Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
VALE – Brother Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, A.M.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, A.M., who died peacefully on 22 September 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday.
Br Bob was Waverley College’s longest-serving Headmaster, leading the College with distinction from 1992 until 2004. His time at Waverley was marked by growth, renewal, and a steadfast commitment to the holistic education of young men. The Performing Arts Centre proudly bears his name in recognition of his lasting contribution to the life of the College.
A member of the Christian Brothers for more than forty years, Br Bob also served as Headmaster of St Edmund’s College, Canberra for 18 years. He also served at Christian Brothers High School, Lewisham, before moving to St Pius X College, Chatswood, where he discovered his passion for coaching rugby union. His passion for the game saw him serve as President of Australian Schoolboy Rugby for nearly three decades, helping to shape the national game and inspire generations of players.
Br Bob will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to education, as well as for the values he instilled in those he taught and led – discipline, courage, and service. His impact will be felt for years to come in the lives of all who knew him.
May he rest in peace.
Spring Break
As our students begin their spring holiday break, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all families. I hope this time offers our students a chance to rest, recharge, and pursue some interests in areas that they may not normally have time for.
We extend our best wishes to our Year 12 students as they make their final preparations for the HSC examinations. For some, this period also marks the beginning of exciting new pathways through apprenticeships and vocational training. Thank you to our dedicated Year 12 teachers who continue to support students over the break through tutorials and by providing valuable feedback on draft essays and responses.
We also send our best wishes to the students and staff travelling on Immersion experiences to Fiji and Timor-Leste, as well as those participating in the STEM tour to World Expo in Osaka, Japan. We hope their journeys are safe, enriching, and filled with meaningful learning.
Fiji Appeal
Thank you to all families who have donated items to the Fiji appeal which will be taken over with our immersion staff and shared across the village that we visit. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Celebrating Excellence in Music – Congratulations to our ENCORE nomination
Year 12 student Lieme Chan has been nominated for possible inclusion in ENCORE, the annual HSC showcase that features the very best music performances from across New South Wales.
Celebrating Excellence in Industrial Technology – Congratulations to our SHAPE Nominees
Year 12 students Charlie Cooke, Jackson Lorimer and Dominic Riegler have had their Industrial Technology Major Projects nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE, the prestigious HSC showcase celebrating the very best in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design from across New South Wales.
Celebrating Excellence in Design and Technology – Congratulations to our SHAPE Nominee
Year 12 student Montgomery Armstrong has had his Major Design Project nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE, the prestigious annual HSC showcase celebrating outstanding student projects in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design from across New South Wales.
Year 10 Market Day – A Lunchtime Success!
On Tuesday, 23 September, the quad came alive with energy and excitement as our Year 10 students hosted their much-anticipated Market Day during lunch.
A wide variety of food was on offer, from sweet treats to exotic savoury meals, all prepared and sold by Year 10 students as part of a hands-on learning experience. The stalls were a hit with both students and staff, and the atmosphere was vibrant and festive throughout the break.
Not only did the day showcase creativity and teamwork, but it also gave students a real taste of entrepreneurial life. Thank you to all the students, staff, and supporters who helped make the event such a success!
Respect for self, others, the learning and the College – uniform and hair – Mr John Allen
The College encourages all students to rest, reflect and re-energise over the break. They are reminded that in preparing for the commencement of the new term it is timely to check their uniform and prepare to wear it well. This includes tucking shirts in, wearing their ties up and ensuring shoes are polished and faces are shaven.
Blazers are not required to be worn each day in Terms 1 and 4, however, they are required for formal occasions during that time. Full details of the uniform requirements are published on Page 29 of the College Diary.
It is important that students also return with a haircut that complies with the College’s expectations. Full details about expectations for haircuts are published on Page 28 of the College Diary and published below.
Presenting well, being polite and courteous in our interactions with others, and engaging well in class and co-curricular activities demonstrates respect for self, respect for others, respect for the learning and respect for the College.
We hope students have a wonderful break and we look forward to the commencement of lessons Tuesday 14 October.
Haircuts:
- Hair should be neatly cut, tidy and maintained at all times.
- Shorter hair at the back and sides must be blended gradually into the longer hair on top.
- The fringe must be cut to a length above the eyebrows, not kept longer and simply brushed to the side.
- Hair must be cut and worn so that the ears are completely exposed. Sweeping longer hair behind the ears is not permitted. Updated January 2025 24
- Long hair is not permitted, unless otherwise approved by the College Principal or Deputy Principal.
- Hair is not to be cut any shorter than a number two blade, unless approved by the College Principal.
- Undercut styles, dramatic layering, tracks, mohawks, mullets, overuse of product, tinting, colouring, dreadlocks, strands of hair, or lines are not acceptable.
The Principal or Deputy Principal of the College (at their discretion) may make an exception for a student from complying with the haircut policy. Such grounds for exception may be due to the student’s health, religious beliefs, cultural grounds or gender identity.
Parents/ caregivers of the student who are seeking an exception, are required to make an application in writing to the College Principal or Deputy Principal. Students who fail to meet the above standards, may be subject to a range of disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to being removed from class or being sent home, to return to the College once the breach has been addressed.
Announcing our Term 4 Literary Evening and Book Club
We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our annual Literary Evening and Community Book Club on 25 November at Waverley College Library.
This year we will be joined by guest speaker, Gabrielle Mace, founder of ProReading Solutions and well-known literacy expert. Gabrielle is a Library and Research Executive with over 14 years of experience in the independent education sector. She has achieved significant milestones as the Head of Libraries and Information Services at St Augustine’s College, Queenwood School For Girls, and Pittwater House School.
Just back from presenting at the World Literacy Summit, Oxford University, Oxford, Gabrielle is looking forward to sharing insights into boys and reading as well as discussing trends in the world of Young Adult fiction and non-fiction.
Our pick for Book Club is the wonderful novel ‘The Strange Library’ by Haruki Murakami. This is a fantastical illustrated short novel about a boy imprisoned in a nightmarish library. Readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling author Haruki Murakami’s wild imagination. We will also have lucky door prizes and light supper.
Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack starts 25 September – Keep Reading and logging over the holidays
HSC plus Vocational Update
Restaurant take over: Year 12 Hospitality
Towards the end of August, the Year 12 Hospitality students ‘took over’ Bistro on the Greens at South Coogee bowling club. Being exposed to a hands-on, authentic real catering experience provides the students with valuable skills (culinary, teamwork and communication skills), practical and theoretical knowledge, and opportunity for those sitting the HSC Exam to incorporate real industry examples in their HSC answers (necessary to achieve the higher Bands).
The students catered for 80 parents/family members and staff on the night. Dishes on offer included arancini balls, grilled barramundi with a saffron infused risotto and home made tiramisu.
The service period highlighted how well the students work well together, how professional and hard working they can be, and how far they have come in terms of commercial cookery skills since starting their course at the beginning of last year.
Thanks to Bistro on the Greens for providing Waverley College with this opportunity and we hope to see you next year!
RSA course
The Year 12 Hospitality students were given the opportunity to obtain a Responsible Service of Alcohol qualification which covers the skills and knowledge required by law to work in a licensed venue (like pubs, clubs, and restaurants) in Australia where alcohol is served. The training teaches the students how to serve alcohol responsibly, prevent alcohol-related harm, handle difficult situations and meet legal obligations. Having the RSA qualification also makes students more attractive candidates to employers in the hospitality industry.
CAS Track & Field Records Update – Outstanding Performances Across Age Groups!
Congratulations again to the whole Track and Field Team on their wonderful performances. Several athletes have delivered incredible performances, breaking multiple School, CAS, and even Australian records.
Watch some highlights here
13 Years
- 100m – Lachlan Chappell, 11.60 – New School, CAS & Australian Record
- 200m – Lachlan Chappell, 22.89 – New School, CAS & Australian Record
- 90m Hurdles – Jack Spencer, 13.07 – New School Record
- Shot Put – Lachlan Chappell, 14.45m – New School Record
- 4x100m Relay – George Lambousis, Ariki Wihongi, Jack Spencer, Lachlan Chappell, 46.56 – New School & CAS Record
14 Years
- 4x100m Relay – George Lambousis, Ariki Wihongi, Kalan Fisher, Hugo Cummins – New School Record
15 Years
- 100m – Kenewa Gamanga, 10.84 – New School & CAS Record
- 200m – Kenewa Gamanga, 22.41 – New School Record
- 400m – Evan Rowbotham, 50.84 – New School & CAS Record
- 800m – Evan Rowbotham, 1:51.87 – New School & CAS Record
- 1500m – Evan Rowbotham, 4:16.31 – New School Record
- 4x100m Relay – Sunny Steyn, Robbie Tannous, Rory Muldowney, Kenewa Gamanga, 44.00 – New School & CAS Record
16 Years
- Shot Put – Filtomas Finekifolau, 16.64m – New School Record
Everybody Has a Book Campaign
‘Screen-Free Week’ at Waverley College will take place from 16th to 22nd October, spanning Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. In conjunction, 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 You Can 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.
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
EOI- Tour of Spain
Expressions of Interest are being sought for Waverley College’s first ever Languages/Art Tour to Spain in December 2026 (28 November – 13 December).
This is a unique opportunity for students to develop their language and artistic skills through first hand cultural learning experiences.
To indicate your ‘Expression of Interest’, please use the hyperlink at the bottom of this page. There will be an information evening held on Monday 10th of November in the Library at 6pm. This information session will cover costs and inclusions, dates and proposed itinerary, policies and procedures as well as other items. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Tour Inclusions
- Return flights and airport taxes
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels
- A La Liga match in either Barcelona or Madrid (to watch FC Barcelona or Real Madrid)
- All domestic travel expenses
- All breakfasts and dinners, and also including some lunches
- Entrance fees and costs to all attractions, events and activities
Curriculum highlights
- Spanish and Art lessons with dedicated subject specific tutors
- Cultural visits to major cultural sights in Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, and Seville
- Guided small group cultural tours, flamenco shows, cooking classes, stadium tours, and much more.
To view the full draft itinerary, please click here.
As part of the selection process, teaching staff, Heads of House, and the College’s Finance Department will be consulted and asked to provide feedback and suitability information on each candidate in terms of wellbeing record, academic performance, and school fee status. This information will be used to determine the final touring group. Please be aware that Years 9 and 10 (2026) students are prioritised for participation in the proposed tour that are currently or will be selecting Spanish or Art as part of their pattern of study for 2026/27.
To ensure the tour proceeds to the next stage, a ‘non-refundable’ deposit of $2,500 is payable on behalf of any interested student by 5 of December 2025. Information regarding payment will be communicated promptly.
A minimum of 24 deposits must be paid for the tour to proceed. If more than the required number of deposits are paid, a decision will then be made if extra students will be offered a place on the tour. Any student who is not selected to tour will be placed on the waiting list and their deposit will be refunded.
In our preliminary discussions with the tour provider, it is estimated that the tour will cost $9,000. This is subject to change with confirmation of the final itinerary. Currently, the following payment plan is in place:
- $2,500 by 5 December 2025
- $2,500 by 5 February 2026
- $4000 by 28 July 2026
Further payment information will be provided on the information night.
A list of successful candidates selected to tour will be notified once all tour spots have been filled.
To register your student ‘Expression of Interest’, please complete the attached Google Form, attached here.
If you have any questions please contact Daniel Best, the Head of Languages dbest@waverley.nsw.edu.au
¡Muchas gracias!
Summer Art Club
During Summer Art Club for 2025/26, our young artists will celebrate the theme “Waverley 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 Waverley 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.
Volunteers Needed – Second Hand Uniform Shop
We would love your help! Just 1–2 hours a week can make a big difference.
Shop Hours
- Monday 8.15–9.30am
- Wednesday: 2.30–3.30pm
- Friday: 8.15–9.30am
We’re also looking for enthusiastic helpers to take on the Coordinator roles – perfect for a pair of mates! This involves working one shop shift each week plus a little extra admin (such as a few minutes of email checking per day). Full training and lots of support provided.
By volunteering, you’ll be helping families access affordable uniforms while giving clothes a valuable second life.
The Secondhand Uniform Shop can only stay open 3 times per week thanks to the help of many volunteers.
If you can lend a hand, please get in touch by email on clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au, we would love to hear from you!!
Upcoming seminars and information for parents
Waverley Council is hosting Effective parenting strategies for teen and family wellbeing on Tuesday 28 October 6 – 7.30pm at Waverley Library.
The seminar is aimed at parents and carers of young people 10 – 17 years and offers practical information for effective communication, healthy relationships, and practical tips for managing challenging adolescent behaviour. It will also provide information about how parents/ carers can seek additional information and support if needed.
The session will be delivered by WAYS Youth & Family clinical psychologist Terri Said and adolescent psychologist, Luke Cox, and is free. Registration is open and bookings can be made via this link
As part of Mental Health Month this October, the Black Dog Institute is offering a series of free webinars for parents and carers:
Webinar 1: Parents/carers helping teens thrive online
Join us for a live Zoom webinar on Wednesday 29 October, 4.00–4.45 pm. This session will explore key strategies for parenting in the digital age. You can view the flyer (with registration details) here and you can also register directly via this link: Helping Teens Thrive Online
Webinar 2: Teen Mental Health Matters
These regular live webinars feature a clinical psychologist discussing how parents/carers can support adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties. Upcoming webinars are scheduled for 7.00 pm on 9 October, 20 October, and 30 October.
Parents/carers can view and share the Facebook post: Facebook link Teen Mental Health Matters or register directly via this link: Webpage Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
The eSafety Commissioner makes available a range of evidence-based webinars, information and resources for parents, and young people including:
Webinars for parents and carers | eSafety Commissioner – free webinars designed to give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences, covering topics such as:
– Recognising online coercive control in young people’s lives
– Understanding AI companions: What parents and carers need to know
– Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online
– Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know
Young People | eSafety Commissioner – a wide range of information to help young people stay safe online, covering topics including:
– Bullying online
– Someone is threatening to share my nudes
– Unsafe contact and ‘grooming’
– Fake news
– Online dating
The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner – provides advice about protecting personal information and reporting harmful content on social media, games, apps and sites.
Report cyberbullying | eSafety Commissioner – articulates the steps to report cyberbullying content to eSafety if the specific platform or service is not responding, as well as information on the other support eSafety can provide.
Social media age restrictions – this link provides information on the upcoming restrictions that come into effect in December this year. Details about how the age restrictions will operate, how and when they will be enforced, which services will be affected and other relevant information is being developed throughout this year and is updated on the eSafety website.
Cycling and e-bike courses
The City of Sydney offers a range of courses for bike users. Information can be accessed via their website here.
