Week 10 Term 1 2025

Message from the Principal

Our community and its thriving ability are linked to our collective capacity to unite in the Woodlawn Way. This term has seen a wide range of opportunities for students and parents to join us in fostering belonging and establishing transformational relationships where the imperative to enable students to live a ‘full life’ is realised. Our Faith experiences have been rich and supported by Father Phillip, our College Chaplain. Father Phillip has enriched our sacramental life through special Masses and also taking our students on a sacramental journey.

Our assemblies now feature faith presentations by various members of our community. Natasha Wotherspoon shared our understanding of Lent and our focus on prayer, giving to charity and reflected on ensuring our relationships have been conciliatory and enriched by our focus on ensuring everyone is treated with dignity. You may view her presentation below.

Integrity has been an underpinning theme of all interactions across the term. Classroom behaviour and commitment to learning have been evident with improved RFLs across all year levels. We are also impressed with students owning their mistakes and working towards being honest even in difficult situations. The formal Leadership Dinner with our SRC and their families was a testament to the authenticity of these young people and their deep desire to serve our community. 

Their voice has resulted in a number of changes to traditional College practices. These include the welcoming of Year 11 drivers, to begin as a trial in Term 2; the changing of rules around how hair is to be worn; and the movement of bags during period 5 lessons for seniors. Our sports teams have shone in their representation of the College. I have had a number of emails commending them for their behaviours, their sportsmanship and their pride in representing the College. This was also the case at Public Speaking Competitions, Parliamentary Youth Forums and Chess Competitions. Student behaviour and presentation are the public-facing indicators of our College values. This was noted at Open Night, where over 200 students shared their experiences, making positive ripples for the future.

The nurturing of Relationships has featured in a number of forums over the past weeks. The Chill and Chat gathering with Year 7 base class mums was a highlight of my week. After sharing a meal, the mums shared insights into the lives of our students and their experiences as mums. We planned for a future gathering in Term 2 where base classes, parents and students will go head to head in a trivia evening. 

The Kennedy House Breakfast also shows the unique links we have established between families and Home Groups. Our leaders served a delicious breakfast and piping hot coffee at this gathering. 

Looking Forward:

• The Parent Community Forum is also keen to foster connections on a social level. Please consider attending their Picnic Race Day. The more we know each other, the more fruitful the relationships. Save the Date for May 10. Check out the attached flyer in this newsletter for tickets. 
• ANZAC Marches will be well attended across our area. I will march in Lismore with the majority of the College. Please check your Compass Events to consent. 
• Staff Development Days are essential opportunities for our staff to come together in the spirit of empathy and understanding. April 28 is a chance to develop further knowledge and understanding about our Indigenous links to the land and history. On May 9, we will join together as a staff to further understand our common humanity and reflect on the spiritual dimensions of prayer. As a Catholic College, these moments in the life of the College are seminal in developing our faith, integrity, relationships and empathy. 

COMMUNICATIONS

Throughout the Newsletters, you will find a range of important communications from the DLCSL. It is essential that all families stay informed on these communications as they cover a variety of topics.  

Stay safe and well over the coming holiday break. I hope you have time to reflect on the Pope’s Easter message.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Staff Development Days - Student Free Days

On Monday, April 28 (Week 1, Term 2), our dedicated staff will participate in enriching professional learning opportunities. Staff will develop an understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and languages to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This will deepen their understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, languages and culture, develop their capacity to be culturally responsive educators and strengthen their connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents/caregivers and the community.

Additionally, on Friday, May 4 (Term 2, Week 2), the Parish School Spirituality Day modules will continue under the direction of Bishop Gregory. Participating in these modules allows staff to deepen their spirituality and connect with our central mission in Catholic Education. Please note that both days will be Student Free Days.

Open Night

Seeing so many bright Year 6 student faces with their families at our Open Night in Week 9 was wonderful. Despite the inclement weather, the College was on full display with classrooms open and our students and staff proudly showcasing our exceptional facilities and wonderful community to prospective families considering joining the 2026 Year 7 Cohort. We look forward to holding interviews with prospective families early in Term 2. Please contact the College Office for any further enrolment information. A friendly reminder that applications close on April 30. 

Year 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews

Seeing such positive conversations on Tuesday night was fantastic as we welcomed our Year 7 families to their first round of Parent-Teacher-Student interviews. These interviews provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's progress and build our school community. If you were unable to attend, please take the time to engage with your child's teachers via email or phone call about what they have observed in class and how you can best support your child's learning at home.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with you to support the learning journey of all students within the Woodlawn community.

Responsibility For Learning #1 Reports

The first round of RFL reports were released in Week 8 and are available on your child's Compass Dashboard under the "Reports" section. These progress reports focus on each student's Organisation, Punctuality, Engagement, Independent Learning, and Collaborative Learning. The full details of the criteria under each heading can be found in the Compass report, providing families with valuable data to have productive discussions around learning habits and goals for improvement as we move into Term 2. The second round of RFL reports will be released mid-Term 2 to enable ongoing discussion around goal setting for continued growth.

Tell Them From Me

Early next term (in Weeks 3 - 5), the College will participate in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) student survey. The survey will provide valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school, and how teachers interact with them. The survey is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in school-based surveys. In addition to the student survey (for students from Year 7 to Year 12), parents/carers and teaching staff will be able to participate in the TTFM survey.

The TTFM student survey is confidential, and school staff cannot identify individual students based on their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. All information will be handled according to relevant privacy legislation. The College will not disclose students' personal information to any person or body other than as required by law. Individual students will not be identified in any publications. The survey is conducted online, takes 15 to 30 minutes, and will occur at school during school hours. We will receive a report on our school's survey results shortly after our students complete it. The College will then share key aspects of the survey results with parents and carers in a timely manner. Participating in the survey is voluntary. If any survey questions make your child uncomfortable, your child can skip the question or stop the survey at any time. If you do not want your child/children to participate in the survey, please contact Mr Bailey via email.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward to Term 2 and beyond, here are some important Curriculum events that should be considered as you plan for the term;

Term 2

Week 4: Wednesday 21st May - Year 9 Parent Teacher Interviews
Week 6: Monday 2nd June - Friday 6th June - Year 8 and Year 10 Exam Week
Week 7: Tuesday 10th June - Friday 13th June - Year 7 and Year 9 Exam Week
Week 9 and 10: Year 10 Subject Selection Planning
Week 10: Tuesday 1st July - Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews

Term 3
Week 1 and 2: Year 10 Subject Selection Evening and Interviews
Week 3 and 4: Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
Week 4: Tuesday 12th August - Year 8 Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all families for being partners in each child's education at Woodlawn. We wish you a safe and restful holiday period and look forward to welcoming all students back for Term 2.

Matt Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Message from the Assistant Principal -Mission

This has been a rewarding and fabulous start to the year. On the whole, the students have been involved in lots of co-curricular activities, they have engaged well in their studies and there has been a sense of calm in our community. At the same time, there has been a real buzz - there is excitement and a positive atmosphere - we truly are blessed.

Easter

Did you know that the Easter date is movable and always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25? Easter in the Roman Catholic Church is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. This may have something to do with why it is often wet at Easter and at Bluesfest!

For Christians, Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year.

As we know from the Gospels, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day following his crucifixion, which would be Sunday. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead.

Since Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, it is the most important holiday on the Christian calendar. Following Easter Sunday, the season of Easter begins and lasts for seven weeks, ending with Pentecost.

Easter is a time of hope, of new life and of new beginnings - let us hope that this message spreads around the world and a renewed sense of calm and hopefulness for the future can be found.

Love of others

Jesus instructed us to love one another as he loved us. His love for us was unconditional, loving all of us all of the time, expecting nothing in return. Our fundraising focus for Term 1 is Caritas. Through them, we focus on the Catholic Social Teachings of maintaining the dignity of humanity and a preferential option for the poor.  

Our fundraising activity has been our long-standing Hearts For Hope campaign. Students are encouraged to bring in cash donations to Home Group. Donations are pooled and hearts are purchased. There is a Home Group competition to see which one can purchase the most hearts. Currently, Segrief 8 has purchased the most hearts, closely followed by Segrief 6 and Kennedy 1.  We also held a monochrome casual clothes day to raise additional funds. All money raised goes directly to Caritas.

Thank you to the Social Justice committee, Miss Green, Mrs Deegan and Eliza for their efforts in promoting this campaign.

Digital Technology User Agreement

Please take the time to ensure that one parent and your child has completed the Agreement that is found in the Insight cycle in Compass. This is accessible for students on their dashboard as a green banner. For parents, details of how to access this can be found in the link below (Accessing Insights Parent Guide).

A reminder that this needs to be completed prior to classes resuming after the holidays.

Winter Uniform

Students are required to wear their winter uniform after the holidays. Blazers are not required until after the June long weekend.

Wishing you all a safe and happy break, and I look forward to seeing you in Term 2.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 6626267 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Thank you,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Pastoral Care News

As we reach the end of Term 1, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our entire school community for what has been an exceptionally productive and positive start to the year.

To our students, thank you for your dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm throughout the term. Your commitment to your studies, participation in co-curricular activities, and support for one another have been truly commendable. The positive atmosphere around our campus is a direct reflection of your contributions and the Woodlawn spirit you embody every day.

To our parents and carers, your ongoing support and partnership with the College have been invaluable. Your engagement with your children's education, attendance at school events, and communication with staff creates a strong foundation that allows our students to thrive. 

I would also like to acknowledge our exceptional staff members who consistently go above and beyond for our students. Your tireless efforts, often behind the scenes, do not go unnoticed.

Don’t forget to come to school next term in the Winter Uniform. We appreciate the efforts of all families to ensure that our young people are dressed well and wearing the uniform with pride each day.

As we approach the Easter break, may this sacred time bring reflection, renewal, and joy to all our families. I wish you all a Happy Easter and hope the holiday period provides a well-deserved opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2, refreshed and ready for new challenges and opportunities.

Warm regards,

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

Counselling Corner

Teen Independence: Finding the Sweet Spot

Is your teen pushing boundaries? You're not alone! Finding the balance between giving independence and maintaining sensible boundaries sometimes comes with challenges.

Why Teen Freedom Matters

Teens who get the right balance of independence:

• Build confidence quicker than they update their Instagram
• Make smarter choices (eventually!)
• Handle peer pressure without crumbling
• Prepared for real-world adulting

What Independence Looks Like

Years 7-10:

• Managing their own homework (without 57 reminders)
• Preparing simple meals
• Exploring their community safely
• Handling pocket money without blowing it all on energy drinks

Years 11-12:

• Juggling study, work, and still finding time for TikTok
• Making smart choices about their future (TAFE? Uni? Gap year?)
• Operating washing machines without turning everything pink

Parent Hacks That Actually Work

Be Their Mentor, Not Their Manager: Ask "What's your plan?" instead of giving step-by-step instructions.

Let Natural Consequences Do The Heavy Lifting: Forgetting sports gear means missing practice. Amazing how quickly they learn.

Co-Create Rules: Teens who help make the rules break them less. 

Stay In Their World: You don't need to understand their music, just keep the conversation going.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’d like support.

Enjoy the holidays!

School Counsellors

Christina, Susan, Jacqui

Year Group News

Year 7 Sleepover

The annual Woodlawn Year 7 Sleepover was held this term. There were Inter-House games, dancing, movies, tacos, and lots of smiles and chatter as our Year 7 students got to know each other and had some fun. Thank you to our dedicated staff and senior students who stayed the night to facilitate this activity.

Year 7 Big Day In

Despite the wet weather and a last-minute switch from the usual outdoor celebrations, our Year 7 students didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits! The Big Day In was packed with fun, laughter, and plenty of action as students got involved in a range of games and activities throughout the day.

From team activities to self-reflection for their Year 12 self, but a definite highlight was pizza for lunch.

Thank you to the staff and student leaders who helped make the day a success. It may not have been the Big Day Out we originally planned, but Year 7 certainly made the most of their Big Day In.

Year 8  Pastoral Care

In Pastoral Care, Year 8 was tasked with brightening up our Welfare Corridor while informing Woodlawn of the wonderful support services on offer here and externally. Well done Year 8.

Year 9 Students Lend a Hand with Prospectus Packs

Thank you to our wonderful Year 9 students who generously gave their time to help assemble prospectus packs for our local Catholic primary schools.

Year 10 Computing Technology

Our Year 10 Computing Technology students had a fantastic time this week guiding our Principal, Mrs Reen, through the world of coding. It was a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills and share their knowledge.

NSW School Vaccination Program 2025

Year 10 students – Tuesday 20th May

• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (1 dose).

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need:

• To complete online consent, parents/carers need to visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal (https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage).

• For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please refer to the NSW Health webpage, How to Provide Consent (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx)

 For online consent, parents/carers will need:

• their ServiceNSW log-in details, or to create an account with ServiceNSW if they don’t already have one 
• Medicare details for parents/carers and their child.

Benefits of online consent for parents/carers:

• SMS notification three days before the clinic to remind parents of the vaccination day • SMS notifications on the day once vaccinations are given 
• easy updating of their child’s details online 
• faster upload of their child’s vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Thank You to Our Year 11 Volunteers

A big thank you to our amazing Year 11 Volunteering students who generously gave their time to support the Year 7 Sleepover and Big Day In.

Your help, energy, and encouragement made a real difference running games, helping with activities, or simply being a friendly face. Your efforts were truly appreciated by both staff and students, and you set a wonderful example of leadership and community spirit.

Our Year 12 students have made an impressive start to their final year of schooling, setting a high standard with their focus, involvement, and school spirit.

Students recently completed their Half Yearly Examinations, demonstrating the dedication and maturity expected of senior learners. These assessments not only reflect their academic efforts so far but also provide valuable preparation for the trials and HSC examinations ahead. Staff have been pleased with the diligence shown and the thoughtful reflection students are applying to their learning as they work towards their goals.

Adding to the strong start, Year 12 played a central role in leading one of the College’s most successful Swimming Carnivals to date. Their energy, leadership, and house spirit were faultless, with many students participating enthusiastically—whether diving into events, cheering on peers, or assisting in the smooth running of the night. Congratulations to Alanna Bromhead, Oliver Walker, Maya Mackie, and Jake Fowler for leading Segrief to victory on the night. 

As we move into Term 2, Year 12 students are encouraged to continue balancing their academic commitments with wellbeing and involvement in College life. With such a positive start, the rest of 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable and rewarding final year.

Looking forward to Term 2, the College has a proud tradition of participating in the ANZAC Day March. This cohort has been brilliant over the past few years, committing strong numbers to College representation throughout the region. I look forward to seeing them lead the way again this year.

A reminder to stay up to date with 2025 Year 12 events with our Yr 12 Calendar - CLICK HERE

And also an invitation to a social event to learn more about and be part of the Year 12 Formal Planning Committee. 

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

Inside the Classroom

Studies of Religion II

Our Year 11 class recently had the opportunity to spend time on Bundjalung country with Ashley and Len Moran as our guides. We were able to visit significant sites and learn about the connection between the Dreaming, the land and identity.

Our Year 11 and 12 classes headed to the Brisbane Synagogue to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish. We were given a tour of the Synagogue by Rabbi Zalman Kastel (of Together for Humanity) and were treated to a kosher meal that we shared with members of the community. The highlight of the trip was the Living Book session, where we had the opportunity to ask questions of members of the community. In this way, we were able to appreciate the diverse lived experiences and expressions of being Jewish in Australia.

Recognising Student Success - Volunteering

The Young Women in Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in leadership positions by recognising a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to building a better world for women and girls. Applicants were asked to reflect on their voluntary commitment to their school and to their community, and the problems limiting the empowerment of women in their own country and worldwide. The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award looks to the young women of today to be the leaders of tomorrow

Winner: Madeleine Butler, Year 12 

The Zonta Club of Northern Rivers has announced that our College Vice Captain, Madeleine Butler (Year 12), has been successful in winning the local Northern Rivers stage of the Young Women in Leadership Award. She has received a $500 prize from the club, and her entry has now been forwarded to the Zonta District 22 Judging Panel. The District 22 winner will go on to compete against other entrants from around the world. Madeleine is to be warmly congratulated on receiving such a prestigious award and for the outstanding quality of her application. In the letter of affirmation from Zonta, she was specifically commended for her achievements in leadership and her involvement in the ‘Street Retreat’ in Brisbane, where she spent the night serving hot food and drinks to people experiencing homelessness. This act of service is a powerful reflection of the Woodlawn community’s deep commitment to volunteerism and social justice.

Two other students also submitted high-quality applications and are commended for their participation in the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award.

Matilda Price  Yr 12 
The judging panel were particularly impressed with Matilda’s leadership achievements to date, not only in being awarded the position of College Captain but also in her work promoting awareness of the impact of closure on the Wee Waa Hospital. 

Ava Allan Yr 11 

The judging panel noted that Ava also demonstrates a desire and passion to help others less fortunate through her experiences in Cambodia at the La Valla school for disabled children.

Year 10 Advanced Mathematics

There have been many exciting activities taking place this term in the maths classrooms.

Some Year 10 Advanced Mathematics students had the opportunity to collaborate with Professor Jelena Schmalz, a Russian university professor who specialises in Mathematics and STEM. Mrs Perry provided invaluable support with her STEM knowledge. The students are all looking forward to the next session with Professor Schmalz.

Year 11

Our Year 11 students have been completing group work by collaborating together and using the whiteboards we have around the walls in our classrooms.

Year 7

In Year 7, the students were set the problem to find out how many students would fit in a normal classroom. The answer quite surprised them. 

Mathematics Challenge

Twenty-two brave students are about to start the Mathematics Challenge. This is a 4 week program where they complete 6 difficult problems in their own time. Good luck to everyone!

Excellence in Mathematics

We are proud to recognise the exceptional work of two of our students, Dilansa in Year 8 and Allie in Year 10, whose recent Mathematics study notes have impressed both staff and peers.

Their notes showcase a high level of organisation, insight, and dedication to their studies, reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Well done, keep up the great work.

Well, we hit the ground running in 2025 as always, and the marathon has continued since. We have started implementing the new syllabus for Years 7 and 9. Next year we will have all years on the new syllabus. The year 7s have been meeting new people and learning to use the science equipment safely, including the ever favourite Bunsen Burner. We wrapped up the term looking at the universe and how lucky we are on Earth, being just the right distance from the sun and just the right tilt to have seasons and tides. Lastly with making a cool model of the phases of the moon out of Oreo cookies. Years 8 and 9 have both been looking at energy with a different slant due to the old and new syllabus combination. But hopefully, we have found some ways that we can both provide energy and conserve it for the future. The year 9s have learnt to set up circuits and make light bulbs, as well as their favourite experiment so far, in which they made a dam model from some milk bottles to see how global warming and droughts affect the supply of solar power. 

Year 10 have delved into Chemistry and acid-base reactions and have successfully made an acid-base indicator out of red cabbage. Our Year 11 students are slowly getting the hang of the immense difference between the effort needed for our 4 senior science topics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth and Environmental Sciences. Many are having to study for the first time to achieve success. Assessment tasks are coming in thick and fast, including Biology’s surface area to volume ratio experiment using agar cubes to show why only multicellular organisms grow to bigger sizes and unicellular organisms are so small. Year 12 students are on the downhill run to their HSC. Refining their knowledge and practicing their skills in practical and writing. 

We all have earned the upcoming break and look forward to returning to school refreshed next term.

Night of the Notables – A Celebration of History and Student Excellence

Our recent Night of the Notables in Week 7 was a resounding success, showcasing the talents, dedication, and historical curiosity of our students. Under the generous patronage of Mrs Annette Reen, the evening brought history to life in spectacular fashion.

Students spent several weeks preparing for this event, delving deep into research, crafting displays, and developing engaging presentations to represent their chosen historical personalities. Their commitment extended far beyond what was visible on the night, with many hours dedicated to historical research, perfecting costumes and designing creative and informative exhibits.

The result was an inspiring evening featuring a diverse array of notable figures—from ancient leaders like Hatshepsut, to scientific greats such as Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci, and iconic personalities like Marie Antoinette. This year, a particularly popular focus was the dramatic duo of Alexander Hamilton and his rival Aaron Burr.

We extend our thanks to our students for their outstanding efforts and to our parents and families for their continued support and enthusiastic attendance.

Year 7 Geography - Landscapes and Landforms Dioramas

As part of the Year 7 Landscapes and Landforms assessment, students were asked to create a diorama of a famous Australian landform. The students had a choice from eleven iconic landforms and how they created a representation was left up to them. Expansive foam, paper mache, resin and many other forms were used to construct their design. We thank the students and their families (materials can be expensive!) for the effort put into the task. The results speak for themselves!

Languages - Year 7 Italian and French 

Bienvenue! Benvenuti!

It has been a fantastic and energetic start to the year in Italian and French for our enthusiastic Year 7 learners. Students in 705 and 706 have jumped straight into their language-learning journey, showing curiosity, creativity, and a great sense of fun along the way!

Some students arrived with some experience from primary school, while for others, this is their first time learning a second language. No matter their starting point, every student has embraced the challenge and made real progress. It has been wonderful to see them grow in confidence as they explore a new way of communicating with the world.

In Term 1, students completed their first writing assessment. They prepared short sentences in their chosen language and memorised them. We were very impressed with their effort and focus. Now, they are working on their first speaking task—putting their voices to work and making their language learning come to life!

In class, students are developing all four key skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through interactive lessons and engaging activities. We also use online platforms such as Linguascope, Quizlet, and Language Gym to reinforce learning in fun, game-like formats. These tools help students practise vocabulary and grammar at their own pace—many even choose to play at home!

Fun Facts: Did You Know?

• French is spoken in over 29 countries across five continents.
• Italian is the fourth most studied language in the world!
• Learning a second language can improve memory, problem-solving, and even multitasking skills.
• Bilingual brains are known to be more flexible and creative!

It has been great to see students light up when they recognise words in songs, movies, or even on food labels. Language learning opens the door to real-world connections, global understanding, and lots of fun along the way!

We would like to thank all the families who came along to the Year 7 Meet and Greet and the recent Parent-Teacher Interviews. Your encouragement and support mean so much to our students, and it helps build a strong second language learning community.

We are proud of what our students have already achieved, and we are excited to continue the journey into Term 2. There is so much more to discover—new words, new cultures, and new ways to see the world!

Open Night Music Performance Video

Well done to the talented students who performed at the College Open Night. Their music created a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for all our visitors and showcased the amazing talent we have here at the College.

Thank you to each performer for your dedication and confidence, you represented our school with pride and helped make the evening a special one.  (Video link below)

Year 11 CAFS

The Year 11 CAFS class have been looking at the various groups that exist in society and why these groups have formed. They completed a Case Study on the film ‘Ten Things I Hate About You’ and were asked to work with their group to dress a character in a created newspaper outfit. The class came up with some fantastic outfits depicting ‘Cowboys’, ‘Rastafarians’ and ‘The Beautiful People’.

Year 7 Engineering

During Term 1, our Engineering class was learning how to operate our Laser cutters and CNC routers to then apply those skills to design and begin constructing engineered projects. Students gained knowledge around the use of levers, pulleys, gears and cams, then in small groups, collaboration around types of mechanisms and engineered systems was considered before planning final designs of miniature Theme Park rides.

Year 7 Timber

What an exciting term Year 7 has had in Materials - Timber. They have worked exceptionally hard to learn many new skills to design and create their own unique timber serving tray. Each student mastered the skills of doing a rebate joint along with using a variety of pieces of equipment to produce domino joints, biscuit joints along with learning how to take pride and precision in their work to achieve outstanding results. The students designed their own laser cutting design, which reflects their interests and talents. Year 7, we are very proud of how you have conducted yourself in the timber workshop, always putting your safety and the safety of others first.

Year 7 Materials

Textiles students have been busy this term learning about the sewing machine. They have completed a number of projects, including a pincushion, a bag and an apron. Students have been engaged in the learning process of new equipment and different ways of thinking. To develop their apron, students have used the design process to plan, produce and evaluate their design, and have also incorporated sustainable design by including a recycled textiles element. Students should be proud of their work! 

Year 10 Textiles

Well done, Year 10 Textiles Technology on a fantastic start to your elective. You have all worked exceptionally hard, designing, creating and manufacturing a variety of seam samples along with mastering the skill of using a commercial pattern and being able to read and interpret what you need to do. You have all worked as part of a team, assisting others when needed. This term, you have manufactured a pair of functional summer shorts that are worthy of being sold in stores. Your energy and motivation to learn has been inspiring and I admire your dedication and determination to always achieve to the best of your ability. Keep up the fantastic work.

Year 10 Industrial Technology - Farm Maintenance

What a whirlwind of a start to our Farm Maintenance experience in Term 1. From learning workshop safety to managing first aid procedures for snake bites. Our class has taken everything in their stride and performed with great enthusiasm and dedication to get tasks completed. They have fitted out the new machinery shed with shelving units. Demolished the old pig pen, ready to construct our new grandstand around our yards. After the floods in Week 6, the class worked amazingly well to clean up the fence lines from fallen trees and flood debris. In the workshop, we have learnt how to cut pipe using both the cold and hot saws as well as experience tube bending, metal lathing and mig welding to create our post rams ready for our Fencing unit in Term 2.

Senior Industrial Technology, Timber and Furniture Technologies

Year 11 has spent the term learning the safe operating procedures on the drop & panel saws. They then began experimenting with using the saws to create a variety of timber joining techniques. This will aid them throughout their senior years in the construction of projects. Some students are well on the way to the construction of their small contemporary cabinets. These projects are individually designed by each student to suit their needs and they have used an industry standard drawing software called Fusion 360 to design and create working drawings.

The HSC class, unfortunately, have endured a lot of time lost over this first term; therefore, progress has been slow on their Major works. Construction is on the way and is slowly starting to take shape. Innovative use of CNC machines has allowed students to add another dimension to their designs.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: 2025 HSC Important  Dates for TAS Practical Examinations

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

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

Year 12 Construction

Our Year 12 VET Construction students had the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a meaningful community project. Partnering with St Joseph’s Primary School in Alstonville, the students designed and built a cubby house and stage for the younger students to enjoy. The project allowed them to showcase their technical abilities while contributing to the community. Congratulations to all students and staff involved for their professionalism and commitment throughout the project.

Barista Training

Students from Year 10 Cafe Skills completed their barista training this term at North Coast Community College. As part of their training, students were introduced to the fundamentals of coffee preparation, including grind size, espresso extraction techniques, and milk texturing for various beverages such as cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, mochas, and macchiatos.

Sports at Woodlawn

CCC Berg/ Downie Cricket

In Week 4, on the 25th and 26th of February, Woodlawn sent 24 students to Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex to compete in the CCC Berg/Downie cricket finals. 

The Berg Shield team finished 3rd in the competition, and the Downie Trophy team finished fourth.

Berg Shield

Woodlawn came up against a strong All Saints Maitland team in the Berg Shield semi-final. Woodlawn won the toss and elected to bat. Cooper Williams again led from the front, scoring a classy 55 runs. Unfortunately, wickets were hard to come by, and All Saints managed to chase our total of 116 down with 6 wickets in hand. 

That saw Woodlawn play for third against Corpus Christi Wollongong. Some brilliant bowling by Sonny Butler saw him take 5 wickets and keep the opposition to a total of 112. Xavier Dann came out swinging and got Woodlawn off to a great start, scoring 28. Cooper again steered the ship for another 50, and Woodlawn scored the runs with 6 overs to spare.

A commendable effort by Mr Reen, Mr Smith and the team.

Downie Trophy

Well done to our First XI cricketers on advancing to the semi-finals of the state-wide Downie Trophy with a solid win over St Paul’s Catholic College, Kempsey last week.

Woodlawn set a strong total of 251, with contributions from Blake Perkins (40), Cooper Williams (47), Bailey Thomson (42), Lachlan Barnes (30), and Oliver Crotty (25). The bowlers then performed effectively, holding Kempsey to 95. Oliver Walker (2/15), Oliver Crotty (2/16), and Sonny Butler (2/15) led the attack.

A commendable effort by Mr Collings, Craig and the team.

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

In Week 8, on the 26th of March, 22 students travelled to the Alstonville swimming pools to participate in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. All participants did exceptionally well and faced the challenge of constant rain on the day with resilience. 

Out of the 22 students who went, Woodlawn saw 7 athletes who qualified for the NSWCCC Swimming Championships in Sydney on the 2nd-3rd of April.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Isabella Rowe: for receiving 17 & over girls Diocesan swimming age champion. 

William Bullpitt: for receiving 16 years boys Diocesan swimming age champion and breaking the Diocesan 50m freestyle record. 

Congratulations to all participants for your outstanding efforts, and we wish those who qualified for the NSWCCC swimming championships the best of luck! 

NSWCCC Swimming

On the 2nd and 3rd of April, 5 Woodlawn students travelled to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre to participate in the NSWCCC swimming competition. Each student gave their all in their selected events, displaying dedication and outstanding performance, with some barely missing the qualification mark. 

GIRLS:
Isabella Rowe - 200 IM, 50 Freestyle, 50 Breaststroke 

BOYS:

Jacob Rowe - 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, 4 x 50m Medley Relay

Elijah Mercy-Wilson - 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, 4 x 50m Medley Relay

Malekai Kubils - 50m Backstroke, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, 4 x 50m Medley Relay

William Bullpitt - 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, 50m Butterfly, 4 x 50m Medley Relay 

We congratulate all of those who went, as it is an amazing achievement, and recognise your outstanding efforts! We specifically congratulate Elijah Mercy-Wilson for qualifying for the All Schools Swimming Championships to be held in Sydney on the 22nd - 23rd of May.

Open Night Marist Netball Game

On the 2nd of April, Woodlawn had its annual Open Night, where Year 6 students and their parents came to Woodlawn to tour our facilities and learn about what components create our school community.

To showcase our amazing sportsmanship, in the Colin Centre, our Marist Netball team got together to verse some former Woodlawn students (Riley Alvos, Mia McRae, Eva McRae, Eloise Davis) and some Lismore Netball team players. The game was tough and showcased the abundance of talent and skill possessed by current and former Marist Netball players at Woodlawn.

Diocesan Netball Trials

On the 4th of April, 5 girls travelled to Coffs Harbour to participate in the Diocesan Netball trials in hopes of being selected in the Lismore Diocesan team. 

This team then progresses to the CCC tryouts that will be held in Sydney on the 29th of May. The girls showed amazing sportsmanship and outstanding performance skills, and we congratulate all members who went, but specifically the qualifying students listed below.

Marist Basketball

In Week 9, our Open College Basketball teams travelled to Melbourne to compete in the 2025 Australian Marist Basketball Carnival, hosted by Marcellin College, Bulleen. The event brought together Marist schools from across the country for four days of spirited competition.

The Woodlawn boys' team finished in 20th place overall, displaying resilience and heart throughout a challenging draw. The boys faced strong opposition early in the tournament, including strong teams from Cairns, Ashgrove, and Kilmore. Despite the results, the team bounced back with a solid 38–24 win over Good Counsel College, Innisfail and continued to show grit and sportsmanship through to the final game.

The Woodlawn girls’ team had a challenging yet rewarding experience.  Competing against the 2 top teams in the opening round, Sale and Bendigo, was tough, but the girls did have a draw in this pool against Burnie. In the Plate division, they had a win over Warragul and a draw with St Teresa’s College Noosaville.  Finishing twelfth overall is a solid achievement, especially with the high standard of basketball they faced.  

Thank you to Darcy Drooger (10), who was injured and unable to play.  He became the assistant to the girls' team and did our bench duties, looked after our equipment and helped with warm-up sessions.

Beyond the court, students also had the chance to explore Melbourne city, visiting the iconic Hosier Lane, MCG, Federation Square, and soaking in the atmosphere along the river.

The carnival was a fantastic opportunity to represent the College at a national tournament, build friendships and celebrate our Marist Charism.

Thank you to the parents and siblings who travelled to Melbourne to support our players. 

Donna Bashforth – Billy Drooger (12), Sharon Andonov – Nikki Andonov (12), Andrew & Michelle Doriean – Flynn (12) and Evaline (9) Doriean, Toni Lynch – Maggie Lynch (11), Eloise Bashforth (sister and former Marist Basketball player) – Hugh Bashforth (8).

And a big thank you goes to our players and managers.

Luke Flynn - Boys Coach &  Tammie Creary - Girls Coach

Award Recipients:                          

Lismore Diocese Northern Country Rugby League Trials

​A group of students recently traveled to South West Rocks to represent the Lismore Diocese in the Northern Country Rugby League trials. We are very proud of how all players represented St John's College, Woodlawn and the Diocese of Lismore. Seven students have been selected for the Northern Country team to compete at the NSWCCC trials later this year. Congratulations Bowie Blakeney​, Xavier Eades​, Macy Field​, Noah Vakararawa​, Jimmy McCombie​, Elliott Farrell​ and Luke Barnett​.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the SRC

This is a Big Hello from your SRC! 

We hope that you have all enjoyed the new year so far. As a collective, we have decided to bring you some information in each newsletter about what we are doing and what we are hoping to achieve this year around the school. Along with this, we want to introduce you to the members of our SRC, so you can get to know those leading your community.

We want to introduce you to Eric Graydon, our SRC president, as well as Sophie Scott, one of our Year 9 representatives.

Eric Graydon - Year 12

Tell us a little bit about yourself? E.g hobbies and what you like to do in your spare time.
I have been a member of the Australian Air Force Cadets for over 4 years. I currently hold the rank of Cadet Under Officer, coordinating and mentoring around 45 cadets. I enjoy flying when able, working toward my pilots license.

Fun fact about yourself 
Whilst on a 4 hour flight in a C130 Hercules, I was able to sit on the cargo door ramp whilst flying at 250ft (76m) above the ocean, up the beach to Sydney, dangling my legs out the back and waving to surfers.

What is your favourite thing about Woodlawn?
My favourite thing about Woodlawn is the fact that it gives you so many opportunities to go far and be successful in any area.

 Why did you decide to become a member of our SRC?
I decided to become a member of our SRC, for its opportunities, as I was pursuing a career in leadership as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Sophie Scott - Year 9

Tell us a little bit about yourself 
I LOVE musical theatre, singing, and being on stage.

Fun fact about yourself 
I am left-handed.

What's your favorite thing about Woodlawn? 
My favourite thing about Woodlawn is the support in learning and help in exam prep, as well as all the ministry opportunities.

Why did you decide to be a part of the SRC?
I decided to join the SRC because my grandpa was president of St Vincent De Paul when he passed and made a big difference in the community through his love. I want to follow in his footsteps by helping others, making a sense of community, and making a difference.

So far this year has been off to a great start. Our Opening College Mass was a great opportunity to gather in the Cathedral to celebrate the Eucharist together. 

We also celebrated our new leadership team and were inspired by our captains, Matilda and Noah, to live the Woodlawn Way and make sure that the community is at the heart of all we do.

We introduced new members, from Years 7 to 11, to our SRC family. We are so excited to hear all the great ideas they will bring.

We want to reinforce how our school community can show more involvement in school fundraisers and activities such as Food Friday in Home Groups and donating to Project Compassions: Hearts Of Hope (each heart costs $30, the Home Group that raises the most money gets a reward). We want to see a Home Group environment that is welcoming for all year groups, but also a place where younger students can admire and ask for assistance from the older students.

We are all so excited to build stronger relationships with all students and can't wait to see some new relationships formed around the school.

From the Library Learning Hub

Welcome to the  Library – A Place for Learning, Connection, and Community!

Celebrating a Fantastic Term One

As Term 1 wraps up, we celebrate a term full of creativity, learning, and engagement in the library. From Makerspace challenges to the launch of the Year 7 Book Club, our library has been buzzing with activity.

Makerspace & Craft Club: Creativity in Action

Makerspace sessions every Monday have fostered creativity through hands-on challenges, while our new Craft Club on Wednesdays, focusing on crochet, has given students a relaxing space to develop new skills.

Chess Club & Year 7 Book Club

The Chess Club has seen great participation, with students sharpening their strategic thinking. We also launched the Year 7 Book Club, and it's been wonderful to see these students develop a love for reading and discussion.

International Women’s Day Writing Competition

In honour of International Women’s Day, we launched a writing competition, with entries closing on Friday of Week 10. All students are encouraged to participate!

Supporting Research

Our library has supported research projects across various year levels, whether that be Year 8 students preparing for Night of the Notables, or guiding Year 11 and 12 students to use academic databases. Students are encouraged to seek help with their research projects at recess or lunch.

Keep Reading Over the Break

Don’t forget to read during the break! Here in the library, we have a book for every interest. Or, students can access SORA, our online platform, to access nearly 24,000 eBooks and 4,000 audiobooks—perfect for keeping your reading habit alive. Please encourage your child to borrow for the holiday break.

The World of Poetry

Our final display this term, The World of Poetry, celebrates student creativity with found poems, Pin-Up Poetry, and the Robert Frost vs. Taylor Swift challenge. We also have a great selection of verse novels available to borrow.

Looking forward to another exciting term ahead!

The Library Team.

Community Parent Forum

Forum Meeting - Monday 5 May 2025

Woodlawn Family Race Day - Saturday 10 May 2025

Term 2 Parent and Carer Catch up - Thursday 5 June 2025

Parent Information Hub

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

A reminder to parents to please consent to administering paracetamol for 2025 using the INSIGHT on your Compass App.  (How to Access Insights Parent Guide).
If your student presents to sick bay requesting paracetamol and the consent is not complete via the Compass App you will be contacted each time before medication is given.

Compass App for Late Arrivals or Early Pickups

If you need to pick up your child unexpectedly before the bell, please use the Compass App to submit an attendance note. Once received, a note will be sent to your child’s class with pickup details.

How to:

1. Open the Compass App and tap the blue shortcuts button at the bottom.
2. Select ‘Submit Attendance Note.’
3. Choose the reason, add a brief description, and enter the start/finish time.
4. Tap ‘Save.’

What happens next?

• Your child will go to the Student Services Office (SSO) to sign out.
• They will then be sent to the Parent Pick-Up Zone at the allocated time.

Please allow enough time for your child to receive the note, especially if they are in a class that may take longer to locate, such as sport or TAS classes, etc.

Important Dates - Term 2

NSW School Vaccination Program

Canteen Ordering

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

How to Use Flexischools for Canteen Orders

1. Create a Flexischools Account

   • Visit www.flexischools.com.au

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

2. Add Your Student

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

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

   • Enter your child’s student ID number

   • Save your student profile.

3. Top Up Your Account

   • Go to “My Wallet” or “Top Up”

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

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

• Select your student

• Choose the canteen and date

• Pick items from the menu and place the order

• Confirm and pay at checkout.

Uniform Shop

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

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

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

Keeping School Funding Fair – Supporting Families in Choosing the Best Education

Catholic schools have long provided families with quality education, strong values and a sense of
community. New research confirms that parents make thoughtful financial choices to ensure
their children receive the education that best suits their needs.
With rising costs affecting many households, families continue to prioritise education, valuing the
academic, spiritual and personal development that Catholic schools provide. Ensuring school
funding remains fair helps families continue to access the right school for their child.
Read the Catholic Schools NSW media release below and visit keepfundingfair.org.au to learn
more about how we support families.

Community Notices