Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
The Coming of Advent
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, a deeply meaningful season in our Catholic tradition. Advent invites us into a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. The celebration of Christ’s birth and the Nativity of Our Lord. It is a moment in the year when we are encouraged to pause, breathe, and ready both our homes and our hearts for the mystery and joy that Christmas brings.
Across the four weeks of Advent, we journey together through a season rich in symbolism: the lighting of candles, the deepening of purple hues, and the steady rhythm of scripture readings that remind us of God’s promise and presence. It is a time of quiet reflection, of expectation, and of renewed focus on what truly matters being hope, peace, joy, and love.
Advent also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year for the Church. As we bring Ordinary Time to a close, we are invited to step into the year ahead with patience and an openness to God’s unfolding work in our lives. This season encourages us to slow down amidst the busyness of school and family life and to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
As a community, may we use this Advent season to reflect on our blessings, strengthen our relationships, and embrace the hope that guides us into the Christmas celebration.
Success at the State Theatresports Grand Final 2025
Congratulations to Cooper Firth (Year 8), Sebastian Karhan (Year 8), Rafferty Mulligan (Year 7), Ethan Storie (Year 7) and Gabriel Wright (Year 8), who placed 5th in the State at the Theatresports School Challenge Grand Final. Their commitment was exceptional with three team members arriving straight from camp. The boys delivered an impressive performance, full of creativity, collaboration and energy.
Sincere thanks go to our supportive parents, the Drama and Co-Curricular teams, and especially to Mr Stewart Firth for assisting with transport from camp to ensure the boys could compete.
The College looks forward to growing its Theatresports program in 2026, with plans to enter both the Junior and Intermediate divisions.
Interested in Joining?
Students of all experience levels are welcome. Theatresports is all about creativity, confidence and learning from mistakes in a supportive, high-energy environment.
For more information, please contact Mr Steven Hall, Coach and Convenor, via email at shall@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to Ms Silvia Baylie
We are delighted to share that Ms Silvia Baylie was honoured last Saturday with the EREA Justice and Solidarity Touchstone Award, presented by Dr Michael Slattery, Chair of the EREA Council.
This prestigious recognition celebrates members of EREA communities who consistently embody the values of justice, service, compassion, and a commitment to supporting individuals and communities in need. Ms Baylie’s work at our College has exemplified these principles through her tireless advocacy for environmental initiatives, her leadership in promoting ecological sustainability, and her deep commitment to forming young people who are empathetic, socially aware, and motivated to make a positive impact.
I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms Baylie on this well-deserved achievement. Her leadership and dedication are not only an asset to Waverley College but also to the broader community.
Choral & Chamber Music Concert
Last week, the College community gathered in the Chapel for the annual Choral & Chamber Music Concert. The evening proved to be a wonderful celebration of musical talent, highlighting the dedication and artistry of our students.
The program featured an impressive array of soloists alongside performances from several of the College’s key music ensembles. Audiences were treated to beautiful and expressive pieces by the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Guitar Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Clarinet Ensemble.
Each ensemble brought its own unique sound and character to the Chapel, and the combination of choral harmonies, instrumental textures, and individual solo performances showcased the depth and diversity of our music program.
Thank you to all students, staff, and families who contributed to and supported this memorable evening.
Step Up, Speak Out
Last week, our Year 12 cohort was joined by a number of junior school students as they walked from High Cross Park to Grant Reserve, Coogee, raising awareness about domestic violence and encouraging our community to stand up and say no.
The annual walk is organised by NSW Police Eastern Beaches Local Area Command and Randwick City Council, with support from the SES and our Junior School.
A special thank you to Mr Luke Burns for accompanying the students on the walk, and to Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris for coordinating this meaningful opportunity for our Senior students.
Presentation Day -Tuesday 2 December
We are looking forward to celebrating our successes in 2025 as a College community at our Presentation Day events on Tuesday 2 December, 2025.
Years 5-8 Presentation Ceremony, 9am – 10:30am in the Gymnasium
Years 9-12 Presentation Ceremony, 12pm – 1:30pm in the Gymnasium
It is compulsory for all students from Years 5-12(2026) to attend the Presentation Day Ceremony for their respective Year Group. All students are to wear their full academic summer uniform. Students should arrive 15 minutes before the event begins to have their attendance recorded and be seated.
After the Years 5-8 Presentation Day ceremony, students in Years 7-8 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 10:30am. Junior school students will be dismissed from the Senior School with parental permission, otherwise they will return to the Junior School for supervision for the remainder of the day.
After the Years 9-12 Presentation Day Ceremony, students in Years 9-12 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 1:30pm.
The Presentation Day events will be live streamed, see links below. The links will be shared via the Waverley App on the morning of Presentation Day.
Years 5-8 Presentation Day: link
Years 9-12 Presentation Day: link
The Presentation Day will be a wonderful celebration to conclude the school year.
Reminder: Update Your App Notification Preferences
As we approach the end of the school year, please check and update your Waverley College app notification preferences to ensure communication remains accurate heading into 2026.
Students will move into new year groups in the new school year, but app settings do not update automatically. This means some families may still receive notices intended for year groups that no longer apply to their son, or may miss important information meant specifically for him.
To avoid this, please take a moment to check your app settings and make sure your son’s correct year group is selected before Term 1, 2026 begins.Updating your preferences ensures that you:
- Receive all important notices for your son’s year group
- Avoid unnecessary notifications from other year groups
- Help keep school communication clear, accurate, and efficient
For instructions on how to use the app, please read the Waverley College App Instructions.
Salvation Army Christmas Appeal
The Salvation Army continues to play a vital role in supporting individuals and families in our state and city who are experiencing homelessness, family violence, substance addiction, poverty, and social isolation.
As Christmas approaches, they are running their annual Christmas Appeal, which provides much-needed assistance to those doing it tough during the festive season.
If you are able, we warmly invite you to contribute by donating any of the items listed below at either the Senior school or Junior school receptions.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Foundation Appreciation Drinks
It was a pleasure to welcome our donors and supporters to the 2025 Waverley College Foundation Appreciation Event on 26 November. Joined by our Foundation Patron, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retired), we gathered under the Braidwood tree for an evening of canapés, drinks, and live music, with a special pre-event moment to view the newly installed Waverley Walk pavers.
I was delighted to share an update on the Science and Innovation Centre, now fully approved, with $2.6 million raised of the $5 million needed to commence Phase One, aiming for a $10 million final target. Special thanks to the Coorey family ($409,000) for funding an entire floor, Max and Joan Connery OAM ($200,000) for a laboratory, and a generous family foundation for another laboratory.
Sir Peter Cosgrove spoke eloquently about the strength of our community and the opportunities we provide students. A particularly memorable moment was inviting Year 6 student Tristan Francis forward, still in his graduation uniform, and presenting him with his Waverley College tie. A moment that perfectly captured why we invest in the next generation.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended for their support and hope to see this generous group grow in the coming months, helping us make this project a reality. If you would like to have a conversation on how you can support the Foundation in any capacity, please feel free to contact our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Strengthening our Partnership with Sydney BMW and Sydney MINI Garage
Waverley College was delighted to host its Teaching and Learning Strategic Planning Day on Wednesday, 26 November, at the Sydney BMW boardroom, an inspiring offsite location that provided the
perfect environment for reflection, collaboration, and future-focused planning. Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning Lynsey Porter and Heads of Department spent the day reviewing the achievements of their previous strategic plan before mapping out the next two years using the College’s refreshed framework. The change of setting fostered rich discussion, clear direction-setting, and a renewed sense of purpose across all faculty areas.
The hospitality shown by BMW Sydney and Sydney Mini was exceptional, and the opportunity to meet offsite underscored the strength of the developing partnership between Waverley College and BMW. We look forward to continuing to build this partnership in ways that benefit our students, staff, and broader community.
Gratitude Lunch for Waverley Staff – Your Help Needed!
We’re excited to announce that on Tuesday, 2 December, we’re hosting a Gratitude Lunch to show our appreciation for the amazing work of the Waverley staff. We know many families would love to contribute, so we’re inviting you to drop off food items to help create a special feast for them.
What’s Needed:
- Fruit/Fruit Platters
- Cheese/Cheese Platters
- Crackers
- Deli Meats
- Wraps/Sandwiches
- Pastries/Cakes
- Chocolate
When & Where:
Items can be dropped off at Reception between 8am – 9am on Tuesday 2nd December.
If you would like to contribute, please click here to complete this form and specify what you’d like to bring. If you’re bringing a platter, please use a single-use plate to avoid needing it returned.
Thank you for helping us create a memorable and delicious celebration for the staff. Your generosity makes all the difference!
Kind regards,
The Parent Community
