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:
The August 2023 Issue 30 Wavelength magazine is now available to collect for free in soft printed copy, from Senior and Junior School Reception.
Our alumni publication creates an important connection between Waverley College and our wider community of Old Boys, families and friends.
Read about: Rhodes Scholar Leonard King (Class of 1930), the faithful service of Mr Col Blake (Class of 1962), the Conlon marble honour boards restoration, an interview with music educator Mr Chris Blenkinsopp (Class of 1970), our two Federation Star recipients, the future of Science at Waverley, regular spotlights on co-curricular sport and culture, alumni reunions and so much more!
Click to read Wavelength Issue 30, August 2023
Ms Vanessa Witton
Marketing Communications Specialist
vwitton@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This year Book Fair Australia is hosting a short story competition to help young writers develop their craft. All students are invited to participate.
There will be both a children’s category for 12 years and under, and a teens’ category for 13 years and over, so all Waverley College students can participate in this event.
There will be prizes for the first place of each category. The closing date is 25 September, so get your entries in soon!
You can view more information about the competition by clicking the buttons below.
You can also speak to your English Teacher if you are interested.
Sending warm wishes to all fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures as we approach Father’s Day this Sunday. We also want to recognise families who have experienced the loss of fathers and grandfathers in this past year and in years before. Our thoughts are with them, especially on a day that might bring challenges.
Father’s Day prompts us to contemplate the significant role that fathers and father figures have in molding character through their affection, guidance, and dedication. They contribute immensely to their children’s social development, fostering connections, empathy, self-control, and good conduct.
I had the pleasure of attending and expressing gratitude to fathers and father figures who joined us this morning at the Senior School’s Father’s Day Breakfast. I thank Mr Stephen O’Donnell for speaking at the Junior School Father’s Day Mass and lunch. I also extend my appreciation to all fathers and father figures for the positive influence they have on their children’s overall health and wellbeing.
Mrs Avril Wheatley who worked in Mrs Brisby’s (Uniform Shop) passed away on Sunday. Avril served the College for over 30 years, 15 years in the capacity of Uniform Shop Manager and 10 years as Swim School Manager, and the rest she gifted as a volunteer. We remember her for being dedicated to the service and care of the College community. Avril had a son Wayne (Class of 1989) and grandson Liam (Class of 2015) at the College. The funeral will be on Thursday, 7 September at 11am at St Joseph’s Bulli.
This week, Year 10 Commerce and Food Tech students hosted Market Day on the senior campus, which was a great success. I congratulate the staff and student organisers who clearly put a lot of thought and effort into their stalls and businesses. Many budding entrepreneurs were in their element, honing their skills.
I also congratulate the whole College who helped create a busy and well-behaved marketplace experience. 1,200 students plus staff, all went about their business in the Centenary Quad with good humour and eyes for a market stall delight.
I am sure there was some parent/carer assistance behind some of the amazing quality food options – thank you! Thank you to Ms Angelique Theodorou for coordinating the wonderful learning opportunity for the students.
We have been very impressed with the leadership, cohesiveness and collaboration shown by this year’s Year 12 cohort thus far. As a community, we seek to support them over their last weeks before they start their HSC examinations or apprenticeship. Teamwork and continuing to have high expectations and support of each other is crucial in the final push.
Trial feedback and second ATAR estimates should be used as motivation to make any necessary adjustments. Students have been encouraged to share resources and notes on a shared Google drive during this final preparation period. HSC tutorials will continue for the remainder of the Term, including the last week of Term and during StuVac.
The College Library will be open each day of the break (8am-4pm). Please encourage your sons to only attend University Libraries for study purposes only, they can be quite social spaces and this is not the time for that.
Year 12s have been given access to Dr Pru Salter’s video on how to plan their study time during final exam preparation. Ms Knowles is the key contact for any student who is seeking an apprenticeship in their chosen field and who has not already accepted one. Her email is kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
R U OK? Is a day and a cause with an extremely close connection to Waverley College. We will be celebrating R U OK? Day next Wednesday, 6 September, even though here at the College we know that everyday is an R U OK? Day, where we can check in with our friends and families and have a meaningful conversation. The message this year is ‘I’m Here to Hear’.
Activities next Wednesday will include;
Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear, because a conversation could change a life.
*If Senior School students have any practical TAS lessons scheduled on Wednesday, the students will need to bring their school shoes with them to be able to access the workshops (e.g. Food Tech, Woodwork, Hospitality etc.).
2023 Conlon Prefects
The final House meetings with our Years 11 and 12 students will be on Thursday, 7 September from 8:45am-9:30am.
This is an opportunity for the younger students to farewell the Year 12 students with a special presentation and wish them well as they near the end of their journey at Waverley College.
This is also the last day of classes for Year 11 students as they commence their yearly exams on Friday, 8 September.
Waverley Council is kicking off our Safe Routes to School program, which aims to make walking safer and easier. We’re also looking to encourage parents/carers and children to choose walking, scooting or riding to school.
The well-understood benefits of walking to school include increased physical activity, better concentration in class, and improved wellbeing through a degree of independence. This is in addition to reducing car congestion around schools.
Waverley College has joined in our first round of the program. Achieving this requires teamwork. Council can improve footpaths, install crossings, improve lighting, and other infrastructure and safety upgrades where it’s needed most.
We would like your feedback about the most important upgrades needed so your child can safely travel to school. Please do so via the survey and map by clicking the button below – by 11 September please.
Click here to view and complete the survey
You can use any existing Waverley Council Have Your Say login or create a new one by clicking “Join” on the Have Your Say homepage and following the prompts.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Our Tournament of the Minds team presented to the regional judges on Sunday, 28 August – the challenge? To build an Ornithopter (mechanical flying bird) using a limited list of allowable materials. A challenge like this is extreme and the hardest of all challenges on offer, but our students did not shy away from engaging with a challenge!
Opportunities like this offer a different way of looking at “Education”, aligning with Rhodes Scholar, Jonah Lehrer, who encourages students to reach for the unknown and make the impossible possible: “Every brilliant experiment, like every great work of art, starts with an act of imagination.”
It is the students who are brave enough to look beyond the comfort of always knowing the answers who will learn how to question and reflect in a way that makes the impossible possible. It is a privilege to work with Jack Ballinger, Kaspar Emmanouilidis, Oliver Rahmat, Alexander Kingma, Hudson Lagan-Stark, Oisin Hughes and Liam Murray.
Now, we go into a phase of reflection with STEM specialists considering the aerodynamics of our Ornithopter and how we will modify our original design for our second version of modelling, whilst we eagerly await judges’ feedback – watch this space!
Ms Helen Barrie
Head of Academic Enrichment
hbarrie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers,
A change in the Mathematics curriculum is set to be introduced, commencing from 2024 starting with the Year 9 cohort. The primary difference from the existing Stage 5 (Year 9/10) curriculum lies in the incorporation of Core content, accompanied by the addition of optional Pathways designed to facilitate advanced learning.
This new approach aims to grant students greater flexibility and the opportunity to pursue their mathematical education with a more ambitious and motivated outlook.
The NSW education standards authority (NESA) has the following statement on the Core-Path structure of the new Mathematics course;
The Core–Paths structure is designed to encourage aspiration in students and provide the flexibility needed to enable teachers to create pathways for students working towards Stage 6.
The structure is intended to extend students as far along the continuum of learning as possible and provide solid foundations for the highest levels of student achievement. The structure allows for a diverse range of endpoints up to the end of Stage 5.
The Core outcomes provide students with the foundation for Mathematics Standard 2 in Stage 6. Students who require ongoing support in completing all Stage 5 Core outcomes may consider either Mathematics Standard 1 or the Numeracy CEC course in Stage 6. For these students, teachers are encouraged to continue to extend students towards demonstrating achievement in as many Stage 5 Core outcomes as possible. This is to enable as many students as possible to have the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in the highest level of mathematics possible.
The aim for most students is to demonstrate achievement of the Core and as many Path outcomes as possible by the end of Stage 5 and this should guide teacher planning. Allowing time for students to demonstrate understanding of the Core outcomes must be a key consideration.
Typically, the Core will cover teaching and learning experiences up to the middle of Stage 5. It is not the intention of the Core–Paths structure to lock students into predetermined pathways at the end of Stage 4. Pathways in Stage 5 must be carefully planned to ensure some students have the opportunity to engage with Advanced and Extension courses.
To ensure continuous improvement and personalised learning, students will be regularly assessed, both formally and informally. Based on their results and effort, students may be moved between streams to best cater to their individual needs.
Our dedicated Mathematics teachers are always ready to provide support and guidance to help your son reach his learning goals.
We are excited about the positive impact this new curriculum will have on our students’ mathematical journey and look forward to working together to foster a love for learning and achievement in Mathematics.
Last week leading business and community organisations gathered at Bondi Pavilion for the launch of the Waverley Council Net Zero Alliance. Members of the Alliance include the Sydney Roosters, Waverley College, St Catherine’s School and the Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce.
The Net Zero Alliance is an initiative of the Mayor of Waverley, Ms Paula Masselos, who hosted the launch. The event was emceed by innovation expert and journalist James O’Loghlin, and all members have committed to support the Council in achieving its target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. The Net Zero Alliance provides opportunities to work together and share ideas and resources.
The College has already four large solar systems installed across the senior and junior campus and we monitor what we produce and consume. Our student Ecology Committee and our Ecology convenor Ms Silvia Baylie strategise our response across our energy, water, rubbish, recycling and expansion of biodiversity.
For information about the Alliance and our sustainability initiatives, visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/secondnature
As part of their Biomedical Engineering module, Year 11 Engineering Studies students recently got to work with medical grade components and built artificial hands. These will be sent to amputee land-mine victims who would not otherwise be able to afford a prosthesis, as part of the Helping Hands Program.
This was part of the Biomedical Engineering module within the student syllabus. To read more about this, see Ms Silvia Baylie’s newsletter article here.
To see some amazing HSC Art and Design work that was on display at their recent showcase evening, please check out Ms Jenna Turnbull’s newsletter article here.
The 2023 theme, Write Your Story, emphasises the importance of self-expression and individuality. For young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, the theme represents the importance of taking ownership of their narratives and sharing their experiences in their own voices.
Wear It Purple was founded in 2010 in response to the number of teenagers and children taking their own lives after suffering bullying and harassment due to their gender or sexual identity. The movement aims to show young people that they are not alone, and helps them by offering support and affirmation that everyone has the right to be accepted for who they are.
It also aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ youth and create an inclusive environment for marginalised young people. At today’s Wear it Purple Day Assembly, students heard from guest speaker, Mr Martin Stark, founder of the World Gay Boxing Championships. Mr Stark spoke to the students about being courageous, making the impossible happen and how to embody speaking with respect and acting with integrity.
In 1923, Legacy made a promise to help veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one. It was a simple promise that Legacy keeps today; providing the same stability, guidance and assistance that a partner would normally provide to his or her family.
Today, Legacy supports 40,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country.
On Friday, 1 September, 12 members of the Cadet Unit will be selling the Legacy badges prior to school at various locations in Waverley and Bondi Junction as well as at recess on the Centenary Quad at the College. For staff, there will be badges for sale in the staff room (cash only).
The Legacy badge is a special emblem symbolising our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion and fairness. By buying a badge you will be helping this wonderful charity to continue to support families who seek help in their darkest moment.
For further information about Legacy including their great work to the community, please visit: https://www.legacy.com.au/
Congratulations to the following students who participated in recent community service programs organised by Kids Giving back: Charlie Draper (Year 5), Toby Williams (Year 6), James Draper (Year 6), Jonathan Tyler (Year 6), Samuel Powell (Year 6), Max Jennings (Year 8), Praman Gandhi (Year 8).
The boys assisted in producing over 8,500 hot meals, salads, fruit kebabs, breakfast boxes, snack packs and care packs with empathetic, positive messages, which were distributed to 15 charities around Sydney. Another opportunity exists to get assist in this space on Sunday, 10 September at the Wild Walk Fundraiser.
Register for the annual fundraiser “Wild Walk” https://wildwalk.com.au/ as a team or a school sponsor for students to participate in an adventurous walk through the Royal National Park and support an incredible initiative supporting homeless and vulnerable communities.
Walks vary from 5 kms to 26 kms and can contribute to Duke of Ed hours.
Other upcoming programs can be found here: www.kidsgivingback.org
Congratulations to Eddie Beswick, (Year 12) for his recent triumph in the Formula Race Promotions program held in North America. With aspirations of becoming a driver in the NTT INDYCAR Series, Eddie observed numerous competitors climb the ranks through FRP, propelling their careers in the United States.
To realise his dream, Eddie teamed up with Synergy Motorsport and took the wheel of the #23 F1600 vehicles at Road America and New Jersey Motorsports Park. Securing victory twice, once at each location, and achieving a total of three podium finishes, Eddie convincingly demonstrated his velocity and capabilities, solidifying his potential for a successful journey in North American motorsports. >>> Click here to read more.
The Minutes from the most recent Parents’ Association meeting of 8 August 2023 are available here.
Please join me in congratulating Jack Preller on the success of his Student Based Tutoring (SBT) initiative. Jack began this program as he entered Year 12 in Term 4 2022. He has worked diligently to provide a quality academic service that supports students at Waverley College. He and his team are to be commended on their passion and commitment to the academic care of their peers.
Click here to view the Student Based Tutoring SBT poster
To learn more about the success and impact of this program, please read the following from Jack.
After a year of operations, SBT (Student-Based-Tutoring) has now provided over 100 hours of free tutoring through senior volunteers. Over a dozen different senior students have volunteered their time to help tutor; with our top tutor, Harrison Rimell completing an outstanding 20 hours of tutoring since the commencement of SBT last year. Through these tutors’ commitment, SBT has been able to help dozens of students reach their academic potential.
The notable positive impact of SBT is captured through the statements of two students who have consistently come to receive tutoring for months: Jet Powell and Alex King.
Jet Powell – “I think it was great, for helping me understand my assignments which I struggled with and getting them started which is probably the hardest part of the task. Overall it has helped me a lot.”
Alex King – “I am a regular at SBT for about a year now and the changes that it has had to my academic journey are phenomenal. My marks have skyrocketed over the past year and I have had multiple Academic awards.”
SBT has considerably improved the results of participating students, which you too can attain by attending SBT at the library any day from Monday – Wednesday, 3:30pm – 4:30pm. So make sure you come down to the one-stop shop for academic aid so we can help you reach your full potential.
Ms Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
“There’s nothing I believe in more strongly than getting young people interested in science and engineering, for a better tomorrow, for all humankind.” – Bill Nye
This is exactly what the Year 11 Engineering Studies students did on Monday, they got interested and they made a significant difference to another person’s life.
As part of the Biomedical Engineering module within the syllabus, students got to work with some medical grade components and built artificial hands that will be sent to “an amputee land-mine victim that would not otherwise be able to afford a prosthesis.“
Below are some of the students’ thoughts from the day.
“The experiences of today were truly enlightening. Witnessing firsthand the challenges that amputees confront on a daily basis has provided a new perspective. It’s truly gratifying to realise that the artificial hands that we built hold the potential to positively impact and improve someone’s life.”
“Today I learnt the importance of helping and the significance engineering innovation like this can have on thousands of people worldwide. I also learnt the importance of being grateful for the limbs we are born with and the safe environment we live in.”
“Building hand prosthetics was very interesting and fun, especially when being told that we would be helping those who had lost their hands to landmines. It was also interesting to see the function of the prosthetic hand and how it was so simple yet so effective.”
“I reflected upon the difficulties faced in developing countries and how my small amount of effort will benefit amputees receiving my team’s developed prosthesis. These prostheses from Helping Hands were easy to build and were a good way to analyse how different components of prosthesis work in a real-world example.”
It was an absolute privilege to have been able to provide this opportunity to the students, not only did they get to learn with their minds, they also got to learn with their hearts.
Click here to view a seven-minute video about the Helping Hands Program
Ms Silvia Baylie
Science & Engineering Studies Educator / Ecology Coordinator
sbaylie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are delighted to announce that the HSC Art and Design Showcase 2023 marked a moment for Waverley College as it introduced a brand-new tradition of celebrating artistic and design excellence. This solo showcase provided a platform for our students to shine individually, and the response it received surpassed all expectations.
The showcase not only displayed the remarkable talents of our students but also established Waverley College as a hub of creativity and innovation. This inaugural event was an opportunity for us to highlight the outstanding achievements of our students in the fields of Visual Arts, Visual Design, Industrial Technology – Timber, and Design and Technology.
We extend our congratulations to the students who demonstrated exceptional dedication, vision, and skill in their respective disciplines. Your hard work has not only enriched the showcase but has also set a high standard for the years to come.
We proudly recognise and congratulate the students who have been honoured with awards for their exceptional contributions. Your achievements serve as an inspiration to your peers and a reminder of the remarkable heights that can be achieved through dedication and creativity.
Thank you to everyone who supported and attended the showcase, contributing to its resounding success. As we look ahead, we anticipate the continued growth of this tradition, nurturing future generations of artists, designers, and innovators.
*All photographs courtesy Zac Coonan.
Ms Jenna Turnbull
(Acting) Head of Visual Arts
jturnbull@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week, our Year 11 SLR students took part in a practical seminar focusing on strength training. The program covered the anatomy of the human body along with training programs for elite athletes and every day people.
Students were able to create their own training programs to assist them to reach their own fitness goals.
A massive thank you to Mr Mark Mitchell and the team at Advanz Therapies who prepared and delivered an engaging seminar.
Mr Lachlan Drew-Morris
PDHPE Teacher
ldrewmorris@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Australian Financial Security Authority is encouraging young people to learn about the importance of searching the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) prior to buying their first second-hand car privately.
A PPSR search takes a few minutes to complete, is available online 24/7 and provides you with peace of mind.
For just $2 you can easily check if the car is:
For more information or to complete a vehicle search, click the button below.
Click here to complete a vehicle search
Waverley Council is kicking off our Safe Routes to School program, which aims to make walking safer and easier. We’re also looking to encourage parents/carers and children to choose walking, scooting or riding to school.
The well-understood benefits of walking to school include increased physical activity, better concentration in class, and improved wellbeing through a degree of independence. This is in addition to reducing car congestion around schools.
Waverley College has joined in our first round of the program. Achieving this requires teamwork. Council can improve footpaths, install crossings, improve lighting, and other infrastructure and safety upgrades where it’s needed most. We would like your feedback about the most important upgrades needed so your child can safely travel to school.
Please do so via the survey and map (by 30 August 2023) by clicking the button below.
Click here to view and complete the survey
You can use any existing Waverley Council Have Your Say login or create a new one by clicking “Join” on the Have Your Say homepage and following the prompts.
Last Friday, Mr David Parnell (Head of Learning Support), Ms Stephanie Falk (Visual Arts Teacher), and Ms Samantha Jessen (Psychologist) were invited to share about the Waverley College Student Pride Group at the CSNSW Disability Network Meeting. The presentation covered the history of the Pride Group and placed emphasis on the importance and significance of this group for its students, particularly around feelings of connectedness and relatedness within the College.
The Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Safe & Inclusive Learning Communities Statements/Policies and Waverley College’s “Inclusive Community” Touchstone were also highlighted around creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
The key takeaways of the presentation, such as how to start a Pride Group, modelling appropriate communication, and educating students on unhelpful language were regarded as useful strategies for other Catholic schools.
The presentation concluded with the words of Vice Captain, Bert Cottell, “No matter our differences, we are entitled to live in our own way …. May you always be proud of who you are… We are one community. Let us always be people of faith and integrity.”
Students from the Pride Group, including allies, are invited to Woollahra Library Pride Book Club on Thursday, 7 September, 4pm – 5pm. Click the button below for details.
If students would like any further information about the Pride Group or how to join, they can contact their Head of House.
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age, sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.
Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practised behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.
Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Click here to view this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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
