Ms Gaby Bransby, Director of the Junior School
From Ms Gaby Bransby, Director of the Junior School
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
February
- 24 February – Summer Sport – Round 3
- 28 February – Brennan House Mass and Supper, Chapel, 6pm
March
- 1 March – Class and Summer Sports photos
- 2 March – Summer Sport – Round 4
- 7 March – Aungier House Mass and Supper, Chapel, 6pm
- 9 March – Summer Sport – Round 5
- 13 March – Winter Sport Trials
- 16 March – Summer Sport – Round 6
- 13 – 25 March – NAPLAN Testing Window – TBC
- 21 March – Winter Sport Trials
- 26 March – Final Winter Sport Trials
- 28 March – Holy Thursday – Pupil-Free Day
- 29 March – Good Friday – Pupil-Free Day
April
- 1 April – Easter Monday – Pupil-Free Day
- 4 April – Lacey House Mass and Supper, Chapel, 6pm
- 5 April – Open Classrooms TBA
- 12 April – Classes Conclude
Preparing for NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
Our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 13 – 22 March 2024.
We do not recommend excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online, however, if you are looking for any resources to familiarise your son with the online testing platform, click HERE to access the public demonstration site.
We truly believe that we prepare our Waverley students through quality teaching and learning experiences that they already receive in the classroom. Our Year 5 teachers will be offering opportunities for Year 5 to become familiar with the NAPLAN interface, and utilising Education Perfect to set some NAPLAN-style practice questions in the lead up.
We hope for this to be a stress-free and supported experience for all of our students.
Pastoral Care Notices
From time to time you will receive an email letting you know your son has received a Pastoral Care notifications. Please click HERE to view instructions about how to navigate retrieving the notification on TASS.
Elephant Ed Parent Webinar Powerpoint
Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Elephant Ed Parent Webinar on Tuesday evening. It was a great success and I hope everyone walked away with some valuable skills and knowledge to support your son.
Please see the Powerpoint Slides HERE for your reference.
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of the Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
From Mr Steve Ghattas, Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
Big Brother Little Brother Session 1
On Tuesday, 20 February 2024, the first of the Big Brother Little Brother sessions for our Year 5 and Year 10 students was held. This session focused on the boys getting to know one another through a series of questions. They were engaged in interesting conversations that will hopefully build relationships that will flourish over the course of the year, and develop into lifelong friendships. Upon their return, the Year 5 students were eager to share their experiences with their friends and teachers.
Brownie Bake Sale for CARITAS
On Monday, 19 February 2024, a student-led initiative to raise finds for CARITAS was held at the Junior School. Nico Wyse, Thomas Taylor, Joey Oultram, Zac Hughes, Luke Haddock and Oscar Griffin, spent their weekend baking the brownies at home in a bid to raise money for our Lenten Appeal.
We are proud to say they raised $479. A big thank you to all the boys and their families, as well as the many students who supported by buying the delicious treats.
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
From Mr Elliott McKimm, Assistant Director of Curriculum
Year 5 History Launch
This week, the Year 5 students participated in a History Launch Event, igniting their curiosities about the history of Australia. The purpose of the launch was to create an environment for the students to become curious about significant events and people in the development of Australia. The students were filled with wonder perusing different artefacts, images and information presented to them. The launch was a great success, empowering the students to become motivated to learn and to prepare them for the immersion phase of the history inquiry unit.
Each class rotated around three different stations and completed a ‘pamphlet,’ recording three curiosities or questions they had for each topic. The different station topics were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, European Settlement, the Gold Rush period and the Rum Rebellion. A highlight for the boys was viewing the contribution of dioramas and posters from some of the Year 6 students from last year’s showcase. Thank you to the students who contributed their hard work!
Mr Elliott McKimm
Assistant Director of Curriculum
emckimm@waverley.nsw.edu.au
From Ms Jade Sparks, Assistant Director of Co-curricular
Round 2 – Summer Sport and Extra Co-curricular
Well done to our Junior School boys on their commitment in Round 2 of Summer Sport. With some tight matches resulting in two draws across the board, we had a very successful weekend including a worthwhile win from our Year 5 C1 Cricket team out at Bowral against The King’s College, Tudor House.
We also began our Extra Co-curricular programs this week, with Spanish Club, Run Club, Hip Hop Club, Judo Club and Innovation Club commencing.
Co-curricular Reminders
- All students must change into their correct uniform after morning training, or wear the correct uniform, then change into their training gear before afternoon training.
- Remember to keep an eye out for all Years 5 or 6 Waverley app announcements, which all start with the title “JS:” meaning Junior School. Any other announcements relate to the Senior School.
- Saturday exemptions need to be requested via email to me (jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au). Students are allowed two exemptions per year. Illness/misadventure needs to be logged through the Parent Lounge with a medical certificate for Saturdays. Weekday training absences need to be logged through the Parent Lounge and a certificate is not required.
- Please find all relevant Junior School Co-Curricular information (fixtures, results, training schedule and draw) through the College website via the links below.
>> https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/events/senior-and-junior-sport-fixtures/
>> https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/information/junior-school-sport/
We are looking forward to Round 3 sport tomorrow – go Waverley!
Ms Jade Sparks
Assistant Director of Co-curricular
jsparks@waverley.nsw.edu.au
From the Teacher of Literacy and Innovation, Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Home Learning Week 5
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school Term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Register your son via the link https://homelearningclub.youcanbook.me
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave, a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work in the Learning Hub and not cause a disturbance for others.
Teachers
- Monday: Ms Natasha Zivanovic nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Ms Gaby Bransby gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
- Thursday: Mr Steve Ghattas sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
An important note to remember, if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance and the capacity is always reached.
Avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Debating Tryouts YEAR 6 ONLY
The Junior School debating tryouts are on Tuesday 12 March (Week 7) in the Learning Hub Period 1.
If your son would like to try out for the IPSHA team he will need to do the following:
*Choose one of the below topics:
- That technology is harmful to our friendship
- That typing is better than writing
- That we should stop selling bottled water.
*Write a 1-2 minute speech taking the side of the affirmative or negative.
*On the day he will refute the student speaking before him. Then he will continue with his speech.
LEGO Club
The launch of Waverley’s first LEGO Club has been a tremendous success, fostering creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning among students.
The students explored the boundless possibilities of LEGO construction, integrating STEAM education and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, it has fostered a culture of collaboration and teamwork, inspiring excitement for learning and cultivating resilience among students.
In essence, the inaugural LEGO Club is a shining example of the remarkable achievements that arise when passion meets opportunity, laying the groundwork for a future generation of innovators and creative thinkers. I’m looking forward to all our future sessions.
Innovation Club
With great success, the Innovation Club started this week. With a wide range of creative initiatives underway and passionate members, it aims to push the limits of creativity and critical thinking – motivating and challenging its members to reach unprecedented levels of innovation.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Teacher of Literacy and Innovation
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
From Mr Henry Stanton, Teacher of 6 White
Class Item – 6 White
Year 6 White of 2024 are a delightful, respectful and caring group of young Christian men. I am impressed by their demeanour and hard work. They enjoy the variety of lessons taught through a range of activities.
In the photos below, please note the happiness and seriousness they demonstrate in lessons. They genuinely respect and value each other, no matter what gifts they have.
6W in Week 1!
6W Legends, myths and fables
6W Science Robotics
6W Science STEM
6W collaborating in Mathematics
Mr Henry Stanton
Teacher of 6 White
hstanton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
