From the Director of the Junior School, Anthony Banboukjian
Prayer for the Week
God of love,
We give you thanks for bringing us to this day, where we begin our journey together again, for Term 2, here at Waverley College Junior School.
We thank you for keeping us safe and for giving us the opportunity to rest and spend time with our family and friends.
We ask you to send your Spirit upon us all, so that we can make the right choices this term to be the best that we can possibly be.
We also pray for all people throughout the world who have been victims of tragedies over the last couple of weeks.
May you give them the strength and courage they need to begin to rebuild their lives.
This we pray in the spirit of Edmund Rice.
Amen.
St Mary of the Cross: Pray for us
Blessed Edmund Rice: Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever
Welcome
Welcome back to term 2. I hope everyone had a great break and have settled into the routine of school again.
Once again can I stress that communication only is effective if you read the emails sent home or check the Skoolbag app on a regular basis. Information is sent to all families at the same time. If you are not receiving information please contact Mrs Coupe so that we can we have your correct contact details
May Procession
The 107th Annual May Procession and Celebration of the Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice will take place on Sunday 7th May.
This is a compulsory event for all staff and students and parents and relatives are most welcome to attend. In the event of a student illness a Doctor’s Certificate is required.
Students need to be present no later than 1.30pm and are to meet their class teacher to have their attendance recorded.
The Parents’ Association will be selling refreshments in the Cafeteria at the conclusion of this event
Who do I Contact? – A reminder
If you are facing any difficulties at the Junior School please use the table as a guide on who to contact.
| Area | Issue | Steps | Contact Person |
| Curriculum | My son’s progress in a subject / the content of a subject / his performance in assessments / his conduct in class | 1st contact
2nd contact 3rd contact |
Class teacher
Learning Support Junior School Director |
| Pastoral Care | My son’s academic, social, physical and spiritual development, including discipline, peer relationships, attendance | 1st contact
2nd contact 3rd contact |
Class teacher
Junior School Director If needed, School Counsellor |
| Sport | Matters relating to training sessions of my son’s team / team expectations / selection and venues / times | 1st contact
2nd contact 3rd contact |
Team coach
Sportsmaster Junior School Director |
| Fees / Finance | For payment of fees and general enquiries. | 1st contact
2nd contact |
Assistant Business Manager
Business Manager |
| Travel | Travel pass applications / replacements, etc. | 1st contact
2nd contact |
Administration Secretary
Assistant Director |
| Contact details | Change of address / phone number / email | 1st contact | Enrolment Officer (Ph: 93690632) |
| Other | For general information / absences / illness | 1st contact
2nd contact |
Administration Secretary
Junior School Director |
Year 6 Canberra Trip
Week 5 -Tuesday May 23 to Thursday May 25 will see all of Year Six head off to Canberra for their annual excursion as part of our HSIE unit on government.
During this tour they will participate in a variety of educational programmes focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist you in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics and Education Rebate (PACER) programme toward the travel expenses incurred.
Activities undertaken as part of the educational tour include the tour of Parliament House, visit to the War Memorial and a session at the Electoral Education Centre. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program.
We hope that the excursion will be a rewarding experience for all students.
Special thanks to Mr Meadley for the tireless effort he has put in to ensure the boys have a great three days in our nation’s capital.
A reminder to all parents that all forms required for the upcoming Year 6 Canberra trip should be returned to the office by the end of week two.
Congratulations
ARMIDALE TOUR
Well done to all the boys who travelled to Armidale for the Rugby Carnival in the first weekend of the holidays. The teachers involved were incredibly impressed with the way the boys conducted themselves over the weekend both on and off the field. It was terrific that the event was supported by many parents who travelled to Armidale for the weekend.
Big thanks to the staff – Mr Harris, Mr Proudfoot, Ms Hoare and Mr Ryan who gave up their time so that boys could have a really unique experience over the weekend. Special thanks to Mr Nick Guerrera an old boy who helped out over the weekend.
Report from Mr Harris on the Armidale Tour
2017 saw the Waverley College Junior School attend its 11th Armidale Rugby Tour in the thirteen year history of the competition. This year saw forty-five twenty player squads enrol in the carnival. In other words 900 players, both boys and girls, would take to the lush green fields of The Armidale School over one weekend.
With rain in the area making preparation difficult over the past month we were all glad to see plenty of blue sky over Armidale on our arrival. Our weekend began with a team and family dinner at the Armidale Ex-Servicemen’s Club before moving on to our accommodation at PLC Girls’ Boarding School. Here boys began their preparations for the weekend with the Friday night football and, fingers crossed, an early night.
The most impressive thing about this competition has to be the organisation. Somehow TAS manages to house and feed all staff and the 900 players of all teams in its facilities and the surrounding schools’ boarding houses. At any time they have eight fields in action running 90 games from 9:00am to 4:00am on the Saturday alone and another 24 games just on the Sunday morning. All runs like clockwork and all leave amazed with how well it all works.
Saturday saw our two squads engage in battle in two of the five divisions established to manage the 45 teams in attendance.
Our Blue Squad played in the five team 1st Division against two representative teams and two Queensland schools. Each played each other for a Saturday placing before being placed into a Sunday final for placings against a combined 1st and 2nd division.
Our Gold Squad also had four Saturday games against one Queensland school; one Sydney school and two country schools in fourth division. The ten teams were then placed in two five team pools and ended their Sunday with cross pool games for final placings.
The Blue Squad included Darcy Standfield (Capt), Lachlan Grant (Capt), William Waugh, Archie McInally, Carter Steyn, Charlie Beck, Tom Johnson, Sam Fingleton, Joey Harris, Kane Doull, Joshua King, Mitchell Gavin, Connor Andrews, Xavier Savala, Lucas Young, Nate Phipps, Jesse Garratt, Keyann Abrahams, Billy Lyons, and Ryan Harper
The Gold Squad included Fynn McAusland (Capt), Thomas Gleeson (Capt), Peter Fragias, David Belavic, Jamie Galeazzi, Riley Hassey, Hugh McDonald, Robin Mercier, Dominic Smith, Oscar Walters-Green, Cooper Wilson, Will Caldwell, Jack Smith, Will Mood, Jules Walker, William Hickey, Rex Whale, Tom Kelaher, Oliver Neate, and Jacob Hassan
Saturday Games
The Blue Squad had a very tough draw against two representative teams. They shocked a huge Southern Districts side by taking a 7-0 lead at half time through a fine team back line movement finished off by Ryan Harper. The boys actually dominated the bigger side and worked hard to control the rampaging giants that came their way. The second half saw Southern increase the waves of attack of their big men and the flood gates opened as they crashed over for four tries to claim the win. A few of the Southern boys commented on how tough the game was upon conclusion.
The second game saw us take on rep team number two, in Gordon. They were not as big, but very well structured and dominated territory given we helped by giving away a flood of penalties. We were always backpedalling, but hung on despite a mounting score line. Still, a fantastic intercept try, scored and converted by Lucas Young with 5 minutes to go, kept hope alive. The team lifted, but time ran out and we were still able to hold our heads high despite the loss.
At zero and two our worst fears were upon us, that we could end up with an Armidale wipeout. This changed with a dominant territorial display against The Southport School where another Lucas Young try sealed the game early as Southport were unable to rally themselves or claim the territory to reel us in.
Strangely we were now in the position that a win in our last game would put us into third place. This would set us up for our second 3rd v. 4th Sunday playoff in two years. It was potentially the chance for us to claim our best ever finish at the carnival.
We played some of our best football here for the day against Sunshine Coast Grammar. Clean ruck ball; quick hands and sweeping backline movements saw us pressure their line on the small Cricket West field. A line out on their line saw big Archie McInally swoop on a short lineout ball and dive over. Soon we were back for more and a short pass off the ruck and a big right foot step from Charlie Beck saw the rangy second rower crash over beside the post. The drop goal conversion was unsuccessful. We continued the pressure in the second half and wore the opposition down as the wear and tear of a tough day on the park also lead to a couple of injuries to already tired and bruised bodies. The game finished with our hopeful scenario still in place. Unfortunately Kane Doull had to be taken to hospital after an effective charge down left him with severe bruising of his abdominal area. Strained groin for another and a very sore neck from a dangerous tackle that went wrong saw Connor Andrews and Joey Harris also sidelined for a while.
These knocks and bumps were soon dealt with, but the major concern was Kane as we waited for news of his situation. Unfortunately, he was left pretty tender and two weeks of rest prescribed saw a very disappointed boy ruled out for the remainder of this carnival. He had played a great role in our comeback success and the boys would have good reason to play for him in our Sunday final.
The Gold squad had few games we got to see as times so often clashed, but suffice to say they had a great day with two wins; a draw and one loss from their four games.
After a scrappy first half in game one against Central Coast Grammar, and down 0-10, they rallied in the second half for an amazing come from behind victory. This came off an intercept try from Will Hickey. The restart saw the ball fall into Rex Whale’s arms. Rex set off and outflanked the oncoming defence to score the decisive try, with Will icing it with the winning conversion.
Game two against Matthew Flinders saw a more composed and disciplined effort from the boys. They controlled this one beautifully. A good crash over try from Hugh McDonald and a rampaging long distance bust from Hooker and captain, Tom Gleeson saw a convincing 12 to nil win. Courtesy of more Will Hickey conversions.
The boys left the coaches in despair after a poor start and trailing 0-17 at halftime against Lismore. However, the lights were back on in the second half as the boys looked like a different team. They rallied and nearly claimed the game back with tries to Will Hickey and captain Fynn McAusland. They had certainly been the dominant team of the half, but still went down 10-17 by the final bell.
The final game saw them take on the St Aloysius A Grade, who often hide themselves in these lower divisions. Despite what appeared a better team on paper the boys held their own in a gripping encounter where both teams had chances to win. The early lead was claimed by Aloys, but a second half crash over, after good forward pressure, saw Riley Hassey score the crucial leveller. This left the game tied and due to Aloys scoring first they scored a bonus point from the encounter pushing them into 2nd place in the pool and us to third.
This left both teams in Sunday Finals for a chance to improve their results further.
In the meantime all the boys could relax for the afternoon and enjoy the rugby on surrounding fields; spend time with their mates and play on the nearby tennis courts.
All stuck around for the afternoon ‘Spirit of Rugby’ relay which involved four boys from every team racing off in heats with a football as baton. We did not get through to the final from any of our teams, but a good third place in the Blue Squad heat was a close finish. The day ended with a presentation from our own Warwick Waugh and young Waratah – Matt Sandall as carnival photos and certificates were distributed. From here we headed back to PLC for a well-earned rest after an epic day of rugby.
Blue Squad: SATURDAY RESULTS
FIRST/SECOND Division of FIVE – 10 teams
Southern Districts: HT 7-0 – FT 7-24 Loss – Ryan HARPER try
Gordon Barbarians: HT 0-7 – FT 7-12 Loss – Lucas YOUNG try
Southport School: HT 5-0 – FT 5-0 Win – Lucas YOUNG try
Sunshine Coast Grammar: HT 10-0 – FT 10-0 Win – Archie McINALLY, Charlie BECK tries
Finished THIRD (Saturday)
Gold Squad: SATURDAY RESULTS
FOURTH Division of FIVE – 10 teams
Central Coast Grammar: HT 0-10 – FT 12-10 Win – Will HICKEY, Rex WHALE tries – Fynn McAUSLAND con
Matthew Flinders Rugby: HT 0-0 – FT 14-0 Win – Tom GLEESON, Hugh McDONALD tries – Will HICKEY x2 con
Lismore Rugby: HT 0-17 – FT 10-17 Loss – Fynn McAUSLAND, Will HICKEY tries
St Aloysius: HT 0-5 – FT 5-5 Draw (Aloys win scored first) – Riley HASSEY
Finished THIRD (Saturday)
Sunday Games
Sunday greeted us with another beautiful Armidale day as we packed the boys up to leave PLC. Breakfast had and parents through to pick the boys up we all headed down for our last morning of rugby.
Stiff and sore the boys needed to shake it all off to face up to today’s finals. All teams had a placement final today and ours was to start at 8:50am with our Gold Squad up against Wollongbar Pioneers on the narrow Cricket West field. The two teams had finished 3rd in the Fourth Division from opposing pools. Both were today playing off for 5th or 6th in the division and 25th or 26th place in the carnival.
These Sunday finals revert back to longer 20 minute per half games and it is always a big ask to get the boys up given their weary bodies have all but had enough. Mr Ryan, Nick Guerrera and Mr Proudfoot laid it on the line to fire the boys up as they prepared them for their final hurdle.
It was a gritty and tight affair from the start as both teams did not give an inch. The improvement in commitment, toughness and technique was plain to see. The bigger Wollongbar team really tested the Waverley defence as the game see-sawed and neither side gave an inch. Under pressure the Waverley boys needed a release and that came from intercept king, Will Hickey, who raced away for a 70 metre dash only to be brought down centimetres short of his target. Yet again the tables turned and Wollongbar also defended stoically. The half time score of nil all was a worthy reflection of the half.
The second half turned into a willing contest and Wollongbar had two boys yellow carded at different stages for reckless tackles that intensified the emotion in the game. Despite the disruption to their side they managed to force their way over for the first try of the match and claim a 5-0 lead. Waverley toiled away and Will Mood and Will Caldwell (two of our U11 boys) lead by example in attack, defence and over the ball. We too also had our injury woes as Will Hickey and Peter Fragias left the contest. A great broken field run from Oliver Neate, beating eight defenders along the way, took the ball back to fifteen metres out from the halfway. As the last ten minutes ticked over it was all Waverley, but the willing defence turned back raid after raid. The loss of the ball at the breakdown at crucial moments cost the team dearly as they pressed Wollongbar to the final bell and beyond.
The game concluded with the score still at 0-5 and a great contest and weekend finished for all. Will Hickey got the TAS team jersey for player of the weekend and this was well deserved for his contribution to the weekend both on and off the field. He so wanted to win and the passion he showed for his team and his jersey was noted.
This left us one more contest to be had. The First Division final against the Sunshine Coast Grammar School. This was on the full sized Wakefield North field at 10:30am. The boys had followed instructions well and conserved what energy they had left with a quiet morning supporting the Gold boys and quiet preparation at the tent. Kane Doull had re-joined us feeling much better after his visit to hospital and was an uplifting and encouraging presence for the team, despite being unable to play. Mr Banboukjian made a surprise visit to wish the boys well as he journeyed through Armidale on holidays.
We headed to the warm up area where an injury to Sam Fingleton caused a rejig of the starting line-up. The Sunshine team also had their concerns as the referee explained the scrums would be uncontested due to prop injuries. The weekend toll continued as the game began and we lost Ryan Harper to a red card for a reflex, but reckless high tackle. He was upset and even the Sunshine Grammar’s manager’s kind words that they thought it a harsh call could not console him. Before the game had concluded they too lost a player to a red card in similar circumstances.
The game moved on and an early try to Lucas Young had us off to a dream start. We followed this up with a second as Lucas took on the defence and won out again. The clean ball and structure at the ruck was a true indication of the depth of improvement in this one weekend. The forwards were magnificent and captain Lachlan Grant lead the way with many a barnstorming run up the middle, whilst the unsung heroes of the back row, led by Josh King, continually menaced and knocked down the obstacles in front of them. We claimed territory and possession for the entire half and Sunshine Grammar were never in the contest. The backs dazzled with quality ball movement and many probing attacks. U11 Jesse Garratt thrilled with his flat to the board runs and the footwork of Billy Lyons and Keyann Abrahams bamboozled the opposition. A final try for the half to Archie McInally, one of the most improved players of the weekend, had us at 15-0 at the break.
The second half saw Sam Fingleton recover enough to take the field after his pre-match injury. He threw himself into the contest. A stunning movement and try at full stretch from Billy Lyons was a worthy reward for his fearless and constructive fullback play over the weekend. A well-deserved try to Sunshine Coast Grammar with conversion had them celebrating their first success against us in two games. The score now 20-7. The final quarter of the game was upon us and after that short lapse in concentration and territory we were back on attack. We now had boys playing anywhere and everywhere as we tried to give all a final run. Keyann went close again as he continually gave himself opportunities with his deceptive footwork, but not quite as good as the full length dive from yesterday that saw him place the ball on the line whilst his whole body was outside the touch line. Unfortunately the assistant deemed he had put his foot on the sideline. Still we came at them and with one final burst Archie crashed over for his second of the day. This closed out the match at 25-7 and a quality and highly entertaining game ended.
The boys had claimed new territory for any Waverley team. After many successes over the years this was new territory. The first time we had finished 3rd in this carnival. Our highest ever finish and the best of all school teams with only representative teams (Southern Districts and Gordon) filling position one and two. How nice is it to say you finished third out of forty five teams.
The success was not lost on the boys, parents and supporters. It was a glorious, hard fought achievement finished off in the most emphatic styles possible. It meant a lot to hear the praise of Warwick Waugh for the boys’ efforts in that final game and all the well wishes that followed.
Our Best and Fairest went to one of our unsung U11 players, Joey Harris, who just grew and grew over the weekend. Joey decided early in the trialling process that he was happy to return to the 11’s once this was over. It seemed fitting in this champion team that one of the toilers be acknowledged for his contribution and effort in stepping up to a challenge he may have thought was beyond him. Joey you were magnificent and every boy celebrates your achievement. We will be watching your U11 season closely.
TAS deserves our congratulations and thanks for offering all a memorable experience. Thanks again to the parents for your unerring support and encouragement. Thanks to all those brothers and sisters who joined in to hold their brothers in the spotlight for the weekend. A special thanks to the staff who sacrificed holidays and family to be here for your boys. It has been another great journey; opportunity seized and memory for life. Happy holidays and happy Easter one and all.
NAPLAN
In 2017 the National Assessment Program – Literacy & Numeracy (NAPLAN) will again be conducted for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 in all government and non-government schools. The program will assess the literacy and numeracy learning of all students in all Australian schools.
The results of the tests will provide important information to schools about what each student can do, and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement. Each student’s level of achievement will be reported against the agreed national minimum standard of student achievement.
The tests will be conducted across Australia on the same days for all students. The schedule for testing is as follows:
- Tuesday 9th May – Language Conventions (40 minutes) and Writing (40 minutes)
- Wednesday 10th May – Reading (50 minutes)
- Thursday 11th May – Numeracy (50 minutes)
Additional information for parents about the National Assessment Program can be found on this website: https://www.nap.edu.au/
Homework Club
As of the start of term two Waverley College Junior School will have its own Homework Club located in the Junior School library. Hours of operation are strictly 3.00-4.30pm. The expectation of the boys attending the Homework Club is that they study quietly on work required to be completed for school. There will be a teacher on duty each day.
Chess
Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Waverley College (Junior School) is held on Tuesdays from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, starting on 2 May 2017. Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment.
Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games. Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.
If your child is interested in taking part, you can collect an enrolment form from the school office, or email enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au for a copy. For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170.
Waverley College Junior School Mothers’ and Grandmothers’ Eucharist
Notice from Mr Ghattas
DATE: Friday 12 May
TIME: 12 noon (Term 2 Week 3)
VENUE: Mary Immaculate Parish, 45a Victoria Street, Waverley
Following the Mass a light lunch will be provided at the Junior School. Could you please indicate your attendance for the Mass and Lunch by clicking HERE. (Your son does NOT need to be included).
Note: If you have a set of brothers in the Junior School, you will only need to fill out the form once.
There is also a link to this on the Waverley College website.
RSVP: Monday 1st May 2017
Please note: Tickets WILL NOT be issued for the event.
