Director of the Junior School, Ms Alanna James
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all Term 4 events, please refer to the College calendar.
- 15 November – Summer Sport – Round 11
- 22 November – Summer Sport – Round 12
- 25 November – Year 6 laptop return
- 26 November – Year 6 Graduation Mass
- 28 November – Year 6 Raging Waters
- 28 November – Semester 2 Reports Available
- 1 December – Year 6 Graduation P + C Event
- 2 December – Presentation Day and Classes Conclude
Musical Recital
On Thursday, November 13, the Junior School hosted its annual Music Festival, treating students, staff, and families to an incredible evening that showcased the remarkable talent within our music program.
The night began with a powerful set from the Year 6 Rock Band, who immediately set a high-energy tone with their renditions of “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” This energy carried through the entire program, which was a fantastic reminder of the power and value of learning an instrument. Beyond the musical skill, students demonstrated remarkable discipline, confidence, and the ability to work together as a cohesive unit.
The performances across various instruments and genres highlighted the depth of student passion. We were treated to several standout soloists, including Sam Loughrey on the flute performing “Gone Troppo,” Oliver Starkenburg on guitar with “Yesterday,” Mikell Sales delivering a heartfelt rendition of “Someone You Loved,” and Winnie Cross on the trumpet playing “We Are The Champions.”
The Year 5 Rock Band brought the house down with “Seven Nation Army” and “Blitzkrieg Bop,” followed by Jack Morahan Saliba performing “It’s A Raggy Waltz.”
The evening also featured a wonderful theatrical element from the Cantores and Aladdin Jr Cast, who performed a scene titled “The Marketplace.”
For those involved in the rock and concert bands, the festival underscored the invaluable lesson of teamwork, learning to listen closely to peers and combine individual efforts to create something truly magnificent. The evening closed out with the rousing sounds of the Waterford Concert Band, lead by band director Dan Williams, performing “Panther Rising” and “Born To Be Wild.”
The success of the evening was a direct result of the commitment shown by our dedicated staff. A massive thank you is owed to all the instrumental music tutors who dedicate their time to nurturing this young talent. Special gratitude goes to our wonderful Music Teacher, Mr. Bowden, whose enthusiasm and leadership of the entire music program continues to inspire all our students.
It was truly a memorable celebration of music education and performing arts.
Year 6 Excursion
Last Wednesday, Year 6 took part in a remarkable combined Science and Art excursion, “Observing Buriburi’s Country,” where they spent the day learning from Country at Bondi Beach. This experience went far beyond the classroom, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with the local Indigenous history and environment.
The day began with a rewarding walk to Bondi, providing the boys with a chance to observe the landscape, including a stop to view a significant rock carving near Mackenzie’s Bay, setting a thoughtful tone for the day ahead.
Upon arrival, the boys were formally welcomed by Aunty Barb, followed by a captivating Whale Story shared by Ms Sparks. This introduction immersed them directly into the cultural and historical significance of the land and sea country.
The core of the excursion involved a rotation through three incredible hands-on learning experiences:
- The Yarning Circle: Students participated in a Yarning Circle with Aunty Barb and Kev. This provided a safe and respectful space for the boys to engage in deep conversation, sharing knowledge, and listening to traditional stories and perspectives on the land. This cultural exchange was truly the heart of the day.
- Observational Field Sketching: Guided by their class teachers, the boys put their Science and Art skills into practice by conducting detailed observational field sketching. This activity encouraged them to slow down, look closely at the natural environment, the rock platforms, the native plants, and the coastal features, and translate their scientific observations into artistic representations.
- Artistic Representation: At this station, led by Richie and Matt, the boys explored different methods of artistic representation. This allowed them to process and creatively express the knowledge they gained about the landscape and the cultural stories, combining their learning from the other two stations.
The day was a powerful example of Learning from Country, demonstrating how science, art, and culture are intrinsically linked through the Indigenous perspective. The Year 6 students gained an extraordinary understanding of the local ecology and the deep, enduring connection of the traditional custodians to this special place. It was an inspiring and unforgettable experience for all involved! A big thank you to Ms Sparks for all of her hard work in organising such an engaging experience for our Year 6 students and staff.
Hampers of Hope
Waverley Junior College is supporting the Hampers of Hope charity drive, based out of Addi Road Community Organisation, Marrickville. This is an annual initiative that plays a vital role in fostering community spirit and support during the holiday season – providing over 2000+ holiday hampers to a wide variety of disadvantaged members of the community (eg domestic violence, orphanages, fire/flood victims, etc).
To support this important charity we ask students to donate either a 180g block of chocolate (eg Cadburys) or a box of chocolate (eg Cadburys, Lindt, Ferrero Rocher) to be included as a treat in the hampers. Canned goods are also very appreciated! Thank you for your generous support and know that you are making a difference at a time disadvantaged community members often find quite difficult.
Lunchtime Talk – Sam Coombes
The final Lunchtime Talk for 2025 went off with a bang, thanks to Sam Coombes, Dad of Ziggy in Year 6. In an energetic and creative session, Sam inspired the boys to design their own brands, collaborate in teams, and communicate their ideas, bringing every aspect of the 6Cs of education to life through this hands-on activity.
Sam Coombes is an Australian brand specialist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of several successful consumer brands, including Critical Slide, Batlow Cider, Will & Co, and Capital Brewing Co. Renowned for his expertise in branding, marketing strategy, and product innovation across the apparel, beverage, retail, and media industries, Sam has also collaborated with many international partners throughout his career.
It was the perfect way to finish the year on a creative high. The Junior School extends its sincere thanks to Sam for his invaluable contribution to our 2025 Lunchtime Talk series. His passion for inspiring creativity and critical thinking, and his dedication to encouraging the next generation of brand founders, producers, and innovators, were truly appreciated.
We look forward to welcoming a diverse range of inspiring guest speakers and student learning opportunities in 2026.
2027 ACER Academic Scholarship Exam
Registrations Open: 2027 ACER Academic and Senior Academic Scholarship
Registrations are now open for the 2027 ACER Academic Scholarship examination.
Is My Son Eligible?
The Academic and Senior Academic Scholarship is available to students entering Year 7 or Year 10, 2027. The scholarship is open to both existing and new enrolments.
How are Applicants Assessed?
An Academic Scholarship is awarded based on the outcome of the ACER scholarship examination and following an assessment by the Academic Scholarship Panel.
How to Register:
Applications Close: midnight AEDST Sunday 8 February 2026
Test date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Examination venue: Waverley College senior campus
Cost: $160 is payable to ACER
Want to find out more?:
Please visit the College website, or email the Registrar, Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 6 Graduation – Wednesday 26 November 2025
Dear Parents & Carers,
You are all invited to the Year 6 Graduation on Wednesday 26 November to acknowledge the end of your son’s primary school years. Please see the invitation below.
Year 6 Graduation – Request for Photos
As part of the Year 6 Graduation, we will be putting together a slideshow presentation. It would be appreciated if you could send through a photo of your son’s Kindergarten photo (or their first day of Kindergarten, or similar), as this will form part of the presentation. (Please just one photo only)
If you could please send a labelled photo through to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au by no later than Friday Week 5. Picture format as a JPEG or PNG file would be preferred. Please do not send through pdf files.
Co-Curricular Update from Ms Sparks
CIS Cricket
Congratulations to Jack Buxton and Oliver Tharenou who trialled for the CIS Cricket team on Monday. Both boys represented Waverley with pride and Jack is to be especially congratulated on his selection in the CIS Primary Boys Cricket team. Well done Jack!
Saturday Sport
Well done to all our Junior School teams for showing commitment each Saturday and doing their best at training. Our Tennis As had their first win in Round 10, against Scots – a milestone to be celebrated! Gold As also had a great win against Knox.
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.
