Last Friday our debaters competed against Barker College in the first round of the CAS debating competition. Under extremely unusual circumstances, and following COVID-safe protocols, our staff, coaches and teams navigated their way through remote online debates.
Under the guidance of their auspicious Captain, Patrick Hoggett, both junior and senior teams articulated complex and nuanced arguments related to the assigned topic of economic issues. In particular, our debaters explored ideas pertaining to the ethical aspects of advertising to children, financial security at the cost of emotional wealth, and the effectiveness and necessity of union strikes.
Overall, each team proved their ability to be confident, engaging, and well-spoken. I am thoroughly impressed with the collaboration and mateship that was displayed on Friday evening.
I congratulate all teams on their success, and I look forward to round two.
Ms Emma Halpin
Convenor of Debating and Public Speaking
E: ehalpin@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Wavefest 2021 is running a competition! As part of Waverley’s commitment to engage with students at home during online learning and keep us all connected, we are seeking fun and creative video content from students, families and teachers to show what they have been doing at home #wavestogetherbutapart
Email a 15-second video of you engaging in exciting classroom or outdoor physical activities. It could be a funny class activity, dance, physical workout challenge or family activity.
We will post video entries on our Waverley Social Media platforms. Please keep content family friendly as it will be shared on College Instagram and Facebook.
The best video entry will win a hamper from a school community local business.
Please email your videos to bbuchan@waverley.nsw.edu.au by Friday 30 July.
Ms Belinda Buchan
Academic Mentoring Coordinator
E: bbuchan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Since 2008, Waverley College has played host to a series of speakers in Term 3 each year, who might be considered visionary leaders in their respective fields. These speakers are invited to work with our students to:
The speaker series is part of the Year 9 Applied Philosophy program but open to all students who may be interested in the Guest Speakers and their respective career path or leadership roles.
>>> Click here to view Jeremy Liddle’s LinkedIn Profile
From his webpage: ‘During my 20+ years of founding & scaling businesses, I came to realise that entrepreneurs solve the world’s biggest problems. However, a lack of access to smart money & global markets inhibits so many from changing the world. I cofounded SDGx to help solve this problem through investment, advisory, and impact work that targets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an initial focus on climate tech. I am also a partner at Third Hemisphere, a tech and finance media relations firm that elevates the voices of innovators & leaders who are breaking new ground & changing the world for the better. I’ve now invested in 25+ tech companies, coached/advised hundreds, and manage all media for organisations such as Australian Ethical ($5bn+ FUM), Volt bank, Cicada Innovations, SocietyOne, and Limepay.’
>>> Click here to view Jenny Leong’s website bio
Jenny Leong is the State Member for the Electorate of Newtown in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. The Electorate includes the suburbs of Redfern, Surry Hills, Camperdown, Enmore, Petersham, Darlington, Stanmore, Chippendale, Lewisham, Erskineville and Newtown. The ABC’s Election Analyst Antony Green has described it as “the state’s newest, smallest and funkiest electorate.”
Jenny was elected to parliament at the NSW state election on 28 March 2015. She is the first person to represent the seat of Newtown in its current form, as the electorate was recreated for the 2015 election, to accommodate inner Sydney’s rapidly growing population. However the history of the Electorate of Newtown dates back to 1904 and it was represented by a number of Members before it was merged then abolished in the mid-1900s.
Jenny’s statewide portfolio responsibilities for the NSW Greens include: Housing and Homelessness; Women’s Rights; Human Rights; Sexuality and Gender Identity; Multiculturalism; Western Sydney; Climate Change.
>>> Click here to view Troy Douglas’ LinkedIn Profile
Troy is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Nexba, one of Australia’s fastest growing beverage brands. Troy leads the global expansion of the brand, infusing his passion for innovation and healthy living to take Nexba’s Naturally Sugar Free movement beyond Australia. Rapidly expanding in the European market Nexba is now stocked in major retailers in the UK including Sainsbury’s and WHSmith.
Troy, alongside his Co-Founder and brother-in-law Drew, were inspired to innovate and shake up the high-sugar and artificial-laden beverages market in Australia after seeing the devastating impact of diabetes and obesity on people at home, and around the world. From humble beginnings selling iced tea from the back of a van in Bondi, Sydney, the pair are now approaching their tenth year in business with consistent 100% YOY growth and major stockists nationally including Coles, Woolworths, 7-Eleven, Caltex, and more.
>>> Click here to view Jonathan Moody’s LinkedIn Profile
Jonathan Moody is an experienced owner, investor, practitioner and educator of Allied Health businesses, learning many lessons from both his successes and failures in the health space.
As the strategic leader at Physio lnq, Jonathan is big on collaboration, through empowering staff to chase their passion and use Physio Inq as a vehicle to do it. He hopes to position Physio lnq as the benchmark of high quality, patient-orientated and clinician-connected healthcare into the future.
Combine this with a keen interest in Technology and IT, Jonathan has at his core, a passion for innovation, progress and driving change.
Due to the changing nature of COVID-19 restrictions, these dates may be subject to change, and may also be run virtually. Updates will be provided in due course to all interested participants. If your son is interested in participating >>> Click here to complete the Visions of Leadership participation form. (A calendar invitation will be sent before each event).
Ms Stephanie Boyce
Academic Enrichment Coordinator
E: sboyce@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Year 12 Studies of Religion cohort engaged in an excursion on Thursday 10 June to the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong to appreciate and experience the practice of temple puja, an aspect of the Buddhism HSC course. The breakfast stop, at McDonald’s Heathcote, en route set the tone for a highly engaging day. Temple puja is a set of devotions to the Buddha, the role model of the path to enlightenment and escape from suffering. Students were able to observe Buddhist adherents engaging in puja but also experience and practise their own development of mindfulness.
They were very focused during the origami session, producing a range of lotus flowers, the symbol of Buddhism. Meditation, with the nuns, was another attempt to be still and cultivate the mind. The removal of shoes, bowing and silence are components of this ancient practice. It was quite uplifting to see that these young adults were able to detach from music, laptops, mobile phones and other devices to give due respect to the nuns, tour guides and teachers. The sharing of a vegetarian meal for lunch further enhanced their understanding of this faith tradition.
Year 12 Studies of Religion students on an excursion at the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong
Year 12 Studies of Religion students on an excursion at the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong
Year 12 Studies of Religion students on an excursion at the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple in Wollongong
Students making origami Lotus flowers; an Auspicious Symbol of Buddhism
Origami by students; the lotus flower is an Auspicious Symbol of Buddhism
Ms Martina Cooper
Head of Religion
E: mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In a timely manner to coincide with World Environment day (5 June) and World Ocean Day (8 June), our Students of the World Ecology group, along with O’Connor House Prefects and the help of Mr Robinson (Junior School Teacher and iLeader) and Ms Stacey (pre-service teacher), met last week to undertake a waste management audit of selected campus rubbish bins. This is the second waste audit to take place at Waverley, the first in 2020, providing us with comparable data.
One general waste bin and one recycling bin from two high traffic areas, Centenary Quad and Kenny Quad (near the Canteen), were selected to provide a good snapshot of the waste disposal habits of our students and staff.
Students of the World Ecology Group Keenly Participate in the Waste Management Audit
Waste Management Audit – There’s More Work to be Done!
Students were grouped into two teams lead by our Year 12 Ecology students Hayden Walker and Sebastian Van de Hoek. Students emptied the contents of these bins onto large tarpaulins and began sorting waste (appropriate gloves were provided!) into specific categories such as, food waste, plastics, soft plastics (RedCycle), paper etc. Each category was weighed and recorded.
Although we have yet to analyse the data in more detail, which will be done in the next group catch up (Wednesday 16 June, W23, lunchtime), it was clear to see that there was an enormous amount of food waste being disposed of incorrectly. 13kg in total across just four bins. With nearly 4kg of that being placed into the recycling bin! This clearly shows the need for a solution to increase the accessibility of a composting bin to these and other areas in the Senior Campus.
It was also evidently clear that a further solution along with education is needed for the correct recycling of soft plastics and RedCycle items. Both findings will be discussed and researched early in Term 3.
Mr Robinson will be looking to organise a waste management audit in the Junior School so that we have data across both campuses.
Thanks go to Mr Barr, Mr Kendall and Ms Stacey. Thank you also to MAJ(AAC) de Kantzow for allowing us to use the cadet tarpaulins, and to Ms Day in the Science department who helped provide the necessary equipment and cleaning support.
Waste Management Audit – Klayton Thorn categorising waste
Last week also saw the group create a short filmed presentation (below) for the EREA Ecology Conference in Wollongong on 21 June. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the conference in person this year but we still wanted to participate and provide the other participating schools with an update on our waste issues and other ecological initiatives. We look forward to hearing all about the conference and we hope to be able to incorporate ideas shared by these schools in the near future.
We wish everyone a happy and ecological break. Remember one small ecological action by many creates one large ecological change – let’s make this a positive change.
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Geography Teacher and Ecology Coordinator
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This term our Senior School debaters competed in the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association competition. Throughout the competition, students delivered informative, persuasive and well-structured arguments on international and domestic socio-political concerns such as educational reform, rules of law, and environmentalism. Within this, students astutely navigated the moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of any good debate about history and progress.
All debaters, teachers, coaches and parents should be proud of the level of rhetorical skill and confidence that was demonstrated in this competition. Well done to all, and particularly to Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 who won more than half of their debates.
I congratulate all teams on a successful debating competition and look forward to the Combined Associated Schools’ Debating competition in Term 3.
Ms Emma Halpin
Convenor of Debating and Public Speaking
E: ehalpin@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 7 students preparing informative, persuasive and well-structured arguments at the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association Competition
A most appreciative audience of parents, family members, friends and staff were treated to an evening of wonderful music ranging from soloists, choirs, rock bands, guitar ensembles, string ensemble, jazz ensembles and concert bands. All soloists and ensembles were well prepared and eager to showcase the vast talent of the boys from Waverley College and the girls from St Clare’s who play in our ensembles.
Showcasing our gifts at the Music Festival 2021
This event would not have been such a success without the generous support and work from the following members of the music department:
Talented acoustic guitarists
Bass guitarist extraordinaire!
Evan Service, winner of the inaugural piano competition division 2, plays Solfeggietto by Bach
Other members of staff who did an amazing job assisting on the evening were Ms Catherine Sharp in printing the programme, and Mr Angus McPherson and Mr Bishoy Wasef for their technical, lighting and photographic expertise.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the parents who freely volunteered their time on the night to assist in the serving of food and beverages. Thank you to those who baked cakes and donated food and drinks for the night. Thank you to Ms Naomi and Mr Greg Isaac who did an amazing job producing so much delicious food, and Mr Simon Trustrum and Mr Joe Rede for organising all the drinks.
I would especially like to thank the members of the Music Supporters’ Club: Ms Christina Leonard, Ms Karen Birrell and Mr Joe Rede who along with Keiran assisted in making this such a successful night.
Mr Chris Balkizas
Head of Music
E: cbalkizas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Music Festival 2021
Music teacher Ms Jaz Dolso leads the choir at the Music Festival 2021
Striking strings at the 2021 Music Festival
Thank you for the music!
Year 12 Legal Studies students recently took part in a HSC essay writing workshop led by Mr Christian DeVillar, a highly experienced HSC Legal Studies examination marker. Christian shared valuable insights into the HSC marking process including what markers look for in a response and how to write a top response. Students refined their skills in legal essay writing techniques, constructing legal arguments, using court cases and legislation, and making effective legal judgements. Christian shared detailed knowledge of criminal cases as well as his own personal stories working with young offenders in juvenile detention. The class was kept both informed and amused throughout the workshop, gaining much from this valuable experience.
Christian DeVillar Sharing Valuable Insights as an HSC Legal Studies Examination Marker
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director Identity and Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In the year 2000, 300,000 Australians including Waverley students, walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week (NRW). The theme this year was, ‘More than a word, Reconciliation takes action.’ The College held a number of events last week to mark NRW for students and staff.
Uncle John Allen officially opened Reconciliation Week at the College with a Smoking Ceremony and blessing in the Centenary Quadrangle. During the week, Zachary Bennett-Brook, a contemporary Indigenous artist of Torres Strait Islander ancestry and owner of Saltwater Dreamtime painted a mural adjoining the Kenny Quad. His trademark work integrates his passion for the ocean and the environment, and has gained him global recognition including work at Bondi Beach.
Students and staff enjoyed interacting with Zac and watching him as he worked. His finished mural (below) is painted in Waverley colours, with the smaller dots representing students and the larger dots representing teachers, staff and families making up the Waverley Community. The lines are symbolic of the diversity in the community and the different pathways and journeys that each person takes. Our Aboriginal students from Years 5 – 11 attended a special lunch with Zachary and heard him speak about his upbringing and journey in life that brought him to his current success.
Artist Zachary Bennett-Brook and the New Waverley Mural
The National Reconciliation Week College Assembly run by students, concluded the week’s celebrations with special guest speaker, Michael O’Loughlin. The presentation of the newly-designed College Indigenous jersey, designed by talented artist Billy Reynolds, was a highlight of the event.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.” — Reconciliation Australia.
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director Identity and Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday, 4 June, Year 10 completed their first session of the Land, Sea, Air Drawing incursion with artist Tania Mason.
Students experimented with a variety of techniques and processes to create samples in charcoal, ink and watercolour. For each medium, students were encouraged to push the boundaries in terms of mark making and application techniques to create unique representations of local flora and fauna.
Students engaged with the artist’s practice and learnt a lot from tutorials demonstrated by Mason as she simplified her process and demonstrated how to build these materials through layering to create a resolved work.
These fundamentals learnt in the first session will be built on next term, when Tania Mason returns for the second and final incursion.
Ms Natalie Oates
Head of Visual Arts
E: noates@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 students of Studies of Religion II were immersed in aspects of the Jewish faith on Friday 4 June. They attended the Great Synagogue in the city and heard from the rabbi about aspects of Jewish worship and life, including the lack of images of God in their place of worship, the separation of women and men in an Orthodox synagogue and the centrality of the Torah in rituals. The students also experienced the wearing of kippahs to signify humility in the presence of the transcendent God.
Following a walk to Darlinghurst, the next aspect of the day was at the Sydney Jewish Museum. This program was specifically tailored to the Studies of Religion Preliminary Course and included a tour and lecture. Aspects covered included an understanding of the branches of Judaism, sacred scripture and rituals. The students were able to get a hands-on experience of significant themes in the lives of Jews in Australia. It is hoped that these students may return to this museum at a later stage to encounter the impact of the Holocaust on the lives of Jewish adherents.
Ms Martina Cooper
Head of Religious Education
E: mcooper@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
Year 11 Jewish Depth Study Excursion
When studying a foreign language such as Spanish, it is important to be exposed to a variety of authentic resources and experiences to enrich a student’s understanding and appreciation of the cultural contexts in which the language is used, as well as develop an ability to reflect on their own culture.
Last week, Year 12 Beginners and Continuers students had the opportunity to watch a film based on a book written by the Mexican author, Laura Esquival, entitled: Like Water for Chocolate in the Performance Arts Centre. The film was set in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution and presented a visually stunning tale of love and the magical powers of food.
Before watching the film, students were treated to a traditional Spanish breakfast of chocolate caliente, churros y magdalenas. Sampling the delectable treats was an integral part of their incursion, as they were able to appreciate the importance of delicious food and flavours in Spanish cuisine.
Ms Priscilla Quintata
Head of Languages
E: pquintana@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Traditional Spanish breakfast of chocolate caliente, churros y magdalenas. YUM!
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
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