Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Finishing Strong
As we approach the end of the year, this term is brimming with exciting opportunities for our students to grow, connect, and achieve.
With examinations, Year 10 Service Week, Year 8 Camp, a minute of loudness for World Children’s Day, Step Out Speak Up walk for Year 12 raising awareness of domestic violence, Christmas Music Concert, two rounds of summer co-curricular activities, and our final Presentation Day, there are numerous ways for students to embrace challenges and celebrate successes.
The end of the year also brings the joy of the upcoming holidays, the warmth of summer, and the anticipation of the Advent season.
Amid this excitement, it’s crucial for students to stay focused, remain connected to their school community, and manage the many distractions and demands that come their way.
Let’s encourage our students to finish strong, make the most of these enriching experiences, and step into the holiday season with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Thank you for your continued support in helping them thrive during this dynamic time.
Remembrance Day
On Monday this week, we paused at the 11th hour, on the 11 November, to remember and honour our service personnel who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations in the service of Australia.
Remembrance Day was originally called ‘Armistice Day’ to commemorate the end of WWI. At the end of WWII, the Australian government changed the name to honour personnel killed in both world wars.
These days we now include all people across all operations in the service of their country. Waverley was involved in three ceremonies across our community, with our largest contingent of students and staff at the College’s service, a number represented us at St Catherine’s School service and we were also represented at the Waverley Council service at Waverley memorial park.
Commemorating Remembrance Day is vital to honour the sacrifices of those who served in wars, preserve history, and teach students the value of peace and freedom. It fosters gratitude, empathy, and reflection, helping our students understand the human cost of conflict and the importance of resolving issues peacefully through dialogue, negotiation, empathy and compromise.
2024 Kristallnacht Commemoration
Last Sunday November 10, I represented our College Community at the 2024 Kristallnacht Commemoration – The ‘Night of Broken Glass’, held at Moriah College.
This year marks 86 years since Nazi forces destroyed over two hundred synagogues, damaged 7,000 Jewish-owned businesses, arrested 30,000 and murdered 91 Jewish people in Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland, on November 9 and 10 of 1938.
Kristallnacht serves as a prelude to the Holocaust, offering insights into how prejudice and hatred escalated into genocide.
Commemorating it helps people understand the dangers of unchecked hate and the steps by which such atrocities develop. It provides a platform to discuss contemporary issues like antisemitism, xenophobia, and human rights abuses, drawing parallels between historical events and present-day challenges.
A tribute was given to honour Holocaust Survivor, Ms Olga Horak OAM who passed recently for her decades of work keeping alive the memory and experiences of Holocaust Survivors in our community.
Many of our students have benefited from interactions with Olga over the years at the Sydney Jewish Museum where she shared her life story and message of forgiveness.
Junior School Music Festival
Congratulations to all our young performers who took part in last night’s Junior School Music Event! Your hard work, talent, and passion for music lit up the stage, leaving us all inspired. We are immensely proud of your confidence and enthusiasm, as well as the dedication you’ve shown in mastering your skills.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible music team for making this event possible. Your guidance and commitment are the foundation of these memorable performances. Well done to Ms Kieran Kossenberg, Mr Daniel Williams, Mr Jesse Johnston, Ms Jaz Johnston, Ms Jazz de Witte, Mr Chris Balkizas, and Mr Jonathan Bowden for your exceptional efforts in bringing this evening to life.
Waverley College Christmas Concert – Free Event
Come along and enjoy a Christmas Music Concert to be held in the College Chapel. Performances featuring the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cliff Goodchild Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Brass Ensemble, Year 8 Rock Band, Year 10 Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble and Soloists.
Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Waverley College Chapel
Limited seats so please RSVP here.
