Our First Nation families are invited to attend the Walawaani Welcome BBQ and Information evening on Tuesday, 3 May 2022 from 6pm – 7:30 pm, in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) at the College.
This will be an opportunity for families to meet each other, meet staff, ask any questions, and learn more about the program.
All families have been sent an invitation via email. Click on this email invitation to RSVP
OR
>>> Click on the invitation inside this link to RSVP.
Please RSVP (for catering purposes) by Friday, 29 April 2022.
If you have any further questions please contact myself or Mr Kevin Heath.
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We look forward to welcoming you to the College.
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Walawaani, meaning ‘safe journey’, characterises the journey of our First Nation students from Years 5 through to Year 12, throughout their time at Waverley.
Through our holistic approach, we endeavour to provide a safe and enriching educational environment that is culturally inclusive and respectful of Indigenous values, culture and history.
As part of the Walawaani program this term, our First Nation students have been viewing the film Araatika – Rise Up!
Araatika documents the journey of NRL star Dean Widders and his quest to create an Indigenous
All-Star pre-game dance in response to the Maori Haka.
The film documents the journey of NRL star Dean Widders and his quest to create an Indigenous All-Star pre-game dance in response to the Maori Haka. The film traces the story of this journey from his childhood and upbringing, to strength and diversity of culture, reconciliation, racism in sport and keeping culture strong through dance.
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This Earth Hour, Waverley College’s Students of the World Ecology Group are calling on you, and Australians everywhere, to sign up to ‘switch off’ and join a worldwide community of millions supporting stronger action on climate change.
It’s never been more critical to come together to protect our world than at this moment. Climate change is impacting our precious environment right now, with the Great Barrier Reef experiencing its fourth significant bleaching event in just six years.
We’ve watched Australian communities and wildlife endure raging bushfires and devastating floods in quick succession, and now we’re seeing climate change impact one of our most iconic unique ecosystems.
We still have time to make a difference for the planet we call home. We all have the power to Shape Our Future. So please switch off today.
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Geography Teacher and Ecology Coordinator
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Yesterday was the first time this year that we have been able to come together as a whole College for Assembly. Our assembly was celebrated outdoors in the Centenary Quadrangle, and we addressed a number of issues that are important to our community including; Premature Babies, International Women’s Day, National Close the Gap Day, St Patrick’s Day, National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, the World’s Greatest Shave, and we wished our CAS Swimming and Diving team the very best for the championships held on Thursday evening at SOPAC.
Our special guest at assembly was Premature Babies Charity Founder and Waverley College parent, Ms Sophie Smith, who congratulated and presented a number of medals to students and staff who were involved in the annual Premmie Marathon Challenge, last November.
Ms Sophie Smith
The challenge was to run (or walk) a 42km marathon or a 100km ultramarathon over the month of November, and to raise funds for lifesaving neonatal equipment for neonatal units around Australia.
I also shared with our students the very sad news that one of Year 7 parents, Brad Coleman, recently passed away in a tragic drowning on the South Coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hulya his wife, Raiden (Year 7) and Aleyna, along with their family that includes Scott Coleman, Head of Green House.
A number of parents have asked if they can assist the family in any way, and I draw people’s attention to the following GoFundMe page which has been set up to assist the family at this incredibly difficult time.
>>> Click here to view the GoFundMe page for the Coleman family.
Congratulations to both our swimmers and divers who both took out fourth position in last evening’s CAS competition. Both teams performed with great spirit and enthusiasm. Thank you to coaches and parents for all of their support throughout the season. We congratulate Knox (Swimming) and Trinity (Diving) on their respective wins.
As part of our PDHPE program and student wellbeing program, every Year 9 student participated in a short program of Ballroom Dancing under instruction from the Joan Carmody Dance Academy.
Along with students from St Clare’s College, our students participated in lessons in preparation for an evening of dance on Wednesday evening. I would like to congratulate our Year 9 cohort on their dress, manners and spirit to participate in such a positive way. I received many comments of praise from parents and staff who witnessed the evening. Thank you to the staff who assisted to make this evening a success. Needless to say, much fun was had!
The Waverley College Parents’ Association (WCPA) Meeting took place on Tuesday, 22 February at 6pm.
The meeting was welcomed by WCPA President, Jade Stapleton and attended by parents, staff and 95 parents/families via Zoom.
Speakers included Ms Lynsey Porter (Director of Curriculum), Ms Gabrielle Smith (Director of Junior School), Mr Graham Leddie (Principal), Mr Patrick Brennan (Deputy Principal, Staff and Student Wellbeing), and Ms Jade Stapleton (President WCPA).
I encourage all parents/carers to attend WCPA meetings. The meeting Minutes are below for any parents who would like to read more about the important topics discussed.
2021 HSC analysis and highlights from Mrs Elizabeth Watson (Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning), are also available below for your perusal.
>>> Click here to view the WCPA Minutes, Term 1, 22 February 2022.
>>> Click here to view the slide show of 2021 HSC Analysis and Highlights.
Please see below the College COVID-19 numbers as they stand today. We will continue to monitor our numbers closely. In speaking with a number of principals across systems, our numbers are tracking on the lower end of transmission rates. However, I acknowledge that this can change very quickly, and we may need to make some adjustments.
| 18/3/22 | COVID-Positive | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 7 | 6 | 11 |
| Year 8 | 6 | 11 |
| Year 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 13 | 7 |
| Year 11 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 12 | 3 | 5 |
| Staff | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 58 | 59 |
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
This traditional Irish blessing is an ancient Celtic prayer.
Read more: National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, 2022 May Procession, ‘It’s Time We Talked’ Parent Event.
All of this week, Wellbeing groups have been discussing strategies to combat bullies. On Friday, we celebrated the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative celebrates 12 years of action, empowering our College community to find workable solutions to prevent bullying.
The theme for 2022 is ‘Kindness Culture.’ By building Kindness Culture together, we can promote inclusion, respect and community belonging for all students at the College.
In addition to wellbeing content and discussion at Thursday’s assembly, Years 5 and 10 took part in the Big Brother, Little Brother program, enjoying a BBQ lunch, followed by some time together at Bondi Beach, where they were challenged to come up with images as a House that say ‘no’ to bullying.
Our aim is to create a shared understanding of what bullying is, and encourage our students to be upstanders, by stepping in or letting someone know when bullying is occurring. All of us in our community have a role to play in bullying prevention.
The College can be much more effective when parents report bullying to their son’s Head of House and support our efforts to deal with it.
If your son reports that bullying is occurring at school, or the bullying involves students from the College outside of school, you should let the College know about the situation.
Working together with the College is the best way to help your child resolve bullying issues.
The College will work with you to resolve the situation, and will also work with the other student’s parents. Due to privacy laws, we are not able to share information about any other students involved.
Remain calm and focus on being constructive (even if you feel upset).
Prepare by:
checking our policy on bullying, which can be found on the College website
making a time to talk with your son’s Head of House, either by phone, by email or by setting up a Zoom or face-to-face meeting
writing notes, (and any other records,) based on what your son has told you, so that you can be as clear as possible about what happened. The more information and evidence that you can provide, (names, screenshots, text messages, witnesses’ names etc), the easier it will be for the College to follow your contact up in a timely manner
allowing time for procedural fairness. Many cases of bullying are not black and white. Some cases involve fault from both parties. The College investigates allegations of bullying thoroughly, taking statements from all students involved, witnesses, and sourcing evidence such as video footage.
being clear about the definition of bullying. Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships, through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviours, that cause physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. This can be online, face to face, or hidden.
Our annual May Procession is fast approaching.
When: Sunday, 1 May
Time: 12pm-1:30pm. Students need to be in the Quadrangle by 11:30am.
Where: Centenary Quad, Waverley College.
This wonderful celebration of our College founder, Blessed Edmund Rice, and Mary our Mother, is a compulsory event for all students. As such, full school uniform including blazer and tie must be worn.
Students need to get their names marked off by their Mentor on arrival.
111th May Procession in 2021
When: Tuesday, 26 April
Time: 5:30pm
Where: Online
‘It’s Time We Talked’ is a violence prevention initiative that supports young people, parents, schools, government and the community sector, to understand and address the influence of pornography.
‘It’s Time We Talked’ grew out of Maree Crabbe’s work with young people in secondary schools and community settings.
Maree noticed that pornography was increasingly playing a role in how young people learn about, think about and experience sexuality.
The young people she worked with were keen to talk about pornography, but the adults in their lives often had no idea about pornography’s prevalence or influence – and those who did, often didn’t feel equipped to have the conversations.
These observations led to more questions, research, planning and writing. With significant philanthropic support, ‘It’s Time We Talked’ began in 2009.
Maree Crabbe
Following a presentation to staff earlier in the day, Maree will be presenting to parents that evening.
>>> Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 896 5492 2955
Passcode: 864555
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Staff and Student Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As the number of COVID-19 cases have risen around the state, we wanted to remind you of the policies surrounding testing and surveillance for COVID-19. The most important thing to remember is that if your son shows any symptoms of COVID-19, he is not to attend school, regardless of whether his PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT) is negative.
In line with NSW Health advice, any student with a symptom of COVID-19 must get tested immediately.
Most people no longer need to get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test if they have COVID-19 symptoms, or are a household, social, workplace or education contact of a positive case.
However, students are still required to undertake a RAT. Anyone who tests positive with a RAT must register their test result with Service NSW, and self-isolate following the NSW Health guidelines for testing positive.
Please note: At this stage the Department of Health is not sending any more rapid antigen test kits home to students.
Any student who attends school with symptoms of COVID-19 including; fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath, will be sent home regardless of RAT or PCR results. The student must stay at home and not return to school until they are completely asymptomatic.
Any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 is required to follow NSW Health requirements under the Public Health Order for testing positive and self-isolation.
Currently, the requirements are:
Staff and students who return a positive RAT result must register it on the Service NSW app or service.nsw.gov.au website as soon as possible.
>>> Click here to view the Service NSW website.
Staff and students who receive a positive PCR or RAT result must tell their school as soon as possible, and follow NSW Health advice.
No. A student is no longer able to attend school through the use of RAT if they are identified as a household/ close contact.
The exemption that was in place for students in 2021 under the Test to Stay Program was rescinded on 24 January 2022, and is no longer available, with immediate effect.
Students identified as household/ close contacts are required to complete the 7 day period of Isolation.
If your son has had COVID-19 in the last 8 weeks, they can return to school as long as they are asymptomatic, provide a negative RAT result every day, and can provide proof of dates of isolation to the Health Centre via email to: healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au
When you are calling in to report your son’s absence, please make it clear that you have undertaken a PCR or RAT test. As mentioned, students are not to be at school if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, however when they are asymptomatic, they can return.
Due to the large number of calls the Health Centre is receiving at the moment, I would prefer you to email me at healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions, queries or concerns.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Ms Adele Cutbush
Registered Nurse
E: healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Lacey House has been working hard to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation through our House charity, the ‘World’s Greatest Shave.’
So far, as a school, we have raised just over $9,000, including last year’s total of $3,400. We are encouraging as many students as possible to donate to this very worthy cause, and smash our goal of $10,000.
Yesterday, we shaved some of the heads and even waxed the legs of the students who raised the top amounts. When someone signs up to shave or cut their hair for World’s Greatest Shave, they send a powerful message of hope to the 110,000 Australians and their families facing blood cancer right now. Many people facing blood cancer lose their hair during treatment, and shaving is the ultimate act of solidarity to stand by them.
The funds you raise will directly support those facing blood cancer today, as well as providing precious relief to over 50 more who will receive the same devastating diagnosis tomorrow. Every single day, over 50 Australian families will receive a devastating blood cancer diagnosis. The money you raise will provide these families with the special care and support that they need to make it through the darkest days.
Before …
Before …
After!!
This year we would like to commend the following boys: Hamish and Owen Patient who raised $350 each, Lachlan Marzol for raising $560, Alex Janis for raising $610 and finally, Patrick Carey, who raised a whopping $1,030.
A BIG thanks to all the students who contributed, as every dollar counts for this great cause.
There’s Still Time to Donate!
Mr Damien Thompson
Head of House – Lacey
E: dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Year 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews, Self-Isolation Public Health Order update, latest COVID-19 update, flu vaccine, International Women’s Day, NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook, Running For Premature Babies.
To allow Year 12 students time to join their online Parent/Teacher meetings commencing at 3:30 pm, they will be dismissed on Tuesday at the end of Period 5.
Please find below the key changes in regards to changes made to self-isolation:
Thank you for your ongoing support and consideration.
Please see below the College COVID-19 numbers as they stand today. There has been an increase this week in transmission rates as the Government expected, with its reduction in precautionary measures.
| 11/3/22 | COVID-Positive | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 15 | 5 |
| Year 6 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Year 9 | 4 | 11 |
| Year 10 | 1 | 7 |
| Year 11 | 2 | 5 |
| Year 12 | 6 | 3 |
| Staff | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 35 | 53 |
The College will be providing every staff member with the opportunity to receive the flu vaccine by the College nurse. This will hopefully occur before we go on break for the Term 1 holidays.
Ms Adele Cutbush, College Registered Nurse
There are many reasons to get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against flu and its potentially serious complications.
Having the influenza vaccine can prevent you from getting sick from the flu, and it can also reduce the severity of the virus and reduce the risk of any flu-associated hospitalisation.
It is an important preventative tool for people with certain chronic health conditions. Research also suggests that the flu shot can protect pregnant people during and after pregnancy, it is life-saving in children, and can also help to protect not only yourself, but the people around you.
When the COVID-19 virus settles, infectious disease specialists are particularly worried about future strains of influenza, therefore it is strongly recommended to have your flu shot for this season.
Vaccinations are vital in preventing the spread of infectious disease
COVID-19 and the flu are both highly contagious diseases. The best way to prevent the spread of either infection is to get vaccinated. You should also continue to practice good hygiene (washing hands regularly, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, etc) and physical distancing to protect yourself and others – especially those who are unable to be vaccinated against one or both of these diseases.
(NPS Medicine Wise website 1/3/22: https://www.nps.org.au/news/influenza-vaccines-and-covid-19
Waverley College celebrated International Women’s Day on Tuesday, by hosting a morning tea for all staff and a number of wellbeing activities.
The College produced a thoughtful video, where staff and students across the Junior and Senior Schools spoke about the influence of significant women in their lives.
>>> Click here to watch the video.
In Wellbeing Groups, students engaged in activities where they reflected on what a gender-equal world would look like. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Wellbeing groups were photographed crossing their arms to show solidarity with women across the planet, and supporting the 2022 theme #BreakTheBias. These images were displayed on the digital notice boards around campus.
To all women in our Waverley family, Happy International Women’s Day!
>>> Click here to view images from Senior School Wellbeing groups on International Women’s Day.
Images from the Junior School
College Captain, Daniel McSweeny, Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), Ms Elizabeth Watson and Principal, Mr Graham Leddie supporting International Women’s Day 2022 #BreakTheBias
The NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is a comprehensive resource to assist parents and carers with a range of topics essential to the safety of young people.
The Handbook has been updated to include key messages about storm and flood safety, COVID safety, children’s personal safety and online safety. The contents supplement our own A-Z of Wellbeing in the College Diary.
Families are encouraged to download the Handbook and use it as a reference, as we navigate the health and wellbeing of our young people.
>>> Click here to view the NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook.
This year, Waverley College is entering teams into both the SMH Half Marathon on 15 May and the City2Surf on 16 August in support of the Running for Premature Babies Foundation.
This charity was founded by a Waverley mum, Sophie Smith OAM, following the passing of her prematurely born triplet sons in 2006, and is making a tangible difference to neonatal care in Australia. To date, $5 million has been raised for neonatal equipment, directly benefiting over 6,000 babies Australia-wide.
Join our Waverley College teams in these events, to help fundraise for a first-of-its-kind breast milk analyser for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Women, and help give premature babies a better chance of survival.
All of our community are welcome to take part. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but a free running singlet will be given to anyone who can raise $200.
Waverley College staff and students in the 2019 SMH Half Marathon
Where Do I Find Out More? How Can I Get Involved?
To find out more about the charity, watch the recent interview below on The Morning Show with the charity’s ambassador, Lachy, the purple Wiggle.
>>> Click here to view the interview on The Morning Show.
>>> Click here to view information about how to join our team in the City2Surf.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Thursday, 17 March is St Patrick’s Day. As such, our energetic SRC are organising a bounteous ‘Cake and Cookies Stall’ at recess and lunch, to raise funds for the Flood Appeal.
Please bring in cookies and cakes on the day, and your money to help support this most worthy cause. All donations are welcome.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
For the past three years, Waverley College has celebrated ‘Wear it Purple Day’ to support our LGBTQIA+ students and community. These types of initiatives are deliberate actions to ensure that each individual feels valued, respected, and accepted at the College.
Waverley College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, in particular for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people. This is living our values of the EREA Safe and Inclusive Learning Communities Statement and our Inclusivity Touchstone.
Next week, we warmly invite any students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and students who are supportive allies, to enjoy a pizza lunch together at the College.
If you feel that your son may be interested in this, families are encouraged to have a conversation with their son about joining this group, then contact one of the following staff for more information:
Interested students, Parents and Carers should contact:
Ms Tessa Prior tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or
Mr David Parnell dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
or
Ms Stephanie Falk sfalk@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Through this event, and ongoing projects, the College aims to ensure all students feel a sense of connectedness and belonging, paramount to positive student wellbeing and self-esteem.
In keeping with College practices, conversations are affirming and empathetic; confidentiality and appropriate boundaries are respected.
Ms Tessa Prior
College Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A big thank you to all parents who have generously donated their sons’ outgrown uniforms 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 College through the Parents’ Association.
We are slowly rebuilding stock levels and are so pleased to be able to offer some more items for sale. Email us at clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au to check on stock and for the next opening time.
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.
Due to current restrictions for parents, we are still working mostly through email contact (see email details below) and over the phone.
At the Senior School campus reception in the designated Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box (courtesy of our fabulous Campus Maintenance Team). If leaving Blazers and All Weather Jackets, please include your name and phone number inside the bag, and we can contact you to arrange “buy-back.”
Secondhand Clothing Pool donation box in Senior School Reception
*Unfortunately we don’t currently have any rain jackets in stock.
You will find us 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.
For more information on stock availability, or to make an appointment, please email the Secondhand Clothing Pool at clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Kirsten and Camille
Clothing Pool Coordinators
E: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0703 – please leave a voicemail, and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
The Sacrament of Confirmation for children in Year 6 and above, not attending Holy Cross Primary School, will be celebrated in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Woollahra on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 7pm.
The Parent Information Evening will be on Thursday, 21 April at 7:30pm in the Crypt.
Preparation Classes will be held in the Holy Cross Church Crypt on:
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
