Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Yesterday was the first time this year that we have been able to come together as a whole College for Assembly. Our assembly was celebrated outdoors in the Centenary Quadrangle, and we addressed a number of issues that are important to our community including; Premature Babies, International Women’s Day, National Close the Gap Day, St Patrick’s Day, National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, the World’s Greatest Shave, and we wished our CAS Swimming and Diving team the very best for the championships held on Thursday evening at SOPAC.
Our special guest at assembly was Premature Babies Charity Founder and Waverley College parent, Ms Sophie Smith, who congratulated and presented a number of medals to students and staff who were involved in the annual Premmie Marathon Challenge, last November.
Ms Sophie Smith
The challenge was to run (or walk) a 42km marathon or a 100km ultramarathon over the month of November, and to raise funds for lifesaving neonatal equipment for neonatal units around Australia.
I also shared with our students the very sad news that one of Year 7 parents, Brad Coleman, recently passed away in a tragic drowning on the South Coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hulya his wife, Raiden (Year 7) and Aleyna, along with their family that includes Scott Coleman, Head of Green House.
A number of parents have asked if they can assist the family in any way, and I draw people’s attention to the following GoFundMe page which has been set up to assist the family at this incredibly difficult time.
>>> Click here to view the GoFundMe page for the Coleman family.
CAS Swimming and Diving
Congratulations to both our swimmers and divers who both took out fourth position in last evening’s CAS competition. Both teams performed with great spirit and enthusiasm. Thank you to coaches and parents for all of their support throughout the season. We congratulate Knox (Swimming) and Trinity (Diving) on their respective wins.
Year 9 Ballroom Dancing
As part of our PDHPE program and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student participated in a short program of Ballroom Dancing under instruction from the Joan Carmody Dance Academy.
Along with students from St Clare’s College, our students participated in lessons in preparation for an evening of dance on Wednesday evening. I would like to congratulate our Year 9 cohort on their dress, manners and spirit to participate in such a positive way. I received many comments of praise from parents and staff who witnessed the evening. Thank you to the staff who assisted to make this evening a success. Needless to say, much fun was had!
Parents’ Association Meeting
The Waverley College Parents’ Association (WCPA) Meeting took place on Tuesday, 22 February at 6pm.
The meeting was welcomed by WCPA President, Jade Stapleton and attended by parents, staff and 95 parents/families via Zoom.
Speakers included Ms Lynsey Porter (Director of Curriculum), Ms Gabrielle Smith (Director of Junior School), Mr Graham Leddie (Principal), Mr Patrick Brennan (Deputy Principal, Staff and Student Wellbeing), and Ms Jade Stapleton (President WCPA).
I encourage all parents/carers to attend WCPA meetings. The meeting Minutes are below for any parents who would like to read more about the important topics discussed.
2021 HSC analysis and highlights from Mrs Elizabeth Watson (Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning), are also available below for your perusal.
>>> Click here to view the WCPA Minutes, Term 1, 22 February 2022.
>>> Click here to view the slide show of 2021 HSC Analysis and Highlights.
COVID-19 numbers
Please see below the College COVID-19 numbers as they stand today. We will continue to monitor our numbers closely. In speaking with a number of principals across systems, our numbers are tracking on the lower end of transmission rates. However, I acknowledge that this can change very quickly, and we may need to make some adjustments.
| 18/3/22 | COVID-Positive | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 7 | 6 | 11 |
| Year 8 | 6 | 11 |
| Year 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 13 | 7 |
| Year 11 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 12 | 3 | 5 |
| Staff | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 58 | 59 |
Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer.
