Mr Patrick Brennan, Deputy Principal - Student & Staff Wellbeing
Lockdown Habits Proving Difficult to Break – SchoolTV
There has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines, but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and ‘zombie-like’ children on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.
Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use, to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time, and be honest about your own difficulties.
Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.
SchoolTV Can Help
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and carers are provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your son’s Head of House for further information, or seek medical or professional help.
>>> Click here to view Managing Screen Time.
Year 11 Dinner Cruise Reminder
The Waverley College Year 10 (2021) Dinner Dance provides a formal social opportunity for boys to host a partner at a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. This is a part of our Wellbeing Framework promoting respectful relationships.
Date: Thursday, 26 May 2022
Time: 6pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)
Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship
Embark/Disembark: 6pm Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Dress: Smart formal for all guests
Cost: $100 per person, which includes four hours of cruising, three-course meal, unlimited soft drinks/juice package, DJ and security
RSVP: >>> Click here to book tickets.
Should you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
RAT Discretionary Testing Underway
COVID-19 cases at the College remain relatively low during Week 3. Last week, the College distributed ten additional rapid antigen tests (RATs) to your son. In line with the Department of Education and NSW Health, we have moved from prescribed surveillance testing to what is termed ‘discretionary testing.’
We now require students to administer a rapid antigen test in the following circumstances:
- If they are deemed a household or close contact
- If they display any COVID-19 symptoms
Families are required to notify NSW Health and the College should their son receive a positive RAT or PCR test, and then isolate for seven days. Students should only return to school if they are free from cold and flu symptoms after the seven-day isolation period.
COVID-19 Household Contacts
In line with the updated NSW Health guidelines and the CSNSW COVID-19 Advice Policy, Waverley College is implementing the following:
- The 7-day isolation requirement for household/close contacts has been removed.
>>> Click here to view the NSW Health Guidelines for Household Contacts – 22 April 2022.
- Students who are a household/close contact must undergo a Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAT) before attending school, every morning for the duration of their household contact’s isolation period.
- Students who are a household/close contact must wear a mask when they are in an indoor setting that is not their own home, this includes school settings. This will be monitored by the College.
- Please notify the College if your child has COVID-19 and/or is a household/close contact.
COVID-19 Health Update
| 13/5/22 | COVID-19 | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Staff | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 7 | 7 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
