Around Campus Archives - Page 10 of 17

Being an effective teacher is more than just improving test scores – it’s also about making a difference in students’ lives. Some of the traits of an effective teacher are their passion for learning, believing in their students’ strengths, and knowing how to help students to reach their full potential.

The Heads of Department, Mr Spargo and Ms Quintana, took the opportunity to create an experimental cross-curricular Spanish and TAS activity, touching upon the importance of cooking and safety, responsible food preparation and good food choices. Aligned and cooperative collaboration is all about diverse departments getting together and planning, so that topics of study are taught concurrently.

Led by Ms Quintana, students from 803 were provided with a cooking demonstration class in Monday’s lesson, sampling the savoury and traditional Spanish tortilla. The following day they were tasked with preparing the dish during their practical lesson by following a detailed recipe. They did an outstanding job and would make their families proud, perhaps even given their parents a night off every week to prepare something nutritious and delicious for the whole family.

Research has shown that students can achieve deeper learning when professional educators combine their efforts and reinforce the same message in each subject area. This helps clarify the information for the student, the learning activities become more fluid, and the student’s knowledge and skills improve.

Needless to say, the smiles on the students’ faces were priceless after successfully completing their cooking lesson, with the knowledge that they could devour the fruits of their labor – once they had cleaned up, of course!

This week, creative Year 9 students collaborated against the clock to illustrate and ‘Write a Book in a Day.’ This popular 12-hour competition really challenges students, because they must include unique parameters in their story, which stretches their intellectual flexibility and innovation. It’s also a lot of fun!

We’re so proud that these student authors and illustrators got involved. Here’s what a couple of them had to say about the five-chapter project:

“The collaborative process works really well, because in the end, each piece comes together from each individual to paint the full picture … and I learned that we’re all creative in different ways.” – Archie Godby

“Having many people writing, creates a lot of variation which adds to the creativity of the writing.” – Max Sheehy

We can’t wait to read the digital edition of their story, The Search for Happiness, in the Online Library shared with hospitals right across Australia, with sponsorship funds gifted to the Kids’ Cancer Project.

Thank you Archie Godby, Thomas Jackson-Whilock, Kobe Jones, Toby McDonald, Max Sheehy, Luca Cornelius and Renator Rovacchi for sharing your storytelling magic.

On Friday, 19 August, members of the Students of the World Ecology Group attended the annual Eco Edmund Rice College Sustainability Conference at Wollongong. These included myself, Christopher Kallo (Year 12), Liam McEvoy (Year 10), James Peate (Year 9), Max Sheehy (Year 9), Archie Godby (Year 9) and Lachlan Isaac (Year 9).

Lara Pugh and Dr Carl Hopley

The conference began with a presentation by Ms Lara Pugh, from Wollongong City Council who spoke about their sustainable approaches. Following Lara, was Dr Carl Hopley, a Buildings and Facilities Sustainability Planner. One of his projects utilised Bluetooth technology to perfectly illuminate the building only when and where individuals are present. Essentially, the LED lights follow you around by communicating with each other. He also implemented a solar panel scheme, significant enough to hide an Olympic Swimming Pool on the top of one of his projects. These initiatives alone saved $300,000 and absolutely astonishing volumes of energy.

School Presentations

Following these presenters was each school’s presentations on their energy audits and initiatives implemented to address them. We presented a variety of Waverley initiatives as well as our energy audit results, focusing on areas of high-energy consumption within our school. Initiatives that we and others have implemented include, solar panels and solar buddies initiatives, collaboration with St Clare’s, food waste audits and management, green initiatives, and finally, utilising Indigenous plant species in greening projects.

Results and Initiatives of the Other Schools Presenting
St. Edwards	Implemented the “FLICK” acronym to reduce unnecessary energy consumption, flick the fans off, lights off, computers off and key to lock the door
Illawara	Significant costs of energy and to approach sustainability, they implemented a Beeswax Wraps initiative for Year 10 students
St. John’s	Discovered that lights, fans and air conditioning were all left on during lunch and times of vacancy, whereby they implemented Johnie’s Action Group and even a beehive to address and reduce this
CHBS	Discovered significant energy usage in Music Departments, however sought advice from this conference to address this issue
ERC	Discovered that 2019 was an astonishing year in terms of energy consumption and implemented battery recycling and paper recycling
St. Mary’s	Discovered that specialist rooms consume more energy than regular classrooms, whereby they instilled ‘No Tech Tuesdays’ where for two periods on a Tuesday, students and teacher plan and complete lessons without the use of technology, with the exception of senior years
Lindsey Park	This primary school had incredible young students implementing change through the presentation of their energy consumption and watching other initiatives
Holy Spirit	Discovered the impact of leaving, fridges, freezers and microwaves on, every day of the year, and plan to instil more energy-saving initiatives in the future

Kylie Flament

Kylie Flament then elaborated on the importance of implementing sustainable initiatives through a series of four key assessors: People, Planet, Finance and Capability – supported by the community, good for the planet, financially fundable and achievable. Additionally, Kylie ran a workshop tackling behaviour, whereby each table of students (all from different schools) developed an initiative that they believed could be implemented and was sustainable either in schools or across the community. A quote from Kylie speaks volumes about our society: “Systems are easier to change than the opinions and behaviours of people.”

Sean Staniforth

Following Kylie’s workshop, was an astonishing presentation by an inspiring young entrepreneur and student of Edmund Rice College, Sean Staniforth who discussed the importance of turning your passion into a sustainable and even profitable reality. Sean started his own business known as “Sean’s Unique Woodworking” utilising reused and recycled timber in collaboration with Acacia and PCA Furniture, using their offcuts to produce his sustainable and authentic work. He has every angle of his business covered in terms of sustainable practices, whereby he recycles sawdust and gives wood shavings to his family and friends to utilise in their chicken’s nesting coops.

Costa Georgiadis

Finally, Mr Costa Georgiadis, a Waverley Old Boy, presented an incredibly engaging and active presentation, exemplifying the fact that we should not stand in the way, however provide an alternative to progress towards a solution. He also elaborated that inclusivity is the best policy, we need collaboration and that we need to talk about our failures. The most crucial component Costa wanted to exhibit, was that story comes from the heart. We can let others share our ideas, and we don’t have to force our ides down the throat of others however respond in an open manner, “Well, since you asked..” Costa’s inspiring presentation paved the way to approach our ideas and the best way to have success in doing so.

Final Thoughts

Conclusively, the conference was extremely enjoyable, insightful and enlightening, enabling us to know the best way to approach our solutions, respectfully adapt the behaviours of people, and instil an initiative and achieve an optimal outcome.

I would like to thank Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe and Mr Brad Thompson for their transportation, organisation and incredible guidance during the event. I would also love to thank the younger students in our Ecology Group: Oliver Isaac, Patrick Blackhall and Oliver Lorimer who helped tremendously in preparing our presentation for the event.

Last Sunday, three Year 11 Waverley young men, Bert Cottell, Elliot Witten and Mathew Woods, went to the Cardoner Project with Mr Ben Steel and Ms Sue Walsh, for the inaugural Burritos and Brownies social justice initiative.

After making and wrapping the burritos and brownies, they headed off to Wade Park in Strawberry Hills. Here they met up with many homeless clients, and others in need, for a chat and a meal.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our boys to participate in activities that engaged them with the excluded and disadvantaged in our community, and the students enjoyed this wonderful new initiative immensely. Feedback from the students was very positive, as they developed a genuine understanding and respect for diverse communities.

“We showed up to The Two Wolves Cantina at 10am and we were put straight to work. We made, wrapped and packed over 80 burritos and brownies to hand out to the Surry Hills Housing Commission community. Taking part in this experience made me realise how often we dismiss individuals who are homeless. We walk past them at the train station or at Bondi junction and don’t think twice about it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and from now on make a conscious effort to stop, talk and help individuals who experience homelessness where I can. I strongly believe that this experience changed me in a way that I really didn’t expect it to.

If, like me, you feel compelled to put yourself out there, help people who have fallen on hard times and just need a helping hand, or just have a conversation with someone you wouldn’t normally have one with, this experience is for you.” – Year 11 student, Bertie Cottell

This initiative will be available once a month with hopes that the program will also spread to the Redfern area. The Cardoner Project (a not-for-profit volunteer organisation) are currently donating all the food, but would greatly appreciate some sponsorship or ingredient donations to fray some of the costs.

As part of the Technology Mandatory course, class 7 Tec 09 have been studying Agriculture and Food Technologies.

On a beautiful sunny day a couple of weeks ago, the students headed outside, and using food models such as The Healthy Eating Pyramid and The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, they documented their past few meals using chalk and concrete as a canvas.

In the kitchen, students have been cooking various recipes including Apple and Cinnamon Pancakes. Presentation of food plays a large part in meal enjoyment. Congratulations to Edward Garland-Barnes, Joshua Jones, Xander Mills and Ty Paton on their finished product.

Year 11 Hospitality recently completed a week’s work placement as part of their Certificate II in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations). Students were placed in a variety of venues including cafes, restaurants, hotels and catering companies.

They chopped, peeled, baked, fried, flipped, whipped and much more. The students performed and behaved so well, that many venues took time out to let us know just that. Many received a merit award, and some, a Blue Merit.

On Wednesday, 10 August, we hosted our inaugural speed mentoring session in the Senior Library, where current students had the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions about careers, skills and studies with Waverley College alumni.

The aim was to create a space where students could ask questions and gain insights into various industries in a short time. At the start of the 1.5-hour session, Chris Peralta (WCOB 1993), encouraged mentors and mentees alike to consider what their superpower is, and how this can be nurtured to ensure they strive to become the best version of themselves.

Our mentors, ranging from the graduating classes of 1976 to 2019, each had unique skills and experience that, by all accounts, has inspired the mentees and even provided clear directions for future pathways. We are incredibly grateful to our 15 Old Boy mentors for generously sharing their time and expertise.

This week with our Year 12s on Trials, it was a delight to see our Year 11 students stepping in to organise some inter-house activities. A Senior and Junior Basketball competition was held over the past week with some outstanding skills and sportsmanship shown throughout the games.

Congratulations to Lacey House who won the Junior division and to Brennan House who were victorious in the Senior division. There were many close competitions between the Houses throughout the knock out competition and the support from other members of the Houses was terrific.

Thank you to all those Heads of House and Year 11 students who worked to make our competition so enjoyable. Well done!

Waverley College 2021 Year Books are hot off the press and ready for collection.

Our annual, glossy, hard-copy 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 2021 Year Book, please collect your free, 267-page edition from the Senior School Reception on Birrell Street.

Last Friday evening, Waverley hosted the second round of the CAS Debating competition against Barker College. All senior teams were given the choice of three potential motions to debate on the concepts of justice, law, and politics. In negotiation with the opposition, the Firsts team affirmed the motion:

That Indigenous groups in parliamentary democracies should form independent political parties instead of encouraging their members to vote for, and run, on behalf of, existing parties.

Mack Flitcroft opened the debate, providing a compelling overview of the affirmative case and the team’s proposed model. Second to speak was Christian Kitas who made clear, precise rebuttals of the opposition’s argument whilst continuing to develop Waverley’s case. Daniel McSweeny rounded out the team with a highly effective closing argument that articulated the primary issues of the debate, and why the affirmative model was the most plausible.

After deliberation, the three adjudicators awarded the debate to Waverley. Both teams were complimented on their manner and delivery, as well as the sophistication of the debate overall.

This win marks the first time in 20 years that Waverley defeated Barker in a Firsts debate. The whole team should feel ecstatic at this significant achievement and I thank them for all their diligence in training and competing.

Furthermore, it was fantastic that several other senior students came out to support the First team as they debated in the PAC theatre — a somewhat daunting venue that was made more comfortable by their enthusiastic support. I would like to thank Conor, Carter, Owen, Charlie, Alejandro, and Lachlan for their attendance and celebration for the team on their win.

The next round is an economic topic to be held at Waverley College against Trinity Grammar. Parents, carers and students are very welcome to support our debaters.

Did you read the ‘Poem Forest’ article in last week’s edition of Nurrunga?

Our Students of the World Ecology Group have planted nine trees just creating and submitting their nature poems to the ‘Poem Forest’ environmental initiative.

Get involved by submitting entries before Friday, 23 September. A tree is planted for EVERY poem submitted!

Read the Nature Poems by the Ecology Group

Nature is wonderful
Nature is green
Nature is everywhere and makes the world clean
Nature is biophysical
Nature is diverse
Nature is geological and its beauty unrehearsed.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I am writing this poem to plant a tree,
And I hope you will too!

Towering high above us
Roots take up water
Evergreens stay green all year
Every day they keep us alive

I love the Black cockatoo
And survive is what they must do
They don’t want to die
They just want to fly
This justice we must pursue

Amber and yellow arose from the sky,
As brown branches stood high.
And so the day began.
As abiotic and biotic factors brushed by,
Tiny little humans cut into my thigh.
I lost branches and I lost some more.
Why, I did not look like that before!
As amber and yellow set in the sky,
I continued to process that tomorrow I may die.

The environment is like a bee
Loving the plants, trees and flowers
Making it suffer is not meant to bee
We all have the powers
To plant the new tree

The majestic humpback whale,
so graceful day to day.
We must help, we must not fail
so I have something to say.
Trust me okay this is not a tale.
They need us now we must change.
Let’s plant our trees let’s make a trail,
together we make a forest range.
Please send a poem through the mail,
sorry for this big rant,
but we must save the humpback whale!
But these trees we plant,
is the first step of the way
to make sure our humpback whales are okay.

Oh Great tree,
You do wonders for me,
Shame you will be cut down,
With humanity turning around.
Oh wonderful ocean,
For years you’ve stood,
Shame you’ve rosen,

Old Boy, Mark Higgins, spoke to a group of aspiring student leaders in the College Senior Library during Week 2. His brief was to outline what leadership is, its power, and how we are all called to leadership.

Mark spoke as part of a longstanding program at Waverley, where leaders in their respective fields come in to talk to future student leaders. The power of linking to the broader world and connecting to our community to expose our student audiences to real-world practitioners, is of immense value.

Mark, currently a barrister, outlined his work and general life experiences throughout his impactful career, and how his actions are guided by core values originating from his time as a Waverley College student. He outlined how he has applied leadership to those he interacts with through work, and also in social activities and social justice programs outside of work.

Mark challenged students to treat all people with dignity. How can we maintain the sense of an individual’s worth? How can we facilitate bringing out the best in people and assisting people to excel?

Mark outlined one example about his experiences when working with Legal Aid in Western Sydney. Here, he worked with people who have committed serious crimes. He said that his stance of treating people with dignity is the ultimate act of leadership, and he challenged current students to consider this when they act.

He carefully outlined how leadership can be found in all areas of life. His experiences in parachuting, surfing and rugby all involved concepts of leadership and exemplified how we can all be leaders.

Mark’s explanation of the Waverley Crest and how its key aspects including: the gold star and the five gold bars representing Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude, Religious Virtue: faith, hope, charity, have been a great source of guidance. He said that these values are powerful and great to nurture.

This is first in a series of talks for Mark. We’re very grateful that he will continue to work with selected young men of Waverley, connecting their class studies to the wider world of life outside of school.

Would You Like to Make a Presentation to Waverley Students?

If you would like to contribute in a similar way, via presenting to students with your insights from industry and the world of work, please be in contact with Ms Venettia Miller in Archives, Alumni and Development.