Alumni Updates
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Isolation is not often thought of as a problem, but for millions of people across the world it is the barrier to basic medical care, clean water, education and development, disaster response and the opportunity to receive the good news of God’s love. All simply because it’s too dangerous or time-consuming to reach them.
Hi, my name is Matthew and I graduated from Waverley Christian College in 2017. I currently work with an organisation called Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in remote East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. MAF is a global, non-for-profit organisation committed to seeing isolated people changed by the love of Christ through providing Aviation services. MAF serves in 27 countries around the world, one of which is Australia.
I have the tremendous privilege to work as an Aircraft Pilot, serving our Indigenous brothers and sisters – the Yolŋu people. Arnhem Land is in the North-eastern side of the Northern Territory and its landmass is approximately one and a half the size of Tasmania. Its population is around 16,300, the vast majority of which are Yolŋu who live out in remote communities and homelands. English is the third most spoken language in this region of Australia, with Yolŋu Matha being the primary language.
Arnhem Land is classed as a level 7 remote area (MMM)– the highest remote area rating there is in Australia, and this brings significant challenges for those that live here.
Many Yolŋu live out on traditional lands spread out across this area, but with this comes extreme remoteness and isolation. Land travel is often time consuming and dangerous. A 200km trip can take upwards of 7 hours if the tracks are drivable. So many Yolŋu have difficulty in accessing healthcare, education, safe food and water, and basic supplies that we take for granted in Melbourne.
And this is where I get to help as a pilot. Flying is one of the safest and quickest ways to travel and deliver supplies up here. As a pilot with MAF, each day I get to do life alongside the Yolŋu and organisations working with them. Some days of my work are filled with joy, as I regularly pick up Yolŋu students from homelands, taking them and teachers into school, deliver much-needed food and medical supplies, or fly out Yolŋu missionaries to various homelands and communities. It’s amazing how doing life alongside people and coming with an open heart to serve and most importantly learn - opens the doors to building relationships and speaking truth and life. Other days that I fly are a little harder, as sickness, early death, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and violence are complex challenges up here. I’ve flown multiple medical evacuations - taking very unwell Yolŋu from remote homelands into community hospitals so that they can receive the medical attention. I’ve helped evacuate domestic violence victims to a safe place where they can receive the care and support. I’ve flown peoples' loved ones who have sadly passed away, to their homelands for funeral and mourning ceremonies. All these are emotion-filled flights, at a time when people are at their lowest and emotions are raw.
Every day that I get to serve through flying and doing life alongside the people of this land, brings an opportunity to reflect the light and bring the flavour that we know as Christians into this world - to be salt and light. (Matthew 5:13-15).
At the end of the day, I’m simply using my gifts and particular skillsets to serve in the name of Jesus. You don’t have to go remote or overseas to do that. We each have unique God-given gifts, talents, and spheres of influence that no-one else has. That’s your mission field and calling. We’re all called to be mission-minded disciples of Jesus to fulfil the Great Commission. If you’d like to join my prayer team, hear some of my stories and support my work in East Arnhem Land, visit https://linktr.ee/mattkaye .
Life after WCC
(Arielle Munyard, Class of '19, NWS)
After I graduated from Waverley, in 2019, I started a Bachelor of Paramedicine in 2020 at Australian Catholic University Melbourne Campus and graduated in 2022. I am currently applying for various Ambulance services across the country and internationally.
Since leaving Waverley, I have had some success in sport and continue to pursue it. I have played soccer at a VPLW level for the last few years, but I have recently been trialing for NPLW teams. This year we made it to the Nike Cup Semi-Finals against NPLW team Bulleen Lions. We then competed for Steph Catley Plate at the Nike Community Cup Final at the Home of the Matildas. Unfortunately, we lost in the penalty shootout, but it was the most amazing experience. I have recently joined the Eastern Devils Football Club in the ENFL and have really enjoyed learning to play AFL. I even had the chance to debut with the premier team which made finals.
As international travel began again, I organised to travel on a Travel Talk tour in Vietnam with my cousins and recently made plans to go to New Zealand with my friends at the end of this year.
I've also had many opportunities such as working as a trades assistant on a fitting and turning team in a cryogenics factory, and working as First Aid at trainings for the 2021 Australian Open, where I was able to work with international athletes. With the increasing pressures of the pandemic, Ambulance Victoria began hiring students to work as paramedics, which was an incredible opportunity I took part in until the pressures on the healthcare system alleviated. Recently, I volunteered as a team leader at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, supporting the movement of players, referees, and other FIFA staff through Melbourne Airport.
Looking forward, I am hoping to land a job as a paramedic, which can be a very difficult industry to break into. While I wait, I hope to keep traveling and begin further studies. I’m very excited to see what door God opens and closes for me next.
Tribute to Teachers
(Melody Kwo, Class of '13 WS)
To all my teachers,
I had the privilege of attending the Class of 2013 10 Year Reunion at WCC on August 17th, 2023. It was my first time back on the school grounds in 10 years and seeing most of you (for those of you who were unable to attend, you were greatly missed). Upon reflection of the night, I was suddenly hit with the humbling realisation that I8year old me had forgotten so say thank you to the people who had played a crucial role in shaping the foundations of my education and moral compass. So, apologies that this is 10 years overdue, but I would like to express my deepest gratitude and say thank you to each and every one of you. It was only in my adult years and talking to my peers who went to other schools that I realised that Waverley teachers are unique. When I would recall my school experiences to my outside peers, I was always met with the comment ‘wow - your teachers cared a lot’. And you did.
Thank you for:
- The long thankless nights spent grading our assignments and homework after-hours
- The fun and interactive class activities that created many nostalgic memories
- Giving up your precious lunchtimes to walk us through a challenging topic that we got stuck on and always being happy to stay a few minutes after class for questions
- The encouragement to persevere and never give up when faced with a failure
- The tough love shown at times, which taught us to own our mistakes and responsibilities
- Giving us the space to challenge and ask the big questions as part of our development
- The prayers before class and behind the scenes
- Creating a safe and nurturing environment where we felt emotionally safe and supported
- The vulnerability to share your faith, testimonies, and life lessons reminding us that we are all human living the same experience.
The list is endless, but I am so grateful. I can only imagine what it is like to teach a cohort of angsty (and sometimes troublesome) adolescents and have so much appreciation for the love, support, patience and care that was shown to each and every one of us. Collectively as a group of teachers, you all went above and beyond of what was required and have left a positive impact in my life and planted many seeds that have come (and are still yet to come) into fruition. As Henry Brooks Adam once said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Waverley teachers, you are awesome and thank you for everything. May you continue to inspire, shape and positively impact the many generations to come.
God bless, Melody.
Volleyball at Waverley Christian College
(Roy Dekker, Outdoor Education and Mathematics teacher)
This year, we have seen a number of alumni coach our students at Volleyball State competitions. Paul Wong (’13), our Head coach at Waverley has continued working with our Year 10 Boys team, taking them again to the Nationals in the Gold Coast.
The Year 10 team managed to finish 3rd in the state qualifying tournament, and they will now be able to go and play for the highest honours in Australia.
Nathan Chen (’18) has been working with our Year 7 Boys team in a similar vain to Paul. He has worked with this very talented boys group, and they also will be going to the Gold Coast to compete against the best Year 7 Boys teams in the nation.
Alliance Volleyball Club
Paul Wong (’13) and several interested people are starting a State League Club, competing in the 2024 State League season. Trials and training will be starting in earnest soon. If you are interested in playing for AVC next season, keep an eye out for further details. Training will be connected to WCC in some form as the school will possibly be having a number of State League teams involved.
2023 Secondary House Winners
Wondering where your old house is on the leaderboard?
See below the winners for different Secondary House events and College happenings!
Reunions
Since the last newsletter, we hosted another three Reunions! It has been such a pleasure catching up with our Alumni, eating great food, hearing from past and present staff & reading your notes in our Alumni guestbook! Take a look below to see some highlights!
10 Year reunion (2013)
NWS 1 Year reunion (2022)
WS 1 Year reunion (2022)
Join our Facebook page and invite your fellow alumni who aren't already members, or aware of these reunions! If you'd like to get involved, or have any questions, email Alumni@wcc.vic.edu.au.