Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Back to Waverley Day
Yesterday, we celebrated Back to Waverley Day and warmly welcomed back more than 100 Old Boys from the graduating years 1950-1975. It was a wonderful opportunity to honour our alumni who graduated 50 years ago, particularly the Class of 1975.
Memories flowed easily as our Old Boys joined us for Mass, morning tea, assembly, and lunch. There was a strong sense of connection, pride, and gratitude as stories were shared about their school days, the friendships formed, and the enduring values that have shaped their lives since leaving Waverley. Father Bernie reflected on his nine years interacting with alumni from Waverley and their sense of community spirit and
We were privileged to hear from Dr Michael Holland (Class of 1975) – Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member for Bega, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and for Regional Health, and proud member of the Australian Labor Party. Dr Holland gave a heartfelt address reflecting on his time at the College, the influence Waverley had on his character, and the values of community spirit, compassion, and service to others that continue to guide his work today.
It was a day of deep reflection and gratitude for the foundations laid by those who came before us and for the living legacy of the Waverley spirit that continues to inspire our students and community.
Registrations Open: 2027 ACER Academic and Senior Academic Scholarship
Registrations are now open for the 2027 ACER Academic Scholarship examination.
Is My Son Eligible?
The Academic and Senior Academic Scholarship is available to students entering Year 7 or Year 10, 2027. The scholarship is open to both existing and new enrolments.
How are Applicants Assessed?
An Academic Scholarship is awarded based on the outcome of the ACER scholarship examination and following an assessment by the Academic Scholarship Panel.
How to Register:
Applications Close: midnight AEDST Sunday 8 February 2026
Test date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Examination venue: Waverley College senior campus
Cost: $160 is payable to ACER
Want to find out more?
Please visit the College website, or email the Registrar, Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley Joins Randwick Council’s Step Out Speak Out Walk
Next Friday 21 November 2025, Waverley College is proud to continue its long-standing involvement in the annual Step Out Speak Out Walk, organised by Randwick City Council and NSW Police Eastern Beaches Local Area Command. This vital event raises crucial awareness about domestic violence, urging everyone in the community to take a stand and say no to this pervasive issue.
Leading Waverley’s participation will be our dedicated Green House Prefects, guiding a cohort of Year 12 students in a powerful display of solidarity and support. Our students will join with the SES, the Juniors and other local schools to demonstrate their commitment to fostering a safer community. Waverley’s consistent presence at this walk underscores our dedication to and belief in the importance of speaking out against all forms of violence. We encourage our entire community to reflect on the message of the Step Out Speak Out Walk and support initiatives that promote respect and safety for all.
HSC Examinations conclude today
Congratulations to our Year 12 2025 cohort and our Year 12 2026 Accelerated Mathematics students as the HSC examinations conclude today. Over the last four weeks, we are extremely proud of the way our students have worked diligently and showed up as their best selves across over 30 different subject examinations. We look forward to sharing their successes as HSC results are released on Thursday 18th December.
Year 12 Student Fred Garcia Takes on Movember for Men’s Health
This November, Year 12 student Fred Garcia and his father are stepping up to the challenge of Movember, growing a moustache to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health. Fred is dedicating his efforts to supporting research and initiatives focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention – issues that significantly impact men globally. He has been selected as the student representative for 2025 to take part in this initiative.
Fred’s commitment to this important cause exemplifies the Waverley spirit of community and compassion. We encourage everyone to support him in his Movember journey. His fundraising link is included below, so please keep an eye out for how you can contribute to this meaningful campaign. Let’s stand with Fred and help make a difference in men’s health!
Waverley Students Help Lead NSW Waratahs U16s to Super Rugby Title
Congratulations to Kaiasi Talakai and Payton Tarau, who played pivotal roles in the NSW Waratahs U16s team that claimed victory in the Super Rugby title earlier this month.
The Waratahs remained undefeated throughout the tournament, finishing their campaign in style with an emphatic 57 – 34 win over Queensland in the final. Both Kaiasi and Payton made significant on-field contributions, showcasing the talent, teamwork, and discipline that define Waverley rugby. And both boys have been selected in the Australia U16 Squad.
A special mention also goes to Mr Drew-Morris who coached the side to success. His guidance and commitment have been instrumental in helping these young athletes perform at such an elite level.
Protecting Our Students: From Deputy Principal, Students, Mr John Allen
New Social Media Age Restrictions for Under 16s and eSafety resources
The social media age restrictions taking effect 10 December 2025 are designed to protect young Australians during a critical stage of their development. The restrictions mean that children under 16 are not able to create or maintain an account on the platforms that are included in the legislation. The law is designed to reduce the likelihood of young people being exposed to the pressures and risks associated with social media design features, which can encourage excessive screen time and serve up content harmful to their health and wellbeing.
The eSafety Commissioner has launched a comprehensive package of new resources to help parents, carers, educators, and young people prepare for this change. These resources, some of which are provided below, explain what is changing, why it matters, and how to support young people through the transition.
- Information Hub: eSafety Commissioner – Social Media Age Restrictions
- Live webinars: these 30-minute webinars are designed to assist parents and carers understand the social media restrictions and consider ways they can support their child through the changes. Click here to learn more and register.
Parent/Carer Webinar: The Changing Face of Cyberbullying
The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a webinar for parents and carers of primary and secondary students, presented by the eSafety Commissioner team. This 45-minute webinar will equip you with practical knowledge to support your child in the fast-changing digital world.
Topics Covered:
- Recognising the signs that your child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying.
- Building protective factors at home.
- Practical strategies to help your child respond, report, and stay safe online.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
- Time: 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Register: Click here to register for the event
E-Bike safety and ride to school application
There are many benefits to using e-bikes. There are also many considerations required to maximise the safety of the rider and others. The combination of speed, potential rider inexperience, risk taking, and physical limitations, along with the heavier weight of e-bikes, increases crash and injury risk.
This risk is exacerbated for riders and others in the community when e-bikes are ridden recklessly, the e-bike or the way it is ridden is in breach of the law, and when helmets are not used. Students must apply to ride an e-bike to the College, have their bike checked by Mr Horrocks and registered with the school. Application forms can be collected from the main Reception. This process enhances the safety of our e-bike users, members of our community and those in the public.
Have Your Say: New Public Park and Golf Course at Moore Park South
The NSW Government has committed $50 million to create a brand-new 20-hectare public park and a minimum 9-hole (par 36) public golf course at Moore Park South over the next three years.
A draft Establishment Plan outlining the vision for this exciting project is now on exhibition, and community feedback is invited. The plan delivers on the NSW Government’s promise to provide more open green space and recreation opportunities to meet the needs of nearby growing communities.
The reconfiguration of the existing golf course is scheduled to begin from mid-2026, following the expiry of the current operating agreement.
This is a great opportunity for families, residents, and community groups to have their say on how this important new public space should take shape.
Submissions close: 11:59pm, Monday 24 November 2025
Find out more and share your feedback: www.centennialparklands.com.au/mooreparksouth
School Bus Service Changes from Monday 17 November 2025
We are writing to inform you about upcoming changes to bus services that may impact some students’ commute from Monday 17 November 2025.
Transport for NSW has recently announced changes to bus routes in our Waverley area see link here. As a result, many regular bus and school services will be adjusted to provide improve reliability and additional capacity on busy bus routes to better meet the needs of our community.
We encourage parents, caregivers and students to review the updated school timetables or their regular route service times as they may have changed.
We encourage students to plan ahead on Trip Planner https://transportnsw.info/trip before travelling.
To ensure dedicated school services appear as a travel option for students, click ‘refine’ and select the ‘school bus’ option. Students are reminded to tap on and off on all trips
Changes to school bus routes include 602e, 604e, 607e, 608e, 609e, 612e, 670e, 671e, 673e, 681e, 682e, 687e, 691e, 693e, 694e, 695e, 696e, 705e, 710e, 711e, 712e, 717e, 726e, 750e, 756e
Waverley College
Morning services
- Route 691e – no change to service departure time from Little Bay, however service may depart following bus stops slightly later than currently.
- Route 696e – students can catch services on Route 360, which operates frequently throughout the day.
- An additional Route 360 service will depart Bondi Junction Interchange Stand J at 08:11.
- Waverley College students can also use new school bus route 726e, departing Bondi Junction Interchange Stand J at 08:18.
- Route 726e operates to Rose Bay Secondary College, via Waverley College.
- Route 717e – students can catch services on Route 360, which operates frequently throughout the day.
- An additional Route 360 service will depart Bondi Junction Interchange Stand J at 08:11.
- Waverley College students can also use new school bus route 726e, departing Bondi Junction Interchange Stand J at 08:18. Route 726e operates to Rose Bay Secondary College, via Waverley College.
- Route 726e – a new route between Bondi Junction and Rose Bay Secondary College via Waverley College. Waverley College students can use this new route.
- Replaces current Route 717e between Bondi Junction and Waverley College.
Afternoon services
- Route 693e – no change to service departure time from Waverley College, however service may depart following bus stops slightly later than currently.
- Route 694e – no change to service departure time from Waverley College, however service may depart following bus stops slightly later than currently.
- Route 695e – no change to service departure time from Waverley College, however service may depart following bus stops slightly later than currently.
- Route 696e – students can catch services on Route 360, which operates frequently throughout the day.
Languages/Art Tour to Spain Information Night
An Information Evening for the proposed Languages and Art Tour to Spain (November–December 2026) will be held on Monday, 10 November at 6pm in W24–W25.
This exciting tour will offer students the opportunity to develop their Spanish language and artistic skills through immersive, first-hand cultural experiences across Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville.
The information session will outline costs and inclusions, proposed itinerary, policies and procedures, and provide an opportunity for families to ask questions.
Expressions of Interest are now open for students who will be in Years 9 and 10 in 2026, particularly those studying Spanish or Art.
To register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest Form. Please note: The google form can only be accessed with student Waverley email addresses.
For further details, please contact Mr Daniel Best, Head of Languages, at dbest@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 9 & 10 Drama Students Review Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr Ripley
Earlier this year, Year 9 & 10 Drama students viewed Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The Talented Mr Ripley. The show was wonderfully performed and stunningly designed. Students were required to write reviews for this production and here is what some of them had to say:
Tom Ripley, both the protagonist and antagonist of the story, was played by Will McDonald, from the TV show, Heartbreak High. His performance was nothing short of incredible. The character of Tom Ripley is, on the outside, a charismatic, charming and cunning man who will effortlessly lie and craft false identities with precision. (Max Wilson – Y9)
Raj Labade’s portrayal of Dickie Greenleaf complemented McDonald’s to make a stellar production. Labade knew his character inside and out, using his body language to capture Dickie’s confident and careless attitude, in sharp contrast to Tom Ripley. Labade’s upright posture and open hand gestures helped cement the idea of Dickies relaxed lifestyle, and his sense of entitlement. (Blake Taylor – Y10)
The best elements were the acting, lighting, and symbolic use of props like the descending boat. These created a sense of constant transformation that mirrored the themes of identity and deceit … I would rate this performance 9 out of 10. It was one of the most compelling plays I’ve seen, combining excellent performances, creative design, and powerful storytelling. (Axel Stapleton – Y10)
The boys all enjoyed the experience and look forward to their next theatrical excursion!
Term 4 Literary Evening and Waverley Community 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 literacy consultant and library services specialist who works with schools and communities across Australia and internationally to foster a culture of reading. In 2025, responding to the growing literacy crisis, she co-founded The Detective Experience – a global literacy initiative designed to bring young people and families back to reading through the power of story and mystery.
The program is now shared worldwide at no cost to schools and families. Gabrielle has presented most recently at the International Boys’ Schools Coalition Conference in the UK and the World Literacy Summit in Oxford, and is a sought-after speaker on boys and reading, digital distractions, and student voice.
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.
Parents’ Association Meeting and AGM – Monday 10 November – Senior Library
Our next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Monday, 10 November, 6pm, followed by the Parents’ Association (PA) Meeting at 6:30pm.
As part of our annual process, we are now calling for nominations for PA representative roles, including Treasurer, as our current Treasurer will be retiring from the role at the end of this term. We warmly thank them for their dedicated service and valuable contribution to our school community.
If you’re interested in getting more involved or know someone who would be a great fit, please email Parents Association President Louise Lakomy at louisel@bdhl.com.au or Ms Robin Ball at rball@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
The Treasurer role is a vital part of the PA, supporting the ongoing success of our initiatives.
More information about the roles and nomination process will be shared at the upcoming meeting. All parents and carers are welcome to attend.
Waverley College 2025 Parent Impact Award – Recognising the outstanding contribution of parents and carers
A strong sense of community, service and faith has shaped the life of Waverley since its foundation. Each year committed families give their time and skills to consistently enrich, inspire and enhance our school community. Many individuals and families have made outstanding contributions through their voluntary support and participation in college life during and often beyond their sons schooling, enriching the lives of many students, and having an enduring impact on the Waverly College community.
The Parent’s Association is delighted to open nominations for the Waverley College Parent Impact Award. The award recognises the outstanding achievement of a particular parent/carer who has gone over and above in supporting the College through their commitment to our mission and values, and who is an inspirational role model within our Waverly College family community.
Nominations are open to individual parents/carers or families with sons currently or previously enrolled at the school (with the exception of current members of the Parents Association and selection committee)
We warmly invite nominations and encourage parent nominations across all year groups. Parents/carers and current Waverley College staff are eligible to make a nomination. See below link to the nomination form https://forms.gle/juFPZzjg9a28cjF47
The award will be presented after the AGM on Monday 10 November.
Secondhand Uniform Shop Coordinator Roles – Join the Team!
After five years, our current Coordinators are stepping down, and we’re looking for a pair/team to take the reins. This is your chance to put your own stamp on the role and help keep this valued service running for our school community.
What’s involved?
- One shop shift per week
- Managing the volunteer roster
- A few minutes of email checking once a day
- Grab a friend and share the role! Full training and ongoing support provided. It’s a great way to get involved, contribute meaningfully and shape how the shop continues to run, all in 1-2 hours a week.
By volunteering, you’ll be:
- Helping families access affordable uniforms
- Giving uniforms a valuable second life
- Ensuring the shop can stay open three days each week
Regular volunteers are also needed – even one shift every couple of weeks makes a huge difference!
If you’d like to join our friendly team or if you’re in need of more information (either as a coordinator or a volunteer) please email clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Shop Hours
Monday & Friday: 8:15–9:30am
Wednesday: 2:30–3:30pm
Auditions Now Open – Ascham’s 2026 Senior Production: Julius Caesar
Calling all performers! Auditions are now open for Ascham’s 2026 Senior Production of Julius Caesar. This is your chance to take the stage in one of Shakespeare’s most gripping political dramas – a timeless story of power, loyalty and ambition.
No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to collaborate.
Download the Audition Pack here.
Free HSC Kickstart Seminars
In partnership with Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, and the University of Newcastle, are hosting Free HSC Kickstart Seminars this November to help students and parents prepare for success in 2026.
Presented by senior HSC markers and counsellors, these 45-minute sessions reveal what markers look for, how to manage anxiety, and strategies to boost performance in the HSC.
The dates are as follows:
- Saturday 15th November – University of Newcastle
- Sunday 23rd November – the University of Sydney
All details, including dates and registration links, can be found at:
Waverley Walk – Paver Update
We’re thrilled to announce that all 120 pavers on the Waverley Walk have now been sold!
The final pavers will be laid in early November and we’re excited to invite all our generous donors to join us for drinks and a special viewing of their pavers at the end of November.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased a paver and, in doing so, made a meaningful contribution to the Science and Innovation Centre. Your support helps bring this vision to life!
Also, a huge thank you to Ed Mott and Ben Starr from Starr Landscapes for their generous contribution in laying the pavers.
There are still many ways to support the Science and Innovation Centre. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Billy Nicolas, Foundation Manager, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au or (02) 9369 0656.
