I have been liaising with Ms Jade Stapleton (President Parents’ Association) and the parent Cocktail Party will be postponed to later in the year (probably in Term 2). However, Year level parent gatherings will proceed. Dates and venues are being finalised for individual year group gatherings, and will be sent out by the end of Week 3.
Please ensure your son has a mask when he leaves home and a back up mask in case it breaks during the day. Whilst our Health Centre has back up masks, we can not maintain the rate of providing masks for students that is currently occuring.
There has been a delay in us receiving RAHT tests from the NSW Government, and Years 8, 9 and 10 are currently one short. RAHT tests will be distributed on Monday to these Year levels.
Please see below the current number of students across each Year level and also staff who currently have COVID-19, or who have been a close contact. We are travelling well at present, but I encourage all community members to continue to embrace preventative measures:
COVID-19 positive cases = 48
Household/Close contacts = 33
COVID-19 has definitely had an impact on transport to and from school, with buses and car traffic being most affected. Despite these difficulties, we encourage parents to ensure that their son is at school well before the starting time of 8:40am, and to allow for delays in their son’s journey.
It makes such a difference being able to start the first lesson of the day with every student in attendance and ready to learn. Getting into good habits and routines early in the year sets your son up well for a successful year ahead. How he wears his uniform, his appearance, manners, organisational skills, and demeanour, all have an impact on every aspect of his life.
Research overwhelmingly concludes that a student’s home environment is one of the biggest factors influencing the success of a student. There are specific parent behaviours that are most influential:
The Drama Departments of St Clare’s School and Waverley College are very excited to announce that we are staging a classic Australian play this year called Cosi by Louis Nowra in June in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Set in a psychiatric facility, Cosi is a play about friendship, romance, community and difference. Mr Peter Lamb is directing and Ms Alison Jinga is producing the show. Rehearsals will be held outdoors and are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Congratulations to Luke White (Year 11) who took out First Prize in the Senior Mayor’s Choice Award for his photograph Street Mirror in the Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize, Woollahra Council’s annual competition.
Congratulations to Joshua Tsoukalas (Year 9) who took out the Winner of the People’s Choice Award for his photography landscape My Happy Place in the Youth Photographic Award and Short Film Prize, Woollahra Council’s annual competition.
Congratulations to Marko Rangan (Year 11) on his selection in the U18 NSW metropolitan basketball team.
Welcome to the following new staff to the College;
Philip Shepherd, Cadet Admin Officer
Rita Roshni, Science Technician
James Listberger, Science Technician
Alice Green, Canteen Team
Read more: Parent Information Night, Elephant Ed ‘Puberty and Embracing Change’ webinar, face masks, Parent Questionnaire, Junior School canteen changes, Visual Arts Club, Chess Club, diary dates, Sports and Swimming Trials, Junior School swimming carnival, Co-Curricular Parent/Carer liaison role – expressions of interest, Home Learning Club procedures.
It is hard to grasp that we are already moving through Term 1 at a rapid pace. It has been lovely being able to visit classrooms since the students returned, and see that they are settling in so well to new environments and routines.
Parent Information Night will be held on Monday, 14 February, hosted by your class teacher. Unfortunately, we are unable to have our parents on site for this, so it will be held via zoom. You will receive an email from our IT Department on Friday, 11 February, providing instructions on how to access zoom, and the meeting ID you will need to use for your session.
Please see below for an invitation to a webinar presented by Elephant Ed on Puberty & Embracing Change, for our Junior School Students.
When: 6pm – 7pm on Thursday, 24 February, 2022
Topic: Puberty & Embracing Change
Elephant Ed is a leading sexuality education provider to hundreds of schools around Australia. Elephant Ed’s workshops are evidence-based, age-appropriate and mapped to State and National curriculum guidelines. Elephant Ed is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.
In advance of Elephant Ed’s workshops with the Waverley College Junior School students, this webinar will include discussion around the physical, social and emotional changes associated with puberty, as well as strategies for starting open and effective conversations at home.
You are required to register in advance for this webinar. Please use the link below to register.
>>> Click here to view and complete Elephant Ed registration information.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
A reminder that students from Year 5 – Year 12 are required to wear masks at school whilst indoors. We have spares at school, however we are very quickly running out. We ask that you pack a few extra masks in a plastic bag and place them in your son’s school bag.
You should have received a parent questionnaire via email on Monday, 31 January. Please ensure you fill this out to inform the classroom teacher on how to best support your son this year. If you would like to meet with your class teacher before this time, or feel you need to discuss your son in a face-to-face meeting, please do not hesitate to contact your class teacher. This survey will close on Sunday, 6 February.
Our new canteen service began on Monday, and seems to be running smoothly. The boys are particularly loving the vending machines.
If you missed this in last week’s Nurrunga, please take the time to learn more on our website about the significant changes to the way breakfast is accessed, and the ordering and payment options for recess, lunch, drinks and healthy snacks. The Junior School canteen link is below.
>>> Click here to view the significant changes to the Junior School canteen.
In 2022, Visual Arts Club will be offered at Waverley as an extracurricular summer activity for students from Years 5–12. Visual Arts Club provides an opportunity for students to build skills in critical and creative thinking.
>>> Click here to register by viewing the article by Ms Natalie Oates, Head of Visual Arts.
In 2022, midday Chess classes will be offered in the Learning Hub for Junior School students on Tuesdays 12:30-1:30pm. These stimulating classes will again be operated by Sydney Academy of Chess and deliver multiple educational benefits. Chess helps to enhance memory, develop problem solving skills, encourage creative thinking and accelerate emotional development.
>>> Click here to view Chess Club enrolment and payment information for Terms 1–4.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Exciting Year 5 laptop deployment!
Year 5 laptop deployment
Year 5 laptop deployment
Ms Gabrielle Smith
Director of Junior School
E: gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All of our Junior School students enjoyed a jam-packed two days for both the Sports and Swim Trials on Monday, 31 January and Tuesday, 1 February. Both days were warm, but considering the conditions, all students gave it their absolute all in the hope of being selected in a team within their chosen sport preferences.
All students swam their hearts out at the swimming trial to help them be placed in a competitive heat for the Swimming Carnival on Friday, 11 February. It gave them a chance to cool down before moving onto their final sports trial session. Any students who were away for the swim trial will be placed into the absent race, or will have their previous year time used to place them in a swimming heat.
Junior School Water Polo Sports Trials
Junior School Water Polo Sports Trials
As I made my way around the sports sessions, the level of enjoyment and excitement from our students was very evident. I would like to acknowledge all Junior School staff and coaches, who brought so much energy and enthusiasm to all of the sport trial sessions. They diligently followed the selection process to ensure all students trialled were placed into a team, in the fairest and most appropriate way. This made both days run seamlessly.
Students have now been placed into their team for the Summer Co-Curricular Season. As mentioned, all coaches followed the Junior Schools Selection Process to ensure students were graded based on skill level and overall character traits. Please refer to the selection process document included in last week’s Nurrunga for further clarification.
Junior School Basketball Sports Trials
Junior School Basketball Sports Trials
Junior School Basketball Sports Trials
Unfortunately, each year we have a select group of students who are disappointed by not making it into their first or second preference. This is a situation that we continue to try to improve each year, to ensure our students are happy with where they have been placed, even if it wasn’t their preferred choice.
As mentioned in the Waverley College app announcement sent on Thursday, your son has now been given a hard copy of the training schedule, and this has been added on the College website.
>>> Click here to view the training schedule on the Waverley College website.
Please refer to the season draw and address list, which are also included on the College website. Please be advised that because your son has only just found out his sports team, he will not be required to have his sports attire for next week’s training. This will allow all parents to get to the uniform shop in their own time. Please note that your son must have his sports attire for Round 1 (Saturday, 12 February).
Year 6 Cricket Sports Trials
Year 6 Cricket Sports Trials
After a successful swim trial this week, we are all set for our Swimming Carnival to be held at the Senior School pool on Friday, 11 February from 9:30am.
For those who would like to attend the Carnival, we are able to accomodate one parent per family. We ask that when arriving as a spectator, you enter through the pool gate on Salisbury Street – this is the street that runs beside the pool.
You will be asked to QR Code in and your vaccination status will be checked by the staff member on duty. We ask that while you are on site, please socially distance yourself from other members of the community.
Sun Protection: As previously mentioned, for the trial days, all students are asked to pack sunscreen for the Swimming Carnival. The College provides sunscreen tubs, and staff will continually remind students to re-apply sunscreen on the day.
Please ensure you place further responsibility on your son to manage his re-applying of sunscreen throughout the day, as the responsibility cannot solely be placed on staff.
Students are strongly encouraged to wear their House colours on the day as support. Alternately, they can also wear their sports uniform. Students can wear their swimmers underneath, or pack swimmers in their swim bag, to get changed at the pool change rooms.
Please remember sunscreen as mentioned, water, towel, goggles, Waverley sports hat and a Waverley swimming cap. We will lend swimming caps to students who do not have a Waverley cap, as we need these to clearly indicate your son’s House. Please also remember a packed lunch and recess, or you can order lunch via Flexischools, and it will be delivered to the pool.
We look forward to a great day!
If you are a Junior School Parent/Carer, and would like to involve yourself as an assistant to your son’s sporting team, please read further. The role of Co-curricular Parent/Carer Liaison gives a vital link between the College Coach/Teacher, myself and the Parents/Carers and students involved. These people will serve as a point of contact throughout the co-curricular sporting season.
Roles may include supporting the coach with specific duties, such as team organisation (correct uniform/safety gear and extra umpiring responsibilities when umpires need assistance). The role could occasionally require you to fill in as the coach for training, or a game if the team’s coach is late, suddenly unavailable, or needs support at any time.
Your assistance will provide significant support to the coach throughout the season.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you better throughout 2022.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular (Years 5-8)
E: jwachtel@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 until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during school term, unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting, and then the club will be closed. You will be unable to book at these times.
>>> Click here to register your son for Home Learning Club.
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.
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.
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Try to avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Senior and Junior Sport Fixtures, 1st V Basketball, 1sts and 2nds Cricket, Zone Little As Carnival, Jack Ryan medals in Hockey, Winter Activity change requests, NSWCIS Sport nominations, Mandatory COVID-19 Regulations, leave request rules.
This week, most students have now commenced their full training schedule, and either have further internal trials this weekend, or matches against other schools.
With some wet weather forecast over this week, it is vital that all members of the community have the Waverley College app, to ensure they receive any updated notifications. All fixtures and training schedules are also found on the College website.
>>> Click here to view the Senior and Junior Sport Fixtures on the College website.
>>> Click here to view instructions about how to download the Waverley app.
Well done and a big thank you to all students and parents, as well as our dedicated staff and coaches, who did a tremendous job with the first lot of internal trials and fixtures last weekend.
1st V Basketball
Unfortunately, our 1st V Basketball trial against St Pats was cancelled at the last moment, due to some positive COVID-19 cases in the opposition. This is now the world we live in, and is likely to be a recurrent theme at various times through this year.
1sts and 2nds Cricket
Our 1sts and 2nds Cricket were able to play fixtures against St Pats, and whilst both sides went down, we certainly put up some great performances, particularly Maxim Brooks with the bat and Eddie Regan with the ball.
Maxim Brooks Top Scores 60 Against St Pats at Breen Oval
We also had a number of students competing last Saturday at the zone Little As Carnival, with some standout performances from Sunny Steyn, Evan Rowbotham, Jack Richardson, Ryan McNamara and Ricardo Zanapalis.
I also want to congratulate Jack Ryan (Year 10), on being part of the NSW State Indoor Hockey premiers in Goulburn over the summer holiday break.
Congratulations, Jack Ryan, U15 Indoor Hockey State Championship Division Winner
We have also commenced our winter activity change requests, which will conclude on Friday, 18 February. We will do our best to accommodate all requests, but cannot guarantee every change will be approved.
Any student wishing to nominate for a CIS sport, will need to check the calendar link below for nominations and events on the College website, and then see Mr O’Donnell or Mr Wilmot prior to those cut off dates please.
>>> Click here to check the calendar.
>>> Click here to view the Waverley College COVID-19 Protocols for Term 1, 2022.
Teams Playing Away
With a number of our As Basketball and 1sts and 2nds Teams playing away this weekend, all six CAS schools have agreed to allow one parent spectator per player on site. All parents will need to QR code on entry, and show proof of vaccination. Students do not need to do either of these. No more than one spectator per player is permitted. Masks are to be worn by all parents in attendance, and social distancing will be enforced by COVID-marshalls.
Teams at Waverley College
For anyone attending Waverley College, the only entry point will be through Gate 9A adjacent to the Performing Arts Centre on Birrell Street. Any student or parent who has COVID-19 symptoms, is a close contact, has been directed to isolate, or has tested positive is asked to not attend and seek appropriate testing. It is also vital that visitors follow directions of our facilities staff and marshalls at all times.
Just a reminder, that any leave requests need to be in writing two weeks prior, where possible, and that a maximum of two requests will be granted per year.
We have already received a number of requests for leave for upcoming Branch and State Surf Lifesaving Titles, State Touch Football and State Oz-Tag over the next four weeks. To ensure we can make the necessary team adjustments, can I please encourage these requests for those events to be submitted as early as possible.
Good luck to all teams this week!
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you to Mr Elliot, Mr Kroll, Mr O’Donnell, Mr Wilmot and our new Old Boy coaches Ed Sullivan (Class of 2021) and Max Farmeary (Class of 2021), for their involvement in the Year 7 Cricket trials last Thursday. All coaches assisted in planning and delivering a successful training session, and all students actively participated. The coaches were pleased to see such a large turnout and we welcome all new Year 7 players to the Waverley College cricket community.
Mr Elliot Mentors the New Year 7 Cricketers at the College Nets
Another noteworthy observation was the large number of students who have returned to cricket from the Junior School. This highlights the extensive work that Mr Wachtel and coaches at the junior campus have put into ensuring the students enjoy what is a great game.
The spirit of Edmund Rice was on display over the weekend, as Waverley fought to retain the Brother Berg-Murphy shield. The 1st and 2nd XI both lost to strong St Pat’s sides, but again, a display of Waverley College courage and determination to compete was evident across both games.
Eddie Regan again exhibited his ability to lead with action taking 3/55 off ten overs. Carter Steyn also deserves congratulations for his debut in the 1st XI and taking 2/25 off five overs. Max Brooks led the way with the bat, and top scored by hitting nine 4s and one 6 to reach a score of 60 before being bowled out.
In the 2nds, Freddie Le Vay proved his worth by taking 2/20 and knocking up a total of 38. Jack George, who was pulled into the 2nds as a last minute inclusion from the 10As, reached a total of 44.
1st XI – St Pat’s Strathfield 8/260 defeated Waverley 179
2nd XI – St Pat’s Strathfield 4/216 defeated Waverley 161
Connor Andrews bowling for the 1st XI against St Patrick’s College at Breen Oval
Carter Steyn on debut for the 1st XI against St Patrick’s College at Breen Oval
Lastly, I would like to welcome back all Waverley Cricket parents and students to the start of the Term 1 side of the season. It has been a disrupted schedule, and I understand that limitations on attendance regarding COVID-19 have prevented many of you from being as involved in the Waverley Cricket community as you normally would.
I thank you for your patience, resilience and support, in ensuring that despite these circumstances we, as a community, constantly aim to achieve what is best for the students. Looking forward to seeing many of you soon down at Queens Park!
Mr Sean Picone
Convenor of Cricket
E: spicone@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday, 11 February, we have a number of exciting activities for our recruits to look forward to in the lead up to AFX.
Interspersed with these activities, cadets will be learning the skills they need to be safe and comfortable on camp. Everyone will have a turn at everything over the coming weeks!
MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow
Commanding Officer – WCCU
E: jdekantzow@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This is your last opportunity to register your son for the ACER Academic Scholarship test.
The ACER Academic Scholarship test is open to students in Year 6 who will enter Year 7 in 2023. The College awards Academic Scholarships to a limited number of students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees.
Applications close: midnight AEDST Monday, 7 February 2022
Please note that no late applications will be accepted.
>>> Click here to view further information through our website, about how to register your son
OR
contact the College Registrar by email at: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Kylie Anderson
Registrar
E: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Years 7-12 Parent/Mentor meetings and early dismissal, public transport reminders.
On Tuesday, 8 February, from 1:30pm-4pm, Parents and Carers are invited to meet their son’s Wellbeing Mentor via Zoom, to engage in a conversation that will help us to best cater to their needs in 2022. This important initiative supports our student Wellbeing program.
The purpose is to know as much as possible about each student, both in and out of the classroom. By identifying their goals, hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future, we can work together to bring about the best possible learning outcomes for your son. We rely on the three-way partnership formed between the College, families and your son for this to occur.
These meetings are in addition to Parent/Teacher academic interviews, which will also take place later in the semester.
Bookings can be made by logging into the Waverley Parent Portal.
>>> Click here to view and log in to the Waverley Parent Portal.
Once logged in, select Parent Teacher Interviews from the menu on the left-hand side. Zoom codes will be sent to parents on the morning of the interviews.
If you are having issues accessing the portal please contact: iAssist at iassist@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Students in Years 7-12 will be dismissed at 1pm, because it is expected, where possible, that students will attend these meetings with their parents. Limited supervision will be provided in the Library and in the Centenary Quad from 1pm-3:15pm.
Heads of House and our Psychologists are available to meet students and their families who may require additional support and assistance. Please email them directly if you wish to set up a meeting.
>>> Click here to view website contact details for our Heads of House.
>>> Click here to view website contact details for our four College Psychologists.
All students should ensure they ‘tap on & off’ with their Opal cards, as they travel to and from school. Travel to and from school is free of charge for many students, however, they are required to tap on and off in order to validate their travel. This is particularly important during COVID-19, when tracing is an important part of the public safety strategy.
All school students over 12 years of age must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport. The College is supporting this NSW public health order by not permitting students on to public transport without a mask.
Waverley students are encouraged to please purchase a reusable mask. Masks are the responsibility of parents. Students can obtain a replacement for a broken mask from the Health Centre, however, students relying on the Health Centre for their masks will be forwarded to their respective Head of House.
Waverley students are encouraged to please purchase a reusable mask
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Staff & Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Private music lessons are available to all students from Year 5 to Year 12. The College views the study of music as an essential part of each student’s development.
The extension of study through private tuition on an instrument is strongly encouraged for the flow-on benefits in performance in other academic areas.
Instruction is available in a large range of instruments, theory, voice and composition.
Lessons are held in the Performing Arts Centre for Years 7-12.
Lessons are held at the Junior School campus by external tutors on specific days and times.
Parents who would like to enrol their son to commence instrumental lessons, must complete the registration form by clicking on the link below.
>>> Click here to view the private music lesson registration form.
For further information please contact Mrs Keiran Kossenberg, PAC Administrator, by email.
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: 9369 0623
Mrs Keiran Kossenberg
Performing Arts Centre Administrator
E: kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Your son is invited to join the Commencement Band. The Commencement Band is an ensemble for students in Year 5, who wish to start learning an instrument and to play in a large ensemble.
There are many benefits associated with learning a musical instrument. These include increasing memory, concentration, social skills, team building, friendship, mathematical skills, stress relief, time management, coordination, perseverance and reading skills.
Instruments which may be included in this type of ensemble are: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, euphonium, tuba, acoustic double or electric bass and mallet percussion.
The video below outlines some of these benefits.
>>> Click here to view the video.
>> Click here to view students talking about why they love learning music.
Rehearsals will be on Wednesday afternoons from 3:05pm-4pm.
Students are encouraged to eventually have private music lessons on their instrument, but this is not required for participation in the Commencement Band program. A modest fee will be charged for the hire of an instrument.
Students are expected to commit to the Commencement Band for one year.
Places in the band are limited, and will be accepted on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Please follow the link below to give permission for your son to join the Commencement Band.
>>> Click here to view and complete the permission slip for your son to join the Commencement Band.
Mr Dan Williams
Head of Bands
E: dwilliams@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All students are invited to join the Waverley College Choir. Rehearsals normally run on Friday mornings at 7:30am in the PAC Recital Room. However, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, rehearsals will be split into separate cohorts for the first five weeks of Term 1.
The College Choir is engaged throughout the year to sing at many College events, College liturgies, masses and concerts. Over the last 10 years, the Choir has participated in several overseas tours, performing in Germany and Italy. Students also have the opportunity to attend a Music Camp and to participate in performances across the wider community.
No audition or prior singing experience is required – all students are welcome to join.
Contact Ms Jaz Dolso at jdolso@waverley.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Ms Jaz Dolso
Music Teacher
E: jdolso@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Fees paid before 4pm on the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after due date will attract an administrative fee of $110.00.
Please be advised, that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).
Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.
You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from enrolment at Waverley College, you are required to give one term’s notice in writing to the Principal, stating that your son’s enrolment will cease.
The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school term, is the first day of the same term. If not received by that date, a penalty equivalent to one term’s tuition fees will be payable.
Mr Bryn Gregerson
Director of Business Services
E: bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In 2022, we are continuing to plan for the future, as we look to further develop and deliver projects for enhanced, 21st-century learning facilities. As part of that process, we need to understand how our students travel to school, so that infrastructure and facilities are appropriately scoped and planned.
To aid us with this, we ask Senior School parents to complete a short survey regarding travel to school habits, and what future measures the College could adopt. The survey will take only 5-10mins to complete, and I thank you in advance for taking part.
>>> Click here to view and complete the Masterplan Senior School Traffic Survey.
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
E: spotter@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
