Being up-to-date with the College’s response to vaping and how you can best educate and support your son is important. Over the holiday period we installed vape detectors in the Senior School bathrooms to deter students from vaping, and to ensure all students feel comfortable going to the bathroom.
Waverley College, like many other schools, has seen a recent spike in young people vaping. Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, often called ‘vapes’, are electronic devices designed to deliver vaporised liquids into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes and types of e-liquids, or e-juices, available. Vapes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks.
The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe.
Common vapes. Image: courtesy NSW Health
Tell-tale signs that your child might have started vaping include the symptoms of nicotine addiction such as feeling irritable or anxious.
The Laws Around Selling Vapes
Young people often purchase vapes online, from retail stores or from friends and contacts on social media.
There are a number of retailers who sell vapes to young people. This is a crime. If you suspect someone is selling vapes to minors, you can report it to NSW Health via its website or by calling the Tobacco Information line on 1800 357 412.
It is important for young people to understand the risks associated with vaping and make informed decisions about their health. It is also important for parents/carers to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of vaping, and to support policies that help reduce its use among young people.
I refer you to an article published in The Conversation on 23 January 2023 titled My teen’s vaping. What should I say? 3 expert tips on how to approach ‘the talk’. This article provides useful information strategies and support in regards to vaping.
Today, our Year 12 (Class of 2023) listened to an engaging address by Paul Dillon titled: ‘Last Year of School: What Do I Need to Know About Alcohol and Other Drugs?’ Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for over 30 years.
In a frank and effective delivery, Paul spoke specifically about alcohol and drugs as they pertain to the lives of young males. He explained that young males take risks for longer and exhorted our students to plan ahead.
Paul Dillon
In plain terms and using useful statistical examples, he shared information about e-cigarettes, vaping, and the realities of the composition of liquid nicotine that is ingested when using vapes. He hammered home the speed of addiction via vapes, the toxicity of nicotine and its propensity to poison.
He gave practical advice about alcohol, driving, RBT (random breath tests) – particularly in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney – and positive Blood Alcohol Content, encouraging our students to make smart choices when they get behind the wheel. He also explained that Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) is not random, but selective, and clarified mobile drug testing protocols for students who may be taking ADHD medication.
He spoke freely about LSD and other psychedelics, naturally-occurring drugs, MDMA/ecstasy, and recent ecstasy-related deaths in Australia.
Our students listened intently to Paul’s direct delivery, and were privileged to have access to his good quality information and best practice drug education.
I encourage Year 12 parents/carers to talk with your son about what he learned today.
For the past four years, Waverley College has established successful initiatives to support our LGBTQIA+ students and community. These are deliberate actions to ensure that each individual feels valued, respected, and accepted at the College.
Waverley College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, in particular for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people. This is living our values of the EREA ‘Safe and Inclusive Learning Communities Statement’ and our Inclusivity Touchstone.
We warmly invite any students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and students who are supportive allies, to join a supportive group.
Interested students are encouraged to have a conversation with their parents/carers about joining this group, then contact one of the following staff for more information:
Interested students, parents and carers should email:
Mr David Parnell dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or
Ms Stephanie Falk sfalk@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Through this event, and ongoing projects, the College aims to ensure all students feel a sense of connectedness and belonging, paramount to positive student wellbeing and self-esteem.
In keeping with College practices, conversations are affirming and empathetic; confidentiality and appropriate boundaries are respected.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Inspiration, commitment and hard work was personified on Thursday, 9 February as students, staff, parents, carers and members of the Waverley community gathered together to welcome back and celebrate our high achievers from the Class of 2022.
These assemblies set the tone for the Academic year ahead. They inspire hope and propel us to strive toward something better, greater and higher.
Waverley is a diverse learning community and in 2022, 160 students choose their own path to complete Year 12. Whether they selected an HSC+ ATAR or HSC+ Vocational pathway, each person’s journey was unique. Their chosen learning path played to their strengths. It engaged their interest and passion to help them succeed.
A common theme among our Class of 2022 was the resilience and determination shown throughout their learning journey. We commend the grit that many of them drew upon to make significant and impressive progress throughout their time at Waverley College.
Despite the fact that two of their final three years of school had extended lockdowns within them, they emerged to lead the College with a positive, no-fuss attitude. They rallied together to build a culture of pride, one of high standards and one that endures to the end. They believed they could achieve great things… and indeed they did.
We were delighted to hear two of our 2022 Graduates speak at the assembly; Charles Alexander and Jared Garwood. Both indicated that this was the first time they had addressed an assembly, and felt a little outside their comfort zone. They should be very proud of their respective speeches. They were articulate, humorous and motivational.
They shed light on their HSC experiences at the College and offered some wonderful words of encouragement and advice to our student body. Both highlighted that finding that perfect study technique is very individual. They challenged the students to experiment with different strategies until they find something that works for them. They pointed out the importance of finding the right balance and having good relationships with their peers and their teachers.
Charles encouraged the student body to find something that motivates them, relaxes them and gives them joy while on their HSC journey. He felt that “with these three things alone, you can achieve anything you wish in the world!” He urged students to take every opportunity to involve themselves in the broad range of activities on offer; speaking of how his involvement in Rugby, Cadets and Music Ensembles gave him balance and discipline with his academic studies.
Congratulations, Charles Alexander
Charles commended his peers for the way they helped one another, shared resources and encouraged each other to stay motivated and focused. We wish Charles every success as he embarks on a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS.
It was with great pleasure to award Jared Garwood with the plaque of Highest ATAR 2022 (98.5). In addition to that, Jared made the Premier’s All Rounder List and SMH Distinguished Achiever in Engineering Studies, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics and Studies of Religion II.
Jared reflected on his time at Waverley, acknowledging that each person’s HSC experience is unique. For him, the HSC was about self-growth, responding and overcoming challenges and achieving a good result. It was important for Jared to set targets and aim high. Jared had a goal of 90 plus ATAR and at least two Band 6s. He knocked that out of the park!
Congratulations, Jared Garwood, who was awarded the plaque of Highest ATAR 2022 (98.5)
He highlighted the importance of “staying connected with the people around you” and said the study technique that worked best for him was peer mentoring. To teach and learn from his peers enabled him to better understand and retain concepts. He found motivation through competition – competition with self and others. He would turn each assignment into a competition, wanting to do better each time. We wish Jared every success as he embarks on a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) at UNSW.
It is safe to say that the Class of 2022 found their success in very different ways. Whatever path our Year 12 boys chose, it is important to remember that they leave the College with much more than just a number, mark or rank. The journey that brought each student to this point has been far more valuable.
I congratulate the entire HSC Class of 2022 on their fine results and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks to the outstanding commitment of staff and the tireless support of parents and carers during their son’s learning journey.
Click here to view the Roll Call of Academic Honour for full details of our 2022 High Achievers
This week, Waverley celebrated the successes of our 2022 HSC High Achievers. We are so proud of each and every one of you, and send our best wishes for the next exciting chapter of your journey.
Ms Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
ewatson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
It is with great pleasure to congratulate Mr Sean Picone on receiving the 2022 Percy Watson Excellence in Teaching Medal.
The Percy Watson Excellence in Teaching Scholarship has been set up in honour of Dr PJR Watson. Percy was a dedicated and passionate teacher at the College between 1957 and 1969. Percy taught English and Economics at the College for 11 years, from 1958 – 1969.
The force of Percy’s passion for teaching and learning had a profound impact on his students. The classes of 1965 and 1966 were so inspired by Percy that they established a scholarship fund to enhance teaching excellence at the College in his honour.
Peter Percy Watson in the Grange
At the end of last year, Mr Picone completed his Master of Educational Leadership through UNSW. Mr Picone’s study has already had a positive impact on the Waverley College community in both the academic arena and co-curricular.
Mr Picone is a talented teacher of HSIE and RE and passionate about the importance of a whole-school approach to Literacy. During his postgraduate study he undertook a major research project in formative assessment and best practice for building student writing capacity.
He used this research to implement essay writing scaffolds that teachers in the HSIE department could use across all subjects to model essay writing. These scaffolds allow students to follow a path of independent planning as they construct their draft essays. He also drew on his research to develop literacy strategies that complement the Writer’s Toolbox program.
In addition to his teaching role, Mr Picone is actively involved in a number of Wellbeing and Co-curricular positions where he works with a range of stakeholders. The leadership component of his study – operational skills and communication skills – enabled him to develop a Cricket Strategic Plan for coaches and parents/carers. The plan is aligned with the College Strategic priority “Building collaborative partnerships”. It sets out clear goals to foster greater participation and engagement and build the capacity of all the stakeholders in the cricket program.
Congratulations on this wonderful achievement!
We are excited and proud to resume the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at the College in 2023. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth program which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements, and make a difference in their world. Doing the Award is a personal challenge, pushing participants to their limits, and recognising and celebrating achievements.
The Award is run in over 130 countries, with over 8 million young people participating worldwide. Our College currently offers this Award to students in Year 8 and above, and spans Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
Please note, that enrolments for boys currently in Year 8 are not yet open. Any Year 8 boys who are interested in the Award are cordially invited to attend lunchtime meetings for the time being.
For more information, please email Mr Alon Horry ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu
This is a message for all parents/carers from the Better Health Company about a free fitness program for teens.
Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) has supported Better Health Company to provide FREE healthy lifestyle programs to teenagers in Central and Eastern Sydney, who are either above a healthy weight, or are diagnosed with a chronic health condition.
It is a free program for teenagers to prevent chronic disease. At this stage they have 10 spaces left. The next online program starts Friday, 10 March 2023.
Together we can work to ensure more teenagers in Central and Eastern Sydney lead healthier, happier, active lives.
Please note that the book hire operating hours remain the same, except for a slight amendment to the days open, as listed below:
Webinar Session Topics
Webinar Zoom Sessions
Webinar Registration Essential - Click here
Sydney Trains advises that there will be planned lift replacement works at Bondi Junction for 9 weeks commencing from Monday, 27 February 2023 to early May 2023.
The station lift between the Concourse and Platforms 1 and 2 will be closed for a lift replacement project, with escalators being the only other alternative.
Information for customers on the impact of this project will be available through:
Alternately, please speak to the team at Bondi Junction Station, who are more than happy to answer any questions.
As we conclude the first week of a new school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the College. We have set high standards for the students as we enter 2023 and they have stepped up in an impressive manner.
I spoke at Assembly on Monday to ensure students are clear on College expectations, and I have included this information for you below.
In the Junior School, mobile phones are to be handed in to the class teacher at the beginning of the school day and collected at the conclusion.
In the Senior School, mobile phones are not permitted outside locker areas. If students have their phone outside these areas, in the first instance they will receive a one-hour detention. In the second instance, it will be a three-hour detention.
If students use their phone to film in class, it will be confiscated until an investigation has been completed. Taking photos or filming teachers/support staff is a massive breach of their privacy.
Students will need to use their student ID card when accessing the canteen. Please follow the links below to set up Flexischools:
How to Set up Your Flexischools Account
Getting started with Flexischools
We have seen an increase in students filming themselves, their peers and teachers on school grounds. If students upload images or videos onto social media – including Tik Tok – that brings the College into disrepute or involves a teacher, they will receive a two-day suspension. I have asked that students immediately delete any content from their account that would fall in this space.
All students are expected to adhere to our haircut policy. Horizontal meetings were held on Tuesday, in which students were given the opportunity to receive a haircut on site, or leave to rectify this. I thank you for your support on this day.
Shoes are to be black leather lace up, no brands including Nike, New Balance or ASIC are permissible.
All students are expected to arrive at school, assemblies, meetings and class, on time. Any students out of class during normal school periods in Years 7 – 12 will need a written note from their teacher.
Vape detectors are now in the bathrooms. It is a two-day suspension if you are found vaping or in the possession of a vape.
As we move through the year, I will bring to your attention important topics you need to know, to best support your son. All students have now been given their own laptop, therefore it is timely that you are given information on how to best protect your son online.
Parents and carers may recently have learned via the Australian media that predators are taking advantage of chat functions on gaming platforms to exploit and groom school-aged children online. eSafety, which safeguards all Australians from online harms, has delivered new research showing that over the past year, almost half of children were victims of online nastiness.
At Waverley, we are following the advice of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and encouraging parents and carers to be actively involved in their children’s activities online – particularly online gaming.
Communicate early and openly with your child and through each stage of their human development. This is essential in keeping them safe. The AFP considers the start of the school year, when children are frequently given an electronic device, a crucial time.
According to the AFP, predators might:
Some helpful resources for parents and carers include:
These free, live webinars will give parents and carers the tools to support their children to have online experiences that are safe.
Learn more and register now for Term 1 webinars
This essential child safety resource can help parents and carers, and contains content updates from: NSW Rural Fire, NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Transport NSW, State Emergency Services, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
Click here to view the digital Child Safety Handbook
Applications are open for Australians aged 16-24, to join one of five new Youth Advisory Groups to advise on Australian Government policies and programs across key issues facing young people.
Each of the five advisory groups will examine an issue of importance to young Australians. Focus topics and group membership will change each year.
In 2023 the topics are:
A dedicated First Nations Youth Advisory Group will also be set up to work with the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
The advisory groups will seek to represent young people from diverse backgrounds, and ensure all states, territories, and regional, rural, and remote Australia are represented.
The groups will work independently of the recently-established Youth Steering Committee. Their work, however, will complement each other in bringing the insights of young people to the Government.
Click here to apply through the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition website
Successful candidates will need to be available to travel to Canberra on 28-31 March 2023 for the first meeting of the Youth Advisory Groups. The Office for Youth will cover the cost of this travel.
Ms Gabby Smith
(Acting) Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
There has been a sense of enthusiasm and energy throughout Week 1, and I encourage boys to find an early rhythm to their study and revision habits. Consistent habits across the entire term is what we are seeking as teachers and parents/carers. 15 minutes of reading and mathematics revision every day, on top of homework requirements, is much more effective than a last-minute swotvac before a test, or thinking that your literacy and numeracy skills can be just switched on suddenly.
This consistent effort and practice needs to also occur across your son’s sleep patterns, diet, hydration and use of technology. And as a parent/carer, you can play an important role in assisting him to find and maintain these patterns, which will greatly influence his academic performance and also his moods and energy levels.
Author and inspirational speaker, Simon Sinek strongly supports the notion that you only win across your life ‘with consistency’. Help your son maintain/find a consistent approach to his studies, his health, his control of technology and good results will follow.
Year 11 student Maximilian Fischer has demonstrated what can happen when you follow this strategy. Maximilian has recently achieved the national golf ranking of No. 1 for under 18 years in 2023.
Maximilian just qualified for his first professional event, the TPS Sydney in February 2023 at Bonnie Doon Golf Club. He will be the youngest junior golfer to qualify for this professional event.
At the College Assembly this week, I encouraged our 1,500-strong community to play their part in welcoming our new students and staff. Across Year 5 (156), Year 7 (75), Years 8-11 (10) and new staff (19), we welcomed 256 new people to our community, who will each bring new ideas and perspectives. We have all been the ‘new person’ at some point in our lives. We encourage everyone to embrace the teachings of Christ, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12).
Our ongoing high expectations have contributed to an encouraging lift in our literacy and academic standards across the College. This year, our whole-school approach to increasing boys’ literacy continues, with an expanded ‘Writer’s Toolbox’ program to improve writing efficacy via tangible strategies. This week, we were also excited to launch our Years 7 and 8 ‘Reading Rules’ Program, which aims to engage our students in the pleasure of reading, with the longer-term aim of creating lifelong, habitual and passionate readers.
Read more in the Nurrunga article by Ms Elizabeth Watson (Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning) and the Nurrunga article by Ms Mary Ryan (Literacy Coordinator and English Teacher).
Waverley spirit was certainly alive and well when over 900 parents, Old Boys, staff and special guests came together last Friday evening, to celebrate the College’s 120 years of service, care and education. Waverley College has come a long way in 120 years, but most significantly, in 120 years, Waverley College values have never changed. The College was founded on Christian values and these were as important then as they are now.
We are proud to cater for students from diverse backgrounds and we are proud to be a school that is unique in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for its authentic Catholic education and progressive approach to educating boys. This year we will graduate the 15-thousandth Waverlian. Each current student will receive a 120 badge that has been struck to celebrate this remarkable College milestone.
I would like to congratulate our Marketing & Development Manager, Ms Emma Laurence, and Mr Angus McPherson, who coordinated a wonderful evening to acknowledge this milestone. They were supported by Matt Laurence ( Emma’s husband), Sam Iremonger (Old Boy 2018 Duntroon Cadet), Simon Potter, Jon Phillips, Bishoy Wasef, Gerald Winch and the maintenance crew, Kylie Anderson, Tessa Holt, Darran Rawson, Vanessa Witton in their various roles.
We have already had a wonderful start to 2023. Ms Helen Barrie (Head of Academic Enrichment) and I, were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to present to staff on the application of metacognition skills and self-regulation strategies, to strengthen inferential reading skills. It was magnificent to collaborate with staff from both the Junior and Senior school, in order to target areas where students can be best supported to ensure reading achievement.
This week, Mr Roberts and I launched our reading program in Year 7 and Year 8. We are very excited to be welcoming all classes to the library once a cycle, to experience the luxury of reading a great book of their choice in this beautiful space.
We aim to engage students in the pleasure of reading, with the hope of creating lifelong habitual readers, who are passionate about reading. Everyone knows the positive knock-on effects; improved brain power, memory and creativity, building vocabulary, and developing empathy. Plus – reading makes us happier and live longer, according to the study ‘A Chapter a Day: Association of Book Reading with Longevity’ undertaken by Harvard University in 2021.
We encourage our parents/carers to take time to chat with their sons about the book they are reading (without passing judgment), while encouraging even 10 minutes of reading at home as part of a healthy reading diet.
NAPLAN is moving from May to March in 2023. Year 7 and Year 9 will be given lots of opportunities to prepare and work on improving their numeracy and literacy skills. Over the coming days, both Year groups will receive workbooks to complete independent learning at home.
The expectation is that students will come to class with the set work completed in a timely fashion.
Equally, through the integrated use of Writer’s Toolbox and other programs across faculties, students will continue to improve syntax, spelling, punctuation, fluency and precision.
Dear Parents and Carers
Please see important information on the dates for the 2023 School Vaccination Program for Year 7 and Year 10 students.
| Year 7 – HPV Dose 1 + dTpa | Year 10 – MenACWY | Year 7 – HPV Dose 2 |
| Wednesday, 1 March 2023 | Monday, 5 June 2023 | Tuesday, 19 September 2023 |
The following vaccines are offered free to students at school:
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.
To provide online consent for vaccination, parents/carers will need:
Please get in contact with the Health Centre nurse if you have any questions about the vaccinations or clinic.
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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