Principal & Leadership Archives

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.

Harmony Day

This week, Waverley College came together to celebrate Harmony Day – a significant event that highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity within our community.

As an Edmund Rice community, we pride ourselves on being a place where ‘everyone belongs’, and Harmony Day serves as a poignant reminder of the value we place on embracing our differences. Our student body is made up of a vibrant tapestry of cultures and on Harmony Day, we acknowledge and celebrate it.

In mentor groups at CCC time, pupils shared food that reflected their cultural heritage, learning about and appreciating the traditions of their peers.

The College also hosted a range of activities, including an Amazing Race, swimming, maths quiz, riddles, push-up competitions, three-point shooting, and relay sprints. It was a wonderful display of teamwork, camaraderie, and school spirit.

St. Patrick’s Day Mass

Ms Martina Cooper, accompanied by students Luca Green (Year 10), Henry Goldrich (Year 10), Luke Ibrahim (Year 10), and Axel Stapleton (Year 10), represented Waverley College at the Sydney Catholic Schools St. Patrick’s Day Mass, held by Bishop Brady at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday.

Year 7 Information Evening

The Year 7 Parent/ Student Information Evening on Thursday 20 March was facilitated by Dr Prue Salter.

She is an expert in helping students develop the skills they need to be effective and efficient with their learning and her presentation provided a range of invaluable strategies to help Year 7 students become powerful learners.

Parents and students are reminded that Waverley College has access to Dr Salter’s resources and students can log in to the Enhanced Learning Educational Services Online Study Skills Handbook that complements the information evening.

Passata Day

Congratulations to our Stage 6 Hospitality classes who engaged in our inaugural Passata Day on Tuesday as a part of their course competencies.

The students prepared all elements of a passata and meatballs pasta from scratch to cater for lunch for our entire staff.

From grinding their own meat to make the meatballs to simmering a flavourful passata sauce, they should be really proud of their lunch service.

Beanstalks Reading Challenge and our Reading Ambassadors

In Thursday’s Assembly, Mr. McCoy, Mr. Walker, Mr. Lamb, and Year 12 Extension 2 English student Lieme Chan captivated their audience with readings from Jaws (Peter Benchley), The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien), Dune (Frank Herbert), and The Body (Stephen King).

Adding a personal touch, Mrs. McCarthy shared her own poem, Oh My Giddy Aunt – A Snapshot of a Class, a vivid reflection on life as a teacher at the college. Both students and staff were thoroughly entertained.

The event served to celebrate our vibrant reading culture while also launching the college’s new Reading Challenges.

As part of this initiative, all students will be registered with Beanstack, an interactive online platform used by libraries and schools to foster reading habits through challenges, progress tracking, and rewards.

At a time when creativity and the arts face growing challenges—from AI disruptions to book bans—engaging with both fiction and nonfiction is more vital than ever. Our college library remains a treasure trove of novels, picture books, magazines, biographies, ebooks, graphic novels, study guides, and much more.

All students from Years 7 to 10 will be registered on Beanstack before the holidays, and Year 11 and 12 students who wish to participate are warmly invited to do so. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks to help students get started before and during the holidays.

Exciting prizes—including canteen vouchers, local eatery gift cards, and surprise book-related rewards—await those who take up the challenge.

Students eager to get started should see Ms. Ryan, Mr. Russell, or Ms. Bliznjakovic in the library. Stay tuned for more details!

Earth Hour

I encourage you and your family to support Earth Hour this Saturday which has grown to become much more than switching your lights off.

Millions of participants around the world will switch off their lights at 8:30 pm local time on Saturday, 22 March 2025 to demonstrate support for the environment that is in obvious crisis.

This action is symbolic and is not an action to save power. It is about bringing awareness to the issue and demonstrates your commitment to help protect the planet.

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

It is with great anticipation that we prepare for one of Waverley College’s most significant annual events, the Blue & Gold Ball.

Last year, more than 700 members of our community came together for this special occasion, and we look forward to an even greater celebration in 2025.

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 to discuss how you can be part of this important event.

I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an outstanding evening in support of Waverley College.

World’s Greatest Shave

Our World’s Greatest Shave Campaign was launched at the CAS Swimming & Diving Assembly on Thursday by a moving address from Year 12 parent, Mrs Kate Carey and the Prefects of Lacey House.

This cause is held very close to the hearts of the Waverley College community and has been at the forefront of our Social Justice initiative for the past ten years.

The World’s Greatest Shave Foundation is one that I know many in our community cherish and support graciously every year and one that has directly supported some of our past and present families at the college.

While our campaign is led by Lacey House – the Lacey students, families and staff showing unwavering support since its inception at the College – the Lacey Leadership Team would like to thank you for your support.

Tens of thousands have been raised in the past but the need grows as the years go by.

Thank you for your support and if you would still like to make a donation please click on the following link:

School Bus Travel

2026 Term Dates

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.

St Patrick’s Day

Next Monday, we celebrate St Patrick’s Day which is a time of joy, reflection, and community as we celebrate the rich heritage of Ireland and the values that St Patrick himself embodied of faith, resilience, and compassion. This day holds special significance because of our deep ties to our Irish Founder, Edmund Rice and the 55 EREA schools operating across the nation.

St Patrick is revered as the patron saint of Ireland, known for his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to spreading Christianity. His life story is one of perseverance, having been taken as a slave to Ireland as a young boy, he later escaped, only to return as a missionary to teach and serve the very people among whom he had once been enslaved. His message of forgiveness, faith, and service continues to resonate today, reminding us all of the power of compassion and purpose in overcoming adversity.

We also acknowledge the significant contributions of Irish culture to our school and society. Beyond the religious and cultural observances, St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community. It is a reminder that traditions and heritage, when shared with openness and respect, bring us closer together. Students will have the opportunity to engage with some Irish cultural activities on Monday including a staff vs students Gaelic Football game and a cake stall.

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”
Irish Blessing

Swimming and Diving Championships

Congratulations to our Swimming and Diving Teams who performed admirably at the 95th CAS Championships, held last night at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC). Thank you to our Year 8, 11 and Wavecrew students who supported our teams.

Well done to Knox Grammar and Trinity Grammar who won the swimming and diving competitions respectively. We placed 5th in swimming and 3rd in diving.

Whilst many personal bests were achieved, special mention to the following team members:

Ollie Moclair (Year 12) won both the Opens 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle championships. It has been a very long time (20+ years) since a Waverley student won these races. Ollie also finished 2nd in the Open 50m Butterfly

The 4 x 50m Opens Freestyle relay finished 2nd – Nick Hjorring (Year 12), Zoltahn Szabo (Year 12), Lincoln Tanner (Year 12), Ollie Moclair (Year 12)

Competition was tough and close in both competitions and we’re very proud of all our competitors. Thank you to Ms Nicola Silsby, Mr David Parnell, Mr Nick Nezval, Ms Kath Knowles, the assistant coaches, and all the staff who contributed to the success of the evening. Your dedication and support, whether it was on the field, helping with hospitality, managing the buses, or ensuring a positive crowd presence, were truly appreciated.

Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening – Thursday 20 March

We’re looking forward to welcoming Year 7 parents and students to the Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening with Dr. Prue Salter, taking place on Thursday, 20 March at 6pm in the College Gymnasium.

Open Day

The College held its first Open Day of the year this week, showcasing the very best of Waverley College. With over 400 families visiting both the Junior and Senior schools, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to experience firsthand the College’s impressive community, facilities, broad curriculum and culture.

A highlight of the day was the guided tours, led by our Year 11 leaders. These student leaders did an exemplary job of representing the College, sharing their knowledge and passion for Waverley with enthusiasm and pride. Their dedication and commitment to showcasing the College’s spirit and values were evident throughout the morning, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to them for their efforts.

Throughout the day, families were able to explore the College’s state-of-the-art facilities, meet with teachers and staff, and gain a deeper understanding of the College’s values and mission. The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many families expressing their admiration for the College’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We are thrilled with the success of our Open Day and look forward to welcoming many of the visiting families to our community in the future. Thank you to Ms Kylie Anderson (Registrar), Tessa Holt (enrolments) and Mr Angus McPherson and Ms Krista Thomas and for their organisation and running of the open day.

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

It is with great anticipation that we prepare for one of Waverley College’s most significant annual events, the Blue & Gold Ball. Last year, more than 700 members of our community came together for this special occasion, and we look forward to an even greater celebration in 2025.

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.

I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an outstanding evening in support of Waverley College.

2026 Term Dates

Farewell to Science Teacher

After six years at Waverley College, we bid farewell to Mr Harry Lind as he embarks on his next chapter as a Science Teacher at Scots College. Mr Lind has been a passionate and dedicated Science and Physics teacher, inspiring his students with his enthusiasm for the subject. Beyond the classroom, he has made a lasting impact through his involvement in the co-curricular program, in particular last year as Rugby Convenor. We wish him all the best in his new role.

And we welcome Mr Jake Batters who will be taking over his science classes until the end of Term 1. Mr Batters has taught at St Luke’s Grammar School, Sydney and previously at the Canadian Rockies Public Schools, Canada.

Year 11 Galmatic Car Workshops

On Monday 10 March, our Year 11 students participated in the Galmatic Car Maintenance Workshops. The workshops covered;

These are practical life skills that our students will take with them into the future. The Galmatic trainers commented on how polite, attentive and engaged our students were.

World’s Greatest Shave

Our World’s Greatest Shave Campaign was launched at the CAS Swimming & Diving Assembly on Thursday by a moving address from Year 12 parent, Mrs Kate Carey and the Prefects of Lacey House.

This cause is held very close to the hearts of the Waverley College community and has been at the forefront of our Social Justice initiative for the past ten years.

While our campaign is led by Lacey House – the Lacey students, families and staff showing unwavering support since its inception at the college – the Lacey Leadership Team would like to thank you for your support.

Tens of thousands have been raised in the past but the need grows as the years go by.

Thank you for your support and if you would still like to make a donation please click on the following link:

50th Year Reunion – Class of 1975

Our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and myself had the pleasure of attending the Class of 1975’s 50-year reunion at The Icebergs Club in Bondi—a milestone celebration marking half a century since their time at Waverley College.

It was fantastic to connect with this remarkable cohort and hear the stories and memories that have stayed with them for five decades. The sense of camaraderie and lifelong connection was truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Paul Gillian for the kind invitation and to Mr Bob Tate for organising such a memorable evening. We also appreciate the opportunity to share the school’s vision for the future and our philanthropic initiatives that will help bring it to life.

This is their year, and we look forward to welcoming them back for Back to Waverley Day in November!

School student travel information – A message from Transport for NSW

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.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Please note, students over 16 need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card to prove they are still in full time education. Please see link below:

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.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) 2025

Congratulations to Archie Godby in Year 12 who will be representing Waverley College at the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention which will be held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra from 24 – 27 March 2025. As a national delegate, Archie was selected from hundreds of students from government, independent and catholic schools, most of whom took part in feeder conventions in their home state or territory.

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.

Ash Wednesday

We celebrated Ash Wednesday this week, which was a student run liturgy supported by Ms Sue Walsh (Director of Identity), Mr Tom Kennedy (Spirituality and Mission Coordinator) and Ms Cath Lipman (Social Justice Coordinator) and Fr Bernie. Over 20 students were involved.

College Vice Captain – Archie Godby delivered an impressive Gospel reflection which I include below:

As we begin this season of Lent, we’re called to reflect on our lives and the choices we make each day. When a lot of us think about ‘Lent’ we associate it with giving up material matters, chocolates, Netflix or social media. But today, I want you to think deeper. What could you give up that really matters? What could you sacrifice that would impact someone other than yourself?

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus warns us of the hypocrisy in performing actions for praise. “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. In other words, when we behave in class or help a teacher we shouldn’t start asking for positive notes or believe that participating in social justice initiatives entitles us to leadership positions.

When we are sacrificing in Lent, or donating to Project Compassion we shouldn’t seek praise. Obviously this is a big ask. As humans we innately and naturally feel that our actions should be recognised, even rewarded. But Jesus reminds us that when we feel no one is watching, God sees our actions. ‘Your Father who sees in secret will reward you’. Jesus is encouraging us to use our right hand to lift up our mate from the floor and not even consider raising our left hand for praise.

Today, you will have the opportunity to have ashes sprinkled on your head, it will be unlike other experiences you’ve had where a prominent cross is placed on your forehead. The ashes will be hidden in your hair and you will be told to ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’. Essentially through the power of the sacrifice Jesus made for us we are encouraged to be virtuous. The practice of concealing the ashes is not new but can be traced back to Pope Urban II in 1099 who believed that concealing the ashes in your hair fulfilled Jesus’ message of humility. The knowledge that we have practiced our faith is beautifully only known by you and God. Our faith, our actions are not performances. They are not measured by how loudly we pray, how many people see our kindness, or how much we give for the sake of recognition. True faith is quiet, sincere, and rooted in the unseen moments—when we forgive without being asked, love without seeking praise, and pray without needing an audience. We live in a world obsessed with visibility. Likes, followers, and public approval often seem more important than private integrity. But Jesus calls us to a deeper way of living. He asks us to give, to pray, and to fast—not for applause, but because it shapes who we are.

This Lent, let us turn inward. Let us seek change that is real, not just seen. Let us trust that the God who sees in secret is the only one whose approval truly matters. This idea is echoed in our school motto “Virtus Sola Nobilitat” (Virtue is its own reward). Virtue can be defined as behaviour that exhibits high moral standards, kindness, compassion, service, love, with the idea that displaying such ideals is a reward in itself. These are virtuous qualities that each of us can adopt during this time of Lent and hopefully carry them through. What is something that you can sacrifice this Lent that truly matters? This Lent, consider giving up hatred, abstaining from judgment or turning away from the fear of failure. When you perform these actions, do not raise your left hand for praise. Make kindness a second nature in which you do not even consider praise necessary. Allowing the kindness shown to you at this school by your teachers, your friends or anyone you meet will create a butterfly effect, perpetuating a cycle of kindness. Be inspired to serve one another. Consider performing random acts of kindness simply because they are acts of kindness. Help your mate because they are your mate. Be kind to one another, because it’s the right thing to do.

International Women’s Day

Yesterday, we came together as a College community to celebrate International Women’s Day, embracing this year’s powerful theme: “Accelerate Action.” We began the assembly with a powerful Welcome to Country led by local elder Aunty Barb Simms, followed by a moving smoking ceremony conducted by some of our Walawaani students and their sisters. To help share the day’s inspiring message, Elka Whalan joined us to discuss her trailblazing journey in women’s swimming. Through her reflections on the importance of education, community, and faith, our students gained valuable insights into the significance of working in equal partnership with girls and women leaders in their lives. Thank you to both St Clare’s College and St Catherine’s School who both sent representatives along for our assembly.

International Women’s Day is a vital occasion to acknowledge, as gender equality remains an ongoing challenge in Australia, particularly in business, corporations, pay equity, safety, and opportunities. In many other countries, the gap is even greater, with women still lacking the fundamental rights afforded to men.

Year 10 Information Evening

Thank you to the large number of parents and carers who attended the Year 10 Information Evening this week and were updated on our Wellbeing program and the HSC patterns of study, subject selection, post school options and Service Week.

All of the subject selection requirements and prerequisites are on the Waverley College website:

Further information on Student Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships can be found here:

Upcoming Parent Webinars

Toolbox Education is running a ‘Thinking Traps’ Parent Workshop via Zoom on Monday 10 March. This workshop gives parents a set of tools to help young people catch their unhelpful thoughts before they spiral. See Flyer attached for more details.

This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.

NAPLAN

This is a further reminder that students in Years 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 12 and 24 March.

Year 7 students will sit their test in Periods 1-2 and Year 9 students will sit their test in Periods 3-4 on the following dates:

There will be an opportunity for students, absent on those days, to do a catch up test between Friday 14 March and Monday 24 March.

Talking Mental Health Parent Webinar

Please find attached an invite to a webinar for Parents and Carers on Tuesday, 18 March from 2-3 pm. The focus of the webinar is on how to talk with young people about mental health. There will also be a focus on the Future Proofing Study and their findings.

A recording of the webinar will be sent to all of those who register for the webinar to accommodate people who can’t make it at the allocated time.

SchoolTV Digital Media Literacy & Safety Parent Webinar

Parents and carers are invited to attend a webinar run by SchoolTV regarding digital media literacy and safety (Part 1), to support primary and secondary school students.

WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1)
DATE: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
TIME: 7 pm

Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean. Gain invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Healthy Masculinity – A Parent and Teacher Webinar

Join us online for an inspiring and practical discussion on promoting healthy masculinity among teenage boys and young men. Designed for parents and teachers, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable tips from the experts at Top Blokes Foundation to help foster emotional intelligence, effective communication, and positive behaviors in young men.

Healthy masculinity is about recognising the incredible role men play in creating a more equal, compassionate world. When men embrace empathy, respect, and authenticity, they enrich their own lives, strengthen their relationships, and support women in meaningful ways. This webinar is also a timely opportunity to spotlight these contributions as part of the International Women’s Day conversation—celebrating the power of men and women standing together for a brighter future.

Don’t miss this chance to gain tools to empower the next generation and contribute to a more inclusive environment for all. Register using the QR code attached.

Generations Breakfast

After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.

This special event celebrates the enduring legacy of Waverley College families—where past students remain an active part of our community through their children, grandchildren, nephews, and other family members. It’s always inspiring to see generations of Waverlians continue their connection with the College, shaping each other’s educational journeys and strengthening our shared history.

We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.

Old Boys Muster

We are thrilled to host the 2025 Old Boys’ Muster in partnership with the WCOBU on Friday, 21 March, atop the stunning Centenary Building rooftop. This year, we’re making the most of daylight savings and the warm autumn evening to welcome our esteemed alumni back to Waverley.

Join us for a complimentary Brazilian barbecue, refreshing drinks, and an evening of great company as we reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the stories that have shaped Waverley College for generations.

If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!

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.

As many of you may have heard, Pope Francis has been facing health challenges in recent days.

As a faith-filled community, let us keep him in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to grant him strength, comfort, and healing. Pope Francis has been a guiding light for our Church, reminding us of the power of compassion, mercy, and service to others.

In this time of need, let us unite in prayer for his well-being. May God continue to bless Pope Francis and our entire school community.

Lent

Next week, we begin the season of Lent, a sacred time in the Church’s calendar that invites us to reflect, repent, and renew our faith in preparation for Easter.

Lent lasts for 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before beginning His public ministry. It is a time for us to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (acts of charity and kindness).

Shrove Tuesday – A Day of Preparation

The day before Lent begins is known as Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, this was a day for confession and preparation before the fasting of Lent. It is also commonly called Pancake Tuesday, as people would use up rich ingredients like eggs and butter before the Lenten season of fasting and simplicity. The College will be selling pancakes on Tuesday before school at the Junior School and at lunch at the Senior School and all proceeds will go towards Project Compassion, Caritas.

Ash Wednesday – The Beginning of Lent

Lent officially begins with Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of reflection. During our Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday 5 March 12pm, we will receive ashes by sprinkling them on our heads.

This is an ancient practice and the fact that the ashes are not readily visible to others reminds us that our Lenten observance should be something personal known only to God and ourselves.

It also reminds us of our need for repentance and our journey back to God. The words spoken, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, call us to reflect on our faith and how we can live it out more fully.

Parents are warmly invited to attend our 12 Noon liturgy or the Ash Wednesday Masses, led by Father Bernie for the local Parish, in our College Chapel at 7am and 6pm.

Throughout Lent, we will have opportunities as a school community to pray together, take part in charitable initiatives, and reflect on how we can grow in faith.

We encourage you to take this time seriously, setting personal goals to make Lent a meaningful and transformative season. Lent isn’t just a time of fasting but a time of taking up things like gratitude, kindness, compassion and forgiveness as we strive to follow the examples of Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice.

May this Lent be a time of grace and renewal for us all. Let us journey together in faith, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the hope of Easter.

EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day

Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting the EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day welcoming students from CBC Lewisham, Edmund Rice College Wollongong, St Dominic’s College Penrith, St Edward’s College Gosford, St Patrick’s College Strathfield & St Pius X College Chatswood.

Beginning with a meaningful Smoking Ceremony led by our Walawaani students and a welcome liturgy in the Chapel led by Ms Sue Walsh and students from all 7 NSW EREA schools.

Students then had the privilege of hearing from Waverley College alumnus, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who shared his insights on leadership.

He emphasised the importance of compassion, care, communication, and honesty, encouraging students to embody the core values of their school in all aspects of life. The questions from the floor were impressive to Sir Peter!

He certainly got the audience thinking deeply about their positive impact on others and the energy leadership requires.

This was followed by some group sessions from mental health workshops with ‘Talk to Me Bro’ (Mental Health provider) and some enlightening sessions from EREA alumni on the importance of lifelong leadership and seeking to make a difference:

Jack Brown – Former Vice Captain Edmund Rice College & ‘Talk to Me Bro’ founder

Adam Hegedus & Alexi Piovano – Waverley College 2015 & Educating the Future founders

A final workshop explored the need to “fill your own well” while supporting others. The day concluded with a powerful exchange of ideas, as each leadership team shared their one big plan for the year ahead.

Year 9 Ballroom Dancing

As part of our PDHPE and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student took part in the Ballroom Dancing program, led by the esteemed Joan Carmody Dance Academy.

In collaboration with students from St Clare’s College, they attended lessons in preparation for a special evening of dance on Wednesday.

Congratulations to our Year 9 cohort for their outstanding presentation, manners, and enthusiastic participation.

It was truly impressive to witness 400 students listening, observing, and embracing this new challenge with such positivity. A heartfelt thank you to the staff who assisted in supervising this wonderful program from both schools, and to Mr. Patrick Darvill for his excellent coordination of the experience.

House Swimming Carnival

Today, students from Years 7 to 12 took part in our first-ever House Swimming Carnival & Events Day. They competed in a round-robin format, engaging in swimming, tug of war, basketball shooting, dodgeball, and kick tennis.

A big congratulations to Brennan House for taking the top spot with 588 points. It was fantastic to see everyone having a great time under the beautiful sunshine!

Our school will participate in NAPLAN Online from March 12-24, 2025. Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 will take the national literacy and numeracy tests. Students must bring fully charged laptops and headphones.

No excessive preparation is needed, as NAPLAN is not about keyboard or handwriting skills.

Students are not expected to study, and parents can support by encouraging their child to do their best and to read each question carefully. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test format.

Open Days March 2025

Whether you’re interested in our Junior or Senior School, this is your opportunity to experience life at Waverley College first-hand. We encourage all friends, family members, and prospective students to come and see the incredible opportunities available at Waverley.

To secure your spot, simply register via the link provided. We look forward to welcoming you!

Generations Breakfast

After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.

We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.

Old Boys Muster

If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!

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.

The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open!

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.

Please ask your sons to see Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator) located in the Senior School Library to get started or to continue!

Waverley College School Vaccination Program

Every year NSW Health works in partnership with Waverley College to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program.

In Year 7, children are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccines and in Year 10 they are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Since 2023, Waverley College has experienced a drop in vaccination coverage rates for both Year 7 and Year 10 students. There was a 5% decrease in the number of dTpa vaccinations in Year 7 and a 3% drop in HPV vaccination and Meningococcal ACWY vaccination in Year 7 and Year 10, respectively.

By getting your child vaccinated, it protects them and also protects the broader community from diphtheria and whooping cough, and particularly vulnerable people such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated, by helping to limit the spread of these diseases. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

Your child is likely to have received vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis at their last childhood immunisation, around the age of four years. The adolescent dose of the dTpa vaccine is offered as part of the secondary school-based program, and is an additional booster dose to maintain effective immunity into early adulthood.

These are the dates that the NSW Health vaccination team will come to school and vaccinate your child, providing you have given consent.

Please find the step by step guide to complete online consent for your child to receive the vaccinations onsite at Waverley College:

Long Lunch

Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome over 500 parents and carers to our inaugural Long Lunch. To everyone who attended, we hope you had a fantastic time. Community and connection are at the heart of Waverley, and this event was a true reflection of the joy and sense of belonging that comes from being part of such a strong and supportive network.

Thank you to our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and the Marketing team of Ms Krista Thomas and Mr Angus McPherson, as well as our Campus team, for their incredible effort in bringing this wonderful event to life. You also raised $40K towards the Science & Innovation Centre. Thank you!

Parent/ Student/ Mentor Meetings

Reminder, Year 7-12 Parent/Student/Mentor meetings are on next Monday afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm. Senior school students finish at 1pm as they are expected where possible to join their parents for the zoom interviews.

Student Led Assembly

This week, the College Student Leaders organised and presented an impressive assembly that unpacked the class of 2025 motto: “Driven by Passion; Inspired to Serve.” This motto highlights the numerous opportunities students have, both in and out of the classroom, to engage in activities they are passionate about.

The College offers a wide range of experiences to suit various student interests, including the Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG), music, Ballroom Dancing in PDHPE, a Spanish excursion to the Machu Picchu exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney, Drama and Music trips to HSC showcases, Study Skills sessions from Elevate and Dr. Prue Salter, Future Problem Solvers, and the NRMA Future of Transport Challenge to name but a few.

The College encourages students to suggest new activities if their interests are not currently covered.

Student Opportunities

Recently, two significant opportunities have been announced for students. First, a new Japanese student exchange program is being offered to Year 10 students.

Mr. Lachlan Drew-Morris will provide more information to parents and carers via the College App. Second, the Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech competition has been announced. Details for this competition can be found on the Year 11 and 12 English Canvas pages.

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

We are very proud of the following students who elected to spend part of their summer holidays volunteering to help provide over 6,500 meals, snack packs, care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney.

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

St Catherine’s School

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the induction service for Ms. Deb Magill, the 14th Headmistress of St Catherine’s School.

It was a wonderful occasion celebrating leadership, learning, and the bright future of the school. In her address, Ms Magill reflected on her rich educational journey across both Australian and British schools, sharing her deep belief in the power of education to shape lives.

Her words served as a reminder of the profound influence teachers and schools have in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Year 7 Camp

Congratulations to our Year 7s who navigated their first Senior School outdoor education experience to Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Somerset is located about 90 minutes North-West of Sydney on the Colo River (known as the last pristine river in NSW). The Centre operates from a central Base Camp which services over 40km of the Colo Valley.

The boys participated in a number of activities including canoeing, rafting, abseiling, hiking, cooking, obstacle course, rock climbing and the wombat hole challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to take a break from screens and make new friends whilst challenging themselves in the outdoors.

Health Care

Please support the College Health Centre by making sure your son/s medical history and emergency contacts are updated. This will help us better manage students in our care and ensure we have the correct medications and management plans available.

Please also remember, students who fall ill at school should report to the Health Centre where their illness will be assessed by the College Nurse. Junior College Students will be directed by the Junior College Office Administrator.

Students are not permitted to call their parents/guardians themselves OR to leave the College without permission. Once a student has been sent home, the College will record the students as having left the College grounds.

Registered Nurses Ms Julia Ritoli works Monday – Tuesday and Ms Adele Cutbush works Wednesday to Friday. You can reach them on 02 9369 0644 or nurse@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Attendance

Please be advised that when submitting a pass in Orah to advise that your son needs to leave school early, please also remind your son that they will be leaving early, and that they will need to have their belongings and be ready at reception at the appropriate time.

We cannot guarantee that the front office will always have someone available to collect the student from class if they forget.

Online Parent Workshop – Toolbox Education

This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.

Social Media Ban

The new social media law is in motion-but it won’t take effect for at least 12 months. During this time:

Please follow the link to read practical tips on how to prepare your family for the social media ban.

Blue and Gold Ball – Save the Date

We are excited to announce the save the date of our major fundraiser the Blue & Gold Ball, to be held on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

Last year’s Blue & Gold Ball was a sell-out success, raising valuable funds for our building fund. This year we hope to inspire a new generation of families to contribute to the first step in our Master Plan, the Science and Innovation Centre. This inspiring appeal sees Waverley College embarking on the largest-scale construction project in its history.

Get set for a spectacular night at the 2025 Blue & Gold Ball with pre-dinner drinks and canapés under the stars followed by a formal gala dinner, drinks and dancing, live music and auction items.

We are looking for event sponsors, raffle donations and auction items, please reach out to: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au if you would like to get involved.

Commencement Mass

Our school community recently gathered for a beautiful 5-12 Commencement Mass, marking the beginning of a new school year. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to come together in prayer, seeking guidance and blessings for the year ahead.

The Mass exemplified the Year 12 Motto of 2025, ‘Driven by Passion, Inspired to Serve’ encouraging students to embrace their passion and serve others. Father Ramesh Richards sj also highlighted the importance of each student finding their own passion and the importance of using this to inspire others.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event so special. We look forward to a year filled with growth, faith, and success.

Welcome to new parents evening

We held a Parent Meet and Greet evening on Tuesday night. It was wonderful to welcome both our new families and those transitioning from our junior school into Year 7. Seeing so many parents, guardians, and students come together was a great way to set the tone for the year ahead.

The event provided a great opportunity for families to meet our dedicated teachers and staff, learn more about our school values, and gain insight into the exciting journey ahead for our students. Conversations flowed effortlessly as parents connected with one another, forming new friendships and strengthening our vibrant school community.

New Polices

As we commence 2025, I will be sharing with you some of our important school policies and procedures in Nurrunga to ensure greater communication and collaboration with our community. I draw your attention to the below documents.

We are dedicated to fostering a positive school community where our staff have a work-life balance and our families are supported. The ‘Right to Disconnect’ legislation emphasises the need for ensuring balance and we have reviewed our communication policies and procedures to support this. I ask that you please take the time to read the letter provided in this link outlining this in greater detail. Internally our staff are also being more respectful of each other’s work flow and life’s pressures and have incorporated ‘scheduled send’ into their communication options for email.

This Code has been developed so that Parents and those with parental responsibilities are aware of and meet the College’s expectations with regard to their interaction with the School, its Teachers, other Parents and Students. Adherence to this Code is important to promote positive and productive relationships within the School community. You are obliged to observe the following in this link in accordance with the Conditions of your child’s enrolment.

Student attendance is an important element of students Wellbeing at Waverley College as well as ensuring we are meeting our legal requirements. We thank you for your patience as we launched Orah at the beginning of the year. We understand there have been some technical issues and we continue to work through these to ensure a smoother process for our families to log attendance with the College. If you have any difficulty accessing Orah, please reach out to our IT Team – iassist@waverley.nsw.edu.au. Please follow this link to read our updated Attendance Policy.

Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay Competition

Year 11 and 12 scholars are invited to submit entries for the Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay competition. Discover the competition insights here.

Engaging in Student Progress

Waverley College provides ‘Real-Time Reporting’ for parents and carers to become observers of students’ online Learning Management System – CANVAS. This means that parents and carers are able to access results, feedback on any tasks that are submitted through the system and assessment task notifications.

Instructions on how to access the parent and carer observer function can be found here.

Furthermore, parents and carers can also monitor and track students’ results from Semesterised Reports in the Parent Portal by following the steps below:

In the two screens above, you are able to see where your student is currently sitting with the cohort and course and how they are trending within their subject after the release of Semester 1 and Semester 2 reports.

We encourage you to check CANVAS and Parent Portal Academic Analytics during reporting periods, particularly prior to Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews.

If you need any assistance please contact the following;
IT Support – iAssist@waverley.nsw.edu.au or (02) 9369 0784.

For additional support, students can access after school study groups in the Library from 3.30pm-4.30pm:

From the Principal, Mr Graham Leddie

Week 2 of Term has flown by in a flash. The College feels settled and the boys have made a great start to the year. Thank you for assisting your son make a strong start to the year.

It has been lovely catching up with many parents across the range of start of term functions including; Year 5 and 7s first day, meet the new Director of Junior School evening, High Achievers Assembly and Academic Reception.

There are four more opportunities to connect with College staff and other parents next week at Tuesday night’s Parent Association Meeting, Wednesday evening Year 7-12 new parents evening, the Commencement Mass on Thursday morning or the Long Lunch on Sunday.

Strategic Plan

Last year we went through the EREA School Renewal Process (conducted every 5 years) along with a strategic planning process coordinated by AISNSW. Both processes have helped shape the College’s next Strategic Plan 2025-2029.

Thank you to parents, staff, students and other stakeholders who engaged in providing valuable feedback that has helped shape the new plan. The final design elements of the plan will be finished shortly. The plan’s four pillars are listed below with key strategies listed under each.

This plan will assist the College respond to the significant forces that were identified throughout the consultation process such as:
AI Advancements and Future Ready Mindset and Skills
Rising Mental Health Health Issues
Climate Change

1. Leading Boys’ Education
A. Create a robust contemporary evidence base of excellent learning practice for boys’.
B. Innovate the Waverley College co-educational experience
C. Strengthen and expand social justice learning
D. Reinvigorate the Waverley College Teaching and Learning framework

2. Purposeful Learning
A. Be strategic and innovative in design and delivery of learning for students and all staff
B. Enable deep learning for every learner, every day

3. Healthy People
A. Embed the Waverley College Student Wellbeing Framework across the College
B. Reimagine our relationship with laptops and devices Y5-12
C. Invest in increasing staff wellbeing

4. Enhancing Sustainability
A. Take action to move Waverley College towards Net Zero
B. Pioneer a comprehensive funding model and strategy
C. Commit to strategic partnerships
D. Deliver innovative learning environments

College Frameworks

Two Frameworks underpin the College’s Strategic Plan: the Teaching & Learning Framework and the Wellbeing Framework. Our Wellbeing Framework has been written in consultation with College directorates, staff, students and the wider community in conjunction with the Association of Independent Schools (AISNSW).

It has been launched with both staff and students at the start of this term and the Wellbeing Team will be updating students and parents throughout the year.

At the centre of the Wellbeing Framework is the “Student” surrounded by three core elements of being: Known, Valued and Challenged. The outer circle foregrounds the five domains of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to ensure each student develops to their full potential as learners and people.

Our current Teaching & Learning Framework will be reviewed and refreshed during Semester One 2025 and launched at the start of Term 3. 2025.

Communication Update / Newsletter Changes

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve communication and streamline information sharing, we are introducing a revised structure for the weekly Nurrunga newsletter.

With that said, we are ensuring that communication streams are utilised effectively to ensure key messages are delivered.
To do this, it is essential to download and subscribe to the Waverley College app, because it is used as the central communication portal. Download the instructions by clicking here.

Our social media channels will be leveraged to showcase events, activities, co-curricular, and extra-curricular achievements.

Staffing Update

For a full list of staff changes, short bio on new staff and deployment changes, please click here.

From the Deputy Principal – Students, Ms Gabby Smith

2025 EREA National Young Leaders Gathering, 21-24 January

2025 College Captain, Kayden Baker represented Waverley College at the EREA National Young Leaders Gathering at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Brisbane during the holidays.

Kayden, along with school leaders from Edmund Rice schools from all over the country, explored the themes of purpose, grounding, change-making, opportunity, leadership, personal growth and transformation.

Use of Mobile Phones at the Canteen

This is a friendly reminder that students are not permitted to use their mobile phones to pay, at the canteen.

As per the College mobile phone policy, students are not permitted to use their mobile phones on College grounds between the hours of 8:15am – 3:15pm. They need to be turned off and placed in the student’s locker within these times.

Smart watches are permitted to be worn but are not acceptable to use for payment in the canteen. They should be switched to aeroplane mode and are not to be used for communication purposes.

Acceptable forms of payment at the canteen include cash, bank card (physical card) and Student ID card which is linked to Flexischools.

The College Mobile Phone Policy is located on pages 34 & 35 of the Student Diary.

Setting High Expectations: The Key to Student Success

At Waverley, we believe that high expectations set the foundation for success, both in school and in life. As we begin this term, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence by ensuring that all students meet our standards for uniform, appearance, and punctuality.

A particular focus will be placed on students keeping their shirts tucked in, with clear consequences for those who do not comply.
High expectations create a culture of respect, discipline, and pride. When students present themselves neatly and arrive on time, they develop habits that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Adhering to these expectations reflects a commitment to being part of a community that values professionalism and discipline.

Focus on Uniform and Punctuality

E-Bikes

We have seen a number of E-Bikes return to school this year. E-bikes are a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel to school, but safety must always come first. We have already had two incidents that involved students on e-bikes running into cars. All students riding e-bikes should comply with the following:

If students fail to comply with these expectations they will not be allowed to ride to school. I have included an E-Bike Fact Sheet for your reference.

E-Scooters

Please note, e-scooters are banned in NSW and not permitted on site. I have included an E-Scooter Fact Sheet for your reference.

Creating Collaborative Boundaries: A Guide for Parents

As parents, we are constantly striving to support the development, well-being, and happiness of our children. One crucial way to do this is by fostering a sense of safety and connection. This isn’t always easy as there are so many external factors involved, but what is in our control as parents is to develop agreed-upon parental boundaries.

A child’s sense of safety comes from feeling part of a unit where boundaries are clear, consistent, and understood. Connection, on the other hand, comes when a child feels seen, heard, understood, and valued by their caregivers. When caregivers work together to establish collaborative boundaries, they create an environment where children feel secure and supported, making it easier for them to thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

However, setting these boundaries is not always easy. In many families, each caregiver brings their own values, concerns, and emotional responses to parenting, which can lead to conflicting approaches. On top of that, each child has their own temperament, needs, and ways of navigating the world. These combinations can make it very challenging to find a unified approach.

1. Parents Agree on Boundaries
What to Do:
Parents need to have an open conversation with each other about their individual priorities and values regarding boundaries. It can be helpful for each caregiver to identify what are the most important boundaries for them in order of importance (e.g., cleaning, homework, socializing, sport, gaming—possibly just start with four). Then, work together to find common ground. Remember, having agreed-upon boundaries—even if imperfect—is more beneficial to the child than inconsistent rules. It may be helpful to seek support during this process to navigate this.
Example:
If you have different views on how much cleaning and responsibility your child should have, start by identifying what is important to both of you (e.g., being responsible or having balanced downtime) and identify non-negotiables (e.g., cleaning after dinner). What can then be negotiated is how often and how much.

2. Involve the Child/Teen in the Conversation
What to Do:
Children often have valuable insights into why they struggle with certain boundaries (e.g., they don’t understand the rule, feel overwhelmed, or face emotional challenges). Including the child early in the process fosters collaboration and helps them feel heard. Understanding the child’s perspective is key to finding a solution that works for everyone. Acknowledging and validating their feelings and thoughts regarding the topic is the first step in the conversation.
Examples:
For Cleaning:
“How do you feel about cleaning your room once a week? Would it help if we made a list of tasks and broke them down into smaller steps?”
“What would make it easier for you to stay on top of cleaning?”
“What gets in the way of doing it?”
For Gaming:
Be curious about the why: is it excitement, social connection, stress relief, or something else?
“What do you enjoy most about playing games?”
“What makes gaming more fun than other activities?”
“Are there certain games that you really like to play? What is it about those games that you enjoy?”
“How do you feel after playing a game for a while? Happy, tired, excited?”
Together, find a balanced solution that respects everyone’s needs.
For Bedtime:
Your child might share that they have trouble winding down or want to stay up late as it’s important for them to connect with friends online. By listening to their reasons, you can work together to find a solution.

3. Set Realistic and Collaborative Boundaries and Consequences
What to Do:
Rather than imposing a boundary unilaterally, collaborate with your child to co-create rules. This helps ensure the boundary is fair, reasonable, and likely to be respected. The goal is not punishment but learning and growth. It also supports the child feeling heard and valued.

Key Principles:
Empathy: Consequences should be seen as opportunities for growth, not punishments.
Natural or Logical Consequences: Let natural outcomes happen when possible, as these often provide the most meaningful lessons.
Consistency: Consistent follow-through helps children understand that their actions lead to predictable outcomes.
Problem-Solving: Involve the child in finding solutions. This builds critical thinking skills and empowers them to make better choices.
Reflection and Learning: After applying a consequence, have a discussion with your child about what happened, why the consequence was applied, and what they can do differently next time.

Example:
If the issue is gaming, collaborate with your child on:
What’s reasonable (e.g., 1 hour on weekdays, 2 hours on weekends)?
When it’s okay to play (e.g., after homework or chores)?
What happens if the boundary is not respected (e.g., a brief loss of gaming time the next day)?

As Dr. Greene of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model says, “We need to be flexible about how we achieve the boundaries, but firm about the boundary itself.” Flexibility in how you reach the boundary is important because children’s needs, developmental stages, and circumstances can change.

However, the boundary itself should remain clear and firm. His core philosophy is that children want to do well, but sometimes they face challenges that prevent them from meeting expectations. By collaboratively setting and respecting boundaries, you can help your children develop the skills they need to thrive.

WAYS Youth & Families Wellness Centre Services provide free short-term (up to six months) psychological therapy and family therapy and can help you create collaborative boundaries. For further information, please visit their website: ways.org.au/ways-wellness-centre.
Greene, R. W. (2016).

The Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Model: A new way to think about kids with behavioral challenges. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 43(3), 323-334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-016-9529-1

From the Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, Ms Lynsey Porter

At the heart of our commitment to excellence lies the recognition of the importance of ongoing, high-quality professional learning for our staff.

The Staff Professional Learning Day last week was carefully designed to address various aspects crucial to the growth and development of our school community and to equip our teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary for shaping our goals in 2024.

We started the day with a review of our progress with our new strategic plan and then launched our annual review of our 2024 HSC Results and Post-School Achievements.

We also reviewed our progress with addressing the priorities in our Teaching and Learning Framework, using detailed feedback from our staff.

From the data shared in this session, our Heads of Department will conduct a detailed review of course specific HSC results and use it to shape the strategic priorities and action plans in their faculties.

This reflective process is integral to understanding how we can continuously enhance the learning experience for our students.

We also conducted a Child Safeguarding session to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of our students is a top priority. The session included comprehensive sessions on child safeguarding whilst providing our staff with the latest information and tools to create a secure and nurturing environment for all students.

The High Achievers’ Assembly

Yesterday we celebrated the significant achievements of our 2024 Year 12 cohort and learners – both staff and students – in our community.

We celebrated our teacher recipient of the Percy Watson Award, Mr Luke Burns. Dr Percy Watson was a teacher at our College between 1957 and 1969 who inspired his students so much that they established a scholarship named after him to support our teachers, contributing to their postgraduate study.

It is important for our community to know that our teachers at Waverley College work hard to make sure that their practice is as effective as possible and this includes continuous learning on Professional Learning days and, for many, at University with further study.

This award celebrates the teachers who received the scholarship in 2024 and it was very difficult to award just one of them today as they all used their further study to contribute to our teaching and learning, wellbeing and spirituality programs.

Further to this, we acknowledged a significant achievement of one of our staff. A Doctor of Philosophy requires a level of dedication and commitment into extensively researching to generate original knowledge and understanding in a chosen discipline.

Late last year, one of our teachers completed their doctorate at the University of Newcastle where they contributed greatly to the research culture at this university. We congratulated Dr Barry Smith for this significant achievement.

We also recognised that there are other members of our staff who have completed their Doctorates. We are extremely lucky to have people in our community who have developed such extensive expertise in their chosen field. These staff members include: Dr Michael Couani, Dr Edward Davis, Dr Panos Diamadis and Dr Jonathan Walker.

EREA Chartership Leadership Award

Every year, EREA recognises outstanding contributions made by staff members in the service of our school communities in support of the vision and Charter of EREA in the Chartership Leadership Awards. From 55 schools across Australia, one of our teachers was selected at the end of 2024 for the Chartership award for Liberating Education.

The recipient of this award was Mrs Beverley McCarthy for the way she encourages young people to strive for excellence and work to the best of their ability. She ensures that students are affirmed and celebrated across a range of strengths and is committed to opportunities for learners to reflect on, evaluate and synthesise ideas. Students are inspired by her determination and proactivity.

Principal’s Awards for Academic Growth

Our Head of Academic Enrichment provided an overview of a very special set of awards to our students who demonstrated significant learning growth from Semester 1 to Semester 2 in 2024.

These students demonstrated a remarkable level of engagement, perseverance, and determination in their learning, embracing challenges and striving to improve, leading to notable progress across a wide range of subjects. The recipients of these awards include:

Old Boys’ Union Award for Academic Integrity and Fortitude

It was a privilege to welcome to our assembly Mr Salvatore Riolo, President of the Old Boys’ Union, to present our students in Years 8-12 who are excellent examples of what it means to have a growth mindset and determination to make a consistent effort. These are attributes that employers and universities want to see in young people as they enter into the world of adulthood.

The Old Boys’ Union Award for Academic Integrity and Fortitude is awarded to students who demonstrated these attributes in a way that can be measured through their GPA improvement from Semester 1 to Semester 2 last year and the feedback from staff about the way they achieved these gains.

Last year, winners of these tremendously significant awards went onto great things. From becoming an HSC Band 6 Allrounder to being the deserving recipient of a Year 10 internship at Sydney University.

Year 11 Accelerated Mathematics success

Every year we have a number of students in Year 11 who sit the HSC Accelerated Mathematics Advanced course. This means that they take their HSC Mathematics examination at the end of Year 11 with the Year 12 cohort.

This award acknowledges the students in this course who achieved a Distinguished Achievers’ award which means they received Band 6 in the subject. The recipients of these awards include:

2024 HSC Cohort High Achievers

It was inspiring to hear the stories of the journey to success for our HSC High Achievers from our 2024 cohort both in our High Achievers’ Assembly and the Q and A session that we then conducted with our Year 12 2025 cohort.

The opportunity for them to inspire with their experiences and their successful strategies was greatly received by our community. From students achieving First in State for Mathematics Standard 2 from over 30,000 students, to Seventh in State for PDHPE from over 17,000 people, to 26 students with an ATAR over 90, to 90% of all HSC entries in Bands 4-6, to a selection in the HSC Showcase for Music and 9 nominations across Drama and Industrial Technology, our returning students were able to share what they did that led to these outstanding achievements.

The core message from our Dux, James Medland centered on crucial messages such as, ‘real growth takes time,’ and the only way to guarantee it is, ‘to not give up.’ He challenged our community to ask, ‘are my actions aligned with the person I wish to become in the future?’ And he reminded our students that, ‘often, the beginning of the journey can be the hardest part, especially if you’re putting in a lot of effort and seemingly not getting anywhere.’ James’ strategy for overcoming this challenge was, ‘to set goals related to effort rather than external outcomes. Make hard work the goal.’

The Incarnation changes everything

At the root of the holiday season, sometimes buried beneath the well-intentioned array of lights, decorations and wrapping paper, remains the single transformational moment that we celebrate.

That night in Bethlehem, in a humble manger, remains so awe-inspiring, that it’s difficult to imagine it ever being forgotten or overlooked during the holidays.

Long Serving Staff Members

We bid farewell to several long-serving staff members whose dedication, passion, and commitment have profoundly shaped our community.

Ms Margaret Fitzgerald has served as a Learning Support Teacher for 10 years, providing unwavering guidance to students who needed extra care and attention in their learning journey. Her patience, empathy, and expertise have transformed countless lives, ensuring that every student she worked with felt seen, supported, and capable of achieving their best.

Ms Gaby Bransby, our Director of Junior School has worked at the College for 14 years, and has been an instrumental leader, shaping the foundation of our youngest learners. Her innovative approach to education, combined with her genuine care for each child’s development, has created a nurturing and stimulating environment that inspired both students and staff. Her influence will be felt in the smiles and successes of our Junior School students for years to come.

Mr Bill Roberts, our Head of Library for an incredible 22 years, has been a custodian of knowledge and a champion of literacy within our school. Under his stewardship, the library has been more than just a repository of books; it has been a hub of learning, curiosity, and discovery. His passion for fostering a love of reading and his ability to connect students with literature and resources have left an indelible legacy.

We wish them all the best in their next endeavors, knowing they will continue to inspire and make a difference wherever their paths lead them.

Parents and Carers

Your unwavering support underpins all that we achieve at the College with your sons. Whether it’s cheering on the sidelines, helping with homework, supporting fundraisers like the Blue & Gold Ball, running our Supporter’s Groups, or simply being there for your children, your partnership with the College is invaluable – Thank you!

Parent Association

Staff at Waverley were treated to a wonderful surprise luncheon yesterday. The invite read…

We’re excited to invite you to a special Gratitude Lunch as a heartfelt thank-you for all that you do!

Tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd December, between the Presentation Day assemblies, we invite you to visit the staff room and enjoy a cold fresh juice and snacks, on behalf of the Parent community and the Parent Association.

It’s a small token of gratitude, to thank you for your hard work, dedication, commitment, care and enthusiasm. You make a difference every day and we appreciate you!!!

Please help yourselves to some delicious snacks and refreshments—we look forward to celebrating you!

On behalf of the entire staff, thank you to the Parent Association and the following parents for organising such a beautiful spread Ms Daniella Strbac, Ms Jade Stapleton and Ms Camille Owen. The staff really appreciated the beautiful food and the very thoughtful gesture – Thank you very much!

Hot off the Press

James Birbas (Year 12) on his selection for HSC Showcase ENCORE which will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 24 February 2025.

Presentation Day Awards

Yesterday we celebrated the successes of Waverley College Years 5-11 students at our annual live-streamed Presentation Days in the Brother Lacey Gymnasium. On days like this, we pause to acknowledge the efforts, talents, gifts and achievements of selected students who have made remarkable gains during their 2024 learning journey. It was rewarding to see our well-deserved Junior and Senior School students receive their awards in the presence of their peers, parents, carers, teachers and support staff. Thank you to all performers and bands that presented and showcased their amazing musical and artistic talents.

Ms Allegra Spender, Member for Wentworth
Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee
Ms Keri Spooner, Deputy Mayor of Waverley
Ms Virginia Ryan, EREA NSW Board Member
Mr Patrick McClure, Advisory Council Chair
Mr Salvatore Riolo, OBU President

Mr Chris O’Sullivan was acknowledged at the presentation recognising his 40 years of service to the College and Waverley College Old Boys Union. After a record-breaking 20 years as Secretary of the OBU Executive, Chris is stepping down this year, having made invaluable contributions across multiple roles. Chris’s journey with Waverley began as a student and continued as a parent, joining the P&F and later serving 30 years on the OBU Council, including two decades as Secretary. Over the years, he worked closely with many OBU Presidents and College Principals, helping shape the community we know today.

Congratulations to our Award Winners

Special Community Awards

Easter Message

Essay/Speech Prize

Rostrum Public Speaking Regional Finals

Little Shop of Horrors Production

Purchase tickets here!

Reading Challenge Launch: Read a book Inside or Outside

Parent Webinar

2025 Australian Junior Athletics Championships, Perth

School Fees

Withdrawal Notice

Cadet AFX

European Football Tour

NZ Rugby Tour

Aussie Surf Lifesaving Titles

National Swimming Titles

ANZAC Day

Exchange Program

Term 2 Canteen Volunteers Needed

Year 7 and Year 10 NSW 2025 School Vaccination Clinic

REELise Film Festival

Year 9 Parent/ Student Information Evening Week 1 Term 2

The Cardoner Network Information Evening Monday 5 May 6pm

And finally….

World’s Greatest Shave

National Swimming Titles

30th National Schools’ Constitutional Convention

Measles alert for Easts Basketball League

Finish Term 1 strong

AFX Cadet Camp

Staff Update

2025 Mother’s Day Breakfast

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Tickets on Sale!

Our Lady of Fatima Procession

Turtle Conservation

School Bus Travel

Download the College App

Jazz Collective Concert

Japanese Exchange

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Tickets on Sale!

Year 12 Mother & Son Luncheon

Generations Breakfast

The 2025 Old Boys Muster

Deep Learning: A Global Partnership

Mosman Youth Art Prize

Passata Day: A Celebration of Italian Culture and Hospitality

School Bus Travel

Download the College App

Harmony Day

St. Patrick’s Day Mass

Year 7 Information Evening

Passata Day

Beanstalks Reading Challenge and our Reading Ambassadors

Earth Hour

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

World’s Greatest Shave

School Bus Travel

2026 Term Dates

Download the College App

St Patrick’s Day

Swimming and Diving Championships

Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening – Thursday 20 March

Open Day

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

2026 Term Dates

Farewell to Science Teacher

Year 11 Galmatic Car Workshops

World’s Greatest Shave

50th Year Reunion – Class of 1975

School student travel information – A message from Transport for NSW

National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) 2025

Download the College App

Ash Wednesday

International Women’s Day

Year 10 Information Evening

Upcoming Parent Webinars

NAPLAN

Talking Mental Health Parent Webinar

SchoolTV Digital Media Literacy & Safety Parent Webinar

Healthy Masculinity – A Parent and Teacher Webinar

Generations Breakfast

A Catholic School for boys in
the tradition of Edmund Rice