Mr Stephen O’Donnell – Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Sue Walsh – Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Thomas Walker provides flood relief, successful NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening, CAS Swimming and Diving Championships at Homebush, Aquatics, Basketball and Cricket Presentation Evenings, sport-free weekend and commencement of Winter Co-curricular Program, Basketball and Water Polo brilliance.
This week is our final Round of Summer sport for Years 7-12, with Years 5 and 6 concluding the following weekend. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our convenors, staff, coaches, students and parents for their patience and support for our co-curricular program, for what has been a challenging period for many reasons, including the weather. I especially want to thank those students in Year 12 who will be playing their final ever round of summer sport for Waverley, this weekend.
I also want to make special mention of Thomas Walker in Year 11 who took some time off this week to go with the Coogee SLSC IRB crews to help with some of the Hawkesbury population during their floods. Unfortunately, Mr Steve Wilmot has also had to take some time to help his parents and their farm in that same location, and we wish all of those people affected by the recent adverse weather conditions the very best and that we are praying for them at this time.
Thomas Walker (Year 11) Providing Flood Relief in the Hawkesbury This Week
Last week, Waverley College also hosted the NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening in the PAC. There were some very high-level officials in attendance, and a huge thank you to Mr Richard Chen for organising this. The schoolboy Rugby Referee Program that Mr Chen implements is the envy of many other schools.
Waverley Hosting the NSW Rugby Referees Education Evening in the PAC
For any current student, Old Boy or parent who is interested in rugby refereeing, we would love to have you as part of this program. Should you be interested, please contact Mr Richard Chen at rchen@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next week, we have the CAS Swimming and Diving Championships at Homebush on Thursday, 17 March. We can take a limited number of spectators, and invite any student in Years 7-12 who wants to attend, to sign up in the Wellbeing Centre by next Monday.
Students will be transported to and from the venue, as well as be given dinner packs for the evening. Students will depart Waverley College at 3pm and return by 9pm.
Our CAS Swimming and Diving squads have been training very hard this term for this major event, and we want to fulfill our allocation of permitted spectators. Parents of these squads are also invited to attend, however, facemasks will be required at the venue, and all members of our community must sit in their allocated seating area please.
This will be the first time in two years that we can actually run these wonderful events with parents, and we are hopeful these three events will be sold out.
1st XI
The final weeks of this term will involve winter season preparations and internal trials.
Any students who fail to meet these compulsory requirements, can expect to be selected in the lowest teams.
I had the pleasure of watching our 1sts and 2nds Basketball secure two great wins last weekend against Barker, and it was heartening to also see some student and spectator support again. Right across our Basketball program last weekend we secured some impressive wins.
1sts after their thrilling win against Barker
Well done also to our 1sts Water Polo on securing their first win of the season after a couple of previous tough rounds.
Best wishes to all teams for their final rounds this weekend.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A big thank you to all parents who have generously donated their sons’ outgrown uniforms to the Secondhand Clothing Pool. This provides someone else with the opportunity to purchase a secondhand uniform well below the new price, whilst at the same time, raising funds for the College through the Parents’ Association.
We are slowly rebuilding stock levels and are so pleased to be able to offer some more items for sale. Email us at clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au to check on stock and for the next opening time.
The Secondhand Clothing Pool will gladly accept the donation of all clean and wearable current uniform items for resale. There is a $30 ‘buy back scheme’ for the donation of Blazers and All Weather Jackets in excellent condition.
Due to current restrictions for parents, we are still working mostly through email contact (see email details below) and over the phone.
At the Senior School campus reception in the designated Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box (courtesy of our fabulous Campus Maintenance Team). If leaving Blazers and All Weather Jackets, please include your name and phone number inside the bag, and we can contact you to arrange “buy-back.”
Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box in Senior School Reception
*Unfortunately we don’t currently have any rain jackets in stock.
You will find us in the main building on Birrell Street. Enter via the Senior School campus reception, and take the lift to Level 3. The Secondhand Clothing Pool is next door to the Uniform Shop.
For more information on stock availability, or to make an appointment, please email the Secondhand Clothing Pool at clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Kirsten and Camille
Clothing Pool Coordinators
E: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0703 – please leave a voicemail, and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
Sunday, 13 March is your last chance to enter the raffle for a chance to win a signed and framed Crusaders jersey.
The Christchurch Crusaders were the New Zealand Super Rugby premiers in 2021, and one of the most successful provincial Rugby teams in history.
All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Youth in Union, whose humanitarian efforts are helping Tongan residents who have lost everything in the recent tsunami.
Buy a single ticket or a package of multiple tickets for more chances to win.
The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 14 March.
Good luck to all entrants and thank you for your support!
>>> Click here to buy a raffle ticket to help people in Tonga.
Last chance to win a signed and framed Crusaders jersey!
Mr Stephen O’Donnell – Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Sue Walsh – Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Sacrament of Confirmation for children in Year 6 and above, not attending Holy Cross Primary School, will be celebrated in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Woollahra on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 7pm.
The Parent Information Evening will be on Thursday, 21 April at 7:30pm in the Crypt.
Preparation Classes will be held in the Holy Cross Church Crypt on:
Just a reminder to parents that the Year 8 Parent Social is on Thursday 24 March, at 6:30pm, at the Clovelly Hotel.
Thank you to everyone who has purchased tickets. It will be a great night out!
If you haven’t purchased a ticket, please click on the link below:
>>> Click here to view information about ticket purchase.
Jade Stapleton
Parents’ Association President
As College Vice-Captain and College Captain, on Tuesday, 8 March, Solomon Tuqiri and I (Daniel McSweeny), were fortunate to attend a Youth Leadership Lunch at the Cathedral House. The event involved a host of Sydney Catholic Schools with student leaders who we had both met at previous leadership events.
It was great to meet and talk to fellow school captains from both male and female schools who we hadn’t met before, and even better to have a hot meal provided by the caterers of the Cathedral House; which is where the Archbishop actually lives.
Solomon and I were unsure of what to expect from other leaders’ perspectives and stories, as well as what the Archbishop had to speak about regarding the current religious landscape of Australia, and ongoing issues including the LGBTQIA+ community and the role of women in the Church.
Daniel McSweeny (College Captain) and Solomon Tuqiri (Vice Captain) at Archbishop’s Luncheon 2022 [Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography © 2021]
At our table, we spoke with students from Bethany College, Cathedral College and Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, who were each respective captains in their Year 12 cohort.
It was interesting to talk about students’ experiences of the HSC and their involvement with school liturgies, particularly the Monte girls who explained a bit about the International Baccalaureate, and the Bethany girls who told us how they keep their chapel open at lunchtime for students to visit for reconciliation.
The mentor at our table, Cheryl Fernandez, gave us some discussion points, and was a great person to speak to during the lunch. Specifically, we discussed why high schools are moving away from parish community life, and how this can ultimately be improved. It was very interesting hearing different perspectives on why students were no longer attached to their parish or church community.
One of the issues raised, was the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this has impacted the spiritual gap from primary to high school life. I found that the Studies of Religion 2 course, which both Solomon and I study in the HSC, provided us with some background knowledge about the current religious landscape in Australia, and how citizens are choosing to move away from older church traditions.
As College Captain, I felt that these points could be addressed within Waverley and throughout my Prefect Team, so I hope to pass on some knowledge relating to why faith, and particularly spirituality, is important for the development of young men.
Daniel McSweeny (College Captain) and Solomon Tuqiri (Vice Captain) at Archbishop’s Luncheon 2022 [Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography © 2021]
The Archbishop presented at the end of the lunch, asking each of us to continue leading within our communities through faith, and that we stay aware of changing issues which can be addressed by Christian teachings. Following this, we were able to have a Q&A, where some students asked controversial questions relating to Catholic Church life and tradition.
Regarding the Church’s view on the LGBTQIA+ community, the Archbishop pointed out how God’s creation of humans was not a mistake, therefore minority groups should always be a vital inclusion for Church communities across Australia. Additionally, I was intrigued as to the Archbishop’s view that women hold the majority of major lay people roles, and thus are already involved with Church life in some regard.
This information can definitely be used with our leadership of Waverley College, and we hope to take on some responsibility as both of us prepare for the Senior Retreat this term, and the Kairos Retreat next term. I am looking forward to Kairos after experiencing its value when I participated in spiritual discussions and presentations last year.
Overall, Solomon and I found the experience to be very rewarding. We found that our knowledge of church life, background study into Studies of Religion 2, and our own perspective on Waverley College’s appreciation of faith, helped us to join in discussion and learn from fellow leaders.
We thank the organisation and catering of the ‘Sydney Catholic Schools’ as well as the individuals who contributed to the lunch discussion. I believe each leader in the lunch was able to take something away to their own schools.
Solomon and I specifically thank Cheryl for her kind words and care, and Ms Walsh for organising for us to attend and meet the Archbishop.
Student Reporter
Daniel McSweeny
Year 12 College Captain
On Wednesday, 9 March, our Public Speakers competed in the ‘Rostrum Voice of Youth’ competition at Ascham School in Edgecliff.
Each of these young men, Yannick Hott, James Peate, Ewan McDonald and Oscar Danta, are to be congratulated on their dedication to refining and improving their oratory skills.
Ms Emma Halpin
Convenor of Public Speaking and Debating
E: ehalpin@waverley.nsw.edu.au
When: Friday, 18 March 2022
Where: College Gym and Braidwood
Time: 6pm-8:30pm
Award winners will be contacted directly in Week 7. Tickets are $20 (plus booking fee), and include a seated buffet dinner, a non-alcoholic drink, and dessert.
Along with the end-of-season awards, the night will feature two-point and three-point shooting competitions, with prizes for the winners.
Awards will be presented to Senior School students only, however, all players and their families are welcome to attend, including Junior School families.
>>> Click here to make a booking.
>>> Click here to view more information on the Presentation Night flyer.
On Saturday, the Waverley College First five faced off against Barker College in a fast-paced, action-packed Basketball game. Heading into the game, the 1sts had four of their 11 players out.
The students were able to put this behind them and secure the win, fighting to the end led by Wylie Durrans, Marley Henare, Oscar Walters-Green and Marko Rangan.
Throughout the game, Waverley trailed Barker, but by the end of the third quarter, they were only down by two. In the fourth quarter with the help of the enthusiastic crowd, the students were able to take control of the game, closing the score down to one.
With 30 seconds left, Daniel Palacio hit a corner three to put them up by two, with the end score being 64 – 63.
Good luck to the 1sts next week against Knox in their last game of the season. This game promises to be another exciting one, as the players travel to Wahroonga for a Friday night fixture.
2nds played Barker in a tight tussle for much of the game. The 2nds were led by Dom Smith and Solomon Tuqiri’s defence, as well as Dakota Fanning to secure the 13-point win. Right from the first siren to start the game, the 2nds were on top of Barker with their defence.
At half time, Barker was up by six, but the students did not give up, to take the lead by the end of the third quarter. Throughout the fourth quarter, Waverley did not let up, with the end score being 45 – 32.
Next week, the 2nds face off against Knox Grammar, and if they win, they will be CAS champions.
The 7As lost narrowly 23-24, led ably by Dominic Dametto, Otto Murcutt and Stirling Quin.
The 8As lost in a close game, 36-44, with solid contributions from Tane Barclay, Petros Kalpouzanis and Angus Peshos.
The 9As notched up their first win of the season with a 17-point win, 30-13, with standout players being Ben Pignatelli, Renato Rovacchi and Giles Strachan.
The 10As were defeated 45-37 despite excellent games from Eden Byrd, Tashi Harrison and Solomon Maxwell.
Other teams that were victorious included: 3rd V (49-40), 5th V (38-29), 7th V (22-21), 8th V (58-27), 10B (34-14), 10C (30-20), 10D (19-17), 10E (18-17), 10H (42-28), 9B (37-26), 9H (30-22), 8F (14-13), 8G (24-11), 8H (21-15), 7B (32-23), 7C (34-18), 7D (27-14), 7E (33-5), 7F (25-18), 7G (20-9) and 7H (33-6).
With one round remaining, the 8Gs, 7Es and 7Gs remain undefeated while there are nine teams with a solitary loss from four games.
Good luck to all teams as they take on Knox this weekend.
Student Reporter
Tom Gleeson
Captain of Basketball
Mr Anthony Gibbs
Convenor of Basketball
E: agibbs@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Years 11 and 12 Design and Technology students will attend a stimulating excursion at the Powerhouse Museum, to see a selection of incredible Band 6 HSC projects, presented by students from around the state, from the 2021 HSC.
When: Friday, 18 March 2022
Where: students will assemble in the Braidwood area at 9am. We will walk to Bondi Junction to catch the train to Central Station, and then walk to the Powerhouse Museum located at 500 Harris Street, Ultimo.
Clothing: full school uniform must be worn.
Food: students are required to bring a packed lunch to eat during a break outside the venue.
Dismissal: students will be dismissed from the Powerhouse Museum around 2:15pm to make their own way home. It is your son’s responsibility to ensure he completes the work from classes missed on the day. Any student who has Cadets must inform us, so that they can be released early, to get back to school by 3:15pm.
Excursion cost: approximately $35, billed to your account.
Parent/Carer permission: parent/carer permission is required. Please complete the permission slip below by Friday, 11 March.
>>> Click here to view and complete the Powerhouse Museum excursion permission slip.
Ms Holly Medcalf
Assistant Head of TAS
TAS Teacher
E: hmedcalf@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Tuesday, 1 March, our SRC students brought in over 500 pancakes to sell.
Thank you to all those students who purchased these pancakes, and congratulations to everyone raising such significant funds that will go towards our Tonga Appeal and Project Compassion.
Congratulations to all those who served, and helped purchase the ice cream and pancakes to make this initiative such a success.
We raised over $600 on the day.
Preparing for Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day in Wellbeing Centre
Buying $5 pancakes on Shrove Tuesday to raise much-needed funds for our neighbours in Tonga
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Readers of last week’s Nurrunga will recall the core tenets of the AAC and the Waverley College Cadet Unit. While Service enables us to demonstrate Excellence, Integrity and Courage, it is Respect which underpins everything we do and fosters an inclusive, collaborative and positive experience in Cadets.
In the leadup to AFX, it is timely to remind all our members of the importance of Respect when interacting with others. In Cadets, we have groups of students coming together in a context vastly different to their experiences throughout the week – from St Catherine’s, from different Year groups, from different friendship groups, from different understandings of the world – and while this interaction is one of the key youth development opportunities for growth and tolerance, it is also one of the program’s biggest challenges.
It is a big demand on young people to check their behaviour, to think twice before acting and speaking, and it is not something the instant, modern world facilitates. I would therefore ask all Cadets to remember that my core tenet, and therefore that of the Cadet Unit, is Respect, and to be mindful of keeping interactions professional and respectful at all times.
In the AFX environment, this can be tricky. We are outside our comfort zone, we are undertaking challenging and demanding roles, and we are with each other 24/7 for a whole week. In the pursuit of tenacity, fortitude and resilience, treating others with respect in this space will strengthen our characters, and make us valuable and productive citizens.
Thank you to all parents and carers for attending to the AFX paperwork in such busy lives. In the leadup to camp, all cadets should now be ensuring they have their uniforms and equipment ready to go. A warning to all, that the Q Store will not be open to students in the two weeks before camp, as we prepare the many stores and supplies to keep 380 people in the field without modern conveniences.
Three weeks to go!
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A reminder to Year 12 parents and carers to please complete the Year 12 Senior Retreat permission form and requirements.
If you have not yet completed this form, it is contained in the link below.
>>> Click here to view the Year 12 Senior Retreat permission form.
The retreat departs on Monday, 28 March and all documentation is required by Monday, 14 March.
Many thanks for your help with this.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@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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