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
We celebrated the beginning of Lent this week, with Ash Wednesday celebrations for each year level. Lent is a time that reminds us to reflect on what is important in our lives and our relationship with God. Previously, the Church has encouraged us to give up something for Lent, however these days, the focus has shifted to doing some good action for someone else each day over the next 40 days to Easter Sunday. Your actions speak volumes of your character. A little act of kindness goes a long way ….We have encouraged students to start with some positive actions within their family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ukrainian families within our community and the people of Ukraine at this time. One would have thought that we would have learnt from our collective experience, of the devastation that war brings to communities and families. However, a new dangerous chapter of our civilised history has been opened up. Let us pray for a speedy resolution to this crisis and these unacceptable actions.
Thank you to all members of our community who contributed so generously to the Tongan Tsunami appeal. All items have been forwarded on and will be sent directly to Tonga via our partners at ‘Youth in Union.’ We hope that these will play a small part in making life a little bit easier, as the country tries to recover from the extensive damage caused by the recent tsunami.
A reminder that there is a Pupil-Free Day on Monday, 7 March at the College. It is a designated Staff Development Day where staff will be in attendance at the College and undergo training across a range of areas.
With COVID-19 limiting visitors to the College, a large number of potential students and their parents have been unable to attend the College for an Open Day. On Tuesday, 8 March, the College will be open across both our campuses for a large number of visitors who have provided an RSVP to the day. Enrolment applications for 2024 for Year 5 and Year 7 will close on Thursday, 31 March. Application forms are available on our website.
Please see details from Mr Chris Soden later in this newsletter, to make a booking.
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.
| COVID-Positive | Close Contacts | |
| Year 5 | 7 | 1 |
| Year 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 6 |
| Year 8 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 9 | 2 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 12 | 7 | 2 |
| Staff | 6 | 1 |
| Total | 37 | 20 |
The Canadian-made all weather jacket sold in the Uniform Shop, came about from parent and student feedback seeking a warm and rainproof jacket. It is a very good-quality jacket, sold at cost price at $230. We acknowledge that this is a significant expense for parents, but it does achieve its goal of keeping students dry and warm, and it can be layered depending on the season. The College does not make any money on this jacket, and it would retail in an outdoor retail shop for over $430.
We have had a few requests via the Parents’ Association to include a lightweight raincoat to our uniform, which we are currently investigating.
International Women’s Day (Tuesday, 8 March), is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The College will be celebrating this day with its students and staff at next week’s assembly and with a morning tea.
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world with less wars. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together, we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Jackson Lorimer, who has raised $3291 for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse charity, which focuses on cancer research. Jackson joined SurFebruary, which required him to swim or surf every day of February, and seek sponsorship for his efforts. He has surpassed his goal of raising $500 and is one of the top ten fundraisers in the community.
>>> Click here to view more information about Jackson’s remarkable achievement.
‘Kids Giving Back’ is a charity whose mission is to create the next Generation of Generosity. Their programs are delivered for children 6-18 years old and their families, and offer opportunities to assist vulnerable people in the community.
Thank you to the following students who participated in one of their programs during Term 4 of 2021, and over the Christmas holidays.
Students and families are encouraged to participate by volunteering in giving back programs outside of school hours.
The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the Department), would like to notify you that a request has been made for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information as required under the Australian Education Regulation 2013.
The College is required to provide the Department with the following information about each student at the College:
>>> Click here to view more information.
It is with great delight, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, that we can confirm that on Wednesday, 9 March, we will hold our Aungier House Mass (as listed in the College calendar). The Mass will commence at 6pm in the Centenary Quadrangle. This is a compulsory event for all students of Aungier House.
Our prefects have been working hard to make this a memorable event, and something that is fully tailored to who we are as a House. Students drive the night, with all hymns, prayers and readings chosen by the students themselves. We will also include special recognition of our current Year 12 students.
As an important part of the evening, we invite and strongly encourage all families to come along and join in a short supper following the conclusion of the Mass. All families are asked to bring a plate of food to share. This can be placed in the College Library prior to the Mass. The night is expected to conclude at roughly 8pm.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for families to meet our Aungier Mentors and also to connect with each other as part of the Aungier House community.
In the lead up to the event, we would also love to have some parent volunteers to help us with the organisation of decorations (for the Mass and supper), general set up before the Mass, and clean up at the conclusion of our supper.
If you would be willing and able to help with this, could you please email me at jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please note, that in the event of wet weather, the Mass will be moved to the Birrell Street Basketball Courts.
I am looking forward to seeing you there!
Mr John McCoy
Head of House – Aungier
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Enrolment applications for 2024 will close on Thursday, 31 March 2022.
Should you have a younger son who you would like to enrol at Waverley College in Year 5 or Year 7 in 2024, please ensure you complete an application form through our website.
>>> Click here to view the application form.
Please note, if your son is currently enrolled at the Junior School at Waverley College, there is no need to place an additional application for Year 7.
Applications close: Thursday, 31 March 2022.
>>> Click here to submit an online application.
Contact College Registrar: Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Kylie Anderson
Registrar
E: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
National speaking competition ‘Rostrum Voice of Youth’, provides an outstanding opportunity for secondary school students to gain experience and confidence in expressing their views and communicating a message.
Next Wednesday, 9 March at 4:30pm, four students will be competing in the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking competition at Ascham School.
These talented students are: Yannick Hott, James Peate, Ewan McDonald and Oscar Danta.
Waverley wishes you the best of luck!
Public Speaking Students James Peate and Ewan McDonald
Ms Emma Halpin
Convenor of Debating and Public Speaking
E: ehalpin@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Last week, 6 Gold had the technical task of presenting all their learnings to the Junior School via an online assembly. They were extremely creative with their ideas and made it as fun and lively as possible.
Three reporters moved around to different corners of the classroom to showcase the talent in 6 Gold. They visited the Respect, History, English and Spanish corner.
The Junior School learnt about the first Core Value – Respect, and how to live this out at school, the importance of democracy, myths and legends in English, and created some fabulous superhero dance moves.
A stand out in the assembly was hearing from Dylan Duque-Llorente who is unbelievably talented at speaking Spanish.
The three reporters – Max Wu, Luca Filippi and Jack McCallum
Years 5 and 10 will be taking part in a Little Brother / Big Brother gathering on Friday, 11 March from period 4 until period 6.
Students will first meet at 12:05pm for a BBQ lunch in the Braidwood area, and will then be transported by bus from Carrington Road to Bondi Beach.
Students will travel in House groups with their buddies, and will then participate in activities whilst at the beach.
There will be a House anti-bullying photograph competition as well.
Year 5 students will then return to the College by bus, along with attending Cadets.
The remainder of the Year 10 students will be dismissed from Bondi Beach at approximately 2:30pm.
Heads of House and Year 5 teachers will be in attendance.
Please complete the permission slip below to enable your son to attend.
>>> Click here to view and complete the permission slip.
ALL students should wear their PE uniform and bring a water bottle please. There will be no swimming on the day.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Gabrielle Smith
Director of Junior School
E: gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week, the Junior School gathered together in a special Prayer Service for Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. The marking of the ashes on this day is a public expression of our faith and repentance.
During Lent, we focus on three pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving, which help us in this journey to reach a closeness to God, and deeper understanding and relationship with God.
Prayer is a conscious relationship with God. Just as we spend time with friends because we love them, we spend time in prayer because we love God, and we know that God loves us. When we are in tune with God, we cannot help but experience deep wellbeing.
Fasting can be a time to eat less and give up some nice treats, however, could it also be a time for us to be more mindful of our purchases? Can we make ethical choices in what we buy, or even not buy at all?
The third pillar, almsgiving, is donating money or goods to the poor and less fortunate, and performing acts of charity. Caritas launch Project Compassion every year during Lent. Through Project Compassion, Caritas partners with people in the Asia-Pacific to develop their independence, and support the human dignity of every person. Our donation to Project Compassion is an encounter with God through the face of the poor.
The first of several fund-raising and awareness-raising initiatives began with the sale of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. We are happy to announce that we managed to raise approximately $850, a great way to begin our fundraising initiatives this year.
Special thanks to Mrs Smith, Mrs Coupe and Ms Bransby for assisting in the organisation and distribution of the pancakes. The boys thoroughly enjoyed indulging in these delicious treats.
I am pleased to announce the Year 5 Class Captains and Class Vice-Captains for Semester 1, 2022. As the students are just getting to know one another, we are giving the following students the opportunity to lead their classes in Semester 1.
I look forward to working with them over the next couple of terms, and hope that they can be good role models to the rest of their peers.
Captains
5 Blue – Zack Stewart
5 Gold – James Draper
5 Indigo – Dario Leyton
5 Orange – Boyd Haslam
5 Red – Hooper Dyke-Miller
5 White – Sam Peate
Vice-Captains
5 Blue – Fletcher Stanton
5 Gold – William Carter
5 Indigo – Pascal South
5 Orange – Jack Burrows
5 Red – Dash McDonough
5 White – Cormac Maher
The celebration of mothers, grandmothers and significant others in the lives of our Waverley College students, will be celebrated on Friday, 6 May at 12pm (Week 2, Term 2).
This will be held at Mary Immaculate Church, followed by a light lunch at the Junior School.
Part of the celebration will include a slideshow. Can I please ask that you send through a photo of your son(s) with their mothers/grandmothers if you would like a photo included in this presentation.
Please send through all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director – Mission and Identity
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Junior School was fortunate enough to have the team from Elephant Ed present an online information evening for all of our parents last Thursday, 24 February. This program began for all of our Year 6 classes this week, which is a great opportunity for our students to learn about the following topics as a part of our aligned Health unit ‘Exploring Change’:
Although we have experienced classroom teachers, they’re not all equipped to teach such sensitive health topics in detail, which our students require. This is why Elephant Ed is the most appropriate external company to teach this content to our Year 6 students, ensuring this information is taught effectively and with impact.
We believe that although this isn’t being taught to Year 5 students, it was really important for our Year 5 parents to be at the session, to help them prepare for what will be taught next year. Overall, the session was informative, interactive and engaging for all parents in attendance, and we look forward to seeing how students respond.
BPSSA
After such a great two days completing the Junior School swimming carnival, we have entered the next stage of swimming events. Due to the State Nippers event, we had reduced numbers for this year’s warm up event for the IPSHA carnival, the annual BPSSA Swim Carnival hosted by Saint Ignatius College Riverview on Friday, 25 February.
Although we were undermanned in our squad, we placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in every single event of the carnival. This was a huge achievement for our students, who all competed at an extremely high level.
In total we achieved 24 (first placings), eight (second placings) and five (third placings).
BPSSA 2022
IPSHA
Everything has been leading up to the main event, the IPSHA Swimming Carnival, which took place on Tuesday, 1 March. This is a special event for our Junior School swim squad, who make their way to the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre to compete against Sydney’s best swimmers in their age group. It is an honour for our students to represent Waverley College Junior School at the highest level.
This year, we’re very fortunate to have a strong group of swimmers in all age divisions. This means that we had some special achievements by the following swimmers who made it into CIS:
U8-10 Relay Team (2 min 38.14 sec)
U11-13 Relay Team (2 min 14.03 sec)
A large number of our students placed in their swim heats with amazing achievements, including:
Freestyle
Backstroke
Breaststroke
Butterfly
The College is unbelievably proud of our entire competing squad, but we want to congratulate the relay swimmers mentioned above, who will now be moving onto the NSWCIS Swimming Carnival, where they will be swimming against the best swimmers in NSW. This is a special achievement, and something these students will never forget.
IPSHA 2022
IPSHA 2022
IPSHA 2022
IPSHA 2022
Junior Australian Oztag National Championships
Jackson MacAskill and Hugo Cummins in Year 5 recently represented the East Coast Orcas at the Junior Australian Oztag National Championships in Coffs Harbour.
Their U/10s team played seven games over three days, and made it through to the finals.
Both students have been selected to represent Easts at the Junior State cup in June. What a big achievement, and we’re so proud of them.
Jackson MacAskill and Hugo Cummins (Year 5)
Waverley Junior School had a large number of students representing their local Surf Lifesaving Club and competing at the State Nippers across three days (24-26 February) at Manly Beach. This is a significant event for our students, who have a massive involvement in a variety of SLSCs around Sydney.
I have received some results from parents so far, but if your son competed and had some great achievements, please send them through so I can share these with all families.
Some of the results include:
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
Luca Bessera won the silver medal in his division at the Australian Nationals in Melbourne last weekend. What a significant achievement for Luca! We look forward to hearing more about his endeavours with Brazilian jiu jitsu while he’s at the Junior School. Congratulations and well done.
Luca Bessera and his silver medal in his division at the Jiu Jitsu Australian Nationals in Melbourne
Jiu Jitsu Australian Nationals in Melbourne
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director – Co-Curricular
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In 6 Red this week, we have been exploring plants. As a class we have been discussing what plants need to grow, the certain functions they have to survive, and the different shapes, sizes and characteristics that change the way that they survive in different environments.
As a class, we conducted an experiment to find out which leaves had the best water retention. After placing the leaves in plastic bags, we will now observe and note in a scientific table, the amount of condensation that builds up over a one to two week period. Results are to come!
6 Red, Term 1 2022
Mr Matthew Johnston
Class Teacher 6 Red
E: mjohnston@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school, for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm – 4pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term, unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting, and then the club will be closed.
NOTE: NO Home Learning on Monday, 7 March – Pupil-Free Day
>>> Click here to register your son.
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
If your son is not present at roll call, a phone call will be made to check on his whereabouts. If your plans change, and you decide he is unable to attend, please contact the school via email at nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au or call reception.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave, a parent signature will be required.
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work. All students are expected to settle to work in the Learning Hub, and not cause a disturbance for others.
Monday and Wednesday – Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday and Thursday – Ms Gaby Bransby
If you require any further information, feel free to email us.
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Drawing Club has begun! Our avid artists will meet weekly to talk about all things art. Our first session was on Friday, 25 March, and our theme for the session was getting to know what each student enjoys drawing.
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:
Mrs Natasha Zivanovich
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovich@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Years 5 and 10 will be taking part in a Little Brother / Big Brother gathering on Friday, 11 March from period 4 until period 6.
Students will first meet at 12:05pm for a BBQ lunch in the Braidwood area, and will then be transported by bus from Carrington Road to Bondi Beach.
Students will travel in House groups with their buddies, and will then participate in activities whilst at the beach.
There will be a House anti-bullying photograph competition as well.
Year 5 students will then return to the College by bus, along with attending Cadets.
The remainder of the Year 10 students will be dismissed from Bondi Beach at approximately 2:30pm.
Heads of House and Year 5 teachers will be in attendance.
Please complete the permission slip below to enable your son to attend.
>>> Click here to view and complete the permission slip.
ALL students should wear their PE uniform and bring a water bottle please. There will be no swimming on the day.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The weather continues to wreak havoc on our fixtures and training this term, and unfortunately, looks set to continue for the next week. I very much appreciate the wider community’s patience and understanding, and we are all hoping for conditions to ease by the end of next week.
Well done to Xavier Miconi who was selected this week to represent CAS Tennis against ISA next Tuesday.
These will be the first proper presentation evenings we have been able to hold for over two years.
Thursday, 17 March is the 2022 CAS Swimming and Diving Championships at SOPAC. We invite any students who wish to attend as spectators next week, and have a limit of 150. Any parent of a swimmer or diver is welcome to attend. We have limited capacity on the numbers that we can take, due to repair works at the venue.
Students attending as spectators will be required to wear full summer uniform and be transported to and from the venue by bus. These students will also be supplied with food for the event.
Spectator buses will depart at 3pm and return by 9pm to the College. For this carnival, we are only offering transport back to the College, and not to any other suburbs. There will still be some specific COVIDSafe protocols implemented for this event.
Last weekend saw a large number of Waverley students from Years 5-10 competing for various surf clubs at the State Age Surf Life Saving titles. There were many great student success stories before the carnival was suspended due to health concerns from contaminated water.
For any student who is now competing in older age groups over the next two weekends, who has not yet requested leave, please do so as soon as possible. This allows us to make the appropriate adjustments and approve these requests.
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
State Age Surf Life Saving Titles 2022
Saturday, 12 March is the final round of summer sport. The following week, other than swimming, is a sport-free weekend for all students, due to our winter coaches’ induction. We will then commence the winter season for most activities from Monday, 21 March, with two weeks of internal training and trials.
Our As and 1sts Football teams will all play a CAS Blitz on Saturday, 26 March, with the 8As at Queens Park.
Fingers crossed for some sunshine soon!
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Parents and Players are invited to the Waverley College Cricket Presentation Evening.
When: Saturday, 19 March 2022, 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 to wear their full summer school uniform including tie and blazer. School shorts are permitted. Casual attire for parents.
>>> Click here to view booking and prize information.
Congratulations to Hirav Gandhi of Year 11 for being selected in the CAS 1st XI to play against the ISA 1st XI at St Aloysius’ College Oval last Sunday. Although the rain impacted play on Sunday, the College is still very proud of Hirav and his selection.
Further congratulations and best wishes go to both Jonathon and Toby McDonald who have been selected in the CAS U/15 team that will play against arch-rivals, GPS, at St Joseph’s College this Sunday, 6 March. Well done to both McDonald boys. They have consistently been amongst Waverley’s top performers, and genuinely love their cricket.
Mr Sean Picone
Convenor of Cricket
E: spicone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2022
Venue: T & M Hayes (Queens Park) Pavilion
Time: 6pm
Any parents and friends interested in getting behind the Waverley College Rugby Program in 2022 are welcome to attend, as we discuss the plans for the exciting season ahead. All are welcome!
Sadly, 2022 will mark the period in which Mr Denis Hickey will be stepping down as Supporters’ Club President, after his many wonderful (and very successful) years leading the way.
This year, we are looking for any interested parents who would be interested in taking on leadership positions on the committee into the future years. It is certainly an enjoyable group with which to be attached.
Parents unable to attend this meeting in person, but who are interested in joining the meeting online (via zoom), are welcome to register their interests by emailing the Convenor of Rugby, Mr John McCoy jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
WAVERLEY TO WIN!
Mr John McCoy
Convenor of Rugby
E: jmccoy@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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