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’re excited to announce that Elevate Education will soon be hosting a free webinar for our parents/carers ‘How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking.’
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.
Click here to register for free
Here’s what we’ll be covering on the night:
Another busy and exciting week at the College: Feast of the Assumption, 120 Years Celebration, Matildas on the big screen, Old Boy Mentoring, College Leadership presentation, HSC Art & Design Show.
The College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Tuesday. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.
On Tuesday we also celebrated our 120 Year milestone as a College. It was wonderful to see so many of our students involved in all facets of the day. The day began with an innovative welcome by our College Captains, a Cadet Showcase, Acknowledgement of Country, Indigenous dancing and smoking ceremony, beautiful singing and Haka from our Pasifika students and a 120 Years Video montage. As one of our guests Old Boy Patrick McClure said, “they were all very inspiring, creative, interesting and contemporary. It was a showcase of Waverley College’s culture, history and values.”
This was followed by a fun activities time on inflatables, dunk tank and staff student dodgeball and netball, before a wonderful ‘Waverley’s Got Talent.’
Congratulations:
We apologise for the slowness of the food vans on the day, we will rectify for next time. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for making our celebration so special. A special thank you to Fr Bernie who celebrated a beautiful Mass and Ms Sue Walsh for coordinating the 120 day celebrations.
We welcomed a special guest, Mr Vic Alhadeff, who spoke at the presentation of the College Leaders Assembly this week. Mr Alhadeff’s career includes being Chief Sub-Editor of the anti-apartheid Cape Times in South Africa, Chair of Multicultural NSW, Chair of the Jewish Board of Deputies, and recently appointed SBS Board Member.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vic has been a champion for human rights causes and building more resilient, respectful and inclusive communities. He achieved the passage of a new law in Australia outlawing incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender and sexual preference as well as receiving the Premier’s Award for his contribution to civil society.
Vic shared his moving personal story of his grandparents and other family members being murdered by the Nazi regime in the Holocaust and also his experience of living through apartheid South Africa. He outlined how this type of evil starts with ordinary people’s words and a lack of acceptance and understanding of difference which leads to violence and a loss of humanity. Vic implored us all to stand up for anything you see or hear that you know is wrong. Bystanders have a responsibility to take action.
Vic was the perfect speaker choice to unpack servant leadership and to celebrate the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Congratulations to our College Leaders for 2024;
New captains
Aungier
Brennan
Conlon
Green
Lacey
O’Connor
Quinn
Tevlin
This week I attended the Waverley Council Net Zero launch hosted by James O’Loughlin. I sat on a panel and articulated our current work towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and increasing biodiversity. We signed as a foundation member of this alliance and we intend to work hard to achieve our goals. I will expand further in next week’s newsletter.
On behalf of EREA and the College, I would like to congratulate Ms Gabrielle Smith on her appointment to the substantive position of Deputy Principal – Students at Waverley College. Gabby has held a number of leadership positions at both Waverley and Loreto Kirribilli, and she is excited to be working with students, parents, carers and staff in this key leadership role at the College.
I would also like to congratulate Ms Laura McLarnon who has been appointed Acting Head of House – O’Connor for the remainder of Term 2 while Mr Matt Barr is on leave.
Congratulations to Louis Fearon (Year 9) who had the amazing opportunity to be the official FIFA Coin Toss assistant at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Semi Final last Wednesday.
In the interests of student wellbeing and focused learning, at the commencement of Term 4, Waverley College will join Catholic and public schools, as well as a growing number of independent and private schools, placing bans on mobile phone use during school hours.
The purpose of these expectations is to foster positive student relationships, as well as promote academic achievement in students. This is in support of our dynamic learning environment while continuing to build positive right relationships for all. The following expectations will commence Term 4, 2023.
The Junior School policy will not change, this being:
Years 7 – 12 Updated Procedures
Please find below our updated Responsible Use of Technology Policy. A hard copy of this policy will be located in the 2024 College diary.
Click here to view the Responsible Use of Technology Policy
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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.
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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