From the Head of College, Graham Leddie
Blue and Gold Ball
On Saturday 4 August, Waverley College held a highly successful 68th Blue & Gold Ball. The Ball was reinstated last year after a 40 year hiatus. The Ball has a long and proud history dating back to 1911, when a group of dedicated parents joined forces to raise funds to support the growth of a flourishing new school.
This year, we are proud to share that the Blue & Gold Ball raised just over $100,000, in the form of sponsorships, auctions, pledges, and fundraising initiatives on the night. Thank you to all parents and members of the community that supported the Ball this year. There were great signs throughout the evening that there is much care, support and interest in ensuring Waverley continues to develop and improve. The funds raised go directly towards building new learning spaces for our students.
A few important acknowledgements and thanks to:
- All our generous sponsors, without whom we would not have been able to stage the event.
- Ms Agi Lebek, Ms Jennifer Divall and the Marketing team for putting the event together.
- The Blue and Gold Ball Committee – Ms Deb Johnson, Ms Vikki Rizzo, Ms Lisa Sullivan Smith, Ms Kathy Davies, Ms Linda McGuiggan and Ms Rozy Dorizas for all their assistance.
- The Parent Association for their support of the event.
- Mr Stephen Byrne, Mr Rob Spooner and our Maintenance team.
- Mr John Kara and his team who worked around the clock behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the event.
- The College staff who generously gave their time to raise funds on the night – Ms Angela Royal, Ms Emma Laurence, Ms Nikki Smith, Ms Venettia Miller, Ms Danielle Brown and Ms Jocelin Vieira.
Waverley Sport Facebook Page
I would like to convey a very warm thank you to Mr Lindsay Jordan who has been co-ordinating the Waverley Sport Facebook page for many years as a volunteer. This has involved a considerable amount of Lindsay’s time, and his efforts have helped to share sport photos and updates with the College community. Any parent interested in taking on this task going forward, please contact Ms Jennifer Divall our Marketing Manager via email at jdivall@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Academic Assembly Year 7, 8 and 9 – Thursday 16 August, 12 noon to 1.05pm
It was very pleasing to see over 100 parents and carers attend the recent Senior Academic Assembly. It would be great to see even more parents make time to support their sons at the upcoming Year 7, 8 and 9 Academic Assembly. Each student receiving a prize has worked very hard to achieve this result. Their awards will be presented by the Director of Learning and Teaching and the Head of College.
Year 7 Anti-bullying programs
This week our Year 7 students experienced Project Rockit an anti bullying program designed to assist the boys to make good and supportive choices in their interactions with others. The College sees bullying as one of the worst things a boy can do to another person and I am glad our Wellbeing Program continues to address and reinforce good messages in this space. Anti bullying programs are not one off days, but rather constant programs and processes forming our young men on an ongoing basis.
Wakakirri success
Congratulations to Ms Michelle Rollins and Mr Tony Banboukjian on their success with the Wakakirri production which saw 100 boys on stage. Michelle co-ordinated this production at NIDA which we participated in last Tuesday evening, we now have to wait to see if we move forward to the next round. A great night was had by all.
Centenary of WWI
Throughout this year we have acknowledged significant moments from WWI. This week the Australian Red Ensign was flown as a commemoration of two significant actions: The Battle of The Nek at Gallipoli on 7 and 8 August 1915 and the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918.
The Battle of the Nek was that terrible event depicted in Peter Weir’s 1981 film ‘Gallipoli’. The charge at The Nek was part of a series of actions to assist with the launching of a new offensive aimed at attempting to break out of the ANZAC positions and gain higher ground. The Battles of Lone Pine and Suvla Bay (6 – 10 August 1915) were also associated with this event. The action at The Nek cost the lives of some 155 Australian Light Horsemen (10th Regiment) with many more wounded. The Nek was never taken by allied forces in the campaign. Two Waverley Old Boys are buried at Lone Pine.
The Battle of Amiens, also known as the Third Battle of Picardy, was the opening phase of the Allied offensive which began on 8 August 1918, later known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that ultimately led to the end of the First World War. Amiens was a great success and the Australian victory there earned great praise. The German Commander In Chief, General Ludendorff, called it ‘The Black Day’ of the German army. It is unknown how many Waverley Old Boys were involved in this major action but with over 100 serving there at the time; it is safe to say they were in the thick of it.
Save these Dates
A reminder to keep the following dates in your diary:
Back to Queens Park Day: Saturday 11 August 2018
Each year on the last day of the winter sporting season we make a point of inviting our Old Boys to join us at Queens Park to help us celebrate concluding another great season of sport, and also to farewell our retiring Year 12 players for a final time. The Waverley College Old Boys will have a tent on the sidelines as a meeting point. I look forward to seeing you there.
Mothers Club Commemorative Drinks: 6pm Thursday 30 August 2018
Past members of the Waverley College Mothers’ Club will gather to unveil a commemorative artwork and to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Waverley College Mothers’ Club to the life of the College. If you are interested in attending please contact us at developmentoffice@waverley.nsw.edu.au or call Linda McGuiggan on 0411 316 954.
Fathers Day Mass and Luncheon: 12pm Friday 31 August 2018
Dads, grandads and carers are invited to attend a Fathers Day Mass and Luncheon with their sons on Friday 31 August at the Br J P Lacey Gymnasium. Bookings for this event will open next week.
Waverley College Parent Association Meeting: 6.30pm Wednesday 5 September
The Term 3 meeting of the Waverley College Parent Association will be held on 5 September in the Fitzgerald Room on Level 4 of the Administration Building. The meeting is open for all parents and carers to attend.
Mr Tony Banboukjian Farewell: Friday 14 September 2018
After 28 years of distinguished service to the College, 10 years as Director of the Junior School, Mr Banboukjian will be farewelled at the College on Friday 14 September at the Cosgrove Centre. All members of the Waverley College community are invited to attend a cocktail evening to acknowledge and thank Tony. Tony will officially finish at the end of Term 3. Further details will be shared shortly.
Mr Peter Frost – Golden Anniversary Dinner: Friday 26 October 2018
This year Mr Frost celebrates his 50th year of teaching at the College. All members of the Waverley College community are invited to a dinner to be held at the Australian Turf Club on Friday 26 October. The Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove will be in attendance. Further details will be shared shortly.
