Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
The physical impact of the pandemic has mostly spared our young people, however as the nation remains to be on alert and in various stages of lockdown, restrictions continue to be mandated. The pandemic has had a great affect on our young people with many paying a heavy emotional and developmental price. Psychological disorders are on the rise and emergency interventions have skyrocketed.
As hard as it is being a young person today, it’s also draining being the parent of one. It has been reported that many parents are struggling to keep their child’s mental health afloat, often proving it is difficult to juggle parenting responsibilities whilst at the same time providing much needed emotional support for their children.
Unlike the coronavirus itself, the emotional blowback of the pandemic cannot be vaccinated away. Psychologists are seeing more depression and anxiety across all age groups, but in adolescents it seems to be on steroids, with some choosing to self-medicate using alcohol or other drugs. When they look into the future now, they’re looking at one that wasn’t what they envisioned before.
This report explains the current state of youth mental health in a post-COVID era and offers guidance on how best to support young people today. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
| Psychologist for Years 7-12 | Ms Tessa Prior | tprior@waverley.nsw.edu.au | 9369 0635 |
| Psychologist for Years 7-12 | Mr Greg Cameron | gcameron@waverley.nsw.edu.au | 9369 0645 |
| Psychologist for Years 5 and 6 | Ms Alexsandra McCredie | amccredie@waverley.nsw.edu.au | 9387 5022 |
| Psychologist for Years 5 and 6 | Ms Dawn Young | dyoung@waverley.nsw.edu.au | 9387 5022 |
Perhaps your son may be interested in connecting with ‘Canice’s Kitchen Backyard Winter Sleepout’ on Saturday 31 July 2021 from 6pm-6am. This wonderful initiative may be a great break from “lockdown life” and is designed for students aged 12-18 years, to help develop their knowledge around the issues of homelessness.
The event is completely virtual, meaning they can complete the 12-hour sleepout in their backyard, balcony or living room, and connect to the event hosts and guest speakers via Zoom. There will be a live discussion as well as a Q&A, followed by a series of challenges they must undertake overnight. These challenges aim to mimic the lived experiences of our two speakers and really put the students into the shoes of someone who has slept rough.
This event is free, however if students would like to get sponsored, they may do so. There is a FAQS page on the registration page to help parents and carers understand the event.
OR
Should you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Ms Suzanne Walsh – Director of Identity and Student Formation
E: swalsh@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Ms Marie-Anne Maakrun – Assistant Director Identity and Student Formation
E: mmaakrun@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We hope to be able to participate in the event in August if at all possible. If this can go ahead I will be in contact again pending availability of spots.
In the meantime I encourage you to read and when reading to take note of how writers grab your attention and keep you interested.
Mr William Roberts
Head of Library Services
E: wroberts@waverley.nsw.edu.au
Further to my welcome back and online learning correspondence on Wednesday evening, I would like to welcome five new families who are joining the College Community this semester. I am sure they will receive a warm Waverley community welcome.
The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and Aboriginal people’s cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.
The theme resonates closely with what we have been called to do as Church through Laudato Si. Pope Francis calls us to to “show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions.” (>>> Click here to view Laudato Si).
Celebrate NAIDOC Week!
Next week brings the start of a new semester and it is the perfect time for students to set new goals for the term ahead. Each student in Years 5-11 will be asked to write their SMART Goals down for the term ahead in their student diary on page 111. Discussion, reflection and input from parents/carers, wellbeing mentors and each student will bring the best results from this process. These should be finalised by the end of Week 2.
Whilst this term brings with it a start that we all would prefer to be different, it is important for everyone to engage in what we refer to in our Wellbeing curriculum as having a positive mindset.
The benefits of a positive mindset are real and demonstrated by multiple scientific studies. Positive thinking is not about sticking your head in the sand when faced with life’s issues and it is not about ignorance and turning away from problems. It is about approaching unpleasant situations with more positivity and productivity and using logic and reason.
Kendra Cherry, psychologist and author of the book, Everything Psychology, suggests positive thinking consists of four approaches to reality:
And by engaging in these approaches, she argues that your physical health, mental health, relationships, and schooling/career will improve.
How to create a positive mindset and attitude to life?
Our 2021 Year 12 cohort have given us some assistance here in their choice of motto: ‘Real Gratitude: Deeds not words.’ Being grateful for the things we do have can go a long way to changing our attitude, and our Year 12s are encouraging us to do this through action.
Another way is to keep your own gratitude journal. Hard book copies can be purchased or there are digital apps that are free to download such as The Five Minute Journal app. Spend five minutes every day thinking about the positives in life and writing them down.
Another way to create a positive mindset is to change the language you use.
If you describe your life as tedious or difficult, it is likely that you will feel the same way. By using positive language you can reframe how you feel.
Simple changes such as using the word ‘get’ rather than ‘have’ can make a difference.
For example:
I have to go to work vs I get to go to work.
I have to be online vs I get to be online.
I have to visit my grandparents vs I get to visit my grandparents
The subtle change in language moves it from a task to an action, it sounds more positive and you are reinforcing gratitude in your life.
Other ways to create a positive mindset and attitude to life will be unpacked in later newsletters and include: Being present in the now, learning how to accept rejection, volunteering, breathing exercises, surrounding yourself with positive people, rewarding yourself and finding your emotional outlets.
Over the next few days, staff will be setting up Google Meets for students across Years 5-12. Can I ask that you support your son in managing these invitations as he will be receiving quite a number of them while the classes are initially set up. Your son will manage this by regularly checking his email over the next few days and accepting these invitations from teachers.
A reminder that on Tuesday the schedule will be slightly different due to Assembly (5-12) and Wellbeing Groups (7-12).
Years 5 – 6
Years 7-12
Classwork will be uploaded to CANVAS. Meetings will take place on Google Meets. All students need to be in their PDHPE uniform on Google Meets. Please ensure your son is familiar with the Online Learning Protocols and expectations including his adjusted timetable, where to find his classwork and online meeting etiquette.
In light of the current Government and Health Department COVID-19 restrictions, all face-to-face events are on hold until further notice.
Parent/Teacher/Interviews are going ahead on Zoom.
Please check your son’s year group Action Items below for more information.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Amen
Mary of the Cross – pray for us
Blessed Edmund – pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts – forever
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your family are well and that your son has still been able to enjoy a less busy time during the school holidays and feeling refreshed and ready for Term 3.
The NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian announced that the Sydney lockdown will continue until midnight Friday 16 July, 2021 and that students within greater Sydney are required to work online from Tuesday to Friday inclusive next week.
In response to these government and health directives, the following will be in place at the College:
Monday 12 July – Staff Professional Learning Day as planned
Tuesday 13 July – Online Learning
Over the next few days, staff will be setting up Google Meets for students across Years 5-12. Can I ask that you support your son in managing these invitations as he will be receiving quite a number of them while the classes are initially set up? Your son will manage this by regularly checking his email over the next few days and accepting these invitations from teachers.
Tuesday’s schedule will be slightly different due to Assembly (5-12) and Wellbeing Groups (7-12).
Years 5 – 6
Years 7-12
It is important to note that the College has refined its Online Learning Model for Years 7–12 based on feedback and evaluation from 2020. Click this link to familiarise yourself with the Online Learning Guidelines.
Students will follow an adjusted timetable (Senior School and Junior School) and participate in their regular periods via Google Meet. It is important that your son has a copy of the online adjusted timetable so that he is on time and attending all his lessons.
Supervision on campus
I want to assure you of our commitment to continuing the learning journey of your son. Waverley College has invested considerable time and effort to ensure that online learning arrangements are in place. Importantly, the wellbeing of our community is paramount. Our wellbeing team of mentors, psychologists and Heads of House are committed to supporting your son/s during these challenging times.
I ask families who are in difficult circumstances to stay in conversation with us. We recognise that these current times are unique and challenging for all. Thank you for your ongoing support, understanding and partnership throughout this time.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Graham Leddie
Principal
As we navigated COVID-19 in 2020 we discovered the dynamic nature of the virus and the need to adapt quickly and demonstrate resilience. Our community was again tested for much of the mid-year break when the State Government announced a Stay-at-Home Order. On Wednesday of this week, the State Government announced that week one of Term 3 will be conducted remotely.
From a curriculum point of view, we were indeed fortunate that the majority of the lockdown period occurred during the term break, so that the impact on teaching and learning was minimal. Year 12 tutorials moved online and students would have had no excuses to find the time to prepare for the HSC Trials due to start early in Term Three.
If the Government allows us to return to campus in Week 2, it will be particularly important for us to know whether any of our students have become exposed and will therefore be required to complete a period of 14 days of isolation. In such a case we will do our best to provide access to remote learning. Any student who attends school, even with the slightest cold and flu symptoms, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school.
The Wellbeing team appreciates the difficulties that many students impacted by COVID-19 restrictions are facing. Mental health and wellbeing changes over time in response to different stresses and experiences. Remember to reach out to your support networks; teachers, mentors, Heads of House, Psychologists and members of the College Leadership Team. Parents, carers and students are encouraged to reach out if they need our support:
Mr Patrick Brennan pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au 9369 0765
As well as being the first teaching and learning period of the day, period one serves as the College’s mandatory recording of daily attendance as required by law.
Students who do not attend Period One will be marked absent and their parents will be sent a text message from the College indicating this. This often causes parents who receive this SMS anxiety and concern. This is escalated when parents are under the impression that their son is on campus and in class. To avoid this situation please ensure your son arrives at school on time each day. If he is late, he needs to sign in late at the Wellbeing Centre with his student ID card.
A reminder that blazers are compulsory during Term 3. They are to be worn to and from school and at all formal gatherings such as College Assemblies during this time. It’s the first year the entire College will be in the new academic uniform so our expectations are high. Blazers must be worn under the wet weather jacket to and from school.
Any student not in full academic uniform will require a uniform pass from the Wellbeing Centre or face a three-hour detention.
The quality of these garments is high so it is strongly recommended that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your son’s name.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
As we enter another week of NSW Stay at Home orders Waverley will be enacting its COVID-19 safe plan. This will mean the following: only Parents with a pre-booked appointment can attend either the Senior or Junior Campuses. Entry is through the Reception areas, all other gates will be secured. On entering school grounds, all parents, students and staff must check-in using the site-specific QR codes which are displayed. For students who do not have access to the NSW Service app, a sign in book will be used. Hand sanitisers should be used and face masks must be worn at all times.
As ever, the following must be observed, please do not attend school grounds if any of the following apply: you have been in contact with a suspected COVID-19 case, you have attended any of the listed NSW hotspot venues, are feeling unwell or are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.
Mr Simon Potter
Director of ICT, Innovation & Campus
E: spotter@waverley.nsw.edu.au
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
Term 2 finishes with some very powerful messages and learnings including Men’s Health Week, Beanies for Brain Cancer, Refugee Week and NAIDOC week.
Refugee Week is actually next week (20 June to 26 June) but with school holidays approaching this was one of our focus areas for students this week. The theme for 2021 is “Unity – The way forward”.
“The volatility of life in recent times has shown us unequivocally that we need to work together often merely to survive, let alone to thrive and progress. Let’s take the opportunity to start afresh and rebuild our lives together. To count our blessings and to put them to work. Existing and emerging communities. Working together.”
Congratulations to all staff and students who have supported ‘Refugee Week’ and helped us all gain a better understanding of what it would feel like to be displaced or persecuted.
Zaki Haidar was our guest speaker at this week’s assembly and shared his powerful story of fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan and escaping by boat to Australia. Zaki took us on a journey where because of your race/religion you live in fear of death if you seek an education in Afghanistan. Zaki is an Ambassador for Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) and continues to advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
This week we also celebrated Men’s Health Week by acknowledging the factors that affect men’s mental health and wellbeing. Positive mental, emotional and social wellbeing are vital elements of overall health, yet many boys/men don’t practice adequate self-care or get support when needed. This can lead to problems coping with life’s ups and downs, managing stress or serious mental health problems. With the holidays upon us, it is timely that boys take the opportunity to recharge and reset if needed.
Research clearly links improving your physical health with good mental health.
Here are some key things to consider:
Finding enjoyment and satisfaction in life is important to our mental well-being. What that looks like is different for everyone, but some common examples include:
We were inspired at the College’s second last assembly of the term where Digger and Archie Callander both spoke so eloquently and passionately about supporting a cause so close to their hearts, Beanies for Brain Cancer. Sadly, their Dad Matt Callander passed away due to brain cancer in 2017.
Brain cancer kills more young children than any other disease, and kills more people under the age of 40 in Australia than any other cancer, yet only receives 5% of government cancer research funding. On average, approximately 1970 brain cancers are diagnosed each year in Australia; that is roughly one person diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours. Brain cancer has a very high mortality rate and survival rates have hardly changed for 30 years. Brain cancer is the most complex cancer, yet it is the most under-studied.
All funds raised support the MHF – Mark Hughes Foundation who aim to increase brain cancer research to find a cure for brain cancer.
All boys have been able to buy a beanie from the Wellbeing Centre for $25 all this week. Beanies can also be purchased at Lowes stores Australia-wide, and selected IGA stores. Or you can click here to support the MHF Mark Hughes Foundation via donation.
Please keep our Year 12s in your thoughts and prayers at this busy and crucial time of the year, as they continue their preparation for their upcoming final examinations. Thank you to our staff who continue to offer extra tutorials throughout this term and through this upcoming holiday period.
HSC ATAR boys have been given study programs where they should be allocating at least six hours per day for revision and preparation for the upcoming examinations.
Please ensure your son maintains good exercise, relaxation time, reduced screen time, good sleep patterns and a healthy diet during this time. Please do not allow your son to change his normal sleep patterns drastically and sleep in. A consistent approach to his day over the next few months is what is required.
During the past two terms, most Year 12 students have met with Ms Knowles to discuss their post-school pathways and options. For those students who are thinking of studying at university in 2022, applications for undergraduate students have opened. Early bird applications will close at midnight on Thursday 30 September, 2021. I recommend that students spend some time over the break to further investigate and research the courses and universities they are interested in.
I encourage any students who are applying to university to submit applications for early entry. Some universities make an early offer to successful applicants prior to sitting their final exams. This alleviates common stresses and anxiety many students have about achieving their perfect score.
These are some of the more popular early entry programs that have opened:
The upcoming break provides an opportunity for Year 12 Vocational students to utilise the time to source work experience or apprenticeship opportunities which can be undertaken in Term 3 during and after the Trial examination period. This is a valuable opportunity to investigate different trades and vocational pathways and for some, to secure employment.
I wish all Year 12 well in preparing for the Trials and in making informed decisions regarding their post-school pathways.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally every July and this year it occurs from 4-11 July during our Term 2 school holidays. This year’s theme is ‘Heal Country’ which calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. Healing Country is about resolving many of the outstanding injustices which affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We all have a responsibility to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are connected to Country through lines of descent both maternal and paternal, as well as through clan and language groups. Such children in our classes need to maintain that connection to Country as it sustains their lives spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.
As educators we have the power to change First Nations kids’ school life narrative. We have daily opportunities to be the teacher who makes the difference. Investing time in our students and communicating with them about their lives is key to them making gains on their learning journey. We can’t assume that we know what is going on at home and we must remember that our partnership and connection with parents is crucial.
It is also our job to be inspirational educators. We need to keep talking to our First Nations students about their aspirations and ensure we are helping them build strong visions and goals.
Happy NAIDOC Week to everyone in the Waverley community.
NSW Health has advised of four new COVID-19 cases who reside in the Eastern Suburbs. These people have visited a number of venues while potentially infectious. Close contacts are being urgently contacted and asked to get tested and self-isolate. People are urged to check the NSW Health website regularly.
Click here for the NSW Health website to view the latest COVID-19 case locations and alerts in NSW.
Thank you to all parents, students, Old Boys and staff who have assisted to make Term 2 a successful term. Most boys have worked hard to achieve their goals this term, and we wish them all a safe and enjoyable break and look forward to their return in Term 3 which starts on Tuesday 13 July.
3rd Payment – Prompt payment date 16/7/2021; due date 30/7/2021.
1st Payment – Prompt payment date 21/1/2022; due date 28/1/2022.
2nd Payment – Prompt payment date 22/4/2022; due date 6/5/2022.
3rd Payment – Prompt payment date 15/7/2022; due date 29/7/2022.
Fees paid before 4pm on the prompt payment date attract a $25.00 discount.
Any payment received after the due date will attract an administrative fee of $110.00.
Please be advised that some financial institutions need more than 48 hours to process their payments (e.g. Internet/BPay/BPoint).
Please see the last page of your account for payment method and contact details.
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
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred in Holy Cross Church Woollahra on Tuesday 10 August at 7pm.
For candidates in Year 6 and older, not attending Holy Cross Primary School, preparation classes will commence on Saturday 10 July from 4:30-5:20pm in Holy Cross Church.
To enrol, please contact Mrs Shirley Bond on 9130 5670 OR 0403 02 8019.
Vaping (inhaling a vapour produced by an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer) amongst young people is increasing across local schools and in the community. As Deputy Principal, I continue to take this issue very seriously. The harmful health effects of vaping are frequently not known by young people, and I ask you to partner with me to help educate your sons about the risks.
Recent data from the Cancer Council shows that one in five students aged 16-17 are trying e-cigarettes. An e-cigarette is a device that heats a flavoured liquid to an aerosol that is inhaled. E-cigarettes are dangerous because e-cigarette liquid is comprised of different chemicals that can include nicotine; flavourings such as the chemical diacetyl (linked to a serious lung disease); heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead; cancer-causing chemicals; and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals have not been tested for safety when inhaled into the lungs.
E-cigarettes can be small and easily hidden. Many popular vapes look like USB sticks, pens, highlighters or cigarettes.
Types of Vapes
Types of Vapes
E-cigarettes can cause addiction to nicotine, and we know that nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine affects the developing teenage brain that does not finish developing until around age 25. Teenagers who use nicotine can damage the sections of their brain that are responsible for learning, mood, attention and impulse control. Research shows that young people who use e-cigarettes also have a higher likelihood of smoking and addiction to cigarettes as adults. Smoking represents the single most preventable cause of death in the developed world.
Please prepare yourself with the facts about vaping and speak with your sons about making positive decisions.
Just a reminder that vaping is illegal for people under 18. The College has a clear policy for any student in possession of a vape or e-cigarette whilst on campus. Students face a minimum two-day suspension and are subject to a meeting at the College with their Head of House and Deputy Principal. This also applies to any student in the company of a student consuming a vape or e-cigarette.
Any students found selling vapes to other students will put their enrolment at the College in jeopardy, as vapes and e-cigarettes fall under our drug and alcohol policy. Students in this category will have their enrolment suspended and face an enrolment review meeting with the Principal and Deputy Principal.
Mr Patrick Brennan
Deputy Principal – Student & Staff Wellbeing
E: pbrennan@waverley.nsw.edu.au
We 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
