Director of the Junior School, Ms Alanna James
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
- 10 May – Winter Sport – Round 2
- 17 May – Winter Sport – Round 3
- 18 May – Winter Sport – Round 3
- 23 May – May Procession – classes conclude at 12 pm
- 24 May – Winter Sport – Round 4
- 31 May – Winter Sport – Round 5
- 9 June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 10 June – Year 5 History Showcase
- 10 – 12 June – Year 6 Camp
- 14 June – Round 6 Sport
- 15 June – Winter Sport – Round 6
- 19 June – Year 6 History Showcase
- 18 – 20 June – Year 5 Camp
- 20 June – Year 6 History Showcase
- 26 June – Classes conclude
- 27 June – Reports available
Happy Mother’s Day
As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, I would like to take a moment to honour and celebrate the incredible women in our lives who love, nurture, guide, and support with unwavering strength and grace.
Whether you are a mother, step-mother, grandmother, aunty, carer, or someone who takes on the role of ‘mum’ in the life of a child – you are deeply appreciated.
Motherhood is filled with joy, laughter, challenge, and sacrifice, often all in the space of a single day.
As a mother myself, I know the emotional juggle of trying to be everything to everyone, of hoping you’re doing enough, and of those little moments that remind you it’s all worth it – a handmade card, a hug at the school gate, or a quiet “thanks, Mum” at the end of the day.
During our Mother’s Day Mass, it was truly heartwarming to witness the pride in our students’ faces as they honoured their mums and special women.
These moments of connection are so important in today’s fast-paced world. They remind us of what truly matters: love, gratitude and community.
To those in our community who find Mother’s Day difficult – for those who have lost a mother or are missing someone dear, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wishing all the amazing women in our community a very happy Mother’s Day. May you feel celebrated, valued, and deeply loved.
Mother’s Day Stall
A huge thank you to the Parents’ Association for organising the opportunity for our students to buy gifts for Mother’s Day this year on campus.
There was so much joy in the room as the boys carefully chose their presents.
A special thank you to Sam Mott for the time and effort she put into setting up this event, and thank you to all of the mums who volunteered – we are truly grateful!
Lunchtime Speaker
It was a privilege to welcome Brad Glass, General Manager of GrainCorp and Dad to Jack (Year 6), for an insightful, informative, and impactful Lunchtime Talk.
Brad provided a comprehensive overview of his leadership role at GrainCorp, a leading agribusiness with a global reach, and shared valuable perspectives on the company’s journey, innovation, and the vital role it plays in the food sector.
He engaged the boys with impressive industry data and insider insights about GrainCorp’s trading and operations.
Brad’s presentation left a lasting impression, inspiring the Waverley boys to keep an open mind, try new things without fear of failure, and build healthy habits, as they will become their superpower.
Thank you for inspiring future traders.
Home Learning Week 3
No Home Learning Wednesday 14 May
CLICK HERE to book
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3 pm until 4 pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.
Procedures
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
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday & Thursday
Ms Charlotte Stephens
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, as students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance, and the capacity is always reached. Avoid messaging your son during this period unless it is urgent.
2025 ICAS Competitions | Years 5 and 6 students
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2025 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. The Junior School offers the following ICAS competitions: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics.
This year, all the competitions will be held in August, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts.
EXAM TIMETABLE TERM 3
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
| WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
| 3A | 8:00 am | Monday 4 August | Digital Technologies |
| 8:00 am | Wednesday 6 August | Writing | |
| 4B | 7:45 am | Tuesday 12 August | English |
| 5A | 7:45 am | Thursday 20 August | Science |
| 6B | 7:45 am | Monday 25 August | Mathematics |
CLICK HERE to register your son
Waverley’s School Access Code YGC063
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2025.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level.
Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call us on: Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
Robotics Fun with UNSW EMU Robotics
Are you interested in STEM and robotics? UNSW EMU Robotics, a student-led team participating in the First Lego League/First Robotics competitions, is excited to invite you to their Open Nights.
When and Where?
First Lego League Team Open Night: Monday, 19 May
First Robotics Competition Team Open Night: Wednesday, 21 May
Both events will be held at the UNSW Electrical Engineering building
What to Expect?
The UNSW team offers hands-on experience with robotics, catering to two age groups:
Junior team: Learn robotics with LEGO EV3 and SPIKE robots
Senior team: Design, build, and code a robot from scratch using materials like aluminium and timber
Co-Curricular Update from Ms Sparks
Despite some games washed out last Saturday, Round 1 was a success for the teams who got to play.
Thank you to all the parents for supporting your sons on the sidelines, and to get to and from games. I was also proud to see Junior School boys running waters for the older grades on Queens Park 1.
Good luck to everyone in Round 2 tomorrow!
Swimming Records Broken
Congratulations to two students who have become record holders in the Junior School Swimming world – some records being broken for the first time in 45 years!
Jack Forde has broken not one, but three Junior School swimming records!
Jack is a modest, quiet achiever who has been competing for Waverley with pride since starting last year in Year 5.
Kai Hess has also broken records, with his 50m Backstroke making it onto the Junior School records grid.
Kai is a diligent and skillful athlete who has also been part of our Junior School swim team since the beginning.
We are all in awe of your friendship and both your results and we cannot wait to see your successes continue throughout your swimming journeys.
