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Through Term 1 the College offers several after school swimming programs which are available to College boys and the broader community.

Parents and carers are allowed on site and parking is also available.

For more information on the programs and how to enrol please go to the Waverley College Swim School website.

Kind regards,
The Swim School Team

As parents, we are constantly striving to support the development, well-being, and happiness of our children. One crucial way to do this is by fostering a sense of safety and connection. This isn’t always easy as there are so many external factors involved, but what is in our control as parents is to develop agreed-upon parental boundaries.

A child’s sense of safety comes from feeling part of a unit where boundaries are clear, consistent, and understood. Connection, on the other hand, comes when a child feels seen, heard, understood, and valued by their caregivers. When caregivers work together to establish collaborative boundaries, they create an environment where children feel secure and supported, making it easier for them to thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

However, setting these boundaries is not always easy. In many families, each caregiver brings their own values, concerns, and emotional responses to parenting, which can lead to conflicting approaches. On top of that, each child has their own temperament, needs, and ways of navigating the world. These combinations can make it very challenging to find a unified approach.

Parents Agree on Boundaries

What to Do:
Parents need to have an open conversation with each other about their individual priorities and values regarding boundaries. It can be helpful for each caregiver to identify what are the most important boundaries for them in order of importance (e.g., cleaning, homework, socializing, sport, gaming—possibly just start with four). Then, work together to find common ground. Remember, having agreed-upon boundaries—even if imperfect—is more beneficial to the child than inconsistent rules. It may be helpful to seek support during this process to navigate this.

Example:
If you have different views on how much cleaning and responsibility your child should have, start by identifying what is important to both of you (e.g., being responsible or having balanced downtime) and identify non-negotiables (e.g., cleaning after dinner). What can then be negotiated is how often and how much.

Involve the child/teen in the Conversation

What to Do:
Children often have valuable insights into why they struggle with certain boundaries (e.g., they don’t understand the rule, feel overwhelmed, or face emotional challenges). Including the child early in the process fosters collaboration and helps them feel heard. Understanding the child’s perspective is key to finding a solution that works for everyone. Acknowledging and validating their feelings and thoughts regarding the topic is the first step in the conversation.

Examples:
For Cleaning:

For Gaming:

Together, find a balanced solution that respects everyone’s needs.

For Bedtime:
Your child might share that they have trouble winding down or want to stay up late as it’s important for them to connect with friends online. By listening to their reasons, you can work together to find a solution.

Set realistic and Collaborative Boundaries and Consequences

What to Do:
Rather than imposing a boundary unilaterally, collaborate with your child to co-create rules. This helps ensure the boundary is fair, reasonable, and likely to be respected. The goal is not punishment but learning and growth. It also supports the child feeling heard and valued.

Key Principles:

Example:
If the issue is gaming, collaborate with your child on:

As Dr. Greene of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model says, “We need to be flexible about how we achieve the boundaries, but firm about the boundary itself.” Flexibility in how you reach the boundary is important because children’s needs, developmental stages, and circumstances can change. However, the boundary itself should remain clear and firm. His core philosophy is that children want to do well, but sometimes they face challenges that prevent them from meeting expectations. By collaboratively setting and respecting boundaries, you can help your children develop the skills they need to thrive.

WAYS Youth & Family’s Wellness Centre Services provide free short-term (up to six months) psychological therapy and family therapy and can help you create collaborative boundaries. For further information, please visit their website: ways.org.au/ways-wellness-centre.

Greene, R. W. (2016). The Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Model: A new way to think about kids with behavioral challenges. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 43(3), 323-334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-016-9529-1

 

Jacinta Lynch

Registered Psychologist

Mondays and Wednesdays

 

Waverley College Community Book Club

Our Book Club on Wednesday 20 November marked a significant milestone for our School’s Literacy and Library teams as we proudly staged our inaugural Literary Evening/ Book Club. The evening was conceived with a single purpose: to bring the Waverley College community together to ignite a fervent love for reading. To achieve this goal, we curated a programme that welcomed special guest Paul MacDonald who shared his invaluable insights into the world of books and the profound connection between passionate reading and skilled writing. 

We were also delighted to invite our Extension 2 English (2024) students Asher Thomasyu and Robbie Muir to present on the role reading has played in their academic and personal development.

Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who came along to share our love of reading in a lively discussion of the book ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’.

The choice for our next Book Club is ‘Scar Town’ by Tristan Bancks. 

Suggested Reads from our Book Club attendees:

Fern Brady – Strong Female Character

Maggie Farrell  – A marriage Portrait

Chris Hammer  – Treasure and Dirt

Kate Grenville –  Secret River

Tim Winton –  Cloudstreet

Min Jin Lee – Pachinko

Guest Readers in the Library – School Leaders and Y12 Students

Mr Roberts and I were delighted to have ‘Guest Readers’ take time out of their hectic schedules to support the Reading Program with our classes in Years 7 and 8 and promote our motto “Everybody has a Book”.

Research from the IBSC (on the importance of school libraries and the role of the teacher librarian in building a positive reading culture) highlights the positive impact of having leaders in the school promote reading, creating connections through reading. 

Thank you to Mr Leddie, Mr Horrocks, Mrs Smith, Mr O’Donnell, Ms Walsh, Mr Roff, Mr Drew Morris, Mrs Porter , Mr Couani, Mrs Barrie, Mrs Foster and Mr Phillips for reading to the boys. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are hopefully inspired to pick up a book and read over the holidays. 

By providing strong reading role model — Y12 students Cooper Stewart and Archie Godby —we can help reshape perceptions and demonstrate that reading is not just a valuable skill but also a source of enjoyment and personal growth. 

Enthusiastic role models normalise the act of reading, showing boys that it can expand their horizons, spark curiosity, and challenge their perspectives. While sports often take precedence in boys’ priorities, offering diverse alternatives like engaging books can create a paradigm shift, encouraging them to see reading as a rewarding and accessible pursuit.

Some of the texts read included The Rabbits, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, Azaria, a range from author Matthew Reilly,  Banjo Patterson poetry, Holes, Good Omens, By the River and Scar Town. 

The importance of Reading over the Holidays

The well-earned Christmas break provides a chance to step away from the demands of daily school life. It presents a perfect opportunity for students to put down their devices and pick up a great book.

Research consistently highlights the incredible benefits of reading for children and teenagers, both academically and emotionally. Studies reveal that dedicating just 20 minutes a day to reading can lead to significant gains. Reading helps expand vocabulary, strengthen critical thinking skills, and improve comprehension. Beyond academics, it builds confidence, fosters a sense of achievement, and lays the groundwork for future success.

Reading also promotes mental well-being by offering a calming escape from daily pressures and encouraging relaxation. Immersing oneself in a compelling narrative can ease anxiety, improve focus, and strengthen resilience. Additionally, it fuels creativity and imaginative thinking, essential for problem-solving and innovation.

Non-fiction works should not be overlooked, particularly for boys. Inspirational stories from favourite athletes or successful entrepreneurs can be just as impactful. Research suggests that with the right books tailored to their interests—whether sports, science fiction, adventure, or history— so-called reluctant readers can become enthusiastic ones. Encouraging them to explore books that resonate with their passions can transform their reading journey.

Please see the recommendations from Mr Roberts on some great non-fiction reads. 

Our recommendations aim to inspire, engage, and spark curiosity. We’ve also included suggestions for staff and parents to enjoy.

Together, let’s commit to encouraging just 20 minutes a day immersed in a wonderful book.

Here is our 2024 recommended list again.

A list of Easy Reads for Boys:

Holes by Louis Sacher

Ghost (Track series) by Jason Reynolds

JT: The Making Of A Total Legend by Johnathan Thurston (and James Phelps)
The Dog Runner by Bren MacDibble

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

The Little Wave by Pip Harry

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

Arkanae (Medoran Chronicles series) by Lynette Noni

Everything Is Changed by Nova Weetman

Illuminae (series) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

Warcross by Marie Lu

Gone series by Michael Grant

Bro by Helen Chebatte

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Secret Runners Of New York by Mathew Reilly

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

The Road To Winter (series) by Mark Smith

Paper Towns by John Green

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Deep Water by Sarah Epstein

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Here are some ones to consider sharing as a family.

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/david-stratton-australia-at-the-movies-9781761472091

https://unsw.press/books/swimming-sydney/

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Richard-Scolyer-with-Garry-Maddox-Brainstorm-9781761471490

https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761561825/

https://booksfromaustralia.com/book/is-my-phone-reading-my-mind/

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/a-really-short-history-of-words-9780241666173

https://newsouthbooks.com.au/books/white-noise-1/

https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/book/9781406397390/

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Dave-Goulson,-illustrated-by-Emily-Carter-Insectarium-9781800782563

https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Fire-Up/Nedd-Brockmann/9781761427398

Note the College’s ebooks, audio books, e magazines are all available as well over the summer holidays.  All can be accessed via the College’s CANVAS LIbrary page which all students have been invited to.

Here is a video I showed at a recent school assembly.  Discuss it with your sons.

https://www.youtubeeducation.com/watch?v=UAHSlbssEPc

Reading definitely is a sport for ALL seasons.

Wishing you all a happy and refreshing summer.

Happy Reading!

The Library Team

We are accepting new applications for students in Year 8 to begin their Awards. There are also spots available to complete Adventurous Journeys at the upcoming Year 8 camp.

Click HERE for the registration form
Click HERE to make payment

Paramount to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, is individual ownership and responsibility towards achieving goals in a skill, physical activity and voluntary service.

The onus will be on our gentlemen to ensure they are meeting the expectations and demands associated with completing their Award, utilising the many resources available to them through the College.

With a large proportion of boys at the College already part of many co-curricular and social justice commitments, the Award can be a meaningful way to recognise the wonderful achievements already being undertaken by many of our students.

There are also opportunities to progress towards Silver and Gold Awards, which also carry great reward, recognition and prestige.

Meetings are held during lunchtime on Week B Thursdays to track student progress and for key information and details about the Award.

When: Lunchtime, Thursday(Week B)
Location: N31

For more details and information please email:

Alon Horry: ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Laura McLarnon: lmclarnon@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 

Alon Horry

Coordinator of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award

ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Last Saturday, the Class of 2009 gathered for a long-awaited reunion, and it was a night to remember!

Former classmates came together on the College rooftop to share memories, relive school days, and catch up on each other’s journeys since graduation.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this reunion a success! We look forward to welcoming back more alumni as we continue to celebrate our school’s legacy and the wonderful community of students who have been part of it.

 

Billy Nicolas

Foundation Officer

bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au

On behalf of the Parents Association, I am delighted to recognise Kirsten Hott as recipient of the Parent Impact Award 2024.

Kirsten was nominated for her tireless effort and support to the Waverley College community over many years.

Kirsten has been a stalwart volunteer in the second-hand uniform shop taking up a more formal role as Convener of the second-hand clothing pool.

She has dedicated her time to the effective management of the clothing pool serving parents, streamlining & improving processes and recently reinstating the Legacy Fund, ensuring funds raised are given back to the school community supporting those in need.

Kirsten has also coordinated the donation of uniforms for Fiji immersions giving uniforms new life and purpose while reducing waste.

She goes above and beyond in her commitment to the school community and is a worthy recipient of the Parent Impact Award.

Thank you Kirsten.

 

Mande Ilic

Parents Association

Only two weeks to go to the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! In fact, all family members are welcome. Time to get reading if you haven’t already finished the book.

We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premier’s English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.

Please RSVP HERE to our Inaugural Book Club for parents/ carers, students and staff.

Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!

Our Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.

Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books.

There is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience.

Food will be provided!

Date: 20 November

Time: 6pm

Venue: Waverley College Library

Mary Ryan

Literacy Coordinator and English teacher

mryan01@waverley.nsw.edu.au

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Waverley College Long Lunch! Join us for a vibrant celebration as we kick-off the new year with friends and family.

You’ll have the option to choose from an array of lunch options provided by local vendors, paired with a selection of refreshing beverages, including beer on tap, fine wines and French champagne.

Throughout the afternoon, enjoy live music, providing the perfect soundtrack for this unforgettable day of celebration along with a raffle and silent auction.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen the bonds that unite our Waverley community.

Date: Sunday, 16 February, 2025

Time: 12pm-6pm

Location: Waverley College Centenary Quadrangle

Dress code: Summer casual

Ticket: $50 includes drink on arrival

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and celebration.

Waverley College 2023 Year Books are hot off the press and ready for collection.

Our annual, glossy Year Books record, highlight and commemorate our College, and are a beloved tradition at Waverley.

A wonderful memento of your son’s year at the College, we encourage all families to obtain one copy of this special keepsake, so that together they may reminisce over what happened in this incredible year, and recall forgotten moments through inspiring images and reports.

Should you wish to obtain a copy of the 2023 Year Book, please collect your free edition from either the Junior School or Senior School Reception.

* The 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Year Books are also available for collection from the same locations.

Tickets on sale NOW!

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Waverley College Long Lunch! Join us for a vibrant celebration as we kick off the new year with friends and family.

You’ll have the option to choose from an array of lunch options provided by local vendors, paired with a selection of refreshing beverages, including beer on tap, fine wines and French champagne.

Throughout the afternoon, enjoy a live band, providing the perfect soundtrack for this unforgettable day of celebration.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen the bonds that unite our Waverley community.

Date: Sunday, 16 February, 2025

Time: 12pm-6pm

Location: Waverley College Centenary Quadrangle

Dress code: Smart casual

Tickets go on sale at 5pm on Wednesday, 6 November, 2024

Mark your calendars and get ready for an afternoon of laughter, connection, and celebration.

Stay tuned for more details!

 

Waverley College Events

events@waverley.nsw.edu.au