4th Payment – only applies to Year 6 students continuing into Year 7 in 2024; due date 18/10/2023.
As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website, for all Year 5 and Year 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2023) students into Year 7 (2024). This replaces the continuing confirmation deposit usually charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Families with students commencing in Year 5 and Year 7 in 2024 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2024 for any applicable sundries, sibling discounts, excursion fees and camps.
Please be advised that if this payment is not made by the due date, your son’s enrolment will be forfeited, and his place will be offered to a waitlisted candidate.
Fees paid before the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the due date will attract an administrative fee.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments.
Please see the last page of your account for payment methods and contact details.
You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from Waverley College, you are required to give one full Term’s notice in writing to the Principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.
The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school Term, is the first day of the same Term. If not received by that date, you must pay one Term’s tuition fees.
The relevant dates for Term 4 2023 and 2024 are below:
We are currently running vital academic integrity lessons with all Year 7 students in an integrated Literacy, Mathematics and Library unit of work. The aim is to equip students with the skills and learnings they need to be confident learners and to demonstrate that completing your own work is as important as ever in light of the explosion of AI writing tools.
As AI evolves and is now an ever-increasing part of our community, we are working with students to help them manage this rapidly shifting learning landscape.
Leveraging strategies and tools that have always been a part of learning—chiefly referencing and acknowledging sources—has come to the fore, and we are teaching students these skills and more.
In the lessons, the students learn how to reference; how to use AI software effectively and with integrity; and how to shape AI prompts.
A useful tool to assist students when creating effective prompts—what we type into AI tools to generate text and responses—is outlined below.
TAP and TASTE for effective prompt engineering.
Students in Mathematics class 703 at work in the library
For more tips on how students, your sons, and you can navigate the use of AI, click the button below to see the factsheet from the Open Universities Australia. It provides helpful ChatGPT dos and don’ts.
Click here to view the fact sheet from Open Universities Australia
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library Services and Years 9 and 10 Applied Philosophy Teacher
wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we conclude Term 3, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the year so far and celebrate the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. Now, as we head into the holiday break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all families. May this holiday break be a time of well-deserved rest and rejuvenation for all of our students.
We wish our Year 12 students all the very best as they make the final preparations for their HSC examinations and for some, their first steps into the world of work and training via an apprenticeship. Thank you in advance to Year 12 teachers who continue to provide Year 12 tutorials over the break and provide feedback to draft essays and responses.
We also wish our students and staff heading on Immersion to Fiji and Walgett, a wonderful learning experience and safe journey.
The Graduation Mass, ceremony and Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students took place last Friday evening. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all the students for their exceptional attire and exemplary conduct throughout this significant occasion. I’d also like to express gratitude to the parents, carers and staff for their contributions to the event.
Congratulations to the following Drama students who have been nominated for their individual performances for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE which selects the top HSC performers;
Further to previous communications regarding school fees, Waverley College is currently facing a financial challenge due to a cumulative reduction of $27 million in government funding, both at State and Commonwealth levels.
This reduction, combined with economic factors such as increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), wages, and interest rates, has placed extraordinary pressure on the College’s financial sustainability.
Furthermore, the recent pay increase for NSW public school teachers under the Minns Labor Government has led to negotiations for similar adjustments for our dedicated teaching staff, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your son(s) through education. To retain our valued teachers, I recognise that it is necessary to reward their hard work, care and commitment.
Regrettably, these financial challenges are expected to persist, at least in the short term.
In response to these financial constraints, Waverley College has worked very hard to minimise their impact on our families by spreading the burden of fees across multiple years. Our families are at the heart of everything we do, and I emphasise that our decision to increase tuition fees has been painstakingly considered.
In an effort to give you ample time for planning, I wish to communicate in advance our fee increases. We are considering an approximate fee increase of $436.00 per student for each Term in 2024. Furthermore, we have expanded our payment options to include quarterly (four terms), monthly, and fortnightly payment plans.
For families in need of greater payment flexibility, we partner with Edstart, a service that tailors payment plans to your specific needs, based on your outstanding school fee balance. Edstart’s plans are designed to assist families to manage their budgets more effectively and reduce the likelihood of falling behind on school fee payments.
To explore personalised payment plan options, please visit the Waverley College Edstart page at https://edstart.com.au/waverley. On the website, you can use the calculator to estimate your payment plan based on your current or future fee requirements. Afterward, you can submit an online application. The Edstart team will then get in touch with you to finalise your account and customise your instalment plan to suit your needs. Once your account is set up, simply forward your invoice to Edstart, and they will ensure timely payment of your fees.
If you require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact Edstart by clicking the button below.
Click here to calculate your plan and apply online
P: 1800 139 445
Lastly, I would like to address the positioning of Waverley College within the landscape of independent schools in Sydney. Despite the impending fee adjustment in 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an education that is competitively priced. When compared to other independent schools in the region, our fees continue to be notably lower, even after factoring in the adjustments necessitated by the reduction in government funding.
Below you will find the tuition fees for the year 2024 by Year group.
Year 5 $17,000
Year 6 $17,810
Year 7 $19,310
Year 8 $19,310
Year 9 $19,450
Year 10 $20,000
Year 11 $20,900
Year 12 $20,900
We deeply appreciate your understanding as we navigate these financial challenges together. Your partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring that Waverley College maintains its time-honoured tradition of excellence in education.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We remain committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process.
I thank you for your loyalty to Waverley College.
The next Parents’ Association meeting and AGM will take place on Wednesday, 1 November 2023, where a number of office bearers for 2023 will be elected.
Consider getting involved in the Parents’ Association, a vital part of the Waverley College community.
Please submit expressions of interest for the following positions for 2023 and beyond to Ms Emma Laurence – Marketing & Development Manager by email: elaurence@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Bryn has dedicated 18 years of his career to the College. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives, including the development of the Cosgrove Centre, Aquatics Centre, and Grange Carpark. Moreover, he facilitated the expansion of the College by acquiring six houses along both Carrington Road and Henrietta Street.
Over the past four years, Bryn faced substantial challenges, with the College grappling with a loss of over $27 million in government grants and the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his diligent efforts have placed the College in a robust position, and we’re now poised to commence the $40 million Science Centre project in 2025.
Bryn’s instrumental efforts in realising the Manchester City partnership stand out, as this collaboration is anticipated to strengthen football opportunities for our students and boost our future enrolments. I express my sincere gratitude to Bryn for his loyalty, tireless work, and strategic financial acumen. I extend my best wishes to him as he enters retirement.
Please join me in congratulating Elizabeth Watson on her appointment to the role of Deputy Principal at St Pius X College in Chatswood. Elizabeth will take up this role at the beginning of Term 1, 2024. Elizabeth started at Waverley in 1999 and has held the following positions throughout her 24 year tenure; Head of Mathematics, Acting Director of Personnel, Director of Curriculum, Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, and her secondment Acting EREA Director of Learning. St Pius X are very lucky to be gaining such an experienced and talented educator and leader.
Elizabeth will be taking leave for the first four weeks of Term 4. The following staff changes will be in play for this time; Ms Lynsey Porter (Acting) Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning, Ms Martina Cooper (Acting Director of Curriculum), and Ms Catherine Stewart (Acting) Head of Religious Education.
We farewelled Ms Priscilla Quintana last Friday. Priscilla has accomplished much in the Spanish department and in coordinating our students who sit examinations with the NSW School of Languages. We wish her all the best as she takes up a position at Methodist Ladies College.
Mr Daniel Kroll will step in for the first few weeks of Term 4 as Acting Head of LOTE before we welcome Mr Daniel Best as the new Head of LOTE on 30 October. Daniel comes to us from the Secondary College of Languages and is an expert in HSC Spanish Continuers and Extension.
Congratulations to the following staff who have been appointed to the following substantive positions; Ms Gabrielle Bransby – Director Junior School, Mr Steve Ghattas – Assistant Director of the Junior School, Ms Charlotte Stephens – Assistant Director of Curriculum, and Mr Peter Lamb – Head of Drama.
We also would like to welcome back for the start of Term 4, Ms Natalie Oates – Head of Visual Arts, as she returns from Maternity leave. We thank Ms Jemma Turnbull (Acting Head of Visual Arts) and Mr Mark Neale (Acting Innovation Coordinator) respectively, for their fine work in these areas.
The 2023 HSC Drama class should be proud of their achievements. For their efforts, the class has received four individual nominations for OnSTAGE, the annual showcase of the best HSC Drama performances in the state! To be nominated indicates outstanding achievement in the subject.
Matthew Woods received an OnSTAGE nomination for his moving and compelling portrayal of the central character from The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time. Christopher, a young autistic boy who has recently lost his mother, sets out to solve the murder of Wellington the dog, using his maths ability and his fascination with details. He discovers far more than he bargained for. Matthew delivered a detailed and nuanced performance, packing a huge emotional punch.
Bert Cottell brought the character of Eugene Morris Jerome to life, from Neil Simon’s famous semi-autobiographical play, Brighton Beach Memoirs. Fourteen year-old Eugene is trying make sense of his fracturing family while dealing with the end of puberty and his sudden urgent interest in girls. Bert has created a tremendously charming and touching coming-of-age piece.
Sam Stewart tackled the fast-paced and physically intense play, Shadowboxing, by James Gaddas. Sam created a stunning emotional portrait of a son struggling with the complex memory of his estranged father, through the prism of the brutal world of professional boxing.
Evander Hudson explored the fractured emotional landscape of a soldier’s PTSD and the profound bond between Man and companion animal in, You’re my Horse. A haunted light horseman is driven to show the final mercy to his suffering best friend. Evander’s mature and compelling performance was devastatingly powerful.
Let’s celebrate the talent and hard work of the whole HSC Drama cohort of 2023!
Sleep is important for physical health, energy levels, recovering from injuries and illnesses, psychological wellbeing, mood, concentration, memory, school performance, and getting along with others. We don’t really pay attention to our sleep, until we start having problems with it. People need different amounts of sleep; however, most teenagers should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
Teenagers often juggle their need for sleep with other activities such as homework, spending time with friends, and sport and extra-curricular activities. They also have naturally later sleep cycles, which means they get sleepy later in the evening compared to adults, but early school starts don’t allow them to sleep in the mornings. It can be tricky, and many teenagers don’t get enough sleep, but there are small changes that can be made to get better sleep.
I encourage you to read the below resources from the Black Dog Institute to support your son over the holiday period to get into some solid sleep routines as he commences Term 4.
Click here to view the Sleep Ninja App
Click here to view the Sleep Resource for Teens
A reminder of our ICT update that will commence Term 4:
Please click here to view our updated Responsible Use of Technology Policy.
A hard copy of this policy will be located in the 2024 College diary.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday period.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
4th Payment – Only applies to Year 6* students continuing into Year 7 in 2024; due date 13/10/2023
*As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website, all Years 5 and 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2023) students into Year 7 (2024). This replaces the “continuing confirmation deposit” usually charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Year 5 and 7 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2024 for any applicable sundries, sibling discounts, excursion fees and camps. Please be advised that if this payment is not made by the due date, your son’s enrolment will be forfeited, and his place will be offered to a waitlisted candidate.
Fees paid before 4pm on the Prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the due date will attract an Administrative Fee.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).
Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.
You are reminded that, if you wish to withdraw your son from Waverley College, you are required to give one full Term’s notice in writing to the principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.
The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school Term, is the first day of the same Term. If not received by that date, you must pay one Term’s tuition fees plus GST.
The relevant dates for 2023-2024 are below:
Waverley College 2022 Year Books are hot off the press and ready for collection.
Our annual, glossy, soft-copy Year Books record, highlight and commemorate our College, and are a beloved tradition at Waverley.
A wonderful memento of your son’s year at the College, we encourage all families to obtain one copy of this special keepsake, so that together they may reminisce over what happened in this incredible year, and recall forgotten moments through inspiring images and reports.
Should you wish to obtain a copy of the 2022 Year Book, please collect your free, 319-page edition from either the Junior School or Senior School Reception.
Click here to view the digital 2022 Year Book
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Livissianis family at this time. Ben Livissianis, Father of Will (Year 9) and WCOB 1991, sadly passed away recently after battling cancer. May Ben find everlasting peace.
Congratulations to Track & Field Head Coach Mr Jeremy Roff, Convenor Ms Rebecca Gair, and the Waverley Track & Field Team on their performance at the 92nd Annual CAS Track & Field Competition.
There were some errors discovered after the evening and the correct School scores are below. Equal second to the Waverley Team – well done!
Congratulations to Trinity Grammar School on their fine performance.
1 Trinity Grammar School: 687
2 Waverley College: 628
2 Knox Grammar School: 628
4 Barker College: 549
5 Cranbrook School: 507
6 St Aloysius’ College: 499
Evan Rowbotham (Year 8)
Alexander Bissell (Year 7), Ryan McNamara (Year 8), Rory Muldowney (Year 8), Sunny Steyn (Year 8)
Today, our College community bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2023 during their ultimate Graduation Assembly held in the Centenary Quad. Each student was introduced by their respective Head of House, and academic achievers were duly acknowledged. To create a fitting tribute, the students departed the Quad with the resonant melodies of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ performed by our College Brass Band and College Choir.
The College’s celebration and farewell of the Year 12 Cohort extended to include parents, grandparents, siblings, and other significant caregivers at a mass held at Mary Immaculate Church. As part of this touching service, the graduates received meaningful gifts—a Waverley College Old Boys’ Union Tie and a Celtic Cross.
In the evening, the students will savour their Valedictory Dinner at Australian Turf Club, Randwick.
Congratulations, Class of 2023, may your journey be marked by unwavering respect and utmost integrity as you step boldly into the future.
Waverley College extends its best wishes to each young man as they prepare for their upcoming HSC examinations or start their respective apprenticeship.
May you find a life grounded in Virtus Sola Nobilitat – Virtue is its own reward.
Good luck and God Bless.
Luca Holmes: The Ray Aston Memorial Prize for Biology
Wylie Durrans: Construction Equal First
Vasili Malempre: The Alice & Mildred Thomas Prize for English Extension I
Jay Briggs: English Extension II
Wilford Hyde: Food Technology
Arjun Sukumaran: Geography
James Wellington: Hospitality
Jack Heath: Investigating Science
Lenny Joseph: Mathematics Standard Course I
Finlay Chandler: Mathematics Standard Course II
Mackenzie Palmer: Visual Arts
Anderson Franulovich: Visual Design
Daniel Palacio: Spanish Beginners
Jett Wanda: Construction Equal First; Industrial Technology
Kit Armstrong: Design & Technology; Mathematics Advanced
Freddie Le Vay: The Catherine Smithurst Prize for Standard English; Music Course I
Angus Birrell: Equal First Music Course II; Music Extension; Principal’s Award of Excellence
Leo Schmid: English Studies; Marine Studies; Sport Life & Recreation
Jamie Khov: Mathematics Extension I: The Judge Thomas Prize for Mathematics Extension II
Harrison Lee: Sydney Roosters Character and Endeavour Award
Felix Turinui: WF Corbett Award for Best All Round Sportsman
Thomas Shahinian: Archbishop’s Award
James Iatrou: Old Boys’ Union Edmund Rice Award for Leadership of Social Justice
Alistair Isaac: Equal First Music Course II; Max Coleman Memorial Award for Living Out the Touchstones
Connor Andrews: College Vice Captain; Ampol All Rounder Award
Bertie Cottell: College Vice Captain; Reuben F Scarf Award
Sam Stewart: Br R J Wallace Prize for Drama; College Vice Captain; Waverley Council Award for General Proficiency
Lachlan Grant: College Captain; The Inicio Medal for Outstanding and Consistent Growth
Charles Hely-Hammond: The Barry McDonald Prize for Legal Studies; Br P Oakley Prize for PDHPE; PDHPE GHR Award; 3rd in Overall Academic Performance
Jake Perks: The M O’Halloran Prize for Chemistry; Br F S Farrell Prize for Physics; Equal 2nd in Overall Academic Performance
Jack Preller: Business Studies; The Br PA Conlon Prize for Economics; Bishop Patrick Dougherty Prize for Studies Of Religion II; JJ O’Brien Award for Leadership, Study & Involvement; Equal 2nd in Overall Academic Performance
Liam Wood: The Brian Sheedy Prize for Ancient History; The Abram Landa Prize for Advanced English; The George & Elizabeth Thomas Prize for Extension History; Modern History; Bishop Geoffrey F Mayne Prize for Studies Of Religion I; Br LB Tevlin Memorial Prize for Dux of the College.
On Wednesday, our College hosted a special Assembly featuring Mr Kevin Heath, an ambassador for R U OK? and Waverley College Aboriginal Liaison Officer, where we had the privilege of listening to his compelling and inspiring narrative.
Kevin unpacked the R U OK? strategy: ‘Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check-in’ to play our part in building a stronger community.
We also heard from Mrs Maryanne Larkin, mother of Van in Year 12 and former student, Gus. Maryanne’s husband founded R U OK? in response to his own dad’s suicide and then her son Gus was a strong advocate, even whilst he went through his own battle with brain cancer, which he sadly lost in Year 9, 2013. Waverley College has been a proud supporter of R U OK? Day since the very beginning in 2009.
If you would like to know more about the story behind R U OK? you can watch ‘Beyond OK’ on the Australian Story program on ABC iview.
Click here to view Beyond OK on Australian Story
Next Thursday, 14 September we will observe the official R U OK? Day. This is a charity focused on harm prevention, promoting the importance of maintaining connections and engaging in conversations that can provide support to individuals during challenging periods in their lives. This year’s message is particularly poignant: “Ask R U OK? ‘I’m here to hear’ – because a conversation could change a life.”
We were lucky to have the R U OK? Activation van on the campus for the day .
Congratulations, Thomas Shahinian (Year 12), who received the prestigious Archbishop’s Award for Excellence for his service work today (Friday, 8 September 2023). The annual awards were started in 1999 by Cardinal Edward Clancy, to honour leadership qualities and service to school and parish communities.
Nora, Thomas Shahinian (Year 12), and David Shahinian
Two NSW EREA schools, Waverley College and St Dominic’s College in Penrith, have joined three other EREA schools (St Laurence’s College, Brisbane – Parade College, Melbourne – Rostrevor College, South Australia) in forming a partnership with Manchester City Football Club to have a Football academy at our College.
A Manchester City Head Football Coach will be appointed to run the football school and have a positive impact across our entire football program (Years 5 – 12) including coaching development, program and session design and implementation, and mentoring of all Waverley College football coaches.
We have received many messages from the community and a lovely message of encouragement and support from Matilda and Manchester City player, Mary Fowler. Mr Stephen Wilmot will be the Waverley Football Convenor.
We are inviting all current Year 6 students from Waverley College and any school to register for trials. Expressions of interest from other year levels are also being taken from both currently enrolled students and potential students.
Both of these forms along with more information can be found on our website by clicking the button below.
Click here to view more information about the Manchester City Partnership
As Pope Francis highlighted “[e]veryone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”
The Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) are trying to do just that. They are doing everything they can to protect our planet, environmentally and ethically. They are doing the heavy lifting as well as encouraging their peers to do the same. It’s not a small task but they are up for the challenge.
SOTWEG has been busy discussing issues on a weekly basis, every Tuesday lunchtime in Conlon C13 for those who would like to join us. They have been attending conferences to network with other passionate individuals, we are even collaborating with Christian Brothers’ College in Boksburg, South Africa!
Global classroom: collaborating with Christian Brothers’ College in Boksburg, South Africa
Some key initiatives of SOTWEG include combating littering issues on school grounds, saving water and creating native gardens. As we tackle these issues, we will look to contribute to ethical topics also such as homelessness, modern slavery, and equality.
We encourage our wider community to get involved. If you would like to know how you can be part of this cause, please feel free to contact Ms Silvia Baylie directly.
Below are some snapshots from recent events, including some thoughts from our students.
Students attended a conference where they networked with other schools, but they also facilitated a workshop that was very well received. Our passion for ecology was further fuelled by listening to Waverley College Old Boy, Costa Georgiadis (Class of 1980) (Gardening Australia host, Silver Logie Winner, landscape architect and environmental educator).
“The conference was extremely insightful and collaborative. We gained a variety of ideas from other schools to utilise in the future, as well as action plans to use as a path to implement them. However, something I believe was further instilled in us – passion – by Costa Georgiadis in a powerful and incredibly engaging way. Ultimately, the conference instilled a plethora of ideas for future initiatives at Waverley and ignited a spark of collaboration between Edmund Rice Schools. A true highlight of the year so far!” – Kayden Baker
“I had the pleasure of going to Edmund Rice College in Wollongong for the Eco ERC Sustainability Conference. The first session was an introduction of all the schools. Every school presented a three minute video about the initiatives they run. It was interesting to see how different schools focused on different areas of sustainability — litter, waste, water, climate change, recycling. The second session was a brainstorming session. Each school made a mindmap of different ways they could reduce waste in the school grounds, and presented it to the other schools. Some ideas were unrealistic and unhelpful, but they led to discussion that led to a good idea. The third session was a presentation by Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis. He was a really engaging speaker and made me reflect on the best ways to enact change, and how to care for the planet while considering the next seven generations. Another highlight was the sing-along on the bus ride home. “ – James Peate
There were two initiatives that came out of the littering workshop that could work. More planning and design required but definitely potential! Here’s a short clip of James Peate talking about them.
We have a lot of work here! Stop the littering in the first instance and then let’s recycle correctly!
Instead of throwing everything into landfill, the students separated what could be recycled.
These signs have been installed in all of our rooms to help give everyone a friendly reminder to turn everything off as they leave the space.
Remember, all of us can make a difference. Small acts, large impacts.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator, Ecology Coordinator
sbaylie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Saying goodbye to the Class of 2023’s Year 12 students will be our main focus next week as it marks their last week with us. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to reflect on their journey before they take a well-deserved break, preparing for the HSC or pursuing their future endeavours, particularly for the HSC Vocational students.
Congratulations on reaching the end of Year 12 and your secondary school life. You have come through a unique couple of years, displaying incredible optimism and resilience.
The events for next week;
As Year 12 students approach their final exams, they grapple with a multitude of stressors, including the pressure to excel, the fear of failure, an overwhelming academic workload, and the uncertainty that looms on the horizon.
In Daniel Merza’s latest article Coping with Exam Stress – A Parent’s Guide, he shares 10 quick tips for parents/carers to help their child manage stress heading into their final exams, avoid distress, and finish Year 12 with tenacity, optimism and empowerment.
Click here to view the 10 tips for parents/carers
Year 12 have been reminded that ‘muck up day’ activities are not permitted as they conclude their journey at Waverley College. If students are found to be attending any parks or public spaces, Graduation events will be cancelled for individuals and groups of students.
Students have also been asked to ensure their uniform and appearance is in line with College expectations.
Students need to adhere to the haircut policy in particular, or they will not be called out and recognised at the Graduation Mass or Assembly. I have included our policy below:
◆ Hair should be neatly cut, combed and maintained. Hair should be shorter than the collar.
◆ Long hair or outlandish styles are not acceptable.
◆ Undercut styles, dramatic layering, tracks, mohawks, mullets, overuse of product, tinting, colouring, dreadlocks, strands of hair, buns, braids or lines are not acceptable.
◆ A number 2 cut is the shortest acceptable cut.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm – are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It’s therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, “Are you OK?”
Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it’s a commitment to our students’ overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please consider seeking medical or professional help.
Click here to view the latest Special Report from SchoolTV
Special Report: courtesy SchoolTV.
Everyone experiences low days from time to time. For some of us, it might even feel like we have a dark cloud over our head that never seems to leave. We all differ in how often the low days hang around and how low we feel, but most of us share one thing – we might find it difficult to express what is really going on. We might pretend like everything is fine, dismiss our feelings, or distract ourselves with lots of tasks just to find some sort of relief. Whilst this can be helpful in the short term, emotional masking can lead to exhaustion and a further decline in overall wellbeing. So, what can we do about this if we are feeling this way?
Firstly, it is helpful to acknowledge that feeling low is a normal part of life. While it can feel very difficult, uncomfortable emotions are not something that should be avoided. Our emotions come and go, just as the weather does, and can tell us a myriad of information about our inner experience. By saying “I feel sad/upset/worried” we are acknowledging that we may be feeling a little off balance, without trying to pretend that we are okay, or even minimise what we experience. We are simply letting the feeling have space without trying to change it or get rid of it. This is often the first step in learning to tap into our emotional world.
Our emotions are often felt in our bodies, whether that be noticing a tightness in the chest if we are anxious, or a heavy feeling in our stomachs when we feel guilty or sad. The more we bring our awareness to these sensations, we can start to recognise the things in our day that may activate these feelings. Self-awareness is a vital part of developing our emotional intelligence. Mindful meditation apps such as ‘Smiling Mind’ or ‘Insight Timer’ can help us to practice how to notice these feelings in our bodies, without judgement.
Surrounding yourself with a quality friend or family member can be another helpful step in expressing what might be going on. For some of us, this concept may be very foreign and may even cause more feelings of anxiety or dread – this too is okay. If talking about your feelings with someone seems like a stretch, writing your feelings down or even talking to a pet about how you feel, can be significantly helpful. Expressing what is going on inside, out loud, can often be a relief when we ‘name it to tame it’.
Image reference: he’s-extraordinary.com
If you feel like you would like to chat to someone about your emotions at school, Psychology services are available for students at Waverley College. Feel free to reach out to the Wellbeing Team or your Head of House for further information.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
Ms Samantha Jessen
Psychologist
sjessen@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will soon host a free webinar for parents/carers.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation.
By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
Here’s what Elevate will cover on the night:
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
