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.
- 31 May – Round 5 Sport – Indigenous Round
- 9 June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 10 June – Year 5 History Showcase
- 10 – 12 June – Year 6 Camp
- 14 June – Round 6 Sport
- 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
Reconciliation week & Koojay Corroboree
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, reminds us that the journey toward reconciliation is ongoing and requires continued commitment.
Here at Waverley, we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where truth-telling, respect, and unity form a strong foundation for our learning.
This week, we celebrated Reconciliation week with a whole school assembly, Learning Hub lessons and the Koojay Corroboree.
During Learning Hub lessons, the boys took part in meaningful activities and discussions focused on the importance of Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.
They explored the history and cultural heritage of First Nations Peoples through rich literature, which helped spark meaningful discussions about the impact of the past and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
Throughout these sessions, the boys highlighted important facts and shared their reflections, leading to a deeper understanding of Reconciliation. They also participated in activities designed to encourage critical thinking and empathy.
Our Walawaani students, along with our Year 5 Class Captains, had the privilege of attending the Koojay Corroboree at Coogee Beach in recognition of Reconciliation Week.
This meaningful experience allowed our students to witness First Nations Australians sharing the richness of the Dreaming through storytelling, dance, and music.
The boys also enjoyed exploring cultural market stalls, creating their own shell art, and taste-testing a variety of native and endangered plants. It was a powerful and engaging day that deepened their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
Screening of ‘Seen’ – the Film
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the parents and caregivers who joined us for the special screening of Seen. The Film on Thursday evening.
It was wonderful to welcome not only current families but also those whose children will be joining us in 2026.
This powerful documentary, produced by Parent TV, offered valuable insights into how healing and self-awareness in parents can positively influence a child’s brain development.
Through moving personal stories, the film explored the impact of trauma, the importance of secure attachment, and the critical role emotional connection plays in a child’s growth.
We are grateful for your engagement in these important conversations and your ongoing partnership in supporting the wellbeing of our students.
Junior School Da Vinci Decathlon Success
On Thursday, 22 May, sixteen enthusiastic students represented Waverley College Junior School at the annual NSW Yr 5 and 6 da Vinci Decathlon, held at Knox Grammar School in Wahroonga.
What is the da Vinci Decathlon?
The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students.
Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy.
Both the Year 5 and 6 teams competed with incredible team work and determination.
This was acknowledged in the awards ceremony at the end of the day with Year 6 taking out third place in the Ideation category—an incredible achievement against over 70 schools.
Congratulations on an outstanding result and for representing Waverley College so proudly.
Report by Will Collins (5 Gold) and Rex Wagner (5 Orange)
The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition for Year 5 and 6 students, held at Knox Grammar School. We arrived at school by 6:15 a.m. to catch an hour-long bus ride to the venue. The competition involved ten challenging papers: Mathematics, Science, English, Engineering, Ideation, Art and Poetry, Codebreaking, Creative Producers, Cartography, and Legacy.
We worked together on the Ideation paper and were also chosen by our team to take part in the Creative Producers activity. What we enjoyed most about the day was collaborating with our teammates and watching the entertainment that Knox had organised for all 70 participating schools.
The only downside was the weather- it poured all day, so we were stuck in the Great Hall (which, luckily, was massive!). One of the biggest lessons we learned was that even with the eight smartest kids in the world, you can’t win the Da Vinci Decathlon without teamwork.
We felt extremely honoured to be part of the Year 5 Da Vinci team, and we hope to represent Waverley College again next year.
Report by Sam Jarrett (6 Orange) and Cooper Stamatelatos (6 White)
The Da Vinci Decathlon was an extremely exciting, fun but challenging experience.
We were extremely grateful to be invited to the Da Vinci Decathlon. This event was held at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga. At the event, there were 10 papers, of different subjects.
We sat in the ‘Great Hall’ which many of our team members described as the biggest hall they had ever seen. On the day there were approximately 80 different schools, in teams of 8.
For the Ideation paper, we had to think of a way to prevent kids from spending too much time on screens.
We decided to make a software where parents can download a file, which will start to set up a software on the device. Bluelight was a key problem that we had to solve.
We did this by permanently locking bluelight off, and keeping yellow light on, which is ultimately a better alternative.
Bluelight, the light emitted by electronic devices, causes reduced sleep, and induced stress, while yellow light is a healthier alternative.
Parents can set time limits and kids need permission to use websites with age restrictions like social media platforms.
We would partner up with as many technology companies as possible, so that when setting up a new device it comes up with an option to use our software.
At the end of the Decathlon, the awards were announced by the adjudicators.
Fortunately, our paper of (Ideation) placed 3rd out of the 80 schools participating.
This was an amazing achievement, and we were all very proud of the effort we showed on the day.
Home Learning Club
CLICK on the link to book https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
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 3:00 pm until 4:00 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 https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps 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
Junior School Bands: A Growing Program
Beginner Band and Waterford Concert Band at the Junior School
The music program at the Junior School is thriving, with significant growth in both the Beginner Band and the Waterford Concert Band.
The Waterford Concert Band has blossomed into a harmonious ensemble, boasting a rich tapestry of sounds from flutes, clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets to electric basses and an array of percussion instruments.
It is truly inspiring to see many of these talented young musicians join us from outstanding bands in neighboring schools, enriching our musical community with their diverse experiences.
Equally heartwarming are the stories of those who began their musical odyssey right here at Waverley College, nurtured from their very first notes in our Beginning Band at the Junior School.
This year’s Beginning Band has embarked upon its term with enthusiasm and promise, already demonstrating remarkable progress.
We eagerly anticipate their seamless transition into the Waterford Concert Band, fostering what we sincerely hope will be a lifelong passion for music in all our band members.
As the term draws to a close, the Waterford Concert Band is thrilled to present a captivating short concert for the Junior School.
Our repertoire is filled with exhilarating pieces, including the powerful “Eye of the Tiger” and the iconic “Skyfall,” both beloved works from cinematic triumphs.
We will also perform “Spitfire,” a spirited concert march that not only tells an intriguing story but also introduces the boys to a fascinating musical genre.
Adding a special touch to this event, our esteemed Captain of Bands, Max Sheehy (Year 12), will join us.
He has been invited to share his inspiring experiences within the Waverley College Band Programme, offering invaluable insights and encouragement to both the band and the entire student body.
