Mr Patrick Brennan, Deputy Principal - Student & Staff Wellbeing
National Reconciliation Week 2021
I begin by paying respect to the Elders – past, present and emerging – of Australia’s First Nations people, and in particular the Gadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land Waverley College occupies.
On Monday we were blessed with a Welcome to Country during wellbeing time from Uncle John in the Centenary Quad, with a smoking ceremony and prayer. During the week we were also lucky to host Torres Strait Islander artist in residence Zachery Bennet-Brooke who has exhibited worldwide. Over two days, students had a rare opportunity to chat to him as he painted a First Nations mural outside room K01. On Thursday the entire College came together for our Reconciliation Week Assembly.
Our community is richer because of the enrolment of a growing number of First Nations students. Reconciliation Week invites us to take time to listen so that we acknowledge our past in order to understand the present lives of Aboriginal Australians. Together we can commit to shaping a future for this nation where dignity and justice are afforded to all First Nations people and all Australians are active contributors to achieving Reconciliation.
Proposed Changes to Bus Routes – Students Must Swipe Opal Cards
It is important that all students who catch public transport to the College do so using their Opal Cards. With significant timetable changes proposed by Transport NSW to many popular bus routes, data obtained by Opal Card use informs decisions when routes and services are reviewed. You and your son may be greatly impacted by these changes.
I ask all students to remember that is also an offence to travel on public transport without an Opal Card which has been activated.
Routes that may Affect Students Travelling to Waverley College
| Current routes | Proposed routes |
| 314, 316, 317, 348, 353, 360, 379, 400 | 313, 350, 360, 379, 390X |
How Can I Learn More and Give Feedback on the Proposed Changes to Bus Routes?
- Click here for the Government community consultation survey – the feedback period has now been EXTENDED TO 30 JUNE 2021.
- State Member Dr Marjorie O’Neill is encouraging constituents to click here to give feedback.
How Can I Apply for an Opal Card?
Click here to apply for all categories of Opal Cards
Learn More About the Large Community Protest to Save the Buses
Hundreds of people rallied in Randwick on Sunday 30 May to protest against the proposed changes to our local bus network and the huge impacts these will have if implemented.
Click here to learn about the rally.
Vaping
Unfortunately, a small number of students are still making poor decisions in terms of vaping. Vaping is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 years and has poor health consequences for the students who engage in this activity. The College has a clear policy for any student in possession of a vape or e-cigarette whilst on campus. Students face a minimum two-day suspension and are subject to a meeting at the College with their Head of House and Deputy Principal. This applies to any student in the company of a student consuming a vape or e-cigarette.
Any students found selling vapes to other students will put their enrolment at the College in jeopardy, as vapes and e-cigarettes fall under our drug and alcohol policy. Students in this category will have their enrolment suspended and face an enrolment review meeting with the Principal and Deputy Principal.
Push Up Challenge
Next Thursday our student leaders along with St Clare’s College have organised a Push Up Challenge which aims to raise awareness and money for mental health. The aim is for each school to complete 3138 push ups, which is the total number of people who committed suicide in 2020.
We believe this is a great way for our students to unite and work coherently together to not only build their leadership capacity, but to raise awareness for such an important cause which too often affects our community.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
