Recently, Radio National’s ‘The Minefield’ aired a wonderful discussion on literacy entitled ‘What does it mean to be literate – and is it under threat?’
Click here to listen to the Radio National discussion
At the forefront of this discussion is the problem which resonates with everyone who works in education (and possibly every parent/carer) – a resistance to spending time reading in favour of the quick swipe, the speedy scan, the info grab. Again – let’s blame the usual culprits – TikTok, Insta, Snapchat!
Few of us – adults, teens and children – have time for books which require deep reading, focused attention, effort even. Apparently, we prefer words we just have to look at rather than words we have to read and actually process and think about. In doing so, however, we are missing out on actually improving our literacy.
To quote the program’s guest speaker, Maryanne Wolf (Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the University of California in Los Angeles), “The time and cognitive-resource-demanding requirements of the deep reading process is getting lost in the transition from a literacy-based culture to a digital age.”
As an English and Literacy teacher of teens saturated in digital media, who knows all too well the challenges students face when presented with difficult texts, I have set myself the goal of ensuring that students ‘read deeply’ as often as possible. Yes, we will practise the skills of ‘skimming, scanning, sifting’. Students are already quite adept at this.
It is the making of connections that requires real effort, but brings the greatest reward. Through deep reading, students allow themselves to be surprised and moved somehow by what they read, because they bother to make the effort to connect with what they already know about themselves, and about life in the real world (not the digital world).
In our Year 7 and Year 8 Library Reading classes, our goal is to ensure that students read for pleasure. If students can read deeply for just 20-30 minutes, they will also improve their ability to read for pleasure, while becoming truly literate.
As quoted in the radio program ‘The Minefield’, the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein said: “When I read a poem or narrative with feeling, surely something goes on in me which does not go on when I merely skim the lines for information.” We know it won’t happen immediately, but with this single, simple message and a good book in hand, that ‘something’ is sure to happen for our students at Waverley College in 2023.
All Year 7 students have been given a NAPLAN writing booklet to complete for home-learning over the next few weeks in preparation for the NAPLAN writing test in Week 7. All the resources can be located on the Year 7 English CANVAS page.
If parents/carers or students have any questions or enquiries about this work, please email Ms Mary Ryan at mryan01@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This is just one aspect of a holistic approach by all teachers to ensure that students in both Year 7 and Year 9 are well prepared for the NAPLAN tests taking place in Term 1 this year.
For nearly 20 years, the Whitlam Institute’s ‘What Matters? Writing Competition’ has been empowering students to raise their voices and feel that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or point of view.
Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, ‘What Matters?’ is the perfect platform for students to express what they care about and why.
Visit their website to learn more about the competition, get inspired by past entries, explore classroom resources, and view the amazing prizes on offer.
Click here to view information about the What Matters Writing Competition
Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of 600 words or less, and can be submitted quickly online.
Entries close Friday, 5 May 2023.
Student Based Tutoring (SBT) was started at the end of last year in an effort to provide more academic support for students who want to improve their academic ability. SBT provides competent senior students as tutors to help students to reach their full potential.
SBT is available to any students from Monday to Wednesday 3:30pm – 4:30pm in the library. SBT runs parallel to the current literacy and numeracy tutoring sessions, so students may also be able to get help from experienced teachers at the same time. Why pay for private tutoring when free quality tutoring is available for you?
The goal of SBT is to help Waverley students achieve improvements in all areas of academic life. It also allows boys to meet with senior students who can give invaluable advice to help them achieve set targets, while learning how to still schedule time for co-curricular and social activities. School is about learning but you also have to have fun along the way, and SBT can teach you how to achieve both goals simultaneously.
Whether you want to go from 50% to 60% in a subject, or from 85% to 90%, SBT is here to help you. SBT tutors can help you find your mistakes and may be able to teach you content that you are struggling with. Nobody is perfect, and these senior students have gone through hundreds of hours of study to reach their success. From this experience they can provide techniques that worked for them to achieve this success. Moreover, SBT provides an efficient way to increase your marks while also building crucial relationships with senior students.
SBT is the one-stop shop for your academic aid, so make use of it.
Click here to view the SBT flyer
Jack Preller (Year 12)
Lacey House Captain, Waverley Tennis Captain, Founder of SBT
Dear Parents and Carers
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) Immunisation Team are due to attend Waverley College on Wednesday, 1 March 2023. The targeted grade for their first visit is Year 7. The team will be providing vaccinations for dTpa and HPV.
According to SESLHD, they have only received 30% of online consent forms. Waverley College usually has numbers well over 90% for vaccinations in Year 7. Please provide online consent via this link: https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school
Please note that all of the vaccination programs at Waverley College are run through the local health district as a part of NSW Health. If you are having any issues with the online consent forms, please contact them directly on (02) 9382 8333 (ext 2). If you would prefer a hard copy consent form, please email healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au and I will organise one to go home with your son.
Catch up vaccinations will also be offered for any student who missed out on any doses in previous visits. Please also note that there has been a change in HPV dose scheduling. Please refer to this Nurrunga article from last week about HPV scheduling for further information. As a result, the number of Year 8 students due for catch-up has reduced.
Parents/carers can refer to Australian Immunisation Record (AIR) to check outstanding vaccines. Parents/carers are required to notify the College if their child has completed their course elsewhere, to avoid any potential vaccination errors. Parents can also withdraw up to 24 hours before a clinic if they have provided consent online. If the withdrawal of consent is within 24 hours of the clinic date, the parent/carer must notify the College directly.
Please note that parents/carers need to consent to both vaccines online if they would like their child to receive both vaccines. Parents/carers can edit their consent on the portal up to 24 hours before a clinic. Additionally, parents/carers must not tick previously vaccinated for HPV, if their student has not received an HPV vaccine outside of school. Parents/carers can check their child’s vaccines through MyGov and Medicare.
Parents/carers unable to provide consent online must return a paper consent form to school.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Immunisation Team on 02 9382 8333 should you have any further queries relating to your upcoming visit.
Waverley College Health Centre Team
Looking for some summer magic? There’s something for everyone at Summerama and its FREE!
When: Sunday, 26 February, 9:30am-12:30pm
Where: Bronte and Bondi Beaches
Questions?
Click here to view the Summerama 2023 poster
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
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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.
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
