Waverley College invites all parents and carers to the Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting and meeting on Wednesday, 10 November from 6pm-8:30pm.
The AGM and meeting will be held via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 832 1344 8043
Passcode: 213925
We look forward to seeing you there!
Jade Stapleton
Parents’ Association President
At Waverley we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and World Support Staff Day on the same day. Teachers are an essential service of a progressive society and Support Staff enable the very art of teaching and learning to be able to take place.
The book The Courage to Teach by Parker J Palmer, has influenced many who work in education over the years in many countries. I believe the book’s success is because Palmer articulates the importance of the heart in the work of all staff who work in a school.
‘Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique but is rooted in the identity and integrity of the teacher. Good teaching takes a myriad of forms but good teachers share one trait: they are authentically present in the classroom, deeply connected with their students and their subject. These connections are held in the teacher’s heart — the place where intellect, emotion, and spirit converge in the human self.’ (Parker J Palmer)
One positive that has come out of the global pandemic is a greater appreciation for teachers and schools and the incredibly important work that they undertake. It is their professional skill and expertise as well as their care, passion and compassion that helps to make the school what it is. What greater task is there, than to be part of a partnership with parents to help mould the next generation, to learn from our mistakes and make the world a better place?
Thank you to the Parents’ Association for supplying morning tea for all staff as a welcome back to face-to-face teaching last week. Thank you in particular to Jade Stapleton for organising and Naomi and Greg Isaac for catering and creating such a wonderful spread. The teachers were appreciative of this very kind gesture.
We farewelled our Year 12 2021 cohort today and wished them all the very best as they embark on their next and final steps in their schooling journey, a final week of study, and then the HSC starting on 9 November. For others, back to apprenticeships that they have already started.
The 2021 Year 12 cohort have gone about their business in leading this great College with selflessness, poise and grace in response to the realisation that when tested by those things greater than ourselves, it is your integrity and generosity that serves you best. They have been resilient and every time they have been tested, they have stood up taller and looked after their peers and the rest of the College. What has been most powerfully presented to them, is that there is great security in working together, finding gratitude in the small things and hanging on when times are tough. I believe that this pandemic has confirmed the value of community mindedness and strengthened the unity of this class.
They have taught us too that their cohort accepts and understands that some change is inevitable and builds character, but equally importantly, they have reminded us that the determination to support others, and to be guided by who you are and not what happens around you, is what it means to be strong. Such conviction stands one in good stead as you take the next steps of your life and prepare for the journey ahead. May their travels be affirmed by the good that has come from their experience and informed by the Values that the College espouses to live by. May they find a life grounded in Virtus Sola Nobilitat – ‘Virtue is its own reward’.
Congratulations Gentlemen, thank you and God Bless.
Thank you to all students who are routinely wearing their masks correctly and thank you to parents for reinforcing this. The safety of students and staff is our number one priority and we all need to practice COVID-safe habits including mandatory mask behaviour. Unfortunately, this week staff have given me feedback that many students are misplacing their masks or wearing broken masks whilst at College. Staff have needed to hand out disposable masks to these students. I urge parents who have not done so already, to please organise a reusable mask for your son/s which is clearly labelled with their name/s. Please assist us to reinforce this to help build responsible habits in your sons.
Today we are excited to launch the collaborative Creative Arts Showcase of Higher School Certificate Bodies of Work from Drama, Music, TAS and Visual Arts. Our inspiring online gallery allows our student works and performances to be shared with our wider College community, celebrating student achievement in the Creative Arts in what has been a difficult year for our senior students.
The Year 12 cohort of 2021 have developed a degree of adaptability in overcoming adversity in completing their major projects. I congratulate the students of Design and Technology, Drama, Industrial Technology Multimedia and Timber, Music and Visual Arts for their dedication to their studies. Each project has been the culmination of in-depth research, testing of materials, media and processes and carefully manufactured using contemporary or traditional techniques. Each student’s work reflects their incredible dedication to mastering their selected skills and working progressively throughout the year to develop and refine their process in their field.
Along with deepening their subject knowledge, students have taken advantage of rich opportunities to express their creativity. They have developed competencies in planning, project management, communication, persistence and perseverance, whilst supported by our outstanding teaching and support staff.
I am proud to present these exceptional works across all subjects and encourage you to view them through our vivid Creative Arts Showcase microsite:
Earlier this week, the NSW Premier announced that schools are permitted to return to some school co-curricular and sporting activities from Monday, 1 November. There are some very important COVID-safe regulations around this, however, the College is excited that all students in Years 5-11 will be able to start a modified Summer program for four weeks during Term 4.
The importance for students’ wellbeing, and re-establishing some of the connections that have been missing, is a vital part of the return to school activities. We have modified the training plan for the next couple of weeks to keep students within their year cohorts as much as possible, whilst still providing some physical activity opportunities. As there will be a number of students who have had limited time to be as active as normal, we will continue to provide activities for prehabilitation and general fitness in terms of preventing injury and in preparation for a CAS / IPSHA season in Term 1, 2022.
COVID-safe Cadet parades will recommence from next Friday, and will include cohort separation and the presentation of Rank appointments.
The first two weeks of activities in Term 4 will involve internal training and two Saturdays of trials. There is a possibility that we will then play two friendly CAS rounds against St Aloysius and Cranbrook on both Saturday 20 and 27 November in Basketball, Cricket and Tennis. If these two friendly rounds occur, mandated restrictions require that any inter-school sporting activities for any students 16 years or older, will need to QR Code on entry to any venue and also display proof of vaccination.
If there are any students who do not meet this criteria, they will not be permitted to play inter-school sport until 2022, however, they are still permitted to train and trial within their own school teams. The College encourages any student who is able to be vaccinated to please do this and email proof of their vaccination to Ms Adele Cutbush, College Nurse.
E: acutbush@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Following are a number of other specific COVID-19 protocols that the College will have in place to ensure that staff and students are kept as safe as possible:
Please see our Director of Co-curricular’s article for the training program to commence from next week:
If there are queries please email Mr Steve O’Donnell.
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As sport returns for the Senior School, so it does for the Junior School at the beginning of Week 6 (Monday, 1 November). Sport will take place across Weeks 6, 7 and 8 of Term 4 with training resuming in a modified format of one session per week.
All Summer sporting teams have been adjusted to split all teams into year groups, to meet the current government safety restrictions and guidelines. This could mean that your son is now in a different team to the team in which he was placed in Term 1. Please reinforce to your son that this isn’t anything to do with performance, and only due to the current restrictions and guideline changes necessary to keep students safe.
All students will be informed of their Year 5 or Year 6 team and also their training schedule this Friday during Year group sports meetings. The most updated Term 4 Training Schedule and Saturday Draw has been included below for your further understanding of adjustments made.
There will only be three Saturday rounds of internal matches, taking place on November 6, 13 and 20. Some Cricket and Touch Football teams incur a bye due with an odd number of teams for that year group, as teams can only compete against their own year group.
Due to the long lasting lockdown, the coaches for each team will appear very different to Term 1. Unfortunately, Term 1 coaches have either moved on or are unable to commit to this short period of coaching. As there has been a quick turnaround to get the season up and running, there is the possibility that external coaches may vary between trainings and Saturday games. Please understand that these adjustments are necessary to help our students get back to enjoying sport after such a challenging time for all.
During the time that sport begins, Mr Jack Wachtel, Assistant Director of Co-Curricular Years 5-8, will not be contactable for all of Week 6 as he is on leave and getting married during this time. Please refer any questions or concerns you may have to:
Read more: Important vaping law changes, teenage drinking in the Eastern Suburbs, uniform and appearance, Health Centre accepting copies of your son’s vaccination status.
The College works closely with the NSW Police in particular our Police School Liaison Officer. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the School Liaison Police Program is up and running, including our local PCYC club. In a recent discussion with the College, our Liaison Officer Senior Constable Danny McManus, outlined changes that occurred in October to vaping laws in NSW, particularly around the supply and possession of vapes.
In brief, all nicotine vaping products are now regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 as Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicines in the Poison Standard. A prescription will be required from a medical practitioner to purchase nicotine vaping products from a pharmacy or when importing from overseas websites.
As this is a Schedule 4 drug, the College has reviewed our policy regarding vaping (and vapes) to reflect the changes to the law. I will be reminding students that the consequences for consuming or selling vapes on campus will therefore increase to reflect changes in their classification.
Over the last two to three weeks, both Eastern Suburbs and Eastern Beaches Police Area Commands have seen an enormous amount of alcohol-related incidents, (some very serious), involving young people in the area aged between 13 and 18. Older siblings, brothers and sisters of friends (including random strangers) supply alcohol to these minors.
Young people have also taken alcohol from home to drink in public places and alcohol-free zones, committing a range of public place offences, causing general havoc and mayhem, and consuming police resources unnecessarily. What surprises police the most, is the lack of supervision of young people late at night.
The Police Commander requests that the College remind our community of the dangers of teenage binge drinking. This comes in the same week that drug and alcohol expert Paul Dillon presented to students, staff and parents at the College. Our local police have serious concerns and encourage parents to have a chat with their sons about drugs and alcohol to establish safe boundaries. Parents are encouraged to use the resource below as a starting point for dialogue with their sons.
>>> Click here to view the Alcohol Drinking and Teenagers resource from REACHOUT.
This is a timely reminder that Waverley College students will be held accountable for incidents that bring the College name into disrepute outside of school hours.
I thank all students and their families who attended College this week wearing the correct academic uniform and whose appearance was neat and tidy. A small number of students were asked to adjust COVID hairstyles and remove facial hair. At all times, students are expected to be clean-shaven. I thank those parents who supported this fair and reasonable request.
Congratulations to the hundreds of eligible Waverley College students who received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
To provide our community with the best possible protection, we encourage all students over the age of 12 to follow the health advice from NSW Health, by getting their COVID-19 vaccination. This will not only protect them, but everyone else, as it appears likely that a single COVID-19 transmission at our College will still trigger a chain of casual and close contacts. The implications of this are considerable and anything we can do to reduce the likelihood is worthwhile.
The Health Centre is now accepting copies of your son’s vaccination status. Please send copies of your son’s vaccination status to healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.au
This data will be added to the immunisation history entered at the time of his enrolment.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Tuesday, 26 October and Wednesday, 27 October, students from both Years 6 and 7 finally had the chance to celebrate their Sacrament of Confirmation at Mary Immaculate Church. This celebration was certainly one to remember, as COVID-19 restrictions meant that both parents and sponsors were unable to be in attendance, and the celebration was live-streamed into their homes.
It was a very sacred and intimate occasion with Father Bernie inviting all candidates to celebrate the Sacrament with him on the altar, making each boy feel special. After receiving their blessings and confirming their faith, all boys have now been fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Year 6 Confirmation
Congratulations to the following students:
Year 6: William Bayly, Harrison Boden-Taylor, Aidan Busteed, Jack Daley, Henry Furlong, Mikey Gauci-Cook, Hugh Godby, Henry Goldrich, Oliver Harwood, Jack Henderson, Alexander Janis, Alexander Moore, Otto Murcutt, Ned Panlilio, Joshua Peters, Stirling Quinn, Will Roberts, Owen Roorda, Evan Rowbotham, Jacob Sheehan.
Year 7: Aston Cavender, Adam Curran, Cavell Frampton, Lucas Guerreiro, Willam Jacques, Finley Malone, Owen Patient, Christian Richardson, Dante Scarfone, Olle Wixstrom.
Mr Stephen Ghattas
Assistant Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: sghattas@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The College is excited about the return of all students to face-to-face learning next week. The safety and wellbeing of our community is our top priority as we return to campus.
The College is following NSW Government guidelines to ensure our staff and students are safe. A number of changes will therefore be in place upon your son’s return. These were outlined to students at today’s online assembly.
We recognise the need for a ‘multilayered approach’ to minimising risks associated with the Delta strain of COVID-19:
Where possible, students will be separated into cohorts to limit the interactions of year groups. This includes not conducting in-person whole College indoor Assemblies and assigning designated spaces to year groups at break and lunchtimes:
Please note that our vertical Wellbeing time has been suspended to prevent students in different year groups from mixing. We will continue to communicate important wellbeing messages via Year groups meetings (socially distanced) and whole online school assemblies.
As a result, the Senior School and Junior Schools will be following the adjusted timetables below:
| First Bell | 8:40am | ||
| Period 1 | 8:45am | 9:40am | 55 mins |
| Period 2 | 9:40am | 10:35am | 55 mins |
| Recess | 10:35am | 10:55am | 20 mins |
| Period 3 | 10:55am | 11:50am | 55 mins |
| Period 4 | 11:50am | 12:45pm | 55 mins |
| Lunch | 12:45pm | 1:25pm | 40 mins |
| Period 5 | 1:25pm | 2:20pm | 55 mins |
| Period 6 | 2:20pm | 3:15pm | 55 mins |
| Periods 1 & 2 | 8:40am | 10:35am | 115 mins |
| Recess | 10:35am | 11:00am | 25 mins |
| Period 3 | 11:05am | 11:50am | 45 mins |
| Period 4 | 11:50am | 12:35pm | 45 mins |
| Lunch | 12:35pm | 1:25pm | 50 mins |
| Period 5 | 1:30pm | 2:15pm | 45 mins |
| Period 6 | 2:15pm | 3:00pm | 45 mins |
We will continue to implement a range of measures to decrease the likelihood of the spread of COVID-19. Hand sanitiser will be widely available around the College and students will be reminded to use it regularly. We will continue with increased cleaning measures, with high touch and high traffic areas being cleaned regularly throughout the day. Students will also be regularly reminded of spatial distancing as well as hygiene measures.
If your son presents with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms, and even if he is partly or fully vaccinated, he should remain at home. If he presents at College, he will be isolated in the Health Centre and will need to be picked up as soon as possible by his parent/carer. He will then only be able to return to campus following a negative COVID-19 test, with the result of this test being emailed to the Health Centre.
>>> Click here to email the Health Centre.
In accordance with NSW Government guidelines, masks are compulsory for all Years 7-12 students and staff. The College is however taking the additional precaution of mandating masks for students in Years 5-12.
Masks must comply with NSW Health guidelines and must be of surgical grade standard (a triple layer mask), and well fitted around the mouth, chin and nose. Students will be required to have sufficient stores of masks to use throughout the course of each week.
The College Health Centre continues to operate and is staffed by our College Nurse. The staff have well-prepared procedures, in line with NSW Health protocols, to manage the health of individuals and the campus community, in the event of a COVID-19 case.
On the day of your return, all staff (teaching and non-teaching) will be fully vaccinated.
NSW Health strongly urges all students aged 12 years and over to receive two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible before returning to College. COVID-19 vaccination is the best protection against severe illness and also reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.
Vaccination bookings can be made via the Vaccine Clinic Finder. Depending on location, bookings are available within the next few days, including at local GPs.
>>> Click here to view the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
For students and families who have questions or concerns related to getting vaccinated, please refer to NSW Health’s ‘Know the Facts! COVID-19 Vaccines’ fact sheet.
>>> Click here to view the Know the Facts! COVID-19 fact sheet.
The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff are paramount. To this end, classrooms and indoor learning spaces have undergone a thorough external review as we consider the optimal ventilation solutions for the campus. Guidelines for the use of each learning space in the College have been developed in line with these recommendations, considering a range of mitigations including wearing of masks, spacing of students, ventilation and other hygiene measures. The College has purchased 50 air purification devices which will be utilised across the campus.
To assist with social distancing and to decrease interactions between year groups, the canteen will reopen in Week 4 and will be cashless. There will be no access to microwaves. Access to the canteen will be restricted to one year group at a time.
To ensure we are not mixing cohorts, the Library will only be open to our Year 12 students (2021 cohort).
Students in Years 7-11 will be able to enter the College via the opened gates next to the library and other access points. Note, access to and from the College will not be available via the library.
The library will be offering a Click and Deliver service. Students can send through requests for reading books and resources by email, the library OLIVER search page, or the Library CANVAS page.
>>> Click here to email the library.
>>> Click here to access the library OLIVER search page or the library CANVAS page.
Resources will then be prepared for students and placed into a bag with the student’s name on it. Library staff will deliver these to classrooms.
Library staff will have an outdoor service point to assist Years 7-11 students where needed. This will be outside the entrance to the library.
Printers will be placed outside, with the favoured option to have students email library staff their printing jobs, which we can then deliver to teachers or classrooms.
>>> Click here to email the library.
Library staff will be offering a ‘Pop Up’ library service in the designated year group areas. For example, library staff will be physically present in the playground area during lunch to field questions and take requests. Our focus will be on the new Year 12 (2022) cohort, however we will move through all year groups.
Student replacement ID cards can be printed at the Wellbeing Centre.
Note: loans of library items will be available over the summer holidays. This may be a way to balance online and offline and screen time, and we encourage your sons to borrow. Borrowing will be available up until Friday, 10 December.
Book Hire will be open. Students can see Ms Pearce who will attend to student inquiries via a help desk located outside the current Book Hire office.
>>> Click here to send your requests and questions.
Library staff will also be available to assist with Book Hire / TextBook inquiries.
At the Junior School, the library will be opened on alternate weeks for each cohort.
At this stage, a number of co-curricular activities will continue to be offered in an online format. The Convenors of these and other co-curricular activities will communicate with students and their parents directly, as well as via the Friday Nurrunga newsletter. We are awaiting further advice from the Association of Independent Schools NSW and the NSW Government as to the possibility of increasing our offering of co-curricular activities.
Please note, many activities including retreats, bands and ensembles, assemblies, service week, community events and excursions are not permitted at this stage under NSW Government guidelines.
Parents and visitors, as a general rule, are not able to visit the College grounds under the Level 3 directions. Arrangements for meetings between staff and parents will continue to be delivered via Zoom.
If you need to drop off any items you can do so by labelling the item with your son’s name and leaving it in the boxes located at Reception.
At this stage, there will be no Saturday sport. We are awaiting further advice from the CAS, Association of Independent Schools NSW and the NSW Government. Any updates, including information regarding the availability of facilities such as the gym and pool, will be provided via Friday’s Nurrunga newsletter as this information becomes available.
In the meantime, students should check that they have registered for summer sport and continue to follow the online activities that are posted on the relevant Waverley app pages.
It is requested that parents make arrangements for their sons to arrive on campus as close to 8:30am each day, and depart as soon after 3:15pm as practicable. All public transport and school specials are due to run as timetabled. Students are encouraged to depart campus using multiple access points to reduce congestion.
Students will wear their full summer uniform when participating in face-to-face learning.
At all times, students are expected to be clean-shaven. All students should have an appropriate haircut by Monday, 25 October. Anticipating pressure on barbers, parents/carers and students are encouraged to make arrangements as soon as practicable.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Uniform Shop is operating online with pre-ordering arrangements in place. There will be one dedicated staff member attending outside of school hours from 3:15pm-4:30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for student pick up.
Please contact your son’s Mentor or Head of House to share any information you feel necessary, to assist us to support him as he recommences face-to-face learning. Any updates based on NSW Health guidelines will be shared via the Friday Nurrunga newsletter or the Waverley app.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, there is an even greater need to ensure that our community is looking out for each other to the best of our ability.
Please contact your son’s Head of House should you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Read more: Transitioning Back to College, Paul Dillon online seminar, Child Safety Handbook.
This week I met with Dr Tom Brunzell and his team to discuss transitioning back to school. Dr Brunzell is the Director of the family services organisation, Berry Street, and has worked with schools across Victoria after their long lockdown. His research at the University of Melbourne investigated both the negative impacts of secondary traumatic stress and the positive impacts of wellbeing on teachers and leaders.
Dr Brunzell stressed the importance of routine when our students return to campus next week. He went on to say that we cannot underestimate the importance of reconnecting with each other, and student schoolwork during this transition phase.
The College has also been looking at evidence from the Northern Hemisphere to put in place strategies to best help our students return to campus.
The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted us all. For some, it has been an opportunity to reflect on what is important, whilst others have embraced the opportunity to learn new things.
Many young people may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted, whilst others may be feeling mixed emotions. Reactions will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. Keeping a check on your child’s mental health and wellbeing as they adjust to new routines, will be vitally important. We encourage parents to reach out to their son’s Mentors or Head of House if circumstances have changed during lockdown, or they are detecting any flags such as anxiety or unusual lethargy in their sons.
There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead of us, so focusing on the things you can control or enjoy doing, can help establish predictability and familiarity for the whole family. Adult carers need to provide young people with reassurance by acknowledging any concerns and fears they may have at this time. Consider this to be a normal reaction, however it may be best to focus more on their feelings and emotions, rather than the practicalities at this stage.
The latest Special Report contains ideas about how to help ease this time of transition.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your son, please contact the wellbeing team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Don’t forget our parent seminar next week featuring Mr Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia. Paul will be presenting exclusively to the College community online next Thursday.
Reenforcing our ‘wellbeing partnership’, Paul will also be presenting to students in Years 10 and 11, and to staff earlier in the day.
Parent Seminar: Thursday, 28 October, 6pm-7:15pm
Meeting ID: 844 1268 5711
Passcode: 156047
The NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is a comprehensive resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety. The handbook has been updated to include key messages about COVID-19 safety and bush fire safety with summer just around the corner.
This handbook also includes important content updates from: NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire NSW, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Staff and Student Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Senior and Junior School canteens are re-opening with simplified menus from Monday, 25 October 2021 for cashless transactions with the following COVID-19-related restrictions:
Canteen orders can only be made through Flexischools online ordering which is located in your Flexischools account.
Please note that orders need to be placed by 9am each day. Breakfast is not being offered for the first two weeks and there will be no counter service until further notice.
Senior School students will be required to line up in their relevant year groups which will be supervised by College staff. Breakfast, recess and lunch are all available and cash payments are not being accepted at this stage. Also, there will be no use of the communal microwave ovens throughout this period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Ms Nina Kormanyos
Senior Canteen Manager
E: nkormanyos@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we are getting ready to return to College in person, some parents will find that their sons have outgrown their uniforms whilst learning from home. Or, in the case of Year 12 students, the time has almost come to part with your uniforms!
The Secondhand Clothing Pool will gladly accept the donation of all clean and wearable uniform items for resale. This will provide 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.
For more information or to make an appointment, you can contact the Secondhand Clothing Pool by:
Phone: (02) 9369 0703 — please leave a voicemail, and one of our volunteers will get back to you.
Email: clothingpool@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Location
(Next door to the Uniform Shop)
Level 3, Centenary Building,
Senior School Campus
(Enter reception and take the lift to the 3rd Floor)
131 Birrell Street,
Waverley NSW 2024
Thank you for taking the time to fill in the survey on fees recently. The survey asked parents about various aspects of the importance of different school attributes in selecting a school, their current methods for paying fees, and their willingness to pay year-on-year school fee increases. It was pleasing that a total of 1,200 responses were recorded from Waverley College parents.
Whilst I appreciate the timing of this survey is poor and the very topic of fee increases in a pandemic is even worse, this is not something that has been orchestrated by the College. To be clear, we are receiving $27M less funding from the Government (both State and Commonwealth) over the next eight years. We therefore do not have a choice but to address this issue at this time. As stated earlier in the year, we have absorbed $1.6M of reduced government funding in 2021, but unfortunately, this practice is not sustainable.
Parents responding to the fees survey were asked whether they were willing to pay more for the same service they currently receive. Their feedback indicated that they ranked particular attributes more highly than others. Those ranked most important were the quality of education (quality of teaching and learning, and the quality of teachers), as well as value for money. Many of the respondents considered a fee increase reasonable and affordable (still representing good value for money). However, some respondents stated an unwillingness to pay higher fees. A large number of these, and indeed most parents, indicated a deep connection to the College. They indicated that they would be resistant to leaving, but also acknowledged that, in some cases, they would need to absorb the cost themselves, or seek other finance options to pay fees.
I want to give you as much advance notice as possible that we are looking at an approximate fee increase of $375 per student for each term for 2022. We are going to add more options to assist with the payment of school fees including quarterly (four terms), monthly and fortnightly payment options. For those families that need some additional time for payment, further flexible payment options are available via Edstart. Parents can apply at any time during the year, and Edstart will tailor a plan to meet your needs based on your remaining school fee balance. Edstart is able to provide flexibility to families where their payments are set at a manageable level over the entire schooling period and beyond. This means that families are able to better manage their budget and are less likely to fall behind on their school fee payments.
P: 1800 139 445
In terms of where does this fee increase place Waverley compared to other independent schools in Sydney? These fee increases due to our reduction in government funding still leaves Waverley as good value when compared to other independent schools which are considerably higher. Even with fee increases in 2022, our pricing will remain significantly lower than comparable independent schools.
|
Year Group |
Tuition Fees |
| Year 5 | $13,500 |
| Year 6 | $14,300 |
| Year 7 | $15,800 |
| Year 8 | $15,800 |
| Year 9 | $16,200 |
| Year 10 | $16,500 |
| Year 11 | $17,400 |
| Year 12 | $17,400 |
We look forward to welcoming our Year 12s back on campus next week with an extended seminar program. There is certainly an air of excitement as the students put in their final preparations for their upcoming HSC examinations. The community’s thoughts and prayers are certainly behind our Year 12s right now. Mr Brennan has written to the Year 12s outlining the safety protocols that need to be followed to reduce health risks at this time. We are also still trying to finalise graduation options and will be in touch shortly.
Farewell to Jaimi Walker who finishes up at the College today. Jaimi has packed a lot into her nearly three years at Waverley as the Marketing and Development Manager, including a rebrand and advertising campaign, uniform redesign, digitised enrolment process and customer relationship management system, Waverley app, updated publications program, Foundation launch, successful inaugural Giving Day, and a strong focus on content development. Jaimi’s strong work ethic and business acumen have left our Marketing team in a strong position. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours at IMC Trading as their Asia Pacific Marketing Manager.
And we would like to welcome Tarryn Thompson to the College as the new Marketing and Development Manager. Tarryn comes to us with over 18 years of marketing, communication and design experience. Tarryn has worked in three independent schools based in Sydney; Pymble Ladies’ College, The King’s School and most recently, Trinity Grammar School. Tarryn will start on 1/11/21.
In the meantime, if you need to contact marketing please reach out via email: marketing@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I encourage the entire College to participate in Waverley’s historic walkathon which runs over 30 days from Monday, 18 October. As we emerge from lockdown I urge students, staff and parents to get involved to improve fitness, encourage team spirit, raise funds for charity and potentially, win prizes!
In this COVID-19 year, the walkathon will look different, as participants will virtually walk, run, swim or cycle in House groups to major cities around the world. All you need to do is download an app, track your movements for 30 days, and make a donation to support our charities: Edmund Rice Camps, Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, Snowdome Foundation, Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation, or Christmas hampers (for families within our community needing a spiritual lift owing to extraordinary circumstances).
To learn more about the history of the walkathon, prizes and how to enter the event, you will need to register through the events link on the Waverley College website:
Best of luck, everyone!
Read more: Parent seminar, student wellbeing over the coming weeks, sleep and wellbeing.
An event that I believe will be of great interest is a parent seminar with author and education consultant Mr Paul Dillon (Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia), who has been working in drug education for more than 25 years. The College has been able to exclusively secure Paul on Thursday, 28 October at 6pm. This seminar has been moved online.
Reenforcing our ‘wellbeing partnership’, Paul will also be presenting to students in Years 10 and 11, and to staff earlier in the day.
Whenever and wherever Paul speaks, parents, staff and students deeply appreciate the currency of his knowledge, his insights into young people and his engaging manner. He has closely observed the impact of the pandemic on the drug and alcohol habits of young Australians, and will share this with us in an online seminar.
I hope you can find the time to invest an hour before the long summer holidays, during which Paul anticipates a return to large scale ‘gatherings’ of young people. Among his concerns is that many of these will be outdoor gatherings in high-risk settings such as parks and beaches, with possible risk-taking behaviours.
Parent Seminar: Thursday 28 October, 6pm-7:15pm
Meeting ID: 844 1268 5711
Passcode: 156047
Paul Dillon
At Tuesday’s staff professional learning day, the wellbeing team spoke about a consistent transition to best support our students as they move from online learning back to the classroom.
After looking at other countries that have transitioned back to face-to-face learning, there was a distinct need for students to reconnect with their peers, teachers and indeed their school. Many countries found this to initially be a higher priority than teaching and learning.
Teachers and parents are encouraged to show empathy and understanding towards students who may be struggling after an extended time absent of routine, sport and their friends. Any feelings should be validated by adults in their lives.
Our own College psychologists have noted that during the COVID-19 outbreak, our students who may have previously been experiencing anxiety, have tended to feel calmer and more in control during the online learning experience. This could be due to not being confronted by triggers and reinforcers that increase their anxiety, as well as being in the safety and comfort of their home environment. However, as we see a return to school, we may notice a spike in anxiety for these students (and others). The most likely forms will be related to workload/school pressures, social pressures and safety/concerns regarding COVID-19.
Maintaining routine after lockdown is important
During the initial stages of face-to-face learning, teachers will be providing students with positive reinforcement to help with their adjustment back at College. This will be reflected in the notes sent home to parents. Parents should also be proving positive feedback to their sons for the positive ways they are adjusting to life back on campus.
The College is also aware that some friendship groups may have changed, particularly in the younger year groups. Subjects and activities that promote group work and interaction will gain additional value such as PDHPE, Science, TAS and our co-curricular program.
The Wellbeing Team values any information about recent changes in a student’s life that may impact their wellbeing, particularly those that have occurred during lockdown. Loss, grief, anxiety, family breakup or trauma are important pieces of information. It is asked that parents contact their son’s Head of House so the appropriate staff can help with their son’s journey.
Finally, there is no doubting the importance of routine and maintaining our high expectations. From uniform (including haircuts), behaviour to and from school, as well as in the classroom and attendance, the College will be reinforcing these from the moment students return to campus until the last day of school.
The importance of quality sleep has been reenforced by our wellbeing team during lockdown. Quality sleep and effective sleep hygiene are strong protective factors against stress and disease by allowing our bodies to rest and recharge.
Dr Meeta Singh
Dr Meeta Singh is a psychiatrist and sleep specialist from the United States who presents practical ideas to ensure we are doing the correct things to allow our bodies to get the sleep we need. In her podcast she discusses common sleep disorders and useful ways we can improve our quality of sleep and therefore our quality of life.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Staff and Student Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
By the time our students start to return to campus next week, all Waverley College staff will be fully vaccinated.
To provide our community with the best possible protection, we are encouraging all students over the age of 12 years to follow the health advice from NSW Health, by getting their COVID-19 vaccination. This will not only protect them, but everyone else, as it appears likely that a single COVID-19 transmission at our College will still trigger a chain of casual and close contacts. The implications of such are considerable and anything we can do to reduce the likelihood is worthwhile.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of our community is our number one priority. The Health Centre is now accepting copies of your sons’ vaccination status.
Please send them to healthcentre@waverley.nsw.edu.
This data will be added to the immunisation history entered at the time of his enrolment.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal — Staff and Student Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Bondi Road Medical Centre has been in touch with Waverley College to let us know that they are offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all children over 12 years old and adults. They stock the Pfizer and Astra-Zeneca brands.
If you would like to secure a booking to have yourself or your child vaccinated, please contact the medical practice directly on (02) 9389 8000.
They are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Please do not book through their website online.
Their address is 248 Bondi Road in Bondi Beach. They are situated on Bondi Road, Bondi, approximately halfway down the road between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach, opposite the Green BP Petrol Station at the corner of Henderson Street. You can contact them on (02) 9389 8000.
When you arrive, please ensure that you are wearing a mask. Their policy is that everyone must wear a mask, even children under 12 years old. Please bring along your Medicare card and also a pen to complete paperwork. If you want to save time by already bringing along the paperwork, please print out and complete the PDF in the link below before attending:
Bondi Road Medical Centre practices social distancing and COVID-19 safe routine practice.
Please be reminded Waverley College is not affiliated with the Bondi Road Medical Centre. They have just reached out to us to let you know that they want to provide access to COVID-19 vaccinations for the Waverley College community.
Ms Adele Cutbush
College Registered Nurse
E: healthcentre@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.
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