As many of you may have heard, Pope Francis has been facing health challenges in recent days.
As a faith-filled community, let us keep him in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to grant him strength, comfort, and healing. Pope Francis has been a guiding light for our Church, reminding us of the power of compassion, mercy, and service to others.
In this time of need, let us unite in prayer for his well-being. May God continue to bless Pope Francis and our entire school community.
Next week, we begin the season of Lent, a sacred time in the Church’s calendar that invites us to reflect, repent, and renew our faith in preparation for Easter.
Lent lasts for 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before beginning His public ministry. It is a time for us to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (acts of charity and kindness).
The day before Lent begins is known as Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, this was a day for confession and preparation before the fasting of Lent. It is also commonly called Pancake Tuesday, as people would use up rich ingredients like eggs and butter before the Lenten season of fasting and simplicity. The College will be selling pancakes on Tuesday before school at the Junior School and at lunch at the Senior School and all proceeds will go towards Project Compassion, Caritas.
Lent officially begins with Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of reflection. During our Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday 5 March 12pm, we will receive ashes by sprinkling them on our heads.
This is an ancient practice and the fact that the ashes are not readily visible to others reminds us that our Lenten observance should be something personal known only to God and ourselves.
It also reminds us of our need for repentance and our journey back to God. The words spoken, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, call us to reflect on our faith and how we can live it out more fully.
Parents are warmly invited to attend our 12 Noon liturgy or the Ash Wednesday Masses, led by Father Bernie for the local Parish, in our College Chapel at 7am and 6pm.
How We Can Observe Lent in Our School Community
As a Catholic school, we are encouraged to live out the three pillars of Lent:
Throughout Lent, we will have opportunities as a school community to pray together, take part in charitable initiatives, and reflect on how we can grow in faith.
We encourage you to take this time seriously, setting personal goals to make Lent a meaningful and transformative season. Lent isn’t just a time of fasting but a time of taking up things like gratitude, kindness, compassion and forgiveness as we strive to follow the examples of Jesus and Blessed Edmund Rice.
May this Lent be a time of grace and renewal for us all. Let us journey together in faith, keeping our hearts and minds focused on the hope of Easter.
Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting the EREA NSW Student Leadership Networking Day welcoming students from CBC Lewisham, Edmund Rice College Wollongong, St Dominic’s College Penrith, St Edward’s College Gosford, St Patrick’s College Strathfield & St Pius X College Chatswood.
Beginning with a meaningful Smoking Ceremony led by our Walawaani students and a welcome liturgy in the Chapel led by Ms Sue Walsh and students from all 7 NSW EREA schools.
Students then had the privilege of hearing from Waverley College alumnus, Sir Peter Cosgrove, who shared his insights on leadership.
He emphasised the importance of compassion, care, communication, and honesty, encouraging students to embody the core values of their school in all aspects of life. The questions from the floor were impressive to Sir Peter!
He certainly got the audience thinking deeply about their positive impact on others and the energy leadership requires.
This was followed by some group sessions from mental health workshops with ‘Talk to Me Bro’ (Mental Health provider) and some enlightening sessions from EREA alumni on the importance of lifelong leadership and seeking to make a difference:
Jack Brown – Former Vice Captain Edmund Rice College & ‘Talk to Me Bro’ founder
Michael Bejjani – College Captain 2022 St Patrick’s College
Andrew Mastroianni – Vice Captain 2016 Edmund Rice College
Adam Hegedus & Alexi Piovano – Waverley College 2015 & Educating the Future founders
Lachlan Grant – Waverley College Captain 2023 & Medical Student
Patrick Hoggett – Waverley College Vice-Captain 2021
Tanous Sukkar – Christian Brothers Lewisham 2021 Vice-Captain
A final workshop explored the need to “fill your own well” while supporting others. The day concluded with a powerful exchange of ideas, as each leadership team shared their one big plan for the year ahead.
As part of our PDHPE and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student took part in the Ballroom Dancing program, led by the esteemed Joan Carmody Dance Academy.
In collaboration with students from St Clare’s College, they attended lessons in preparation for a special evening of dance on Wednesday.
Congratulations to our Year 9 cohort for their outstanding presentation, manners, and enthusiastic participation.
It was truly impressive to witness 400 students listening, observing, and embracing this new challenge with such positivity. A heartfelt thank you to the staff who assisted in supervising this wonderful program from both schools, and to Mr. Patrick Darvill for his excellent coordination of the experience.
Today, students from Years 7 to 12 took part in our first-ever House Swimming Carnival & Events Day. They competed in a round-robin format, engaging in swimming, tug of war, basketball shooting, dodgeball, and kick tennis.
A big congratulations to Brennan House for taking the top spot with 588 points. It was fantastic to see everyone having a great time under the beautiful sunshine!
NAPLAN Testing 2025
Our school will participate in NAPLAN Online from March 12-24, 2025. Students in Years 5, 7, and 9 will take the national literacy and numeracy tests. Students must bring fully charged laptops and headphones.
No excessive preparation is needed, as NAPLAN is not about keyboard or handwriting skills.
Students are not expected to study, and parents can support by encouraging their child to do their best and to read each question carefully. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test format.
Whether you’re interested in our Junior or Senior School, this is your opportunity to experience life at Waverley College first-hand. We encourage all friends, family members, and prospective students to come and see the incredible opportunities available at Waverley.
Junior Campus (44 Henrietta St, Waverley NSW 2024)
Senior Campus (131 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2024)
To secure your spot, simply register via the link provided. We look forward to welcoming you!
After the success of past editions, we are delighted to bring back the Generations Breakfast, taking place in our Senior School Library on Tuesday, 25 March.
This special event celebrates the enduring legacy of Waverley College families—where past students remain an active part of our community through their children, grandchildren, nephews, and other family members. It’s always inspiring to see generations of Waverlians continue their connection with the College, shaping each other’s educational journeys and strengthening our shared history.
We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful morning of connection and tradition. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so here.
We are thrilled to host the 2025 Old Boys’ Muster in partnership with the WCOBU on Friday, 21 March, atop the stunning Centenary Building rooftop. This year, we’re making the most of daylight savings and the warm autumn evening to welcome our esteemed alumni back to Waverley.
Join us for a complimentary Brazilian barbecue, refreshing drinks, and an evening of great company as we reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the stories that have shaped Waverley College for generations.
If you still haven’t RSVP, please do so by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you!
As part of our efforts to streamline internal communications, we encourage all parents, carers, staff and students to download and use the Waverley College app.
The app provides a convenient and secure way to stay informed about college news, events and updates. You can:
By using the app, you’ll be able to stay connected and up-to-date with college life, wherever you are.
Download the app now from the App Store or Google Play Store.
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools.
Please ask your sons to see Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator) located in the Senior School Library to get started or to continue!
The new student experience site is here
Every year NSW Health works in partnership with Waverley College to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program.
In Year 7, children are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccines and in Year 10 they are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Since 2023, Waverley College has experienced a drop in vaccination coverage rates for both Year 7 and Year 10 students. There was a 5% decrease in the number of dTpa vaccinations in Year 7 and a 3% drop in HPV vaccination and Meningococcal ACWY vaccination in Year 7 and Year 10, respectively.
By getting your child vaccinated, it protects them and also protects the broader community from diphtheria and whooping cough, and particularly vulnerable people such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated, by helping to limit the spread of these diseases. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.
Your child is likely to have received vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis at their last childhood immunisation, around the age of four years. The adolescent dose of the dTpa vaccine is offered as part of the secondary school-based program, and is an additional booster dose to maintain effective immunity into early adulthood.
Vaccination Dates 2025
These are the dates that the NSW Health vaccination team will come to school and vaccinate your child, providing you have given consent.
Year 7: Monday 24 November, 2025
Year 10: Wednesday 11 June, 2025
Providing consent for your child to receive a vaccination at school
This NSW School Vaccination Program portal allows parents/guardians to provide online consent for their child to receive the routine vaccinations.
Please find the step by step guide to complete online consent for your child to receive the vaccinations onsite at Waverley College:
English – School vaccination program_online consent.pdf
Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome over 500 parents and carers to our inaugural Long Lunch. To everyone who attended, we hope you had a fantastic time. Community and connection are at the heart of Waverley, and this event was a true reflection of the joy and sense of belonging that comes from being part of such a strong and supportive network.
Thank you to our Foundation Manager Mr Billy Nicolas and the Marketing team of Ms Krista Thomas and Mr Angus McPherson, as well as our Campus team, for their incredible effort in bringing this wonderful event to life. You also raised $40K towards the Science & Innovation Centre. Thank you!
Photos from the event can be viewed here.
Reminder, Year 7-12 Parent/Student/Mentor meetings are on next Monday afternoon, 1.30-3.30pm. Senior school students finish at 1pm as they are expected where possible to join their parents for the zoom interviews.
This week, the College Student Leaders organised and presented an impressive assembly that unpacked the class of 2025 motto: “Driven by Passion; Inspired to Serve.” This motto highlights the numerous opportunities students have, both in and out of the classroom, to engage in activities they are passionate about.
The College offers a wide range of experiences to suit various student interests, including the Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG), music, Ballroom Dancing in PDHPE, a Spanish excursion to the Machu Picchu exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney, Drama and Music trips to HSC showcases, Study Skills sessions from Elevate and Dr. Prue Salter, Future Problem Solvers, and the NRMA Future of Transport Challenge to name but a few.
The College encourages students to suggest new activities if their interests are not currently covered.
Recently, two significant opportunities have been announced for students. First, a new Japanese student exchange program is being offered to Year 10 students.
Mr. Lachlan Drew-Morris will provide more information to parents and carers via the College App. Second, the Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech competition has been announced. Details for this competition can be found on the Year 11 and 12 English Canvas pages.
We are very proud of the following students who elected to spend part of their summer holidays volunteering to help provide over 6,500 meals, snack packs, care packages and wrote heartfelt messages to support 15 charities across Sydney.
If you would also like your son/s to experience meaningful opportunities to give back to disadvantaged people in our community, consider the Kids Giving Back Community Programs www.kidsgivingback.org
Joshua Fox – Year 6
Henry Grantham – Year 6
James Zimmermann – Year 7
Jack Gibson – Year 7
Max Chadwick – Year 6
Buddy Ross – Year 7
William Sorrenson – Year 7
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the induction service for Ms. Deb Magill, the 14th Headmistress of St Catherine’s School.
It was a wonderful occasion celebrating leadership, learning, and the bright future of the school. In her address, Ms Magill reflected on her rich educational journey across both Australian and British schools, sharing her deep belief in the power of education to shape lives.
Her words served as a reminder of the profound influence teachers and schools have in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Congratulations to our Year 7s who navigated their first Senior School outdoor education experience to Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Somerset is located about 90 minutes North-West of Sydney on the Colo River (known as the last pristine river in NSW). The Centre operates from a central Base Camp which services over 40km of the Colo Valley.
The boys participated in a number of activities including canoeing, rafting, abseiling, hiking, cooking, obstacle course, rock climbing and the wombat hole challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to take a break from screens and make new friends whilst challenging themselves in the outdoors.
Please support the College Health Centre by making sure your son/s medical history and emergency contacts are updated. This will help us better manage students in our care and ensure we have the correct medications and management plans available.
Please also remember, students who fall ill at school should report to the Health Centre where their illness will be assessed by the College Nurse. Junior College Students will be directed by the Junior College Office Administrator.
Students are not permitted to call their parents/guardians themselves OR to leave the College without permission. Once a student has been sent home, the College will record the students as having left the College grounds.
Registered Nurses Ms Julia Ritoli works Monday – Tuesday and Ms Adele Cutbush works Wednesday to Friday. You can reach them on 02 9369 0644 or nurse@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please be advised that when submitting a pass in Orah to advise that your son needs to leave school early, please also remind your son that they will be leaving early, and that they will need to have their belongings and be ready at reception at the appropriate time.
We cannot guarantee that the front office will always have someone available to collect the student from class if they forget.
Toolbox Education is running a ‘Thinking Traps’ Parent Workshop via Zoom on Monday 10 March. This workshop gives parents a set of tools to help young people catch their unhelpful thoughts before they spiral. See Flyer attached for more details.
This is a network wide session, with parents from other EREA schools also invited to attend.
Date: Monday 10 March, 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Workshop: Thinking Traps
Zoom Links: https://zoom.us/j/96308272460
What happens now?
The new social media law is in motion-but it won’t take effect for at least 12 months. During this time:
Please follow the link to read practical tips on how to prepare your family for the social media ban.
We are excited to announce the save the date of our major fundraiser the Blue & Gold Ball, to be held on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
Last year’s Blue & Gold Ball was a sell-out success, raising valuable funds for our building fund. This year we hope to inspire a new generation of families to contribute to the first step in our Master Plan, the Science and Innovation Centre. This inspiring appeal sees Waverley College embarking on the largest-scale construction project in its history.
Get set for a spectacular night at the 2025 Blue & Gold Ball with pre-dinner drinks and canapés under the stars followed by a formal gala dinner, drinks and dancing, live music and auction items.
We are looking for event sponsors, raffle donations and auction items, please reach out to: foundation@waverley.nsw.edu.au if you would like to get involved.
Our school community recently gathered for a beautiful 5-12 Commencement Mass, marking the beginning of a new school year. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to come together in prayer, seeking guidance and blessings for the year ahead.
The Mass exemplified the Year 12 Motto of 2025, ‘Driven by Passion, Inspired to Serve’ encouraging students to embrace their passion and serve others. Father Ramesh Richards sj also highlighted the importance of each student finding their own passion and the importance of using this to inspire others.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event so special. We look forward to a year filled with growth, faith, and success.
We held a Parent Meet and Greet evening on Tuesday night. It was wonderful to welcome both our new families and those transitioning from our junior school into Year 7. Seeing so many parents, guardians, and students come together was a great way to set the tone for the year ahead.
The event provided a great opportunity for families to meet our dedicated teachers and staff, learn more about our school values, and gain insight into the exciting journey ahead for our students. Conversations flowed effortlessly as parents connected with one another, forming new friendships and strengthening our vibrant school community.
As we commence 2025, I will be sharing with you some of our important school policies and procedures in Nurrunga to ensure greater communication and collaboration with our community. I draw your attention to the below documents.
Right To Disconnect
We are dedicated to fostering a positive school community where our staff have a work-life balance and our families are supported. The ‘Right to Disconnect’ legislation emphasises the need for ensuring balance and we have reviewed our communication policies and procedures to support this. I ask that you please take the time to read the letter provided in this link outlining this in greater detail. Internally our staff are also being more respectful of each other’s work flow and life’s pressures and have incorporated ‘scheduled send’ into their communication options for email.
Community Code of Conduct
This Code has been developed so that Parents and those with parental responsibilities are aware of and meet the College’s expectations with regard to their interaction with the School, its Teachers, other Parents and Students. Adherence to this Code is important to promote positive and productive relationships within the School community. You are obliged to observe the following in this link in accordance with the Conditions of your child’s enrolment.
Attendance Policy
Student attendance is an important element of students Wellbeing at Waverley College as well as ensuring we are meeting our legal requirements. We thank you for your patience as we launched Orah at the beginning of the year. We understand there have been some technical issues and we continue to work through these to ensure a smoother process for our families to log attendance with the College. If you have any difficulty accessing Orah, please reach out to our IT Team – iassist@waverley.nsw.edu.au. Please follow this link to read our updated Attendance Policy.
Mr Graham Leddie
Principal
Year 11 and 12 scholars are invited to submit entries for the Edmund Ignatius Rice Speech and Essay competition. Discover the competition insights here.
Waverley College provides ‘Real-Time Reporting’ for parents and carers to become observers of students’ online Learning Management System – CANVAS. This means that parents and carers are able to access results, feedback on any tasks that are submitted through the system and assessment task notifications.
Instructions on how to access the parent and carer observer function can be found here.
Furthermore, parents and carers can also monitor and track students’ results from Semesterised Reports in the Parent Portal by following the steps below:
1. Student details – Academic Analytics
2. Academic Analytics
In the two screens above, you are able to see where your student is currently sitting with the cohort and course and how they are trending within their subject after the release of Semester 1 and Semester 2 reports.
We encourage you to check CANVAS and Parent Portal Academic Analytics during reporting periods, particularly prior to Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews.
If you need any assistance please contact the following;
IT Support – iAssist@waverley.nsw.edu.au or (02) 9369 0784.
For additional support, students can access after school study groups in the Library from 3.30pm-4.30pm:
Literacy on Mondays and Tuesdays
Numeracy on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
Ms Jenna Turnbull
Innovation Coordinator and Visual Arts Teacher
At the root of the holiday season, sometimes buried beneath the well-intentioned array of lights, decorations and wrapping paper, remains the single transformational moment that we celebrate.
Jesus being born.
God entering our world.
That night in Bethlehem, in a humble manger, remains so awe-inspiring, that it’s difficult to imagine it ever being forgotten or overlooked during the holidays.
Loving God,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen
I wish you and your family all a safe, holy and merry Christmas
We bid farewell to several long-serving staff members whose dedication, passion, and commitment have profoundly shaped our community.
Ms Margaret Fitzgerald has served as a Learning Support Teacher for 10 years, providing unwavering guidance to students who needed extra care and attention in their learning journey. Her patience, empathy, and expertise have transformed countless lives, ensuring that every student she worked with felt seen, supported, and capable of achieving their best.
Ms Gaby Bransby, our Director of Junior School has worked at the College for 14 years, and has been an instrumental leader, shaping the foundation of our youngest learners. Her innovative approach to education, combined with her genuine care for each child’s development, has created a nurturing and stimulating environment that inspired both students and staff. Her influence will be felt in the smiles and successes of our Junior School students for years to come.
Mr Bill Roberts, our Head of Library for an incredible 22 years, has been a custodian of knowledge and a champion of literacy within our school. Under his stewardship, the library has been more than just a repository of books; it has been a hub of learning, curiosity, and discovery. His passion for fostering a love of reading and his ability to connect students with literature and resources have left an indelible legacy.
We wish them all the best in their next endeavors, knowing they will continue to inspire and make a difference wherever their paths lead them.
Your unwavering support underpins all that we achieve at the College with your sons. Whether it’s cheering on the sidelines, helping with homework, supporting fundraisers like the Blue & Gold Ball, running our Supporter’s Groups, or simply being there for your children, your partnership with the College is invaluable – Thank you!
Staff at Waverley were treated to a wonderful surprise luncheon yesterday. The invite read…
To our wonderful Teachers and Staff,
We’re excited to invite you to a special Gratitude Lunch as a heartfelt thank-you for all that you do!
Tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd December, between the Presentation Day assemblies, we invite you to visit the staff room and enjoy a cold fresh juice and snacks, on behalf of the Parent community and the Parent Association.
It’s a small token of gratitude, to thank you for your hard work, dedication, commitment, care and enthusiasm. You make a difference every day and we appreciate you!!!
Please help yourselves to some delicious snacks and refreshments—we look forward to celebrating you!
Kind regards
Parent Community and Parent Association
On behalf of the entire staff, thank you to the Parent Association and the following parents for organising such a beautiful spread Ms Daniella Strbac, Ms Jade Stapleton and Ms Camille Owen. The staff really appreciated the beautiful food and the very thoughtful gesture – Thank you very much!
Congratulations to:
James Birbas (Year 12) on his selection for HSC Showcase ENCORE which will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 24 February 2025.
Xavier Kopsiaftis – NSW Languages 1st in Course Modern Greek
Yesterday we celebrated the successes of Waverley College Years 5-11 students at our annual live-streamed Presentation Days in the Brother Lacey Gymnasium. On days like this, we pause to acknowledge the efforts, talents, gifts and achievements of selected students who have made remarkable gains during their 2024 learning journey. It was rewarding to see our well-deserved Junior and Senior School students receive their awards in the presence of their peers, parents, carers, teachers and support staff. Thank you to all performers and bands that presented and showcased their amazing musical and artistic talents.
Thank you also to our special guests:
Ms Allegra Spender, Member for Wentworth
Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee
Ms Keri Spooner, Deputy Mayor of Waverley
Ms Virginia Ryan, EREA NSW Board Member
Mr Patrick McClure, Advisory Council Chair
Mr Salvatore Riolo, OBU President
Mr Chris O’Sullivan (Class of 1965/66), former Secretary of the OBU Executive
Mr Chris O’Sullivan was acknowledged at the presentation recognising his 40 years of service to the College and Waverley College Old Boys Union. After a record-breaking 20 years as Secretary of the OBU Executive, Chris is stepping down this year, having made invaluable contributions across multiple roles. Chris’s journey with Waverley began as a student and continued as a parent, joining the P&F and later serving 30 years on the OBU Council, including two decades as Secretary. Over the years, he worked closely with many OBU Presidents and College Principals, helping shape the community we know today.
>> Click here to view our Junior School winners.
>> Click here to view our Year 7 winners.
>> Click here to view our Year 8 winners.
>> Click here to view our Year 9 winners.
>> Click here to view our Year 10 winners.
>> Click here to view our Year 11 winners.
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.
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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