Week 8 Term 3 2024

Message from the Principal

Pope Francis’ writings about community have resonated in the corridors of the College over the past term. Pope Francis reminds us that ‘schools should offer possibilities for experiencing openness and love, affirmation and growth’. At Woodlawn, we aim to live this message through the wide range of available programs and opportunities. Each day begins with Home Group, which is the touch point for developing relationships across year levels. Our Year 12 students are committed to making the Home Group experience one of the building blocks to living out the Pope’s message. We thank them for embracing each day with a positive mindset and for encouraging participation in College events. The Inaugural Hobby Horse races on St John’s Day were evidence of Home Groups working in unison to create their design and compete as a team. There was evidence of affirmation, openness and a sense of fun which was witnessed across the College in the lead-up to the races. I have included a video this week featuring different Home Groups and the importance of connecting daily. Link 

The letters of St Paul formed the cornerstones of our Transfer of Leadership Ceremony last week. In line with our commitment to servant leadership and leading ‘in the way of Mary’ we reflected on the scripture references that align with these messages. St Paul implores us in his Letter to the Philippians to ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves’. Upon reflection, our current Year 12 leaders have actively lived these words. We hope to see the teachings of St Paul evidenced through the College through word and deed. We look forward to introducing you to our 2025 College Leaders in the next Newsletter.  

Woodlawn has a rich heritage of past students who are making their mark in the world. This week we celebrated the legacy of Father Lionel Marsden and his commitment to justice and reconciliation. If we were to nominate a past community member who exemplified our Faith, Integrity, Relationships and Empathy it would be Father Marsden. Lionel decided to dedicate his life to the service of others and was ordained a Marist Priest in 1940. He chose the Marian way of simplicity, humility, compassion and even in difficult times, like Mary, he would give selflessly to those he encountered in his vocation.

Father Marsden was called to take his faith to the soldiers who were battling the Japanese in Singapore. As a chaplain during WW2, he was not immune from the ravages of the Japanese forces who were on a quest to expand their empire throughout Asia and the Pacific. He prayed with the sick and the dying, he offered soldiers the Eucharist through the sharing of Mass in extremely hostile circumstances, and like thousands of other Australian soldiers, he was taken prisoner by Japanese forces in 1942.

Whilst he was permitted to remain a priest, burying the dead and visiting the sick, he was still a man who found himself to be an enemy of the Japanese. One day he was coming along the railway line and a Japanese officer was hitting an Australian soldier with a baton. Father Marsden stepped up and said ‘Stop! This is wrong’. The Japanese officer kicked him over an embankment and he found himself injured and without dignity. Following an extensive period of prayer, he committed to forgiving his captors and helped rebuild the Christian community in Nara, Japan - despite much resistance from home. His quest for reconciliation, forgiveness, and seeing the possibilities began a long relationship with the Japanese. His work was continued by another graduate of Woodlawn, Father Glynn. 

Our Marsden Medal recipients exemplify the courage, humility, and quest for justice that Father Marsden fostered through actions. We congratulate Eliza Lamas and Ben Davis for living in the way of Father Marsden. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Oliva Black, Sophie Alcorn and Noah Vakararawa who were also nominated for the Marsden Medal. I have also included a presentation (link) by Matilda Price who will be travelling to Japan with the Premier's Scholarship team. She will be presenting her findings about Father Marsden to students and teachers from across the state.

I would encourage families to attend the Parent Forum Meeting on Wednesday, 18 September at 5.30 pm to partner with us as we draft the 3-Year Strategic Plan. As partners in your child's education, we would like to hear your voice.

We are looking forward to celebrating the Year 12 Graduation with our families and providing opportunities for our students to ‘live life to the full’.

Take Care,
Annette Reen
Principal 2024

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

As Term 3 comes to a close, we witness a changing of the guard in our senior years. With the shift from winter to spring, our Year 12 students prepare for their HSC Examinations and Graduation, while Year 11 completes their penultimate academic year. Leadership roles are handed over, and we look ahead to a new senior year. It's a time filled with tradition and ceremony, joy, and a bit of nervousness. Meanwhile, our Junior School remains lively with assessments, camps, extracurricular activities, sports, and subject selections. It's truly an exciting period. Below are some key upcoming events.

Year 12 Graduation and HSC
Our Year 12 students are nearing their final day at the College, a moment filled with mixed emotions. On Wednesday, September 25, we will hold the Graduation Mass at 6:00 pm in our College Chapel. This is a special event each year, marked by celebration but also a hint of sadness as we bid farewell to these impressive young adults we’ve known over the past six years. As they prepare for their HSC examinations, we are reminded that while strategic planning is essential, our College's culture of support, resilience, and community spirit truly empowers our students to excel. After all, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Families will receive information detailing the Graduation requirements and schedule. Please review it carefully to stay informed. We wish our Year 12 students and their families much joy and success in the coming weeks. They have been a fantastic group, and we hope for a strong finish.

A reminder, the Final HSC Examinations run between October 15 and November 8. Students have access to their personalised timetable through the students' online portal. Students are reminded that they are required to wear their full summer uniform for entry into examinations. Any illness/misadventure requests will require supporting evidence for submission to NESA. Please ensure you contact Mrs Ryall should the need arise. 

Year 11 Examinations
Year 11 students finished their end-of-course exams this week with a condensed schedule to reduce disruption. We congratulate the cohort on their organised and mature approach to these important examinations. The examinations are designed to mimic those they will encounter in their final year, hopefully holding them in good stead as they move to their final academic challenges as Year 12s. 

Stage 5 Subject Selection
This week, Year 8, 9, and 10 students' subject choices started to be finalised, marking an exciting step as they begin to shape their education based on their interests, skills, and future goals. These choices will help us plan the timetable and staffing for our Stage 5 and 6 courses in 2025. While most students received their first-choice electives, class sizes mean not everyone can be placed in their top preferences. Mr Matthew Bailey and Mrs Sally Ryall will contact students placed in their second-choice electives to confirm their selections over the coming weeks.

Pupil-Free Days: Friday, September 27, and Monday, October 14
The last day of this term and the first day of Term 4 will be pupil-free days dedicated to staff development and professional learning. On these days, we will focus on the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan and NSW curriculum reform. As you may know, NESA has launched the most significant curriculum reform in over 30 years, which involves rewriting programs across all subjects over the coming years. This crucial work and planning for sustained and continuous school improvement will focus on the skills and knowledge young people need in the 21st Century. We appreciate your support of these pupil-free days. 

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

Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission

Leadership Investiture
Last Friday we held our Transfer of Leadership Ceremony at which our 2025 School Leaders pledged to lead by example, to do their best, and to be worthy ambassadors for the College. It was a lovely opportunity for families to gather together as a community to celebrate this special occasion.

We look forward to this fine group of leaders maintaining the traditions that have been established as well as setting, and achieving, their own goals for our community.

Year 9 Camp
Year 9 have just returned from their 3-day camp experience at Camp Kokoda, which is near Maroon, QLD. This is an opportunity for the students to challenge themselves, by choice, to strengthen their connection with peers and to have three days of screen-free time that boosts mental health. Thank you to the Year Coordinator, Mr Luke Flynn, for his diligence in organising the experience. It is also important to acknowledge all the staff who attended, giving up their own time, to provide this opportunity for the students.

Holy Name of Mary Liturgy and Marsden Medal Presentation
On Thursday we celebrated the Feast Day of the Holy Name of Mary.  This feast day has been celebrated since 1684 when Pope Innocent XI officially included it in the General Roman Calendar, but actually dates back to 1513 as local celebrations were held in Spain. Our Marist charism has Mary at the centre, so for our community the day holds special significance.

R U OK?
This week is R U OK? week. We have been reminding students of the power of asking a friend if they are ok. Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, students can  build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in their world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.  This ties in well with our Teen Mental Health program provided to our Year 8 and 10 students.

Parenting Teenagers in a Digital World
Chris Hudson a highly regarded teen parenting coach will present 'Parenting Teenagers in a Digital World' at Trinity Catholic College R Block, together with the Parent Assembly on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 5:30 pm. The flyer below has registration information for those interested in attending.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me on 6626 2627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Kind regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal - Mission 2024

Spring Fling Social Event: A Night to Remember!

Our recent Spring Fling was a smashing success! With the theme of Mamma Mia, students and families gathered for a fantastic night of fun, raising money for La Valla School in Cambodia. The excitement in the air was contagious as everyone dressed up in their best disco outfits, channelling their inner Dancing Queens to celebrate a great cause. 

The evening was filled with lively dancing, spirited trivia, and great community catch-ups. Students were fully engaged, making the most of the themed music and dance floor. Participation from all involved was outstanding, and the energy on the dance floor was electric. 

But the fun didn’t stop there! We had an array of fantastic raffles, with generous prizes donated by local businesses and members of our College community. The socialising was another highlight, giving students, families, and staff the chance to bond and enjoy a wonderful evening together. 

A huge thank you to all who supported the event. Whether through your attendance, donations, or contributions to our raffle, your involvement made this night one to remember. Special thanks to our amazing Year 10 Social Justice committee for their energy and enthusiasm and to the families who made this event possible with their ongoing support. Together, we raised vital funds for La Valla School, helping to make a difference in the lives of students in Cambodia. 

Here’s to many more unforgettable nights! 

A special mention to the following families and businesses for their generous donations: 

• The Book Warehouse - Lismore 
• BWS - Lismore 
• Bunnings - Lismore 
• Mary G’s -Lismore 
• The Thompson family 
• The Maher Family 
• Muffin Break - Lismore 
• The Parent Forum

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