Week 2 Term 1 2024
From the Principal
Congratulations to our staff, students and families for making the beginning of the year such a smooth process. As I walk through the corridors it is evident that there is a focus on routines, an adherence to standards and a real buzz about learning. Thank you to our parents for ensuring their young person is equipped and ready for their Woodlawn education. I have enjoyed meeting our new students and hearing about their aspirations and hopes.
I would like to introduce the new staff for 2024. Their Woodlawn journey has also started with a flourish. These dedicated professionals have joined our community with a vocational commitment to ensure our students are valued, cared for and learning.
- Mr Graham Black - Teacher of Mathematics
- Mr Jack Blaine - Graduate teacher of PDHPE
- Mrs Bethani Cani - Teacher of English and Humanities
- Mr Josh Hodge - Teacher of Humanities
- Mrs Kara Parrish - Teacher of English and Humanities
- Mrs Marie Perry - Teacher of Science
- Mrs Jacqui Rojo - College Counsellor Mon/Tues
- Mr Scott Taylor - Leader of Learning Technologies and teacher of Mathematics and Science
- Mr Brock Smith - Graduate teacher of Mathematics and PDHPE
- Mr Michael Woerner - Teacher of Science
- Mrs Janine Hutchinson - Administration Assistant
On behalf of all members of our College community, I warmly welcome each of these new staff members to Woodlawn in their respective roles and know that they will each make a valued contribution to our College during their time with us.
I am also proud to announce our leadership teams for 2024. Please note the various responsibilities so you will know who to contact if you have any queries or questions.
COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Principal: Mrs Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching: Mr Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Mission: Mrs Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Pastoral Care: Mrs Karen Davies
Leader of Curriculum: Mrs Sally Ryall
Leader of Pedagogy: Mrs Nicole Hetherington
Leader of Administration: Mr Brad Ryall
College Manager: Mrs Debbie Melino
LEADERS OF LEARNING
Catechesis: Mrs Grace McGirr
Creative Arts: Mrs Sharon Thompson
English: Mrs Claire Ritchie, Mr Bernie Maginnity (Assistant)
HSIE: Ms Stefanie Darke, Mrs Eleni Challinor (Assistant)
ICT: Mr Scott Taylor
Mathematics: Mr Peter O’Toole, Mr Matt Irvin (Assistant)
PDHPE: Ms Jane Farrugia
Science: Dr Toni Pacey
Sport: Mr Simon Andrews
TAS: Mr David Maslen
VET: Mrs Tanya Pearson
LEADERS OF STUDENT WELLBEING
Year 7: Mr Luke Collings, Mrs Michelle Wright (Assistant)
Year 8: Ms Justine Kennedy
Year 9: Mr Luke Flynn
Year 10: Ms Annabelle Green
Year 11: Mr Joel Saye
Year 12: Mrs Stevie Colman
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Counsellors: Mrs Christina Hazell, Ms Susan Doughty and Mrs Jacqui Jojo
Inclusion Coordinator: Ms Jessica Shultz
Indigenous Education Worker: Mr Len Moran
Library and Learning Resources: Ms Catherine Graham-Smith
Literacy: Ms Suzanne Arnold
Numeracy: Mrs Natalie Harris
Vocational Education: Mrs Tanya Pearson
Vocational Pathways: Mr Bernie Maginnity
HOUSE PATRONS
Bell House: Mr Peter O’Toole and Mrs Sally Ryall
Carroll House: Mr Luke Flynn and Ms Erin Parrey
Kennedy House: Mr Bryn Base and Ms Stefanie Darke
Segrief House: Mr Jesse Hayden and Ms Amy McDowell
Community Consultation:
- It is an important feature of the College that communication is transparent and that parents and students can advocate for each other and also have a voice. The key platform for parents to be involved in College life is currently operational as the P & F (Parents & Friends Association). The first meeting was held on Monday night. There was an attendance of 38 people keen to hear about the College and see how they can be involved in College life. This meeting was also the opportunity for parents to learn about the two proposed models of parent engagement that are aligning with Diocesan policy and governance. We are keen for all parents to take the time to read the attached information and to vote for the model which they think best suits our context. The first attachment is an overview of the two options. The other attachments are the detailed explanations and presentation by Juanita Thompson the CSO Family Partnerships Representative. You have also been sent a voting form to indicate your preference for the future of this important parent body.
Please join us for the next meeting on March 11.
- This week we also met with the Year 12 parents and students in preparation for the annual Formal celebrations. We thank them for their input and there was a clear discussion around the formal returning to a licensed venue. We are looking forward to supporting the Lismore Workers Club as it recovers. Issues related to governance, access to staff and risk were also at the forefront of this decision. I also met with our Year 12 students to explain the decision making process.
Parents and students were then given the option to choose between two dates. The subsequent vote clearly indicated a preference for Thursday 14 November. With further discernment this is the date.
The event will begin with our tradition of arriving at the College and walking the red carpet in front of families and friends. This will be followed by the social part of the evening at the newly refurbished club.
Celebrating success: Thanks to our Year 12 students who returned this week following their HSC journey. We were so proud of their achievements and wish them well in their future endeavours.
This story will be shared by Mr Bailey.
Around the Grounds:
- Our major building works relating to the roof and flood repair damage are coming to a close. We are so grateful for Kirk Elliot and his team who have been managing the workers from a range of very professional companies. The pool has had a full refurbishment and the Colin Centre will be up and running by the end of next week. Classes have moved into the upper floor of the main building and the grounds are looking immaculate.
- I have included photos of some of our amazing young people to remind us that we are all here to ensure they 'have life and live it to the full’ via their Woodlawn experience.
And FINALLY, our annual Inter-House Swimming Carnival will run in its traditional, twilight format on Friday afternoon/evening, 23 February! As this is a compulsory event for all students, there will be no afternoon buses running. As usual, our P&F will have significant involvement on the night, especially in terms of catering. While further information is included elsewhere in this Newsletter, I would like to point out that this event is not licensed and will be alcohol-free, which also includes BYO alcohol. Your full support in this regard is appreciated to ensure a safe and fun night for all in attendance.
Together we are the team that will support the growth and development of these precious young people.
Annette Reen
Principal 2024
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
As we begin our new school year, I would like to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm welcome to our new families. It has been lovely to see our students back, generally excited to be on campus, connecting with, and making, friends.
It has been particularly heartening to see how well our Year 7 students have integrated into our community. Whilst it has only been a week, they have been well supported by their Year Coordinator, Luke Collings, as well as all their teachers and other students. Whilst we know there were many nerves on the first day, I think a lot of these have been overcome and the students are settling well into their new routines.
The start of the school year is always a busy time. I know that Year Coordinators have sent home a list of key dates for this term, but I would like to draw your attention to some upcoming events in the Mission area.
Next week we are holding our Year 7 Parent Meet and Greet event. We look forward to our families joining us on Tuesday for a liturgy in the College Chapel at 6pm, followed by refreshments in the Dining Room. This is our first opportunity to welcome our new students and their families. Equally, it is an opportunity for families to meet their child’s Home Group teacher as well as classroom teachers - and the new friends their child has made.
Wednesday of next week is the beginning of the season of Lent in the Church calendar. Ash Wednesday, (February 14) marks the beginning of a time of preparation for Easter marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately, celebration. As a community, all year groups will participate in Ash Wednesday liturgies. Meat will not be served at the canteen on Ash Wednesday. On the day before, Shrove Tuesday, we will be following a long held tradition of eating pancakes, as Christians typically used up all their rich ingredients to make pancakes, in preparation for the fasting during Lent. Students have been able to pre-purchase their pancake orders this week, with the pancakes being supplied at lunchtime on Tuesday.
Our Opening School Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 21 at St Carthage’s Cathedral. We begin our school year, as always, coming together to celebrate as a community in our local parish. Following the Mass, and return to school, students will be involved in the first part of our swimming carnival during the afternoon session.
The Twilight Swimming Carnival is a highlight on our calendar. It is an event not to be missed! This year the carnival is on Friday, February 23 and runs from approximately 3.00 - 8.30pm. Students are encouraged to wear House colours, dress up in costume and participate in a number of events. We encourage participation from all our students - sure there are some of our students who are excellent swimmers and these students place themselves in the Championship events. For everyone else, the carnival is a chance to have fun and feel part of our fantastic community. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Feel free to come during the day if you are available or simply turn up after work. You can bring a picnic rug and chairs to make yourself comfortable as you watch the action unfold. We are so fortunate to have our own pool, with lights, that creates a special atmosphere and lasting memories. We hope to see you there.
I would like to thank you for your support of our change of practice in the canteen with regard to mobile phones. This has been appreciated. However, there are still many students who do not adhere to our expectation of keeping phones in their locker during the day. We know that phones are antisocial, are distracting in class and have the potential to be used inappropriately. We have reviewed our processes for students who continue to violate our expectations. From next week, if a student has their phone out of their locker, teachers will confiscate the phone, take it to Student Services, the student's name will be recorded, and the phone can be collected at the end of the day. This process can happen twice. The third time a student has their phone confiscated, a parent will need to come to the school to collect the phone. We would appreciate it if you could have a conversation with your child about this, as it is ultimately their choices that will result in this unfortunate situation occurring. Students who need to use their phone are to see their Year Coordinator or use the phone that is available in Student Services.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me on 66262627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal - Mission
From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Welcome back to school for Term One of the 2024 academic year!
I trust that everyone had a safe and enjoyable break. To our new students and families, as well as those returning, I extend a warm welcome and hope that 2024 will be a period of growth, new connections, and strengthened bonds within the College community. I urge all students to actively participate in the diverse co-curricular activities offered at Woodlawn, as they provide valuable opportunities for personal development and community engagement.
It is essential for students and families to play an active role in the life of the College. The College Calendar, accessible through the Newsletter, outlines upcoming events that students and parents should mark on their schedules. Various year-group functions and school-wide events offer opportunities for parents to engage with the school community, and I encourage attendance at these gatherings.
At our High Achievers Assembly on Tuesday, 6 February, we were honoured to welcome back some of our former students from the class of 2023 for a special Academic Assembly. This event celebrated the significant achievements of our 2023 cohort, including 21 High Achievers awards and the placement of one student on the HSC Top Achievers List. Congratulations to all students who achieved notable growth in their learning and the entire 2023 cohort!
A detailed summary of their accomplishments can be found here
PAT – Reading - In the first four weeks of term, Year 7 students will participate in Progressive Assessment Testing, or PAT. This is a test completed at the end of the year by all junior cohorts, Years 7-10 for Mathematics, Science and Reading. As Year 7 students are new to the College, in the next fortnight, students will be completing the Reading Adaptive test in their timetabled English lessons. This is a 45-minute online test that will assist teachers in gaining insight into your child’s reading and comprehension ability. While this is nothing to stress about, we do ask that students complete this to the best of their ability as we use this as an initial assessment of literacy skills to offer intervention before we have access to Year 7 NAPLAN data. Students do not require any additional equipment to complete this testing, however, they will need their school computer with sufficient charge.
If you have any questions regarding PAT, please do not hesitate to email Mrs Natalie Harris for further clarification. Information regarding NAPLAN will be in Week 4’s newsletter.
Assessment Calendars and Curriculum Handbooks
Assessment Calendars and Curriculum Handbooks detailing the Scope and Sequence of each subject, along with academic guidelines related to assessment and reporting, will be distributed to families this week. These resources are invaluable tools to help you understand the expectations and milestones of your child's academic journey.
Additionally, Curriculum Booklets and Assessment Outlines will be readily available on the Google Classroom Assessment Hubs and the College website. We encourage students to utilise these resources and seek guidance from their classroom teachers about specific requirements.
We believe that open communication and collaboration between home and school are vital for your child's success. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the College.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.
Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to 2024. I would particularly like to extend a warm welcome to the new families in our community.
We look forward to meeting you over your time at the College, beginning with our ‘Meet and Greet’ event for Year 7 families on Tuesday 13 February and our Twilight College Swimming Carnival on Friday 23 February. More details will be distributed soon.
We have begun the year at a frantic pace, and it is encouraging to see students engaging well with each other and their classroom endeavours. There will also be many opportunities for students to involve themselves in school activities. Information about these can be found in Newsletter items as well as daily information shared with students. Starting each school year in a positive manner will hopefully set students up for success. There are many ways that we can support them to do their best.
New Counsellor
I would like to welcome Jacqui Rojo to our Wellbeing team. Jacqui is a psychologist who has worked with other regional Catholic Schools. She will be joining Christina Hazell and Susan Doughty. Our Counselling team work across the week in the following rotation:-
Christina Hazell working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Susan Doughty working Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Jacqui Rojo working Monday and Tuesday.
Students who wish to contact the counsellors can do so via email:
christina.hazell@lism.catholic.edu.au
susan.doughty@lism.catholic.edu.au
jacqui.rojo@lism.catholic.edu.au
Students can call into the Counsellor’s office (located on Level 2 in the main building) to schedule a meeting or it can be arranged via their Year Coordinator. This is an invaluable support of our young people who can have challenging times at school, with friends or at home.
World Safer Internet Day
This years Safer Internet Day took place on Tuesday, 6 February.
Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important. The theme for this year is: Connect. Reflect. Protect.
Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways. Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may
affect others. Protect ourselves and others by taking action – by telling family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and how we can help. By doing these simple things, we can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day.
Returning to School Road Safety
It is timely to remind our young people to take care when travelling between home and school to keep themselves safe.
Here are some tips:
1. Be alert and aware by travelling distraction-free. Ask your child to take off their headphones when walking, exiting or entering the bus and crossing the road.
2. Choose a safe place to cross. The fastest way, may not be the safest way. Walk the extra distance to use a pedestrian crossing or traffic island.
3. Keep safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.
4. Keep safe getting on and off the bus. Stand back from the edge of the road when waiting for the bus. Wait until the bus has gone, before you cross the road.
5. Bus Stops/ Bus Interchange Areas. Promote safe behaviour while waiting for the bus.
6. Student driver reminder. If your Year 12 student will be driving to and from school, remind them that they are required to adhere to all road rules and drive in a safe and responsible manner.
Inexperienced drivers commonly underestimate the risks associated with particular driving behaviours or situations and overestimate their capacity to deal with them. Have a caring conversation about road speeds on the route that they travel, where they will park and the importance of wearing a seatbelt. According to recent research, one in five teens has been found to consistently not wear a seat belt.
Restricted licence holders including Learner, P1 and P2 drivers are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This includes the use of hands-free and bluetooth functions. Ask them to keep their phone in their bag or glovebox.
You may choose to watch with them Understanding Casual Speeding Every K Counts.
Source: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au
If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 6626 2627 or via email.
Karen Davies
Leader of Pastoral Care
From Leader of Evangelisation
Ash Wednesday
St John’s College will be celebrating Ash Wednesday on February 14. Throughout the day, students will visit the Chapel for a Liturgy to prepare themselves for Lent.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which is a time of penance and preparation for Easter, and is associated with the colour purple. The liturgy includes the blessing of ashes by Fr Bing, which are then used to make the sign of the cross on a person’s forehead. The Ashes are made from the burning of leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday (the first week of Easter when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem before his crucifixion). This ritual signifies being sorry for sins.
Lent
What is Lent?
Lent is one of the seasons of the Church. It is 40 days long and is the six-week period that leads up to Easter which begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a preparation for commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. It is a time for fasting, giving something up, or deliberately doing something positive. Just as we thoughtfully prepare for events in our individual lives, such as weddings or birthdays, participating in Lent invites us to prepare our minds and hearts for glorifying Jesus’ life, death, and bodily resurrection.
Ministry Music
In 2024, we will be starting a dedicated Ministry band to play for our Masses and Liturgies, in addition to our existing College Choir. Any students from any year level are welcome to audition for the band, or sign up for the Choir. There has been an audition/sign up sheet near the Sports Notice Board this week. If your child is interested and missed out on adding their name, they can email me to sign up or secure an audition time at kallie.deegan@lism.catholic.edu.au.
LEAD Senior Ministry Conference
LEAD is a student leaders conference that enhances senior ministry in Year 11 and 12, equipping students for ministry in our schools. It nurtures students' faith and helps develop supportive communities.
The conference is held between Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd March (Week 8) at McAuley Catholic College, Grafton. All students are invited to attend, although it is a COMPULSORY event for Year 11 SRC leaders. Senior Ministry students are also encouraged to attend.
The conference includes:
- Dynamic keynote speakers
- Music and rallies
- Mass
- Small group discussions
- Seminar and interactive breakout session
The cost of the conference is $20 per student and numbers will need to be finalised by Monday of Week 4, February 19. More information about LEAD will be forwarded to parents and guardians if their child has shown interest with Mrs Deegan.
Video Link LEAD - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMvwm1Yliag
Kallie Deegan
Leader of Evangelisation
Sports News
Welcome back to Woodlawn for the 2024 school year. An exciting and action packed year of sport awaits.
The first big sporting event on the school calendar this year is the annual Swimming Carnival. The preliminary events will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 Febuary following the Opening College Mass. The main event will be the Twilight Swimming Carnival starting Friday afternoon 23 February and going into the night. All students are encouraged to get involved and promote House Spirit by wearing their House colours during the carnival. Parents and families are welcome to attend the carnival on Friday evening. The P&F will be running a canteen on the night.
Attached is a full running program of the carnival.
Dates to be aware of for Term 1 2024 regarding Representative Sport.
The registrations for NSWCCC Representative Pathway Sports - Selections for Individual Entry Sport are closing very soon. Please note all closing dates are firm dates. No registrations will be permitted after the close dates.
All individual sports registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT website. Parents must have an account and add their child to have access. (Sport Registration HELP is available on sport info page)
More details are available on the csnsw.sport website.
NSWCCC Baseball Selections - close date 22 February 2024. Selection date - Tuesday, 5 March at Castle Glen 1 & 2, Castle Hill - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/baseball
NSWCCC Tennis Selections - close date 22 February 2024. Selection date - Monday, 4 March at North Parramatta Tennis Courts - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/tennis
NSWCCC Golf Selections - close date 29 February 2024. Selection date Monday, 11 March at Belmont Golf Club - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/golf
In 2024, three new pathways will be introduced. NSWCCC will be opening an Expression of Interest registration for these next week to assist in conducting selections to finalise NSWCCC teams:
- 15 Years & Under Cricket - boys & girls
- 15 Years & Under Volleyball - boys & girls https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/volleyball
- 18 Years & Under Bowls - boys & girls
CCC Aquathon
On 19 December last year, William Bullpit and Malekai Kubils represented the College in the inaugural CCC Aquathon in Sydney. They both competed in two races. The races consisted of a 200m swim and a 1.8km run. The first race determining which final they would compete in. Both boys, under extremely tough competition, made it through to the A Final. In 33 degree heat they swam and ran well with both finishing in the top 10. They have done themselves and the school proud. Congratulations boys. They will be representing the College again in Febuary at the CCC Triathlon, we wish the boys well.
Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport
Library and Learning Resources
Happy New Year everyone and welcome to new parents,
The library at Woodlawn is open during school hours.
Please encourage your children to:
- Access the library catalogue by logging in with their username.no and internet password. They can see what is available in the library and also what they have borrowed.
- Access the library website. This site has guides for individual subjects such as Year 7 English novel studies, research and organisational skills and reading promotion.
Reading for Ten (RFT) for Years 7-10 starts on Monday, 12 February, Period 5. Students can choose to read fiction or non-fiction for ten minutes each day. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class with their book each lesson.
If your child has not chosen their reading material as yet, please send them to the library and we can help them out. We have an excellent range of fiction, autobiographies/biographies and non-fiction. Students can choose to read novels, books on fishing and surfing, Layne Beachley’s autobiography or The Lonely Planet Guide to Cambodia. It’s up to them! Students will share their RFT record on a Google Doc with you so you can see what they have been reading.
Whilst we are a contemporary library, our core business is reading and its promotion. Please join us in encouraging your child to read. Our readers who read ten books or more in a year will be acknowledged with a Principal’s Award. As we say at Woodlawn, whatever you do, READ!
Year 7 will participate in a Discovery Day on Tuesday, 13 February. It is hoped they will finish the day feeling far better equipped for the demands of senior school. Each base class will attend five different workshops:
1) Getting Organised (using GDrive, creating folders, how to study, how to email teachers, etc)
2) Digital Citizenship (how to navigate the web, use of social media, cyberbullying)
3) Research Skills (using GDrive and the Research tool, how to navigate the web, note taking)
4) Physical Activity (at the pool)
5) Library Orientation (the physical library and our digital collections including libguides)
I look forward to working with your children in 2024.
Catherine Graham-Smith
Leader of Library
Careers Update
Welcome back to 2024 to all of our students and families.
Our first event for the year is the University Roadshow. Year 11 and 12 students and their families are invited to attend from 4.30-7pm on Tuesday 20 February. The University Roadshow consists of three parts. Families are invited to hear from the University representatives at 4.30pm, followed by an expo style opportunity to speak with universities and TAFE. From 6pm there will be a presentation to parents and students aimed at helping to guide you through the HSC.
Upcoming courses
We will be offering the opportunity for students who require a WHS Whitecard to attend a course later this term. Any Year 10 students who are thinking about doing work experience in Construction will need a White Card before they go on site. Please ask your daughters and sons to check their emails and respond if they would like their name on the course list.
Please follow this link to the Careers Update site. This site contains a range of information and upcoming events. Each time we share the link in the newsletter there will be updated information or events.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways/Careers
Music Tuition
The College Music Tuition Program aims to provide the opportunity for students to undertake music lessons during school hours, especially helpful for those who might otherwise be unable to attend lessons due to travel or other commitments after hours.
A variety of music tuition is available at the College. Tuition is currently offered in: guitar, bass guitar, piano/keyboard and vocals. Each of these instruments is taught by highly experienced and qualified professionals.
We would like to extend this list of teachers to include instruments such as: saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone, and string instruments such as violin. To assist us in providing numbers for attracting potential teachers, we are asking that an expression of interest be sent to Mr Ben Taylor, Music Department, via the email address below.
For all lesson enquiries please email the Music Department via ben.taylor@lism.catholic.edu.au, and information about tutors, scheduling and pricing can be forwarded.
Choir & Band
In 2024, we will be continuing our Junior Stage Band program and strengthening our Choir. Students from Years 7-9 can audition for the band, and students from any year level are welcome to sign up for the Choir. There has been an audition/sign up sheet near the Sports Notice Board this week. If your child is interested and missed out on adding their name, they can email kallie.deegan@lism.catholic.edu.au to sign up or secure an audition time.
Attendance
Daily Procedures
Following Home Group each morning from 8:55 am - 9:10 am, lessons commence at 9:10 am and conclude at 3:15 pm.
Student Attendance
All students should be in attendance at school each day unless sick, attending necessary events (e.g. funeral, medical appointment etc) which cannot be scheduled outside school hours.
Absent from School
If we have not heard from you, via the Compass Absence feature you will receive an SMS generated by Compass at 10.30am. Please respond by clicking on the link in the SMS (the link is active for 7 days but can only be used once). In the case of shared care of a student, both parents will receive an SMS but we ask the parent who has the child in their care that morning to respond. A medical certificate is required if your child is absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness.
If you do not advise the reason for your child’s absence, you will receive a letter from the school requesting an explanation, which we ask you to return within 7 days of your child’s absence so that we can update your child’s attendance records.
Late Arrival
Students arriving after 8.55 am, need to enter via the Student Service Office. Please submit late arrivals via the Compass Absence feature.
Early Departure
Please use the Compass Absence feature to notify of early departure. The Student Service Office cannot guarantee your student to be ready for an early departure without adequate notification.
Instructions for entering details into Compass to submit absence/ late arrival/ early departure (alternatively see attached pdf for instructions)
- Log into your Compass account
- Click on the +Shortcuts symbol at the bottom of the page
- Select Submit Absence Note
- Select Reason
- Add Details/Comments
- Select the date and time that your child will be collected or absent
- Select the End date as the date or time your child will be returning to school (or 3.15pm if they are not returning to school that day)
- Select Potentially Affected Sessions
- Hit Add Attendance Note at the bottom of the page.
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.
Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
Reminder 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 due to safety reasons.
Messages
Please phone the Student Service Office PRIOR to 2.45pm to advise of any 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 is located outside the Student Services Office. Please clearly label all items that are brought or worn to school.
Student Services Office
Lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629
Year 10 Vaccinations
School Vaccination Program - Tuesday 20th February
Keeping your child up to date with routine vaccinations helps to protect them from serious preventable diseases such as meningococcal, whooping cough, tetanus, and cancers that are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).
As part of the NSW School vaccination program, students in Year 7 are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Parental consent is required for your child to receive routine vaccinations at school. If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide this consent through the online consent portal by clicking login with a ‘Service NSW Account’.
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
From February 2023, children in Year 7 will now only need one dose of HPV vaccination. This change has been endorsed by ATAGI based on evidence showing that one dose provides the same level of protection against HPV as two doses.
If you have already consented to your child receiving two doses of HPV vaccine, they will only receive one dose.
If your child previously missed their second dose of HPV vaccine, they are now considered fully vaccinated and do not require a second dose.
A small number of students who are immunocompromised are still recommended to receive a three-dose course of HPV vaccine. If your child is immunocompromised, please discuss their immunisation needs with their GP.
If your child misses a school vaccination clinic, you can speak to your local GP or pharmacist about catching up on vaccination.
For more information on school vaccination visit: health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
Canteen News
Flexischools orders has a cut-off time of 9.00am.
The cash free way to pay! - REGISTER NOW
Paying for lunches is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school.
The College has Flexischools to allow students to pay at the Canteen using their existing student ID card. Paying for lunches and items at recess or lunch is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school. Parents can set daily spending limits and view transactions online. Parents can also top-up funds at any time.
The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it much easier and quicker for students.
We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.
Please follow the link below to register now:
Uniform Shop
The Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms.
To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience while ordering uniforms, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store.
Outside of the above dates, the Uniform Shop will operate in their normal business hours as below:
Uniform Shop Opening Hours:
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:
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre
Leanne Copeland
Uniform Shop Convenor
0407 739 237