Head of Green House, Mr Scott Coleman
End of Year Wrap-Up
At times 2020 has felt like a year that has been one of the most difficult faced in many generations. Yet, as I reflect on the year, the Green community has demonstrated resounding optimism and resilience in the face of such unique adversity. In the midst of the pandemic, there is still so much good that has happened at Waverley.
Unquestionably, the pandemic has been a challenging time, but I have been so heartened by the positive community spirit that has still managed to shine through in every aspect of our House this year. Lots of students mentioned the incredible experiences that have come about from the COVID-19 pandemic and none of these ring true more so than the time they were given with their loved ones. Time we often don’t have in a world focused on busy lifestyles and activities. 2020 was a time to pause, reflect and enjoy the small moments of togetherness. I too will cherish 2020, it provided me with a unique opportunity to spend time with my son that I will never have again and I know that despite the unprecedented times, many families found hope, love and joy during the year that will always be remembered.
2020 has shown once again that Waverley is a unique and vital community with relationships woven together through meaningful connections – between students, teachers and families. And to put it simply, the challenges this year were no match for our community. Thanks to all in the Green community for their care, support and perseverance in a year of unprecedented expectations.
Congratulations to the following Green House students who are major award winners for 2020:
Year 7: Cooper Stewart – Nicholas Farrow Memorial Prize for the Spirit of Year 7.
Year 8: Ehren Little – Principal’s Award for Sport, Jack Kerves – Martin Robinson Memorial Award for Service & Integrity.
Year 9: Ben Stirling – Information Software Technology, Marcus Antonio – Design & Technology, Spanish.
Year 10: Maddox Grebert – Design & Technology.
Year 11: Louis Liong – Biology Equal First, Lachlan Muir – Ancient History, Mathematics Accelerated.
Green House leaders for 2021
Congratulations to our 2021 Green House Year 12 leadership team. We welcomed our 2021 Prefects at the end of Term 3 and so far they have been active leaders for the House. Our new leaders are: Max De Carvalho, Finn Harley Whitney, Jack Mackenzie and Lachlan Muir.
The Junior boys have really immersed themselves into many aspects of the College this year, especially many of the initiatives run by the Green House. Participation in the annual Junior School Walk-a-thon and the Best Foot Forward Campaign really opened their eyes to the injustices faced by many people in our local and wider communities.
Our students were led again by our wonderful Junior School staff. I would like to thank Mr Jac Lavorato, Mr Stephen Ghattas and Ms Gabrielle Bransby for all their efforts. They consistently go above and beyond and I am so thankful to have such supportive staff engaged in the wellbeing of their students.
Best Foot Forward 2020
On November 6, 2020, Green House took part in the Edmund Rice Foundation Best Foot Forward Campaign. The campaign focuses on providing access to education for disadvantaged girls both nationally and internationally who would otherwise not have the opportunity. There is so much value and power in education. But sadly many girls are still more likely than boys to never set foot in a classroom, despite the tremendous progress made over the past 20 years.
Best Foot Forward 2020
Each student in Green House donated $10 and was given a pair of pink laces to wear to show their support of this essential cause. As a school, we raised over $2,000 dollars for the cause. The Edmund Rice Foundation provided $4 for every dollar donated – so that means our contribution resulted in a $10,000 donation. The donations eventually reached $175,000 in total. An inspiring initiative to be a part of for all our Green and Waverley boys.
The annual Green House Step Out Speak Out Walk couldn’t go ahead this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, Green House Prefect, Lachlan Muir attended a scaled-down walk on behalf of Green House and Waverley College. Thanks to Lachlan for his participation on our behalf. We hope to take part in the annual walk in 2021!
While 2020 is over, we are already looking forward to our 2021 program with excitement. Green House will host a mass on Thursday, March 18, 2021. This is a compulsory event for all Green House students. More information about this event will be distributed early next year.
Green House would not be the place it is without the support we have from our incredible Mentors. Through the development of the Wellbeing program this year, it has been exciting to see our Green Mentors developing and engaging with the curriculum. Our students are lucky to be greeted by your smiles every morning and I sincerely wanted to thank you all for your work this year: Mr Angus Brotherton, Ms Jannet Markey, Mr Harry Lind, Mr Jon Walker, Mr Gus Lyon, Mr Gary Kennedy, Ms Kathryn Knowles, Mr Paul Batten, Mr Daniel Kroll, Ms Belinda Buchan, Mr Patrick Darvill, Mr Sean Moylette and Ms Phoebe Guirguis.
I also want to thank all of the students for everything they did to make Waverley a better place in 2020. Often the legacy left behind is something we are not aware of until future generations stand on the stones we placed before them. This year saw the fruition of our House program over the past four years and I can’t wait to see what our future holds, with such an incredible group of young men in charge of our trajectory.
Finally, I want to thank all the parents of Green students. Your support is consistently overwhelming and we’re so lucky to have you as part of the Green family. I wish the best of luck to those parents that are moving on or to a different school and look forward to making memories with parents and students in 2021.
