Please see me if you require any further assistance or information.
>>> Click here to view the weekly Careers Newsletter
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies & Careers Coordinator
E: kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday, Waverley College First Nations students were invited to gather at the Australian Catholic University at Strathfield, for the very first EREA ACU Indigenous Student Day.
The Yalbalinga Indigenous Higher Education Unit hosted an experience day for senior students that provided an opportunity for students to be exposed to a tertiary pathway at ACU, learn about the support measures in place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by speaking and engaging with current ACU students directly, as well as network with other EREA schools in the greater Sydney region.
While this program has operated for EREA schools in Brisbane, this was the first time it has been run for Sydney schools. Year 12 students, Xavier Quinn and Elliot Witten, found the experience to be informative and enjoyable, as it opened their awareness to the greater opportunities available to them post school.
ACU EREA Day
Waverley College Aquatic Centre Swim Squad Opens Term 4
Please find below key event dates you need to be aware of for the Junior School in Term 4. For all of the College events, please refer to the College calendar.
October
November
December
Welcome back, I hope you all had an enjoyable break with your boys and they are ready for another exciting term.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in ICAS Assessments. A special congratulations to the following students who received a credit or above in Writing.
Year 6
Year 5
“And sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I have found no language to describe them” Jane Austen, 1811
At the Junior School, every term we allocate two periods in each class dedicated to teaching our students about mental health. These sessions are facilitated by our two Junior School psychologists, Dawn and Alex.
Adolescence fundamentally comes with vulnerabilities, and by increasing a child’s knowledge, understanding and awareness on all matters of mental health and mental wellness, helps children foster positive communication and social skills, emotional connectedness, and builds resilience, to better prepare children to overcome adversities.
With greater learning comes greater control and predictability, factors that help prevent persistent or pervasive feelings of anxiety, anger or other challenging emotions. The mental health sessions incorporate psycho-educations, interactive play, and visual and tactile activities to better facilitate learning and retention.
Sessions covered throughout Year 5 and Year 6
Ms Gabrielle Smith
Director of the Junior School
E: gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As part of the Year 6 Graduation, I will be putting together a slideshow presentation. I would be very appreciative if you could send through a photo of your son’s Kindergarten photo (or their first day of Kindergarten, or similar), as this will form part of the presentation.
Please email your labelled photo to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au by no later than Friday Week 5. Picture format as a jpeg or png files would be preferred. Please do not send through pdf files.
Thank you.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome back to the Summer Co-Curricular season and the final six rounds of Summer sport for this year. I hope all families had an enjoyable and restful holiday break. It has been great seeing teams get back into training this week in preparation for Round 7 tomorrow, Saturday, 15 October.
Please click the button below to ensure you are up to date with fixtures and venue maps for Round 7 (Saturday, 15 October). Please keep a close eye on the Waverley College app for any further adjustments due to weather conditions or ground closures.
Innovation Club, HipHop Dance and Judo will all be recommencing from next week, Monday Week 2. We’re excited for each activity to be getting started again after such a great Term 3.
All session days and times will operate as normal, but there will be adjustments to Judo for Term 4. Ms Tweedie will be on leave for three weeks, beginning Week 3. The College is currently seeking a replacement teacher, and families will be informed about who that will be, or if Judo needs to be cancelled.
The College does its absolute best to secure experienced coaches each season, and we are very fortunate to have Waverley staff, Old Boys and external coaches coaching our students. Having received some feedback from parents, our coaches sometimes require more support on Saturdays. This support is needed with set up, warm ups and general team management assistance.
As I am not able to support all teams each week, I am inviting parents/carers to take on the role of supporting their son’s coach, if they’re needing it. All coaches have been informed about this. If you are able to take on this role, please inform your son’s coach. I know all coaches are very appreciative of this, but we ask that you please adhere to the following guidelines:
I would like to congratulate the following students who competed at the CIS Athletics Carnival at the end of Term 3: Charles Carrano, Oliver Burke, Louis Coleman, Vaidas Levi and Lukas Pendleton.
There were some amazing results from the day, with the opportunity to represent Waverley College and IPSHA at the highest level.
10 Years
11 Years
12-13 Years
A massive congratulations to these students, who will no doubt be taking a lot of experience away from these events.
Currently, Tennis is the only sport for which we do not have a properly modified format for the adult game in which IPSHA students of any ability can play. Over the past two years, IPSHA have been consulting with professionals within the game of Tennis, as they refined a format to suit the needs of IPSHA.
They are pleased to report that there has been significant progress made, and demonstration tournaments of the new game format and associated App are being staged.
There is a tournament being held on Sunday, 16 October at Queenwood Tennis Centre, 1110 Oxford Falls Road, Oxford Falls.
Please feel free to attend and witness the format in action.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director Co-curricular (Years 5-8)
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
If your son is unable to attend, please email nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au or call reception.
Drawing Club is not just about art! It is a place where the boys talk about their hobbies, likes and dislikes. Our last drawing session for Term 3 was inspired by Finn Doble’s free choice art. The boys were inspired by his work, creating their own Nike Air Jordan sneakers and unique colourway.
Finn Doble
Finn Doble
The students were fortunate to have the opportunity to watch a formal debate in the last week of Term 3.
This was a wonderful way to inspire and get the boys thinking about ‘Debating.’
The showcase aimed to allow students to have a better understanding of a formal debate.
James Peate and Nick Zanapalis (Year 9 Debating Mentors) adjudicated the debate, and also gave the Year 6 students an insight into Debating in the Senior School.
I look forward to working with a new group of students in the new year. Details about the tryouts will be released in Term 1, 2023.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I wish all students a successful and enjoyable Term 4. Term 4 always moves very quickly, please ensure your son hits the ground running, and is well organised for upcoming assessments, and gets into a good study routine early. Finishing the year strongly should be his goal. We offer special prayers and wishes for our Year 12s who started their HSC examinations on Wednesday this week.
Mr Leddie and Ms Porter with Year 12 (2022) on Day 1 of the HSC
On Monday of this week, our teaching staff continued their participation in the specialised Association of Independent Schools (AISNSW) program ‘Deep Learning.’ The Program supports teachers to incorporate the learning competencies (6Cs) into their whole school teaching and learning programs to underpin the curriculum.
Deep Learning integrates academic skills with personal and social capabilities, and gives priorities to those capabilities and dispositions that support whole-school learning and living.
The 6Cs include:
At the end of last term our four College Captains were announced for 2023:
This week, we would like to announce the following boys as House Captain and Prefect positions. Congratulations to all these students:
Charlie Smith – House Captain
Liam Russell – House Prefect
Jack Crotty – House Prefect
Mackenzie Palmer – House Prefect
Thomas Shaninian – House Prefect
Tom Gleeson – House Captain
Jacob Hassan – House Prefect
Carter Steyn – House Prefect
Carter Hjorring – House Prefect
Jonas Dowling – House Prefect
Alistair Isaac – House Captain
Tom Hughes – House Prefect
Harrison Lee – House Prefect
Sam Johnson – House Prefect
Kai Jones – House Prefect
Frederick Le Vay – House Captain
Aiden Pascoe – House Prefect
Ethan Williams – House Prefect
Marcus Antonio – House Prefect
Will O’Connor – House Prefect
Jack Preller – House Captain
Matthew Woods – House Prefect
Will Mood – House Prefect
Harry Makatoa – House Prefect
Luke White – House Prefect
Mitchell Cahill – House Captain
Jake Perks – House Prefect
Toby Neilsen – House Prefect
Ruben Stock – House Prefect
Tom Stewart – House Captain
Charles Hely-Hammond – House Prefect
Noah Tofaeono – House Prefect
Darcy Standfield – House Prefect
Thomas Walker – House Prefect
Felix Turinui – House Captain
Jett McTavish – House Prefect
James Iatrou – House Prefect
Angus Birrell – House Prefect
Hugh McDonald – House Prefect
‘Effective schools keep up to date with developments in research and professional knowledge.’
(Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), 2016)
Waverley College strives for every student to be engaged, challenged and learning successfully. We recognise that highly effective teaching is the key to achieving this. Educational research affirms “that engaging teachers in high quality professional learning is the most successful way to improve teacher effectiveness and hence improve student outcomes.” (Greenwald, Hedges & Laine 1995; Guskey & Huberman 1995; Elmore & Burney 1997; Hawley & Valli 1999; Elmore 2002).
This week, the teaching staff had the pleasure of Jorga Marrum – lead educational consultant from the AIS (Association of Independent schools) – facilitate our Professional Learning day on Deep Learning. Jorga has been working closely with Heads of Department and Curriculum teams for the last 18 months, designing inquiry units across Years 5-10 in English, Science, Visual Arts and Geography. She will continue to work with design teams for the next 18 months to deepen units of work across all KLAs.
Deep learning is the process of students acquiring the six Global Competencies: Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. These skills and attributes are essential for learners to flourish as citizens, and to engage and innovate successfully in our increasingly complex and connected world.
Deep Learning moves students beyond surface knowledge by creating learning experiences where students go deeper in knowledge, standards and assessment. Students are actively involved in the learning process as co-designers and co-learners.
Deepening units of work enlivens our Teaching & Learning Framework. A framework inspired by EREA’s ‘Liberating Practice’ and Australia’s national goal of all young people becoming ‘successful lifelong learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.’ (Department of Education, Skills and Employment, 2021).
I look forward to keeping you updated on our exciting Deep Learning journey, as well as sharing and celebrating student work.
Just a friendly reminder that all current Year 11 student textbooks are now due back for return to Book Hire.
Issuing of Year 12 textbooks will be delayed until your son’s Year 11 books are returned.
Thank you to all the students who have already actioned their returns!
We hope that your son has settled well into the start of Year 12. As per the College Calendar, there is a Year 12 (2023) Parent and Student Information Evening next Wednesday, 19 October in the College Gymnasium at 6pm.
There will be a number of speakers who will provide an overview of the most important information that parents, carers and students need to know for the HSC including: the HSC assessment program, processes for illness/misadventure claims, and other important items.
Each family will also need to read through the HSC Policies and Procedures booklet which can be accessed by clicking on the button below.
HSC Policies and Procedures Booklet
Please take time to read through this booklet with your son, particularly if he is ever absent from school or unable to complete a task due to illness/misadventure.
Please rest assured that we are all here to support your son on his HSC journey, so please contact the Curriculum Team, Heads of Department or Heads of House if you have any questions or concerns.
As per the College Diary, this is a reminder that the Year 12 (2023) Elevate Session – Student Elevation – is held during Period 1 next Wednesday, 19 October, 2022. This is a compulsory session for HSC plus ATAR Students who will attend the session in their House groups as per the schedule below.
HSC plus Vocational Students are also welcome to attend. They must inform their Period 1 teacher that they will be attending the session prior to the day, otherwise they must attend their scheduled Period 1 class.
This session is delivered by a group of recent successful graduates and will cover:
Click here for further details about Elevate Education
Elevate work with our students in Years 9-12 at key times in the year, and they also offer free webinars for parents and carers. The webinars are held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings.
Register for free parent/carer webinars
The Waverley College Choral and Chamber Music Concert will be held on Tuesday, 1 November 2022 at 6pm in the College Chapel.
Join us for an evening of performances featuring the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cantores, Jazz Band A, Saxophone Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, Guitar Ensembles and soloists.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased via this TryBooking link OR the QR code on the flyer via the button below.
Click here to view the QR code on the flyer
Adults: $20.00
Students/Concession: $10.00
All funds raised will be donated to The Cardoner Project.
Click here to view information about the Cardoner Project
The Year 11 Semester 2 Report will be available next week for you to view and download on the Parent Lounge in TASS. You will receive an email when the reports are ready, which will include the instructions on how to access the information on TASS.
This report will include your child’s Learner Profile grades, final course mark, rank and cohort rank number (number of students in the course) based on his assessment task(s) for each subject. VET subjects do not include a mark or rank as they are competency-based subjects.
Drug and alcohol expert, Paul Dillon, returns to Waverley College presenting to Years 10 and 11, as well a parent session at 6pm on Thursday, 3 November. Paul has been working in the area of drug education for more than 30 years.
The College has responded to feedback from the Parents’ Association and will hold the parent session via Zoom.
Paul regularly appears in the media and is regarded as a key social commentator, with interviews on television programs such as Sunrise, TODAY and The Project. Paul also writes a blog where he discusses topical issues of the day, as well as addressing some of the questions and queries he is regularly asked by those attending his presentations.
Paul Dillon
Paul’s presentations cover a variety of drug and alcohol-related issues, including the decline in alcohol consumption and the rise in vape use. Interestingly, he sees online gambling as an area of increasing concern for adolescent boys. This issue has previously been identified at the College and discussed at House Meetings, College Assembles, Mentor Groups as well as in PDHPE lessons.
Our Wellbeing Framework relies heavily on the parent partnership. I encourage all parents to log in to Paul’s session on the Thursday, 3 November. It is sure to be an entertaining and informative presentation. The parent session is titled ‘Vaping – short and sweet: What do parents need to know?
Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’) has become a growing issue for many parents and carers across the country. Waverley College is not immune to this. This session will provide up-to-date and accurate information on the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, including the potential harms associated with the use of these devices, particularly for young people.
Practical advice will also be provided on how to talk to young people about vaping, as well as some possible responses that parents/carers can use, should their child attempt to challenge them in this complex area.
Click to join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 814 7077 9076
Passcode: 224589
Young people might have a lot of fun playing online games, but parents and carers need to make sure they empower their children to make wise decisions and help them manage the risks.
Numerous games can help your child become more coordinated, adept at problem-solving and multitasking, and help them develop social skills through online interaction with other players. However, it’s also critical to comprehend what may go wrong and what might be harmful to your child. Carers need to play an active role in understanding and being aware of what their young person is playing online and who they are interacting with.
This week’s SchoolTV provides parents and carers with strategies to walk with our young people to navigate the pitfalls of online gaming.
Click to view the SchoolTV edition on Online Gaming
This week, I spoke to students at our College Assembly about the need to tighten up in a number of areas. The Heads of House have identified the following areas that will be focused on in Term 4.
Mobile phones are not to be on a student during school hours.
For Years 7-12
◆ Devices are to be stored in lockers, and preferably placed on silent or flight mode to eliminate loud ringtones. They can only be used next to one’s locker before school, recess, lunch or after school, for short periods of time. The only exception to this is when students are instructed to contact their parent/carer regarding variations to scheduled events or, under direct teacher supervision, they may use their device.
◆ Devices cannot be taken to class.
◆ If a mobile phone is brought to any class, a student will receive a one-hour detention.
◆ Parents/carers needing to contact their son during class time, should contact the College reception directly.
◆ Students found to have mobile devices switched ‘on’, using devices to ‘hotspot’ laptops to external data sources, bypassing the College’s network, or used in any way deemed inappropriate by College staff or supervising adult, can expect a one-hour detention. Mobile phones will be confiscated if it becomes an ongoing disruption to the learning process, has been a medium for a breach of privacy, or holds information pertaining to a crime. Parents or carers will be notified immediately about any confiscation.
For Years 5-6
◆ Devices are collected in the classroom at the beginning of the day and placed securely in the office. At the end of the College day, they are collected and returned to each student.
Vaping is illegal for those under the age of 18 years. Vapes are a Schedule 4 drug in the Poison Standard, thus requiring prescription. They contain nicotine which is an addictive substance with harmful side-effects. Any student in possession of a vape will face a consequence in line with the College’s drug and alcohol policy. Consequences may include (but not limited to) suspension or enrolment review.
Common vapes. Image: courtesy NSW Health
Families make a significant financial commitment to send their sons to Waverley College.
Any student who deliberately damages school property will be billed for the repair/replacement costs incurred as a result of their actions.
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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