Around Campus Archives - Page 9 of 17

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Read more: National Book Week, Teacher Reading Aloud, Drama Performance, Visions of Leadership.

National Book Week

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:

Teacher Reading Aloud, Drama Performance

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.

Visions of Leadership

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.

Imagine this … BBQs firing, snow cones freezing, ice cream scooping, lollies popping and doughnuts drizzling … this, and so much more. Wednesday 31, August 2022 was the post-COVID return of Market Day at Waverley College.

To witness Year 10 Commerce and Food Technology students confident, primed and prepped to encounter the masses, for what was an exhilarating 40 minutes, was something to be believed.

Every stall sold out, and of course, a sugar rush ensued. But the one common theme from this special day was that everyone loved it and now can’t wait for the next one (in 2023). We are super proud of all the students – the way they took on this challenge, and how they made it a great success.

The money raised from this day will be directed to two very important College charities: The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse specialising in cancer treatment, and R U OK? which encourages all young people to seek help when struggling mentally.

An outstanding $3,258.95 was raised, and now will be split evenly between the two charities. The Waverley community certainly makes waves with supporting charities, and a huge thank you to all who donated and got involved.

This day would not have been possible without the guidance and support of the Year 10 Commerce and Food Technology teaching teams, five fabulous markers, Heads of House, TAS Assistants, Marketing, IT, Maintenance, Finance and Cleaning Teams … and all of the staff who assisted or visited the stalls. But the biggest thanks goes to the Year 10 Commerce students; their hard work and community spirit was exemplary.

Science Week 2022 was an excellent opportunity to experience some fun and exciting science experiments, both in class and at home. Students enjoyed some explosive experiments with ping pong balls, cool experiments with liquid nitrogen and dry ice, and some other weird and wonderful practicals in class time.

The Junior School experienced a fun Science show with Ms Brown, Ms Pace and Mr Listberger. A big thanks goes to the whole Science Department, including all the Science teachers and lab technicians for all the work they put in to this week.

Scientists of Waverley Competition

Thank you to all who entered the Scientists of Waverley Competition. There were some interesting and creative videos from all entrants. It was very hard to judge and pick a winner, so well done to everyone who entered!

Prize winners will be contacted by Ms Pace with their Westfield voucher prize, to buy something to continue their scientific explorations. Well done and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with next year!

Tevlin House had a highly successful evening on Friday at a Winter Sleep Out in our Gym. This concluded the recent Winter appeal donation drive, also for the Matthew Talbot Hostel, with guest speakers leading a fantastic discussion with boys on the common factors influencing the different types of homelessness, and the services aimed to support those without safe or permanent accommodation.

Nate Smith

Nate Smith (Year 10), also provided an inspiring local story of how small actions can grow to provide a large and ongoing impact through the evolution of ‘Pantry 4 the People’, a community pantry in Botany. Boys discussed how we can all assist in practical ways throughout our lives, and treat those experiencing homelessness with dignity.

Sincere Thanks

Thankyou to all the Tevlin and Waverley community for the fantastic response to the Matthew Talbot Hostel’s donation drive.

Waverley are also highly grateful to Woolworths for contributing boxes of toiletries in a huge delivery, to assist our contributions.

Thank you to the many Tevlin mentors who assisted in supervising the evening, and below are some student accounts of their experiences.

Two Student Reflections on the Sleepout

Last Friday night, Tevlin boys had the opportunity to sleep out, staying the night in the College gym as part of our homelessness initiative and support of the Matthew Talbot Hostel. During this time, special guests Damian Royce and Mike Synnott from the hostel, enlightened Tevlin House on the issue of homelessness as a whole, the work provided by the hostel, and answered the many questions we had.

Thanks to the hundreds of donations from the Waverley Community over the past four weeks, Tevlin boys organised these items, and put together more than 220 kitchen and toiletry starter packs for the Matthew Talbot Hostel.

I most enjoyed putting the packs together, as it was a rewarding activity, and the most challenging part of the night was undoubtedly the sleep. Being away from the comfort and security of our homes, and beds in particular, really gave us an insight into what our homeless population have to deal with on a daily basis. – Daniel Di Francesco (Year 12)

Last Friday night, the Tevlin boys participated in the Matthew Talbot sleepout. The aim of this event was for us to donate essentials to the homeless, whilst also being able to experience how tough homeless people have it, one example being their sleeping situation.

We started off the night at 7 o’clock by gathering around a circle and partaking in a detailed Q and A with two representatives from the Matthew Talbot Hostel, Damian Royce and Mike Synnott. They explained to us how tough the conditions homeless people at the hostel encounter, for example, some of the residents suffer from PTSD, so they don’t feel safe living within four walls, and would rather sleep in a park with a group of homeless people.

We also created essential care packages for the residents with all the donated items. Our guest taught us so much important information about how most homeless people function in society. We enjoyed the sleepout, as we were able to choose where we wanted to sleep, and this gave us insight into how homeless people would prefer to sleep near people they trust.

What challenged me the most, was sleeping without a sleeping bag and just a light blanket, as I wanted to experience how tough the homeless sleep. I was truly grateful for this experience, as it really opened my eyes about how fortunate I am to have my own room, and have the guarantee of sleeping in my comfy bed every night, an opportunity that most homeless people don’t have.

To help homeless people in the future, I would like to advocate more hostels being opened to keep homeless people safe and to give them a sense of security. – Christian Robbins (Year 10)

On Tuesday, 23 August, Years 11 and 12 Economics students were joined by Economic students from St Clare’s College in a live online presentation from the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Students listened to an economist discuss Monetary Policy and current economic conditions. The presentation covered an in-depth analysis of current and predicted trends involving headline inflation, interest rates, consumption, investment, wage growth and geo-political influences.

In the leadup to their examination period, students were fortunate to have the opportunity to pose their own questions to the bank. Questions submitted included the role of monetary policy, future rate rises, the accuracy of bank predictions, China’s looming invasion of Taiwan, and the current conflict with Russia and the Ukraine.

Overall, students found the event very worthwhile. Thank you to Mr Picone and Ms Barber from St Clare’s College.

Throughout the year, our College Captains and Prefects have represented Waverley College at various leadership afternoons and conferences at surrounding schools, to share ideas and leadership initiatives.

One of our College Vice-Captains, Guy Hammerschmidt, reflects on these experiences and the insights that they have gained from these valuable encounters:

We have been privileged to be invited to neighbouring schools, where we have been able to interact with extremely inspirational and influential leaders within our community, such as Dr Marjorie O’Neill, and former Prime Minister, Malcom Turnbull.

Through such experiences, we have gained valuable insights into how we as young leaders can enact real change within our own communities.

Through further collaboration with young leaders from other schools, we have had the opportunity to discuss topics and issues that are of critical relevance for us, such as refining consent education, and building a more inclusive environment for individuals within the LGBTQAI+ community.

It has been a great honour to work alongside aspiring young leaders, who we have certainly learned a lot from, and have made connections that I’m sure will continue after school. – Guy Hammerschmidt

In collaboration with St Clares College, the Year 11 Hospitality students catered for the TAS/Art and Design HSC Showcase last week. These talented young ladies and gentlemen created and served canapes and sweet treats.

Items included mini tartlets, salt and pepper calamari, cheeseburger sliders, smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill croutons, and mini banoffee pies. The teamwork, organisation and enthusiasm was commendable and it is wonderful to see the students’ culinary skills continue to develop and improve.

National Book Week

Teacher Reading Aloud, Drama Performance

Visions of Leadership

Scientists of Waverley Competition

Nate Smith

Sincere Thanks

Two Student Reflections on the Sleepout

Senior Campus

Junior Campus

National Book Week

Teacher Reading Aloud, Drama Performance

Visions of Leadership

Scientists of Waverley Competition

Nate Smith

Sincere Thanks

Two Student Reflections on the Sleepout

Senior Campus

Junior Campus

A Catholic School for boys inthe tradition of Edmund Rice

A Catholic School for boys in
the tradition of Edmund Rice