Read more: The Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Indigenous Literacy Day, paralympian interactive webinar, KIDS NEWS short story competition, Father’s Day photos, Harry Laing author presentation, online bookshop, Friday Fun Activity Book Week character costume, Science Week, virtual gallery, ICAS update.
Welcome to Week 7! Another very busy week for our students. This week marks Book Week for 2021. Normally this is a fun-filled and exciting week for our students at school. We have done our best to celebrate it online.
Our Fun Friday Activity this week was for our students to dress up and/or film themselves as their chosen characters. The theme this year is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. Our students did an amazing job creating their costumes and we can’t wait to announce the winners next week.
Last week, we celebrated Science Week and our Fun Friday Activity was based around this. Our winners created original, fun, and exciting science experiments.
Our winners for Week 6 are:
Last week, Year 5 students celebrated the Feast of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop — 8 August). During their Online Learning, students investigated the extraordinary life of this compassionate, devout and determined young woman.
In their presentations, they outlined what Mary achieved in her lifetime and why she remains such an inspiration, not only to Australians, but to men and women worldwide. Some of the students included their beautiful artwork to capture the heart and spirit of Mary.
Jayden Newrick (5 Gold)
Charlie Gibbins (5 Gold)
Isaac Tait, Reese Araujo, Flynn Killen, Freddie Leiper (5 Gold)
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Providing varied experiences for students in the classroom is a massive priority throughout this lockdown period. I have compiled a list of different virtual lessons/activities/competitions that are (mostly) free to join and encompass a wide range of interests from photography to arts to English. Have a look through the range of activities and get involved today!
Dates: Now – Entries close 17 September
Dates: Now – Entries Close 18 October
Dates: Ongoing
Dates: Ongoing
Dates: 30 August – 17 September
Dates: Ongoing
Dates: Ongoing
Dates: Live 24-hour cams
Dates: Now – Entries Closes 30 November
If you have any questions about the activities on this list, please feel free to contact me! Additionally, if you know of any other experiences that could be added, please get in touch, and I will add them to the list next week.
Mr Thomas Mitton
Acting Director of Curriculum — Junior School
E: tmitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As you are probably aware, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 5 September 2021. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, we will not be able to celebrate together as a school community, therefore myself and the students at the Junior School will be putting together a virtual Father’s Day presentation to mark this special occasion.
To help facilitate this, could you please send through a photo with your son(s) and their dad(s) and grandad(s), or those who are like fathers to our students, so that they can be used in the presentation. It would be really appreciated if files labelled with your son’s name be sent through as a jpeg file.
Please email all photos to: liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
*Please note the deadline for these photos is 5pm on Wednesday 1 September.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Indigenous Literacy Day is taking place on Wednesday 1 September. I have registered the College for a special virtual event for Year 5 classes and teachers to watch during the day.
This event is for children aged 4-11 years and will be hosted by Indigenous Literacy Foundation ambassador, Gregg Dreise, a proud descendant from the Goomeri and Yuwalayaay people in south western Queensland and north west of New South Wales. Gregg is a performer, author, musician and artist.
There will also be a special guest appearance by Indigenous Literacy Foundation ambassador and singer, Jessica Mauboy.
The 25-minute event includes two delightful animations illustrating Kriol language. It is proudly presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House.
Happy Indigenous Literacy Day!
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library Services
wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day this September!
Junior school students enjoyed a highly entertaining and engaging presentation from Harry Laing this morning as part of our Book Week celebrations.
Harry is a poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer.
We were privileged to have Harry Laing share numerous writing tips with students
Harry shared many writing tips with the students and they also participated in writing their own poems. His newest poetry book is RapperBee coming out in October. Students were lucky to hear Harry recite these poems in such a humorous manner!
Harry Laing recited humorous poems from his forthcoming poetry book ‘RapperBee’
Our pop-up book shop which is proudly supported by ‘The Children’s Bookshop & Speakers’ Agency’ has gone online. Allowing your son to make his own reading choices is an important part of encouraging reading.
*Books you purchase will be delivered to your door free of charge.
The Pop Up Bookshop is Now Online
Waverley Students Making Their Own Book Choices
Book Week costumes
Book Week costumes
Students will have the opportunity to design and create their own Book Week costume! They will need to take a photo or video of themselves in character.
Students need to upload this to their ‘Friday Fun Day’ activity folder. Students will receive more details in their Week 7 Google Meets.
The ‘most creative and original costume’ judges will be Ms Rollins, Mr Watchel, and Ms Bransby.
*All prize winners will be announced in Week 8!
The theme this year is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds leaving it open to interpretation. Students created a piece of artwork using any medium of their choice.
*Prize winners will be announced in Week 8!
The KIDS NEWS Short Story Competition is back for 2021.
The competition has four age groups: Kindergarten to Year 2; Years 3-4; Years 5-6 and Years 7-9.
A panel of judges, led by award-winning author Jackie French, will choose the winning entries, with the first prize in each age category winning 10 copies of their short story published into a printed book with a personally designed cover, plus an iPad and a HarperCollins book pack.
There are also prizes for one runner-up and three highly commended entries in each age group.
Teachers can submit their students’ entries using the online entry form below. A consent form, signed by the student’s parent or guardian, must be attached to the entry form. Please click on the links below for further information about entry and parent consent.
*Entries are open from 9am (AEST) Monday 16 August until 5pm (AEST) Friday 17 September 2021.
In response to the daily COVID-19 developments, ICAS has an additional four-week sitting window in Term 4 from 5 October – 29 October 2021 to give schools and families peace of mind during these uncertain times.
However, there have been no further updates if schools don’t resume face-to-face during the new sitting window. I am constantly in contact with Julla Timan, our Assessment Consultant, and will keep you updated.
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College Junior School have registered in the ‘Be Your Greatest Webinars’ which allow students to virtually meet members of our Australia Paralympic Team during the Games and while the athletes are quarantining.
During a live, interactive session with Australian Paralympic athletes, students will be able to learn about the Paralympic Games and engage in a question and answer session with the athletes about their sporting careers, training and challenges living with a disability.
This webinar is free, and there are only 30 spots available to students from the Junior School. Two students from each class will be eligible to nominate themselves for a spot.
*To secure a spot, students must inform their class teacher of their interest, and the first two students from each class will be selected to be involved.
Mr Jack Wachtel
Assistant Director of Co-Curricular (Years 5-8)
E: jwachtel@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Virtual Book Week activities — online pop-up bookshop, author presentation, character costume, art gallery; virtual Father’s Day presentation.
Welcome to Week 6. Another incredible week of our students putting in effort, dedication and showing persistence towards their studies. I continue to enjoy my weekly Google Meets with each class and being able to connect with all students. I enjoy hearing the funny stories, birthdays, cooking adventures and the outdoor activities the boys are keeping themselves busy with. I am so proud of our students and the resilience they are showing in so many different ways.
It was so wonderful to see the time and effort students put into last Friday’s Fun Activity. The LEGO car egg design and footpath chalk artworks were amazing. Each student produced such creative and imaginative designs. 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:
By Reese Araujo
By Jasper Lumsden
By Jack Stuart
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
(Acting) Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Book Week 2021 is being celebrated next week. The theme is ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds.’ As parents, this is an important time to celebrate the wonders that books create.
Our pop-up book shop which is proudly supported by ‘The Children’s Bookshop & Speakers’ Agency’ has gone online. Allowing your son to make his own reading choices is an important part of encouraging reading.
* Books you purchase will be delivered to your door free of charge.
Encourage reading, by allowing your son to make his own reading choices
Our Pop Up Bookshop Has Gone Online
Harry Laing is our guest author. Harry Laing is a poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer. The presentation aims at promoting reading and creative writing. Your son has received a calendar invite for this event.
Harry Laing
Students will have the opportunity to design and create their own Book Week costume! They will need to take a photo or video of themselves in character.
Students need to upload this to their ‘Friday Fun Day’ activity folder. Students will receive more details in their Week 7 Google Meets.
The ‘most creative and original costume’ judges will be Ms Rollins, Mr Watchel, and Ms Bransby.
All prize winners will be announced in Week 8!
Book Week costume ideas
Book Week costume ideas
The theme this year is ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’, leaving it open to interpretation. Students created a piece of artwork using any medium of their choice.
Announcement of winners: Week 8
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As you are probably aware, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 5 September 2021. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, we will not be able to celebrate together as a school community, therefore myself and the students at the Junior School will be putting together a virtual Father’s Day presentation to mark this special occasion.
To help facilitate this, could you please send through a photo with your son(s) and their dad(s) and grandad(s), or those who are like fathers to our boys, so that they can be used in the presentation. It would be really appreciated if files labelled with your son’s name be sent through as a jpeg file.
Please send all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Virtual Book Week activities and competitions, amazing 5 Orange artworks, Fun Friday winner, Father’s Day photos, Cyber Safety webinar.
Welcome to Week 5. We have had a very busy week in the Junior School. This week the Junior School students alongside the Senior School participated in a Cyber Safety webinar presented by ySafe. Our presenter Ryan Leonard shared important strategies on ‘How to make SMART choices when navigating the Cyber World.’ When looking at the statistics of ‘Types of Cyberbullying’ it is clear why we believe educating our students on cyber safety is paramount in the current climate.
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.
Over the last few weeks, 5 Orange has been very busy creating amazing artworks. I hope they put a smile on your face like they have for me. We have some very imaginative and creative students in 5 Orange! I also loved the screenshot of the Friday morning Google Meet where the students dressed up. Enjoy the amazing artworks from Jasper Lumsden, Henry Jones and Jake McEvoy.
5 Orange artwork – Hot Air Balloon
By Jasper Lumsden, 5 Orange
Plastic Pollution by Jasper Lumsden, 5 Orange
By Jake McEvoy, 5 Orange
By Henry Jones, 5 Gold
It was so wonderful to see the time and effort students put into last Friday’s Fun Activity. The STEM Castle challenge was a hit last week, and what was created blew me away! Each student produced unbelievably creative and imaginative castles. Picking the winners was a very hard task. I want to congratulate all students for their hard work. There were eight winners and here is Oliver Lorimer in 6 Orange, the winner for last week.
Congratulations Oliver Lorimer in 6 Orange
Ms Gabrielle Bransby
Acting Director of Junior School
E: gbransby@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As you are probably aware, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 5 September 2021. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, we will not be able to celebrate together as a school community, therefore myself and the students at the Junior School will be putting together a virtual Father’s Day presentation to mark this special occasion.
To help facilitate this, could you please send through a photo with your son(s) and their dad(s) and grandad(s), or those who are like fathers to our boys, so that they can be used in the presentation. It would be really appreciated if files labelled with your son’s name be sent through as a jpeg file.
Please send all photos to liturgy@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Junior School/Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Book Week 2021 is fast approaching in Week 7, and we have a few activities and events for students to take part in from now. The theme this year is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. As parents, this is an important time to celebrate the wonders that books create.
Our pop-up book shop which is proudly supported by ‘The Children’s Bookshop & Speakers’ Agency’ has gone online. Allowing your son to make his own reading choices is an important part of encouraging reading.
Books you purchase will be delivered to your door free of charge.
Encourage reading by allowing your son to make his own reading choices
Harry Laing is our guest author. Harry Laing is a poet, children’s author, creative writing teacher and comic performer. The presentation aims at promoting reading and creative writing. Your son will receive a calendar invite for this event in Week 6.
Year 6: 8:45am – 9:30am
Year 5: 9:40am – 10:25am
Harry Laing
Two Competitions have been running since the start of the term. Creative Writing ‘Poetry’ and Visual Arts. The closing date for both these entries is Monday 16 August.
Judging will begin in Week 6. A huge thank you to the following Senior School teachers who are the guest judges. Mr Robert Tall (Literacy Coordinator and Secondary Teacher) will judge the writing, and Ms Jenna Turnbull (Visual Arts Teacher) and Ms Natalie Oates (Head of Visual Arts) are judging the visual arts.
Students will have the opportunity to design and create their own Book Week costume! They will need to take a photo or video of themselves in character.
Students need to upload this to their ‘Friday Fun Day’ activity folder. Students will receive more details in their Week 6 Google Meets.
The ‘most creative and original costume’ judges will be Ms Rollins, Mr Watchel, and Ms Bransby.
All prize winners will be announced in Week 8!
Ms Natasha Zivanovic
Primary Literacy and Innovation Teacher
E: nzivanovic@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
