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Further to my welcome back and online learning correspondence on Wednesday evening, I would like to welcome five new families who are joining the College Community this semester. I am sure they will receive a warm Waverley community welcome. 

NAIDOC Week 

The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and Aboriginal people’s cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

The theme resonates closely with what we have been called to do as Church through Laudato Si. Pope Francis calls us to to “show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions.” (>>> Click here to view Laudato Si).

Naidoc Week 2021

Celebrate NAIDOC Week!

Smart Goals 

Next week brings the start of a new semester and it is the perfect time for students to set new goals for the term ahead. Each student in Years 5-11 will be asked to write their SMART Goals down for the term ahead in their student diary on page 111. Discussion, reflection and input from parents/carers, wellbeing mentors and each student will bring the best results from this process. These should be finalised by the end of Week 2. 

Positive Mindset 

Whilst this term brings with it a start that we all would prefer to be different, it is important for everyone to engage in what we refer to in our Wellbeing curriculum as having a positive mindset. 

The benefits of a positive mindset are real and demonstrated by multiple scientific studies. Positive thinking is not about sticking your head in the sand when faced with life’s issues and it is not about ignorance and turning away from problems. It is about approaching unpleasant situations with more positivity and productivity and using logic and reason. 

Kendra Cherry, psychologist and author of the book, Everything Psychology, suggests positive thinking consists of four approaches to reality:

  1. Approaching challenges with a positive outlook;
  2. Making the most out of potentially bad situations;
  3. Trying to see the best in other people; and 
  4. Viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.

And by engaging in these approaches, she argues that your physical health, mental health, relationships, and schooling/career will improve. 

How to create a positive mindset and attitude to life? 

Our 2021 Year 12 cohort have given us some assistance here in their choice of motto: ‘Real Gratitude: Deeds not words.’ Being grateful for the things we do have can go a long way to changing our attitude, and our Year 12s are encouraging us to do this through action. 

Another way is to keep your own gratitude journal. Hard book copies can be purchased or there are digital apps that are free to download such as The Five Minute Journal app. Spend five minutes every day thinking about the positives in life and writing them down. 

Another way to create a positive mindset is to change the language you use.

If you describe your life as tedious or difficult, it is likely that you will feel the same way. By using positive language you can reframe how you feel. 

Simple changes such as using the word ‘get’ rather than ‘have’ can make a difference. 

For example: 

I have to go to work vs I get to go to work. 

I have to be online vs I get to be online. 

I have to visit my grandparents vs I get to visit my grandparents 

The subtle change in language moves it from a task to an action, it sounds more positive and you are reinforcing gratitude in your life. 

Other ways to create a positive mindset and attitude to life will be unpacked in later newsletters and include: Being present in the now, learning how to accept rejection, volunteering, breathing exercises, surrounding yourself with positive people, rewarding yourself and finding your emotional outlets. 

Online Learning Summary 

Over the next few days, staff will be setting up Google Meets for students across Years 5-12. Can I ask that you support your son in managing these invitations as he will be receiving quite a number of them while the classes are initially set up. Your son will manage this by regularly checking his email over the next few days and accepting these invitations from teachers.

A reminder that on Tuesday the schedule will be slightly different due to Assembly (5-12) and Wellbeing Groups (7-12).

Years 5 – 6

Years 7-12

Classwork will be uploaded to CANVAS. Meetings will take place on Google Meets. All students need to be in their PDHPE uniform on Google Meets. Please ensure your son is familiar with the Online Learning Protocols and expectations including his adjusted timetable, where to find his classwork and online meeting etiquette.

Events and Co-Curricular Activities 

In light of the current Government and Health Department COVID-19 restrictions, all face-to-face events are on hold until further notice.  

Parent/Teacher/Interviews are going ahead on Zoom. 

Please check your son’s year group Action Items below for more information.

Prayer for term ahead

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; 

Courage to change the things I can; 

And wisdom to know the difference. 

Amen

Mary of the Cross – pray for us 

Blessed Edmund – pray for us 

Live Jesus in our hearts – forever

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you and your family are well and that your son has still been able to enjoy a less busy time during the school holidays and feeling refreshed and ready for Term 3. 

The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian announced that the Sydney lockdown will continue until midnight Friday 16 July, 2021 and that students within greater Sydney are required to work online from Tuesday to Friday inclusive next week. 

In response to these government and health directives, the following will be in place at the College: 

Monday 12 July – Staff Professional Learning Day as planned 

Tuesday 13 July – Online Learning 

Over the next few days, staff will be setting up Google Meets for students across Years 5-12. Can I ask that you support your son in managing these invitations as he will be receiving quite a number of them while the classes are initially set up? Your son will manage this by regularly checking his email over the next few days and accepting these invitations from teachers.

Tuesday’s schedule will be slightly different due to Assembly (5-12) and Wellbeing Groups (7-12).

Years 5 – 6

Years 7-12

 


It is important to note that the College has refined its Online Learning Model for Years 712 based on feedback and evaluation from 2020. Click this link to familiarise yourself with the Online Learning Guidelines. 

Students will follow an adjusted timetable (Senior School and Junior School) and participate in their regular periods via Google Meet. It is important that your son has a copy of the online adjusted timetable so that he is on time and attending all his lessons.

 


Supervision on campus

 


I want to assure you of our commitment to continuing the learning journey of your son. Waverley College has invested considerable time and effort to ensure that online learning arrangements are in place. Importantly, the wellbeing of our community is paramount. Our wellbeing team of mentors, psychologists and Heads of House are committed to supporting your son/s during these challenging times. 

I ask families who are in difficult circumstances to stay in conversation with us. We recognise that these current times are unique and challenging for all. Thank you for your ongoing support, understanding and partnership throughout this time. 

 

Yours sincerely, 

Mr Graham Leddie 

Principal

 

Week 1 Term 3

As we navigated COVID-19 in 2020 we discovered the dynamic nature of the virus and the need to adapt quickly and demonstrate resilience. Our community was again tested for much of the mid-year break when the State Government announced a Stay-at-Home Order. On Wednesday of this week, the State Government announced that week one of Term 3 will be conducted remotely.

From a curriculum point of view, we were indeed fortunate that the majority of the lockdown period occurred during the term break, so that the impact on teaching and learning was minimal. Year 12 tutorials moved online and students would have had no excuses to find the time to prepare for the HSC Trials due to start early in Term Three.

Week 2 Term 3

If the Government allows us to return to campus in Week 2, it will be particularly important for us to know whether any of our students have become exposed and will therefore be required to complete a period of 14 days of isolation. In such a case we will do our best to provide access to remote learning. Any student who attends school, even with the slightest cold and flu symptoms, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school.

Tips to Boost Our Immune System During the Flu Season

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Reach Out

The Wellbeing team appreciates the difficulties that many students impacted by COVID-19 restrictions are facing. Mental health and wellbeing changes over time in response to different stresses and experiences. Remember to reach out to your support networks; teachers, mentors, Heads of House, Psychologists and members of the College Leadership Team. Parents, carers and students are encouraged to reach out if they need our support:

People Available to Help

Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing

Mr Patrick Brennan pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au 9369 0765 

Heads of House

Psychologists Years 7 – 12

Psychologists Years 5 and 6

Registered Nurse

Professional Support is Always Available When You Need it Too 

Mental Health Services and Support

The Importance of Students Attending Period One

As well as being the first teaching and learning period of the day, period one serves as the College’s mandatory recording of daily attendance as required by law.

Students who do not attend Period One will be marked absent and their parents will be sent a text message from the College indicating this. This often causes parents who receive this SMS anxiety and concern. This is escalated when parents are under the impression that their son is on campus and in class. To avoid this situation please ensure your son arrives at school on time each day. If he is late, he needs to sign in late at the Wellbeing Centre with his student ID card. 

Academic Uniform In Term 3

A reminder that blazers are compulsory during Term 3. They are to be worn to and from school and at all formal gatherings such as College Assemblies during this time. It’s the first year the entire College will be in the new academic uniform so our expectations are high. Blazers must be worn under the wet weather jacket to and from school.

Any student not in full academic uniform will require a uniform pass from the Wellbeing Centre or face a three-hour detention.

The quality of these garments is high so it is strongly recommended that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your son’s name.

 

Mr Patrick Brennan

Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing

pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au

As we enter another week of NSW Stay at Home orders Waverley will be enacting its COVID-19 safe plan. This will mean the following: only Parents with a pre-booked appointment can attend either the Senior or Junior Campuses. Entry is through the Reception areas, all other gates will be secured. On entering school grounds, all parents, students and staff must check-in using the site-specific QR codes which are displayed. For students who do not have access to the NSW Service app, a sign in book will be used. Hand sanitisers should be used and face masks must be worn at all times.

As ever, the following must be observed, please do not attend school grounds if any of the following apply: you have been in contact with a suspected COVID-19 case, you have attended any of the listed NSW hotspot venues, are feeling unwell or are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

 

Mr Simon Potter

Director of ICT, Innovation & Campus

E: spotter@waverley.nsw.edu.au

2021 Fees

2022 Fees

Discounts and Penalties

Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.

Enrolment Withdrawal Notice

You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from enrolment at Waverley College, you are required to give one term’s notice in writing to the Principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.

The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school term, is the first day of the same term. If not received by that date, a penalty equivalent to one term’s tuition fees will be payable.

The relevant dates for 2021/2022 are below:

 

Mr Bryn Gregerson

Director of Business Services

E: bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Term 2 finishes with some very powerful messages and learnings including Men’s Health Week, Beanies for Brain Cancer, Refugee Week and NAIDOC week. 

Refugee Week

Refugee Week is actually next week (20 June to 26 June) but with school holidays approaching this was one of our focus areas for students this week. The theme for 2021 is “Unity – The way forward”.

“The volatility of life in recent times has shown us unequivocally that we need to work together often merely to survive, let alone to thrive and progress. Let’s take the opportunity to start afresh and rebuild our lives together. To count our blessings and to put them to work. Existing and emerging communities. Working together.”

Congratulations to all staff and students who have supported ‘Refugee Week’ and helped us all gain a better understanding of what it would feel like to be displaced or persecuted. 

Zaki Haidar was our guest speaker at this week’s assembly and shared his powerful story of fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan and escaping by boat to Australia. Zaki took us on a journey where because of your race/religion you live in fear of death if you seek an education in Afghanistan. Zaki is an Ambassador for Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) and continues to advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.

Men’s Health 

This week we also celebrated Men’s Health Week by acknowledging the factors that affect men’s mental health and wellbeing. Positive mental, emotional and social wellbeing are vital elements of overall health, yet many boys/men don’t practice adequate self-care or get support when needed. This can lead to problems coping with life’s ups and downs, managing stress or serious mental health problems. With the holidays upon us, it is timely that boys take the opportunity to recharge and reset if needed. 

Research clearly links improving your physical health with good mental health. 

Here are some key things to consider:

Finding enjoyment and satisfaction in life is important to our mental well-being. What that looks like is different for everyone, but some common examples include:

Beanies for Brain Cancer 

We were inspired at the College’s second last assembly of the term where Digger and Archie Callander both spoke so eloquently and passionately about supporting a cause so close to their hearts, Beanies for Brain Cancer. Sadly, their Dad Matt Callander passed away due to brain cancer in 2017. 

Brain cancer kills more young children than any other disease, and kills more people under the age of 40 in Australia than any other cancer, yet only receives 5% of government cancer research funding. On average, approximately 1970 brain cancers are diagnosed each year in Australia; that is roughly one person diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours. Brain cancer has a very high mortality rate and survival rates have hardly changed for 30 years. Brain cancer is the most complex cancer, yet it is the most under-studied.

All funds raised support the MHF – Mark Hughes Foundation who aim to increase brain cancer research to find a cure for brain cancer. 

All boys have been able to buy a beanie from the Wellbeing Centre for $25 all this week. Beanies can also be purchased at Lowes stores Australia-wide, and selected IGA stores. Or you can click here to support the MHF Mark Hughes Foundation via donation.

Year 12

Please keep our Year 12s in your thoughts and prayers at this busy and crucial time of the year, as they continue their preparation for their upcoming final examinations. Thank you to our staff who continue to offer extra tutorials throughout this term and through this upcoming holiday period.

HSC ATAR boys have been given study programs where they should be allocating at least six hours per day for revision and preparation for the upcoming examinations.

Please ensure your son maintains good exercise, relaxation time, reduced screen time, good sleep patterns and a healthy diet during this time. Please do not allow your son to change his normal sleep patterns drastically and sleep in. A consistent approach to his day over the next few months is what is required.

Year 12 Update – Early Bird Undergraduate University Applications, Work Experience and Apprenticeships

During the past two terms, most Year 12 students have met with Ms Knowles to discuss their post-school pathways and options. For those students who are thinking of studying at university in 2022, applications for undergraduate students have opened. Early bird applications will close at midnight on Thursday 30 September, 2021. I recommend that students spend some time over the break to further investigate and research the courses and universities they are interested in.

I encourage any students who are applying to university to submit applications for early entry. Some universities make an early offer to successful applicants prior to sitting their final exams. This alleviates common stresses and anxiety many students have about achieving their perfect score. 

These are some of the more popular early entry programs that have opened:

The upcoming break provides an opportunity for Year 12 Vocational students to utilise the time to source work experience or apprenticeship opportunities which can be undertaken in Term 3 during and after the Trial examination period. This is a valuable opportunity to investigate different trades and vocational pathways and for some, to secure employment.

I wish all Year 12 well in preparing for the Trials and in making informed decisions regarding their post-school pathways.

NAIDOC Week 

NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally every July and this year it occurs from 4-11 July during our Term 2 school holidays. This year’s theme is ‘Heal Country’ which calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. Healing Country is about resolving many of the outstanding injustices which affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We all have a responsibility to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are connected to Country through lines of descent both maternal and paternal, as well as through clan and language groups. Such children in our classes need to maintain that connection to Country as it sustains their lives spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.

As educators we have the power to change First Nations kids’ school life narrative. We have daily opportunities to be the teacher who makes the difference. Investing time in our students and communicating with them about their lives is key to them making gains on their learning journey. We can’t assume that we know what is going on at home and we must remember that our partnership and connection with parents is crucial.

It is also our job to be inspirational educators. We need to keep talking to our First Nations students about their aspirations and ensure we are helping them build strong visions and goals. 

Happy NAIDOC Week to everyone in the Waverley community.

NAIDOC Week 2021

New COVID-19 cases – Eastern Suburbs

NSW Health has advised of four new COVID-19 cases who reside in the Eastern Suburbs. These people have visited a number of venues while potentially infectious. Close contacts are being urgently contacted and asked to get tested and self-isolate. People are urged to check the NSW Health website regularly.

Click here for the NSW Health website to view the latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts in NSW.

End of Term

Thank you to all parents, students, Old Boys and staff who have assisted to make Term 2 a successful term. Most boys have worked hard to achieve their goals this term, and we wish them all a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to their return in Term 3 which starts on Tuesday 13 July.

2021 Fees

3rd Payment – Prompt payment date 16/7/2021; due date 30/7/2021.

2022 Fees

1st Payment – Prompt payment date 21/1/2022; due date 28/1/2022.

2nd Payment – Prompt payment date 22/4/2022; due date 6/5/2022.

3rd Payment – Prompt payment date 15/7/2022; due date 29/7/2022.

Discounts and Penalties

Fees paid before 4pm on the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.

Any payment received after the due date will attract an administrative fee of $110.00.

Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).

Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.

Enrolment Withdrawal Notice

You are reminded that if you wish to withdraw your son from enrolment at Waverley College, you are required to give one term’s notice in writing to the Principal that your son’s enrolment will cease.

The last day you can give notice that your son’s enrolment is finishing at the end of a school term, is the first day of the same term. If not received by that date, a penalty equivalent to one term’s tuition fees will be payable.

The relevant dates for 2021 are below:

 

Mr Bryn Gregerson

Director of Business Services

E: bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au

The Sacrament of Confirmation – 10 August

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred in Holy Cross Church Woollahra on Tuesday 10 August at 7pm.

Preparation Classes – 10 July

For candidates in Year 6 and older, not attending Holy Cross Primary School, preparation classes will commence on Saturday 10 July from 4:30-5:20pm in Holy Cross Church.

To enrol, please contact Mrs Shirley Bond on 9130 5670 OR 0403 02 8019.

E-cigarettes and Nicotine

Vaping (inhaling a vapour produced by an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer) amongst young people is increasing across local schools and in the community. As Deputy Principal, I continue to take this issue very seriously. The harmful health effects of vaping are frequently not known by young people, and I ask you to partner with me to help educate your sons about the risks.

Recent data from the Cancer Council shows that one in five students aged 16-17 are trying e-cigarettes. An e-cigarette is a device that heats a flavoured liquid to an aerosol that is inhaled. E-cigarettes are dangerous because e-cigarette liquid is comprised of different chemicals that can include nicotine; flavourings such as the chemical diacetyl (linked to a serious lung disease); heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead; cancer-causing chemicals; and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals have not been tested for safety when inhaled into the lungs.

E-cigarettes can be small and easily hidden. Many popular vapes look like USB sticks, pens, highlighters or cigarettes.

Types of Vapes

Types of Vapes

Types of Vapes

Types of Vapes

E-cigarettes can cause addiction to nicotine, and we know that nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine affects the developing teenage brain that does not finish developing until around age 25. Teenagers who use nicotine can damage the sections of their brain that are responsible for learning, mood, attention and impulse control. Research shows that young people who use e-cigarettes also have a higher likelihood of smoking and addiction to cigarettes as adults. Smoking represents the single most preventable cause of death in the developed world.

How Can Parents/Carers Help?

Please prepare yourself with the facts about vaping and speak with your sons about making positive decisions.

>>> Click here to read more about electronic cigarettes.

>>> Click here to watch a video about the effect of vaping on your body.

Consequences of Vaping at Waverley

Just a reminder that vaping is illegal for people under 18. The College has a clear policy for any student in possession of a vape or e-cigarette whilst on campus. Students face a minimum two-day suspension and are subject to a meeting at the College with their Head of House and Deputy Principal. This also applies to any student in the company of a student consuming a vape or e-cigarette.

Any students found selling vapes to other students will put their enrolment at the College in jeopardy, as vapes and e-cigarettes fall under our drug and alcohol policy. Students in this category will have their enrolment suspended and face an enrolment review meeting with the Principal and Deputy Principal.

 

Mr Patrick Brennan

Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing

E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au

We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the Traditional Owners of the land where this article was written and where Waverley is located today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Reconciliation Week Assembly Speech 

I would like to thank Mr Michael O’Loughlin, Aboriginal artist Mr Billy Reynolds and Mrs Fran Grant for their presence here today and for assisting us all to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, but also remembering that reconciliation is a process and a journey, not a day or week event. 

By dictionary definition, ‘reconciliation’ means:

Let’s start with the first definition – the restoration of friendly relations. I certainly believe that if someone arrived from overseas and took over the land where I lived, killed many of my people via murder and disease, changed all the natural systems around me, and treated me as not human, then friendly relations would be very hard to extend. Yet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are extending the olive branch to us all. They are wanting to share their 60,000 + year culture with us, the world’s oldest living human culture, and they are wanting respectful relationships.

The second definition, the action of making one view or belief compatible with another, certainly brings up passionate debate among people. And I certainly acknowledge my bias when I put forward my thoughts on the subject. My parents came to Australia in 1959 from Scotland. We lived in Middle Cove Sydney and I attended an independent school. This skews how I look at the world and it skews how I am treated in this world. All of us bring our own learned bias into respective situations.

Sometimes, there is debate about our current National Anthem Advance Australia Fair. Is it inclusive for all Australians? There has been a change recently to try and address some of that debate, but it still does not mention Australia’s First Nations Peoples. For many people, this needs to occur to assist in reconciliation. 

Advance Australia Fair was chosen as the national anthem in 1984. That was only 37 years ago, replacing God Save the Queen which was decided as our National Anthem at Federation in 1901. 37 years is not very old, to my way of thinking; flexibility shouldn’t be too hard in this space. New Zealand’s national anthem has both English and Maori languages, and South Africa’s national anthem employs five different languages in the same version of the official lyrics.

Australia’s Constitution is another area that brings debate. Australia’s First Nations Peoples are not mentioned in it – 60,000+ years of connection to land not recognised. When I look at America’s Constitution, particularly the second amendment ‘the right to carry arms’, it reminds me that sometimes constitutions need updating, and need to represent new learnings and wisdom.

And finally, the date of Australia Day, 26 January, creates more and more debate each year. For some Australians, the date makes sense as it marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip. For others, it represents the day they were invaded, the day they lost their Country, and life changing forever. 

If we go back to the second meaning of the word ‘reconciliation’, the action of making one view or belief compatible with another, it is hard to see how keeping 26 January as our national day is going to be compatible. Particularly if we are trying to build respectful relationships and trust between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Sometimes, to move forward, you need to acknowledge the past, one’s failings and learnings, and these can take time. But you who represent Australia’s youth, can increase the speed of reconciliation, of truth telling and of change needed for our reconciliation journey. 

This year’s theme urges us all to take action for reconciliation and on the National Reconciliation website they suggest 20 actions. I chose three that jumped out for me:

  1. Call Out Racism
  2. It’s all our history
  3. Challenge our leaders to take action on justice

Please take a moment to click this link and reflect on which actions stand out to you. 

New Indigenous Round Jersey Launched

Yesterday we launched our new Indigenous round jersey, designed by local Aboriginal artist and Yuin man, Billy Reynolds. Billy’s artwork Coastal Connections is about the grounds on which we play today, Queens Park, which was once connected to Centennial Park.

The area was once a meeting place for the Bidjigal, Kameygal and Gweagal people of Botany Bay and the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, who lived nearer to Watsons Bay. The parks had fresh waterways which provided Aboriginal people with plentiful food and spaces for them to camp, trade and hold meetings during their journeys.

The circle in the middle of Billy’s artwork represents this meeting place and the features on either side represent Aboriginal people coming together. As Waverley is on the coast, Billy used gradients of blue and yellow to represent the land meeting the ocean.

We would like to thank artist Billy Reynolds, parent Fran Grant, and designer Jonathan Ward for this special collaboration. Below you can watch Billy’s reaction as he sees his artwork on the Indigenous Round jersey for the very first time.

 

Waverley Youth Art Prize 

I’d also like to make a special mention to all students who put themselves and their artworks forward for entry into the recent Waverley Youth Art Prize and Clancy Religious Art Prize. It takes courage to enter art competitions because you are putting yourself and your unique work out there. It shows a belief in your own strengths, your ambition to develop your talents, and does a great deal to nurture your self-confidence.

Congratulations to our three Waverley Youth Art Prize winners: 

Click here to read more and watch the Waverley Youth Art Prize Winner Announcement in the article by Visual Arts teacher Ms Jenna Turnbull.

National Reconciliation Week 2021

I begin by paying respect to the Elders – past, present and emerging – of Australia’s First Nations people, and in particular the Gadigal people of the Eora nation on whose land Waverley College occupies.  

On Monday we were blessed with a Welcome to Country during wellbeing time from Uncle John in the Centenary Quad, with a smoking ceremony and prayer. During the week we were also lucky to host Torres Strait Islander artist in residence Zachery Bennet-Brooke who has exhibited worldwide. Over two days, students had a rare opportunity to chat to him as he painted a First Nations mural outside room K01. On Thursday the entire College came together for our Reconciliation Week Assembly.

Our community is richer because of the enrolment of a growing number of First Nations students. Reconciliation Week invites us to take time to listen so that we acknowledge our past in order to understand the present lives of Aboriginal Australians. Together we can commit to shaping a future for this nation where dignity and justice are afforded to all First Nations people and all Australians are active contributors to achieving Reconciliation.  

Proposed Changes to Bus Routes – Students Must Swipe Opal Cards

It is important that all students who catch public transport to the College do so using their Opal Cards. With significant timetable changes proposed by Transport NSW to many popular bus routes, data obtained by Opal Card use informs decisions when routes and services are reviewed. You and your son may be greatly impacted by these changes.

I ask all students to remember that is also an offence to travel on public transport without an Opal Card which has been activated.

Routes that may Affect Students Travelling to Waverley College   

Current routes Proposed routes
314, 316, 317, 348, 353, 360, 379, 400 313, 350, 360, 379, 390X

How Can I Learn More and Give Feedback on the Proposed Changes to Bus Routes?

How Can I Apply for an Opal Card?

Click here to apply for all categories of Opal Cards 

Learn More About the Large Community Protest to Save the Buses

Hundreds of people rallied in Randwick on Sunday 30 May to protest against the proposed changes to our local bus network and the huge impacts these will have if implemented.

Click here to learn about the rally.

Vaping

Unfortunately, a small number of students are still making poor decisions in terms of vaping. Vaping is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 years and has poor health consequences for the students who engage in this activity. The College has a clear policy for any student in possession of a vape or e-cigarette whilst on campus. Students face a minimum two-day suspension and are subject to a meeting at the College with their Head of House and Deputy Principal. This applies to any student in the company of a student consuming a vape or e-cigarette.

Any students found selling vapes to other students will put their enrolment at the College in jeopardy, as vapes and e-cigarettes fall under our drug and alcohol policy. Students in this category will have their enrolment suspended and face an enrolment review meeting with the Principal and Deputy Principal.

Push Up Challenge

Next Thursday our student leaders along with St Clare’s College have organised a Push Up Challenge which aims to raise awareness and money for mental health. The aim is for each school to complete 3138 push ups, which is the total number of people who committed suicide in 2020.

We believe this is a great way for our students to unite and work coherently together to not only build their leadership capacity, but to raise awareness for such an important cause which too often affects our community.

 

Mr Patrick Brennan

Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing

E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au

 

During Open Day on 1-2 June, it came to our attention that some parents missed the notice that applications for Year 7 2023 have closed.

If you have a sibling enrolment who is due to commence for 2023 and haven’t placed an application, please contact the Registrar immediately.

If you are already enrolled in the Junior School, you do NOT need to re-enrol for the Senior School.

 

Ms Kylie Anderson

Registrar

E: registrar@waverley.nsw.edu.au