Director of Junior School, Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Diary Dates
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.
- 30 August – ICAS Mathematics – selected students, 8am – 9am
- 1 September – Father’s Day Mass, 12pm
- 13 – 15 September – Year 6 Camp
- 18 September – Allwell Testing Year 6
- 21 September – Classes conclude
Wakakirri “Take 2”
We are very proud to announce that our 2023 Wakakirri item “The Right to Dream” has won a NSW performance award. This means that we progress to the next round (the finals) and get to perform again at NIDA on September 5th alongside other state performance award winning schools. Our September 5th performance will be filmed and considered as a possible national award winner.
Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley said, “The standard of performance and the stories being told by schools this year was exceptional and Waverley College should be very proud of their award.”
Waverley’s story is about dreaming big. Through history, dreamers have had to fight for what they believed in. Those struggles have made the world we have today. Where will our dreamers take us next? Waverley’s performance “The Right to Dream” was described by Wakakirri Ambassador Scott Irwin as, “A compelling, dramatic and energetic performance reminding us to stand up for what is right!”.
A huge thank you to Ms Michelle Rollins for all her hard work, dedication and time to this wonderful performance.
Coding Camp Term 4
Coding Camp has been a success this Term and our students have really enjoyed it. Coding Camp will continue in Term 4.
Term 4 Session Dates and Times
Class Type: Coding After-School
Day: Mondays
Dates: Monday, 16 October – Monday, 4 December 2023 (8 sessions)
Times: 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Ms Gaby Bransby
Director of Junior School
gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Father’s Day Mass – Friday, 1 September 2023 – Mary Immaculate Church
The celebration of fathers, grandfathers and significant others in the lives of our Waverley College Students will be celebrated on Friday, 1 September at 12pm (Week 7, Term 3). This will be at Mary Immaculate Church followed by lunch at the Junior School.
Click here to view the invitation
Part of the celebration will include a slideshow. Can I please ask that you send through a photo of your son(s) with their fathers/grandfathers if you would like a photo included in this presentation. The last date for submission of photos will be Tuesday, 29 August at 5pm.
Please send through all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Steve Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School / Identity & Student Formation
sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Home Learning Week 7
No Home Learning Wednesday 30 August
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school to complete 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
Click here to register your son
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 and Wednesday – Ms Natasha Zivanovic nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
- Tuesday and Thursday – Ms Gaby Bransby gbransby@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.
Try to avoid messaging your son during this period, unless it is urgent.
Debating
Waverley v St Catherine’s
Topic: ‘That we should ban advertising at sporting events’
Last week the debaters had tough competition and a tough topic. Both Waverley teams put forward strong arguments and presented their cases clearly and firmly, rebutting the St Catherine’s team’s cases. The boys did themselves and Waverley very proud. One win and one loss.
Book Week Read, Grow, Inspire
Thank you to all the Junior School students who entered one or both, Book Week competitions.
Writing
Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator) had a tough job judging the writing submissions, see the winners below.
Click here to view the winning writing submissions
Book Week: Writing Competition Winners
Visual Arts
Thank you to Ms Jenna Turnbull, Acting Head of Visual Arts for judging the Visual Arts competition. See the winners below.
Outstanding Achievement
By Harvey Smith
The judge said: Harvey’s artwork is open to many interpretations and really looks into the theme of ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’ and what we gain from reading. It shows us that it opens us to different worlds, inspires us to think outside of the box and is aspirational to what future results can happen to an individual that reads.
By Bertie Congdon
The judge said: Bertie’s artwork focuses on how reading is the building blocks to knowledge and personal growth. The further we read, we open ourselves to further knowledge. Which eventuates to possibility and inspiration of our future.
By Thomas Gauci-Cook
The judge said: Thomas’ artwork is a reminder of a key book, Jack and the Beanstalk, which is reflective of the theme of ‘Read, Grow Inspire’, as Jack needed to care for his beans in order to grow, which is relates to how an individual reads a novel, this creates inspirations and helps you to grow.
By Flynn Rigby
Highly Commended
The judge said: Flynn’s work is joyful, colourful and looks into the perspective of how reading can inspire a person to write their own piece of writing. Writing helps with personal growth and insights into the creative, this artwork encapsulates this.
By James Ganson
The judge said: The use of sculpture and variety of materials was truly remarkable and demonstrated critical thinking. This intricate artwork demonstrates how reading leads to inspiration and a pathway to growth.
Book Week: Visual Arts Competition Winners
Writing Workshop
Writing a story continuously is a fun way to work collaboratively, constructively, critically and creatively. The students in Year 5 and Year 6 showed many strong writing skills, especially when working under pressure with time constraints. I’m looking forward to reading the finished stories and sharing them with the boys.
A special thank you to Mr William Roberts who supported the Year 6 Writing Workshop.
Pre-loved, Pop-up Bookshop
A huge thank you to all the families who donated books for the pre-loved, pop-up bookshop. It was a very busy and successful initiative, with many happy customers!
Guest Author: Richard Simpkin
Junior school students enjoyed a highly entertaining and engaging presentation from Richard Simpkin as part of our Book Week celebrations.
Richard is a best-selling author of five books, two of which are about Australian legends who he met, photographed and interviewed. The boys were in awe of the legends he has met.
In 2014 Richard also founded ‘World Letter Writing Day’ and has inspired children and adults all around the world to take a break from social media and write handwritten letters.
His current series of children’s books The Aussie Big Achievers was inspired by his son, Ollie. The Aussie Big Achievers series of books are a fun and educational way for children to learn about some of Australia’s most interesting and inspiring people that have helped shape our nation. Each book encourages children to always believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams.
Thank you for inspiring the boys with your incredible stories, to read more, write and to never give up on their dreams!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Literacy & Innovation Teacher
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
News From 5 Red and Mr Horry
In 5 Red, we have gone strength to strength as we continue laying the foundations for a successful schooling experience at Waverley College. We are constantly striving to achieve our full learning potential, whilst building healthy relationships along the way.
Our focus for the Semester has been the regular practise of showing gratitude, focusing on our individual goals, consistency, helping one another along the way and being upstanders.
Below are some snapshots of the many highlights throughout the year, including key events, excursions, learning experiences and friendships.
I am extremely proud of all the boys in 5 Red who have grown in many facets this year. There are so many achievements, accomplishments and key moments which are destined to act as a catalyst for future success.
Thank you for reading and kind regards,
Mr Alon Horry
Classroom Teacher 5 Red
ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu.au
