Advent is a season of waiting and expectation for Christmas – the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord.
We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas. Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical season – it concludes a long period of Ordinary Time and leads us into the new church year with hope and patience in preparation for Christmas.
The Coming of Advent begins this Sunday.
On Wednesday, 27 November, we gathered to honour those who purchased a paver on the Waverley Walk and to celebrate a significant milestone in the school’s history—the official inauguration of the Waverley Walk with a Paver Unveiling Ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many families come together to support this project and to witness the strength of the Waverley College community in shaping the school’s ongoing development.
Two of our Foundation Directors, Mr Andrew Maloney and Mr Michael Jaeger, shared how their education at Waverley College profoundly influenced their futures. They also spoke about the importance of giving back to ensure future generations can benefit from the same opportunities.
We owe a special thanks to Old Boy and current parent Mr Ed Mott and his team from Starr Landscaping Group for completing this project at cost, which significantly boosted our net donations for the initiative.
While the response so far has been fantastic—77 pavers sold—there are still 43 pavers available for anyone wishing to leave their legacy behind the historic Carrington Road gates. To secure your place on the Waverley Walk, visit our dedicated website here. Proceeds from paver sales go directly to our building fund to support the construction of the Science & Innovation Centre, and all donations are tax-deductible.
That same evening, we hosted our first Foundation Appreciation Event to personally thank everyone whose support has driven the success of our fundraising efforts this year. The night was a celebration of community spirit, marked by drinks, delicious food, and live acoustic music.
With apologies on behalf of our Foundation Patron, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who was unable to attend as he is currently recovering from surgery. We wish Sir Peter a smooth and speedy recovery and thank him for his ongoing dedication to the College.
Our Foundation Chair, Dr. Brett Courtenay OAM, addressed attendees, reflecting on the profound impact Waverley College had on his life and the critical role community support plays in providing exceptional learning facilities. Brett and I also highlighted the growing importance of STEM education, noting research indicating that at least 75% of future jobs will be in these fields.
Although this year’s achievements have been remarkable, we are still far from hitting our financial target to make the Science & Innovation Centre a reality. To date, we have raised $2.1 million toward our goal of $5 million—the amount required for final approval and to alleviate the financial pressures of this ambitious project. For this reason, we are reaching out to our entire Waverley College community to ask for support in any capacity.
Whether you contributed through a financial donation, purchased a paver, participated in our regular giving campaign, left a bequest, or volunteered your time, your generosity has already made an incredible difference. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’re inspired by what the Waverley College community can achieve together in 2025.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support the Science & Innovation Centre project, please reach out to our Foundation Manager, Billy Nicolas, at bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events, held every five years since 1851, it is a global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation.
Expressions of interest are being sought for a 2025 educational tour to World Expo Japan focusing on Technology and HSIE subjects including STEM, Design & Technology, Commerce, Business Studies and Geography.
The proposed tour dates are: 25 September 2025 (Thursday night, Week 10, Term 3) to Sunday 5 October (Middle weekend of Holidays) For more information please see the article in this week’s newsletter.
Tragically, two Australian teenagers have died in Laos as a result of methanol poisoning. As many students head overseas for Schoolies celebrations, it is important for parents to educate their children on the risks, particularly in third world countries. This article explains what Methanol poisoning is, and how travellers can avoid it.
We are looking forward to celebrating our successes in 2024 as a College community at our Presentation Day events on Tuesday 3 December, 2024.
Years 5-8 Presentation Ceremony, 9am – 10:30am in the Gymnasium
Years 9-12 Presentation Ceremony, 12pm – 1:30pm in the Gymnasium
It is compulsory for all students from Years 5-12 to attend the Presentation Day Ceremony for their respective Year Group. All students are to wear their full academic summer uniform. Students should arrive 15 minutes before the event begins to have their attendance recorded and be seated.
After the Years 5-8 Presentation Day ceremony, students in Years 7-8 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 10:30am. Junior school students will be dismissed from the Senior School with parental permission, otherwise they will return to the Junior School for supervision for the remainder of the day.
After the Years 9-12 Presentation Day Ceremony, students in Years 9-12 will be dismissed from the Senior School at the conclusion of the event at 1:30pm.
The Presentation Day events will be live streamed, see links below. The links will be shared via the Waverley App on the morning of Presentation Day.
The Presentation Day will be a wonderful celebration to conclude the school year.
It has been fantastic to see the majority of students have followed the rules and expectations in regards to uniform and appearance throughout 2025. I hope the boys enjoy the summer where they will have the opportunity to express themselves through their appearance.
As the boys return to school in the new year, we will be holding them accountable to ensure they are adhering to the high expectations we set for them.
This includes appropriate hairstyles and correct school shoes. Your son will be sent home at the commencement of 2025 if he has not met the below requirements.
The Principal or Deputy Principal of the College (at their discretion) may make an exception for a student from complying with the haircut policy. Such grounds for exception may be due to the student’s health, religious beliefs, cultural grounds or gender identity.
Parents/ caregivers of the student who are seeking an exception, are required to make an application in writing to the College Principal or Deputy Principal.
Students who fail to meet the above standards, may be subject to a range of disciplinary consequences, including but not limited to being removed from class or being sent home, to return to the College once the breach has been addressed.
Standard black leather lace-up shoes are the only acceptable footwear, except during sport. No suede or branded shoes ie: vans, nike, new balance, asics etc. Shoes must be of a leather type that can be polished to a shine. Shoes with coloured stitching or other embellishments such as buckles are not acceptable. Boots of any type are not permissible.
On Wednesday, Years 7 and 9 students from both schools took the lead in educating the next generation about one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: littering and the impact to our marine life. Through a hands-on sustainability workshop, they helped Year 5 students understand the impact of litter (and plastics) on marine ecosystems and empowered them with the knowledge to make a difference.
The workshop began with a presentation on ocean waste, where the senior students shared eye-opening facts: millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. They also highlighted how everyday actions, like improperly disposing of trash, can contribute to this global issue.
To make the session both educational and fun, the seniors designed an engaging activity for the Year 5 students by getting them to glue waste commonly found in the ocean into the shape of a fish. The key message was, “rubbish should be in bins and not in fish”!
The workshop ended with a discussion about how small steps can lead to big changes. The Year 5 students made personal pledges, such as bringing their artwork home to educate their families, putting their rubbish in the right bins, and even reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.
Congratulations to our seniors for their leadership and to the Year 5 students for their enthusiasm and commitment to protecting our oceans!
On Thursday, SOTWEG members came together for a meaningful activity that combined teamwork, compassion, and global awareness. Students assembled 400 birthing kits destined for pregnant women in underserved areas who lack access to hospitals and essential medical care.
What Are Birthing Kits?
Birthing kits are simple, yet life-saving packages designed to provide sterile and basic supplies for safe childbirth. Each kit includes items like soap, gloves, a plastic sheet, sterile cords, and gauze. These kits play a crucial role in preventing infections and complications for mothers and newborns in areas where access to medical facilities is limited or nonexistent.
The Assembly Process
The activity began with a brief session on maternal health challenges faced by women in developing regions. This gave students an understanding of the impact their efforts would have. Then, they rolled up their sleeves, put on sterilised gloves and got to work in assembly lines, carefully packing each item into sealed kits to ensure cleanliness and functionality.
Teamwork in Action
The energy in the room was inspiring as students worked side by side, each contributing to the assembly of over 400 kits. “It’s amazing to think that something as small as this kit could make such a big difference,” said one student. “It’s a reminder of how privileged we are and how small actions can create a global impact.”
Global Reach, Local Impact
The assembled kits will be sent to communities in need through a partner organisation specialising in maternal health. For students, this activity was not just about packing supplies but about fostering empathy and understanding. It also tied into their learning about global health inequities and the importance of service, addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3.
Reflections on the Experience
Many students expressed pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative. “It feels good to know that our effort could help save lives,” one student shared. Others said the experience deepened their appreciation for the importance of access to healthcare.
Looking Ahead
This event is part of our College’s ongoing commitment to service and global citizenship. By engaging in activities like this, students learn the value of giving back and the power of collective action.
A huge thank you to Luca Cornelius, one of our Year 12 SOTWEG members who initiated this activity. Together, we are making the world a safer place for mothers and their babies!
“This past week has seen me delve into life as a university student and further. I have been able to attend graduate-level lectures given by leading researchers on electric machines and drives, learning fascinating content around how our technologies work.
These theories we consolidated through our experiments allowing a hands-on learning experience working with large synchronous motors to prove the hypotheses I learnt.
I was also shown a recent innovation currently in testing by the power engineers at University of Sydney and I was allowed to design and run my own experiments to prove the usefulness of this technology.
Not only have I been able to learn from the wisdom of world-class professors but I have connected with ambitious like-minded students from all over Sydney with whom I have shared this experience.
This insightful week capped off with a tour around the snowy hydro office in the city, which taught us about the workings of this amazing technology and its effectiveness in providing renewable energy to Australians.
In all, this internship has allowed me to experience what it is like to work in the field of electrical engineering and all it provides to advance our society. It has solidified my fervent interest in the field and allowed me to get industry experience, propelling my knowledge into the forefront of engineering.”
– Samuel Altree-Williams (Year 10)
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator
Ecology Coordinator
Today we hosted 55 Edmund Rice Schools from across Australia for the national launch of the updated Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition.
Over the last year, students, staff, parents, and community members across all EREA schools have had the opportunity to provide feedback and comment on the new Charter. The Touchstones remain with slightly different emphasis and language use throughout the Charter.
Congratulations to Year 12 student James Birbas for his nomination for possible inclusion in Encore for Musicology in Music 1. His Musicology Viva Voce explored how musical cultures have influenced Flamenco Music. ENCORE presents a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Music students in NSW including performance, composition and musicology.
On Thursday evening, I had the privilege of attending our Music Department’s Christmas Concert in the Chapel, joined by an audience of approximately 200 parents and community members.
It was a true celebration of the incredible talent nurtured within our Music program, which continues to go from strength to strength.
The concert featured outstanding performances from a diverse group of gifted young musicians from both Waverley College and St Clare’s College. Highlights of the evening included the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cliff Goodchild Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Brass Ensemble, Year 8 and Year 10 Rock Bands, Guitar Ensemble, and a range of impressive soloists.
The quality of the performances was remarkable, making for a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening.
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of Old Boy Otis Pavlovic (Class of 2018) and his band, Royel Otis, at last night’s 2024 ARIA Awards. The band took home an impressive four awards:
Best Group
Best Rock Album
Engineer – Best Engineered Release (Chris Collins for Pratts & Pain by Royel Otis)
Producer – Best Produced Release (Chris Collins for Pratts & Pain by Royel Otis).
In addition to these wins, Royel Otis earned nominations in four other major categories:
Album of the Year, Best Independent Release, Song of the Year, and Best Australian Live Act.
Congratulations to Otis and the band on these outstanding accomplishments. We are so proud of your success!
This morning, our Year 12 students participated in the Randwick Council Step Out Speak Out Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and encouraging everyone to take a stand against it.
This annual initiative is organised by the NSW Police Eastern Beaches Local Area Command and Randwick City Council, with valuable support from the SES and The Juniors.
We are proud of our students for their involvement in this important cause and their commitment to promoting a safer, more respectful community.
Congratulations to the following students who we celebrated in our assembly this week for their achievements in reading and writing in a range of external and internal competitions:
Xavier Wright in Year 8
Alexander Avdalis in Year 9
Rory Muldowney in Year 9
Gabriel Wright in Year 7
Samuel Altree-Williams in Year 10
Sam Loughrey in Year 5
Dylan Murphy in Year 5
Thomas Taylor in Year 6
On Thursday 21 November, we celebrated International Men’s Day with a special assembly with guest speaker Jay Stevens. Jay did a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session with Mr Jeremy Roff.
Jay Stevens is a remarkable example of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.
In 2003 as a Year 12 student, Jay’s athletic talent was already clear when he won a silver medal in the 800m at the Australian Junior Championships.
His promising future as an athlete seemed certain, however in 2018 Jay’s life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a devastating helicopter crash. Jay suffered extensive injuries that left him instantly paralysed, facing the shocking prognosis that he would never walk again.
What followed was an extraordinary journey that defied all expectations. Refusing to accept the limitations placed on him, Jay not only rebuilt his life but transformed himself into a trailblazing, ultra-endurance athlete and an inspiring public speaker.
In December 2023 – six years after his accident – Jay made history by becoming the first paraplegic to walk to Mt. Everest Base Camp, a feat that required exceptional determination and courage.
In October this year he set yet another record, completing a 50km ultramarathon — the first paraplegic in the world to do so.
Jay’s journey is one of profound courage, adaptability, and unwavering willpower. He brings these qualities to every accomplishment, inspiring others to face their own challenges with resilience and the belief that the impossible is always within reach.
At College Assembly, we also congratulated and recognised the wonderful 20 years of Coaching the College’s 1st XV of Mr Paul Cornish. We have been fortunate enough to see some truly exceptional people make a real difference in our school community and we believe Mr Cornish is someone who exemplifies this.
There’s no doubt his tireless efforts have shaped thousands of young players, and contributed significantly to building a culture of excellence within the rugby program and beyond. Mr Cornish has also shown an unwavering commitment to the importance of academic excellence as a mathematics teacher. He has set an exceptional standard by balancing a full teaching load alongside his rugby responsibilities, which is a testament to his energy, passion, and dedication to his students’ growth – both on and off the field.
However, most importantly, Mr Cornish is a gentle man. He is kind, compassionate and treats all those who cross his path with respect and dignity, even when dealing with the most challenging situations. He is a man we admire, and is a wonderful example of who our young men could aspire to be.
We are deeply grateful for the profound difference Mr Cornish has made over this period, and I’m honoured to share a short film that celebrates his remarkable influence and legacy, told by those closest to him here at the College.
Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.
Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life.
By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.
In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.
Here’s the latest edition of SchoolTV.
As we move towards Christmas, we are reminded to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
St Canice’s is a Jesuit parish in Elizabeth Bay, just behind Kings Cross, and their outreach centre works to provide weekly health, legal and employment clinics, daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and brand new clothing, along with daily meals and a coffee shop to those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
These services are entirely funded by donations from generous parishioners, local residents, businesses, schools and the Waverley College community.
They are currently seeking donations of hamper items for Christmas, including:
If you are able and willing to, these donations would be greatly appreciated. All donations can be dropped to the Senior School reception. We will be making regular deliveries to St Canice throughout Term 4.
Once again, your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.
Last Thursday, we had a fantastic launch of our Community Book Club. It was wonderful to see so many students, parents, carers, staff and community members coming together to celebrate the joy of reading.
We welcomed our special guest, Mr Paul MacDonald, President of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, who spoke to our attendees about upcoming trends in reading and what the research says about the positive benefits of reading.
Some of his key points were about the positive impact that reading has on life expectancy, with studies suggesting that reading can add two to five years to a person’s life span, the interconnectedness of good writing and reading habits, and the benefits of reading on a person’s ability to make better connections with others.
We are so grateful to Mrs Mary Ryan, Literacy Coordinator, Mr William Roberts, Head of Library, and Ms Tamara Bliznjakovic, Library Technician, for their tireless efforts in making this initiative possible.
Also, we thank our students, parents, carers and staff who came along to engage in meaningful conversations about reading and our chosen book Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Mr Paul MacDonald spoke about some of the books that are currently trending for young people and we have included some ideas below for some holiday reading:
Tickets are almost sold out for the Waverley College Long Lunch, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025. This fantastic community event will bring together parents and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and live music.
Partnering with the College means aligning your brand with a 120 year old established institution and reaching a vast audience of over 13,000 individuals through advertising exposure.
Sponsorship also forms a pivotal part of the School’s fundraising effort, aimed at supporting the construction of our new Science & Innovation Centre. This facility is set to transform the future of our students’ learning and their subsequent career opportunities. Click here to see an architectural fly-through and witness the reactions of our Junior School students.
Billy Nicolas
Foundation Officer
bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we approach the end of the year, this term is brimming with exciting opportunities for our students to grow, connect, and achieve.
With examinations, Year 10 Service Week, Year 8 Camp, a minute of loudness for World Children’s Day, Step Out Speak Up walk for Year 12 raising awareness of domestic violence, Christmas Music Concert, two rounds of summer co-curricular activities, and our final Presentation Day, there are numerous ways for students to embrace challenges and celebrate successes.
The end of the year also brings the joy of the upcoming holidays, the warmth of summer, and the anticipation of the Advent season.
Amid this excitement, it’s crucial for students to stay focused, remain connected to their school community, and manage the many distractions and demands that come their way.
Let’s encourage our students to finish strong, make the most of these enriching experiences, and step into the holiday season with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Thank you for your continued support in helping them thrive during this dynamic time.
On Monday this week, we paused at the 11th hour, on the 11 November, to remember and honour our service personnel who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations in the service of Australia.
Remembrance Day was originally called ‘Armistice Day’ to commemorate the end of WWI. At the end of WWII, the Australian government changed the name to honour personnel killed in both world wars.
These days we now include all people across all operations in the service of their country. Waverley was involved in three ceremonies across our community, with our largest contingent of students and staff at the College’s service, a number represented us at St Catherine’s School service and we were also represented at the Waverley Council service at Waverley memorial park.
Commemorating Remembrance Day is vital to honour the sacrifices of those who served in wars, preserve history, and teach students the value of peace and freedom. It fosters gratitude, empathy, and reflection, helping our students understand the human cost of conflict and the importance of resolving issues peacefully through dialogue, negotiation, empathy and compromise.
Last Sunday November 10, I represented our College Community at the 2024 Kristallnacht Commemoration – The ‘Night of Broken Glass’, held at Moriah College.
This year marks 86 years since Nazi forces destroyed over two hundred synagogues, damaged 7,000 Jewish-owned businesses, arrested 30,000 and murdered 91 Jewish people in Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland, on November 9 and 10 of 1938.
Kristallnacht serves as a prelude to the Holocaust, offering insights into how prejudice and hatred escalated into genocide.
Commemorating it helps people understand the dangers of unchecked hate and the steps by which such atrocities develop. It provides a platform to discuss contemporary issues like antisemitism, xenophobia, and human rights abuses, drawing parallels between historical events and present-day challenges.
A tribute was given to honour Holocaust Survivor, Ms Olga Horak OAM who passed recently for her decades of work keeping alive the memory and experiences of Holocaust Survivors in our community.
Many of our students have benefited from interactions with Olga over the years at the Sydney Jewish Museum where she shared her life story and message of forgiveness.
Congratulations to all our young performers who took part in last night’s Junior School Music Event! Your hard work, talent, and passion for music lit up the stage, leaving us all inspired. We are immensely proud of your confidence and enthusiasm, as well as the dedication you’ve shown in mastering your skills.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible music team for making this event possible. Your guidance and commitment are the foundation of these memorable performances. Well done to Ms Kieran Kossenberg, Mr Daniel Williams, Mr Jesse Johnston, Ms Jaz Johnston, Ms Jazz de Witte, Mr Chris Balkizas, and Mr Jonathan Bowden for your exceptional efforts in bringing this evening to life.
Come along and enjoy a Christmas Music Concert to be held in the College Chapel. Performances featuring the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cliff Goodchild Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Brass Ensemble, Year 8 Rock Band, Year 10 Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble and Soloists.
Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Waverley College Chapel
Limited seats so please RSVP here.
As our Year 7-10 students wrap up their yearly exams next week, it is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on their learning journey throughout Semester 2. We encourage students to use the feedback from their teachers in the coming weeks. This valuable feedback will help them understand which learning strategies are proving successful and which areas might need adjustment.
For our Year 12 2025 students, Term 4 is already in full swing with various assessment tasks underway. Now is an ideal time to assess their workload management, study habits, and overall approach to assessments. By proactively addressing these aspects, students can set themselves up for a successful and less stressful final year of school.
To help with this, we subscribe to Dr Prue Salter’s Study Skills handbook which you can access in this link.
The login details are:
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
When students log in to this learning platform, they are presented with a dedicated section titled “Improving Your Study Habits” on the homepage. This section features a module named “After Tests and Exams,” which provides a range of valuable activities designed to support students as they engage with exam feedback and reflect on their approach to the exam period.
Our Year 9 students are delving into a new cross-curricular unit in Geography and Science this term. The Sustainable Biomes unit focuses on developing global citizenship competencies, with a particular emphasis on understanding the critical role of the environment for human life and survival.
Students are gaining scientific knowledge about various environments and then applying this understanding in their geography classes to explore associated environmental issues. The goal is to empower students to advocate for sustainable solutions that protect our planet’s biomes.
To kick off the unit, our Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) interviewed Mr Sam McGuinness, Executive Manager for Sustainability at Waverley Council. Mr McGuinness provided valuable insights into the importance of engaging with policymakers and community leaders to drive meaningful change.
For their main assessment, students will work in teams of three to four, taking on the role of environmental officers for the Red List of Ecosystems. They will assess the health of a specific biome, identify risk factors, and develop a presentation proposing drastic action to protect it.
Our Year 10 Food Tech students are participating in a fun and engaging activity this week. The ‘I’m a Waverley student get me outta here!’ activity exposes students to a variety of foods and ingredients that relate to the units of study covered in the Stage 5 course. This interactive experience aims to reinforce their learning in a memorable way.
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s fantastic to see our students actively engaged in their learning and developing the skills and knowledge they need to become responsible global citizens.
In June 2024 the NSW Government passed legislation modelled on Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’, to permit Police, with the proper authority, to “wand” or “scan” people using a handheld metal scanner for knives without a warrant.
The legislation forms part of the NSW Government response to community concern about access to knives and the incidence of knife crime.
Under the new laws, a senior police officer (Assistant Commissioner or above) can, by written instrument, declare public transport stations, sporting venues and other public places (prescribed by regulations) to be designated areas where police officers are authorised to use handheld scanners. An area can only be declared to be a designated area if the following happened at the place in the previous 12 months:
Please find enclosed the end of term arrangements for Year 10 students.
Year 10 students’ final day of classes is Friday 15 November. Students have been reminded to return their textbooks at the conclusion of their exams. Textbooks can be returned to Book Hire between 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday or they can place them in the returns box located at the main reception.
Congratulations to all our Year 10 Students who will be undertaking their Service Week Placements during Week 7. Thank you to all parents and carers who have assisted in this process. (Please see separate email regarding Service Week with further details coming Thursday 14th November).
To ensure students gain the most from their service to the community, could you please ensure punctuality, respect and that College expectations are upheld throughout the week. Teachers will be visiting students to assist and reflect on their progress, encouraging a meaningful and successful experience. We wish students all the best during this exciting week ahead.
Please note our Year 10 Reflection Mass will now take place at Mary Immaculate Church 45A Victoria St Waverley at 9:15am for parents and students. There will be NO Mass at the College Chapel or supper as was originally proposed due to renovations.
At the conclusion of Mass students will then proceed to Centennial Park with their Heads of House to take part in their Reflection day. College Sports uniform should be worn on the day. A BBQ lunch will be provided but students should bring their own water bottle and recess. Students will be dismissed from Centennial Park at 2:30pm.
Live Stream Link – https://youtube.com/live/alTaMj03mTA?feature=share
The uniform shop is very busy with bookings and walk-ins in the January holidays.
The uniform shop has requested that parents purchase a senior tie for their son, by the end of this term if possible.
As we move towards Christmas, we are reminded to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
St Canice’s is a Jesuit parish in Elizabeth Bay, just behind Kings Cross, and their outreach centre works to provide weekly health, legal and employment clinics, daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and brand new clothing, along with daily meals and a coffee shop to those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. These services are entirely funded by donations from generous parishioners, local residents, businesses, schools and the Waverley College community.
They are currently seeking donations of hamper items for Christmas, including:
If you are able and willing to, these donations would be greatly appreciated. All donations can be dropped to the Senior School reception. We will be making regular deliveries to St Canice throughout Term 4.
Once again, your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.
Less than one week to go to the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! In fact, all family members are welcome. Time to get reading if you haven’t already finished the book.
We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premier’s English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.
Please RSVP HERE by Monday, 18 November to our Inaugural Book Club for parents/ carers, students and staff.
Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!
Our Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.
Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books.
There is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience.
Food will be provided!
Date: 20 November
Time: 6pm
Venue: Waverley College Library
Today is the last day of HSC ATAR exams for our Year 12s.
Each day for the past four weeks, they have attended both morning and afternoon examinations for their respective subjects. We wish them all the very best as they now wait for their results and take the opportunity for a well-earned break, and perhaps a Christmas holiday job before starting their courses next year.
We also wish those who have started apprenticeships all the best as they learn new practical and business skills in their respective fields.
Congratulations to Archie Godby (Year 12), who attended the NSW Constitutional Convention at Parliament House, NSW this Tuesday.
Archie represented the college exceptionally well and was also chosen as one of 30 students to represent NSW at the national convention in Canberra in 2025. This is a tremendous achievement.
Congratulations to Will Anstis (Year 10) on receiving the Senior category award for Highly Commended – for his portrait photograph “Watching Over Me”.
The works are on exhibition at the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf until Sunday, 10 November and I encourage you and your family to visit.
You can also actively participate by voting in The People’s Choice Award open until Sunday, 10 November – vote in person at the Gallery or online here.
Congratulations to our Students of the World Ecology Group and Ms Silvia Baylie (SOTWEG) who organised a wonderful ecology symposium last week. A lovely article that covered the day’s focus and learnings appeared in the Education Daily. Please click here
Thank you to the Honourable Member for Wentworth Ms Allegra Spender, the Honourable Member for Coogee Dr Majorie O’Neill, Uncle Dean Kelly, and Old Boy Costa Georgiadis for their presentations and support of the symposium.
2024 Ecology Symposium
Congratulations to Dr Barry Smith on being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Newcastle’s School of Education. In summarising Dr Smith’s work, the University wrote the following;
“Dear Dr Smith, I am delighted to advise that on 23 October 2024 you were admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures. The dedication and commitment required to complete a higher degree by research is highly significant and is a testament to your research skills and ability to generate original knowledge and understanding in your chosen discipline. The University of Newcastle values greatly the contribution you have made to its research culture and warmly congratulates you on your achievement.”
Dr Barry Smith (History) joins an esteemed group of Waverley staff with Doctorates: Dr Michael Couani (English), Dr Ed Davis (Religion), Dr Panayotis Diamadis (History), Dr Andrey Tregubov (Science), Dr Jonathan Walker (Science), Dr Vanessa Witton (Marketing & Development).
I am pleased to announce that Ms Beverley McCarthy has been awarded the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Charter Leadership Award for 2024 in Liberating Education.
This award honours her dedicated service and commitment to educating young people within our school community.
There are 55 EREA schools across Australia with nominations coming from each school across each of the four EREA touchstones.
Congratulations to Dr Panayotis Diamadis who recently presented at the History Teachers Association Annual Conference on The Anzac Legacy in the Eastern Mediterranean, and discussed Australia’s relief efforts during the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides in the Ottoman Empire.
I had the pleasure of sharing Mass in the College Chapel, College Assembly and Lunch with approximately 60 Old boys from across the years, with a special focus on the 1974 Old Boys who celebrated their 50 years since completing their studies at the College.
Thank you to Mr Richard Jarvis (Class of 1974) who was the representative of his class and addressed the audience.
Richard was one of four brothers who attended Waverley and all ended up in quite different career pathways which included a professor (Wal), a teacher (Paul), a builder (Michael) and a scientist (Richard).
Richard spoke about his father’s love of photography which captured so many wonderful Waverley memories, how he was inspired by his teachers to develop a strong interest in learning and Science, and the ever-evolving and enduring friendships that started at Waverley.
Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas, Social Justice Coordinator Cath Lipman, and myself were honoured to be invited by the Class of 1964 to join them in celebrating their 60-year reunion at Easts Bondi Junction.
It was a pleasure connecting with our esteemed alumni, hearing stories of their time at Waverley College, and witnessing the powerful bonds that remain strong even after six decades.
You may recognise some of the speakers for the day that were part of this cohort: Sir Peter Cosgrove, the Honourable Peter Collins, Mr Peter Frost (Teacher at Waverley 50+ years) and Dr Sam Lackey (Mining and Infrastructure Investment Consultant)
Ms Cath Lipman, the latest recipient of the Percy Watson Teaching Excellence Fund, was present to accept an extraordinary gift on behalf of our teaching staff.
The Class of 1964, together with a very generous anonymous donor, presented us with a donation exceeding $28,000 for the Percy Watson Teaching Excellence Fund. This fund plays a vital role in supporting our teachers as they strive for excellence, ensuring they are well-prepared to guide our young students toward a bright future.
On behalf of the Waverley College Foundation, we extend our deepest appreciation to the Class of 1964 for this impactful contribution.
Your generosity strengthens our commitment to educational excellence and empowers us to nurture future generations of Waverlians.
If you would like to join in supporting Waverley College and help make a difference in the lives of our students and staff, please visit our Giving Site to learn more and contribute. Every gift, large or small, makes a lasting impact.
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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