Principal & Leadership Archives

As another busy term draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey of learning and growth we’ve shared. The past few months have been filled with a range of academic, sporting, and cultural activities that have truly enriched our students’ learning opportunities.

This term, our students have continued to engage in our full and diverse program, showcasing their talents in many areas.

We celebrated the power of communication with the Year 5 Public Speaking competition. Our students demonstrated remarkable confidence and poise, delivering thoughtful and engaging speeches that were a true testament to their developing communication skills. We also saw our students’ intellectual curiosity on display during the IPSHA Debating competition, where they showed impressive critical thinking and collaboration.

Our athletic program also had a standout term. Our boys ran, jumped, and threw with spirit and determination at the IPSHA Athletics carnival. The camaraderie and sportsmanship on display were a source of great pride for our community.

The literary world came to life during Book Week. A highlight was our engaging guest speaker and the writing workshops that followed, which inspired our students to unleash their creativity and find joy in storytelling.

We’ve also been able to offer enriching co-educational experiences. Our students enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with St. Catherine’s during both the Aladdin the Musical and National Health and Physical Education Day. These shared experiences are invaluable, helping our students develop important social skills and broaden their horizons.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in creating these wonderful opportunities. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment is what makes Waverley College such a special place. I also want to thank you, our parents, for your continued support and partnership. It is through our combined efforts that we can help each child reach their full potential.

As we look forward to a well-deserved break, I hope our students can rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time with their families. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next term!

Youtube Block

At Waverley, we are committed to preparing our students for a fast-paced, technological world while also ensuring they have a healthy balance away from screens. As a part of this commitment, and in response to the national ban on social media platforms set for December 10, we have made a change to how students can access YouTube.

Effective immediately, YouTube is blocked on all school devices while students are on campus.

We understand that YouTube can be a valuable educational tool. To ensure students still have access to engaging and relevant video content, we will be using an alternative platform: ClickView. This curated educational video library offers a wealth of safe, ad-free, and curriculum-aligned content for all year levels.

This decision aligns with our strategic plan to “Reimagine our Relationship with Devices” and foster a healthier balance for all students.

Looking ahead, we are exploring the introduction of charging stations in the Junior School from 2026. This would allow laptops to remain at school unless they are needed for special projects or assignments.

If you are interested in blocking YouTube on devices at home, please contact your internet service provider for guidance.

It has been both a pleasure and a privilege working with the Junior School debating team and their dedicated Year 10 mentors, Carter Hughes, Alex Avdalis, and Henry Goldrich. Our debaters have shown remarkable commitment and perseverance throughout the season.

On Monday, the team attended the IPSHA Debating Gala Day at Pymble Ladies’ College, facing an intense schedule of four back-to-back debates. Under considerable pressure, the boys rose to the challenge, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and determination across each round.

Aladdin the Musical

We appreciate your cooperation in purchasing 2 tickets per show for our upcoming performance of Aladdin the Musical. There are still tickets available, so if you would like to purchase additional tickets, please use the link below.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

On Saturday, the A’s basketball squad went to Barker College to play other teams in the Barker Mini Showdown. The Barker Mini Showdown is an invitational basketball tournament where there is a series of games against opposing teams.

The first game was our hardest game. It was against Knox. Knox was a tough game. The score was neck and neck, but Knox pulled away with it. The next game was Barker. The game should have been easy, but the score only ended up at one point.

It was definitely a stressful game, but we pulled away with a win. Mosman was next. Mosman was an easy game, but our next game, Trinity, arguably our biggest rivals, was a cliff-hanger.

The score in the end was a tie at 39 all. Even though the refs were not on our side, it was a very good tournament. We ended up coming in second place in our pool, so we played Thornleigh in a 3rd place match.

We lost the match, but it was very fun, and the boys and I enjoyed the experience.

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

It is that time of the year where sports preferences are collected in order to create draws and plan for 2026. Please discuss the below choices with your son/s and use the below link to nominate first and second preferences for 2026 Summer and Winter Sports.

Please read all instructions on this form carefully. It will close on November 1, 2025.

VALE – Brother Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, A.M.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, A.M., who died peacefully on 22 September 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday.

Br Bob was Waverley College’s longest-serving Headmaster, leading the College with distinction from 1992 until 2004. His time at Waverley was marked by growth, renewal, and a steadfast commitment to the holistic education of young men. The Performing Arts Centre proudly bears his name in recognition of his lasting contribution to the life of the College.

A member of the Christian Brothers for more than forty years, Br Bob also served as Headmaster of St Edmund’s College, Canberra for 18 years. He also served at Christian Brothers High School, Lewisham, before moving to St Pius X College, Chatswood, where he discovered his passion for coaching rugby union. His passion for the game saw him serve as President of Australian Schoolboy Rugby for nearly three decades, helping to shape the national game and inspire generations of players.

Br Bob will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to education, as well as for the values he instilled in those he taught and led – discipline, courage, and service. His impact will be felt for years to come in the lives of all who knew him.

Spring Break

As our students begin their spring holiday break, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all families. I hope this time offers our students a chance to rest, recharge, and pursue some interests in areas that they may not normally have time for.

We extend our best wishes to our Year 12 students as they make their final preparations for the HSC examinations. For some, this period also marks the beginning of exciting new pathways through apprenticeships and vocational training. Thank you to our dedicated Year 12 teachers who continue to support students over the break through tutorials and by providing valuable feedback on draft essays and responses.

We also send our best wishes to the students and staff travelling on Immersion experiences to Fiji and Timor-Leste, as well as those participating in the STEM tour to World Expo in Osaka, Japan. We hope their journeys are safe, enriching, and filled with meaningful learning.

Fiji Appeal

Thank you to all families who have donated items to the Fiji appeal which will be taken over with our immersion staff and shared across the village that we visit. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Celebrating Excellence in Music – Congratulations to our ENCORE nomination

Year 12 student Lieme Chan has been nominated for possible inclusion in ENCORE, the annual HSC showcase that features the very best music performances from across New South Wales.

Celebrating Excellence in Industrial Technology – Congratulations to our SHAPE Nominees

Year 12 students Charlie Cooke, Jackson Lorimer and Dominic Riegler have had their Industrial Technology Major Projects nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE, the prestigious HSC showcase celebrating the very best in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design from across New South Wales.

Celebrating Excellence in Design and Technology – Congratulations to our SHAPE Nominee

Year 12 student Montgomery Armstrong has had his Major Design Project nominated for possible inclusion in SHAPE, the prestigious annual HSC showcase celebrating outstanding student projects in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design from across New South Wales.

Year 10 Market Day – A Lunchtime Success!

On Tuesday, 23 September, the quad came alive with energy and excitement as our Year 10 students hosted their much-anticipated Market Day during lunch.

A wide variety of food was on offer, from sweet treats to exotic savoury meals, all prepared and sold by Year 10 students as part of a hands-on learning experience. The stalls were a hit with both students and staff, and the atmosphere was vibrant and festive throughout the break.

Not only did the day showcase creativity and teamwork, but it also gave students a real taste of entrepreneurial life. Thank you to all the students, staff, and supporters who helped make the event such a success!

Respect for self, others, the learning and the College – uniform and hair – Mr John Allen

The College encourages all students to rest, reflect and re-energise over the break. They are reminded that in preparing for the commencement of the new term it is timely to check their uniform and prepare to wear it well. This includes tucking shirts in, wearing their ties up and ensuring shoes are polished and faces are shaven.

Blazers are not required to be worn each day in Terms 1 and 4, however, they are required for formal occasions during that time. Full details of the uniform requirements are published on Page 29 of the College Diary.

It is important that students also return with a haircut that complies with the College’s expectations. Full details about expectations for haircuts are published on Page 28 of the College Diary and published below.

Presenting well, being polite and courteous in our interactions with others, and engaging well in class and co-curricular activities demonstrates respect for self, respect for others, respect for the learning and respect for the College.

We hope students have a wonderful break and we look forward to the commencement of lessons Tuesday 14 October.

The Principal or Deputy Principal of the College (at their discretion) may make an exception for a student from complying with the haircut policy. Such grounds for exception may be due to the student’s health, religious beliefs, cultural grounds or gender identity.

Parents/ caregivers of the student who are seeking an exception, are required to make an application in writing to the College Principal or Deputy Principal. Students who fail to meet the above standards, may be subject to a range of disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to being removed from class or being sent home, to return to the College once the breach has been addressed.

Announcing our Term 4 Literary Evening and Book Club

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our annual Literary Evening and Community Book Club on 25 November at Waverley College Library.

This year we will be joined by guest speaker, Gabrielle Mace, founder of ProReading Solutions and well-known literacy expert. Gabrielle is a Library and Research Executive with over 14 years of experience in the independent education sector. She has achieved significant milestones as the Head of Libraries and Information Services at St Augustine’s College, Queenwood School For Girls, and Pittwater House School.

Just back from presenting at the World Literacy Summit, Oxford University, Oxford, Gabrielle is looking forward to sharing insights into boys and reading as well as discussing trends in the world of Young Adult fiction and non-fiction.

Our pick for Book Club is the wonderful novel ‘The Strange Library’ by Haruki Murakami. This is a fantastical illustrated short novel about a boy imprisoned in a nightmarish library. Readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling author Haruki Murakami’s wild imagination. We will also have lucky door prizes and light supper.

Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack starts 25 September – Keep Reading and logging over the holidays

HSC plus Vocational Update

Towards the end of August, the Year 12 Hospitality students ‘took over’ Bistro on the Greens at South Coogee bowling club. Being exposed to a hands-on, authentic real catering experience provides the students with valuable skills (culinary, teamwork and communication skills), practical and theoretical knowledge, and opportunity for those sitting the HSC Exam to incorporate real industry examples in their HSC answers (necessary to achieve the higher Bands).

The students catered for 80 parents/family members and staff on the night. Dishes on offer included arancini balls, grilled barramundi with a saffron infused risotto and home made tiramisu.

The service period highlighted how well the students work well together, how professional and hard working they can be, and how far they have come in terms of commercial cookery skills since starting their course at the beginning of last year.

Thanks to Bistro on the Greens for providing Waverley College with this opportunity and we hope to see you next year!

The Year 12 Hospitality students were given the opportunity to obtain a Responsible Service of Alcohol qualification which covers the skills and knowledge required by law to work in a licensed venue (like pubs, clubs, and restaurants) in Australia where alcohol is served. The training teaches the students how to serve alcohol responsibly, prevent alcohol-related harm, handle difficult situations and meet legal obligations. Having the RSA qualification also makes students more attractive candidates to employers in the hospitality industry.

CAS Track & Field Records Update – Outstanding Performances Across Age Groups!

Congratulations again to the whole Track and Field Team on their wonderful performances. Several athletes have delivered incredible performances, breaking multiple School, CAS, and even Australian records.

Everybody Has a Book Campaign

‘Screen-Free Week’ at Waverley College will take place from 16th to 22nd October, spanning Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. In conjunction, we will be launching the Everybody Has a Book Campaign. All students will be required to carry a reading book with them throughout the school day. This campaign reinforces the importance of having constant access to quality literature and encourages students to use any free moments for reading. We will provide students with the opportunity to visit the school library to borrow a book or students can bring a book from home.

As we know, reading habits are declining globally and yet the benefits are well-documented. Regular reading provides numerous benefits:

Renowned literacy researcher Maryanne Wolf, Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at UCLA, has found that digital reading fundamentally alters “the quality of attention” required for deep learning, while there are measurable changes in “sequencing of information and memory for detail” – and these changes are not always for the better.

Physical books offer something “both psychologically and tactilely tangible” that enhances the learning experience. Wolf emphasises that “Deep reading is always about ‘connection’: connecting what we know to what we read, what we read to what we feel, what we feel to what we think, and how we think to how we live out our lives in a connected world.”

In addition, recent research highlighted in the Sydney Morning Herald warns of Australia’s reading decline, with experts calling it “a ticking time bomb.” The research emphasises that if we develop an established reading habit in our younger years, we are much more likely to become lifelong readers – making initiatives like ours crucial for our students’ futures.

Parents and carers exert the single most powerful influence on their son’s reading habits. Here’s how you can help:

This initiative represents our commitment to providing a balanced, research-informed education that prepares students not just for digital literacy, but for deep thinking and creativity. We believe that by temporarily stepping away from screens and into the world of books, our students will gain valuable skills and perspectives that will enhance their overall educational experience.

We appreciate your support in making the ‘Everybody has a Book’ campaign a success.

Music Tuition Enrolment for Term 4 is now open

Help your son unlock his full potential and build confidence through the joy of music—enrol him in music lessons and watch his talent shine!

Tuition is available for Guitar (Electric/Acoustic/Bass), Drums, Piano, Strings, Voice, Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet French Horn, Flute.

Once your son has reached a level of competency they will be encouraged to join our large and small ensembles, and/or Rock Bands.

Please fill out the expression of interest form below for more information on starting lessons:

(Please note if your son is currently enrolled then you do not need to fill out the form, enrolment will roll over into Term 4)

EOI- Tour of Spain

Expressions of Interest are being sought for Waverley College’s first ever Languages/Art Tour to Spain in December 2026 (28 November – 13 December).

This is a unique opportunity for students to develop their language and artistic skills through first hand cultural learning experiences.

To indicate your ‘Expression of Interest’, please use the hyperlink at the bottom of this page. There will be an information evening held on Monday 10th of November in the Library at 6pm. This information session will cover costs and inclusions, dates and proposed itinerary, policies and procedures as well as other items. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

As part of the selection process, teaching staff, Heads of House, and the College’s Finance Department will be consulted and asked to provide feedback and suitability information on each candidate in terms of wellbeing record, academic performance, and school fee status. This information will be used to determine the final touring group. Please be aware that Years 9 and 10 (2026) students are prioritised for participation in the proposed tour that are currently or will be selecting Spanish or Art as part of their pattern of study for 2026/27.

To ensure the tour proceeds to the next stage, a ‘non-refundable’ deposit of $2,500 is payable on behalf of any interested student by 5 of December 2025. Information regarding payment will be communicated promptly.

A minimum of 24 deposits must be paid for the tour to proceed. If more than the required number of deposits are paid, a decision will then be made if extra students will be offered a place on the tour. Any student who is not selected to tour will be placed on the waiting list and their deposit will be refunded.

In our preliminary discussions with the tour provider, it is estimated that the tour will cost $9,000. This is subject to change with confirmation of the final itinerary. Currently, the following payment plan is in place:

A list of successful candidates selected to tour will be notified once all tour spots have been filled.

To register your student ‘Expression of Interest’, please complete the attached Google Form, attached here.

If you have any questions please contact Daniel Best, the Head of Languages dbest@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Summer Art Club

During Summer Art Club for 2025/26, our young artists will celebrate the theme “Waverley Wins” expressing teamwork, school pride, and achievement through the dynamic world of printmaking.

Students will be introduced to a range of techniques, including linocut, monoprint, and stencil work, as they learn how to carve, ink, and press their own unique designs.

They’ll explore composition, mark-making and colour layering discovering how art can tell stories of teamwork, resilience, and success.

Students will take home a collection of bold and expressive prints but also collaborate to create a group piece expressing the creativity and school spirit of Waverley college.

Ahoy! Auditions open for Treasure Island!

Get ready to set sail on an exciting new adventure – our next middle school production of Treasure Island, and we want YOU to join the crew!

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of pirates, buried treasure, and daring adventures on the high seas, there’s a role for everyone—whether you want to play a fearless adventurer, a swashbuckling pirate, or even get the chance to yell “ARRR!” really loudly on the stage then this is the show for you!

Audition Details:
Dates: TERM 4 WEEK 1: Thursday 16th October and Friday 17th October
Location: PAC THEATRE
Time: LUNCHTIME

No previous acting experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new. Auditions will include reading a short scene, some group improvisation, and maybe even a chance to show off your best pirate accent!

So hoist the sails, sharpen your cutlass, and join us for Treasure Island! Who knows, you might even find some buried treasure along the way.

Volunteers Needed – Second Hand Uniform Shop

We’re also looking for enthusiastic helpers to take on the Coordinator roles – perfect for a pair of mates! This involves working one shop shift each week plus a little extra admin (such as a few minutes of email checking per day). Full training and lots of support provided.

By volunteering, you’ll be helping families access affordable uniforms while giving clothes a valuable second life.

The Secondhand Uniform Shop can only stay open 3 times per week thanks to the help of many volunteers.

If you can lend a hand, please get in touch by email on clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au, we would love to hear from you!!

Upcoming seminars and information for parents

Waverley Council is hosting Effective parenting strategies for teen and family wellbeing on Tuesday 28 October 6 – 7.30pm at Waverley Library.

The seminar is aimed at parents and carers of young people 10 – 17 years and offers practical information for effective communication, healthy relationships, and practical tips for managing challenging adolescent behaviour. It will also provide information about how parents/ carers can seek additional information and support if needed.

The session will be delivered by WAYS Youth & Family clinical psychologist Terri Said and adolescent psychologist, Luke Cox, and is free. Registration is open and bookings can be made via this link

As part of Mental Health Month this October, the Black Dog Institute is offering a series of free webinars for parents and carers:

Webinar 1: Parents/carers helping teens thrive online
Join us for a live Zoom webinar on Wednesday 29 October, 4.00–4.45 pm. This session will explore key strategies for parenting in the digital age. You can view the flyer (with registration details) here and you can also register directly via this link: Helping Teens Thrive Online

Webinar 2: Teen Mental Health Matters
These regular live webinars feature a clinical psychologist discussing how parents/carers can support adolescents experiencing mental health difficulties. Upcoming webinars are scheduled for 7.00 pm on 9 October, 20 October, and 30 October.

The eSafety Commissioner makes available a range of evidence-based webinars, information and resources for parents, and young people including:

Webinars for parents and carers | eSafety Commissioner – free webinars designed to give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences, covering topics such as:
– Recognising online coercive control in young people’s lives
– Understanding AI companions: What parents and carers need to know
– Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online
– Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know

Young People | eSafety Commissioner – a wide range of information to help young people stay safe online, covering topics including:
– Bullying online
– Someone is threatening to share my nudes
– Unsafe contact and ‘grooming’
– Fake news
– Online dating

The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner – provides advice about protecting personal information and reporting harmful content on social media, games, apps and sites.
Report cyberbullying | eSafety Commissioner – articulates the steps to report cyberbullying content to eSafety if the specific platform or service is not responding, as well as information on the other support eSafety can provide.

Social media age restrictions – this link provides information on the upcoming restrictions that come into effect in December this year. Details about how the age restrictions will operate, how and when they will be enforced, which services will be affected and other relevant information is being developed throughout this year and is updated on the eSafety website.

The City of Sydney offers a range of courses for bike users. Information can be accessed via their website here.

Diary Dates

It was a true pleasure to see so many students celebrated for their achievements at Monday’s Winter Co-Curricular Awards. This event was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our students across a wide range of activities, from sports teams to debating. The success of our co-curricular programs is a testament to the passion of our students and the commitment of our staff and community.

A special thank you goes to Jade Sparks for her tireless efforts in organising these events and for her leadership of our co-curricular programs.

Beyond the awards ceremony, I had the privilege of watching the Year 6 Maths Enrichment class presentations. Students worked both independently and collaboratively to develop a question related to sport, and then apply mathematical thinking to either prove or disprove their wonderings. I was incredibly impressed by the depth of their work, which showcased their developing critical thinking skills, communication, and collaboration skills.

The boys’ ability to use evidence, statistics, and research to support their findings was a testament to their commitment to learning and their ability to apply mathematical concepts in a real-world context. A big ‘thank you’ to Mr McKimm for his dedicated support and for enriching the boys’ learning experience throughout this process.

A wonderful example of our school values in action was the recent performance by our Junior School Waterford Band at St Vincents Aged Care in Bronte. This visit was a powerful demonstration of our commitment to ‘acting in the interest of the common good’ by giving back to our community and caring for others. The boys’ exceptional musical talent and respectful manners truly made the day for the residents and staff. It was a heartwarming reminder of how our students can use their talents to bring joy to others.

A Strong Finish to the Term

As the term draws to a close, it is important that we all remain focused on our high standards. I spoke to the boys at our recent assembly about the importance of finishing the term strong. This means continuing to maintain our high expectations for behaviour and uniform. Our school community thrives when we all commit to being safe, respectful, and compassionate in our interactions with peers and staff.

Aladdin the Musical

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for this year’s production of Aladdin the Musical are officially on sale.

Our Year 6 students have been working incredibly hard, and we can’t wait for you to see their amazing performances.

To ensure that all families have the opportunity to see their son perform on stage, we kindly request that you initially purchase a maximum of two tickets per show. This helps us to provide access to everyone, and we will notify you if more tickets become available closer to the performance dates.

Please remember this is a compulsory event for Year 6 students. Further information regarding costumes and logistics will be shared next week.

Home Learning Club

We offer all students in Year 5 and Year 6 the opportunity to receive free additional support after school for the completion of home learning tasks. The afternoon sessions also provide a quiet, supervised study space for students who want to complete their assigned tasks.

Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.

Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.

Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

At CAS Athletics this Thursday night, 18 September, Jagger Michael (6 White) set himself a new PB and broke a Junior School Record from 1974 in the 1500m race! Jagger ran 4 minutes 42 seconds at CAS Athletics, placing 4th in the Under 13s 1500m race, earning 6 points towards Waverley’s first CAS Athletics win in 30 years. We are so proud of him and the rest of the Junior School boys who were on the Athletics Team and Reserves:

Jack Forde (6 White), Kai Hess (6 White) and Hugo D’Amours (6 Gold) competed at State Championships in Swimming last weekend. We are so proud of the boys and all their achievements in Swimming, especially the hours of training they have put in to get to these competitions. Go Waves!

Jack won a Gold medal in the 200m butterfly and came in the top 10 in the 3 other events he entered that day! He was thrilled to win such a big race and has been training hard for it. Jack is a humble achiever but we are so proud of his diligent efforts and his incredible achievements! He has now qualified for Senior State Championships in April next year. He’s also aiming to qualify in most events for Freestyle and Butterfly strokes. Jack will swim his first 1500m race this Friday night which he is excited about. Best of luck to Jack and we are backing you! Keep up the amazing dedication.

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

Please read all instructions on this form carefully. It will close on November 1, 2025.

From the Prep 1st Football Captain

In the Prep 1st Football this season we played amazingly. From the Grammar Cup to the last game of the season we left everything we had on the field. We had some great games and even better outcomes, but we also had tough games and some disappointing outcomes. Our team, led by Mr Burns and coached by Mazza, had a team spirit that I will never forget, even if there were times we missed a shot or let one in. Our whole team always had each other’s backs. I will remember this season with Waverley for many years to come and I think most of my teammates will too.

Farewell to Year 12

This week our Year 12s have had a number of opportunities to connect and reflect with each other and staff of the College as their journey at Waverley as a student draws to a close. They have had one eye on what they have achieved throughout their secondary education journey, and the other an optimistic gaze toward what lies ahead.

We started graduation day with a special mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, where parents, grandparents, siblings, and other significant caregivers joined in the farewell. During the service, the graduates were presented with a Celtic Cross. The Celtic Cross to remind them of God’s love for them and a reminder of the Gospel values that have been interwoven throughout their educational journey at Waverley.

This was followed by the Graduation Assembly in Centenary Quad where both the College Captain and Principal delivered their addresses. Each student received their graduation certificate and academic achievers were recognised along with their old boys tie and ring. In the final moments of the ceremony, 202 graduates took their place in a giant circle. The circle symbolises harmony, unity and life without beginning or end. It reminds its members that when their circle is under pressure, others need to help out, by either expanding and distributing the load, or bringing the circle into dialogue to solve a problem.

In the final memorable moments and tribute, the graduates exited the Quad for the last time as a cohort to the moving sounds of ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ performed by our College Brass Band and Choir.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! May your journey ahead be guided by respect and integrity as you step confidently into the future. The Waverley College community extends its best wishes to each graduate as they take their final steps towards the HSC examinations or start of an apprenticeship.

Montgomery Armstrong: The Ray Aston Memorial Prize for Biology; Design & Technology

Digger Callander: Old Boys Union Edmund Rice Award for Leadership of Social Justice

Fox Stapleton: Music Course I; College Vice Captain; Waverley Council Award for General Proficiency

Kayden Baker: Br P Oakley Prize for PDHPE; College Captain; JJ O’Brien Award for Leadership, Study & Involvement

Archie Godby: College Vice Captain; Archbishop’s Award; Max Coleman Memorial Award for Living Out the Touchstones; The Abram Landa Prize for Advanced English; The Alice & Mildred Thomas Prize for English Extension I; English Extension II; The Barry McDonald Prize for Legal Studies; 3rd in Overall Academic Performance

Liam Coughlin: Business Studies; The Br PA Conlon Prize for Economics; The Catherine Smithurst Prize for Standard English; 2nd in Overall Academic Performance

Max Sheehy: Music Course II; Mathematics Standard Course II Equal First; Spanish Beginners; Bishop Patrick Dougherty Prize for Studies Of Religion II; Br LB Tevlin Memorial Prize for Dux of the College

CAS Track & Field Competition

Congratulations to the Track and Field Team, Track & Field Head Coach Mr Jeremy Roff, Convenor Ms Rebecca Gair, and the Track & Field Coaches on a wonderful season and performance at the 94th CAS Track & Field Competition. It was an amazing atmosphere to be part of with many personal bests achieved throughout the afternoon and evening by our athletes. It has been 30 years since we won this competition. Well done to all!

Term 4 ‘Screen-Free Week’

We are excited to announce our upcoming ‘Screen-Free Week’, which will take place from 16th to 22nd October, spanning Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4. This initiative aims to foster a healthier and more engaging

learning environment for our students. During this week, students will not be using laptops or devices across all classes. All work will be completed with pen, paper or via other non-digital mediums. Below are

The primary goal of Screen-Free Week is to enhance the health and learning outcomes for our students.

Research indicates that reducing screen time can significantly improve concentration, reduce stress, and

promote better sleep patterns. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, limiting screen time can lead to improved academic performance and social interactions. By encouraging students to engage more with their peers and teachers, we aim to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Current Australian research also supports these findings. A 2019 study by the University of Southern

Queensland highlights that excessive screen time is linked to negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of depression and poor sleep quality. Additionally, the Growing Up Digital Australia study found that excessive screen time has a profound impact on students, making them more distracted and less ready to learn. By reducing screen time, we aim to mitigate these negative effects, break unhealthy habits and support students’ overall wellbeing and academic performance.

During Screen-Free Week, students are required to bring the following items to school:

In conjunction with our ‘Screen-Free week’, we will be launching the ‘Everybody Has a Book Campaign’.

All students will be required to carry a reading book with them throughout the school day.

This campaign reinforces the importance of having constant access to quality literature and encourages students to use any free moments for reading. We will provide students with the opportunity to visit the school library to borrow a book or students can bring a book from home.

As we know, reading habits are declining globally and yet the benefits are well-documented. Regular reading provides numerous benefits:

Parents and carers exert the single most powerful influence on their son’s reading habits. Here’s how you can help:

We appreciate your support in making the ‘Everybody has a Book’ campaign a success.

Year 10 Market Day – Tuesday 23 September

This is a reminder that our Market Day will be held on Tuesday, 23 September, during lunch in the quad. There will be a variety of food on sale at lunch time and it will be cash only.

Year 10 Mental Fitness Presentation

On Wednesday, 17 September Year 10 students attended the AIS Mental Fitness presentation, delivered by Anna Cripsey, an elite national windfoil sailor.

The presentation highlighted the importance of mental health and its positive and negative impacts on teenagers, with a particular focus on the influence of social media and internet use. Drawing on her personal experiences and examples, Anna outlined signs to look for and strategies for managing these issues, while engaging the boys in discussion about the impact of mental health on their lives.

She also provided the students with contacts for further support. We thank Anna for an informative presentation that addressed significant issues important for students to be aware of.

Music Tuition Enrolment for Term 4 is now open.

Help your son unlock his full potential and build confidence through the joy of music—enrol him in music lessons and watch his talent shine!

Tuition is available for Guitar (Electric/Acoustic/Bass), Drums, Piano, Strings, Voice, Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet French Horn, Flute.

Once your son has reached a level of competency they will be encouraged to join our large and small ensembles, and/or Rock Bands.

Please fill out the expression of interest form below for more information on starting lessons:

(Please note if your son is currently enrolled then you do not need to fill out the form, enrolment will roll over into Term 4)

End-of-Lease MacBook Air Laptops – Year 6 & Year 9 (2025)

MacBook Air laptops currently in use by students in Year 6 and Year 9 will reach the end of their lease in 2025. As per the iLearn agreement, families now have the choice of the following two options:

Option 1 – RETURN the unit
No payment will be required. Devices must be returned damage-free with no graffiti or stickers. Chargers must also be returned with the unit. Insurance forms will be issued for damaged devices, and students will be asked to clean units that have graffiti or stickers.

Option 2 – PURCHASE the unit
Families may nominate and pay the residual amount to take ownership of the device. This option is only available if school fees are up to date.

If you have any questions regarding the end-of-lease process, please contact us.

Summer Art Club

During Summer Art Club for 2025/26, our young artists will celebrate the theme “Waverly Wins” expressing teamwork, school pride, and achievement through the dynamic world of printmaking.

Students will be introduced to a range of techniques, including linocut, monoprint, and stencil work, as they learn how to carve, ink, and press their own unique designs.

They’ll explore composition, mark-making and colour layering discovering how art can tell stories of teamwork, resilience, and success.

Students will take home a collection of bold and expressive prints but also collaborate to create a group piece expressing the creativity and school spirit of Waverly college.

Ahoy! Auditions open for Treasure Island!

Get ready to set sail on an exciting new adventure – our next middle school production of Treasure Island, and we want YOU to join the crew!

Audition Details:
Dates: TERM 4 WEEK 1: Thursday 16th October and Friday 17th October
Location: PAC THEATRE
Time: LUNCHTIME

So hoist the sails, sharpen your cutlass, and join us for Treasure Island! Who knows, you might even find some buried treasure along the way.

R U OK? Day

To mark R U OK? Day, we had the privilege of welcoming Alex Noble – a remarkable young man whose story of resilience, courage and connection deeply reflects the very heart of the R U OK? message: “Ask R U OK? – Any Day.”

At just 16, Alex’s life changed forever when a rugby injury left him with a severe spinal cord injury and a diagnosis of C4 quadriplegia. Told he would never regain movement from the neck down, Alex chose to fight.

In his hospital bed, just four days after emerging from a coma, his first words were to his brother: “Zac, if I fight… you fight.” That moment of brotherly connection sparked the IFIGHTYOUFIGHT movement, which has since inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Through grit, determination, and the unwavering support of those around him, Alex has defied the odds – learning to breathe again, stand with assistance, walk using an exoskeleton, and rebuild a life filled with purpose.

Now 22, he is a bestselling author, public speaker, university student, law firm employee, and runs his own boat charter business. His story is a living reminder of what’s possible when resilience meets connection and how vital it is to have someone by your side during life’s toughest moments.

That’s exactly what R U OK? Day is about: reminding us that we all have the power to support each other through life’s ups and downs. A single conversation, a caring question, or a quiet moment of listening can be life-changing. Alex’s journey began with one sentence of support which lit a spark.

Waverley College is proud to support R U OK? Day and the powerful legacy of its founder, Gavin Larkin, whose sons Gus and Van are former students of our College. If you’re unfamiliar with their story, we encourage you to watch the moving Australian Story episode “Beyond OK” (Season 22, Episode 30), available on ClickView or ABC iView.

Alex’s message and the message of R U OK? are ultimately the same – that through resilience, connection, and a willingness to ask and listen, we can lift each other up, change lives, and remind one another: you’re never alone in the fight.

Winter co-curricular Award Winners 2025

This week we celebrated some of the amazing achievements of individuals and teams over the 2025 winter co-curricular season.

Year 12 Drama Showcase

On Tuesday evening, I was lucky enough to attend the Year 12 Drama Showcase. The event highlighted the impressive talent within our Year 12 Drama course and students. Their dedication, creativity, and skill were on full display and truly captivated the audience.

Today we heard from NESA that the following students have been nominated for individual inclusion in the HSC Showcase ‘OnSTAGE’

And in the Group Performance category of ‘On STAGE’, the following students were nominated for their performance of ‘Signal Lost’

Supporting Children After Disturbing News

The news of Charlie Kirk’s assasination in the USA has been widely reported, and some students may have seen or heard about it, especially online. Exposure to real-life violence can leave students feeling worried, sad, or unsafe.

Waverley College is here to support the safety and wellbeing of your son/s. If your son shows signs of ongoing distress (e.g., nightmares, clinginess or withdrawal), please reach out to external support (GP, Headspace) or our Wellbeing Team to provide additional support.

VET Excellence Award – Noah Anderson (Hospitality Year 12)

The VET Excellence Awards is a prestigious annual event held at Parliament House and organised by The Youth Partnership, dedicated to recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of students who are undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies as part of their Higher School Certificate.

The VET Excellence Student Award for Hospitality highlights the dedication and excellence exhibited by Noah: classwork, industry commitment, professionalism, and motivation during his work placements.

Schools can only put forward one student from all VET subjects combined, and right from the start of Year 11, Noah has consistently worked hard in all aspects of the course and is well deserving of this recognition.

Reminder: Parent Feedback Survey – Thank You

Thank you to the many families who have already completed the MMG Education parent survey, and thank you in advance to those still planning to do so. We appreciate that your time is precious and that the survey is quite detailed, but your insights are vital in shaping the future of our College.

Your voice matters. By sharing your perspectives, you help us understand what we do well and where we can grow, ensuring the best possible learning, wellbeing and formation opportunities for your sons.

The parent survey remains open until Monday, 15 September. Once the review period concludes, MMG will prepare a detailed report and we will share the key findings with our community.

If you have any questions, please contact info@waverley.nsw.edu.au. Thank you for your valuable contribution to the future of Waverley College.

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

Waverley College is proud to host the Educating The Future 10-Year Anniversary Gala on Saturday 29 November, 6–11pm in the College Gymnasium.

This youth-led, volunteer-run NGO founded by two Waverley Old Boys after a 2015 Timor-Leste immersion has since built and supported seven public preschools, giving early education to more than 2,000 children.

The evening will feature keynote addresses from Co-Founder Cirilo Soares and Kirsty Sword Gusmão AO, live music, DJs, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and more.

Tickets are $150 per person, including a three-course meal and entertainment, with all proceeds contributing to the $100,000 fundraising goal (just $53 educates a child for a year). Join us in celebrating a decade of impact and shaping the future for Timor-Leste’s youngest learners.

App Reminder

A friendly reminder that the Waverley College App remains our primary communication channel, so it’s essential to stay connected and ensure you’re subscribed only to the groups and tags relevant to you and your son. This helps streamline your experience and avoids unnecessary notifications, which is particularly important as we head into the start of the Co-Curricular Summer Season in Term 4.

To further improve communication, we are introducing Clipboard as a built-in feature within the Waverley App. Clipboard is a platform that many CAS schools already use successfully to manage co-curricular information. It was originally developed for schools as a way to bring all sport and activity details into one place, making it easier for families to keep track of fixtures, team lists, venues, and cancellations. Importantly, it also personalises notifications, meaning you will only receive updates relevant to your son’s activities, rather than a stream of general alerts.

This integration has been mandated by CAS, but it also aligns with our own goal of making communication with parents clearer, more consistent, and easier to navigate. Clipboard links directly with our existing IT systems, which allows information to flow seamlessly, reducing duplication and ensuring greater accuracy.

From this term, you will notice that all parents now have access to Clipboard via the Co-Curricular button in the Waverley App. Simply log in with your Parent Lounge credentials to explore the platform. Over the coming months, Clipboard will become the central point of communication for all Co-Curricular Sport & Culture activities, gradually replacing some of the functions currently delivered through App Notices.

We appreciate that this is a change, and there will be a short transition period where both systems run in parallel. In the long run, we believe this shift will make receiving accurate, timely information about your son’s co-curricular activities far simpler and more personalised.

Please see the below PDF for a step-by-step guide on how to manage your app subscriptions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.

RUOK? Day

This week, our Junior School boys took part in a special CCC (Connection, Culture and Communication) lesson to mark R U OK? Day.

The session was designed to help our students understand the importance of asking others if they are okay, recognising the signs when someone may not be feeling their best, and knowing how to respond with care.

Through engaging activities and discussion, the boys explored the value of listening, taking action, and checking in on one another. R U OK? Day provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to reflect on the power of kindness and the role they each play in supporting the wellbeing of their friends and classmates.

A personal highlight for me was being on the gate in the rain Thursday morning, and having the boys walk through the gate asking ‘Are you okay, Miss?’. I assumed they were referring to being out in the pouring rain, but no.

Our boys were checking in, not focused on themselves, but on others. They were asking how I was feeling; being compassionate and kind. I was incredibly proud at this moment, and reminded of the importance of asking the question ‘Are you okay?’, not just on RUOK? Day, but everyday.

Laptops – Striking the Right Balance with Technology

At Waverley College, we are committed to ensuring that our students are well prepared for an ever-changing, fast-paced technological world, while also recognising the importance of time away from screens.

One of the key pillars of the College’s new Strategic Plan is Healthy People, which includes a commitment to “reimagine our relationship with laptops and devices Yr 5-12.”

This work is already underway, with a focus on finding the right balance between technology as a powerful learning tool and the need for students to develop healthy, sustainable habits.

Refining Our Practices

Recent changes have strengthened our IT and access controls. Known gaming sites have been blocked (though we know students are quick to discover new ones – so this remains a priority for our IT team).

While YouTube is currently still accessible, we are reviewing its future use following the national YouTube social media ban beginning on 10 December. Our goal is to block YouTube within the school environment, while still enabling teachers to access approved educational content when required.

To support this flexibility, we are rolling out Saasyan, a tool that gives teachers more direct control over students’ online access. Teachers are currently being trained in its use and will soon be able to unlock specific sites (such as an approved YouTube clip) for the duration of a lesson, while keeping all other sites restricted.

Building Responsibility and Good Habits
While the College continues to strengthen systems and controls, we also expect students to take responsibility for their laptop use. Learning to make good decisions, respect boundaries, and use technology responsibly is a key part of their growth.

Screen-Free Initiatives
We are excited to have a Screen-Free Week in Week 1 of Term 4. In the Junior School, this will become a regular feature each term. While laptops remain essential for many lessons, these weeks provide valuable opportunities for students to practise balance, work collaboratively, and engage with alternative tools and approaches to learning.

Looking Ahead
From 2026, the Junior School is exploring the introduction of charging stations on campus, allowing laptops to remain at school unless needed for special projects or assignments.

The use of technology in the Junior School will continue to be a focus area as we work towards a healthier balance for all students. Our approach is guided by data, best practice, and parent feedback. We encourage all parents to complete the MMG Survey to share their perspectives and help shape the future of technology at the College.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our boys are not only skilled and confident users of technology, but also capable of making balanced, thoughtful choices to best prepare them for High School and beyond.

ICAS Assessments 2025

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2025 ICAS Assessments.

A special congratulations to the following students who received a credit or above in Mathematics.

Home Learning Club

Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.

Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.

Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.

Father’s Day Mass

Our Father’s Day Mass was a special celebration that brought together fathers, father figures, and their sons in a meaningful way. It was a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on the important role these relationships play in our community, while sharing in prayer and connection.

Following the Mass, families gathered for a sausage sizzle, which provided a chance to continue the celebrations in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. We extend our sincere thanks to the Waverley Old Boys Union for their generosity and hard work in preparing and cooking the barbeque for everyone to enjoy.

We are also most grateful to Father Bernie and Mr Ghattas for their leadership and organisation of such a memorable and uplifting event. Their efforts ensured the celebration was a fitting tribute to the fathers and father figures who guide, support, and inspire our students each day.

Staff vs A’s Basketball

On Wednesday, our Junior School As played against a tough opposition during a lunchtime competition in the spirit of World Health and Physical Education Day. The As put up a fight against the Staff Team, but in the end were outplayed! While the staff were (humbly) victorious, the A’s should be very proud of their efforts and everyone certainly had a lot of fun.

Aladdin Save the Date

Year 6 students have been working hard rehearsing for our upcoming musical production, Aladdin Jr, and they can’t wait to share their performance with you!

Attendance and participation in all performances is expected for all Year 6 students.

Tickets will go on sale starting Week 8 – be sure to look out for more details soon. Costume information will also be sent out in the coming weeks.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the shows!

BOOK WEEK Competition Winners

There was an incredible number of submissions, and it was wonderful to see such a wealth of creativity and imagination on display.

In the Poetry Competition, a special thank you goes to Mrs Mary Ryan, English Teacher and Literacy Coordinator, who had the very challenging task of judging such an outstanding collection of poems.

For our Visual Arts Competition, thank you to Ms Jenna Turnbull, our Acting Head of Visual Arts, and Mrs Rebecca Lawrence, who judged the creative pieces that interpreted this year’s Book Week theme, BOOK AN ADVENTURE. The artworks showcased not only skill but also deep imagination and unique perspectives.

Poetry Writing Winners

L-R Matthew Pereira, Spencer Murphy, Luca Robinson, Samuel Loughrey, Jakob Svensson & Lachlan Smith

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Writing.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Highly Commended in Poetry Writing.

L-R Oliver Starkenburg, Samuel Loughrey, Oscar Loebenstein, Leo Sager, Henry Avenell & Lachlan Rose

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Outstanding Achievement in Creative Arts

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Highly Commended in Creative Arts

This week, we had the Year 5 Public Speaking Competition. All the boys put in an incredible amount of effort, with one stand-out student taking home the trophy!

Well done to all the finalists, and thank you, Mr Jack Wachtel, Ms Emma Halpin and Dante Fearn for adjudicating the finals.

Congratulations to our finalists Spencer Russell, Cameron Singson, Beckham Bolder, Rex Wagner and our Public Speaking Champion 2025, Oscar Loebenstein.

Home Learning Club

Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.

Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.

Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

In Week 9, we will be holding our Junior School Winter Co-curricular Awards Assembly during Period 1 on Monday 15th September.

This assembly is for students only due to capacity in our Auditorium. Students who missed presentation nights will receive their trophies here. We will also acknowledge other co-curricular activities that students have participated in, and announce Athletics Age Champions.

We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our students over the Winter season.

Fitness Club has been a success this term, keeping students active and busy between Co-curricular seasons. Students have been working on stair runs, endurance training and body weight exercises. Strong and energised, students have been enjoying this club and smashing their fitness goals! We are grateful for the preparation and coaching of our wonderful staff trainers.

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

Please read all instructions on this form carefully. It will close on November 1, 2025.

Father’s Day Breakfast – Celebrating the Men Who Shape Our Boys

Thank you to the many fathers, grandfathers and significant male role models who joined us for this morning’s Father’s Day Coffee and Breakfast. Your presence means a great deal to our community, and we value the time you set aside to share these moments with your sons. A special thank you also to our Year 5 and 6 fathers who attended Mass at Mary Immaculate, followed by a BBQ lunch generously cooked by our Old Boys which is a wonderful way to connect across generations of the Waverley family.

During the gathering, our new Deputy Principal – Students, Mr John Allen, reflected on his own upbringing as one of seven children in a large Catholic family. He spoke about the lasting influence of his father, emphasising how positive role modelling, storytelling and strength of character can help shape young men into compassionate, responsible adults.

We are grateful for the commitment and example you continue to provide for the boys of Waverley College and I offer this prayer for you this weekend.

God our loving Father,

We give you thanks and praise for the gift of fathers, grandfathers and all father-figures who guide us with wisdom, patience and love.

Bless young fathers, newly embracing their vocation; grant them courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith with joy and sacrifice.

Strengthen fathers who work quietly and faithfully, like St Joseph, protecting, providing and leading with steady hearts.

Comfort fathers who are far from home, fathers who carry burdens or sorrow, and those whose children are lost or suffering.

We remember with gratitude the fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who have gone before us; may their love continue to nourish us and their legacy inspire us.

For men who are not fathers yet mentor, coach and care for the young, thank you for their fatherly presence among us.

May every dad be a living reflection of your fatherly care, bringing light, faith and blessing to their families.
“The righteous man walks in integrity – blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

Parent Feedback Survey – Thank You

As part of Waverley’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the College experience for students, staff and families. All NSW schools in the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) network participate in this independent and confidential feedback process every 2–3 years. MMG Education, a respected external consultancy, conducts the survey to ensure honest, anonymous and de-identified responses.

The parent survey remains open until Monday, 15 September. Once the review period concludes, MMG will prepare a detailed report and we will share the key findings with our community.

If you have any questions, please contact info@waverley.nsw.edu.au. Thank you for your valuable contribution to the future of Waverley College.

SSDA Approval Secures Waverley’s Future

I am delighted to share the news that our State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been formally approved. This milestone provides Waverley College with a clear and confident roadmap for the next few decades and beyond.

Securing an SSDA is no small task. It is an extensive, highly regulated process requiring vision, persistence and collaboration across many months. This approval gives us long-term certainty and the flexibility we need to respond to a rapidly changing educational landscape. It also ensures that the College can continue to deliver exceptional learning and wellbeing opportunities for our students in facilities that match our ambitions.

With this approval in place, we now have a framework to schedule a suite of campus improvements as resources allow. Planned works over the coming years include:

These developments will not only enhance learning, sport and wellbeing, but also create a safer, more cohesive and future-ready campus for our young men.

The SSDA approval marks a new chapter for Waverley College. One that honours our heritage while embracing an ambitious, student-centred future. We look forward to sharing more detailed timelines and staging plans as projects commence.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we shape the next 30+ years of excellence at Waverley.

Commissioning of New Principal at St Dominic’s College

This week I had the pleasure of attending the commissioning of Ms Natalie Devenish as the new Principal of St Dominic’s College, one of our fellow EREA schools in New South Wales. The ceremony was led by the Most Reverend Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, and was a wonderful celebration of leadership and faith within our Edmund Rice network.

Ms Devenish brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as Assistant Principal at both CBC Lewisham and St Mary’s Cathedral College.

Her connection to Waverley is also a special one, her brother, Mr Gary Kennedy, is a highly valued member of our Science Department. We warmly congratulate Natalie and wish her every success as she leads the St Dominic’s community into an exciting new chapter.

Legacy Badge Fundraiser

On Wednesday, members of our Senior Cadet Rank proudly supported Legacy Day, selling badges at school, Charing Cross and Bondi Junction to raise vital funds for veterans’ families. Thanks to the generosity of the Waverley and wider community, we raised over $4000, directly assisting Legacy in its mission to provide ongoing care, guidance and financial support to over 40,000 partners and children of those who have given their lives or health in service to our country.

We sincerely thank Ms Julie-Ann de Kantzow and Ms Jessica Stanley for coordinating this meaningful initiative, and all who contributed to continuing Legacy’s century-long promise of hope and stability.

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

Waverley College is proud to host the Educating The Future 10-Year Anniversary Gala on Saturday 29 November, 6–11pm in the College Gymnasium. This youth-led, volunteer-run NGO founded by two Waverley Old Boys after a 2015 Timor-Leste immersion has since built and supported seven public preschools, giving early education to more than 2,000 children.

The evening will feature keynote addresses from Co-Founder Cirilo Soares and Kirsty Sword Gusmão AO, live music, DJs, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and more. Tickets are $150 per person, including a three-course meal and entertainment, with all proceeds contributing to the $100,000 fundraising goal (just $53 educates a child for a year). Join us in celebrating a decade of impact and shaping the future for Timor-Leste’s youngest learners.

Literacy Update

It was an honour to welcome back Gary Lonesborough as guest speaker at our ‘Wear It Purple Day’ Assembly last Friday. Since his previous visit on 25 July, Gary’s YA novel I’m Not Really Here has gone on to win the CBCA Book of the Year Award for Older Readers.

The CBCA is an annual literary competition for Australian children’s books, established by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) to promote high-quality literature for young Australians. The awards celebrate Australian authors and illustrators and encourage contributions to children’s literature, recognizing outstanding books for young people aged 0 to 18. To win this award is a remarkable achievement. In a time when creativity and originality are being threatened, we are very grateful to Gary for reminding us of the joy of simply writing for the love of writing.

At Waverley, we are committed to building a strong reading and writing culture – one that equips our students with skills that will serve them for life. In a time when global and local research highlights a concerning decline in reading, we are proud to see our students bucking the trend through their dedication along with the support of our library and literacy programs.

Our library improvements and the tireless work of English teachers, Learning Support, and library staff ensure that students have access to engaging books, vibrant reading spaces, and ongoing encouragement to make reading part of their daily lives.

Two of the platforms that have become cornerstones of our literacy journey are Writer’s Toolbox and Beanstack.

Through Writer’s Toolbox, students are developing their writing with enthusiasm and determination. To date this year, they have written an extraordinary 1,021,475 words, sought feedback 155,556 times, and made 214,699 improvements to their drafts. As students continue to master the twelve sentence styles, we are excited to see their writing fluency and confidence grow.

On the reading front, Beanstack has motivated students to read with both joy and purpose. Since July alone, students have logged over 48,072 minutes of reading. Our ongoing Reading Challenge has created a buzz of excitement, with prizes to inspire every reader. During Book Week, we also launched the ‘Top Reader – Teacher’s Choice’ awards for Years 7 and 8, celebrating students who have demonstrated consistency and commitment to reading.

These achievements are a testament to the combined efforts of students, teachers, and library staff, and they underline our school’s strong commitment to literacy. Together, we are building not only skills but also a deep, long lasting engagement with reading and writing that will help our students thrive and succeed beyond the school gates.

On Wednesday morning we were delighted to launch our new Waverley Exchange Breakfast series with guest speaker and Waverley College Old Boy, Dr Sam Lackey. The event brought together a group of engaged Year 11 and 12 students who had the opportunity to hear firsthand from Dr Lackey about his fascinating global career spanning civil engineering, mining, infrastructure, government, and corporate finance.

Dr Lackey shared practical insights and inspiring reflections on the opportunities that come with engineering, and encouraged students to choose subjects and career paths they enjoy, emphasising that passion, hard work and the ability to work with different people are just as important as qualifications.

He also strongly encouraged the boys to continue extra curricular activities whether it is sport, music, surf life saving or debating as well as charitable works as it helps to build a network and can open up doors. We thank Dr Lackey for generously giving his time and for offering such thoughtful and motivational guidance to our senior students.

Our next Waverley Exchange Breakfast will be in Term 4 with another successful Waverley Old Boy and we encourage students in year 11 to attend.

HSC Drama Showcase

The Y12 Drama class completed their final HSC performance exams last week. Now it’s your chance to see the fabulous results of all their efforts!

We invite all friends and family of Y12 Drama to come to the 2025 HSC Drama Showcase at the PAC on Tuesday 9 th September, from 5pm to 7pm. The performances are the culmination of many months of focus and dedication. The boys will perform two excellent Group Performances. Signal Lost (devised by Taj Lynn, James Peate and Lachlan Hoy) imagines a dystopian future where the only thing keeping society together is the worship of the mysterious ‘interweb’ and the ‘Doge-King,’ Elon Musk.

Turbulence (created by Renzo Walker, Harry Bowcock, Finn Jones and Harrison Thorpe) examines the way in which our headlong pursuit of an idealised life can stop us from truly appreciating each moment.

An eclectic selection of the boys’ Individual performances will also be on offer, ranging from black comedy, through the lyrical, heightened-realism of Tennessee Williams, to the dark quasi-absurdist theatre of Mark Ravenhill.

Diary Dates

Please find below some reminders about upcoming events. For all Term 3 events, please refer to the College calendar.

This week has been a positive and uplifting one for our Waverley community, with lots of sunshine. Our Open Day was a wonderful celebration of learning, with students proudly sharing their experiences and achievements.

Their enthusiasm and confidence shone as they guided visitors, showcased their work, and demonstrated the vibrant spirit of our school. It was a joy to see families and guests witness firsthand the engaging and supportive environment that makes Waverley so special.
In addition, our boys represented the school with pride at the IPSHA carnival. Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship were evident throughout the day, and we congratulate them on their efforts and achievements.

It was a proud moment for Waverley, with students demonstrating not only their talents but also their commitment to giving their best.
This week also included a Whole School Assembly in the Senior School, where we heard from Edmund Rice Beyond Borders and Edmund Rice Foundation representatives, Jason Bongers and Sam Karanja.

Their inspiring words reminded us of the strong Edmund Rice tradition at Waverley, highlighting the importance of Liberating Education and encouraging our boys to grow in their understanding of service to others.

The assembly also saw the induction of the 2026 student leaders, a significant moment for our community. These leaders now step into roles of responsibility and service, setting an example through their actions and character for younger students to aspire to and follow.

Together, these events highlight the rich opportunities available at our school and the wonderful ways our students continue to grow, both in and out of the classroom.

Father’s Day Stall

Next Wednesday 3 September, our Year 5 and Year 6 students will have the opportunity to

choose a special gift for their father, or father figure, from a range of gifts at our annual Father’s Day Stall.

The boys will enjoy a shopping experience where they will select a gift sourced from our Waverley and local community. Gifts will be under $30 and boys will be able to pay with cash or card and take their purchase home with them that day.

Boys will be able to purchase just one gift to begin with and if numbers of gifts permit, they will be invited back if they wish to purchase a second gift.

6 Blue Science

This week, students enjoyed an outdoor science lesson focusing on chemical reactions!

Home Learning Club

Home Learning Club operates in the Learning Hub from 3pm until 4pm – on Mondays & Wednesdays, and in the 6 Gold classroom on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

The club runs during the school term unless there is a scheduled Professional Development meeting or school event and the club will be closed.

Only register his name once to allow other students the opportunity to attend. The session is limited to 20 spots. There will be a roll call to ensure attendance.

Students are required to stay for the full session unless there is a message in the student diary requesting early leave; a parent’s signature will be required.

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Please read all instructions on this form carefully. It will close on November 1, 2025.

IPSHA Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday, 27 August, twenty Junior School athletes went to Sydney Olympic Park to compete at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival.

IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads Association) is the umbrella organisation that we play sports under.

Students ran, jumped and threw against the top athletes from our fellow competitor schools.

It was a fun day for students supporting their Wave mates, with some of our athletes even smashing their PBs.

Congratulations to Liam Morrissey (Year 6) and Sonny Milis (Year 5) for progressing through to CIS Athletics next week.

On the 5 of Sep, Liam will be competing in Long Jump and Sonny running in the 1500m. We wish them all the best!

Debating Triumph After 34 Years

After years of near misses and determined efforts over 34 years, Waverley College has finally triumphed in the prestigious inter-school CAS Debating competition.

The team delivered a commanding performance in the final round, combining sharp reasoning, confident delivery, and seamless teamwork to secure a long-awaited victory.

Their success marks a historic moment for the school, reflecting not only the talent and dedication of this year’s debaters but also the hard work of coaches and past teams who laid the groundwork.

Congratulations to our 1st Debating team, (Y12) James Peate, (Y12) Tom Jackson-Whitlock, and (Y12) Nick Zanapalis who won the CAS debating competition (tied with Knox Grammar and St Aloysius College).

Congratulations and thank you to their respective coaches and convenors for all of their continued support and guidance of the team – Mr Christian Kitas (WCOB 2022), Ms Maisie Gordon, Ms Emma Halpin and Ms Alice Curtis.
James Peate was selected to captain the Seconds in the CAS rep team.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Ms Natasha Zivanovic who introduced debating in Year 6 seven years ago, and facilitated participation in the IPSHA tournament.

Natasha reports that 42 students trialled for the Junior School Debating Team this year!

Wear it Purple Day – Bold Voices and Bright Futures 2025

Today we celebrated Wear it Purple Day, an annual LGBTQIA+ awareness day that Waverley College proudly supports. The day is about celebrating diversity and fostering supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive learning environments.

As an EREA school, we value diversity and have clear policies in place to support this commitment. This is a day for everyone, both the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to stand together in solidarity.

We were honoured to welcome as guest speaker on assembly acclaimed author Gary Lonesborough who is a proud Yuin man from the far south Coast of NSW. Gary’s latest novel I’m Not Really Here has gone on to win the CBCA Book of the Year Award.

Gary shared his story of identity, cultural heritage, grief, resilience, community and youth justice with the audience. He reminded us that storytelling can be a powerful way to celebrate identity, foster understanding, and create safe spaces for young people.

2026 College Leaders

After an extensive process of interviews, presentations, and staff, year level and house voting, the 2026 College Captains have been chosen. Congratulations to the following students:

Father’s Day Breakfast

We warmly invite all fathers, grandfathers, and significant men in the lives of our Waverley College students to celebrate Father’s Day with a special breakfast alongside your sons. This occasion is a wonderful opportunity to share time together, enjoy a light meal, and strengthen connections within our Waverley College community.

With Father’s Day fast approaching, why not give a gift that lasts a lifetime? A personalised paver on the Waverley Walk, located just inside the iconic Carrington Road gates, is a unique way to honour the fathers and father figures in our community.

Your paver will not only serve as a permanent reminder of your family’s connection to the College, but it will also support the construction of the new Science & Innovation Centre, ensuring future generations of Waverlians have access to world-class learning facilities.

With only 19 pavers remaining, now is the time to secure this meaningful and enduring Father’s Day gift.

All pavers purchased from December 2024 onwards will be installed in early Term 4. Secure your customised paver today by clicking here.

10-Year Reunion – Class of 2015

The College was delighted to welcome back our Old Boys from the Class of 2015 for their 10-Year Reunion.

It was a special occasion filled with stories, laughter, and fond memories, as classmates reconnected and reflected on their journeys since leaving Waverley. It was also inspiring to hear about the diverse professional pathways they have pursued over the past decade.

A special thank you to Tom Miletich and former College Captain Ruairi Biollo for organising such a memorable gathering. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2015 back to Waverley again soon.

The Waverley Exchange Breakfast

One of Waverley’s greatest strengths is the intellectual wealth within our Old Boys community, a resource we have not fully drawn upon in the past. That is about to change.

Next week we are launching The Waverley Exchange Breakfast, a new series of mentoring and networking sessions designed to connect accomplished Old Boys with our senior students. These gatherings will give Year 11 and Year 12 students the chance to hear first-hand from Waverlians who have excelled in their chosen fields, and to build supportive networks that extend beyond the College gates.

We are honoured to welcome our first guest speaker, Dr Samuel Lackey (Class of 1964). With an extraordinary career spanning mining engineering and finance, and international experience in countries such as Canada, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Dr Lackey brings a wealth of knowledge and insights. His story will no doubt inspire our students as they prepare to chart their own paths.

This initiative marks the beginning of a stronger tradition at Waverley – one where the experience and expertise of our Old Boys becomes a guiding light for the generations who follow.

Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2025

Congratulations to Archie Godby (Year 12) as Waverley College’s recipient of the Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2025. A medal and certificate were presented to Archie by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at St Mary’s Cathedral College Hall earlier this week.

Established in 1999 by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy, the Archbishop’s awards are an annual recognition of some of the outstanding young men and women in Catholic schools.

They have been an important way of highlighting the very positive contribution that young people make to their local communities. Specifically, these awards recognise those young people who give witness to their Christian values and who actively contribute to the faith life of their school.

Recipients of the award are practising Catholics who show responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.

Parent Education Session with Dr Judith Locke

On Tuesday evening we had the opportunity for staff and parents to hear from Dr Judith Locke, a registered clinical psychologist with expertise in modern parenting, family wellbeing, and educational settings. With a background as a teacher and school counsellor, Judith is also a bestselling author of The Bonsai Child, The Bonsai Student and Raising Anxiety.

She gives practical and effective strategies to build children’s resilience, confidence and capability in the home and in their schooling. Judith also explains how good intentions may inadvertently make children more anxious, and offers practical strategies to turn this around. For further information, please consider one of Judith’s books.

Outstanding Debut: Ollie Moclair Breaks 17yrs National Record in Europe

We are proud to share the wonderful achievements of Year 12 student, Ollie, who recently represented Australia in his first international swimming competition.

Ollie’s journey began with a staging camp in Slovakia before heading to Romania to compete against some of the world’s toughest swimmers in challenging European summer conditions. In his heat, Ollie swam a personal best of 22.41 seconds in the 50m freestyle, placing him 6th overall and securing a place in the semi-final. Although he narrowly missed a spot in the final, finishing equal 9th, the story didn’t end there. A swim-off was required to determine the reserve finalist – and Ollie rose to the occasion.

That evening, he produced an extraordinary swim of 22.11 seconds, smashing his own PB and breaking the National All-Time 17 Years Record, previously held by Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers. While he remained reserve for the final, Ollie’s time would have placed him 3rd overall – an incredible achievement at this level of competition.

Ollie now proudly holds the National Age Record in both the short course and long course 50m freestyle (17 years), a remarkable milestone in his career. We congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and look forward to following his continued success in the pool

VET Hospitality Takeover at Bistro on the Greens – A Night to Celebrate

Thank you to our Hospitality teachers, Ms Bev McCarthy, Mr Mark Neale, and Ms Georgie Weaver, for organising the VET Hospitality Takeover at Bistro on the Greens on Tuesday night.

The evening was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the value of VET in a setting that was social, enjoyable, and truly impactful for everyone involved. Sixty parents and twenty staff members attended, creating a strong sense of community and support around our students.

For the boys, this event was more than just a dinner service, it was a culmination of two years of dedicated training in Hospitality. It gave them the chance to demonstrate their skills in a professional environment and, for many, to shine in an area where they’ve found genuine passion and success. Events like this allow students to represent their school with pride and confidence.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and supported the event. We are proud to promote the strength and importance of VET in the Waverley community through authentic and meaningful experiences like this.

Waves Wednesday: Students Recreate Iconic Moments from the Archives

As part of this week’s Waves Wednesday initiative, mentor groups were invited to step back in time and recreate two significant moments from the school’s historical archives. The challenge aimed to foster school spirit, creativity, and a deeper connection to our rich heritage.

The second photograph reimagined Prime Minister John Gorton’s 1970 visit with the Cadet Unit.

These visual homages served not only as a fun and engaging activity but also as a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with the school’s legacy.

Helping Hands

Year 11 Engineering Studies students put their biomedical engineering skills into practice this week by constructing mechanical prosthetic hands for donation to landmine victims overseas. These recipients, often living in low-resource settings, would otherwise be unable to access or afford a prosthesis.

The project offered students a meaningful opportunity to apply design and mechanical principles to a real-world humanitarian need. Each prosthetic was carefully assembled to ensure functionality, comfort, and durability, reinforcing the role of engineering as a tool for social impact.

This hands-on initiative not only developed technical competencies but also encouraged empathy and ethical problem-solving.

This week, we were pleased to welcome Year 12 back to classes following their HSC Trial Examinations, HSC plus Vocational workshops and Work Experience placements.

On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of attending the Year 12 HSC Music Recital.

Our Music 1 and Music 2 students presented their final practical performances before an audience of staff and parents. T

he standard of musicianship was truly outstanding, and I congratulate each student on their artistry, dedication and courage. We wish them every success as they continue refining their performances ahead of the HSC.

This special occasion showcased the exceptional Major Works of our Year 12 Industrial Technology, Visual Arts and Design & Technology students, alongside impressive contributions from Year 11 Technologies and Years 9–11 Elective Visual Arts classes.

The creativity, innovation and skill on display were a wonderful reflection of the students’ passion and commitment.

A sincere thank you also goes to our Hospitality students, whose professionalism and effort in catering for the event added so much to the evening.

Welcoming New Staff

This week we are delighted to welcome several new staff members to Waverley College, each bringing a wealth of experience, talent and enthusiasm to our community.

Mr John Allen has joined our Leadership Team as Deputy Principal – Students. John comes to us from Trinity Grammar School with over 20 years of senior leadership experience and a deep commitment to student wellbeing, holistic education and Catholic values. His leadership background includes roles as Acting Deputy Headmaster and Head of Middle School. An Oxford graduate with a Master of Science, John has extensive experience teaching across both the HSC and IB programs. He is a dedicated educator, mentor and leader, and we are excited for the expertise and vision he will contribute to the College.

Mr Tom Ritchie has joined our Learning Support Department until the end of Term. Tom comes to us from Haggerston School, London, and holds a Bachelor (Honours) in Sports Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Education from Stirling University, UK. Beyond the classroom, Tom is a qualified swimming and rugby coach, and has worked with the Scottish Rugby Talent Identification program.

Mr Conor De Courcey has joined our TAS Department from Tanglin Trust School, Singapore. Conor brings over 11 years of experience in Design and Technology, holding a Bachelor (Honours) in Graphics and Media Design and a Bachelor in Design and Visual Communication. His expertise will greatly enrich our students’ learning in this field.

Mr Oliver Knight, who many of you will know from the Junior School, has transitioned to the Senior School to join our PDHPE Department. Ms Chloe-Jane Tweedie will take over Oliver’s Year 6 class in the Junior School, and we thank her for stepping so capably into this role.

Mrs Narelle Moore has joined our Wellbeing Team, assisting with administration and student attendance. Narelle is also a dedicated community member, volunteering actively with Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club.

Finally, congratulations to Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris, who has been appointed Acting Head of Green House until the end of the year, replacing Mr Scott Coleman. We wish him every success in this important leadership role.

Please join me in warmly welcoming John, Tom, Conor, Oliver, Chloe-Jane and Narelle to their new roles, and congratulating Lachlan on his appointment. We look forward to the energy and expertise they will bring to our community

Blue and Gold Ball a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Blue & Gold Ball last Saturday. The feedback has been very positive, and it was brilliant seeing the dancefloor packed all night thanks to the amazing Furnace and the Fundamentals.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors and suppliers who contributed resources and their time. We’re also deeply grateful to everyone who generously donated items to the silent auction, and a big congratulations and thank you to all of our lucky auction and raffle winners!

Special thanks to Michael O’Loughlin for opening the evening with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, and to our MC, Anthony “Harries” Carroll, for keeping the laughs and energy flowing all night.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible $282,127 in gross proceeds towards our new Science & Innovation Centre. What a result!

The journey doesn’t stop here. There are still fantastic ways to support the project, from naming rights for the building, a floor, or a lab, to sponsoring the fit-out and equipment. If you’d like to get involved, our Foundation Team – Billy Nicolas and Kash O’Hara – would love to hear from you.

We were lucky enough to have the event captured by some very talented photographers. You can view the Blue and Gold Ball Gallery HERE and the Media Wall Photos HERE – enjoy reliving some of the magic!

We’re also delighted to share that some of the generous contributors to this year’s Blue & Gold Ball have extended their support beyond the event, offering exclusive discounts for the Waverley College community.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a family adventure, or some high-speed fun, take advantage of these special promotions:

Enjoy an exclusive 20% off any stay of 2 nights or more at the beautiful Osborn House, located in the Southern Highlands.

All Waverley College families are eligible for 10% off their next African holiday!* Perfect for those dreaming of a bucket-list adventure. Click here to book.

Get your adrenaline fix at HyperKarting with 15% off your next session. Use promo code Waverley15 at checkout to redeem. Click here to book.

Father’s Day Breakfast

College Community Feedback Review – 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we will soon be offering all parents, students, and staff the opportunity to share their feedback on various aspects of College life.

This research will be conducted by MMG Education, a specialist consultancy that supports schools through strategic reviews and stakeholder satisfaction studies.

Parents will be invited to complete an online questionnaire during a two-week period beginning Monday, 1 September 2025. Staff and students will also participate during this timeframe.

On Monday, 1 September 2025, MMG Education will send you an email invitation with a secure and confidential link to your questionnaire.

At the end of the review process, MMG Education will provide me with a comprehensive report. I will then share key findings with the College community and provide opportunities to reflect on and discuss the outcomes.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact my assistant Robin Ball rball@waverley.nsw.edu.au.

I look forward very much to the valuable contribution you will be making to this important

HSC Final Push: A Critical Period for Year 12

As our Year 12 students approach the final phase of their school year, it is imperative that they dedicate themselves to maximising the remaining five weeks. Please note the following key messages:

Finalising Competencies and Assessments: for students in the HSC Plus Vocational courses, it is essential that all competencies and assessment tasks are finalised. This is not a mere formality; your teachers must verify your work and submit a final mark for your HSC credential. The timely completion of these tasks is a key requirement for successfully attaining the HSC.

Preparing for Apprenticeships and Work Experience: we strongly recommend that students begin drafting their resumes and cover letters. The English Studies teaching staff are available to provide support with this. Many of you will soon transition into apprenticeships or work experience. This is an opportune time to demonstrate your skills by being proactive, reliable, and diligent. Please remember that your reputation in your chosen industry is powerful, and the impression you leave now could significantly influence future career opportunities.

Making the Most of Trial Feedback: commencing this Thursday, teachers will start returning your Trial Examination papers. We urge you to use the feedback wisely to facilitate improvement. The feedback provided in examiners’ reports and on your individual scripts is highly valuable, and it is important to respect the considerable effort your teachers have invested in this process.

HSC Tutorials and Final Preparations: In the final week of this term, following your graduation, teachers will conduct HSC tutorials during scheduled class periods. These sessions are critical for consolidating knowledge, particularly in subjects such as the Sciences, where content may still be in the final stages of completion. We trust that our students will seize these opportunities for preparation.

Supporting Each Other and Sharing Resources: With the competitive aspect of school rankings now complete, it is more important than ever to support each other. Contributing to the shared Year 12 Study Notes folder and participating in study groups can be incredibly beneficial for everyone.

Finally, we extend our best wishes to all students completing their Major Performances and Works. Your hard work is about to culminate in these final submissions. Let’s ensure these last five weeks are a period of focused and productive effort.

Waverley’s Winter Appeal 2025: Supporting Matthew Talbot Hostel and Homelessness

This week is National Homelessness Week across the country, and this Winter period is particularly difficult for those members of our society experiencing homelessness.

Tevlin House is leading the Winter donation drive during Weeks 3,4,5 and 6 in August to support the Matthew Talbot Hostel. Matthew Talbot Hostel helps over 40,000 Sydney men each year in providing accommodation, health, counselling and employment assistance.

Waverley has had a long history of boys volunteering in its kiosk in Woolloomooloo.

All items can be brought to either the Senior School Wellbeing Centre or Junior school reception during the month of August.

Youtube Block

Aladdin the Musical

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

VALE – Brother Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, A.M.

Spring Break

Fiji Appeal

Celebrating Excellence in Music – Congratulations to our ENCORE nomination

Year 10 Market Day – A Lunchtime Success!

Respect for self, others, the learning and the College – uniform and hair – Mr John Allen

Announcing our Term 4 Literary Evening and Book Club

Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack starts 25 September – Keep Reading and logging over the holidays

HSC plus Vocational Update

Everybody Has a Book Campaign

Music Tuition Enrolment for Term 4 is now open

EOI- Tour of Spain

Summer Art Club

Ahoy! Auditions open for Treasure Island!

Volunteers Needed – Second Hand Uniform Shop

Upcoming seminars and information for parents

Diary Dates

A Strong Finish to the Term

Aladdin the Musical

Home Learning Club

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

From the Prep 1st Football Captain

Farewell to Year 12

CAS Track & Field Competition

Term 4 ‘Screen-Free Week’

Year 10 Market Day – Tuesday 23 September

Year 10 Mental Fitness Presentation

Music Tuition Enrolment for Term 4 is now open.

End-of-Lease MacBook Air Laptops – Year 6 & Year 9 (2025)

Summer Art Club

Ahoy! Auditions open for Treasure Island!

R U OK? Day

Winter co-curricular Award Winners 2025

Year 12 Drama Showcase

Supporting Children After Disturbing News

VET Excellence Award – Noah Anderson (Hospitality Year 12)

Reminder: Parent Feedback Survey – Thank You

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

App Reminder

Diary Dates

RUOK? Day

Laptops – Striking the Right Balance with Technology

Refining Our Practices

ICAS Assessments 2025

Home Learning Club

Diary Dates

Father’s Day Mass

Staff vs A’s Basketball

Aladdin Save the Date

BOOK WEEK Competition Winners

Poetry Writing Winners

Home Learning Club

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

Attention: Current Year 5 Parents

Father’s Day Breakfast – Celebrating the Men Who Shape Our Boys

Parent Feedback Survey – Thank You

SSDA Approval Secures Waverley’s Future

Commissioning of New Principal at St Dominic’s College

Legacy Badge Fundraiser

Educating The Future – 10-Year Anniversary Gala Dinner

Literacy Update

HSC Drama Showcase

Diary Dates

Father’s Day Stall

6 Blue Science

Home Learning Club

Co-curricular Update from Ms Sparks

IPSHA Athletics Carnival

Debating Triumph After 34 Years

Wear it Purple Day – Bold Voices and Bright Futures 2025

2026 College Leaders

Father’s Day Breakfast

10-Year Reunion – Class of 2015

The Waverley Exchange Breakfast

Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2025

A Catholic School for boys in
the tradition of Edmund Rice