratulations to Harrison Rimell (Year 12), who represented the College at the annual Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition, held this year at The King’s School. The competition sees one representative from each of the CAS and GPS schools deliver an address. The students do not know what the topic is, and they are given 15 minutes to prepare for an eight-minute address.
The topic that Harrison had to respond and speak to was: ‘Everything spoken should be true but not everything true should be spoken.’ Congratulations to the top three representatives who came from The King’s School (1st), Sydney Boys’ High (2nd), Newington (3rd).
The Ethics Olympiad was held on Thursday, 4 May. This competition promotes respectful, supportive, and rigorous discussion of ethics among thousands of high school students throughout Australasia. The Ethics Olympiad format is rooted in ongoing dialogue and deliberation: a series of two-way exchanges between equals. It is designed to get students thinking, talking, and ultimately working together on some of the toughest moral issues of our time.
Out of the 19 Sydney Metro senior school teams that participated, our Year 10 team placed 4th, and our Year 11 team placed 6th.
Well done to our following participants: James Medland (Year 11), Lachlan Miranda (Year 11), Anton Svensson (Year 11), James Birbas (Year 11), Campbell Porteous (Year 11), Kayden Baker (Year 10), James Peate (Year 10), Zoltahn Szabo (Year 10), Archie Godby (Year 10), Yannick Hott (Year 10).
S.M.A.R.T goals ensure that students set themselves up for success by making goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. The SMART method helps push you further, gives you a sense of direction, and helps you organise and reach your goals. I encourage you to talk to your sons about the goals they’re setting for themselves with their mentor, and take a look at the Term 2 S.M.A.R.T goals template on page 85 of the school diary.
Years 7-12 students will finish school at 2:30pm on Tuesday, 9 May. This is due to a Staff Professional Development meeting.
There will be no Co-curricular training on Tuesday afternoon. Morning training will still go ahead.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Congratulations to one of our Drawing Club students, Harvey Smith, who entered the Young Archie competition. Harvey has received an ‘honourable mention’ in the Young Archie Awards. There were approximately 3,400 entries this year.
Harvey’s portrait will be hung at the SH Ervin Gallery as part of the Salon de Refusés exhibition from Saturday, 6 May – Sunday, 23 July. As well as being live on the Art Gallery of NSW website.
What a wonderful achievement Harvey, we are so proud of you!
Click here to view his portrait on the AGNSW website
This is a reminder about the WriteOn Competition. If your son is looking for some extra inspiration over the next few weeks, please direct him to this competition.
WriteOn is an annual writing competition open to all NSW primary students in Years 1 to 6. Students compose an imaginative text of up to 500 words, using the below image as the stimulus.
This competition provides students with the opportunity to become published authors and showcase their creativity.
Entries are due to me by Week 6 Term 2.
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of the Junior School
Part of the Mother’s Day celebration will include a slideshow presentation. Can I please ask that you send through a photo of your son(s) with their mothers/grandmothers if you would like a photo included in this presentation. The last day for photo submissions is Wednesday, 10 May.
Please email all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
For families who are part of St Brigid’s Parish in Coogee, please see information below regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Children from Year 6 and above are welcome to start preparing to receive their sacrament of Confirmation.
Important Dates
*NB: Please have baptism, first reconciliation and first communion certificates ready when registering.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
A warm welcome back to another exciting and packed term of learning at the Junior School. Please find below the Termly Curriculum Overviews to see what your son will be covering in each of his Key Learning Areas in Term 2.
A new term is a fantastic opportunity to set new goals. Your son will be setting SMART goals in class using the diary as a guide, we recommend you use this to prompt a conversation about what he wants to achieve and how he can be supported in this.
>>> Click here to view the Term 2 Year 5 Termly Curriculum Overview.
>>> Click here to view the Term 2 Year 6 Termly Curriculum Overview.
Ms Charlotte Stephens
Assistant Director of Curriculum
Albeit some consistent rain for Round 1, it all ran smoothly with some excellent results from all winter co-curricular teams. It’s time to draw our attention to Round 2 tomorrow, Saturday, 6 May. I know our students will represent the College proudly, and demonstrate the utmost respect and sportsmanship towards their opposition teams.
Please ensure you refer to the Waverley College app announcements each week, as I will continue to send out the weekly Sports Fixtures for each round. All families can also locate all relevant Junior School Co-Curricular information through the College website by clicking the button below.
The Junior and Senior School will be holding our annual Years 5-12 whole school Athletics Carnival on Friday, 19 May. This will be held at ES Marks Athletics Field. More details will follow closer to the event date.
*Please click the button below to advise whether your son will be dropped off and picked up from E S Marks Field, or whether your son will need to be on the organised school bus to and from Carrington Road Gates.
Click here to complete the Athletics Carnival permission slip
Next Tuesday, 9 May, Year 5 students will have their Athletics Trial after lunch at Waverley Park. All Year 5 students will run a timed 100m sprint to assist with placing students in their appropriate divisions specific to their age.
Please ensure your son wears his Waverley PE uniform on Tuesday, has his Waverley hat and a drink bottle. Students are allowed to pack spiked running shoes for the trial if they wish to. Recess and lunch will take place as usual; therefore, the canteen will remain open. Any Year 6 students who missed the Year 6 trial will also be trialled on this day.
Last Sunday, 30 April, Kai Freeman (5 Indigo) competed in the NSW State Title Jiu Jitsu Championship. Kai had actually moved up two weight divisions for this competition to challenge himself. He won his first fight by points and after a challenging second fight, Kai was able to secure 2nd place and take home the silver.
A massive congratulations to Kai for his achievement and the Waverley College community are truly proud of his efforts.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Years 5-8)
*NO HOME LEARNING on Tuesday, 9 May 2023
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of 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.
Click here to register your son
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/carer signature will be required.
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.
If you require any further information, feel free to email us.
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.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2023 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System.
At the Junior School, the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics. This year all the competitions will be held in August / September, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts. A timetable will be shared closer to the assessment dates.
Click here to register your son
Through this system, parents/carers can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than 23 July 2023.
Waverley’s School Access Code FBT592
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level. Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning.
If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher. More information about the assessments can be found at ICAS Assessments: Home
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team, Australian Toll-Free, 1800 931 775.
It was a privilege to have Jessica Buchanan our very first guest speaker for Term 2. Jessica is a writer for CANVA. She gave the Junior School boys an insight into the world of writing for CANVA, and the background on her journey to her writing career. Jessica had the boys captivated by her presentation, cleverly designed on a CANVA template.
Thank you for taking the time out to inspire the Waverley boys to dream big.
The debating season has kicked off this Term, with one win and one loss for Waverley. The boys had their first debate against Kincoppal, Rose Bay. The debate topic was ‘That YouTube is better than TV.’
Both Waverley teams put forward solid arguments and presented their cases clearly and firmly, rebutting the Kincoppal team’s cases. The boys did themselves and Waverley very proud.
Debating develops essential skills that are transferable to other areas: exploring ideas, developing arguments, articulating opinions, building confidence, being able to think on one’s feet, and becoming a good public speaker. Congratulations on your first debate!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
On Tuesday, Year 6 ventured to the stunning Royal Botanic Garden for a Year 6 Science Excursion, ‘Aboriginal Culture and Knowledge.’ This relates directly to the Science curriculum this Term, where we learn about sustainable farming practices.
The excursion also supports our learning in English and History, where we explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge through texts such as Who am I? by Anita Heiss and Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe.
The boys got to make lots of noise using “snake whistles” and try Davidson plums, a native fruit with 11 times the nutritional value of an orange. They thoroughly enjoyed walking on Country, and listening to the dedicated Aboriginal guides in the beautiful gardens on Gadigal Land.
Our students expressed many interesting responses:
“It was very interesting how the Aboriginal people used the plants to help them survive, and it was also cool how they used constellations to know when to hunt different animals.” – Tallis Merryweather (6 Blue)
“I really liked to learn about all of the different bush tuckers Aboriginal people used a long and still today.” – Jet Venning (6 Blue)
“I thought it was really cool how the lemon myrtle worked instantly to clear my nose and how it has other medicinal properties.” – Sam Peate (6 Blue)
“I thought it was quite interesting how Aboriginal people cloned the Wollemi pine to save it from extinction after disease had destroyed most of the remaining trees.” – Boyd Haslam (6 Blue)
As we approach the exam season, it’s important to remember that with proper preparation and planning, students can confidently face exams and achieve the results they desire.
It is critical to start early and develop a study plan that allows you to cover all the necessary material thoroughly. Here are some tips to help you with your preparation and planning:
Remember, exams are an opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge and skills. With proper preparation and planning, you can perform at your best and achieve the results you deserve. Stay focused, stay determined, and stay positive – you’ve got this!
3:30-4:30pm – Library
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Click here to view further details about SBT
3:30-4:30pm- Library
Literacy: Monday and Tuesday
Numeracy: Wednesday and Thursday
7.30-8.30am – E15
Tuesday and Wednesday
Click here to view the Study Skills Handbook
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
This week, we celebrated Edmund Rice Day at both the Senior and Junior Schools. The senior school students attended an impressive assembly where we looked at and thanked some of our partners who are doing amazing charitable works in the community, including Edmund Rice Camps, Pantry 4 The People and CaringKids.
We were blessed to have some guest speakers from these groups, including Old Boy, Jake Smith. The Touchtones of Gospel Spirituality and Justice and Solidarity as part of our Edmund Rice Charism were highlighted, as as part of the wonderful work by our Social Justice groups.
You can follow the charities we heard from below:
Having an Inclusive Community is also one of the strengths of Waverley College. The diversity of our community is what makes Waverley so special. I was lucky enough on Wednesday evening to attend the celebrations for the anniversary of Israel’s 75 years of independence. This wonderful event people from all around NSW and Australia, as well as a number of other countries, come together in solidarity to celebrate as one.
Israel gained independence three years after the conclusion of World War II, where 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. Despite this and over 2,000 years of exile and persecution, they were able to maintain their identity, and despite many challenges, are a nation that is continuing to thrive. Australia and Israel have always had strong relationships, however, the amount of anti-Semitism in the world and in Australia over the past few years has, unfortunately, increased.
Waverley College will never accept any form of discrimination against another person. Regardless of race, religion, gender or any other difference, we need to be celebrating the differences that make us unique.
It is no secret that our students are not reading as much as we would like. At the recent Parent-Teacher interviews, so many parents/carers voiced their concerns about the lack of reading happening across all Year groups.
We also know from our participation last year in the Deakin University Study on Reading Among Teens in Australia, that reading is certainly not a priority among our students or many students in Australia. We are not alone.
This week I attended an online conference with the IBSC (International Boys’ Schools Coalition) entitled ‘Getting High School Boys to Read.’
It was wonderful to hear some strategies on how we can respond to this global decline in teen reading (particularly among boys). I was reassured by the fact that many of the strategies already put in place at Waverley College – in particular by Mr Roberts and the Library team – are best practice in terms of encouraging students to read.
Family reading time at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books
For parents and carers, one way in which we can all engage in this endeavour as adults is by modelling reading. “When children see adults reading a variety of books in the home, they are more likely to mirror that behaviour,” says Judy Newman, executive vice president and president of Scholastic Book Clubs. “Setting an example for your child as a lifelong reader will leave a vast impression.” Equally, if boys see male adults in their lives reading, they are more likely to follow suit.
At home, consider the idea of everyone reading the same books or listening to audiobooks on long car journeys and sharing some thoughts.
Everyone reads. Let’s show our boys that reading is part of everyone’s life, by reading diverse works that serve different purposes. Make a habit out of living through reading and remember that any reading is good reading. 10 minutes a day will suffice.
Click here for Year 7 reading lists
Click here for ages 12-13 reading lists
Click here for Years 8-10 reading lists
For nearly 20 years, the Whitlam Institute’s “What Matters?” Writing Competition has been empowering students to raise their voices and feel that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or point of view.
Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, “What Matters?” is the perfect platform for students to express what they care about and why.
Click the button below to view their website to learn more about the competition, get inspired by past entries, explore classroom resources, and view the amazing prizes on offer.
Click here to view more information about the What Matters? Competition
Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of 600 words or less, and can be submitted quickly online.
*Entries close today!
Student-Based-Tutoring (SBT) is back and running again for Term 2 to continue providing academic support for students. SBT works with competent senior students to provide high-quality tutors to help other boys in reaching their full potential.
SBT is available to any students from Monday to Wednesday 3:30pm-4:30pm in the library. SBT runs parallel to the current literacy and numeracy tutoring sessions, so students may also be able to get help from experienced teachers at the same time.
Why pay for private tutoring when free quality tutoring is available for you? The goal of SBT is to help Waverley students achieve improvements in all areas of academic life.
It also allows boys to meet with senior students who can give invaluable advice to help them achieve set targets, while learning how to still schedule time for co-curricular and social activities. School is about learning but you also have to have fun along the way, and SBT can teach you how to achieve both simultaneously.
Whether you want to go from 50% to 60% in a subject or from 85% to 90%, SBT is here to help you. SBT tutors can help you find your mistakes and may be able to teach you content that you are struggling with. Nobody is perfect, and these senior students have gone through hundreds of hours of study to reach their success. From this experience, they can provide techniques that worked for them.
Moreover, SBT provides an efficient way to increase your marks, while also building crucial relationships with senior students.
SBT is the one-stop shop for your academic aid, so make use of it.
Click here to view further details about Student Based Tutoring
Centre 360 Youth and Family Service Tuning in to Teens program is starting on Monday, 8 May 2023.
Several spots are available for this free, six week evidence-based parenting program.
Please call (02) 9331 2691 or email enquiries@stfrancis.org.au
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Student Formation
When: Thursday, 11 May 2023, 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Woollahra Library, Double Bay – Level 1, 451 New South Head Road Double Bay
Cost: Free
This seminar is designed for parents and carers of tweens and teens (aged 10-17) who want practical information and strategies for effective communication and healthy relationships, and to better understand and manage adolescent behaviour.
The seminar will be led by clinical psychologist Dr Terri Said, CEO of WAYS Youth & Family and WAYS Secondary Principal, who will cover topics including:
Please click the button below to register and for further information.
When: Wednesday, 10 May 2023, 1oam
Where: online
Cost: Free
For parents/carers of children aged 9-14 years. Taught by Madeleine Winter, who is a Parent Coach and parent of a teen, with deep experience supporting parents/carers to build strong relationships with their children through every age and stage.
Click here for registration and bookings
Click here to view the fixtures and venue maps
*Please note – Tuesday, 9 May (Week 3) – Staff meeting. No co-curricular training that afternoon but morning training will still go ahead.
Congratulations to all students on their commitment and effort last week at training and on the weekend for their winter co-curricular fixtures. The spirit, effort and excellent sportsmanship was evident throughout the weekend for the whole Waverley College community.
I especially want to thank all parents/carers who assisted throughout the weekend – for those who helped at the canteen, the after match functions or at the BBQ – your support is much appreciated.
I would like to thank Mr Jeremy Roff and Mr Nicholas Brophy for their hard work in hosting the first Cross Country event on Saturday. Waverley had some strong performances in the Cross Country relays, with the below teams achieving top 10 finishes for their respective divisions:
Congratulations to these students who competed at the Secondary Swimming Championships this week: Jack Kerves, Ryan McNamara, Tristan Lee, Owen Lloyd-Jones, Eamon Jeffs, Carter Hjorring and Nick Hjorring.
Congratulations to these students who were selected for CAS touch football teams:
I had the pleasure of watching the 1sts AFL on Friday evening, in what was a very physical and hard-fought contest against Newington. It was great to see so many students present and supporting the team.
Congratulations to the 1st Volleyball team who won an exciting and close match against Cranbrook.
On Friday night, Harrison Rimell represented the College at the prestigious Lawrence Campbell Oratory competition and did an amazing job.
The Waverley College Debating teams also had a strong first round of the CSDA competition against Marcellin College with wins across both the senior and junior teams.
Thank you to Ms Halpin for her dedication and leadership in the Debating program.
It is essential that all students are fully attired in the correct playing gear, and that they arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of the match.
When students are supporting the 1sts or other teams, they should be dressed in full PE sports uniform or school uniform.
Click here to view the correct uniforms in the Waverley College Lookbook
We have an onsite Uniform Shop as well as a Secondhand Clothing Pool. Their contact details are in every edition of Nurrunga.
We have a big weekend of fixtures coming up with the majority of games against Barker and Riverview – please check the Waverley College app for fixtures and team selections.
A reminder to all parents/carers and students that selections are not final, and remain fluid for the entire season. Coaches will continue to make selections and changes following last weekend’s fixtures.
For any student who is absent from a co-curricular activity, a medical certificate needs to be produced.
The Waverley College House Athletics carnival for Years 5-12 will be held on Friday, 19 June (week 4) at ES Marks.
More information will be released next week.
Good luck to all teams and activities this weekend!
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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