Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Ash Wednesday
We celebrated Ash Wednesday this week, which was a student run liturgy supported by Ms Sue Walsh (Director of Identity), Mr Tom Kennedy (Spirituality and Mission Coordinator) and Ms Cath Lipman (Social Justice Coordinator) and Fr Bernie. Over 20 students were involved.
College Vice Captain – Archie Godby delivered an impressive Gospel reflection which I include below:
As we begin this season of Lent, we’re called to reflect on our lives and the choices we make each day. When a lot of us think about ‘Lent’ we associate it with giving up material matters, chocolates, Netflix or social media. But today, I want you to think deeper. What could you give up that really matters? What could you sacrifice that would impact someone other than yourself?
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus warns us of the hypocrisy in performing actions for praise. “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. In other words, when we behave in class or help a teacher we shouldn’t start asking for positive notes or believe that participating in social justice initiatives entitles us to leadership positions.
When we are sacrificing in Lent, or donating to Project Compassion we shouldn’t seek praise. Obviously this is a big ask. As humans we innately and naturally feel that our actions should be recognised, even rewarded. But Jesus reminds us that when we feel no one is watching, God sees our actions. ‘Your Father who sees in secret will reward you’. Jesus is encouraging us to use our right hand to lift up our mate from the floor and not even consider raising our left hand for praise.
Today, you will have the opportunity to have ashes sprinkled on your head, it will be unlike other experiences you’ve had where a prominent cross is placed on your forehead. The ashes will be hidden in your hair and you will be told to ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’. Essentially through the power of the sacrifice Jesus made for us we are encouraged to be virtuous. The practice of concealing the ashes is not new but can be traced back to Pope Urban II in 1099 who believed that concealing the ashes in your hair fulfilled Jesus’ message of humility. The knowledge that we have practiced our faith is beautifully only known by you and God. Our faith, our actions are not performances. They are not measured by how loudly we pray, how many people see our kindness, or how much we give for the sake of recognition. True faith is quiet, sincere, and rooted in the unseen moments—when we forgive without being asked, love without seeking praise, and pray without needing an audience. We live in a world obsessed with visibility. Likes, followers, and public approval often seem more important than private integrity. But Jesus calls us to a deeper way of living. He asks us to give, to pray, and to fast—not for applause, but because it shapes who we are.
This Lent, let us turn inward. Let us seek change that is real, not just seen. Let us trust that the God who sees in secret is the only one whose approval truly matters. This idea is echoed in our school motto “Virtus Sola Nobilitat” (Virtue is its own reward). Virtue can be defined as behaviour that exhibits high moral standards, kindness, compassion, service, love, with the idea that displaying such ideals is a reward in itself. These are virtuous qualities that each of us can adopt during this time of Lent and hopefully carry them through. What is something that you can sacrifice this Lent that truly matters? This Lent, consider giving up hatred, abstaining from judgment or turning away from the fear of failure. When you perform these actions, do not raise your left hand for praise. Make kindness a second nature in which you do not even consider praise necessary. Allowing the kindness shown to you at this school by your teachers, your friends or anyone you meet will create a butterfly effect, perpetuating a cycle of kindness. Be inspired to serve one another. Consider performing random acts of kindness simply because they are acts of kindness. Help your mate because they are your mate. Be kind to one another, because it’s the right thing to do.
May the Lord give you peace.
International Women’s Day
Yesterday, we came together as a College community to celebrate International Women’s Day, embracing this year’s powerful theme: “Accelerate Action.” We began the assembly with a powerful Welcome to Country led by local elder Aunty Barb Simms, followed by a moving smoking ceremony conducted by some of our Walawaani students and their sisters. To help share the day’s inspiring message, Elka Whalan joined us to discuss her trailblazing journey in women’s swimming. Through her reflections on the importance of education, community, and faith, our students gained valuable insights into the significance of working in equal partnership with girls and women leaders in their lives. Thank you to both St Clare’s College and St Catherine’s School who both sent representatives along for our assembly.
International Women’s Day is a vital occasion to acknowledge, as gender equality remains an ongoing challenge in Australia, particularly in business, corporations, pay equity, safety, and opportunities. In many other countries, the gap is even greater, with women still lacking the fundamental rights afforded to men.
Year 10 Information Evening
Thank you to the large number of parents and carers who attended the Year 10 Information Evening this week and were updated on our Wellbeing program and the HSC patterns of study, subject selection, post school options and Service Week.
All of the subject selection requirements and prerequisites are on the Waverley College website:
https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/information/senior-school-years-7-12/
Further information on Student Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships can be found here:
Upcoming Parent Webinars
Toolbox Education is running a ‘Thinking Traps’ Parent Workshop via Zoom on Monday 10 March. This workshop gives parents a set of tools to help young people catch their unhelpful thoughts before they spiral. See Flyer attached for more details.
This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.
Date: Monday 10 March, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Workshop: Thinking Traps
Zoom Links: https://zoom.us/j/96308272460
NAPLAN
This is a further reminder that students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 12 and 24 March.
Year 7 students will sit their test in Periods 1-2 and Year 9 students will sit their test in Periods 3-4 on the following dates:
- Wednesday 12 March
- Thursday 13 March
- Monday 17 March
- Tuesday 18 March
There will be an opportunity for students, absent on those days, to do a catch up test between Friday 14 March and Monday 24 March.
Students must bring their fully charged laptops and headphones to each session.
Talking Mental Health Parent Webinar
Please find attached an invite to a webinar for Parents and Carers on Tuesday, 18 March from 2-3 pm. The focus of the webinar is on how to talk with young people about mental health. There will also be a focus on the Future Proofing Study and their findings.
A recording of the webinar will be sent to all of those who register for the webinar to accommodate people who can’t make it at the allocated time.
Register here
SchoolTV Digital Media Literacy & Safety Parent Webinar
Parents and carers are invited to attend a webinar run by SchoolTV regarding digital media literacy and safety (Part 1), to support primary and secondary school students.
WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1)
DATE: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
TIME: 7 pm
This presentation is Part 1 of a two-part series.
Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean. Gain invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Topics in this session will include:
- New Regulations on Social Media
- Cyberbullying
- Exposure to Hate Speech
- Online Safety and Fraud
**** IMPORTANT ****
Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.
To register, please scan the QR code found on this flyer.
Healthy Masculinity – A Parent and Teacher Webinar
DATE: Wednesday, 26 March 2025
TIME: 7 – 8pm
Join us online for an inspiring and practical discussion on promoting healthy masculinity among teenage boys and young men. Designed for parents and teachers, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable tips from the experts at Top Blokes Foundation to help foster emotional intelligence, effective communication, and positive behaviors in young men.
Healthy masculinity is about recognising the incredible role men play in creating a more equal, compassionate world. When men embrace empathy, respect, and authenticity, they enrich their own lives, strengthen their relationships, and support women in meaningful ways. This webinar is also a timely opportunity to spotlight these contributions as part of the International Women’s Day conversation—celebrating the power of men and women standing together for a brighter future.
Don’t miss this chance to gain tools to empower the next generation and contribute to a more inclusive environment for all. Register using the QR code attached.
Please note, this event is run through Willoughby City Council.
Generations Breakfast
After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.
This special event celebrates the enduring legacy of Waverley College families—where past students remain an active part of our community through their children, grandchildren, nephews, and other family members. It’s always inspiring to see generations of Waverlians continue their connection with the College, shaping each other’s educational journeys and strengthening our shared history.
We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.
Old Boys Muster
We are thrilled to host the 2025 Old Boys’ Muster in partnership with the WCOBU on Friday, 21 March, atop the stunning Centenary Building rooftop. This year, we’re making the most of daylight savings and the warm autumn evening to welcome our esteemed alumni back to Waverley.
Join us for a complimentary Brazilian barbecue, refreshing drinks, and an evening of great company as we reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the stories that have shaped Waverley College for generations.
If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!
Download the College App
As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.
The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:
- Receive important notifications and reminders
- Access college news and updates
- View upcoming events and calendar
- Connect with teachers, staff and peers
By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.
Download the app now from the App Store or Google Play Store.
