Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
Wear it Purple Day
Waverley College celebrated Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) last Friday, 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, Mr 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
Student Led Information Evening – Tuesday 3 September
On Tuesday 3 September, we welcomed students from Years 8-10 and their parents/carers for our inaugural Student-led information evening. This was run by our Year 12 leaders and offered some insightful presentations on relevant topics such as;
- Alcohol and Addiction: Understanding the Risks and Realities
- Healthy Habits: Building a Better You
- Positive Relationships: Building Bonds That Last
- Technology Usage: Balancing Benefits and Risks
It was a great evening and our 2025 Student Leaders will look to run this event next year.
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Tickets now on sale
The Waverley College Year 12 (2024) Valedictory Dinner tickets are now on sale. 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 6pm Friday, 30 August and close at 10pm on Thursday, 12 September. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Waverley Council Events
Dear Parents and Carers,
Here are a few Waverley Council events that your families may be interested in.
- 1. 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.
- 2. Treasures of the Coast, guided walk with Bruce Thom
19 September 2:30pm-4:30pm
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.
Image courtesy: Gergo Rugli
- 3. Bike Maintenance Workshop
Learn the skills you need to maintain your bike and keep you safe when cruising around or commuting to work or school
21 September 9:30am to 12:30pm
WAYS Effective Parenting Seminar
WAYS Youth & Family are running a free Effective Parenting Seminar which will be held on 22 October from 6pm – 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
Mental Health Support Resources for Parents/Carers
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 co-designed by teens for teens, to see them through tough times. This user-friendly app provides a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and access positive and helpful tools for managing their challenges. To learn more, you can visit the ClearlyMe website or download the app directly from the App Store or Google Play. We encourage you to discuss ClearlyMe with your child and explore how it can be a supportive resource in their life. Click here for parent/carer information.
- 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.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
