I am pleased to confirm that the Lacey House Mass will be going ahead on Wednesday, 9 June 2021, as indicated in the Waverley College calendar. This will commence at 6pm at the College Chapel.
Please take note of the following:
Please feel free to contact me should you have further questions about the House Mass.
Damien Thompson
Head of Lacey House
E: dthompson@waverley.nsw.edu.au
All students complete reading and writing placement testing to establish strengths and weaknesses in reading and writing. This is conducted via Academic Assessment Services. As part of this process all students receive a recommended list of books to read, aligned to their reading level. Here is a sample of what Academic Assessment Services make available to staff and parents:
This is just to notify you that we have reviewed our library collection to ensure we have every one of these books in the College library for all students. Books will be a mix of print, e and audio.
For any further recommendations or questions please be in contact.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Victorian Government announced yesterday that Victoria will move to ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions from 11:59pm Thursday 27 May 2021. These settings will remain in place until 11:59pm on 3 June. All Victorian residents must comply with these restrictions.
Anyone travelling to NSW who has been in Victoria after 4pm yesterday (Thursday) must follow the 7-day stay-at-home measures that will apply in Victoria.
Anyone arriving in NSW by air, rail or road from Victoria (except those travelling within the defined border region) must complete a travel declaration that confirms they have not attended any of the growing number of venues of concern. Anyone who has attended a venue of concern must not travel to NSW; instead, they should follow the health advice on the Victorian Health website.
People subject to the stay-at-home measures in Victoria should not be travelling to NSW unless they are permitted to do so.
NSW Health strongly advises against all non-essential travel to Victoria at this time. People who do travel to Victoria for essential personal reasons will be required to follow the Victorian stay-at-home requirements on their return to NSW.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is, ‘More than a word, Reconciliation takes action.’ The College will mark National Reconciliation Week with the following activities for students and staff to participate in: Smoking Ceremony, visit from contemporary Indigenous artist Zachary Bennett-Brook who will assist in the design of a mural, workshops, College Assembly with special guest and parent Michael O’Loughlin, unveiling of a newly-designed College all football code Indigenous Jersey by local artist Billy Reynolds, and resources unpacked throughout Wellbeing time.
We all have a role in Reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
I share with you part of a letter sent to staff from EREA Executive Director, Dr Craig Wattam:
Reconciliation week reminds us of our obligations and opportunities to offer a liberating education – one that is of quality and that is culturally enriching for all young people. We do so with a spirit of inclusion. Our curriculum demands us to provide an education that prioritises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures and offers opportunities to close the gap in learning outcomes between First Nations young people and their non-Indigenous peers whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people can “see themselves, their identities and their cultures reflected in the curriculum of each of the learning areas”. These intentions are echoed in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (1.4 and 2.4) highlighting the importance of educators in respecting and understanding the diversity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages and for the ways in which this impacts the cultural identity of young people and the ways in which they learn.”
Recently, I sent a letter offering our prayers and best wishes to three EREA school communities in India that are doing it tough at present. I have included it below and their responses which they asked me to pass on to you.
14 May 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Students and Families of our EREA community in India,
With much sadness I watch the news each day and see the horrific impact that COVID-19 is having on your country. I cannot imagine the immense devastation you are experiencing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each EREA school and the country of India. Each day we pray that a vaccine can be distributed to everyone in India, and that this second wave will be brought under control as soon as possible.
We hope the Australian Government’s aid and the aid of other countries arrives speedily to stop the devastating loss of life and the immense suffering.
We feel helpless that there is so little that we can do because of the distance of geography, but know that we are thinking of you always and you are daily in our prayers.
India is important to Australia. No matter how hard things become, keep the faith in yourself. You have beauty and joy in your soul, always.
Know that you are not alone and that we at Waverley College, Sydney are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Warm regards
Graham Leddie and the Waverley College community
Dear Graham,
We deeply appreciate your prayerful support.
This 2nd Wave is definitely more toxic and highly contagious. Statistics have now assumed names and faces of those near and dear to us. A number of our Colleagues on the Teaching Staff here in St Joseph’s, Kolkata, have tested positive but their absence and the burden of additional classes has been cheerfully borne by the wonderful people on our Staff. Thank you for your letters of support and prayers.
Regards, St Josephs, Kolkata
Dear Graham,
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. It is very comforting indeed.
The second wave of Covid 19 has hit us hard . Many have lost their lives to this dreaded disease. The vaccine drive is on for all, but given our huge population, this is always going to be an uphill task. Our schools have been shut for over a year and our students continue to be taught remotely. Our young students are going through a rough phase in their lives. Thank you so much for keeping all our school communities in your prayers.
Let us continue to pray for each other and keep the faith.
Regards, St Patrick’s H.S. School, Asansol, India
Monday 24 May marked the solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians, who is the patron Saint of Australia. This was the day chosen for Catholic schools to attend the 200-year celebration of Catholic education in Australia. Liam Russell, Tom Gleeson, Patrick Healy, Bert Cottel and Archie Godby accompanied me to this very special celebration. Archie had the special honour of reading one of the prayers of the faithful.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher celebrated the mass and over 170 Catholic schools attended. The beautiful Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Umbers and many other priests. The students in attendance represented the College with distinction and commented on what a great honour it was to be present for such an important occasion. The significant role Catholic Education has played throughout Australia was acknowledged by the Prime Minister and a wonderful celebration was had by all.
Ms Sue Walsh with Liam Russell, Tom Gleeson, Patrick Healy, Bert Cottel and Archie Godby at National Mass for the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia on the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians
National Mass for the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia on the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians
Ms Sue Walsh
Director of Identity & Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Three years ago, Waverley College began the process of becoming a recognised school in Mental Health First Aid. This was seen as a crucial initiative to support adolescent development during an important time of change and personal growth. Statistically, around three quarters of common mental health problems emerge before the age of 25 years old, and around one in five young people experience a mental health problem. Suicide is still the leading cause of death for people aged 5-17 years. Given these statistics, we have been eager to ensure our staff have the skill set to identify potential concerns and intervene early.
Based on the latest international research and statistics, the 14-hour Mental Health First Aid course teaches adults who work with young people about adolescent development and mental health. The course addresses anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and psychosis. All participants learn how to identify the early warning signs of developing mental health concerns, and how to have a conversation about these topics in a practical way.
Every Waverley College staff member is trained annually in Medical First Aid with our College Nurse, giving them the ability to assist students with any physical need. We acknowledge that having the skill set to assist with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, is equally as important. From 2017, 100 Waverley College staff have been trained in Mental Health First Aid, and by the end of 2021, every Waverley College staff member will have completed the training.
Our dedication and commitment to Mental Health First Aid has recently been recognised by being awarded a Gold Standard Skilled Workplace — of this, we are incredibly proud. Waverley College is the second school in New South Wales to be presented a Gold Standard, and one of six schools Australia-wide. This award celebrates our staff who are all skilled practitioners, and further demonstrates our strong commitment to embedding Mental Health First Aid into our culture at Waverley College.
Click here for more information about the Mental Health First Aid Course.
If you, as a parent are interested in attending a course like this, please email me, as based on the interest, we may offer night courses throughout the term.
Ms Tessa Prior
School Psychologist
E: tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Waverley’s dedication and commitment to Mental Health First Aid has recently been recognised by being awarded a Gold Standard Skilled Workplace
A final reminder that the O’Connor House Mass is on next Wednesday 2 June 2021, as indicated in the Waverley College calendar. This will commence at 6pm at the College Chapel. Please take note of the following:
Please feel free to contact me at the email below if you have further questions about the House Mass.
Mr Matt Barr
Head of O’Connor House
E: mbarr@waverley.nsw.edu.au
17 May marked IDAHOBIT Day, the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia.
Our guest speaker at assembly this week was Australian actor and former professional rugby league footballer, Mr Ian Roberts. In the mid-1990s, Ian was the first rugby league player in the world to publicly come out as gay.
Ian openly shared his story of courage and care. A child of working-class English migrant parents, and growing up in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, he was aware from the age of seven that he was gay but felt unable to tell his parents.
Making his 1st grade debut with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 1986, Ian had a distinguished rugby league career in the 1980s-90s. During the 1980s he felt terrified about revealing his sexuality, and explained that he couldn’t come out while playing with the Rabbitohs. He shared with Waverley how different society was at that time and its extreme homophobia.
Ian shared the importance of role models, citing his deep admiration of English footballer Justin Fashanu, who in 1990 was the first man internationally to declare publicly that he was gay, whilst still playing. Ian explained that at the time, this act was very important to LGBTQIA+ people, but unfortunately was not welcomed by the media and fans.
By 1990, Ian had just been signed to play rugby league with Manly. Ian too was ready to tell the world about his sexuality, but after seeing what happened to Justin Fashanu, didn’t feel he could do it. It took another four years until Ian was ready to tell the world. When he came out publicly at 24, he experienced verbal attacks, particularly that he was setting a bad example for kids. Despite these bigoted opinions, the rugby league community and the general public embraced him, and by 1996 he was made captain of the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville. He said that having a gay man captaining a club was very progressive in the 1990s as homophobia in society was still massive.
Ian acknowledged that things have changed a lot, citing marriage equality and reduced discrimination as positives. But he acknowledged that there are still issues in Australian private/religious schools with transgender student enrolment.
He stressed to Waverley the importance of people having the right to be respected for who they are, and he illuminated the roles of ‘bystanders’ who stand by and watch, and ‘upstanders’ who take the harder, braver choice and won’t let other people treat others as less. “What you’re willing to walk by is what you’re willing to accept”, Ian said.
Ian’s views on masculinity and male stereotypes also struck a chord. He unpacked the word ‘masculinity’, saying that masculinity itself is not toxic, but that it becomes toxic when men don’t know how to ask for help. He believes that society teaches toxic masculinity and does much to discourage men from showing affection and gentleness. He reminded Waverley that it is okay for students to care for their mates and show love to their mates – and that this doesn’t mean they’re “in love” with their mates.
Everyone deserves time to discover and maintain control of their own journey in understanding their sexual identity, and Ian suggested that ‘allies’ are part of positive masculinity. Students will know their allies, because these are the people who are curious, interested, and will listen when they are ready to talk. Allies will help students feel accepted, included and respected. An ally will call out homophobia. He reminded students that, “It takes courage to care.”
Ian generously offered students the opportunity of a Q&A after his talk and there were eager questions. Ian reminded us that it was healthy to keep conversations about sexual identity going in a context where others respect privacy and don’t make their own assumptions. Sharing a poignant example from his childhood, he cautioned that derogatory ‘casual language’ can be so devastating to LGBTIQ+ people.
Waverley sincerely thanks Ian Roberts for being a role model of bravery, openness gentleness and humility.
Guest Speaker Ian Roberts
Guest Speaker Ian Roberts
Guest Speaker Ian Roberts
Ian Roberts circa 1986-89 with South Sydney Rabbitohs
Unlike our time at school where conversations were either one-to-one in the playground or by a landline phone at home, our children now have a variety of group chat platforms at their disposal including Whatsapp, Instagram Messenger, Facebook Messenger, Facebook Messenger for Kids, and Discord. Users of these are getting younger and younger. For our adolescent children, group chats can be both helpful and harmful. Notifications ping all hours of the day, stacks of unread messages build up until they are not worth the effort to catch up on, and important information gets lost in the stream.
Parents need to remain vigilant if their sons are using any of these platforms. Group chats can also be where drama, nasty behaviours, exclusion, cancel culture, and bullying can thrive. In a perfect world, when there is a group chat of eight Year 7 students, there are potentially eight sets of parents that may be checking their son’s phone and reading that chat, thus ensuring all of the eight are respecting each other.
Parents Need to Remain Vigilant as Children Now Have a Variety of Group Chat Platforms at Their Disposal
Unfortunately there have been examples when young people have engaged in nasty behaviour about another person in a group chat, then deliberately invited them into the chat to see those comments. The deliberate nature of this abuse is regarded as ‘cyberbullying.’
At Waverley College we regularly remind our students of the four-step rule:
I would urge parents to help us build self-confidence in your sons too! Teach them the life skill of politely exiting a social situation that they feel uncomfortable in, online and off. This should serve as another reminder of everyone’s role to combat negative online experiences—especially parents. Removing access to the devices late at night helps avoid interrupted sleep caused by the group chat notifications and beeps. Researchers suggest that we lose on average, an hour of sleep per night if our phones are kept in our room at night time.
Group chats happen outside of school hours. Despite this, a student at Waverley College will be held accountable for their actions outside of school hours.
At Waverley College we Teach Students to be Confident in their Relationships Both Online and Offline
Leaving a group chat without warning can offend the remaining group members and become an awkward situation for our text-obsessed generation.
Teach them the skills to know how to leave a group chat that is not helpful or is harmful in any way, including the actual words to use should they need to leave. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a significant factor in a teenage boy’s life, so you will need to navigate that as well. Our wellbeing team hear reports of young people trying to “catch up” on the hundreds of messages that they have received overnight, first thing in the morning. Their brains are bombarded first thing in the morning, sometimes after a night of often broken sleep checking messages in the middle of the night. They are often anxious and exhausted from it.
In sessions with our psychologists, boys have come up with statements such as “sorry guys, this is getting pretty nasty, I am out of here” as words they can use when they need to remove themselves.
There have also been some humorous responses that can add some humour while they exit a toxic chat, that may also help to defuse a situation. “I don’t have to go but I am pretending that I do,” “I am going to practice my ninja skills and sneak away now.” “ I have to go, the planet needs me,” and do not forget the old “my battery is low” excuse.
However, not all boys have that confidence, and many would prefer to remove themselves from the chat. Again, not always easy for young boys, but we do want them to always be in charge of their online interactions and how those interactions may affect their reputation and digital footprint. It’s important that we help students to realise that they can be “guilty by association,” even if they are not the ones saying the nasty stuff. This is also a necessary part of growing up and parenting. At Waverley, we want our boys to be upstanders, not bystanders.
We want to give young people the skills to put boundaries around their friendships. We do not have to be accessible all the time just because we can be. We want our boys to know their friends will not go away if they are not involved for 30 minutes while they have dinner. Teach them to be in charge and confident in their relationships. Their friends will understand that their refusal to engage at every moment has nothing to do with the state of their relationship. They will understand this is the way they manage their time, their devices, and their priorities.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student and Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The Salvation Army does vital work to support people affected by homelessness, family violence, substance addiction, poverty and isolation in our State and city. To support the community, Waverley College has been invited to assist with the Red Shield Appeal in the Waverley Area.
In prior years, Waverley College students have very generously volunteered their time on Sunday morning to assist in door knocking houses in the Waverley area for donations. This year the money they collect will help to assist so many desperate people, including young people their age who are cared for in the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Programs, located not far from our College.
Last year the Appeal was only conducted on digital platforms, but this year we are hoping to once again be in the Community directly asking people for their support for our work with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in our community.
The support of Waverley College over so many years has been greatly appreciated, and has made a big difference to the success of the Appeal and ultimately the lives of many people.
If any students are available to volunteer to assist with this year’s Appeal please contact Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun:
I am pleased to confirm that the Quinn House Mass will be going ahead on Thursday 27 May 2021, as indicated in the Waverley College calendar. This will commence at 6pm at the College Chapel. Please take note of the following:
Please feel free to contact me at the email below if you have further questions about the House Mass.
Ms Olivia Kite
Head of Quinn House
E: okite@waverley.nsw.edu.au
I am pleased to confirm that the O’Connor House Mass will be going ahead on Wednesday 2 June 2021, as indicated in the Waverley College calendar. This will commence at 6pm at the College Chapel. Please take note of the following:
Please feel free to contact me at the email below if you have further questions about the House Mass.
Mr Matt Barr
Head of O’Connor House
E: mbarr@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On 4, 5 and 6 May, Waverley College entered teams in Years 5-10 into the annual Da Vinci Decathlon. This year’s theme was ‘Legacy’, and the competition ran online for the first time in its history – very different from previous years. All students showed great enthusiasm for the duration of the day, and participated in 10 challenges across each team ranging from: Art and Poetry, Creative Producers and Cartography to Code Breaking, Science, Mathematics and Engineering.
I would like to congratulate all students for their hard work and participation in the event:
I would also like to congratulate teams on coming in the top 15 categories for their respective challenges. Each year level had approximately 75 schools participating, so this is an outstanding achievement:
Well done to all teams!
On 17 May two teams of students participated in the FAPSA Ethics Olympiad. This was the first Olympiad to be held online through Zoom, and is known as the Ethics Bowl in the United States. The event itself emphasises the importance of meaningful dialogue and discussion of a range of ethical dilemmas relevant in today’s society.
Some of the topics covered include: racial stereotyping in the media, gaming platforms and abusive speech, fast fashion, public safety during COVID-19, and ethical storytelling in documentaries. All students participated in a respectful manner. They had a wonderful opportunity to establish connections with professional philosophers and judges from all over the world, who provided them with feedback throughout the day.
Well done to James Garrop; Mitchell Marsh; Darius Hall; Hugh McDonald; Ben Stirling; Gabe Rutter.
The Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation Winter School is an immersive two day on-campus experience that will give you an insight into studying the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation and the diverse career opportunities in the Liberal Arts. Open to high school students in Years 11 and 12, the program will include intellectually stimulating workshops led by academic experts as well as fun social activities. You will experience university life while staying in a UOW-managed residence.
Click here to read more about the UOW-managed student residence.
By attending the UOW Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation Winter School you will:
The Winter School will run from 28-29 June 2021 – all costs associated with the program will be covered by UOW.
If you are interested in being involved, please contact Ms Boyce or click here to read more about the Liberal Arts Winter School
The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation has generously donated thirty scholarship opportunities of $30, 000 per annum for up to five years. This scholarship is open to students currently in Year 12 who would be able to commence studies in 2022. This covers a full range of study options including; a three-year single degree; a three-year degree plus an honours year; or a full five-year double-degree program. Scholarship recipients will enjoy access to a dedicated study lounge, small class sizes, academic mentoring and an international return airfare for an approved overseas experience as part of your studies.
You are strongly encouraged to apply for this scholarship if you are a high-achieving student applying to study the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation.
Applications are open 20 July 2021 – 19 August 2021.
Students can also apply for the UOW Ramsay Scholarship by contacting Ms Boyce.
Ms Stephanie Boyce
Academic Enrichment Coordinator
E: sboyce@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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