Welcome back to term 4. We are looking forward to finally seeing students back on site over the next couple of weeks. We have received inquiries regarding the commencement of co-curricular activities in Term 4, particularly with the announcements around community sport starting under COVID-restricted guidelines.
The current information we have from NSW Health and the NSW Department of Education is that when students return to school, we will be under Tier 3+ restrictions which means no school sport or activities outside of normal school hours.
Practical PE lessons are permitted to proceed, however, there are restrictions regarding cohorts mixing and reducing crowding in certain areas. We also need to plan to keep our Year 12s, who are sitting their upcoming HSC examinations, as safe as possible.
Whilst it seems contradictory that community sport and community facilities are able to proceed and open, we are seeking advice on clarification around school sport and training, and are hopeful that we will be able to commence some activities this term. All Independent schools in Sydney are under these same restrictions, and as a part of CAS, all six schools will be following the same roadmap. This may involve training within Year cohorts and limiting the number of sessions, as well as having Saturday fixtures amongst Waverley teams or against local schools only.
When we have further information on start dates, we will publish this to the wider community as soon as possible. I appreciate your patience with this. These rules will also apply to the commencement of activities such as Cadets and Duke of Ed. Once we are given the go ahead to return, it is a mandated requirement that all staff and coaches are fully vaccinated to be able to work within the co-curricular program.
I have been really impressed with some of the videos and activities a number of students have been submitting in regards to undertaking their own training and fitness over the recent holidays. It is still critical that all students remain physically active for their overall wellbeing. We will also continue to provide recommended activities via the Waverley College app.
Best wishes to Year 12 in preparation for their HSC examinations, as well as to all students for their return to face-to-face teaching and learning.
Mr Steve O’Donnell
Director of Co-curricular
E: sodonnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Welcome back to week 1 of Term 4. I hope your sons were able to find some rhythm this week with online learning and that they are starting to think about returning to face-to-face learning quicker than expected as a result of the Premier’s announcement this week.
Students of parents who are essential workers/cannot be supervised at home, and are currently working on campus, will remain on our supervision list until the completion of online learning. If your son is not being supervised at school, but you now require supervision, please email Mrs Gabrielle Smith —gsmith@waverley.nsw.edu.au.
Over the last 21 months I have spoken of the need for us all to be able to pivot, find daily gratitude amongst the uncertainty, and be resilient. Of course these words are easy to say, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones, seen their businesses struggle and close, and all who have endured lost freedoms that we normally take for granted.
This week I had the privilege of speaking with Professor Kristine Macartney, Director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, along with other Catholic School Principals. I came away buoyed that we will continue to need to excel across these three attributes more than ever. Professor Macartney spoke of the need to embrace a multilayered approach to reduce the risk of transmission within school environments. Vaccination, mask wearing, ventilation, isolation when sick, use of outdoor spaces, sanitisation, and physical distancing and cohort separation where possible, will all be part of the College’s risk management strategies.
However, Professor Macartney outlined that with the opening up of society, transmission of COVID-19 will increase, and that the most important element of protection is vaccination for the majority and for the minority who can not get vaccinated due to medical reasons. There really is not a plan B, those unvaccinated will face greater risk and cause greater risk within the community. All three TGA-approved vaccines are now available — Moderna and Pfizer are available for everyone aged 12 years and older, and AstraZeneca is available to everyone 18 years and older.
The Federal Government recently launched the Raising Healthy Children app. Developed by the Raising Children Network, this free phone app supports the mental health literacy and confidence of parents regarding the social and emotional wellbeing of their children. The app targets parents with children aged 12 years and younger, and is available via Android and iOS app stores.
If you have not already seen the Waverley College 2021 R U OK? Video, Lean on Me, I encourage you to. It is a beautiful message from our vibrant, supportive community of students, staff and Old Boys, who are always there when you need someone to lean on! Our musicians took on the challenge of recording remotely and contributing to this important cause, reminding everyone to start a conversation and ask are they really OK.
We would like to thank the following people for their contribution.
Students: Axel Stapleton, Axl Igra, Caleb Secton, Callum Macarthur, Campbell Porteus, Elliott Barton, Enzo Rossi, Fox Stapleton, George Ellis, Guy Hammerschmidt, Isaac Barton, Oliver Isaac, Lachlan Isaac, Alisatir Isaac, Ishaan Jeena, Liam Russell, Lucas Dubois, Max Leedham, Tom Park, William Dubois, Jone Tuqiri, Lieme Chan.
Old Boys: Dom Augoustis (2018), Will Baker (2020), Pat Byrne (2012), Lachlan Drew-Morris (2016), Tom Jaeger (2019), Angus Mullins (2017), Chris Salem (2020).
Staff: Chris Balkizas, Jaz Dolso, Jesse Johnston (2012), Cathy O’Sullivan, Michelle Rollins, Sue Walsh.
I would also like to thank Venettia Miller, Jaimi Walker, Angus McPherson, Michelle Rollins, Jaz Dolso, Jesse Johnston and Chris Balkizas for all their hard work behind the scenes to bring this project together.
Recently, I have been highlighting early university entry programs that are available. An alternative to these is the PwC Higher Apprenticeship Program that offers an alternative option to university for individuals who are primarily school leavers. Students can join straight out of school and develop business and technology skills to work towards a qualification in I.T. Applications are open and there are 13 places available for 2022 in Sydney.
PwC 2022 Higher Apprenticeship Information webinar for interested students:
This week we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the beatification of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. The Edmund Rice Schools Trust – Ireland, is hosting an online global gathering on Thursday, 14 October to celebrate this event, at 10am GMT. The NSW time is 9pm. You are very welcome.
Many of my students’ parents have asked me how they can keep their sons actively engaged, whether this is in lockdown or generally!
As a Geography teacher, I have a natural inquisitive character and a healthy thirst for knowledge, but in this day and age where there are so many different ways of discovering new ideas and increasing our knowledge, we can get a little overwhelmed.
In response to this, I have created a document containing Geography activities to help keep your sons globally connected. It contains a few of my ideas and suggestions for students and/or families to get you started. Please note, parental guidance may be required for some documentaries and around Social Media use.
If you are already subscribed to, or frequently use, a particular outlet you find engaging and informative, please do let me know. Below is a link to a Google Form where you can add suggestions. These can include: websites, podcasts, Social Media handles, documentaries, news articles etc.
I look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, get exploring, it’s a big world out there!
Ms Rebecca Sutcliffe
Geography Teacher and Ecology Coordinator
E: rsutcliffe@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Join a fun, online Youth Summit on Wednesday, 13 October 3:30pm-5pm, where you’ll have the opportunity to give your opinion on what Council should be doing. You could even win a gift voucher!
Don’t delay as places are limited.
We hope you enjoyed the school holiday break. As we work together in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic in NSW, I thank you for your support as remote learning continues into Term 4.
Regrettably, this continues to be an uncertain time with ever-changing circumstances. Please be assured that we will contact you via the Nurrunga newsletter as soon as there is updated information about our return to school plans.
This week, the NSW Government announced that students will be returning to school one week earlier than anticipated. This will be a phased return to the physical classroom.
It goes without saying that the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our key priority, and Waverley College continues to follow NSW Health advice including vigorous support for vaccinations.
Throughout Term 4, face-to-face teaching and learning for students in Years 5-11 will inevitably be subject to change with the greater opening up of our community. We will have to pivot and respond appropriately to the circumstances that present themselves. A priority will be given to our Year 12 students who are undertaking their HSC examinations.
We recognise your exceptional patience and ask for your continued goodwill as we navigate the next nine weeks of schooling. Please let the College know if your family requires support as we return in phases to learning in the face-to-face environment.
I attended an online meeting with the NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant this week along with other Independent School principals. Her message was clear about making school communities as safe as possible, and that the most effective way of achieving this was by having a high community vaccination rate. College staff are approaching 100% double dose vaccination, and no staff member or contractor will be on campus unless they have achieved this status when students return to school. This is supported by the Public Health Order.
I encourage you to get your son vaccinated if you have not already organised this, as this will make our school community safer. The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has recently opened a Pfizer vaccination hub near Centennial Park. The hub is open to all people over 12 years of age and bookings can be made via the link below.
Help us stop the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, today.
Please bear in mind that these are links provided to Waverley College from our Local Health Districts. They are not affiliated with Waverley College in any way. We are trying to assist you by providing this information about where you can get vaccinated.
Please note that the Junior School timetable will not be changing in Term 4. Adjustments are only being made to the Years 7-12 timetable.
We recognise and validate the struggle many students have experienced in keeping up with their online learning workload whilst trying to stay on top of assessments and exam preparation. To alleviate this pressure, we are adjusting our assessments for Term 4 to better support the online learning environment by introducing a valuable ‘Consolidation Day’ every Wednesday until we return to face-to-face learning. We expect that this will help to provide reinforcement, continuity and an opportunity for the students to stay on top of their workload.
Each Wednesday will begin with Wellbeing at 8:45am (moved from Monday) where the Wellbeing Mentors will have the opportunity to check in with their students.
The day will then continue with condensed 20-minute periods. This will provide time for students to check in with their teacher, ask any questions and/or receive any necessary feedback in regards to assessment preparation, including writing study notes or working through specific assignments.
These classes will conclude at 11:20am. After this time we are expecting that students will consolidate their work requirements, whether this be class work, assessments or exam preparation.
Below is the updated Online Learning Timetable for Term 4 for Years 7-12:
State Transit resumed operating school buses to a reduced frequency from Tuesday, 5 October.
This reduced frequency schedule includes the operation of bus routes to, from and passing Waverley College, to ensure students requiring access to the College can join these buses.
ALL school specials will resume operation from Monday, 18 October.
Dear Parents, Carers and Students
I wanted to take this opportunity to write and thank you for the tremendous amount of support you have shown towards one another during this long period of lockdown. It has tested all of us and brought to the fore the strength of the Waverley community. In challenging circumstances we can often discover surprising things about ourselves and also take advantage of new opportunities for growth.
I thank everyone for the dedication that you have given to our Online Learning Model at Waverley College throughout Term 3. We appreciate the wonderful work of our staff who have continued to teach every period online, to ensure structure, connection and explicit teaching opportunities for student engagement.
We have really appreciated the feedback in Term 3 that you have shared with Wellbeing mentors and via other communication channels. Please rest assured that we take all feedback seriously and have reflected thoughtfully on the current Online Learning Model, particularly regarding how we can further support the mental health and wellbeing of our students as online learning continues into Term 4.
Please note that the Junior School timetable will not be changing in Term 4. Adjustments are only being made to the Years 7-12 timetable.
We recognise and validate the struggle many students have experienced in keeping up with their online learning workload whilst trying to stay on top of assessments and exam preparation. To alleviate this pressure, we are adjusting our assessments for Term 4 to better support the online learning environment by introducing a valuable ‘Consolidation Day’ every Wednesday until we return to face-to-face learning. We expect that this will help to provide reinforcement, continuity and an opportunity for the students to stay on top of their workload.
Each Wednesday will begin with Wellbeing at 8:45am (moved from Monday) where the Wellbeing Mentors will have the opportunity to check in with their students.
The day will then continue with condensed 20-minute periods. This will provide time for students to check in with their teacher, ask any questions and/or receive any necessary feedback in regards to assessment preparation, including writing study notes or working through specific assignments.
These classes will conclude at 11:20am. After this time we are expecting that students will consolidate their work requirements, whether this be class work, assessments or exam preparation.
Below is the updated Online Learning Timetable for Years 7-12:
Online Learning Timetable Term 4 Years 7-12
I would like to congratulate those who have received an early offer to a university this week. The past two years of schooling have been exceptionally challenging, and it is fantastic to see that some Year 12 students have taken advantage of these valuable Early Entry university opportunities. Please continue to read Ms Knowles’ weekly Careers newsletter to stay informed about upcoming application deadlines, particularly those in September and October which include:
September
October
Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who completed their HSC Practical Music examination today at school — thankfully!
Harrison Palmer, Saem Goffe, James Simpson, Joseph Agius, Conor Carr, Tobias Williamson, Diego Berdaa, Jack Fitzgerald, Luca Wilson, Dante Bryan, Darcy Bourke, Liam Gregorio, Rory Hughes.
Well done to the music team for ensuring this was possible.
The College has been made aware of the following employment opportunity: Testers required for Rapid Antigen Testing in EQ Carpark, Moore Park. Applicants need to be 17+ and will have had to have had at least one vaccination – this is for insurance and safety for the testers and public alike.
In order to apply for these positions, applicants need to complete a course. The cost of the course is $240.
Achieving two nationally-certified accreditations in COVID-19 marshalling and infection control, plus pathology sampling (apart from blood), are going to be extremely useful in the upcoming years, particularly as we learn to adapt and live with COVID-19.
The course is self-directed online learning in 17 modules. It can be completed in 24-30 hours and then four hours hands-on advanced life support, plus two hours site induction in use/delivery of rapid antigen tests and use of NSW Health compliant software.
Testers will be quickly earning a generous hourly rate.
Once you enrol in the course, send your name, email address and phone number to: doctorjvc@gmail.com
Dr Cumpston will contact you and offer support during the training and then provide employment.
We farewell Ms Cassie Foster this term as she commences her Parental Leave. The College wishes Cassie and her family well. We welcome her back in Term 3 of 2022.
I wish all Waverley families in our community a very safe and happy holiday break. I hope you enjoy this time of rest and rejuvenation and remember the many things we have to be grateful for and to look forward to. Keep looking out for each other and checking in on one another. This difficult time will pass. Stay mindful of good sleep, getting outside in the sunshine, and eating thoughtfully, because these things will help you thrive. I thank you for continuing to place your trust in Waverley College and will see you all online with fresh energy and ideas in Term 4.
Applications are closing soon for the NSW School of Languages for students in Years 9-12 wishing to study a foreign language via correspondence, (other than Spanish which is offered at Waverley College).
Please submit your application by Wednesday, 10 November, 2021.
If you have any questions regarding your son’s interest, suitability and eligibility in studying a foreign language or would like some further information, please do not hesitate to email me as soon as possible.
Mrs Priscilla Quintana
Head of Languages
E: pquintana@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As the end of Term 3 approaches, I give thanks for the resilience and work ethic displayed by staff, parents and students throughout this unusual and challenging term. I thank the staff for the energy and resources that they have put into online learning, pastoral care and their lessons. I thank parents for their continued support of their sons and their partnership with staff in trying to achieve good outcomes whilst balancing their own work situations. And I thank the students for their resilience, dedication to learning and their engagement with a different learning paradigm.
In speaking with many parents, most students have made progress throughout the term and have performed well under the challenging circumstances that are in play. That said, there have certainly been days, when everyone has been tested and had to bounce back from a lockdown wall, both perceived and real.
I have certainly seen many examples of the 2021 Year 12 motto of “Real Gratitude: Deeds Not Words” being lived out throughout the term across many College situations and circumstances. And I am guided by Pope Francis in trying to achieve this motto myself through his following words:
“Rivers do not drink their own water;
trees do not eat their own fruit;
the sun does not shine on itself and
flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.
Living for others is a rule of nature.
We are all born to help each other.
No matter how difficult it is …
Life is good when you are happy;
but much better when others are happy because of YOU.”
This segues nicely into a special day celebrated each year in that of RUOK? Day. I want to acknowledge the College’s long association with the RUOK? charity and acknowledge the amazing work of the Larkin family in assisting all Australians to take an active role in checking in on each other and having a conversation.
Today NESA released the updated HSC timetable and as a result UAC has released their key dates. There are no changes to the SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme) timetable, and offers will be released on 12 November. Year 12 students will not receive ATAR-based offers in December. The first ATAR-based offer round for Year 12 students will be January Round 2 on 26 January 2022.
Further to my message in last week’s edition of Nurrunga, below is further information about early entry programs to UTS (University of Technology, Sydney) and ACU (Australian Catholic University).
UTS — With the recent changes to the HSC, UTS has made some changes to their Early Entry Program.
ACU Guarantee — this program offers eligible Year 12 students an unconditional place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. In response to UAC’s decision to delay the main offer round until January, ACU has added another round of offers to students. Applications will now close on Friday 8 October 2021.
Today, NESA released the HSC Examination Timetable for 2021.
At this week’s College Assembly, I reminded students of being vigilant in being safe, particularly online at this time. This week we celebrate National Child Protection Week and this year’s theme is ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’. I made mention of the recent increase in online crimes and the need for boys to be mindful of random people trying to make contact with them and to be suspicious of their motivations. If your gut feeling tells you something is wrong or off, it usually is. Please encourage your son to tell someone or report directly to the E-commissioner.
As you know, the College is seeking to utilise the land that it owns at the back of the Junior School to provide a natural environment connection experience and outdoor play space that will benefit student learning and wellbeing.
A primary objective for the design team is addressing any foreseeable impacts to our neighbours, the natural environment and the local area. We have started a consultation period with our neighbours who live behind the Junior School. Next week we are meeting with Waverley Council’s Urban Ecology team.
The EREA Climate Crisis Statement was launched on 19 August 2021. The Statement speaks to us with hope and optimism grounded in a call for renewed and reimagined action. It has been developed over 18 months through consultation with over 1600 young people from EREA schools and various other members of our school communities. We are seeking a shift in attitudes and actions, to address the climate crisis and to restore harmony to God’s creation.
Whilst most of the media focuses on transmission in the South Western or Western parts of Sydney, I have picked up in my comms that comes to Principals directly from the Health Department, of an increased transmission in our area. A few of our students have contracted COVID-19 and I pray for them and their families at this time.
Please follow the Health Department warnings at this time. When students return to school, all of our teachers and staff will be vaccinated, most already are. If your son is eligible to be vaccinated, I certainly encourage you to have that conversation and get this organised. I know that I am safer being vaccinated and that I am safer for ‘other people’ being vaccinated. The College Nurse, Ms Adele Cutbush will continue to provide you with any new information we receive about vaccination availability.
Wednesday 15 September will be the last day of online learning for Term 3 with Thursday and Friday being screen-free days. There will be no supervision at the Junior or Senior Schools on these two days.
Waverley College’s long association with RUOK? Day continued this week as we celebrated this important day with an assembly and wellbeing activities led by Conlon House who have RUOK? Day as their charity.
Across Australia and the world, people are facing an unprecedented situation as our health authorities and governments act to manage the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). There has been no greater time for our students to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate such challenging times.
The coronavirus pandemic comes as many Australians are still feeling the impact of recent bushfires, floods and drought. It’s very normal to not feel OK at times such as these. Watching and listening to media and Social Media coverage and commentary can be confronting and confusing. However, at a time when we’re being asked to physically distance ourselves from one another, students are being encouraged to make use of freed up time and their digital devices to stay connected.
It is now even more important that we promote a sense of community, reach out and ask our friends, family and colleagues, “Are you OK?”
Over the past few weeks, our staff have been reaching out to families to check in and to see how our students have been going with online learning. At this week’s RUOK? Day assembly, I congratulated the vast majority of students who have demonstrated amazing levels of resilience and determination during these challenging times.
At our assembly, our own RUOK? Ambassador, Mr Kevin Heath spoke about the importance of the four steps of the charity; Ask, Listen, Encourage Action & Check-In.
This year, RUOK launched “Are they really OK? Ask them today”, as this year’s call to arms. This comes in response to new research which found 22 per cent of Australians aren’t reaching out to ask “are you OK?” because there hasn’t been an occasion where they felt someone needed their help.
Plans for RUOK? Day in 2021 for the College which usually turns ‘yellow’ are a little different with the current lockdown restrictions, meaning no mass participation events, but plans are afoot to stay connected and check on those in our community.
Things may look a little different for RUOK? Day for us this year, in the physical sense, but the message remains the same. Our aim is to encourage everyone to consider how the people in their world are really going.
In wellbeing groups, mentors have been using resources and activities from the RUOK? website that provide resources and tools on how our students can share the message in our community. Importantly, this day should provide us with capacity to acknowledge and combat mental illness throughout the year.
Our wellbeing framework tracks and develops the entire student across five wellbeing foundations. Our vertical House system cultivates positive relationships across the year groups supported by Mentors and Heads of House. At the acute end, the College employs four counsellors and works closely with external agencies such as Headspace and Beyond Blue. The majority of staff (teaching and non-teaching) at the College are accredited mental health first aiders making Waverley College the gold standard in terms of student mental health.
Unplug to recharge! All students are invited to enjoy two screen-free days next week to turn off their devices in favour of connection, reflection, and quality time during online learning and social distancing.
As teachers, parents and students, we are more dependent on digital technologies than ever. Families across Sydney have had to loosen their screen time rules just to get through the week.
A screen-free end to the term is a tool for us to take the time we need to prioritise our families, friends and wellbeing. They offer a sanctuary: a space in stressful times for us to be present. It is hoped these two days will provide us with a chance to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond our screens. And they are great for our mental and physical health to boot!
So well done to everyone on a great term of online learning. The finish line looks in sight with our vaccination rates increasing at a record pace. We can’t wait to see everyone hopefully back on campus during Term Four.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal (Staff and Student Wellbeing)
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Fees paid before 4pm on the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after 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.
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.
Mr Bryn Gregerson
Director of Business Services
E: bgregerson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Parents — will receive some additional help for their sons!
Students — look out for invites sent to you for a Google Meet from myself, Mr William Roberts.
The drop in session is for you to get any help accessing ebooks, audiobooks and general questions you may have re navigating the College’s online tools.
Parents and caregivers just need to ask their sons to click ‘accept’ to this invite for access to this service.
The times will be a mix — during recess, lunch or from 2:30pm onwards.
Look out for this for Term 4 from day 1. We are conducting testing this week and next.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@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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