It can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond to our children when they are going through a difficult time. Our children might not say anything at all, and it can be even harder to know what is going on inside their head. We all want to do what’s best, however sometimes it might seem that when we try to help, it makes things worse. So, how can we connect with our children on a practical level? How can we start to understand our children more?
We all run busy lives with countless responsibilities and never-ending to-do lists. Being present and making regular quality time with your children means that they know you are available and that you have the capacity to be with them. If this seems difficult, try carving out 30 minutes of family time once a week to play a card game, go for a walk, or spend time outside together (away from screens).
When our children come to us in distress, our instant reaction may be to try and fix whatever might be the problem. Whilst problem-solving has its time and place, what we all really want is to be listened to and validated. Instead of automatically going into fix-it mode, you might like to try active listening.
This means letting your child talk without interruption, and paraphrasing back what they say. This helps them see that you really understand what they are saying, or, gives them the opportunity to correct you to further your understanding of the issue.
Instead of “right, let me talk to them and I will sort it out”, try “It sounds like you think you were treated unfairly when he said that to you and makes you think you’d like to quit – is that right?”
Even if the issue might seem trivial or insignificant to you, your children’s feelings and experiences are very real. When you let your child know they are allowed to feel upset/angry/confused/annoyed/scared, without trying to change it, you are giving them space to sit with their emotions and learn to let them be.
This is very important in developing a child with strong emotional intelligence (remember that every feeling is acceptable and allowed, but every behaviour is not).
Instead of “It’s not a big deal. You’ll be fine! You have nothing to worry about!” try “I hear you are feeling very worried about this, and I can see why! I bet anyone else in this situation would be feeling the exact same way”.
Sometimes, your child might want to problem-solve the issue with you. Other times, they might just want to vent with you and have time to connect with you. By asking your child what they need, they start to learn that their needs are valid and respected. As they grow, they will start to learn what their needs are, how to ask for their needs to be met, and how to take care of their own needs independently.
Instead of “I will fix this issue for you, stop worrying about it now”, try “what do you think you might need now? We can chat together to work out a plan or maybe you’d like a hug – maybe both?”
The Senior School Library has recently stocked Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon for further reading and support. If you would like further guidance around resources to build helpful communication, feel free to reach out to the Psychology Team at Waverley College.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
I’m Jack Preller, a Year 12 student who had the privilege, during the holidays, to attend the 2023, Model UN Youth National Conference in Perth. The National Conference was composed of workshops, debates, interactive problem solving and esteemed speakers to help us learn more about the globalised world. The conference provided me with an opportunity to speak to over 60 different delegates from Years 9-12, who were leaders in their local communities/schools in their respective states, and enabled me to gain a more diversified perspective of youth in Australia.
From this experience I learnt a couple of key things that I would like to share with you. Firstly, that there are always people out there that share your passions. For me that is helping others through mediums such as tutoring, but no matter what passion you have, there are people who are willing to join you in achieving your dreams.
Secondly, I learnt about the sheer number of opportunities Australia has for students in working on key societal issues, public speaking and debating through organisations such as UN Youth, OakTree and Youth Parliament. If you are in Years 9-12 and you want to get involved, you can go to these different events such as the NSW State Conference to improve your debating and public speaking skills, as well as making friends with like-minded individuals. Many of these events are not commonly advertised, so I recommend researching different opportunities if you are interested.
During the Perth UN Youth National Conference we had the privilege of debating in Western Australia’s Parliament House on resolutions including ‘the right to education in the globalised world’ and ‘the global scope of migration.’ This allowed me to understand the complexities of world issues, with countries’ economic, social and geographical situations influencing policy decisions and their vote on world issues. The debates also gave me the opportunity to refine my impromptu speaking, having to create speeches on the spot or through responding to a number of questions on specific issues.
In addition, we had the opportunity to ask questions about Australian issues with the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Imogen Kane. Imogen will be reporting these discussions later this year directly with the UN in New York, showing how events like Youth UN can allow you to have global impacts. I also had the opportunity to create a presentation on the SDG goal I care for most – quality education. Alongside two others, I created a satire on the educational curriculum which we also got to submit directly to the UN branch in Australia to be reviewed, highlighting how young people today can make a difference, today.
You may be asking how I got invited to this conference in Perth? I got invited to this UN Youth conference by engaging in a number of local and state-level Youth UN events which anybody from Waverley can sign up to from Years 9-12. For anyone who is interested in global politics, public speaking, debating or just making a difference to Australia and the wider world, I would highly recommend going to UN Youth events and potentially being invited to national and international events.
At last week’s Year 7, 8, 9 Academic Assembly, I spoke about both the skills and values students need to thrive in the fast-paced 21st century, so that they can address individual and community needs and challenges such as global warming, resource scarcity, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and robotics.
Values act as our conscience and moral guide and assist us in binding communities together, finding equality, happiness, and fulfilment. Values help us develop our character and help us find our purpose in life. Values are enduring, whereas skills keep on changing with the passage of time and the influence of technology.
Skills help us achieve proficiency, competence and performance. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the top 10 life skills recommended for mental health equilibrium are: problem solving, decision making, creative thinking, critical thinking, self-awareness, empathy, interpersonal relationships, good communication, management of stress, management of emotions. All of these skills are embedded within our curriculum, wellbeing and formation programs and should be skills you are also trying to develop at home with your sons.
On the back of a successful NAIDOC Week and Men’s Health Week earlier this Term, this week around the campus we had David Kobler (Your Choicez) provide our Year 10s with a values-based respectful relationships education program, Fran Grant helped unpack Indigenous Rights, and our Year 11s attended the RYDA Road Safety program which aims at saving lives through the provision of world-class road safety education.
Our Year 5 and 10s participated in another Big Brother Little Brother experience where they were involved in games that encouraged participation, learning new skills, and building upon their supportive and positive relationships with one another.
In this week’s newsletter, our psychologists’ article unpacks the difficult topic of grief, and Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun (Assistant Director of Student Formation) shares a great article on building resilience with your son.
“A compelling, dramatic and energetic performance reminding us to stand up for what is right!” – Wakakirri Ambassador, Scott Irwin
Congratulations to the Junior School students who performed in Wakakirri on Tuesday evening. The boys received the major award for the night, the ‘Spirit of Wakakirri’ Award, highlighting their positive attitude, fabulous behaviour, teamwork and creative spirit.
Thank you to staff members Mr Tom Olds, Ms Jade Sparks, Ms CJ Tweedie for assisting our students, and a special thanks and congratulations to Ms Michelle Rollins on her 25th consecutive year of directing and choreographing Wakakirri performances for the College. Her passion and dedication to providing boys opportunities to explore story, dance, movement and the creative arts is truly amazing.
Parents, carers, students and Waverley community members are warmly invited to attend the Art and Design HSC showcase on Friday, 18 August, 6pm – 8pm. The event is a collection of Year 12 major works from the students of 2023.
Please read and encourage your son to take up Ms Emily Pace’s (Assistant Head of Science) challenge to enter the Science Week competitions.
Good luck to all of our runners who are tackling the City2Surf on Sunday and well done for their significant support of the charity ‘Running for Premature Babies’ which is founded by Waverley College parent, Sophie Smith. Our College Team is over 130-people strong and has raised upwards of $8,000 for ‘Running for Premature Babies’. You can support them and donate here.
Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Regional Finals of the AFL Schools Cup. We finished in 3rd place, narrowly losing to both 1st and 2nd place.
Year 8
Matt Borgelt, Clancy Walsh, Alex Piperkos, Henry Read, Hayden McAusland, Dom Dametto, James Tucker, Oscar Griffith, Daniel Morrow, Luca Green, Levi O’Keefe, Lachlan Feain, Nash Goldsworthy, Will Roberts.
Year 9
Bailey Gosbell, Edward House, Ned Larkin, James Warwick Rose, Ethan Allardice, Fred Robertson, Ryan Murphy, Zachary Jones, Tane Barclay, Stellan Dymond.
Waverley College is very proud of the selection of Ben Donaldson in the Wallabies Squad for the 2023 World Cup in France. Ben graduated in 2017 and was part of the undefeated CAS Premiership winning 1st XV, as well as playing 1st XI Cricket for the College. Ben was selected for the Australian Schoolboys side in 2017.
Ben was also College Vice-Captain and has played 1st grade for Randwick for a number of seasons, played for the Waratahs and has recently signed with the Western Force for 2024.
Ben has played two matches for the Wallabies in 2023 as well as a number of fixtures for Australia A. Ben is a talented number 10 but also a utility player who can slot into a number of positions in the backline. Ben’s father Stu Donaldson has coached at Waverley College and Randwick for a number of seasons and is a highly successful coach.
The College wishes Ben well for his journey at the upcoming World Cup tournament and we will be cheering him on!
Ben established himself as a full time professional rugby player whilst also managing his study commitments at The University of Technology, Sydney. Ben is currently in the process of finishing a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise management degree, an area he hopes to dive into after his playing career.
Our most recent Parents’ Association meeting was held on Tuesday, 8 August. Louise Lakomy is the new President of the Parents’ Association and you can read her welcome message here.
As mentioned at the Parents ’Association meeting on Tuesday evening, over the past few years, our school has been participating in the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Study, the largest and most comprehensive long-term study of adolescent mental health in Australia.
The research team behind the Future Proofing Study have just released a 23-minute webinar to share their latest findings about the mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents.
What the Webinar Covers
Every year, researchers from the Black Dog Institute visit our school and many other Australian schools to survey the same group of over 6,000 students about their mental health and wellbeing. Study data is analysed and translated into practical resources, guidelines, and policy submissions in order to guide schools, families, and the government about issues relating to adolescent mental health and wellbeing.
Topics Included in the Webinar
(1) Background to the Future Proofing Study (at 1:46 mins)
(2) Rates of mental health symptoms found in the study (at 4:06 mins)
(3) Risk factors associated with development of depression and anxiety in early adolescence (at 6:55 mins)
(4) Peer relationships (at 9:00 mins)
(5) Sleep findings (at 12:22 mins)
(6) Screen use (at 15:58 mins)
(7) Mental health resources (at 22:58 mins)
We encourage you to watch this informative webinar below to learn more about this important issue.
*In the webinar, there is some discussion of self-harm and suicidal behaviour amongst young people, so viewer discretion is advised.
If you have any questions about the research or would like to contact the research team directly, you can email futureproofing@blackdog.org.au
We have received a number of complaints from the community in regards to road safety around the College.
Many senior students have their driver’s licence and with that independence and privilege comes responsibility. Most young drivers are careful, safety conscious and considerate when driving, however, they are one of the most vulnerable road user groups because of their inexperience, relatively underdeveloped driving skills and a distinct pattern of behaviour relating to youth culture and lifestyle. Research also shows that travelling with teenage passengers constitutes an increased risk for young drivers, particularly males.
Waverley College supports licence holders’ rights to drive to and from school. It is the College’s expectation that students drive in a lawful manner and be mindful of the local road regulations and parking restrictions around the College.
The College will support the New South Wales Police and Waverley Council in enforcing the road rules. Young males are overrepresented in statistics associated with motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.
Any information supplied to us by a member of the public identifying a Waverley College student not respecting the rights and responsibilities that come with driving a motor vehicle, will be dealt with accordingly by the Head of House or member of the College Leadership Team.
Students who are riding e-bikes to school need to adhere to all rules and regulations. Students need to have their helmets on correctly and done up, no dubbing other students and specifically not riding up Salisbury Street in the wrong direction.
To prevent youth from vaping, the research team at the University of Newcastle have developed a text message program, targeting parents and their adolescents. To help test the effectiveness of the messages, they are looking for parents and their child/ren (aged 12-15 years) to participate in a study.
Participants in the study (parents and adolescents) will receive a series a text messages (one per week for 12 weeks) that have been specifically developed to educate parents and youth on the harms of vaping, empower youth to say no to vaping through social support and teaching refusal skills, and facilitate healthy conversation amongst families. The text messages have been developed in collaboration with parents, adolescents, researchers and parenting experts.
Click here to view the research flyer
If you would like to find out more information or to sign up to participate in the study, please click the button below.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Two of our College Psychologists, Ms Dawn Young and Ms Samantha Jessen, attended a workshop last week run by Catholic Schools NSW and the National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG) about grief in the school setting. Unfortunately, our school community is not immune from the impact of grief, and we have continued to hear about and support those going through significant loss.
The experience of grief is one that all of us will go through at some stage in our lives. Despite this however, grief is rarely spoken about effectively, and a lot of us won’t know what to say when we learn that someone close to us has suffered a great loss. At times, this means we might avoid talking about grief, and even avoid the bereaved person altogether, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
If we ourselves are impacted by grief, our study/work, socialisation, physical and of course mental health can all be significantly impacted. This workshop has been a timely reminder to bring to your awareness the services offered here at Waverley College and in the wider community.
It is very important that each Waverley College student seeks support when they experience grief and loss; the College community is here to provide support in the best way we can. We encourage students to reach out if their family is going through a difficult time. We are here to offer support which may look like a chat with our College Psychologists or simply organising a safe space where students can take a break throughout the day.
Within our community, the NCCG offers free counselling for bereaved children aged to 3-17 years old (face-to-face or Telehealth options). Access to the service is self-referred (no GP referral needed) by calling 1300 654 556. Additionally, 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
Dear fathers, grandfathers and significant men in the lives of Waverley College students
Please join us to celebrate Father’s Day where you can enjoy a light breakfast with your Senior School sons. Any Junior School siblings are most welcome to attend and can be taken to school at the conclusion of the breakfast.
Date: Friday, 1 September
Time: 8am – 8:45am
Venue: Cosgrove Basketball Court (entrance via Birrell Street)
*Please RSVP by Monday, 28 August 2023
Parenting a tween/teen and navigating these crucial years is like riding a roller coaster – full of thrills, chills and sometimes a little nausea. With life throwing countless challenges their way, there is one trait that can help them thrive – resilience.
In his article Raising Resilient Teens, Daniel Merzer delves into five practical strategies to empower parents/carers to nurture resilience, wellbeing and tenacity in their child to enable them to thrive.
Click here to view the article
To celebrate two great annual events on the Australian educational calendar – National Book Week (Week 6) and Science Week (Week 5) – the library will be combining forces to promote both with our mega book giveaway competition.
We have 11 books to give away (one per family) in total worth $279.00.
*In 25 words or less, tell us your memorable science memories or moments.
We will share the winners and responses in future Nurrunga editions! We are hoping to get lots of entries.
Email your entries to librarystaff@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Good Luck!
Beyond DNA
Benjamin Oldroyd
NEW! Out September 2023
$35.00
Made by Humans
Ellen Broad
$29.99
The Weather Obsession
Lawrie Zion
$29.99
A Hostile Beauty
Alistair Dermer and Danielle Wood
$69.99
Little Species, Big Mystery
Debbie Argue
$39.99
When Galaxies Collide
Lisa Harvey-Smith
$19.99
The Advocates
Robyn Gulliver and Jill L Ferguson
$34.99
Sunburnt Country
Joëlle Gergis
$34.99
Name that Flower: The Identification of Flowering Plants
Ian Clarke and Helen Lee
$39.99
My Forests
Janine Burke
$39.99
Backyard Insects Updated Edition
Paul Horne, Denis Crawford
The Science Department are excited to announce the Waverley Scientists of Science Week Competition!
Students from Years 5-12 are asked to record themselves undertaking an experiment at home and explaining the scientific concept behind it in a fun and engaging way.
Prizes will be awarded to a winners from both the Junior and Senior Campus.
The Science Department are looking forward to celebrating Science Week with you!
Please continue to keep our Year 12 HSC ATAR students in your thoughts and prayers as they continue next week with the second week of HSC trial examinations. The boys have turned up this week with enthusiasm, punctuality and in good spirits. We wish them all the best over the weekend with their preparations.
Congratulations to our Semester 1 Academic Award winners in Years 7, 8 and 9. Their dedication and persistence has paid off and we congratulate them on their fine achievements. These boys were recognised at this week’s academic assembly.
Click here to view the list of Year 7 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 8 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 9 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 10 Academic Award winners
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 – 5pm-7pm – Senior Campus in the Grange Boardroom – All Welcome
All parents/carers are warmly invited to attend the Waverley College Parent Association (WCPA) meeting. The Principal and Deputy Principals will present reports on College activities and developments. WCPA meetings are normally held once per Term.
>>> Click here to view the Agenda.
Please read the interesting article by our College Psychologist, Ms Samantha Jessen in regards to managing anxiety, although at times uncomfortable, is a natural part of the human experience.
>>> Click here to view the newsletter article by Ms Samantha Jessen.
On Wednesday, 16 August we will host our annual speed mentoring evening. The evening will take place 4pm-5.30pm in the Senior Library.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions about careers, skills, and studies with Waverley College alumni.
Talk to mentors from the areas of: Technology, gaming, business, entrepreneurship, trades, film and TV production, sport and allied health, real estate, legal …to name a few!
Students must please register their attendance HERE.
Parents, students and Waverley community members are invited to attend the Waverley College annual HSC Art and Design Showcase on Friday, 18 August at 6pm. The event is a collection of Year 12 major works from the students of 2023.
>>> Click here to view the invitation.
There are some wonderful opportunities available for our students to extend their literary skills in the newsletter article authored by our Literacy Coordinator, Ms Mary Ryan.
>>> Click here to view the newsletter article by Ms Mary Ryan.
Good luck to all teams in the final round of winter co-curricular for most activities and to those going for respective premierships. Congratulations to our 1st Debating Team who won their debate against Aloysius’ College last week and congratulations to our 1st V Volleyballers who have already wrapped up the second division premiership.
Good luck to our 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby who are both competing for respective premierships this weekend. Lastly, well done to our Cross Country runners, Joshua Peters (Year 8), Evan Rowbotham (Year 8) 1st place, Campbell Groves (Year 12), Hugo Morgan (Year 12), Christian Miletic (Year 10) and who represented CAS and beat GPS last weekend.
Congratulations to Judah Miller (Year 11), Fred Carmody (Year 10), Milan Mann (Year 11) and Cooper Gee (Year 11). Waverley College came 2nd to Narrabeen Team A out of 16 teams, missing the top spot by two points. The boys were great ambassadors, helping staff from Surfing NSW pack up after the event. Well done to Mr Adam Wallington for organising.
Congratulations to Archie Francis (Year 5), Rory Palmer (Year 6) who finished 2nd in Alpine and 3rd in Skier X, Oscar Litchfield (Year 6), Connor Moran (Year 5), Archie Hoiles (Year 7), Jordan Mano (Year 8), Patrick Palmer (Year 8), Aidan Giusti (Year 8) and Charles Thompson (Year 12) on their great performances representing Waverley College at the Sydney Interschool Snowsport Championships. RoryPalmer, Patrick Palmer and Archie Francis have each qualified for the NSW State Championships in their respective events to be held in Perisher, 21-25 August.
The Australian Government requires certain information about non-government schools, staff and students to ensure that funding is calculated and managed correctly.
>>> Click here to view information regarding privacy and the 2023 Non-Government Schools Census.
Students are invited to wear sports uniform on Monday with a touch of green and gold in support of the Matildas. Go Matildas!
As part of CCSP’s ongoing collaboration with eSafety the Term 3 parent education webinar Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting will be held on Tuesday, 15 August 2023.
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
Tuesday, 15 August 7:30pm – 8pm AEST
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Anxiety, although at times uncomfortable, is a natural part of the human experience. With the help of our sympathetic nervous system, the anxiety response keeps us safe from danger and springs us to action to ensure we survive unsafe situations. A lot of us however may experience the symptoms of anxiety when there seems to be no threats of danger in our physical environment. You may notice a pounding heart, nausea, upset stomach, excess sweat, racing thoughts/over thinking, and generally feeling on edge.
Consequently, and understandably, you may start to notice changes in your behaviour – you may even feel different from how you usually do. You might start to withdraw from friends, find it tricky to concentrate, have trouble falling asleep/staying asleep, feel exhausted, and/or not have much of an appetite. If you start to experience these things on a regular basis, your overall sense of self and wellbeing may start to decline.
Research tells us however that doing small things each day can add up to reduce these uncomfortable experiences*. You may like to try deep breathing – this might sound very basic because our body breathes involuntarily for us 24/7! However, breathing deeply is a specific skill that is often overlooked. Deep breathing calms our sympathetic nervous system and signals to the brain there is no physical threat, which helps us move into our parasympathetic nervous system (feelings of calm and relaxation). One relaxation skill you can practice today is the 4-7-8 technique. Not only is this deep breathing skill effective, it’s also discreet and easy to use at any time or place.
4-7-8 Breathing Technique
If feeling anxious however is something that seems to be significantly interfering with your study/work, friendships, and physical health, it may be time to check in with a professional. Psychology services are available for students at Waverley College to help with understanding anxiety and how to manage it more effectively. Feel free to reach out to the Wellbeing Team or your Head of House for further information.
*Please note, anxiety techniques can help manage anxious symptoms however in most cases, long-term improvement comes from discussing your concerns with a trained professional.
McFall, A., & Jolivette, K. (2022). Mindful breathing: A low-intensity behavior strategy for students with behavioral challenges. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth. DOI: 10.1080/1045988X.2022.2132196
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.
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