Week 10 Term 3 2025

Message from the Principal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the sunshine and the holiday break.

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

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

The final weeks of Term 3 have brought significant milestones and transitions across our College community. Our Year 12 cohort has reached the culmination of their secondary education journey, while Year 11 students step forward into their senior leadership roles. This seasonal transition from winter to spring mirrors the natural progression of academic leadership and responsibility. Across all year levels, from our bustling Junior School engaged in camps, assessments, and sporting activities, to our senior students navigating major academic transitions, there's an undeniable energy of achievement and anticipation. Below is a summary of important recent and upcoming events.

Celebrating Our Year 12 Graduates and HSC Journey Ahead

This week marked the conclusion of our Year 12 students' time at the College, and what an extraordinary celebration we experienced! Our Graduation Mass, held on Wednesday evening in the College Chapel, was nothing short of spectacular. The ceremony perfectly captured the achievement, growth, and potential of these remarkable young people who have been such an integral part of our College family for six years. The evening was a beautiful blend of pride, gratitude, and excitement as we honoured their accomplishments and sent them forth with our blessings for the adventures ahead.

As our graduates now turn their focus to their Final HSC Examinations scheduled from 16 October to 10 November, they carry forward the strong academic foundation and personal values cultivated throughout their College years. Students can access their individual examination timetable via the NESA Students Online portal. All families should refer to the information forwarded by Mrs Ryall (Leader of Curriculum) with regard to specific timing and process. Students must present in full summer uniform for examination entry. Should any illness or misadventure circumstances arise requiring submission to NESA, supporting documentation will be necessary, and Mrs Ryall should be contacted immediately to support the process.

Year 11 Final Assessments Complete 

Our Year 11 cohort successfully completed their end-of-year examinations across Weeks 7 and 8 through a streamlined schedule designed to minimise disruption to their learning. We commend this group for their professional and mature conduct throughout these significant assessments. These examinations served as valuable preparation for the HSC format they will encounter as Year 12 students, providing them with essential experience for their final academic journey. Students and families should consider the results and teacher feedback when considering any changes to their study patterns. Year 11 reports should be available early in Term 4 to assist with this process. The communication from Mrs Ryall regarding any adjustments to Year 11 study patterns moving forward should be considered closely prior to making any requests. 

Year 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews

We extend a warm invitation for families to participate in the Year 7 Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews to discuss your child's academic progress in 2025. Staff will be available on Tuesday, 21 October, from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Bookings for these interviews will open on Tuesday morning, 14 October, and will remain open until Monday, 20 October, at 3:30 pm. More information and booking details will be communicated via email. 

Responsibility for Learning

The next round of our Responsibility for Learning will be available to parents and students to view during the first week of the term break. Please take the opportunity to review your student’s results together and to set some goals and priorities for continued growth. Whether it's improving in a particular subject, developing better study habits, or building confidence in specific areas, goal-setting is most effective when students are actively involved in the process. We recommend choosing 2-3 realistic, achievable goals that can be revisited and celebrated as progress is made throughout the next term.

Term 4 Assessment

Years 7 -10 students will participate in formal assessment weeks during Term 4. 

• Year 10 Exam Week - Week 4 (3 - 7 November)
• Years 7, 8 and 9 Exam Week  - Week 6 (18 - 21 November)

Students will have access to an assessment week timetable, as well as task notifications and revision guides for each subject, through their Assessment Hub Google Classroom two weeks prior to their exam week. Classroom teachers will provide more information on these tasks as the deadline approaches.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Message from the Assistant Principal -Mission

A blessing for Year 12 Graduates

May you be blessed as you head off into your next chapter, taking with you all the strength and wisdom you've discovered during your time at Woodlawn.

May you have the confidence to be authentically yourself, the curiosity to never stop growing, and the heart to make the world a little brighter wherever you go.

May you discover that the most fulfilling moments come from helping others and that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest ripples.

Go into the world knowing you'll always belong to our Woodlawn family, and that the friendships and values you've built here will guide you through whatever comes next.

Year 9 Camp

During Week 7 from September 2 - 4, Year 9 participated in their annual camp hosted by Camp Kokoda near Maroon Dam. These three days are fundamental in bringing the year group together, forging new friendships and offering ‘challenge by choice’ to participants. Fortunately, this year, the group had perfect weather for the camp, and this certainly added to the positive attitude and experience of all the students. There were many who really stepped out of their comfort zone, and with the support of their group members, achieved what they had previously thought impossible: abseiling, high ropes and the giant swing. The camp was a great opportunity to develop many skills, not to mention cooking and cleaning, negotiation, tent set up and empathy for others. It was great to see how many students really stepped up to assist others without being asked to do so. The value of our outdoor program lies not only in the achievements of individuals, which are certainly significant, but also in the interactions between students where they are able to come to understand something of the other, which leads them to respond in a thoughtful manner and get to know each other outside the classroom environment.

Thank you to our staff who generously gave of their own time to be with students at the camp: Justine Kennedy (who, as the Year Coordinator, had the responsibility for organising the camp), Kallie Deegan, Jesse Hayden, Lewis Hancock, Cody Johnson, Marlaina Garcia, Stef Darke, and Andrew Budnick.

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Take care over the holidays, and I look forward to catching up with you in Term 4. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Pastoral Care News

And in the blink of an eye…they’ve done it!

It always brings mixed emotions to see a cohort of young people graduate from the College. The hype and excitement of their final days transform seamlessly into a reverent celebration of faith and achievement, just to be punctuated by a spirited and youthful rendition of our College war cry, ‘The Boomeranga’.

Each year, particularly this year of Jubilee in the Church, there is an air of hope as the students and their families look ahead to what lies beyond the hallowed halls of the College.

Our prayers and blessings accompany the class of 2025…live with hope, be safe, and remember that there is always a home for you at Woodlawn.

Anti-bullying Prevention

This is something that our College Leadership & Pastoral Care Teams, in conjunction with all staff, are focusing on. Whilst we have seen pleasing trends in our College data in recent years regarding bullying, we remain committed to creating an environment where students feel safe, cared for, valued and respected.

Early in Term 4, we are excited to be launching a new method for students to report any concerns, including issues of bullying for themselves or others. The new, online platform will be accessible 24/7 and available to all students through their Compass portal. Our desire is to allow students to stand up against negative, antisocial or disrespectful behaviour, all without the often challenging conversation with staff. Whilst all reports will be treated confidentially, student names will be recorded to ensure the ongoing safety of all our young people.

We look forward to this offering going live in Term 4, contributing further to our school being a safe and supportive community for our students.

Wellbeing Week - Week 8

I would like to express my gratitude to our Junior Year Coordinators (7-10) and Base Class Leaders for the success of our inaugural Wellbeing Week. Through engagement in various activities, we have established a new approach to celebrating and nurturing holistic wellbeing among staff and students.

Over the course of the week, our Year Groups hosted:

Monday - Mindfulness activities in the PAC (Year 7). Meditation, mandalas, music and mateship were the order of the day to nurture mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Tuesday - The Voice: Woodlawn (Year 8). An all-out talent quest hosted in the Colin Centre to foster occupational and social wellbeing, with a healthy dose of competition.

Wednesday - Interhouse Capture the Flag (Year 10). Whilst the numbers were small, a focus on physical wellbeing is very important.

Friday - Face Painting in the Music Quad (Year 9). Focusing on our creative wellbeing with positive messages associated with RuOK? Day.

Our hope is that this will become an annual event and will grow into a significant event that celebrates, promotes and encourages proactive opportunities for our students to foster their wellbeing as individuals and as a collective.

Our Futures Vaping Education Program

In conjunction with researchers from the University of Sydney, backed by a NSW Government grant, we have established a partnership with Our Futures to educate our students on the health outcomes and associated risks of vaping.

Unfortunately, vaping has become entrenched in society, despite attempts to legislate against it and protect our young people. We are hoping this new method of delivering informative and interactive learning will be a useful tool in the arsenal of our students if they are faced with the opportunity to purchase or use a vape.

This program will be delivered to our Year 8 cohort for the next four years in line with the current funding model. We are in discussions with Our Futures to try to secure access for our current Year 9-11 cohorts to ensure they benefit from this positive and important message.

Any parents who are concerned about vaping for their child are encouraged to make contact with the relevant year coordinator or myself.

Holidays

I hope that all our students enjoy a well-earned break over the coming weeks. Holidays should be a time for rest and balanced engagement with hobbies and interests. It is important to remember that some routines can be a positive support for students as they wind down.

In order to start Term 4 with energy, we require adequate rest, a healthy and balanced diet and a diverse range of activities and interests. Some young people thrive in the holidays from being given added responsibility around the family home, providing a sense of achievement and a feeling of accomplishment…just don’t tell them it was my idea!!

Warm regards,

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

Year Group News

Year 10 Movement Composition Performances a Huge Success

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

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

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

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

Year 10 Financial Literacy Presentation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring Fling 

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

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

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

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

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Year 11 Leadership Conference: Learning from Lived Experience

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

Powerful Testimonials Shape Understanding

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student Reflections:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vocational Pathways

*New Roles Available*

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

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

Available positions:

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

Inside the Classroom

Byron Writers Festival

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

Debating

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

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

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

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

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

English Extension 2 Major Works

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

Year 8 Book Expo

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

Best Overall Display - Bridget Farrelly-Wight

People’s Choice Award - Dilansa Welikadage

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

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

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Year 10 History - Dusted Off - Week 1 Performance

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

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

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

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

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

Year 7 Technology Materials

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

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Stage 5 Food Technology

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

Year 12 Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

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

Michael Bullpitt - Tool cabinet

Declan Daley - Stand up Bar

Elliott Farrell - Daybed

Ashlee Rugendyke - Pool Table

Year 11 Industrial Technology - Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

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

Sport at Woodlawn

Soccer

NSWCCC Opens Football Knockout Quarter Final 

On 27 August, our Open Boys Soccer Team played in the quarter final of the NSWCCC Football Knockout Tournament against a strong All Saints College Maitland side.

The match began at high intensity, with Woodlawn controlling the majority of possession thanks to the wind advantage. Several promising chances were created, including a strike from Charlie Collins that rattled the crossbar, and opportunities for Tom McPhee, Darcy Hampson and Max Anderson, but the Maitland goalkeeper proved difficult to beat. 

The teams went into half time locked at 0-0, with everything still to play for. After the break, Maitland pressed hard with the wind in their favour. Woodlawn’s defence stood firm, and when Maitland found the back of the net in a goalmouth scramble, the effort was disallowed, a crucial lifeline. Woodlawn responded by lifting their intensity, pushing forward with more chances through Hampson and Collins, but the deadlock remained. At full time, the score was still 0-0, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Bailey Anderson made two outstanding saves to keep Woodlawn in the contest, but after seven penalties each, the team fell agonisingly short, losing 5-4.

Despite the tough result, the boys should be extremely proud of their efforts. Reaching the final eight in the state is an impressive achievement and a credit to their hard work and determination throughout the season

Rugby League 

NSWCCC Cup Rugby League 

The First XIII team travelled to Sydney to compete in the final of the NSW CCC Rugby League Cup hosted by Holy Cross Ryde. 

The team performed very well, defeating Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie 18-0, Lewisham College 12-0, Holy Cross College, Ryde 8-6 and St Gregory's College 12-0. 

In the final, every person in the team played with fierce intent, with Woodlawn defeating Red Bend Forbes 10-0, ultimately leading to their success in winning the NSW CCC Catholic Cup. 

We congratulate every player on the team, but we wish to commend the following students:

Country Cup 13s

On 10 September, the Woodlawn Under 13 Rugby League Team travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the semi-final round of the Country Cup. They played some very good football against tough opponents, taking on Warners Bay High School, St Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie, and Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School. The boys showed great effort and skill in every match. Jimmy Corrigan, Archie Sauer and Reggie Field were named the Players of the Day. Well done, boys.

Titans 9s Rugby League

On 16 September, a group of Woodlawn students travelled to Kingsford Smith Ovals in Ballina to compete in the Titans 9-a-side progressive competition. Each team competed strongly and achieved positive results throughout the day.

Under 14 Girls

The Under 14 Girls Team went undefeated in their pool. Their final against St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, demonstrated strong teamwork and skill. Taleah Eades and Mali Cooper led from the middle with key runs and strategic play. The team’s performance highlights the progress of girls’ rugby league at Woodlawn.

Under 16 Girls

The Under 16 Girls combined experienced and new players, led by captain Macy Field. They won their first game against Kyogle High School in a close contest. In their second game, they improved their ball handling but were defeated by Banora Point High School. Macy Field was named Most Valuable Player, with Halo Banfield, Georgia Kennelly, Erika Wisemantel, and Mimi Bolam also recognised for their contributions.

Under 14 Boys

The Under 14 Boys faced four regional schools: Mount St Patrick College, Tweed River High, Maclean High, and Alstonville High. The team remained undefeated, using the modified format effectively. Bowie Blakeney was named Best on Ground, with Teo Stavenow and Louie Ware also making strong contributions.

Under 16 Boys

The Under 16 Boys competed in four games against Banora Point High, Murwillumbah High, Ballina Coast High, and Kingscliff High School. They won all four matches, showing strong teamwork and consistent effort. All players contributed to the team’s success.

Netball

Years 7/8 School Netball Cup

Woodlawn Red

Years 7/8 Red Team (Girls) had a successful day, finishing 2nd in their pool. They played hard against Casino High School in the crossover final, in some very hot conditions.  At half-time they were only one goal down, but the weather and competition proved too much, and they lost the game 13-8. As the day went on, the girls really gelled as a team, and there was some impressive movement and precision down the court. The girls are to be congratulated on a successful day. 

Woodlawn Gold

The 7/8 Gold Team had a fantastic day on the court. They finished 4th in the crossover rounds and played hard right until the final whistle. Although they didn’t secure the win, the girls showed great improvement throughout the day and worked well together as a team. 

Woodlawn Green

The Boys Green Team won four of their five games, securing a place in the Schools Cup Regional Finals. Dylan Dart and Hugh Bashforth both made strong contributions.

Thank you to our student umpires, Adelaide McFarlane, Allie Robinson and Kaytlyn Turner, for their efforts on the day.

Netball NSW Schools Cup Regional Finals

On 18 September, our Under 16 Girls and Boys Netball Teams travelled to the Lismore Netball Courts to compete in the Netball Regional Schools Cup. 

Girls

The girls played 5 games, winning 4 and moving into the Final. The girls played well as a team, defeating Tweed River High, Emmanuel Anglican College, Kingscliff High School and Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, to be defeated by Trinity Catholic College in the Final. There was some excellent netball played that was fitting for a regional final. It was also great to see that parents were able to join us and support the girls. Thanks to Charlotte Robinson, who was our umpire for the day.

Boys

The Woodlawn boys competed strongly in the Years 9/10 Boys division at the Netball NSW Schools Cup Regional Finals in Lismore. Over the course of the day, they played five challenging games against tough opposition, including Emmanuel Anglican College (EAC), Tweed River High, Trinity Catholic College, McAuley Catholic College (MCC), and St Joseph's College, Banora Point.

One of the highlights of the day was a commanding 13–3 win over MCC, where the team showcased sharp attacking skills and disciplined defence. In a close match against Tweed River High, the boys edged out a 5–4 victory. Despite competitive performances, they went down to both Emmanuel Anglican College and Trinity Catholic College. Their clash with St Joseph’s Banora was also closely contested but ended in a loss.

Thanks to the parents who came out to cheer the teams on.

Volleyball

NRCC Volleyball

Under 14 Girls

Our Under 14 Girls had a fantastic day on the volleyball court in Ballina, showing incredible spirit and determination in their very first carnival! The team came away with 3 wins out of 6 games, a brilliant effort for their debut competition. The girls worked hard in defence and supported one another every step of the way. A special mention goes to our Captain, Tully Sedelaar, whose encouragement and leadership kept the team motivated throughout the day. We’d also like to celebrate Olivia Soutar, who never shied away from training and proved that consistent effort truly pays off. She should be exceptionally proud of her performance. Congratulations to the whole team, you represented our College with pride. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

Under 16 Girls

Our Under 16 Girls Volleyball team competed against six other colleges. They played a series of close games. Key contributions came from Josie Ryan, Mimi Bolam, Minty Hussey and Allie Robinson in defence, while Edie Stewart and Josie Ryan were effective with their serving. Josie Ryan was named Player of the Day for her consistency and support across the court. The team encouraged one another, reset after setbacks, and showed good sportsmanship in their interactions with other teams. With a mix of wins and losses, they are already preparing for their next competition in Term 4.

Under 14 Boys

Our Under 14 Boys Team had a great day, winning four of their six games to finish Runners-up on the day. Will Lynch and Henry Condon were standout performers.

Under 16 Boys

The Under 16 Boys also competed well, finishing with five wins from six matches to claim Runners-up. Darcy Drooger, Askel Langdon, William Bullpitt and Malekai Kubils were named as standout players for their efforts across the day.

Congratulations to all teams on a very successful day of Volleyball. 

Athletics

Diocesan Athletics

On 2 September, a group of 20 students travelled to the CEX International Stadium in Coffs Harbour to compete in the annual Diocesan Athletics Championships. We commend all of those who went, as they represented Woodlawn with pride. 

Everyone competed with fierce intent, but we wish to commend the following students on their progression to the NSWCCC Athletics Championships:

GIRLS:

• Nikki Andonov (Opens Girls) - Discus 
• Aaliyah Garang-Hall (u14s Girls) - Shot Put & Discus 

BOYS:

• Malekai Kubils (u16s Boys) - Discus & Javelin
• Ezekiel Kubils (u13s Boys) - Shot Put 
• Mason Ghuman (u12s Boys) - 100m Sprint 
• Robert Grace (u12s Boys) - 200m Sprint

Congratulations to Mason Ghuman on winning the U12 Diocesan Athletics Age Champion. We also wish our qualifying athletes the best of luck at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships.

NSWCCC Athletics

On 15 September, a group of our Woodlawn students travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships. We congratulate everyone who went as they represented the College exceptionally, but make special mention of Aaliyah Garang-Hall in Year 8 on her excellent performance.

Aaliyah competed in the 14 Years Girls division, achieving a Gold Medal in Shot Put and a Silver Medal in Discus. Well done to Aaliyah for representing Woodlawn and the Lismore Diocese.

Rugby Union

Rugby Union 10s

On 4 September, our Under 14 Boys Rugby Union Team travelled to Wollongbar Rugby Club to compete in the 10-a-side competition.

The first game against Ballina Coast High School ended in a tie. Vaughn Matthews ran 60m down the sideline for the first try, followed by Lincoln Cormack’s equaliser. The second game against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School was tough, resulting in a 6–1 loss, with Parker Creighton-Singh scoring Woodlawn’s only try. In the third match against McAuley Catholic College, the boys went down 3–0 but continued to compete strongly. Their final game against Alstonville High School finished in a 2–2 draw, with both tries scored by Ellis Gamble.

All players contributed, showing effort and teamwork across the day.

NSW Rugby Union 7s

On September 11, two of our girls’ rugby union teams travelled to Sydney for the NSW Rugby 7s Competition, braving challenging weather conditions. In the lead-up, the girls trained hard, focusing on both their skills and teamwork to prepare for the day.

The Under 14 Girls Team finished seventh overall, winning two of their five games. Tries were scored by Taleah Eades, Mali Cooper, and Aaliyah Garang-Hall, with strong defence from Hannah Kennelly and Bridget Conlan. The team grew in confidence throughout the day and represented the College proudly.

The Under 16 Girls Team showed great energy and focus, finishing the day with one win, two defeats, and a draw. Standout performances from Macy Field, Halo Banfield, and Josie Ryan helped elevate the entire team's play throughout the day.

Touch Football

NRCC Touch Football

On 9 September, Woodlawn students travelled to Rushforth Smith Park in Grafton to compete in the NRCC Touch Football Competition.

Under 15 Girls

The Under 15 Girls Team had a strong day, finishing with four wins from five games. Their first match against Xavier Catholic College ended in a 13–6 loss, but the girls responded well, defeating McAuley Catholic College 5–4, Mount St Patrick College 5–2, St Joseph’s College, Banora Point 6–5, and Trinity Catholic College 12–5. Mali Cooper scored a hat-trick across two games, Taleah Eades intercepted and ran the full field to score, and Willow Thompson guided the team through key plays. The girls worked well together and supported each other throughout the day.

Open Girls

The Open Girls Team played five matches, achieving two wins and a draw, which placed them third overall. They recorded victories against St Joseph’s College and Xavier Catholic College, with Bella Duncan standing out for her consistent effort and a memorable runaway try. The team combined different playing styles and levels of experience, pulling together to work well as a unit while encouraging each other and showing sportsmanship.

Under 15 Boys

The Under 15 Boys Team won three of their five games. After narrow losses to Xavier Catholic College and McAuley Catholic College, the boys found their form and secured convincing wins over Mount St Patrick College, St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, and Trinity Catholic College, Lismore. Hudson McGarry and Harry Jenkins were key contributors, using their speed to cross for several tries and helping the team finish the day strongly.

Open Boys

The Open Boys Team faced a challenging day, fielding a last-minute team of six players supplemented by juniors from the Under 15s. While they did not record a win, the boys displayed determination, resilience, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the competition, representing the College with pride.

Cricket

Berg Shield

On 18 September, Woodlawn’s Berg Shield Cricket team travelled to Murwillumbah to compete in their first round of the Berg Shield Competition. In the first game, we played St Joseph’s College, Banora Point. We won the toss and chose to bowl. We kept St Joseph’s to 95 runs. In the 2nd innings, we made the runs in 8 overs. Key statistics from this game included:

Bowling 

• Jimi Bradfield 3/9 
• Will Lynch 2/15

Batting 

• Cooper Williams 76 not out
• Zac Cohen 18 not out 

This progressed us to the second game against Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah. In this game, we batted first and made 212. In the 2nd innings, we bowled our opponents out for 86. Key statistics from this game included:

Batting

• Reid Simes 33
• Sonny Butler 56
• Cooper Williams 76 not out
• Zac Cohen 25 not out

Bowling 

• Dylan Dart 3/5
• Hugh Bashforth 2/13 
• Harper Richardson 2/9 

Ultimately, it was a great day of cricket, and the boys represented the College well. 

Wins in both these games mean we progress to the next stage of the competition, which will be played toward the start of Term 4. Congratulations boys.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

As we wrap up another busy term, the library has been buzzing with creativity, innovation and celebration.

This week, our Write a Book in a Day teams came together for a special reading and sharing session. Students proudly received their certificates and had the chance to enjoy each other’s stories over lunch. It was a wonderful way to recognise the incredible effort they put into this national competition.

On Thursday, all Year 7 female students took part in the Young Change Agents: Academy of Enterprising Girls workshop. Using a design-thinking framework, students explored entrepreneurial skills and worked in teams to pitch creative solutions to real-world water issues faced by communities in need.

We also hosted a vibrant Student Showcase in the library this week, featuring winning projects from the Year 8 Book Expo, Year 10 Child Studies games, and the impressive products of Year 11 Industrial Technology students. The display highlighted the talent, innovation, and hard work across our College community.

As we head into the holidays, don’t forget that the library’s digital collection is always open. If your child didn’t get the chance to borrow a book, they can still access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, graphic novels, and more.

Getting started with Sora is easy:

1. Download the free Sora app.
2. Search for ACEN (Australian Catholic Education Network) as the school. Select Lismore Diocese.
3. Log in using your child’s usual College login details.

We wish all our students and families a restful and refreshing break – with plenty of great stories along the way.

Looking forward to another exciting term ahead.

Amanda Starr, Catriona Fraser, Helen Koellner and Fiona Thompson.

The Library Team.

Parent Information Hub

Uniform Shop

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

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

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

Community Notices