As we conclude Term 3, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the year so far and celebrate the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. Now, as we head into the holiday break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all families. May this holiday break be a time of well-deserved rest and rejuvenation for all of our students.
We wish our Year 12 students all the very best as they make the final preparations for their HSC examinations and for some, their first steps into the world of work and training via an apprenticeship. Thank you in advance to Year 12 teachers who continue to provide Year 12 tutorials over the break and provide feedback to draft essays and responses.
We also wish our students and staff heading on Immersion to Fiji and Walgett, a wonderful learning experience and safe journey.
Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
The Graduation Mass, ceremony and Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students took place last Friday evening. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all the students for their exceptional attire and exemplary conduct throughout this significant occasion. I’d also like to express gratitude to the parents, carers and staff for their contributions to the event.
HSC Drama Nominations
Congratulations to the following Drama students who have been nominated for their individual performances for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE which selects the top HSC performers;
- Bert Cottell – Brighton Beach Memoir
- Evander Hudson – You’re my Horse
- Samuel Stewart – Shadowboxer
- Matthew Woods – Curious Incident.
2024 Tuition Fee Increases
Further to previous communications regarding school fees, Waverley College is currently facing a financial challenge due to a cumulative reduction of $27 million in government funding, both at State and Commonwealth levels.
This reduction, combined with economic factors such as increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), wages, and interest rates, has placed extraordinary pressure on the College’s financial sustainability.
Furthermore, the recent pay increase for NSW public school teachers under the Minns Labor Government has led to negotiations for similar adjustments for our dedicated teaching staff, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your son(s) through education. To retain our valued teachers, I recognise that it is necessary to reward their hard work, care and commitment.
Regrettably, these financial challenges are expected to persist, at least in the short term.
In response to these financial constraints, Waverley College has worked very hard to minimise their impact on our families by spreading the burden of fees across multiple years. Our families are at the heart of everything we do, and I emphasise that our decision to increase tuition fees has been painstakingly considered.
In an effort to give you ample time for planning, I wish to communicate in advance our fee increases. We are considering an approximate fee increase of $436.00 per student for each Term in 2024. Furthermore, we have expanded our payment options to include quarterly (four terms), monthly, and fortnightly payment plans.
For families in need of greater payment flexibility, we partner with Edstart, a service that tailors payment plans to your specific needs, based on your outstanding school fee balance. Edstart’s plans are designed to assist families to manage their budgets more effectively and reduce the likelihood of falling behind on school fee payments.
To explore personalised payment plan options, please visit the Waverley College Edstart page at https://edstart.com.au/waverley. On the website, you can use the calculator to estimate your payment plan based on your current or future fee requirements. Afterward, you can submit an online application. The Edstart team will then get in touch with you to finalise your account and customise your instalment plan to suit your needs. Once your account is set up, simply forward your invoice to Edstart, and they will ensure timely payment of your fees.
If you require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Edstart by clicking the button below.
Click here to calculate your plan and apply online
P: 1800 139 445
Lastly, I would like to address the positioning of Waverley College within the landscape of independent schools in Sydney. Despite the impending fee adjustment in 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an education that is competitively priced. When compared to other independent schools in the region, our fees continue to be notably lower, even after factoring in the adjustments necessitated by the reduction in government funding.
Below you will find the tuition fees for the year 2024 by Year group.
Tuition School Fees for 2024
Year 5 $17,000
Year 6 $17,810
Year 7 $19,310
Year 8 $19,310
Year 9 $19,450
Year 10 $20,000
Year 11 $20,900
Year 12 $20,900
We deeply appreciate your understanding as we navigate these financial challenges together. Your partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring that Waverley College maintains its time-honoured tradition of excellence in education.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We remain committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process.
I thank you for your loyalty to Waverley College.
Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting – Save the Date – Wednesday, 1 November 2023
The next Parents’ Association meeting and AGM will take place on Wednesday, 1 November 2023, where a number of office bearers for 2023 will be elected.
Consider getting involved in the Parents’ Association, a vital part of the Waverley College community.
Please submit expressions of interest for the following positions for 2023 and beyond to Ms Emma Laurence – Marketing & Development Manager by email: elaurence@waverley.nsw.edu.au
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Staff Updates
Farewell to Mr Bryn Gregerson – Director of Business Services
Bryn has dedicated 18 years of his career to the College. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives, including the development of the Cosgrove Centre, Aquatics Centre, and Grange Carpark. Moreover, he facilitated the expansion of the College by acquiring six houses along both Carrington Road and Henrietta Street.
Over the past four years, Bryn faced substantial challenges, with the College grappling with a loss of over $27 million in government grants and the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his diligent efforts have placed the College in a robust position, and we’re now poised to commence the $40 million Science Centre project in 2025.
Bryn’s instrumental efforts in realising the Manchester City partnership stand out, as this collaboration is anticipated to strengthen football opportunities for our students and boost our future enrolments. I express my sincere gratitude to Bryn for his loyalty, tireless work, and strategic financial acumen. I extend my best wishes to him as he enters retirement.
Farewell to Ms Elizabeth Watson – Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
Please join me in congratulating Elizabeth Watson on her appointment to the role of Deputy Principal at St Pius X College in Chatswood. Elizabeth will take up this role at the beginning of Term 1, 2024. Elizabeth started at Waverley in 1999 and has held the following positions throughout her 24 year tenure; Head of Mathematics, Acting Director of Personnel, Director of Curriculum, Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, and her secondment Acting EREA Director of Learning. St Pius X are very lucky to be gaining such an experienced and talented educator and leader.
Elizabeth will be taking leave for the first four weeks of Term 4. The following staff changes will be in play for this time; Ms Lynsey Porter (Acting) Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, Ms Martina Cooper (Acting Director of Curriculum), and Ms Catherine Stewart (Acting) Head of Religious Education.
Farewell to Ms Priscilla Quintana – Head of LOTE
We farewelled Ms Priscilla Quintana last Friday. Priscilla has accomplished much in the Spanish department and in coordinating our students who sit examinations with the NSW School of Languages. We wish her all the best as she takes up a position at Methodist Ladies College.
Mr Daniel Kroll will step in for the first few weeks of Term 4 as Acting Head of LOTE before we welcome Mr Daniel Best as the new Head of LOTE on 30 October. Daniel comes to us from the Secondary College of Languages and is an expert in HSC Spanish Continuers and Extension.
Additional Substantive Positions
Congratulations to the following staff who have been appointed to the following substantive positions; Ms Gabrielle Bransby – Director Junior School, Mr Steve Ghattas – Assistant Director of the Junior School, Ms Charlotte Stephens – Assistant Director of Curriculum, and Mr Peter Lamb – Head of Drama.
We also would like to welcome back for the start of Term 4, Ms Natalie Oates – Head of Visual Arts, as she returns from Maternity leave. We thank Ms Jemma Turnbull (Acting Head of Visual Arts) and Mr Mark Neale (Acting Innovation Coordinator) respectively, for their fine work in these areas.
