According to Google Trends, Chess is reaching peak popularity via the search engine in 2023, so far. An unprecedented explosion of interest in the game is nowhere more apparent than in our own College community, where talk of Chess, and the playing of games against fellow students, teachers and, even AI, is booming.
Fads, or, as our students now know them, TikTok trends, come and go, but historical sources demonstrate that versions of Chess have been played for roughly 1,400 years. It’s one of the oldest and most widely played games in the world, and has attained a cultural and intellectual significance that few other activities can match.
Chess, of course, is a game of strategy. And although tactics can indeed define a game’s outcome, good strategic play creates the opportunity for tactical shots in the first place. Chess has a long and celebrated history at Waverley College, as our students have engaged in both inter school and Sydney-wide competitions for decades, so how can we take this burgeoning interest and apply it to increase student engagement in the classroom?
Chess display in the Senior School Library
Students learn best when they have control over aspects of their learning. At Waverley, our teaching philosophy is underpinned by Françoys Gagné’s model of giftedness, which supports teachers to identify outstanding natural ability and nurture talent through the design of high quality teaching and learning opportunities to ensure natural talent can inform high performance.
As educators, we know that motivation can be the discriminating factor that assists students to reach their full potential. With that in mind, I decided to tap into our students’ love of Chess to support their engagement with poetic technique revision in the English classroom. To harness their unique knowledge, students brainstormed the function of each Chess piece on the board and then, through the revision of their poetry techniques, they made connections between the function of each Chess piece and the function of different language techniques. This approach enabled students to transfer their understanding of Chess strategy to inform their deeper understanding of the strategy of language composition.
Chess in the Senior Library
Needless to say, because the students co-created the activity within their strong collegial environment, their responses were insightful and clever:
“The knight is like enjambment, it can jump over pieces and set up attacks and defences, and that’s what enjambment does, it can keep an idea going and disregard the need for full stops or punctuation.”
“The Pawn is like a simile, easy to identify. It achieves a lot but it can feel cliché and bore the reader if overused.”
“The King is like Rhyme, it’s powerful but in modern free verse poetry it is not as dominant you need to use stronger techniques like sibilance, alliteration and assonance.”
Our focus on designing for deep student learning ensures that we strive to meet the unique interests of learners, giving students multiple options for taking in information, making sense of ideas and expressing what they learn. In this case, 7.09 demonstrated their ability to lead their learning and move from surface knowledge to embrace a deeper conceptual understanding by connecting two differing frameworks through their shared functions.
On Tuesday, Year 11 Lacey boys welcomed businesswoman Eleni Mitakos (2023 winner Barbara Cox Woman of the Year!) and the Galmatic Car Workshops back to Waverley. Our senior students have been actively participating in these very practical car maintenance workshops for the past four years.
In one-to-one and group scenarios, students learned both theory and hands-on training, improving their knowledge, skills, confidence and safety awareness in a one-hour, outdoor session in the Kenny Quad.
Eleni’s warmth and encouragement created an environment where our students felt comfortable asking questions, and she made use of real-life scenarios to teach new skills.
She believes these interactive Galmatic workshops remain indispensable:
“We have a misconception that dads are helping their kids to fix cars and that because many of us have new cars, that we don’t need to know anything about how they run. These workshops are important because they empower teenagers to feel confident about fixing a car – safely, quickly and easily.”
Eleni Mitakos, Director Of Training And Development at Galmatic – Eleni established Galmatic in 2007 with the launch of the Galmatic Car Care Handbook for Girls and the Galmatic Car Care Workshops for Women
Year 11 student, Tom Park, found the workshop really worthwhile:
“Today we learnt how to change the tyre if we have a flat and where to put the jack. We learned the important parts of the engine, incase we need to change the oil, wiper fluid or coolant. The new thing I learned today was how to check the dipstick – with too much oil, you’ll get spits out the back, too little oil and the pistons will run against the engine and break the motor.”
These unique Galmatic Workshops ran this week for all Year 11 students. Thanks Eleni, for sharing your expertise and passion, in a fun, authentic and non-judgemental environment.
Teaching Year 9 boys the skills of creative writing presents a number of challenges. As we know, by the time students reach Stage 5, their interest in reading has noticeably waned. Gone are the days when the teacher can ask their students to compose a ‘story’ and the power of the imagination clicks into action. Instead, we are generally met with the fear of the blank page and a newfound understanding of ‘Writer’s Block.’ More often than not, we must go right back to basics and break down the components of a short story, a paragraph, and a sentence. Thankfully, this year I had the assistance of Writer’s Toolbox, as well as two Ray Bradbury short stories, to help with some of the heavy lifting.
Our students always like to know how they can access those ‘extra’ marks. Recently, Writer’s Toolbox consultant, Mr Robert Tall, told the Year 7 boys that the student who gets the top grade will cast six to eight different sentence styles by the bottom of the first page they write. With this in mind, the ‘Sentence Builder’ feature seemed like the perfect place to start. This skill would be my main focus throughout the unit. While some sentence styles proved easier to master than others, students quickly got used to labels such as ‘Explore the subject’ and the ‘W start’ as a way of avoiding the much overused ‘simple’ sentence.
Writer’s Toolbox sentence graph
The most popular feature among the students was, without doubt, the ‘Feedback’ function. An analysis of the data reveals that collectively, the class sought feedback 1,388 times. More pleasing is the fact that 1,073 improvements were made. Revision is an integral part of the writing process. It is not always easy for our busy students to grasp the importance of editing their work. In response to the feedback suggestions in Writer’s Toolbox, the boys were all very keen to make the changes in an attempt to achieve 90% plus in their writing strength. Personally, my own favourite feedback feature is the ‘easy-to-read-for-English-Teachers’ sentence style graph.
Reflecting on what worked well and what didn’t, I have made some observations on how my Year 9 class have responded.
Writer’s Toolbox removes the fear of the blank page. It supports students throughout the writing process and our students love that support. When the fateful moment came to leave Writer’s Toolbox and export stories to PDF form, I was reminded of the experience of removing bike stabilisers for the first time.
A quick glance at the students’ work reveals a noticeable improvement in sentence structure. While there are still some issues, I have spotted (among other styles) a number of ‘W’ start sentences to reveal thought and knowledge.
On a side note: The most interesting piece of feedback I received for this article was: “Time to toughen up what’s in your paragraphs and aim for 100-120 words.”
Expect better next time!
Dear Mothers, grandmothers and significant women in the lives of Waverley College students
Please join us to celebrate Mother’s Day where you can enjoy a light breakfast with your Senior School sons.
Any Junior School siblings are most welcome to attend and can be taken to school at the conclusion of the breakfast.
*Please RSVP by Monday, 1 May.
Well done to all students and coaches on a really positive start to the winter season last week. Our 1sts and As Football teams played in the CAS Blitz and we had some impressive results that hopefully indicate a successful season in Football. Our AFL, Rugby, Tennis and Volleyball teams also looked excellent.
For the final week of Term there will be training only on Monday and Tuesday, with school finishing on Wednesday, 5 April.
In terms of selections, we will continue to adjust teams over the season and no teams are yet finalised. If a student is disappointed with their selection, we certainly encourage them to have a conversation with the Convenor or Coach, and ask what they need to work on. We do not select teams based on reputation or external representative teams. Good application, attendance, attitude and sportsmanship are some of the essential qualities coaches are looking at.
Last Friday, we had a number of parents, carers, students and staff attend the Australian Schools Rugby Luncheon as a fundraiser for the national tournament and representative teams. Felix Turinui, Ky Pule, Zion Poitaha and Jonas Dowling represented Waverley to the highest standards, and were also lucky enough to sit down with the newly-appointed Wallabies coach, Eddie Jones.
Best wishes to our Cadet Unit and Year 9 as they head off this week to Holsworthy for the annual AFX camp. I know the staff have been working very hard to make this a wonderful experience and standards of behaviour need to be exceptional at all times.
Good luck to all students with their trials this weekend.
Next week, training will only occur on Monday for 13s, 14s and 15s teams, and Tuesday for 16s and Opens teams. These will be the only remaining training sessions for the Term, aside from the students involved in the upcoming Japan Tour, who will have their own separate training schedule.
Training commences back in Term 2 for our 13s, 14s and 15s on Monday, 24 April. With ANZAC Day on Tuesday, 25 April and Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday, 26 April, we will not hold any training sessions on these days. 16s and Opens will resume training on Thursday, 27 April. These are important training sessions in the lead up to the Newington Trial fixtures on Saturday, 29 April, when all teams will have a match.
Please note that team lists and fixtures will be communicated through the Waverley College app in Week 1 of Term 2. As mentioned in previous reports, these teams will certainly be trial teams as we look to continue the selection process in the fixtures against Newington (Week 1, Term 2) and Riverview (Week 2, Term 2).
Rugby Indigenous Round
At the commencement of the season, there can often be some anxiety around team selections. I am writing to the community to thank you for your patience with this process, and the support of our coaching staff who are currently undertaking what can be a challenging job. Our coaching staff, which consists of both teaching staff and non-teaching staff, are mindful of how important selection into teams can be for individual students. Our coaching staff are doing their very best to ensure students are appropriately graded into teams. However, this can be a process which takes time – particularly with students who might be absent at camps or away from school unwell.
We certainly encourage students to speak with the coaches in each respective age group to discuss the areas in which players can improve, should players be determined to potentially move up in grades. At the same time, we also encourage players to remain positive throughout the season and enjoy their rugby, as there are always opportunities which present themselves over the season, as injuries may pop up or players may need to take leave.
A few years ago we had a senior student who trained extremely hard all through the summer months to reach his dream of playing 1st XV Rugby. This student was initially placed in the 4th XV team at the commencement of the season, due to the competitiveness in the age group and some impressive players who shared the playing position this student had selected. This student continued to train harder and harder, sought feedback from coaches, and off the advice of coaches, developed his knowledge of playing in a variety of different positions to open up the opportunities in playing at a higher grade. At not one point of the season did this student drop his head or stop enjoying the game he loved. In the final match of the season, this student was handed a playing jersey in the 1st XV. He had reached his dream because of the commitment and perseverance he showed throughout the year.
During the upcoming school holidays, a group of senior students will be involved in a rugby and football tour of Japan. For those interested in following the tour, we will be communicating tour highlights, match results and general updates through the Waverley College app. If any members of the community are interested in following us, please feel free to subscribe to the Japan Tour group on the app.
Wishing all students the very best at trials this weekend.
Waverley to win!
Waverley Council’s colourful autumn school holiday program offers something for young people of all ages – from soccer, tennis and basketball at Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre, to LED workshops, creative writing and glass jar decorating at Waverley Library.
Check out Council’s diverse arts, culture and family programming by clicking the buttons below.
Click here to view school holiday events in Waverley
Click here to view and book school holiday events at Bondi Pavilion
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Student Formation
mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers
Bookings for the Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student meetings to be held on Monday, 1 May will be open from next Thursday, 6 April. Bookings for this can be made through the Parent Lounge in TASS.
Meetings will be held via Zoom. An instructional video on how to use Zoom for these interviews has been provided by the Director of IT Mr Simon Potter, and is available via this link: https://vimeo.com/799046695/ad47caf087
A list of zoom account numbers will be sent by IT to all parents/carers prior to the meeting date. You do not need the zoom code to make your bookings.
Meetings will take place between either 3:45pm to 7pm or 4:15pm to 7:30pm, depending on the individual teacher. Please don’t try to connect with teachers until your booked appointment time.
Appointments may be made online from 9am on Thursday, 6 April and will close at 5pm on Friday, 28 April.
The link to the Parent Lounge is below.
https://waverley.cloudwork.id/
user id = email address
password = if you cannot remember your password you can reset by selecting ‘forgot password’
If you have any technical issues with using the system, then you should contact the IT Department on 9369 0784 or email iAssist@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Click here to view the Week 9 Careers Newsletter
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers
Starting 10 April 2023, Waverley Council will be upgrading the intersection at Salisbury Street and Henrietta Street by constructing a continuous footpath and installing a rain garden.
This project is part of Waverley Council’s People, Movement and Places Strategy to improve pedestrian safety and upgrade streetscapes in Waverley.
Residents in Waverley will receive a letter notifying them of works commencing on 10 April 2023. Works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2023, weather permitting.
During construction, some minimal on-street parking will be occupied to allow access for construction vehicles and materials. Traffic will be guided by trained Traffic Control Personnel at this location.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Gadia Zrihan, Engagement Officer at Waverley Council gadia.zrihan@waverley.nsw.gov.au
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
spotter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Beginning Concert Bands will start Week 1 of Term 2 for Junior and Senior students. These bands will be for boys who are learning a new instrument or wanting to restart an instrument that they have previously played.
Please contact Mr Dan Williams in the Music Department for more information.
Term 2 will see the start of the new Waverley College Drama Club. Drama Club will be a new and exciting addition to the already diverse Winter co curricular offerings at the College. It will run throughout the Winter season on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at the PAC.
Convened by myself (the Head of Drama)and Mr Peter Lamb, the Club will offer opportunities for both students who have been unable to take up Drama as an elective at school, and existing Drama students who wish to extend themselves outside the classroom.
In Term 2, we will start with Drama games and activities to build confidence and important collaboration skills, before moving on to performing short scenes for the stage.
During Term 3, the focus will switch to camera acting techniques with students able to gain valuable insight in how to prepare and perform for the small screen, using extracts from existing screenplays and equipment provided by the College.
There will also be an opportunity to perform and receive feedback on any audition pieces students may have upcoming outside the College.
Interested students from Years 7-12 are encouraged to sign up.
Please contact Ms Jinga ASAP before the start of Term 2, Monday 24 April, with an email registering your interest. Ms Jinga will then finalise a class list ready for Term 2, Week 1, when the Club commences.
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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