Throughout the academic year, the University of Sydney hosts a round-robin style debating competition for school students. Last Friday, Waverley debaters from Years 7, 8, and 9 participated.
The students were required to debate in three rounds, speaking for five minutes with only half an hour to prepare.
This was a fantastic experience for our junior debaters to practise their argumentative skills learnt during the winter season. All teams showed progress across the three rounds, with particular congratulations to the Year 9 team who won all three debates.
On Saturday, 15 October, Waverley students participated in the UN Youth public speaking competition: Voice. A unique competition, in that students are required to pitch a solution to given global issues such as aged care crisis, climate change, and public housing.
Waverley students Ewan McDonald, Charlie Murphy, James Peate, and Lachlan Miranda represented our College. All three students spoke confidently and presented innovative solutions to their chosen concern.
I congratulate Ewan, Charlie, James, and Lachlan on such a strong start to the public speaking season, and look forward to continuing to support them as they hone their rhetorical skills.
The Eastern Suburbs Leaders of Youth Learning (ESSLY), which includes Deputy Principals from many of the schools in our local area, held another sold-out parent event at Waverley College on Thursday, 13 October, which looked at our strategies and practices as we emerge from COVID-19.
Guests included speakers from YSafe and REELise, as well as hearing from our own psychologists and students. It was a valuable insight into the journey we have all just travelled, and importantly, how we are supporting our students on this journey.
All proceeds from the event were donated to Headspace.
Leaders from Waverley College, St Vincent’s College, Scots College, Kincoppal, St Catherine’s and Cranbrook School discuss common mental health concerns and strategies our schools are using to best deal with them
Last Friday, Waverley College First Nations students were invited to gather at the Australian Catholic University at Strathfield, for the very first EREA ACU Indigenous Student Day.
The Yalbalinga Indigenous Higher Education Unit hosted an experience day for senior students that provided an opportunity for students to be exposed to a tertiary pathway at ACU, learn about the support measures in place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by speaking and engaging with current ACU students directly, as well as network with other EREA schools in the greater Sydney region.
While this program has operated for EREA schools in Brisbane, this was the first time it has been run for Sydney schools. Year 12 students, Xavier Quinn and Elliot Witten, found the experience to be informative and enjoyable, as it opened their awareness to the greater opportunities available to them post school.
ACU EREA Day
On Monday, 19 September, I along with Patrick Blackall (Year 8) and Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe (Ecology Coordinator and Geography Teacher), had the privilege to observe Mr Mark Neale (TAS Teacher) split our native beehive.
Beehive splitting, as the name implies, is literally splitting one colony into two. By taking a strong, vibrant colony, you create two. Mid-spring is a good time to split the hive, as this gives the colonies the whole summer to regenerate.
It was amazing to watch Mr Neale open the hive to meet our Waverley bees, who were a little annoyed at having their roof opened! Mr Neale put a Coke bottle at the exit point of the hive, to collect some of the bees, to keep them calm. Many escaped the hive, but thankfully, as they are native and therefore stingless, we were in no immediate danger of being stung! We were really surprised at the size of the bees, they’re more like the size of a small fly.
Inside the hive
Once opened, Mr Neale pointed out the egg spiral in the centre of the hive.
The Egg Spiral before being split
Whilst Mr Neale separated the egg spiral, we had the chance to try some of the honey. The honey had a very sweet tangy taste and I would have it again. Mr Neale collected the honey in a small jar for us to use at a later date.
Mr Neale pointed out the harder beeswax material and the honey pockets. This beeswax material can be used to seal wooden surfaces and furniture. A small piece was kept out to trial.
Beeswax casing
The next step was for Mr Neale to place half of the egg spiral into the new hive, and then finally, to seal both hives. Mr Neale showed us how to close and seal the hive safely.
Splitting the Egg Spiral
Patrick and I were given the opportunity to repeat this on the second hive. The second hive was now ready for its new home. Mr Neale explained that the new hive needed to be at least 500m from the original hive, as bees will automatically seek out their old home if set too close together. This would impact the success of the second hive.
By Oliver Lorimer (Year 7 SOTW Ecology Student)
The next morning, Mr Neale and I headed down to the Junior School to install the second beehive. It was decided that the best place for the hive was in Wingara. A spot was chosen for maximum use of the morning sun. This exact location was also considered, so it would not be too hot during the summer, but hot enough so the bees can survive and thrive. Wingara also has a plentiful supply of vegetation, so it is easy for the bees to pollinate and explore their environment safely.
Our Waverley bees are stingless and cannot hurt anyone, so all of this was done safely and harmlessly. It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful activity that will have many benefits to the campus and to our neighbouring environment.
By Patrick Blackall (Year 8 SOTW Ecology Student)
Thank you to Mr Neale for his time and expertise, and for showing our students the splitting process. Thanks also to Mr Stanbrook for the ongoing care he provides to the bees, Mr Wallington for his work in installing the bees, Mr Spargo for his support and the use of his TAS area, and finally to Ms Jackman whose Year 8 students were present.
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Ecology Coordinator and Geography Teacher
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It was a glassy day out on the water last week for the Year 12 Marine Studies students who went deep sea fishing. This excursion provided students with the opportunity to consolidate their boating, fishing and seafood cooking skills, which they have developed over the length of their Stage 6 course.
Students motored out to sea at sunrise, and dropped their lines off North Bondi, Vaucluse and Manly. The fish were biting and the students pulled up flathead, morwong, snapper, wrasse and some whiting.
Dropping lines off Vaucluse
Once back to shore, the fish were scaled and filleted by Jasper and Tom, and the students cooked up the catch on the barbeques.
Jasper Doyle filleting extraordinaire
Catch of the day was Tom Kenny’s monster flatty!
Well done boys, especially those who soldiered on with sea sickness!
Tom Kenny, catch of the day!
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
E: gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The University of Sydney hosted several schools on Friday, 9 September to compete in three rounds of debates. Students were given half an hour to prepare their arguments and were expected to deliver a speech of five minutes.
The topics:
Waverley was represented by two teams, the first comprising Lachlan Miranda, Ewan McDonald, Campbell Porteus, and Charlie Murphy. The second senior team was Harrison Rimmell, Tom Hughes, and Hugh McDonald.
The students debated with poise and precision, the Year 11 team remaining undefeated, whilst the Year 10 team won two of their three debates. All speakers were complimented on their ability to clearly and persuasively articulate their arguments, whilst successfully rebutting the opposition.
It was a fantastic experience for all students involved, as they were able to immerse themselves in the academic surrounds of the university, whilst demonstrating their intelligence and rhetorical skills.
Ms Melanie Stephens
Senior Debate Coach
E: mstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Year 9 students, James Peate and Kayden Baker, had their first meeting as part of the ERA for Change National Student Executive Leadership Group on Tuesday, 13 September. They were introduced to the five most common responses to injustice and the best ways to bring about change. James and Kayden represented not only Waverley College but also NSW Edmund Rice Colleges. Student executive leaders attended from across the Edmund Rice Australia network.
This first meeting was an introduction to the ethos of ERA for Change, and a chance for each student leader to discuss the advocacy and activism occurring in their own Colleges. A significant highlight was the recognition by Amy Cutter, ERA for Change Intern and organiser, of Waverley College’s commitment to strengthening our Indigenous connection via our native planting project. This project is to take place in early Term 4 under the guidance of Mr Kevin Heath (Indigenous Coordinator) and Uncle Dean Kelly (Indigenous Elder), in collaboration with our Walawaani students.
Meetings will take place throughout each term. James and Kayden are looking forward to what they can bring to, as well as learn from, this forum.
For more information about previous campaigns by ERA for Change, view the links below to their social media networks:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eraforchange/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eraforchange
Website: http://www.eraforchange.org/
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Geography Teacher and Ecology Coordinator
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On the weekend of September 10-11, Waverley College students participated in the Sydney round of the World Scholar’s Cup. Held at Queenwood School at Balmoral, the students participated in four main events: collaborative writing, team debate, Scholar’s Bowl, and Scholar’s Challenge. Participating in teams of three, all students demonstrated fantastic collaborative skills and academic rigour.
Congratulations to the following students:
Mikayl Keshavarz, James Peate, Nick Zanapalis, Thomas Jackson-Whitlock, Campbell Porteus, Ewan McDonald, Charlie Murphy, Ricardo Zanapalis, Tashi Harrison, Jock Edwards, Harrison Rimmell and Jamie Khov.
At the closing ceremony, Waverley students earned several accolades, with all students receiving medals in a variety of categories. Special mention to Campbell, Ewan, and Charlie, who were the first placed senior team of the event. All teams who represented Waverley qualified to attend the global round, to be held overseas.
Scholars were also invited to participate in a talent show, where Waverley was represented with two performances. James Peate played a moving piece on the acoustic guitar. Afterwards, Campbell, Ricardo, Tashi, and Jock performed a musical and dance number, which successfully blended Queen with Debussy. Both acts were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and met with deafening applause.
Thanks to Ms Emma Halpin for organising our participation in the event, and parents for facilitating the students to attend.
Ms Melanie Stephens
English Teacher
E: mstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday, 2 September our Years 11 and 12 Senior Geography students embarked on their field trip to North Narrabeen Coastal Environment Centre (CEC).
The day was heavily centred around the Preliminary course topic Biophysical Interactions, looking at Coastal Sediment Budgets and Dune Succession, as well as the HSC topic Ecosystems at Risk, in particular the beach itself, the Lagoon and Dune systems. A further key syllabus point for these courses is the management strategies that can aid in the ecological sustainability of this environment.
Upon arrival at the CEC, Tim, one of the qualified educators, provided Waverley students with an innovative presentation. Tim discussed the local landscape, its history and the issues being faced due to natural beach movement, urban development and storms such as East Coast Lows.
Students learned about Narrabeen’s geographical structure, and how it makes it significantly susceptible to coastal erosion. This was highlighted by watching a short time lapse video of the annual changes the beach, dunes and lagoon endure.
The most vulnerable Australian coastlines are those that are made up of unconsolidated sediments, such as beaches, dunes and sand cliffs; areas that experience erosion and longshore drift. Narrabeen on the Northern Beaches has seen its fair share of storms, also known to geographers as East Coast Lows. In 2016 and again in 2020, the beach profile was extremely impacted with approximately 25 metres of the beach being swept away due to storms, abnormal high tides and strong winds.
Students were shown the following timelapse video of the 2016 East Coast Low and its impacts on a set of 10 residential buildings:
>>> Click here to view the video Narrabeen Coastal Imaging Timelapse June 2016.
Students then embarked on a bushwalk to Narrabeen Headland (a high vantage lookout area), to visualise Narrabeen’s topography and to utilise their field sketching skills. A walk along the beach followed, where each student used geographical instruments to obtain primary data at regular intervals across the dune transect. A pod of dolphins joined in on the action, happily playing not far from the shore.
The day ended with a visit to South Collaroy, the location of two enormous sea walls designed to mitigate any future impacts of East Coast Lows. The seawalls consist of a Vertical Sea Wall and an angled rock wall called a Rock Revetment. Students were surprised to learn that 80% of the money required to build these walls came from local residents, with the remaining 20% being paid equally by the Local and the State Governments.
I was particularly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm to learn and participate. Undoubtedly, this experience will be of great benefit in preparation of their upcoming exams. Lastly, a special thanks is extended to Mr Brad Thompson for being our designated driver on the day.
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Stage 6 Geography Teacher
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Wednesday evening, Conlon House celebrated our House Mass and Supper. After two years of COVID-19 preventing our Conlon families from joining us, it was wonderful to see the chapel full of all our families.
A special thank you to those who made this wonderful celebration possible. Fr Robin Koning s.j. for celebrating the mass, our wonderful musicians Mr Blenkinsopp and Ms Dolzo, our fabulous choir (including teachers), our Prefects, our dedicated mentors, and all Conlon House students and families for contributing to such a beautiful and meaningful celebration.
Ms Cathy O’Sullivan
Head of Conlon
E: cosullivan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: National Book Week, Teacher Reading Aloud, Drama Performance, Visions of Leadership.
The Library celebrated Book Week with selected students participating in a fun team writing and illustrating event, ‘Write a Book in a Day.’
Students worked as a team to produce a 3,500 to 5,000-word story, with the added opportunity to raise money for research into childhood cancers.
You are invited to sponsor the boys, if you are able. Instructions about how to do this are below:
Year 7 were also treated to a compelling drama performance from HSC drama student Lachlan Varcoe presenting his major work. This experience was held in the PAC.
The Year 7 cohort were then inspired to be readers by Mr McCoy, Mr O’Donnell and Ms Ryan, who all read to the boys.
Mr O’Donnell read an excerpt from Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, Mr McCoy read from The Vicar of Nibbleswicke by Roald Dahl, and Ms Ryan read from Heroes by Stephen Fry.
Wednesday morning in the Library saw a dynamic forum for discussion held with Barrister and Old Boy, Mark Higgins, and students ranging from Years 9 to 12.
Complementing the Legal Studies curriculum, Mark used examples of cases he’s been involved with, to exemplify and clarify the way in which the Separation of Powers Doctrine functions within the Westminster system, and what constitutes the law in Australia.
With fascinating case studies, Mark encouraged the students to consider the complexities of the law and personal values, exploring the grey areas that most legal issues have to traverse.
The students were challenged to consider the extent to which acts are considered just, unjust, criminal, or innocent.
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library
E: wroberts@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.
Watch our video
