Principal & Leadership Archives

We wish Year 12 student James Peate all the very best as he competes in the final this weekend of the NSW Rostrum Public Speaking Competition.

James is the defending champion of this competition winning it as a Year 11 student last year. We also congratulate Dante Fearn (Y11) for making it through to the semifinals. Waverley was the only school in NSW to have two students competing.

Date: Saturday, 21 June
Location: The Independent Theatre, Wenona School, 269 Miller Street, North Sydney
Time: 2pm to 5:30pm
Spectators (family, friends, teachers) are welcome – Admission is free.

A special thank you and congratulations also go to Ms Maisie Gordon, Ms Allison Fullman and Ms Alice Curtis for their invaluable support and contribution.

Titration Competition

On Friday, 13 June, eight of our Year 12 Chemistry students competed in the State Titration Competition at UTS.

Working in teams, they accurately determined the concentrations of three unknown ethanoic acid solutions and performed exceptionally well against schools from across Sydney.

They also had the opportunity to work in the UTS Superlab and hear from current university students about their research, inspiring thoughts about future pathways.

Reminder: Subject Selection Evening for Year 8 – Tuesday 24 June

Students and parents are invited to attend the Stage 5 Subject Selection presentations on Tuesday, 24 June, from 6pm to 7pm in the Kenny Building Classrooms.

This is a valuable opportunity to explore the courses available in 2026 and to speak directly with Heads of Department or their representatives.

The room schedule will be emailed to you next week. Students can wear either PDHPE uniform or casual clothing.

Reminder: Subject Selection Evening for Year 10 – Tuesday 24 June

A reminder that the Stage 6 Subject Selection Evening will take place next Tuesday, 24 June.

Students and parents are encouraged to attend, with the evening commencing in the Gym at 6pm, followed by individual subject presentations in the Kenny Building Classrooms from 7pm to 8pm.

This is a great opportunity to gain insights into the courses available for 2026 and to speak directly with Heads of Department or their delegates to ask any questions you may have.

The room schedule will be emailed to you next week. Students can wear either PDHPE uniform or casual clothing.

Reminder – Parent/Carer/Teacher/Student Interviews

A reminder that bookings for Term 3 Parent/Carer/Teacher/Student interviews opened 9am Friday, 27 June, and will close Friday, 18 July at 3pm.

An app notice and an email has been sent to each family with instructions on how to book.

Industry Careers Night

This week we hosted an Industry Careers Night. The evening offered students and parents real-world insights into the diverse paths available after school.

A group of Alumni returned to the College to share their unique career journeys. Not only did they share their experiences, but their challenges and successes. The audience heard from individuals who have forged careers in a wide range of fields, including engineering, construction and project management, real estate, the police force, finance, entrepreneurship, and physiotherapy.

It was a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, gain inspiration, and explore the many exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you to Ms Kath Knowles and Mr Billy Nicholas for coordinating the evening.

Alumni Connecting

Back to Queens Park Day was a fantastic celebration of Waverley spirit with more than 150 Alumni returning to both Queens Park and then sharing a meal on the Centenary Building Rooftop.

It provided an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and reminisce. Alumni travelled from across Australia and New Zealand and one student returned from his work in Saudi Arabia to make the night.

Faith In Action Week

This week was packed with meaningful activities that celebrated community, compassion, and inclusion.

On Monday, Mental Health Day, students participated in the Push-Up Challenge, with representatives from each house gathering in the Centenary Quad for a fun and energetic event.

During Connection, Culture and Communication (CCC) time, a Kahoot competition was held, with prizes awarded to the winning wellbeing groups.

Tuesday’s Diversity Day was a vibrant celebration of our school’s diverse community, featuring a captivating performance by our Pasifika students in the Centenary Quad.

On Wednesday, Social Justice Day, students designed and created cards for people in need, which were later distributed to clients of the Salvation Army in Surry Hills.

A guest judge from the Salvation Army awarded prizes for the most inspiring cards. During Connection, Culture and Communication (CCC) time, a thought-provoking slideshow on homelessness from the Salvation Army was shared with the students.

Thursday’s highlight was the Wheelchair Basketball session, where students and teachers participated in an inclusive game and heard from guest speakers from Wheelchair Sports in the gym at lunchtime.

Over the week our students, parents, alumni and staff contributed to raising an impressive $1700 to support our major immersion works projects which includes – building a toilet block, painting classrooms, and constructing wheelchairs. Thank you!

Prefects Afternoon Tea

Students from schools around Sydney gathered in the College Library on Wednesday afternoon for our annual Leaders Gathering.

Prefects and Student Representative Council members engaged with leaders from other schools and discussed the challenges and opportunities that they have navigated this year.

Waverley Old Boy and current parent, Mr Owen Finegan, was our special guest. Owen spoke of his experiences playing for the Wallabies, further study after sport, professional coaching, and his last ten years as the CEO of The Kids’ Cancer Project.

His story and leadership insights were inspiring, and reinforced the importance of servant leadership, and the transformative impact that a single person can make.

Thank you to Owen for sharing his story, and to the Year 12 leaders who put this fantastic afternoon tea together.

Year 12 Cadets Passing Out Parade

On Sunday morning, we proudly farewelled our Year 12 cadets at their Passing Out Parade — a special occasion marking the end of five years of dedication to the Australian Army Cadets program.

Before an audience of family, staff, and peers, the cadets delivered a flawless performance for Reviewing Officer Major Michael Lange, showcasing the discipline, leadership, and teamwork they’ve developed throughout their time in the unit.

We warmly congratulate the graduating cadets from Waverley College and St Catherine’s School on their achievements and thank them for their service and commitment. We wish them all the best in the future.

Cadets Dining In Night

On Sunday evening, alongside Ms Deb Magill, Headmistress of St Catherine’s School, we farewelled the Senior Ranks of 2025 at the annual Dining In Night – a formal military mess to conclude their time in Cadets.

I would like to acknowledge Ms Magill and the team at St Catherine’s for generously hosting us in the Multi-Purpose Hall of their Performing Arts Centre.

Thank you also to our Dining Stewards for preparing the venue and providing professional service throughout the evening.

School Fees

Payment 1 of the 2025 school fees was due on 12 February, and Payment 2 was due on 20 May.

The next Fee Statements will be issued during the week beginning 21 July 2025 and will be sent via email. For your convenience, they will also be available on the Parent Portal under the Accounts and Payments tab.

We kindly ask that all fees are paid in full by the due date. If you’re unable to do so, please ensure a financial arrangement is made with the Business Services Team by the due date.

Withdrawal Notice

If you’re planning to withdraw your son’s enrolment from Waverley College, the College requires written notice to the Principal at least one full Term in advance, in line with the enrolment contract and as outlined on our website.

To help clarify, if you intend to withdraw your son at the end of Term 2, notice must be given by the first day of Term 2. Similarly, to withdraw at the end of Term 3, notice must be received by the first day of Term 3, and so on.

If this notice period is not met, a fee equivalent to one Term’s tuition will apply, as specified in the enrolment contract.

Beanstack Reading Challenge Update

Read a book Inside or Outside – Winners will be announced on Monday, Week 9

As you are aware, students and teachers have all been registered with the Beanstack Reading platform to track our reading.

Our aim is to continue to build a vibrant reading community at Waverley by reaching a community goal of 100,000 minutes. Students have almost reached this target and at the time of writing, we are sitting on an incredible 87,000 minutes.

We also set a Reading Challenge for Years 7-10 running from April 10th to June 18th. Using the Beanstack platform, students have been logging their reading in the hope of winning prizes and gaining recognition.

The winners of our reading challenge will be announced early next week (Week 9) and posted in next week’s Nurrunga. We will also acknowledge the incredible efforts of some of the students in our Academic Assembly next term.

Stay tuned for more details about our next Reading Challenge – Books to Movies which will be launched next week.

This will ensure students are actively reading over the holidays and can continue to log. Parents are encouraged to engage with student logging on Beanstack. Why not read the same book and watch the movie version too? Happy reading!

Surfing Success

The Waverley College Senior Surfing team achieved an impressive 3rd place finish out of 21 teams at the Sydney Surftag surfing competition held at Urbnsurf Wavepool.

The team, comprising of Years 10-12 students Fred Carmody, Hunter Norburn, Jacob Sheehan, Jet Corte, and Noah Bowler, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork.

Highlighting their performance, Fred Carmody scored an impressive 8.1/10 for a standout right-hander – one of the highest wave scores of the event.

A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today

For over 120 years, Waverley College has been shaped by the generosity and spirit of our community. Since 1903, the support of families, Old Boys, and friends like you has helped make Waverley College one of the most trusted and respected schools in Sydney.

As we approach the end of the financial year, we’re asking for your continued support during a time of increasing financial pressure, including reductions in government funding. Your help is more important than ever as we prioritise our most important project to date: the upcoming Science & Innovation Centre.

This facility will provide our students with world-class learning opportunities in Science, Technology, and Innovation. Your donation to the Building Fund will help bring this visionary project to life.

We’re also offering exclusive naming opportunities – from individual laboratories and classrooms to entire floors or the building itself – so your family’s contribution can leave a lasting legacy.

You may also choose to support the Bede Kenny VC Scholarship Fund, giving students in need the chance to access a Waverley College education, or leave a longer-term impact through our bequest program.

All donations are fully tax deductible, making this the ideal time to this financial year.

Post a cheque to: Waverley College Foundation, 131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024

Thank you for standing with us and helping secure Waverley’s future for generations to come.

Farewell and Thank You – Ms Gabby Smith

We extend our heartfelt thanks and warm congratulations to Ms Gabrielle Smith, who concluded her outstanding seven-year tenure at Waverley College on Thursday, 19 June.

Ms Smith leaves us to take up the role of Deputy Principal – Students at St Ignatius’ College, Riverview. Her time at Waverley has been marked by unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and development of our students.

Fittingly, in her final week, Ms Smith will co-present Waverley’s Wellbeing Framework at the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Boston, alongside Mr James Horrocks, Director of Student Wellbeing. This presentation reflects the lasting impact of her work in this vital area.

Our incoming Deputy Principal – Students, Mr John Allen, will also be attending the conference, providing an excellent opportunity for a professional handover and meaningful time together as we prepare for the next chapter in student leadership.

We wish Ms Smith every success and happiness in her new role and thank her sincerely for the energy, compassion and expertise she brought to our College community.

“What does Men’s Health mean to you?”

Yesterday, the student-led Year 7-12 assembly was an impressive event, thoughtfully organised by our College Captains.

Their leadership and initiative brought together a meaningful and engaging program centred on the theme: “What does Men’s Health mean to you?”

The captains started with a multiple choice and true or false section that each student engaged with across men’s health topics which proved that there was quite a range of opinion and knowledge about men’s health.

They also shared a youtube clip from Norwich City Football Club reminding everyone to check on those around them frequently.

A highlight of the assembly was guest speaker Mr Richard Tombs, who was introduced by our own Mr Paul Cornish who played against Richard in the same Wallabies era of the 1980/1990s.

Post rugby, Richard had a life changing accident in 2018 in a social football (soccer) game that left him a quadriplegic.

Remarkably, Richard held no anger toward the player involved. His focus was entirely on healing.

He spent seven days in intensive care, facing the uncertainty of whether he would walk again.

Spinal injuries of this kind take years to fully understand, with progress measured slowly.

Richard had to relearn everyday tasks like eating, dressing and living independently.

Richard had to call upon the resilience he developed growing up in a family of four boys (all within 5 years of each other) and the love of his three daughters to work his way through this life changing challenge.

Richard also spoke about Men’s health and his own journey with mental health and coming to terms with the loss of one of his brothers in the 1996 SAS Blackhawk helicopter training accident in Townsville.

Richard is currently working with Hearts in Rugby Union, a charity supporting those affected by serious rugby injuries, he channels his experience into helping others.

“Resilience is getting up when you don’t want to. You will face challenges in your life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Asking for help is not a weakness. Even when plans are shattered, life can still hold purpose”.

Beanies for Brain Cancer

Both Digger (Year 12) and Archie (Year 10) Callander spoke poignantly and inspiringly at assembly this week about their family’s journey.

Matt played a big part in launching the Beanie for Brain Cancer initiative in the NRL to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The Beanie for Brain Cancer NRL round will take place this week to raise much needed awareness and funds to promote research into this disease and provide patient support.

Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive

In last week’s newsletter, we sought support for the Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive to support women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Thank you for the generous donations we have received to date. A collection box is available at the Senior School Front Office and Junior School Reception.

Your generosity, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on families rebuilding their lives.

Year 10 Dinner Cruise

The evening presented the opportunity to host a guest to a formal dinner and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Sydney harbour with VIVID as a backdrop.

Over 380 students had a great evening and night out with their peers and friends and I congratulate them for their positive energy and behaviour.

Music Festival 2025

This spectacular evening will showcase the incredible talent of our musicians, featuring a dynamic range of performances from our Concert and Jazz Bands, as well as the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble.

Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!

Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.

Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

Join us on Saturday, 29 November from 6-11pm in the Waverley College Gymnasium for a special evening celebrating a decade of impact with Educating The Future, a youth-led, volunteer-run NGO supporting preschool education in Timor-Leste.

Founded by two Waverley College Old Boys after a school immersion in 2015, the organisation has since built and supported seven public preschools, providing early education to over 2,000 children across Timor-Leste.

All funds raised will go toward our $100,000 goal – just $53 educates a child for an entire year.

Tickets are $150 pp and include a three course meal and entertainment for the evening.

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025 – Closing date 16 June 2025

Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.

Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees.

It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your musical talent at Waverley College!

Congratulations to our basketballers

On the King’s birthday long-weekend, Waverley senior boys Rory Donnellan (Y12), Xavier Miconi (Y12), Petris Kalpouzanis (Y11) and Nico Palacio (Y11) attended the popular Nunawading Spectres Basketball Tournament in Melbourne.

Their team Marrickville Spirit U18 Boys Blue came home with a tournament win in A Grade.

Parents Association Update

It was wonderful to see so many dads and sons in attendance at the Inaugural Father/son dinner held at Randwick racecourse recently.

The Pasifika boys danced and sang to introduce the evening and one of the dads participated in the Hakka, demonstrating the strength of the bond between father and sons.

Steven Bradbury stole the show as a crowd favourite, bringing the house down with his hilarious and inspiring life story.

From grueling early morning training sessions with his National speed ice-skating dad, to becoming Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist, Steven’s journey had everyone captivated.

Who would have thought those pre-dawn training sessions would pay off in the most epic way?

Huge thanks to the amazing mums who made this event possible: Susie Rakoczy, Davina Greenberg, Rozy Dorias, and Ivana Roberts.

Appreciation also goes to the dedicated teachers who joined us: Alanna James, Cath Lipman, Lynsey Porter, and Graham Leddie.

And the best part? The mums’ turn again next year, with planning already in full swing!

Pentecost

This year in the midst of the King’s Birthday long weekend Pentecost Sunday is commemorated.

Pentecost marks the events following 50 days since Jesus triumphs over death and when the Holy Spirit descends on the fledgling group of Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem for a festival.

In the Roman Catholic liturgy, Pentecost marks the end and completion of the Easter season, and the birth or “great beginning” of the church.

Prayers

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Year 7 student Phoenix Hedderman and family.

Phoenix’s father Slade sadly passed away earlier this week. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hedderman family during this incredibly difficult time.

Indigenous Round of Sport

Last weekend as part of Reconciliation Week, we proudly hosted our annual Indigenous Round of Sport against The Cranbrook School – a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and respectful competition.

Across a full schedule of fixtures and ceremonies, our community came together to honour the enduring strength and wisdom of First Nations peoples and to reflect on our shared journey toward reconciliation.

The weekend began with a Friday evening AFL match at Blackman Park, followed by Saturday’s fixtures in tennis, volleyball, football, and rugby at Queens Park and the College.

Each 1sts match was preceded by an Acknowledgement of Country, while two of our key fixtures – the 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby matches – featured Indigenous Opening Ceremonies, including a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

Local Elder Aunty Barb Simms delivered a powerful Welcome to Country, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony and cultural dances performed by our Walawaani students.

These moments provided an opportunity for all in attendance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture.

We extend our sincere thanks to the students, staff, and families of Cranbrook School for joining us in this important tradition, and to all those who helped bring the event to life.

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Indigenous Round – your presence and participation helped ensure these moments of cultural recognition and reconciliation remain a vital part of school life.

Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive

One of our Waverley parents is currently completing her Masters of Counselling placement at this local charity and seen first hand the great work the Lokahi Foundation are doing and the real need for assistance.

Lokahi Foundation is a local Bondi Junction-based charity service that helps women, youth, and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Many of Lokahi’s clients arrive in emergency accommodation with few or no belongings.

To support them, the foundation operates a Community Pantry, providing essential items like food, toiletries, baby supplies, and clothing, free of charge.

Brennan House are going to take this on as their charity focus and we invite our school community to contribute by donating new or unused essential items. A collection box will be available at the Senior School Front Office and Junior School Reception.

Your generosity, big or small, can make a meaningful impact on families rebuilding their lives.

Year 10 Vaccinations

The South Eastern Public Health Unit is visiting Waverley College on June 11 2025 to provide the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination to Year 10 students.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal.

How to provide consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit:
engage.health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account.
3. Update or confirm your personal details as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
a. Enter your child’s personal details
b. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
d. Provide consent
Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Waverley Nursing Team on (02) 9369 0644.

Year 12 Engineering Students Soar into Aerodynamics at Bankstown Airport

Our Year 12 Engineering students recently embarked on an exhilarating and highly educational excursion to Bankstown Airport, providing them with invaluable real-world insights into the principles of aerodynamics and aviation.

The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the one-hour flight training session. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students had the incredible opportunity to take the controls of a light aircraft, experiencing firsthand the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. This practical application brought their classroom studies of aerodynamics to life, offering a unique understanding of how aircraft are controlled in three dimensions. The hands-on experience of adjusting pitch, roll, and yaw provided a profound appreciation for the intricate engineering behind flight.

Following their time in the cockpit, the students also gained exclusive access to the Bankstown Air Traffic Control Tower. This visit offered a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of air traffic management, demonstrating how critical communication, precise navigation, and continuous monitoring ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. While not directly about aerodynamics, understanding the air traffic environment provided crucial context for the operational aspects of aviation, highlighting the culmination of aerodynamic design with ground control.

“Flying a plane for our school excursion was an unforgettable experience that not only gave us the thrill of soaring above the clouds, but also deepened our appreciation for the principles of aeronautical engineering that make flight possible” commented one student, and another said “You read about aerodynamics in textbooks, but actually experiencing it in the air truly cemented my understanding”.

This immersive experience at Bankstown Airport served as a powerful complement to the students’ engineering curriculum. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application in a dynamic aviation environment, our Year 12 aspiring engineers have undoubtedly deepened their understanding of aerodynamics and gained a heightened appreciation for the complexities and innovations within the aerospace industry.

CAS Drill Competition 2025

Congratulations to our Cadet Unit on their win at the CAS Cadet Drill Competition on Wednesday this week. For only the second time, and the first since 2010, the Cadet Unit brought home the trophy with fierce competition from:

Well done to everyone involved, and recognition for the months of hard work from the Cadets, MAJ (AAC) de Kantzow, and her team.

We congratulate the 2025 CAS Drill Team members from St Catherine’s School / Waverley College;

WO1 Renato Rovacchi, WO2 Oliver Bracic, WO2 Chiara Marshall, WO2 Finnian McCarthy, WO2 Luke Nezval, WO2 Ethan Ooi, WO2 Nicholas Scerri, SGT Tristan Bates, SGT Zoe Ngu, SGT Emily Plowman

SGT Lauren Sheehan, SGT Thomas Vanderkemp, SGT Chris Wellington, SCPL James Grant, CPL Maggie-Kate Allman Powell, CPL Madeline Aston, CPL Harrison Boden-Taylor, CPL Emily Freedman, CPL Praman Gandhi, CPL Oliver Isaac, CPL Carter Kennedy, CPL Claudia Lynam, CPL Florence Vinnell, CDT Evie Messiter

Surfing Success for Jacob Sheehan

Congratulations to Jacob Sheehan (Y10) who achieved an impressive result at the U16 State Surfing Championships, held in Coffs Harbour.

Jacob made it to the finals and placed 4th overall in NSW for U16, earning him a coveted spot on the NSW U16 Short Board Surf Team for the National Championships in South Australia this November.

Music Festival 2025

Join us for the Waverley College Music Festival on Friday, 20 June 2025 at 6.30pm in the PAC Theatre. This spectacular evening will showcase the incredible talent of our musicians, featuring a dynamic range of performances from our Concert and Jazz Bands, as well as the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band, Brass Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble. Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!

Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.

Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.

House Athletics Carnival

Today our Year 7-12 students gathered at E.S. Marks for a great day of competition, spirit, and sunshine at the annual House Athletics Carnival.

The energy was high, the weather was perfect, and the students gave it their all across a range of events.

Congratulations to Brennan House, who took out the overall win with an impressive team effort! A big thank you to all staff and students who made the day such a success.

A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today

All donations are fully tax deductible, making this the ideal time to this financial year.

Post a cheque to: Waverley College Foundation, 131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024

Thank you for standing with us and helping secure Waverley’s future for generations to come.

Staff News

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr John Allen as Waverley College’s new Deputy Principal – Students, commencing Monday, 18 August 2025. John joins us from Trinity Grammar School with over 20 years of senior leadership experience and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, holistic education, and Catholic values.

He brings a wealth of expertise from roles including Acting Deputy Headmaster and Head of Middle School. An Oxford graduate with a Master of Science and extensive teaching experience in both the HSC and IB programs, John is a dedicated educator, leader, and mentor.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Jesse Johnson for his outstanding contribution to the Waverley College Music Department over the past seven years.

Jesse has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of our students, particularly through his passionate leadership in the development of our rock bands across the Junior and Senior School, the guitar program, HSC accompaniment and performances across most scheduled music events throughout the year.

As Jesse embarks on a new career path, having accepted a full-time position at Jands Australia, we reflect with gratitude on the creativity, enthusiasm, and collegial spirit he brought to his teaching. His positive influence has shaped the musical journeys of many budding performers and enriched the life of our Music community.

We wish Jesse every success in this exciting next chapter and thank him for the legacy he leaves behind at Waverley.

Replacing Jesse, we welcome Mr Ben Daley who joins us from Loreto Kirribilli and brings with him a wealth of teaching and professional playing experience.

Ben is a highly regarded musician with over 20 years’ experience performing, accompanying and teaching in Australia and overseas. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Grade 5 AMEB classical guitar.

Mr Steve Ghattas – 2IC Junior School & Assistant Director Identity & Global Advocacy

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025 – Closing date 16 June 2025

Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.

Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees. It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your musical talent at Waverley College!

National Reconciliation Week – Bridging Now to Next

National Reconciliation Week, which begins on the 26 May each year with Sorry Day and ends with Eddie Mabo Day (Tuesday, 3 June), is an opportunity for Waverley College to recommit to understanding, respecting, and preserving Aboriginal culture and heritage within our community.

It is an event that is essential to who we are as a College, not only because it celebrates the enormous contribution of Aboriginal students to Waverley life, but also because it recognises the wounds of invasion and dispossession, acknowledging the fact that we live on and are nourished by Gadigal land.

Perhaps most importantly it recognises the need to work towards improved relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians as well as better health and educational outcomes for Aboriginal people in a country as well-resourced as ours.

It is with that in mind that Waverley held its Reconciliation Week Assembly this week.

In the Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome, Waverley students Buddy Ross and Stirling Quinn reminded us of the strong relationship between people and country.

The assembly was then addressed by Matilda and Sydney FC Footballer Ms Kyah Simon, who is a proud Indigenous woman of Anaiwan and Biripi descent.

In her interview with Mr Kevin Heath, Aboriginal Liaison Officer she discussed her decorated career – including being the first Indigenous player to score a goal at the FIFA World Cup as well as the obstacles she overcame along the way.

Her advice, ‘Don’t be scared to fail. If you fail, you learn to be resilient’, resonated strongly with our Students.

Mr Luke Burns (Year 5 Teacher) delivered an account of an excursion with our Junior School Sport Captains that involved a walk on country with local Indigenous elder Aunty Barb, learning about the rich cultural and natural heritage of the area now known as La Persouse.

This day culminated in Kevin presenting student Billy Keogh with the inaugural Gily Medal for his engagement in Captain’s Day on Country.

Earlier this week, Mr Stephen O’Donnell along with our Co-Curricular Leaders took part in the same Captains on Country experience with Aunty Barb, Mr Kevin Heath and Mr Richard Chan-Hampton.

During the assembly, Kevin also spoke of the importance of our Walawaani group to the College and thanked Ms Gabby Smith for her work in the Indigenous space, presenting her with the traditional gift of a coolamon.

All presenters and organisers are to be congratulated for their contribution to what was a wonderful opportunity to continue to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture.

Old Boys’ Union AGM

The OBU AGM was last Friday after the May Procession. I would like to congratulate the elected members, both the Executive and Council Members for 2025/2026:

Council Members: Mr Warren Boyd, Mr Peter Frost, Mr John Karas, Mr Brandon Perry, Mr Col Blake, Mr Garry Marin, Mr Michael da Roza, Dr Charles New, Mr Jason Taylor

Music Festival 2025

Whether you’re a music lover, a proud family member, or a supporter of the arts, this is a night not to be missed!

Experience the passion, precision, and creativity of our students as they light up the stage in an exciting celebration of musical excellence.

Doors open at 5.30pm.
Drinks and nibbles available for purchase from 6.00pm.
Concert commences at 6.30pm.

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025

Waverley College invites applications for the George William Rummery Music Scholarship – an award that supports talented music students with a passion for performance and growth.

Created in memory of George Rummery, a Waverley student who passed away in 1982, this scholarship offers full or partial remission of music tuition and instrument hire fees.

It is open to both current and prospective students, with a focus on those entering Year 7, though applicants from other year levels will be considered.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship are due by Monday, 16 June 2025, with auditions scheduled for 23–25 June 2025.

For details or to apply, see the link below or contact Mr Chris Balkizas, Head of Music:

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize – Entries are now open for the 2025

The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize 2025 continues its legacy as Australia’s leading award for small-scale sculpture.

Established in 2001 as the first national acquisitive prize for works up to 80 cm, it celebrates innovation and creativity in compact form.

Presented by Woollahra Municipal Council and hosted at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, the Prize showcases original freestanding or wall-mounted sculptures across all media.

Sydney University – Year 12 Information Evening (online)

An online information evening designed for Year 12 students and their caregivers.

You’ll hear about entry schemes, student support, life as a Sydney student, accommodation options, interstate-specific information and the application process through UAC.

This online event will also feature a presentation from UAC and a University of Sydney alumni, and a live Q&A.

NCCD Data Collection – Supporting Students with Disabilities

Waverley College, along with all Australian schools, will be submitting information to Catholic Schools NSW for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for Student with Disabilities: A count of the number of students with disabilities who are supported under the school’s obligations to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Disability Standards for Education 2005 and The Australian Education Act 2013.

The count is based on the professional judgment of teachers and their knowledge and understanding of students.

The process assists the school in identifying and supporting students with disabilities by implementing adjustments to enable them to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers.

Information collected relates to: the total numbers of students involved; the types of adjustments provided, including curriculum delivery, medical support, health and safety, social skills and communication; the level of adjustment provided and the categories of disabilities.

In the first instance, the information is submitted to the Catholic Schools NSW then forwarded, as non-identifiable data, to the Australian Government Education Council (ie student NCCD Website and names will not be captured).

The information collected is protected by the privacy act. The information collected may be used for the school’s future funding and policy requirements.

Please feel free to contact Mr David Parnell (e) dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au, if you have any queries in relation to this process.

May Procession

Today we celebrated the 115th May Procession with our Waverley community here on campus, on a Friday morning.

The event was graced by special guests, including Fr Bernie Thomas ofm, Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Church Waverley, and Francis Sullivan AO who is a respected educator, administrator, and leader in the health care and public service sectors.

He served as Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health Australia from 1993 to 2007, followed by his role as Secretary-General of the Australian Medical Association from 2008 to 2011.

From 2012 to 2018, he was appointed CEO of the Catholic Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council, leading the Church’s response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

In recognition of his service to the community, Francis Sullivan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2020.

Mr Sullivan brought with him a powerful message for our students – a call to carry their values into the world beyond school.

He urged students to be active in the pursuit of justice: “Show up, speak up, and get serious about becoming political.”

He also encouraged students to reflect deeply and ask themselves important questions: “Why are we still silent in our community? Why do we not want to get uncomfortable? Why have we not got the courage to speak truth to power?”

His message was a thoughtful reminder that meaningful change begins with each of us.

“The responsibility is yours. It’s not someone else’s,” he said. “The key is building momentum and a movement for change.”

We were very honored to have him speak at the May Procession, and his words reminded us that tradition and action must go hand in hand.

During the procession, the Banners were carried, followed by the Marian Statue, into the Gym.

The honor of carrying the Marian Statue was bestowed upon members of the Year 12 class of 2024, known as the ‘new Old Boys.’

The dedication of the Rosary was led by representatives from various groups within the inclusive community, including Old Boys, the teaching community, and the Parents’ Association.

It’s wonderful to see different languages being included, such as Italian, Spanish, and Gaelic, further emphasising the diverse and inclusive nature of the event.

A lot of time and effort goes into the staging of the May Procession, and I would like to thank all the staff who contributed in making the May Procession such a wonderful occasion.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the students, parents, carers and Old Boys who attended the event.

Your presence and active participation made the May Procession a truly memorable occasion.

Congratulations to Our Rostrum Semi-Finalists

Congratulations to Dante Fearn (Y11) and James Peate (Y12) for making it to the Rostrum semi-finals! James won and is off to the next round, and Dante gave a fantastic performance too.

We were the only school with two students in the semi-finals. A special thank you and congratulations also go to Ms Maisie Gordon, Ms Allison Fullman and Ms Alice Curtis for their invaluable support and contribution

Sydney Writers’ Festival

On Wednesday, a number of Y11 Advanced English students made the journey to Carriageworks to attend the annual student day at the Sydney Writers Festival.

This is an incredible opportunity to listen to some of the most well-known, intelligent writers share their wisdom about the art of reading and writing. Well done to our students who embraced all that the day had to offer.

Session 1: The Craft of Poetry with Lemn Sissay

The first talk of our SWF Experience was from Afro-English autobiographical poet Lemn Sissay. Sissay’s poems speak to his wealth of life experience, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and emotion.

Sissay is a dynamic performer, and his eccentric personality bountifully engaged the inner poets in all of us. His ability to thrill yet captivate his listeners, jumping from comedic action to beautiful lyricism, paired with unique creative advice lit a poetic spark in myself—and the entire audience.

Session 2: Spotlight on Shakespeare’s Women with Harriet Walter

In the second talk of the Sydney Writers festival, we were introduced to Dame Harriet Walter. She is an English actor famous for her Shakespearean acting and roles in Ted Lasso and Succession and the author of She Speaks! What Shakespeare’s Women Might Have Said.

Walter captivated the audience of students with her beautiful and sophisticated readings of soliloquies, written by her own hand, from Shakespeare’s women.

In doing so, she gave a voice to the female characters that are not adequately heard–an experience she observed playing many of these roles.

To me, her most profound words were on the effects her subconscious has had on her writing process. Walter mentioned how a thing she observes, such as a painting, subtly weaves its way into her writing.

My most valuable takeaway of the festival was, that, to write and create better, we ought to elevate our inputs for better outputs.

Ultimately, Dame Harriet Walter left us all with a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of the women in Shakespeare as well as practical advice for enhancing our writing.

Session 3: The Craft of Short Fiction

At the Sydney Writers Festival last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to hear from acclaimed short fiction writers Melanie Cheng and Debrah Adelaide. Both authors had their own unique backstories and approaches to writing.

Melanie Cheng, a practising GP, shared how she only discovered writing later in life, after finishing her university degree in medicine. Melanie had to balance writing as a hobby with her career in medicine.

She achieved her first major prize, which helped launch her professional career, after ten years of part-time writing.

Debrah Adelaide described how she spent all of her childhood reading, but confessed she never thought she was bright enough to be a writer. It was only after the disappointment of a post-doctoral fellowship rejection that she turned to creative writing, drawing inspiration from her time managing a country hotel.

Both writers emphasised the importance of reading, writing from your personal experiences, editing, and always revisiting your work to make sure every word serves the story.

As Melanie said, “If writing a short story is like a party, you arrive late and leave early.”

Overall, the day was a fantastic experience that provided some great advice and left us all more motivated to read and write for ourselves.

Indigenous Round – Saturday, 31 May

Join us next Saturday (31 May) for our annual Indigenous round of sport against Cranbrook School.

Ahead of each 1ST fixture we will be holding an acknowledgement of Country. Ahead of the 1ST XV Rugby game we will be holding our Indigenous Opening Ceremony from 3pm, consisting of a traditional smoking ceremony & welcome to country.

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

We are very proud of the following students who elected to spend part of their Easter holidays volunteering to help provide over 5,000 meals, snack packs, care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney.

Their kindness rippled through 15 partner charities and, just as importantly, through our team and the community they supported.

If you would also like your son/s to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back Community Programs www.kidsgivingback.org. July School Holiday programs bookings open in June and fill quickly.

FREE Parent Screening – SEEN The Film

Join us on Thursday, 29 May at the Br. R.J. Wallace Performing Arts Centre for an inspiring evening exploring how our own stories shape the way we parent.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parents and reflect on the shared journey of raising children.

Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinics with Waverley College, July 2025

Manchester City coaching clinics will give girls and boys the opportunity to develop their skills and learn how to play ‘beautiful football’ in the playing style of Manchester City, utilising the football club’s coaching and playing methodology.

Players of all abilities will be challenged to develop in a safe, fun and authentic environment that reflects how Manchester City train and develop football players.

Players will learn how to master the ball, play with style, dominate the game and achieve their goals.

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 July 2025 (2 days)
Years 7 and 8, boys only.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Thursday 3 & Friday 4 July 2025 (2 days)
Years 5 and 6, boys and girls.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Monday 7 & Thursday 8 July (2 days)
Years 3 and 4, boys and girls.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Legends Coaching Week

This week, our school proudly hosted the annual Legends Coaching Week, a highlight of our sporting calendar that celebrates the strength of our Old Boy, Parents and local community network.

Through this initiative, students had the unique opportunity to train alongside experienced and professional players and coaches, gaining invaluable insights into the world of elite sport.

These sessions provided tailored feedback on both individual and team skills, helping students sharpen their abilities while also learning about the dedication, discipline, and mindset required to succeed as a professional athlete.

Beyond the technical knowledge, the week fostered a deeper connection between our current students and the broader school community.

We were privileged to welcome an exceptional group of legends this year, including Brad Burke (Wallaby and Old Boy), Shaun Berne (Professional Rugby Union Player and Coach, current Randwick 1st Grade Coach), Morgan Turinui (Wallaby and Old Boy), Owen Finegan (Wallaby and Old Boy), Henry Patterson (Australian Men’s Rugby 7s captain and Old Boy), Jonas Dowling (Professional Rugby Player and Old Boy), and Joel Ellis (Current 1st Grade Randwick Captain and Old Boy).

Their willingness to share their time, expertise, and experiences made a lasting impact on our students and staff alike.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Old Boys, parents and community members who contributed to the success of this week.

Their ongoing involvement enriches our programs and reinforces the enduring bonds that make our school community so special. We look forward to continuing to build on these relationships in the years to come.

Congratulations to our swimmers!

I’m thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our students at the recent All Schools Swimming Championships.

Ollie Moclair made history by winning the 17 years and over 50m freestyle event, shattering the Championship record by a mere 0.01 seconds.

Notably, Ollie’s win follows a four-year gap since a Waverley student took individual gold, with Stuart Swinburn last achieving this in 2019.

In another remarkable performance, the 4x50m freestyle relay team consisting of Zoltan Szabo, Lincoln Tanner, Nick Hoering, and Ollie Moclair secured second place while setting a new College record.

Congratulations to these talented students on their exceptional teamwork and dedication!

Free Parent Webinars – Teen Mental Health Matters

The Black Dog Institute offers free 60-minute online webinars for parents entitled “Teen Mental Health Matters”. The webinar is delivered by a Clinical Psychologist facilitator, and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter.

It explores how parents can support adolescents through tough times. The findings from the Future Proofing Study inform these presentations.

Parent/carer strategies specifically for supporting teens to navigate their online world can be found in the attached guide. Link

Waverley College App

A friendly reminder that the Waverley app is our primary communication channel, so it’s essential to stay connected and informed through it.

To help streamline your experience and avoid unnecessary notifications, please ensure you’re only subscribed to the groups and tags that are relevant to you and your son.

We’re also aware of a bug that is automatically resubscribing some parents to all groups – our team is actively working with developers to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, you can click the PDF here for a simple step-by-step guide on how to manage your subscriptions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Father/Son Dinner

We are looking forward to welcoming you all to the Waverley College Parents’ Association Father/Carer & Son dinner in just 2 weeks time! Below is some useful information about the night.

Please enter via Gate D and proceed through to the QEII Grandstand using the centre escalators up to Level 2.

On arrival, please make your way into the Ballroom where you will be met with a complimentary welcome drink.

Table plans will be set up at the two entrances however we ask that you please familiarise yourself with your table details ahead of the night. The table plan for the night is attached below.

Taxis, ride share services, and private vehicles can enter Royal Randwick Racecourse through either Gate 1 on Alison Road or via the Ascot Street entrance. Drop off is at Gate E. Parking attendants will be there to guide guests to the drop off point.

There is limited complimentary parking available in the Main Drive or Taxi Rank area, accessed via Gate 1 on Alison Road or Ascot Street. This parking is on a first come, first serve basis. Upon arrival, please follow the instructions given by parking attendants on where to park.

The multi-deck Ascot Street car park is available for paid parking. The car park is accessed via Ascot Street off Doncaster Road. The parking fee is a flat rate of $10 per day and is a cashless payment only.

Little Shop of Horrors

I had the pleasure of attending the school production of Little Shop of Horrors and was thoroughly impressed!

The performance was outstanding, showcasing the incredible talent of both the cast and crew. A huge congratulations to the students for their hard work and dedication.

The direction, set design, and costumes were all exceptional, and it was clear that a lot of effort went into making this production a success. A special thank you to the staff who supported and guided the students through every aspect of the show.

Ecology Week Blooms at Waverley College

Waverley College celebrated a truly successful Ecology Week! The enthusiasm and engagement from students and staff alike were fantastic, making it a memorable and impactful event focused on awareness and action for our land, sea, sky AND people.

Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of activities, including our newly formed Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) Juniors, made up of Year 6 students.

A highlight of the week was undoubtedly the College assembly where we heard from SOTWEG Seniors and Juniors.

We also had Afonso Firmo who was our guest speaker who inspired us by telling us how we can all make a difference. One of the key messages was around the fact that failure can fuel your passion, so embrace it.

The success of Ecology Week would not have been possible without the incredible support of Ms Silvia Baylie, Ms Lynsey Porter, Mr Luke Burns, as well as our SOTWEG Seniors and Juniors. Their dedication and hard work ensured a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone involved.

Ecology Week at Waverley College has not only raised awareness about crucial environmental and social issues but has also empowered our students to become active agents of change.

The momentum generated this week will undoubtedly continue to foster a culture of ecology within our school community. We look forward to building on this success in the years to come!

Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition

During this week’s assembly, we presented the winners of our inaugural Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition.

This competition was championed and supported by 1970 College Captain, Dr David Curran.

The aim of the competition is to encourage and recognise academic excellence in both the written and spoken word.

It also provides students with an enriching opportunity to explore the EREA Touchstones in our contemporary world.

David has a love of language, oratory and the humanities and has dedicated his life to serving others in the medical profession and by teaching others at university.

The students from Year 11 and 12 who participated in the competition, submitted writing of the highest calibre in the essay round.

Of these entrants, three finalists were selected by the judging panel to transition their work into a speech to deliver in front of a judging panel and discerning audience.

I would like to thank the judges Ms Catherine Stewart (Head of Religious Education), Ms Martina Cooper (Director of Curriculum), Dr Michael Couani (Head of English) and Dr David Curran.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding contribution to the competition:

University of Sydney Academic Achievement Awards

Congratulations to Ben Cromer (Y10) for receiving the prestigious University of Sydney Academic Achievement Award at the recent College assembly.

This award recognises Ben’s dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm for his learning journey.

St John’s College, within the University of Sydney tour and dinner

This Monday a group of our Year 12 students experienced a tour and dinner at St John’s College at Sydney University.

Greeted by a group of friendly alumni faces (Jake Perks and Conor Andrews), our students had the opportunity to explore the facilities, community and have an inside glimpse of life at St John’s.

IDAHOBIT Day – 17 May

At this week’s College assembly, Year 11 student Adam Curran delivered a powerful and heartfelt message about the significance of IDAHOBIT Day – the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination.

His words served as a timely reminder of the role we all play in building a kinder, more inclusive community. IDAHOBIT Day calls on us to stand up against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, not only through grand gestures, but in the everyday language we use and the choices we make.

At Waverley, we want every student to feel safe, seen, and proud to be themselves. Creating that kind of environment starts with each of us.

This day invites us to pause, reflect, and act. To consider how we speak to one another, how we show respect, and who we choose to include.

Because whether we realise it or not, we are all shaping the fabric of our community every single day.

We are not just individuals passing through, we are threads in something greater. At Waverley, we are a tapestry, rich in colour, texture, and story. Each of us brings something unique.

And when these threads are woven together with courage, kindness, and mutual respect, we create something strong, resilient, and beautiful.

But discrimination, whether it’s a joke, a slur, or even silence, weakens that fabric. It isolates, erodes trust, and unravels the very bonds that hold us together.

When one thread is pulled loose, the whole weave is at risk. That’s why IDAHOBIT Day matters.

When we stand up for one another’s dignity, we’re not just protecting individuals, we’re safeguarding the strength of our whole community.

So let’s be intentional with our threads. Let’s speak in ways that stitch people in, not push them out.

Let’s choose compassion, inclusion, and courage, and continue weaving a Waverley that’s strong enough to hold everyone.

MAY PROCESSION – Friday 23 May

A reminder that the May Procession will take place this Friday, 23 May 10:30am-12pm.

Following the conclusion of the May Procession at 12:00pm, students may go home.

Father/Son Dinner

Association Father/Carer & Son dinner in just 2 weeks time! Below is some useful

On arrival, please make your way into the Ballroom where you will be met with a complimentary welcome drink. Table plans will be set up at the two entrances however we ask that you please familiarise yourself with your table details ahead of the night. The table plan for the

National Road Safety Week, 11-18 May

Year 11 students attended a Road Safety Presentation with Paul Turley on Tuesday, in recognition of National Road Safety Week.

Paul spoke to the students about a fatal accident which occured in 2004, in which he was the perpetrator.

Paul visits high schools, sporting clubs, community groups, mining companies and correctional facilities and shares his story so that young people understand that it can happen to them and that they need to be respectful, patient and tolerant on the roads, or risk their own lives or that of others.

Paul educates road users to encourage a shift in attitudes toward alcohol, drugs, distraction and general road behaviour while modelling accountability for our youth, the road users of tomorrow.

Travel to school Survey 2025

In T1 we undertook our annual travel to school survey, all students in the Senior School were invited to participate and provide feedback.

The data collected provides us with information we pass onto other agencies to help improve transport options for our students. We also use the data to identify areas of the campus that can be improved.

61% of our students use public transport to get to and from school. Students reported issues with bus crowding (41%) and frequency (40%) as factors that cause them the most pain.

We will be sharing this information with TfNSW. With such a high percentage of students using public transport highlights the importance of tapping on/off when boarding public transport as each tap will give TfNSW the correct data of students using their services and better understand where the capacity issues are.

18% are walking to school with 24% then walking home which is an increase from 2024. Students again provided some great feedback regarding narrow footpaths, delays at pedestrian signals and lack of bus shelters as problems during their journey.

We encourage any student encountering problems like these to use the SnapSendSolve app and get them reported to the most appropriate agency. Information on SnapSendSolve can be found at:

Students riding to school increased 3 fold in 2025 with 15% of those students who live within 2km of the school riding, this increase has been seen mostly with e-bikes.

This data will help the school to develop better facilities for those students who choose to ride rather than drive. Bicycle NSW have some info on safe riding and also offer insurance with membership, information at https://bicyclensw.org.au/

We plan to undertake a similar exercise with the Junior School Students later in Term 2.

E-lab Rugby Sponsor

We’re excited to welcome E-LAB on board as the official sponsor of Waverley College Rugby.

Known for their tailored approach to strength and conditioning, E-LAB’s team of expert trainers is already working closely with both students and staff, offering support both on and off the field.

As part of their commitment to the College community, they’re extending exclusive rates on small group training—making personally programmed sessions more accessible than ever. Students and staff of Waverley College are eligible for a 20% discount on fees for any group training between 2-4 people.

The Conclave of 133 eligible Catholic Church cardinals have identified the next pontiff to replace the late Pope Francis. Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69 years of age, will be the 267th Pope and be known as Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American to fill the role of Pope, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru.

Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo XIV was ordained as a priest in 1982.

He moved to Peru three years later and returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor. He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges.

Pope Leo XIV will be the first Augustinian Pope. There are two Augustian schools in Australia, Villanova College, Brisbane, and St Augustine’s College, Sydney.

The core values of this order are to ‘live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God’.

Mother’s Day

Thank you to all Mothers, Stepmothers, Grandmothers and significant female carers who joined us for a Mother’s Day Breakfast in the senior school and a beautiful Junior School Mass at the newly restored Mary Immaculate Church today.

May you feel truly appreciated for the vital role you play in your children’s lives, for your unwavering care and support, the wisdom you impart, and the many skills you so generously share.

We hope our students, especially the boys, take a moment to reflect with gratitude on all that you have done and continue to do for them. Your sacrifices, love, and guidance shape their lives in lasting ways.

The College also extends heartfelt thanks for the invaluable contribution mothers and female carers have made to Waverley over its 122-year history. Your impact on our students, our culture, and our strong sense of community is deeply appreciated.

We lift up all mothers today and thank them for their guidance and love. We ask you to bless them, with your own special love, today, tomorrow, and always.

Wishing all our Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts and Guardians a very happy Mothers’ Day!

I would like to thank you and the school community for making us all so welcome for the last few months in the College’s Chapel whilst Mary Immaculate Church has carried out restoration work.

Thank you to the many staff that assisted on the weekends. The church has now reopened and the reaction has been extremely positive. You are all welcome at any time.

Once again, thank you to the Waverley College Community for your support during our restoration.

Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day – 5 May 2025

We wish a blessing upon all that have worked in Christian Brother Schools and Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition, for the lasting legacy of schools across Australia and the world, which all began in 1802 with the establishment of the first school in Waterford, Ireland by our Founder Edmund Rice.

Please find an EREA Feast Day message from the Chair of the EREA Council, Dr Michael Slattery HERE

Notable co-curricular performances

Congratulations to James Peate (Y12) who placed second in the prestigious Lawrence Campbell Oratory competition last Friday.

This is the first time in the 90 Year history of the competition that a Waverley student has placed and James’ public speaking performance in a very tough competition was exemplary.

Congratulations to Darcy Dawson (Y10), James Wynyard (Y9) and Finley Mulligan (Y9) who competed this week at the NSWCIS diving competition at Homebush.

Darcy finished second in his division and will now compete at the NSW All Schools competition.

Congratulations to Ollie Moclair (Y12) who backed up his success at the National titles with a win in the NSW CIS.

Ollie also anchored the U18 4 x 50m Freestyle relay with Zoltahn Szabo (Y12), Lincoln Tanner (Y12) and Nick Hjorring (Y12) and finished second that also qualified these students for the NSW All schools swimming titles.

Musicals

I had the pleasure of attending St Catherine’s School’s production of The Addams Family last night, and it was a truly fantastic evening filled with outstanding performances.

A special congratulations to Oliver Isaac (Y10), who shone in one of the lead roles and also Luke Ibrahim (Y10) who was part of the chorus.

I am looking forward to watching the Waverley College production of Little Shop of Horrors next week.

App Reminder

A friendly reminder that the Waverley app is our primary communication channel, so it’s essential to stay connected and informed through it.

To help streamline your experience and avoid unnecessary notifications, please ensure you’re only subscribed to the groups and tags that are relevant to you and your son.

We’re also aware of a bug that is automatically resubscribing some parents to all groups – our team is actively working with developers to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, you can click the PDF here for a simple step-by-step guide on how to manage your subscriptions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Get Ready for Ecology Week!

Next week, Waverley College will be celebrating Ecology Week, a fantastic opportunity for all students and staff to engage in sustainability and social justice.

Organised by the Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG), this year’s Ecology Week promises a range of engaging and informative activities designed to raise awareness and encourage positive environmental action within our College community and beyond.

We encourage all members of the Waverley College community to actively participate in the Ecology Week activities. This is a chance to learn, engage, and contribute to a more sustainable Waverley and a healthier planet for all.

Congratulations to Dr Panos Diamidis

Dr Diamidis will be launching his new book which he has co-authored with Prof. David Treloar called Genocide to Regeneration: the photographs of George Devine Treloar on Monday, 19 May.

The book is a culmination of years of research into the life and work of the League of Nations’ Commissioner for Refugees in northern Greece between 1922 and 1924.

The book launch will be commemorated at the Parliament House of New South Wales, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney and may be of interest to some of our history students and their parents or carers, particularly in terms of how the book was produced.

Beanstack Reading Challenge Update: Read a book Inside or Outside

As you are probably aware, the Literacy and Library team launched our first Beanstack Reading challenge just before the holidays (our official launch date was 20 April).

The aim – to continue to build a vibrant reading community at Waverley by reaching a community goal of 100,000 minutes.

Setting a goal like this motivates students to read more for fun, which research shows makes a huge impact on student outcomes.

Students have already reached almost 20,000 words (mid-Week 2) so we are well on our way to smashing this goal.

Challenges with rewards yield double the participation of challenges without rewards!

Thanks to the Library team and the IT Department for successfully registering all staff and students on the platform.

We have set a school-wide Reading Challenge for Years 7-10 running from April 10 to June 10!

Using the Beanstack platform, students are discovering the wonders of a two-month reading adventure where they log their reading in the hope of winning prizes.

This challenge is the perfect opportunity to discover new worlds through books while building valuable reading habits. Remember, just 15 minutes of daily reading can significantly improve vocabulary, comprehension, and academic performance across all subjects!

Stay tuned for more details about prizes and special recognition for our most dedicated classes and individual readers. Get ready to turn those pages and let your imagination soar!

Opal Cards

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

Please note, students over 16 need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to prove they are still in full time education. Please CLICK HERE to learn more.

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use .

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

Building Stronger Family Bonds: The 7 Habits (including practical strategies) of Happy Families Insights from Dr. Justin Coulson

We all want our families to be happy. But with the demands of everyday life – juggling work, school, sport, activities, screens, and more – staying connected as a family isn’t always easy.

In his recent article, Dr Justin Coulson, leading Australian expert on parenting, shares valuable insights into fostering happiness and connection within the family unit.

Drawing from his extensive experience working with thousands of families, Dr. Coulson identifies seven powerful habits that contribute to happier and more resilient families.

These habits focus on enhancing communication, empathy, and emotional well-being, providing practical strategies for families to implement in their daily lives.

To find out more about the seven habits and how you may practically apply them with your own loved ones, you can access the article HERE.

Dr Justin Coulson holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Wollongong, and is a leading Australian expert on parenting; sharing his insights and research as founder of Happy Families, co-host on Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and host of Australia’s leading parenting podcast, The Happy Families Podcast.

If you are interested in learning more, you may access a range of free resources via Dr Coulson’s website: https://happyfamilies.com.au/

If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, you are welcome to contact our psychology team:

Rugby

We’re excited to welcome E-LAB on board as the official sponsor of Waverley College Rugby.

Known for their tailored approach to strength and conditioning, E-LAB’s team of expert trainers is already working closely with both students and staff, offering support both on and off the field.

As part of their commitment to the College community, they’re extending exclusive rates on small group training—making personally programmed sessions more accessible than ever.

Students and staff of Waverley College are eligible for a 20% discount on fees for any group training between 2-4 people.

Are you interested in STEM and robotics? UNSW EMU Robotics, a student-led team participating in the First Lego League/First Robotics competitions, is excited to invite you to their Open Nights.

The UNSW team offers hands-on experience with robotics, catering to two age groups:

Senior team: Design, build, and code a robot from scratch using materials like aluminium and timber

Pope Francis

At the College Assembly this week, we remembered the life of and the many blessings of Pope Francis. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis rose from humble beginnings to become the first Latin American pope. His early experiences in Argentina shaped his deep concern for the marginalized and his commitment to social justice, which became hallmarks of his papacy.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis initiated significant reforms within the Church, emphasising transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on serving the poor and vulnerable. His approach to leadership was characterised by simplicity and a desire to bring the Church closer to the people. He rejected many of the trappings of the Vatican, choosing to live a more simple life.

Pope Francis consistently encouraged people to choose love over indifference. He taught that love is an active force that compels us to reach out to others, especially the marginalised, and to build bridges of understanding and compassion.

One of Pope Francis’s most notable statements, “Who am I to judge?” highlighted his commitment to mercy and non-judgment. He emphasised the importance of understanding and compassion over condemnation, reflecting the inclusive nature of his ministry. This of course aligns perfectly with the Edmund Rice Touchstone of inclusive community.

Inspired by his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis championed peace and interfaith dialogue. His historic visit to the United Arab Emirates and meeting with Muslim leaders underscored his commitment to building bridges between different faiths and promoting global harmony.

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.

Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

Prayers

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Year 11 student Kaiasi Talakai, his mother Katalina and his family. Kaiasi’s father Petani sadly passed away over the recent holiday period. May Petani rest in peace.

Staff Update

Welcome back to term 2 and I hope your sons had a lovely break and are ready for a great term ahead. I acknowledge that many of our Year 12s would have done many hours of study over the break as they prepared for mid semester examinations. I wish them the very best on their continued preparations.

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome some new staff members to the College. We look forward to them sharing their experience, wisdom and perspectives with both colleagues and students.

ANZAC Day

Congratulations to our cadet unit who represented incredibly well at the Coogee and Waverley Anzac Day Dawn services and also at the College’s Anzac ceremony on Wednesday this week.

We were honoured to welcome back Old Boy General Sir Peter John Cosgrove, AK, CVO, MC, who delivered a powerful address on the importance of embracing change while remaining grounded in our shared values:

“Change in this nation is inevitable. Indeed, vital. Never to change is never to grow… Anzac Day is part of that heritage. It’s a time of reflection and, if we wish it, reaffirmation.”

Year 12 and College Vice-Captain student Archie Godby also shared a heartfelt speech about an ANZAC close to him, his great uncle, Flight Sergeant John Charles Roper who attended Waverley College. Archie reminded us that:

Bravery isn’t always about heroic acts – it’s often found in quiet moments of resilience, in standing up for what’s right, and in showing up for others even when it’s hard.”

HSC Examinations

Congratulations to our HSC students who commenced their Mid Yearly Examinations this week. Whilst examinations conclude on Monday, we know that our students will use the experience and feedback from teachers wisely as they set goals to refine their approach.

The 2025 HSC written exam timetable is available on the NESA website from 10am today:

Parents Association Meeting

All parents and carers are welcome to join us for the Term 2 Parents’ Association Meeting.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow parents, share ideas, and discuss important matters related to our school community.

There is parking in the Grange Carpark and light refreshments will be available.

Consensual: Join the Conversation

Woollahra Municipal Council and Ascham School are proud to present an evening of open discussion with Chanel Contos and the filmmakers and preview the work-in-progress documentary Consensual – as they discuss their plans for the film, with an opportunity to share ideas.

Don’t miss being a part of this important conversation about consent in our culture and envisioning a world where normalised sexual violence is eradicated.

University of Sydney Update

Learn everything you need to know about HSC subject selection, university applications and admissions with our information evening, designed to help Year 10 students and their caregivers navigate the journey to university with confidence. Our speakers, including a UAC representative, university staff and students, will cover key information including:

Explore our iconic campus and learn more about university entry, scholarships, study options and more at this information evening for Year 12 students and their caregivers.

Hear about entry schemes, student support, campus life, and applying through UAC.  The on-campus event will include a tour, a course advice exhibition and information sessions, including a dedicated medicine/dentistry talk. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover your options and ask any questions you have about joining the Sydney student community in 2026. 

Congratulations

Waverley College’s own Ollie Moclair is making waves in the swimming world after being selected for the Australian Junior swim team competing in the World Junior Championships in Otopeni, Romania, from August 19-24, 2025.

What’s truly remarkable about Ollie’s talent is evident in the numbers: if he’d swam just 0.86 seconds faster at the recent Australian Swimming Championships, his time would’ve secured a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics.

We are thrilled to see him represent Australia on the world stage. Good luck, Ollie!

The Australian Army Cadets’ Adventure Training Award (ATA) is a physically and mentally demanding field activity for senior cadets, considered the most challenging competition they face during their time with the Australian Army Cadets. Congratulations to the below students who achieved this over the break:

Easter Message

As the liturgical season of Lent draws to a close, we prepare to enter Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and the joyful commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem, when the crowds acclaimed him with the words: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

As the week unfolds, we journey with Christ through the Sacred Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, continues through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and reaches its climax with the celebration of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil on Easter Sunday.

The Easter Triduum is the high point of our liturgical year. It is a time of profound reverence and spiritual renewal. After forty days of prayer, penance, and reflection, we enter into the mystery of Christ’s passion and death with solemn devotion. Yet it is with joy and hope that we celebrate His triumph over death and rejoice in the new life of His Resurrection.

Our hope rests in a Love stronger than death. Through the wounds of Christ, our wounds are healed; through His death, we are raised to new life; and in His Resurrection, we are promised the gift of eternal life. Following His Resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus assured His disciples and assures us that He would remain with us always, even to the end of time. This liturgical season shines with the light of that promise, radiant with hope.

As our community begins the Easter holidays, my thoughts and prayers are particularly with our Year 12s who are looking ahead with both anticipation and anxiety, thinking of upcoming exams and their future paths. At the heart of a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice Tradition, is our commitment to nurturing the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and pastorally. We seek to form young people who are not only well educated but who also live with faith-filled hope, ready to meet the world with courage, compassion, and conviction.

In this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. This call echoes the message of Easter and Pentecost: that our lives are not governed by fear or despair, but by the sure and certain hope that flows from Christ’s victory over the grave.

Father Bernie Thomas prays God’s blessing upon all our students, parents, carers, alumni and staff. May this sacred season deepen our trust in God’s love, strengthen our hope, and renew our mission to walk always as children of the Resurrection.

Essay/Speech Prize

Congratulations to our Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech finalists, Lachlan Hoy, Taj Lynn and James Peate, who presented their speech on how the four EREA Touchstones are integral to a student’s education and how they inspire a vision for contributing to a better world.

The audience consisted of the judging panel, special guest, Old Boy, Dr David Curran and our Year 11 Advanced English students. With fierce competition, the final places will be announced in one of our assemblies early in Term 2.

Rostrum Public Speaking Regional Finals

Congratulations to Year 12 students Dante Fearn and James Peate who have successfully made it through to the Regional finals of the NSW Rostrum Public Speaking finals.

James Peate is the current NSW Champion from 2024 and we wish both boys all the very best with the next stage of competition.

Little Shop of Horrors Production

It’s almost here! The Waverley School musical, Little Shop of Horrors will be on stage from 13 – 16 May in the Performing Arts Theatre. A show about a man-eating plant; who knew botany could be so entertaining?

Purchase tickets here!

Starring the students of Waverley College and supported by the students from Bradfield College, Brigidine College and Kincoppal Rose Bay, hear what some of the students have to say about the show!

Hooper Negus (Year 11): “I think the audience will be excited about the ingenuity of the set.”

Harry Lentfer (Year 11): “My favourite song is Skid Row; it provides the context for what the musical is about and how each character shares their point of view of what it is like to live on Skid Row.”

Sophie (Kincoppal Rose Bay): “The revolving set is cool, just to see how it can turn into different places.”

Klara (Brigidine College): “The amount of effort that people have put into the show across all aspects, from singing, costume, set and all the people behind the scenes is astounding.”

Kenya (Bradfield College): “I love how the show is quite supernatural and how different the characters are from other shows.”

Reading Challenge Launch: Read a book Inside or Outside

We’re thrilled to announce our school-wide Reading Challenge for Years 7-10 running from April 10 to June 10!

Using the Beanstack platform, students will embark on a two-month reading adventure that continues right through the holiday break.

This challenge is the perfect opportunity to discover new worlds through books while building valuable reading habits.

Remember, just 15 minutes of daily reading can significantly improve vocabulary, comprehension, and academic performance across all subjects!

Stay tuned for more details about prizes and special recognition for our most dedicated classes and individual readers. Get ready to turn those pages and let your imagination soar!

Parent Webinar

Last week Wellio, one of our partners in providing wellbeing resources to our students and community, ran a parent Webinar on the topic “Owning Your Role as a Parent: Knowing When to Step In and Step Back”.

Waverley College was one of the highest represented schools in attendance, with over 100 parents logging onto the webinar. Well done parents and carers!

You joined parents from schools across Australia as part of this online session.

The webinar dealt with navigating the difficult balance between when to step in, when to guide, and when to create space for your children in order to develop their independence and help build resilience.

It provided practical strategies on “When to Interrupt”, “Leading by Example”, as well as “Advocating & Escalating”.

If you were unable to attend the session, a link to the recording can be found HERE, and a link to the resources provided HERE.

Each session is free to attend for all Waverley parents/carers and registration details will be sent out via Nurrunga and the Waverley App as they become available.

2025 Australian Junior Athletics Championships, Perth

A number of Waverley students, accompanied by Mr. Jeremy Roff, competed this week at the National Athletics titles in Perth. Some of the notable results include:

School Fees

Payment 1 was due on 12 February 2025, payment 2 due date is 14 May 2025, and payment 3 due date will be 6 August 2025.

The next Fee Statements will be issued on the week beginning 28 April 2025. We require Fee Statements to be paid in full by the due date.

Where this is not possible, a financial arrangement must be agreed with the Business Services Team by the due date.

Withdrawal Notice

As per enrolment contract and as indicated on the College website, the College require one full Term’s notice in writing to the Principal if you wish to withdraw your son’s enrolment at Waverley College.

As an example and for the avoidance of doubt, if you wish to withdraw your son at the end of Term 2, the notice must be given no later than the first day of Term 2.

If this notice period is breached, a penalty equivalent to one Term’s tuition fee will be payable as per enrolment contract.

Cadet AFX

Earlier this week, I visited the Cadet Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Holsworthy Barracks alongside the Headmistress of St Catherine’s School, Ms Deb Magill.

It was a great opportunity to see our combined 400 Cadets in action experiencing a wide range of activities, team building exercises and leadership challenges.

Holsworthy Base has state of the art human created spaces along with extensive dense bushland to provide our cadets with many different environments to experience.

I am sure many will be looking forward to returning home to their bedroom and other creature comforts, but am also sure that many will have a greater appreciation of the simpler things in life and the great outdoors.

European Football Tour

The Football tour will see a squad of 34 students and 4 staff spend 4 days at Manchester City’s facilities being put through their paces by Manchester City Coaches.

They will then travel on to London, Lisbon and Madrid playing a number of games and watching some of the world’s best footballers play and train whilst immersing themselves in different cultures along the way.

NZ Rugby Tour

The Rugby tour will see a squad of 38 students and 5 staff spend 5 days at the Canterbury Crusaders Academy with some world class coaches.

They will then play two schools in 4 matches in Christchurch and Dunedin before finishing the tour in Queenstown.

The development tour is aimed at developing player skills, preparing for the rugby season ahead, and providing cultural learning experiences in one of the best rugby playing nations in the world.

Aussie Surf Lifesaving Titles

Waverley had a number of students from a range of Sydney Branch Surf Clubs competing in the Aussie titles over the past week. We had some impressive results including;

Bart Carmody (2 x Gold and 1 x silver medals Board race, Cameron Relay and surfing)

Congratulations to all competitors for their efforts at this highest of levels for surf lifesaving.

National Swimming Titles

Best wishes to the following students who are attending the National Swimming titles this week:

ANZAC Day

I’m pleased to confirm that Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove will be joining us for the College ANZAC Day Commemoration on Wednesday, April 30.

Sir Peter will be delivering the address. All parents and carers are welcome to join us.

Exchange Program

Waverley College recently had the pleasure of hosting four Japanese students as part of an enriching International exchange program. The students stayed with a Waverley College family and immersed themselves in school life by attending regular classes and participating in a variety of co-curricular activities.

A highlight of their visit included attending an Open Day at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where they explored domestic and international study pathways. This valuable experience offered them insight into future academic opportunities in Australia and abroad.

The aim of this student exchange program is to provide participants with global educational opportunities, enabling them to gain firsthand experience in diverse academic environments. Through cultural immersion, students learn about different traditions and perspectives, helping foster greater intercultural understanding. The program also focuses on developing key interpersonal skills such as adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration, essential traits for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Waverley College is proud to be part of such meaningful global engagement and extends its sincere thanks to the host family and broader community for their support in making this experience so impactful.

Term 2 Canteen Volunteers Needed

Can you volunteer to assist us in our daily operations from 9.30 am till 1.45 pm?

We greatly value the assistance of our volunteer workers as it allows us to be more efficient in our services for students and staff.

We welcome all members of the Waverley College Community – mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and carers. Lunch is provided for all volunteers.

We are happy to take on any availability, whether it’s once a week, month, or even once a Term – it all helps.

The Term 2 2025 volunteer roster is online, so if you are interested, please volunteer as soon as you can by clicking here.

Year 7 and Year 10 NSW 2025 School Vaccination Clinic

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2025, you can provide consent online for school vaccinations.

In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). The year 7 vaccination clinic will be held on 24 November, 2025.

In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. The year 10 vaccination clinic will be held in Term 2 on the 11 June, 2025.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal. Consent should not be provided to the school via email or other electronic form submission.

you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you do not have a ServiceNSW

Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.

REELise Film Festival

The REELise Film Festival—a nationally recognised platform for young filmmakers—is now accepting entries for its 2025 competition. Now in its 12th year, REELise has launched the careers of emerging Australian filmmakers, giving them the chance to gain industry recognition, showcase their work on the big screen, and connect with top film professionals.

REELise Film Festival alumni have gone on to create award-winning films, secure film school scholarships, and kickstart their careers in the industry.

Year 9 Parent/ Student Information Evening Week 1 Term 2

An information evening has been organised for Year 9 parents/ carers and students at the College Gym on Thursday 1 May at 6pm.

The focus of the evening will be Understanding the Year 9 Experience, from a holistic perspective.

This will include wellbeing, spiritual and curriculum issues and a guest speaker Mac Jenkins (College Old Boy, business owner and elite cricketer) will discuss how he has achieved success in his academic pursuits while also pursuing an elite sporting career and managing his own business.

The Cardoner Network Information Evening Monday 5 May 6pm

Would you like to volunteer at an Immersion or Service Year Placement in 2026? There is an opportunity for your Year 12 students, and their parents, to learn more about a Cardoner experience.

Ideally, volunteers will be young people who are both passionate about service and keen to have new cultural encounters. Does this sound like you?

And finally….

I want to acknowledge the busyness of the past 11 weeks and the tremendous efforts of everyone in our community.

Together, we’ve created a wonderful environment to learn, teach, listen, grow, connect, and build friendships.

It’s been inspiring to witness many stepping out of their comfort zones and realizing they are capable of so much more.

During the upcoming April holidays, I encourage students and families to take time to connect, reflect, recharge, and most importantly, have fun! I wish all those traveling a safe and inspiring time away.

A special wish for our Junior School Rugby team—safe travels and an exciting, successful competition in Armidale!

World’s Greatest Shave

This year, Lacey House has raised over $24,000 for the World’s Greatest Shave, smashing all previous fundraising records! The Senior Boys led the charge with passion and purpose, showing what a determined house spirit can achieve. A huge thanks to Kate Carey for her inspirational address to the College that has inspired this incredible effort.

Blood cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian children, affecting families and school communities nationwide. Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting those affected and funding life-saving research to bring us closer to a future free of blood cancer.

We are so proud of everyone who participated, donated, and cheered us on. This is what true leadership and compassion look like. Congratulations to Mr Damien Thompson on leading this great cause.

National Swimming Titles

Good luck to Year 12 student Ollie Moclair who will be competing at the upcoming Swimming Nationals (10th – 19th April) with the aim of making the junior world championship team who are competing in Romania in August this year.

Ollie recently came 3rd in the State Open with a time of 22.92 for the 50m freestyle. We wish students attending upcoming CIS and NSW All Schools events well in their goals to qualify for the nationals.

30th National Schools’ Constitutional Convention

Congratulations to Year 12 student Archie Godby who participated in the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra with 120 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia.

As a national delegate, Archie travelled with 29 other students to represent NSW at the Convention. The topic for the 2025 Convention was, ‘Revisiting Sections 51ii and 90 to Reimagine Australia’s Fiscal Federalism’.

Outcomes from the Convention will be incorporated into a Communiqué that will be presented to the President of the Senate, Senator The Hon Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recording in Hansard.

The program included a visit to Parliament House, a meeting with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House, and an official dinner at the National Press Club.

Measles alert for Easts Basketball League

We have been informed by NSW Public Health that a person with measles attended the Easts Basketball League at the gymnasium on Sunday, March 30 between 9:10am and 10:30am. Please note that this individual is not a member of the Waverley College community, and the risk of exposure to our students and staff is considered low.

As always, we recommend that families take routine precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Finish Term 1 strong

Please encourage your son to finish the term on a high note! We have had a strong and productive term, with students engaging in meaningful learning, impressive co curricular activities, and personal growth.

As we approach the final week, maintaining focus, self control and completing all work requirements will be key to ending the term successfully and enjoying a well earnt Easter break. Your support at home encouraging these attributes is appreciated.

AFX Cadet Camp

Cadet AFX – Wishing Julie-Ann, Jess and all staff an enjoyable, safe and action packed AFX cadet camp with advance party leaving today and the majority leaving Sunday morning.

Staff Update

Welcome back to Mr Adam Wallington who has returned from long service leave two weeks early to cover Ms Michelle Joyce who has commenced maternity leave early.

Thank you to Mr Jonathan Phillips who has been the Acting Business Manager for the past 18 months covering both the 1IC and 2IC roles in finance.

Jonathon will return to his substantive positive as 2IC Business Manager. We welcome Mr Andre Airola, the new Business Manager who starts on Monday 7 April and comes to us from St Catherine’s School.

Welcome to Mr Kwang Soo Lee who joins the IT team today as a Network Engineer. Kwang comes to us from SMC Corporation (Australia) Pty Ltd. Kwang has more than 20 years’ work experience in the field of computing infrastructure environment including education and manufacturing industry.

2025 Mother’s Day Breakfast

Dear Mothers, Grandmothers and significant women in the lives of Waverley College Students.

Please join us to celebrate Mother’s Day where you can enjoy a light breakfast with your sons.

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Tickets on Sale!

Tickets are $220 per person which includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés under the stars followed by a formal gala dinner with drinks, dancing and live music.

The success of this event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners, whose support ensures a memorable evening for all. This year, we are seeking two Gold, four Silver, and six Bronze Sponsors, as well as donations of high-quality auction items to contribute to the evening’s fundraising efforts.

We invite those interested in supporting this event to contact our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Our Lady of Fatima Procession

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney invites all schools and families to participate in the Our Lady of Fatima Procession. This event provides a meaningful opportunity for staff, students, and families to come together in prayer and honour Our Lady.

We would greatly appreciate your assistance in promoting both the Mass and the Procession to your staff and school communities.

Turtle Conservation

We’ve joined the 1 Million Turtles Program, working to safeguard these amazing creatures.

We were thrilled to attend the PLC Sydney event at Oatlands Golf Course, where they released ten baby endangered turtles that they had incubated over the last few months.

School Bus Travel

If your son already has an Opal Card – great! Tapping on and off every trip shows Transport for NSW the importance of our school routes, this helps with their planning by providing additional services to cope with increased demand. Please ask your son to tap on/off whenever they use public transport.

Download the College App

As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:

By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.

Jazz Collective Concert

Congratulations to our Music students and staff on an amazing night of Jazz last night. The Performing Arts Centre foyer was transformed into a Manhattan Jazz Club and set the scene for an amazing evening.

The student performances supported by professional Jazz musicians the Ben Daley Quintet were exceptional.

Thank you to the following staff: Mr Jesse Johnston, Mr Timothy Walsh, Mr Alexander Lee, Mr Daniel Williams, Mr Jonathan Cleeve, Mr Angus McPherson, Ms Jaz Johnston, Ms Keiran Kossenberg, Ms Jazz de Witte, and Mr Chris Balkizas. And, thank you to our Music Supporters Club for their ongoing support of our program: Mrs Chantal Hughes, Mr Joe Rede, Ms Meg Pounder, Mr Greg Isaac and Ms Naomi Isaac.

Japanese Exchange

We currently have four students from Kokugakuin Kugayama High School (Tokyo) visiting us and staying with four Waverley families. Our students will reciprocate later in the year and visit their high school.

We will also be hosting 90 students next year for two days. The aim of this student exchange program is to provide participants with global educational opportunities, enabling them to gain firsthand experience in diverse academic environments.

Through immersion in a different culture, students will learn about cultural elements, traditions, and perspectives that foster greater intercultural understanding. Additionally, the program seeks to develop interpersonal skills, such as adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Tickets on Sale!

Tickets are $220 per person which includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés under the stars followed by a formal gala dinner with drinks, dancing and live music.

We invite those interested in supporting this event to contact our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au to discuss how you can be part of this important event.

Year 12 Mother & Son Luncheon

Last Sunday, Ms. Sue Walsh and I had the pleasure of attending the Year 12 Mother and Son Luncheon at Dockside. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with warmth and connection, highlighted by an inspiring talk from our guest speaker, James Castrission.

James, an accountant, and his close friend, Justin Jones, a scientist, have made history with their record-breaking expeditions, including kayaking across the Tasman Sea and completing an unsupported round-trip ski journey to the South Pole.

James captivated the audience with powerful stories of adventure, perseverance, and gratitude – moments that moved many to tears. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Jade Stapleton, our Year 12 Parent Representative, for her dedication in organizing such a memorable event

Generations Breakfast

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting the Generations Breakfast in the Senior School Library.

This gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for past and present generations to connect – allowing Old Boys to rekindle their bond with the College community while giving students valuable insights into the school’s rich history and traditions.

The 2025 Old Boys Muster

Last Friday marked a special evening for the Waverley College Old Boys’ Union (WCOBU) as they welcomed back Old Boys from across the decades for the 2025 Old Boys Muster.

The College rooftop provided a great backdrop for the evening, with the Sydney skyline offering a picturesque view as the sun set. Old Boys reconnected over food, drinks and warm company, sharing laughter and memories that echoed across the terrace.

Speeches from WCOBU President Salvatore Riolo and Deputy Principal Ms Gabby Smith reflected on Waverley College’s rich tradition and the strength of its alumni network. The event highlighted the importance of staying connected and giving back to the College community.

Deep Learning: A Global Partnership

As we continue to build on our collaborative work with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) on Design for Deep Learning and embedding the 6 Global Competencies (Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking) into our programs, our teachers are embracing a range of opportunities to lead in this pedagogy.

Congratulations to Ms Helen Barrie, our Head of Academic Enrichment and English Teacher for being recognised on the Deep Learning International Stage for her work in teaching Year 7 Poetry earlier this year. In an article on how to, ‘take time to get to know our students, their interests and needs,’

Ms Barrie’s poetry unit was recognised as an exemplar and thus she was invited to present in a Deep Learning TeachMeet on how her students in Year 7 English were obsessed with playing chess and that she made a decision to view this as a learning opportunity rather than as a distraction. What followed was the significant work she undertook to create a unit of work linking poetry to chess.

Mosman Youth Art Prize

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as Finalists in the Mosman Youth Art Prize for 2025:

Zach Jones, Dante Fearn, Oliver Isaac, Louis Cockerill, Oliver Teh Howell, Leonardo Marino and Oliver Lorimer.

The prize supports young artists in the metropolitan area, accepting entries from hundreds of artists across a range of drawings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and photographs.

Since its foundation by local artist Ken Done AM in 1988, numerous Australian artists have started their careers winning the Mosman Youth Art Prize.

All finalist works will be on exhibit at Mosman Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman, from Saturday 29 March – 4 May, 2025.

Passata Day: A Celebration of Italian Culture and Hospitality

Year 11 VET Hospitality students recently participated in a unique cultural day, making fresh passata (tomato sauce) and exploring its significance in Italian culture. The day combined academic and cultural activities, enhancing the students’ skills in teamwork, commercial cooking and serving.

The event featured a special guest, Italian language teacher Lucia Krejci, who shared her personal connection to Passata Day and its importance in Italian families. The timing coincided with Harmony Day, reinforcing the theme of cultural diversity and celebration.

The day provided hands-on experience with commercial-grade food preparation appliances and real-world applications of industry terminology. Students set up bain maries, buffet service styles and served teachers and peers, receiving excellent feedback.

The event also highlighted environmental sustainability, with students learning about reduced food waste solutions and preserving the passata in reusable jars.

A huge thank you to the Y11 VET Hospitality students, Mrs. Beverley McCarthy and Georgina Weaver for their support and contributions to the day’s success.

School Bus Travel

Download the College App

As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.

The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:

By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.

NSW Public Speaking Final

Titration Competition

Reminder: Subject Selection Evening for Year 8 – Tuesday 24 June

Reminder: Subject Selection Evening for Year 10 – Tuesday 24 June

Reminder – Parent/Carer/Teacher/Student Interviews

Industry Careers Night

Alumni Connecting

Faith In Action Week

Prefects Afternoon Tea

Year 12 Cadets Passing Out Parade

Cadets Dining In Night

School Fees

Withdrawal Notice

Beanstack Reading Challenge Update

Surfing Success

A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today

Farewell and Thank You – Ms Gabby Smith

“What does Men’s Health mean to you?”

Beanies for Brain Cancer

Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive

Year 10 Dinner Cruise

Music Festival 2025

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025 – Closing date 16 June 2025

Congratulations to our basketballers

Parents Association Update

Pentecost

Prayers

Indigenous Round of Sport

Support for Women and Children in Crisis – Lokahi Foundation Donation Drive

Year 10 Vaccinations

Year 12 Engineering Students Soar into Aerodynamics at Bankstown Airport

CAS Drill Competition 2025

Surfing Success for Jacob Sheehan

Music Festival 2025

House Athletics Carnival

A Legacy of Learning: Help Build Tomorrow Today

Staff News

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025 – Closing date 16 June 2025

National Reconciliation Week – Bridging Now to Next

Old Boys’ Union AGM

Music Festival 2025

George W Rummery Scholarship 2025

Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize – Entries are now open for the 2025

Sydney University – Year 12 Information Evening (online)

NCCD Data Collection – Supporting Students with Disabilities

May Procession

Congratulations to Our Rostrum Semi-Finalists

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Session 1: The Craft of Poetry with Lemn Sissay

Session 2: Spotlight on Shakespeare’s Women with Harriet Walter

Session 3: The Craft of Short Fiction

Indigenous Round – Saturday, 31 May

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

FREE Parent Screening – SEEN The Film

Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinics with Waverley College, July 2025

Legends Coaching Week

Congratulations to our swimmers!

Free Parent Webinars – Teen Mental Health Matters

Waverley College App

Father/Son Dinner

Little Shop of Horrors

Ecology Week Blooms at Waverley College

Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition

University of Sydney Academic Achievement Awards

St John’s College, within the University of Sydney tour and dinner

IDAHOBIT Day – 17 May

MAY PROCESSION – Friday 23 May

Father/Son Dinner

National Road Safety Week, 11-18 May

Travel to school Survey 2025

E-lab Rugby Sponsor

Mother’s Day

Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day – 5 May 2025

Notable co-curricular performances

Musicals

App Reminder

Get Ready for Ecology Week!

Congratulations to Dr Panos Diamidis

Beanstack Reading Challenge Update: Read a book Inside or Outside

A Catholic School for boys in
the tradition of Edmund Rice