Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, I would like to take a moment to honour and celebrate the incredible women in our lives who love, nurture, guide, and support with unwavering strength and grace.
Whether you are a mother, step-mother, grandmother, aunty, carer, or someone who takes on the role of ‘mum’ in the life of a child – you are deeply appreciated.
Motherhood is filled with joy, laughter, challenge, and sacrifice, often all in the space of a single day.
As a mother myself, I know the emotional juggle of trying to be everything to everyone, of hoping you’re doing enough, and of those little moments that remind you it’s all worth it – a handmade card, a hug at the school gate, or a quiet “thanks, Mum” at the end of the day.
During our Mother’s Day Mass, it was truly heartwarming to witness the pride in our students’ faces as they honoured their mums and special women.
These moments of connection are so important in today’s fast-paced world. They remind us of what truly matters: love, gratitude and community.
To those in our community who find Mother’s Day difficult – for those who have lost a mother or are missing someone dear, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wishing all the amazing women in our community a very happy Mother’s Day. May you feel celebrated, valued, and deeply loved.
A huge thank you to the Parents’ Association for organising the opportunity for our students to buy gifts for Mother’s Day this year on campus.
There was so much joy in the room as the boys carefully chose their presents.
A special thank you to Sam Mott for the time and effort she put into setting up this event, and thank you to all of the mums who volunteered – we are truly grateful!
It was a privilege to welcome Brad Glass, General Manager of GrainCorp and Dad to Jack (Year 6), for an insightful, informative, and impactful Lunchtime Talk.
Brad provided a comprehensive overview of his leadership role at GrainCorp, a leading agribusiness with a global reach, and shared valuable perspectives on the company’s journey, innovation, and the vital role it plays in the food sector.
He engaged the boys with impressive industry data and insider insights about GrainCorp’s trading and operations.
Brad’s presentation left a lasting impression, inspiring the Waverley boys to keep an open mind, try new things without fear of failure, and build healthy habits, as they will become their superpower.
Thank you for inspiring future traders.
No Home Learning Wednesday 14 May
CLICK HERE to book
We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.
Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3 pm until 4 pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.
Procedures
Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.
Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.
Behaviour
As it is important to respect the rights of others to learn and work, all students are expected to settle to work and not disturb others.
Teachers
Monday & Wednesday
Mrs Natasha Zivanovic
Tuesday & Thursday
Ms Charlotte Stephens
If you require any further information, feel free to contact us.
nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
cstephens@waverley.nsw.edu.au
An important note to remember: if afternoon training sessions are cancelled, unfortunately, you cannot send your son to Home Learning as an alternative plan, as students are registered for the afternoon sessions in advance, and the capacity is always reached. Avoid messaging your son during this period unless it is urgent.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2025 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. The Junior School offers the following ICAS competitions: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & English and Mathematics.
This year, all the competitions will be held in August, Term 3 and will be completed online in the Learning Hub before school starts.
EXAM TIMETABLE TERM 3
All ICAS exams will be sat before school in the Learning Hub.
| WEEK | START TIME | DATE | ICAS EXAM |
| 3A | 8:00 am | Monday 4 August | Digital Technologies |
| 8:00 am | Wednesday 6 August | Writing | |
| 4B | 7:45 am | Tuesday 12 August | English |
| 5A | 7:45 am | Thursday 20 August | Science |
| 6B | 7:45 am | Monday 25 August | Mathematics |
CLICK HERE to register your son
Waverley’s School Access Code YGC063
Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online, while tests will still be held at our school. Please use the school’s access code details to register your child no later than July 23, 2025.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your son. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level.
Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. If you are unsure of your son’s suitability, please consult with his teacher.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team. Call us on: Australian Toll-Free Tel 1800 931 775
Are you interested in STEM and robotics? UNSW EMU Robotics, a student-led team participating in the First Lego League/First Robotics competitions, is excited to invite you to their Open Nights.
When and Where?
First Lego League Team Open Night: Monday, 19 May
First Robotics Competition Team Open Night: Wednesday, 21 May
Both events will be held at the UNSW Electrical Engineering building
What to Expect?
The UNSW team offers hands-on experience with robotics, catering to two age groups:
Junior team: Learn robotics with LEGO EV3 and SPIKE robots
Senior team: Design, build, and code a robot from scratch using materials like aluminium and timber
Despite some games washed out last Saturday, Round 1 was a success for the teams who got to play.
Thank you to all the parents for supporting your sons on the sidelines, and to get to and from games. I was also proud to see Junior School boys running waters for the older grades on Queens Park 1.
Good luck to everyone in Round 2 tomorrow!
Congratulations to two students who have become record holders in the Junior School Swimming world – some records being broken for the first time in 45 years!
Jack Forde has broken not one, but three Junior School swimming records!
Jack is a modest, quiet achiever who has been competing for Waverley with pride since starting last year in Year 5.
Kai Hess has also broken records, with his 50m Backstroke making it onto the Junior School records grid.
Kai is a diligent and skillful athlete who has also been part of our Junior School swim team since the beginning.
We are all in awe of your friendship and both your results and we cannot wait to see your successes continue throughout your swimming journeys.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
It has been wonderful to welcome back our Junior School students this week for the start of Term 2.
There was certainly a buzz of excitement and enthusiasm as the boys connected with their peers and teachers and reflected on their holidays. It has already been a busy start to term with our ANZAC Commemoration, presentation of teams for Winter Sport and Year 6 Kanyini lessons.
Despite consistent rain which impacted activities, our boys should be commended for their flexibility and positivity throughout the first week back.
As we begin a new term, I take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the core values that underpin everything we do at Waverley College: providing a safe and supportive learning environment, respecting the dignity of every individual, and acting in the interest of the common good.
These values guide our interactions, inform our decisions, and shape the kind of learning culture we seek to build each day.
As part of these shared values, I’d like to remind families of the importance of maintaining high standards in uniform. Wearing the uniform correctly is about more than just appearance.
It fosters a sense of pride, unity, and belonging among students.
It also reflects the high expectations we set for behaviour and effort across all areas of school life. Students have been reminded to wear their blazer to and from school everyday (unless in Sports uniform), with shirts tucked in and ties/top button done up. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
It is certainly an exciting term ahead with Winter Sport starting, Mother’s Day Mass, Year 5 and Year 6 camps, History Showcases and much more! We look forward to a fantastic term together.
Next Tuesday, 6 May the boys in Year 5 and Year 6 will have the opportunity to choose a special gift for a remarkable woman in their life from a range of gifts at our annual Mother’s Day Stall.
The boys will enjoy a shopping experience at the Mother’s Day stall. They will select a gift sourced from our Waverley and local community. Gifts such as, jewellery, cookie boxes, mugs, glasses, bath salts, candles, body lotion and more will be available to purchase.
Gifts will range from $10 to $45 and boys will be able to pay with cash or card and take their purchase home with them that day.
Boys will be able to purchase just one gift to begin with and if numbers of gifts permit, they will be invited back if they wish to purchase a second gift.
Happy shopping to the boys!
On Friday, 9th May, we warmly invite mothers, step-mums, aunties, grandmothers, and other special women who play a motherly role in the lives of Waverley College students to join their boys for a special Junior School Mother’s Day Mass.
This celebration is held in honour of mothers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you.
Following the Mass, a light lunch will be served in the Junior School.
Please see the app alert to complete your RSVP.
We are pleased to invite you to a free screening of ‘Seen. The Film’ on Thursday 29 May in the Br. R.J. Wallace Performing Arts Centre (Senior School Campus).
This powerful documentary, produced by Parent TV, explores how healing and self-awareness in parents can positively shape child brain development. Through real stories, it highlights the impact of our own childhoods on our parenting, and the importance of emotional connection.
Join us for drinks and canapés from 6:30pm, with the screening beginning at 7:00pm. Please book your tickets here.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parents and reflect on the shared journey of raising children.
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATE FROM MS SPARKS
Winter is coming, and that means training and games commence for AFL, Football (Soccer) and Rugby.
There is certainly a buzz in the air at the Junior School with training kicking off this week and Round 1 to be played this Saturday, 3 May. Please keep an eye on App posts for wet-weather updates, and pray for less cancellations than last year!
Please remember to log illness and any other absences via Orah.
A huge congratulations is in order for our swimmers Jack Frode (Year 6) and Kai Hess (Year 6) who competed at NSWPSSA (State) Swimming over the holidays.
Jack finished as a top 10 finalist in his 3 events and came 6th in 100m Freestyle and 10th in 50m Freestyle, and 8th in Butterfly. Kai came 5th in the Backstroke. Both boys received a finalist pin for making the top 10.
We are so proud of them after having been to State and Nationals last year – this is another incredible achievement for the second year in a row.
Congratulations to the 3 students who progressed from IPSHA Touch Football trials to CIS trials (held this Wednesday).
Year 6 students Koby Leondis, Freddie Saville and Billy Kehoe competed in a tough group of 60 students from other schools, and made it through the trials to the top 14, with Billy Kehoe being selected on the CIS team to play at NSWPSSA (State) Touch Football later in the year. Go Waves!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 2 events, please refer to the College calendar.
It has been wonderful to welcome back our Junior School students this week for the start of Term 2.
There was certainly a buzz of excitement and enthusiasm as the boys connected with their peers and teachers and reflected on their holidays. It has already been a busy start to term with our ANZAC Commemoration, presentation of teams for Winter Sport and Year 6 Kanyini lessons.
Despite consistent rain which impacted activities, our boys should be commended for their flexibility and positivity throughout the first week back.
As we begin a new term, I take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the core values that underpin everything we do at Waverley College: providing a safe and supportive learning environment, respecting the dignity of every individual, and acting in the interest of the common good.
These values guide our interactions, inform our decisions, and shape the kind of learning culture we seek to build each day.
As part of these shared values, I’d like to remind families of the importance of maintaining high standards in uniform. Wearing the uniform correctly is about more than just appearance.
It fosters a sense of pride, unity, and belonging among students.
It also reflects the high expectations we set for behaviour and effort across all areas of school life. Students have been reminded to wear their blazer to and from school everyday (unless in Sports uniform), with shirts tucked in and ties/top button done up. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
It is certainly an exciting term ahead with Winter Sport starting, Mother’s Day Mass, Year 5 and Year 6 camps, History Showcases and much more! We look forward to a fantastic term together.
Next Tuesday, 6 May the boys in Year 5 and Year 6 will have the opportunity to choose a special gift for a remarkable woman in their life from a range of gifts at our annual Mother’s Day Stall.
The boys will enjoy a shopping experience at the Mother’s Day stall. They will select a gift sourced from our Waverley and local community. Gifts such as, jewellery, cookie boxes, mugs, glasses, bath salts, candles, body lotion and more will be available to purchase.
Gifts will range from $10 to $45 and boys will be able to pay with cash or card and take their purchase home with them that day.
Boys will be able to purchase just one gift to begin with and if numbers of gifts permit, they will be invited back if they wish to purchase a second gift.
Happy shopping to the boys!
On Friday, 9th May, we warmly invite mothers, step-mums, aunties, grandmothers, and other special women who play a motherly role in the lives of Waverley College students to join their boys for a special Junior School Mother’s Day Mass.
This celebration is held in honour of mothers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you.
Following the Mass, a light lunch will be served in the Junior School.
Please see the app alert to complete your RSVP.
We are pleased to invite you to a free screening of ‘Seen. The Film’ on Thursday 29 May in the Br. R.J. Wallace Performing Arts Centre (Senior School Campus).
This powerful documentary, produced by Parent TV, explores how healing and self-awareness in parents can positively shape child brain development. Through real stories, it highlights the impact of our own childhoods on our parenting, and the importance of emotional connection.
Join us for drinks and canapés from 6:30pm, with the screening beginning at 7:00pm. Please book your tickets here.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parents and reflect on the shared journey of raising children.
CO-CURRICULAR UPDATE FROM MS SPARKS
Winter is coming, and that means training and games commence for AFL, Football (Soccer) and Rugby.
There is certainly a buzz in the air at the Junior School with training kicking off this week and Round 1 to be played this Saturday, 3 May. Please keep an eye on App posts for wet-weather updates, and pray for less cancellations than last year!
Please remember to log illness and any other absences via Orah.
A huge congratulations is in order for our swimmers Jack Frode (Year 6) and Kai Hess (Year 6) who competed at NSWPSSA (State) Swimming over the holidays.
Jack finished as a top 10 finalist in his 3 events and came 6th in 100m Freestyle and 10th in 50m Freestyle, and 8th in Butterfly. Kai came 5th in the Backstroke. Both boys received a finalist pin for making the top 10.
We are so proud of them after having been to State and Nationals last year – this is another incredible achievement for the second year in a row.
Congratulations to the 3 students who progressed from IPSHA Touch Football trials to CIS trials (held this Wednesday).
Year 6 students Koby Leondis, Freddie Saville and Billy Kehoe competed in a tough group of 60 students from other schools, and made it through the trials to the top 14, with Billy Kehoe being selected on the CIS team to play at NSWPSSA (State) Touch Football later in the year. Go Waves!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
As we reach the end of a rewarding and busy term, we take this opportunity to celebrate the many ways our Year 5 and Year 6 students have embraced and lived by the core values that lie at the heart of our school community.
This term, our students and staff have worked hard to continue creating a safe and supportive learning environment here at Waverley College.
This value applies to all aspects of school life, including in the classroom and on the playground.
Our boys have participated in the “Be Kind: How to be an Upstander” workshop, delivered by our psychologists, which is aimed at helping them respond to peer pressure in positive, values-driven ways.
They explored the bystander effect, reflected on personal experiences, and learned how group dynamics can influence our choices.
Through role-play and discussion, they practised practical strategies like seeking help, including others, or using humour to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. These workshops align with our school values and promote ways to continue to make our school environment safe and supportive.
By developing a strong sense of safety and belonging, our boys’ academic learning has continued to grow.
Across all Key Learning Areas, including Music, Science and PE, our students have participated in engaging lessons through Deep Learning, focusing on the areas of Character, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication.
We strive to foster a school environment where students treat one another with compassion and understanding.
Through classroom discussions, group work, and community events, we aim to encourage an appreciation for different perspectives, the celebration of individual strengths, and the development of maturity in social interactions. These are values we continue to emphasise and support as part of our ongoing learning journey.
Through various lunchtime clubs such as lego club, drawing club, board games club, along with co-curricular sport, our boys develop their skills and understanding as they listen actively, speak kindly, and stand up for fairness, helping to foster a culture of deep respect and mutual dignity.
This will remain a focus as we head into Term 2, and we will continue to explicitly teach respectful behaviours to our students.
Whether through their involvement in environmental initiatives, consultation with our Class Captains, or fundraising efforts, our students have worked collaboratively, to make our school and broader community a better place.
Our Year 6 students enjoyed their excursion to ‘A Kinder World Experience’ and created gift bags filled with essential items for those doing it tough.
They also wrote thoughtful and encouraging words for people less fortunate.
Through various fundraising activities such as St Patrick’s Day, Harmony Day, Project Compassion and bake sales, our community has raised over $2 000 for charity this term alone.
We are proud of the social justice initiatives we commit to as a school, and the opportunity for our boys to develop a more global perspective of the world around them.
As the term draws to a close, we thank our Year 5 and 6 students for the energy and dedication they bring to our school.
We also thank you, our parent community, for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we are nurturing not only learners, but compassionate and responsible young people who will continue to make a meaningful difference in the world.
This week, our students took part in a special Passover incursion, where they learned about the Jewish festival of Passover and its traditions.
They discovered the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and explored the meaning behind key symbols like matzah (unleavened bread) and the Seder plate.
Students were fortunate enough to make and eat matzah, while deepening their understanding of different cultures and traditions.
As students return to school on the 30th April, they are required to wear their blazer to and from school everyday.
Maintaining high uniform standards is important to us.
It helps to create a sense of unity and belonging among students, reinforcing the idea that they are part of a shared community.
It encourages personal responsibility, promotes school pride and supports a respectful and inclusive environment for all students. We will continue to monitor uniform expectations closely as Term 2 begins.
Our Junior School students gained a glimpse into the future of urban innovation as Tim Bale, Director of the Bradfield City Development and Father to Isaac Year 5, shared insights about Bradfield City Centre Western Sydney’s transformative new global city.
Located adjacent to the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield City Centre is Australia’s first major city to be built in over a century.
We learnt that Bradfield will blend advanced industries with vibrant arts and culture, anchored by a Central Park.
Tim’s talk resonated with students, particularly his emphasis on Bradfield’s potential to deliver 10,000 homes and 20,000 jobs.
He encouraged young minds to explore careers in STEM and sustainable design, reinforcing how Bradfield City will become a testing ground for smart-city technologies and global collaboration.
It was a privilege to have Tim as our last guest speaker for the Term. Thank you for inspiring young minds to dream big and explore the possibilities of shaping our future cities.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
As we approach the final week of Term 1, it is important to reflect on what a wonderful and eventful term it has been.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students, who have embraced Waverley life, tackled challenges with resilience, and developed strong friendships and connections. Our Year 6 students continue to demonstrate leadership, maturity, and dedication across their learning, social development, and co-curricular activities.
As we enter the final week, we encourage our boys to uphold high standards; applying themselves to their learning, maintaining a neat uniform, and demonstrating respect towards their peers and staff.
Maintaining these high standards is integral in ensuring a positive end to a successful Term 1. We appreciate your support with this.
Our Year 5 students enjoyed an excursion to The Rocks, where the boys explored Sydney’s convict history and the early days of colonisation.
Guided by experienced rangers, the students learned about the hardships faced by the convicts, the impact of British settlement, and the fascinating stories that shaped our city. Our Year 5 students should be proud of the way they represented Waverley College in the community, and for their engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day.
“I liked learning about Captain Cook and the convicts. We walked around the oldest part of the city and learnt things like how they used hospital symbols because people couldn’t read. We also learnt about Indigenous people at the time and how it affected them.” Frankie B
“We went into a small house where they had 11 kids. If you had more kids, you would get more money because your kids could work. They would get paid one cent for one stone, and they carved their initials into the stone. We also learnt about ‘push gangs’ and the way convicts lived.” Javier L
This week, our Junior School Walawaani group had the wonderful opportunity to go out on Country, guided by our Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Kevin Heath and Year 6 teacher, Tara O’Sullivan. As they connected to country, students deepened their connection to culture by learning about native plants, local wildlife, and the importance of respecting the land.
“I really liked the excursion. We learnt about plants you can suck on for nutrients that mean you can walk long distances without stopping for food.” Noel
“When we entered a new land, Aidan did 10 claps on the clapsticks to acknowledge being on new land and the last clap was for the elders. We also learnt about the importance of the ingredients that you need to start fires and make food.” Jaxon
On Friday, 9th May, we warmly invite mothers, step-mums, aunties, grandmothers, and other special women who play a motherly role in the lives of Waverley College students to join their boys for a special Junior School Mother’s Day Mass. This celebration is held in honour of mothers everywhere, and we look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you.
Following the Mass, a light lunch will be served in the Junior School.
Please see the app alert to complete your RSVP.
We’re excited to announce the WriteOn 2025 competition, a fantastic opportunity for students in Years 1 to 6 to showcase their creativity and writing skills!
The competition encourages students to write an imaginative story of up to 500 words using a special prompt, helping them express their ideas and maybe even become published authors!
This year’s theme is based on the quote: “Could they be changing?”. It’s a great chance for students to explore their voices and let their imagination run wild.
Students who wish to enter need to share their story with Ms. Charlotte Stephens by Friday, May 16, Term 2 Week 3B.
Entrants will be judged by a panel of judges including Advanced English students in the High School.
Start thinking about your story ideas now – we can’t wait to see what our students create!
Ms C Stephens
Andrew Burges, award-winning architect, principal of ABA and father of Remy in Year 5, delivered an inspiring, insightful, and highly informative presentation.
His stories and insights motivated our Junior School students to envision a future filled with possibilities in the architectural world. Andrew’s passion for innovative design and dedication to crafting meaningful spaces made a lasting impact on our students.
The opportunity to see examples of his commercial and residential projects was truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing your expertise and inspiring the next generation of creatives!
Congratulations to all the runners who attended IPSHA Cross Country on Wednesday.
Jagger Michael (Year 6), Ziggy Coombes (Year 6) and Sonny Milis (Year 5) all finished in the top 15 students for their respective age groups, meaning they will compete at CIS Cross Country. Go Waves!
Wishing the Prep 1st Football team the best of luck tomorrow (Saturday, 5 April) at the friendly Grammar Cup football competition hosted by Sydney Grammar St Ives. After rain held us back last weekend, we are sure the boys are ready to get the boots on and play.
Congratulations also to Parker Recio, who achieved 2nd overall for the Club Championships competitions; and Ryder Darragh who achieved the Junior Lifesaving Award at their presentation last weekend.
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
It has been another exciting and eventful week at Waverley College Junior School. Our students have participated in Winter Sports Trials, our school leaders attended National Young Leaders Day, and Year 6 students enjoyed The Kinder World Experience excursion.
In addition to their engaging classroom learning, students have been making the most of lunchtime clubs, including Lego Club, Drawing Club, and Board Games Club, while also building friendships and developing important social skills.
Year 6 student leaders had the privilege of attending the National Young Leaders Day at the International Convention Centre Sydney this week. This annual event aims to inspire and empower young people to develop their leadership potential.
The day involved a series of engaging presentations from prominent leaders across various fields. Students had the opportunity to hear from Anthony “Harries” Carroll, renowned for his community service initiatives and also a Waverley Dad; Thomas Duncan-Watt, an accomplished figure in the arts; Emma McKeon, Australia’s most successful Olympian; and Catherine Laga’aia, a rising star in the arts. Each speaker shared their personal journeys, emphasising themes of resilience, passion, and the importance of setting and pursuing goals.
Throughout the event, our students participated in interactive sessions that included question times, short videos, learning exercises, and music, all designed to foster student involvement and reflection. The program concluded at 2:30 pm, leaving our young leaders inspired and equipped with valuable insights to bring back to our school community.
We are proud of our Year 6 leaders for their enthusiastic participation and are confident that the lessons learned during this event will positively influence their leadership journeys within our school and beyond.
This week, our Year 6 students attended a unique and meaningful excursion run by The Kinder World team, based out of the Synagogue next to Our Big Kitchen. This program, led by dedicated Jewish youth workers from the local community, aimed to inspire our students through lessons in kindness, empathy, and giving back.
The highlight of the session was hearing from Rivky, the main guest speaker, who shared her powerful personal story of resilience. Having faced bullying due to a degenerative disease, Rivky spoke about how these challenges inspired her to establish the GEM Foundation and dedicate her time to working with children at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Her message of strength, kindness, and inclusion deeply resonated with the boys.
Throughout the session, students engaged in hands-on kindness activities, including an interactive ball game promoting equality, a quiz about acts of kindness, and the packing of gift hampers for homeless individuals. They also wrote heartfelt cards to remind those in need that they are valued and thought of.
This excursion was a valuable opportunity for our Year 6 boys to reflect on the importance of kindness and empathy in their own lives.
We are excited to be once again entering a Waverley College team into the City2Surf this year on 10 August in support of local charity Running for Premature Babies. The charity raises funds for lifesaving neonatal equipment, saving the lives of sick and premature babies from all over Australia, including some of our Waverley students! Join us in walking or running the 14km to Bondi beach, and raise funds to save a baby’s life!
Fundraising is optional but anyone who raises $300 will have their race entry refunded.
Find out more and sign up at https://www.runningforprematurebabies.com/events
Well done to all Junior School teams who played their final round of Summer Sport on Saturday 22 March. Thank you to all the families for your support over the first 6 rounds of Summer Sport. We will continue in the same teams when Summer Sport recommences in Term 4.
Winter Sport teams were announced this week and we are so excited for the season to commence next term. Please refer to the App post for the current Draw and Training Schedule.
Good luck to the Prep 1st Football team who are playing at Sydney Grammar St Ives at the Grammar Cup tomorrow, Saturday 29 March.
Congratulations to the Waverley boys who represented IPSHA at the CIS Swimming Championships on Wednesday. Jack Forde won the U12 100m Freestyle, came 3rd in the 50m Butterfly and 4th in the 50m Freestyle. Kai won the 50m Backstroke, came 4th in Butterfly and 6th in 100m Freestyle. Well done to Hugo D’Amours and Jack McKenney who also attended for the U12 4x 50m relay.
A huge shout out to Rohan Sharma (6 White) who played at The LBW Trust Backyard Cricket charity event last Friday afternoon. The event was a fundraiser supporting education initiatives for disadvantaged young men and women in developing countries such as Nepal, India, Kenya and other cricket playing nations. We love to see Waverley boys giving back!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Today, we were excited to celebrate Harmony Day as a community. This special day is an opportunity for our school community to come together and embrace the values of inclusivity, respect, and belonging. Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity and a reminder that ‘Everyone Belongs.’
As a school, we believe that diversity enriches our learning environment and strengthens our community. Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of activities that highlighted different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. These activities included storytelling, music, art, and cultural presentations, providing students with meaningful opportunities to appreciate and learn from one another.
On Harmony Day, students and staff were encouraged to wear a touch of orange, the official colour of the day, symbolising social communication and meaningful conversations. This simple act was a powerful way to show our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Our students brought in a plate of food from their culture, creating an opportunity for students and staff to learn more about each individual child and their background. The array of food was incredible and the boys’ (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed their feasts! Thank you to our wonderful community for your donations also – it was a special day!
St Patrick’s DayWe had a fantastic day celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a wonderful display of school spirit as students and staff embraced the festive atmosphere.
A huge thank you to Conlon and Green Houses for their incredible effort in providing delicious ‘green treats’ for our St. Patrick’s Day Bake Sale. Their creativity and generosity made the event extra special, and we are thrilled to share that we raised an impressive $700! These funds will go towards capital works projects in Fiji, Timor Leste and Cambodia., and we truly appreciate the support from our school community.
Throughout the day, students participated in fun activities and learnt about the traditions and history of St. Patrick’s Day. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate and learn about this cultural event.
Thank you to all who contributed, participated, and helped make the day such a success.
Brett Covell, a Waverley Old Boy and father of Lachlan in Year 6, is the Director of Growth Markets (APAC and LATAM) at Electronic Arts. He shared his extensive knowledge of the advertising industry with the Junior School boys, captivating them with engaging insights. The session included fun trivia with prizes, making it an enjoyable experience.
The Junior School expresses heartfelt thanks to Brett for his significant contribution to the Term 1 Lunchtime Talk series. His enthusiasm and commitment to inspiring future advertisers and innovators are truly appreciated.
For the remainder of the term, we have two more exciting Lunchtime Guest Speakers who will share their experiences and insights, further enriching our students’ educational journey.
Well done on our second Winter Sport Trials on Wednesday. We are looking forward to the third and final trial on Monday, 24 March and then team announcements on Wednesday, 26 March.
Good luck for final Saturday Sport of Term 1. Summer Sport will continue in Term 4 (same teams, coaches and training times). Draw and Training Schedule will come out at the end of Term 3.
The mighty Blue Touch Football team enjoying their last sunrise training session. The boys are commended on their wonderful teamwork, camaraderie and skills.
Congratulations to Marley Fuller who has been selected after a second trial today for the CIS Basketball team. What an amazing achievement and good luck at CIS.
A huge congratulations to Jude Large and Jagger Michael (among other Waverley boys) who represented North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club last weekend at the NSW State Championships in Queenscliff.
Both boys competed across multiple events with Jude placing 6th in the U11 individual 1km sand run and 2nd in the 2×500 relay, whilst Jagger came 3rd in both the U12 1km and 2x500m relay, 4th place in the board relay, and 12th place in the individual board final.
Freddie Hughes (Year 5) competed on Friday in the beach events and came away with a silver in the beach relay. Liam Morrissey (Year 6) came away with Gold in the U11 Boys Relay and Bronze in the U11 Mixed Relay. Andrei Szabo won a bronze medal in individual boards and came 6th in state in Ironman. Go Waves!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 students for their dedication and perseverance during this week’s NAPLAN assessments. Despite some unexpected changes to the schedule, they demonstrated remarkable flexibility, resilience, and a positive mindset. Their hard work and determination have been truly commendable. We look forward to continuing to support them as they complete their remaining NAPLAN tests next week.
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. In the Junior School, we will celebrate Harmony Day on Friday 21 March. Please see details below:
Date: Friday 21 March
What to Wear: Students are encouraged to wear a ‘Touch of Orange’ to school that day. They may choose one item of clothing to represent this (to work in conjunction with their Waverley College uniform) e.g. shirt, socks, hat, scarf, ribbon, etc.
What to Bring: Students are encouraged to bring a plate of food to be shared amongst their classmates that acknowledges their cultural background. (Note: Please ensure ingredients are listed on all foods to ensure the safety of any students with allergies)
Donation: Students are encouraged to bring in a gold coin donation to go towards our capital works projects in Fiji, Timor Leste and Cambodia.
It was a privilege to have Markus Svensson, the CEO of QANTAS domestic airport present at Waverley Junior School’s Lunchtime Talk, inspiring young minds to dream big. Markus, the father of Jakob Year 6, and Anton Class of 2024, shared stories of perseverance and ambition, motivating students to pursue their passions.
The Lunchtime Talks initiative at Waverley Junior School continues to bring influential figures to inspire and educate its students, fostering a culture of innovation and aspiration.
For the remainder of the term, we have an exciting lineup of Lunchtime Guest Speakers who will share their experiences and insights, further enriching the educational journey of our students.
If you are interested in volunteering to give a presentation, please email nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Cross Country Trials
Congratulations to all students who ran on Monday morning at the Junior School Cross Country trials. A special shout out to the following boys who have been selected to represent Waverley at the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival in April.
Under 10s: Beckham Bolder, Oliver Tharenou, Leo Chashule
Under 11s: Sonny Milis, Andre Szabo, Hardy Macpherson, Reggie Gillespie, Alexander Achurch, Dylan Plumb
Under 12s: Jagger Michael, Ziggy Coombes, Dexter Billington, Jack Darvill, William Rodgers, Jude Large
AFL Paul Kelly Cup
Well done to the 15 AFL players who represented Waverley at the AFL Paul Kelly Cup on Monday. The boys put in a solid effort over the day, coming out victorious with a convincing win of 26-7. Regional Finals in June, here we come!
Winter Sport Trials commence
A positive attitude and energy was in the air when we had our first of three Winter Sport Trials. Spreading across Upper Queens Park, boys trialled in AFL, Rugby Union or Football. We look forward to seeing this strong approach continue into the next two trials, on Wednesday 19 March and Monday 24 March.
Wishing all the Junior School Waves good luck in Round 5 Summer Sport this weekend!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
A huge thank you to all of our Waverley community for your pancake donations for Shrove Tuesday. Together, we raised an incredible $800 for CARITAS! It was wonderful to see our boys enjoying their pancakes and donating to such a wonderful cause. Thank you Mr Ghattas for organising this special event.
On Thursday, we celebrated International Women’s Day by attending a whole school assembly and honoring the incredible women in our lives. We were also fortunate to hear from Elka Whalan, an Olympic swimmer, who shared her experiences and delivered key messages to our boys about the progress made in gender equality, particularly in sports. Inclass, our students took part in research activities to learn about prominent and trailblazing women in society.
NAPLAN will commence Wednesday 12th March for our Year 5 students. Please see the recent app notification which outlines further details and information. We look forward to supporting your child through the NAPLAN period, and if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
AFL Paul Kelly Cup Trials
Well done to all students who trialled for the AFL Paul Kelly Cup on Monday morning. We selected a team of 16 students who will compete on Monday, 10 March at Queens Park. We wish them all the best at the competition and look forward to hearing how they go! Thank you in advance to Ms Hunt and Coach Vas for taking them.
IPSHA Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all 14 students who competed in the IPSHA Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. It was a massive day out at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and all the boys gave their best efforts. Some PBs were made and a shout out to the boys who made it through to CIS Swimming (26 March):
IPSHA Touch Football Trials
Thank you to Mr Horry for taking 5 keen Touch Football players from the Junior School to the IPSHA Touch Football Trials on Thursday – Liam Morrissey, Walker Leondis, Koby Leondis, Billy Kehoe and Freddie Saville. All the Waves did extremely well and congratulations to Koby, Freddie and Billy who were selected for the CIS Touch Football Trials (30 April).
CIS Basketball
A huge congratulations to Marley Fuller, who has made the CIS Basketball team after trialling on Friday. We are so proud and wish you all the best on May 13 at the PSSA Basketball Trials.
Finally, a friendly reminder about Cross Country Trials at 7.30am on Monday, 10 March. Meet Mr McKimm at Waverley Park to run.
Good luck to all our teams for Round 4 Summer Sport tomorrow!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
This week, we held a special assembly to induct our Year 6 Class Captains and Vice Captains for 2025. It was wonderful to welcome parents to the event and to hear the boys reflect on the responsibilities that come with their leadership roles.
At Waverley Junior School, we are committed to providing students with meaningful leadership opportunities; whether as Class Captains, Vice Captains, Directors of various clubs in the Learning Hub, or Debating Leaders. However, leadership extends beyond titles and badges. Our students demonstrate leadership every day through their actions, working collaboratively in the classroom, showing sportsmanship on the field, and navigating challenges with their peers.
A key message we continue to reinforce is the importance of being an upstander, not a bystander. We encourage our students to call out negative behaviours and seek support from teachers when needed. We are incredibly proud of the way our boys are developing their leadership skills, and we look forward to recognising and celebrating their efforts throughout the year.
On Thursday, our Year 6 Class Captains and Vice Captains attended the EREA (Edmund Rice Education Australia) Young Leaders Network day in the Senior School. There were 300 students from other EREA schools in NSW, ranging from Year 5 – 12. Here are some of the boys’ reflections:
“I met some nice kids from other schools and they told us about the different events they have at their school.” – Billy Carroll
“One of the school’s main things was being respectful, so we spoke about that and how they have immersions at their school.” – Jack Bird
“I liked Peter Cosgrove’s approach to leadership where he spoke about not giving up. When he was 16, he was not at a high ranking in the army or cadettes, but he kept trying.” – Winnie Cross
“It was good to meet students from other schools, and I liked Peter Cosgrove’s speech about leadership.” -bMax Dillon
What a wonderful opportunity for our students!
This is a reminder that our aftercare service has finished due to low numbers, therefore no aftercare service from next week. Please contact me if you need support with this change, and we can discuss options to support you.
On Tuesday, 4 March, we will be holding a pancake sale with all proceeds going to our chosen charity CARITAS for the Lent period.
To make this day a success, we are asking for donations of pre-made pancakes, as well as cream and condiments.
If you could please deliver these to the Junior School by Monday, 3 March, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Congratulations to the five Year 6 students who represented Waverley at the IPSHA Basketball Trials today. It was a tough selection process and we are very proud of each of them for their efforts – Marley Fuller, Marlo Davis, Seva Signh, Leo Petit and Artie Shaw.
A special shout out to Marley Fuller who was selected to represent IPSHA at the CIS Basketball Trials on Friday, 7 March.
Best of luck to all students competing in Round 3 Summer Sport tomorrow – go Waves!
A reminder that the Paul Kelly Cup trial is on Monday morning, 3 March at Waverley Park 3 (grass field nearest Birrell St) at 7.30am.
This is open to any students who have put AFL as their first preference for Winter Sport 2025. The Paul Kelly Cup competition will take place 1 week later on Monday 10 March, with team selection and more details to follow.
Well done to the Waverley boys who competed in the NSW OzTag State Champs on the weekend in Coffs Harbour.
The Easts 12s team finished Runners Up in an epic weekend. 38 teams and the boys finished 2nd best team in the state!
Mason Helliar
Lachlan Anson
Freddy Saville
Jack Morahan Saliba
Patrick Spencer
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
Thank you to all of our Year 6 parents who attended the Elephant Ed webinar, Puberty and Embracing Change. I hope you found the session informative and supportive. We are excited to begin our in-class workshops, with the first session taking place on Thursday, 27 February. Thank you for your continued support.
We have been closely monitoring attendance for aftercare, with a maximum of just four students on any given day. Due to these low numbers, we have made the decision to discontinue the program. We understand this may be challenging for some families—please reach out if you need support in this area. The final week of aftercare will be Week 5 (next week), and bookings can be made using the link provided.
For future families, we will continue to offer aftercare for the first half of Term 1, allowing students time to transition to Waverley Junior School and build independence in getting home.
Today, our Year 6 students participated in their second Kanyini lesson in the Junior School. ‘Kanyini’ is a Pitjantjatjara word that embodies the values of support, nurture, protection, and care for both the land and one another. Originally introduced in the Senior School last year, this program has now been extended to Year 6 due to its positive impact.
During today’s session, Year 12 prefects led the Kanyini lessons within House groups, creating a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with their peers and build relationships with senior leaders. With a focus on teamwork, the boys demonstrated strong collaboration skills, confidently engaging in problem-solving activities and rich discussions. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and the way they worked together throughout the session.
Congratulations to our students on their excellent efforts in Round 1 of Summer Sport for 2025.
It has been a busy time for our Waverley Junior School swimmers, who have been representing our school with pride at several Invitational Carnivals. Last Friday, Trinity Strathfield hosted us and this week we attended Cranbrook and Riverview. Well done to all our swimmers for their time and commitment in the lead up to our IPSHA Swimming Carnival.
At the recent Bronte Nippers Club Championships, Parker Recio (Year 6) achieved first in the swim, first in the board and first in the Iron Person race. Ryder Darragh (Year 6) achieved second Iron Person, second in board, third in swim and second in the sand sprint. Well done boys and all those who competed!
Congratulations also to a number of Junior School boys who played Touch Football at Wagga Wagga last weekend.
Good luck for Round 2 Summer Sport and Go Waves!
Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all of Term 1 events, please refer to the College calendar.
The Junior School Parent Information Booklet is intended to inform you of the more detailed aspects of life at Waverley College Junior School. The first section deals with overall aspects of the College and the second section is more class specific. I hope that you get involved in the many facets of life at Waverley College and enjoy being part of our great community.
Click here to view the Yr 5 2025 Parent Information Booklet
Click here to view the Yr 6 2025 Parent Information Booklet
Please see below for an invitation to a webinar presented by Elephant Ed on Puberty and Embracing Change.
When: 6pm – 7pm, Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Topic: Puberty and Embracing Change
Elephant Ed is a leading sexuality education provider to hundreds of schools around Australia. Elephant Ed’s workshops are evidence-based, age-appropriate and mapped to State and National curriculum guidelines. Elephant Ed is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider and is endorsed as a quality-assured program in the NSW Department of Education’s Student Wellbeing external programs catalogue.
In advance of Elephant Ed’s workshops with Waverley College students, this webinar will include discussion around the physical, social and emotional changes associated with puberty, as well as strategies for starting open and effective conversations at home.
The first in-class workshop for the boys will be Thursday 27th February.
What a fantastic start to 2025 it has been in the co-curricular life of the Junior School! We have had sports and swim trials, been placed into our Summer Teams, begun Summer training and met our coaches, started extra-curricular clubs, competed and shown House Spirit at the Junior School Swimming Carnival, and now we are set to play our first Saturday fixture tomorrow. Best of luck to the boys out there – I look forward to seeing a few matches and hearing how everyone goes.
I am proud of the resilience and excitement I have seen amongst our boys as they navigate this new aspect of Year 5 life or are returning to achieve their sporting goals in Year 6.
We have a few celebrations to share, starting with Joshua Satya who was selected to represent Waverley at the IPSHA Tennis trials on Monday, 10th February. Despite getting rained out after the first round, Joshua did enough to wow selectors and has made the IPSHA Tennis Team. They will compete at the CIS Trials on Monday, 24th February and we wish Joshua the best of luck!
Secondly, we congratulate Walker Leondis (5 Orange) on winning the Oztag State Cup as the captain of his U10s Souths team. His team have managed to go back to back, winning two years in a row and also went undefeated. We are so proud of his achievement!
Also at the Oztag State Championships, the below Year 5 Waverley Boys represented Easts and did very well.
Will Collins, Tommy Walker, Freddie Hughes, Sonny Millis.
Andrei Szabo (5 Indigo), among other Waverley boys, competed in Sydney branch nippers carnival on the weekend competing against all the beaches from Bondi to Royal National Park. He did really well, coming 3rd in the 1km sand run; winning two gold medals as part of the all ages board relay and another as part of the U11 board relay; coming 3rd in the Ironman and 3rd in board rescue team; as well as 2nd in individual board race and 3rd in team swim. Well done Andrei!
Congratulations to everyone on their achievements this term and I look forward to Round 1 of Saturday Sport tomorrow. Go Waves!
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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