Two of our College Psychologists, Ms Dawn Young and Ms Samantha Jessen, attended a workshop last week run by Catholic Schools NSW and the National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG) about grief in the school setting. Unfortunately, our school community is not immune from the impact of grief, and we have continued to hear about and support those going through significant loss.
The experience of grief is one that all of us will go through at some stage in our lives. Despite this however, grief is rarely spoken about effectively, and a lot of us won’t know what to say when we learn that someone close to us has suffered a great loss. At times, this means we might avoid talking about grief, and even avoid the bereaved person altogether, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
If we ourselves are impacted by grief, our study/work, socialisation, physical and of course mental health can all be significantly impacted. This workshop has been a timely reminder to bring to your awareness the services offered here at Waverley College and in the wider community.
It is very important that each Waverley College student seeks support when they experience grief and loss; the College community is here to provide support in the best way we can. We encourage students to reach out if their family is going through a difficult time. We are here to offer support which may look like a chat with our College Psychologists or simply organising a safe space where students can take a break throughout the day.
Within our community, the NCCG offers free counselling for bereaved children aged to 3-17 years old (face-to-face or Telehealth options). Access to the service is self-referred (no GP referral needed) by calling 1300 654 556. Additionally, Psychology services are available for students at Waverley College. Feel free to reach out to the Wellbeing Team or your Head of House for further information.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
Dear fathers, grandfathers and significant men in the lives of Waverley College students
Please join us to celebrate Father’s Day where you can enjoy a light breakfast with your Senior School sons. Any Junior School siblings are most welcome to attend and can be taken to school at the conclusion of the breakfast.
Date: Friday, 1 September
Time: 8am – 8:45am
Venue: Cosgrove Basketball Court (entrance via Birrell Street)
*Please RSVP by Monday, 28 August 2023
Parenting a tween/teen and navigating these crucial years is like riding a roller coaster – full of thrills, chills and sometimes a little nausea. With life throwing countless challenges their way, there is one trait that can help them thrive – resilience.
In his article Raising Resilient Teens, Daniel Merzer delves into five practical strategies to empower parents/carers to nurture resilience, wellbeing and tenacity in their child to enable them to thrive.
Click here to view the article
To celebrate two great annual events on the Australian educational calendar – National Book Week (Week 6) and Science Week (Week 5) – the library will be combining forces to promote both with our mega book giveaway competition.
We have 11 books to give away (one per family) in total worth $279.00.
*In 25 words or less, tell us your memorable science memories or moments.
We will share the winners and responses in future Nurrunga editions! We are hoping to get lots of entries.
Email your entries to librarystaff@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Good Luck!
Beyond DNA
Benjamin Oldroyd
NEW! Out September 2023
$35.00
Made by Humans
Ellen Broad
$29.99
The Weather Obsession
Lawrie Zion
$29.99
A Hostile Beauty
Alistair Dermer and Danielle Wood
$69.99
Little Species, Big Mystery
Debbie Argue
$39.99
When Galaxies Collide
Lisa Harvey-Smith
$19.99
The Advocates
Robyn Gulliver and Jill L Ferguson
$34.99
Sunburnt Country
Joëlle Gergis
$34.99
Name that Flower: The Identification of Flowering Plants
Ian Clarke and Helen Lee
$39.99
My Forests
Janine Burke
$39.99
Backyard Insects Updated Edition
Paul Horne, Denis Crawford
The Science Department are excited to announce the Waverley Scientists of Science Week Competition!
Students from Years 5-12 are asked to record themselves undertaking an experiment at home and explaining the scientific concept behind it in a fun and engaging way.
Prizes will be awarded to a winners from both the Junior and Senior Campus.
The Science Department are looking forward to celebrating Science Week with you!
Please continue to keep our Year 12 HSC ATAR students in your thoughts and prayers as they continue next week with the second week of HSC trial examinations. The boys have turned up this week with enthusiasm, punctuality and in good spirits. We wish them all the best over the weekend with their preparations.
Congratulations to our Semester 1 Academic Award winners in Years 7, 8 and 9. Their dedication and persistence has paid off and we congratulate them on their fine achievements. These boys were recognised at this week’s academic assembly.
Click here to view the list of Year 7 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 8 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 9 Academic Award winners
Click here to view the list of Year 10 Academic Award winners
Tuesday, 8 August 2023 – 5pm-7pm – Senior Campus in the Grange Boardroom – All Welcome
All parents/carers are warmly invited to attend the Waverley College Parent Association (WCPA) meeting. The Principal and Deputy Principals will present reports on College activities and developments. WCPA meetings are normally held once per Term.
>>> Click here to view the Agenda.
Please read the interesting article by our College Psychologist, Ms Samantha Jessen in regards to managing anxiety, although at times uncomfortable, is a natural part of the human experience.
>>> Click here to view the newsletter article by Ms Samantha Jessen.
On Wednesday, 16 August we will host our annual speed mentoring evening. The evening will take place 4pm-5.30pm in the Senior Library.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions about careers, skills, and studies with Waverley College alumni.
Talk to mentors from the areas of: Technology, gaming, business, entrepreneurship, trades, film and TV production, sport and allied health, real estate, legal …to name a few!
Students must please register their attendance HERE.
Parents, students and Waverley community members are invited to attend the Waverley College annual HSC Art and Design Showcase on Friday, 18 August at 6pm. The event is a collection of Year 12 major works from the students of 2023.
>>> Click here to view the invitation.
There are some wonderful opportunities available for our students to extend their literary skills in the newsletter article authored by our Literacy Coordinator, Ms Mary Ryan.
>>> Click here to view the newsletter article by Ms Mary Ryan.
Good luck to all teams in the final round of winter co-curricular for most activities and to those going for respective premierships. Congratulations to our 1st Debating Team who won their debate against Aloysius’ College last week and congratulations to our 1st V Volleyballers who have already wrapped up the second division premiership.
Good luck to our 1st XI Football and 1st XV Rugby who are both competing for respective premierships this weekend. Lastly, well done to our Cross Country runners, Joshua Peters (Year 8), Evan Rowbotham (Year 8) 1st place, Campbell Groves (Year 12), Hugo Morgan (Year 12), Christian Miletic (Year 10) and who represented CAS and beat GPS last weekend.
Congratulations to Judah Miller (Year 11), Fred Carmody (Year 10), Milan Mann (Year 11) and Cooper Gee (Year 11). Waverley College came 2nd to Narrabeen Team A out of 16 teams, missing the top spot by two points. The boys were great ambassadors, helping staff from Surfing NSW pack up after the event. Well done to Mr Adam Wallington for organising.
Congratulations to Archie Francis (Year 5), Rory Palmer (Year 6) who finished 2nd in Alpine and 3rd in Skier X, Oscar Litchfield (Year 6), Connor Moran (Year 5), Archie Hoiles (Year 7), Jordan Mano (Year 8), Patrick Palmer (Year 8), Aidan Giusti (Year 8) and Charles Thompson (Year 12) on their great performances representing Waverley College at the Sydney Interschool Snowsport Championships. RoryPalmer, Patrick Palmer and Archie Francis have each qualified for the NSW State Championships in their respective events to be held in Perisher, 21-25 August.
The Australian Government requires certain information about non-government schools, staff and students to ensure that funding is calculated and managed correctly.
>>> Click here to view information regarding privacy and the 2023 Non-Government Schools Census.
Students are invited to wear sports uniform on Monday with a touch of green and gold in support of the Matildas. Go Matildas!
As part of CCSP’s ongoing collaboration with eSafety the Term 3 parent education webinar Online relationships and consent: Sending nudes and sexting will be held on Tuesday, 15 August 2023.
This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
Tuesday, 15 August 7:30pm – 8pm AEST
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Anxiety, although at times uncomfortable, is a natural part of the human experience. With the help of our sympathetic nervous system, the anxiety response keeps us safe from danger and springs us to action to ensure we survive unsafe situations. A lot of us however may experience the symptoms of anxiety when there seems to be no threats of danger in our physical environment. You may notice a pounding heart, nausea, upset stomach, excess sweat, racing thoughts/over thinking, and generally feeling on edge.
Consequently, and understandably, you may start to notice changes in your behaviour – you may even feel different from how you usually do. You might start to withdraw from friends, find it tricky to concentrate, have trouble falling asleep/staying asleep, feel exhausted, and/or not have much of an appetite. If you start to experience these things on a regular basis, your overall sense of self and wellbeing may start to decline.
Research tells us however that doing small things each day can add up to reduce these uncomfortable experiences*. You may like to try deep breathing – this might sound very basic because our body breathes involuntarily for us 24/7! However, breathing deeply is a specific skill that is often overlooked. Deep breathing calms our sympathetic nervous system and signals to the brain there is no physical threat, which helps us move into our parasympathetic nervous system (feelings of calm and relaxation). One relaxation skill you can practice today is the 4-7-8 technique. Not only is this deep breathing skill effective, it’s also discreet and easy to use at any time or place.
4-7-8 Breathing Technique
If feeling anxious however is something that seems to be significantly interfering with your study/work, friendships, and physical health, it may be time to check in with a professional. Psychology services are available for students at Waverley College to help with understanding anxiety and how to manage it more effectively. Feel free to reach out to the Wellbeing Team or your Head of House for further information.
*Please note, anxiety techniques can help manage anxious symptoms however in most cases, long-term improvement comes from discussing your concerns with a trained professional.
McFall, A., & Jolivette, K. (2022). Mindful breathing: A low-intensity behavior strategy for students with behavioral challenges. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth. DOI: 10.1080/1045988X.2022.2132196
There are lots of exciting events happening at the moment to engage our students and Waverley community with an interest in reading and writing.
Entries close: Friday, 11 August 2023, 5pm EST
The 2023 My First Speech competition, run by the Parliament of Australia is open for entries. Australian students enrolled in Years 10-12 are invited to enter as a school or as an individual.
Imagine yourself as a newly-elected Member of the House of Representatives. Your task is to write a 90-second speech about issues you are passionate about, then record yourself presenting the speech on video. A winner from each Year – 10, 11 and 12 – will be invited to Canberra to deliver their speeches live, and undertake a program of meetings at Parliament House.
To enter the competition, submit your video via email, along with a written transcript of your speech and completed competition forms.
Entries close: Wednesday, 16 August 2023, 5pm
The Lane Cove Literary Awards is a prestigious national writing competition organised by Lane Cove Council that recognises writing excellence and fosters Australian writing talent. Australian writers over 16 years of age are invited to submit unpublished works.
The Awards are now open and entries can be submitted for the following categories:
The following additional prizes may be awarded:
Click here for more information
Welcome to the August 2023 digital edition of Wavelength magazine, our alumni publication that creates an important connection between Waverley College and our wider community of Old Boys, families and friends.
As part of our continuing celebration of our 120th year, this edition proudly showcases feature articles about Waverley’s numerous high achievers and photos from our memorable 120 Year Party.
Read about: Rhodes Scholar Leonard King (Class of 1930), the faithful service of Mr Col Blake (Class of 1962), the Conlon marble honour boards restoration, an interview with music educator Mr Chris Blenkinsopp (Class of 1970), our two Federation Star recipients, the future of Science at Waverley, regular spotlights on co-curricular sport and culture, alumni reunions and so much more!
Click to read Wavelength Issue 30, August 2023
Should you wish to keep a hard copy of this edition of Wavelength, copies will soon be available to collect from the table in the Senior School and Junior School Reception.
When these are ready for collection, we will advise via Nurrunga and the Waverley app.
Warm regards,
Marketing Team
Congratulations to the following students who were presented with an academic award at this week’s Senior School College assembly. These students should all be congratulated for their hard work, high skills and the competition that striving for excellence brings and benefits all. I hope other students are inspired by them to strive just a little bit harder in Semester 2.
|
Student |
Name |
Subject |
|
Harry |
Bowcock |
History Elective |
|
Samuel |
Caro |
Equal First Commerce |
|
Joao |
Cornelius |
Mathematics Level 2 |
|
Yannick |
Hott |
PDHPE |
|
Axl |
Igra |
Equal First Commerce |
|
Thomas |
Jackson-Whitlock |
Equal First Commerce |
|
Luis |
Larriera |
Photography |
|
Liam |
Munro |
Equal First Industrial Technology Timber |
|
Sean |
O’Neill |
Mathematics Level 1 |
|
Hugo |
Perks |
STEM |
|
Lucas |
Simcocks |
Design & Technology |
|
Benjamin |
Van Dam |
Equal First Industrial Technology Timber |
|
Theo |
Varvaressos |
Equal First Commerce |
|
Benjamin |
Webb |
History Equal First |
|
Finlay |
Wilde |
Graphics Technology |
|
Oscar |
Wilson |
Mathematics Level 3 |
|
Hamish |
Witten |
Work Education |
|
Nicholas |
Zanapalis |
History Equal First |
|
Kayden |
Baker |
English |
|
Kayden |
Baker |
PASS |
|
Kayden |
Baker |
Applied Philosophy |
|
Max |
Sheehy |
Religious Education |
|
Max |
Sheehy |
Music |
|
Max |
Sheehy |
Food Technology |
|
Max |
Sheehy |
History Equal First |
|
Lachlan |
Marzol |
Equal First Commerce |
|
Lachlan |
Marzol |
Information Software Technology |
|
James |
Peate |
English |
|
James |
Peate |
Mathematics Accelerated |
|
Renato |
Rovacchi |
Visual Art |
|
Renato |
Rovacchi |
History Equal First |
|
Harrison |
Thorpe |
Science |
|
Harrison |
Thorpe |
Drama |
|
Student |
Name |
Subject |
|
Sebastian |
Blowers |
English Studies |
|
Louis |
Brokenshire |
Sport Life & Recreation |
|
Remy |
Demetriou |
Marine Studies |
|
Drew |
Devereux |
Construction |
|
Deuchar |
Dezarnaulds |
Equal First Physics |
|
Riley |
Evans |
Mathematics Advanced |
|
Jet |
Foltman |
Visual Art |
|
Remy |
Frampton |
Spanish Beginners |
|
Matthew |
Frost |
Equal First Hospitality |
|
Tashi |
Harrison |
Design & Technology |
|
Eamon |
Henderson |
Engineering Studies |
|
Marcus |
Henderson |
Equal First Chemistry |
|
Mitchel |
Ho |
Accelerated Maths |
|
Otto |
Hulewicz |
Equal First Modern History |
|
Jack |
Kerves |
Industrial Technology Timber |
|
William |
Kirk |
Industrial Technology Multimedia |
|
Marcus |
Marin |
Software Design and Development |
|
Lachlan |
Miranda |
Equal First Modern History |
|
Sonny |
Mori |
Investigating Science |
|
Robert |
Muir |
Equal First Legal Studies |
|
Charlie |
Murphy |
Ext 1 Maths |
|
Aston |
Owens |
Equal First Standard Maths |
|
Frankie |
Pedder |
Visual Design |
|
Nathaniel |
Smith |
Equal First Hospitality |
|
Anton |
Svensson |
Geography |
|
Henry |
Whitehouse |
Entertainment |
|
Aren |
Yaghoubian |
Standard English |
|
Ricardo |
Zanapalis |
Food Technology |
|
Bailey |
Barker |
Biology |
|
Bailey |
Barker |
Equal First Chemistry |
|
Huxley |
Butters |
Studies of Religion I |
|
Huxley |
Butters |
Equal First Physics |
|
Zac |
Coonan |
Equal First Business |
|
Zac |
Coonan |
Equal First Economics |
|
Jock |
Edwards |
Music Course I |
|
Jock |
Edwards |
Equal First Economics |
|
Oliver |
Malzard |
Equal First Legal Studies |
|
Oliver |
Malzard |
Drama |
|
Ewan |
McDonald |
Equal First Ancient History |
|
Ewan |
McDonald |
Society and Culture |
|
James |
Medland |
Studies of Religion II |
|
James |
Medland |
PDHPE |
|
Campbell |
Porteus |
Advanced English |
|
Campbell |
Porteus |
Music Course II |
|
Asher |
Thomasyu |
Extension English |
|
Asher |
Thomasyu |
Equal First Ancient History |
|
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Standard Maths |
|
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Modern History |
|
Jordan |
McCreery |
Equal First Business |
|
Name |
Surname |
Subject |
|
Christopher |
Armstrong |
Advanced Mathematics |
|
Christopher |
Armstrong |
Design & Technology |
|
Angus |
Birrell |
Music Course II |
|
Angus |
Birrell |
Equal First Music Extension |
|
Jay |
Briggs |
Extension English II |
|
Mitchell |
Cahill |
Equal First Industrial Technology |
|
Finlay |
Chandler |
Equal First Standard Mathematics Course II |
|
Jonas |
Dowling |
Equal First Standard Mathematics Course II |
|
Wylie |
Durrans |
Equal First Construction |
|
Anderson |
Franulovich |
Visual Design |
|
Thomas |
Gleeson |
Equal First Industrial Technology |
|
Charles |
Hely-Hammond |
Legal Studies |
|
Charles |
Hely-Hammond |
PDHPE |
|
Luca |
Holmes |
Biology |
|
Wilford |
Hyde |
Food Technology |
|
Lenny |
Joseph |
Standard Mathematics Course I |
|
Jamie |
Khov |
Equal First Extension Mathematics II |
|
Frederick |
Le Vay |
Standard English |
|
Frederick |
Le Vay |
Music Course I |
|
Fynn |
McAusland |
Equal First Construction |
|
Hugo |
Morgan |
Physics |
|
Penn |
O’Connor |
Investigating Science |
|
Daniel |
Palacio |
Spanish Beginners |
|
Mackenzie |
Palmer |
Visual Art |
|
Aiden |
Pascoe |
Studies of Religion I |
|
Jake |
Perks |
Equal First Extension Mathematics II |
|
Jake |
Perks |
Chemistry |
|
Jack |
Preller |
Studies of Religion II |
|
Jack |
Preller |
Business Studies |
|
Jack |
Preller |
Economics |
|
Liam |
Russell |
Equal First Music Extension |
|
Leo |
Schmid |
English Studies |
|
Leo |
Schmid |
Marine Studies |
|
Leo |
Schmid |
Sport Life & Recreation |
|
Sam |
Stewart |
Drama |
|
Benjamin |
Stirling |
Extension Mathematics I |
|
Arjun |
Sukumaran |
Equal First Geography |
|
Theodore |
Varvaressos |
Equal First Ancient History |
|
Theodore |
Varvaressos |
Modern History |
|
Vasili |
Vertsonis |
Extension English I |
|
Thomas |
Walker |
Equal First Geography |
|
James |
Wellington |
Hospitality |
|
Liam |
Wood |
Advanced English |
|
Liam |
Wood |
Equal First Ancient History |
Last Friday afternoon, the headmistress of St Catherine’s School, Ms Judith Poole and myself congratulated the new cadet leadership positions for the coming year.
The Unit celebrates 110 years of service this year, and the strength of candidature was such that we made the decision to commence a new Recruit Company (Echo Company with Platoons 13, 14 and 15) and a new Support Company Platoon with Engineers.
These developments provide additional leadership opportunities and allow the Unit to grow as it continues to flourish.
A full list of our new rank was published in last week’s Nurrunga. We congratulate our new Corporals, Sergeants, Warrant Officers and Cadet Under Officers as they lead the Cadet Unit into the 2023/2024 Cadet Year.
Students in Years 9-12 (2024) who are thinking of studying a language should read the newsletter article authored by Head of Languages, Ms Priscilla Quintana, for more information. The following languages are available to be studied: Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
There are some great strategies in the newsletter article authored by our College Psychologist, Ms Samantha Jessen. She unpacks how to engage with Term 3 effectively by utilising Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
The Director of Junior School, Ms Gaby Bransby, will be taking Long Service Leave from 31 July until 15 August 2023. Mr Steve Ghattas will be (Acting) Director of Junior School during this time.
HSC Study Guides were distributed this week to all Year 12 students sitting the HSC this year. The Study Guides include exam advice from teachers and past students along with tips on looking after students’ mental health and wellbeing, in the lead up to exams.
Click here for this year's guide
Senior Teaching & Learning staff also went through the Trial HSC protocols this week, in preparation for the Trials which begin on Monday, 31 July and conclude on Monday, 14 August 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Year 12s at this time and we wish them the best of luck with their Trials.
Please read the newsletter article authored by Ms Adele Cutbush- College Registered Nurse, for the Third Vaccination Clinic for Year 7 HPV and Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY Catch Up Dose information.
Celebrate National Tree Day with Waverley Council’s wonderful initiative. Come down to Waverley Park this Sunday to receive free native seedlings to restore garden habitats for birds and wildlife. Engage in insightful conversations with Wilderness Society volunteers and Transition Bondi, who will share their expertise in revitalising our native forests and fostering a sustainable community.
Time: Sunday, 30 July, 9am-12pm
Location: Waverley Park (near the BBQs), Bondi Road Waverley Park, Bondi Junction
Calling all budding filmmakers (Years 7-12). Don’t miss your chance to participate in the thrilling Parli-Flicks Short Film Award. Get creative and share your thoughts on this year’s theme, “Should the Voting Age be Lowered?” Explore the wonders of Australian democracy and make your voice heard.
Excitingly, the finalists will be treated to an awards night at the Parliament of NSW in Sydney in October, where the ultimate winner will be unveiled.
Entries close soon! Get your entries in by the Friday, 11 August deadline.
Waverley Council is kicking off our Safe Routes to School program, which aims to make walking safer and easier. We’re also looking to encourage parents/carers and children to choose walking, scooting or riding to school.
The well-understood benefits of walking to school include increased physical activity, better concentration in class, and improved wellbeing through a degree of independence. This is in addition to reducing car congestion around schools.
Waverley College has joined in our first round of the program. Achieving this requires teamwork. Council can improve footpaths, install crossings, improve lighting, and other infrastructure and safety upgrades where it’s needed most. We would like your feedback about the most important upgrades needed so your child can safely travel to school.
Please do so via the survey and map at https://haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au/safe-routes-school-survey by 30 August 2023.
You can use any existing Waverley Council Have Your Say login or create a new one by clicking “Join” on the Have Your Say homepage and following the prompts.
Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.
Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.
Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.
Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek help from a medical professional.
Click here for this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
