Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
RUOK? Day – Thursday 12 September
R U OK? Day is a cause with an extremely close connection to Waverley College. This year’s theme, ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’ emphasises the importance of reaching out not just today, but every day, because life happens every day.
By using the four simple steps of an R U OK? conversation you can change a life.
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check-in
#RUOKDay2024 @ruokanyday”
RUOK? Day Assembly
This year for our annual RUOK? Day assembly, the college welcomed guest speaker Gus Worland to deliver a keynote and engage in a Q&A session. Gus is a long-time mental health and suicide prevention advocate who spoke to the students about his own life experiences and the importance of surrounding yourself with a ‘village’. Students were given practical examples and strategies on how to foster this village and left feeling empowered with ways to look after not only themselves, but with ways in which they can be there for those around them. Following his keynote, Gus engaged in a Q&A session with Mr Drew-Morris, who also shares a strong connection and association with RUOK? Day. They discussed topics such as mental fitness, overcoming adversity and how to seek help when and if it is needed. One of Gus’ key messages is that mental fitness is much like physical fitness and requires repetitions to build up strength. We are enormously appreciative of Gus taking the time to speak to our staff and students as part of this important event within our annual college calendar.
Guest Speaker Gus Worland
SCHOOL TV SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK? Day
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm – are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It’s therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK? Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, “Are you OK?”
Engaging in R U OK? Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it’s a commitment to our students’ overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK? Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
WAYS Effective Parenting Course
The WAYS Effective Parenting Course will be running from the 13th November until the 4th of December for four weeks on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm at WAYS Bondi Junction, Tiffany Plaza, 422 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.
This FREE four-week course is facilitated by experienced clinicians specialising in adolescent development and behaviour. The course will assist parents to build stronger parent-child relationships and to feel greater confidence in better managing and understanding their adolescents. This is a skills-building and educational program only.
Topics include understanding adolescent development, parenting styles, effective communication, building resilience, internal regulation, and setting limits and boundaries.
If parents/caregivers are interested, they can register by calling 9365 2500 or email luke@ways.org.au
Reminder regarding Bicycles, e-Bikes and e-Scooters
Cycling to school is acceptable at the discretion of the parents, however, parents should be aware that the roads around Waverley are very busy, with few bike lanes that connect.
- Bicycles are not to be ridden in the school grounds
- Waverley’s insurance does not cover the loss, damage or theft of bicycles stored on campus. parents should ensure they have household contents insurance to cover this eventuality.
- Bicycles must be parked in allocated spaces and secured with a lock.
e-BIKES
The school does not provide facilities for the charging of eBikes and the NSW Government legislation relating to e-bikes and e-scooters is as follows;
There are two types of permitted e-bikes: Electrically power-assisted cycles and Power-assisted pedal cycles.
Electrically power-assisted cycles
An electrically power-assisted cycle has a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts. This power output must be:
- Progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h
- Cut off when:– Your bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h– You stop pedalling and the speed exceeds 6km/h
Power-assisted pedal cycles
A power-assisted pedal cycle has one or more motors attached with a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts. This bicycle:
- Cannot be propelled only by the motor/s
- Must weigh less than 50kg (including batteries)
- Have a height-adjustable seat
All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths.
e-SCOOTERS
Personal e-scooters are illegal and cannot be used on roads or road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths. They can only be used on private property in NSW.
Rescue Dog Adoption Opportunity for Teachers, Staff & Student Families
Our school has been contacted by the Senior Casting Producer for The Dog House Australia, a heartwarming television show where people of all kinds visit an animal shelter to adopt a rescue dog.
He is reaching out to ask if anyone from our community would be interested in applying to adopt a dog through their program.
They work with the Animal Welfare League NSW to find the perfect match for the dog and the family, taking into consideration their lifestyle and commitments.
Right now their shelter is full, and there is a waiting list of people wanting to surrender dogs, so they are working extra hard to find more homes for these animals in need.
Anyone who’d like to familiarise themselves with the show can do so HERE.
And anyone who would to apply can do so HERE.
