Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Welcome back
Welcome back to all families, colleagues and students. I hope you enjoyed a restful break and return with renewed energy for the term ahead.
A special welcome to the eight new students who have joined our community this week. We’re delighted to have you with us and look forward to seeing you settle in, form new friendships, and embrace the many opportunities that life at Waverley offers.
Over the break, a number of students and staff represented the College on immersions in Timor-Leste and Fiji, and our STEM students travelled to Osaka, Japan, to attend the World Expo. These experiences provided rich opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and service. They also help our young people to see the world through different eyes and to grow in compassion, curiosity and global understanding.
Many students were also involved in a range of sporting programs and camps, including Basketball camps and trials, Cricket training and trials, Swimming and Water Polo training and camps, as well as the Manchester City Football Camps. These opportunities not only developed skills and teamwork but also reinforced the values of discipline, commitment and personal growth that we celebrate at Waverley.
Expressions of Interest are being sought for Waverley College’s first ever Languages/Art Tour to Spain in December 2026 later in the newsletter.
This week also marks the beginning of the HSC examinations. We wish our Year 12 students every success as they embark on this important milestone. Your hard work, resilience and preparation have brought you to this moment. Stay calm, do your best, and know that your teachers, families, and the entire Waverley community are right behind you.
At this week’s assembly, I spoke about the idea that how we finish often says more about us than how we start. Whether you’re in Year 5 or have just started your final year, this is your chance to close the year in a way that reflects who you truly are, not just how you began, but how you’ve grown.
As we begin this final term, let’s approach the weeks ahead with purpose, gratitude and care for one another, striving to finish well, together.
Best wishes to all for a positive and rewarding Term 4.
Staff Update
We are pleased to welcome several new staff members this term:
- Ms Olivia Lindsay has joined us as Food Technology Assistant, filling in while Ms Anne O’Loughlin is on leave.
- Mr Daniel Alalam joins our IT Department as System & Network Administrator.
- Mr Harry Flaherty joins the Mathematics Department while Ms Sharon Chandler is on leave. Many of you will already know Mr Flaherty from his time with us as a casual teacher.
- Ms Emma Quirk has joined the Health Centre as School Nurse on Mondays and Tuesdays to replace Ms Julia Ritoli who took up a position in London.
We also wish Ms Martina Cooper all the best for a speedy recovery following recent surgery. Martina will be on leave until the end of the year. During her absence:
- Mr Patrick Darvill has been appointed Acting Director of Curriculum, and
- Mr Ben Shorthouse will serve as Acting Head of PDHPE.
Listening to the Spirit: The Archdiocesan Synod Consultation
Earlier this week, Mr Tom Kennedy and I had the privilege of attending the Synod called by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, held at St Mary’s Cathedral. The gathering brought together clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across the Archdiocese of Sydney to prayerfully discern how we can renew the life and mission of our Church today.
The Synod was not about quick decisions, but about listening deeply to the Holy Spirit, to one another, and to the signs of the times. Through prayer, reflection, and discussion, participants explored how our Church might respond to the hopes and needs of Sydney Catholics.
These conversations were shaped around three longings, which have emerged from years of consultation across parishes, schools, and communities:
- A longing for deeper prayer and worship – that our liturgies be more prayerful, occasions of real encounter with God and opportunities for faith development; and that our sacramental programs better initiate children, young people, and families into meaningful, prayerful celebrations of the sacraments.
- A longing for Christ-centred communities – that our parishes, schools, and Church communities become places where people are continually called to conversion; where all live out their baptismal dignity by growing in holiness and service; and where everyone, especially families and the young, feel truly welcomed and valued.
- A longing to be mission-oriented – that we carry Christ’s presence beyond the boundaries of the Church; that we see ourselves as servants of all, with a special concern for the poor and marginalised; and that we share the Gospel through acts of justice, compassion, and love.
Archbishop Fisher encouraged us to see this Synod as a moment of renewal, a time to listen for where God’s Spirit is leading us next. The discussions were filled with hope, realism, and a shared desire to make the Church in Sydney more prayerful, connected, and outward-looking.
As these themes are further discerned and shaped into practical directions for the Archdiocese, we are all invited to take part in this renewal. Whether through our schools, parishes, or communities, we can each respond to these longings by deepening our prayer, strengthening our sense of belonging, and serving others with faith and generosity.
Staff Professional Learning Days Friday 26 September and Monday 13 October
Our College staff recently participated in two dedicated Professional Learning days on Friday, September 26th, and Monday, October 13th, marking a significant investment in our staff and, ultimately, our students. These days were meticulously tailored to ensure alignment with our College’s Strategic Plan, address essential compliance needs, and, most notably, launch our reinvigorated Teaching and Learning Framework.
Read the Teaching and Learning Framework here.
Our first day focused on essential compliance around safety and the effective use of our learning platforms via tailored small group sessions focusing on the practicalities of our platforms such as Canvas.
The start of this term saw the major focus shift to the launch of our refreshed Teaching and Learning Framework. This is the culmination of extensive review, driven by our new Strategic Plan, feedback from our EREA Renewal, staff and student data collection, and the NESA Curriculum Reform.
Our framework is now designed both to operate in synergy with the new Wellbeing Framework and continue building momentum with our culture of deep learning and the explicit teaching and learning of Michael Fullen’s 6 Global Competencies – Character, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Citizenship.
Here you may note that the student exists at the core of the framework, with the inner circle now focusing on Deep Learning, Purposeful Learning and Visible Learning. The redesign of these elements ensures that we privilege key skills that our staff and student data indicated were not seeing enough of such as Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and Creativity.
Our small group sessions celebrated the wealth of expertise within our own staff and allowed for practical, role-specific professional learning aligned with our Strategic Commitments. Key themes and sessions included:
- Debunking the notion of technology in the classroom and screens: workshopping easily-adaptable classroom activities that can be used to support, complement, or bolster screen-free teaching.
- Demystifying Feedback: Challenging the notion that students only care about the mark, including a presentation by our own iStudents who introduced a collaborative feedback template for formative and summative tasks
- AI in Education: Tailored sessions offering an overview of emerging practices, current research, and collaborative opportunities to share implementation strategies for assessment and class task design
- Practical upskilling in platforms like Canvas and ClickView, and a focus on using Writer’s Toolbox to build writing tasks and resources for our screen-free week
- Resilience and Boys: Providing the latest research and practical strategies to help mitigate the “Academic performance cliff” and foster a strong, resilient learner profile in our young men
A bespoke session was also run for our dedicated support staff, focusing on “Mindsets and Building great relationships through great communication.” This session moved beyond merely satisfactory communication to explore the fundamental building blocks of truly effective engagement with parents, carers, teachers, and colleagues.
Participants delved into why “satisfactory” is no longer an option, examined common communication pitfalls, and discussed how underlying human needs profoundly impact responses to our messages. The overall learning intention was to equip staff with a toolkit of effective communication practices, improve their understanding of the “customer experience” in a school setting, and develop strategies for crafting and delivering more impactful communication across Waverley College. This initiative aims to foster a signature communication experience throughout our community.
By tailoring these two Professional Learning days to our specific strategic goals, compliance requirements, and the launch of our refreshed Teaching and Learning Framework, our staff share expertise and are prepared to lead their students into Term 4 and beyond.
Complimentary Diagnostic SAT Test for your students
We are pleased to share that we will run three upcoming SAT Diagnostic Tests for students interested in US College Admission. These tests will be held at our CBD office, 191 Clarence Street, Floor 6, from 9AM to 12PM on the following dates:
- October 25th
- November 15th
- January 17th
Flyer below that includes a QR code. Students can scan this code to access the registration form.
Only 2 Pavers Left – Don’t Miss Out on Your Chance to Be Part of the Waverley Walk!
Help us lay the foundations for the future of Science and Innovation at Waverley College.
By purchasing a personalised paver on the Waverley Walk, you’ll create a lasting legacy that celebrates your connection to the College while supporting the creation of our state-of-the-art Science & Innovation Centre, a space where creativity, sustainability, and discovery will thrive for generations of Waverley students.
It’s the perfect gift:
- For your son or grandson graduating Year 12 to commemorate their time at Waverley, or
- For your brother, father, uncle or grandfather this Christmas as a timeless tribute to their Waverley journey.
Each engraved paver forms part of a meaningful pathway that symbolises the enduring spirit of our community and our shared commitment to education, innovation, and legacy.
Only 2 pavers remain, secure yours today by clicking here.
EOI – Spain Tour
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. Please note: The google form can only be accessed with student Waverley email addresses.
If you have any questions please contact Daniel Best, the Head of Languages – dbest@waverley.nsw.edu.au
¡Muchas gracias!
Summer Art Club
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 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
Term 4 2025 Swim School – Enrolments Now Open!
Enrolments for Term 4 2025 are now open! Secure your spot early to avoid missing out.
Click here to learn more and to book.
For more information, please email swimschool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details.
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
