Principal- Graham Leddie
Consistent Approach
There has been a sense of enthusiasm and energy throughout Week 1, and I encourage boys to find an early rhythm to their study and revision habits. Consistent habits across the entire term is what we are seeking as teachers and parents/carers. 15 minutes of reading and mathematics revision every day, on top of homework requirements, is much more effective than a last-minute swotvac before a test, or thinking that your literacy and numeracy skills can be just switched on suddenly.
This consistent effort and practice needs to also occur across your son’s sleep patterns, diet, hydration and use of technology. And as a parent/carer, you can play an important role in assisting him to find and maintain these patterns, which will greatly influence his academic performance and also his moods and energy levels.
Author and inspirational speaker, Simon Sinek strongly supports the notion that you only win across your life ‘with consistency’. Help your son maintain/find a consistent approach to his studies, his health, his control of technology and good results will follow.
Year 11 student Maximilian Fischer has demonstrated what can happen when you follow this strategy. Maximilian has recently achieved the national golf ranking of No. 1 for under 18 years in 2023.
Maximilian just qualified for his first professional event, the TPS Sydney in February 2023 at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. He will be the youngest junior golfer to qualify for this professional event.
Hospitality
At the College Assembly this week, I encouraged our 1,500-strong community to play their part in welcoming our new students and staff. Across Year 5 (156), Year 7 (75), Years 8-11 (10) and new staff (19), we welcomed 256 new people to our community, who will each bring new ideas and perspectives. We have all been the ‘new person’ at some point in our lives. We encourage everyone to embrace the teachings of Christ, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12).
Learning and Literacy Improvements
Our ongoing high expectations have contributed to an encouraging lift in our literacy and academic standards across the College. This year, our whole-school approach to increasing boys’ literacy continues, with an expanded ‘Writer’s Toolbox’ program to improve writing efficacy via tangible strategies. This week, we were also excited to launch our Years 7 and 8 ‘Reading Rules’ Program, which aims to engage our students in the pleasure of reading, with the longer-term aim of creating lifelong, habitual and passionate readers.
Read more in the Nurrunga article by Ms Elizabeth Watson (Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning) and the Nurrunga article by Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator and English Teacher).
120 Garden Party
Waverley spirit was certainly alive and well when over 900 parents, Old Boys, staff and special guests came together last Friday evening, to celebrate the College’s 120 years of service, care and education. Waverley College has come a long way in 120 years, but most significantly, in 120 years, Waverley College values have never changed. The College was founded on Christian values and these were as important then as they are now.
We are proud to cater for students from diverse backgrounds and we are proud to be a school that is unique in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for its authentic Catholic education and progressive approach to educating boys. This year we will graduate the 15-thousandth Waverlian. Each current student will receive a 120 badge that has been struck to celebrate this remarkable College milestone.
I would like to congratulate our Marketing & Development Manager, Ms Emma Laurence, and Mr Angus McPherson, who coordinated a wonderful evening to acknowledge this milestone. They were supported by Matt Laurence ( Emma’s husband), Sam Iremonger (Old Boy 2018 Duntroon Cadet), Simon Potter, Jon Phillips, Bishoy Wasef, Gerald Winch and the maintenance crew, Kylie Anderson, Tessa Holt, Darran Rawson, Vanessa Witton in their various roles.
