“Shoot for the moon and even if you fail, you land among the stars.”- Jared Garwood (Class of 2022)
Inspiration, commitment and hard work was personified on Thursday, 9 February as students, staff, parents, carers and members of the Waverley community gathered together to welcome back and celebrate our high achievers from the Class of 2022.
These assemblies set the tone for the Academic year ahead. They inspire hope and propel us to strive toward something better, greater and higher.
Waverley is a diverse learning community and in 2022, 160 students choose their own path to complete Year 12. Whether they selected an HSC+ ATAR or HSC+ Vocational pathway, each person’s journey was unique. Their chosen learning path played to their strengths. It engaged their interest and passion to help them succeed.
A common theme among our Class of 2022 was the resilience and determination shown throughout their learning journey. We commend the grit that many of them drew upon to make significant and impressive progress throughout their time at Waverley College.
Despite the fact that two of their final three years of school had extended lockdowns within them, they emerged to lead the College with a positive, no-fuss attitude. They rallied together to build a culture of pride, one of high standards and one that endures to the end. They believed they could achieve great things… and indeed they did.
We were delighted to hear two of our 2022 Graduates speak at the assembly; Charles Alexander and Jared Garwood. Both indicated that this was the first time they had addressed an assembly, and felt a little outside their comfort zone. They should be very proud of their respective speeches. They were articulate, humorous and motivational.
They shed light on their HSC experiences at the College and offered some wonderful words of encouragement and advice to our student body. Both highlighted that finding that perfect study technique is very individual. They challenged the students to experiment with different strategies until they find something that works for them. They pointed out the importance of finding the right balance and having good relationships with their peers and their teachers.
Charles encouraged the student body to find something that motivates them, relaxes them and gives them joy while on their HSC journey. He felt that “with these three things alone, you can achieve anything you wish in the world!” He urged students to take every opportunity to involve themselves in the broad range of activities on offer; speaking of how his involvement in Rugby, Cadets and Music Ensembles gave him balance and discipline with his academic studies.
Congratulations, Charles Alexander
Charles commended his peers for the way they helped one another, shared resources and encouraged each other to stay motivated and focused. We wish Charles every success as he embarks on a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS.
It was with great pleasure to award Jared Garwood with the plaque of Highest ATAR 2022 (98.5). In addition to that, Jared made the Premier’s All Rounder List and SMH Distinguished Achiever in Engineering Studies, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics and Studies of Religion II.
Jared reflected on his time at Waverley, acknowledging that each person’s HSC experience is unique. For him, the HSC was about self-growth, responding and overcoming challenges and achieving a good result. It was important for Jared to set targets and aim high. Jared had a goal of 90 plus ATAR and at least two Band 6s. He knocked that out of the park!
Congratulations, Jared Garwood, who was awarded the plaque of Highest ATAR 2022 (98.5)
He highlighted the importance of “staying connected with the people around you” and said the study technique that worked best for him was peer mentoring. To teach and learn from his peers enabled him to better understand and retain concepts. He found motivation through competition – competition with self and others. He would turn each assignment into a competition, wanting to do better each time. We wish Jared every success as he embarks on a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) at UNSW.
It is safe to say that the Class of 2022 found their success in very different ways. Whatever path our Year 12 boys chose, it is important to remember that they leave the College with much more than just a number, mark or rank. The journey that brought each student to this point has been far more valuable.
I congratulate the entire HSC Class of 2022 on their fine results and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks to the outstanding commitment of staff and the tireless support of parents and carers during their son’s learning journey.
This week, Waverley celebrated the successes of our 2022 HSC High Achievers. We are so proud of each and every one of you, and send our best wishes for the next exciting chapter of your journey.
Ms Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It is with great pleasure to congratulate Mr Sean Picone on receiving the 2022 Percy Watson Excellence in Teaching Medal.
The Percy Watson Excellence in Teaching Scholarship has been set up in honour of Dr PJR Watson. Percy was a dedicated and passionate teacher at the College between 1957 and 1969. Percy taught English and Economics at the College for 11 years, from 1958 – 1969.
The force of Percy’s passion for teaching and learning had a profound impact on his students. The classes of 1965 and 1966 were so inspired by Percy that they established a scholarship fund to enhance teaching excellence at the College in his honour.
Peter Percy Watson in the Grange
At the end of last year, Mr Picone completed his Master of Educational Leadership through UNSW. Mr Picone’s study has already had a positive impact on the Waverley College community in both the academic arena and co-curricular.
Mr Picone is a talented teacher of HSIE and RE and passionate about the importance of a whole-school approach to Literacy. During his postgraduate study he undertook a major research project in formative assessment and best practice for building student writing capacity.
He used this research to implement essay writing scaffolds that teachers in the HSIE department could use across all subjects to model essay writing. These scaffolds allow students to follow a path of independent planning as they construct their draft essays. He also drew on his research to develop literacy strategies that complement the Writer’s Toolbox program.
In addition to his teaching role, Mr Picone is actively involved in a number of Wellbeing and Co-curricular positions where he works with a range of stakeholders. The leadership component of his study – operational skills and communication skills – enabled him to develop a Cricket Strategic Plan for coaches and parents/carers. The plan is aligned with the College Strategic priority “Building collaborative partnerships”. It sets out clear goals to foster greater participation and engagement and build the capacity of all the stakeholders in the cricket program.
Thursday, 16 February – Wave Crew Spirit Initiative, Centenary Quad, Lunchtime. Wave Crew will lead the College in cheering practice for our upcoming sporting encounters. Bring your lunch and join in the fun!
Friday, 17 February – Block Cricket Grand Final, BBQ available
Well done to all of our teams and especially the Year 7 teams that trialled last Saturday. The standard of skill level as well as the enthusiastic approach by all of Year 7 was very impressive.
Next week, Year 7 will attend camp at Somerset from Monday – Wednesday, and there will be no training for this cohort on Wednesday afternoon. We wish these students well on their outdoor education adventurous journey.
Reminders
Weekend Leave Requests
A reminder that any students requesting weekend leave, need to contact Mr Steve Wilmot, Ms Brooke Kent or me directly, with as much notice as possible. Any requests for days off school should be directed towards the students’ Head of House.
Changes to Winter Activity Deadline
Any student who wishes to change their Winter Activity has until the end of next week (Friday, 17 February) to request these changes, by collecting the necessary forms from a member of the Co-curricular team.
Rugby Requests
Any student requesting to go into Rugby without previous experience, is required to undertake physical and skills testing before approval. This is a Rugby Australia requirement and is part of the risk mitigation in prevention of injuries in this contact sport.
Full Sports Attire or College Summer Uniform is Compulsory
All other students will have commenced all of their Term 1 training sessions for all activities this week. We are at home this weekend to Knox, and I want to remind all students that they need to be correctly attired in full sports attire or College Summer uniform, if they are supporting any activity.
CAS Codes of Conduct – Players, Parents/Carers and Spectators
I also want to remind all members of the College community of the C.A.S. Codes of Conduct:
PLAYERS
Play by the rules and in a spirit of good sportsmanship.
Play for the “fun of it” and not just to please parents and coaches.
Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent, and throwing equipment are not acceptable nor permitted in any sport.
Work hard both for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
Co-operate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.
In the event of a player, or athlete being sent-off during a CAS fixture, it is the responsibility of that boy’s Headmaster at his discretion to determine the penalty. It is generally understood among Headmasters, however, that the boy will serve at least one week’s suspension from participating in the CAS competition.
1st XI Football. Photo courtesy: Liam Davis (Year 12)
PARENTS
Focus upon the boy’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the game. This assists the boy in setting realistic goals related to his ability by reducing emphasis on winning.
Teach your son that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of the game is accepted without undue disappointment.
Encourage your son to always play according to the rules of the game.
Never ridicule or yell at your son or another boy for making a mistake or losing a game.
Remember, boys are involved in organised sports for their benefit and enjoyment, not yours.
Remember, children learn best from example. Applaud good play by both teams.
If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort voluntarily for your son’s benefit.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
Recognise the value and importance of coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your son and other boys, and deserve your support.
Basketball v Cranbrook in 2022
SPECTATORS
We encourage boys to support their school teams and to be dressed in the school’s uniform while doing so.
We expect barracking to be enthusiastic, but not to be fanatical or designed to heckle, belittle or disturb the opponents. For example, barracking, for or against, during a kick at goal is always bad sportsmanship. Boys should be encouraged to barrack for their school rather than for an individual team member. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and wholly unacceptable.
Vocal support for any team should never encourage violence or rough or illegal play.
Encroaching onto the field of play, the shouting out of suggestions for players, referees or umpires to hear, are not allowed.
It is never acceptable to express disapproval of a referee’s or umpire’s decision – no matter whether the referee be adult or schoolboy.
There is a complete ban on all alcoholic drinks at grounds where games between Associated Schools’ teams are being played.
We expect our players to be modest in success and generous in defeat, not showing in either case undue emotion. Good play, by your own school and by the opposing school, should be applauded willingly and openly.
At all times, spectators should leave the area tidy and free of rubbish when they leave.
We look to adults (parents, Old Boys and other spectators) to set an example by their self-control at matches.
2nd Basketball v Knox in 2022
COACHES
Students must perceive that the sporting program of the School is consistent with the educational aims of the School’s Christian foundation. The part that coaches play in reinforcing this consistency is in insisting on proper attitudes both on and off the field, and by making games attractive, safe and enjoyable for the students.
It is imperative that coaches have a clear understanding of the highest standards associated with amateur sportsmanship, and they must always be ready to combat those views widely expressed in the media that run counter to the spirit of the game.
Coaches should help students understand the fundamental philosophical differences between the games they play and professional games shown on television. The professional is an entertainer and a wage earner whose play often reflects this fact.
CAS Track and Field Championships in 2022
Coaches should:
Coaches should recognise that games are for enjoyment and that satisfaction should come from participation in a team. Coaches should kindle in their players, on the one hand, a desire to win, which should motivate them towards excellence, and, on the other hand, a readiness to accept defeat.
Coaches should develop in their players respect for the ability of their opponents, as well as for the judgement of officials (ie umpires, referees and touch judges).
The home Coach/Manager should always welcome the visiting Coach, and encourage the Captain of the team to seek out the visiting Captain.
Coaches should be reasonable in their expectations of the players and in their demands on the players’ time and energy. They should be sensitive to the age, skill and physical maturity of their players.
Coaches should carry out their educational responsibility by acquainting their players thoroughly with the rules of the game, as these provide structure and order. For this reason, Coaches should continually update their knowledge of the game.
Coaches should support and encourage players. Feedback should be focused on the skill area and no personal derogatory remarks should be made.
Where it is permitted under the rules of the game, all coaching from the sidelines must be restrained, tactful, and infrequent, and substantially out of earshot of spectators. In all cases however, the role of the Coach should be understated rather than overstated.
Coaches should warn those players who are losing their composure and becoming too physical, and if necessary, remove them from the playing arena should such warnings not be heeded.
Leadership and responsibility on the part of the captain should be encouraged. Coaches should refrain from running every detail or interjecting from the sidelines. (It is acknowledged that traditions and practices differ between, say, basketball on the one hand and, on the other, cricket and rugby.)
All coaches (and particularly those who are not on the teaching staff), should ensure that they are fully aware of the expectations and practices of the school in which they are coaching. Coaches should remember that school sport plays an important role in a boy’s education and is for the benefit of boys rather than adults.
Coaches should not engage in excessive and ritual “psyching up” of a team.
If a match is lost, coaches should avoid giving the impression always that it could have been won if the team had played with more determination. (The opposition is sometimes just too skilful!) Similarly, coaches should avoid stating or giving the impression to players that bad refereeing decisions cost them the game.
Coaches should avoid any hint of criticising the umpiring or refereeing of a match – particularly in front of boys or parents.
A coach’s aim should be always to coach in such a way that boys are able to learn for themselves.
Coaches are to accept player safety as an essential priority, and correct techniques are to be insisted upon. Under no circumstances are matches to start or to continue under conditions which a coach considers contentious, e.g. the absence of an appropriate umpire or referee; or an unsafe playing surface.
If any member of the College community believes there is a breach of these Codes of Conduct, I would encourage them to contact me directly rather than engage in an altercation in front of students and other parents.
Best wishes to all activities for their first full round this weekend.
Waverley College runs a community-based swim school for children (boys and girls), from kindergarten and older.
The Swim School offers three levels of swimming instruction, with a focus on stroke technique and fitness. All swimmers must be able to swim unassisted.
The office phone is attended Monday to Friday, 3:30pm-5pm
We are excited and proud to resume the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at the College in 2023. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth program which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements, and make a difference in their world. Doing the Award is a personal challenge, pushing participants to their limits, and recognising and celebrating achievements.
The Award is run in over 130 countries, with over 8 million young people participating worldwide. Our College currently offers this Award to students in Year 8 and above, and spans Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
Please note, that enrolments for boys currently in Year 8 are not yet open. Any Year 8 boys who are interested in the Award are cordially invited to attend lunchtime meetings for the time being.
Bronze: Lunchtime meetings for students completing their Bronze Awards are located in the Fitzgerald room, Wednesday Week B. Please arrive promptly at 1pm.
Silver and Gold: Lunchtime meetings for Silver and Gold Award students are located in the Learning Support room, Friday Week A. Please arrive promptly at 1pm.
For more information, please email Mr Alon Horry ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu
This is a message for all parents/carers from the Better Health Company about a free fitness program for teens.
Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) has supported Better Health Company to provide FREE healthy lifestyle programs to teenagers in Central and Eastern Sydney, who are either above a healthy weight, or are diagnosed with a chronic health condition.
It is a free program for teenagers to prevent chronic disease. At this stage they have 10 spaces left. The next online program starts Friday, 10 March 2023.
One of the great benefits of having so many cadets in the Unit, is the opportunity to be able to offer more diverse platoons to cater for different styles of engagement with Cadets.
One of our newest platoons is Media Platoon, and last week they covered Alpha Company’s activities at Waverley Park. ‘Hutchie Hell’ is designed to ensure all recruits know how to quickly set up and take down their hutchies and, more importantly, that they are structurally sound and weatherproof to provide adequate shelter from the elements on AFX.
In the words of our Media Platoon …
“Another exhilarating day for the recruits in A Company, as they were able to learn how to successfully structure a Hutchie down at Waverley Park in a time frame of two minutes. The recruits learnt how to work as a team and find the right location to place the hutchie. There were many recruits who learnt valuable skills in the lead-up to AFX.”
Intense knot-making by Alpha Company
Last-minute adjustments
Recruits proudly show off their excellent hutchie
We look forward to weekly contributions from Media Platoon as they hone their skills as journalists for the Unit. Thank you to Jack, James, Constantine, Priscilla and Erin for your ongoing service to the Unit.
AFX 2023 – Registration Open
Details about the Annual Field Exercise (AFX – Cadet Camp) have now been sent to all parents, carers and cadets by email. Please read through the information in the Joining Instruction carefully and complete the registration by Wednesday, 1 March 2023.
A reminder to all Waverley recruits that this camp doubles as the Year 9 School Camp and, as such, is a compulsory component of your Waverley College journey. Any requests for leave from camp need school approval, as camp week is a week of school.
Seven weeks to go!
Please note that the book hire operating hours remain the same, except for a slight amendment to the days open, as listed below:
Monday: 8am – 4pm
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday – Friday: 8am – 4pm
Would you like to learn how to track your child’s mathematical learning? Perhaps your child would like to learn this too!
Webinar Session Topics
how to complete work assigned by your child’s teacher
skills map tracking of your child’s progress
how tasks can target your child’s prior mathematical skills
Webinar Zoom Sessions
Wednesday, 15 February 2023 – 7pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) or 4pm (Australian Western Standard Time)
Tuesday, 21 February 2023 – 9pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) or 6pm (Australian Western Standard Time)
Please read this important school vaccination program update from NSW Health.
SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM UPDATE
Keeping your child up-to-date with routine vaccinations helps to protect them from serious preventable diseases. As part of the NSW School Vaccination Program, students in Year 7 are offered free vaccines to protect them from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the free meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Your consent is required for your child to receive routine vaccinations at school. If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide this consent online.
This year’s school vaccination clinics will be held on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 and Tuesday, 19 September 2023. You can provide consent for your child’s vaccinations via Service NSW using this link.
From February 2023, only one dose of HPV vaccination is required to be fully vaccinated. This change has been endorsed by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) based on the latest evidence, showing that one dose provides the same level of protection against HPV as two doses.
If you have already consented to your child receiving two doses of HPV vaccine, they will only receive one dose. If your child is in Year 8 or above and previously missed their second dose of HPV vaccine, they are now considered fully vaccinated and do not require a second dose.
A small number of students who are immunocompromised are still recommended to receive a three-dose course of HPV vaccine. If your child is immunocompromised, it is important to discuss their immunisation needs with their GP.
If your child misses a school vaccination clinic, the school immunisation nurses will try to catch them up at their next visit. Alternately, you can speak to a GP or pharmacist about catching up on vaccination.
