Please keep respective students and staff members in your prayers and thoughts this week who have lost mothers and fathers. I know a lot of our community have lost loved ones recently and this is one of the hardest things we have to face as humans, particularly when life is cut short.
I know many of our students, parents/carers and staff are aware of an alleged hit and run in the local area where a 28-year-old man tragically lost his life last week. Please encourage your son to reach out to one of our psychologists, his favourite teacher or mentor or you if he is struggling at this time. And, please encourage him to look after those who have gone through loss of a loved one.
The University of Newcastle operates a nationwide STEM outreach program called the ‘Science and Engineering Challenge’ which gives students the chance to experience how science and engineering can help to solve real-world problems in a fun, competitive setting.
We congratulate the following students who competed in this challenge on Tuesday. Waverley came away with the win! We’re proud to say that we are now in the running to go to the next level once all NSW heats are completed.
Congratulations to Ms Gemma Brown and Ms Emily Pace and the following Year 10 students; Adam Curran, Aidan Carpenter, Alexander Tarasov, Archie Llewellyn, Ben Darcy, Charlie Carter, Christopher Wellington, Connell Corcoran, Ethan Ooi, Guillen Dela Cueva, James Grant, Jenson Mears, Mikayl Keshavarz, Oliver Brasic, Oliver Teh Howell, Owen Smith, Riley Joel, Ryan Murphy, Sam Altree-Williams, Sonny Bowcock, William Jacques, Xavier Kopsiaftis, William Lerche, Max Star.
2024 Science and Engineering Competition
Two of our drama students both played senior roles in the Kincoppal Rose Bay (KRB) 2024 School Musical Legally Blonde, which opened last night at NIDA. Congratulations to Mackenzie Singh (Year 12) and Matthew Frost (Year 12) who both produced stellar performances along with their KRB colleagues.
Student Fox Stapleton (Year 11) is in the St Catherine’s musical which opens in early Term 2. And, we have a number of our boys, and girls from Ascham School and St Clare’s College in Week 8 of their rehearsals for our production Tartuffe (The Hypocrite), based in 1980s Sydney. This will be performed in the PAC Theatre at Waverley College from 18-20 June 2024. Details coming soon.
Congratulations to our Year 12 Hospitality students who took over Pinocchio’s Restaurant on Monday evening this week. The boys prepared a variety of dishes from scratch across entrée, main and dessert to a very high standard. Both parents, carers, grandparents and staff were highly impressed with the boys skills across both front and back of house.
Thank you to Ms Beverley McCarthy and Mr Mark Neale for coordinating this experience which provided the boys an opportunity to display best practice in an authentic workplace setting. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the staff at Pinocchios for providing this valuable learning experience for our students.
Read more in Ms Lynsey Porter’s article HERE.
This week we celebrated Harmony Day in the Junior and Senior Schools. When we look at our student enrolment, the school has students born in over 40 different countries with representation across each continent, except Antarctica. This would broaden much further if we included parents’ countries of birth.
We are proud to be a school that reinforces the message each day that ‘everyone belongs’. We see strength in diversity and this is particularly relevant as an Edmund Rice community as one of our Touchstones is ‘Inclusive Community’. In light of that theme, our prayer on international Harmony Day was recited in Spanish and Gaelic, symbolising our cultural diversity and inclusiveness of all.
Pasifika Brothers haka – Senior School
Pasifika Brothers haka – Senior School
Harmony Day celebrations – Junior School
Harmony Day celebrations – Junior School
Last Friday morning, I joined Mayor Paula Masselos along with other Net Zero Alliance members to hear from energy experts and share ideas of helping each other towards achieving NetZero 2035. Twelve new local businesses and community organisations signed the alliance last Friday and are seeking to reduce their greenhouse emissions and reduce waste.
Member for Wentworth Ms Allegra Spender MP and Member for Coogee Ms Majorie O’Neill MP were also in attendance and gave their support to increasing participation and building of partnerships between all levels of government, business and community organisations in working towards NetZero.
(Left to Right): Ms Judith Poole (Headmistress, St Catherine’s School), Mr Joe Kelly (CEO, Sydney Roosters) and Mr Graham Leddie (Principal, Waverley College)
I encourage you and your family to support Earth Hour this Saturday which has grown to become much more than switching your lights off. Millions of participants around the world will switch off their lights at 8:30 pm local time on Saturday, 23 March 2024 to demonstrate support for the environment that is in obvious crisis.
This action is symbolic and is not an action to save power. It is about bringing awareness to the issue and demonstrates your commitment to help protect the planet.
We are thrilled to announce our annual fundraising event, the Blue & Gold Ball, which is set to take place on Saturday, 24 August 2024. This event holds great significance for us, as all proceeds generated will go towards the realisation of our Science & Innovation Centre – a state-of-the-art facility that will empower our students to excel in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Please see the video below from Harries, seeking donations and sponsorship from the community.
Another way you can help and make your mark in history and celebrate your connection with Waverley College is by purchasing an engraved paver on the Walk of Waverley. The Walk of Waverley leads into the oldest part of the College Campus ‘Airmount’ from the Carrington Road gates.
We urge you to join us on this far-reaching journey as funds from the sale of each paver will benefit current and future generations of Waverlians by going towards the state-of-the-art Science & Innovation Centre.
Learn more HERE.
The College for a number of years has run a Year 12 Mother/Son Luncheon and this year we are trialling a whole school event, which the Parents’ Association are organising – the Parents’ Association Mother/Carer & Son Dinner. So far over 500 tickets have been sold and limited seats are now available. Act fast if you would like to secure a seat.
This will be held on Friday, 17 May 2024 at Randwick Racecourse, 6:30pm-10:30pm. The special guest speaker is Hugo Toovey, Founder of 25 STAY ALIVE.
For more information and to purchase your tickets please click HERE.
Harmony Week is celebrated annually during March to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds. During this week, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also acknowledged on 21 March.
Harmony Week is an opportunity to recognise Australia’s multiculturalism, which embraces people from all over the world, especially Indigenous Australians. As a nation, we are encouraged to promote respect, understanding and appreciation for all cultures.
Australia’s multicultural background has been shaped by migration since 1945, which at times has culminated into situations that have been challenging and sometimes leading to conflict due to a lack of understanding. Harmony Week reminds us to appreciate everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Families can join in the celebrations of Harmony Week, and view it as an opportunity to join in the activities that unite cultures demonstrating that everyone belongs. There is no set way to celebrate the week, but participating in international food fairs, attending street parades, wearing orange or even just having a meaningful conversation, can all help show your support.
Courtesy: SchoolTV Special Report
For further information on how you can get involved, click on the links below:
Learn more about cultural diversity on SchoolTV HERE.
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
More about School Opal cards HERE.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
New Student Opal cards (including new Term Bus Passes) will be sent to the student’s nominated postal address within two weeks of their application being approved.
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their child/youth Opal for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the Code of Conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
There have been reports that some parents/carers are parking in the No Parking / No Standing zone before the traffic lights on Birrell Street to drop their kids off in the morning. This causes congestion, is dangerous and sets a bad example to the students.
Parents/carers can use the turning circle to drop off their son or park legally in a nearby street.
We kindly request your cooperation in adhering to traffic rules and regulations to ensure the safety of our students.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week the Year 12 Hospitality students were lucky enough to take over Pinocchio’s Restaurant at Souths Juniors in Kingsford. They spent hours preparing and completing mise-en-place before catering for and serving close to 70 family members and staff. It was a perfect opportunity for the boys to showcase their Hospitality skills and knowledge in an authentic setting.
We hope you enjoy these quotes from students, customers and staff:
“The best part for me was working with my friends. We started off a bit informal, but then we realised we needed to step up and get on with it but it was still fun.”
“The students are required to complete 12 mandatory service periods as a requirement of their Hospitality course. What a fabulous way to tick that box!”
“My favourite part of the day was when we all got to sit and eat together after prepping all morning.”
“Once we got into a routine out the front, we felt more confident and enjoyed ourselves.”
“Having to cook four chicken parmis at once was hectic but a buzz.”
“These are the sorts of school experiences that the students will remember. Plus they are learning without even realising it.”
“Each course was delicious and plated professionally. The front and back of house did a fabulous job.”
“I enjoyed making food for my parents and serving them.”
“What a great night it was! Congratulations. The food was very nice, as was the ambience.”
“It’s good to observe the students in a different setting and light. Some took to their roles like ducks to water and it was great to see them shine.”
“Thanks for the great night on Monday! The boys did well!”
“Can we do it again?”
Ms Bev McCarthy
VET/TAS Teacher
bmccarthy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Our highly credentialled and respected Basketball coach Mr Johnston is enjoying his sixth year at Waverley. With 56 Basketball teams in our College, we’re fortunate to have a coach on staff with Mr Johnston’s depth of experience. This week he took time out from his schedule to share his life experiences with Nurrunga.
“Since arriving, I believe the kids have shown to be; driven, loyal, and down to earth. They’re difficult at times (like all kids), however, when under pressure they generally have the fortitude to get themself together and tough things out – which is what I love about them.
I’ve been in various roles now in the College – I started in a Learning Support role in the Senior School, then was a classroom teacher in the Junior School, and now I’m a PE teacher in the Junior School and a coach in both campuses. Inevitably, it comes back to enjoying the people that I work with and the kids that I teach and coach.”
“I am not surprised per se, basketball has been named NSW’s number one school sport this year, and is rising globally. It has much to do with the NBA’s advertising schemes and the accessibility of different leagues’ streaming platforms. The game itself is exciting, fun, entertaining and regardless of one’s talent, anyone can have fun playing it.
Unfortunately we as a state have not kept up with demand, in terms of facilities. This is the challenge for us here at Waverley – to continue to provide basketball to those students who want it, but doing so whilst giving all students adequate training environments that promote physical activity, personal development and basketball development.”
“My memories are always camaraderie based. Whether it’s a player of whom I got along with, a coaching staff that I worked really well with, or a team which put their egos aside and played for each other. Any significant memory is based on camaraderie. I’ve had really successful campaigns and some not so successful campaigns, and my memories are never based on the result, but based on what camaraderie that team and the players had.
This is a big thing that I am trying to impress upon our players here. Coaches don’t call you to ask how a player dribbles, or shoots or defends. They ask what type of person they are. Do they get along with teammates? Do they come to do extras? Do they present as a coachable player and person? I think young kids (and coaches to a certain extent) striving for bigger things forget that – and can often neglect that part of team sport.
My fondest moments now are when I walk into a stadium across the country and somebody comes up to me and says “hello.” They now may be playing professionally, just for fun or not at all, however, they aren’t talking to me because of what I taught them back when, they’re coming over because we obviously shared good camaraderie whilst our paths were interlocked.”
“I learnt that if you want to be a professional, you have to treat your body like an asset. Development is stunted when you’re injured and you’re losing time to your opponents. That means eating, hydrating, sleeping, and doing pre-habilitation workouts. Any player who spends a long time in a professional setting is doing these things.
Being good at something is also reasonably arduous. I walked into Townsville and Australian Development Camps thinking that I was going to see a bunch of revolutionary content, but really, it was just the same stuff done with a higher level of commitment, focus and intensity. Another thing that kids everywhere just don’t want to recognise!”
“I am always interested in the stories of coaches that seem to come from similar foundations as me. There are a lot of coaches who start as a teacher, before making the move into higher levels of basketball. Following along with their stories and successes helps me to maintain my persistence, should I ever want to move into another career.
In the meantime, I attempt to not remove my purpose in what I do each day here at Waverley – drive all players to be independent, good communicators and respectful and hard working people.”
“It’s changed a lot of things. I don’t know if it is anything that I can put my finger on, but I know I am dealing with things differently. Perspectively, I have different feelings and reactions to situations. I find myself adjusting my priorities and balancing my work, family and hobbies differently.
I aim to teach my daughters to be the same person I ask my students and players to be. Right now, it involves repeating the phrase, “Can I please have…” many times over the course of the day with my two year old. Presumably, the task will become more and more intricate with its own challenges as they continue to grow up.”
“I love camping. I have always loved it, but since having my family, my love has grown even more. Living in the moment, spending quality time with those you love. My eldest daughter’s growth as a person is more noticeable during a week of camping than when she is in regular day-to-day life. I get a really big kick out of that.
But I do love watching basketball. College basketball and Euro League basketball mainly. I will also support the San Antonio Spurs when they’re playing the way Coach Pop likes them playing.”
“In terms of my vision and purpose, Basketball has always been a vehicle for me to build values and build strength of character – the things that set people up for success in life. My hope is that these basketballers will be successful beyond school and go on to bigger and better things – and these things may not necessarily be basketball. There’s no short cuts, no quick solutions, it’s all about developing foundations.
My partnership with Convenor Anthony Gibbs has developed through Basketball and we hold similar values about what school and Basketball should be. He loves the game. His administrative and organisational strengths and my strengths in skill development are magic in combination, and we evolve our processes each year because we want Basketball to keep getting better for our players.”
Happy St Patrick’s Day for this Sunday to all those with Irish heritage, and to Catholics and Christians who celebrate the feast day of Saint Patrick. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The day is a significant day for Edmund Rice Schools, seeing our founder started his mission work in Waterford, Ireland.
On Friday lunch time, a game of Gaelic Football was played between the staff and students on the tennis courts and the spirit of celebrating the day was certainly on display. The staff team was stacked with Irish teachers and the student team was stacked with AFL players. Youth may have gotten up…
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.”
Irish Blessing
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Waverley Council International Women’s Day Event held at the Bondi Pavilion. The keynote speaker for the event was Diana Olsberg, a dedicated financial equality advocate and esteemed resident of Bondi. She delivered an inspiring address centred around this year’s United Nations Australia International Women’s Day theme, “Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment.”
Diana Olsberg, the recipient of the 2024 award, shared her remarkable journey and insights. Diana is a member of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research and a passionate campaigner against social isolation.
Diana’s compelling story is showcased in the Waverley Council’s interactive digital exhibition, the Bondi Story Room. Delve deeper into her narrative HERE.
Next week we’ll celebrate Harmony Day, a celebration of cultural diversity and unity marked annually on 21 March. This day is about inclusiveness and ensuring that everyone feels that they belong.
Our DJ was such a hit at our 2023 Harmony Day, that they will return this year, as we enjoy a BBQ ($3) in the Senior School Centenary Quad with refreshments ($2). Junior School students will celebrate their cultural diversity by bringing in a plate of food from home that best represents their culture, to share with their fellow classmates.
Did you know that Harmony Day originated in Australia? As one of the world’s most successful multicultural countries, it was first celebrated here in 1999 to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s now celebrated globally.
The College for a number of years has run a Year 12 Mother/Son Luncheon and this year we are trialling a whole school event, which the Parents’ Association are organising – the Parents’ Association Mother/Carer & Son Dinner.
This will be held on Friday, 17 May 2024 at Randwick Racecourse, 6:30pm-10:30pm. Tickets are on sale at 9am on Monday, 18 March through TryBooking and seats are limited so act fast!
More information is HERE.
Congratulations to our Swimming and Diving Teams who performed admirably at the 93rd CAS Swimming and Diving Championships, held last night at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC).
Congratulations to Knox Grammar who won the swimming competition and Trinity Grammar, the Diving competition. We placed 5th in swimming and 4th in diving.
Competition was tough and close in both competitions and we’re very proud of all our competitors. Thank you to every one of our energetic supporters in the stands!
Congratulations to alumnus Noah Havard (2018) on being selected for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics where he’ll be competing in the K4 500m Flat Water Sprint Kayak Event. At last year’s World Championships, Noah’s team were 0.722 behind Germany who won the event and 0.448 off the bronze medal, so they are considered medal contenders.
Whilst training at an elite level, Noah has also managed to complete a project management degree (construction major) from the University of Sydney. He aims to work in mining or construction after his sporting career.
You can read more about Noah HERE.
Congratulations to the very talented Renato Rovacchi (Year 11) on his selection as a finalist in the 2024 Lester Prize, one of Australia’s most prestigious portraiture fine art prizes. This is his self-portrait.
Good luck, Renato!
Renato Rovacchi (Year 11) self-portrait
Exciting changes are underway in the educational landscape of New South Wales, as the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) embraces a knowledge-rich approach to curriculum development.
You can read more in the article by Ms Lynsey Porter HERE.
Do you have a working laptop and charger that you no longer need?
Our friends in schools and communities in Fiji and Timor-Leste desperately need working laptops with chargers. As part of our 2024 Immersions to both these locations, we will take any donated working laptops with us.
Donations received until Friday, 12 April – the last day of Term 1 2024.
Read more in the article by Ms Sue Walsh HERE.
Vaccination Day for Year 10 students is fast approaching – Wednesday, 3 April 2024.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) has advised that we currently only have 30% of students consented for the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Meningococcal disease occurs worldwide, with the highest incidence of disease found in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa. However, it does occur in other places like Europe, the Americas, and Australia. The highest incidence of the disease occurs in two age groups; 0-4 years, and 15-25 years.
Australia implemented conjugate meningococcal C immunization in 2003 with a single scheduled dose at age 12 months and catch-up for individuals aged 2-19 years. In 10 years, after adjusting for changes in diagnostic practices, population invasive serogroup C incidence declined 96%.
Having lost two students in 2001 to Meningococcal C within six weeks of each other, I have seen first hand the devastating effects of this disease and how quickly it can take hold. Both boys sadly passed away within hours of first feeling sick and noticing symptoms.
I would encourage you to consider seriously for your son to receive this nationally-recommended vaccine which is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. You can give your consent by viewing the article from our College Registered Nurses HERE.
On Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 March 2024, Year 11 students participated in the Galmatic Car Maintenance Workshops. Our senior students have been actively participating in these very practical car maintenance workshops for the past five years.
In one-to-one and group scenarios, students learned both theory and hands-on training, improving their knowledge, skills, confidence and safety awareness in a one-hour, outdoor session in Braidwood.
Students learned how to change a tyre, how to change the oil, wiper fluid or coolant and about the important parts of the engine. These workshops are important because they empower teenagers to feel confident about fixing a car safely, quickly and easily.
It is disappointing to receive regular complaints from members of the public about our students’ behaviour on public transport. Our students are reminded at almost every College Assembly and House meeting, about expectations on public transport and about their behaviour in the community when they are in school uniform and representing Waverley College.
Please remind your son about the expectations on public transport;
The College has also received numerous complaints about students riding e-bikes in the wrong direction up one way streets, at high speeds and without helmets. This not only puts the rider at risk of serious injury if they get hit by a car or fall off, but also to members of the public who cross their path.
As with all modes of transport to and from school, students need to comply with all traffic laws and remember that they are representatives of the College while travelling in public.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
With no screening programs available and no means of prevention through lifestyle changes, blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. Every day, 53 Aussies are diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 will lose their life.
It requires teamwork to stop blood cancer from wrecking lives. That’s why we’ve decided to team up to take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave together.
We’ll be raising crucial funds that will give people facing blood cancer all the support and information they need, while driving breakthrough research projects discovering better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer.
You have the power to help us make an extraordinary difference. Big or small, every donation counts. Will you help by sponsoring us?
Top fundraisers will be eligible to have their head shaved (minimum # 2 with parent/carer permission) on 4 April 2024.
Learn more HERE.
Mr Damien Thompson
Head of Lacey House
dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Exciting changes are underway in the educational landscape of New South Wales, as the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) embraces a knowledge-rich approach to curriculum development. As part of the NSW Curriculum Reform program, NESA has shifted its focus from general skills to a knowledge-explicit approach in the development of new syllabuses.
The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) released a report last week that outlines the evidence-based considerations that underpin this knowledge-and skills-explicit approach to syllabus development.
You can access the report in this LINK.
The report not only sheds light on the benefits of a knowledge-rich curriculum but also addresses common misconceptions surrounding its implementation in schools. Particularly, the report foregrounds the importance of instilling a robust foundation of knowledge in students, preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.
Waverley College is currently addressing these changes through our collaboration with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) in our pedagogical work on Deep Learning. This partnership aims to bring effective pedagogical strategies to our classrooms, ensuring that our students not only acquire a wealth of knowledge but also develop the six global competencies of character, citizenship, creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking necessary for success in the 21st century.
From Years 5-12, we are addressing subject-specific skills through the lens of knowledge and understanding in each Key Learning Area (KLA). This holistic approach ensures that our students not only master essential subject-specific skills but also acquire a profound understanding of the foundational knowledge that underpins each discipline.
Our vision at Waverley College is to equip our students to leave the College as globally minded citizens who are active participants in society. By integrating a knowledge-rich curriculum, we are confident that our students will be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them in an increasingly complex world.
We understand the importance of striking a balance between knowledge and skills, and our teachers are working to create a learning environment that fosters both. Overall, in response to these seminal changes in the NSW curriculum, we are committed to nurturing curious minds, fostering a love for learning, and preparing our students to thrive in a knowledge-rich world.
Do you have a working laptop and charger that you no longer need?
Our friends in schools and communities in Fiji and Timor-Leste desperately need working laptops with chargers.
We will take these to the students we assist when we volunteer at our 2024 Immersions.
Children we assist in Fiji
Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Mission & Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Thursday, 7 March 2024, the Aungier House Community came together to celebrate the annual Aungier House Mass and Supper. This year, the Aungier House Prefects organised our House Mass. In deciding on the theme for our Mass, the House leaders looked to the Aungier House inspirational figure Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition to this, on the eve of International Women’s Day, the intention of the Mass was to focus on the key themes of peace, forgiveness, justice and equality in our world.
A huge thank you Father Bernie for leading our Mass. In addition, thanks to Ms Sue Walsh, Director of Mission & Identity, as well as Mr Tom Kennedy, Spirituality and Mission Coordinator, for all their assistance with organisation.
We thank our wonderful music staff, Ms Jazz de Witte and Mr Chris Balkizas, for really bringing that extra life to Mass with their music as well as the Aungier House Choir. Thank you to our outstanding Aungier Mentors for their presence and all the care and support they provide Aungier students. Special thanks to Mr Anthony Stanton for helping as an acolyte at the Mass.
Thank you to all those students who were involved in readings – particularly our Junior School Students who did so well with the Prayers of Intercession. Thank you to all those parents, caregivers and friends who brought along delicious food for us to enjoy at the supper.
Most importantly, thanks to all members of the Aungier House Community for your presence on the evening.
We look forward to seeing you at the next House event!
Mr John McCoy
Head of Aungier House
jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
At this week’s International Women’s Day assembly we were certainly all inspired by our guest speaker, Ms Jelena Dokic. Jelena shared her story of overcoming adversity, poverty, and violence to rise to the top of the tennis world.
You can read more about Jelena’s message of kindness, inclusion, support for each other and resilience in Mrs Gabby Smith’s article HERE.
The College wishes to express its gratitude to the inspiring women in our community – teachers, support staff, mothers, grandmothers and carers. Their strength, wisdom, and presence should be celebrated.
Bless all women who daily strive to bring peace to their communities, their homes and their hearts. Give them strength to continue to turn swords into ploughshares.
We pray for all women who face prejudice, inequality and gender disparities. Help us to see and to face the discrimination against women in all the many forms it may take.
Comfort all women who suffer from the pain of war, violence, and abuse. Help them to become instruments of their own reconciliation and peace.
Forgive all women and men who let differences breed hate and discrimination. Let your example of valuing all of creation help us to see that we are equal partners in the stewardship of your world.
Comfort all women who struggle in the darkness of abuse, poverty, and loneliness. May we stand with them in light to acknowledge their suffering and strive to remove the burdens of shame or embarrassment.
We pray for all women who live in fear of their husbands, fathers, and forces that control their lives. Help them to be empowered to be their true selves through your everlasting love and faith.
We pray for all women who live in the despair of poverty, violence, trafficking, slavery, and abuse. May the light of your love bring them hope.
Help us to see the strength and goodness in all people.
Transform our hearts to celebrate the love and grace of all people as we seek to inspire inclusivity in all we do.
Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for Us
Mary of the Cross – Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts – Forever
Ms Martina Cooper, Director of Curriculum, with representatives from a range of religious organisations and schools, was involved in planning a Professional Learning conference for 200 teachers of Studies of Religion on 1 March 2024. The conference is an annual interfaith dialogue initiative, organised by the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA).
The focus of this year’s conference was What people DO with what they BELIEVE. Teachers engaged in presentations on Aboriginal Spirituality and how Buddhists, Christians, Jews and Muslims live out their faith in contemporary Australia.
Buddhist puja – act of devotion to the Buddha
Martina co-presented on Buddhist practices and environmental ethics with a member of Waverley College’s casual staff, and Drama teacher, Dhammalata (Mr Jeremy Godwin). Dhammalata is an ordained Buddhist monk and together with Ms Cath Stewart, Head of Religion, facilitated a Buddhist puja (act of devotion to the Buddha).
Such opportunities to engage with faith leaders enriches the nature of Teaching and Learning in Religious Education at Waverley College.
Dhammalata – Mr Jeremy Godwin
More than 500 individuals joined us for our Open Day morning, where they were warmly welcomed by our College Leadership Team. Students guided families on tours, showcasing life at Waverley and our stunning, historic campus along with our facilities. This event provides a great opportunity for your son to immerse himself in the Waverley experience.
If you couldn’t make it this time, mark your calendars for the next Open Morning on 3 September 2024.
Applications for 2026 will close on 31 March 2024. You are welcome to place an application through our website.
Have your say on Moore Park South. Share your views on the future of Moore Park South. Feedback closes 10 April 2024. Greater Sydney Parklands invite feedback via the following:
The Waverley Art Prize is open to painting, drawing, print and mixed media artworks. Entries are open until 11:59pm on 13 May 2024.
This year’s Judges are notable artists, Julia Gutman and Joan Ross.
To enter please click HERE.
On Thursday 7 March, the College community celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) at our Years 5-12 College assembly where we were joined by former world number four tennis player, Jelena Dokic.
Booked around a year ago, Jelena’s visit to Waverley was long-anticipated. Student leaders from St Clare’s College and St Catherine’s School attended this special live-streamed assembly in our gymnasium, which College Vice-Captain Ricardo Zanapalis led with grace and confidence.
Although Jelena Dokic is a household name to most generations of Australians, our student audience did not grow up ‘knowing’ her, and so a video clip of her now legendary achievements on the tennis court came to life on our large screens, which provided context and enjoyment for us all.
Making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18 are sporting highlights which remain etched in the memories of many, however Jelena’s success was shadowed by darker elements, trauma and abuse.
With skill and sensitivity, Ricardo bonded with Jelena, creating a safe environment for her to express her vulnerability in a compelling Q&A session. She responded to our questions openly, and revealed the extreme expectations of her to win tournaments in a very high-pressure situation. A refugee at eight and 11, sometimes with not enough food, no English, bullied at school and in the tennis community, she loved Australia and exhorted our students to “keep going and never give up. This can take you far.”
But Jelena spoke less of her adversity and spoke more about the ways she chose to respond to it. She told us that she could not have survived without finding her voice, speaking up and sharing her story. That she had to reinvent herself and was proud of coming out the other end. Talking about her PTSD, trauma, depression, abuse and anxiety, she explained, “I didn’t want it to define me – it almost cost me my life. I didn’t want it to define my future.”
Jelena couldn’t play tennis after age 29 and went on to build a life where she is now also known globally as an author, commentator, broadcaster and thriver. Writing is a passion and her two best-selling books, autobiography Unbreakable (2017) and Fearless (2023), are testaments to her strength. Her autobiography took 13-15 months of hard work and was draining mentally, but cathartic, because she believes in vulnerability.
Q: How did you find the process of putting your life on paper while writing your two books?
“My two books are my legacy. The books have helped me to thrive. The day my book came out was the best day of my life.”
She believes that her autobiography garnered such a positive public response because she talked about things that people don’t want to talk about.
“Each time I speak, it helps me forward on my healing journey.”
Q: Did you encounter double standards in the way male and female athletes were treated during your tennis years?
“There has to be an equal amount of respect and opportunities whether you’re a man or a woman – we’ve come a very long way. I am a massive believer in kindness – we need to look after girls as well. Kindness saves lives … 99% of coaches are still male in tennis.”
Q: You are an example of adversity, courage and unwavering resilience. If you could leave us with one piece of advice or a thought, what would it be?
Q: Where was your favourite place to play on the circuit?
“Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena – it’s one of a kind. New York and Rome are other favourites.”
Q: Do you still play tennis non-competitively?
“Yes, it’s good to go out there and have fun. I don’t do it a lot, as 11 months of the year I am doing books, commentating and speaking.”
Jelena remains goal-oriented and when speaking of her future she is excited that there are two more books planned, including a children’s book. She said that she’d like to do more commentary around ‘speaking up’ and standing up for herself and her beliefs, being her best self, and continuing to work hard and be disciplined.
Her advice in helping to work towards equality?
Jelena farewelled our assembly, commenting that we were “the quietest 1,500 people ever!” Copies of her two signed books are now in our library for students.
Mr James Horrocks (Head of Student Wellbeing) was invited to the lectern to conclude the assembly, then Jelena headed to our IWD lunch in the Performing Arts Centre with our College Leadership Team, student leaders from Waverley College, St Clare’s, St Catherine’s, and students involved in the Q&A session.
As a community, we feel privileged to have met Jelena Dokic, a living testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Collectively, let’s strive to forge a more inclusive world for women everywhere, not only on International Women’s Day but every day.
Thank you, Jelena.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Thursday, 7 March, St Clare’s and St Catherine’s student leaders and their teachers were our honoured guests in our celebratory 2024 International Women’s Day Assembly.
Earlier in the week, Year 8 and Year 9 St Clare’s students joined with Year 9 Waverley students in dance, which you can read about in the following article by Mr Patrick Darvill, Head of PDHPE.
As part of our PDHPE program and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student participated in a short program of Ballroom Dancing under instruction from the Joan Carmody Dance Academy.
Along with students from St Clare’s College, our students participated in lessons in preparation for an evening of dance on Wednesday evening.
I would like to congratulate our Year 9 cohort on their dress, manners and spirit to participate in such a positive way.
Thank you to the staff who assisted in supervising this great program.
Mr Patrick Darvill
Head of PDHPE
pdarvill@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A State Significant Development Application is being prepared by Waverley College for the construction of a new building, and staged upgrades to existing facilities over 10 years.
We are in the early stages of planning and designing the proposed updates to the school. Community involvement will be central to the development of this project.
To find out more, please attend our Drop-in Session on Tuesday, 19 March, 4pm-7pm in the Performing Arts Centre Foyer, 131 Birrell St, Waverley, or email us at ssda@waverley.nsw.edu.au
You can visit the Waverley College Stage 1 Master Plan webpage HERE.
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Campus and Innovation
spotter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
