Principal & Leadership Archives

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

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

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

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

St. Patrick’s Day Mass

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

Year 7 Information Evening

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

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

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

Passata Day

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

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

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

Beanstalks Reading Challenge and our Reading Ambassadors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earth Hour

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

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

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

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

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

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

The success of this event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and partners, whose support ensures a memorable evening for all.

This year, we are seeking two Gold, four Silver, and six Bronze Sponsors, as well as donations of high-quality auction items to contribute to the evening’s fundraising efforts.

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

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

World’s Greatest Shave

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

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

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

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

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

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

School Bus Travel

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

2026 Term Dates

Download the College App

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

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

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

St Patrick’s Day

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

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

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

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

Swimming and Diving Championships

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 7 Study Skills Information Evening – Thursday 20 March

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

Open Day

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

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

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

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

Blue & Gold Ball 2025 – Sponsorship Opportunities

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

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

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

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

2026 Term Dates

Farewell to Science Teacher

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

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

Year 11 Galmatic Car Workshops

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

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

World’s Greatest Shave

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

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

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

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

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

50th Year Reunion – Class of 1975

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

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

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

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

School student travel information – A message from Transport for NSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) 2025

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

Download the College App

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

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

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

Ash Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Women’s Day

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

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

Year 10 Information Evening

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

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

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

Upcoming Parent Webinars

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

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

NAPLAN

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

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

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

Talking Mental Health Parent Webinar

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

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

SchoolTV Digital Media Literacy & Safety Parent Webinar

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

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

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

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

Healthy Masculinity – A Parent and Teacher Webinar

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

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

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

Generations Breakfast

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

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

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

Old Boys Muster

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

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

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

Download the College App

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lent

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

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

Shrove Tuesday – A Day of Preparation

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

Ash Wednesday – The Beginning of Lent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 9 Ballroom Dancing

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

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

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

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

House Swimming Carnival

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

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

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

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

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

Open Days March 2025

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

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

Generations Breakfast

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

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

Old Boys Muster

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

Download the College App

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waverley College School Vaccination Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long Lunch

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

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

Parent/ Student/ Mentor Meetings

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

Student Led Assembly

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

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

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

Student Opportunities

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

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

‘Kids Giving Back’ – Not For Profit Organisation

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

If you would also like your son/s to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back Community Programs www.kidsgivingback.org

St Catherine’s School

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

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

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

Year 7 Camp

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

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

Health Care

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

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

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

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

Attendance

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

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

Online Parent Workshop – Toolbox Education

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

Social Media Ban

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

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

Blue and Gold Ball – Save the Date

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

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

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

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

Commencement Mass

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

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

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

Welcome to new parents evening

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

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

New Polices

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

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

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

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

Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay Competition

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

Engaging in Student Progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Principal, Mr Graham Leddie

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

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

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

Strategic Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

College Frameworks

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

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

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

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

Communication Update / Newsletter Changes

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

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

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

Staffing Update

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

From the Deputy Principal – Students, Ms Gabby Smith

2025 EREA National Young Leaders Gathering, 21-24 January

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

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

Use of Mobile Phones at the Canteen

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

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

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

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

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

Setting High Expectations: The Key to Student Success

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

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

Focus on Uniform and Punctuality

E-Bikes

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

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

E-Scooters

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

Creating Collaborative Boundaries: A Guide for Parents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The High Achievers’ Assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EREA Chartership Leadership Award

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

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

Principal’s Awards for Academic Growth

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

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

Old Boys’ Union Award for Academic Integrity and Fortitude

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

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

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

Year 11 Accelerated Mathematics success

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

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

2024 HSC Cohort High Achievers

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

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

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

The Incarnation changes everything

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

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

Long Serving Staff Members

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

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

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

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

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

Parents and Carers

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

Parent Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot off the Press

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

Presentation Day Awards

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

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

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

Congratulations to our Award Winners

Special Community Awards

The Coming of Advent

Advent is a season of waiting and expectation for Christmas – the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord.

We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas. Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical season – it concludes a long period of Ordinary Time and leads us into the new church year with hope and patience in preparation for Christmas.

Celebrating the Waverley Walk and Community Generosity

On Wednesday, 27 November, we gathered to honour those who purchased a paver on the Waverley Walk and to celebrate a significant milestone in the school’s history—the official inauguration of the Waverley Walk with a Paver Unveiling Ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many families come together to support this project and to witness the strength of the Waverley College community in shaping the school’s ongoing development.

Two of our Foundation Directors, Mr Andrew Maloney and Mr Michael Jaeger, shared how their education at Waverley College profoundly influenced their futures. They also spoke about the importance of giving back to ensure future generations can benefit from the same opportunities.

We owe a special thanks to Old Boy and current parent Mr Ed Mott and his team from Starr Landscaping Group for completing this project at cost, which significantly boosted our net donations for the initiative.

While the response so far has been fantastic—77 pavers sold—there are still 43 pavers available for anyone wishing to leave their legacy behind the historic Carrington Road gates. To secure your place on the Waverley Walk, visit our dedicated website here. Proceeds from paver sales go directly to our building fund to support the construction of the Science & Innovation Centre, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Foundation Appreciation Event: A Night to Celebrate Generosity

That same evening, we hosted our first Foundation Appreciation Event to personally thank everyone whose support has driven the success of our fundraising efforts this year. The night was a celebration of community spirit, marked by drinks, delicious food, and live acoustic music.

With apologies on behalf of our Foundation Patron, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who was unable to attend as he is currently recovering from surgery. We wish Sir Peter a smooth and speedy recovery and thank him for his ongoing dedication to the College.

Our Foundation Chair, Dr. Brett Courtenay OAM, addressed attendees, reflecting on the profound impact Waverley College had on his life and the critical role community support plays in providing exceptional learning facilities. Brett and I also highlighted the growing importance of STEM education, noting research indicating that at least 75% of future jobs will be in these fields.

Although this year’s achievements have been remarkable, we are still far from hitting our financial target to make the Science & Innovation Centre a reality. To date, we have raised $2.1 million toward our goal of $5 million—the amount required for final approval and to alleviate the financial pressures of this ambitious project. For this reason, we are reaching out to our entire Waverley College community to ask for support in any capacity.

Whether you contributed through a financial donation, purchased a paver, participated in our regular giving campaign, left a bequest, or volunteered your time, your generosity has already made an incredible difference. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’re inspired by what the Waverley College community can achieve together in 2025.

World Expo 2025 Osaka

World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events, held every five years since 1851, it is a global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation.

Expressions of interest are being sought for a 2025 educational tour to World Expo Japan focusing on Technology and HSIE subjects including STEM, Design & Technology, Commerce, Business Studies and Geography.

The proposed tour dates are: 25 September 2025 (Thursday night, Week 10, Term 3) to Sunday 5 October (Middle weekend of Holidays) For more information please see the article in this week’s newsletter.

Methanol – Information for Parents

Tragically, two Australian teenagers have died in Laos as a result of methanol poisoning. As many students head overseas for Schoolies celebrations, it is important for parents to educate their children on the risks, particularly in third world countries. This article explains what Methanol poisoning is, and how travellers can avoid it.

Presentation Day -Tuesday 3 December

We are looking forward to celebrating our successes in 2024 as a College community at our Presentation Day events on Tuesday 3 December, 2024.

It is compulsory for all students from Years 5-12 to attend the Presentation Day Ceremony for their respective Year Group. All students are to wear their full academic summer uniform. Students should arrive 15 minutes before the event begins to have their attendance recorded and be seated.

After the Years 5-8 Presentation Day ceremony, students in Years 7-8 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 10:30am. Junior school students will be dismissed from the Senior School with parental permission, otherwise they will return to the Junior School for supervision for the remainder of the day.

After the Years 9-12 Presentation Day Ceremony, students in Years 9-12 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 1:30pm.

The Presentation Day events will be live streamed, see links below. The links will be shared via the Waverley App on the morning of Presentation Day.

The Presentation Day will be a wonderful celebration to conclude the school year.

Uniform and Appearance

It has been fantastic to see the majority of students have followed the rules and expectations in regards to uniform and appearance throughout 2025. I hope the boys enjoy the summer where they will have the opportunity to express themselves through their appearance.

As the boys return to school in the new year, we will be holding them accountable to ensure they are adhering to the high expectations we set for them.

This includes appropriate hairstyles and correct school shoes. Your son will be sent home at the commencement of 2025 if he has not met the below requirements.

Haircuts

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.

Shoes

Standard black leather lace-up shoes are the only acceptable footwear, except during sport. No suede or branded shoes ie: vans, nike, new balance, asics etc. Shoes must be of a leather type that can be polished to a shine. Shoes with coloured stitching or other embellishments such as buckles are not acceptable. Boots of any type are not permissible.

St Catherine’s Taking Action to Promote Sustainability (TAPS) and Waverley’s Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) Lead the Charge Against Ocean Waste

On Wednesday, Years 7 and 9 students from both schools took the lead in educating the next generation about one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: littering and the impact to our marine life. Through a hands-on sustainability workshop, they helped Year 5 students understand the impact of litter (and plastics) on marine ecosystems and empowered them with the knowledge to make a difference.

The workshop began with a presentation on ocean waste, where the senior students shared eye-opening facts: millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. They also highlighted how everyday actions, like improperly disposing of trash, can contribute to this global issue.

To make the session both educational and fun, the seniors designed an engaging activity for the Year 5 students by getting them to glue waste commonly found in the ocean into the shape of a fish. The key message was, “rubbish should be in bins and not in fish”!

The workshop ended with a discussion about how small steps can lead to big changes. The Year 5 students made personal pledges, such as bringing their artwork home to educate their families, putting their rubbish in the right bins, and even reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.

Congratulations to our seniors for their leadership and to the Year 5 students for their enthusiasm and commitment to protecting our oceans!

SOTWEG Makes a Difference: Assembling Birthing Kits for Mothers in Need

On Thursday, SOTWEG members came together for a meaningful activity that combined teamwork, compassion, and global awareness. Students assembled 400 birthing kits destined for pregnant women in underserved areas who lack access to hospitals and essential medical care.

Birthing kits are simple, yet life-saving packages designed to provide sterile and basic supplies for safe childbirth. Each kit includes items like soap, gloves, a plastic sheet, sterile cords, and gauze. These kits play a crucial role in preventing infections and complications for mothers and newborns in areas where access to medical facilities is limited or nonexistent.

The activity began with a brief session on maternal health challenges faced by women in developing regions. This gave students an understanding of the impact their efforts would have. Then, they rolled up their sleeves, put on sterilised gloves and got to work in assembly lines, carefully packing each item into sealed kits to ensure cleanliness and functionality.

The energy in the room was inspiring as students worked side by side, each contributing to the assembly of over 400 kits. “It’s amazing to think that something as small as this kit could make such a big difference,” said one student. “It’s a reminder of how privileged we are and how small actions can create a global impact.”

The assembled kits will be sent to communities in need through a partner organisation specialising in maternal health. For students, this activity was not just about packing supplies but about fostering empathy and understanding. It also tied into their learning about global health inequities and the importance of service, addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3.

Many students expressed pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative. “It feels good to know that our effort could help save lives,” one student shared. Others said the experience deepened their appreciation for the importance of access to healthcare.

This event is part of our College’s ongoing commitment to service and global citizenship. By engaging in activities like this, students learn the value of giving back and the power of collective action.

A huge thank you to Luca Cornelius, one of our Year 12 SOTWEG members who initiated this activity. Together, we are making the world a safer place for mothers and their babies!

Life as a university engineering student

“This past week has seen me delve into life as a university student and further. I have been able to attend graduate-level lectures given by leading researchers on electric machines and drives, learning fascinating content around how our technologies work.

These theories we consolidated through our experiments allowing a hands-on learning experience working with large synchronous motors to prove the hypotheses I learnt.

I was also shown a recent innovation currently in testing by the power engineers at University of Sydney and I was allowed to design and run my own experiments to prove the usefulness of this technology.

Not only have I been able to learn from the wisdom of world-class professors but I have connected with ambitious like-minded students from all over Sydney with whom I have shared this experience.

This insightful week capped off with a tour around the snowy hydro office in the city, which taught us about the workings of this amazing technology and its effectiveness in providing renewable energy to Australians.

In all, this internship has allowed me to experience what it is like to work in the field of electrical engineering and all it provides to advance our society. It has solidified my fervent interest in the field and allowed me to get industry experience, propelling my knowledge into the forefront of engineering.”