Welcome 

From NWS Head of Campus

Greetings to all our alumni.  

I am excited to share the latest news and updates from Waverley Christian College, Narre Warren South Campus with you all. 

College News and Updates 

Open Morning  

Alumni students will remember our Annual Open Mornings. On Wednesday 8th May, we had the pleasure of opening our doors to prospective families and students for our ‘Open Morning’.  

The event was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant community and exceptional learning environment that makes Waverley Christian College such an exceptional school.  Our visitors enjoyed musical performances by our Junior Primary Choir and instrumental performances by our VCE Music Students. Parents also signed up for tours of the newly opened Junior Secondary building.

We had over 40 new families visit the campus, and another 48 existing families specifically visit their child’s classroom. Our school tours were led by our Primary and Secondary student leaders, who did an outstanding job of making our guests feel welcome. Several families expressed their excitement about the possibility of joining Waverley and we look forward to seeing many of the faces from the tours join us in the future.  

Alumni students who may have already embarked on starting their own new family journey are welcome to stop by for a tour and chat if they are interested in enrolling their children at Waverley. 

China trip during the school holidays  

Over the holiday period, Year 9, 10 and 11 students from both campuses went on a culture tour of China, which included visiting many significant locations such as the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and a trip on the Bullet Train.  

There was strong demand for our ‘China Encounter’ Tour this year and due to the success of this most recent trip, we will be looking to host a China trip each year during the first term holidays for interested students in Years 9 – 11. 

New Junior Secondary Building Opening 

The construction of the new Junior Secondary Building began in early 2023. The facility was recently opened for operation in the second week of Term 2 and both staff and students are enjoying this wonderful new addition to our Campus. We are extremely thankful for God's provision of the new Junior Secondary Building, for it is such an inspiring environment to learn and grow in faith and knowledge and we are confident this building will be a blessing that will enrich the educational journey of our students for years to come. 

Musical Performance Evening

On Tuesday 21st May, nine NWS ensembles from Years 2-11 performed as part of the 2024 NWS Autumn Ensembles Concert in the MPC. Approximately 150 students attended various stage/technical rehearsals in the weeks prior, culminating in this wonderful evening of performances. 

These types of events bring students together on a different level of engagement, as they learn to listen musically to one another, perform together a new sense of responsibility for delivering a performance-based outcome. It also gives students the opportunity to form lifelong friendships as they meet regularly to work towards a common goal.  It was a delight to be able to showcase the sensational talent of our students and we acknowledge the dedication and support of their teachers in bringing about these special musical events.

Visit From Local Member of Parliament – Cassandra Fernando 

On Friday 31st May, Cassandra Fernando visited our campus to meet with some of our senior staff and student leaders.  Cassandra Fernando is a Sri Lankan-born Australian politician and member of the Australian Labor Party. She has been the Member of Parliament for the Division of Holt, the electorate in which our campus is situated, since the 2022 Federal Election.

Cassandra came to hear more about the potential impact the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) recommendations will have on Christian schools if adopted. She heard from our Senior College Captains, Natania and Sion, as well as Natalie Hou, one of our Year 12 students, who recently spoke at the ‘Town Hall’ meeting held on Wednesday, 22nd May. Both students and school leaders outlined to Cassandra our desire for the government to retain the current legislation in place that enables us to hire Christian teachers who uphold and share our faith-based beliefs and values and not adopt the ALRC recommendations.  Cassandra was very receptive to our recommendation and requests and agreed to consider and discuss this further with her Labor colleagues. Please pray for Cassandra. 

Secondary House Athletics Carnival 

On Wednesday 3rd June, the annual Secondary Athletics Carnival was held for Years 7-12 students at the Casey Athletics Track. Students competed in several field and track events, winning individual ribbons and accumulating points for their House.  

There was a high level of participation and a great competitive and supportive spirit throughout the day. The overall champion House for the event was Wycliffe with 1457 points, followed by Spurgeon with 1376, Tyndale with 963 and Finney with 895 points. 

The corresponding event for the Wantirna South Campus, Spurgeon House was the overall winner with Finney as runner-up and Wycliffe and Tyndale 3rd and 4th respectively.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 

On Tuesday 4th June, we once again participated in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Alumni students from Narre Warren South will no doubt remember this event from their time at the College because of all the delicious cupcakes that are available for purchase on this day. This annual event, hosted by the Cancer Council, continues to serve as a vital fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by cancer. Our Primary parents showcased their culinary talents by baking an array of delectable cupcakes, which were eagerly snapped up by students and staff alike during recess and lunch.  

Thanks to the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the Waverley community, we raised just over $700, which will be donated to make a significant difference in supporting cancer patients and funding vital research. 

Alumni Reunion (Class of 2019)  

We recently had a 5 Year reunion for the 2019 Alumni group at the Lava Restaurant & Cafe, in Berwick. Thank you to the 2019 Alumni who came along and supported this event. Some current and former staff attended as well including myself, Mrs Shirely Patterson, Mr Aaron Woolnough, Mr Matthew Woolnough, Mr Mark Radun, Mrs Jade Wong and Mrs Mandi Swanevelder.   

It was a fantastic evening of catching up with former students, reflecting on their time at the College, and hearing about what they are doing five years after leaving Waverley. I shared some updates on the various activities and events associated with the College. It was a most enjoyable night for all who attended.  

Alumni who were not able to come to this reunion are encouraged to join us in five years’ time at the 10 Year Reunion! 

NWS Staff updates for 2024 : 

Mrs Kim Lim – has returned from Parental leave and is teaching Secondary English Part-time.  

Mrs Eliza Bunston – has returned from Parental leave and is teaching Secondary English Part-time.  

Mrs Stephanie Henson – has returned and is teaching Psychology and Year 10 Girls Physical Education. She is also the Year 12 Coordinator, a role she has held previously.  

Mrs Katelyne Le – is on Parental leave and she and husband James have welcomed a baby girl, Hazel.

Mrs Dani Noy – is also on Parental leave and she and husband Chris, have welcomed a baby girl, Mackenzie. 

Upcoming Events:

Primary Production – ‘Hope Valley High’ 

Mark your calendars for our annual production, which also marks a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect. This years' production is scheduled to take place from 7th August to 9th August. It will be a time of reconnecting with old friends, sharing memories and creating new ones.

Rehearsals for the production are well underway and students from both casts are eagerly awaiting their chance to perform. I warmly invite all our Alumni to come along to support and enjoy Hope Valley High with us.

We are looking for local business owners to be a VIP Sponsor of this year’s production.  It you know of anyone in the community who would be interested, please feel free to ask them to contact us.  

Wantirna South Campus - Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat

From Tuesday 6th August to Thursday 8th August,  Wantirna South Campus are hosting their annual Primary Production, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Keep your eyes peeled for information on Facebook.

Keep in touch:

We love hearing from our alumni!  

Please update your contact information and share your news with us by emailing Alumni@wcc.vic.edu.au.

Follow the Alumni Facebook page to receive the latest updates from Waverley Christian College. This page provides regular updates about school events, fundraising initiatives, student success stories and other information of interest.  

I finish with this word of encouragement for you all, found in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for college.  

Every blessing. 

Mr Mark Crnkovic (Head of Narre Warren South Campus)