From the Head of College

Key Dates

• 7 April | Year 8 Cadets depart for Camp and return 12 April
• 12 April | Last day of term and returning on 30 April
• 30 April | ANZAC Ceremony 2pm
• 5 May | May Procession, Midday
• 8th May – 26th June | Spanish Evening Classes for parents
• 9 May | Mothers’ Day Liturgy 9am

 

Term 1

Thank you for your support of your son and the College throughout Term 1. Most boys have worked towards their goals effectively and have a well-deserved break just ahead. I know our Year 12s will use the holidays to consolidate their learning and ensure their notes, projects, and assignments are in good order.

I am hoping parent/teacher interviews earlier this week provided parents and carers with some areas to focus upon in partnership with your son on seeking academic improvement. I encourage all boys to finish the Term off strongly across all of their pursuits.

Lent and Holy Week

Thank you for your support of our Lenten appeal thus far. Project Compassion, run by Caritas Australia aims to assist vulnerable communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

Caritas’ is a Latin word meaning ‘Love + Compassion’ which links closely with EREAs Touchstones of Gospel Spirituality and Justice and Solidarity. We want our boys to understand love and be compassionate, particularly to those less fortunate, with greater needs and those that live on the margins.  

As we approach the end of Lent, we turn our focus to Holy week which is the most solemn and glorious week in Christianity, the pinnacle of the liturgical year.

Let us not forget that the redemption of the cross begins with the darkness of the tomb. Without the darkness of the tomb, we cannot experience resurrection. The tomb is truly a dark place, lifeless, still, silent and with hope far beyond anyone’s grasp. 

Isn’t this true of the darkness we encounter in our own lives? Visiting those dark places within us can be so frightening, at times terrifying, all the while we emit no hope and see no way out. But within the tomb, darkness does not prevail, because darkness cannot win. Light always overcomes darkness and in the tomb, light shines as Christ rises from the dead and destroys death forever.

In our lives today, no matter how bleak our situation or deep the darkness in which we find ourselves, if we dare venture into and fully embrace our darkness, light always comes. Let us experience the true redemption of the cross this Easter by recognising that the journey begins in the darkened tomb.

New Uniform Update

Over the last 18 months, we have communicated that the College is moving towards a new uniform. Please click here to see details on the rationale, costs, scope and phase in.

I commend the uniform committee on the work they have performed thus far and look forward to seeing this project come to fruition. Our designer Jonathon Ward is highly regarded in Australia and has extensive experience in the design of school uniforms.

Staffing Update

I would like to welcome the following staff who have joined the College recently:

• Ms Kylie Anderson who is joining our Marketing and Development Team as a Marketing Coordinator. Kylie joins us from St Catherines.
• Ms Tina Lamonica who joins our Curriculum Team as the Curriculum Assistant. Tina joins us from Moriah College.
• Mr Jeremy Roff who joins us on a more permanent basis as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head Coach of Track and Field. Jeremy competed in the Commonwealth Games and joins us from the University of NSW Gymnasium and is currently studying Exercise Science at University.
• Ms Marlen Irmer who joins our Library Team as a Library Officer. Marlen joins us from Kambala Rose Bay.
• Ms Jess Ford who joins our ICT and Drama teams as the Theatrical Technician. Jess come to us from UNSW Venues and Events.
• Ms Dearbhla Cooper joins our Religion Team. Dearbhla joins us from Aranmore Catholic College, WA.

I would like to thank and farewell the following staff who have been on short term contracts at the College;

• Ms Ellesha Canty (RE)
• Ms Julie Barnes  (Mathematics)
• Ms Ethna Brave  (English/History)

• Ms Victoria Califano  (Art)
• Mr Steven Rosenstrauss (Commercial Studies)

I would also like to thank and acknowledge the services of Ms Megan Schmitz who has been a part-time psychologist at the College for the last ten years. Megan is moving with her family to Germany where she will commence a psychologist position at Independent Bonn International School (IBIS). Megan has been a wonderful support to the students in her care.

Summer Co-Curricular Awards

This week we recognised and celebrated our Summer Co-curricular program. Congratulations to all students who received awards and thank you to all students, staff and coaches for their efforts over the season. Thank you to all of our Supporters Groups for their efforts in delivering key assistance for the season. We had a large range of individual and team efforts that include:

• 2nd VI Water Polo CAS Premiers
• Lachlan Colquhoun in Year 5 representing Waverley at the State and National Equestrian Titles
• A very successful introduction of Surf Lifesaving program with Bondi SLS as well as a number of students representing their clubs at the State and Aussie Titles
• Nikita Strbac being selected for the Australian U17 Water Polo side
• Ryan Abbott being selected in the NSW U18 Basketball Squad
• Stuart Swinburn’s record-breaking efforts at the CAS Swimming Championships
• Scott Swinburn and Carter Hjorring winning a number of medals at last week’s State Age Swimming Championships

Guys and Dolls Musical

I had a look at practice and preparations this week for our upcoming musical – Guys and Dolls which is being held with St Clare’s College at NIDA on the 8, 9 and 10 May at 7pm. I was impressed with what I saw and am looking forward to a great evening.

Please book online at Ticketek.com.au

Old Boy, James Kondilios (2016) – Science and Innovation awards

I would like to congratulate James Kondilios on this year’s Science and Innovation awards from the Australian Government.

James Kondilios (graduating year of 2016) who is in his 4th year of an Advanced Science degree at ANU Canberra has successfully won a Government grant.

James’ parents have expressed their appreciation to the amazing team of dedicated Science Teachers in his final years at Waverley College, and through their encouragement, he developed a strong love for science.

His time spent at Waverley College and all the experiences, academic, social and sporting have attributed, they believe, to his recent success in his achievement in gaining this award.

Wishing safe travels and amazing learning experiences to:

• All boys and families travelling overseas;
• The USA STEM tour of the Kennedy Space and Rocket Centre
• The Sanix Japan Rugby Tour which will also visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum;
• Byron Scott who will be on student exchange to Kearsney College, South Africa for Term 2; and
• Ms Elizabeth Watson (Deputy Head – Teaching & Learning) who has been chosen to join a study tour that is examining Finland’s teaching and learning practices.  

I congratulate and thank all of our cadets who will play, march and represent the College in ANZAC Memorial Services over the holiday break.  

I wish all boys and families a safe and happy Easter and on behalf of staff, we look forward to the return of our students on Tuesday, 30 April, 2019.