Read more: results of 2022 Wellbeing Survey, Balancing Technology and Social Media in Children and Adolescents, May Procession, Parent Event – ‘It’s Time We Talked’, Terms 2-3 winter uniform and hair requirements.
During Week 9, all students took part in the annual wellbeing survey. The College continually seeks a greater partnership with your sons and values their perspective.
To help us work better with your son’s journey through adolescence, we like to know from their perspective, what is working well with our Wellbeing system, and importantly, what we can improve on.
The data collected through the survey is being analysed by the Heads of House, Psychologists, Director of Identity & Student Formation, and Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing, allowing us to make decisions as we work alongside your sons at the College.
This data will help inform our wellbeing structures, processes and support mechanisms for all students.
Key points already extracted from this year’s survey include:
Importantly, students had the opportunity of providing affirmation for what we term ‘upstanders.’ These are the students who look out for their peers, and say ‘no’ to bullies.
We congratulate the following students in 2022 who were identified as ‘Upstanders.’
Kayden Baker (Conlon), Rhys Ferguson (Aungier), Felix Turini (Tevlin), Lachlan Henry Grant (Conlon), Daniel McSweeny (Brennan), Xavier Scally (Brennan), Daniel Risk (O’Connor), Billy Lagos (Conlon), Charlie Smith (Aungier), Lewis Hamilton (Brennan), Toby Johnson (Brennan), Achilles Zanapalis (Aungier), Axel Stapleton (Tevlin), Bailey Gosbell (Lacey), Christian Kitas (Conlon), Cy Preketes (Green), Dylan Varcoe (Brennan), Harvey O’Malley (O’Connor), Isaac Occhiuto (O’Connor), Noah Tofaeono (Quinn), Toby Davidson (Aungier), Charlie Gibbins (Brennan), Dash McDonough (Tevlin), Ngakau Hiroti (Lacey), Will Carter (Aungier), Hopper Dyke-Miller (Brennan).
As in previous years, those students who, according to their classmates, are making poor decisions with regards to their peer interactions, will be spoken to by their Heads of House and their parents notified.
It was great to note that there were only three students identified as bullies in this year’s survey. This number continues to decline each year.
Much of the wellbeing team’s role at the College involves building greater capacity in our students in using mobile technology and social media.
In 2022, The Kidman Centre UTS is continuing to offer free online workshops delivered by clinical psychologists, to equip children, teenagers, and their parents with practical and evidence-based psychological skills.
Thier next workshop assists parents with balancing their child’s use of technology and social media. We know that technology and social media can bring about many benefits when used appropriately. It can enhance social connections and even be used as a learning tool. However, we often hear from many parents they have difficulties knowing how to effectively balance their child’s technology use.
This workshop will help parents tackle these concerns and introduce key parenting skills to facilitate effective technology and social media use.
When: Monday, 11 April 2022, 6-7pm via Zoom.
>>> Click here to view more information about these free online workshops.
Bookings: Please phone (02) 9514 4077 or email kidmancentre@uts.edu.au or jennifer.hawken@uts.edu.au
Sunday, 1 May 2022
Our annual May Procession is fast approaching, early in Term 2, and will occur on Sunday, 1 May from 12pm to 1:30pm, in the Centenary Quad, here at Waverley College. Students will need to be in the Quadrangle by 11:30am.
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 should be worn.
Students will be required to get their names marked off by their Mentor upon arrival.
Tuesday, 26 April 2022, 5:30pm
‘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.
The program 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.
Following a presentation to staff earlier in the day, Maree will be presenting to parents that evening.
Maree Crabbe
How To Join the Zoom Meeting for ‘It’s Time We Talked.’
>>> Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 896 5492 2955
Passcode: 864555
All students are required to be in winter uniform from the start of Term 2 to the end of Term 3. This includes blazer and tie. The College has high expectations of our students, particularly when travelling to and from school on public transport. As was the case last year, students failing to do this will be subject to a Friday detention.
The positive message you give to the public through your uniform and appearance is a clear statement of what it means to be a Waverley College student, and your pride in yourselves and the College.
Sometimes students will take the Easter break as an opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles. The expectation is that students will meet the following guidelines on their return to the College:
Parents are asked to support the College with these expectations. If students do not comply with a request to address any breaches by their Head of House, they will then have three options:
1) Go immediately to the barber at Charing Cross and have the inappropriate haircut rectified
2) Rectify the inappropriate haircut themselves with clippers supplied by the College
3) Return home until such time as the inappropriate haircut is rectified.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Woollahra Libraries invite Waverley students to attend their exciting April School Holiday program of events.
>>> Click here to view more information about Youth Week drop in gelato and games.
>>> Click here to view more information about Woollahra Libraries School Holiday Program.
Mr Bill Roberts
Head of Library Services
Years 9 and 10 Applied Philosophy Teacher
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to express ideas, diversity and views, create and enjoy activities, and celebrate talents and contributions as members of our community.
From Monday 4 – Sunday 10 April, there are numerous opportunities and events planned for young people to get involved with in Waverley including: surfing at Bondi, tips and tricks for your HSC, concrete riders skateboard lessons and skate jam, silent discos, poetry and author talks.
>>> Click here to check out things to do during Waverley Youth Week 2022.
>>> Click here for further details on the Waverley Council website.
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun
Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We will be open at the following times during the Easter break:
Normal trading hours resume from Friday, 29 April.
We look forward to assisting you with your uniform.
P: 02 9369 0709
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 steadily rebuilding stock levels and are so pleased to be able to offer some more items for sale. These are mostly academic uniform items with a few PE and very few extra curricular uniforms yet.
Email us to check on stock or pop in Monday morning.
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.
Please wear a mask when coming into the shop as per current school policy.
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, you may include name and phone number inside the bag, and we can contact you to arrange ‘buy-back’ if appropriate.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any rain jackets in stock.
We do have a good range of academic shirts available, and in addition, we have:
For more information on stock availability or to make an appointment, please email the Secondhand Clothing Pool: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9369 0703 — please leave a voicemail, and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
Location
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 (turn right when stepping out of the lift on the uniform shop side).
Kirsten and Camille
Secondhand Clothing Pool Coordinators
E: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
P: (02) 9369 0703
A glance through this week’s newsletter certainly gives good insight into a busy and thriving College community, with a wonderful variety of activities, experiences and learnings on offer including: Earth Hour, College representation at St Mary’s Cathedral for St Patrick’s Day, PDHPE excursion to Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, the Walawaani program for First Nation students, hospitality work placements, an invitation to join winter Art Club, Big Brother Little Brother gathering, homework club, Year 5 Camp to Stanwell Tops, Year 6 Camp to Collaroy, Year 12 retreat at four different destinations, commencement of winter activities and summer awards, Years 5-12 Student Reports update, and booking in for Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Student Interviews.
It is a great achievement of staff, students and parents that all of these can occur in these challenging times. I encourage your sons to get involved in the richness of College activities, as much learning can take place both inside and outside of the classroom.
Unfortunately, from time to time, we receive information from other schools where students have been targeted by people with possibly sinister intentions. Recently, on the North Shore, a young student was targeted by what the police would describe as an attempted abduction. The student was told that all buses were cancelled and that the school had sent ubers to get students home. Luckily, the student did not accept this offer of transport, and a concerned passerby intervened.
It is timely for all parents to remind their children to never accept a lift from someone they do not know. Encourage them to act immediately, to yell out to draw attention to the situation. Remind them to always be aware of their surroundings e.g. move away from slow-moving cars that come up alongside them.
Eight Year 10 STEM teams from Waverley were involved in the University of Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge this week, competing against other schools in a fun and engaging day of activities and challenges.
These included designing an earthquake-proof tower, building a hovercraft, providing electricity to a city, and creating an environmentally-friendly house. All teams performed very well and took a lot out of the day.
I am excited to announce that our very own Tom Olds (Year 6 Orange Classroom Teacher) is representing Waverley College in the Cancer Council’s ‘Stars of the East’ event. This event is a high-energy, dance spectacular, bringing the Eastern Suburbs together and raising much-needed funds for The Cancer Council NSW.
Tom is fundraising for …
“My beautiful mother who has, unfortunately, had to battle the dreaded “C” word twice. She is the most influential woman in my life and is such a fantastic role model in terms of resilience, courage and dedication.
Thankfully, she has managed to win on both occasions and I hope that I can help in providing much-needed funds to support the future research, so others can share similar stories.”
Tom Olds – Year 6 Teacher
>>> Click here if you would like to donate and keep updated on Tom’s progress.
Thank you for your support of our snap mandated mask wearing this week, for all students, staff and parents, whilst indoors at the College. This action will certainly slow down transmission rates, and hopefully ensure we can stay fully operational.
Please find the latest COVID-19 numbers below. Please remind your son to wash his hands regularly, and carry hand sanitiser for when this is not possible.
| As at 25/3/22 | COVID-19 Positive | Close Contacts |
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 6 | 9 | 4 |
| 7 | 11 | 16 |
| 8 | 15 | 16 |
| 9 | 30 | 8 |
| 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 11 | 11 | 6 |
| 12 | 6 | 8 |
| Staff | 12 | 2 |
| TOTAL (179) | 107 | 72 |
NSW Health will be visiting Waverley College on Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 to offer the following routine vaccines to Year 7 to protect them from preventable diseases:
| YEAR | VACCINE | NUMBER OF DOSES |
| Year 7 | Human papillomavirus (HPV) | 2 doses at least 6 months apart |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough (dTpa) | 1 dose |
NSW Health will also be offering catch-up vaccination during 2022 to students who missed HPV, dTpa or MenACWY vaccinations in 2020 and 2021.
Where this is not possible, parents/carers will be contacted and recommended to access free catch-up vaccines for their child at their local GP.
Please note, that any vaccine offered to students at school requires the signed consent of parents/carers.
The vaccination consent packs have been distributed to all of Year 7 students today. Anyone absent today, can pick it up from the Wellbeing Centre on Monday.
Please ensure that you sign the consent form and ask your son to return them the following day.
>>> Click here to view more information about the NSW School Vaccination Program.
Enrolment applications for 2024 will close on Thursday, 31 March 2022. Should you have a younger son who you would like to enrol at Waverley College in Year 5 or Year 7 in 2024, please ensure you complete an application form through our website.
>>> Click here to view the application form.
Please note, if your son is currently enrolled in the Junior School, there is no need to place an additional application for Year 7.
>>> Click here to submit an online application.
For any further enrolment questions, please contact the College Registrar, Ms Kylie Anderson at registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: bus travel survey, the conflict in Ukraine and wellbeing, 2022 May Procession information, parent event ‘It’s Time We Talked.’
The College has the opportunity to provide feedback to Transport For NSW, with regards to changes to the bus services that will affect travel to and from school.
To help us provide a clear picture of our needs, it is requested that you take a minute to complete the attached survey, so we can provide feedback to the operators.
>>> Click here to view and complete the survey.
Around the world, people are saddened and devastated by the events unfolding in Ukraine. Both adults and young people alike, are feeling the stresses of war from afar as they experience fear, frustration and helplessness.
The 24-hour news cycle has shown us upsetting images raising many questions, especially for our young people, about what is happening. This has backed on to over two years of often dire news about the COVID-19 epidemic.
Parents and caregivers need to be guided by their son’s curiosity. There is strong evidence to suggest that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event in a developmentally-appropriate way, can actually decrease distress. It’s best to “name it, to tame it.” This will also combat any misinformation to which they have most likely already been exposed to, through social media, pictures or video clips.
Children need to know that they are being taken seriously. So it is recommended that you don’t avoid the difficult questions. Ensure you address their questions honestly and sensitively. With less life experience than adults, young people may need help navigating news about this crisis. Use this as an opportunity to model and encourage compassionate views towards fellow humans, regardless of distance or circumstance.
>>> Click here to view the 5.5-minute SchoolTV Special Report video on the Conflict in Ukraine.
Sunday, 1 May 2022
Our annual May Procession is fast approaching, early in Term 2, and will occur on Sunday, 1 May from 12pm to 1:30pm, in the Centenary Quad, here at Waverley College. Students will need to be in the Quadrangle by 11:30am.
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 should be worn.
Students will be required to get their names marked off by their Mentor upon arrival.
Tuesday, 26 April 2022, 5:30pm
‘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.
The program 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.
Following a presentation to staff earlier in the day, Maree will be presenting to parents that evening.
How To Join the Zoom Meeting for ‘It’s Time We Talked.’
>>> Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 896 5492 2955
Passcode: 864555
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
After two years of research and planning, we are delighted to announce that Waverley College will be offering parents and carers real-time access to assessment task results and formative task feedback via the College Learning Management System – CANVAS – in the coming weeks.
This will be in lieu of Years 7 – 12 Term 1 and Term 3 progress reports. Please note that we will still be issuing full reports via the TASS parent portal at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteer parents and carers from the Parents’ Association, who have dedicated their time in a trial of this new system to provide valuable feedback.
We would also like to thank the large number of parents and carers who attended the Parents’ Association meeting this term to hear about this initiative.
One of the major benefits of this new system, is that parents and carers will be able to access information regarding the whole assessment process from notification to results, and feedback as it happens, rather than waiting for a static report at the end of each term.
To facilitate a smooth launch, we will be staggering the release across year groups in the following stages:
As access for parents and carers according to this timeline becomes available, we will be in touch with instructions and a training video to assist with the setup and navigation of the system.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Director of Curriculum
E: lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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.
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
