A reminder that our Immersions Information night for 2024 will be held on Tuesday, 29 August in the PAC at 6pm. All Year 9 and 10 students, parents and carers are welcome.
Congratulations to all those who have just returned from our 2023 Timor-Leste and Red Earth Immersions. It was wonderful to hear at their debrief dinners their gratitude for such fabulous formation experiences and the valuable friendships they have forged with the communities they served.
A special thank you to all the staff who made these experiences possible and we look forward to our upcoming Fiji and Central NSW Indigenous experiences.
Click here to view the Week 6 Careers newsletter
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Monday, 28 August during Period 6 in the PAC, Year 12 will have the opportunity to learn about some amazing service opportunities post Year 12.
The Cardoner Project is a not for profit Jesuit organisation offering Immersion experiences for students after Year 12. These opportunities range from three weeks to three, six or 12 month experiences.
Countries include:
As many students missed out on our Waverley immersions due to COVID-19, this is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 12 students to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves.
I look forward to seeing our Year 12s there.
Another busy and exciting week at the College: Feast of the Assumption, 120 Years Celebration, Matildas on the big screen, Old Boy Mentoring, College Leadership presentation, HSC Art & Design Show.
The College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Tuesday. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.
On Tuesday we also celebrated our 120 Year milestone as a College. It was wonderful to see so many of our students involved in all facets of the day. The day began with an innovative welcome by our College Captains, a Cadet Showcase, Acknowledgement of Country, Indigenous dancing and smoking ceremony, beautiful singing and Haka from our Pasifika students and a 120 Years Video montage. As one of our guests Old Boy Patrick McClure said, “they were all very inspiring, creative, interesting and contemporary. It was a showcase of Waverley College’s culture, history and values.”
This was followed by a fun activities time on inflatables, dunk tank and staff student dodgeball and netball, before a wonderful ‘Waverley’s Got Talent.’
Congratulations:
We apologise for the slowness of the food vans on the day, we will rectify for next time. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for making our celebration so special. A special thank you to Fr Bernie who celebrated a beautiful Mass and Ms Sue Walsh for coordinating the 120 day celebrations.
We welcomed a special guest, Mr Vic Alhadeff, who spoke at the presentation of the College Leaders Assembly this week. Mr Alhadeff’s career includes being Chief Sub-Editor of the anti-apartheid Cape Times in South Africa, Chair of Multicultural NSW, Chair of the Jewish Board of Deputies, and recently appointed SBS Board Member.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vic has been a champion for human rights causes and building more resilient, respectful and inclusive communities. He achieved the passage of a new law in Australia outlawing incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender and sexual preference as well as receiving the Premier’s Award for his contribution to civil society.
Vic shared his moving personal story of his grandparents and other family members being murdered by the Nazi regime in the Holocaust and also his experience of living through apartheid South Africa. He outlined how this type of evil starts with ordinary people’s words and a lack of acceptance and understanding of difference which leads to violence and a loss of humanity. Vic implored us all to stand up for anything you see or hear that you know is wrong. Bystanders have a responsibility to take action.
Vic was the perfect speaker choice to unpack servant leadership and to celebrate the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Congratulations to our College Leaders for 2024;
New captains
Aungier
Brennan
Conlon
Green
Lacey
O’Connor
Quinn
Tevlin
This week I attended the Waverley Council Net Zero launch hosted by James O’Loughlin. I sat on a panel and articulated our current work towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and increasing biodiversity. We signed as a foundation member of this alliance and we intend to work hard to achieve our goals. I will expand further in next week’s newsletter.
On behalf of EREA and the College, I would like to congratulate Ms Gabrielle Smith on her appointment to the substantive position of Deputy Principal – Students at Waverley College. Gabby has held a number of leadership positions at both Waverley and Loreto Kirribilli, and she is excited to be working with students, parents, carers and staff in this key leadership role at the College.
I would also like to congratulate Ms Laura McLarnon who has been appointed Acting Head of House – O’Connor for the remainder of Term 2 while Mr Matt Barr is on leave.
Congratulations to Louis Fearon (Year 9) who had the amazing opportunity to be the official FIFA Coin Toss assistant at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Semi Final last Wednesday.
In the interests of student wellbeing and focused learning, at the commencement of Term 4, Waverley College will join Catholic and public schools, as well as a growing number of independent and private schools, placing bans on mobile phone use during school hours.
The purpose of these expectations is to foster positive student relationships, as well as promote academic achievement in students. This is in support of our dynamic learning environment while continuing to build positive right relationships for all. The following expectations will commence Term 4, 2023.
The Junior School policy will not change, this being:
Years 7 – 12 Updated Procedures
Please find below our updated Responsible Use of Technology Policy. A hard copy of this policy will be located in the 2024 College diary.
Click here to view the Responsible Use of Technology Policy
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond to our children when they are going through a difficult time. Our children might not say anything at all, and it can be even harder to know what is going on inside their head. We all want to do what’s best, however sometimes it might seem that when we try to help, it makes things worse. So, how can we connect with our children on a practical level? How can we start to understand our children more?
We all run busy lives with countless responsibilities and never-ending to-do lists. Being present and making regular quality time with your children means that they know you are available and that you have the capacity to be with them. If this seems difficult, try carving out 30 minutes of family time once a week to play a card game, go for a walk, or spend time outside together (away from screens).
When our children come to us in distress, our instant reaction may be to try and fix whatever might be the problem. Whilst problem-solving has its time and place, what we all really want is to be listened to and validated. Instead of automatically going into fix-it mode, you might like to try active listening.
This means letting your child talk without interruption, and paraphrasing back what they say. This helps them see that you really understand what they are saying, or, gives them the opportunity to correct you to further your understanding of the issue.
Instead of “right, let me talk to them and I will sort it out”, try “It sounds like you think you were treated unfairly when he said that to you and makes you think you’d like to quit – is that right?”
Even if the issue might seem trivial or insignificant to you, your children’s feelings and experiences are very real. When you let your child know they are allowed to feel upset/angry/confused/annoyed/scared, without trying to change it, you are giving them space to sit with their emotions and learn to let them be.
This is very important in developing a child with strong emotional intelligence (remember that every feeling is acceptable and allowed, but every behaviour is not).
Instead of “It’s not a big deal. You’ll be fine! You have nothing to worry about!” try “I hear you are feeling very worried about this, and I can see why! I bet anyone else in this situation would be feeling the exact same way”.
Sometimes, your child might want to problem-solve the issue with you. Other times, they might just want to vent with you and have time to connect with you. By asking your child what they need, they start to learn that their needs are valid and respected. As they grow, they will start to learn what their needs are, how to ask for their needs to be met, and how to take care of their own needs independently.
Instead of “I will fix this issue for you, stop worrying about it now”, try “what do you think you might need now? We can chat together to work out a plan or maybe you’d like a hug – maybe both?”
The Senior School Library has recently stocked Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon for further reading and support. If you would like further guidance around resources to build helpful communication, feel free to reach out to the Psychology Team at Waverley College.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
I’m Jack Preller, a Year 12 student who had the privilege, during the holidays, to attend the 2023, Model UN Youth National Conference in Perth. The National Conference was composed of workshops, debates, interactive problem solving and esteemed speakers to help us learn more about the globalised world. The conference provided me with an opportunity to speak to over 60 different delegates from Years 9-12, who were leaders in their local communities/schools in their respective states, and enabled me to gain a more diversified perspective of youth in Australia.
From this experience I learnt a couple of key things that I would like to share with you. Firstly, that there are always people out there that share your passions. For me that is helping others through mediums such as tutoring, but no matter what passion you have, there are people who are willing to join you in achieving your dreams.
Secondly, I learnt about the sheer number of opportunities Australia has for students in working on key societal issues, public speaking and debating through organisations such as UN Youth, OakTree and Youth Parliament. If you are in Years 9-12 and you want to get involved, you can go to these different events such as the NSW State Conference to improve your debating and public speaking skills, as well as making friends with like-minded individuals. Many of these events are not commonly advertised, so I recommend researching different opportunities if you are interested.
During the Perth UN Youth National Conference we had the privilege of debating in Western Australia’s Parliament House on resolutions including ‘the right to education in the globalised world’ and ‘the global scope of migration.’ This allowed me to understand the complexities of world issues, with countries’ economic, social and geographical situations influencing policy decisions and their vote on world issues. The debates also gave me the opportunity to refine my impromptu speaking, having to create speeches on the spot or through responding to a number of questions on specific issues.
In addition, we had the opportunity to ask questions about Australian issues with the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Imogen Kane. Imogen will be reporting these discussions later this year directly with the UN in New York, showing how events like Youth UN can allow you to have global impacts. I also had the opportunity to create a presentation on the SDG goal I care for most – quality education. Alongside two others, I created a satire on the educational curriculum which we also got to submit directly to the UN branch in Australia to be reviewed, highlighting how young people today can make a difference, today.
You may be asking how I got invited to this conference in Perth? I got invited to this UN Youth conference by engaging in a number of local and state-level Youth UN events which anybody from Waverley can sign up to from Years 9-12. For anyone who is interested in global politics, public speaking, debating or just making a difference to Australia and the wider world, I would highly recommend going to UN Youth events and potentially being invited to national and international events.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.
The morning began with a step back in time exploring the rich history of Waverley College. Our College Captains, through the theme, ‘It’s Our Time’ combined with our College Touchstones, explored ways in which we can stand up for injustices, ensuring our world could be a better place. A showcase of cultural dancing from our Walawaani students and our Cadet Unit then followed. Fr Bernie then led our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption, a special occasion commemorating Mary being taken up to heaven, both body and soul.
Students were then treated to a very fun afternoon beginning with an enjoyable time on the ninja warrior, hungry hippo and obstacle inflatables, as well as watching many of our teachers hitting the water in the dunk tank. After an inspiring and talent-filled Waverley’s Got Talent, the students left the day with smiles on their faces. What a fantastic way to celebrate 120 years of Waverley College.
This week we begin the Second Step Wellbeing program in the Junior School. Research has shown that a whole-school, evidence-based approach to Wellbeing will improve the socio-emotional skills of students which will positively affect their spiritual, emotional and academic life at Waverley. The program focuses on skills that will help your son succeed in school and in life. These skills include:
You play a vital role in helping your student develop strong social skills. During these next few weeks, the focus of the lessons will be empathy and communication. Ask questions about the skills your student is learning, such as:
If you have any questions about the curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Stephen Ghattas or Ms Jade Sparks for more information. Thank you for supporting your son in learning the skills that lead to success in school and in life.
P.S. Make sure to join www.secondstep.org with the activation key SSP6FAMILY12 to watch videos about the Second Step program and get information about what your child is learning.
The celebration of fathers, grandfathers and significant others in the lives of our Waverley College Students will be celebrated on Friday, 1 September at 12pm (Week 7, Term 3). This will be at Mary Immaculate Church followed by lunch at the Junior School.
Click here to view the invitation
Part of the celebration will include a slideshow. Can I please ask that you send through a photo of your son(s) with their fathers/grandfathers if you would like a photo included in this presentation.
Please send through all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week in the Junior School we have been celebrating Science Week! The theme for the week is ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’. To celebrate this important week, the Junior School have been taking part in a number of activities. We had Kaleidoscope Science come to the College to perform ‘The Great Big Science Show’, students took part in science-themed trivia in the Learning Hub and lunchtime experiment demonstrations run by Mr Mancinelli. We certainly have some future innovators and scientists in the Junior School!
Students took part in a school-wide competition, where they had to use their knowledge of key science concepts to pitch a proposal for an online game. Submissions were extremely high quality, combining unique and captivating ideas with elaborately designed game art. An overall winner and two runners up from Year 5 and Year 6 will be announced at next week’s assembly after the judging process has concluded. Well done to all who participated!
Ms Charlotte Stephens
Assistant Director of Curriculum
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As part of our participation in National Science Week, Years 5 and 6 have engaged in a variety of hands-on learning experiences building their knowledge of scientific method and experiments. Throughout the week, both cohorts have explored the exciting process of chemical reactions. Year 5 created ‘Pop Top Rockets’ and tested them on the playground, whilst Year 6 created a special solution called ‘hot ice’ to form crystal towers and observe the ‘urchin effect’. Students have embraced the opportunity to continue to build their skills in the science lab.
Mr Max Mancinelli
Science Teacher
mmancinelli@waverley.nsw.edu.au
*No Home Learning Wednesday, 23 August 2023
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school to complete 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 the club will be closed.
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
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’s 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.
Teachers
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
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.
Brilliantly combined veterans, bees, whales, and smarties into one Lunchtime Talk! The father of Ethan in Year 5, Ian Storie, is a Global Consultant Industry Engagement and Collaboration Scientist and Innovator who captivated the boys’ inquisitive minds with the most recent research and problem-solving ideas.
I appreciate you highlighting how Science, Chemistry, Technology, and Teamwork all work together to tackle big challenges.
The boys found the presentation on ‘How to be an Innovator’ inspiring.
We often hear from families, students, teachers and Old Boys that Waverley has a lovely community feel. Hence this year the decision to invite Richard Simpkin, Waverley Old Boy and father of Ollie (Year 5), to open our Book Week celebrations with a presentation on Monday, 21 August. Richard will share motivational stories, writing advice, and the value of reading to the boys.
Richard’s current series The Aussie Big Achievers are a fun and educational way for children to learn about some of Australia’s most interesting and inspiring people who have helped shape our nation. Each book encourages children to always believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams.
If you would like to purchase books for your son or children, click the button below:
Richard will be happy to sign copies after his presentation.
Thank you to all the students who entered the Book Week Competitions.
Literacy Coordinator Ms Mary Ryan will have a tough job judging the Poetry and Ms Jenna Turnbull (Acting) Head of Visual Arts will also have a tough job judging the creative pieces of art that interpreted the theme ‘Read, Grow, Inspire…’
Winners will be announced on Monday, 21 August. Good luck to all the students who entered.
Your son will take part in a fun and engaging writing workshop that will encourage critical and creative thinking, while working collaboratively in a small group to produce part of an imaginative text, which in turn will be part of a book.
The final copy will be printed and placed in the Learning Hub for all to enjoy. I am looking forward to working with Year 5 on Tuesday, 22 August and Year 6 on Thursday, 24 August.
During Book Week your son will have the opportunity to visit the pre-loved, pop-up bookshop in the Learning Hub. All books will be $2.00 (cash only).
It is not too late to donate any pre-loved books. You can send them in with your son on Monday.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
6 Indigo are busy learning to “Make Themselves Heard” by reading and responding to a wide range of texts dealing with the refugee crisis the world is facing. We have been engaging with the class novel Detention by Tristan Bancks.
The following artworks depict an “escape place”, where students in 6 Indigo go to when they need a break from others, a quiet place with no distractions.
Next up, we will be researching a refugee who has settled in Australia and retelling their story in a graphic novel format. I can’t wait to see what they produce.
Mr Kendall Robinson
Teacher 6 Indigo
krobinson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Bivouac is fast approaching, and we are looking forward to taking our recruits on their first Cadet adventure.
On Friday, 25 August, cadets are asked to come to school in their DPCU Field Dress, complete with field hat, and their backpack labelled and packed with their gear. There will be designated areas on the lower tennis courts to store bags in Company locations until lunchtime.
Cadets will form up in bus lines on the Centenary Quad directly after lunch.
The Cadet Unit will be supporting local Legacy branches by selling badges and bears on Friday, 1 September to the local community. There will be cadets at Charing Cross and Bondi Junction, so please look out for them and support this worthy cause. Merchandise will also be available in the Staff Common Room and to students at recess. Cash only, I’m afraid, so please come prepared.
Image: courtesy Legacy website
Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 3, Week 6. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.
| Date | Subject | Time | Room | Teacher |
|
Monday 21 August, 2023
|
Visual Arts | 3:30pm – 5pm | C13 | Turnbull |
| Drama | 7:30am – 8:30am | P12 | Lamb | |
| Tuesday 22 August, 2023 | Drama | 3.30pm – 5pm | P13 | Lamb |
| Wednesday 23 August, 2023 | Standard Mathematics | 7:30am – 8:30am | E23 | Riley |
|
Thursday 24 August, 2023
|
Spanish | 3:30pm – 5pm | W25 | Quintana |
| Standard Mathematics | 7:30am – 8:30am | E33 | Cornish | |
|
Friday 25 August, 2023
|
Visual Arts | 3:30pm – 5pm | C13 | Turnbull |
| Hospitality | 7:30am – 8:30am | TF1 | McCarthy |
It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial, attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program.
The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3pm the day prior.
Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
Ms Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Click here to view the Week 5 Careers newsletter
Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
In September and October, a highly experienced team of educators will run a preparation program of intensive courses at the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney.
These courses are perfect for consolidating school studies and developing key subject knowledge that will give Years 10 – 12 students an edge when it comes time to sitting HSC exams.
Click the buttons below to view the timetable and to enrol.
Click here to view the September/October 2023 HSC Preparation Courses Timetable
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
September
October
November
December
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
