Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
“What does Men’s Health mean to you?”
Yesterday, the student-led Year 7-12 assembly was an impressive event, thoughtfully organised by our College Captains.
Their leadership and initiative brought together a meaningful and engaging program centred on the theme: “What does Men’s Health mean to you?”
The captains started with a multiple choice and true or false section that each student engaged with across men’s health topics which proved that there was quite a range of opinion and knowledge about men’s health.
They also shared a youtube clip from Norwich City Football Club reminding everyone to check on those around them frequently.
A highlight of the assembly was guest speaker Mr Richard Tombs, who was introduced by our own Mr Paul Cornish who played against Richard in the same Wallabies era of the 1980/1990s.
Post rugby, Richard had a life changing accident in 2018 in a social football (soccer) game that left him a quadriplegic.
Remarkably, Richard held no anger toward the player involved. His focus was entirely on healing.
He spent seven days in intensive care, facing the uncertainty of whether he would walk again.
Spinal injuries of this kind take years to fully understand, with progress measured slowly.
Richard had to relearn everyday tasks like eating, dressing and living independently.
Richard had to call upon the resilience he developed growing up in a family of four boys (all within 5 years of each other) and the love of his three daughters to work his way through this life changing challenge.
Richard also spoke about Men’s health and his own journey with mental health and coming to terms with the loss of one of his brothers in the 1996 SAS Blackhawk helicopter training accident in Townsville.
Richard is currently working with Hearts in Rugby Union, a charity supporting those affected by serious rugby injuries, he channels his experience into helping others.
“Resilience is getting up when you don’t want to. You will face challenges in your life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Asking for help is not a weakness. Even when plans are shattered, life can still hold purpose”.
Beanies for Brain Cancer
Both Digger (Year 12) and Archie (Year 10) Callander spoke poignantly and inspiringly at assembly this week about their family’s journey.
Sadly, their father Matt Callander lost his battle to brain cancer in 2017.
Matt played a big part in launching the Beanie for Brain Cancer initiative in the NRL to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.
The Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round will take place this week to raise much needed awareness and funds to promote research into this disease and provide patient support.
Please support this great cause where you can: https://markhughesfoundation.com.au/
Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive
In last week’s newsletter, we sought support for the Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Thank you for the generous donations we have received to date. A collection box is 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 Dinner Cruise
The evening presented the opportunity to host a guest to a formal dinner and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Sydney harbour with VIVID as a backdrop.
Over 380 students had a great evening and night out with their peers and friends and I congratulate them for their positive energy and behaviour.
Thank you to the Wellbeing team who organised and supervised this event.
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.
Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner
Join us on Saturday, 29 November from 6-11pm in the Waverley College Gymnasium for a special evening celebrating a decade of impact with Educating The Future, a youth-led, volunteer-run NGO supporting preschool education in Timor-Leste.
Founded by two Waverley College Old Boys after a school immersion in 2015, the organisation has since built and supported seven public preschools, providing early education to over 2,000 children across Timor-Leste.
- Hear keynote speeches from Co-Founder Cirilo Soares and Kirsty Sword Gusmão AO, former First Lady of Timor-Leste
- Enjoy live music, DJs, dancing, raffles, silent auctions, and more
- Celebrate Co-Founder & CEO Adam’s decade of leadership and hear about the future of the organisation
All funds raised will go toward our $100,000 goal – just $53 educates a child for an entire year.
Tickets are $150 pp and include a three course meal and entertainment for the evening.
Get your tickets here!
Waverley College Students in Timor-Leste in 2024
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!
Congratulations to our basketballers
On the King’s birthday long-weekend, Waverley senior boys Rory Donnellan (Y12), Xavier Miconi (Y12), Petris Kalpouzanis (Y11) and Nico Palacio (Y11) attended the popular Nunawading Spectres Basketball Tournament in Melbourne.
Their team Marrickville Spirit U18 Boys Blue came home with a tournament win in A Grade.
Congratulations to these boys on their well deserved and hard earned win!
Parents Association Update
It was wonderful to see so many dads and sons in attendance at the Inaugural Father/son dinner held at Randwick racecourse recently.
The Pasifika boys danced and sang to introduce the evening and one of the dads participated in the Hakka, demonstrating the strength of the bond between father and sons.
Steven Bradbury stole the show as a crowd favourite, bringing the house down with his hilarious and inspiring life story.
From grueling early morning training sessions with his National speed ice-skating dad, to becoming Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist, Steven’s journey had everyone captivated.
Who would have thought those pre-dawn training sessions would pay off in the most epic way?
Huge thanks to the amazing mums who made this event possible: Susie Rakoczy, Davina Greenberg, Rozy Dorias, and Ivana Roberts.
Appreciation also goes to the dedicated teachers who joined us: Alanna James, Cath Lipman, Lynsey Porter, and Graham Leddie.
And the best part? The mums’ turn again next year, with planning already in full swing!
Ms Louise Lakomy
Waverley College Parent Association President
