Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Farewell to Year 12
This week our Year 12s have had a number of opportunities to connect and reflect with each other and staff of the College as their journey at Waverley as a student draws to a close. They have had one eye on what they have achieved throughout their secondary education journey, and the other an optimistic gaze toward what lies ahead.
We started graduation day with a special mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, where parents, grandparents, siblings, and other significant caregivers joined in the farewell. During the service, the graduates were presented with a Celtic Cross. The Celtic Cross to remind them of God’s love for them and a reminder of the Gospel values that have been interwoven throughout their educational journey at Waverley.
This was followed by the Graduation Assembly in Centenary Quad where both the College Captain and Principal delivered their addresses. Each student received their graduation certificate and academic achievers were recognised along with their old boys tie and ring. In the final moments of the ceremony, 202 graduates took their place in a giant circle. The circle symbolises harmony, unity and life without beginning or end. It reminds its members that when their circle is under pressure, others need to help out, by either expanding and distributing the load, or bringing the circle into dialogue to solve a problem.
In the final memorable moments and tribute, the graduates exited the Quad for the last time as a cohort to the moving sounds of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ performed by our College Brass Band and Choir.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! May your journey ahead be guided by respect and integrity as you step confidently into the future. The Waverley College community extends its best wishes to each graduate as they take their final steps towards the HSC examinations or start of an apprenticeship.
Good luck and God Bless.
Year 12 Award Winners 2025
Renato Rovacchi: ADF Long Tan Award
Toby McDonald: PDHPE GHR Award
Ollie Moclair: Principal’s Award for Excellence
Nicholas Zanapalis: Principal’s Award for Excellence
William Dawson: The Brian Sheedy Prize for Ancient History
Zoran Szekeres: Construction
Hamish Punch: English Studies
James Dodsworth: Engineering Studies
Harry Bowcock: The George & Elizabeth Thomas Prize for Extension History
Max Dent: Hospitality
Jackson Lorimer: Industrial Technology
Lorenzo De Sa: Marine Studies
Archie Williams: Mathematics Standard Course I
Callum MacArthur: Mathematics Standard Course II Equal First
Phoenix Schregardus: Mathematics Advanced
Harrison Thorpe: Mathematics Extension I
Riley Kwong: The Judge Thomas Prize for Mathematics Extension II
Theo Varvaressos: Modern History
Tamen Peralta: Br F S Farrell Prize for Physics
Yannick Hott: Software Engineering
Samuel Caro: Bishop Geoffrey F Mayne Prize for Studies Of Religion I
Xavier Gemmola: Visual Arts
Montgomery Armstrong: The Ray Aston Memorial Prize for Biology; Design & Technology
Thomas Jackson-Whitlock; The M O’Halloran Prize for Chemistry; Geography
Cooper Stewart: Religious Studies; Sport Life & Recreation; Visual Design
Charlie de Carvalho Sydney Roosters Character and Endeavour Award
Jonathon McDonald WJ Corbett Award for Best All Round Sportsman
Digger Callander: Old Boys Union Edmund Rice Award for Leadership of Social Justice
Lachlan Isaac: College Vice Captain; Reuben F Scarf Award for Involvement
Fox Stapleton: Music Course I; College Vice Captain; Waverley Council Award for General Proficiency
James Peate: Br R J Wallace Prize for Drama; Ampol All Rounder Award
Kayden Baker: Br P Oakley Prize for PDHPE; College Captain; JJ O’Brien Award for Leadership, Study & Involvement
Archie Godby: College Vice Captain; Archbishop’s Award; Max Coleman Memorial Award for Living Out the Touchstones; The Abram Landa Prize for Advanced English; The Alice & Mildred Thomas Prize for English Extension I; English Extension II; The Barry McDonald Prize for Legal Studies; 3rd in Overall Academic Performance
Liam Coughlin: Business Studies; The Br PA Conlon Prize for Economics; The Catherine Smithurst Prize for Standard English; 2nd in Overall Academic Performance
Max Sheehy: Music Course II; Mathematics Standard Course II Equal First; Spanish Beginners; Bishop Patrick Dougherty Prize for Studies Of Religion II; Br LB Tevlin Memorial Prize for Dux of the College
CAS Track & Field Competition
Congratulations to the Track and Field Team, Track & Field Head Coach Mr Jeremy Roff, Convenor Ms Rebecca Gair, and the Track & Field Coaches on a wonderful season and performance at the 94th CAS Track & Field Competition. It was an amazing atmosphere to be part of with many personal bests achieved throughout the afternoon and evening by our athletes. It has been 30 years since we won this competition. Well done to all!
The final points for the evening are below:
Waverley College – 695.5
Trinity Grammar School – 661.50
Knox Grammar School – 631
The Cranbrook School – 531
Barker College – 523.50
St Aloysius’ College – 452.50
Term 4 ‘Screen-Free Week’
We are excited to announce our upcoming ‘Screen-Free Week’, which will take place from 16th to 22nd October, spanning Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. This initiative aims to foster a healthier and more engaging
learning environment for our students. During this week, students will not be using laptops or devices across all classes. All work will be completed with pen, paper or via other non-digital mediums. Below are
the key details and guidelines for the week:
Key Details of Screen-Free Week
- Dates: 16th to 22nd October
- Duration: Week 1 (Thursday and Friday) and Week 2 (Monday to Wednesday) of Term 4
Reasoning, Research and Goals
The primary goal of Screen-Free Week is to enhance the health and learning outcomes for our students.
Research indicates that reducing screen time can significantly improve concentration, reduce stress, and
promote better sleep patterns. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, limiting screen time can lead to improved academic performance and social interactions. By encouraging students to engage more with their peers and teachers, we aim to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Current Australian research also supports these findings. A 2019 study by the University of Southern
Queensland highlights that excessive screen time is linked to negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of depression and poor sleep quality. Additionally, the Growing Up Digital Australia study found that excessive screen time has a profound impact on students, making them more distracted and less ready to learn. By reducing screen time, we aim to mitigate these negative effects, break unhealthy habits and support students’ overall wellbeing and academic performance.
What Students Need to Bring
During Screen-Free Week, students are required to bring the following items to school:
- Writing material for each subject (e.g. exercise books, textbooks, etc…)
- Pens, pencils, an eraser and ruler
- Other relevant equipment for each subject (e.g. Mathematics, Technology, PDHPE)
- A reading book – fiction or non-fiction on their person for every lesson during this week
Everybody Has a Book Campaign
In conjunction with our ‘Screen-Free week’, we will be launching the ‘Everybody Has a Book Campaign’.
All students will be required to carry a reading book with them throughout the school day.
This campaign reinforces the importance of having constant access to quality literature and encourages students to use any free moments for reading. We will provide students with the opportunity to visit the school library to borrow a book or students can bring a book from home.
As we know, reading habits are declining globally and yet the benefits are well-documented. Regular reading provides numerous benefits:
- Wider vocabulary development and broader intellectual abilities
- Enhanced imagination and creativity
- Improved concentration and reduced cognitive decline
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Better preparation for understanding and dealing with life’s challenges
Renowned literacy researcher Maryanne Wolf, Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at UCLA, has found that digital reading fundamentally alters “the quality of attention” required for deep learning, while there are measurable changes in “sequencing of information and memory for detail” – and these changes are not always for the better.
Physical books offer something “both psychologically and tactilely tangible” that enhances the learning experience. Wolf emphasises that “Deep reading is always about ‘connection’: connecting what we know to what we read, what we read to what we feel, what we feel to what we think, and how we think to how we live out our lives in a connected world.”
In addition, recent research highlighted in the Sydney Morning Herald warns of Australia’s reading decline, with experts calling it “a ticking time bomb.” The research emphasises that if we develop an established reading habit in our younger years, we are much more likely to become lifelong readers – making initiatives like ours crucial for our students’ futures.
How Can You Support This Initiative?
Parents and carers exert the single most powerful influence on their son’s reading habits. Here’s how you can help:
- Model reading behaviour: if boys see adults reading for enjoyment, they learn that reading is valued and will mimic that behavior
- Support the ‘Everybody Has a Book’ campaign by helping your son select engaging reading material
- Discuss with your son what they’re reading
This initiative represents our commitment to providing a balanced, research-informed education that prepares students not just for digital literacy, but for deep thinking and creativity. We believe that by temporarily stepping away from screens and into the world of books, our students will gain valuable skills and perspectives that will enhance their overall educational experience.
We appreciate your support in making the ‘Everybody has a Book’ campaign a success.
Year 10 Market Day – Tuesday 23 September
This is a reminder that our Market Day will be held on Tuesday, 23 September, during lunch in the quad. There will be a variety of food on sale at lunch time and it will be cash only.
Year 10 Mental Fitness Presentation
On Wednesday, 17 September Year 10 students attended the AIS Mental Fitness presentation, delivered by Anna Cripsey, an elite national windfoil sailor.
The presentation highlighted the importance of mental health and its positive and negative impacts on teenagers, with a particular focus on the influence of social media and internet use. Drawing on her personal experiences and examples, Anna outlined signs to look for and strategies for managing these issues, while engaging the boys in discussion about the impact of mental health on their lives.
She also provided the students with contacts for further support. We thank Anna for an informative presentation that addressed significant issues important for students to be aware of.
Music Tuition Enrolment for Term 4 is now open.
Help your son unlock his full potential and build confidence through the joy of music—enrol him in music lessons and watch his talent shine!
Tuition is available for Guitar (Electric/Acoustic/Bass), Drums, Piano, Strings, Voice, Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet French Horn, Flute.
Once your son has reached a level of competency they will be encouraged to join our large and small ensembles, and/or Rock Bands.
Please fill out the expression of interest form below for more information on starting lessons:
(Please note if your son is currently enrolled then you do not need to fill out the form, enrolment will roll over into Term 4)
https://forms.gle/8gzXJauGTWa3FSQo8
End-of-Lease MacBook Air Laptops – Year 6 & Year 9 (2025)
Dear Parents and Carers,
MacBook Air laptops currently in use by students in Year 6 and Year 9 will reach the end of their lease in 2025. As per the iLearn agreement, families now have the choice of the following two options:
Option 1 – RETURN the unit
No payment will be required. Devices must be returned damage-free with no graffiti or stickers. Chargers must also be returned with the unit. Insurance forms will be issued for damaged devices, and students will be asked to clean units that have graffiti or stickers.
Option 2 – PURCHASE the unit
Families may nominate and pay the residual amount to take ownership of the device. This option is only available if school fees are up to date.
- Year 6 residual cost: $550 (incl GST)
- Year 9 residual cost: $535
Payment and nomination must be completed by 4:00 pm Wednesday, 12 November 2025.
Return / Collection Dates
- Year 6: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
- Year 9: Thursday, 27 November and Friday, 28 November 2025
On these dates, students will be called in and either released their purchased device or asked to return it.
Important Notes
- Only families with no arrears on school fees are eligible to purchase the device.
- Once purchased and released, devices can no longer be used at Waverley College.
- Information relating to Year 7 and Year 10 laptop contracts will be emailed at the end of the year.
Payment & Nomination Process
- Complete the online nomination form (by 4:00 pm, 12 November 2025):
- Make payment via TryBookings (50c booking fee applies):
If you have any questions regarding the end-of-lease process, please contact us.
Summer Art Club
During Summer Art Club for 2025/26, our young artists will celebrate the theme “Waverly Wins” expressing teamwork, school pride, and achievement through the dynamic world of printmaking.
Students will be introduced to a range of techniques, including linocut, monoprint, and stencil work, as they learn how to carve, ink, and press their own unique designs.
They’ll explore composition, mark-making and colour layering discovering how art can tell stories of teamwork, resilience, and success.
Students will take home a collection of bold and expressive prints but also collaborate to create a group piece expressing the creativity and school spirit of Waverly college.
Key Information:
Commences October 20 – Week 2 – Term 4
Select ONE session:
Monday 3:30 – 5pm – https://www.trybooking.com/DFVXV
Tuesday 3:30 – 5pm – https://www.trybooking.com/DFVXX
Ahoy! Auditions open for Treasure Island!
Get ready to set sail on an exciting new adventure – our next middle school production of Treasure Island, and we want YOU to join the crew!
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of pirates, buried treasure, and daring adventures on the high seas, there’s a role for everyone—whether you want to play a fearless adventurer, a swashbuckling pirate, or even get the chance to yell “ARRR!” really loudly on the stage then this is the show for you!
Audition Details:
Dates: TERM 4 WEEK 1: Thursday 16th October and Friday 17th October
Location: PAC THEATRE
Time: LUNCHTIME
No previous acting experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new. Auditions will include reading a short scene, some group improvisation, and maybe even a chance to show off your best pirate accent!
So hoist the sails, sharpen your cutlass, and join us for Treasure Island! Who knows, you might even find some buried treasure along the way.
Sign up for auditions using the link here.
