Week 2 Term 3 2024

Message from the Principal

Week 1 began and ended with a series of School Reviews. I would like to thank the parents, staff and students who generously gave of their time to share their thoughts about Mission, Learning and Teaching, Community, and Partnerships. The general feedback affirms our belief that we have a thriving community that is offering students many opportunities to live full lives. The Reviews provide feedback and recommendations that will shape the strategic future of the College for the next 3 years. The full reports will be shared with all stakeholders when they become available.

In John’s Gospel last Sunday we read of the feeding of the five thousand by Jesus and his disciples. In what was seen as an impossible situation they were able to ensure that each person who had gathered, because they were impressed by Jesus' ability to cure the sick, were cared for. When it seemed like an impossible task Jesus turned to his disciples and challenged them to not be afraid and solve the problem through compassion and love. The Gospel message for us is to support one another with complete selflessness, gentleness, and patience in all situations. Over the past week, I have witnessed this on many occasions. The generosity of our staff and their commitment to their vocation are hallmarks of living Christian lives. We have much to be grateful for as our students are the beneficiaries of this commitment.

This reflection also applies to remembering the past and the legacy of those who shared our College over the years. Last Saturday we hosted the 50-year reunion of the Graduating Class of 1974. Members of our Year 11 SRC generously gave their time to provide tours for the celebration. They were regaled with many stories about life in the boarding days. At the dinner that followed that evening, the men reflected openly on their time growing together in their Woodlawn Home. As part of my deep dive into what is the Woodlawn Way, I asked them to share their views. These resonated with the key messages that we are hoping are imparted to our current students.

• Mutuality - see your education as a shared journey with the anchor points being your teachers
• Look after mind, body, and soul
• See your time at Woodlawn as an opportunity to extend your potential
• Appreciate and accept that this is a unique gift that thousands of other children have shared

I was honoured to meet many of these former students whose lives intersect with our sharing of this unique space. I am sharing the ‘Boomeranga’ that they heartily shared together - a lasting legacy. We look forward to maintaining these connections and teaching all of our students this rallying war cry.

We opened the College to all local Indigenous students in our area to celebrate NAIDOC Week on Thursday and Friday. We gathered in a spirit of reconciliation, sharing understanding and learning from the rich heritage of our Indigenous people. Amarli King addressed the gathering of local elders, students, indigenous organisations, community police, and special guests. She spoke passionately about the theme ‘Keep the fire burning, black, loud and proud'. Amarli’s words resonated with everyone. We were celebrating the unyielding spirit of our communities and invited all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. Our Year 7 students were also encouraged to learn some language and to be the voices for justice in the future.

Our Social Justice Committee have been working tirelessly to run the Sports Canteen for a number of events. We thank them and Natasha for their commitment to seeing a need and ensuring all those who were at the College were fed.

In the spirit of community building, we hosted the Kennedy House Breakfast this morning. Our leaders proudly spoke of the importance of being a contributing member of the house. These breakfasts are very special times to gather and share a meal with families. None of this would be possible without the tireless work of Kirk, Max, and Sonya. We are truly grateful for the way our ancillary staff focuses on caring for us daily and building community.

I am looking forward to beginning our leadership process with the Year 11 students whilst also feeling very nostalgic about the final weeks with our current Year 12 cohort. The graduating class of 2024 is filled with so many generous and caring students who will be missed.

Live each day as the disciples did with compassion, humility and patience.

Take Care,
Annette Reen
Principal 2024

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Trial HSC Examinations
Next week marks an important milestone for our Year 12 students as they begin their Trial HSC Examinations, which will run until August 19. These exams serve as the final internal assessment for Year 12 and provide an excellent opportunity for students to simulate the actual HSC Exam experience. 
Students are only required to attend school on the days they have an examination. Many have been diligently preparing by working through past HSC papers and submitting their responses for feedback—this method has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prepare in the lead-up to the exams. 
Once students have organised their notes and condensed them into keywords, we encourage them to select an exam question, prepare thoroughly, and practice writing a response under closed-book, timed conditions. This practice is invaluable in mimicking real exam conditions. We wish all our Year 12 students the very best during this critical time!

Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection
We were delighted to see so many families at the Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection Evening in Week 1!  We encourage students to continue discussions with their families, teachers, and peers, and utilise the Subject Selection Libguide, as these are excellent resources for making informed decisions about Stage 6 subjects. Students also gained important insights across Week 2 through their attendance at the Northern Rivers Career Expo and through further discussions with their Teachers at the Parent/Teacher/Student interviews held Tuesday evening, August 30. The online selection process will open to students on Monday, August 5 (Week 3) and remain open across the week closing on Monday, August 12.

Years 7-10 Reports
A reminder that Semester One Academic Reports are now available for all students in Years 7 to 10. You can access these reports through the student profile in Compass. As reports are sent electronically, please note that you will not receive a physical copy in the mail.
We encourage you to review your child's report together and reflect on their achievements and challenges from Semester One. This report, along with feedback from Parent-Teacher Interviews, will be instrumental in helping students set their academic goals for Semester Two.

NAPLAN Results
NAPLAN results have now been delivered and are available on each student's profile on Compass, under the Reports tab. The College will be analysing this data to support student learning and strategic development goals for the next 3 years. If you are unable to access the results via Compass please contact the College for a hard copy. 

Reading at Home
Literacy plays a crucial role in success throughout secondary school, and we wholeheartedly support readers of all levels. We encourage all students to read for pleasure at home. In school, we will continue to focus on reading in Semester 2, with a special emphasis on Year 8 students during this term’s Book Expo in English. 
For the Book Expo, students will choose a novel to become experts on and present their knowledge in an expo-style presentation in Week 9. The Book Expo is always a highlight of the academic year and a true celebration of student learning. We look forward to seeing what this year's Year 8 cohort presents.

Keeping the Balance
As always, maintaining a healthy balance is key to happiness in high school. Our College offers a fantastic range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that enrich our students' lives in faith, sports, the arts, personal growth, and the workplace. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities throughout the semester and embrace the opportunities the College offers to educate the whole person to experience the fullness of life.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community!

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
matthew.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au

Message from the Leader of Pastoral Care

Welfare Matters!

Welcome to Semester Two!

Belonging to a College such as St John’s College, Woodlawn, carries with it a responsibility to know what is expected of each young person both as an individual but also as part of the collective. The collective responsibility is that we attend to all matters in an open and discerned way. We attempt to do this by providing College Expectations around those aspects that make the day run smoothly, but can also hold all the community responsible in a just and fair way.

Our focus within the Welfare Team, including Home Group teachers, Year Coordinators, and myself, this term will be on ‘getting the small things right’ and we are beginning with the College Uniform and how our young people show a sense of pride of self and this College. I sincerely thank many of our families who each and every day ensure that their students attend the College in the correct uniform. I am sure that at times it would be easy to say ‘whatever’ but you as the parent know the importance of following the rules.

During this Term, students are to wear our College Formal Winter uniform, which includes the wearing of the College blazer to and from the College Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students can wear the Sports Uniform on a Wednesday, and this can include the new Red Hoodie, BUT only on Wednesdays. 

Two more regular challenges to discuss:

Firstly, the length of skirts of our female students. The College expectation is that the skirt is worn at full length, just above the knee. I have spoken to the girls about this towards the end of Term 2 and many girls have tried to comply by lowering their hems.  Could I please ask families to lower those hems that are still too short soon. 

The second challenge is the wearing of long hair.  Hair should sit above the collar of the College shirt, and hair longer than that should be worn up, or cut and tidied. Long hair can be worn in a half-up style as long as it is neat and tidy.

These are two key expectations that we are going to enforce this term, and we would like to have all students knowing fully what is expected so that we all contribute to that sense of being proud to belong to Woodlawn.

Our Welfare team knows that at times it is not possible to attend in the correct uniform, so we ask that you, as the parent/carer, send an email to the relevant Year Coordinator (or send your child to school with a handwritten note) explaining the reason for being unable to comply with the uniform policy. The student will then take their planner to their Year Coordinator or myself and have their planner stamped to signify permission has been given to be out of regular uniform. Students who cannot provide a stamped planner during the school day will be issued with a lunchtime detention.

We also have attention being placed onto the wearing of a HAT when outside of our buildings. Living on the North Coast allows us access to great environments to explore and be a part of, but we also have some of the highest rates of Skin Cancer in Australia. Every day College staff who are on yard duty expect that students will have a College hat on their head when outside. Unfortunately, at times some students do not show respect to staff when asked to get a hat on their head. This is unnecessary angst for all involved. I ask that you, as parents/carers, reinforce the importance of being Sun Safe, as I know that we will be doing our best on this issue each and every day.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and fortnight and if there is a need to discuss any of the items I have spoken about today please contact me or the relevant Year Coordinator. We are here to assist you in this journey to young adulthood for your son/daughter.

Kind regards,

Karen Davies
Leader of Welfare 2024

Message from the Leader of School Evangelisation

Ignite 2024
Ignite 2024 has been advertised in the Daily Bulletin recently to all students from Years 7 to 12. A number of students have shown interest. Expressions of interest will close on Monday. 

Ignite is a dynamic and contemporary Catholic conference for adults, teenagers, and children. Since it began in 2001, it has grown to become one of the largest Catholic youth events of its kind in Australia. Ignite experience gets bigger every year and now regularly attracts over 1,500 young people, ministry leaders, priests, religious, and parents from across our nation and beyond.

Details:
Promo Video Link
When: Thursday September 19 - Sunday September 22, 2024
Where: Brisbane
Cost: $300 per student (due later in the term)

Please email Mrs Deegan by Monday if you would like to attend Ignite 2024!

Year 8 & 10 Reflection Days
The Years 8 and 10 Reflection Days were held on Monday and Tuesday this week and were an opportunity for reflection, collaboration, faith formation, and team building, with lots of singing, dancing, cat-walk runways, and games. Facilitator Chris Doyle, from Karis Ministries, is a gifted presenter who works with young people in a range of contexts. Reflection days are integral to our faith, well-being, and relationship priorities.

This year's theme for Year 8 was 'making good choices and considering values around decision-making' and Year 10 focussed on ‘reconciling with the past and taking positive steps into the future.’

Year 8 Reflection Day

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Year 10 Reflection Day

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705 Cathedral Visit
Students from 705 attended Mass at St Carthage's Cathedral last Friday.

After the Mass, students were given the opportunity to walk around the Cathedral and learn more about the Catholic faith and their place of worship. Thank you to Mrs Tickle and Tash for guiding our students through this tradition.

Kallie Deegan
kallie.deegan@lism.catholic.edu.au 
Leader of School Evangelisation

Attendance

Going on a Family Holiday/Family Event?
Less than 10 days: Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature or email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au 
More than 10 days: Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification.

Does your student compete or attend Elite Sports Programs?
Also includes talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.
Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General.

Does your student attend Elite Arts Programs?
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.

Late Arrival
Students arriving after 8.55 am, need to enter via the Student Service Office. Please submit late arrivals via the Compass Submit Attendance Note feature. 

Early Departure
Please use the Compass Submit Attendance Note feature to notify of early departure. The Student Services Office cannot guarantee your student to be ready for an early departure without adequate notification.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
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 due to safety reasons.

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 Attendance 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.

Lost Property
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

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. 

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 

Community News