To support sustainability and celebrate Schools Tree Day (Friday, 29 July), all students and teachers are invited to enter the POEM FOREST Prize. For every nature poem received, we’ll plant a native tree at the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan.
• What: Write a poem, plant a tree
• Who: The POEM FOREST Prize is open to young people 18 and under and accredited teachers
• How: Download our free Learning Resource to guide young people in creating their own nature poem. Submit poems into the POEM FOREST Prize to have them published, see a tree planted, and go in the running for exciting prizes including $500 cash for each category!
• Where: Full details and entry form on the POEM FOREST webpage
• When: Entries close Friday, 23 September 2022
• Why: We plant a native tree at The Australian Botanic Garden for every poem received. The easiest way to plant a tree and help heal country is to write a poem!
All poets will be in the running for $5,000 worth of prizes including a $500 cash prize, book packs, plants and more.
Thanks for helping us grow the POEM FOREST and heal habitats for future generations. We can’t wait to read your students’ poems.
Yours in poems and trees,
The POEM FOREST Team
Red Room Poetry
E: poemforest@redroompoetry.org
P: (02) 9319 5090
Transport for NSW provides students with FREE school travel. In return they ask that students tap on and tap off with school Opal cards EVERY time, when travelling on public transport to and from school.
Tapping on and tapping off tells Transport NSW how many people are using the public transport service. This is important because Transport for NSW and Transdev John Holland Buses use this data to better plan buses and trains for students. This includes the planning of bus routes and frequency of services.
Tapping on and off also teaches students about following fare rules correctly. Once students are no longer travelling to and from school, it is a legal requirement to travel with a valid ticket. Embedding these behaviours from an early age minimises chances of adopting non-compliant behaviours later.
>>> Click here to view the Term 3 Waverley College school bus timetable.
>>> Click here to view more detailed information on any of the above bus routes.
>>> Click here to view further information about using school Opal cards.
>>> Click here to view information on eligibility and how to apply.
Applications for next year open at the start of Term 4.
Canice’s Kitchen in Elizabeth Bay warmly welcomes Waverley Senior School students aged 14-18, to be part of the Backyard Winter Sleepout.
If you’re passionate about, interested in, or even curious about social justice, this could be an experience for you.
“I would 100% recommend this service to others, the entire experience was outside my comfort zone and something I learnt a lot from. It made me more grateful for what I have and helped me truly realise what homeless people feel.” Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview Year 10 student, 2021 event
The Sleepout might also develop your understanding of the huge impact that homelessness can have on the life of another young person. This may also deepen your empathy.
When: Saturday, 20 August 2022
Where: In your own home! This is a unique virtual event, so you can do it in a safe sleep space in your backyard, car or balcony
Duration: 6pm-6am (12 hours)
Sponsorship: it is not compulsory for students to be sponsored or raise money for the event
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student and Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I hope your sons had a nice holiday and are ready for a great term ahead. At the whole school assembly this week, I spoke about the new opportunities that a new semester can bring through reflection and recalibration.
‘To reflect on one’s performance is a good thing, it encourages change in oneself, change in direction, change in behaviours and therefore the possibility of change in outcomes. But sometimes working out how to create change in yourself is the difficult part and that is where recalibration comes in. To recalibrate is to make small changes to an instrument so that it measures accurately. It is also to re-examine one’s thinking, system of values, and to correct it in accord with a new understanding or purpose. So, if recalibration is about making small adjustments to the instrument and the instrument is you, then what are some good examples that will bring about the desired change?
Exercise – it affects your mood and improves your body’s performance both physically, emotionally and mentally. Top academics ensure they exercise regularly.
Diet – what you put into the instrument, your body, affects performance and how it operates. It is the same with hydration, most headaches are fixed with more water consumption.
Sleep – the Coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll talks about sleep as his greatest weapon in delivering results as a coach. When his players get adequate sleep, they play better. I am sure he adds something else into his coaching matrix, but he rates sleep as the key performance indicator.
Repetition/Habits – one of my favourite authors Malcolm Gladwell states that it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills – good behaviour in class every day, revision each night, 10 minutes of reading every day, and writing out your notes are proven ways to improve your learning. Make this one of your SMART goals for this term
Technology – humans were not designed to be connected to technology all day and night. It takes an hour for your eyes and brain to unwind properly from looking at a screen. I encourage you to get your technology usage under control for better overall wellbeing and to find other ways to relax – go for a walk, play with your dog, cook a meal, or help someone out.
Trial & HSC Examination tips
I was lucky enough to attend a session this week with all of the Year 12 HSC ATAR students and Old Boy and 2015 College Dux, Adam Hegedus. Adam shared with the boys his tips and approach to studying for the Trial and HSC examinations. I include some of Adam’s tips below:
I encourage you to read Mrs Watson’s article in this newsletter which unpacks Adam’s session in more detail.
Staff Farewell
On behalf of the College Community, I would like to thank Mr Brad Thompson for his service to the College over the last eighteen and half years. Brad served in the HSIE Department and also contributed significantly to Quinn House, basketball and our Cadet program as an officer and also heavy vehicle driver. We may see him as a casual teacher from time to time, but we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours as he makes the transition to retirement.
Mr Graham Leddie – Principal
It was an honour to have Old Boy and 2015 College Dux, Adam Hegedus come and speak with Year 12 this week. His wisdom and humble words of advice were well received by the students. He spoke about what inspired and motivated him during his HSC and subsequent studies, offering tips on how he would engage with lessons and prepare for exams. He reinforced the importance of collective effort, hard work and collaboration.
“It’s always great to be back at Waverley – a place which transformed my perspective and goals in life.”
Adam’s many school achievements include: an ATAR of 99.85; 1st in the State for Studies of Religion II; 15th in the State for Business Studies; honoured on the Premiers All Rounders List; College Prefect; Captain of Football – both 1st and 2nd XI; member of 1sts Debating team and active involvement in public speaking.
Upon graduating, Adam was awarded the University of NSW Academic Achievement Award and the highly sought Co-Op Scholarship to study Commerce, majoring in Information Systems and Management. A scholarship only awarded to 5 students each year, with close to a thousand applicants nationwide. He has since graduated his degree with Distinction.
Motivated by the Timor-Leste immersion he experienced here at Waverley College, Adam and classmate Alessandro Piovano chose to walk 21 days from Waverley College to Byron Bay in lieu of ‘schoolies’ and raised $20 000 to go towards building a school in Timor-Leste.
This event went on to inspire the development of Educating The Future (ETF), a youth-run, not-for-profit organisation that builds pre-schools in remote areas of Timor-Leste. Both Adam and Alexi are co-founders of this organisation which seeks to facilitate relief from poverty and generational disadvantage by providing access to pre-school education. ETF has established a volunteer team of students and an expert advisory panel, who are all committed to improving the quality of education in Timor-Leste.
Their major Fundraiser for 2022 will be held at Waverley College on Saturday, 6 August. To book a table or find out more details click here.
In 2020, Adam received a First Class Honours for his study into Women on large Australian Boards and is working with the industry to shape policy around board-level diversity. Adam has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Governance Foundations for not-for-profit directors.
Adam leads a social impact portfolio of work across the not-for-profit, international development, and higher education sectors. Currently Adam is the volunteer Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary of Teach Us Consent. A movement founded by activist Chanel Contos lobbying for and providing holistic consent and sexuality education. Here, Adam supports the governance and regulatory compliance of the organisation, along with engaging with partners, grant applications, fundraising and research.
Most recently, Adam achieved a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in September where he will be completing his Masters over the next two years. We wish him every success and look forward to continuing our connection with Adam and his endeavours.
From Ms Elizabeth Watson, Deputy Head – Teaching & Learning
It was great to welcome back all staff and students at a special NAIDOC Week Assembly on Tuesday morning. Term 3 at Waverley College is also known as Our Lady’s Term in dedication to Mary, Jesus’ mother.
At the assembly, I noted a rise in COVID cases in Sydney and the need to remain vigilant in maintaining good hygiene and personal health habits until we cross the peak and reach warmer weather at the end of winter.
It is important that any student with even the mildest of cold and flu symptoms remain at home.
All students ate encouraged to practice personal hygiene by:
Boys were also reminded that masks are still required by law on public transport and they are encouraged to wear them at school, particularly in confined spaces.
I congratulate the majority of boys who attended day one in the correct uniform and with haircuts within College policy. Our uniform and grooming form part of the high expectations we have of our students to present themselves with consistency and pride in their identity as students of Waverley College.
The Kidman Centre UTS are offering free workshops to equip teenagers and their parents with practical and evidence-based psychological skills to manage teenage life stressors.
We are delighted to announce an upcoming workshop, Motivating your teen towards their goals. This workshop is for parents of high-school students (aged 12-18 years) who are experiencing low motivation, energy and resilience. To accommodate all families, this workshop will be delivered twice; Virtually on Tuesday, 2 August (6-7pm), and then Face-to-Face at the Kidman Centre on Tuesday, 9 August (6-7pm).
This workshop will be facilitated by Senior Psychologist Jenna Mayhew.
For bookings and more information, please contact The Kidman Centre on (02) 9514 4077 or email kidmancentre@uts.edu.au
*As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website from 2023, for all Years 5 and 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2022) students into Year 7 (2023). This replaces the “continuing confirmation deposit” charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Year 5 and 7 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2023 for any applicable sundries, 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 are below:
After three years in the making, the EREA Eastern Region Learning Network Day finally made its debut on Monday 18, July. This important event was certainly worth the wait!
Our work as educators in an Edmund Rice school is to provide high-quality learning; learning that is evidence-based, is about continuous improvement, and is about outcomes that set our young people up to lead meaningful lives. The EREA Network Day provided an opportunity for our staff to come together to collaborate and learn from our peers across seven of the Eastern Region schools and engage in rich professional dialogue and practice. We came away with a strong sense of what we have in common with our EREA network, a renewed sense of hope about the education we provide our students, and some new and innovative teaching and learning strategies.
I would like to thank all staff for their active engagement with the multiple sessions across the five campuses (Waverley College, St Pius X College, St Patrick’s College, St Dominic’s College and Christian Brothers Lewisham). Special thanks to Waverley’s host faculties: Drama, English, Music, TAS and Visual Arts under the guidance of their respective Head of Department Alison Jinga, Michael Couani, Chris Balkizas, James Spargo and Natalie Oates.
The following Waverley staff are to be congratulated on facilitating presentations across the network. All of which were of exceptional quality, showcasing the contemporary pedagogy implemented at Waverley College.
Bill Roberts, Gemma Brown, Silvia Baylie, Michael Couani, Andrea Fernandez, Zoe Fitzgerald, Chris Balkizas, Kyra Oliver, David Parnell, Priscilla Quintana, Matt Barr, Graham Clarkson, Anthony Gibbs, Stephanie Jackman, Bev McCarthy, Holly Medcalf, Marke Neale, Cathy Pham, Alan Riordan, James Spargo, Kim Spicer and Stephen Wilmot.
Finally, special thanks to Lauren Ryan for the logistical operations of the event. Her grace, patience and expertise throughout the planning process – from the two false starts to the final execution – is commended and much appreciated.
A video message from the Executive Director of EREA – Dr Craig Wattam
Thank you for all of the effort and care from staff, students, parents and Old Boys in making Term 2 a great success. The College was less affected by COVID-19, but the predicted harsh flu season required our community to work well together to navigate this challenge. It was wonderful to see events, competitions, games, performances and interactions all return in full flight across both campuses.
Please keep our Year 12s in your thoughts and prayers at this busy and crucial time of the year, as they continue their preparation for their upcoming final examinations. Thank you to our staff who continue to offer extra tutorials throughout this term, and through this upcoming holiday period.
HSC ATAR boys have been given study programs, where they should be allocating at least six hours per day for revision and preparation for the upcoming examinations.
Please ensure your son maintains good exercise, relaxation time, reduced screen time, good sleep patterns and a healthy diet during this time. Please do not allow your son to change his normal sleep patterns drastically and sleep in. A consistent approach to his day over the next few months is what is required.
Don’t forget to book into your Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews which will be held Wednesday, 20 July 3:30pm to 7pm. Bookings will be available next week.
>>> Click here to view the Nurrunga article by Mr Chris Soden to learn more about these interviews.
Trial HSC Examinations commence on Monday, 1 August and finish on Monday, 15 August.
>>> Click here to view the Nurrunga article by Ms Elizabeth Watson to learn more.
From Senior School students to co-founders of a registered charity in a year. For Waverley College Class of 2016 graduates Adam Hegedus and Alexi Piovano, the College’s social justice program was life-changing. They are now the Old Boys behind Educating The Future (ETF), a not-for-profit that facilitates powerful change through education in Timor-Leste. Their organisation seeks to facilitate relief from poverty and generational disadvantage by providing access to pre-school education. ETF has established a volunteer team of students and an expert advisory panel, who are all committed to improving the quality of education in Timor-Leste.
Funds raised by ETF in Australia, enable the construction of pre-school infrastructure in regional and in-need areas of Timor-Leste, as well as the facilitation of in-country partnerships and capacity building. By investing in youth through the power of education, Educating The Future is seeking to transform the lives of disadvantaged children in Timor-Leste, our neighbour.
Their major Fundraiser for 2022 will be held at Waverley College on Saturday, 6 August. To book a table or find out more details click on the link below:
>>> Click here to book a table and view more information.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally every July, and this year it occurs from 3-10 July during our winter break. NAIDOC origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, and on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
This protest was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world and was known as the ‘Day of Mourning’. This later became ‘Aborigines Day’, and in 1955, it was decided that it should become a positive celebration of Aboriginal culture, heritage and achievement, rather than a protest. NAIDOC Week 2022 gives us the opportunity to continue to build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, enabling a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities. It challenges us to eliminate bias and discrimination, by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past, to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Difference brings strength and our society can benefit from a range of world views and experiences.
Last week I wrote about encouraging your boys to embrace their physical dimension over the winter break. I would also encourage them to embrace their cognitive dimension and find the opportunity to read at least one book during this time. Twenty minutes a day will see them complete most books in that time. I have just started reading Holly Ransom’s The Leading Edge and I am looking forward to her unpacking the knowledge she has extracted from some of the world’s leaders, trailblazers and change agents such as Malcolm Gladwell, Sir Ken Robinson, Barack Obama, Dalai Lama, and Sir Richard Branson.
Research has shown that reading for enjoyment has an impact on academic achievement. The most recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey measured the attitudes held by 15-year-olds about reading. An Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Snapshot report has analysed these attitudes, and looked at how they differ between girls and boys, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, and most disadvantaged and least disadvantaged students.
I reflected upon my daughter and son’s love of reading and the statistics were accurate for me.
Most boys have worked hard to achieve their goals this term, and we wish them all a safe and enjoyable break, and look forward to their return in Term 3 which starts on Tuesday, 19 July.
*As per the updated conditions of enrolment and as indicated on the College website, from 2023, for all Years 5 and 7 enrolments, Term 1 tuition fees are charged in Term 4, in the year prior. This includes continuing Year 6 (2022) students into Year 7 (2023). This replaces the “continuing confirmation deposit” charged in the 3rd Payment to Year 6. Years 5 and 7 will still receive an invoice in Term 1, 2023 for any applicable sundries, excursion fees and technology levies.
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.
Mr Bryn Gregerson
Director of Business Services
E: bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Tuesday, 28 June all Waverley College students and families are invited and encouraged to join the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Charity Trek from the NRL Headquarters at Moore Park, to the Opera House.
This walk will go all the way to Newcastle, but the MHF would just love support with the first leg of the trek!
The walk starts at 10am sharp. Please wear your full Waverley College Winter Co-curricular uniform (tracksuits) and of course your BEANIE!
For more information please email me or visit the link below:
>>> Click here to view more information about Beanie for Brain Cancer.
Mr John McCoy
Head of Aungier House
E: jmccoy@waverley.nsw.edu.au
300 guests are attending the Year 12 Formal at Darling Island on Friday evening, to celebrate their final year at the College prior to the commencement of the ‘business end’ of the year, with the commencement of the Higher School Certificate Trial Examinations in Term 3.
Students, their partners and the wellbeing team will enjoy a delicious three-course meal, followed by several hours on the dance floor, brought to life by the Doltone House resident DJ.
The decision to add an additional event to the Year 12 calendar was made by senior students in consultation and collaboration with our Parents’ Association and College Leadership Team.
Year 12 parents now have the opportunity to celebrate their son’s graduation at a Valedictory Dinner in graduation week. We have already found this to be the preferred option for parents who have had multiple sons graduate from our College.
With last year’s WaveFest Film Festival being affected by COVID-19, we know there is a lot of creative energy here at Waverley College, and many budding filmmakers amongst our students. Have you and your son/s heard about REELise?
Our WaveFest students in 2021 at Studio 10 Live Cross with actor, producer and screenwriter Martin Dingle-Wall
REELise is an Australian charity formed to safeguard and support young people. Created as a community response to cyberbullying and the impacts of digital life on youth mental health, their focus is on equipping young people to use their digital tools and platforms creatively and purposefully to inspire respectful, responsible and healthy online behaviours. Their central program is a youth film festival – the REELise Film Festival – targeted at empowering and showcasing the stories of young Australians, aged 10-18 years.
Each year, the REELise Film Festival screens stories by young people about navigating life, in VMAX at Event Cinemas in Sydney, and livestreams that broadcast for a national viewing audience. As well as inspiring digital creativity by students, and developing confidence, teamwork and technical skills, the Festival broadens awareness about issues of bullying, discrimination and digital life management, providing a valuable educational resource to foster tolerance, empathy and good digital citizenship.
Based on mobile device filmmaking (smartphone or tablet), the Festival provides an accessible medium for young storytellers from varied backgrounds around Australia, to share their perspectives and life experiences.
This year with the support of Commonwealth Government funding, REELise is offering free online interactive filmmaking programs for students 10-18 years in the July school holidays, to support filmmaking for social good.
>>> Click here to view more information about the REELise workshops.
Closing Date for Entries: Friday, 5 August
Cost: Program participation (normally $90 for 10-13 years, and $120 for 14-18 years), is free for a limited time to young people around Australia, when using the code CHANGETHEWORLD at checkout
>>> Click here to view more information about the REELise Film Festival.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@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
