Counselling Corner

As we wrap up another busy term and prepare for the upcoming holidays, we'd like to take a moment to remind our school community about the counselling support available to students.

Getting Support is Simple

Students can easily access counselling through the 'Self-Referral' link on their Compass homepage. These requests come directly to our team, and we'll contact students promptly to arrange a meeting time. Parents can also reach us through Year Coordinators, by calling (02) 6626 2600.

Understanding School Counselling

School counselling operates under strict confidentiality guidelines, ensuring all sessions remain private unless our duty of care requires intervention to protect student safety. Students aged 14 and over can consent to counselling independently, while those under 14 require parental permission.

Mental wellbeing exists on a spectrum, and students at any point can benefit from counselling support. We support students in understanding their emotions, developing effective study strategies, managing academic pressure, and building stronger connections with family and friends. No matter how big or small the issue may seem, we're here to listen and support.

Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. We're here to support every student on their journey.

Community Notices

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary 

NAIDOC Week Community Day

Lismore Regional Qualifier | School Golf Activations

Watch the Pros in Action

The Regional Golf Qualifier is taking place in Lismore on 28–29 July. Some fantastic golf pros will be hitting the course, and you're invited to catch the action.

We will be running several activations during the event, and there’ll also be opportunities to spectate a few holes in the morning across 28–29 July.

 Short game clinics will be happening during the afternoon at the following times:
• 1:00–1:30
• 1:30–2:00
• 2:00–2:30

Byron Basketball

Year Group News

It has been a big and exciting term in Year 8 Land.

One of the major highlights was our trip to Tyalgum Ridge. While the weather was on the cooler side, the sunshine and Year 8 Spirit were out in full force. Camp was the perfect chance to challenge ourselves, step outside our comfort zones, strengthen friendships, and form new ones. A big well done to all involved. We’re already counting down to the Year 9 Camp.

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In Pastoral Care, students were invited to interview someone in their life whom they admire. They then shared parts of their interviews with the class. The wisdom passed down through these conversations made it a rich and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Thank you to all the special guests who contributed.

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Beyond the classroom, Year 8 students have been busy embracing a wide range of extracurricular opportunities and representing Woodlawn in the wider community. Whether on excursions, on the sporting field, or simply living out our values on campus, students have continued to ‘Walk the Woodlawn Way’ with pride.

It has been a full and rewarding term; time now for a well-earned rest. Well done, Year 8.

Mr Luke Collings
Year 8 Welfare Coordinator
luke.collings@lism.catholic.edu.au

Year 10 Work Experience

Over the past week, our Year 10 students stepped out of the classroom and into the workforce, taking part in a wide range of work experience placements across the region. From education and hospitality to trades, health, creative industries, and beyond, our students embraced the opportunity to explore future career pathways and develop real world skills.

Teachers of Year 10 were lucky enough to visit our students and received outstanding feedback from employers, many of whom commented on the maturity, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic displayed by our students. It is always rewarding to hear how well our young people represent the College in the wider community, and this week was no exception.

A massive thank you to all the local businesses, organisations, and individuals who generously hosted our students. Your support not only makes this valuable experience possible but also plays a key role in shaping the future of our young people.

Mr Luke Flynn
Year 10 Welfare Coordinator
luke.flynn@lism.catholic.edu.au

As Term 2 draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the achievements and memories our Year 12 students have created over these past 10 weeks.

A true highlight of the term was our annual Athletics Carnival. It was fantastic to see so many of our Year 12 students out on the track, cheering from the sidelines, or volunteering behind the scenes to help the day run smoothly. The spirit, sportsmanship, and house pride on display were inspiring and reminded us all of the unique energy this cohort brings to our College community and how they pave the Woodlawn Way.

Beyond the carnival, our Year 12s have continued to balance their academic commitments with leadership roles and community involvement. As the final year of school edges closer to the finish line, it is encouraging to see so many students maintaining their focus and supporting one another throughout their assessments and the general busyness of senior life. 

Throughout the term, our Year 12 Catholic Faith in Action students regularly visited the residents at St Joseph’s Aged Care in East Lismore. It is a great opportunity to see the students share their time and voluntarily interact with the residents. We thank the staff and residents for the opportunity to be part of their community.

As we look ahead to Term 3, which shapes up to be a busy end to their high school journey, students will return for their final term of formal education at the College.

In Week 2, we have a group of Year 12 students who will be participating in the World's Greatest Shave on Friday, August 1. This is a great initiative run by the Year 12 students and the SRC to stand in solidarity with those battling cancer and to pave the way forward to help find a cure. If there are any parents or students who would like to join our Woodlawn team, please follow this link - Click HERE. If you would like to support this group, you can do so by donating to the team page by following this link - CLICK HERE

In Week 6, Year 12 will host St John’s Day, the feast day of the College. This will bring a day filled with games, activities and plenty of food stalls run by the cohort. Stay tuned for more information at the start of Term 3. The theme this year will be Year Group-based, with Year 12’s theme being Royalty.  Over the holidays, we encourage all Year 12 students to get creative.

Another key event on the academic calendar are their Trial HSC Examinations. We encourage all students to have a well-earned rest over the break, recharge, and come back ready to tackle Term 3 with the same energy and dedication they have shown so far. We wish them all the very best as they prepare for their Trials.

Mr Joel Saye
Year 12 Welfare Coordinator
joel.saye@lism.catholic.edu.au

Inside the Classroom

Year 7 Maths HPL

Year 7 Maths HPL were given a task to support as many textbooks as possible using just one sheet of paper. Great work, Maggie Wilkie,  Cooper Freys, Flynn Wiblen and Elliott Smith.

Year 10 Mathematics Advanced

Year 10 Mathematics Advanced students have been engrossed with problems where they had to find the surface area and the volume of a range of different solid shapes.

As HSC Trial Examinations approach, students and teachers in the HSIE Faculty have been revisiting and consolidating key learning both inside and outside the classroom.

HTA History Study Day - Coffs Harbour

On Thursday, 12 June, Year 12 History students and their teachers attended the History Teachers Association's History Study Day at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour. While there, the students listened to four lectures tailored to their units of study. The History Extension class highly valued their session with Jonathan Hart, an experienced teacher and HSC Marker, who gave tips and tricks for answering their two examination questions. The Ancient History classes heard a lecture about the most recent excavations and works at Pompeii, a key element of their HSC Core. The Modern History students were entertained by Ken Webb and his highly engaging talks about The Rise of Dictators and Civil Rights. The students found the day interesting, informative, and engaging. It was also affirming of the work that they have been doing in the classroom with their teachers.

Moreton Island - Year 12 Geography Excursion and Assessment

On Tuesday, 24 June, Year 12 Geography students set off to complete their mandatory fieldwork at Moreton Island. While on the Island, students explored its diverse ecosystems through several guided tours. Each tour provided students with the opportunity to observe key management strategies used by Park Rangers in response to natural stress and human-induced changes from increased numbers of tourists visiting the island each year. In addition to the tours, students enjoyed snorkelling through the Tangalooma wrecks off the Island’s Western Beaches, sliding down towering sand dunes more than 8 stories in height and planting grasses into the Island’s foredunes to stabilise these important ecosystems. The trip concluded with a group study session and timed assessment, which was informed by the many observations and activities completed over the four days. The trip proved to be a valuable learning experience for the students, which enabled them to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. We look forward to completing the fieldwork again in 2026.

Health and Movement Science

Woodlawn’s two Year 11 HMS classes have recently undertaken a collaborative investigation task. Students are working in small groups to explore real-world issues, apply course concepts, and develop critical thinking and communication skills. The task encourages active participation, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, with each group presenting their findings through a multimodal presentation. It has been fantastic to see the collaboration and enthusiasm across both classes so far!

Year 7 Material Technologies

The Material Technologies students in Mrs Wright and Mrs Follett’s classes celebrated a successful semester with a combined class showcase. The textiles and timber products that students carefully designed and created were on display for all to see, allowing a range of Woodlawn leadership, staff, and students to witness the range of skills students have developed. The timber tray, detailed with a laser image, used a range of joinery techniques by using a tenon saw, chisels, a domino joint machine, a biscuit cutting machine and the disk sander, or in the words of a student, ‘a bunch of things I didn’t even know existed’! A variety of textile products were also made, including aprons, pyjama pants and small soft toys, showcasing the use of a sewing machine and overlocker, appliqué techniques and some hand sewing. 

Students should be proud of their efforts; your teachers certainly are.

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Year 9 Industrial Technology: Timber

Mr Maslen’s Year 9 Timber class have been applying their craft to develop small timber boxes whereby students have a choice of project use. Small tools, jewellery storage, boxes for fishing lures, etc, are all popular choices. Students have learnt a variety of new skills from CNC router cutting, laser design work, timber inlays and using contrasting timbers to enhance the appearance of their projects. Joinery work from lapped dovetails, sliding dovetails, mitre joints, rebates, cross halving, and housing joints has all formed part of their project.

Year 10 Industrial Technology: Farm Maintenance

We are so proud of the hard-working bunch of young men and women we have in our Farm Maintenance class. We have tackled many tasks throughout the Semester, and the past couple of weeks have seen us complete a high-quality new fence around our Agriculture garden beds. The project allowed students to develop several skills, including cutting and welding stay panels, concreting post footings, straining and tying off both barbed wire and hinged dog fencing, swinging and latching farm gates. This now leads to students being split into groups to tackle a whole fence line on their own, which involves full planning and costing. Let the competition begin.

Also forming part of the last few weeks, students have been involved in producing steel framing to allow us to place a covered shelter over our cattle crush and race area. When complete, this will future-proof an all-weather learning space. A credit to the students and the confidence we have in this class. Well done.

Senior Industrial Technology: Timber and Furniture Technologies

Year 11 students are well on the way to the construction of their small contemporary cabinets. This project has allowed students to develop their fine woodworking skills with a focus on accuracy and efficiency in managing a project from initial design to completion. Thus, ensuring they have the attitude, motivation, initiative, skills and knowledge to tackle their Major HSC Projects in Term 4 this year.

Year 12 Industrial Technology

We are into the final weeks of Year 12 Major Projects before they are assessed by external markers, forming 60% of the student's HSC result for Industrial Technology. Students' projects are all taking shape. There are a variety of creative projects, all with very different skill sets involved. 

Year 11 Food Technology & Hospitality 

Our classes have been working incredibly hard this term, developing valuable new skills and knowledge that will prepare them well for both their upcoming work placements and examinations in Term 3. Recently, we proudly hosted our first ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ event, where students were challenged to create delicious dishes using only pantry staples and ingredients left in the fridges and freezers from the term. The students embraced the experience with enthusiasm, sourcing their own recipes, cooking independently or in groups, and demonstrating impressive teamwork throughout the process.

We were genuinely impressed by the quality of food prepared and the exceptional levels of cooking and baking skills on display. It was wonderful to see everyone working together so well and completing the challenge with such positive energy.

Congratulations to all involved! We look forward to running this event again with other year groups in the future.

Years 11 & 12 Textiles & Design

Celebrating Year 11 Success

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 11 students on the successful completion of their first Preliminary Project, a creative Textile Art Postcard. Students drew inspiration from a variety of sources to design and construct two unique postcards, demonstrating both creativity and technical skill. Their dedication and diligence have truly paid off, and they should be proud of what they have achieved. We look forward to seeing their talents continue to flourish with their next project as we move into Term 3.

Well done to all our talented Textiles & Design students.

Year 12 Textiles & Design: Major Projects Nearing Completion

Our Year 12 Textiles & Design students have shown outstanding creativity and commitment throughout the year as they work towards completing their Major Projects. The classroom has been buzzing with a diverse range of creative designs taking shape. As the final due date of Monday, 18 August at 3:00 pm approaches, students are maintaining their motivation and focus to ensure their projects are finished to the highest standard. To support their efforts, we will be offering a holiday workshop, providing access to school resources and extra guidance as they complete their work. Please keep an eye out on Compass for this.

REMINDER: 2025 HSC Important  Dates for TAS Practical Examinations

Completion and hand-in date - works must be handed in to the supervising teacher no later than 3 pm on this day

• Industrial Technology completion & hand in date:- Thursday, 14 August
• Textiles and Design completion & hand in date:- Monday, 18 August
  

Parent Information Hub

Canteen Ordering

● Flexischools, by 9:00 am
● Brown Paper Bag: available near the canteen microwaves, by recess.

How to Use Flexischools for Canteen Orders

1. Create a Flexischools Account

   • Visit www.flexischools.com.au

   • Click “Register” and follow the prompts to create your parent account.

2. Add Your Student

   • Once logged in, go to “Students” or “Add a Student”

   • Enter your child’s name, school name, year group, and class

   • Enter your child’s student ID number

   • Save your student profile.

3. Top Up Your Account

   • Go to “My Wallet” or “Top Up”

   • Choose your preferred payment method and add funds to your account.

4. Place a Canteen Order (order cut-off time of 9.00am)

• Select your student

• Choose the canteen and date

• Pick items from the menu and place the order

• Confirm and pay at checkout.

Uniform Shop

The Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms. To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store. 

Uniform Shop Opening Hours (School Term):
Time: Monday 8.00am - 9.30am & Wednesday 11.00am - 2.00pm
Where: Colin Centre
Order Online: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au 
Book a fitting: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au/bts-appointments

Second Hand Uniform Shop Opening Hours (School Term):
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre 

Message from the Principal

As we reflect on St Paul’s letters, we are reminded of the need for Hope and the importance of community inspired by the Holy Spirit. This term has provided many opportunities for the development of ‘living relationships’ both within the formal learning environment and beyond. The nurturing of mutuality has required a commitment from both staff and students, and this has been fostered through the following practices:

• Taking ourselves and one another seriously
• Being present to others and ourselves
• Seeing the sacred in ourselves and others
• Acknowledging and respecting differences 
• Learning to be thoughtful and discerning

Mutuality is a lifelong learning process, and we hope that all members of the community endeavour to nurture these features that are at the juncture of life, culture and faith.

Below is a film summarising all that is great about our College after an extensive term of ensuring students have every opportunity to ‘have life and live it to the full’. Gratitude for our generous staff should be noted here because without their passion for our community, many of these opportunities would not transpire.

There are a number of learning and informative presentations on offer for our parents. Please check the following links and register for sessions specifically related to technology, AI and growing up as a teenager in this digital world. We are very grateful to the Parent Forum for their support of these programs.

Looking Forward:

• 21 July - Staff Development Day: focus on Learning and Teaching and safety.
• Catholic Education Week - Week 2, Term 3.
• NAIDOC Celebrations - Week 2, Term 3.
• Senior Leadership opportunities for our Year 11 students.
• Trial HSC Examinations.
• Sacramental Program: students receiving Baptism and the Eucharist. There is still an opportunity to join the Baptism Program. Please email me before the beginning of Term 3.
• Flourishing classes.

Take care these holidays, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back following a well-earned break.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Pastoral Care News

Happy Holidays

The end of Semester 2 signifies an opportunity to refresh, recharge, but most importantly, to reflect. Reflect on the successes and challenges faced in the realm of learning. Reflect on the experiences shared with friends, old and new. And, reflect on how next semester can be better than this one through improved and intentional growth.
Of most importance is ensuring that all students and families (and staff!!!) take a moment to celebrate the numerous successes of the first half of 2025. Whilst using reports and results is one measure, it’s also essential to consider the effort areas that have led to greater enjoyment or engagement this year.

Healthy Habits

Whilst holidays are an excellent opportunity to unwind, they can also lead to unsettled times for young people and families when our routines shift and we don’t get to engage in our regular social circles. If you notice that your children aren’t enjoying their break, try to look for opportunities that might provide some structured thinking and goal-oriented activities. Coupled with social activities, this may lead to a calmer and more relaxed holiday time for all.

As always, if there is anything I can do to support you or your family, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au

Important College Dates

Sports at Woodlawn

Diocesan Cross Country 

On June 5, a group of students travelled to the Wiigulga Sports Complex in Woolgoolga to compete in the Diocesan Cross Country.

The students tried their hardest, battling the cold winds and unfamiliar terrain. All students displayed a great level of resilience and capability on this day. 

A special mention goes to the following students who qualified for the progressive level:

• Amirah Shah (2nd in U15s Girls - 4km)
• Malakai Kubils (5th in U16s Boys - 6km)
• Edward (Teddy) Schaffer Thompson RESERVE (7th in U15s Boys - 4km)
• Ellis Gamble RESERVE (7th in U13s Boys - 4km)

We congratulate all those who went, and wish those progressing to the next level in Sydney the best of luck.

Phil Tobin Shield - Rugby League

On June 11, the First XIII team took part in the Phil Tobin Shield Rugby League Gala Day. 

The boys played with great skill, securing two impressive wins, 36-0 against St Joseph's, Banora Point and 12-7 against Xavier Catholic College, Ballina. 

They have now qualified for the next round in Coffs Harbour. Well done to all the players and coaches.

Opens Diocesan Soccer

Open Boys

On June 12, our Open Boys Soccer team travelled to Lennox Head to compete in the Opens Northern Diocesan Championships. The team delivered an outstanding set of performances, remaining undefeated across all four matches.

Match 1:
2-0 Win vs Trinity Catholic College
The boys started the day in brilliant form with a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Trinity Catholic College. From the first whistle, the team controlled possession and created several scoring opportunities. Solid defence and sharp finishing made it the perfect way to kick off the day. Goals from Josh Holland and Tom McPhee.

Match 2:
0-0 Draw vs Xavier Catholic College
In what proved to be one of the toughest matches of the day, the team held their nerve in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against tournament favourites, Xavier CC. It was a match that required immense defensive discipline and teamwork, with every player contributing to keep a clean sheet against strong opposition. Special mention to Bailey Anderson, who made some fantastic saves in goal.

Match 3:
5-0 Win vs McAuley Catholic College
The third game saw the boys produce their most dominant performance of the day. A relentless attacking display resulted in a commanding 5-0 win, which also turned out to be the highest-scoring match of the entire Gala Day. Clinical finishing and slick passing moves made this a memorable team effort. Goals from Cohen Duncan, Tom McPhee, Alex Pursey, and East Soria.

Match 4:
1-0 Win vs Mt Saint Patrick's College 
The final match of the day was a true thriller. Needing a win to finish on top of the ladder and become Champions, the game remained scoreless until the dying minutes. With just three minutes left on the clock, Darcy Hampson stepped up to take a free kick and delivered a superb strike to seal a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Summary:
The Open Boys Soccer team can be extremely proud of their performance, finishing the day undefeated with three wins and a draw, and becoming the Northern Diocese Champions! The team showed fantastic determination, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Special mention to the defensive unit for conceding no goals across four matches and to Darcy Hampson for his match-winning free kick in the final game. The team will travel to Coffs Harbour in two weeks to play the winners of the Southern and Armidale Diocese.

Well done, boys, an excellent team effort all round.

Open Girls

The Open Girls Soccer team competed in a Gala Day at Lennox Head against a number of local schools for the Northern Diocese Open Soccer competition, and brought fierce sportsmanship, skills, and teamwork.

Match 1: 

5-2 Loss vs Trinity Catholic College:

The girls began their day with a tough game against Trinity Catholic College. The first goal of the day was scored by Kate Wolton, who took an amazing shot from a fair way out from the goal. The girls consistently showed up in defence, with Zoe Pietzsch making some great saves in the goals. The second goal was also scored by Kate Wolton, with great passing and teamwork skills from fellow teammates aiding in her tap-in goal. The game inevitably ended with a loss, but the girls put in a strong fight. 

Match 2: 

1-0 Loss vs McAuley Catholic College:

The second game of the day proved to be a testament to the girl’s quick learning skills. The girls shut McAuley down in defence, with little breaks from the opposition being made. A few shots were taken by McAuley, which were all saved by Zoe Pietzch with ease. By halftime, the girls were well and truly getting in the swing of things and making some amazing attacking attempts. In the last moment of the game, McAuley scored, but it was a game that the girls did not let get away from them easily. 

Match 3:

1-0 Loss vs Xavier Catholic College:

In what was the toughest game of the day, the girls performed with outstanding resilience and drive. The Xavier Team were the top team of the day, but the Woodlawn team put up a great challenge. In the first half, the defence by the Woodlawn girls was very strong, with Madison Coppola working hard in front of the goals. The Xavier players fired numerous shots at goal, with none conceded. The Xavier team were awarded a free Goal kick, with Zoe making another great save. Towards the end of the game, Xavier finally scored, but the Woodlawn girls provided them with a seriously tough challenge. 

Match 4:

1-0 Loss vs Mt Saint Patrick's College: 

The final game of the day was tough, as the girls were tired and sore from the long day of Soccer they had played. The girls once again supported each other and tried their best to keep up the momentum. Towards the end of the first half, Mt Saint Patrick's College scored a goal, but the girls did well to keep them out of their half from then on. 

Summary:

The girls should be extremely proud of themselves as they put up such a strong fight. Their teamwork was outstanding, and their ability to cover one another in defence was amazing. Once again, Girls, well done, amazing team effort all round.

Junior Diocesan Soccer

On June 18, our Junior Diocesan Soccer Team, made up of students from Years 7, 8, and 9, travelled to Lennox Head to compete in the Junior Diocesan Football Championships. 

Junior Girls

The Junior Girls Team consistently fought hard during their first 2 matches, but unfortunately lost both by 1 goal. 

Their final game showcased their teamwork and amazing skills, securing them a win against McAuley Catholic College, Grafton. 

Congratulations, girls, for your efforts.

Junior Boys

The Junior Boys Team showed consistent drive and determination, but unfortunately lost both of their first two games on the day. 

Their last game of the day showcased their dedication, earning them a 2-1 win against St Joseph’s College, Banora Point. 

Congratulations, boys, for your efforts.

Cochrane Cup - Rugby League

On June 19, our Years 7&8 Rugby League team played in the Cochrane Cup. 

They had a 26–24 win against Mount St Patrick's College, Murwillumbah, then fought hard for an 8–8 draw with St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino. 

They wrapped up the day on a high with a 22–6 win against the undefeated St Joseph’s College, Banora Point. A huge effort from our boys. 

Congratulations boys. We wish you the best of luck for the next round of the Cochrane Cup. 

Athletics Carnival

On June 18 and 20, Woodlawn hosted its annual College Athletics Carnival. Both days were filled with fun, house rivalry, and peer encouragement. We had an abundance of participation in the Grade events, which was a great sight to see!

The Championship participants showcased their amazing athleticism, with a special mention going out to Aaliyah Garang-Hall for breaking 2 Female U14 school records in Discus (34.09m) and Shot-put (10.94). Congratulations Aaliyah.

We wish to celebrate all participants in both grades and championships, but make a specific mention to all Age Champions, who are listed below:

We also wish to congratulate Kennedy House on being the winning house of this year's Athletics Carnival…the 3rd year in a row.

A special thank you to our staff member Trent Bowler, for ensuring the grounds were readily available and in top shape for the carnival, your efforts don’t go unnoticed.

A final yet BIG thank you goes to all of the staff and students for making this athletics carnival such an amazing event with great school spirit. 

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Open Boys Diocesan Soccer

On Wednesday, June 25, the Open Boys Soccer Team travelled to the Coffs Harbour Sporting Precinct to compete in Rounds 1 and 2 of the NSWCCC Football Knockout Competition. With longer match durations and strong opposition, the boys faced a significant challenge on the day.

Game 1 saw Woodlawn take on St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour, the winner of the North vs South Lismore Diocese Final. The game opened at a high intensity, with both teams creating early chances. It was Charlie Collins who broke the deadlock at the 15-minute mark, scoring directly from a corner. Charlie continued his strong form, adding a second goal just before half-time after rounding the goalkeeper and calmly finishing.

The second half saw Woodlawn dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Charlie secured his hat-trick with the third goal of the match, while Tom McPhee and Matthew Rossington added a goal each to extend the lead to 5-0. A late lapse in concentration at the back resulted in a consolation goal for St John Paul College right on the final whistle, with the game finishing 5-1 in Woodlawn’s favour.

In Game 2, the team faced a quick turnaround for Round 2 against a tough opponent. It proved difficult to regain the momentum from the earlier match, with both sides locked at 0-0 at half-time. Once again, it was Charlie Collins who opened the scoring 40 minutes into the match, giving Woodlawn a 1-0 lead. From there, the team took control of the game, with Tom McPhee adding a second goal and Cohen Duncan securing the third. Despite conceding another late goal just before the final whistle, Woodlawn finished with a well-earned 3-1 victory.

These strong performances mean that Woodlawn now progresses to the Quarter Finals of the NSWCCC Knockout Football Competition.

 Congratulations Boys.

Years 9/10 Schools Cup Netball

On June 25, Woodlawn took 3 teams to compete in the Years 9/10 Netball School Cup that was hosted at the Grafton Netball Courts. Each team represented the school very well and displayed great sportsmanship. 

Red Team

Our Woodlawn Red team came together well and played strongly. After 6 games, including the final, the team had an impressive 122 goals for and 11 against. 

These totals were testament to the skill level of not only our shooters and defenders, but also of the centre court, who so ably transitioned the ball from defence to attack. They also acted as a strong defence unit when shutting down the opposition attack. 

The team played McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, Clarence Valley Anglican School, Grafton High School and South Grafton High School. The team are looking forward to the Far North Coast Finals, where they will play teams who were also victorious in their Phase One competitions.

Team members were: Claudia Barnes, Bella Duncan, McKenzie Olivieri, Holly Roberts, Allie Robinson, Jenna Ryall, Josie Ryan, Kaytlyn Turner, and Georgie White.  

Thank you to Charlotte Robinson, who umpired our Woodlawn games.

Gold Team

Despite facing a challenging day of competition, the Year 9/10 Woodlawn Gold Netball Team demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination throughout the carnival. 

The team encountered tough opposition in every game, yet maintained their fighting spirit and commitment to giving their absolute best effort on the court. 

The windy conditions challenged the shooters on all teams, and short passes were called for to be successful. 

The day proved to be one of players experimenting with new positions and working on fresh combinations. While the scoreboard didn't reflect victories, the team's positive attitude and genuine enjoyment of the sport shone through, making it a successful day of team bonding and a carnival full of fun and laughs. 

The team consisted of: Amelie McPhee, Edie Stewart, Ellie McKay, Zali Graham, Bridie Martin, Georgia Johnston, Sienna Davis-Job, Alexa Johnson, and Matilda Pope.

Boys Team 

Our Boys Year 9/10 team showcased great enthusiasm on the court at the Schools Cup Day in Grafton, winning all four of their games. 

The team demonstrated exceptional teamwork but questionable footwork! Standout shooting efforts came from William Bullpit and Sonny Butler, while Malekai Kubils (GK) and Oliver Gall (GD) led a strong defensive unit. 

Cooper Williams and Miller Layland controlled the game brilliantly through the centre, and Edward Schaffer-Thompson, playing Wing Defence, brought valuable experience to the team as the only player who regularly competes in the sport. 

An outstanding effort by the entire team.

The team consisted of: Kalan Alvos, Zachary Cohen, Cooper Williams, Sunny Butler, William Bullpitt, Miller Layland, Oscar Stevenson, Edward Schaffer-Thompson, Oliver Gall, and Malekai Kubils.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

As Term 2 comes to a close, the Library has been a hub of activity, creativity and connection. It has been fantastic to see so many students making the most of the resources, clubs and spaces on offer.

Club Highlights

This term saw the launch of several exciting new student clubs! Our Years 7 & 8 Robotics Club has taken off with enthusiasm, with students learning to build and code using VEX IQ kits – the future engineers are well on their way. The Year 7 Book Club has had some wonderful conversations around new reads and book swaps, and due to its popularity, we have just launched a Year 8 & 9 Book Club. Look out for Club session times in the daily notices. 

Meanwhile, the Dungeons & Dragons Club has been going strong, with students diving into storytelling, teamwork and strategy during epic lunchtimes in the library. Whether you’re into fantasy, books or bots, there’s something here for everyone.

Another exciting new initiative is the International Activities Club, created by College Captain, Matilda Price. This group is already making global connections. Students recently took part in a Zoom session with a school in Japan to learn about each other’s cultures. There are hopes to establish pen pal friendships and continue the cross-cultural exchange into Term 3.

Magazines Worth Reading

Did you know you can borrow a range of magazines from the Library? Titles like Mountain Biking Australia, Frankie, Rugby League Review and Teen Breathe are now available to borrow. They’re perfect for a quick read or a deep dive into your interests. Prefer digital? Check out Sora, where over 400 magazine titles are just a click away – ready to read anytime, anywhere.

Graphic Novels Galore

Our growing graphic novel collection has some exciting new additions, including popular series like My Hero Academia and Naruto. If you love action, strong characters, and incredible art, these are not to be missed.

Coming Up in Term 3 – Write a Book in a Day

One of the most exciting events of the year is coming in Term 3 – Write a Book in a Day! This creative challenge sees teams of students working together to write, illustrate and publish a complete book – all in just 12 hours. It’s a fantastic opportunity to test your storytelling skills, work as a team and raise money for children’s hospitals.  Interested? Register your interest here.

Don’t forget to keep reading over the holiday break – thousands of eBooks and audiobooks are available anytime on Sora!

From the Library Team: Catriona Fraser, Amanda Starr, Helen Koellner and Fiona Thompson.

Message from the Assistant Principal -Mission

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of the semester, I wanted to thank you for the ongoing support you provide both to our staff and to your child’s wellbeing and learning journey. Your engagement in school activities and communication with staff make a real difference to our school community. 

Whether it's attending Parent-Teacher Interviews, volunteering at school events, or simply ensuring your child arrives ready to learn each day, these contributions help create the positive environment we all value. The partnership between home and school is one of our greatest strengths, and we are grateful for the role you play in your child's education. The partnership between home and school is particularly important in nurturing a sense of hope. Your encouragement during difficult moments, celebration of achievements both big and small, and the conversations you have at home about perseverance and resilience contribute to the hopeful culture we are creating.

The Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that hope is not simply about optimism for the future—it is about the daily choices our students make to persist through challenges, support one another, and continue growing even when the path ahead seems uncertain. We have witnessed this hope in action as our students have navigated academic pressures, formed new friendships, and developed resilience in ways that will serve them well beyond their school years. We have seen our students find new interests, overcome setbacks, and develop the confidence to take on leadership roles within our school community.

As we move into the second half of the year, we will continue to focus on helping our students see challenges as opportunities for growth and to recognise their own capacity to make a positive difference in their world. The habits of hope they develop now—setting goals, seeking support when needed, and maintaining perspective during tough times—will serve them well beyond school.

Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing young people who approach their future with both hope and determination.

Youth Mental Health First Aid course

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of our young people, our Year 8 students have participated in the Teen Mental Health First Aid course. Not only do Teen MHFA courses equip young people with the knowledge and skills to deliver peer-to-peer support, but they also promote self-awareness around mental health topics, to encourage self-care and help-seeking. This is essential for the prevention and early intervention of mental health problems and suicide. Thank you to Jane Farrugia, Nicole Hetherington and Peter O’Toole who presented the course to our students.

Street Retreat

As part of our student discipleship program, we had 6 students: Lilly Cluff, Jack McLean, Isabella McLennan, Tia Mitchell, Matthew Rossington and Kieran Weekes, along with students from each of the other high schools within the Diocese of Lismore, attend Street Retreat in Brisbane.

Street Retreat is an experience that exposes students to social injustice, and helps to equip, form and empower them to return to their parish communities with a passion for social justice; awakening a greater sense of the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor. Students were engaged in a number of activities/venues, including volunteering at Emmanuel City Mission and Rosie’s Food Van. Thanks to Annabelle Green for accompanying our students on this experience.

Year 7 Reflection Day

Year 7 students recently engaged in their Reflection Day, facilitated by Michael Fitzpatrick, who has been a valued friend of the College for many years. As part of our Retreat program, the Reflection Day provided the opportunity for students to come together as a cohort to forge new friendships, understanding the importance of respecting others and appreciating their gifts. Michael engaged the students with music, song and movement.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 6626 2627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Conclusion of Term 2 and Semester 1

As we conclude Term 2 and the first semester of the academic year, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all families who attended the Year 11 Parent-Teacher-Student interviews this past Tuesday. The evening was marked by highly productive conversations between students, parents, and teachers, creating valuable opportunities for meaningful dialogue about academic progress and future pathways. We greatly appreciate your participation and commitment to your child's education.

We encourage all Year 11 students to take time to reflect on the feedback received during these interviews alongside their mid-course reports. This reflection should focus on how they can best prepare for the remainder of Year 11, particularly in completing upcoming assessments and yearly examinations to the best of their ability. The insights gained from these conversations will be invaluable as students continue their senior secondary journey.

Year 8 Parent Teacher Student Interviews

We would like to inform families that Year 8 Parent interviews will be held in Week 4. Further details regarding scheduling and booking procedures will be communicated early in Term 3.

Year 10 Subject Selection and Parent Interviews

The Year 10 subject selection process for 2025 has begun, with Leaders of Learning visiting classes to discuss options for students entering Year 11 in 2026. Students will have an information session on Wednesday, 23 July, during Periods 1 and 2, followed by a Parent Information Evening starting at 6 pm in the Colin Centre on the same date. This session will outline the subject selection process and key elements of education for students moving into Year 11.

Additionally, the Year 10 Parent Teacher and Student Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 29 July, from 4 pm to 8 pm. These interviews are an excellent opportunity to receive feedback on student progress and discuss subject suitability for Years 11 and 12. Mr. Bailey, Mr. Maginnity, Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Reen, and Mrs Ryall will also be available to discuss subject selections with families at this time.

Year 12 Trial Examinations

The Trial HSC Examinations begin for our Year 12 students on Monday of Week 3, Term 3, August 4 and conclude on Monday, August 18. These examinations represent the final major assessments before the official HSC Examinations and are crucial for students to demonstrate their knowledge and refine their examination techniques. Year 12 students will return to class on Tuesday, August 19.

We encourage all Year 12 students to dedicate focused time to preparation while maintaining a healthy balance with their social life and engaging in healthy activities. Effective preparation should include regular study schedules, adequate rest, physical activity, and time for relaxation. Remember that sustainable study habits and overall wellbeing are essential for optimal performance.

These Trial Examinations provide an invaluable opportunity to practice under examination conditions and identify any areas requiring additional attention before the HSC. We have full confidence in our Year 12 students and know they will approach these assessments with the dedication and resilience they have demonstrated throughout their senior years.

Years 7-10 Reports 

Formal reports for Years 7-10 are being released to families via Compass early in Term 3. These reports, along with the previous Responsibility for Learning reports, provide excellent opportunities for families to engage in meaningful conversations about their child's progress throughout Semester 1, with the aim of setting academic goals for Terms 3 and 4. When reviewing these reports, families should celebrate successes by acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and any improvements made in their child's academic performance. It is important to highlight specific achievements, whether they are high grades, improved study habits, or participation in class activities, to boost each student's confidence and motivation.

In addition to celebrating successes, families should discuss areas for growth by setting meaningful and achievable goals for the next two terms. This can include identifying subjects that may need extra attention, developing better study routines, or seeking additional help from teachers where needed. Encouraging your child to reflect on their learning experiences, challenges faced, and strategies that have worked well can foster a growth mindset and a proactive approach to learning. Setting clear, attainable goals and creating a plan to achieve them can help students stay focused and motivated throughout the rest of the school year.

With the end of our first academic semester, it is an opportune time for our students to reflect on their efforts. Ask yourself, "Did I give it my very best? Would I be proud of the effort I put into everything I did this semester?" Many of our students can proudly answer "Yes!" to these questions, and we are incredibly proud of each of them. For those who feel they fell short of their A-game this term, remember that Semester 2 is a fresh start and an opportunity to make every minute count.

We wish all our students a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in Term 3.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

From the College Finance Manager

Uniform Shop

The College Uniform Shop is operated by an independent business, whose Woodlawn operations are based in the Colin Centre. The College has limited control over this facility, and any queries regarding stock and availability should be directed to the Uniform Shop directly.

 Winter Uniform Requirements for Terms 2 & 3

This notice outlines the Winter Uniform requirements for students during Terms 2 and 3:

• Years 11 and 12: Students in Years 11 and 12 may continue to wear their current winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3 only. Please note that any new uniform purchases made from the Uniform Shop must be the updated version.
• Years 7 to 10: All students in Years 7 to 10 are required to wear the updated winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3.
• Year 7 Blazers: All students in Year 7 are required to wear the new College blazer. We have been informed that some will be available in approximately Week 9. If you have already acquired an old blazer, this can still be worn.

Warm regards,

Nikki Bell
College Finance Manager

Counselling Corner

The Waiting Game: Managing Post-Exam Anxiety

From Your School Counsellors

The exams are over, and now comes what many students describe as the hardest part – waiting for results. If you're lying awake replaying every question you might have got wrong, you're not alone. Post-exam anxiety is incredibly common and completely understandable.

Once the adrenaline fades, our minds often fill the quiet space with worry. Without studying to distract us, we ruminate on every question we second-guessed. Here's something important to remember: you almost certainly did better than you think you did. Research shows students consistently underestimate their exam performance.

Healthy Ways to Cope Right Now

Get moving. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety. Whether it's a walk, swim, or dancing to your favourite music, movement helps burn off stress hormones.

Reconnect with neglected activities. Rediscover those hobbies, books, or shows you put aside during study time. Engaging in enjoyable activities reminds your brain that life exists beyond academic results.

Limit result speculation. Resist endlessly discussing exam questions with classmates or scrolling through online forums. This rarely provides comfort and often increases anxiety.

Practice mindfulness. When worry thoughts arise, gently redirect your attention to the present moment. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.

Remember This

Whatever your results show, they represent your performance on specific days under particular circumstances – they don't define your worth. If results aren't what you hoped for, there are always alternative routes to your goals through pathway programs, gap years, or different courses that might open unexpected doors.

If anxiety is significantly impacting your sleep or daily life, please reach out. You've already done the hard work – you prepared, showed up, and gave your best effort. Now be kind to yourself whilst you wait.

If you'd like to speak with a school counsellor, fill in the self-referral form on your Compass homepage. 

A Word for Parents

This waiting period can be just as stressful for families. The best support you can offer is patience and perspective. Avoid asking daily about results or speculating about outcomes. Instead, focus on your child's wellbeing – encourage normal routines, social connections, and activities they enjoy. Remember that your love and support aren't conditional on academic results, and let them know this through your words and actions.

Rest well,

Christina, Susan and Jacqui
School Counsellors

Community Notices

Year Group News

Exciting Work Experience Opportunities Await Our Students

As part of their ongoing personal and career development, our Year 10 students are preparing to step out of the classroom in Week 7 and into the real world through our annual Work Experience Program. Taking place this term, students will gain invaluable insights into a range of industries and professions, helping them explore their passions and build essential skills for the future.

This year, students will be undertaking placements in a variety of fields, including:

• Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue
• Truck Repairs
• Customs and Freight
• Engineering
• Local Primary Schools
• Local Vets
• Lismore Council

This program is more than just a week away from school. It’s a valuable step toward building confidence, workplace knowledge, and future aspirations. We are proud of the initiative our students have shown in selecting their placements and thank all the local businesses and organisations who have opened their doors to support our young learners.

We look forward to hearing about their experiences and the new perspectives they’ll bring back to the classroom.

Inside the Classroom

Year 8 HPL Maths working on an activity to calculate the area under a given parabola. They produced many interesting methods and explanations.

Our Year 7 students had fun solving a mathematical murder mystery problem. 

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Year 10 Jewish Museum By Lily O’Sullivan (Year 10)

From the 11th to the 14th of May myself and 13 other students from year 10 went to Sydney for the annual Jewish Museum Trip. Unfortunately, the museum itself was closed for renovations, so instead we went to the Jewish Synagogue at Bondi Junction. 

During the 3 days we were there, we learnt so much about Judaism and about what happened to Jewish people during WW2. We talked to Holocaust survivors Ana De Leon and Jack Feiler, who both had some very emotional stories about their experiences, and we also learnt about Anti-semitism and the history of Jewish people. On top of this we also dug a little into WW2 in Australia and how Nazis and other people who were accessories to the Holocaust escaped here to our country because at the time we didn’t have the genocide law in place, therefore they would suffer no consequences.

I wasn’t expecting to learn as much as I did on this trip, so I’m really glad I went. I strongly encourage the students in the younger years to do this trip when they’re in year 10. You learn so much and have a lot of fun.

Business Studies - Stone & Wood

In Week 4, our Year 11 Business Studies students visited Stone & Wood Brewery in Byron Bay to explore the establishment and growth of a successful local business. The excursion offered an in-depth look at how Stone & Wood grew from a small start-up in the industrial estate of Byron into a $500 million company, driven by clear values, strong leadership, and strategic planning.

Students heard from team members about the company’s journey and gained valuable insights into the key business functions of operations, marketing, and human resources. They explored everything from the brewing process to brand positioning and staff management. The experience enriched their understanding of real-world business practices and provided a strong foundation for the remainder of their Preliminary course and the HSC year ahead.

Year 10 Child Studies: Learning Newborn Care

Our Year 10 Child Studies students have been exploring the demanding world of newborn care, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experiences. Students have studied topics including infant development, feeding, sleep, and safety considerations, learning everything from proper swaddling techniques to learning to put on nappies. 

The highlight so far was the week-long egg baby project, which challenged students to take full responsibility for a fragile "infant" 24 hours a day. Each student received a raw egg, was tasked with creating a birth certificate, and completed a digital journal.

Students got creative, fashioning their baby eggs and protective cases, while others learned hard lessons when their eggs met unfortunate ends.

Industrial Technology: Farm Maintenance

Our Year 10 Farm Maintenance crew have been hard at work since the rain stopped, beginning to erect a new permanent fence around the eastern side of our veggie patch. This has involved designing, planning and constructing new steel panel stays throughout the fenceline, then digging the holes and concreting them in. It has been a huge effort from everyone. Students have used their metalworking skills to cut and weld the end stay frames together. They then cleared the fence line, marked out the position of each stake, and dug the holes, ensuring they would be in line with the whole section of new fence. Students then experienced mixing their own concrete and levelling each step, ready for the wire to be attached next week. A huge thank you to the students from the TAS staff. An amazing effort in a couple of days from an exceptional bunch of young men and women. Well done!

Intercollegiate Meat Judging Beef Week - Friday 30 May

On 30 May, fifteen students represented St John’s College, Woodlawn in an extracurricular activity at the Intercollegiate Meat Judging competition held as part of Beef Week at the Casino Food Co-op. The students have spent time each week this Term preparing and learning.

The students had 10 minutes to judge each of the five classes, which included two classes of four beef carcasses, 1 class of four rumps, 1 class of 15 retail cut identification and 1 class of identifying 15 primal cuts. In a competition of approximately 50 students, our students performed exceptionally well, and several students placed in the top 10 of each category.

In the Individual Beef Judging (Carcass and Rump), Alex Rugendyke placed 2nd, Georgia Sheridan placed 3rd, and Harry Hoskings placed 5th among 50 students. Congratulations on their performance.

Our team of four students: Emily Maher, Lachlan O’Brien, Georgia Sheridan and Edie Wadsworth collectively placed Runner-up in Retail Cuts and Primal Identification, Runner-up Beef Judging (Carcasses and Rumps), and attained Runner-up Team Overall. Congratulations to this group of students.

Thank you to Mr Quade and Mrs Fraser for supporting our students to learn and gain valuable industry experience. Following the competition, students also had the opportunity to tour the Casino Food Co-Op plant to look at the latest technologies for processing meat.

Parent Information Hub

Canteen Ordering

● Flexischools, by 9:00 am
● Brown Paper Bag: available near the canteen microwaves, by recess.

How to Use Flexischools for Canteen Orders

1. Create a Flexischools Account

   • Visit www.flexischools.com.au

   • Click “Register” and follow the prompts to create your parent account.

2. Add Your Student

   • Once logged in, go to “Students” or “Add a Student”

   • Enter your child’s name, school name, year group, and class

   • Enter your child’s student ID number

   • Save your student profile.

3. Top Up Your Account

   • Go to “My Wallet” or “Top Up”

   • Choose your preferred payment method and add funds to your account.

4. Place a Canteen Order (order cut-off time of 9.00am)

• Select your student

• Choose the canteen and date

• Pick items from the menu and place the order

• Confirm and pay at checkout.

Community Parent Forum

Our School Community Forum held its AGM earlier this term. Having parent representation and a voice is an important form of community engagement. We thank our outgoing leadership team members, Kara Parrish and Emma Cronin, for their dedication, organisation and vibrancy. We also thank Grant Stewart, who has subsequently been elected as the new Chair of the committee. 

The new leadership team, Secretary – Rebecca Blakeney, Treasurer – Megan Thorpe, Chairperson – Grant Stewart, met with Mrs Reen to discuss their vision and begin planning for future meetings. Please join us for the next meeting on June 16 at 5.30pm. We will begin our meeting in the Margaret Buckley library, and this will be followed by a College tour with Annette Reen. Our meeting agenda will include presentations from various members of the College Leadership Team and teachers. Another hot topic will be the catering at the Athletics Carnival, and we would like to gather feedback about the canteen and other College offerings. 

Thanks to all who made it to the Parent and Carer Term 2 Catch-Up. This will be an ongoing event every term.  It is a time to ‘get social’ and meet some of the wonderful people who make up this community. 

Our partnership with the College is vital in advocating for our children and learning more about the community to which we all belong.

Grant Stewart

Message from the Principal

At our recent Staff Spirituality Day, we had the opportunity to retreat from the everyday and spend time reflecting on our relationships, our mission as the providers of a Catholic Education and our commitment to being the face of God to all those we encounter. This prayer from St Teresa of Avila summarises many of those reflections. As a community, we ask our staff and students to be the face of kindness, the source of equity, and the model of service in all that we do. As humans, we are all fallible. We also explored the concepts of forgiveness, reconciliation and restorative relationships. These values resonate with not only our faith but the way we teach and accompany each other daily.

Last week, we thanked Mr Aaron Beach for his service to the College and Catholic Education. Mr Beach has dedicated his life to ensuring that Catholic Education is authentic and student-centred. Our College Captains thanked Mr Beach for his interest in student life, his organisational skills and his dedication to service. I reflected on his leadership through very challenging and rewarding times. Mr Beach came to the College in 2020 and was our steward throughout the challenging COVID period, the floods, and enabled the sharing of our facilities with Trinity Catholic College, as well as our extensive building projects. As a true servant leader, Aaron “walked the talk’. He demonstrated a sense of justice, temperance and equity. Aaron brings 25 years of leadership experience in Catholic Education, and we wish him well in his new role as Regional Assistant Director at the DLCS. We will be sharing his leadership in all areas of school improvement and improved systems.

Through their vocation, our staff continually display commitment to encouraging and supporting our students to achieve the fullness of life. We value the relationships that are formed with families and encourage you to consider thanking teachers and staff who have engaged students in the classroom or taken time from their own lives to ensure that sporting opportunities are provided, that excursions are offered as additional learning opportunities and that our camp program can be facilitated to ensure the personal growth of our students. 

Thanks to the SRC for hosting a ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ experience today. This complemented the staff morning tea with over $500 raised collectively. Together we are ‘the feet of Christ’ walking to do good. Other examples of community service can be sourced in other articles. Our SRC is also currently reviewing the College Canteen with a focus on student voice. We look forward to sharing their findings.

I defer to the late Pope Francis for a final reflection.

Enjoy your long weekend, and please contact the College if there is anything we can do for you.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Pastoral Care News

Halfway through Term 2 already! This year continues to fly by and our students continue to put in admirable efforts across many aspects of College life. With the marking and reporting adding to the workload of teaching staff currently, it is important to acknowledge the consistent efforts of our students in studying for assessments and submitting assignments. All this work must mean that we’re not too far away from our next break!

Attendance Correspondence

The Pastoral Care Team regularly meet to discuss student attendance as part of our holistic pastoral care offering for students. This week, the team completed an audit in line with the Non-attendance Policy. As a result, there will be communication sent to families where attendance rates have reached a concerning level. Each of the letters contains information and instructions for the required steps moving forward. We look forward to working with families to ensure the best wellbeing and learning outcomes for students through improving attendance.

Leaders of Student Wellbeing Symposium

In Week 3 of the term, our Year Coordinators and other Pastoral Care Team members had the opportunity to attend a symposium on Pastoral Care by DLCS Lismore and attended by staff from the regional diocese of NSW and Queensland. There were numerous topics covered over the two-day conference including; online safety, antibullying approaches, toxic masculinity, violent & extremist ideologies, and topics covering a range of student mental health & wellbeing concerns.

The Pastoral Care Team are looking forward to implementing our learning and understanding of these topics into our daily offerings, particularly through the Pastoral Care Program in Years 7-9.

Uniform Standards

All families are reminded of the expectation for students to wear blazers to and from school each day, commencing Tuesday, 10 June, following the June long weekend. We appreciate your support in ensuring students represent the College with pride in their uniform.

Please also continue to support staff by providing a note to explain any situations where a student is unable to wear the correct uniform. We understand the pressure of family life and know that things can get in the way of washing. Your support and partnership is greatly appreciated in this matter.

Students have been told that they should be dressed to the expected standard of the College from “Driveway to Driveway”. This is a simple way to keep our standards of uniform high. 

Year 8 Camp

I wish all the staff and students attending Year 8 Camp at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat next week a great time away together. Many of our students recall the experience of this camp as one of their highlights of high school. More to come upon their return. I also wish to offer a vote of thanks to Mr Luke Collings, particularly, for his diligent and comprehensive work in putting together the Year 8 Camp program this year. 

As always, if there is any way I can assist you and your family, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au