Deputy Principal - Students, Ms Gabby Smith
May Procession
It was wonderful to celebrate the 113th May Procession with our Waverley community here on campus, on a Friday morning. The event was graced by special guests, including Fr Bernie Thomas ofm, Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Church Waverley, and Ned Weiland, a guest speaker and former student from the Class of 2019. Ned shared his inspiring life journey, highlighting his achievement as the youngest person to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming at the age of 16.
Ned Weiland has continued his incredible feats by conquering ultra-marathon swims to raise funds for the mental health charity ‘R U OK?,’ and he is now aiming to become the youngest male to complete the Oceans Seven. His dedication to both swimming and charitable causes is commendable.
During the procession, the Banners were carried, followed by the Marian Statue, into the Centenary Quadrangle. The honor of carrying the Marian Statue was bestowed upon members of the Year 12 class of 2022, known as the ‘new Old Boys.’
The dedication of the Rosary was led by representatives from various groups within the inclusive community, including Old Boys, the teaching community, and the Parents’ Association. It’s wonderful to see different languages being included, such as Italian, Spanish, and Gaelic, further emphasising the diverse and inclusive nature of the event.
A lot of time and effort goes into the staging of the May Procession, and I would like to thank all the staff who contributed in making the May Procession such a wonderful occasion.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the students, parents, carers and Old Boys who attended the event. Your presence and active participation made the May Procession a truly memorable occasion.
National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June
26 May is National Sorry Day. It is a day of commemoration and remembrance of all those who have been impacted by the government policies of forcible removal of First Nations children.
As an Edmund Rice school, we are called to offer a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity.
Reconciliation Week also holds immense importance in our calendar at the College, promoting healing, understanding, and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and action towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
National Reconciliation Week, observed in May, serves as a reminder for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to consider how they can contribute to reconciliation efforts. It’s an opportunity for reflection on past accomplishments and the work that still needs to be done to achieve genuine reconciliation.
The 2023 theme for National Reconciliation Week, ‘Be a Voice for Generations,’ highlights the importance of being actively engaged in reconciliation efforts in everyday life. It encourages all Australians to contribute in tangible ways, whether it’s in their local communities, workplaces, or social circles, fostering respectful relationships and working towards a stronger and more inclusive nation.
By embracing this theme and embodying the spirit of reconciliation in your words, thoughts, and actions, you can play a significant role in creating a more united and equitable Australia.
Interschool Student Leadership in Sustainability Symposium
Congratulations to Kayden Baker and James Peate who recently participated in this Emanuel-hosted symposium to share ideas about sustainability with other senior student representatives and staff from various schools. They collaborated in workshops and even a pickling session! You can read more in the article in the Australian Jewish News (25 May 2023).
Staff Update
I would like to congratulate Ms Alison Jinga on her appointment at Endeavour Sports High School.
Alison has worked at Waverley for the past 12 years and has contributed significantly across multiple areas of College life, particularly in her role as Head of Department – Drama and teacher of Drama across Stages 3-6 and HSC Entertainment.
She has also contributed beyond the classroom with her involvement in a number of very successful College musicals and drama productions over the years. She brings extensive HSC marking experience to our drama students, and has worked tirelessly to evolve individual and group performances into some outstanding results, and numerous nominations and entries into the HSC OnStage Showcase.
I thank her for sharing her passion for Drama and Entertainment, and for all of her hard work and great collaboration with students, colleagues and parents/carers.
I would also like to congratulate Mr Peter Lamb, who will step in as (Acting) Head of Drama and Mr Jeremy Godwin who will teach in the Drama department for us.
Alison will be finishing with us in the coming weeks.
