With the examination block approaching for students in Years 7-10 and students in Years 11-12 preparing for a range of assessment tasks, now is a good time to share some tips on managing examination periods.
Please remember that we subscribe to the Study Skills Handbook.
Some of the top tips in this guide:
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
To step into the Great Hall at Knox Grammar School on the day of the DaVinci Decathlon is to experience a buzz of excitement like no other as over 200 teams compete to demonstrate strong teamwork and prowess across a range of academic and creative disciplines.
The palpable atmosphere is a frenzy of excitement whilst the teams compete across Engineering, Mathematics, Art, Poetry, Science, English, code breaking, cartography, drama and forensic sleuthing.
Participation in the event never disappoints for our students as they learn about each other, the different ways they can work together to solve complex and creative challenges and considering ways of engaging with new ideas.
Image: courtesy Knox Grammar
Competing at the highest level, I congratulate the following boys on their citizenship, collaboration, enthusiasm and gratitude: Jack Ballinger, Lucas Barber, Thomas Brown, Liam Chalmers, James Draper, Kaspar Emmanouilidis, Boyd Haslam, Ryan Loughrey, Charley McKenzie, Tallis Merrywhether, Finley Mulligan, Oliver Rahmat, Aiden Reay, Maxim Service, Griff Sullivan and Leo Vigil. Both the bus driver and the DaVinci staff commented on the fine representatives of the College that these boys are.
Ms Helen Barrie
Head of Enrichment
hbarrie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As you may be aware there is a lot of discourse on gender-based violence happening nationally at the moment. We know that young people are curious especially when posts and articles have been circulating around social media which can bring up a lot of questions and curiosities. Please see below a few resources that may be helpful in having these conversations with your children.
The Conversation recently published this really important article which shares insights and tips on how to talk to young people about gendered violence. Dr Jacqueline Hendriks, the Project Lead of the Curtin University Relationships and Sexuality Education Project, shares information on how to model good behaviour and it includes some really great resources for parents/carers.
Within the article, there is also a list of links including a free Federal Government resource called The Conversation Guide, which aims to help parents/carers in their conversations regarding gender inequality and respect for women.
The Waverley College Year 10 (2024) 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, 13 June 2024
Time: 5:45pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)
Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship
Embark/Disembark: Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Dress: Smart formal attire for all guests – boys to wear suit with jacket, tie and trousers
Cost: $105 per person, which includes four hours of cruising, a three-course meal, unlimited soft drinks/juice package, DJ and security
RSVP: Essential and bookings open at 6pm on Friday, 24 May 2024
If you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) at ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last week, all Year 8 students participated in a week of social justice activities at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi. This initiative was aimed at students developing a sense of service to others and contributing to the wider community through preparing, cooking and packaging food to be distributed to marginalised people.
Religious Education teachers led each class, who had the opportunity to experience a sense of compassion and kindness through their work, and gained an understanding of the needs in society, beyond their own.
Students cut vegetables and cooked fried rice, but perhaps the highlight of the week was making cookies which were given to the staff at Westmead Hospital oncology ward.
While some students demonstrated their skills in the kitchen, others did the heavy lifting, working as a team, enriching and fostering new skills whilst helping other people in our community. This is a program we hope to expand at Waverley College through the Religious Education curriculum and the Justice and Peace unit demonstrating and supporting interfaith dialogue in our school community. We look forward to developing and enhancing student formation through these social justice activities.
Ms Cath Lipman
Social Justice Coordinator
clipman@waverley.nsw.edu
During this week’s assembly, we presented the winners of our inaugural Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition. This competition was championed and supported by 1970 College Captain, Dr David Curran. The aim of the competition is to encourage and recognise academic excellence in both the written and spoken word. It also provides students with an enriching opportunity to explore the EREA Touchstones in our contemporary world. David has a love of language, oratory and the humanities and has dedicated his life to serving others in the medical profession and by teaching others at university.
The students from Year 11 and 12 who participated in the competition, submitted writing of the highest calibre in the essay round. Of these entrants, three finalists were selected by the judging panel to transition their work into a speech to deliver in front of a judging panel and discerning audience. I would like to thank the judges Ms Catherine Stewart (Head of Religious Education), Mr Barry Smith (Head of History), Dr Michael Couani (Head of English) and Dr David Curran.
Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding contribution to the competition:
Congratulations to our new Years 7-11 SRC representatives for 2024/25.
Please take a moment to look at some exciting curriculum opportunities that our students have undertaken recently in Mrs Lynsey Porter’s newsletter article. From 20 senior students visiting the University of Sydney’s St. John’s College Dinner, to others discovering the The M in STEM: Where Maths Can Take You at the University of Sydney, to the Inaugural LEGO League and Inaugural Robotics Competitions, to Engineering a Sustainable Future or our passionate anglers putting classroom knowledge to the test.
On 19 June Old Boy Joe Simonella (Class of 2020) will be running 100 miles (172 km) from Nowra to Clovelly, to raise awareness for mental health and fundraise for R U OK? to help spread their message about checking in on our friends and peers. Here is the Joe Simonella fundraising page LINK.
The University of Sydney is running a repeat of their subject selection information webinar specifically for Waverley College students and parents/carers. The webinar will run on 3 June 6pm-7:30pm. We will have staff available to answer questions. The link to the webinar registration is HERE if you would like to attend.
Tickets will be available on the school events page from 9am on Monday 20 May. Buy your tickets HERE.
Can you volunteer to assist us in our daily operations from 9:30 am till 1:45 pm? We really need you! Lunch is provided for all volunteers. We greatly value the assistance of our volunteer workers as it allows us to be more efficient in our services for students.
We welcome all members of the Waverley College Community – mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and carers. We are happy to take on any availability, whether it’s once a week, month, or even once a Term – it all helps.
The Term 2 2024 volunteer roster is online, so if you are interested, please volunteer as soon as you can by clicking HERE.
The 2024 Old Boys’ Muster is just around the corner! This provides Old Boys from any year an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Join us for a night to remember as we gather on the roof with views of the coastline, city and out to the airport. Be treated to a complimentary delicious feast of spit-roasted pig and lamb, adding a gourmet touch to our evening of camaraderie. Drinks can be purchased at the bar.
Date: 1 June 2024
Time: 5pm-10pm
Location: Waverley College
Please take a moment to confirm your attendance by clicking on the link below, if you haven’t already done so. Your presence will truly make the event special.
Waverley College Old Boys’ Union
wcobuexecutive@gmail.com
You’re invited to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia national community to imagine how our school, and all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, can be the best they can be for our young people and for our world. We need your help to shape the future for 41,000 plus young people.
Both the in person and online sessions will provide you with the opportunity to discuss with others what you value about your school and what you hope it might strive to become. What comes out of these discussions will assist the EREA national community to renew its understanding and articulation of what it means to be a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition.
The Open Forum will be held at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield in the Scientia Building on 27 May 2024 at 6:30pm.
The Online Forums will be held on the following dates:
If you would like to attend one of these forums please use the registration links below to register for either the Open Forum at St Patrick’s College or one of the online forums.
Open Forum Online Registration Link
*Please do not confuse the College’s 25-27 Strategic Planning process being run in conjunction with the AIS. Each student, parent, staff member and stakeholder group will be receiving an email shortly regarding this College process.
Congratulations to our students and teachers who continue to contribute to Waverley College in such a positive way across a range of facets across and beyond our community. From the twenty students who joined the residents of St. John’s College on Monday evening for a tour and formal dinner, to the Vocational students who had an amazing experience, fishing at Rose Bay on Thursday, we are certainly striving towards our Teaching and Learning vision and mission for our students:
“To build an inclusive community of mutual trust and respect that values liberating teaching and learning, celebrates curiosity, critical thinking and nurtures globally-minded citizens.”
You can read more about these experiences – plus others – below.
Also, to support our students with their writing in the HSC, we are launching our Period 6 writing workshops next week during the Home Study periods. You can view a link to the program in the Year 12 action items. The expectation is that students attend at least two workshops in Term 2 and two in Term 3. This allows some flexibility around occasions when students have a Period 6 assessment task or meeting. We know that most students will aim to attend more than two. Also, in the Year 11 and 12 action items, please note some important information about the HSC Resource Section in the Senior Library.
On Monday evening, 20 of our Year 12 students accepted an invitation to tour St. John’s College Residencies at the University of Sydney and join the community for a formal dinner. We were extremely lucky to be hosted by former Waverley College students who are both residents and affiliates of the college.
For further information on what St John’s College can offer in terms of residential and affiliate opportunities, please use the link below. This link also provides information on scholarship applications.
https://www.stjohnscollege.edu.au/
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Everybody knows that science, technology and engineering will continue to shape the world we live in. They will be needed to solve the problems current and future generations will face. But how does mathematics fit in? Why do you have to learn calculus? What does probability have to do with anything? And is there really a reason for understanding statistics now that computers do everything for us?
If you are in Years 9-12, looking after someone in Years 9-12 or teaching a class of Years 9-12 students, come along to discover how the maths learnt in the classroom is used in everything from physics to medicine.
This two-hour event will begin with you hearing from current pioneers in STEM as they detail how mathematics has shaped their careers. After which, there will be a networking Q&A so you can receive tailored advice and build connections with your future peers and potential colleagues.
Not sure which level of maths is needed for your chosen degree? Or do you have a major you want to take, but no idea what sort of career it could lead to? This is your chance to have all your questions answered!
There will also be the opportunity to attend one of three optional campus tours immediately before the event. If you would like a guided tour of the facilities you could be using if you study science at the University of Sydney, please reserve a ticket for your preferred tour time when you reserve your ticket to the main event. Tours will leave from the courtyard in front of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub building.
Parents/guardians/carers and siblings are invited. Please book a ticket for each person that will be attending as seats are limited.
UNSW EMU Robotics, is a student-led robotics competition team, participating in the first First LEGO League and First Robotics Competitions!
The upcoming ‘Open Nights’ are held at the UNSW Electrical Engineering building. The Junior team learn about robotics through their hands-on experience with LEGO EV3 and SPIKE robots. Senior teams design, build and code a robot from scratch using materials like aluminium and timber. This robot competes in an annual competition where it plays on an alliance with two other robots.
They are also trying to establish a regional First LEGO League competition within the Eastern Suburbs so that a local option is available to teams in the area.
If your child is interested, please see the flyers in the links below for more information and registration.
Image: courtesy UNSW
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In our rapidly evolving world, the fields of engineering and ecology are becoming increasingly intertwined as we strive to create sustainable solutions for our planet. The marriage of these disciplines holds tremendous promise for addressing pressing environmental challenges while driving innovation and progress.
At its core, engineering is about problem-solving and innovation, leveraging scientific principles to design and create solutions to real-world challenges. Meanwhile, ecology focuses on understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment, with a keen eye towards maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.
One of the most pressing issues facing humanity today is climate change, driven primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Addressing this global challenge requires a multidisciplinary approach that draws upon the expertise of engineers and ecologists alike.
Engineers are developing technologies to harness renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, providing clean alternatives to fossil fuels. These innovations not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems.
Students in Stage 6 Engineering Studies and Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) were provided with the opportunity last week to explore what this means in reality. Everyone was very excited by the current research into hydrogen fuel cells and what this could mean for our future.
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering and Science Educator / Ecology Coordinator
sbaylie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As the sun gently kissed the horizon, a group of eager Year 12 Marine Studies students gathered at Rose Bay, poised to put their classroom knowledge to the test. Armed with rods, reels and a passion for marine life, these budding anglers embarked on an expedition that seamlessly merged theory with practice.
Knot tying, a fundamental skill in a fisherman’s toolkit, took centre stage as students meticulously crafted the perfect connections between line, hook and lure. Each knot tied was not just a technical exercise but a symbol of the precision and attention to detail. This is a testament to the students’ dedication to mastering their craft.
Rig selection became a strategic endeavour as students deliberated over the optimal setup for the day’s target species. With a diverse array of rigs at their disposal, the students weighed the pros and cons, considering factors such as water depth, current conditions and the behaviour of their elusive aquatic counterparts.
Bait choice, a critical component of successful fishing, prompted lively debates among the students. From live bait to artificial lures, each option carried its allure and challenges, requiring students to think like the fish they sought to catch.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the students cast their lines into the tranquil waters of Rose Bay, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the tell-tale tug of a bite. With each cast and retrieve, they honed their skills, learning to read the subtle movements of the ocean and adapt their techniques accordingly.
As the day unfolded, laughter mingled with the sounds of waves, creating a symphony of camaraderie and shared passion for the marine environment. Regardless of the day’s catch, the real treasures were the lessons learned, the invaluable experiences that transcended the confines of the classroom and ignited a lifelong love affair with the sea.
In the tranquil embrace of Rose Bay, these Year 12 Marine Studies students didn’t just fish, they forged memories, friendship and a deeper connection with the world beneath the waves.
Mr Richard Chen and Ms Caroline Quirke
Marine Studies Teachers
cquirke@waverley.nsw.edu.au
rchen@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Tuesday, 14 May, Year 11 students attended the RYDA Safe Driving excursion. The workshops undertaken on this day are crucial for teenagers who are just starting to get their licences. Some of the more poignant workshops of the day included a guest speaker who, at the age of 18, lost her ability to walk due to a preventable car accident.
The students of Waverley College participated extremely well in each of the workshops and will remember the different ways to minimise the risk of harm while driving or being a passenger on our roads.
Ms Cassandra Foster
Head of Brennan House
cfoster@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Please find attached a special report from SchoolTV regarding IDAHOBIT day which is celebrated each year on 17 May. The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) emphasises the importance of educating children about diversity and inclusivity.
Read more HERE.
The Waverley College Year 10 (2024) 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, 13 June 2024
Time: 5:45pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)
Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship
Embark/Disembark: Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Dress: Smart formal attire for all guests – boys to wear suit with jacket, tie and trousers
Cost: $105 per person, which includes four hours of cruising, a three-course meal, unlimited soft drinks/juice package, DJ and security
RSVP: Essential. Bookings open at 6pm on Friday, 24 May 2024.
Click HERE for tickets.
If you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) at ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley College is participating in a research project titled ‘Supporting School Students’ Learning and Wellbeing‘ facilitated by the School of Education at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), which aims to investigate the educational practices that support students’ learning and wellbeing in the classroom and in their co-curricular activities.
Students in Years 7-12 will complete an online questionnaire during Period 1 classes on Friday, 24 May 2024. Students in Years 5-6 will complete the questionnaire during Period 1 on Thursday 23 May. The questionnaire will ask them about educational practices at the school (eg instruction, guidance from teachers, coaches, etc) and also about their learning (eg motivation, engagement) and wellbeing (eg flourishing, sense of belonging). The questionnaire should take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
If you agree for your child to take part in the project, you are not required to do anything else.
Students can provide their own consent as they do the survey.
If you do not want your child to participate in this project, please fill in your details on page 4 of the below Parent Information Form for UNSW & IBSC Research Project and email it to Ms Lauren Ryan, EA to the Deputy Principal-Students lryan@waverley.nsw.edu.au by 12pm on Wednesday, 22 May, 2024.
Click HERE to view the Parent Information Form.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact me at gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Kind regards
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are currently doing a drive for footy boots for our immersions. If you have any used, clean boots, please bring them in anytime up until 20 June 2024 and leave at Reception or Wellbeing centre.
Your generosity will be enormously appreciated.
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Mission and Identity
swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
A heartfelt thank you to all of our Tevlin staff, Ms Jaz Dolso and Mr Chris Balkizas with leading the music, and Ms Sue Walsh and Mr Tom Kennedy from our mission team for your preparation and support of all aspects of our Mass.
It was wonderful to see boys and families in big numbers, sharing the time over Mass and supper together. The discussions and connections over supper with parents/carers and boys is also a valuable way we can continue to strengthen these connections, so thank you all for your time. I hope you enjoy the photos below.
Mr John McCallum
Head of Tevlin House
jmccallum@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We wish all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and significant female carers a respective Happy Mothers’ Day on Sunday. I hope you are acknowledged for the significant role you play in your children’s development, for the care and support you provide and the wisdom and skills you share so generously.
I hope boys are thankful and appreciative for all that you have done and sacrificed for them and will continue to do for them. The College also thanks you for the significant contribution mothers have made to Waverley throughout its 121 years of service. Mothers and other female carers have made a significant impact on the lives of students, the school’s culture and the sense of community. Happy Mother’s Day.
Senior School Mother’s Day Breakfast
Today, loving God,
we pray for our mothers:
who cared for us when we were helpless,
who comforted us when we were hurt,
whose love and care we often took for granted.
Today we pray for
those who are grieving the loss of their mother,
those who never knew their biological mother, and now yearn for her;
those who have experienced the wonder of an adopted mother’s love;
those families separated by war or conflict.
Lord, give them special blessings.
Keep us united with you and with each other,
so that we can be and become all that we are meant to be.
Amen.
We wish a blessing upon all that have worked in Christian Brother Schools and Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition, for the lasting legacy of schools across Australia and the world, which all began in 1802 with the establishment of the first school in Waterford, Ireland by our Founder Edmund Rice.
Please find an EREA Feast Day message from the Chair of the EREA Council, Dr Michael Slattery HERE.
In 2020 our community was rocked when we lost Year 8 student Archie Perkins. Archie passed away from a pre-existing heart condition over the summer holiday period. This came as a terrible shock to Archie’s family and the Waverley College community, particularly Archie’s close friends and Year group. Archie would have been graduating from Waverley College this year and in memory of him, we will be holding a Hearts For Arch Day.
This day will be held on Thursday, 13 June 2024 in which the students will wear mufti uniform and are required to give a gold coin donation. All money raised will go directly to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Cardiac Unit and to the purchase of the mobile ECG units; Kardia.The aim to provide a Kardia mobile to every eligible cardiac patient at Sydney Children’s Hospitals, and at $173 each, every dollar counts. Donations can be made through the Hearts for Arch Foundation.
We also encourage students to purchase merchandise which they can wear throughout Week 7. This will be available for purchase at school on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June, however, you can also purchase merchandise HERE.
We look forward to welcoming Archie’s family to our College Assembly where they will share Archie’s story and the importance of the Hearts for Arch Foundation.
The 2025-2027 Strategic Planning process will begin shortly. The College will be seeking feedback from stakeholder groups. The information gathered will assist in furthering the growth and development of our school community. We will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
The survey instruments that we are using have been created by the Association of Independent School NSW (AISNSW). These surveys have been specifically designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of five important areas: School Environment, Teaching and Learning, Student Wellbeing, Leadership and Community. All staff, students, parents/guardians/carers, leaders and board members will be invited to participate.
The surveys will be distributed via email to all from ‘evidence@aisnsw.edu.au’ on behalf of the school and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All information will be anonymous and no data information will be stored past the process.
Your input and contribution are important to the success of our continuous school improvement process as we aspire to improve the learning experience for everyone at our school.
Congratulations to Fox Stapleton (Year 11) who played the senior male role in the St Catherine’s School 2024 School Musical Legally Blonde, which opened last night. Fox produced a stellar performance along with his St Catherine’s School colleagues. It was truly an enjoyable evening of entertainment with all students delivering a very high standard of performance.
Mr Peter Lamb (Head of Drama) and I were both impressed also with the number of Fox’s peers who had bought tickets to go along and support him and friends at St Catherine’s. We saw this same support last Term for Mackenzie Singh (Year 12) and Matthew Frost (Year 12) who had lead roles in the KRB 2024 School Musical.
It is a nice attribute that I see often from Waverley boys and something we as a community should acknowledge and encourage. I am looking forward to Waverley’s production in Week 8 of this Term (18 – 22 June 2024), Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) where we will see a number of our students along with St Clare’s and Ascham students perform.
During Thursday morning, our entire Year 10 cohort participated in a special program delivered by the Courage2Care organisation. Focussed on the Holocaust, the key message of child survivor Mr Jack Feller and the volunteer presenters was for Waverley staff and students alike to be upstanders and not bystanders. In line with our Wellbeing program, for our staff and students to act against bullying and discrimination in all its forms.
The centrepiece of the presentation was Mr Jack Feller relating his personal, harrowing story: being born to parents in hiding in Nazi-occupied Poland, surviving the final months of the war with a foster family and being reunited with his birth parents at 11 months of age. As Mr Feller told our students, he survived because Polish neighbours stood up to the Nazis at risk of their own lives.
Year 10 History students are currently engaged in a deep-learning investigation of the Holocaust, which covers the entirety of Term 2. The study includes formative tasks related to the Courage2Care presentation, as well as a formal assessment task on refuting Holocaust denial.
The Courage2Care incursion is part of the College’s ongoing community engagement project, seeking to reach out to groups within the immediate neighbourhood of Waverley and beyond.
Thank you to the History Department staff who organised this important incursion. A great initiative which is sure to have inspired our students as well as to provoke deeper thinking about themselves.
Dr Panos Diamadis
Teacher
pdiamadis@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Every two years, Jarjum College holds a fundraiser at the International Convention Centre Sydney to assist them to raise funds to support the educational model of their school. It is also a great opportunity for us to share with the wider community our success. Given the on-going partnership between Waverley and Jarjum, they would love to see some of our community present on the evening.
You can purchase your ticket via this link.
Enquiries: please email Natasha Evans nevans@rjc.nsw.edu.au
The University of Sydney is offering an information evening to explore their iconic campus and learn more about university entry, scholarships, study options and more at their information evening for Year 12 students and their caregivers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your options and ask any questions you have about joining the Sydney student community next year. This on-campus event will include a tour, course advice exhibition and information sessions on curriculum, scholarships, student support, campus life and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander study pathways.
If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry – the online session on 23 May will cover everything you need to know!
The University of Sydney also has a number of upcoming webinar events to help you discover what it’s like to study a bachelor’s degree there. Their events are best suited for students from Years 10-12, and include tips on your school subjects, preparing for uni and how to choose a course.
Explore all their Term 2 webinars.
Congratulations to the finalists of the inaugural Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition who presented their speeches in Round 2 of the competition on Monday, 6 May 2024.
Our finalists for 2024 are:
All three finalists were extremely impressive and the judging panel will have a tremendously challenging task to award first, second and third place. There was a discerning audience who attended to support the students including the College Principal, Mr Leddie, Old Boy, Dr David Curran (Class of 1970) and a range of staff and senior students.
The award winners will be presented in our Edmund Rice assembly next Thursday, 16 May alongside the students who will be receiving Highly Commended and Commendation certificates.
Many thanks to the judging panel: Dr Couani, Head of English, Ms Stewart, Head of Religion, and Mr Smith, Head of History.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This week our Senior students showcased their capacity for rigorous intellectual debate and ethical exploration at the annual Ethics Olympiad. Among the standout topics this year were discussions exploring the societal impacts of new AI technologies and the ethics of sporting investments from potentially questionable sources. Our Waverley students were commended by judges for their exceptional insight and empathy as they engaged with these current issues receiving honourable mentions in the results.
We would like to take this opportunity to celebrate James Barber, Ben Cromer, Dante Fearn, Xavier Kopsiaftis and Ryan Murphy from Year 10, as well as Alexander Avdalis, Henry Goldrich, Carter Hughes, Leo Owen, Evan Service and Luke Ibrahim from Year 9.
The collaborative spirit and respectful engagement from these two teams demonstrates that the Ethics Olympiad not only fosters intellectual growth but also encourages empathy and open-mindedness—a sentiment that was evident in the camaraderie of these teams and their interactions with teams from other schools.
As always, it takes a village to pull off these events, we would like to thank the Canteen for providing morning tea and lunch and to Mr Bill Roberts and Ms Bella Davies for their supervision and coaching.
Ms Helen Barrie
Head of Academic Enrichment
hbarrie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday 4 May, James Peate (Year 11) took part in the Lawrence Campbell Competition at Scots College. This is a prestigious competition that has seen the likes of Malcolm Turnbull, Murray Gleeson and Adam Spencer as previous winners. On the evening of the competition, all competitors were given three topics:
1. Some rise through sin, others through virtue fall
2. The minority is always right, or so they think
3. The superfluous: a necessary thing.
James had 15 minutes to compose an eight-minute speech based on one of the topics. He then had to deliver the speech in front of a panel of judges as well as all the spectators. The focus of James’ speech was survivorship bias, the nature of objective truth and interpretations of history.
James should be both congratulated and commended for representing Waverley College at Lawrence Campbell. It is no easy feat to speak in front of a room of strangers especially with little time to prepare and he represented the school with pride.
Ms Alice Curtis
Teacher of English
acurtis@waverley.nsw.edu.au
UNSW EMU Robotics, is a student-led robotics competition team, participating in the first First LEGO League and First Robotics Competitions!
The upcoming ‘Open Nights’ are held at the UNSW Electrical Engineering building. The Junior team learn about robotics through their hands-on experience with LEGO EV3 and SPIKE robots. Senior teams design, build and code a robot from scratch using materials like aluminium and timber. This robot competes in an annual competition where it plays on an alliance with two other robots.
They are also trying to establish a regional First LEGO League competition within the Eastern Suburbs so that a local option is available to teams in the area.
If your child is interested, please see the flyers in the links below for more information and registration.
Image: courtesy UNSW
Ms Gemma Brown
Head of Science
gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Image: courtesy Law Week NSW
Linking to legal experts was on display today with our Waverley Council and Waverley College Library collaboration for NSW Law Week.
Our Year 11 students were fortunate that Waverley Public Library partnered with Legal Aid to foster community and student engagement with Law.
Legal Aid professional Caterina Mazza presented some compelling issues relating to young people and the criminal law in a workshop which delivered a very practical understanding of the Children’s Criminal Law jurisdiction. Based on syllabus outcomes for the Year 12 Legal Studies course, it illuminated:
Both students and teachers learned a great deal from this collaboration and share their reflections below.
“It was something new that I have never experienced, I would love the opportunity to learn about the law in real life more.”
“It was helpful and a worthwhile session.”
“It would have been good to be longer, there was more I wanted to ask and find out.”
“Handouts and support materials were good.”
“Next time can we have the two Legal Studies classes attend?”
“Can we attend the next session on consent?”
“The boys enjoyed it and lots of relevant questions were asked at the end.” – Mr Bill Roberts
“The partnership with NSW Law week was a resounding success, as it provided our Year 11 students with a unique opportunity to delve into practical aspects of the legal system. The students gained invaluable insights into the criminal jurisdiction of the Children’s Court, diversionary and sentencing options. This excursion not only enriched their understanding of the Year 11 Legal Studies syllabus but also fostered a deeper engagement with the complexities of the law, empowering them to become informed and conscientious citizens. Thank you Waverley Public Library, Legal Aid and Mr Roberts for all his assistance in organising this.” – Ms Michelle Joyce
We look forward to further workshops on Criminal Law and Consent coming up over the next Terms.
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library Services and Applied Philosophy Teacher
wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Angelique Theodorou
Assistant Head of HSIE
atheodorou@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Michelle Joyce
Legal Studies Teacher
mjoyce@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Waverley College Year 10 (2024) 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, 13 June 2024
Time: 5:45pm – 10pm (meet at Star City Casino Wharf at 5:30pm)
Venue: Bella Vista Cruise Ship
Embark/Disembark: Star City Casino Wharf, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont
Dress: Smart formal attire for all guests – boys to wear suit with jacket, tie and trousers
Cost: $105 per person, which includes four hours of cruising, a three-course meal, unlimited soft drinks/juice package, DJ and security
RSVP: Essential. Bookings open at 6pm on Friday, 24 May 2024.
If you have any further questions, please email Ms Suzi Sucur (Administrator Wellbeing Centre) at ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dr Zac Seidler is a clinical psychologist, researcher and leading expert in men’s mental health. He currently holds dual roles as Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movember and Senior Research Fellow with Orygen at the University of Melbourne.
Dr Seidler’s work has focused on issues of masculinity, fatherhood, mental health challenges experienced by men and the advocacy for inclusive and sensitive approaches to men’s mental health.
Currently, Dr Seidler’s team is undertaking research to better understand the impacts of TikTok content on young men’s mental health and are looking for men aged 16-25 to participate.
Recent data shows, based on time spent utilising the app, TikTok is now the most popular social media app in Australia, with social media users spending an average of 42 hours and 13 minutes each month on TikTok. (We Are Social/Meltwater, 2024). Many of our young people are now opting to use TikTok for not only entertainment, but also as a search engine and source of information. Whilst being online can offer numerous benefits like facilitating connection, communication, and learning, there are a range of potential negative impacts including comparisons with others, poor self esteem, cyberbullying, #FOMO (fear of missing out!), feelings of isolation and alienation, over exposure to current affairs and screen addiction. This research is relevant in understanding how we may support our youth as they navigate the online landscape. (Khalaf A M, Alubied A A, Khalaf A M, et al. (August 05, 2023).
This research has been ethically approved by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with the charity Movember and your son’s data will be stored safely and securely.
If your son is interested in partaking in Dr Seidler’s voluntary research, you may access information via the link below.
Hey, are you a man ages 16-25 living in Australia, the UK, or the US? Do you frequently use TikTok? We want to hear from you. We’re a research team exploring TikTok’s impact on young men. Our study includes a 15-minute survey and sharing TikTok data now and in three months’ time. Your information will remain anonymous, won’t be shared beyond this study, and you can opt out anytime.
You’ll be compensated AUD$100 (around US$65/£50) for your time – AUD$40 after the initial survey and data share, and AUD$60 for the follow-up.
Interested? Sign up here: AUS LINK: https://unforgettable.me/projects/user/d2e04e60538c6b397f513addf66d64aa
First payment is immediate upon completion of the initial survey.
Do you have conversations with your children about social media? As parents/carers, social media can be a difficult topic to navigate with your children. However, facilitating open and non-judgemental conversations around online engagement can be an important step in better understanding and supporting your child’s digital journey. This may entail asking your child about his screen time including any perceived positives and negatives, setting boundaries collaboratively with your child about their usage, as well as modelling appropriate online usage as parents/carers.
If you require further assistance in guiding your child’s screen time or have concerns regarding their mental wellbeing, our Psychology team is readily available to provide support and guidance.
Ms Olivia Stelling
College Psychologist
ostelling@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Australian regulators have introduced new vaping reforms through changes to the therapeutic goods and customs regulations. These reforms aim to address the rising health concerns associated with vaping, while maintaining access to vapes for therapeutic use such as helping existing smokers quit under medical supervision.
On 1 January 2024, Australia banned the importation of disposable vapes, with few exceptions, regardless of their nicotine content or therapeutic claims. This means importing disposable vapes is illegal in Australia.
Therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers are required to notify the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) about compliance with the relevant product standards before importation to Australia or release for supply in Australia. The prohibition extends to personal imports of disposable vapes for therapeutic purposes, with an exception for international travellers who may bring a small quantity for personal treatment.
In addition to these importation bans, the government has also introduced further legislation to prevent the domestic production, promotion, supply, and commercial possession of disposable vapes.
Health practitioners, including doctors and nurse practitioners, can prescribe therapeutic vapes without needing TGA pre-authorisation, simplifying the prescription process for medically supervised smoking cessation.
The reforms also ban importing non-therapeutic vapes, prohibiting direct overseas orders for patients, even with prescriptions.
New pre-market standards for therapeutic vapes require importers and manufacturers to adhere to new TGA compliance standards, including flavour restrictions (mint, menthol and tobacco flavours are allowed) and device specifications. These reforms, part of a broader government strategy to reduce tobacco and vape use, do not criminalise personal vape possession or use, but aim to regulate vaping more stringently to protect public health.
We would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the topic of Opal Card Compliance for school students. It is a condition of the Student Code of Conduct when travelling that students must Tap On and Off with their School Opal Card or Child/Youth Opal Card every time when using public transport. This is so that Transport for NSW can understand customer travel patterns and adjust the services provided, if necessary.
If students do not meet these criteria, they will need to carry a Child/Youth Opal card with funds loaded onto it. If a student’s School Opal Card has expired or been damaged, lost or stolen, please visit transportnsw.info/school-travel-apply to reapply.
Transport NSW will continue to conduct random visits to school bus stops to reinforce this message to students throughout the year.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Dear Parents and Carers
We are thrilled to report that the tickets to our August Blue & Gold Ball sold out yesterday! Congratulations to everyone who secured a ticket.
We recognise that the Ball may not be for everyone and hope that those not attending, or those who missed out on tickets, will consider supporting our silent auction. We have two exceptional raffle prizes on offer to our whole community!
All funds from the sale of raffle tickets support the Waverley College Foundation and raising valuable funds for the Science & Innovation Centre.
You are welcome to get involved by purchasing Raffle Tickets HERE.
Good luck!
Welcome back to term 2 and I hope your sons had a lovely break and are ready for a great term ahead. I acknowledge that many of our Year 12s would have done many hours of study over the break as they continue to prepare for their HSC trials and next steps in their life post school. I wish them the very best on their continued preparations.
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome some new staff members to the College. We look forward to them sharing their experience, wisdom and perspectives with both colleagues and students.
Ms Bella Davies (English Teacher) holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Humanities and Social Sciences) and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. Previously, Bella worked as a Senior Coach and Session Leader at HSC CoWorks, and she also facilitated workshops at Elephant Ed, a company focused on sex education and promoting healthy relationships.
Ms Emma Brown (Mathematics Teacher) joins us from The Radclyffe School, Manchester, UK. She holds a Bachelor of Science with first class honours in Mathematics with Psychology.
Ms Madeline Eddy (Learning Support Assistant, Junior School) joins us from Waverley Public School and Forest Lodge Public School. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/ Early Childhood).
Ms Leanne Chapman (Canteen Assistant) has been working casually with us in the Canteen and has now transitioned to permanent part time. Leanne has a long association with the College across four generations and with the Major General Chapman Award for Cadets in honour of her grandfather.
Welcome back to the following staff:
Congratulations to Ms Cassie Foster who has been appointed as the Acting Head of House – Brennan for Terms 2 and 3 while Ms Kaitlyn Downey is on maternity leave.
As we begin this new Term, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our students of the importance of using feedback from the Parent/Teacher/Student conferences to set academic goals and stay committed to their studies. This is a crucial time of the year, and we must all work together to ensure that our students strive for their best possible education outcomes.
Our thoughts and prayers are still with the families and friends who lost loved ones in the tragic events that happened at Bondi Junction over the holidays. I know that some of you were friends of some of the people who were killed and I also know a few staff, students and parents were in Westfield Shopping Centre that day and witnessed the traumatic events.
Some of you will have seen graphic images online or in the media or have previously spent a lot of time in Westfield and this is all quite upsetting for you still. Or maybe this event has brought up previous trauma that you have experienced. Either way, I would encourage you to talk with your friends, parents, wellbeing mentor about this or see one of our psychologists. No one needs to go through issues alone and we will all experience challenges along life’s journey where we need assistance.
With five of the six victims being female at the Bondi Junction event and 31 women having been murdered in Australia in the first four months of 2024, which is a 28% increase on 2023 figures for the same time period, a national crisis has been declared to address gender-based violence. And, whilst this is tragically the pointy end, there are thousands more women being abused, assaulted, controlled and humiliated in their own homes and across the community by men, and usually by men they trust.
You may have seen in the media one of the many marches across capital cities over the weekend calling for much more to be done to reduce gender violence. But this is not a new crisis in Australia or in fact across the world, as gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights abuses. This is a continuous tragedy in motion that needs our ongoing attention.
Gender-based violence is an umbrella term for harmful acts of abuse perpetrated against a person’s will and rooted in a system of unequal power between women and men. The perpetrators of gender-based violence are predominantly men, and the victims are most frequently women.
It’s not acceptable that one in three women in Australia experience physical or sexual violence. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that women and girls, and everyone, everywhere, can live free from violence. Violence of any type is not acceptable against anyone.
Clearly there is a need in Australia and other countries for greater institutional reforms in this space, greater accountability for perpetrators, and easier and quicker access to support for victims. But there is also a need for a deeper cultural change and this is where all of us have a role to play in ending gender violence, particularly males. As a parent, it should be as safe for my daughter as it is for my son to go out at night time and the statistics do not lie, it is not. So what can we do on an individual level and as a school community?
We can continue to challenge harmful norms and call out friends or colleagues when we hear them disrespecting women.
We can ensure we are building respectful relationships with women we interact with and with our local girls’ school communities.
We can ensure that misogynistic comments where hatred of women or a belief that men are better than women are not acceptable anywhere or anytime. For over 2000+ years this has been embedded into our societies and structures, but it is not the equality or improved world we are seeking.
We should recognise that most men are good men, but good men need to step up and play our part in this ongoing crisis that is affecting all women in our country.
We should understand that there are some social commentators out there who try to skew the argument that there are male victims of gender violence too and that is true, there are – but over 90% of gender violence is men being violent with females. This sort of argument is just an attempt to dilute from the national crisis, so don’t fall for that one.
And finally, I think Ms de Kantzow summed it up well in her ANZAC Day address, that all our relationships should be fundamentally based upon care, compassion and respect. Respect is sharing power and valuing difference equally.
Due to ANZAC Day falling during the school holidays, our College chose to commemorate ANZAC in a Commemoration Service on 1 May, displaying the ongoing successful partnership between Waverley and St Catherine’s cadets. Years 10-12 students, staff, official guests, and our College community assembled in the Gym to mark this national day of remembrance and Years 5-9 watched the service from their classrooms via livestream.
Commanding Officer – WCCU, MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow delivered a moving speech about the sacrifices of Australian women and men, focusing on the service of women in particular. She drew our attention to those women in the shadow of history – ANZAC women – whose names are not recognised on any cenotaph, and encouraged us all to live by their example.
“Without these women, without their care, compassion and respect for humanity, the mortality rate in Gallipoli would have been so much higher. Without their care, compassion and respect, many soldiers would have died without kindness on their side and connection to home.”
This ceremony was a time for our entire community to reflect and honour the contribution and sacrifice made by so many men and women who have served during battles and conflicts in various theatres of war.
We recognise the service of our cadets in the Catafalque Party, Flag Party, VC Guard, Wreath Layers and Flag Raisers. We also thank the students who spoke so reverently at the dais. Our talented Senior School Brass ensemble performed and Lachlan Issac (Year 11) played ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse.’
Lest We Forget.
Happy Orthodox Easter to those celebrating this weekend. This vibrant celebration is a time of profound significance for millions around the world, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope you have a lovely weekend celebrating with family and friends.
On Wednesday, 8 May our House, sibling and Year 12 cohort photos will be taken in the College Gym. Students must be in full winter uniform including their blazers and ties please.
The next face-to-face meeting will occur on Wednesday, 8 May in The Grange Building Boardroom, 12A Carrington Road Waverley, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We encourage as many parents/carers to attend as possible. Our friendly and welcoming environment makes it easy for parents to meet, socialise and become involved in College life. The agenda for this meeting will include:
The 2025-2027 Strategic Planning process will begin shortly. The College will be seeking feedback from stakeholder groups. The information gathered will assist in furthering the growth and development of our school community. We will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
The survey instruments that we are using have been created by the Association of Independent School NSW (AISNSW). These surveys have been specifically designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of five important areas: School Environment, Teaching and Learning, Student Wellbeing, Leadership and Community. All staff, students, parents/carers, leaders and board members will be invited to participate.
The surveys will be distributed via email to all from ‘evidence@aisnsw.edu.au’ on behalf of the school and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All information will be anonymous and no data information will be stored past the process.
Your input and contribution are important to the success of our continuous school improvement process as we aspire to improve the learning experience for everyone at our school.
This much anticipated event is fast approaching on Friday, 17 May. Almost 600 seats have been sold with only a handful remaining. Act fast if you would like to secure a seat! Read more in the Parents’ Association section HERE.
Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 2. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.
| DATE | SUBJECT | TIME | STAFF | ROOM |
| Monday, 6 May 2024 | Studies of Religion II | 3:15pm – 5:15pm | Cooper/ Stewart | W40 |
| Visual Arts | 3:15pm – 5pm | Turnbull | C13 | |
| Tuesday, 7 May 2024 | Society and Culture | 3:15pm – 4:15pm | Theo | W32 |
| Maths Standard 2 | 7:30am – 8.30am | Guirguis | E42 | |
| Wednesday, 8 May 2024 | Industrial Tech Multimedia | 7:30am – 8:30am | Gibbs | W32A |
| Maths Standard 2 | 7:30am – 8:30am | Cornish | E33 | |
| PDHPE | 7:30am – 8:30am | Darvill | GHR | |
| Modern History | 3:15pm – 4:15pm | Brophy | K11 | |
| Thursday, 9 May 2024 | English Advanced and Standard: Craft of Writing in the HSC | 7.30am – 8.30am | Porter/Barrie | K21 |
| Friday, 10 May 2024 | Hospitality | 7am – 8am | B McCarthy | TF1 |
It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial, attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3pm the day prior. Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.
For parents/carers seeking information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that you contact your local parish to find out the details regarding when the Sacrament will be celebrated, and when the preparation classes will be held.
For students who attend St Charles Borromeo Parish (Mary Immaculate Church) and attend Waverley College, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, 23 June 2024 at 2pm.
Please be aware that the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year, therefore only Year 6 students will be enrolled to receive the Sacrament.
View the boundary map HERE to see if you are within the parish boundary.
For further information, important dates and to register your son to receive this Sacrament, click HERE.
The document below will also give you important information regarding the dates of the Preparation program.
View the Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Note HERE.
The Cardoner Project, a not-for-profit organisation that offers immersion experiences for students post school, will be presenting to all Year 11 students on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 during Period 1 in the PAC. All students are required to attend this presentation please.
Can you volunteer to assist in our canteen in Term 2? We really need you! Lunch is provided for all volunteers. We welcome all members of the Waverley College Community – mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and carers. If you are interested, please volunteer as soon as you can by clicking HERE.
Have you outgrown your blazer? If so, please consider donating it to the Clothing Pool as soon as you can, so other boys can keep warm this Term! More information is HERE.
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.
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