Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Pentecost
This year in the midst of the King’s Birthday long weekend Pentecost Sunday is commemorated.
Pentecost marks the events following 50 days since Jesus triumphs over death and when the Holy Spirit descends on the fledgling group of Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem for a festival.
In the Roman Catholic liturgy, Pentecost marks the end and completion of the Easter season, and the birth or “great beginning” of the church.
Prayers
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Year 7 student Phoenix Hedderman and family.
Phoenix’s father Slade sadly passed away earlier this week. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hedderman family during this incredibly difficult time.
May Slade Rest in Peace.
Indigenous Round of Sport
Last weekend as part of Reconciliation Week, we proudly hosted our annual Indigenous Round of Sport against The Cranbrook School – a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and respectful competition.
Across a full schedule of fixtures and ceremonies, our community came together to honour the enduring strength and wisdom of First Nations peoples and to reflect on our shared journey toward reconciliation.
The weekend began with a Friday evening AFL match at Blackman Park, followed by Saturday’s fixtures in tennis, volleyball, football, and rugby at Queens Park and the College.
Each 1sts match was preceded by an Acknowledgement of Country, while two of our key fixtures – the 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby matches – featured Indigenous Opening Ceremonies, including a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
The ceremony ahead of the 1st XV game was particularly moving.
Local Elder Aunty Barb Simms delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony and cultural dances performed by our Walawaani students.
These moments provided an opportunity for all in attendance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture.
We extend our sincere thanks to the students, staff, and families of Cranbrook School for joining us in this important tradition, and to all those who helped bring the event to life.
Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Indigenous Round – your presence and participation helped ensure these moments of cultural recognition and reconciliation remain a vital part of school life.
Opening Ceremony
Tennis
Football
Rugby
AFL
Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive
One of our Waverley parents is currently completing her Masters of Counselling placement at this local charity and seen first hand the great work the Lokahi Foundation are doing and the real need for assistance.
Lokahi Foundation is a local Bondi Junction-based charity service that helps women, youth, and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Many of Lokahi’s clients arrive in emergency accommodation with few or no belongings.
To support them, the foundation operates a Community Pantry, providing essential items like food, toiletries, baby supplies, and clothing, free of charge.
Brennan House are going to take this on as their charity focus and we invite our school community to contribute by donating new or unused essential items. A collection box will be available at the Senior School Front Office and Junior School Reception.
Most needed items include:
- Food: Rice, pasta, long-life milk, cereals, muesli bars, baby food & formula
- Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, sanitary items, nappies, baby wipes
- Household: Washing powder, dishwashing liquid
- Clothing & Toys: New clothes (babies to women), new toys for children
Your generosity, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on families rebuilding their lives.
Year 10 Vaccinations
The South Eastern Public Health Unit is visiting Waverley College on June 11 2025 to provide the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination to Year 10 students.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal.
How to provide consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit:
engage.health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account.
3. Update or confirm your personal details as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
a. Enter your child’s personal details
b. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
d. Provide consent
Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.
If you require information in your language, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Waverley Nursing Team on (02) 9369 0644.
Year 12 Engineering Students Soar into Aerodynamics at Bankstown Airport
Our Year 12 Engineering students recently embarked on an exhilarating and highly educational excursion to Bankstown Airport, providing them with invaluable real-world insights into the principles of aerodynamics and aviation.
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the one-hour flight training session. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students had the incredible opportunity to take the controls of a light aircraft, experiencing firsthand the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. This practical application brought their classroom studies of aerodynamics to life, offering a unique understanding of how aircraft are controlled in three dimensions. The hands-on experience of adjusting pitch, roll, and yaw provided a profound appreciation for the intricate engineering behind flight.
Following their time in the cockpit, the students also gained exclusive access to the Bankstown Air Traffic Control Tower. This visit offered a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of air traffic management, demonstrating how critical communication, precise navigation, and continuous monitoring ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. While not directly about aerodynamics, understanding the air traffic environment provided crucial context for the operational aspects of aviation, highlighting the culmination of aerodynamic design with ground control.
“Flying a plane for our school excursion was an unforgettable experience that not only gave us the thrill of soaring above the clouds, but also deepened our appreciation for the principles of aeronautical engineering that make flight possible” commented one student, and another said “You read about aerodynamics in textbooks, but actually experiencing it in the air truly cemented my understanding”.
This immersive experience at Bankstown Airport served as a powerful complement to the students’ engineering curriculum. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application in a dynamic aviation environment, our Year 12 aspiring engineers have undoubtedly deepened their understanding of aerodynamics and gained a heightened appreciation for the complexities and innovations within the aerospace industry.
CAS Drill Competition 2025
Congratulations to our Cadet Unit on their win at the CAS Cadet Drill Competition on Wednesday this week. For only the second time, and the first since 2010, the Cadet Unit brought home the trophy with fierce competition from:
Barker College
Ravenswood School for Girls / Knox Grammar School
St Aloysius’ College
Meriden School / Trinity Grammar School.
Well done to everyone involved, and recognition for the months of hard work from the Cadets, MAJ (AAC) de Kantzow, and her team.
We congratulate the 2025 CAS Drill Team members from St Catherine’s School / Waverley College;
WO1 Renato Rovacchi, WO2 Oliver Bracic, WO2 Chiara Marshall, WO2 Finnian McCarthy, WO2 Luke Nezval, WO2 Ethan Ooi, WO2 Nicholas Scerri, SGT Tristan Bates, SGT Zoe Ngu, SGT Emily Plowman
SGT Lauren Sheehan, SGT Thomas Vanderkemp, SGT Chris Wellington, SCPL James Grant, CPL Maggie-Kate Allman Powell, CPL Madeline Aston, CPL Harrison Boden-Taylor, CPL Emily Freedman, CPL Praman Gandhi, CPL Oliver Isaac, CPL Carter Kennedy, CPL Claudia Lynam, CPL Florence Vinnell, CDT Evie Messiter
Surfing Success for Jacob Sheehan
Congratulations to Jacob Sheehan (Y10) who achieved an impressive result at the U16 State Surfing Championships, held in Coffs Harbour.
Jacob made it to the finals and placed 4th overall in NSW for U16, earning him a coveted spot on the NSW U16 Short Board Surf Team for the National Championships in South Australia this November.
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.
House Athletics Carnival
Today our Year 7-12 students gathered at E.S. Marks for a great day of competition, spirit, and sunshine at the annual House Athletics Carnival.
The energy was high, the weather was perfect, and the students gave it their all across a range of events.
Congratulations to Brennan House, who took out the overall win with an impressive team effort! A big thank you to all staff and students who made the day such a success.
- 1st on 603 points: Brennan House
- 2nd on 595 points: Conlon House
- 3rd on 580 points: Green House
- 4th on 569 points: Quinn House
- 5th on 557 points: Lacey House
- 6th on 547 points: O’Connor House
- 7th on 481 points: Tevlin House
- 8th on 425 points: Aungier House
A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today
For over 120 years, Waverley College has been shaped by the generosity and spirit of our community. Since 1903, the support of families, Old Boys, and friends like you has helped make Waverley College one of the most trusted and respected schools in Sydney.
As we approach the end of the financial year, we’re asking for your continued support during a time of increasing financial pressure, including reductions in government funding. Your help is more important than ever as we prioritise our most important project to date: the upcoming Science & Innovation Centre.
This facility will provide our students with world-class learning opportunities in Science, Technology, and Innovation. Your donation to the Building Fund will help bring this visionary project to life.
We’re also offering exclusive naming opportunities – from individual laboratories and classrooms to entire floors or the building itself – so your family’s contribution can leave a lasting legacy.
You may also choose to support the Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund, giving students in need the chance to access a Waverley College education, or leave a longer-term impact through our bequest program.
All donations are fully tax deductible, making this the ideal time to this financial year.
How to Give
Please click on the link below to donate via our secure Giving Site:
https://www.charidy.com/WCGiving
Bank transfer to:
- Building Fund – BSB: 062-124 Account Number: 10151703
- Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund – BSB: 062-124 Account Number: 10133871
Post a cheque to: Waverley College Foundation, 131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024
Bequests or questions? Contact us at: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you for standing with us and helping secure Waverley’s future for generations to come.
Staff News
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr John Allen as Waverley College’s new Deputy Principal – Students, commencing Monday, 18 August 2025. John joins us from Trinity Grammar School with over 20 years of senior leadership experience and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, holistic education, and Catholic values.
He brings a wealth of expertise from roles including Acting Deputy Headmaster and Head of Middle School. An Oxford graduate with a Master of Science and extensive teaching experience in both the HSC and IB programs, John is a dedicated educator, leader, and mentor.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Jesse Johnson for his outstanding contribution to the Waverley College Music Department over the past seven years.
Jesse has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of our students, particularly through his passionate leadership in the development of our rock bands across the Junior and Senior School, the guitar program, HSC accompaniment and performances across most scheduled music events throughout the year.
As Jesse embarks on a new career path, having accepted a full-time position at Jands Australia, we reflect with gratitude on the creativity, enthusiasm, and collegial spirit he brought to his teaching. His positive influence has shaped the musical journeys of many budding performers and enriched the life of our Music community.
We wish Jesse every success in this exciting next chapter and thank him for the legacy he leaves behind at Waverley.
Replacing Jesse, we welcome Mr Ben Daley who joins us from Loreto Kirribilli and brings with him a wealth of teaching and professional playing experience.
Ben is a highly regarded musician with over 20 years’ experience performing, accompanying and teaching in Australia and overseas. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Grade 5 AMEB classical guitar.
The following six staff have title changes to their respective positions.
Ms Sue Walsh will change to Director of Identity & Global Advocacy
Mr Steve Ghattas – 2IC Junior School & Assistant Director Identity & Global Advocacy
Mr Tom Kennedy – Spirituality & Student Spirit Coordinator
Ms Rosanna Varrica – Identity & Global Advocacy Administrator
Mr James Horrocks – Director of Student Wellbeing
Mr Billy Nicolas – Foundation Manager
George W Rummery Scholarship 2025 – Closing date 16 June 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 update.pdf
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your musical talent at Waverley College!
