This week, Waverley recognised National Reconciliation Week in both the Junior and Senior Schools, with a short ceremony on each campus. Students in the Walawaani group participated in a smoking ceremony, and spoke on the 2022 topic ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ We sincerely thank Mr Kevin Heath and the Walawaani student group for both preparing for and leading this annual event.
Mr Kevin Heath, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison, at the Junior School smoking ceremony
This week, EREA (Edmund Rice Education Australia), launched its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (2022-2025), and last week acknowledged the Uluru Statement from the Heart on National Sorry Day. The EREA Stretch RAP seeks to embed the values of the reconciliation movement and initiatives into the culture of each EREA school – ways of being, knowing and doing – to be enacted daily.
Please take the time to read the National Reconciliation Week message below from Dr Craig Wattam, Executive Director, EREA. Dr Wattam writes of the need for greater cultural competency, the removal of barriers to inclusion, and listening more deeply to the voices of First Nations Australians, in the pursuit of justice, healing and restoration.
>>> Click here to view Dr Wattam’s National Reconciliation Week message.
As many parents, carers and students will be aware, new affirmative consent laws came into effect in NSW on 1 June, this week. This offers a great opportunity to discuss consent with your children and let them know about the changes to the law.
The significant change to the law sees the addition of communicative and affirmative consent language in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The new law defines consent as a free and voluntary agreement that cannot be presumed, and involves ongoing, mutual communication. Under the new consent laws, people will not be able to assume consent from somebody because they don’t say no – silence is not consent.
The NSW Government community education campaign videos titled ‘Make No Doubt’, support the NSW Government’s sexual consent laws. Targeted at 13-24 year olds, they are available on Social Media platforms Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and Tinder. The videos were made with consultation with sexual violence service providers and community groups, over a period of nine months.
Transdev John Holland Buses have recently taken over many of the bus routes that students from Waverley College use each day.
In a pleasing consultative process, the company has reached out to the College to determine how they can best serve our transport needs.
As part of this process, a survey was sent to parents last term, and a consultant met with me and Jade Stapleton from the Parents’ Association.
This week, as part of the process, a customer experience ambassador representing Transdev John Holland Buses observed student numbers, traffic and bus punctuality on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
The College welcomes these initiatives, and invites families to continue to provide feedback regarding buses to the Wellbeing Centre, so they can be passed on to Transdev John Holland Buses.
Students and their partners are invited to the Year 12 Formal which will be held on the evening of Friday, 24 June at Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont.
Students received official information, including the invite and booking details earlier in the week.
Venue: Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont.
Time: Formal photos from 6pm. Dinner/dancing from 6:30pm to 10pm.
Who: Student and partner. Partner’s name and contact details need to be registered at the time of booking. Photo ID is required to gain entry to the venue.
Cost: $160 per person, including three-course dinner and entertainment.
Dress: Formal attire for both men and women.
This is an alcohol-free event for all students and partners. All attending will be subject to security checks.
The booking window opens at 6pm tonight (Friday, 3 June 2022), and closes Sunday, 19 June.
>>> Click here to book your tickets.
The College wishes to thank Vi Elliott and Roz Barber for organising the fabulous Mother Son Lunch that was held at Doltone House last weekend. All reports suggest that a wonderful time was had by all.
While COVID-19 numbers are low, we are experiencing higher than usual numbers in staff and students being absent with cold and flu.
| 3 June 2022 | COVID-19 | In Isolation |
| Year 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 1 | 1 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 0 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 1 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Staff | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 9 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The ‘Worn Up’ Textile Rescue Program funded by our local council, has another collection coming up!
If you have any non-wearable textiles, please bring them into the secondhand clothing pool. This includes old Waverley branded uniform items along with any items that are ripped, stained and unwearable. We have regular collections by Worn Up, so please do keep items coming in.
The Secondhand Clothing Pool is next door to the Uniform Shop on Level 3, Centenary Building, North Admin Building, on the Senior School Campus. Enter reception and take the lift to the 3rd floor, exit and turn right.
These items will be collected by Worn Up and reformed into new products such as tables, tiles, dog beds, acoustic tiles and more! To find out more about them and their progress, follow them – @wornup on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you for supporting our Students of the World Ecology Club and Secondhand Clothing Pool in this responsible textile disposal. Please note that any current branded uniforms that are still wearable, will be considered for secondhand resale.
>>> Click here to view further information about Worn Up.
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Geography Teacher and Ecology Coordinator
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Kirsten Hott and Ms Camille Owen
Secondhand Clothing Pool Coordinators
E: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians aged 16-23 have joined the internationally-recognised, national sail training ship ‘Young Endeavour’ on a life-changing voyage.
Onboard, 24 youth from across Australia make up the youth crew for each voyage. The program, delivered by the Royal Australian Navy, teaches participants all of the skills required to sail the square rigged tall ship.
These activities include keeping watch on deck, handling lines, taking the helm, navigation using the ship’s charts, assisting the chef in the galley, and climbing the 30-metre mast to set and furl sails.
>>> Click here to view more information.
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
E: gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Heads of House and I enjoyed an evening on Sydney Harbour last night with Year 11 and their guests, for the annual Year 10 dinner cruise that was postponed from 2021.
Just under 300 people boarded the Bella Vista at Darling Harbour, and enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, followed by several hours on the dance floor. The operator’s resident DJ brought this to life.
Xavier Schofield
Caleb Sinclair-Harris and Charlie Smith
I would like to congratulate the Year 11 boys who attended for the respect they displayed on the evening, and their positive interactions with the Heads of House and their guests. Our boys looked sharp in their suits and were a credit to the College and their families.
The College attempted to ensure all major events missed due to COVID-19 were postponed, however the extended lockdown in 2021 prevented a number of events from 2020 fitting into what is a very busy College calendar. The College regrets that this could not be the case for all events.
Years 7-12 students will finish at 2:30pm on Tuesday, 31 May. This is due to a Professional Development staff meeting.
Please note, that afternoon 1sts, 2nds and 16A Rugby ONLY, will still train.
This week Waverley College acknowledges the importance of 26 May and National Sorry Day. On this day we recognise the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors, and think about what we can do for the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
National Reconciliation Week occurs next week, with the theme ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ – encouraging us all to embed change into our everyday practice. On Monday, Mr Kevin Heath and Walawaani students will officially open National Reconciliation Week at our College, with a Smoking Ceremony and address at both the Junior and Senior Schools.
Our First Nation students will run the College assembly on Thursday, with guest speaker Katherine Newton. Katherine is a non-Indigenous leader and the CEO of RU OK? and will speak about the importance of recognising reconciliation in the workplace.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.” Reconciliation Australia.
Year 6 teacher Mr Thomas Olds – one of the 12 ‘Stars of the East’ – will hit the dance floor in competition at the InterContinental, Double Bay on 4 June. Raising money for the Cancer Council, he is dancing in honour of his mum, who has survived two bouts of cancer. Mr Olds has so far raised $6,134, thanks to the generosity of the Waverley College family. This is an important fundraiser across the Eastern Suburbs, so please consider contributing to this worthy cause.
>>> Click here to view the page of Mr Olds.
>>> Click here to donate or purchase a ticket to this exciting event.
We recognise four special students who participated in community programs at ‘Kids Giving Back’ during Term 1 and the recent April school holidays. Thank you Ishaan Jeena, Aidan Carpenter, Owen Storie and Arran Storie, who each chose to share their time to help vulnerable people in our community.
These four boys are role models for all of us, because they demonstrate our College values in action. These boys drew on their initiative and kindness to undertake a range of activities that contributed to meet the needs of vulnerable people in our community, many of whom were affected by this year’s floods.
Mr Stan Williams was a full-time 4th Grade teacher at Waverley College from 1957-1992. We mourned his passing on Tuesday, 17 May, at age 94. Stan’s funeral was held on 20 May at Mary Immaculate Church. There was a wonderful turnout of Stan’s past colleagues and students, and the Junior School choir performed honourably at his service.
| 27/5/22 | COVID-19 | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 7 | 0 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Staff | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 7 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers
The Principal, Mr Graham Leddie, will be on leave for likely the next two weeks. Unfortunately, Graham will undergo back surgery this Saturday morning. We wish him all the best with the surgery and a speedy recovery. Please direct any queries or issues to myself and I will be happy to respond as quickly as possible.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Thursday, students identified as ‘upstanders’ in the 2022 Wellbeing Survey, along with members of the SRC and Prefect groups, attended a special lunch with special guest, David Leser.
David Leser is an award-winning feature writer who has worked for The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, HQ, The Bulletin, Good Weekend, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Vanity Fair, Newsweek and The Daily Beast.
He is a four-times Walkley finalist and Walkley winner for feature writing for ‘Who’s Afraid of Alan Jones?‘ He has also won three Magazine Publishers Association awards.
In 2018, the Good Weekend cover story by David Leser – ‘Women, Men and the Whole Damn Thing’ – had an unprecedented response from readers both in Australia and around the world. The public reaction to the article was extraordinary, and included hundreds of personal messages urging David to expand his story.
Former College Captain and member of the PDHPE staff, Lachlan Drew Morris, critiqued David’s book before David presented to the 80 students in attendance. Students were then encouraged to ask their own questions about toxic male masculinity and gender equality, in an insightful Q&A session.
| 20/5/22 | COVID-19 | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Staff | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 7 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
With Years 7-10 Half-Yearly Examinations commencing next week and a number of assessment tasks scheduled through to the end of the term across all year groups, students should be developing and maintaining effective home learning habits, as per the Home Learning section of the College Diary. This is particularly important in terms of study beyond the work set by the teacher.
The Year 11 Elevate Study Skills session next Wednesday, 25 May is one of many sessions throughout the year that are mapped across the Years 7-12 curriculum to support students in developing good independent learning habits. Students are first introduced to these sessions at the start of Year 7 with Dr Prue Salter’s Study Skills session, where she covers a range of information/ strategies for making effective study notes, creating a productive study environment, planning time for home learning, and the benefits of becoming an independent learner.
This year, a working group of teachers has developed an initiative to embed these skills into Stage 4 formative tasks, leading up to examination periods. The first stage of this initiative is currently taking place in Year 7 Geography and Science, where students are taught how to create effective mind-maps as they study for half-yearly examinations and prepare Term 2 assessment tasks.
One impressive example of this initiative happened this week in Mr Nicholas Sposari’s Year 7 Geography class. His students created powerful mind-maps to prepare for their assessments.
“Drawn from their excursion to Centennial Park, they organised relevant information, used colour to express important concepts of key ideas, and represented connections between ideas. This flexible preparation is part of the Stage 4 Study Skills project that Mrs Lynsey Porter (Director of Curriculum) leads.” – Mr Nicholas Sposari (Teacher).
For the next phase of the initiative, Languages will work with Year 8 students in Spanish in their formative task leading up to the yearly examinations. We look forward to reviewing the impact of these tasks on the way students approach their study, and we will continue to work to support students in their study habits.
You can learn more on the Study Skills website.
>>> Click here to view more information on the Study Skills website.
Our College’s subscription details to the Study Skills Handbook are:
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
The Study Skills website also offers tips on writing assessment tasks for submission. A summary of these tips is outlined below.
When helping students with assignments, the focus is often just on the research process. These tips will focus on getting started with the writing.
Mrs Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are so excited to already have 75 people register for our Waverley team in the City2Surf on 14 August, and have already raised over $5,000 for local charity, ‘Running for Premature Babies.’
There’s still time to join and help us reach our goal to raise $10,000. Can you help? You can easily register in the link below.
All fundraisers will receive a free running singlet. We’ll also be providing a training program for those wanting to run the 14km. Walkers are most welcome to join, too!
This will be a wonderful community event, giving premature babies a better chance of survival.
>>> Click here to view more information about Running for Premature Babies.
Please direct any questions to:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Meyer family at this time. Year 9 father and Old Boy of the College, Mr Peter Meyer, sadly lost his fight with cancer last Friday night. Peter was an amazing father and community member, who fought incredibly bravely. He had a real zest for life and love for his family. I know the Waverley community will support the Meyer family wherever they can. Please keep his wife Di, and children Maddi, Billy and Ashton in your thoughts and prayers at this time.
May Peter Rest in Peace
Congratulations to our Years 5, 7 and 9 students who sat their respective NAPLAN tests this week. Although the weather threw an extra challenge their way to overcome, the boys applied themselves well across their reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy tests.
Our Director of Curriculum, Mrs Lynsey Porter, gave her tips on how to support students preparing for the HSC in this week’s edition of Eastern Suburbs Mums. Please click the link below.
>>> Click here to read Mrs Lynsey Porter’s article ‘How to Help Your Teen Prepare for the HSC.’
I encourage you to read Mr Brennan’s article ‘Lockdown Habits Proving Difficult to Break.’ Dr Michael Carr Gregg, along with some other experts, unpack some valuable parent strategies in this space on our SchoolTV platform.
This week, I attended the virtual Edmund Rice Congress which saw educators from Edmund Rice Schools come together in dialogue from over 20 countries. Throughout the Congress, delegates had the opportunity to engage in experiences and interactions that:
The Congress supported and committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs were adopted by all Nations in 2015, and provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The four Edmund Rice Touchstones embedded across our curriculum, assist our College in embedding these goals and concepts across our programs.
There has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines, but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and ‘zombie-like’ children on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.
Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use, to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time, and be honest about your own difficulties.
Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and carers are provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. 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 your son’s Head of House for further information, or seek medical or professional help.
>>> Click here to view Managing Screen Time.
The Waverley College Year 10 (2021) Dinner Dance provides a formal social opportunity for boys to host a partner at a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. This is a part of our Wellbeing Framework promoting respectful relationships.
Date: Thursday, 26 May 2022
Time: 6pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)
Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship
Embark/Disembark: 6pm Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Dress: Smart formal for all guests
Cost: $100 per person, which includes four hours of cruising, three-course meal, unlimited soft drinks/juice package, DJ and security
RSVP: >>> Click here to book tickets.
Should you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
COVID-19 cases at the College remain relatively low during Week 3. Last week, the College distributed ten additional rapid antigen tests (RATs) to your son. In line with the Department of Education and NSW Health, we have moved from prescribed surveillance testing to what is termed ‘discretionary testing.’
We now require students to administer a rapid antigen test in the following circumstances:
Families are required to notify NSW Health and the College should their son receive a positive RAT or PCR test, and then isolate for seven days. Students should only return to school if they are free from cold and flu symptoms after the seven-day isolation period.
In line with the updated NSW Health guidelines and the CSNSW COVID-19 Advice Policy, Waverley College is implementing the following:
>>> Click here to view the NSW Health Guidelines for Household Contacts – 22 April 2022.
| 13/5/22 | COVID-19 | Close Contacts |
| Year 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 8 | 1 | 4 |
| Year 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Year 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Year 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Year 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Staff | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 7 | 7 |
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Tuesday, 17 May marks IDAHOBIT Day, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Waverley College proudly marks this in our calendar as a day to recognise and celebrate.
Last year, we had guest speaker Ian Roberts share his story with us. In the mid 1990s, Ian was the first rugby league player in the world to publicly come out as gay. He shared his experiences of homophobia, and challenged the young students of Waverley about views of masculinity and male stereotypes, stating that showing gentleness and affection does not make you less of a man – that it is okay to care for your mates.
Guest Speaker Ian Roberts in 2021
This year, some students have created posters which will be displayed around the College, with quotes Ian Roberts left with us: “What you’re willing to walk by, is what you’re willing to accept”, “It takes courage to care” and “As an ally you can help students feel accepted, included and respected.”
In addition to this artwork, we will be holding a lunch to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day. Any student is welcome to attend this – LGBTQIA+ identifying, or ally. If you would like your son to be part of this group, or would like further information, please email Mr David Parnell dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au or Ms Tessa Prior tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au. Conversations in these settings are affirming, respectful and empathetic; appropriate boundaries and confidentiality are clearly established.
On the day, there will also be rainbow ribbons available, for any student or staff member who wishes to wear this, to show their support for IDAHOBIT Day. These can be collected from Mr Patrick Brennan’s office.
On IDAHOBIT Day there will be rainbow ribbons available, for any student or staff member who wishes to wear one, to show their support – collect from Mr Patrick Brennan’s office
Waverley College prides itself on being a safe and inclusive community for all of its students. This message is shown through the positive interactions with teachers, ongoing education in the space of interrupting homophobia and transphobia, and presentations at assemblies.
A range of student literature with an LGBTQIA+ theme is available in the library, we celebrate ‘IDAHOBIT’ and ‘Wear It Purple Day’ each year, and have recently developed a LGBTQIA+ staff advocacy group to discuss and embed initiatives that will continue to make Waverley College an inclusive school to attend.
Ms Tessa Prior and the Wellbeing Team
College Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Happy Mother’s Day to mothers, step-mums, aunties, grandmothers and special women who are like mothers in the lives of Waverley College students. We thank you for the significant contribution you make to your family and to our community.
All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away.
We pray for women who are not mothers, but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who are no longer with us, but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for Us
Mary Mackillop – Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts – Forever.
This week, I attended the inaugural Walawaani welcome evening. The evening has been delayed for over two years due to disruption from COVID-19. The evening saw all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families come together. Walawaani means, “We hope you’ve had a safe journey here,” a motto chosen by the students themselves.
The key goals of the program are to assist emerging leaders develop across their spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional and physical dimensions. The program also seeks to build strong relationships and develop cultural awareness and understanding for all students of the College.
Representatives from our partners at GO Foundation were also present. Thank you to Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun – Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation, Kevin Heath – Indigenous Liaison Officer, and Sue Walsh – Director of Identity & Student Formation, for organising the evening.
At Thursday’s assembly, Ms Sue Walsh and the College Student Leaders launched the Indigenous Interpretation of the Waverley College Crest. The same afternoon, it was also launched to the broader College community via Facebook and Instagram
Last year, local Indigenous artist Billy Reynolds worked with the College to design our Indigenous jersey, and following this, he created his own interpretation of our crest by using artistic elements to link to features of the College community. Please click below to view the crest and explanation of the design.
This week, I had the privilege of attending St Catherine’s School ANZAC ceremony, that had students from both Waverley and St Catherine’s schools’ Cadet Unit in operation. It was a wonderful and moving ceremony.
Dr Townsend (Headmistress, St Catherine’s School) at the lectern. Photo: courtesy Theo Miller.
Photo: courtesy Theo Miller.
Congratulations to Christian Kitas (Year 12) who represented the College at the annual Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition, held this year at Sydney Grammar School. The competition sees one representative from each of the CAS and GPS schools deliver an address. The students do not know what the topic is, and they are given 15 minutes to prepare for an eight-minute address.
The topic that Christian had to respond and speak to was a line from a Leonard Cohen lyric – ‘There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.’ Congratulations to the top three representatives that came from Scots College (1st), Aloysius’ College (2nd), St Joseph’s College (3rd).
The College has launched a range of supporters’ apparel that includes a cap, rain jacket, umbrella, towel and scarf. The umbrella, towel and scarf are in the uniform shop at present, and we are awaiting delivery of the cap and jacket in the next couple of weeks. These deliveries have unfortunately been affected by cargo delays.
The OBU AGM was held last Sunday. I would like to congratulate the elected members, both the Executive and Council Members for 2022/23.
President: Salvatore Riolo
Vice President: Peter Hannigan
Treasurer: John Hilton
Secretary: Chris O’Sullivan
Assistant Secretary: Tom Wallace
Council Members: Warren Boyd, Michael Burns, Michael Dignam, Peter Frost, Sam Hardjono, John Karas, Brandon Perry, Col Blake, Andrew Elliot and Charles New.
I encourage you to read the rest of the newsletter that has both key information across a range of important topics and opportunities for your son including: next week’s NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy, Year 10 Allwell Testing, the College’s Piano Competition, City2Surf ‘Running for Premature Babies,’ Wakakirri starting in the Junior School, start of the Debating season, and the Year 6 Public Speaking Competition.
On Thursday, 5 May we celebrated Edmund Rice Feast Day and student leaders took the us through the history of Blessed Edmund. They reminded us that his charism emerged as a response to his experience as a son, a husband, a father, one who suffered loss, and one whose own brokenness enabled him to connect with those around him.
Through his faith and convictions, he found the strength and the courage to challenge political and social structures and set up a free school for boys living in poverty in Ireland. A school where he and the brothers provided an education which recognised the dignity, potential and wellbeing of the individual, empowering each learner to participate more fully in society.
This unyielding commitment to afford his students their human right to dignity and respect was formally expressed in the 1832 Rules of the Congregation, where Edmund decreed that:
“Each child, especially the poorest, resembles Jesus Christ and hence we as educators must act towards each one with kindness and be considerate of any faults and weaknesses. We must always treat them with consideration and respect.”
Portrait of Edmund Rice
Almost 200 years on from that decree, Edmund Rice Schools operate in 21 countries around the world, with 280 schools educating over 200,000 young people in the Edmund Rice Charism. Here in Australia, EREA is responsible for the governance of 55 schools and the care of over 39,000 young people and children.
The growth and development of EREA is a story for us to celebrate with pride. A story of gratitude to the Christian Brothers for continuing to animate the work of Edmund Rice and perpetuate his dream that, through education, the young people in his care have a hope-filled future.
In my secondment to EREA as the Director of Learning, I had the privilege of engaging with many of our Australian schools. These schools certainly reflect the diversity of the Australian community – Indigenous schools in remote and rural areas, early learning, primary and secondary, boarding, all-boys and co-education schools, diverse needs and flexible learning schools.
Despite such diversity, I witnessed a commonality that unites us in an Edmund Rice Education: The four Touchstones which underpin our educational endeavours. Every EREA school commits to offering a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity.
What does that mean? It means that EREA schools commit to:
Edmund’s charism and mission is ours – ours to shape and to turn into a dynamic, contemporary force.
I asked how we, as members of the Waverley Community, live out Edmund’s charism and mission.
I suggested it can be as simple as starting with humility and all that that demands – patience, tolerance, compassion.
Mrs Elizabeth Watson
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
E: ewatson@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
