Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Commencement Mass
Today our school community gathered for the whole school Commencement Mass, marking the beginning of our 123rd year of service and care. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to come together in prayer, seeking guidance and blessings for the year ahead.
We were also delighted to welcome our new Parish Priest, Father Mario Debattista OFM, who led the Mass and joined us to celebrate this important occasion. Fr Mario joins us from Kedron Parish in Brisbane and prior to that he was a missionary priest in Juba, South Sudan where he has done two stints totalling five years.
Fr Mario’s homily offered a message that was both deeply Gospel-centred and profoundly relevant to the world our young people are growing up in. He invited us to reflect on the way we see and treat one another, particularly the temptation to label others, to reduce people to stereotypes, assumptions, or single stories. Labels, he reminded us, can be subtle or overt, but they always diminish the dignity of the person. Once we label someone, we stop really seeing them. We stop listening. And we risk closing our hearts to who they truly are.
At the heart of Fr Mario’s message was a simple but demanding Gospel truth: every person is made in the image and likeness of God, deserving of respect, care and love, not because of how they look, what they believe, where they come from, or how they behave, but because of who they are. Our differences are not threats to be feared or judged; they are expressions of God’s creativity, and opportunities for growth, understanding and compassion.
Fr Mario challenged us to consider how we speak about others, how we treat those who are different from us, and how quickly we judge instead of seeking to understand. In a world that often encourages division, comparison and instant judgement, his words were a timely reminder that our calling as a Christian community is different. We are called to be people who build bridges rather than walls, who choose kindness over criticism, and who respond with empathy rather than assumption.
As we begin the year together, Fr Mario’s words offer us a powerful invitation: to resist the easy path of labelling, to look more deeply at one another, and to commit ourselves anew to being a community where every person feels seen, valued and loved. In doing so, we reflect not only the heart of the Gospel, but the very best of who we aspire to be at Waverley.
New Parents Meet & Greet
On Wednesday evening, we had the pleasure of hosting our Parent Meet and Greet, and it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from our community. It was particularly special to welcome our new families, along with those transitioning from our junior school into Year 7. Bringing parents/guardians together in this way was a positive and energising start to the year.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity for families to meet our dedicated Heads of House and Leadership team, learn more about our school values, and gain a clearer understanding of the exciting journey that lies ahead for our students. It was heartening to see conversations flowing so naturally, with parents connecting, sharing experiences, and beginning to form new friendships.
Waverley College App
A reminder to download the Waverley College App and subscribe to all relevant groups for your son. The vast majority of College communications are sent through the app, so please make sure your notification settings are up to date. For step-by-step guidance, refer to the attached Waverley College App Instructions.
Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 High Achievers’ Assembly
On Thursday, our College community gathered for the 2026 High Achievers’ Assembly, a powerful morning of reflection and celebration honouring the academic triumphs of our 2025 HSC cohort and the dedicated learners within our community. The assembly centered on the theme of “limitless possibilities” and the power of students to write their own story. As we reflected on the 2025 cohort’s remarkable success – including breaking into the Top 100 rankings, securing 1st and 5th in the State, and achieving a 92% entry rate in Bands 4-6 – the focus remained on the character behind the numbers. It was a morning that proved Waverley is more than a result; it is a community that “stands up, steps up, and lifts up,” where the “rising tide” of collaborative effort, shared notes, and mutual support lifts every boat.
The assembly also served as a reminder that growth is a shared journey between staff and students. We celebrated teaching excellence with the Dr. Percy Watson Medallion awarded to Mr. Angus MacAuslan, and recognised Mrs. Silvia Baylie’s national impact with the EREA Chartership Leadership Award for Justice and Solidarity. Our students’ everyday dedication was highlighted through the Principal’s Awards for Academic Growth, celebrating those who flourished through “tangled and chaotic” non-linear progress, and the Old Boys’ Union Award for Academic Integrity and Fortitude, which honoured students for their grit and character.
As our 2025 Dux, Liam Coughlin, noted, “success rarely comes from constant motivation; consistency and discipline are what make the difference,” a sentiment echoed by Max Sheehy, who urged students to see feedback as a “pathway toward an endpoint” rather than a final judgment. We look forward to seeing how our current students take these lessons to heart as they write the next chapters of their own stories.
Read the list of Award Winners here
Year 12 Q and A Session with the 2025 High Achievers
Following our High Achievers’ assembly, our Year 12 2026 cohort had the invaluable opportunity to sit down with the Class of 2025 High Achievers for a candid Q&A session. Fresh off their impressive HSC results, the 2025 graduates returned to share the “insider knowledge” that fuelled their success. The session highlighted that there is no single path to excellence; with a large panel of speakers, our current seniors were exposed to a diverse range of study habits, organisational tools, and wellbeing strategies. Whether it was debating the merits of different revision techniques or discussing how to balance social lives with trial exams, the 2025 cohort emphasised that the HSC is as much about strategy and consistency as it is about raw effort.
Student Reflections
The feedback from our Year 12 students was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting a renewed sense of focus and clarity. Here are a few highlights of what they took away:
On Focus: “The biggest takeaway for me was the idea that when you study, you study hard, but when you have a break, you have an actual break. It’s about quality over quantity.”
On Collaboration: “The boys demonstrated the importance of collective group effort. Sharing study notes and working together makes the workload feel manageable and builds a stronger understanding for everyone.”
On Motivation: “I felt much more motivated and driven hearing from them; it proved that all my hard work will pay off. Hearing how they used a study hours logging app to create friendly competition was a game-changer for my motivation.”
The session concluded with a powerful reminder that consistency throughout the year is the key to preventing a mountain of work during the final examinations.
We look forward to seeing the Class of 2026 apply these diverse perspectives to find the unique rhythm that works best for them.
Staff Professional Learning Days
With the recent launch of our new Strategic Plan, Wellbeing Framework and reinvigorated Teaching and Learning Framework, last week our staff recently gathered for two days of intensive professional learning designed to ensure our college remains a place of academic excellence and holistic care. While the campus was quiet, the staff engaged in a rigorous program of strategic planning and pedagogical development, ensuring that we are not only prepared for the first day of term but are aligned in our long-term vision for every student in our care.
The first day focused heavily on the theme of “knowing our students.” Our staff spent significant time diving into the specific needs of our incoming cohorts, workshopped using sophisticated data tools such as TrackOne, TASS, and Canvas to understand the academic and enrichment profiles of each individual. This data-driven approach was complemented by a deep dive into student wellbeing and our Wellbeing priorities. By prioritising the intersection of academic data and wellbeing, we ensure that our teachers can provide a personalised learning experience from the moment students enter the classroom.
Furthering our commitment to inclusive education, our Head of Learning Support facilitated a comprehensive refresher on tailored learning in the classroom. This session reinforced our dedication to supporting students with diverse learning needs whilst ensuring our teaching strategies remain accessible and equitable for all. The day concluded with a communal Mass providing an opportunity for our staff to reflect on our mission and regather our collective spiritual focus at the start of a busy term.
The second day of professional learning shifted toward academic standards and the fundamental responsibility of student safety. Following a detailed analysis of our recent HSC results, and an outline of our key academic priorities for the year ahead, our teachers collaborated to translate these high-level goals into annual strategic targets.. This was followed by a critical session on Safeguarding and Mandatory Training, ensuring that every staff member is equipped with the latest knowledge to maintain a safe and secure environment for our school community.
These two days represent a significant investment in our staff, reflecting our belief that the best outcomes for our students are achieved through a culture of continuous improvement, rigorous planning, and a deep, shared commitment to student academic growth and wellbeing.
Year 11 Study Skills Session – Preparing for Senior Success and Beyond
This week, we welcomed back Dr. Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) for an engaging session tailored to Year 11 students and their parents. The Zoom evening was a meaningful opportunity for families to reflect on students’ achievements in learning, identify areas for growth, and explore practical strategies to support ongoing success as students move closer to completing high school.
Dr Salter’s session provided actionable advice on mastering study at home, staying focused amidst distractions, managing time effectively, and creating personalised, brain-friendly study notes. She also introduced a variety of active study techniques that cater to different learning preferences, empowering students to take control of their academic journey.
Dr Salter emphasised the importance of building sustainable routines that align with students’ individual needs and aspirations. By developing consistent habits, such as setting aside dedicated study blocks, prioritising tasks, and regularly reviewing their progress, students can reduce stress and maintain a sense of balance amidst the demands of senior school. These skills are not only crucial for academic success but also lay a strong foundation for managing future responsibilities in tertiary education and beyond.
We would like to thank Dr Prue Salter for sharing her insights and expertise with our community. To further support students, families can access the comprehensive resources on our study skills website: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.
Log in using the username: forwaverleycollegeonly and password: 94results to explore a range of helpful handouts and tools available on the “Things to Print” page.
ACER Scholarship exam registrations closing soon
Registrations for the ACER Academic Scholarship exam are closing at midnight AEDT, Sunday, 8 February.
Scholarships are available for students starting Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027, and are awarded based on the ACER Scholarship exam and a review by our Academic Scholarship Panel.
Click HERE to register.
Summer Art Club for 2026 continues for Term 1!
Summer Art Club continues in Term 1 with a six-week printmaking course. Students will explore the themes of Waverley Wins and Waverley Identity while developing practical skills in linoprinting, drypoint and screen printing through hands-on workshops.
Sessions begin in Week 3 and run Tuesdays from 3:30- 5pm with Mr Karanconji in the C11 Art Room.
EOI – South America Exchange program
We are pleased to invite expressions of interest for a one-month exchange program to Buenos Aires, Argentina at the St Philip the Apostle College. This opportunity is the first of its kind at Waverley College and open exclusively to current Year 9 and 10 students either currently studying Spanish or planning to study Spanish in future years.
Places are highly limited and dependent on successful application. This reciprocal opportunity is due to occur during the school term in Term 3. Please find key details in the google site link below.
https://sites.google.com/waverley.nsw.edu.au/waverley-immersion-program-arg/homepage
This program operates on a reciprocal hosting model designed to foster genuine cultural immersion, personal and linguistic growth. Participating families will host a student from our partner school – a distinguished and affluent bilingual college in Buenos Aires for four weeks. Following this, our students will travel to Argentina to live with their host family and host brother and attend school for a corresponding four-week period.
Key Benefits of Participation
- Language Acquisition: Living with a host family provides an immersive environment that significantly accelerates Spanish proficiency.
- Global Perspective: Students gain firsthand experience of Argentine culture within a safe, academic, and high-socioeconomic setting.
- Personal Development: The experience promotes independence, resilience, and the development of international networks and lifelong friendships between students and families.
Next Steps
Please access the site link above and complete this Google form – which you can also find under the ‘Documents and Forms’ tab. Please complete this as soon as you can.
Once we have received completed Google Forms on student interest, I will be sending out correspondence regarding a detailed information evening.
Year 7-12, Wellbeing Mentor / Parent / Student Meetings – Monday 23 February
The Wellbeing Mentor / Parent / Student Meetings will be held on Monday, 23 February, from 1:30pm-3:30pm. These meetings present an opportunity for parents and carers of students in Years 7-12 to meet their son’s Wellbeing Mentor via Zoom.
These meetings are in addition to the Parent – Teacher academic interviews, which will take place later in the semester.
Students in Years 7-12 will be dismissed from school at 1pm, because it is expected, where possible, that students will attend these meetings with their parents/carers. Limited supervision will be provided in the Library and in the Centenary Quad from 1pm-3:15pm.
Please note, there will be no Co-Curricular training on Monday 23 February, after school due to the early dismissal. Training will be on as normal on Monday morning.
How to Make a Booking
Bookings can be made by logging into the Waverley College Parent Lounge via the parent landing page. Bookings will open at 9am on Monday 9 February and close at 3pm on Friday, 20 February.
The link to the parent lounge is below.
https://waverley.cloudwork.id/
Username = parent’s email address
password = if you cannot remember your password you can reset by selecting ‘forgot password’
If you have any technical issues with using the system, then you should contact the IT Department on 9369 0784 or email iAssist@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Zoom codes for the meetings will be sent to you by the IT Department. This will normally occur the day before the interviews take place.
Waverley College Community Code of Conduct, email etiquette and Social media groups
The Waverley College community contains a wide variety of individuals and groups who strive to work together to educate students to become confident, well-educated young adults who are prepared to lead happy, successful lives and make contributions to local and global communities. Shared community values enable the members of our community to work together and enjoy the fellowship that arises from their collaborative efforts.
The aim of the Community Code of Conduct is to provide an outline of the standards of behaviour expected of all adults involved with the College, in person or electronically.
Specifically, the Community Code of Conduct is intended to:
- Provide a set of general principles to guide parents, carers and the community in their interaction with College staff, students, and other parents.
- Communicate the College’s expectation as to how parents conduct themselves when on College grounds or at College events.
- Explain how parents can direct their concerns.
Parents are students’ most significant role models. Accordingly, the College expects a high standard of personal behaviour from parents when they are on College grounds, attending events or communicating with staff or other students in person or via email.
In addition, we are dedicated to fostering a positive school community where our staff have a work-life balance and our families are supported. The ‘Right to Disconnect’ legislation emphasises the need for ensuring balance and we adhere to communication policies and procedures to support this. In practice, this means that our teachers, support staff, and administrators can disconnect from work-related emails, phone calls, and messages outside of their regular working hours and during periods of Leave.
Our Community Code of Conduct describes standards pertaining to;
- Ethical Conduct
- Communication and interaction with staff, other parents, and students
- Use of Social Media
With these guidelines in place, it is hoped that parents and carers can appropriately direct their concerns and contribute to a harmonious College community that reflects and builds on the College’s values.
The Waverley College Community Code of Conduct can be found with a range of other documents, including the Complaints Handling Procedure under “Policies” on the Waverley College website. Click here to view Code.
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival
As was raised with students at our Commencement Assembly the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival invites filmmakers of all experience levels to celebrate the abilities of people with disabilities through powerful, authentic storytelling via film.
We have been invited to join over 340 schools across Australia and NZ to be part of this experience by creating a compelling short film (under 5 minutes) that showcases ability, not disability. Through this project we can champion inclusivity and social awareness – this is a wonderful practical way of demonstrating inclusive community, one of our EREA Touchstones.
We can explore disability issues through creativity, develop practical filmmaking and storytelling skills, gain recognition for being part of a nationally celebrated initiative, and potentially have our film screened on national television with the chance to win great prizes.
Students who wish to be involved in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival should complete the expressions of interest form that was emailed to them earlier this week by Monday 9 February.
Further information about the status of our expression of interest, the film requirements and next steps will be communicated in due course.
