Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Years 7, 8 and 9 Academic Award Winners
Congratulations to our Year 7, 8 & 9 students who were recognised with academic awards at this week’s College Assembly. I compliment them on their hard work, strong work ethic and their desire to learn from mistakes. 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.
As we recognise these successes, we are also reminded this week of an important moment in world history. August 6 and 9 mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States of America. These events brought about immense human tragedy, and ultimately the end of World War II. In split seconds, tens of thousands of lives were lost, with generations traumatised and impacted by radiation sickness and grief.
The world was forced to reckon with the destructive power of technology when it is not guided by humanity, ethics, or wisdom.
So why mention this today?
Because education, your son’s education, is not just about marks and medals. It is about learning how to think critically, act ethically, and use knowledge responsibly. The lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the importance of peace, compassion, diplomacy, and the deep responsibilities that come with power and knowledge.
As young men, as future leaders, scientists, engineers, financiers, doctors, builders, business owners, writers, and citizens, your son’s learning journey is also a moral journey. In partnership with the College, we are assisting his capabilities to not just to solve problems, but to ask the right questions. Not just to understand the world, but to make it better.
Thank you to the large number of parents who attended the assembly and to the support that all parents give to their sons. And thank you to the staff and teachers for their commitment to teaching and learning. The achievements of our students are a reflection of your guidance and professionalism.
The full Year 7-9 award winners list can be viewed HERE.
Waverley’s Winter Appeal 2025: Supporting Matthew Talbot Hostel and Homelessness
This week is National Homelessness Week across the country, and this Winter period is particularly difficult for those members of our society experiencing homelessness. Tevlin House is leading the Winter donation drive during Weeks 3,4,5 and 6 in August to support the Matthew Talbot Hostel. Matthew Talbot Hostel helps over 40,000 Sydney men each year in providing accommodation, health, counselling and employment assistance. Waverley has had a long history of boys volunteering in its kiosk in Woolloomooloo.
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)
All items can be brought to either the Senior School Wellbeing Centre or Junior school reception in weeks 3-6 during August.
Sydney Synod 2026: Catholics Called to Shape the Future of the Church
Catholics across the Archdiocese of Sydney are being called to take an active role in shaping the future of their church through the upcoming Sydney Synod 2026. Sydney’s first diocesan synod in more than 80 years will be held from 30 April to 3 May 2026 and is the fruit of years of listening, discernment, and prayer.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher and the Synod Working Party warmly invite the Waverley College community to the upcoming regional consultations for next year’s Sydney synod.
The dates to these consultations are as follows:
- Holy Family Menai, Saturday 9 am – 12 pm, 30 August 2025.
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuesday 6 – 9 pm, 14 October 2025.
- All Saints Liverpool, Thursday 6 – 9 pm, 16 October 2025.
The registration link to these consultations is found: here
To view the launch video: click here
Author Gary Lonesborough Visit
Last week, a group of students gathered for a special event with prize-winning author Mr Gary Lonesborough. A proud Yuin writer, Gary works across Indigenous health, disability services, youth justice, and the film industry. Students took part in authentic and meaningful conversations and Writers’ Workshops, exploring themes of creativity, culture, identity, sexuality, self-belief, and love.
It was a privilege to have Gary share his messages of hope and achievement in the face of adversity, highlighting the power of allyship and the importance of embracing diversity.
Writing Workshops
While visiting Waverley, Gary also ran two creative writing workshops with some of our Year 10 and Year 11 English classes, where he led students through his own drafting process when beginning any short story. His knowledge and expertise shone through as he simplified the writing process for the boys, breaking the task into manageable steps.
In a time when creativity and originality are being threatened, it was wonderful to see that the imagination is very much alive and well within our young men. We are very grateful to Gary for reminding us of the joy of simply writing for the love of writing.
Reading – Beanstack Awards and our latest reading challenge
‘Has the smartphone killed reading?’, ‘A ticking time bomb: How Australia’s reading slump is making us stupid’, ‘Is the decline of reading poisoning our politics?’, ‘Your brain isn’t what it used to be!’.
These are just some of the headline grabs taken from the Sydney Morning Herald in the last month alone. There is a real concern, not just among teachers and parents in Waverley College, but in fact nationally and globally about the decline in reading ability and reading for pleasure.
In response, in March we launched our first reading challenge using the new Beanstack platform, where students have the capacity to log their reading. Thank you to the library staff and the English faculty who promoted this challenge with our Year 7-10 students. The results have been astonishing. This week, we achieved our community goal of reaching 100,000 minutes. In fact we reached 119, 209 minutes this week and we are well on our way to reaching our next 100,000.
Our Beanstack Winners for Challenge 1 who received a Principal’s Award and a prize of a $40 book voucher at this week’s Academic Assembly were:
Year 7 – Jake Saad – 1850
Year 8 – Tallis Merryweather (Highest score in the school)
Year 9 – Oliver Rahmat
Year 10 – Kai Fernandez Paul
The ‘Spirit of Beanstack Reading Award’ was awarded to Taj Cooke in Y7.
A reminder to all that our current reading challenge “Books to Screen” is well under way. Students should continue to log any book they are reading and there will be an extra prize if their books are eligible for the challenge.
Happy reading everyone!
2026 St Clare’s Musical Production – looking for students to take part!
St Clare’s School is currently looking for boys to be a part of our 2026 musical ‘Bring It On’ to be performed at the Seymour Centre in May 2026. I am hoping that some boys from Waverley may be interested in taking on lead roles or being a part of the dance ensemble. For further information please see the information pack.
All students must submit an application form to be a part of the show. The application form must be submitted by Friday, 29th August, 3pm. Please submit audition videos via email to verity.cash@syd.catholic.edu.au The application form can be accessed here: Application Form
Ollie Moclair Prepares for World Championships with Record-Breaking Swim
Last weekend, Ollie Moclair (Year 12) delivered an outstanding performance breaking a long-standing Australian record. Competing in the 17 years freestyle short course, Ollie clocked a blistering time of 21.69, surpassing the previous national record held by Cameron McEvoy for the past 14 years.
This incredible swim makes Ollie the fastest 17-year-old in Australian swimming history. He departs today to represent Australia on the world stage, carrying strong momentum into the upcoming world championships.
Ethan Uncle on the World Stage at U12 Baseball World Cup
Congratulations to Ethan Uncle (Year 8), who proudly represented Australia at the U12 Baseball World Cup. Ethan delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, playing a key role in helping Team Australia secure its best-ever finish at the event. He led the team in both hits and batting average, a remarkable achievement at such a high level of competition.
US College Admissions Seminar
If your son is thinking about studying at University in the USA, you may want to consider attending a free event being held at Pymble Ladies’ College cohosted with the Princeton Review on the 4th September from 6pm – 8pm.
What the Ivy League is really looking for: Lessons from Inside Harvard Admissions
Ms Devery Doran, Chief College Admissions Counsellor at The Princeton Review Australia — and former Admissions Officer at Harvard and UC Berkeley — will be joined by experts from EducationUSA and AmCham Australia to share insider insights into the US admissions process.
Get a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what top US colleges truly want — and how Australian students can stand out. Students from Year 7-12 are welcome to attend.
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 is 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/
Staff Update
Today we farewell Mr Mohit Khadgi, who is moving on to a new IT support role closer to home. Mohit has been a valued member of our IT and Helpdesk teams over the past 1.5 years. We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
As mentioned earlier this term, Mr Scott Coleman leaves us to take up the role of Head of Campus at City East College from 11 August. Over his eleven years, Scott has served as PDHPE teacher, Rugby 1st XV Coach, Head of Year, and most notably, Head of Green House. His contributions to our wellbeing and pastoral care programs, as well as his impact in cocurricular and teaching, have been exceptional. We wish Scott every success in his new role.
Congratulations to Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris, appointed Acting Head of Green House for the remainder of the year.
Following this appointment, Mr Oliver Knight (Junior School 6 Red) will join the PDHPE Department for the remainder of the year, teaching Stages 4 & 5, effective from the beginning of Week 5. Ms CJ Tweedy will take over 6 Red from the beginning of Week 5.
Congratulations to Mr James Horrocks (Director of Student Wellbeing) who has accepted the position of Dean of Students at St Joseph’s Nudgee College from the start of 2026. Across two separate stints, James has worked at the College for ten years in our student wellbeing and pastoral care space. He has been a significant contributor to our new wellbeing framework and student care and development programs. We will farewell James later this year and begin the recruitment process to replace this position.
