Director of the Junior School, Ms Alanna James
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
- 13 Feb – Swimming Carnival
- 14 Feb – Summer Sport – Round 1
- 17 Feb – Elephant Ed, Puberty and Embracing Change – 6pm
- 19 Feb – Year 6 Meet & Greet Interviews
- 20 Feb – Year 5 Meet & Greet Interviews
- 21 Feb – Summer Sport – Round 2
- 25 Feb – Aungier House Mass & Supper, Chapel, 6pm
- 26 Feb – Screen Free Week (Thursday – Wednesday)
- 28 Feb – Summer Sport – Round 3
- 7 March – Summer Sport – Round 4
- 12 March – Quinn House Mass
- 14 March – Summer Sport – Round 5
- 11 March – NAPLAN Testing window
- 19 March – Lacey House Mass
- 20 March – Class and Summer Sports photos
- 21 March – Summer Sport – Round 6
- 23 March – Winter Sports Trials
- 25 March – Quinn House Mass
- 26 March – Summer Sports Photos
- 27 March – Year 5 Retreat Day
- 1 April – Classes conclude
What a week it has been! It has been a busy, engaging, and overwhelmingly positive first full week at Waverley Junior School, with the energy in the hallways and classrooms remaining fantastic as the boys settle into the rhythm of the new school year. A major focus of this week was our sports and swim trials, and settling into classroom routines. It was wonderful to see so many students giving their absolute best, displaying energy and enthusiasm whether it be in the water, on the field or in their classrooms.
Following these trials, students were informed of their teams. We know that this moment can bring a mix of emotions, and we have been speaking with the boys about how it is completely normal to feel disappointed if they did not make the specific team they were hoping for. However, the true highlight for us as educators was seeing how they handled this news. It was incredibly pleasing to see the boys display kindness by congratulating their peers, as well as a growth mindset to persevere. They understood that team selection is just a starting point and chose to look forward to the season ahead, ready to work hard with their new teammates. Learning to handle disappointment is a vital life skill, and the boys have made a great start in turning these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Inside the classroom, the focus has been on establishing a strong foundation for the year. We have spent time solidifying learning routines and setting clear expectations to ensure every student knows what is required to succeed. However, the biggest highlight of the week has undoubtedly been the focus on connection, ensuring every child is known, valued and challenged. We have seen boys making a concerted effort to learn new friends’ names, getting to know their new teachers, and building rapport. It has been a joy to watch these new friendships develop in the playground and the classroom, as establishing a sense of belonging is crucial for learning. We are proud of the start the boys have made and are already looking forward to another fantastic week next week.
Here are some reflections about the first week from our returning Year 6 students.
“I am happy to be back at school because I get to see all of my friends. I am enjoying spending time with my new classmates and it being a new year. It’s a good feeling to be back in the same routine.” Vincent B
“I like being back at school because I get to see all of my friends and my teachers. The Learning Hub lesson was fun because we did SMART reading goals.” Tom F
“I like seeing my friends and making new friends in Year 5. I like learning about my classroom.” Walker L
And some reflections from our new Year 5 students:
“I like seeing my friends, playing games at lunchtime and meeting new teachers” – Hugo T
“It has been fun making new friends and I like the Learning Hub.” Alfie S
“I have made a few new friends. I like using technology and I like the big auditorium where we do Music lessons.” Gus D
“I love that there are lots of books at this school.” Charlie J
We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect with our new families at this week’s Meet & Greet evening. It was wonderful to hear about your sons’ transition to Waverley, and the highlights so far. We hope you felt a genuine sense of belonging, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside you in supporting your sons’ journeys this year.
Meet & Greet Interviews
In Week 4, we will be holding 10 minute parent/student/teacher interviews. This will provide you with the opportunity to meet your son’s classroom teacher and discuss any questions you may have and/or set goals for the year.
Year 6 will be held between 12pm – 4:30pm on Thursday 19 February
Year 5 will be held between 12pm – 4:30pm on Friday 20 February
On Monday 9 February you will receive a notification to book a time with your class teacher via the Parent Lounge. Everyone will be sent a Zoom link closer to the interview date, however you have the option to have your interview via Zoom or face-to-face.
Home Learning Club
We offer all students in Years 5 and 6 the opportunity to attend Home Learning Club, a free after-school program designed to support the completion of home learning tasks. These afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised environment for students who wish to complete their home learning activities.
Home Learning Club runs from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, during school term time. Please note that the club will not operate on days when a scheduled Professional Development meeting is taking place.
Procedures
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
Home Learning Club provides a calm, focused, and supportive environment where students work productively, show respect for others, and take responsibility for their home learning.
Teachers
Mondays 6 Gold Classroom
Ms Chelsea Hobson & Mr Conor De Courcey
Wednesdays 6 Gold Classroom
Ms Charlotte Stephens
Tuesdays & Thursdays Learning Hub
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember: if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan. Students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance, and the capacity is always reached.
Please avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks
Echoing Ms James’ message, I’d like to congratulate every student on their incredible efforts over the last week with sports trials, swim trials and team announcements. We are very excited to begin our Summer Season next week.
We are looking forward to our Junior School Swimming Carnival next Friday, 13 February. Parents and carers are welcome to spectate and will need to enter via the Senior School Reception (131 Birrell Street) to sign in. Our carnival is about participation, House spirit, fun, and also to see which swimmers will qualify for IPSHA Swimming.
Please keep an eye on App notices for the weekly fixtures, posted each Tuesday. The weekly fixtures can contain important changes from the original Draw.
If you have any co-curricular questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Chess Club – Sydney Academy of Chess
Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Waverley College (Junior School) is held on Tuesdays from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, starting on 10 February 2026.
Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment. Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.
Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.
Each student in the Chess program will also receive access to Chess Squad https://www.chesssquad.com/ which is an online teaching/playing platform. If your child is interested in taking part in the class, please email office.sydneyacademy@gmail.com for an enrolment form. For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170.
Aftercare Service
We have been closely monitoring attendance for aftercare, with a maximum of just four students on any given day. Due to these low numbers, we have made the decision to discontinue the program. If this presents some challenges for your family, please reach out so we can support you in this area.
