Last weekend, Year 12 students Jack Preller and Harrison Rimell attended the NSW Youth United Nations State Conference with 200 high school students from across the state, to learn about leadership, diplomacy and advocacy, and to take part in the global conversation about modern conflicts.
Harrison Rimell has written a brief overview of their experience:
“Throughout the three-day event, we partook in workshops, activities and ultimately three separate Model UN summits. Hosted in Collaroy, the conference consisted of discussions on a variety of prevalent issues facing the world and global youth today, ranging from conflict to environmentalism. Jack and I were able to speak with other young people from around NSW to coordinate solutions to these issues, as well as be informed from others; an experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to broaden their perspective and further their understanding of politics.
After a day of workshops and activities, we participated in three separate model UNs; I represented Colombia, and Jack, Finland. Together with the other delegates, we pushed conventions on international cybercrime, the refugee crisis, weapons manufacturing and the rules of engagement. The debates surrounding these issues were nuanced and helped Jack and I to better understand the multi-faceted nature of policy-making.
In addition to simply discussing these issues, we met with the 2023 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, as part of her listening tour. The points that we, among ~190 other students, raised to her will be brought up in her statement to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jack and I both feel honoured to be able to have such a direct impact on the ongoings of world politics, and recommend this program to anyone who wishes to engage with current affairs on a meaningful level.”
Congratulations to the Year 11 Hospitality students who catered for the recent Swimming Carnival, their first mandatory Service Period as part of their course.
These students demonstrated great teamwork, and safe and hygienic practices whilst developing their food preparation and cooking skills.
Teachers were treated to a homemade protein ball and a choice of a wrap (tandoori cauliflower with raita), sandwich (smoked salmon with a lemon and chive cream cheese), or a roll (Swiss cheese with a homemade coleslaw).
Last Monday, our Year 11 students studying Sport, Life and Recreation visited the Off-Piste Skiing and Snowboarding centre at the Entertainment Quarter.
The excursion allowed each student to experience a skiing simulator session, which addressed the key skills and body movements required for this activity.
The day was an enormous success, with all students showing a great level of enthusiasm and skill.
Last Friday, Waverley College hosted the first round of the 2023 CSDA Public Speaking Competition. This event was made even more exciting as it was the first time in three years competitors were back face-to-face.
More than 80 competitors across 13 schools took part in this prestigious competition, with two of our competitors, James Peate (Year 10) and Ewan McDonald (Year 11) moving forward to the Zone Final this week at Marcellin College.
James Peate and Ewan McDonald
James’ topic, ‘Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200’ and Ewan’s topic, ‘When it’s dark enough you can see the stars’, were delivered with poise and confidence in equal measure.
I would like to congratulate all public speaking students for assisting in the organisation and hosting of this round; their maturity and leadership is highly commendable.
The Big Brother Little Brother program matches our Junior School students in Year 5 with our Senior School students in Year 10, to provide guidance and friendship with the aim of becoming a long-term positive role model.
Throughout the year, students connect with their brothers twice per term, to allow for genuine friendships to form, the building of trust, mutual respect and collaboration. By the time our Little Brothers start Year 7, their Big Brothers are in Year 12, and this helps to provide a positive start to their Senior School experience.
The first session of Big Brother Little Brother began last Friday. Teamed into House groups, the boys began with a ‘Getting to Know You’ activity to find out more about each other.
Later activities in the year will include Big Brothers designing their own activities to deliver to their Little Brothers, demonstrating their leadership, creativity and teamwork work skills.
A big thank you to all the Heads of House and Junior School staff who assisted on the day to make the program possible.
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Student Formation
mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This fortnight, Year 8 Visual Arts students have been enjoying the bright weather, drawing ‘En plein air’. Setting up in different locations around the College, students have been learning one point and two point perspective drawing skills.
These quick sketches outdoors will form the composition for individual landscape artworks referencing artists Jeffery Smart, David Hockney and Howard Arkley.
This week, we celebrated Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. A time when we reflect on the life of Jesus and seek to emulate how he treated all those he met. Our student-led liturgy highlighted the importance of reflection and gratitude.
Students were asked to think beyond “giving up” physical things and to concentrate on “giving up” characteristics that prevent them from becoming the best versions of themselves, such as impatience, anger or selfishness.
The ashes that were received represent the sacrifice Jesus made for each one of us, and Lent offers everyone the opportunity to challenge themselves to live the best life possible.
Thank you to those people who helped prepare such a meaningful liturgy and we look forward to a wonderful Easter ceremony.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Tuesday at lunch time saw Kiri Barber, a Kapa Haka tutor, join our students for some valuable Haka lessons.
A spirited time was had by all the students and we look forward to developing our cultural skills and awareness over the coming months.
Special thank you to Kiri for making time for us and to Ms Romijn for organising Kiri to assist us.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Hudson Langan-Stark (Year 7) has wanted to be a Marine Biologist since he was seven. His wish came true when he joined the organisation called ‘Little Dreamers’, which supports the siblings of those who have disabilities.
Husdon’s wish was to go to Townsville and be a Marine Biologist for a day at James Cook University (JCU), which has a top marine science program.
Below is Hudson’s recount of his time at JCU:
“At JCU, I got to do many exciting activities, but one of my favourites was working at The Caraplace. The Caraplace is the world’s first and only turtle health research facility. There, I got to learn all kinds of facts about sea turtles, but I also learned that funding for the facility was quite difficult. The reason why it is so hard, is that many organisations give grants to continue research, but the sea turtles still need food, holding containers, maintenance of their filters, and other basic needs. So, to give back to the Caraplace for giving me my dream experience and the opportunity of a lifetime, I want to raise enough money to help the turtles so that we can continue researching healthy turtles.”
Hudson is hoping to make a difference in this cause very close to his heart, and would appreciate the support of anyone who is in a position to donate to the continued research of healthy turtles.
Would you like to help? Click the button below to view Hudson’s GoFundMe page.
Shrove Tuesday saw the smell of pancakes, syrup and ice cream fill the Centenary Quad. Thank you to all those students who supported our Project Compassion fundraiser, and especially to all those who brought in pancakes on the day.
We sold over 44 litres of ice cream and topping with our pancakes and raised over $1,000!
Well done to all our Prefects who served on the day.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Wednesday, our Year 11 Sport Life and Recreation students visited Point Piper Kayak Centre. The day involved lifesaving and paddle boarding activities along with a kayaking expedition to Shark Island in the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
Students grasped an understanding of the importance of physical activity in outdoor environments, and the incredible benefits this can have on their lifestyle and wellbeing.
Today we celebrated our very special Commencement Mass for 2023. The theme of our Mass this year is based on our Year 12 motto of “Speak with Respect, Act with Integrity.”
This Mass also saw the induction of 10 Eucharistic Ministers from Years 11 and 12. These included: Connor Andrews, Mitchell Cahill, Remy Frampton, Marcus Kastrissios, Oliver Malzard, Hugh McDonald, Lachlan Miranda, Jack Preller, Liam Russell, Tom Shahinian.
It is wonderful to see so many young men willing to take up the challenge of bringing Christ to our community and enriching our liturgies.
Thank you to all who made our Mass such a special celebration today from Fr Bernie, to our musicians and choir, our Maintenance Team, Mr Sposari, Mr Ghattas, Mr Stanton, and all our teachers and students who read or participated.
This year represents an important milestone in our College’s faith journey, and we look forward to celebrating our 120 Year Mass on 15 August, in conjunction with the Feast of the Assumption.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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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