From the Social Justice Committee

Vocational Pathways

NCA Training

Adult education can be daunting for our young people, so due to the outstanding response at our last TEEN ONLY training session, we’re offering our local Teens an opportunity to complete a couple of training sessions over the Christmas Break

Save money with these accredited courses at heavily discounted prices over the Christmas holidays.
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Administration Announcements

Late Arrival/Early Departure

Please submit ALL attendance (All Day/Partial Attendance) through the Compass App to avoid phoning the College with late arrivals/late departures.

Early Departure

In Compass, click on the Shortcuts + icon at the bottom of the home screen, click on "Submit Attendance Note", complete the details and select the time you would like to collect your student. 

Your student will receive a Departure Pass to leave the class at the selected time and be directed to the drop-off/pick-up zone.

The Student Service Office cannot guarantee your student will be ready for an early departure without adequate notification. 

Late Arrival

In Compass, click on the Shortcuts + icon at the bottom of the home screen, click on "Submit Attendance Note", complete the details and select the time your student will arrive at the College. Students arriving after 8.55 am, need to enter via the Student Service Office. 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
A reminder, the drop-off and pick-up zone is located between the school and the ovals at the back of the school. Please do not collect your student from the front entrance for safety reasons.

Absentee

Absence due to holiday/family event:
Less than 10 days: Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature.

More than 10 days: Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification. 

Absence due to Elite Sport, Elite Arts, Employment in the Entertainment Industry:
Accredited Elite Sports programs include national and international organisations that run camps for athletes and national sports squads in which students have been selected to participate. They also include talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.

Accredited Elite Arts programs are defined as an opportunity for a student to participate in an event or program that is beyond the gifted and talented opportunities that the Diocese offers.

Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General. 

Parent Resources/School Forms

How to access the following forms:

• Student Driver/Rider Registration
• Medication Administered – Parent Form
• Exemption from Attendance General – Sport/Art
• Extended Leave Notification – over 10 days
• Volunteers Form

1. 1. Go to school documents (Phone) or People Icon (Desktop)
   2. Select the Parent Resources folder
   3. Select the School Forms folder

Messages

Please phone the Student Service Office before 2:45pm to advise of any emergency changes to afternoon arrangements. This will provide office staff with the best chance of ensuring that your child receives the message. Last minute phone calls at this busy time of the school day are not ideal, and we cannot guarantee that late messages will be received. We all experience emergencies from time to time, and that is understood and accepted.

Administering Non-Prescription Medication (eg. Paracetamol) to Students

A reminder to parents that when a student presents to sick bay, a member of staff will contact their parent or guardian seeking permission to administer non-prescription pain relief (eg. paracetamol) if required. 

Any previous permission to give non-prescription pain relief no longer applies. You will receive a phone call each time your child presents to sick bay seeking consent.

Lost Property

The Lost Property table is located outside the Student Service Office. Please clearly label all items that are brought or worn to school.

Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 66 262629

Community Notices

Year Group News

Things are full steam ahead in Year 8 land as we charge our way towards becoming Year 9 students. Some recent happenings were the successful ‘The Voice: Woodlawn’ during Wellbeing Week last term. The Year 8 Base Class Leaders were instrumental in the running of this event, and it was great to see the Colin Centre stands absolutely packed to witness the talented vocal performers that Woodlawn has within our ranks. What's more…Year 8’s very own Scarlet McDowell was crowned the winner. Scarlet can really sing. 

We are very much looking forward to our ‘Catch the Wave’ retreat in Week 3, as this will be our first phase of the student discipleship initiatives offered as part of the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International (CSYMI) program.

Keep up the great work, Year 8.

Mr Luke Collings
Year 8 Welfare Coordinator

Inside the Classroom

Year 10 History Performance - Dusted Off

On Thursday of Week 1, Year 10 watched "Dusted Off," a performance related to their current study of Changing Rights and Freedoms and their new unit, The Vietnam War. This is Carmen Garcia’s (10.5) review of the experience:

Year 9 Child Studies

Circle time has become a favourite of the Year 9 Child Studies class. The concept is that a question or statement is raised at the beginning of the lesson, and the class is invited to spend some time thinking about their feelings about what was proposed, before sharing these ideas and thoughts with the class. Year 9 Child Studies begins every lesson this way. The Circle Time questions range from simplistic, e.g. what is your favourite chocolate bar, to the more thought-provoking, such as, at what age is it OK to give children sugar? The purpose of the activity is to promote communication, critical thinking and approaching new information with an open mind. It has really strengthened the bonds of the class this year as comments, thoughts and feelings are openly shared and validated.

Parent Information Hub

Parents/Carers Webinar

Canteen

Uniform Shop

St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our last meeting. It was wonderful to see some new faces.

Principal, Mrs Annette Reen, gave us great insight into the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain lifelong skills and experiences. We look forward to supporting the College’s Join the Duke initiative and creating opportunities for our students to participate.

We are also excited to invite you to a social catch-up at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Thursday, 20 November. Drop in anytime from 4.:30 pm for a relaxed chat and some community connection. We’d love to see you there.

Our final meeting for the year will be held on Monday, 24 November at 5:30pm in the College Library. Everyone is welcome. We’ll share some Christmas nibbles and enjoy hearing from one of our students about their recent South Passage sailing adventure.

Come along, get involved, and be part of our wonderful Woodlawn parent/carer community.

Message from the Principal

Term 4 has begun with a sense of energy and purpose. Today, we celebrated the academic and community awardees at the Year 11 Prize Giving Ceremony. This is a change to the ceremonies of the past in response to some thoughts from the SRC and our College Leadership Team. It was decided to celebrate these successes at the end of the Preliminary Course instead of waiting until the end of the year. Our First in Course students were recognised with academic awards. Students who are widely known for Walking the Woodlawn Way were affirmed for their community-mindedness, humility, compassion and care for others. Silver badges were awarded and Bailey Anderson received the Jake Roff Memorial Award. 

Jake Roff was a valued member of staff who tragically passed away following an extended battle with brain cancer. Jake’s family instituted this award to remember his care and dedication to our students. As a PE and Maths teacher, Jake was known for his care for all and his connection with those who needed extra support. He was community-minded and enjoyed the opportunity to share his musical talents. Today, our staff dressed in ‘Red for Roffy’ as a continued practice that honours his legacy. Bailey Anderson was awarded the Jake Roff Memorial Award and was affirmed for the way he encourages others to succeed, shows humility in all interactions and enlivens the daily lives of those around him.

We look forward to celebrating World Teacher Day with our staff next week. I would like to thank those families who email me to acknowledge the dedication and passion our staff have for our students. In a recent correspondence, a family wrote to thank Mr Quade for his inclusivity and passion for teaching. Our staff are unique in their commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to ‘live life to the full.’ Our classrooms are hives of activity, and our staff continue to develop new resources and improve their pedagogy. The commitment to students beyond the classroom is second to none. Whether it be sport, social justice initiatives, the Environment Club, chess, excursions, after-school tutorials, camps or everyday interactions as a community, we should never take for granted how blessed we are.

The shared values, beliefs, norms, behaviours, expectations and traditions unique to Woodlawn influence the strength of our vibrant culture. We ask that you continue to support the tenets of the Student Education Plan, which is the foundation of our restorative framework. Faith, Integrity, Relationships and Empathy underpin this seminal document. These are discussed at assemblies, meetings and with students who may need redirecting or affirming. We hope to build on the opportunities to engage families further in the coming term. The School Community Forum meeting was well attended, we have over 100 parents and Year 7 students attending the inaugural Base Class Trivia Night, and we look forward to seeing many more parents at the end-of-year Christmas celebration (more information below in the School Community Forum News). Please look to engage with the community as together we chart the course of your child’s development.

Families and friends are invited to attend the All Souls Mass on 1 November 2025. The Mass will be held in the College Chapel at 10am. We welcome home Father Gerry Hall, a former Woodlawn student, to celebrate this Holy Day of Obligation with us.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may you continue to renew relationships and look with Hope to the future. We have a lot to be hopeful and grateful for.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Pastoral Care News

Welcome back to Term 4. It has been a great joy to welcome our students back after a holiday that has breathed life into some weary minds following the heavy workload of Term 3. I am looking forward to the opportunities for community that present themselves this term.

At the opening assembly of the term, I had a brief opportunity to commend our Social Justice Committee on their stellar work in raising awareness and funds for our designated charities over the course of the year. It was pleasing to have two of our Year 11 students talk about the project that the Socktober campaign is supporting through Catholic Mission Australia this year. 

I was pleased to make a connection to Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Dilexit Te’, which invites the church to go back to Christ’s call to go out to the poor and marginalised in the service of humankind. I am always buoyed by the many ways our young people engage in outreach to support those in need in our world…the future is in good hands with our young people.

Uniform

At the College Assembly on the first day of term, I also reminded all students that the old uniform is no longer to be worn. As previously communicated, this extended transition has been challenging due to initial issues with COVID-19 and the 2022 flood, but we are finally in a position to discard the old items. Importantly, if your family faces significant challenges in acquiring the new uniform, please contact me, and we will work with you and your children to find a solution. Importantly, if you see the old uniform items for sale online, avoid purchasing them as they will not be allowed to be worn at the College.

Interhouse Touch Footy

On Wednesday, 23 October, the first round of our new Interhouse Touch Footy Competition was played. It was so pleasing to see the level of engagement from students and staff. Even better was the passionate competitiveness displayed in a really joyful and respectful fashion. 

Congratulations to our SRC, and particularly our House Captains, for their effort in giving our students this opportunity to be active and healthy, whilst keeping our House Spirit alive. This group has begun their tenure of leadership with admirable energy. We look forward to sharing the results of the games as the competition goes deep into the term.

Vaping Education

Later in Term 4, our Year 8 cohort has the opportunity to participate in the Our Futures Vaping Education Program. This program was developed by researchers at the University of Sydney and has now attracted Federal Government funding to aid in its implementation in Australian schools for the next four years.

In our regional setting, we are fortunate to have leading programs facilitated by our staff to develop the holistic health and wellbeing of our young people. I will be sharing further information about this program in our next newsletter, but if parents would like to know more sooner, head to the Our Futures website. I am happy to answer any questions that may arise.

Social Media Changes - December 10

On 10 December, the ‘Social Media Ban’ will come into effect for seven of the most popular platforms that our young people utilise. Whilst we don’t deal directly with social media for our students, we recognise the significant change that this may present to many of them. We hope to support students and families through this period of change by providing relevant information to help ‘soften the blow’ when the changes occur.

Last term, we were fortunate to have Kirra Prendergast present to parents and staff. As an expert in social media, she presented a refreshing view on how we can prepare young people for the changes they will see. In a nutshell, her advice was to get ahead of the wave and prepare our young people for life after the ban.

This week, we addressed Year 8 to discuss what will be in store once the ban is in place. Over the coming weeks, we will speak with Years 7, 9 & 10 students to ensure that those under the age of 16 receive information that may help them when the ban commences.

I invite parents to utilise the following resources provided to us by the Pastoral Care team at the DLCS and the e-safety Commissioner to understand and prepare for the ban:

Attendance

Please be reminded that all students are expected to attend school every day. We understand that ‘things’ happen in families and that there will be days that need to be missed. I ask that all parents and carers familiarise themselves with the Compass attendance module and know how to submit an attendance note. We are hoping to reduce the amount of unexplained leave for students (i.e. no note submitted) this term. If you are unsure how to submit notes or need any assistance with Compass, please contact me so I can help.

As always, if there is anything I can do to support you or your family in any way, don’t hesitate to contact me at nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6626 2607.

Warm regards,

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

Sports at Woodlawn

Sponsorship Opportunity with St John’s College, Woodlawn Sport

Opportunities are available to become a valued sponsor of the St John’s College, Woodlawn Sport Program. By supporting our community, your organisation will directly align with and champion our core College values: faith, integrity, respect, and empathy.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

We are offering your business to partner directly with a specific College sporting team or program. This focused sponsorship will give your brand high visibility within a dedicated community of students, staff and parents.

We have the following team and program sponsorships available:

• Marist Basketball Team
• Marist Netball Team
• Marist Cricket Team
• Elite Sports Program (Year 9)
• Other specific sporting team options are also available upon request.

In appreciation of your support, we are pleased to offer the following promotional benefits:

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please do not hesitate to contact the College Sports Coordinator, Mr Simon Andrews (02 6626 2639), email: simon.andrews@lism.catholic.edu.au

We would be happy to meet with you or provide further details, including how your contribution can be allocated.

St. John's College, Woodlawn reserves the right to withdraw from or discontinue any current or future partnership, without penalty, should the sponsor's practices, communications, or public output be deemed inconsistent with the core values or ethical standards of our organisation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for supporting youth sports within our local community.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

Study Smart This Term: Use Library Tools to Boost Your Exam Prep

As Term 4 progresses, examination periods are fast approaching for Years 7-10. The Library’s LibGuides offer a fantastic way for students to revise, revisit missed content, and strengthen their understanding across a range of subjects. These guides include targeted revision materials, activities, and helpful links designed to support learning. Printed study planners are also available at the Library to help students organise their revision schedule effectively.

Students are encouraged to make use of AI study tools such as Notebook LM, which is a research and note-taking tool that can turn uploaded content into summaries, quizzes, instant study guides, or even engaging podcasts. Drop by the Library to find out more about how to use this tool to make exam preparation more interactive and efficient. 

Our Read for 10 program has returned this term, giving students time to enjoy reading a book of their choice every day after lunch. Research shows that 10 minutes of reading a day isn’t quite enough. Try to build in an extra 10 minutes at home to boost comprehension, vocabulary, and overall wellbeing.

The Library is here to support students through this busy period. Encourage your child to explore the guides, collect a planner, and make the most of the resources available.

Looking forward to another exciting term ahead.

The Library Team.

Message from the Assistant Principal-Mission

Welcome to our final term of the year. In days gone by, this was a less busy, more relaxed time. This is certainly not the case anymore. Whilst our classrooms will continue to be places of active learning, there are many events and activities on offer for our young people, and we will celebrate and acknowledge students and year groups. It is important that our young people maintain their high levels of attendance and engagement right up until the end of week 10. 

Saint Peter To Rot

On Sunday, 19 October, Pope Leo canonised 7 new saints, including Saint Peter To Rot, the first Pope from Papua New Guinea.

Peter To Rot, a lay catechist in Papua New Guinea, was martyred during the Japanese occupation in World War II. When the Catholic priest in his village was taken to a Japanese labour camp, the priest left To Rot in charge of catechising the village and told him before he was taken: “Help them, so that they don’t forget about God.” Despite Japanese oppression, To Rot worked in secret to keep the faith. He was a great defender of Christian marriage, working to defy Japanese law, which allowed men to take a second wife.  Toward the end of the war, the rules against religious freedom became even stricter, with any kind of prayer being forbidden. To Rot was arrested and sent to a manual labour camp in 1944 for his continual disobedience. In 1945, he was killed by lethal injection and is considered a martyr for the Catholic faith. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Jan. 17, 1995.  (Catholic News Agency)

The timing of Saint Peter To Rot's canonisation during this Jubilee Year of Hope is especially meaningful. His story shows us that hope isn't just about staying positive when things are going well—it's about holding onto what matters most even when life gets really hard. When he was told to help his village "not forget about God," he kept bringing people together for prayer even when it was dangerous, and stood up for what he believed was right despite enormous pressure. That kind of courage and commitment is what this Jubilee Year is all about. As a school community, we can look to his example and ask ourselves: How do we support each other during tough times? How do we help our families stay connected to what's truly important? Saint Peter To Rot reminds us that being a source of hope for others—whether through our words, our actions, or simply showing up for our community—can make all the difference.

Crazy Sock Day - Socktober

Today was our Crazy Sock Day, part of our fundraising campaign for Catholic Mission. Socktober is a way to bring communities together and make a real impact on global issues. By participating, we are not only helping those in need but also fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It's a chance to engage in meaningful activities and learn about important causes. This year, we are raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. Thank you to those members of our community who donated a gold coin to support our global community in Zambia. It is important to remember that as Catholics, we are called to help those in need. Two of our Catholic Social Teachings are particularly relevant when donating to Catholic Mission. We are reminded of the need to emphasise the Common Good, where we work together to better the wellbeing of all people in our community and the wider world. We also need to uphold the Human Dignity of all people; God made each person, so every life is important and should be protected. 

Thank you to our St Vincent de Paul team for their work in organising today.

Wishing you and your family all the best, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to make contact: fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6626 2627.

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Welcome to Term 4, 2025

Embracing Excellence and Opportunity

As we begin the final term of 2025, we're delighted to welcome back all our families and students. This term represents both a culmination of the year's efforts and a springboard for success in 2026. We encourage each student to identify one focused academic goal this term, an achievement that will strengthen their foundation for the year ahead. Our teaching team stands ready to partner with you in making this goal a reality.

A reminder that to support your child's learning, our Monday afternoon Homework Hub continues in the library from 3:30-4:30 pm. Students from all year levels are welcome; no registration is required. Simply come along and access the additional support available. 

Celebrating Term 3 Academic Excellence

Our term began with a wonderful celebration of achievement at our opening assembly, where we recognised outstanding academic work from Term 3. The Eagle Award, established in 2021, honours exceptional academic achievement across all subjects at the College. Each term, teachers nominate students who have produced work that truly exemplifies academic excellence, one nominee from our junior years (Stage 4-5) and one from our senior years (Stage 6).

We congratulate our Term 3 Eagle Award nominees: Mckenzie Newton (Year 10), Siena Hardie (Year 7), Alannah Davis (Year 10), Benjamin Ryall (Year 7), Chelsea Coram (Year 10), and Sophie Frost (Year 11). Each student received a certificate recognising their exceptional work.

Our Term 3 Eagle Award winners demonstrated truly outstanding achievement. Chathurya Wijesinghe (Year 9) received the award for Catholic Studies, producing an exemplary guide to the sacrament of Reconciliation. Her comprehensive booklet and written component earned a perfect 20/20 score, reflecting remarkable dedication to her studies. Bailey Anderson (Year 11) earned the Chemistry award for his exceptional Depth Study on copper cascade reactions. His work on optimisation processes and industrial applications far exceeded expectations, demonstrating university-level analytical writing and research skills. Both winners received certificates and $125 cash prizes, generously sponsored by our College Parent Forum.

Australian History and Geography Competitions

We also celebrated success in the Australian Geography and History Competitions, national contests that challenge students to demonstrate advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills. These rigorous assessments require students to apply geographical and historical principles to real-world scenarios, competing against peers nationwide.

Congratulations to Kiara O'Brien, who received a Distinction in the Australian History Competition, and to our Australian Geography Competition achievers: Omar Nekrasov, Marley Jones, Edward Schaffer-Thompson, Halo Banfield, Benjamin Ryall, Sophie Maher, Harry Hosking, Trixie Gillett, and Cooper Freys, who all earned Distinctions. Special recognition goes to Kieren Weekes, who achieved a High Distinction. We're proud of all students who participated in these prestigious competitions.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Credit in the Australian Geography Competition:

Harper Richardson, Sophia Wittemeier, Zac Cohen, Memphis Grossman, Benjamin Deacon, Cooper Ellis, Yoshi Gove and Bailey Thomson.

Well done also to the students who received a Merit or Credit in the Australian History Competition:

Adrian Brickhill, Matilda Gall, Aaliyah Garang-Hall, Lincoln Roberts, Peyton Thompson, Carmen Garcia, Scarlett Hajjar, Xavier Kay, Ellie McKay and Lila Pedley.

Year 12 HSC Excellence

Our Year 12 students have launched into their HSC Examinations with remarkable commitment and focus. We are inspired by their dedication and resilience. A gentle reminder to all students: please arrive with time to spare before each examination so attendance procedures can proceed smoothly. In the event of illness or misadventure affecting exam participation, contact Mrs Sally Ryall immediately. Mrs Ryall can assist in completing the official NESA documentation, supported by relevant third-party evidence (such as medical certificates), which must be submitted through the appropriate channels.

Year 11 Rising to the Challenge

Congratulations to our Year 11 students who have successfully completed their preliminary year and are now stepping into their HSC journey. Following the recent distribution of academic reports, our teachers have held meaningful conversations with students about their progress and future subject pathways. We remain flexible regarding subject changes through Week 3, as long as they meet NESA requirements and are available at the College within class size and staffing constraints; beyond this point, students should connect with Mrs Ryall for personalised academic guidance.

Today, the Year 11 Prize Giving Ceremony was a highlight, celebrating outstanding achievement across all Key Learning Areas throughout the Year 11 course. This milestone event marked both an ending and an exciting beginning as students commenced their Year 12 coursework. With full access to available marks in Year 12, students are well-positioned to approach this crucial year with clarity and purpose. This includes a renewed focus on application in class and at home in order to provide the best opportunity for success in their final year of high school. We strongly encourage families to maintain regular contact with teachers throughout Year 12, fostering a collaborative partnership that supports your child's success in this important final year.

Year 10 Formal Assessment Week

Year 10 students will undertake their formal assessment period during Week 4 (Monday 3 November - Friday 7 November). Core subject examinations will be held in the College Hall, offering valuable exposure to formal examination protocols, which is excellent preparation for senior years. Elective assessments will occur during scheduled class times under teacher supervision. Students attend their usual classes when not sitting assessments. Mrs Ryall will distribute the detailed examination schedule shortly.

Year 7 Interview Success

Thank you to the many families who participated in our Year 7 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews this week. These three-way conversations are invaluable as they allow us to celebrate achievements together and establish clear goals for continued growth. With Week 6 assessments approaching, these discussions were particularly timely. As always, please contact your child's teachers at any point for ongoing feedback and support as your student prepares for the transition to Year 8 in 2026.

Years 7-10 PAT Testing

For students in Years 7-10, the ongoing PAT testing in Weeks 1-3, serves as a crucial tool for data-informed teaching and learning. These assessments occur in the Science, Reading and Maths domains and track learning growth, and assist in identifying learning needs for high-potential learners and targeted intervention. If families have questions around PAT testing, please contact Nicole Hetherington. 

Years 7-9 Assessment Showcase

Students in Years 7-9 will demonstrate their learning through end-of-year assessments during Week 6 (Tuesday 18 November - Friday 21 November). These assessments provide an important opportunity for students to reflect on their progress and understanding. Detailed schedules will be distributed to families soon, allowing adequate preparation time. We encourage students to consult with their classroom teachers for subject-specific preparation strategies.

Investing in Excellence Staff Development Day

Please note that Monday, 17 November (Week 6) is designated as a Staff Development Day, and students will not be required to attend school. Our teaching staff will dedicate this day to collaborative professional learning focused on the comprehensive NSW curriculum reforms. These significant changes bring exciting possibilities for enriched teaching and learning experiences across all year levels. We appreciate your support in enabling our staff to engage in this vital professional growth.

We look forward to a productive and rewarding term ahead.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Vocational Pathways

*New Roles Available*

Are you getting ready to take the first steps in your career?

Applications are open for the Diocese of Lismore 2026 Traineeships and Apprenticeships. Commencing late 2025 to January 2026, these full-time positions are the perfect way to gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and set yourself up for a rewarding future.

Available positions:

Applications are now open, and students can apply by emailing their resume and preferred location/area of interest to hr@lismore.catholic.org.au.

Community Notices

Year Group News

Year 10 Movement Composition Performances a Huge Success

The Performing Arts Centre came alive on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, as our Year 10 students took to the stage for the highly anticipated Movement Composition Performances. And what an unforgettable day it was.

After weeks of planning, rehearsals, and creative collaboration, students delivered an afternoon of entertainment that was bursting with colour, energy, and imagination. Each group brought their unique vision to life through original movement routines that reflected a fantastic range of themes.

The level of creativity, teamwork, and performance skill on display was nothing short of outstanding. With dynamic choreography, bold costumes, clever use of props, and strong storytelling, each performance transformed the stage and captivated the audience of peers and staff.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our Year 10 students for their incredible commitment throughout this process. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones made this event the phenomenal success it was. The time and effort you put into rehearsals truly paid off, and your performances were a credit to your creativity and character. A special thanks also goes to the PDHPE staff and everyone who supported the event behind the scenes.

Year 10 Financial Literacy Presentation

On Monday, 8 September, our Year 10 students had the privilege of welcoming back Jack Oates, a former student and now real estate agent, for a highly engaging financial literacy session.

Jack's journey from being a student of the College to an industry professional gave him a unique perspective to share with our students.

During the session, Jack provided practical insights and strategies to help students develop their financial literacy, including:

• Creating and managing a realistic budget
• Recognising and avoiding harmful consumer debt
• Planning and saving for major purchases
• The concept of ‘paying yourself first’
• How students can take the first steps towards investing in appreciating assets. 

The session also highlighted a significant reality for young people today: according to the 2024 Mission Australia Youth Survey, 56% of Australians aged 15–19 identified the cost of living as their greatest national concern. Students were able to connect this research to Jack’s practical advice, seeing firsthand how financial literacy skills can help them plan confidently for the future.

We thank Jack for generously volunteering his time and giving back to his Woodlawn community.

Shining a Light on Sun Safety: Edie, Allie & Eva Lead the Way

On Friday, 12 September, three of our Year 10 students – Edie Stewart, Allie Robinson, and Eva Bleakley attended the SunSafe Student Ambassador Program at Xavier Catholic College. This was a one-day workshop run by Melanoma Institute Australia in partnership with Cancer Council NSW. As newly appointed SunSafe Ambassadors, they received expert training on melanoma prevention, public speaking, and the dangers of tanning culture. They will now lead sun safety initiatives at our school by delivering an engaging presentation to their peers in an upcoming College assembly. We are proud of Edie, Allie, and Eva for stepping up as leaders in promoting lifelong sun safe habits.

Spring Fling 

On Friday, 12 September, the College Hall came alive for our annual Spring Fling, and what a night it was. Led by the Year 10 Social Justice Committee, students, parents, and staff came together for an evening filled with music, dancing, trivia, and laughter, with DJ Static and the incredible Year 10 Band setting the perfect tone for the night.

The theme was Masquerade, and the creativity on display was outstanding, with Mikayla Huet taking home the prize for Best Mask.

The room was filled with a warm sense of community and fun, as guests shared delicious plates of food together. Thanks to everyone who attended for your generosity, we raised valuable funds in support of LaValla school in Cambodia, helping provide education and opportunities for students with disabilities, living our mission through service and care.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the night’s success. Special thanks to Ms Green, Ms Blunn, and Ms Wotherspoon, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to life.

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Year 11 Leadership Conference: Learning from Lived Experience

Our 2026 Student Leaders recently participated in a transformative leadership conference at the Sydney Jewish Museum, delivered in collaboration with 'Stand up', a Jewish social justice organisation. The day's central theme, "Love thy neighbour," challenged students to explore leadership through the lens of respect, acceptance, and moral courage.

Powerful Testimonials Shape Understanding

The conference featured three remarkable speakers who shared their lived experiences of adversity, resilience, and the fight for justice:

Abang, a South Sudanese refugee, recounted surviving two civil wars from the age of five, escaping across six regions while battling malaria and loss. Her story of maintaining hope through a simple "colourful bucket" (buckets of hope) – a symbol that helped preserve memories and emotions during unimaginable hardship. Her story demonstrated the power of resilience in leadership as she navigated a new world to learn English and transition into the world of modelling, ultimately becoming a teacher herself.

Ernie, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor from Vienna, shared his journey from a six-year-old boy forced to flee Nazi-occupied Austria to becoming a champion of harmony and anti-racism in Australia. His experiences of forced marches, ghettos, and the loss of family members, coupled with one German soldier's act of mercy that saved his and his mother's lives, illustrated how individual actions can make profound differences. Now, the founder of several Harmony Day initiatives and the "Stop Racism Now" campaign, Ernie, exemplifies how trauma can be transformed into positive action.

Aunty Trish, a First Nations elder from Gurang Gurang land, provided a confronting perspective on Australia's treatment of Aboriginal people. Her experiences on missions – from having her nails checked daily with violent punishment, to being forced to march everywhere, to watching propaganda films that made her question her own identity revealed the ongoing impact of systemic racism. Her admiration for international figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr, in the absence of recognised Indigenous role models, highlighted the importance of representation in leadership and the continued fight for acceptance and reconciliation.

Following these powerful testimonials, Dr Kip Green guided students through a workshop examining "ethics during the Holocaust." This session challenged students to grapple with complex moral questions and consider how historical lessons about ethical decision-making apply to contemporary leadership challenges.

The day concluded with a visit to the Sydney Opera House, where students witnessed "Anne Being Frank," a compelling one-person performance about Anne Frank's life. This theatrical experience provided another lens through which students could understand the human impact of historical events and the importance of bearing witness to truth.

Student Reflections:

Tom McPhee, our 2026 Vice School Captain, reflected on the experience: "For me, the ethical leadership day was a really eye-opening experience. I found it particularly powerful how ethics, or a lack of them, from the holocaust period can give us direction in our leadership today. It was interesting to hear the perspectives of students from other schools on leadership and what it meant to them. I took a lot away from the day and the dynamic nature of leadership demonstrated will definitely benefit me in my own leadership journey."

Jack McLean, our 2026 College Captain, shared his perspective: "Attending the Year 11 Leadership Conference was a powerful and humbling experience that deepened my understanding of leadership, resilience, and the importance of listening to stories that challenge our comfort zones. The day focused on survivor testimonies from the Holocaust, civil wars in Sudan and the lived experience of a First Nations Elder. Each story was a reminder that leadership is not only about guiding others, it is also about listening, learning, and standing up for justice in the face of suffering."

Evie Butler, our 2026 College Captain, added: "The leadership conference at the Sydney Jewish Museum was really impactful. Hearing testimonies from individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences revealed to me the importance of resilience, compassion, and standing up for what's right. The focus on ethical leadership made me think about how my choices can shape our school culture. Going into 2026, I want to lead with empathy, fairness, and integrity to make a positive difference in our community."

Kate Wolton, our 2026 College Vice Captain, reflected: "The ethical leadership conference and trip to Sydney were an incredibly rewarding experience. The three amazing testimonies we heard taught us the power of leadership and the importance of innovation in finding solutions to struggles. Their stories emphasised the importance of resilience and perseverance, two of the many qualities that leaders strive to embody. Talking amongst the other student leaders and how they view leadership was very interesting. We discussed ways to employ different leadership styles within our schools and how we can make a positive difference. The 2026 Leadership Team aims to encompass these ethical leadership styles to positively contribute to Woodlawn's inclusive and diverse community. Our goal is to ensure all voices are heard and valued. Not only did we learn about ethical leadership, but the 2026 Leadership Team also had the opportunity to grow closer and learn more about each other throughout the whole trip. We tested our teamwork and leadership skills during a scavenger hunt throughout the city that Miss Green and Mr Bailey created. The whole trip was an excellent experience that was truly eye-opening."

Ava Allan, our 2026 SRC President, shared: "Attending the Ethical Leadership Conference held by the Sydney Jewish Museum was an incredible opportunity for us to learn about a number of leadership styles. We heard from three amazing speakers: a Sudanese refugee, a Holocaust survivor, and a First Nations Elder, who spoke about the challenges they have had to overcome throughout their lives and what they have learned from their experiences. The resilience, courage and forgiveness their stories convey demonstrate the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, regardless of race or background. What we've learned at this conference aligns with our future goals for 2026 in creating a school environment where every individual is involved with all aspects of College life, engaging with what Woodlawn has to offer."

Chloe Ryall, our 2026 College Ministry Captain, provided further insight: "Over the three days we spent in Sydney, I was introduced to the importance of ethical leadership and how self-leadership is just as useful in achieving intentions. These three individuals work with an organisation called 'Love Thy Neighbour', which aims to reduce discrimination and promote knowledge. As Abang said, discrimination often occurs when there is a lack of education, and all three aim to increase awareness of the challenges being faced worldwide. As a leadership team, we also grew closer together, and I can confidently say that we are ready to bring these mindsets back to the College and work to make our environment an even better place."

Our students were excellent representatives of the College. This conference reinforced that authentic leadership emerges not from privilege or comfort, but from the courage to stand up for others, to learn from difficult histories, and to transform personal struggles into collective strength. Our 2026 Student Leaders returned with a deeper understanding of their responsibility to create inclusive communities and to lead with both compassion and moral conviction.

Inside the Classroom

Byron Writers Festival

This term has been a very busy one for the English Faculty. Our Year 12 English Advanced students and High Potential Learners attended the Byron Writers Festival, where they listened to engaging stories from acclaimed authors about their inspirations and writing processes. Among the featured speakers were Michael Robotham, Markus Zusak, Anita Heiss, Isobelle Carmody, Sarah Armstrong, Santilla Chingaipe, Maxine Beneba Clarke, and Corey Tutt. Students were fortunate to experience these sessions, as the weekend program was unfortunately cancelled due to poor weather. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professional writers, and we hope it has inspired our students to refine their own writing.

Debating

Debating was revived at the College this term with a regional competition held at St Mary’s, Casino. We were delighted to enter teams from Years 7, 8, and 10. Unfortunately, our Year 9 team was unable to attend as they were away on camp, and a Year 11 team missed out due to exams. It was a successful day all round, with both the Year 7 and Year 8 teams winning two out of their three debates, while the Year 10 team achieved an outstanding result, winning all three of their debates. The group comprised a mix of both novice and experienced debaters and included: 

Year 7 - India O'Dea,  Lucy Glendinning, Quinn Parrey-Harrington, Lucy Everingham

Year 8 - Bridget Farrelly-Wight, Cleo Wynd, Dilansa Welikadage, Charlotte Burns, Leila Bailey, Lara Regan 

Year 10 - Edie Stewart, Ivy Roberts, Kiara O'Brien, Lila Pedley 

It was wonderful to see students engaging in spirited debate once again, and we look forward to building on this momentum in future competitions.

English Extension 2 Major Works

Our English Extension 2 students are to be congratulated on successfully completing the course shortly after the Trial Examinations. After three terms of dedicated research, drafting, and refinement, Olive Davidson, Tobhiyah Louis, and Matilda Price each produced an engaging and original work of short fiction. Their achievements reflect not only creativity and skill, but also persistence and commitment to the writing process.

Year 8 Book Expo

We finished the term with a bang at the annual Year 8 Book Expo last week. Students embraced the use of technology to create unique and engaging displays, showcasing both innovation and creativity in their approaches to storytelling. The success of this event highlighted our students’ enthusiasm for learning and their ability to integrate modern technology with traditional literacy skills. We extend our thanks to Amanda Starr, Catriona Ertz, and Alyssa Dwyer for the invaluable support they provided, which ensured every student had the opportunity to flourish. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Best Overall Display - Bridget Farrelly-Wight

People’s Choice Award - Dilansa Welikadage

Excellent Displays - Tyler McLennan, Sophie Newton, Zylie Danilczak, Quinn Begley, Charlotte Burns

Commendable Displays - Cleo Wynd, Emmett Murphy, Charlie Anderson, Lincoln Cormack, Matilda (Tilly) Gall

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Year 10 History - Dusted Off - Week 1 Performance

The Year 10 History performance of Dusted Off, which was to occur earlier this term, will now take place on Thursday, Week 1 of Term 4. This performance, by Brett Hunt, who has personal ties to the Vietnam War, is an important event on the HSIE Faculty calendar every year.

A reminder to Year 10 parents to please consent and pay for the Compass event if you have not already. 

In preparation, students may wish to listen to Redgum’s “I was only 19”.

In Year 10 Child Studies, students are undertaking an assessment task focused on child growth and development. The task required them to design and create a game for a child aged 0 to 5 years. The game must have a specific focus, such as teamwork or fairness, and students needed to provide a description of the game, its rules, and a justification for its appropriateness for the chosen age group.. The game and its components were constructed to a high standard and the students should be extremely proud of their efforts. 

In the second part of the task, students played and reviewed their peers' games and provided feedback. Students completed a peer marking sheet to provide feedback, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and assessing if the game was age-appropriate and had a clear focus. This collaborative process allows students to learn from each other's work while having fun and developing a deeper understanding of child development.

Year 7 Technology Materials

The Materials Technology students in Mrs Wright and Mrs Follett’s classes marked the end of a successful term by completing their timber and textiles projects. Using the design process, students developed their ideas and then applied practical skills to bring them to life. Mrs Follett’s textiles class crafted denim aprons and drawstring bags, with the aprons demonstrating a variety of impressive skills and a great finish. Meanwhile, Mrs Wright’s timber class created serving trays featuring intricate laser-etched designs, incorporating several joinery techniques to complete their pieces. In Term 4, the classes will swap spaces, so keep an eye out for more amazing projects.

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Stage 5 Food Technology

This term, Years 9 and 10 Food Technology students took on the challenge of creating their own market-style snacks. Working with a budget of under $4 per serve, they had to design, cook, and package an original product that would stand out at a weekend market. From clever recipes to creative, sustainable packaging complete with labels and logos, students showed off their skills in both the kitchen and design. Well done to all the students for turning their ideas into such professional looking products.

Year 12 Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

Our HSC class had their Major Projects assessed by external markers on 3 September. For the final HSC assessment, students design, develop, and construct a significant timber product, accompanied by its management folio over a period from October last year to mid-August this year. 

Michael Bullpitt - Tool cabinet

Declan Daley - Stand up Bar

Elliott Farrell - Daybed

Ashlee Rugendyke - Pool Table

Year 11 Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

Those students who have completed their projects had the opportunity to showcase their creations in the Library this week, and they received a lot of positive comments from both staff and students. Congratulations everyone. Focus now turns to the design, research and planning stage for their HSC Major Projects.

Parent Information Hub

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

In the scriptures, we read in Hebrews 6:19 that "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." This week, we celebrated the final days with our whole Year 12 cohort. At the Graduation Mass, I aligned their transition to the outside world as being similar to boats leaving the safety of the harbour. Boats are designed to sail, not to remain perpetually at anchor. Our Year 12s have been fearfully and wonderfully made, equipped with gifts and talents that are meant to be deployed in service of others. Their education here was never intended as an end in itself, but as preparation for a life that is no longer anchored by the College.

We commissioned the Class of 2025, not merely as graduates, but as ambassadors of hope in a world that desperately needs what they have to offer. They are called to demonstrate that life has meaning, that challenges can be overcome, and that the future belongs to those who dare to believe. We could not have been prouder of their achievements or the way they behaved in the final days at school. We also celebrated the parents whose educational choice brought them through our college gates and gave us an opportunity to help them realise their potential. We thank Father Philip Borla for celebrating the Eucharist with us. His homily related to ensuring that the rich relationships that have been formed will continue throughout their lives and that the holy spirit will guide them on their journey. 

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We would also like to thank the St Carthage's Cathedral Parish members for providing us with a BBQ lunch at the conclusion of Year 12s celebratory day. This important connection with our Parish is gratefully appreciated.

Our Transfer of Leadership Ceremony in Week 7 was an opportunity to celebrate and thank our Year 12 leaders and introduce the new student leadership team to the College community. We were honoured to have so many parents and family members there to join us in affirming all of our leaders. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with the new SRC and begin planning for the year ahead. One of the new initiatives that they were unanimously in favour of was the changing of the Prize Giving for Year 11 to earlier in Term 4. This will now take place on October 24. This group promises to be action oriented and to continue building community through Home Groups and other programs. Providing students with the agency to articulate their opinions, have a greater sense of ownership and an active, authentic role in decision making is at the core of fostering connectivity, belonging and responsibility. 

Building more opportunities to promote partnerships with our families and parents is a key component of our School Improvement Plan and also in line with the data we have received around the Tell Them From Me surveys. There are a number of avenues to be involved and one of these is the Community Parent Forum. This group meets twice a term and is dedicated to learning about the College, processes and policies, decision making and building community connections. The Year 7 parent initiative has resulted in our planning of the trivia night. I have been meeting with mothers from the Base Classes and the trivia night promises to be a great time for these parents to get to know other families, students and staff. This is a new model of engagement and we are planning to have something for each year group if this proves to be well supported. Thanks to the many mums who volunteer at the canteen. This service to the community is much appreciated. Prize Givings, Liturgies, the Parent Assembly evening (related to social media), swimming carnival, fundraisers such as The Spring Fling and the Picnic Races (cancelled this year due to floods) are other opportunities to become involved. Parent teacher conferences and other meetings are also chances to participate and engage with the College.

Living our mission through service and care for the marginalised is central to our catholic community. A heartfelt thank you to those who supported the Dignity Walk for Justice. the Spring Fling and other fundraisers this term. Your generosity is much appreciated. At this stage, we are looking at raising enough money to provide food for La Valla school children for a year. If you missed the opportunity to donate, please drop by the College.

The Champion House Day at Dreamworld was reintroduced in 2024. Congratulations to Kennedy House on their successful year. The new SRC are working with me to design other avenues to gain house points - beyond the sporting. We look forward to sharing this proposal with you in the next newsletter.

We would like to thank the following staff for their dedication and commitment to our community as they explore new career opportunities. 

• Tanya Pearson has been an exceptional VET Coordinator and teacher of Science and Cafe Skills. We will miss her passion for education, her drive to ensure all students have the chance to pursue their dreams and her compassion and inclusivity. 
• Christina Hazell is also moving with her family to pursue their life options. We thank Christina for her dedication and care as one of our student counsellors. As a member of the Well Being Team, she will be missed for her relational and creative capacities. 
• Evan Magarrity and his family will be moving back to Queensland. We thank Evan for his commitment to pursuing excellence in Maths and his tutelage of our chess teams. 

Enjoy the sunshine and the holiday break.

We look forward to Term 4 with hope and renewed energy.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal