Waverley College celebrated Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) last Friday, a day dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth to promote an environment where every student feels respected and valued.
WIPD is much more than a chance to wear purple; it is a powerful gesture of solidarity. The colour purple represents pride, diversity, and the spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. By participating, the College stood together in support of all students, including those who might have faced bullying or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
To mark the occasion, stalls were set up at the main entrances of the college where students could pick up purple ribbons, WIPD stickers, and purple lollies as a show of their support. This led into a special WIPD assembly where our guest speaker, Mr Daniel Whitthaus, spoke about the profound impact that off-hand comments hold, how to better support friends, and how to be an upstander. Encouraging students to wear purple helped promote acceptance and raised awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. It was an excellent opportunity to talk about inclusivity and the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ peers and allies, helping to build a more understanding and supportive community.
Waverley encourages our parents and carers to continue this movement through conversations with their children about WIPD and its broader message, to reinforce the College’s values of empathy and respect. These discussions may deepen your childrens’ understanding of the impact of their actions and the importance of standing against discrimination.
If your child would like support with their identity or wishes to discuss their feelings further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our School Psychologists. They are available to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to explore and express their thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for supporting and making WIPD a meaningful and impactful event for the school community.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
On Tuesday 3 September, we welcomed students from Years 8-10 and their parents/carers for our inaugural Student-led information evening. This was run by our Year 12 leaders and offered some insightful presentations on relevant topics such as;
It was a great evening and our 2025 Student Leaders will look to run this event next year.
The Waverley College Year 12 (2024) Valedictory Dinner tickets are now on sale. See details below.
Date: Friday, 20 September 2024
Time: 6pm-10pm
Venue: Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont
Dress: Students – Full College Uniform including Blazer, Parents / Carers – Evening Wear
Cost: Student / Parent / Carers tickets – $170 each (Limit 3 per family – please contact the Event Organiser if you require extra tickets for blended families). Ms Suzi Sucur ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au
RSVP: Essential. Bookings open 6pm Friday, 30 August and close at 10pm on Thursday, 12 September. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Dear Parents and Carers,
Here are a few Waverley Council events that your families may be interested in.
Join researcher Dr Paco Martinez-Baena and learn how Project Restore is changing the face of Sydney Harbour by enhancing and regenerating urban marine habitats through innovative practices.
19 September 2:30pm-4:30pm
Join one of Australia’s leading coastal scientists, Professor Bruce Thom, as he uncovers the secrets of Waverley’s coast. Offered only twice a year, this walk is not to be missed.
Image courtesy: Gergo Rugli
Learn the skills you need to maintain your bike and keep you safe when cruising around or commuting to work or school
21 September 9:30am to 12:30pm
WAYS Youth & Family are running a free Effective Parenting Seminar which will be held on 22 October from 6pm – 7:30pm at Waverley Library and run by Luke Cox, Adolescent & Family Psychologist and WAYS CEO and clinical psychologist, Dr Terri Said.
This seminar is a great opportunity for parents and carers to get practical information and strategies for effective communication, healthy relationships, and to better understand and manage challenging adolescent behaviour.
Topics covered include:
The Black Dog Institute has provided some resources to support students and to help facilitate conversations with parents and carers should they require more information.
Ms Gabby Smith
Deputy Principal – Students
Wishing all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures in your life a wonderful day on Sunday. I also acknowledge families who have lost fathers and grandfathers over this year, and in previous years, and we keep them in our prayers on a day that can be challenging.
Father’s Day allows us to reflect on the important role fathers and father figures play in helping to shape character through their love, guidance and devotion. Fathers and father figures contribute to their children’s social skills, including the development of bonding, empathy, self-discipline and behaviour.
Thank you to fathers, grandfathers and father figures for their presence at both the Senior School breakfast/coffee gathering and the Junior School’s Father’s Day Mass, held at Mary Immaculate today. I thank all fathers and father figures for the positive impact they can have on their children’s health and wellbeing, and include this prayer for all.
Dear God,
Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to Your heart. I ask that you bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see You and know You in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfil your special purpose for their lives.
Amen.
Congratulations to our College Leaders for 2025 which was announced at yesterday’s assembly;
2025 Captain, Kayden Baker and Vice Captains, Archie Godby, Lachlan Isaac and Fox Stapleton
Aungier
Brennan
Conlon
Green
Lacey
O’Connor
Quinn
Tevlin
At yesterday’s leadership assembly, students who attended the Fiji, Cambodia and Timor Leste immersions over the winter break presented to the audience a snapshot of their amazing experiences. Click here to view the Timor Leste Immersion video.
On Saturday, 24 August 2024, Waverley College hosted the spectacular Blue and Gold Ball, bringing together over 700 parents, staff, Old Boys, sponsors, and supporters of our school community. What an incredible turnout!
Drinks and canapes from our wonderful caterers at Bold Food were enjoyed under the beautiful fig in Braidwood, followed by dinner, dancing and live auctions in the gym. The gym was dressed from top to toe, and guests were amazed at the impressive lighting by trusted suppliers at Crystal Productions.
We were lucky enough to have the event captured by some very talented photographers. You can view the Blue and Gold Ball gallery HERE and the Media Wall photos HERE.
A huge thanks must go to our amazing MC, Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll and our incredible auctioneer, Emma Brown-Garrett who helped to ensure the night was a true success.
Congratulations to our live auction prize winner Leisha Major who bid to have the current parent, owner and head chef of Sugarcane Milan Strbac cook for 10 people at home. Thank you Daniella and Milan for your generous donation of this exceptional prize.
Remarkably, Clare Morahan was the recipient of not one, but both raffle items! The beautiful diamond and pearl earrings generously donated by Brett Courtenay, Chair of the Foundation AND the highly sought after 2025 tuition fees. What are the chances?!
The event would not have been so well received without the support of our major sponsors LJ Hooker, The Pop Team, Othoboutique, This is Africa, Penny’s Hotel, Bondi Gin Co, Ester Gin, and Neeson Murutt Neille Architects.
The feedback we have received has been incredibly positive—so many of you mentioned what a fantastic evening it was, how wonderful it was to connect with new parents, how impressive the gym looked, and how much you enjoyed the food and the band!
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, contributors, and the endlessly supportive family and friends of our school community, we are thrilled to announce that the event successfully exceeded our initial target, raising a total of
This achievement will make a significant impact as we strive towards the construction of a state-of-the-art Science and Innovation Centre – a transformative space for our students’ future.
This is just the beginning of our efforts to make this project a reality for our students and we still need your continued support. Please consider donating to our Building Fund and help us keep the momentum going! All donations are tax-deductible.
Thank you once again for your support and dedication to our school’s future. Together, we are creating an extraordinary legacy for our students.
“Imagine a world where students excel not just in learning but also in life. Now, imagine you can make it a reality.” – Quinn, J., McEachen, J., Fullan, M., Gardner, M., and Drummy, M. (2019). Dive into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement (1st ed.). Corwin.
Our ongoing collaboration with the Association of Independent Schools on Deep Learning continues to grow and evolve this term. In response to the call to equip our students with essential global competencies—character, citizenship, creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking—we are actively integrating these skills into our teaching and learning programs alongside subject-specific content.
This term, several initiatives have been instrumental in developing our students’ sense of citizenship and their understanding of how to contribute empathetically to a better world. For example, a cross-curricular collaboration between Year 9 PDHPE and Science on the topic of ‘Diseases’ and an authentic task for Year 7 Mathematics, created in partnership with the Mathematics, Literacy, and Library Key Learning Areas, links directly to the College’s recent Cambodia immersion program, encouraging students to develop a global perspective.
Next Thursday, our Year 9 Commerce students will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity in the entrepreneurial challenge of Market Day. In this unit of work, students will design, promote, and operate a market stall for our community of students and teachers, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit.
We remain committed to embedding the six global competencies into meaningful learning experiences so that our students grasp their relevance in both local and global contexts.
We are running a series of workshops designed to enhance English and writing skills as Year 11 students work toward their Preliminary Examinations. All students in Year 11 Standard and Advanced English courses are expected to attend these workshops at least once.
Students must register for these workshops which will be conducted in P6 on Thursday afternoons. Registrations will be capped at 20 students per workshop.
*Students are advised to sign up using the spreadsheet which has been shared.
Many students are on a waiting list and we will accommodate them over the next two weeks.
If students sign up, it is essential that they attend. Otherwise, it is requested that they remove their names from the spreadsheet to allow other students to register.
Details of the workshops are as follows:
Effective Academic Writing
Facilitator: Ms Mary Ryan – English Teacher and Head of Literacy
Time: P6 Thursday
Venue: K23
This workshop is relevant to all subjects which require the writing of long answer responses and extended responses.
Focus will be on the following:
Waverley College celebrated Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) this week, a day dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth to promote an environment where every student feels respected and valued.
WIPD is much more than a chance to wear purple; it is a powerful gesture of solidarity. The colour purple represents pride, diversity, and the spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community. By participating, the college stood together in support of all students, including those who might have faced bullying or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
To mark the occasion, stalls were set up at the main entrances of the college where students could pick up purple ribbons, WIPD stickers, and purple lollies as a show of their support. This led into a special WIPD assembly where our guest speaker, Daniel Whitthaus, spoke about the profound impact that off-hand comments hold, how to better support friends, and how to be an upstander.
Encouraging students to wear purple helped promote acceptance and raised awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. It was an excellent opportunity to talk about inclusivity and the importance of supporting LGBTQIA+ peers and allies, helping to build a more understanding and supportive community.
Waverley encourages our parents and carers to continue this movement through conversations with their children about WIPD and its broader message, to reinforce the college’s values of empathy and respect. These discussions may deepen your childrens’ understanding of the impact of their actions and the importance of standing against discrimination.
If your child would like support with their identity or wishes to discuss their feelings further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our School Psychologists. They are available to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to explore and express their thoughts and experiences.
Thank you for supporting and making WIPD a meaningful and impactful event for the school community.
Junior School Psychologists
Senior School Psychologists
The Waverley College Year 12 (2024) Valedictory Dinner tickets go on sale on Friday 30 August at 6:00pm. See details below.
Date: Friday 20 September, 2024
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Venue: Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont
Dress: Students – Full College Uniform including Blazer, Parents / Carers- Evening Wear
Cost: Student / Parent / Carers tickets – $170 each (Limit 3 per family – please contact the Event Organiser if you require extra tickets for blended families). Ms Suzi Sucur (ssucur@waverley.nsw.edu.au)
RSVP: Essential. Bookings open 6:00pm Friday, 30 August and close at 10:00pm on Thursday, 12 September. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
It is with great excitement that we introduce our newest member to help support the health and wellbeing of students in the Waverley community, our second Therapy Dog, Koda! Our college psychologist, Olivia Stelling, has recently completed specialised training with Koda through Therapy Dogs Australia, to become a certified human-canine therapy team.
Koda is a two and a half year old Australian Cobberdog. She enjoys cuddles, playing with her friends (of the human AND canine variety) and will often remind you to give her a pat. Koda can be playful and is always eager to meet new people. Due to Koda’s breed, she is considered a ‘low shedding’ dog, which can support engagement with people with allergies or sensitivities. Many of you will know Waverleys original Therapy Dog, Mabel – who is a best friend of Koda!
Research continues to acknowledge the positive impact animals have on our health and wellbeing. Through the development of the human animal bond (HAB), we can experience reductions in blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels (associated with love and bonding), a reduction in cortisol levels (stress hormone) among many other beneficial physiological and emotional responses.
Through Koda’s presence within the school environment it is envisaged that she will support student engagement, assist with social skill development, aid with self-regulation and calming, among many other benefits.
Interacting with Koda is completely voluntary. A Risk Management Plan is in place, however we appreciate that some parents/carers may still have concerns about their child’s interaction with an animal within the Waverley College environment. Accordingly, we have prepared a ‘Meeting Koda – Opt Out’ form for parents/carers who would like to exercise this choice.
We encourage you to take the time to:
Dear Parents and Carers,
Here are a few Waverley Council events that your families may be interested in.
Join researcher Dr. Paco Martinez-Baena and learn how Project Restore is changing the face of Sydney Harbour by enhancing and regenerating urban marine habitats through innovative practices. Book here
Join one of Australia’s leading coastal scientists, Professor Bruce Thom, as he uncovers the secrets of Waverley’s coast. Offered only twice a year, this walk is not to be missed. Book here.
Learn the skills you need to maintain your bike and keep you safe when cruising around or commuting to work or school. Book here.
WAYS Youth & Family are running a free Effective Parenting Seminar which will be held on 22nd October from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Waverley Library and run by Luke Cox, Adolescent & Family Psychologist and WAYS CEO and clinical psychologist Dr Terri Said.
This seminar is a great opportunity for parents and carers to get practical information and strategies for effective communication, healthy relationships, and to better understand and manage challenging adolescent behaviour.
Topics covered include:
Please find flyer attached here with booking details.
The Black Dog Institute has provided some resources to support students and to help facilitate conversations with parents and carers should they require more information.
On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending our Year 12 Music students’ final performance before their upcoming HSC examinations in a couple of weeks, along with many of their parents/carers. The level of performance and talent on display was highly impressive. Each boy should be very proud of the skills and talents they have developed and achieved. Our music staff should also be very proud of what they have helped harness in their students.
This year’s Art and Design exhibition held on Wednesday evening was also a pleasure to attend.
The exhibition featured works from Industrial Technology (Multimedia), Industrial Technology (Timber) Design & Technology and Visual Arts. The creative skills and imagination on display were amazing with pieces evoking many different feelings, emotions and perceptions of the world created by our students. Congratulations to our Technology and Visual Art teachers and support staff on an impressive array of student work.
Our Blue & Gold Ball Silent Auction is now live, and open to everyone (even if you’re not attending the Ball)!
Proudly sponsored by This is Africa, LJ Hooker, OrthoBoutique, The POP Team, Bondi Gin Co, Penny’s Hotel and Neeson Murcutt Neille.
Look around the site HERE and get involved by bidding on some of our amazing auction items, generously donated by families and businesses in our College community.
All proceeds will go towards the Science and Innovation Centre.
Congratulations to Remy Frampton (Year 12) as Waverley College’s recipient of the Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2024. A medal and certificate were presented to Remy by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP today at St Mary’s Cathedral College Hall.
Established in 1999 by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy, the Archbishop’s awards are an annual recognition of some of the outstanding young men and women in Catholic schools.
They have been an important way of highlighting the very positive contribution that young people make to their local communities. Specifically, these awards recognise those young people who give witness to their Christian values and who actively contribute to the faith life of their school. Recipients of the award are practising Catholics who show responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
Little Shop of Horrors is a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical.
While working for a struggling florist shop in Downtown’s Skid Row under the stern management of Mr. Mushnik, the meek floral assistant, Seymour Krelborn, stumbles across a new breed of plant which he names “Audrey II” – after his co-worker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore, promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Seymour, after some convincing, is happy to offer up Audrey’s abusive dental practitioner boyfriend Orin Scrivello in order to appease the ravenous plant’s appetite. Over time though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s intent towards global domination.
AUDITIONS: will be held at the following times [Call-backs will be in Week 9 after school, as advised].
Auditions will consist of singing, relatively brief readings from the play’s dialog and possibly learning and performing a basic dance/movement sequence to the music of Little Shop. Please plan on staying for the full initial audition date/time as you will be up and down on the stage a number of times.
Students interested in being part of the College Musical “Little Shop of Horrors” are encouraged to complete the following Audition Application Form and read the Audition Pack.
Acting Auditions ‐ will consist of readings composed of selections from the script; make yourself familiar with the relevant roles.
At initial auditions, you may be asked to read from more than one selection with various audition partners.
Some of the acting segments will be done in monologue format. We may also ask you to read for parts that you may not wish to be considered for. We want to see you up on stage as much as possible and the more interactions we see, the better!
We will, most likely, ask you to sing first and then rotate auditioners through acting auditions. Again, you will be up and down a number of times during the initial audition period.
Music Auditions ‐ ALL auditioners will be taught selections from the show. You may prepare by seeing the selections in the audition pack. Those auditioning for a lead role will also need to learn and be prepared to sing an excerpt from a song.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Ms Keiran Kossenberg, Performing Arts Centre Coordinator, kkossenberg@waverley.nsw.edu.au
In today’s world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.
It’s essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren’t merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It’s more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.
Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child’s ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.
On Tuesday, 3 September from 6:30pm-7:30pm, our Year 12 College Leaders are welcoming students from Years 8-10 and their parents/carers to attend an information evening about Alcohol and Addiction, Healthy Habits, Positive Relationships and Technology Usage.
RSVP HERE to indicate your attendance.
Last night we held the Year 12 formal and it was a very special evening. Held at Randwick Racecourse, the venue was a wonderful space to celebrate our students. The highlight of the night was the energetic dancing that kept everyone on their feet. The sense of unity and celebration was notable as students and staff came together to honour the boys. It was a perfect blend of glamour and warmth, making the evening truly unforgettable. We look forward to the continued celebrations of our Year 12’s throughout the term.
Wear It Purple Day, celebrated annually in August, is a powerful movement dedicated to promoting the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ youth. Originating in Australia, this day aims to create supportive and inclusive environments where young people can thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion. Embracing the EREA framework of social justice and inclusive community, Wear It Purple Day aligns with the principles of equity, respect, and acceptance, striving to eliminate barriers and create a sense of belonging for all students at Waverley College.
This year, our school will host a special Wear It Purple Day assembly to further our commitment to these values. On August 30, 2024, we are excited to welcome Daniel Witthaus as our guest speaker who strives to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Aussie schools and rural communities. Daniel will address the crucial topic of how low-level language and casual comments can impact all students’ feelings of safety. His insights will help us understand the importance of mindful communication and the significant difference it can make in creating a supportive environment for everyone.
Students will be offered purple ribbons to wear to show their support of the day. Cupcakes will be available to purchase in the Centenary Quad at Recess.
By participating in Wear It Purple Day, Waverley College collectively reaffirms our dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space for every student. Let’s come together to show our solidarity and make a positive impact on our school community.
As Year 12 students approach the final stretch of the school year, it’s time to kick into 5th gear and focus on making these last five weeks count. This week, we welcomed Year 12 back to classes following the HSC Trial Examinations and Work Experience opportunities. Whether completing Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications or preparing for the Higher School Certificate (HSC), these upcoming weeks are crucial.
For those in HSC plus Vocational courses, it’s essential to finalise all competencies and assessment tasks. Your teachers need to sign off on your work and submit a mark for your HSC. This is not just a formality—it’s a key step in ensuring you complete your course successfully and attain your HSC credential.
We recommend that our students begin working on resumes and draft cover letters. English Studies teachers will be more than happy to assist with this. Many of you will soon be moving into apprenticeships or work experience opportunities. Now is the time to showcase your skills by being proactive, reliable, and hardworking. Remember, word of mouth in your chosen industry is powerful, and the impression you leave now could influence future opportunities.
Starting this Friday, teachers will begin returning your Trial exam papers. Use the feedback wisely to improve. Remember, the feedback in examiners’ reports and any comments on scripts are really valuable, and respecting the work your teachers have put into them is important. Also, don’t forget to check out the Dr Prue Salter resources outline below which offer excellent advice on using feedback and planning your study timetable.
In the final week of this Term, after graduation, teachers will run HSC tutorials during scheduled class periods. These sessions are crucial, especially for subjects like the Sciences, where content is still being finalised. We know that our students will want to make the most of these opportunities.
With the competition of rankings behind us, it’s more important than ever to support each other. Adding to the shared Year 12 Study Notes folder and making the most of study groups can be incredibly beneficial.
Finally, best of luck to those completing Major Performances, Projects and Works. Your hard work is about to pay off—let’s make these last five weeks count!
There are some valuable post HSC Trial Examination resources from Dr Prue Salter that our students can access. The link below offers a complimentary planning grid and videos to show Year 12 AFTER THE TRIALS about how to plan their study time between now and their final exams.
Username: 2024year12
Password: 2024year12
As mentioned last week, students in Year 11 will be working towards their yearly examinations which occur at the end of this Term. We have been extremely impressed with the number of students in Year 11 who are signing up to these tutorials and taking all opportunities to move into the zone of marks with their study.
Like last week, here is a weekly study planner and steps to complete it below:
During study times, students should complete activities such as:
One of the most important aspects of this is to construct a study timetable and aim to stick to it at least 95% of the time. Students should aim to study on a ratio of 30-40 minutes every time they have a class in a certain subject. Most subjects run on 4 classes per week so this equates to 2-3 hours per subject.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We are excited to announce an exciting collaboration between Students of the World Ecology Group (SOTWEG) and St Catherine’s students.
Students from both schools attended a Sustainability Leadership Workshop where they heard from experts in conservation as well as from Sophia Skarparis, a Youth Conservationist of the Year who played a key role in banning single use plastic bags in New South Wales.
The workshop was designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead sustainability initiatives both within their schools and in the broader community.
Their first leadership opportunity will be to inspire primary school students. They will be leading some creative workshops that will teach younger students about how to protect our land and sea. We will share with you more details in the near future, so watch this space!
SOTWEG attended the annual Eco Conference at Edmund Rice College, West Wollongong. This annual event focuses on environmental awareness, sustainability practices, and innovative solutions to the challenges facing our planet.
The Eco Conference is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of sustainability. This year’s theme, ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, REVOLUTIONISE’ brought together experts and young leaders from around the Illawarra area to share their knowledge and experiences.
A key highlight on the day for our students was making their own beeswax wrap – one sustainable solution to removing single use cling wrap!
SOTWEG meets every Tuesday at lunchtime in E04, come for some fun and at the same time, make a difference!
Ms Silvia Baylie
Engineering & Science Educator / Ecology Coordinator
sbaylie@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Week 5 is when Australian National Book Week takes place via the Children’s Book Council of Australia. To mark the occasion we had all Years 8 and 9 students participate in a performance poetry event. The students were inspired and their writing horizons expanded thanks to our guest and award winning poet, Zohab Zee Khan.
This performance also supported our new Year 9 reading initiative where all Year 9 classes attended the library for a targeted reading of the Carnegie award-winning verse novel, Moonrise. This was conducted over Semester 1 in association with the College Literacy Coordinator, Ms Mary Ryan.
This year the theme for Book Week is Reading is Magic. Please share this magic with your sons and wider family and your wider community.
For a rich insight into the power of reading and literature, this recent Papal letter from Pope Francis will offer much inspiration. I thank Ms Ryan for sharing this letter.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Thursday this week with a lovely Mass. Thank you to Fr Bernie Thomas, Ms Sue Walsh, Ms Cath Lipman, Ms Rosanna Varicca, Mr Tom Kennedy and Mr Stephen Ghattas for all the work involved with the Assumption Mass and our thank you to our wonderful musicians and choir who performed beautifully.
The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary.
After an extensive process of interviews, presentations, and staff, year level and house voting, the Term 4/2025 College Captains have been chosen. Congratulations to the following students:
Last week, 40 students from Years 7 to 9 had the unique opportunity to attend the prestigious Oxford University Junior Stretch and Challenge Day, hosted at ASCHAM School. This event was designed to inspire and meet the unique needs of highly capable students, encouraging them to think critically and push the boundaries of their academic potential.
Oxford University’s Ms Julie Arliss guided the students through four sessions that revolved around empowering bright minds to adeptly navigate ideas and establish connections across various academic disciplines. Students explored topics such as;
Jethro Venning (Y7) taking part in the open debate
The event not only provided a platform for academic enrichment but also allowed our students to interact with peers from other schools, developing networking and communication skills through communities of inquiry and an open debate.
We are incredibly proud of our students for representing our school with enthusiasm and curiosity. We hope to participate in more events like this in the future, continuing to provide our students with opportunities to grow and excel. Thank you to Ms Gemma Brown (Head of Science) and Ms Helen Barrie (Head of Academic Enrichment) for organising this opportunity.
Congratulations to all students, staff, parents and students that completed the City2Surf last weekend. Our team of 250 Athletes raised an incredible $30000 for Premature Babies Charity which will go towards a new Neonatal and Paediatric Ambulance for NSW/ACT. Well done!
Old Boy Col Blake and his grandsons
Running for Premature Babies Founder, Sophie Smith (left)
Parents, carers, students and Waverley community members are warmly invited to attend the Art and Design HSC showcase on Wednesday 21 August, 6pm – 8pm. This event is a celebration of our students’ in Year 11 and 12 incredible talents and months of hard work in both the Technological and Art fields. Further details can be found here.
Congratulations to Mr Mark Neale who has been appointed to the new role VET and SBAT Coordinator starting in term 4. VET & SBAT is responsible for School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and provide students with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised VET qualification as well as their HSC. The role acts as a liaison amongst students, VET teachers, external agencies, parents/ carers, and work experience providers.
Our Blue & Gold Ball Silent Auction is now live, and open to everyone (even if you’re not attending the Ball)!
Proudly sponsored by This is Africa, LJ Hooker, OrthoBoutique, The POP Team, Bondi Gin Co, Penny’s Hotel and Neeson Murcutt Neille.
Look around the site HERE and get involved by bidding on some of our amazing auction items, generously donated by families and businesses in our College community.
Congratulations to the students and teachers who worked hard to celebrate Science Week this week. Many thanks to the Science Department who organised a range of activities including: guest speakers to speak about future Science Pathways, a range of exciting Science practical experiences and an incursion inviting students to learn about Hydrogen Fuel cell technologies to name but a few.
Also, we wish the Year 11 Studies of Religion II students and teachers all the best on their excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum today. Thank you to the Religion Department for organising authentic learning experiences such as these as a part of the Teaching and Learning programs.
As the HSC Trial Examinations conclude on Monday, I would like to congratulate our students for their hard work and focus during this period. Students should take the opportunity to engage with the valuable feedback that will come with the return of examination scripts over the next two weeks.
There are some valuable post HSC Trial Examination resources from Dr Prue Salter that our students can access. The link below offers a complimentary planning grid and videos to show Year 12 AFTER THE TRIALS / MOCKS about how to plan their study time between now and their final exams.
Username: 2024year12
Password: 2024year12
Students in Year 11 will be working towards their yearly examinations which occur at the end of this Term. To assist our students, we will be offering Year 11 HSC subject specific Tutorials which are outlined below.
Ms Mary Ryan will also be offering study sessions on writing for the HSC on Thursdays during Period 6. Please see her article below on signing up for this opportunity.
One of the most important aspects of this is to construct a study timetable and aim to stick to it at least 95% of the time. Students should aim to study on a ratio of 30-40 minutes every time they have a class in a certain subject. Most subjects run on four classes per week so this equates to two-three hours per subject per week.
Students should make sure that they have completed a study timetable such as this one from the Study Skills Website:
Students can use the following steps to build their schedule:
During study times, students should complete activities such as:
We are running a series of workshops designed to enhance English and writing skills as Year 11 students work toward their Preliminary Examinations. All students in Year 11 Standard and Advanced English courses are expected to attend these workshops at least once.
Students must register for these workshops which will be conducted in P6 on Thursday afternoons. Registrations will be capped at 25 students per workshop.
*Students are advised to check their email for notification of registration.
Details of the workshops are as follows:
Effective Academic Writing
Facilitator: Ms Mary Ryan – English Teacher and Head of Literacy
Time: P6 Thursday (Begins Thursday, 22 August, 2024)
Venue: K23
This workshop is relevant to all subjects which require the writing of long answer responses and extended responses.
Focus will be on the following:
Ms Mary Ryan
Literacy Coordinator and English teacher
mryan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
On Wednesday, a group of our Walawaani students had the honour of attending the Qantas Welcome Home Ceremony for our Olympic athletes, including Waverley Old Boy, Noah Havard!
It was such a pleasure to welcome back our esteemed Old Boy and Silver Medallist, Noah Havard. Noah and his crew took out second place in the Men’s K4 500m Canoe Sprint.
The morning was filled with excitement and energy, highlighted by Jessica Mauboy’s incredible singing performance and the moment when our students appeared on Channel 7’s Sunrise!
The boys were also lucky enough to meet a host of impressive athletes, including Australia’s most decorated Olympian, Emma McKeon, rising star Arisa Trew, Noemie Fox, Meg Harris, and Harry Gardside.
Waverley students with the youngest Australian to ever win a Gold Olympic medal, Arisa Trew!
It was a truly memorable experience, leaving all the students feeling inspired!
On Tuesday 13 August, our Year 11 students attended a Mental Health Presentation facilitated by Nic Newling.
Nic Newling is an advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and sharing personal stories. He has reached millions of people through live talks and media including Australian Story, Conversations on ABC Radio, and NBC’s The TODAY Show in New York.
Since surviving his own mental illnesses but losing his brother to suicide, Nic strives to encourage sharing, listening, and working together for positive change. After developing the world’s first online Positive Psychology intervention for young people at Black Dog Institute, he has since ventured out into sharing with high schools, communities, and workplaces by founding the grassroots organisation The Champions.
You can learn more about The Champions HERE.
On Friday 16 August, our Year 10 students attended a Respectful Relationships presentation facilitated by David Kobler.
In a world where teens seem to be more connected than ever before, many are struggling with real and meaningful connection. This generation can be struggling to find genuine, helpful and satisfactory answers to a growing problem: how do I find, build and navigate healthy and safe relationships?
To help support students in finding answers to this question, David has been a regular feature of our wellbeing program over a number of years at Waverley.
His program delivers an important and engaging workshop to students that equips students to navigate relationships with both themselves and others in a respectful and healthy manner.
On Tuesday, 3 September from 6:30pm-7:30pm, our Year 12 College Leaders are welcoming students from Years 8-10 and their parents/carers to attend an information evening about Alcohol and Addiction, Healthy Habits, Positive Relationships and Technology Usage.
RSVP HERE by Tuesday, 20 August to indicate your attendance.
This week we celebrated the Academic Awards Assembly for Years 7, 8 and 9.
At the assembly I congratulated them on facing their challenges head-on, working through doubts and setbacks, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their goals.
Their achievements are not just about the accolades they have received but about the effort, resilience, and courage they have shown along the way.
Congratulations to our academic award winners on your exceptional achievements!
2024 Academic Awards – Semester 1, Years 7-9
Parents of Year 5, 7 and 9 students should have received your son’s NAPLAN results in the post. The results have been set to four new band levels this year: Needs Additional Support, Developing, Strong and Exceeding.
Please see Ms Lynsey Porter’s article with the initial review of our results.
Our Science department has organised two special guest speakers who will be sharing their experiences with students at lunchtime next week.
Please see Ms Emily Pace’s article for more information
The winter period is particularly difficult for those in our society experiencing homelessness. Waverley is having a Winter donation drive during Weeks 3, 4 and 5 from 5-29 August to support the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo. You can get behind this appeal by donating toiletry items, home starter kit items and warm clothing.
Click HERE to learn more about Waverley’s Winter Appeal.
The Australian Government requires certain information about non-government schools, staff and students to ensure that funding is calculated and managed correctly.
Click here to read the 2024 Census Privacy Collection Notice.
This week we continued our celebration of our high achieving students in our Academic Awards Assembly for students in Years 7-9 who have ranked highly in their courses. Congratulations to all award winners!
We were also privileged to be an audience for performances in Drama and Music. We were treated to a performance from some of our Year 7 Drama students who shared the excellent work that they are currently refining on James and the Giant Peach.
Performing his own arrangement of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, composed by John Powell on the piano, we congratulate Aidan Murray in Year 12 for his amazing recital.
As students are settling into Term 3, over the next few weeks they will have opportunities across many of their subjects to engage in feedback from formative tasks in their Learning Checkpoints.
The reflection and goal-setting activities in these tasks are designed to assist our students to tighten their Term 3 SMART goals, be aware of their progress and understand where to adjust their approach in future tasks.
We challenge our students to reflect on this feedback and strive to walk across the stage at the end of Semester 2 for their academic growth, performance and effort.
Throughout the year, our teachers work hard to organise and provide real-world excursions and activities to engage our students in authentic learning experiences.
Just in the last two weeks our Year 10 Visual Arts students have had a session on mixed media with Jody Graham, Year 11 Drama students have been to the Roslyn Packer Theatre to watch a production of Dracula, our Year 8 Spanish students had an authentic Spanish food experience, and some of our Year 9 students competed at the Stretch and Challenge competition at Ascham School to name but a few.
Next week sees the launch of Science Week. Please read Ms Emily Pace’s article HERE for further details.
For students in Year 11 who are building up their study notes leading up to their Yearly Examinations at the end of this Term, a representative from Atomi – a valuable online resource to support the HSC across a range of subjects – offered training this week to help our students use the platform well.
Whilst many courses embed Atomi modules in their online content on CANVAS, the platform also offers resources to assist students in building effective study notes, managing work overload and preparing for assessment periods.
For example, the presentation this week drew our students’ attention to an online lesson on how to build effective Cornell Study notes.
As I mentioned in our assembly last week, getting an early start on note-taking as students go, rather than waiting until the last minute, is an effective way to ensure the effective repetition and retrieval of key course material.
Click HERE for Atomi Parent and Carer Support Materials.
For additional study advice, please head to Dr Prue Salter’s Study Skills website, which is constantly updated with relevant resources to support students and parents.
Username: forwaverleycollegeonly
Password: 94results
Waverley College students have been invited to submit an entry to The Sidgwick Prize.
The Sidgwick Prize, Cambridge is an annual essay competition for high-school aged students from around the world. Each year students can choose to respond to an essay question from a list of three questions in eight disciplines: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Law, Theology, Psychology, and Art History.
Every submission receives substantive feedback from academic specialists, including Faculty at the University of Cambridge.
A prize is awarded for the best essay in each discipline and The Sidgwick Prize is awarded to the best essay in all disciplines.
The Sidgwick Prize supports the work of The Sidgwick Trust, a campaign to expand access to the humanities and social sciences.
For more information, click HERE.
Ms Lynsey Porter
Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning
lporter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Last week we posted the Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 students’ NAPLAN results to parents and carers.
These results provide great information about areas in which the students performed well and those items where additional work is needed.
Feedback to parents and students is an opportunity to reflect on student success.
During this Term, Heads of Department and key staff from the Curriculum Team will be analysing these results in detail to further develop our programming in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy.
Some highlights this year include a trend upwards in Year 5 students’ average scores in Reading, Grammar and Numeracy. The Waverley College Year 9 Inferential Reading Program, focusing on metacognition and self-regulation to strengthen inferential reading, is showing pleasing student growth indicated in the highest average Reading scores in a number of years. Average Reading Scores are sitting above State average: 35 – 36 score points above average in Year 5 and Year 7 and 18 score points above average in Year 9.
Since 2019, Writing scores at Waverley have increased and the move to the Writer’s Toolbox program has shown students’ writing develop exceptionally well. With the benefit of AI real-time feedback, students’ sentence and paragraph writing is more sophisticated as they have the ability to progress at their own pace. Writing is trending upwards and, this year, each Waverley cohort has performed at 16 score points or more above State average across Years 5, 7 and 9.
Spelling has been identified as an area for development. Students are entering Year 5 with weaker spelling ability than in prior years; a trend that is consistent across the State. To start turning this trend around, streamed spelling lessons and tailored programs, including Spelling Mastery, are timetabled for all Year 7 students to instil a more sophisticated knowledge of word morphology.
Grammar and Punctuation scores are trending upwards in Year 7 and are steady in Year 9, with a healthy 20 score points above average.
Numeracy Scores are 31 score points above average in Year 7 and Year 9. Programs, such as Strength in Numbers and Learning Support in-class assistance help to continue sound results in Numeracy.
Mr David Parnell
Head of Learning Support
dparnell@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation who are the traditional Custodians of the land on which Waverley College is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual connections to the land, waters, seas and sky and their rich contribution to society.
Watch our video
