Junior School

From Director of Junior School, Ms Gabrielle Bransby

What a very busy few weeks we have had at the Junior School. I hope everyone is feeling more settled and is getting into the swing of things. I am watching the boys make new friendships, participate in many different activities and events, and enjoy learning in their new classrooms with their new teachers. 

Parent Information Night

Thank you to all the parents who attended our information evening on Monday via Zoom. We would have loved to have you all in to meet the teachers in person and see the classrooms, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible. Fingers crossed that you will get the opportunity throughout the year to visit in person.

I hope you appreciated all the information and are now better prepared to assist your son on his journey at Waverley.

Special thanks as well to all the Junior School staff for their support throughout the evening.

 

---

Junior School Celebrates its 2021 House Swimming Carnival – Congratulations Green House!

From Assistant Director of Co-Curricular (Years 5-8), Mr Jack Wachtel

Friday 12 February heralded the colourful Junior School House Swimming Carnival where students in O’Connor, Lacey, Conlon, Brennan, Tevlin, Quinn, Green and Aungier Houses raced and chanted in perfect weather conditions to try to top the point score. There was positive support between houses and excellent sportsmanship, and based on divisions the level of competition was close.

As well as Championship Races in divisions one and two, Commonwealth Races, and the Olympic Race for the top swimmers in Years five and six, there were self-nominated novelty races which made for a lot of laughter and fun. These included the wet jersey race requiring patience and team work, the wading race, ball relay and the popular surfie relay. There was something for everyone including a kickboard race for non-swimmers. Thank you to the staff who bravely joined in for the staff versus student relay!

Congratulations to Green House who won the carnival. Their chants of “Green machine, green machine” could be heard from the far end of the senior school campus! Well done to the following winners and to all students and staff for their efforts and positive attitude.

Age Champions:

Under 10

1st – Liam Madden

2nd – Hugo Spierings

Equal 3rd – James Fanning & William Collignon

Under 11 (Year 5)

1st – Ngakau Hiroti

2nd – Aidan McNee

3rd – Rowan Metzl

4th – Geoffrey Gibbons

Under 11 (Year 6)

1st – Tom Maxwell

2nd – Archie Goulding

3rd – Henry Goldrich

4th – Evan Rowbotham

Under 12

1st – Aidan Renford

2nd – Owen Roorda

3rd – Ned Panlilio

4th – Thomas George

House Points

1st – Green (231)

2nd – Lacey (224)

Equal 3rd – Aungier & Conlon (177)

 

---

News from the Learning Hub – Ms Natasha Zivanovic

As we welcome a new group of students to Waverley in 2021, The Learning Hub aims to nurture and guide them in their social, creative and academic development. 

Last week we saw the boys use this space in many different ways before school and during lunch. 

Reflecting on the importance of reading

As an educator, I believe it is vital for our boys to have a strong understanding of the advantages of reading. The boys were posed the question ‘What are the advantages of reading?’ 

Reflecting on this question is an important part of their learning journey. 

The boys’ reflections were exceptional. Here are some examples:

• It grows your imagination
• It relaxes you
• It can increase your knowledge about different topics
• It is healthy for your brain
• It expands your vocabulary
• Reading is a life skill

The boys have also set personal reading goals for themselves. Goals are an important part of Waverley and of successful learning. These goals are specific to them, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. I am looking forward to working with the boys and their reading journey. 

Lunchtime Talk 

I am excited to announce that our first Lunchtime Talk will be on Friday 12 March at lunch in the Learning Hub. 

Andy Milne the father of Heath Year 6, Hamish Year 9 and Hugh Year 10.

Andy who is the Business Manager at Apple Music, will give us an insight into the world of streaming music and how he mixes his knowledge of technology, radio and music. 

Remember to be on time, bring your lunch, and bring a friend to the Learning Hub for an exciting talk at 12:40pm. 

If you would like to be a guest speaker please contact me at nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au.