According to Kenny Pieper, author of “Reading for Pleasure: a Passport to Everywhere”, all adults have a responsibility to be reading role models. “We need to step up and be their reading mentors, getting involved in their lives, or at least be the ones who will properly encourage them to turn the key. It won’t happen by accident.”
Equally in “The Enchanted Hour” by Meghan Cox Gurdon, we, as adults, are asked to “Imagine an elixir so strong that a daily dose makes your family smarter, happier, healthier, more successful, and more closely attached. Now imagine that you can have it without spending a dime. It all starts with a story, a voice, and a place to sit…”
10 minutes each day, will have a significant impact on your son’s wider learning capacity and confidence, not to mention the benefits to their reading ability and mental health.
If you are still struggling to get your son to read for 10 minutes each day, hit them with this fact, from Yale researchers: “People who read live longer than those who don’t!” The results of a study conducted in 2016 are startling. “Analyses demonstrated that any level of book reading gave a significantly stronger survival advantage than reading textbooks. Book reading rather than reading in general is driving a survival advantage.”
Why might this be the case? Apparently it comes down to two factors. Deep reading of novels is a slow process, where the reader engages with the book and seeks to understand it within its own context, and within the context of the outside world.
Emotional connection is where the reader empathises with the characters, and that promotes social perception and emotional intelligence. There are no real downsides to reading, other than making the time for it.
Ms Mary Ryan
Literacy Coordinator and English Teacher
mryan01@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Give your sons and families the beautiful experience of reading, this summer.
Waverley College is a member of the International Boys’ School Coalition, and they have produced a neat graphic outlining five simple things parents/carers can do, to help their sons read more.
This summer will be a great time to give these tips a go.
I myself, have found that setting small goals of even just reading for 10 minutes, can start the momentum.
To access books, one activity to consider, is to visit your local library as a family. Randwick City Libraries, for example, have current and engaging children’s and Young Adult fiction. This can be a helpful way to try out reading, to find what might be of interest to your sons and yourself!
And if in the city, drop into the City of Sydney’s Customs House Library, just opposite Circular Quay. A brilliant spot for a rest and a boost.
And of course, the College Library provides audio and ebooks via the Library CANVAS page, all summer long! Click on the Ebooks and Audiobooks icon.
As a family, review together the People’s Choice winners for the Macquarie’s Dictionary 2022 words of the year. Great fun!
Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year 2022
The concise article below by Mathieu O’Neil and Rachel Cunneen, gives an overview of the role Wikipedia can play. One key point is that the references listed in Wikipedia are a solid start, when beginning research.
Digital Literacy: using Wikipedia as a fact-checking tool
“Given the usefulness of Wikipedia as both a source of information and as a media literacy teaching tool, this article was intended to change the narrative around Wikipedia”.
If your sons like Wikipedia, this can be a way to boost reading as well. Use Wikipedia not just for research, but for reading around hobbies and interests, leading to further discoveries and reading.
Boys and Reading – A Quick Guide For Parents
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library Services
wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Waverley College Uniform Shop will operate with different trading hours during the December/January school holidays. It is open to all families.
* ‘Appointment Only’ time slots are available for 2023 new students/parents/carers. New parents/carers need to make an appointment for their son to be fitted for his uniform.
Please check the trading hours carefully, so that your son can be fitted before his first day of Term 1, 2023.
Uniform Shop Holiday Trading Hours
We look forward to assisting you with your uniform.
Waverley College Uniform Shop
Level 3 Centenary Building
Senior School Campus
(Enter via reception and take the lift to the 3rd Floor)
131 Birrell Street Waverley
(02) 9369 0709
waverley@noone.com.au
We are slowly rebuilding stock levels and are pleased to offer lots more items for sale.
Please email us to check size and stock availability clothingpool@waverley.nsw.
If your son has outgrown his uniform, please consider donating it to the Secondhand Clothing Pool. This provides someone else with the opportunity to purchase a secondhand uniform well below the new price, whilst at the same time, raising funds for the students at the College through the Parents’ Association.
The Secondhand Clothing Pool will gladly accept the donation of all clean and wearable current uniform items for resale.
There is a $30 ‘buy back scheme’ for the donation of Blazers and All Weather Jackets in excellent condition.
Email us for more information or visit us on Monday mornings or Wednesday afternoons during term.
Where Can Donations Be Left?
At the Senior School campus reception in the blue Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box. (If leaving Blazers and All Weather Jackets, please include name and phone number inside the bag, and we will contact you to arrange ‘buy-back.’)
Contact
For more information on stock availability or to make an appointment, please email the Secondhand Clothing Pool.
clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.
(02) 9369 0703 — please leave a voicemail, and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
Location
We are in the main building on Birrell Street. Enter via the Senior School campus reception, and take the lift to Level 3. The Secondhand Clothing Pool is next door to the Uniform Shop.
Opening Hours
Mondays, 8:20am-9:30am and Wednesdays, 2:30pm-3:30pm during Term.
Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box in Senior School Reception
Camille and Kirsten
Secondhand Clothing Pool Coordinators
clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.
In January 2023, Theo Varvaressos (Year 12) will be attending the National Youth Science Forum to participate in a range of workshops and lectures, to develop his passion for science and build connections within the industry.
The National Youth Science Forum provides participants with the opportunity to:
Theo went through a rigorous multi-stage interview process to be accepted to attend this program, including an extensive written application, and three presentations to a panel of scientists, one on his topic of choice: genetically modified crops.
He chose to discuss the debate and history in this field of science as he “has an interest in genetics and GMOs and believes that if they are used correctly they have immense potential to benefit the world in both medical and agricultural applications.”
Theo aims to study either psychology or medical science at university, and believes this program will assist him to learn more about these career paths and potentially expose him to other careers in STEM he had not yet considered.
Theo is also looking forward to meeting students from other schools with similar interests in STEM.
We are incredibly proud of Theo for being accepted into this competitive program and look forward to hearing about his experience in Term 1.
Read more about the National Youth Science Forum
Last week, students in Years 8 and 9 undertook their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journeys as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Bronze Award.
They engaged in a wide range of operations, testing their strengths and weaknesses, whilst building relationships along the way.
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.
For more information or to get involved please email Mr Alon Horry ahorry@waverley.nsw.edu
Congratulations to our Year 10s who have made a significant impact across the community during Service Week. The boys have volunteered their time, care and efforts across a range of charities, primary schools, child care centres and NGOs. My email has been running hot all week with very positive feedback on their manners, care, patience and assistance, which we are all proud to hear and receive. Thank you to Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun and Ms Sue Walsh for coordinating the experiences.
Congratulations to our Year 8s who have performed very well on their outdoor education experience to Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Somerset is located about 90 minutes North-West of Sydney on the Colo River (known as the last pristine river in NSW). The Centre operates from a central Base Camp which services over 40km of the Colo Valley.
Somerset offers the unique experience of tent camping, which presents the opportunity for students to engage with their natural surroundings and spirit of adventure. It provides a fun and supportive framework for students to develop leadership skills, work as a team and appreciate the value of friendships.
The boys participated in a number of activities including canoeing, rafting, abseiling, hiking, cooking, obstacle course, rock climbing and the wombat hole challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to slow down from the fast-paced nature of big city living and no screen time.
Two of our Duke of Edinburgh groups also used this as an opportunity to complete some of their Program requirements. Thank you to our dedicated teaching staff who supported the boys on their adventures.
The College Community is looking forward to celebrating the year at both the Years 5-8 Presentation Day (9am – 10:30am) and the Years 9,10,12 Presentation Day (12 Noon – 1:30pm). All parents/carers are welcome to attend either of these events, which are being held in the Gym.
Congratulations to Mr Stephen Ghattas who has been appointed (Acting) Assistant Director of the Junior School. Stephen is well known to the Waverley community as a caring and talented educator. He has previously carried out a number of leadership roles at the College including 18 months as Acting Assistant Director of Junior School, Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation, Religious Education coordinator, Maths coordinator and Acting Sportsmaster. We wish him much success in this role.
Mr Bishoy Wasef (ICT Support Staff) has embraced Movember to raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. He has raised $915 thus far with five days left. If you would like to support this important cause, please donate via myMo Space by clicking the button below.
The Wentworth Community has called for strong climate action, but what does it mean to reduce emissions to Net Zero and how long will this take? On Sunday, 27 November, Federal MP Allegra Spender is convening Wentworth’s first ever Climate Summit: Powering Wentworth to Net Zero in collaboration with local State MPs, Councils and the Smart Energy Council.
Register below to learn about the wide range of local initiatives currently underway from local councils, businesses, innovators and community groups.
Click here for event information and to register your interest in attending
This is a multi-partisan event that brings together members of all political stripes and all levels of government, and we hope it will kick-start an accelerated path to net zero for our community.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned and congratulated three Waverley College Old Boys for making the European Wallaby tour. Excitingly, they will all be representing their country against Wales this weekend with Jed Holloway and Ben Donaldson named in the starting team and Sam Talakai named on the bench. Sam’s younger brother Kaiasi recorded a video message for his older brother from Year 8 camp this morning, hoping he makes his Wallaby debut on Sunday morning in Cardiff.
Congratulations to Thomas Rudolph who has gone back-to-back centuries in cricket over the last two weekends. And, congratulations to Oliver Aboud and Zion Poitaha who have been selected in the U16 National Rugby Development Squad. All brilliant achievements!
Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden.
Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying.
The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying.
Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe.
Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.
In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact our College for further information, or seek medical or professional help.
Click here for this month's edition of SchoolTV
Ms Gabby Smith
Acting Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
*As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website, all Years 5 and 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2023) students into Year 7 (2024). This replaces the “continuing confirmation deposit” usually charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Year 5 and 7 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2024 for any applicable sundries, sibling discounts, excursion fees and camps. Please be advised that if this payment is not made by the due date, your son’s enrolment will be forfeited, and his place will be offered to a waitlisted candidate.
Fees paid before 4pm on the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the due date will attract an administrative fee of $110.00.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).
Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.
You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from enrolment at Waverley College, you are required to give one term’s notice in writing to the Principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.
The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school term, is the first day of the same term. If not received by that date, a penalty equivalent to one term’s tuition fees will be payable. The relevant dates for 2022 and 2023 are below:
We are excited to announce that Science Club will be offered at Waverley College as an extra-curricular activity for students from Years 7-12, commencing Term 1, Week 2, 2023.
Science Club provides an opportunity for students to be presenting, critically analysing, and applying their understanding of scientific data and related concepts. Students must play an active role in their own learning experiences to increase engagement and academic achievement.
The scope and sequence of this program has been created for student-centred, inquiry-based learning.
In each session, students will have the opportunity to experiment with a focus on deepening their ability to apply the scientific method across all branches of Science.
The scientific skills embedded in this program are woven throughout the Stage 3-6 Science Syllabi and reflect Depth Studies and skills examined in the HSC courses.
Cost: $30.00 for Term 1
Materials: students are to bring a writing book. All other materials will be supplied.
Session times: select ONE from the following:
OR
Sessions are limited to 25 students each and will run on a term-by-term basis. We envisage that the program will extend to the Junior School during the Winter Season.
Congratulations to Years 7-10 students for completing their Yearly Examinations this week. Please remember that student marks can be accessed by parents and carers via CANVAS in real-time as they are released to students.
>>> Click here for details on how to access CANVAS real-time reporting.
Years 7-10 students will also receive their Semester 2 reports in Week 8 which will provide an overall mark for Semester 2 tasks, A-E grades on Course Outcomes, Recommendations and Commendations and Learner Profile grades.
Further details on how to access these reports in the TASS Parent Lounge will be available in next week’s Nurrunga.
As we approach the end of Term 4, boys can start to get a little restless and tired. Add in the anticipation of holidays and the increase in temperature, and they can forget some of the school expectations and policies which are in place for the safety of all.
Please support the College in reminding your son of the non-negotiables when it comes to appropriate and safe behaviour.
There is no place for the following serious breaches of College policy:
With the appointment of Ms Gabby Smith to the Acting Deputy Principal – Students role, the College has undergone a process, and I would like to congratulate Ms Gaby Bransby on her appointment to the Acting Director of Junior School position.
Gaby is the current Assistant Director of the Junior School and has acted previously for 18 months in the Director of Junior School role.
Gaby has held the role of Assistant Director of Curriculum (JS) and is currently completing a Masters of Educational Leadership. Gaby is passionate about the connection between teaching, learning and student wellbeing. We wish Gaby much success in this role.
On Monday evening, Barker College hosted the annual CAS general committee meeting and dinner. Waverley College had three staff members honoured for service to the CAS.
Congratulations to:
Col has been one of the greatest volunteers at Waverley College and is winding back his presence at the College after 30 years of distinguished service. Col attended the College from 1958-1962. He then went on to become a survey draughtsman with Sydney Water before becoming a graphic designer and starting his own business.
He became reacquainted with the school in the late eighties when he and his wife Shirley sent their sons Simon (1992) and Kieran (1993) to the College. Col joined the Old Boys Executive in 1988 and has served 21 years as Vice President, three Years as President and is a current committee member.
He was the Wavelength magazine editor and designer for many years, the editor of the College Yearbooks 1993-2005, and assisted with many graphic design works and the College’s 90th and Centenary Celebrations.
Col started the Track & Field Supporters’ Club and was its president from 1988-1992. This group of parents/carers watched their assistance help support the College Track & Field team move from last to first place in seven years. Col also served as President of the Parents’ Association from 1992-1993, and sat on the College Board from 1992-2004 where he was chair of the development fund committee. Col was also the College’s Head HSC examiner for many years.
Col has always sought to make a difference in other people’s lives and in the Waverley community. Recently, he and Shirley have participated in a dancing program which aims to assist people suffering from dementia, aired on ABC Catalyst.
>>> Click here to view the ABC Catalyst episode.
On behalf of the College community, I want to thank Col for all of his hard work and outstanding service over many years across many College support groups. We wish Col and Shirley all the very best as they step back slightly from our community. As Col stated on Monday evening, “it is au Revoir and not goodbye.”
Waverley Council has launched a community consultation on the proposed renewal of Birrell Street, between Newland Street and Henrietta Street.
To help ensure Birrell Street is safe for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to use in the years to come, Council is planning on upgrading part of the street.
In the main, if these new ‘improvements’ make the road safer, we would all benefit. Anything that can be done to calm traffic along Birrell Street making a safer environment for our school community, is a positive thing.
However, the College has some concerns about which we will be seeking confirmation via this survey:
If you use this street for parking, walking, cycling or driving, I encourage you, as a member of our community, to complete the quick survey below, to share your thoughts on proposed bike lane upgrades, crossing point improvements, and parking implications.
The survey closes on Wednesday, 7 December 2022.
>>> Click here to complete the quick survey.
Elevate Education works with students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation.
By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home, through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
Elevate Education’s next free webinar will show parents/carers:
Ms Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Nathan Lloyd Casting and Werner Film Productions is seeking enthusiastic and competitive surfers, based anywhere in Australia, for a drama series.
No acting experience is required, but you need to have good availability between January – March 2023.
Deadline: on or before Friday, 25 November 2022.
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
