Welcome to Week 4. Another impressive week of online learning from our students. I know this is a challenging time for everyone but our students have really put in the effort and commitment this week.
On Tuesday 10 August, ySafe will be presenting a webinar for our students on ‘Cyberbullying and Bystander Empowerment + Safety on Social Media and Games + Digital Wellbeing.’
Your son has received a ZOOM calendar invitation for the webinar which will be scheduled for Period 1 (8:45am-9:30am) for YEAR 5, and Period 2 (9:30am-10:15am) for YEAR 6.
This is a compulsory event and all students must attend.
The ySafe presentation will emphasise the constructive relationship students can have with technology under a positive digital citizenship ethos, and upskill students in understanding the importance of and ways to implement safe online practices.
We should all be working together to ensure we invest time and resources into raising a generation of smart, safe and responsible children, who are capable and compassionate – both on and offline.
It was so wonderful to see the time and effort students put into last Friday’s Fun Activity. The marble race courses and robot collages that were created by each student were unbelievably creative and imaginative. Picking the winners was a very hard task again this week.
I want to congratulate all students for their hard work and for their amazing ideas. The following students were the winners for last week:
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
During Week 4 of Online Learning, Year 5 have integrated their Visual Arts lessons with Science. This week the students in 5 Gold have been learning about buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force that is caused when the hot air is trapped inside of the balloon. A hot air balloon rises because it has buoyancy.
Each student designed their own hot air balloon. Each design had to show the three essential parts: the burner, which heats the air; the balloon envelope, which holds the air; and the basket, which carries the passengers.
It was wonderful to see the detail and colour in their designs.
Buoyancy Collage by Flynn Killen, Jayden Newrick, Nicholas Giannikouris and Joshua Raymond
Ms Jenny Hoare
Year 5 Gold Class Teacher
E: jhoare@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to Week 3!
As we continue our journey through online learning we know how important it is to reflect and refine our practices. With the announcement of another four-week extension of online learning, we have updated the timetable for our Junior School students.
Our specialist teachers are very keen to teach their lessons and provide a richer online learning experience for our students. As of Monday 2 August, our specialist teachers (Creative Arts, PE, Learning Hub and Spanish) will be meeting with each class weekly to teach a lesson on Google Meet.
Each class will have a different timetable that will now include a Google Meet with each specialist weekly. The basic outline for Google Meets each day is as follows:
| 8:45 am | Outline of day with class teacher |
| 11am | Year 6 Maths |
| 12pm | Year 5 Maths |
| Varied times | One Specialist Google Meet |
| Varied times | One Optional Google Meet with Classroom Teacher |
Classroom teachers will go through the changes to their timetable on Monday with the students.
It was so wonderful to see the time and effort students put into last Friday’s Fun Activity. The mini putt-putt golf courses and target golf courses created by each student were unbelievably creative and imaginative. Picking the winners was a very hard task. I want to congratulate all students for their hard work.
The following students were the winners for last week:
All students have won 50 House points and a $5 canteen voucher for when we return to school. I can’t wait to see what the students create with today’s Fun Friday Activity.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The links below provide the KLA (Key Learning Area) curriculum overview for Term 3 for Years 5 and 6.
Mr Tom Mitton
5 Indigo Class Teacher and Acting Director of Curriculum – Junior School
E: tmitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week I would like to congratulate the students who have submitted their Visual Arts entries. There is still time if your son would like to enter. Entries will need to be photographed and emailed to nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au by Friday 13 August.
Initially, the students were directly submitting their hard copy, unfortunately, this will not be the case due to the extended lockdown. A soft copy will need to be emailed.
Artwork by Taylor Rogers 6 Red
Artwork by Charlie Griffin 5 Indigo
Artwork by Nicholas Patakas 5 Indigo
Artwork by Callum Knight 6 Red
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
If you have purchased an ICAS assessment for your son, the assessments will go ahead in Term 4. ICAS has adjusted the sitting window for NSW schools. Dates will be confirmed towards the end of August.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Wavefest 2021 is running a competition! As part of Waverley’s commitment to engage with students at home during online learning and keep us all connected, we are seeking fun and creative video content from students, families and teachers to show what they have been doing at home #wavestogetherbutapart
Email a 15-second video of you engaging in exciting classroom or outdoor physical activities. It could be a funny class activity, dance, physical workout challenge or family activity.
We will post video entries on our Waverley Social Media platforms. Please keep content family friendly as it will be shared on College Instagram and Facebook.
The best video entry will win a hamper from a school community local business.
Please email your videos to bbuchan@waverley.nsw.edu.au by Friday 30 July.
Ms Belinda Buchan
Academic Mentoring Coordinator
E: bbuchan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley Library is running the online talk How to Set Up Your Child For High School Success with Mr Jesse Whelan from Sandbox Learning Australia on Thursday, 12 August 2021 from 6pm-7:30pm.
This event is for parents and students in Years 5, 6 and 7.
Welcome to Week 2! It’s hard to believe we have already completed our second week of online learning. I have been so proud of our students and the way they have seamlessly moved into learning online.
As you are aware, last week I sent out communication about a new timetable to support our students. This timetable has now been adjusted to include optional check-ins with our specialist teachers. Feedback this week from our specialist teachers has been very positive. Can I please ask you to encourage your son to join these sessions if they require extra support.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 8:45 am-9:00 am | Morning Outline
Yrs 5 & 6 |
Morning Outline
Yrs 5 & 6 |
Morning Outline
Yrs 5 & 6 |
Morning Outline
Yrs 5 & 6 |
Morning Outline
Yrs 5 & 6 |
| 11:00 am | Yr 6 Maths | Yr 6 Maths | Yr 6 Maths | Yr 6 Maths | Yr 6 Maths |
| 11:50 am | Yr 5 Maths | Yr 5 Maths | Yr 5 Maths | Yr 5 Maths | Yr 5 Maths |
| 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Optional Class Check-In | Optional Class Check-In | Optional Class Check-In | Optional Class Check-In | Optional Class Check-In |
| 2:00 pm | PDHPE
Yr 5 |
Learning Hub
Yr 5 |
Spanish
Yr 5 |
Creative Arts
Yr 5 |
|
| 2:30 pm | PDHPE
Yr 6 |
Learning Hub
Yr 6 |
Spanish
Yr 6 |
Creative Arts
Yr 6 |
Starting from today, I have given students a fun, hands-on activity to complete each Friday. Students will be set a task that is designed to be engaging, fun and educational. We know that our students need to stay motivated and engage in activities away from the computer.
I have booked a session with each class weekly to explain the activity. This is giving me the opportunity to touch base with each student and check-in with them to see how online learning is going as well as their wellbeing.
Today’s Fun Friday Activity was to make a mini putt-putt course or target golf course using household items and/or recycled materials. I can’t wait to see all the finished products! There will be a top two from each class which is being judged by Ms Rollins, Ms Zivanovic and Mr Watchel. From these entries I will be picking a top five or six. The winners will receive House points, an award, and a $5 canteen voucher for when they return.
I hope everyone is staying safe and well, and please reach out if you require any assistance.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Are you looking for extra reading resources during lockdown? Here are two that can be found on the Learning Hub CANVAS page under eBooks & Audio Books.
For the auditory learners among us, the option of audiobooks is one our society is increasingly turning to, and for good reason. There are many options out there and the most important aspect is that your son is reading or listening to audiobooks, if that is his preferred choice.
Your son has access to audio books from the Learning Hub page, as well as a multitude of options online; just remember it does not always have to be a hard copy book.
Your son can login using his Waverley username and password.
This week I would like to congratulate the students who have submitted their poetry writing for the Book Week competition. There is still time if your son would like to enter, entries close Monday 16 August. Judging will happen after the closing date.
Max Nicholson
5 Indigo
Old worlds, New worlds, Other worlds
A long time ago we didn’t have planes
A long time ago we didn’t have lights
A long time ago we didn’t have cars
Now we have fighter jets
Now we have bright torches
Now we have electric cars
But in other worlds more advanced than any of us
They will have more than twice as many
Than us
Maximilian Malley
5 Gold
He taps at the keyboard with his old, bony fingers,
a message sent back in time to warn about wars that were to come. Warnings fell on deaf
ears,
Society rolled its eyes.
Tears filled his eyes as he shook his head.
Even he could not save humanity.
His final message sent,
The alien leaves this world for his own.
Hunter Owen
5 Gold
The olden days feel like so long ago when it was dark and stormy
People wore different clothes and had guns and armies.
The new world feels nice and bright
We have technology, machines and houses and know it’s better not to fight.
Other worlds are mysterious and I want to explore
I imagine they have flying cars, new aircrafts and magical things galore!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I want to strongly commend all students for their great efforts so far with managing remote learning, as well as the wide range of physical and leisure exercise activities being undertaken each day. I am sure we are all well aware of how important maintaining physical activity and exercise is during this time for our overall holistic health.
Please continue to encourage your sons to take brain breaks throughout each day that involves being active. This can include the exercises and activities in the Exercise Bingo/ Choice Board given to students for PE lessons.
With the Olympics Games in Tokyo commencing this week, we will also be posting some Olympic-style event challenges for PDHPE. These will include exercise challenges, history research, trivia questions and activity design tasks.
As mentioned by Mr Stephen O’Donnell (Head of Co-Curricular) regarding Winter Co-Curricular season, we have no official update on the recommencement of winter sports and the season remains currently suspended. The College will also be postponing any current planned presentation evenings and will update the College community based on further health advice and orders to ensure we are keeping everyone safe.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular (Years 5-8)
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome back to Term Three! I hope everyone has been keeping safe and making the most out of the lockdown. I know this may be a difficult time for many and we understand the pressures of juggling online learning, family life and work life. You would have received two lots of communication last week from our Principal, Mr Graham Leddie and myself in regards to Online Learning guidelines and expectations.
At this point, it is unclear how long students will be partaking in online learning. We need to prepare that this may go on for a few weeks. It is important that we continue with our learning and have high expectations of our students. Can I please remind you of some important points:
Please see below times the boys are expected to login to Google Meet:
As mentioned, we understand that this may be a really difficult time for our families and students. The wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. If your son is struggling or needs help during this time, I ask you to reach out to myself or one of our psychologists for support.
All staff contacts can be found here: https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/contacts/junior-school/
Wishing everyone a smooth start to Online Learning this week.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
During this uncertain and challenging time, educators, parents and students are currently transitioning to remote learning. This involves substantial adjustments to teaching and learning. During this time reading must continue and reading should never be undervalued.
This is a perfect time to encourage your son to spend more time reading. For assistance, please click the link below to read ‘A Quick Guide for Parents,’ by the International Boys’ Schools Coalition.
Strategy 3: Read Together and Strategy 5: Read Aloud are highly recommended.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Will Carter, Riley Carr, Oscar Lennon and Hugo Murphy enjoying the magic of books in the Learning Hub 2021
Boys’ reading attentiveness increases when they are actively involved in the selection of texts
Family reading time at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books
You are formally invited to our Junior School Father’s Day Mass on Friday 3 September 2021 at Mary Immaculate Church.
We are still yet to finalise the times for the Mass as we are still not too sure what restrictions will be in place. We will let you know closer to the date.
As part of the celebration, there is a slideshow presentation showcasing our fathers/grandfathers with their son(s). If you would like to send a photo through, please email it by Friday 27 August (Week 7) to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We hope that you can join us for this special occasion.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Term 3 is nearly upon us and in August we will be celebrating Book Week at the Junior School. The theme this year is ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.’
Our Waverley pop-up bookshop proudly supported by The Children’s Bookshop in Glebe will kick off our celebrations on Monday 23 August from 9am – 12:45 pm in the Learning Hub.
Students will visit the bookshop with their class on Monday from 9am. Payment method will be determined closer to the date.
Allowing your son to make his own choices on what to purchase is a great way to encourage him to read!
Book prices will begin at $15.00.
Harry Laing is a poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer. He will be our guest author on Wednesday 25 August. The presentation aims at promoting reading and creative writing.
Guest author Harry Laing will visit Waverley in August
All students from the Junior campus are encouraged to enter one or both of the competitions running for Book Week. I will be promoting these competitions in the first few weeks of Term 3. Winners will be announced on Friday 27 August!
Are you good with words? Enter the Book Week Writing Competition!
Competitions are an excellent way to showcase your talent. Enter the Book Week Visual Arts Competition!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In term 2 Week 9, Year 5 students hosted their annual History Showcase. This was the students’ culminating event for their term’s History research, from which they chose a historical figure and historical event from the 1800s-1900s. This inquiry unit explored the significance of people, groups, places, and events that have led to the development of Australia. The day proved to be a huge success, with parents coming onto the grounds to witness the hysteria that took place.
A huge thank you to all of the teachers for their tireless work, Mr Brennan for being our guest judge, the parents who attended, and finally, well done to all of Year 5 for their incredible efforts. It was undoubtedly one to remember!
Mr Thomas Mitton
Director of Curriculum – Junior School
E: tmitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to Week 9! It is hard to believe that this is our last week of the term. It was lovely to see so many of you on campus on Tuesday for Parent/Teacher/Student interviews. Using the hybrid model was very successful this year. Many of you opted to discuss your son’s development this year over Zoom. We have learnt some valuable practices that we will keep since COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place.
I want to congratulate all students who performed in the Musical Festival last Thursday at the PAC as well as the very talented Ms Rollins. The array of talent and performances was amazing! Well done!
I want to wish everyone a very safe and relaxing break. I look forward to seeing everyone in three weeks’ time, ready to embrace another busy and exciting term.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Thank you to all of the Junior School students who participated in the Music Festival last Thursday night. It was so good to be performing again. The Waterford Guitar Ensemble performed Lady Madonna under the direction of Nick Yatsev and the Waterford Band performing Ancient Voices were directed by Dan Williams. The Waterford Rock band performed When I Come Around by Green Day under the direction of Jesse Johnston, and Evan Service, winner of the inaugural piano competition division 2, played Solfeggietto by Bach.
It was a delight to see our students singing again after many months of COVID-19 restrictions hindering this activity. Our choirs have only been able to rehearse at full strength since the beginning of this term. I was very proud to share the stage with our Junior School Cantores as they performed A New Day is Dawning and The Ghost Ship. I look forward to more performance opportunities in the coming semester.
2021 Music Festival – the Wonderful Waterford Concert Band
2021 Music Festival – Junior School Cantores
Evan Service, winner of the inaugural piano competition division 2, plays Solfeggietto by Bach.
Wakakirri is in full swing. The students have been working hard on our 2021 Wakakirri performance which will take place on Tuesday 27 July at NIDA. Our performance is titled Oliver! We present a modern retelling of this classic tale where Oliver wants more. In our story he wants more likes, more top scores and more devices but is devastated when a dislike appears. How will he cope with this? Luckily, he has loyal friends and family to help him through.
Ms Michelle Rollins
Music and Drama Teacher
E: mrollins@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Thursday 10 June the Junior School students were engaged in an activity day to honour the life of Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers. The day began with a prayer service focusing on the early life of Edmund through to his life as a founder of schools to educate the poor and underprivileged children of Waterford, Ireland. To end the day, the students were involved in a number of fundraising activities including some very exciting Spikeball competitions, basketball free throw contests, AFL Kicking and Rugby Passing competitions as well as a raffle and a guessing competition. We thank all the students for the involvement and generosity throughout the day, raising over $1,300 to support Edmund Rice Camps Australia.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
With the end of Year 6 fast approaching, we know you will be thinking ahead to the next stage of your son’s education. As such, we would like to inform you that the College is finalising Senior School places for Year 7, 2022.
To secure your son’s place, you are required to pay a $1,000.00 continuation deposit. Your deposit will be included in your Term 3, 2021 fees and due on the same date. The deposit will then be credited against your school fees in Term 2, 2022.
Placement in Year 7 is in high demand and there is a significant waitlist. Please advise us by Tuesday 22 June if you intend to withdraw your son’s enrolment, as this will enable us to offer your place to a waitlisted candidate, and the continuation deposit will not be included in your Term 3 fees. Please also note that the continuation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable should you decide to withdraw your son from Waverley College.
In order to confirm your son’s transition to Year 7, your school fee account must be up-to-date with no outstanding balance.
We look forward to welcoming your son to the Senior School as he continues his Waverley education. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding your son’s enrolment. For any questions regarding fees, please contact schoolfees@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Ms Kylie Anderson
Registrar
E: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to Week 8! We have been very busy this week interviewing for future enrolments. It is always exciting for our future students to be on campus. Semester One reports will be available tomorrow, Friday 11 June via TASS Parent Lounge. This is an important time to sit down as a family and go through all your son’s achievements and areas for improvement. This is vital for future success. A great idea is to set some goals for Semester Two and have these ready to discuss with your son’s classroom teacher at Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews next Tuesday 15 June.
When to book? – book with your son’s classroom teacher from Saturday 5 June at 9am.
How to book? – book via the Parent Lounge on TASS, OR click here to book.
Difficulties making the appointment?
If your son is in Learning Support and you would like to book an interview with our Learning Support teachers, please contact them directly via their email addresses below. They will be available to take appointments from 9am to 3pm.
These interviews will be held in your son’s classroom, however, if you would like to have your interview via Zoom, this option will also be available. Details for connecting to Zoom will be sent out tomorrow Friday 11 June.
Tuesday 15 June is a pupil-free day for your son, however, he is required to attend this interview and be in his full academic school uniform. This will be a 10-minute time slot. While brief, this will allow you to discuss your son’s Semester One report and ask any questions you may have about their progress here at Waverley.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last week the debaters had tough competition and a tough topic : That tests should be banned in primary schools. Both Waverley teams put forward strong arguments and presented their cases clearly and firmly, rebutting the Cranbrook team’s cases. The students did themselves and Waverley very proud. One win and one loss.
A huge thank you to Cass Spies, Paula McCade, Heidi Taylor and Robert Goldrich for transporting the teams to their away debates this term.
Debating – Waverley Vs Cranbrook
Both Waverley teams put forward strong arguments!
Home Learning will be operating on Wednesday and Thursday in the final week of Term 2.
Click here to register your son.
Friday 18 June is the CLOSING DATE to enrol your son in ICAS. Dates regarding the sitting schedule will be out in Term 3.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2021 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered through the Parent Payment System. At the Junior School the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing and Digital Technologies, Science and Spelling Bee, English and Mathematics. This year all the competitions will be held in August / September, Term 3 and will be completed online.
Click here to register your son.
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 18 June 2021.
Waverley’s School Access Code QKV852
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.
Click here for more information about the assessments.
If you require additional support registering your son contact the customer service team on 1800 931 775 (Australian Toll-Free).
The holidays are fast approaching and it is important to continue to encourage your sons to read at home. Modelling reading at home is so important! Carve out time every day for family reading time. This can be a short amount of time (15-20 minutes) where everyone in the family stops what they are doing and reads. It can be anything from a book, newspaper article, magazine to a cookbook. When children see the important people in their lives reading, they will want to read even more.
Term 3 is nearly upon us and in August we will be celebrating Book Week at the Junior School. The theme this year is “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.” Spend the holidays designing your own costume! Stay tuned for more information about Book Week 2021 in Term 3. There will be competitions, author visits, the pop-up bookshop and the book parade. As parents this is an important time to celebrate the wonders that books create.
Book Week is Coming!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Throughout this term, we have been learning all about coding and the process of designing educational games through a program called SCRATCH. Our coding project required us to imagine we were app designers and had to create an educational game that would be suitable for Kindergarten students.
To begin our project, we collaborated on different topics that we could teach and ideas on how we could present our games in a fun, simple and challenging way. We co-constructed a rubric to ensure that we all understood the task, and discussed the importance of catering to Early Stage One abilities by incorporating simplified language, with visuals displayed, alongside words and voice-overs.
Some of our learning topics included the alphabet, simple addition and subtraction and water safety. After we coded our own games, we had the opportunity to challenge ourselves by engaging in the coded games designed and created by our friends!
Coding and designing educational games at Innovation Club
After students coded their own games, they had the opportunity to challenge themselves by engaging in the coded games designed and created by their friends!
Coding and designing educational games at Innovation Club
Ms Chloe-Jane Tweedie
5 White Classroom Teacher
E: ctweedie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College Junior School has had a large number of students representing the College for NSWCIS Sports Trials throughout Term 2. This continued last Friday 4 June, when the following students travelled to Penrith Touch Fields in Werrington to trial for the NSWCIS Touch Football team: Riley Kolster; Jacob Sheehan; Hunter Leondis and Cooper Misson.
The students did fantastically and tried their absolute best, but selections were very competitive for spots. Riley Kolster has been selected in the 2021 NSWCIS Touch Football team and we wish him a huge congratulations on this significant achievement.
Selected in the 2021 NSWCIS Touch Football team — Congratulations Riley Kolster!
Students competed in the Athletics Trial last Friday 4 June, which consisted of a 100-metre sprint to allow us to place students into racing divisions in preparation for the Athletics Carnival. It was an enjoyable afternoon, with students showcasing their sprint running abilities.
When: Friday, 18 June 2021.
Venue: ES Marks Athletics Field (entry via Boronia Street in Kensington — off Anzac Parade).
Departure: from Waverley (Carrington Road) at 8am.
Return: to Waverley (Carrington Road) at 3pm.
How Do I Return the Permission Slip? : there are two options. Choose one of these options.
1. >>> Click here to view and complete the Athletics Carnival permission slip.
OR
2. Complete the permission slip that was sent home with your son today and return it to school.
Permission Slip Due Date: Wednesday, 16 June. This permission slip will help us keep track of attendance and alert us to the students who will be requiring a position on the bus.
Can Parents Attend? Yes.
The carnival will be a Years 5 to 12 event for the College, with all Junior School events being undertaken in conjunction with the Senior School events. This allows our young men the chance to interact with Senior School students throughout the entire day.
All students are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of track and field events. Waverley College places a large importance on friendly House competition whilst supporting all ability levels. The Athletics Carnival is an all-inclusive community event that allows our students to cheer on their House group whilst demonstrating positive sportsmanship.
All Junior School students have now trialled for the carnival and have been placed in race divisions for the selected track events. Students are also allowed to be chosen to participate in different field events, including long jump, high jump and shot put.
Parents are warmly welcomed as spectators and can provide transport to and from the venue for your son on the day. The College has arranged four buses for Junior School students to be taken to and from the carnival. Please see the below information about this compulsory College event:
Travel
Attire
Food
Valuables
In the event of rain, students will come to school in their College PE uniform and ask to bring books/equipment for regular lessons (Friday Week A). This information will also be announced on the SkoolBag app if required.
Parents are more than welcome to attend the event.
Mr Jack Watchtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular – Years 5-8
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to Week 7! We started our week off with an uplifting and creative assembly from 6 Gold and Mr Lavorato. The students of 6 Gold created fantastic clips about their experience during camp and highlighted how invaluable this experience was for facing your fears, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and creating new friendships. The students loved watching the interviews with teachers and hearing about their experience too. There was lots of laughter and joy in the Auditorium.
Our students also watched our amazing Stomp group perform which is run by Ms Rollins. These students are unbelievably talented and the audience was absolutely enthralled with the performance. I would like to thank all the students involved in Open Day this week. I am so proud of how our students toured our guests and represented Waverley so beautifully.
Junior School
Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday 15 June, Week 9 this term.
When to book? – book with your son’s classroom teacher from Saturday 5 June at 9am.
How to book? – book via the Parent Lounge on TASS, OR click here to book.
Difficulties making the appointment?
If your son is in Learning Support and you would like to book an interview with our Learning Support teachers, please contact them directly via their email addresses below. They will be available to take appointments from 9am to 3pm.
These interviews will be held in your son’s classroom, however, if you would like to have your interview via Zoom, this option will also be available. Details will be sent out next week regarding this process.
Tuesday 15 June is a pupil-free day for your son, however, he is required to attend this interview and be in his full academic school uniform. This will be a 10-minute time slot. While brief, this will allow you to discuss your son’s Semester One report and ask any questions you may have about their progress here at Waverley.
I would like to give a big congratulations to Oliver Issac who won 3rd Prize in the 2021 Waverley Youth Art Competition. The theme was ‘We Are Family’ – ancestors, bloodlines and belonging. This is an incredible achievement and we are so proud of him. The artwork he created was absolutely beautiful.
The Duck Family by Oliver Isaac.
Year 5 parents and carers are invited to attend our History Hysteria Showcase on Thursday 17 June. It will be held on the Junior School basketball court at 1:30pm. Our Year 5 students will be presenting their historical knowledge from their history unit in a fun and creative way. We hope you can join us.
Freddie Leiper in 5 Gold and his Family – mum (Holly), dad (Johnny) and brother (Harry), came to live in Australia six years ago. The Leiper Family are originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. They love Australia so much that they decided it was time to become Australian Citizens.
The Citizenship Ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Randwick, Councillor Danny Said. The Leiper Family were presented with their certificates after they had made their pledge of commitment to Australia.
Becoming an Australian citizen is something to celebrate. Citizenship ceremonies mark this important milestone in the lives of new citizens. We congratulate the Leiper Family and welcome them as Australian Citizens.
We congratulate the Leiper Family and welcome them as Australian Citizens
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
To celebrate National Reconciliation Week, 5 White engaged in many fun activities that taught us about the history and culture of Australia’s First Nations People. Our favourite lesson was Aboriginal Art Therapy. We used watercolour paints and pastel crayons to create an art piece that reflected our feelings, thoughts and emotions in the moment. The joy of listening to music and moving to it freely, while making marks on the paper was therapeutic and mesmerising.
Aboriginal Art Therapy in 5 White
Aboriginal Art Therapy in 5 White
Aboriginal Art Therapy in 5 White
Aboriginal Art Therapy in 5 White
Ms Chloe-Jane Tweedie
5 White Classroom Teacher
E: ctweedie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Thursday 10 June in Week 8, the Junior School students will take part in an Activity Day that will reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund Rice (the founder of the Christian Brothers). The day will begin with a Prayer Service in the morning followed by in-class activities that explore Blessed Edmund Rice’s life. After lunch, there will be a number of fundraising activities including a Spike Ball competition, a basketball shooting competition, as well as a number of other fun games designed to raise money that will go towards assisting the Edmund Rice Camps.
Students will need small amounts of money (coins) to participate in these activities. They are encouraged to come to school wearing mufti clothes for a $2 donation. We hope that they will get behind our Edmund Rice Day activities to assist in raising money for such a worthwhile cause.
Click here for more information on Edmund Rice Camps.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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 3pm until 4pm – Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – during school term.
Please click here to register your son.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2021 ICAS Competitions, you will be asked to nominate the competitions you would like him to be entered in through the Parent Payment System. At the Junior School the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing and Digital Technologies, Science and Spelling Bee, English and Mathematics. This year all the competitions will be held before school in August / September, Term 3 and will be completed online.
Click here to register your son.
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 June 18, 2021.
Waverley’s School Access Code is: QKV852
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. Click here for more information about the assessments.
If you require additional support registering your son contact the customer service team on 1800 931 775 (Australian Toll-Free)
The drawing club operates at lunchtime once a week. There is one more Tuesday left for the artists to show off their talents. This term we focused on sketching, the work of Shaun Tan and entered the Waverley Youth Art Competition. I’m extremely proud of the dedication and commitment to drawing these students show on a weekly basis. I’m looking forward to an exciting Term 3 with a new theme.
“Little people can be empowered through art.” — Shaun Tan
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Wednesday and Thursday, 26-27 May, Waverley Junior School had six students represent the College at the CIS Rugby Union Trials. These trials are the highest level of accomplishment a Junior School student can achieve for their respective sport.
The students who were selected to trial included: Patrick Palmer, Tom Burke, Jude Maher, Tyden Hennessey, Riley Kolster and Stirling Quinn.
All of our students involved in the trial process did an amazing job, giving their all amongst some of the best junior school rugby players in NSW. Out of the six students who trialed, we were fortunate enough to have two of our students make it through to the final squad selection and make it onto the NSW CIS Rugby team.
The students selected were: Tyden Hennessey and Stirling Quinn, who we are beyond proud of. But we are particularly proud of all of the students who participated.
I would like to thank Mr Gill for his involvement in the trial process and giving the students the confidence to reach their full potential.
CIS Rugby Trialists – Patrick Palmer, Tom Burke, Jude Maher, Tyden Hennessey, Riley Kolster and Stirling Quinn
NSW CIS Rugby team selections: Tyden Hennessey and Stirling Quinn
Round 2 of the AFL Paul Kelly Cup took place last Thursday, 27 May, at Blacktown International Sportspark. Our team made it through to the second round by winning the first regional championships at Queens Park. We were anticipating a great day, as that is exactly what eventuated. Mr Mitton did an excellent job coaching the students again for the day, as the team made it straight through to the Grand Final match after winning the first three games against quality opposition.
The Grand Final was against Lilli Pilli Public School, who had played exceptionally well all day. We knew it was going to be a strong fight, but in the end our students were too strong and came away comfortable winners. The team have been awarded the Regional Champions for the Paul Kelly Cup and are moving onto the State Championships at Giants Stadium in August.
We congratulate all of the players and Mr Mitton for this amazing achievement, and we wish them the best of luck for the State Championships.
Huge congratulations to the Waverley College Junior School Paul Kelly Cup Regional Championship Team!
The Round 7 weekly fixture and Round 6 results have now been uploaded on the Waverley College website.
Good luck to all of our teams in the final round before the mid year break. It has been an exciting and entertaining Winter Season so far and we look forward to the final three rounds of the season at the commencement of Term 3.
As the July holidays draw closer, it is a good time to think about sporting camps that are taking place across the break period.
Please contact me should you require information about sports camps for Cricket and AFL.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome to Week 6! I want to start by thanking every mother, grandmother or person who is like a mother to our students, for turning up to our Mother’s Day Mass last Friday. We were so disappointed when we had to cancel it initially, but as they say, better late than never! It was wonderful to see the smiles on everyone’s faces, the hugs exchanged and the joyful chatter amongst families. Being able to have everyone in the church and on campus was a delight. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.
We finished our last open classrooms on Monday. It has been so exciting having parents back in the classrooms, meeting teachers (for some the first time face-to-face), and being able to see what your sons have been learning and what their classrooms look like. The turnout has been amazing and the feedback has been very positive.
Sharing learning with parents and carers in our open classrooms
Celebrating learning with family in open classrooms
Learning is everywhere!
I would like to congratulate two very talented students who came first and second in Division 2 of the piano competition which was held last week at the PAC. Evan Service was placed first and Robbie Johnson placed second. This was very impressive for our two Junior School students as they were competing against Senior School students. What a wonderful achievement.
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last Friday 21 May the Junior School finally had a chance to celebrate our mothers, grandmothers and those who are like mothers to our students at our Mother’s Day Mass. It was both special and amazing to see the amount of people there to celebrate such a wonderful day, and to emphasise to our students what an important part our mothers play in our everyday lives.
Both celebrations were led by Fr Bernie and we were fortunate enough to have Ms Michelle Rollins and the Cantores leading us in the singing which further added to the overall atmosphere of the occasion. Both celebrations ended with a morning tea at the Junior School with a wonderful spread put on by our canteen staff for our parents to enjoy.
I was glad to see the excitement in all who attended, given the opportunity to spend time on campus interacting with other parents and their own children. My sincerest thank you to all who assisted in making the day run so smoothly.
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass with Father Bernie
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day Mass
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Home Learning will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of Week 7.
Teachers will be participating in a Professional Development session on Monday afternoon, therefore there will be NO Home Learning Club.
Click here to register your son.
If you would like your son to compete in the 2021 ICAS Competitions, please nominate which competitions you would like him to be entered in via the Parent Payment System. At the Junior School the following ICAS competitions are offered: Writing & Digital Technologies, Science & Spelling Bee, English and Mathematics. This year all the competitions will be held in August / September, Term 3 and will be completed online.
Click here to register your son. 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 18 June 2021.
Waverley’s School Access Code QKV852
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.
Click here for more information about the ICAS assessments.
If you require additional support registering your son, contact the customer service team on 1800 931 775 (Australian Toll-Free).
The students explored the important themes of Sorry Day and Reconciliation. Rich literature was used to encourage valuable discussion on the cultural heritage of the First Nations Peoples. The students highlighted many important facts and we were involved in activities that promote critical thinking. This is also an ideal time for families to join the Reconciliation conversation with their sons.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Literature Exploring the Themes of Sorry Day and Reconciliation
Literature Exploring the Themes of Sorry Day and Reconciliation
Literature Exploring the Themes of Sorry Day and Reconciliation
Literature Exploring the Themes of Sorry Day and Reconciliation
Students of Year 6 have been immersed in a wide range of informative and persuasive texts related to the theme, ‘A Different Way of Looking’. The primary text, Bruce Pascoe’s Young Dark Emu – A Truer History, uses first-hand accounts of early European explorers, colonists and farmers, to compellingly argue for a reconsideration of the hunter-gatherer label for pre-colonial Aboriginal Australians.
6 White Students regularly journaled their responses to content, chapters, and evidence presented in Young Dark Emu and follow up texts. They were encouraged to personally reflect when given particular prompts at the start or end of each lesson, which could range from a question, a lightbulb, an exclamation, or more directed stimuli such as: ‘I am shocked by…’ , and ‘I have become more aware that…’
In Visual Arts, students responded to the rich biodiversity of Australia by weaving Ojo de Dios – ‘Eye of God’. They chose an ecosystem type, for example: rainforest, bush, desert, ocean, river, coast, as the basis for their weaving. They paid attention to the various colours to help to represent their ecosystem. They also tried to mix different tones and contrasts, such as placing bright colours next to pastels to add interest.
Mr Kendall Robinson
6 White Classroom Teacher
E: krobinson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
6 White Student Journals ‘Young Dark Emu’
6 White Student Journal ‘Young Dark Emu.’
6 White Student Journal ‘Young Dark Emu.’
Ojo de Dios – ‘Eye of God’ Weavings
Ojo de Dios – ‘Eye of God’ Weavings
The Round 6 weekly fixture and Round 5 results have now been uploaded on the Waverley College website.
I wish all teams the best of luck for Round 6 and encourage students to continue representing Waverley College with pride and respect as we do week after week.
Just a reminder that we only have two more rounds of Saturday co-curricular sport for Term 2. The final three rounds of the Winter season will commence from the first weekend of Term 3 (Saturday, 17 July).
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular (Years 5 – 8)
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Kool Kidzz Winter Holiday Program will operate this school holidays.
Where: 131 Birrell Street, Waverley College
Hours: 8.30am – 5pm
Week 1: Monday 28 June – Friday 2 July
Week 2: Monday 5 July – Friday 9 July
Please click here for booking information
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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