Today our Year 9 boys parade for the last time with the Waverley College Cadet Unit as recruits. It has been an unusual time for these boys to experience Cadets, and they have had to see past many COVID-19 ramifications and cancellations to see what could have been and what will be possible.
That is a huge demand on young people, but hopefully, in this term of Climbing Walls, Laser Tag, Archery, Swim Testing, Hutchie Lessons, Methods of Movement, Camo and Concealment, Health and Hygiene in the Field and Rations Lessons, they have found something to connect with, and have made new friendships across different social groups.
A Company at Hugh Bamford Reserve, earlier in Term 1
At training today, recruits were given a chance to see what their options are if they choose to stay in Cadets. For some, leadership and service will be a priority, for others becoming a Pioneer on the way to trying out for X Platoon will be key.
There is something for everyone, across Medics, Media, Logistics, Band and Signallers, with more platoons planned for the future. The decision to stay with Cadets is something to consider after camp.
The best, of course, is yet to come with AFX, and our rank have been working hard to prepare the activities, the stores and the logistics, so all our cadets have a fantastic and engaging time on camp.
Please make sure you have all your equipment on the AFX Equipment List and don’t forget your thermals! It will be cold at night in Canberra. And with the current weather trends, your poncho is also essential.
AFX in 2021
Please note, the Q Store is now closed, and any provisions not already collected can be purchased from camping stores or military disposal stores.
AFX is the culmination of skills and training across the Unit, not just for our recruits. Next week, our Senior Rank will be testing their leadership in a Command Post Exercise, and we will meet with Middle Rank, while X Platoon and Pioneers enjoy the final session of Archery.
I thank everyone; recruits, cadets, rank, parents and staff; for their ongoing support of the largest youth development program in Australia, and for your understanding of the context we have been working within over the past two years.
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As per the College Diary, this is a reminder that the Year 10 Elevate Session, Study Sensei is held during the Year 10 Careers / Wellbeing – Period 1 on Wednesday, 23 March, 2022.
Students will attend the session with their Careers / Wellbeing Teacher in their timetabled classrooms.
They should bring a pen to the session.
This session is delivered by a group of recent successful graduates and will cover:
>>> Click here to view further information about Elevate Education.
Elevate work with our students in Years 9-11 at key times in the year, and they also offer free webinars for parents and carers. The webinars are held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings.
How to Register for Free Parent/Carer Webinars
>>> Click here to view Registration Information for free Elevate Webinars.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It is not too late to buy tickets to our inspiring Cricket Presentation Evening, which will be held tomorrow night!
When: Saturday, 19 March 2022
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Where: Br Lacey Gymnasium, 131 Birrell St, Waverley
Cost: $10 per person + 50c booking fee (includes sausage sizzle!). Drinks available for purchase at the bar.
Dress: students are reminded to wear their summer academic uniform including a blazer and tie. Casual attire for parents.
>>> Click here to view booking information for the Waverley College Cricket Presentation 2022.
More About the Virtual Waverley College Cricket Bat Prize Giveaway
Hope to see you there!
9As recent win over Knox at Gillespie Field
Mr Sean Piccone
Convenor of Cricket
E: spiccone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.
Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
Our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 10 and 13 May 2022.
In preparation for NAPLAN Online, our Senior School will be participating in practice tests on Monday, 21 March for Year 5 students from 9am, and Thursday, 24 March for Years 7 and 9 students.
This will provide students with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the test. It will also give the College an opportunity to check that the correct infrastructure is in place. The practice tests are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked.
Students must bring their fully-charged laptops and headphones to this session.
Excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online is not recommended. Students do not need to be able to touch type to complete NAPLAN Online as the tests are not about keyboard skills (just as the paper test is not about handwriting skills).
Students can use the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in the NAPLAN Online tests.
>>> Click here to view the public demonstration site.
>>> Click here to view further information.
If you have any questions regarding this practice test, please contact either Ms Lynsey Porter, Director of Curriculum, Ms Gabrielle Bransby, Assistant Director of Junior School / Curriculum, or Mr David Parnell, Head of Learning Support.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies and Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Wednesday, 9 March, the Aungier community came together to celebrate the Aungier House Mass and Supper. It was a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, carers, friends and mentors to join together in prayer and reflection.
While it was a great shame that our Years 5 and 6 students and families were unable to join us, (due to a COVID case spike in our Junior Campus), they were certainly in our thoughts, and we look forward to seeing them at the next Aungier House event.
I would like to thank all those parents, carers, mentors and students in Aungier who arrived early to set up for our evening together, and stayed back late into the night to assist with the clean up.
Special thanks to our Aungier student leaders who played a big role in organising the Mass itself, as well as our Aungier House choir, led by Ms Dolso and Mr Balkizas, who sang so beautifully.
Mr John McCoy
Head of House (Aungier)
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Year 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Self-Isolation Public Health Order update, latest COVID-19 update, flu vaccine, International Women’s Day, NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook, Running For Premature Babies.
To allow Year 12 students time to join their online Parent/Teacher meetings commencing at 3:30 pm, they will be dismissed on Tuesday at the end of Period 5.
Please find below the key changes in regards to changes made to self-isolation:
Thank you for your ongoing support and consideration.
Please see below the College COVID-19 numbers as they stand today. There has been an increase this week in transmission rates as the Government expected, with its reduction in precautionary measures.
| 11/3/22 | COVID-Positive | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 15 | 5 |
| Year 6 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Year 9 | 4 | 11 |
| Year 10 | 1 | 7 |
| Year 11 | 2 | 5 |
| Year 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Staff | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 35 | 53 |
The College will be providing every staff member with the opportunity to receive the flu vaccine by the College nurse. This will hopefully occur before we go on break for the Term 1 holidays.
Ms Adele Cutbush, College Registered Nurse
There are many reasons to get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against flu and its potentially serious complications.
Having the influenza vaccine can prevent you from getting sick from the flu, and it can also reduce the severity of the virus and reduce the risk of any flu-associated hospitalisation.
It is an important preventative tool for people with certain chronic health conditions. Research also suggests that the flu shot can protect pregnant people during and after pregnancy, it is life-saving in children, and can also help to protect not only yourself, but the people around you.
When the COVID-19 virus settles, infectious disease specialists are particularly worried about future strains of influenza, therefore it is strongly recommended to have your flu shot for this season.
Vaccinations are vital in preventing the spread of infectious disease
COVID-19 and the flu are both highly contagious diseases. The best way to prevent the spread of either infection is to get vaccinated. You should also continue to practice good hygiene (washing hands regularly, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, etc) and physical distancing to protect yourself and others – especially those who are unable to be vaccinated against one or both of these diseases.
(NPS Medicine Wise website 1/3/22: https://www.nps.org.au/news/influenza-vaccines-and-covid-19
Waverley College celebrated International Women’s Day on Tuesday, by hosting a morning tea for all staff and a number of wellbeing activities.
The College produced a thoughtful video, where staff and students across the Junior and Senior Schools spoke about the influence of significant women in their lives.
>>> Click here to watch the video.
In Wellbeing Groups, students engaged in activities where they reflected on what a gender-equal world would look like. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Wellbeing groups were photographed crossing their arms to show solidarity with women across the planet, and supporting the 2022 theme #BreakTheBias. These images were displayed on the digital notice boards around campus.
To all women in our Waverley family, Happy International Women’s Day!
>>> Click here to view images from Senior School Wellbeing groups on International Women’s Day.
Images from the Junior School
College Captain, Daniel McSweeny, Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), Ms Elizabeth Watson and Principal, Mr Graham Leddie supporting International Women’s Day 2022 #BreakTheBias
The NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is a comprehensive resource to assist parents and carers with a range of topics essential to the safety of young people.
The Handbook has been updated to include key messages about storm and flood safety, COVID safety, children’s personal safety and online safety. The contents supplement our own A-Z of Wellbeing in the College Diary.
Families are encouraged to download the Handbook and use it as a reference, as we navigate the health and wellbeing of our young people.
>>> Click here to view the NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook.
This year, Waverley College is entering teams into both the SMH Half Marathon on 15 May and the City2Surf on 16 August in support of the Running for Premature Babies Foundation.
This charity was founded by a Waverley mum, Sophie Smith OAM, following the passing of her prematurely born triplet sons in 2006, and is making a tangible difference to neonatal care in Australia. To date, $5 million has been raised for neonatal equipment, directly benefiting over 6,000 babies Australia-wide.
Join our Waverley College teams in these events, to help fundraise for a first-of-its-kind breast milk analyser for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Women, and help give premature babies a better chance of survival.
All of our community are welcome to take part. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but a free running singlet will be given to anyone who can raise $200.
Waverley College staff and students in the 2019 SMH Half Marathon
Where Do I Find Out More? How Can I Get Involved?
To find out more about the charity, watch the recent interview below on The Morning Show with the charity’s ambassador, Lachy, the purple Wiggle.
>>> Click here to view the interview on The Morning Show.
>>> Click here to view information about how to join our team in the City2Surf.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Thursday, 17 March is St Patrick’s Day. As such, our energetic SRC are organising a bounteous ‘Cake and Cookies Stall’ at recess and lunch, to raise funds for the Flood Appeal.
Please bring in cookies and cakes on the day, and your money to help support this most worthy cause. All donations are welcome.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
For the past three years, Waverley College has celebrated ‘Wear it Purple Day’ to support our LGBTQIA+ students and community. These types of initiatives are deliberate actions to ensure that each individual feels valued, respected, and accepted at the College.
Waverley College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, in particular for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people. This is living our values of the EREA Safe and Inclusive Learning Communities Statement and our Inclusivity Touchstone.
Next week, we warmly invite any students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and students who are supportive allies, to enjoy a pizza lunch together at the College.
If you feel that your son may be interested in this, families are encouraged to have a conversation with their son about joining this group, then contact one of the following staff for more information:
Interested students, Parents and Carers should contact:
Ms Tessa Prior tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or
Mr David Parnell dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or
Ms Stephanie Falk sfalk@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Through this event, and ongoing projects, the College aims to ensure all students feel a sense of connectedness and belonging, paramount to positive student wellbeing and self-esteem.
In keeping with College practices, conversations are affirming and empathetic; confidentiality and appropriate boundaries are respected.
Ms Tessa Prior
College Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The following evidence is acceptable:
Once you (or your household contact) have registered your positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result with Service NSW, you should receive a Medical Clearance certificate. Attach this to your application.
Or
Take a screenshot of your (or your close contacts’) Positive PCR test. Attach this to your application.
Once you have completed the illness/misadventure form, send the form and accompanying documentation to the Head of Department for the assessments that are affected by your absence.
It is advisable to also inform your Head of House, who can contact your teachers to request work be sent home for you to complete during your absence.
Ms Kath Knowles
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Next Thursday, 17 March, the Junior School will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a mufti day, and we are asking students to bring in a donation to provide financial assistance to those affected by the current floods. They will also have the opportunity to buy a bag of green lollies for $2. The money we raise will be donated to GIVIT, which is an organisation providing immediate assistance to those in flood affected areas.
>>> Click here to view more information about GIVIT.
Should your son have an allergy, please note that class teachers will be in contact with families prior to this event, in regards to your son’s options.
As you are aware, we trialled vending machines in the Junior School for students who required breakfast or extra food or drink throughout the day. We have made the decision to not continue with the vending machines that supply food, as the healthy choice foods are not selling, and we do not want the machines filled with unhealthy options.
We are, however, continuing with the vending machines that supply drinks. Please note, your son can buy a wholesome breakfast at our Senior School Canteen from 8am each morning.
Junior School students can buy a wholesome breakfast at our Senior School Canteen from 8am each morning
Please follow the link below to sign up for Flexischools to order recess and lunch and view our current menu.
In regards to healthy choices, many of our students are stopping at convenience stores in Charing Cross on the way to school in the morning, where they are buying products with very high sugar content. They are consuming these products before the school day begins.
I ask that you be extra vigilant with your son’s purchases, as this is negatively impacting their ability to learn. We are seeing boys attend school in the morning struggling to focus because of what they are consuming before they arrive.
Can I please ask parents to be mindful of where you are picking your son up, after school. We have had many complaints about double parking, parking across driveways, and parking where there are ‘No Parking’ signs on both Langlee Avenue and Gibson Street.
This creates confusion among other road users, which then becomes a safety hazard for students. Can I ask you to please park legally, as there are many spots you can meet your son, that don’t pose an inconvenience to residents, and a safety hazard for our students.
Our staff were fortunate to attend our annual Staff Spirituality Day on Monday, where we had the opportunity to listen to the impressive Reverend Bill Crews. Rev. Crews has been supporting the homeless and vulnerable for more than 30 years.
This began with the famous Loaves & Fishes free restaurant in Ashfield, Sydney, and food vans that have now served over nine million meals to hungry people. In addition, there is now an onsite community centre, with a healthcare clinic and welfare support.
We were reminded of the importance of not focusing on the desire to always want more, as too many attachments end up defining you and destroying you. We were encouraged to continue to serve those who are marginalised and in need of our support, whether this be through mentoring, serving meals or spending time with people in need.
Kevin Heath and Uncle Dean
We also had the opportunity to work with Uncle Dean and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Liaison Officer, Kevin Heath, to continue to learn and grow in Aboriginal and Cultural Spirituality.
Our session began with a traditional smoking ceremony, and a ritual where ochre was placed on our head representing the mental, physical and spiritual. As humans, if we work hard to connect and balance these dots, we will thrive.
Throughout this session we were also encouraged to focus on one day at a time, and to not dwell on the past and worry about the future.
Thank you for supporting the College in ensuring that we could participate in this day, it was of great benefit to all staff.
Mrs Gabrielle Smith
Director of Junior School
E: gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last week during the Junior School Ash Wednesday liturgies, students were spoken to about the Project Compassion Lenten Appeal. By making them aware of the different communities around the world who are less fortunate than others, we now encourage them to put others ahead of themselves.
Each class has a Project Compassion box for students to donate money. They are encouraged to do extra chores around the home to earn pocket money that can be used as a donation.
A reminder to send through a photo of your son(s) with their mothers/grandmothers if you would like a photo included in this presentation.
Please send through all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
For parents seeking information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that you contact your local parish to find out the details regarding when the Sacrament will be celebrated, and when the preparation classes will be held.
For students of Waverley College who are part of St Charles Borromeo Parish (Mary Immaculate Church), the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, 19 June at 2pm.
There are other dates that also need to be pencilled into you diaries including:
Please be aware that the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year, therefore only Year 6 students will be enrolled to receive the Sacrament.
If you wish for your son to be a part of this Sacrament, and you are part of St Charles Borromeo Parish (Mary Immaculate Church), please email Mr Stephen Ghattas at sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au so that a registration form and other important information can be forwarded to you in the coming weeks.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director Mission and Identity
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As the Term 1 Summer Season comes to an end, (until Term 4, when it recommences), we’re beginning our Winter Sports Trials for the upcoming season. The Winter Sports Trials will begin next Tuesday, 15 March.
Dates: Trial 1 (Tuesday, 15 March), Trial 2 (Tuesday, 22 March), Trial 3 (Friday, 1 April)
Times: 1:30pm – 3pm (students dismissed from the trial location. Please organise pick up arrangements with your son.)
Location: Waverley Park (unless Queens Park is useable. If so, you will be informed.)
Uniform:
Equipment:
*All students are expected to pack a drink bottle, sunscreen, and anything else personally required.
The trial process will be conducted by our Junior School staff and supporting coaches for the upcoming winter season.
Please refer to the Selection Process document in the link below, to eliminate any confusion around team selection. Teams will be selected fairly and unbiasedly.
>>> Click here to view the Sports Trials Selection Process document.
Staff are all given the information you as parents added to the Google Form sent at the start of this year, which allowed you to share your son’s previous experience in his chosen Winter sport.
Your son will be informed of his chosen preferences for Winter Sport prior to Tuesday’s trial, as he may have since forgotten. Unfortunately, I will be avoiding making last-minute changes to preferences, as the amount of teams allocated has been selected based on the original preferences chosen. I will always consider adjustments to preferences if it is a serious case that needs reviewing.
Continuing from last week’s Nurrunga, there are more results coming in from the recent State Nippers competition. Congratulations to the following students for their achievements at the major event:
Although there have been a lot of games cancelled over the last few weekends, it’s great to see some games going ahead, in spite of the weather. Continue sending through photos from Saturday sport, because it’s nice to see our different teams competing and coming together.
Our mighty Basketball C team getting ready for their game ahead
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director – Co-Curricular
E: jwachtel@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.
A reminder that the Junior School debating tryouts are on Tuesday, 15 March (Week 8) in the Learning Hub.
If your son would like to try out for the IPSHA team he will need to do the following:
Choose one of the below topics:
Then:
I read an article ‘Infographic: Which Generation Reads the Most?’ This article zoomed in on the five types of generations and their reading habits.
Because our boys are Generation Z, 5-25 years of age was of greatest interest to me.
What did I learn? I discovered that GenZ reads for the least amount of time, still reads for fun, but this number halves when they become teenagers, and they prefer fantasy genres and books with humour.
After reading this article, I reflected on the importance of catering for our different learners. Reading, however, does not necessarily have to mean opening up a book and staring tentatively at pages and pages of endless words.
For the auditory learners among us, the option of audiobooks is one our society is increasingly turning to, and for good reason. There are many options out there, and I guess the most important aspect is that your son is reading or listening to audiobooks, if that is his preferred choice.
Your son has access to audiobooks from the Learning Hub, as well as a multitude of options online; just remember it does not always have to be a hard copy book.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It has been an exciting and industrious start to the school year in 5 Gold. The students are enjoying developing new friendships, as well as enthusiastically embracing the wonderful opportunities that Waverley College has to offer.
5 Gold in Term 1, 2022
Term One has been action-packed, with the introduction to new and interesting themes in the Key Learning Areas.
In History, the class has been investigating the development of the Australian Colonies in the 1800s. Through their inquiry, the students are beginning to gain an insight into what life was like for different groups in the Colonial period.
Later in this unit, the students will individually investigate one significant person or event that contributed to the development of the Australian Colonies.
In Visual Arts, the class investigated the significance and symbolic nature of authentic Aboriginal Art, to understand why the Dreamtime was so important to First Nations People. Students learnt how Aboriginal rock engravings were cut into sandstone.
To further understand the purpose and sacredness of authentic Aboriginal artwork, the students applied different techniques to replicate Australian native animals. Visual Arts is very popular in 5 Gold.
Harvey Smith and Brynn Spierings are displaying excellent talent and belong to the Waverley College Drawing Club.
Harvey Smith and Brynn Spierings
The season of Lent is an important Season in the Liturgical Year. The class have learnt the relevance of prayer, sacrifice, almsgiving and fasting as a way of renewing their hearts to show their devotion to their faith, and prepare for the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
Each student has made a Lenten promise to show their love and commitment to Christ, during this 40-day period. The class is also preparing three beautiful Easter baskets for our annual raffle to support Caritas Project Compassion.
‘Amazing Energy’ is our Science theme, and students are learning about all things energy. This week, the class identified the essential components of an electric circuit. They experimented with the different objects that make up a circuit, known as components. They learnt that switches act like gates to control the flow of electricity, and when a wire is connected to battery terminals, electrons flow from negative to positive.
It has been a wonderful term so far for 5 Gold, and I commend the class for their enthusiasm for learning and their exceptional efforts.
Congratulations to our Class Captains: James Draper and William Carter. Already they have displayed outstanding leadership and initiative in our class.
I look forward to exciting new learning experiences as the year progresses.
5 Gold Class Captains, James Draper and William Carter, Term 1, 2022
Ms Jennifer Hoare
5 Gold Class Teacher
E: jhoare@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.
Watch our video
