Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
St Patrick’s Day
Next Monday, we celebrate St Patrick’s Day which is a time of joy, reflection, and community as we celebrate the rich heritage of Ireland and the values that St Patrick himself embodied of faith, resilience, and compassion. This day holds special significance because of our deep ties to our Irish Founder, Edmund Rice and the 55 EREA schools operating across the nation.
St Patrick is revered as the patron saint of Ireland, known for his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to spreading Christianity. His life story is one of perseverance, having been taken as a slave to Ireland as a young boy, he later escaped, only to return as a missionary to teach and serve the very people among whom he had once been enslaved. His message of forgiveness, faith, and service continues to resonate today, reminding us all of the power of compassion and purpose in overcoming adversity.
We also acknowledge the significant contributions of Irish culture to our school and society. Beyond the religious and cultural observances, St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. It is a reminder that traditions and heritage, when shared with openness and respect, bring us closer together. Students will have the opportunity to engage with some Irish cultural activities on Monday including a staff vs students Gaelic Football game and a cake stall.
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”
Irish Blessing
Swimming and Diving Championships
Congratulations to our Swimming and Diving Teams who performed admirably at the 95th CAS Championships, held last night at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC). Thank you to our Year 8, 11 and Wavecrew students who supported our teams.
Well done to Knox Grammar and Trinity Grammar who won the swimming and diving competitions respectively. We placed 5th in swimming and 3rd in diving.
Swimming
- Knox Grammar School 569
- Trinity Grammar School 534
- Cranbrook School 441
- Barker College 371.5
- Waverley College 343
- St Aloysius College 322.5
Diving
- Trinity Grammar School 44
- Knox Grammar School 41
- Waverley College 16
- Barker College 6
- Cranbrook School 4
Whilst many personal bests were achieved, special mention to the following team members:
Ollie Moclair (Year 12) won both the Opens 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle championships. It has been a very long time (20+ years) since a Waverley student won these races. Ollie also finished 2nd in the Open 50m Butterfly
Kai Hess (Year 6) 2nd in the U12 Freestyle division
Darcy Dawson (Year 10) 3rd in intermediate diving and 5th in Opens division
The 4 x 50m Opens Freestyle relay finished 2nd – Nick Hjorring (Year 12), Zoltahn Szabo (Year 12), Lincoln Tanner (Year 12), Ollie Moclair (Year 12)
Competition was tough and close in both competitions and we’re very proud of all our competitors. Thank you to Ms Nicola Silsby, Mr David Parnell, Mr Nick Nezval, Ms Kath Knowles, the assistant coaches, and all the staff who contributed to the success of the evening. Your dedication and support, whether it was on the field, helping with hospitality, managing the buses, or ensuring a positive crowd presence, were truly appreciated.
Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening – Thursday 20 March
We’re looking forward to welcoming Year 7 parents and students to the Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening with Dr. Prue Salter, taking place on Thursday, 20 March at 6pm in the College Gymnasium.
For more details, please check the Waverley College App.
Open Day
The College held its first Open Day of the year this week, showcasing the very best of Waverley College. With over 400 families visiting both the Junior and Senior schools, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience firsthand the College’s impressive community, facilities, broad curriculum and culture.
A highlight of the day was the guided tours, led by our Year 11 leaders. These student leaders did an exemplary job of representing the College, sharing their knowledge and passion for Waverley with enthusiasm and pride. Their dedication and commitment to showcasing the College’s spirit and values were evident throughout the morning, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to them for their efforts.
Throughout the day, families were able to explore the College’s state-of-the-art facilities, meet with teachers and staff, and gain a deeper understanding of the College’s values and mission. The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many families expressing their admiration for the College’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We are thrilled with the success of our Open Day and look forward to welcoming many of the visiting families to our community in the future. Thank you to Ms Kylie Anderson (Registrar), Tessa Holt (enrolments) and Mr Angus McPherson and Ms Krista Thomas and for their organisation and running of the open day.
Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities
It is with great anticipation that we prepare for one of Waverley College’s most significant annual events, the Blue & Gold Ball. Last year, more than 700 members of our community came together for this special occasion, and we look forward to an even greater celebration in 2025.
The success of this event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners, whose support ensures a memorable evening for all. This year, we are seeking two Gold, four Silver, and six Bronze Sponsors, as well as donations of high-quality auction items to contribute to the evening’s fundraising efforts.
We invite those interested in supporting this event to contact our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au to discuss how you can be part of this important event.
I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an outstanding evening in support of Waverley College.
2026 Term Dates
Our term dates are now available on our website found here.
Farewell to Science Teacher
After six years at Waverley College, we bid farewell to Mr Harry Lind as he embarks on his next chapter as a Science Teacher at Scots College. Mr Lind has been a passionate and dedicated Science and Physics teacher, inspiring his students with his enthusiasm for the subject. Beyond the classroom, he has made a lasting impact through his involvement in the co-curricular program, in particular last year as Rugby Convenor. We wish him all the best in his new role.
And we welcome Mr Jake Batters who will be taking over his science classes until the end of Term 1. Mr Batters has taught at St Luke’s Grammar School, Sydney and previously at the Canadian Rockies Public Schools, Canada.
Year 11 Galmatic Car Workshops
On Monday 10 March, our Year 11 students participated in the Galmatic Car Maintenance Workshops. The workshops covered;
- Hands on experience changing a tyre
- Why tyre pressure and tread is to important (and how to check both)
- What, when and how to check the engine to keep it running smoothly and safely
- How to check the oil, coolant, fluids, battery and hoses
These are practical life skills that our students will take with them into the future. The Galmatic trainers commented on how polite, attentive and engaged our students were.
World’s Greatest Shave
Our World’s Greatest Shave Campaign was launched at the CAS Swimming & Diving Assembly on Thursday by a moving address from Year 12 parent, Mrs Kate Carey and the Prefects of Lacey House.
This cause is held very close to the hearts of the Waverley College community and has been at the forefront of our Social Justice initiative for the past ten years.
The World’s Greatest Shave Foundation is one that I know many in our community cherish and support graciously every year and one that has directly supported some of our past and present families at the college.
While our campaign is led by Lacey House – the Lacey students, families and staff showing unwavering support since its inception at the college – the Lacey Leadership Team would like to thank you for your support.
Tens of thousands have been raised in the past but the need grows as the years go by.
Thank you for your support and if you would still like to make a donation please click on the following link:
http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/laceyhousewaverleycollege
50th Year Reunion – Class of 1975
Our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and myself had the pleasure of attending the Class of 1975’s 50-year reunion at The Icebergs Club in Bondi—a milestone celebration marking half a century since their time at Waverley College.
It was fantastic to connect with this remarkable cohort and hear the stories and memories that have stayed with them for five decades. The sense of camaraderie and lifelong connection was truly inspiring.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr Paul Gillian for the kind invitation and to Mr Bob Tate for organising such a memorable evening. We also appreciate the opportunity to share the school’s vision for the future and our philanthropic initiatives that will help bring it to life.
This is their year, and we look forward to welcoming them back for Back to Waverley Day in November!
School student travel information – A message from Transport for NSW
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
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.
Please note, students over 16 need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to prove they are still in full time education. Please see link below:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/transport-concession-entitlement-card
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 7pm 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.
National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) 2025
Congratulations to Archie Godby in Year 12 who will be representing Waverley College at the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention which will be held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra from 24 – 27 March 2025. As a national delegate, Archie was selected from hundreds of students from government, independent and catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory.
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.
