Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
Wear it Purple Day
Waverley College celebrated Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) this week, a day dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth to promote an environment where every student feels respected and valued.
WIPD is much more than a chance to wear purple; it is a powerful gesture of solidarity. The colour purple represents pride, diversity, and the spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. By participating, the college stood together in support of all students, including those who might have faced bullying or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
To mark the occasion, stalls were set up at the main entrances of the college where students could pick up purple ribbons, WIPD stickers, and purple lollies as a show of their support. This led into a special WIPD assembly where our guest speaker, Daniel Whitthaus, spoke about the profound impact that off-hand comments hold, how to better support friends, and how to be an upstander.
Encouraging students to wear purple helped promote acceptance and raised awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. It was an excellent opportunity to talk about inclusivity and the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ peers and allies, helping to build a more understanding and supportive community.
Waverley encourages our parents and carers to continue this movement through conversations with their children about WIPD and its broader message, to reinforce the college’s values of empathy and respect. These discussions may deepen your childrens’ understanding of the impact of their actions and the importance of standing against discrimination.
If your child would like support with their identity or wishes to discuss their feelings further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our School Psychologists. They are available to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to explore and express their thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for supporting and making WIPD a meaningful and impactful event for the school community.
Psychology Team
Junior School Psychologists
- Ms Jacinta Lynch (Year 5 students)
jlynch@waverley.nsw.edu.au - Ms Dawn Young (Year 6 students)
dyoung@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Senior School Psychologists
- Ms Samantha Jessen (Conlon, Green, Lacey and Quinn House students)
sjessen@waverley.nsw.edu.au - Mr Greg Cameron (Aungier, Brennan and O’Connor House students)
gcameron@waverley.nsw.edu.au - Ms Olivia Stelling (Tevlin House students)
ostelling@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Tickets on sale Friday, 30 August at 6pm
The Waverley College Year 12 (2024) Valedictory Dinner tickets go on sale on Friday 30 August at 6:00pm. See details below.
Date: Friday 20 September, 2024
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Venue: Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont
Dress: Students – Full College Uniform including Blazer, Parents / Carers- Evening Wear
Cost: Student / Parent / Carers tickets – $170 each (Limit 3 per family – please contact the Event Organiser if you require extra tickets for blended families). Ms Suzi Sucur (ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
RSVP: Essential. Bookings open 6:00pm Friday, 30 August and close at 10:00pm on Thursday, 12 September. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Welcome Koda, our new Therapy Dog
It is with great excitement that we introduce our newest member to help support the health and wellbeing of students in the Waverley community, our second Therapy Dog, Koda! Our college psychologist, Olivia Stelling, has recently completed specialised training with Koda through Therapy Dogs Australia, to become a certified human-canine therapy team.
Koda is a two and a half year old Australian Cobberdog. She enjoys cuddles, playing with her friends (of the human AND canine variety) and will often remind you to give her a pat. Koda can be playful and is always eager to meet new people. Due to Koda’s breed, she is considered a ‘low shedding’ dog, which can support engagement with people with allergies or sensitivities. Many of you will know Waverleys original Therapy Dog, Mabel – who is a best friend of Koda!
Research continues to acknowledge the positive impact animals have on our health and wellbeing. Through the development of the human animal bond (HAB), we can experience reductions in blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels (associated with love and bonding), a reduction in cortisol levels (stress hormone) among many other beneficial physiological and emotional responses.
Through Koda’s presence within the school environment it is envisaged that she will support student engagement, assist with social skill development, aid with self-regulation and calming, among many other benefits.
Interacting with Koda is completely voluntary. A Risk Management Plan is in place, however we appreciate that some parents/carers may still have concerns about their child’s interaction with an animal within the Waverley College environment. Accordingly, we have prepared a ‘Meeting Koda – Opt Out’ form for parents/carers who would like to exercise this choice.
We encourage you to take the time to:
- Click here to learn more about Koda, therapy dogs and the evidence-based benefits of therapy dogs within the classroom.
- Read the comprehensive introductory letter from our Wellbeing Team
- Complete the ‘Meeting Koda – Opt Out’ form if necessary.
Waverley Council Events
Dear Parents and Carers,
Here are a few Waverley Council events that your families may be interested in.
- Project Restore: Restoring Sydney Harbour Seascapes
Join researcher Dr. Paco Martinez-Baena and learn how Project Restore is changing the face of Sydney Harbour by enhancing and regenerating urban marine habitats through innovative practices. Book here
- Treasures of the Coast, guided walk with Bruce Thom, 19 Sept 2.30 to 4.30
Join one of Australia’s leading coastal scientists, Professor Bruce Thom, as he uncovers the secrets of Waverley’s coast. Offered only twice a year, this walk is not to be missed. Book here.
- Bike Maintenance Workshop – 21 Sept 9.30am to 12.30pm
Learn the skills you need to maintain your bike and keep you safe when cruising around or commuting to work or school. Book here.
WAYS Effective Parenting Seminar
WAYS Youth & Family are running a free Effective Parenting Seminar which will be held on 22nd October from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Waverley Library and run by Luke Cox, Adolescent & Family Psychologist and WAYS CEO and clinical psychologist Dr Terri Said.
This seminar is a great opportunity for parents and carers to get practical information and strategies for effective communication, healthy relationships, and to better understand and manage challenging adolescent behaviour.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding the adolescent brain and communication
- Managing conflict and managing anger
- Building resilience
- Managing technology
Please find flyer attached here with booking details.
Mental Health Support resources for Parents
The Black Dog Institute has provided some resources to support students and to help facilitate conversations with parents and carers should they require more information.
- Clearly Me is a new free mental health app which has been codesigned by teens for teens, to see them through tough times.
- Bite Back is the very first online positive psychology program designed to improve the overall wellbeing and resilience of young Australians aged 13 – 16 years old.
- Sleep Ninja is a free, evidence-based smartphone app shown to be effective in helping young people with sleep problems.
