Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Years 10, 11 and 12 Academic Award Winners
Congratulations to the following students who were recognised with academic awards at this week’s Senior School College Assembly.
These awards reflect not only strong academic performance, but also the dedication, perseverance and high-level skills each recipient brings to their learning.
Their pursuit of excellence raises the bar for all and enriches our learning culture. I encourage every student to take inspiration from their efforts and challenge themselves to strive even further in Semester 2.
Thank you to the large number of parents who attended the assembly. I look forward to recognising our Year 7-9 academic award winners at next week’s assembly.
The full Year 10-12 award winners list can be viewed HERE.
Year 12 HSC Guide / Trials
HSC Study Guides were distributed this week to all Year 12 students sitting the HSC this year. The Study Guides include exam advice from teachers and past students along with tips on looking after students’ mental health and wellbeing in the lead up to exams.
CLICK HERE FOR THIS YEAR’S GUIDE
Senior Teaching & Learning staff also went through the Trial HSC protocols this week, in preparation for the Trials which begin on Monday 4 August and conclude on Monday 18 August 2025. We wish all Year 12’s the best of luck with their Trials examinations.
NAPLAN 2025
Individual student reports have now been published and are accessible via the parent portal. Hard copies of these reports are being sent to parents of students of Years 5, 7 and 9.
At this stage, available information shows results for the interquartile range (IQR or middle 50%).
In Year 5, IQR scores fall within the Strong Level for Reading and Spelling. For Grammar and Punctuation, Year 5 IQR scores fall mostly within the Strong Level. Year 5 Numeracy IQR scores fall into the Strong to Exceeding Level.
In Year 7, IQR scores fall within the Strong Level for Writing, Grammar and Punctuation and Spelling. IQR scores for Reading and Numeracy fall into the Strong to Exceeding Level.
Year 9 IQR scores fall within the Strong Level for Spelling and Numeracy. Year 9 IQR Grammar and Punctuation scores fall mostly within the Strong Level. While, the IQR of Year 9 scores for Writing and Reading fall in the Strong to Exceeding Level.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) will publish the national results later in August and then we will have an understanding of how our students performed compared to others.
We will now be analysing the data to determine what priority areas need to be addressed for each of the groups. Students sit in Years 6 and 8 and 10 for the Academic Assessments Services (Allwell) so we are able to track the progress of each student from their commencement at the Junior School to the time they seek advice regarding senior subject selection in Year 10. These tests are standardised to match NAPLAN testing in Years 5, 7 and 9.
We are pleased to see such strong improvements in students’ scores, particularly Reading and Writing where we have been implementing innovative strategies over a number of years. This test data has already been used to offer additional support to students. Additionally, the data assists us in prioritising literacy and numeracy development in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy programs.
Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour
Congratulations to Charlie Carter, a Year 11 Biology student, who applied for and has been accepted into the Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour. Only 16 Biology students in Australia are chosen to go on this tour which is an immersive, live-in educational experience in coral reef science on the Great Barrier Reef led by marine scientists.
Charlie had to create a two minute video presentation and complete a written application along with a recommendation from the school. This is an excellent opportunity for Charlie to further explore the concepts we have been learning in Biology and his passion for the ocean and diving!
2025 Blue & Gold Ball Silent Auction – Now Live!
The Blue & Gold Ball Silent Auction is officially open! With an incredible range of prizes – from luxury getaways and exclusive experiences – there’s something for everyone.
You don’t need to attend the Ball to bid! All members of the Waverley community, their friends, and extended networks are welcome to join in and support this important fundraiser for our new Science & Innovation Centre.
Start browsing and bidding today: Visit the Silent Auction site
Your bid will help create a world-class learning facility for the next generation of Waverley students.
For more information on the Ball, to book tickets or learn more about our Premier This Is Africa prizes, click here: https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/news/2025-blue-gold-ball/
Parent Education Session with Dr Judith Locke
We are delighted to welcome renowned Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Locke to present a special parenting seminar on August 25 in the Performing Arts Centre from 6-8pm.
All parents/carers of students in Years 5-12 are invited to attend.
In this practical and engaging seminar, Dr Locke will share research-based strategies and her extensive clinical experience to help parents support their tween and teen children through the school years and beyond.
Topics include:
- Encouraging motivation and responsibility in your child
- Supporting them to manage academic and emotional challenges
- Strengthening your parent–child relationship
- Helping your child develop maturity, independence, and confidence
This session is exclusive to Waverley College parents. Please note that students will not be permitted to attend.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET
From the Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
For our Students that reside in the Randwick Council area this recently came across my desk. The Council are seeking expressions of interest for new members to join their Youth Advisory Committee.
This is open to young people aged 14-25 who reside in Randwick and provide input on issues to Council such as transport, issues around bus shelters or any other challenges young people face living in Randwick.
It’s an opportunity for young people to have a voice on the things that matter to them.
Please use this link for more information: Randwick Youth Advisory Committee
Waverley’s Matt Talbot Winter Appeal – Looking for Donations!
Next week is National Homelessness week, and this year for the month of August, Tevlin House will help lead the whole school in a Matthew Talbot Winter Appeal.
Matt Talbot Hostel are in dire need of warm clothing, toiletries and kitchen pack items. Please bring the donations to the Senior School Wellbeing centre or Junior School Reception.
Donation Item List
- Toiletry pack Items – small traveller size for items is best
- toothpaste/ toothbrush
- soap / body wash
- razor/ shaving foam/ shaving gel
- deodorant (small roll on variety)
- Combs, nail clippers
- tissues (small packets), Q tips (cotton buds)
- Home Starter Kit Items: New items are ideal, but used/clean items in good condition are also fine.
- Wooden Spoon, Spatula, Grater, Can Opener
- Small Chopping Board, Saucepans, Frypan/s
- Cutlery, Crockery – eg plates / bowls
- Clothing
- Items desired as new, or very good condition:
- Warm Winter Jackets, Mens Tracksuit Pants, Long Sleeve Polo shirts or Long Sleeve T-shirts;
- Items required to be new: Gloves, Underpants (Large or XL), Socks (calf I mid-length in white sports or any colour)
Parents’ Association Meeting – Come and Join us in Person!
All parents/carers are warmly invited to attend the Waverley College Parent Association (WCPA) meeting which are normally held once per Term.
Tuesday, 5 August 2024 – 6.30pm – 8pm
Senior Campus in the Grange Boardroom – All Welcome
Cadets Rank Induction Parade
The choice to become a leader takes courage and commitment and 125 of our cadets demonstrated they have what it takes to look after our recruits by giving a week of their school holidays to the Promotions Course Camp in the July holidays.
Learning skills in servant leadership, personnel management, lesson delivery, activity planning, risk analysis, field skills and drill, the successful candidates celebrated their new postings as Corporals, Sergeants, Warrant Officers and Cadet Under Officers at the Rank Induction Parade on Friday 25 July.
We are looking forward to a successful year as the senior ranks take on the challenge of leading a Unit of 460 cadets.
Honouring the Generosity of Max and Joan Connery
We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the generous support of Waverley College Old Boy, Max Connery, and his wife, Joan, whose recent philanthropic gift has secured the naming rights to one of the laboratories on the Coorey Family Floor in our forthcoming Science & Innovation Centre.
Max and Joan Connery are no strangers to making a lasting impact in our community. In 1989, they founded Stepping Stone House, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided safety, stability, and hope to more than 500 young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Their ongoing dedication to creating meaningful change continues to inspire.
Through their support of this transformative project, Max and Joan are helping to shape the learning environment for our current students, while also leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. Their gift will directly support the advancement of STEM at Waverley College.
We are deeply grateful for their belief in the power of education and their commitment to shaping a brighter future. We warmly invite other members of our community to join them in supporting this transformative project and helping us bring it to life.
Exciting New Partnership with Sydney BMW & Sydney Mini Garage
I am thrilled to announce a new partnership between Waverley College, Sydney BMW and Sydney Mini Garage.
As brands synonymous with innovation, excellence, and performance, BMW and Mini are a natural fit for our Waverley community. This collaboration will not only support key College initiatives, but also create meaningful learning experiences for our students.
Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to engage with BMW’s cutting-edge sustainability programs and gain insights into their advancements in STEM. Sydney BMW will also be delivering mechanical workshops and road safety sessions on campus, equipping our young people with valuable life skills and industry exposure.
In addition, Sydney BMW and Sydney Mini Garage are proud to support the Blue & Gold Ball in helping us reach our fundraising goal for the new Science & Innovation Centre. As part of this partnership, they are also offering our parents, Old Boys, and the whole Waverley community the following exclusive benefits:
- 8% discount on all BMW and MINI petrol models
- 5% discount on BMW and MINI electric vehicles (EVs)
- 15% off across their Lifestyle Store (e-commerce platform will be launching soon!)
- Priority ‘Skip the Queue’ service bookings for all scheduled and unscheduled servicing, as well as aftersales accessory installations
Our community will also have access to a dedicated sales and service executive team. If you’re interested in taking advantage of these benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the contacts listed below:
- BMW Sales:
- Nico Lati: Nico.Lati@sydneybmw.com.au
- Ryan Gasper: Ryan.Gasper@sydneybmw.com.au
- Clayton Thornberry: Clayton.Thornberry@sydneybmw.com.au
- MINI Sales:
- Tony Squillaci: Tony.Squillaci@sydneyminigarage.com.au
- Clayton Thornberry: Clayton.Thornberry@sydneybmw.com.au
- Aftersales/Service:
- Bradley Mayne: bradley.mayne@sydneybmw.com.au
- Ali Chehab: ali.chehab@sydneybmw.com.au
- Catherine Homan: catherine.homan@sydneybmw.com.au
- Parts, Accessories & Lifestyle clothing: Mewan Jayasinghe: mewan.jayasinghe@sydneybmw.com.au
I am proud to welcome Sydney BMW and Sydney Mini Garage to our family of partners and look forward to the many ways this relationship will benefit our students and wider network.
Bula Week activities with our Visiting Fiji Students
This past week has been nothing short of incredible as we welcomed our visiting students from Fiji for a vibrant and memorable Bula Week celebration. With a packed itinerary full of education, sport, culture, and exploration, the Fijian students dove straight into the heart of our school community and the best of what Sydney has to offer.
It has been an action packed week as our visitors joined in friendly games of touch football and rugby, showcasing both their talent and great sportsmanship. Our students relished the opportunity to learn from and play alongside them on the field, creating bonds that extended well beyond the try line.
In the classroom, the Fijian students took part in language and cultural exchange sessions, bringing their warmth, traditions, and stories into our school while gaining new insights into Australian life and learning.
Our Fijian guests also explored the wonders of Wildlife World, the stunning marine life at the Aquarium, and the thrills of Centrepoint. These excursions offered unforgettable moments and a chance to experience the diversity and energy of Sydney firsthand.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Quinn family for billeting our students and the Charing Cross Hotel for providing accommodation for their pastor chaperone. We especially thank the Waverley College Rugby Supporters Club and generous sponsors Sydney Wyde (The Stoyles family) for making this visit possible. Their passion and commitment helped bring this exchange to life. We are also deeply grateful for the generous donations from many families who supported the Fijians whilst they were here, including those who provided football boots and gear to ensure our Fijian friends had everything they needed.
Bula Week has been a celebration of friendship, learning, and cultural exchange, and we are so proud to have welcomed such a wonderful group of friends into our Waverley family. Vinaka vaka levu to our Fijian friends Luke, Avisai and Taivesi — we hope your time here has been as meaningful to you as it has been to us and we look forward to seeing you in September when our Fiji immersion returns to Navosa.
1ST AFL v Riverview
Congratulations to the 1st AFL team on a fantastic win against St Ignatius’ College Riverview in the highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash over the weekend.
The boys delivered an outstanding performance, combining skill, determination, and teamwork to secure a commanding 68–31 victory.
This result is a testament to their hard work on the training field and the strong leadership within the team.
