Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
2023 Reconciliation Week Assembly – ‘Be a Voice for Generations’
Today students and staff celebrated our Reconciliation Week assembly, which began with a traditional smoking ceremony led by Mr Kevin Heath (Aboriginal Liaison Officer) and our Walawaani students, followed by an Acknowledgement of Country. Kevin taught us about the meaning of a smoking ceremony and its importance in cleansing, reminding us that Indigenous culture is built on truth-telling and one of shared histories, culture and heritage which has survived for more than 65,000 years. He explained that the smoke was to cleanse our location, and encourage us to be present and slow down. His tapping clapsticks were to help us to settle.
We welcomed guest speaker Mr Dylan Booth (Co-lead NSW Uluru Statement From the Heart Youth Network and Member of National Dialogue), who shared his life story. Dylan has accomplished much in a short space of time. Living on campus at the University of NSW helped him complete his successful degree studies in Commerce, and he then confidently built a career at KPMG. As a Management Consultant in their Indigenous Consulting Business, he advised NSW and Federal Government organisations, and helped them solve some of their problems. A keen Rugby League player, he toured New Zealand in the National Indigenous Oztag team and later won a NSW State title in Boxing.
In a frank dialogue with Kevin, Dylan generously shared his learnings and revealed that he had made many mistakes, and encouraged students to approach life with an open mind, and embody humility, which he said was a big part of his cultural learning. He advised: “It’s okay to make mistakes but you must learn from your mistakes.” When asked what he was most proud of leaving behind for the next generation, he named his strong and proud Aboriginal family and setting a good example for his younger siblings. He mentioned his important recent work with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability where he put forward structural recommendations for reform and access to critical services needed. He remains committed to being the best person he can.
He inspired us with his current work with the ‘Uluru Statement From the Heart’ and his selection as part of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, reminding us of the hard work of political activism and campaigning since 1900 by older Indigenous people.
Waverley College thanks Dylan and Kevin for their storytelling and genuine dialogue whilst unpacking this year’s theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations.’
Old Boys’ Union AGM
The OBU AGM was last Friday after the May Procession. I would like to congratulate the elected members, both the Executive and Council Members for 2023/2034:
- President: Salvatore Riolo
- Vice President: Peter Hannigan
- Treasurer: John Hilton
- Secretary: Chris O’Sullivan
- Assistant Secretary: Tom Wallace
- Council Members: Warren Boyd, Michael Burns, Michael Dignam, Peter Frost, John Karas, Brandon Perry, Col Blake, Andrew Elliot, Anthony Evans and Charles New.
Student Appointments
Congratulations to the following students who were successful in attaining Mid-Year Prefect appointments.
- Aungier – Luca Holmes
- Brennan – Will Hickey
- Conlon – Paul Muir
- Green – Max Court
- Lacey – Conor Joyce and Finn Stranix
Congratulations to Hendrix Brown from Aungier House who has been elected as the Year 7 SRC representative.
These students were presented with their badges at the College Assembly on Thursday, 1 June.
Appointment of National Executive Director Edmund Rice Education Australia
The Board of EREA Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Liam Smith as the National Executive Director of Edmund Rice Education Australia commencing in
mid-June. Dr Smith is currently the inaugural Regional Director for a new Brisbane Metropolitan South Region and has led a whole of state reform and realignment of regional
service delivery across the Department of Education (Queensland). Recently, Liam has undertaken the role of Acting Deputy Director General for People, Information and
Communications, with direct oversight of the Department of Education’s Human Resources, IT and Media/Communications teams across Queensland, and the role of Acting
Deputy Director General for First Nations Strategy and Partnerships.
Year 12 Formal – Thursday, 22 June 2023
Ms Gabrielle Smith, Acting Principal, cordially invites Year 12 Students and their partners to the Year 12 Formal.
Venue: Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont
Time: Formal photos from 6pm. Seated by 6:30pm. Dinner/Dancing 6:30pm – 10pm.
Who: Student and Partner
Cost: $160 per person
Dress: Formal attire for all guests
Ticket sales open at 6pm on Friday, 2 June and close on Thursday, 15 June 2023.
Please note, students will be able to leave at lunchtime to enable them to get ready for the Formal.
After The Bell – An Evening for Parents of Students in Years 7-11
We understand that as parents and caregivers, you face unique challenges in guiding your children through the journey of adolescence. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming event, where we aim to provide valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate this particular aspect of your children’s lives.
Connect and Share:
This event brings together parents, educators, and community members, providing a platform to share experiences, exchange ideas, and address concerns. By coming together, we can support one another in our collective mission of fostering the wellbeing of our youth.
Wisdom from Former Students:
One of the highlights of the event will be the privilege of listening to former students as they share the advice they would give their 17-year-old selves. Gain valuable insights from those who have experienced the challenges of youth firsthand and discover the valuable guidance they received from their parents. Their stories will inspire and empower you as you navigate the intricacies of parenting.
Expert Guidance:
We are delighted to announce that Yasmin London, Director of Education & Wellbeing, ANZ at Linewize ANZ, will be joining us once again to share her expertise. Yasmin is a renowned expert in the field of safeguarding, and her insights will provide you with valuable tools and strategies to support your children’s journey.
Panel Discussion:
Join a panel of deputies and other school leaders as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on how schools can effectively support parents and students. Gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts necessary to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our youth.
Join us at ‘After the Bell’ as we empower parents and caregivers with the insights and strategies needed to support our youth in making safe and informed decisions.
When: Thursday, 15 June 2023, 6pm
Where: Cranbrook School at 5 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill
Book your tickets HERE
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