Jack with Olympic snowboarder Jarryd Hughes
From the Deputy Head of College, Patrick Brennan
I would like to thank parents for the way their sons presented themselves on day one this Term.
Students are required to wear the College blazer and tie to and from the College during Term Three. As was the case last term, boys failing to do this and who are not in possession of a uniform pass from their Head of House will be placed on a Saturday detention.
The College has high expectations of our students whilst in public, particularly when travelling to and from school on public transport. The positive message we give to the public though our uniform and grooming is another extension of the ongoing cultural change we are seeing at the College.
Haircuts were also checked by Heads of House and students with haircuts outside the College policy were sent to Joe’s Barber at Charing Cross to have the situation rectified.
Waverley Basketballers
Over the break nineteen Waverley College students participated in the St James EREA Basketball Tournament in Brisbane. Because of the scheduling of the tour many of our older players stayed in Sydney and concentrated on their HSC Trial preparation which provided a great opportunity for our younger players and their development, providing a worthwhile experience and sound preparation for the upcoming season.
Weekly training sessions have been occurring since the start of last term and culminated in a six-hour, two day intensive training camp for the players on the final Friday and Saturday before the tour.
I thank our Convenor of Basketball, Mr Anthony Gibbs and his assistant, Mr Richard Chen for their commitment to basketball during their break, as well as our external coaches. Well done also to all of our student who represented the College with distinction at this tournament.
Ned Wieland achieves his Triple Crown in Ocean Swimming
This year Ned Wieland embarked on his endeavour to become the youngest male ever to complete the Triple Crown of open water swimming. The Triple Crown encompasses the English Channel (33km, from Dover, England to Cap Griz Nez, France), the Catalina Channel (38km, Santa Catalina Island to San Pedro, California USA) and the 20 bridges swim (48km, around Manhattan Island, New York, USA)
The Catalina Channel swimming federation best sums up Ned’s swim as:
“Ned Wieland, of Australia, proved once again how tough the Aussie swimmers are when he completed his crossing today under challenging conditions in 9 hrs, 8 min, and 16 sec. The chilly water temps ranged between 63-64F, and the channel tossed some rogue 6-7 foot swells into the mix, which hit the prevailing 2-3′ swell from an opposing direction – imagine swimming in an industrial washing machine! Ned managed to persevere and punched his way through the swell to calmer seas off the mainland, completing his swim at Smuggler Cove in a fantastic time! He had a few reports of multiple marine life encounters during the crossing, which included ocean sunfish, two whales and three pods of dolphins!”
Ned’s swim was throughout the night in the waters that are best known for Juvenile Great White Shark attacks. Ned then had twelve days to recover, before his twenty Bridges swim, on the 30th of June. Arriving in New York, where they were experiencing heatwave conditions, Ned set off on his third and final swim of the Triple Crown. After swimming the other two channels, he reported, that this was by far the most scenic. The 20 Bridges is the longest swim, but is known for the favourable currents once a swimmer hits the Hudson. However, the Hudson only delivered headwinds, choppy water conditions and a little current, to the end. However, the end did arrive and with it Ned’s title; to be the youngest male to achieve the Triple Crown.
The times for his swims are as follows:
English Channel – 9 Hours and 45mins
Catalina Channel – 9 Hours and 6mins
Around Manhattan – 8 Hours and 45mins
Not only has Ned achieved these great feats of open water swimming but along the way he has also raised over $43,000 for ‘R U OK?’, which is a suicide prevention charity. This is a charity that is very close to him and Waverley College.
On his return to Australia, Ned was notified that he was selected to receive a 2018 John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award. Students are nominated for their exemplary service to their communities. The Award is conducted annually by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association.
On behalf of the College, I offer my Congratulations to Ned on his selection.
Jack receives his award at the NSW Pierre de Coubertin Academy Day and Presentation
The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. Congratulations to Jack Hardwicke-Owen for receiving the award, it’s a wonderful achievement.
Sad News – Wal (Justin) Cranney 16.08.1930 – 04.07.2018
At the end of term I was advised of the passing of an ex-employee Mr Wal Cranney on 4 July, 2018.
Beloved brother of Margaret and Helen. Cherished uncle, great uncle and Great great uncle.
Admired Teacher and Coach at Waverley College 1966 – 2006.
His requiem Mass was held at Mary Mother of Mercy Chapel at Rookwood Necropolis.
Wal taught and coached at the College from 1966 to 1996 and then worked in an administrative role from 1997 to 2006.
May he rest in peace.
Safer Bike Legislation Announced for Students
A recent law change now allows students under the age of 16 years to ride on footpaths. Previously after the age of 12 years children were forced to navigate the roads when riding their bikes to school.
This not only promotes an active lifestyle but also prevents them being hit with a fine of $112 as well as ensuring a safer ride to school.
Bike racks are provided by the College adjacent to the Performing Arts Centre.
Write a Book in a day – recognition from the Kids’ Cancer Project Website
The Year 5 Write a Book in a Day team has been featured on the Kids’ Cancer Project Website after they dedicated their book to Hugo in Year 5 who is in hospital receiving treatment for Leukaemia. You can read their lovely post HERE.
