As your sons will be entering Year 9 next year, for the first time they will have some choice over their pattern of study for Years 9 and 10.
Over Years 9 and 10, apart from the mandatory subjects, students study two additional subjects, commonly referred to as ‘electives.’
>>> Click here to view the Subject Selection Information Booklet Stage 5 2023-2024.
>>> Click here to view the Subject Selection College web link.
During Week 9, on Tuesday, 21 June, students and parents will have the opportunity to attend subject selection presentations in Kenny Classrooms from 6pm-7pm, where they will learn more about courses in which they are interested, and have the opportunity to ask Heads of Department or delegates any questions.
The subject selection process will be completed online early next term. Details on how to do this process will be sent out closer to the time.
The most important thing is that students select elective subjects that they will enjoy. These are important decisions to make, as they will influence the staffing and resourcing decisions the College has to make for the 2023 timetable.
Mr Chris Soden
Assistant Director of Curriculum
E: csoden@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians aged 16-23 have joined the internationally-recognised, national sail training ship ‘Young Endeavour’ on a life-changing voyage.
Onboard, 24 youth from across Australia make up the youth crew for each voyage. The program, delivered by the Royal Australian Navy, teaches participants all of the skills required to sail the square rigged tall ship.
These activities include keeping watch on deck, handling lines, taking the helm, navigation using the ship’s charts, assisting the chef in the galley, and climbing the 30-metre mast to set and furl sails.
>>> Click here to view more information.
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
E: gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Are you a Year 11 student who is curious and interested in all things science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM)?
Would you like to learn about future career pathways and engage with other like-minded young people from all around Australia?
Applications for the 2023 National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program are now open.
In 2023, the NYSF Year 12 Program will run from 10 to 24 January. Students will have opportunities to:
>>> Click here to view more information.
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
E: gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, 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.
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. Should numbers fall below five, we may not be able to run that particular session.
Mrs Lauren Ryan has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
| Date | Subject | Time | Room | Teacher |
|
Monday, 6 June 2022
|
Mathematics Standard | 7:30am – 8:30am | E35 | Nicola Silsby |
| Mathematics Advanced | 7:30am – 8:30am | E15 | Sharon Chandler | |
| Geography | 3:30pm – 5pm | W33 | Adam Wallington | |
| SOR II | 3:30pm – 5pm | W22A | Cath Stewart/ Martina Cooper |
|
|
Tuesday, 7 June 2022
|
Mathematics Standard | 7:30am – 8:30am | E42 | Phoebe Guirguis |
| Mathematics Extension 1 | 3:30pm – 5pm | E32 | Steven Hall | |
| Wednesday, 8 June 2022 | Biology | 7:30am – 8:30am | E02 | Richard Chen |
| Thursday, 9 June 2022 | Ancient History | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | K11 | Nicholas Brophy |
| Friday, 10 June 2022 | Founder’s Day Holiday |
Mrs Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
E: ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley has been thrilled to have former Olympian and Preservice Teacher Ms Dani Stevens in our energetic PDHPE department for her Master of Secondary Teaching practicum (Griffith University).
Dani was an elite discus thrower for 20 years, a four-time Olympian (2008, 2021, 2016, 2020), World Champion and minor medallist (2009, 2017), 2 x Commonwealth Games Champion (2014, 2018), World Uni Champion and minor medallist, Oceania and Australian Record Holder, and 17 x Australian Champion. Wow!
Starting her career aged five at Little Athletics ‘Tiny Tots’ in Sydney’s west, she became the youngest-ever discus world champion when winning gold at the 2009 world titles in Berlin, aged 21.
Dani Stevens in 2018, courtesy Athletics Australia
Check out her personal bests:
Dani co-captained the Australian Athletics team at her fourth and final Olympics, after bravely overcoming spinal surgery and 14 months’ rehabilitation. Inspiring a generation of athletes, she retired from professional sport in 2021.
Nurrunga asked Dani what made her decide to choose teaching as her second career:
“I always knew in the back of my mind I would become a teacher in my post-Athletics career. So many of my family and friends are teachers, and I had a lot of positive role models in my life who were teachers when I was growing up. In the last few years of my competitive career, I realised all the areas I had a passion for, and enjoyed sharing knowledge – such as sport, coaching, nutrition, health, and wellbeing – was a perfect fit for teaching Physical Education.”
We’ve been very lucky to have Dani at Waverley. During her practicum, she focused on ‘Understanding Diverse Learners’, with a particular focus on their complex abilities and interests. While she was here, her university expected her to consider the influence of the social context on students’ lives and learning.
Waverley wishes you all the best with your continuing studies, Dani!
Would you like to volunteer at an Immersion or Service Year Placement in 2023?
Destinations are diverse and include:
Ideally, volunteers will be young people who are both passionate about service and keen to have new cultural encounters. Does this sound like you?
At the Information Evening, you’ll learn more about the December and January Nepal Immersions, and the three, six and 12-month service placements in 2023.
When: Wednesday, 22 June 2022
Where: 2 Wolves Community Cantina, Broadway
Time: 6pm
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to our CAS Drill Team for their outstanding performance at the CAS Drill Competition on Wednesday, hosted by Trinity Grammar at the Knox Grammar Great Hall. We congratulate our friends at St Aloysius’ who were victorious on the day.
The CAS Drill Competition is one of the key events in the Cadet Calendar, as 91 Battalion aims to maintain the high standards of drill, dress and bearing, in a collegiate atmosphere of friendly competition. I was so proud of our team who generously donated so much of their time before and after school, to rehearse and become one as a team.
Cadets new to the team, cadets new to drill, cadets continuing from the 2021 team, all came together to reach the high standard we set. For me, the united crack of the boots on the final halt, signified their achievement. It was at that moment that they felt the unity, the success of having given of their best for the good of the team.
WO1 Charles Alexander, WO2 Angus Birrell, WO2 Mitchell Cahill, WO2 Darius Hall, WO2 Alistair Isaac, WO2 Matteo Paolella, SGT Paul Muir, CPL Bailey Barker, CPL James Birbas, CPL Anika Bradford, CPL Matthew Garrop, CPL Emma Hartwig, CPL Mitchell Ho, CPL Julia Mallam, CPL Oliver Malzard, CPL Declan McAuliffe, CPL Robert Muir, CPL Meg O’Connor, CPL Hayley Paddock, CPL Luca Patrick-Watkins, CPL Reuben Seroa, CPL Aodhan Williams, CPL Zara Wiseman, CDT Lachlan Isaac and CDT Lachlan Marzol.
Thank you, also, to LT(AAC) Max Petrov and the CUOs from Year 12 who gave of their time to train the new guard.
We had a full house for the Year 8 Parent Information Evening on Monday, and I thank everyone for their enthusiasm for the Cadet experience commencing for our new recruits next term. For those unable to attend, I will email an information sheet to summarise the key points.
This weekend marks the end of our Year 12 Cadets’ journey with the Waverley College Cadet Unit, and we celebrate our senior ranks’ five years of service with Passing Out Parade, commencing at 11am on Sunday, 5 June in the Centenary Quad.
Parents and friends are most welcome to come and view the parade from the upper levels of the College. This is also the occasion to recognise the fantastic contribution of so many of our talented and selfless young people at the Annual Awards Ceremony. In the evening, we continue the celebrations with a special military dinner for our Year 12 cadets and their parents in the school gymnasium.
As we say good-bye to our Year 12 leaders, we look to preparing our new leaders on the Promotions Courses from Monday, 27 June – Saturday, 2 July at the Winbourne Conference Centre in Mulgoa. Thank you to all cadets who have registered their interest in promotion to Corporal, Sergeant, Warrant Officer or Cadet Under Officer.
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
>>> Click here to view the weekly Careers Newsletter.
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please find below some reminders about key events you need to be aware of for the Junior School in Term 2. For all of the College events, please refer to the College calendar.
When: Monday lunchtimes
Where: Waverley Park
Dress: Boys may wear PE uniform for the day, if they are participating in Running Club
Parents/Carers: are welcome to attend and parent helpers are welcome to assist coaches when running in the local area – you can meet us at the Junior School at 12:30pm on Mondays
Wet Weather: in the event of wet weather, an announcement will be communicated to the boys at school and on the College app
Please note, it is not compulsory to attend the training sessions to participate in the City2Surf.
Do I Need to Give Permission for my Son to Participate in Running Club?
Yes.
>>> Click here to view and complete the Google form permission slip.
How to Register for the City2Surf and to Join the College Team
>>> Click here to register for the City2Surf and join the College team.
You will need the password: WavCol22
How to Register for the Waverley College Fundraising Page
Mrs Gabby Smith
Director of Junior School
E: gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday, both Year 5 and Year 6 attended ‘A Case of Discovery’ science incursion at school. Our students were able to explore real forensic science techniques and apply the science they’ve learnt in class, to solve the case and catch the criminal.
The case created for our students was engaging and exciting. See the case below:
The gold is gone! The jewels are too! Three sneaky thieves have made off with the loot! But when they are arrested the treasure is nowhere to be found. Then, the security guard who reported the robbery is attacked! Why was Joseph attacked and what on earth happened to the stolen goods?
The students were so excited when they saw that the workshop was so ‘hands-on’! Students loved trying the forensic science outfits and using the fingerprint equipment. Overall, it was a unique and fascinating experience! We hope you enjoy the photos of this extraordinary day.
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of Curriculum
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
>>> Click here to register your son.
If your son is unable to attend, please email the College at nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au or call reception.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2021 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate the competitions in which you would like him to be entered, through the Parent Payment System.
At the Junior School, the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & Spelling Bee, English and Mathematics. This year all the competitions will be held in August / September of Term 3, and will be completed before school in the Learning Hub. Dates and times will be confirmed in Term 3.
>>> Click here to register your son.
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our College. Please use the College’s access code details to register your child, no later than the first week in Term 3, Friday, 22 July 2022.
Waverley’s School Access Code UUD072
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.
>>> Click here for more information about the assessments.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
The boys explored the very important theme of ‘Sorry Day and Reconciliation’ through stories written by First Nations Peoples.
Rich literature is used to encourage valuable discussion on the cultural heritage of the First Nations Peoples. This opens up many opportunities for conversations.
The boys highlighted many important facts, and we were involved in activities that promote critical thinking, through the use of Visible Thinking Routines.
This is also an ideal time for families to join the reconciliation conversation with their sons.
L-R: Will Thompson, James Draper and William Carter
The debating season has kicked off this term with one win and one loss for Waverley. The boys had their first debate against St Catherine’s. The debate topic was ‘That parents should not allow their children access to the Internet unless it’s for school.’
Both Waverley teams put forward strong arguments and presented their cases clearly and firmly, rebutting the St Catherine’s team’s cases. The boys did themselves and Waverley very proud.
Debating develops important 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! Our next debate is against Coogee Boys’ Preparatory on 3 June.
L-R: Ishaan Jeena, Thomas Stillone, Geoffrey Gibbons, Jack McCallum, Isaac Tait, Ned Wilson and Quinn Brodie – absent: Beau Matheson-Rayner
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In English, we have loved having the opportunity to use a program called Writer’s Toolbox. It is a wonderfully motivating online platform, and at the moment we are using it to learn about different sentence types. Writer’s Toolbox makes writing fun and it gives real-time feedback on our efforts.
This week we have learnt about semicolon sentences. This is a way of joining two simple sentences without using conjunctions. A good example is: Billy felt a stinging pain in his wound; he burst into tears immediately.
We did an activity where we wrote a text where a person drank liquid and got special powers. The target words were 300 and you had to include a semicolon sentence in each paragraph.
By Boyd and Jonah
During Religion this Semester, we have learnt about the season of Lent, and how Easter is a time for hope and new life. We have also discussed topics like how to control our feelings and emotions.
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we discussed and made a poster full of ideas on how we can better control these feelings and attitudes. For example, we talked about when we get angry, we can take time to talk to God and our family, to express why we are feeling this way. We also have been learning about Edmund Rice
By Hugo D and Jacob P
This semester in Science, we have been learning about energy, concentrating on electricity and circuits. Our main project is to make a car that can carry an egg three metres, using batteries and motors. Our group used a program to design the car called ‘Tinkercad.’ It is a helpful website where you can design 3D objects. Now we are turning our designs into reality using lego and actual circuits.
By Jet and Jack B
During History lessons, we have been studying multiple historical Australian figures like Pemulwuy, Lachlan Macquarie and Edward Hargraves. We have been assigned to build a history stall for our history showcase in Week 9. To add to the theatre of our booth, we will be dressed as our chosen historical figure.
Here is an example of a document that we used to gather our research, based on questions that we devised.
By Ollie and Mika
Over the last two terms, 5 Orange has progressed quite a lot with their visual arts. We began our art by creating awesome Aboriginal dot paintings. We used small turtles on black canvases, and our colour choices added a beautiful storytelling element to our paintings. To support our history learning journey, we painted a picture of us at the goldfields! The results were very humorous!
By Jake and Vincent
In 5 Orange, Mr McKimm regularly talks about having a ‘growth mindset’ in all that we do. To us, this is about never giving up and being determined to achieve your goals.
Like when in sport you don’t always get the team you want, however, you need to be determined to keep trying and move up teams. This thought process can also work in the classroom, if we apply a growth mindset to challenging tasks.
By Jacob R and Louis Coleman
In 5 Orange, we have buckets that we can put nice messages in. These messages should fill the buckets of our classmates and make them feel good about themselves. As a class, we have discussed that if you fill a bucket outside of the classroom (and in it), that would mean that you are making somebody’s day, by perhaps performing an act of kindness or saying a kind word.
By Jacob K and Jacob S
In 5 Orange this semester, we have learnt about being an upstander. An upstander is someone who sees something wrong or incorrect, and does something about it. People who are upstanders make a huge difference to many people. Read some of our upstander pledges we made last term.
By Ryan and Ollie Burke
Since we started in 5 Orange, Mr McKimm taught us a very powerful word: Ubuntu. Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” The word was originally used by Nelson Mandela; then adopted by the Boston Celtics. This word teaches and stands for trust, accountability, freedom and teamwork.
By Lachlan and Jack F
Throughout the year, 5 Orange have been focusing on displaying high expectations in all that we do. Borrowing from the All Blacks we use the motto: ‘better men make a better team’. This means that we also have to try our best, work to improve and display lovely manners.
We use the term ‘high expectations’ as a reminder that we always need to be thinking and switched on, so we can perform at our best. We have been using high expectations for tests like NAPLAN, and for things like ending the term.
Benefits of high expectations are that more people care about you, because you’re being nice to them.
We hope you can apply this to other classes and benefit from it.
By Braxton and George
Mr Elliott McKimm
5 Orange Class Teacher
E: emckimm@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please follow the link below to ensure you are up-to-date with any changes to fixtures for this weekend. Please keep a close eye on the Waverley College app for any adjustments due to weather conditions and field closures.
I would like to thank all families for your continued understanding, during a time that has often been challenging and frustrating due to cancelled training and games.
I feel it is important and also helpful for me to explain how and why the decisions are made to cancel training and games.
Unfortunately, I and the College have no power over the closure of fields. Queens Park is controlled by Centennial Parklands, and Waverley Park is controlled by Waverley Council. We have no jurisdiction over their decision to close the fields due to the impact of field conditions, rainfalls and weather forecasts. Ground closures usually occur to preserve the fields and also to ensure that there is no long-lasting impact on the grounds.
Please understand that the College does its absolute best to seek alternative options as a result of these closures. But unfortunately, the majority of the time, it is last-minute decisions made by these outside stakeholders. This does make it extremely difficult to secure back-up fields on such short notice.
This is a serious issue, but an issue that isn’t taken lightly. I am always in discussion with the Senior School to seek solutions, but regrettably, we find ourselves at a dead end most times. This is a larger-scale problem than what we can manage as a College, and currently also a state-wide problem that all schools and sporting clubs across NSW are facing.
I wholeheartedly empathise with the level of frustration that families are experiencing right now. I hope that this message goes some way towards helping everyone impacted, to appreciate the complexity and inevitability of the issues.
Waverley Junior School had three students selected in the NSW CIS Touch Football team to represent IPSHA and Waverley at the NSW Touch Football Championships in Tuggerah.
Cooper Misson, Hunter Leondis and Isaac Matheson competed at an extremely high standard and made the College proud. The team only had eight hours of training over two days, playing 12 games total and only losing two.
The team made it to the semi-finals, playing into extra time, but unfortunately lost 3-2, in a nail-biting game. With some phantom touches by the other team, and unlucky calls by the referee, the boys held their heads high and should be hugely proud of themselves for their achievement.
We’re so proud of our CIS Touch Football Stars – Cooper Misson, Hunter Leondis and Isaac Matheson
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-curricular (Years 5-12)
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Heads of House and I enjoyed an evening on Sydney Harbour last night with Year 11 and their guests, for the annual Year 10 dinner cruise that was postponed from 2021.
Just under 300 people boarded the Bella Vista at Darling Harbour, and enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, followed by several hours on the dance floor. The operator’s resident DJ brought this to life.
Xavier Schofield
Caleb Sinclair-Harris and Charlie Smith
I would like to congratulate the Year 11 boys who attended for the respect they displayed on the evening, and their positive interactions with the Heads of House and their guests. Our boys looked sharp in their suits and were a credit to the College and their families.
The College attempted to ensure all major events missed due to COVID-19 were postponed, however the extended lockdown in 2021 prevented a number of events from 2020 fitting into what is a very busy College calendar. The College regrets that this could not be the case for all events.
Years 7-12 students will finish at 2:30pm on Tuesday, 31 May. This is due to a Professional Development staff meeting.
Please note, that afternoon 1sts, 2nds and 16A Rugby ONLY, will still train.
This week Waverley College acknowledges the importance of 26 May and National Sorry Day. On this day we recognise the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors, and think about what we can do for the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
National Reconciliation Week occurs next week, with the theme ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ – encouraging us all to embed change into our everyday practice. On Monday, Mr Kevin Heath and Walawaani students will officially open National Reconciliation Week at our College, with a Smoking Ceremony and address at both the Junior and Senior Schools.
Our First Nation students will run the College assembly on Thursday, with guest speaker Katherine Newton. Katherine is a non-Indigenous leader and the CEO of RU OK? and will speak about the importance of recognising reconciliation in the workplace.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.” Reconciliation Australia.
Year 6 teacher Mr Thomas Olds – one of the 12 ‘Stars of the East’ – will hit the dance floor in competition at the InterContinental, Double Bay on 4 June. Raising money for the Cancer Council, he is dancing in honour of his mum, who has survived two bouts of cancer. Mr Olds has so far raised $6,134, thanks to the generosity of the Waverley College family. This is an important fundraiser across the Eastern Suburbs, so please consider contributing to this worthy cause.
>>> Click here to view the page of Mr Olds.
>>> Click here to donate or purchase a ticket to this exciting event.
We recognise four special students who participated in community programs at ‘Kids Giving Back’ during Term 1 and the recent April school holidays. Thank you Ishaan Jeena, Aidan Carpenter, Owen Storie and Arran Storie, who each chose to share their time to help vulnerable people in our community.
These four boys are role models for all of us, because they demonstrate our College values in action. These boys drew on their initiative and kindness to undertake a range of activities that contributed to meet the needs of vulnerable people in our community, many of whom were affected by this year’s floods.
Mr Stan Williams was a full-time 4th Grade teacher at Waverley College from 1957-1992. We mourned his passing on Tuesday, 17 May, at age 94. Stan’s funeral was held on 20 May at Mary Immaculate Church. There was a wonderful turnout of Stan’s past colleagues and students, and the Junior School choir performed honourably at his service.
| 27/5/22 | COVID-19 | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 7 | 0 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Staff | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 7 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Unfortunately, the weather continues to impact our winter season, with a number of games washed out last weekend. We did play some fixtures, and it was great to see our 1sts AFL, Football and Rugby all have impressive wins against strong opponents.
Thank you to the supporters and students who attended a number of these matches. Just a reminder that any Waverley student in attendance at any venue, whether it is home or away, must be in full sport attire or College uniform.
I also watched our 13D, E and F Rugby teams on Saturday, who were all outstanding, and represented the College to a very high standard.
Congratulations, 13E Rugby
Disappointingly, there were a number of students who chose not to attend their Football fixtures last Saturday at Barker, despite all notices clearly stating these matches were on. All students must meet their Co-curricular requirements for training and games, and the College also has a commitment to other CAS schools in terms of fielding teams. Any absence due to illness on a Saturday will require medical certificates as per College policy.
I also want to remind all parents of expectations at training and games in regards to communication with staff and coaches. Parents are asked to please remain at a distance at all training sessions, to allow coaches to do their jobs effectively. Speaking to coaches or staff whilst a fixture is on, is also a breach of CAS Codes of Conduct. If there are any issues or concerns, I would request that you only contact the convenor of that activity or myself, after the session or fixture.
We continue to celebrate individuals who represent the College at a high standard. Congratulations to the following students on their representative selections and high performances in the community:
Congratulations, CAS Hockey Reps
Congratulations, SEHA Hockey Reps
Congratulations, Max Yuen
Please ensure all students know when and where they are playing this week, and that we continue to meet all expectations and required codes of conduct.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
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