Read more: new child safety officers, tips on keeping routine during lockdown.
Waverley College places the care and safety of all students at the forefront of everything that it does. In addition to all staff undergoing child protection training in line with our Code of Conduct, the College up until now, has appointed Child Safety Officers from its leadership team.
After consideration, we believe that students would benefit from a broader range of staff being included in this group. The College Leadership Team have therefore made the decision to expand the number of Child Safety Officers from a broader cross-section of staff.
The key responsibilities of this team include:
Ongoing training will be provided by EREA including the National Child Safeguarding conference in September.
Below are the new Child Safety Officers joining me, Ms Elizabeth Watson and Ms Gabby Smith:
I have spoken to the students at assembly a number of times about the importance of finding and maintaining a routine at this time. For most of us, our regular gym sessions, co-curricular training, competitive sport and coffee catch ups are a distant memory. There are, however, strategies we can take to maintain our ‘normal’ routine amidst the current Greater Sydney lockdown:
Start or end each day with five things you’re grateful for, and see how your mindset during the day or before your sleep shifts;
Make an effort every day to get outside for at least 20 minutes to soak up some sun (when possible), or simply observe the ocean or even lake if you’re down by the water. The sun will boost your immune system and help you sleep in the evening, not to mention the calming nature of the ocean;
It’s so easy to simply work ALL day, as you may not be leaving the house and/or there is “nothing better to do”. Take at least 30 minutes to simply relax, doing what you love … read, listen to music, play games, or go for a walk;
Snacking will easily creep in, especially when you get bored. Make an effort to only buy what you plan to consume, and keep the same eating routine. Consider healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit and cut up vegetables such as carrots and capsicum. Keep the hydration up too, drinking between 2-3 litres of water per day;
Amongst the usual benefits of exercise, the main focus here is keeping mentally and physically stimulated (endorphins are awesome), and keeping your immune system in check.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Student and Staff Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Young people’s online habits can sometimes seem like a mystery to anyone that isn’t a young person. These habits have become exacerbated since lockdown, prompting a lot of conversations about what is a healthy amount of screen time, and what is concerning.
A recent study published by Year13 YouthSense has looked into how young people use the Internet, and how much time in their day is dedicated to this. I hope this article helps to normalise some of your son’s online habits, and give you some guidance into what would be considered ‘average’ use. This study is based on 1,232 responses from across Australia.
As adults, we grew up in the age of TVs, running to do our chores or go to the bathroom in the ad breaks, so as not to miss a moment of a show. Young people today are growing up in a very different world; regular TV is hardly on the radar for Gen Zs. The Internet is playing a huge role in our young people’s lives, and getting them ‘off it’ is not the answer. To help the young people in our lives, it is important we understand what is considered ‘normal’ and encourage boundaries, based on this information.
Based on this 2021 study, 71% of young people are using their phone as their preferred device, with laptops at 18% (desktop 7% and tablet 4%). The average screen time per day is five hours, meaning they are spending close to a third of their waking lives on their phones, with only 13% of respondents having one to two hours a day. It’s important to note that these five hours are not screen time during their school day, this is in addition to their use of laptops at school.
When it comes to what young people are doing, around 37% said they were on Social Media (Instagram, TikTok etc) for three plus hours a day, while 42% said they were using Social Media one to two hours a day. If we compare this data with websites, only 8% were using websites three plus hours a day.
In addition to Social Media usage, streaming videos on YouTube and shows on Netflix etc had very similar results, with almost half streaming between one to three plus hours each day.
When it comes to online gaming, the data shows differently. 75% of males reported that they game weekly, compared to 43% of females. However only 12% of respondents reported they play games for three plus hours a day.
The term ‘addicted’ is thrown around a lot when it comes to young people and technology use. And maybe for good reason. The need for this engagement does appear as an addiction, which further emphasises the importance of boundaries and strong expectations.
Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development and changes. The everyday patterns of behaviour they engage in now, is setting a precedent for their later years. The more education and structure they are provided around screen time, the higher chance they will incorporate this into their lives as young adults.
The study mentioned above, showed that 48% of young people felt they were addicted to Social Media, with one 18-year-old stating “people are too addicted to their phones. To the point where it’s weird if you’re not addicted”.
If you are setting boundaries around screen time, do this WITH your son
The online usage for young people is something everyone has an opinion on; maybe you feel it’s bad having adolescents exposed to so much, so young. Or perhaps you think it’s an empowering tool, that they are able to create a platform and understand more about the world, in a way that we as adults didn’t at their age. No matter what side of the fence you sit on, remember that our young people today are informed, and connected. Therefore, if you are setting boundaries around screen time, or limiting certain content/Social Media platforms, I would encourage you to do this with your son.
Ask him, what does he think is fair? Get an understanding of his current use. Is he using public or private accounts? Does he think his mental health is being impacted? Creating a shared agreement or goal around screen time is an empowering and validating way to work as a team, in order to get the best outcome.
Ms Tessa Prior
School Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Next Wednesday morning, despite being in lockdown, our Year 10 and Year 5 students will have the opportunity to reconnect online for their first Big Brother/Little Brother gathering this term.
Each Year 10 student has been matched up with a little brother in Year 5 in their House group and will be able to engage in conversation throughout the Google Meet activity.
I know our Year 10 students are very excited to have this opportunity to engage with the younger years again, and I look forward to hearing the many interesting topics of conversation on Wednesday and seeing these relationships grow.
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Despite the fact that we have not been able to go to Timor-Leste on our Immersion program since 2019, the strong relationships we built up over time have continued to flourish. As a result, some of our alumni are endeavouring to continue to help develop the wonderful classroom facilities that provide educational opportunities for the children of Timor-Leste via a fundraising venture along the Great Ocean Walk to hopefully raise $30,000.
I am sharing this news because these young men are wonderful ambassadors for Waverley, and reflect the values of Edmund Rice in caring for the disadvantaged and thinking of others before themselves. Some of our past students who were privileged to attend these immersions pre-COVID-19 include one of our Vice-Captains from 2020, Liam Andrews.
LIAM ANDREWS (CLASS OF 2020) AND TIMORESE PRE-SCHOOL STUDENTS SHARING SKILLS, 2019
Liam’s reflection on his Timor-Leste experience (below) is testament to the wonderful relationships that can be made throughout these opportunities. Hopefully post-COVID we will be able to again participate and enjoy these simple, yet life-changing experiences beyond the Waverley gates.
The Timor-Leste immersion offers an experience that is distinctly unique to Timor-Leste itself. From the warm welcoming people and communities, to the natural beauty and rich history of the Timor land, the immersion allowed me to challenge my comfort zones and engage in a truly humbling experience.
Through our homestay with the families in Railaco Craic, we were not only able to build relationships that transcended language barriers, but created memories that will last lifetimes. Playing soccer with the local kids, introducing them to the beauty of rugby, and learning more about a country that exists so closely to Australia, the immersion strengthened the bonds between the Waverley boys. It offered opportunities to learn more about the staff that accompanied us, helping the boys to develop healthy student-teacher relationships that continued on as we got back in the classroom.
Additionally, the friendly nature of our guides from Timor Unearthed created a fun environment allowing us to benefit from their profound knowledge of Timor-Leste. Ultimately, the Timor-Leste immersion is a humbling experience that allows the Waverley boys to understand their privilege and experience a world greatly different from our own.
Liam Andrews, 2020 Vice-Captain
Ms Suzanne Walsh
Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Friday 20 August at 12 noon, the Children’s Book Council of Australia will broadcast live, the winners of the best books for children for 2021.
This could be a fun lunch time activity to spend with your sons and family.
All age categories are covered from preschool to Young Adult – fiction and information books.
Join in if you can.
Students can access all books in hard copy when back on site, and where available, we will source ebook and audiobook versions!
This year’s theme is certainly “app” for our COVID times: we are definitely in a new and other world!
The dystopian classic ‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: National Science Week activities, experiments, innovations, competitions, championships!
From 14-22 August we are encouraging students from Years 5-12 to explore their curious side by taking part in the various activities we will be hosting virtually.
This year’s National Science Week theme is: ‘Food: Different by Design’ which explores the influential nature of our Agricultural industry and the exciting scientific innovations which are enhancing food production and sustainability in Australia and around the world.
Firstly, we encourage all students to take part in the Education Perfect Science Championships which begin on 16 August. To do this, click on the EP Science Championships 2021 button on your EP Dashboard and answer as many questions as possible.
You can browse the content and learn about any science topic you are curious about! This includes lessons on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth & Space, COVID-19, Investigation skills and many more.
The more questions answered the more points you get!
*House points will be awarded to students who achieve an award!
Secondly, we would like to announce another wonderful competition. Students from Years 5-12 are asked to record themselves undertaking an experiment at home and explaining the scientific concept behind it in a fun and engaging way.
Prizes will be awarded to a winner and a runner up from both the Junior and Senior Campus.
Video requirements:
Four ideas for experiments or innovations you may like to undertake and present to the College Community are below:
4. ‘At Home Science Activities.’ Browse the content on Education Perfect for this folder.
The Science department can not wait to celebrate Science Week with you! You may even see some of our favourite ‘at home’ experiments during the week, so keep your eyes peeled!
Ms Gemma Brown
Assistant Head of Science
E: gbrown@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to our Semester 1 Academic Award winners in Years 10-12. Their dedication and persistence has paid off and we congratulate them on their fine achievements. These students were recognised at our recent online academic assembly. They lead by example and by striving to reach their potential, have set new benchmarks. We are very proud of each of them.
Connor Andrews – First in PDHPE and Physical Activity and Sports Studies
Marcus Antonio – First in Spanish
Eddie Beswick – First in Visual Arts
Anderson Franulovich – First in Mathematics Level 2
Campbell Groves – First in Science
Charles Hely-Hammond – First in Commerce and Religious Education; Equal First in History
Carter Hjorring – First in Design and Technology
James Iatrou – First in Photographic and Digital Media
Jamie Khov – First in Mathematics Accelerated
Freddie Le Vay – First in Applied Philosophy
Aidan Mahoney – First in Industrial Technology (Timber)
Jake Perks – First in STEM
Jack Preller – First in Food Technology
Xavier Quinn – First in Work Education
Liam Russell – First in Music
Leo Schmid – First in English
Sam Stewart – Equal First in Drama
Ben Stirling – First in Information and Software Technology
Theo Varvaressos – Equal First in History
Euan Veale-Wright – First in Mathematics Level 1
Vasili Vertsonis – Equal First in History
Liam Wood – First in Mathematics Level 3 and History Elective
Matt Woods – Equal First in Drama
Leo Astridge – First in Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies and Hospitality
Nathan Barns – First in Spanish Beginners
Pablo Berdaa – First in Spanish Continuers
Toby Davidson – Equal First in Business Studies
Liam Davis – First in Industrial Technology
Daniel Di Francesco – Equal First in Biology and Engineering Studies
William Dodd – First in Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics
Oliver Elliott – First in English Advanced; Equal First in Business Studies
Mack Flitcroft – Equal First in Studies of Religion II; First in Accelerated Mathematics
Jared Garwood – Equal First in Studies of Religion II
Harry Gippel – First in English Standard
Maddox Grebert – First in Design and Technology
Guy Hammerschmidt – Equal First in Biology; First in Music 2
Axel Jeffriess – First in Visual Arts
Thomas Kenny – Equal First in English Studies
Christian Kitas – First in Legal Studies
Louis Kitto – First in Music 1
James Kort – First in PDHPE
Kayton Lee – First in Mathematics Advanced; Equal First in Economics
Max Leedham – First in Geography
Dominic McGrath – First in Marine Studies
Daniel McSweeny – Equal First in Studies of Religion II; First in English Extension, Modern History and Drama
Leo Morgan – Equal First in Engineering Studies
Luke Paterson – Equal First in Economics
AJ Preketes – First in Studies in Catholic Thought
Conor Ryan – First in Ancient History
Toby Ryan – Equal First in English Studies
Finley Stern – First in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging; First in Entertainment Industry
Carl Waterson – First in Studies of Religion I, Chemistry and Food Technology
Thomas Wilkins – First in Mathematics Standard; First in Construction
Saia Afeaki – First in Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies
Diego Berdaa – First in Spanish Continuers
Conor Boyd-Boland – Equal First in English Extension 1
Dante Bryan – First in Music 1
Duke Bushby – First in Mathematics Standard 1
Joel Caltagirone-Pantano – First in Construction
Joseph Collins – First in English Studies
Giulian D’Ettorre – Equal First in English Extension 1
Alex Elder – First in Investigating Science and PDHPE
Baxter Flynn – First in Hospitality
Mark Gaponov – First in Studies of Religion II
Jackson Green – First in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
Elija Heininger – First in Entertainment Industry
Noa Kathriner – First in Mathematics Standard 2
Jacob Larcinese – First in Biology
Louis Liong – First in English Standard
Jack MacKenzie – First in Industrial Technology
Harjot Mand – Equal First in Mathematics Advanced and Economics
Kyle McBride – First in Design and Technology
Luke McLellan – Equal First in Mathematics Advanced
Leon Palacio – First in Catholic Studies; Mathematics Extension 1; Mathematics Extension 2; Chemistry and Spanish Beginners
James Privett – First in Business Studies
Toby Rabinowitz – First in Studies of Religion I, Ancient History and Drama
Alexander Shahinian – First in Food Technology
James Simpson – First in Music 2
Hugo Stephenson – First in Visual Arts
Darcy Sullivan – First in Marine Studies
Jacob Swann – First in Engineering Studies
Sebastian Van De Hoek – First in Geography
Aaron Varsanyi – First in Legal Studies
Hayden Walker – First in English Advanced and English Extension 2
Darcy Widdowson – Equal First in Mathematics Advanced and Economics; First in Modern History
Hayden Wild – First in Physics and Software Design and Development
Jack Ziade – Equal First in Mathematics Advanced
At 11am today the Premier of NSW announced that all HSC Trial Examinations in Greater Sydney will be held online. It is understandable with transmission numbers at 291 today, and probably rising, that the Health Department is not wanting movement across Local Government Areas (LGAs).
I would like to thank our Planning Team, Curriculum Team and our Heads of Department for the work they have done in regards to ensuring our students had both a Plan A and Plan B ready to be enacted at any time.
We met with our Year 12s and their parents online today at 12 noon to give further details about Plan B which will commence on Wednesday 18 August. Please keep our year 12s in your thoughts and prayers at this time as they continue to pivot successfully with respect to their final studies. It can not be easy in these challenging times, but I hope they know they have the community’s full support.
What makes a book ‘good’ for you? What about for your son? There will probably be a different set of criteria for you, as parents, as against your son, as a teen. Try to think back to your own teen years and think about what made a book ‘good’ for you.
One way to view some ‘good’ quality reading is via the Reading Lists we have compiled and are accessible in our Catalogue. You can view the title, cover, format as well as get a summary all from the same place. And if it’s in electronic format, you can click on a link to take you straight to the borrowing screen.
Questions?
Feel free to send an email to librarystaff@waverley.nsw.edu.au with any questions. One of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
This is the Oliver Catalogue Screen. Access the Reading Lists from the black ribbon under Waverley Senior Resource Search.
This is the sample screen for CBCA (Children’s Book Council Awards) Reading Lists. Click on the blue title of the Reading List to view the list in full (and access ebooks of these titles.)
Ms Sue Bognar
Senior School Teacher Librarian
E: sbognar@waverley.nsw.edu.au
‘A passion project is a creative project that gives you satisfaction and happiness. It goes by many names, including Genius Hour and 20% Time. Some businesses, including Google, allow employees to spend a portion of their work week on a passion project as a way of fostering innovation.’
[Source: https://sites.google.com/harrisonburg.k12.va.us/passion-project/home]
With lockdown comes many challenges. One challenge is having limited opportunities to engage with other members of the Waverley community or members of communities you are part of that allow you to pursue hobbies and interests you are passionate about.
Each Passion Project is student directed but with structured guidance. Students select a topic they are passionate about to research, collaborate and investigate deeper concepts in a format of their choice.
It is a fantastic way to connect curriculum to other interests, and maintain engagement throughout remote learning — particularly if you are completing work at a faster pace, or want to pursue topics that fall ‘just outside’ the scope of your current studies.
If you are interested in immersing yourself in a Passion Project, please contact Ms Stephanie Boyce.
Ms Stephanie Boyce
Academic Enrichment Coordinator
E: sboyce@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Anthony Gibbs and Mr Chris Balkizas and their respective families. Both gentlemen’s mothers passed away this week. If you are in one of their classes, gents, it would be nice to offer your condolences at your next interaction with them, and know that their grief will still be very raw, so look after them.
I would like to welcome Ms Stephanie Falk who has been appointed to replace Ms Dechantel Green in Visual Arts. Stephanie previously worked at Prairiewood High School and Carlingford High School and will be with us for the remainder of the year.
Each day is an opportunity for students to honour giving preference to one another. From doing what we can to limit the opportunity for the spread of this pandemic, and caring for those who carry heavy burdens, through to the way we speak and conduct ourselves.
The resilience and consideration that I have seen from so many in our school community as we learn from home and live in lockdown, is to be commended. Waverley College is proud of how its students have continued to apply themselves to their studies and demonstrate patience and compassion during a challenging time.
And I want to remind you and all students that every action in life has a consequence. You have the opportunity to be a person who leaves people and places better for you having been there.
Equally, any poor behaviour, even off-campus during lockdown, will be held accountable by the College.
We are all responsible as individuals to make good choices, and boys who respect themselves will choose to honour others over themselves. Boys who respect themselves will be brave and confront negative behaviours – including in their own lives. They will lift others up, and know that there are healthy ways to ‘blow off some steam’ that are not at the expense of others. There is no acceptable level of disrespect.
Challenges are an opportunity for tenacity and character to be built if we continue to make wise decisions, even when things are hard.
Here are some of the key principles that we teach students, that you can share at home:
During the NSW COVID-19 lockdown, many of us have spent more time than usual using the Internet to learn, work and communicate. Online interactions can be complex, particularly during a pandemic. Please remind your son/s to be extra careful with their words and actions online and when sending messages by email, phone or computer.
‘Cyberbullying’ is bullying online via Social Media or via messages sent by email, phone or computer. Although in Australia there is no specific legislation used for cyber-bullying, there are other laws that police can access to arrest and charge offenders. Such offences fall under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, 1955. Division 474, subdivision C. Telecommunications Offences.
The law in the area of cyberbullying is complicated, and even if a perpetrator is under 18, consequences can be serious. Did you know that cyberbullying by children can also be considered a crime? There can be legal repercussions for youth perpetrators, even if they are as young as 10.
Under current national or NSW law, children may be charged by police, and if guilty, may receive a criminal record or be sent to gaol. Parents play a critical role in preventing cyberbullying by helping their son/s to develop empathy for others.
Discrimination Laws also apply online. Making inappropriate or derogatory comments about someone’s race, colour, sexual orientation, disability, religion, gender, national origin or age is completely inappropriate and a place one should never go, even if the person is in conflict with you or your opinions. Further to discrimination laws, the Australian federal law makes racism and hate speech unlawful under section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.
This challenging time is an opportunity for all of us to be mindful of others, and do what we can to demonstrate kindness and lighten each other. In a world of 24/7 news and constant information flow, we can get caught up thinking we need to comment on everything, but with increased screen times, perhaps less engagement and spontaneous opinion being offered is more appropriate. I came across this advice shared with me:
Today I saw something online I didn’t agree with
I didn’t get offended
I didn’t comment
I didn’t feel the need to change their mind
I still like the person
I kept scrolling and went on with my day
Please work with us to help your son/s to both understand the consequences and be a responsible digital citizen.
The Heads of the CAS schools yesterday decided that, in the light of current restrictions, the remainder of the winter sport competition for 2021 would be cancelled. Decisions regarding future CAS sporting competitions and fixtures will be made and communicated as guidance is issued by NSW government and health authorities. Whilst we understand the disappointment caused by these developments, the CAS will continue to uphold its overriding duty to act in a manner which promotes the welfare of the wider community. – Chair of CAS General Committee
The winter edition of our biannual alumni magazine Wavelength is nearing publication and will comprehensively cover the many exciting changes and achievements accomplished since the last issue. It celebrates the latest news from Waverley College and its diverse and well connected Old Boy community. If you are an Old Boy and have new email or postal details, please contact alumni liaison officer Ms Venettia Miller. E: vmiller@waverley.nsw.edu.au | T: 02 9369 0773
We have received exceptional feedback about our Waverley College app which we use as a central portal to communicate with parents. The uptake in subscriptions has far exceeded our expectations, and I’m pleased to report that app is now live on 1481 devices! Features include: Notices, Nurrunga, Co-Curricular, Parent Lounge, Calendar, Absences, Contacts, Maps and Links. It is important to download the app because from Sunday 1 August, SkoolBag app and Team app will be discontinued at Waverley.
During Week 5, students from Years 5-11 were due to attend e-safe presentations on campus.
Our commitment to increasing education for students, professional learning for staff, and formation for parents will not be diminished by our current circumstances. We have had to pivot and work with our provider to enable these important e-safe presentations to go ahead in an online forum. These will be conducted at the same time as if they had been held on campus.
Nearer Week 5, students will be provided with a link for the sessions which will be attended by their class teachers along with the rest of their year group.
Despite the majority of students doing a fine job during online learning, the College has received several reports recently of current students making poor decisions, often in groups in public.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every person in Sydney. People have lost their jobs, are forced to work from home, missing loved ones, have had wedding and other major celebrations cancelled, and have not been able to visit family in hospital. For all of us, this is a time of great uncertainty. This is not the time to be causing additional stress on others in our community by thoughtless, selfish actions.
Please use this as a timely reminder that students must be adhering to current NSW Health ‘Stay at Home’ orders. Any student identified in CCTV footage or captured on a mobile phone engaging in anti-social behaviour during remote learning will be held accountable by the College. This is the same as if we were on campus. The College will always assist any investigation conducted by NSW Police.
Parents are encouraged to know who their sons are with during the day, and what activities they are engaged in. All six periods during remote learning involve a Google Meet with their teacher, so it is the College’s expectation that your sons are at home and in front of their computer during school hours. After school, and on the weekend, the College supports and promotes engagement in exercise and recreation, not anti-social behaviours that cause additional stress on our community and that bring the College’s name into disrepute.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This annual Campaign each year in the middle of winter aims to:
The 2021 theme highlights the importance of the social connection of having stability and a place all people can call ‘home.’
This year, the Winter Sleepout will happen at your place! If you take part, you will get an experience of sleeping rough and also hear stories from two people who were formerly homeless. You can sleep on your lounge room floor, balcony, or in your backyard, and even have other immediate family members join you. During Saturday evening, you can log in to hear live discussions from speakers Jai and Alec about their experiences being homeless – and how they overcame these challenges to emerge stronger today.
Here you can get all the information, and sign up under the Waverley College team to experience this with others. There are also opportunities for others to sponsor you and help raise funds for the food and support services provided by St Canice’s Kitchen in Kings Cross.
Waverley College will continue to advocate for reducing homelessness as this is a preventable issue in Australia and all people have a right to call a safe place “home.”
Please contact me if you require further information.
Mr John McCallum
Head of Tevlin House
E: jmccallum@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
