On Thursday 21 November, we celebrated International Men’s Day with a special assembly with guest speaker Jay Stevens. Jay did a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session with Mr Jeremy Roff.
Jay Stevens is a remarkable example of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.
In 2003 as a Year 12 student, Jay’s athletic talent was already clear when he won a silver medal in the 800m at the Australian Junior Championships.
His promising future as an athlete seemed certain, however in 2018 Jay’s life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a devastating helicopter crash. Jay suffered extensive injuries that left him instantly paralysed, facing the shocking prognosis that he would never walk again.
What followed was an extraordinary journey that defied all expectations. Refusing to accept the limitations placed on him, Jay not only rebuilt his life but transformed himself into a trailblazing, ultra-endurance athlete and an inspiring public speaker.
In December 2023 – six years after his accident – Jay made history by becoming the first paraplegic to walk to Mt. Everest Base Camp, a feat that required exceptional determination and courage.
In October this year he set yet another record, completing a 50km ultramarathon — the first paraplegic in the world to do so.
Jay’s journey is one of profound courage, adaptability, and unwavering willpower. He brings these qualities to every accomplishment, inspiring others to face their own challenges with resilience and the belief that the impossible is always within reach.
At College Assembly, we also congratulated and recognised the wonderful 20 years of Coaching the College’s 1st XV of Mr Paul Cornish. We have been fortunate enough to see some truly exceptional people make a real difference in our school community and we believe Mr Cornish is someone who exemplifies this.
There’s no doubt his tireless efforts have shaped thousands of young players, and contributed significantly to building a culture of excellence within the rugby program and beyond. Mr Cornish has also shown an unwavering commitment to the importance of academic excellence as a mathematics teacher. He has set an exceptional standard by balancing a full teaching load alongside his rugby responsibilities, which is a testament to his energy, passion, and dedication to his students’ growth – both on and off the field.
However, most importantly, Mr Cornish is a gentle man. He is kind, compassionate and treats all those who cross his path with respect and dignity, even when dealing with the most challenging situations. He is a man we admire, and is a wonderful example of who our young men could aspire to be.
We are deeply grateful for the profound difference Mr Cornish has made over this period, and I’m honoured to share a short film that celebrates his remarkable influence and legacy, told by those closest to him here at the College.
Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.
Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life.
By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.
In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.
Here’s the latest edition of SchoolTV.
As we move towards Christmas, we are reminded to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
St Canice’s is a Jesuit parish in Elizabeth Bay, just behind Kings Cross, and their outreach centre works to provide weekly health, legal and employment clinics, daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and brand new clothing, along with daily meals and a coffee shop to those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
These services are entirely funded by donations from generous parishioners, local residents, businesses, schools and the Waverley College community.
They are currently seeking donations of hamper items for Christmas, including:
If you are able and willing to, these donations would be greatly appreciated. All donations can be dropped to the Senior School reception. We will be making regular deliveries to St Canice throughout Term 4.
Once again, your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.
Last Thursday, we had a fantastic launch of our Community Book Club. It was wonderful to see so many students, parents, carers, staff and community members coming together to celebrate the joy of reading.
We welcomed our special guest, Mr Paul MacDonald, President of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, who spoke to our attendees about upcoming trends in reading and what the research says about the positive benefits of reading.
Some of his key points were about the positive impact that reading has on life expectancy, with studies suggesting that reading can add two to five years to a person’s life span, the interconnectedness of good writing and reading habits, and the benefits of reading on a person’s ability to make better connections with others.
We are so grateful to Mrs Mary Ryan, Literacy Coordinator, Mr William Roberts, Head of Library, and Ms Tamara Bliznjakovic, Library Technician, for their tireless efforts in making this initiative possible.
Also, we thank our students, parents, carers and staff who came along to engage in meaningful conversations about reading and our chosen book Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Mr Paul MacDonald spoke about some of the books that are currently trending for young people and we have included some ideas below for some holiday reading:
Tickets are almost sold out for the Waverley College Long Lunch, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025. This fantastic community event will bring together parents and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and live music.
Partnering with the College means aligning your brand with a 120 year old established institution and reaching a vast audience of over 13,000 individuals through advertising exposure.
Sponsorship also forms a pivotal part of the School’s fundraising effort, aimed at supporting the construction of our new Science & Innovation Centre. This facility is set to transform the future of our students’ learning and their subsequent career opportunities. Click here to see an architectural fly-through and witness the reactions of our Junior School students.
Billy Nicolas
Foundation Officer
bnicolas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we approach the end of the year, this term is brimming with exciting opportunities for our students to grow, connect, and achieve.
With examinations, Year 10 Service Week, Year 8 Camp, a minute of loudness for World Children’s Day, Step Out Speak Up walk for Year 12 raising awareness of domestic violence, Christmas Music Concert, two rounds of summer co-curricular activities, and our final Presentation Day, there are numerous ways for students to embrace challenges and celebrate successes.
The end of the year also brings the joy of the upcoming holidays, the warmth of summer, and the anticipation of the Advent season.
Amid this excitement, it’s crucial for students to stay focused, remain connected to their school community, and manage the many distractions and demands that come their way.
Let’s encourage our students to finish strong, make the most of these enriching experiences, and step into the holiday season with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Thank you for your continued support in helping them thrive during this dynamic time.
On Monday this week, we paused at the 11th hour, on the 11 November, to remember and honour our service personnel who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations in the service of Australia.
Remembrance Day was originally called ‘Armistice Day’ to commemorate the end of WWI. At the end of WWII, the Australian government changed the name to honour personnel killed in both world wars.
These days we now include all people across all operations in the service of their country. Waverley was involved in three ceremonies across our community, with our largest contingent of students and staff at the College’s service, a number represented us at St Catherine’s School service and we were also represented at the Waverley Council service at Waverley memorial park.
Commemorating Remembrance Day is vital to honour the sacrifices of those who served in wars, preserve history, and teach students the value of peace and freedom. It fosters gratitude, empathy, and reflection, helping our students understand the human cost of conflict and the importance of resolving issues peacefully through dialogue, negotiation, empathy and compromise.
Last Sunday November 10, I represented our College Community at the 2024 Kristallnacht Commemoration – The ‘Night of Broken Glass’, held at Moriah College.
This year marks 86 years since Nazi forces destroyed over two hundred synagogues, damaged 7,000 Jewish-owned businesses, arrested 30,000 and murdered 91 Jewish people in Germany, Austria and the Sudetenland, on November 9 and 10 of 1938.
Kristallnacht serves as a prelude to the Holocaust, offering insights into how prejudice and hatred escalated into genocide.
Commemorating it helps people understand the dangers of unchecked hate and the steps by which such atrocities develop. It provides a platform to discuss contemporary issues like antisemitism, xenophobia, and human rights abuses, drawing parallels between historical events and present-day challenges.
A tribute was given to honour Holocaust Survivor, Ms Olga Horak OAM who passed recently for her decades of work keeping alive the memory and experiences of Holocaust Survivors in our community.
Many of our students have benefited from interactions with Olga over the years at the Sydney Jewish Museum where she shared her life story and message of forgiveness.
Congratulations to all our young performers who took part in last night’s Junior School Music Event! Your hard work, talent, and passion for music lit up the stage, leaving us all inspired. We are immensely proud of your confidence and enthusiasm, as well as the dedication you’ve shown in mastering your skills.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible music team for making this event possible. Your guidance and commitment are the foundation of these memorable performances. Well done to Ms Kieran Kossenberg, Mr Daniel Williams, Mr Jesse Johnston, Ms Jaz Johnston, Ms Jazz de Witte, Mr Chris Balkizas, and Mr Jonathan Bowden for your exceptional efforts in bringing this evening to life.
Come along and enjoy a Christmas Music Concert to be held in the College Chapel. Performances featuring the College Choir, Chamber Choir, Cliff Goodchild Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Brass Ensemble, Year 8 Rock Band, Year 10 Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble and Soloists.
Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Waverley College Chapel
Limited seats so please RSVP here.
As our Year 7-10 students wrap up their yearly exams next week, it is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on their learning journey throughout Semester 2. We encourage students to use the feedback from their teachers in the coming weeks. This valuable feedback will help them understand which learning strategies are proving successful and which areas might need adjustment.
For our Year 12 2025 students, Term 4 is already in full swing with various assessment tasks underway. Now is an ideal time to assess their workload management, study habits, and overall approach to assessments. By proactively addressing these aspects, students can set themselves up for a successful and less stressful final year of school.
To help with this, we subscribe to Dr Prue Salter’s Study Skills handbook which you can access in this link.
The login details are:
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
When students log in to this learning platform, they are presented with a dedicated section titled “Improving Your Study Habits” on the homepage. This section features a module named “After Tests and Exams,” which provides a range of valuable activities designed to support students as they engage with exam feedback and reflect on their approach to the exam period.
Our Year 9 students are delving into a new cross-curricular unit in Geography and Science this term. The Sustainable Biomes unit focuses on developing global citizenship competencies, with a particular emphasis on understanding the critical role of the environment for human life and survival.
Students are gaining scientific knowledge about various environments and then applying this understanding in their geography classes to explore associated environmental issues. The goal is to empower students to advocate for sustainable solutions that protect our planet’s biomes.
To kick off the unit, our Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) interviewed Mr Sam McGuinness, Executive Manager for Sustainability at Waverley Council. Mr McGuinness provided valuable insights into the importance of engaging with policymakers and community leaders to drive meaningful change.
For their main assessment, students will work in teams of three to four, taking on the role of environmental officers for the Red List of Ecosystems. They will assess the health of a specific biome, identify risk factors, and develop a presentation proposing drastic action to protect it.
Our Year 10 Food Tech students are participating in a fun and engaging activity this week. The ‘I’m a Waverley student get me outta here!’ activity exposes students to a variety of foods and ingredients that relate to the units of study covered in the Stage 5 course. This interactive experience aims to reinforce their learning in a memorable way.
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s fantastic to see our students actively engaged in their learning and developing the skills and knowledge they need to become responsible global citizens.
In June 2024 the NSW Government passed legislation modelled on Queensland’s ‘Jack’s Law’, to permit Police, with the proper authority, to “wand” or “scan” people using a handheld metal scanner for knives without a warrant.
The legislation forms part of the NSW Government response to community concern about access to knives and the incidence of knife crime.
Under the new laws, a senior police officer (Assistant Commissioner or above) can, by written instrument, declare public transport stations, sporting venues and other public places (prescribed by regulations) to be designated areas where police officers are authorised to use handheld scanners. An area can only be declared to be a designated area if the following happened at the place in the previous 12 months:
Please find enclosed the end of term arrangements for Year 10 students.
Year 10 students’ final day of classes is Friday 15 November. Students have been reminded to return their textbooks at the conclusion of their exams. Textbooks can be returned to Book Hire between 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday or they can place them in the returns box located at the main reception.
Congratulations to all our Year 10 Students who will be undertaking their Service Week Placements during Week 7. Thank you to all parents and carers who have assisted in this process. (Please see separate email regarding Service Week with further details coming Thursday 14th November).
To ensure students gain the most from their service to the community, could you please ensure punctuality, respect and that College expectations are upheld throughout the week. Teachers will be visiting students to assist and reflect on their progress, encouraging a meaningful and successful experience. We wish students all the best during this exciting week ahead.
Please note our Year 10 Reflection Mass will now take place at Mary Immaculate Church 45A Victoria St Waverley at 9:15am for parents and students. There will be NO Mass at the College Chapel or supper as was originally proposed due to renovations.
At the conclusion of Mass students will then proceed to Centennial Park with their Heads of House to take part in their Reflection day. College Sports uniform should be worn on the day. A BBQ lunch will be provided but students should bring their own water bottle and recess. Students will be dismissed from Centennial Park at 2:30pm.
Live Stream Link – https://youtube.com/live/alTaMj03mTA?feature=share
The uniform shop is very busy with bookings and walk-ins in the January holidays.
The uniform shop has requested that parents purchase a senior tie for their son, by the end of this term if possible.
As we move towards Christmas, we are reminded to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
St Canice’s is a Jesuit parish in Elizabeth Bay, just behind Kings Cross, and their outreach centre works to provide weekly health, legal and employment clinics, daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and brand new clothing, along with daily meals and a coffee shop to those experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. These services are entirely funded by donations from generous parishioners, local residents, businesses, schools and the Waverley College community.
They are currently seeking donations of hamper items for Christmas, including:
If you are able and willing to, these donations would be greatly appreciated. All donations can be dropped to the Senior School reception. We will be making regular deliveries to St Canice throughout Term 4.
Once again, your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.
Less than one week to go to the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! In fact, all family members are welcome. Time to get reading if you haven’t already finished the book.
We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premier’s English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.
Please RSVP HERE by Monday, 18 November to our Inaugural Book Club for parents/ carers, students and staff.
Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!
Our Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.
Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books.
There is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience.
Food will be provided!
Date: 20 November
Time: 6pm
Venue: Waverley College Library
As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to remind students and parents of the procedures in place for students who need to leave the college early due to illness or injury.
If a student is feeling unwell, sick, or has sustained an injury, they must first report to the Health Centre. Our team of dedicated Registered Nurses will conduct a thorough assessment of the student’s condition.
Based on this assessment, we will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include on-site treatment, notifying parents for collection, arranging further medical attention, or referring the student to a GP or allied health professional.
As part of our duty of care, we also need to be aware of a student’s whereabouts and their mode of transport if they are leaving the school.
To clarify, students should not contact their parents directly via mobile phone or laptop to request collection.
All students must first report to the Health Centre, where the Registered Nurse will take the necessary steps to ensure the student’s wellbeing and communicate with parents as needed.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety and health of all students.
We encourage our families to join us for our very first community book club on 20 November. Please see Ms Mary Ryan’s article for further information.
As we reach the midpoint of Term 4, it is an opportune time to reflect on how our students are developing the crucial Deep Learning 6 Global Competencies. Enriching programs like the Ethics Olympiad, highlighted below, exemplify our commitment to fostering these skills. But why is this so vital?
Insights from the recent Careers Advisers Association Annual Conference, shared by our Senior Studies Coordinator and Careers Advisor, Ms Kath Knowles, in her article below, underscore the urgency. The traditional career path is rapidly evolving. Our students are likely to navigate at least 17 different jobs across five diverse industries.
In a world where future careers may not yet exist, our focus shifts to equipping students with adaptable skills and competencies. By cultivating the Deep Learning 6, we empower them to thrive in this ever-changing landscape.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I recently attended the Careers Advisers Association Annual Careers Conference, where renowned futurist Dr Ben Hamer presented his predictions for the future of work. Dr Hamer’s insights were both fascinating and thought-provoking, painting a picture of a rapidly changing world where adaptability and continuous learning will be key.
I have included some of Dr Hamer’s key predictions and explored how they might impact Waverley College students as they navigate their education and career paths. From the growing influence of AI to the importance of human skills, these trends offer valuable guidance as we prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow.
How are we going to live, work and play into the future?
Hamer states that technology is the biggest trend at the moment. He emphasised that technology is not just AI. There is a massive rise in the metaverse and there will be a variety of jobs in the future that will be connected to the metaverse. There are 400m active users – over half are aged 13 or younger. A metaverse real estate agent could be a real job!
Gen Z (1997 -2012) will occupy 20% to 25% of the labour market in the next two years. This generation will prioritise skills development, wellbeing, and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors.
Static career paths are long gone. Gen Z will have at least 17 different jobs across five completely separate careers. Many of those jobs don’t exist yet. Hamer stresses the importance of human skills and believes they will become even more valuable. He states that young people should not be focusing on what job they want; rather the skills they can develop. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence will become even more valuable as AI takes over routine tasks. This implies a need for students to focus on developing uniquely human skills that complement AI capabilities.
Hamer’s overriding message is that the future of work is in constant flux, with job skills becoming obsolete quickly, requiring individuals to dedicate time to continuous learning and upskilling. AI literacy is crucial, but equally important are human skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. Gen Z entering the workforce can expect to hold multiple jobs and even careers, prioritising purpose and agility over traditional career paths. We should be asking our students – What excites you? What gives you energy? Pursue that! Pursuit of purpose will be Gen Z’s metric of success. We must prepare our students for a world we don’t know yet.
Ms Kath Knowles
Senior Studies Coordinator and Careers Advisor
kknowles@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This past few weeks, our Engineering Studies students have been busy blending theory with hands-on practice, an excursion and an incursion took students beyond the classroom to tackle real-world engineering challenges.
On one sunny day at the Kingswood campus of Western Sydney University, students had the opportunity to plan, design and construct small-scale civil structures, from bridges made out of string to building skyscrapers out of staples.
The goal of this excursion was to deepen students’ understanding of the engineering design process – planning, building, testing, and refining. Armed with blueprints they created themselves, the students faced challenges that often required creative problem-solving and quick adjustments. Not only did they learn practical skills like measuring and cutting, but they also had to work collaboratively to ensure structural integrity, stability, and functionality in their designs.
One highlight was the bridge-building challenge, where students competed to create structures capable of supporting one student’s weight. After assessing each structure, students discussed what went right, what could be improved, and how their designs might be scaled up in real-world applications.
The experience left students energised and inspired, providing them with valuable insights into the complexities of engineering. One student said, “I enjoyed the excursion because it offered a hands-on learning experience, allowing me to explore topics in a real-world setting outside the classroom. Additionally, the chance to interact with friends in a new environment likely made the day both memorable and fun.” Another said, “I found the excursion quite enjoyable, it gave me an insight into the career paths of both civil and mechanical engineering, as well as teaching me some new information that was quite relevant to what we are studying in class at the moment”.
Our aspiring engineers took on a thrilling challenge this week. Students from Years 12 and 9 gathered in the workshop to test their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills by building – and then demolishing – their own model skyscrapers.
The incursion kicked off with a brief workshop on engineering principles, focusing on the design and stability of tall structures. With this knowledge, each team set out to construct a skyscraper using a limited array of materials such as magnets and springs! Teams had to think critically about how to balance height with structural integrity while keeping their creations stylish.
Once the skyscrapers were completed, it was time for the ultimate test – stability under simulated stress! Using a shake table (also known as “Earthquake Simulator”), each structure faced vibrations to see how long it could stand. Cheers and gasps filled the room as one skyscraper after another shook, wobbled, and finally collapsed in spectacular fashion.
Some structures held up better than others, but each team celebrated both the triumphs and the inevitable “destruction phase.” This part of the event gave students a firsthand look at the challenges engineers face when designing buildings to withstand natural forces.
Students not only learned a lot about physics and engineering but also experienced the importance of collaboration and adapting designs based on real-time feedback.
Congratulations to all the participants – special recognitions go to the Year 9 team (Cooper Burns, Leo Owen and Phoenix Miconi) whose skyscraper stood the longest before tumbling down and the Year 12 team (William Dawson, Joshua Kelly, Xavier Miconi) who won for being “most creative”!
We are thrilled to announce that Samuel Altree-Williams has been selected as Waverley College’s representative for a prestigious work experience program at the University of Sydney with an Engineering PhD candidate! This opportunity will allow Samuel to work closely with an advanced researcher, gaining insights into cutting-edge engineering practices and research methodologies.
The competitive selection process highlighted Samuel’s dedication, curiosity, and outstanding aptitude in STEM subjects. Over the course of the work experience, Samuel will be immersed in the world of research and engineering, collaborating on projects, observing experimental procedures, and learning firsthand what it takes to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
Not only does this opportunity provide unique exposure to advanced engineering work, but it also marks a significant step for Samuel in pursuing a future career in the field. We look forward to hearing about Samuel’s experiences and insights upon returning and are proud to have such a dedicated and ambitious student representing our College in this remarkable program.
Congratulations, Samuel! We know you’ll make the most of this invaluable experience and inspire other students along the way.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator
Ecology Coordinator
The annual Ethics Olympiad brings student “teams” together from schools in Australia, East Asia, and the United States for structured online discussions about social issues that have moral and ethical implications.
Project manager for the Ethics Olympiad, Mr Matthew Wills, reinforces the importance of the Olympiads to cultivate “good reasoning skills, encourage the mastery of facts relevant to the issue being discussed, and develop the capacity to formulate a convincing account of the moral content of the issues discussed.”
The annual Ethics Olympiad is a great example of an opportunity that supports students to develop a personal voice, referring to the unique tone and perspective a student conveys through their expression. Developing a personal voice is an ongoing process that naturally reflects the student’s own considered views, values, and interpretation of a subject.
Ten representatives from Waverley College participated in the NSW Ethics Olympiads this week and were fortunate to all receive honourable mentions by the judges.
Cooper Firth, a Year 7 student, shared insights from his experience at the Ethics Olympiad, “Unlike a debate, the competition encouraged us to explore unique perspectives without being assigned affirmative and negative sides. Instead, we argued and defended the perspective we believed was morally right and just. Through interesting cases which included AI in Schools and Geriatric Parents, we strengthened our ethical knowledge and critical thinking skills. This experience not only deepened our understanding of these ethical issues, but also allowed us to appreciate other students’ points of view, enhancing our ability to engage in complex and ethical questions.”
Year 9 participant Alexander Avdalis reflected on the challenge, “on the day, we were required to make a judgement based on whether the scenarios we were given were ethical or unethical and explain our ideology to a judge using apt philosophical terminology and presentation skills. One particularly thought-provoking case raised the question of whether advanced AI should replace teachers in the future. We responded that AI would never match the emotional connection teachers provide to students. Overall, this day was a great opportunity for us to broaden our philosophical and societal viewpoints as well as explore the ethical and moral implications of contemporary and possible future societal issues.”
Ms Helen Barrie
Head of Academic Enrichment
hbarrie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In the Catholic tradition, November is a time dedicated to remembering those who have passed away. This aligns with the conclusion of the Liturgical Year at the end of the month, with the new year beginning on the First Sunday of Advent—a four-week season of preparation for Christmas.
During this month, the Church encourages reflection on the end of earthly life and the hope that it is a passage into new life in God’s presence. Throughout November, we honour the memory of those who have gone before us, praying and hoping for their eternal life in heaven.
Yesterday marked the success of our inaugural Ecology Symposium, drawing 100 students from nearby schools, including some from as far as Wollongong, who came together to learn, share, and engage in meaningful action for a sustainable future.
We were honoured by inspiring talks from Uncle Dean Kelly, Mr Geoff Lui, Ms Allegra Spender MP, Mr Costa Georgiadis, Ms Mary Ryan, Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, Mr Sam McGuinness and Ms Lynsey Porter. Together, we delved into the significance of Indigenous knowledge, holistic approaches to sustainability, and the essential role of youth in environmental advocacy.
Thank you to Ms Silvia Baylie and the students of the Waverley College Ecology Group for their dedication to the environment and for making this event possible.
Please find more details in Ms Lynsey Porter’s article.
I attended the The Principals of Wentworth’s High Schools roundtable discussion hosted by Allegra Spender MP in conjunction with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and Together for Humanity on Monday, 14 October.
The objectives of the discussion were to explore and identify opportunities to build social cohesion across all of our schools in the Eastern Suburbs with a particular focus on the challenges our school communities are currently facing with antisemitism, and to share strategies to support all students and teachers to feel safe and included in their school environments, including addressing the challenge of antisemitism in integrated, collaborative ways that are codesigned with each other’s external experts.
I would like to thank all parents/carers who have been involved in the work carried out by the Parents’ Association throughout 2024. Particular thanks to the tireless work of the Year level representatives, past parents representatives, clothing pool representatives, canteen volunteers, co-curricular supporters groups and the executive, for all of their organisation, support and efforts in organising events and communicating across our community.
From the recent November AGM, I would like to congratulate the following parents/carers on their elections to the Parents’ Association Executive for 2024-25, and I look forward to working with them in the new year.
Parent Executive for 2024-25
President – Louise Lakomy
Vice President – Rozy Dorizas
Vice President – Mande Illec
Secretary – Carl Lee
Treasurer – Peter Sertori
Parent Representatives for 2024-25
Year 5 – Kim Szabo
Year 6 – Samantha Mott
Year 7 – Daniella Strbac, Nicole Perrin Draper
Year 8 – Kim Szabo
Year 9 – Daniella Strbac, Anne Clerc-Johnson
Year 10 – Claire McGaffney, Eileen Trinca
Year 11 – Camille Owen
Year 12 – Jade Stapleton
Clothing Pool – Kirsten Hott, Camille Owen
Friday, 15 November 2024 will be the last day of class for Year 10 students.
Please read this article ‘Mental Health Support Must Go Beyond the Counsellor’s Office’ written by Mr James Horrocks, Head of Student Wellbeing. This article was published in Education today. The story highlights all the initiatives at Waverley, while providing advice and guidance for other schools.
Despite governments globally moving towards raising the minimum age for social media access due to mounting concerns about the negative effects on youth mental health and wellbeing, there’s now an even newer challenge on the horizon – the rise of romantic and companion AI bots. These virtual companions are becoming increasingly popular with young people, raising serious questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of relationships in the digital age.
The rise of AI-powered relationships is offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.
Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. Researchers have also found that many adolescents are turning to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect real-life relationships.
As AI reshapes social dynamics, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged. While AI can enhance education and creativity, it also presents challenges around privacy, mental health, and misinformation.This Special Report will help you foster an open dialogue and balanced approach to help young people navigate this evolving digital landscape.
Here is the latest report from SchoolTV.
Yesterday, we held our inaugural Ecology Symposium where we embarked on a collective journey of knowledge, understanding, and empowerment, guided by the wisdom of Traditional Custodians, the insights of experts, and the unwavering passion of our youth.
This gathering brought together 12 schools, 106 students, 18 educators, and 6 esteemed members of our local and national community to share a genuine interest in human and environmental sustainability.
NESA’s curriculum reform challenges our schools to, “ensure every student leaves school well-prepared for a lifetime of ongoing learning and informed and active citizenship and with knowledge, skills and attributes that will help equip them for meaningful work and satisfying careers.”
Focusing on this call of, ‘active citizenship,’ we were able to unpack what it means to have a genuine interest in human and environmental sustainability. Dr Michael Fullen’s work on the 6 global competencies defines this aspect of citizenship as having a strong understanding of environmental issues and their importance and being motivated to act in ways that create positive, lasting change.
The commitment that we witnessed from the young people yesterday certainly embodies this. Their commitment to human equity through empathy and compassion has seen them building a strong understanding of the global issue of climate change from different points of view.
They demonstrated this in the ways they listened, shared and contributed to actions to improve the human condition in small and big ways.
The symposium featured a variety of speakers and presenters, including Uncle Dean Kelly, a respected Aboriginal Elder who has a strong connection to Waverley College, Mr Geoff Lui, Senior Project Officer – Indigenous Research at James Cook University, Ms Allegra Spender, Member of Parliament for Wentworth, Mr Costa Georgiadis, Australian author, landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter, Dr Marjorie O’Neill, NSW Parliament Member for Coogee and Mr Sam McGuinness, Executive Manager, Sustainability, Waverley Council.
We were also grateful for the Literacy Workshop delivered by our Literacy Coordinator, Ms Mary Ryan on planning and writing an advocacy email to assist the attending students to advocate for systematic change in writing an email to Corporates and Governments to do more to remove single use plastics.
Also, Ms Jenna Turnbull on her work with our Walawaani students on the Symposium flyer and the decorated plant pots containing Eastern Suburbs endangered plant species that we gifted to our visiting schools.
The most powerful voices were from the young people on the day. Particularly the students from St Patrick’s College Strathfield who presented on their learnings from their recent immersion to Fiji and the students across all the schools who read their advocacy emails to government representatives.
We also acknowledge the tremendous work of Ms Silvia Baylie and the Waverley College Students of the World Ecology (SOTWEG) group who tirelessly greeted guests, were MCs, were involved in organisation and set up and participated fully in the activities.
We left the students with the final message that, ‘you are the future of our planet. Continue to learn, to question, and to advocate for a world where human and environmental sustainability is a priority. Your passion and dedication give us hope for a brighter tomorrow.’
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All Year 10 students attended a study skills session by Elevate on Time Management, during the Year 10 Wellbeing and Careers lesson in Period 1 on Wednesday. This was a valuable session to support students with their preparation for Term 4 assessment tasks and the transition into Year 11.
The session guided students on: finding the time to study by building a weekly planner; prioritising work, particularly study notes; building tips on efficiency of work; and how to combat procrastination.
A great quote from Dr Prue Salter who designs the Elevate study skills program is:
‘Part of becoming a secondary student is taking responsibility for your own learning and looking for extra things that you can do to improve your understanding of a subject.’
Subject specific tutorials will commence in week 4 of this term for the HSC 2025 cohort. Students are asked to register for a tutorial which can be found in the email sent by Mrs Pannia or can be found in Nurrunga.
The tutorials are a great way to connect with teachers. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.
All students and parents have been emailed a copy of the Year 7-10 Exam Schedule to be held during weeks 5 and 6. Students are encouraged to review the exam overviews and prepare for the exams by going over content as outlined by classroom teachers.
Good luck to all students.
Mr Patrick Darvill
Acting Director of Curriculum
pdarvill@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Only three weeks to go to the inaugural Waverley College Book Club at Waverley College Library, open to students, parents, carers, and staff alike! In fact, all family members are welcome.
We will also be joined by guest speaker, Paul MacDonald. Owner of the award-winning ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ and winner of numerous awards such as a Quality Teacher Award, The Premier’s English Scholarship, the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award and the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia, Paul is a passionate proponent of the value of quality Australian books. Paul is the current CBCA president.
Please RSVP HERE to our Inaugural Book Club for parents/ carers, students and staff.
Our first novel is the captivating Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This heartwarming story, set in a small Tokyo café, explores themes of time travel, love, and second chances. It’s the perfect conversation starter for our first gathering!
Our Book Club is not just about reading—it’s about building community through great stories, delicious food, and meaningful conversation.
Reading together helps strengthen our critical thinking, encourages empathy, and offers a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle. According to the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), family time reading at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books.
There is no better way to celebrate this shared reading experience than to discuss the book together with other families and friends in a beautiful literary space at the College. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to try something new, we welcome you to join us for this enriching experience.
Food will be provided!
Date: 20 November
Time: 6pm
Venue: Waverley College Library
Mary Ryan
Literacy Coordinator and English teacher
mryan01@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
