Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
National Reconciliation Week – Bridging Now to Next
National Reconciliation Week, which begins on the 26 May each year with Sorry Day and ends with Eddie Mabo Day (Tuesday, 3 June), is an opportunity for Waverley College to recommit to understanding, respecting, and preserving Aboriginal culture and heritage within our community.
This week Waverley celebrated Reconciliation Week.
It is an event that is essential to who we are as a College, not only because it celebrates the enormous contribution of Aboriginal students to Waverley life, but also because it recognises the wounds of invasion and dispossession, acknowledging the fact that we live on and are nourished by Gadigal land.
Perhaps most importantly it recognises the need to work towards improved relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians as well as better health and educational outcomes for Aboriginal people in a country as well-resourced as ours.
It is with that in mind that Waverley held its Reconciliation Week Assembly this week.
In the Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome, Waverley students Buddy Ross and Stirling Quinn reminded us of the strong relationship between people and country.
The assembly was then addressed by Matilda and Sydney FC Footballer Ms Kyah Simon, who is a proud Indigenous woman of Anaiwan and Biripi descent.
In her interview with Mr Kevin Heath, Aboriginal Liaison Officer she discussed her decorated career – including being the first Indigenous player to score a goal at the FIFA World Cup as well as the obstacles she overcame along the way.
Her advice, ‘Don’t be scared to fail. If you fail, you learn to be resilient’, resonated strongly with our Students.
Mr Luke Burns (Year 5 Teacher) delivered an account of an excursion with our Junior School Sport Captains that involved a walk on country with local Indigenous elder Aunty Barb, learning about the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area now known as La Persouse.
This day culminated in Kevin presenting student Billy Keogh with the inaugural Gily Medal for his engagement in Captain’s Day on Country.
Earlier this week, Mr Stephen O’Donnell along with our Co-Curricular Leaders took part in the same Captains on Country experience with Aunty Barb, Mr Kevin Heath and Mr Richard Chan-Hampton.
During the assembly, Kevin also spoke of the importance of our Walawaani group to the College and thanked Ms Gabby Smith for her work in the Indigenous space, presenting her with the traditional gift of a coolamon.
All presenters and organisers are to be congratulated for their contribution to what was a wonderful opportunity to continue to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture.
Old Boys’ Union AGM
The OBU AGM was last Friday after the May Procession. I would like to congratulate the elected members, both the Executive and Council Members for 2025/2026:
President: Mr Salvatore Riolo
Vice President: Mr Peter Hannigan
Treasurer: Mr John Hilton
Secretary: Mr Andrew Elliot
Assistant Secretary: Mr Tom Wallace
Council Members: Mr Warren Boyd, Mr Peter Frost, Mr John Karas, Mr Brandon Perry, Mr Col Blake, Mr Garry Marin, Mr Michael da Roza, Dr Charles New, Mr Jason Taylor
Music Festival 2025
Join us for the Waverley College Music Festival on Friday, 20 June 2025 at 6.30pm in the PAC Theatre.
This spectacular evening will showcase the incredible talent of our musicians, featuring a dynamic range of performances from our Concert and Jazz Bands, as well as the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble.
Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!
Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.
Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.
Get your free tickets here.
George W Rummery Scholarship 2025
Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.
Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees.
It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.
To apply, students must:
- Demonstrate musical talent through a live audition and viva voce exam;
- Provide evidence of achieving relevant AMEB grades (e.g. Piano Grade VII, Violin Grade V, Brass/Woodwind Grade III);
- Commit to participating in ensembles and school performances.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted.
For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:
E: cbalkizas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0623
GW Rummery Music Scholarship Application – 2025
Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize – Entries are now open for the 2025
The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2025 continues its legacy as Australia’s leading award for small-scale sculpture.
Established in 2001 as the first national acquisitive prize for works up to 80 cm, it celebrates innovation and creativity in compact form.
Presented by Woollahra Municipal Council and hosted at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, the Prize showcases original freestanding or wall-mounted sculptures across all media.
A total prize pool of $29,000 will be awarded:
The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize – $25,000
Special Commendation Award – $2,000
Mayor’s Award – $1,000
Viewer’s Choice Award – $1,000
Entries close: Sunday 13 July 2025
Sydney University – Year 12 Information Evening (online)
Online event: Wednesday 11 June, 6 –7:30 pm (AEST)
An online information evening designed for Year 12 students and their caregivers.
Learn about university entry, scholarships, study options, and more.
You’ll hear about entry schemes, student support, life as a Sydney student, accommodation options, interstate-specific information and the application process through UAC.
This online event will also feature a presentation from UAC and a University of Sydney alumni, and a live Q&A.
NCCD Data Collection – Supporting Students with Disabilities
Waverley College, along with all Australian schools, will be submitting information to Catholic Schools NSW for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for Student with Disabilities: A count of the number of students with disabilities who are supported under the school’s obligations to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Disability Standards for Education 2005 and The Australian Education Act 2013.
The count is based on the professional judgment of teachers and their knowledge and understanding of students.
The process assists the school in identifying and supporting students with disabilities by implementing adjustments to enable them to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers.
The data collected is not identifiable to individual students.
Information collected relates to: the total numbers of students involved; the types of adjustments provided, including curriculum delivery, medical support, health and safety, social skills and communication; the level of adjustment provided and the categories of disabilities.
In the first instance, the information is submitted to the Catholic Schools NSW then forwarded, as non-identifiable data, to the Australian Government Education Council (ie student NCCD Website and names will not be captured).
The information collected is protected by the privacy act. The information collected may be used for the school’s future funding and policy requirements.
Please feel free to contact Mr David Parnell (e) dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au, if you have any queries in relation to this process.
