Week 6 Term 2 2021
From the Principal
Dear Staff, Students and Parents
It was Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, who once said: ‘We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future’ and 2021, as the 91st year of our operation at St John’s College, Woodlawn is certainly providing ample opportunity for us to both recall our past heritage, and forge ahead with the next stage in our development.
By now you are well aware that we were successful in our most recent Capital Block Grant Authority (CBGA) application for Government funding towards major refurbishments of our main building, in particular. The total grant monies involved, from all sources, are in excess of $5m.
I am also highly conscious that many of the ‘changes’ associated with our Master Plan will take some of us, myself included, well outside our normal ‘comfort zone’. This is certainly no excuse not to forge ahead with initiatives which will place St John’s at the forefront of 21st Century Schooling.
‘We can resist change in our lives – any sort of change. We can fear change. We can attempt to prevent change. But we cannot stop change. Change happens anyway. So it is better to work with the forces that help shape our lives and be open to the gifts that they bring. A spirit of openness brings its own rewards. Perhaps it might be recognising a new beauty within ourselves and others, perhaps new friendships, perhaps the discovery of hidden talents, perhaps a new interest, perhaps a different routine or perhaps the simple reminder that we are still alive because we are challenged to adapt to altered circumstances’. (Fr Anthony Mellor)
So I ask you to join us and get on board as we work towards recreating a school of which we can all be justifiably proud. I will provide further updates here throughout Semester Two.
A reminder that even though some COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, it is imperative that students who are displaying even the slightest signs of illness remain at home. Should a student become unwell during the course of a school day they will be required to be collected from the Student Services Office ASAP to minimise the risk of cross-infection.
As per NSW Health advice, people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache) are advised to get tested. A student or staff member who has been unwell cannot return to school unless proof of a negative COVID-19 test has been provided. There are several local testing centres aside from your local GP, including Lismore Base Hospital and Ballina Respiratory Clinic. Visit the NSW Health website for further details.
Current Public Health Orders can also be found at: health.nsw.gov.au by clicking on COVID-19 (Case Alerts). These lists are updated daily and if you have recently travelled you must follow any relevant mandatory isolation guidelines stringently. Of particular note are the current travel restrictions in relation to the Greater Melbourne area.
Additional cleaning measures remain in place at the College and while social distancing is not officially required of students in schools, students have been asked to refrain from close interactions with other students and staff.
On behalf of all members of our College community, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Darren Magner, whose mother died last week. May she rest in peace.
In light of my earlier comments on ‘change’, I leave you with the words of classical Sanskrit poet, Kalidasa, which provide a fitting reflection on what we could describe as ‘the art of the possible’:
‘Listen to the Exhortation of the Dawn!
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence.
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendour of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And Tomorrow is only a Vision;
But Today well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salutation of the Dawn!
Finally, this will be my last Newsletter for the term as I will be taking a short period of Long Service Leave (my first in several years) leading into the term break. Mr Michael Campbell will most capably assume the role of Acting Principal, as he has done on several previous occasions, during my absence.
Enjoy the fortnight ahead. And to all those who reside in Casino, ‘Happy Beef Week!’
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
St John’s College Woodlawn, Traffic Management Plan
Overview
St John’s College acknowledges the complexity around traffic flow – both pedestrian and vehicular – within and immediately outside the St John’s College precinct. That complexity poses a potential risk, particularly to pedestrians, and the reduction of that risk demands cooperation from staff, students, parents, visitors to the College, and external service providers.
It is imperative, therefore, that the following directions be observed:
- No private vehicles should park or stand on Woodlawn Road to drop, collect or wait for students;
- No private vehicles should park or stand on Woodlawn Road for the purpose of business exchange at the College;
- Parents should avoid using the main entrance during peak bus periods: i.e. between 8.35 am and 8.55 am, and 3.15pm and 3.35pm;
- Drivers must not pick-up students from the main driveway;
- Drivers need to pick-up students from the bottom driveway roundabout, adjacent the Kim Evans Oval.
For ease of movement and the safety of all involved the following parking directions are to be observed:
- Staff parking is available in designated areas;
- Visitor parking is available on the Front Drive;
- Student parking is available on the Ovals.
All vehicles are to enter the College via the Fr Smith Drive (adjacent to the Tennis Courts) with the exception of parents dropping off or picking up their children from the bottom drive (adjacent to the Kim Evans Oval). Cars parked on the bottom drive between the front gate and the driveway leading to the Kim Evans Oval may also exit via the bottom drive.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians should be alert to the possibility of vehicles at all times. Students are to use pathways wherever they are available and must use the pedestrian crossing on the main drive.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
Head Heart Hands
At our recent Staff Development Day we were reminded of the power of a 'smile'. Smiling is believed to boost levels of serotonin, even when the smile is forced. Serotonin is a natural stress reducer in the brain. These moments are opportunities of hope, affection, and peace. A smile has the power to bring light in the darkness and is also a bit of fun during Week 6.
This fortnight, I have included some selfie moments to share the 'Miles of Smiles' I caught on camera since our last Newsletter.
In the spirit of building community our House Leaders have been running an Inter-House Touch competition each week. Staff and students have embraced the opportunity to run around together at lunchtime with younger and older students. I even had the chance to grab a whistle and ref a game!
We celebrated 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia at St Carthage’s Cathedral this week. Students from across the Diocese gathered to give thanks for the Catholic organisations that answered the call to educate those in need. From humble beginnings and with steadfast hearts and minds the challenge was answered and Catholic education, with our focus on worship, service and witness, is the gift that we enjoy today. The Mass recognised the clergy, religious, lay men and women, parents and parishes who have contributed so much to the enrichment of children's lives. The ceremony began with the traditional Blessings of Water and Smoke and concluded with the Faith in the Future National Prayer. We were represented at the Mass by Mr Beach, Tiana Riley, Daniel Westerman and Luke Rowling. Eliza Blunn, Bridget Wallace, Elisha Lodge and Mrs Deegan joined the Choir on this very special occasion.
SRC Sleepover
Pope Francis writes, “I would like to join you, young people, in calling for a cultural change, based on Jesus’ command to ‘arise’. He calls us to embrace a reality that is so much more than virtual.” Our SRC team participated in a leadership forum and community building camp overnight. We were so proud of our students, from years 8-12, who came together with the intention of seeing life as an opportunity, challenging their thinking around apathy and inaction and promoting the belief that as our College leaders they are the energy that brings life to each day. Jack Oates, a former SRC President and human dynamo, returned to the College to share his insights about empowerment and living a life that is accountable and purposeful. His passionate delivery was inspirational for our students who found his messages challenging but hopeful. We attempted to record the song celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education. As a choir we had enthusiasm but were blessed and grateful to have Ossian, Jack Oates and Mr Beach rounding out the vocal accompaniment. Thanks to the families who supported our program and our student leaders who are committed to building a stronger community through positivity and connections with Faith and each other.
St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
This week we launched the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Friday, 4 June is our casual clothes day fundraiser: WINTER WOOLIES. We are asking our Woodlawn community to help raise funds for homeless youth in the region. Donations of $2 are required to participate but this year the Vinnies committee are hoping that our community can dig deeper. We’re hoping to raise over $2000. Collectively this is achievable and is reflective of our Mission to provide dignity for all. Check out the poster for more details.
May you find Joy in the everyday.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ministry Matters
Ministry Matters
It has been a very active start to the term in the ministry world. Our students continue to thrive with their contribution to our community. Of note has been the number of students who are wishing to devote their own time to ministry initiatives without hesitation... this College is truly alive!
I’ve Got Spirit Retreat
On Tuesday, 18 May, eight Senior Ministry students travelled to St Carthage’s to lead their Year 3 cohort in a Retreat to prepare them for their upcoming sacrament of Confirmation.
Students were involved in running whole group activities in the School Hall as ice breakers which started the day with an amazing energy. This set the tone for the retreatants to fully engage in their day.
The second session focused on discovering how the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit come to life through Confirmation and can have such a positive impact on both our personal lives and community. Both Bridget Wallace and Ashleigh Moran delivered personal testimonies to the students about their own personal experience of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This was as inspiring as it was brave and the students and staff in attendance all really appreciated their input.
The Year 3 students were sad that our group had to leave at the conclusion of the Retreat and we look forward to our next opportunity to work and walk with these wonderful young people on their journey of faith.
2021 Street Retreat
In Week 8, six senior students will attend the annual Street Retreat in Brisbane. This is a life-giving service opportunity that is highly sought after by our senior students. Whilst on Retreat, these students will have the opportunity to meet and work with members of other Diocesan school communities in developing and nurturing their faith in the service of our broader community.
The application process was rigorous and I am very pleased to congratulate the following students on their inclusion in this year’s Street Retreat:
- Eva Crotty
- Luke Rowling
- Esther Lees
- Flynn Brown
- Ashleigh Moran
- Tarryn Rathbone
We will report on their experience in our Week 10 Newsletter.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Welfare
Cybersafety
On Tuesday, our Years 7 and 8 students attended a Cybersafety presentation titled 'ThinkUKnow', presented by our Police Liaison Officer. Our Years 9 and 10 students saw a similar presentation two weeks ago. The feedback has been really positive with students saying how much they learnt. It is often difficult for parents to navigate the cyber world. The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has some excellent information about online safety.
Some of the topics covered online by the Office of the eSafety Comissioner, including cyber bullying, sexting and grooming were addressed in the student presentation and will be followed up in Pastoral Care sessions. Below is some of the information that was presented. Whilst some of this content is confronting, it is the reality for many of our young people.
Uniform
It is great to see our students following our Uniform Guidelines. Please remember that blazers are compulsory after the June long weekend. These are to be worn to and from school.
Stay well,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Sport News
Diocesan Cross Country
Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top six places at the Diocesan Cross Country Championships last friday, and therefore qualify for the NSW CCC Championships in Week 8:
Under 12 girls: Scarlett Johnston - 6th place
Under 13 girls: Rue Heffernan - 5th place
Under 16 girls: Madeline Ewing - 1st place
Under 15 boys: Padraig Heffernan - 1st place
Under 18 boys: Patrick Thompson - 5th place
NRCC Netball Carnival
On Tuesday, May 4, Woodlawn sent four teams to the NRCC Netball Carnival held at Tweed Heads. This was a great day that saw the College play against a number of schools in both A and B divisions.
Under 16 A
The team played seven games and the results were are as follows:
Game 1 defeated Trinity
Game 2 lost to St Joseph’s (7-14)
Game 3 defeated Lindisfarne (8-2)
Game 4 defeated Xavier (9-5)
Game 5 drew with Mt St Patrick (5-5)
Game 6 defeated Emmanuel (12-3)
Game 7 defeated St Mary’s (12-6)
The girls played well all day, with a stand out feature of the players being their versatility in playing in more than one position. Team members were: Luca Butler, Riley Alvos, Ruby Barnes, Charlotte Hassall, Sophie Alcorn, Tahlia Rowe, Bella Griffiths, Charlee Spackman, Nikki McKinlay, Tahlia Kent. The team work was great; moving the ball easily from defence into attack, finishing with some excellent shots.
A special thank you also to those girls who volunteered to umpire: Riley Alvos, Ruby Barnes, Charlotte Hassall, Sophie Alcorn, Tahila Rowe and Bella Griffiths.
The girls finished second in the competition which was a fitting result.
Brian Battese
Leader of Learning - Sport
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au
Year 10 Minimum Standards
Dear Parents,
Year 10 students at St. John's College will participate in HSC minimum standards testing in Week 8 this term.
The NSW Education Standards Authority requires all students in Year 10 to participate in the HSC minimum standards testing. Together with the NSW Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, the HSC minimum standard is part of an effort to improve the literacy and numeracy outcomes for students.
Your son/ daughter will be required to complete three individual tests, in Writing, Reading and Numeracy. They will also be given an opportunity to engage in a practice test for each. These will run in periods 1 and 2, from Wednesday 8th June- Friday 11th June.
Please find attached further information about HSC Minimum Standards testing. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Natalie Harris
Leader of Learning - Numeracy
natalie.harris@lism.catholic.edu.au
Lights Up
We are happy to announce that..... Lights Up is ON in 2021!
Lights Up showcases the dance work of the Year 12 graduating class. The students will present their Major Works, Compositions and Performances.
Come along and support our fantastic Creative Arts department on Tuesday, 15 June at 6pm.
Please email ally.rice-finlayson@lism.catholic.edu.au for ticket sales.
Careers Update
The full version of the Careers Update can be found at this link. Newsletters are listed on the left side of the page. Select the week for the most up-to-date news. Don’t forget to check the calendar for Open Days, events, Career Expos, new dates and closing dates, etc.
In this fortnight’s news, I have attached a link to a poster from the CAA. It asks the question is an online course right for me? This question is pertinent to both our Year 10 students as they consider their subject selection preferences, as well as Year 12 who are considering their post-school options. Please talk to Mrs Pearson for further information about Distance Ed courses for Years 11 & 12 and myself about University and TAFE options.
Please click on the links below to read more about the latest news and events.
Bernie Maginnity
Leader of Learning - Vocational Pathways
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
University
Federation University
Open Day on campus returns in August
Fed is set to build Australia’s first wind turbine training tower.
Sydney University
Early offers for Visuals Arts and Music students
Your Future in Business | Online, Wed 2 June 4-5pm AEST
Pathways to medicine and health | Online, Wed 9 June 4-4.30pm AEST
Western Sydney University - Open Day on Sunday 15 August, 2021
Guarantee your place at ACU - even before your Year 12 exams.
Macquarie University - Entry Navigator
Charles Sturt University - Applications for round one of the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program are open! First round of applications close on 31 May.
University of New South Wales
Reminder - UNSW Law Admission Test - Closes 13 August
Missed the LAT Evening? Watch this
Register LAT here
University of Newcastle –Jobs of the Future
Postgraduate qualifications in Nursing, Finance and Accounting, IT and Cyber Security, Business and Teaching could help you enter many of these growing sectors.
UTS - Up to 5 Adjustment Point for Work Experience
Griffith Uni Open Day - 8 August. 9am to 2pm
Scholarships
UTS Bachelor of Accounting Cooperative Education Scholarship Program
UTS Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship
UQ Law School LEAD Scholarship
University of Newcastle Ma & Morley Scholarship Program
Melbourne Chancellors Scholarship
UNSW Co-op Program
The 2022 Iglu Regional Scholarship
UAC
Webinars for schools, students, and parents.
UAC has launched a suite of free webinars on different areas of study at university. In these sessions, we talk with a panel of experts from our participating institutions about entry requirements, course content, and much more.
UAC Digital - Let’s chat - Studying at a Regional University
UAC Digital - Early Entry SRS
UAC Digital - Let’s chat - Business, Commerce and Economics
UAC Key Dates 2021
19 September 2021 SRS closing of application
30 September 2021 Early bird close - UAC application
4 November 2021 Change of preference deadline for SRS
12 November 2021 November round 1 offers for SRS
10 December 2021 NSW ATAR release
Some guides to help navigate the world of UAC and university applications.
UAC Application Summary Sheet
Schools Recommendation (SRS) and Early Entry Schemes Summary Sheet
Educational Access Schemes (EAS) Summary Sheet
TAFE
TAFE NSW - TAFE NSW Degrees Scholarships Program 2022
Private Colleges
Experience the Bond Difference and Apply Direct
Bond Book a Consultation
Sydney Actors School 2022 ACTING APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Sydney Film School 2022 FILM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
SAE Early Entry Launchpad
ICMS Early Entry Now Open
If you believe you do not meet the criteria for Early Entry you may be eligible for the Elite Athlete/Performer Pathway Program or the Leadership Entry Program. Alternatively, make a Direct Application.
Other Events
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeships at CSIRO
Defence Force Recruiting
Aviation Careers Information Sessions
7 June 6:00pm Byron Bay: Aviation Careers Info Session
8 June 6:00pm Lismore: Aviation Careers Info Session
Study Medicine Deadline Dates for Undergraduates
UOW College - Nursing - Online Info Session - Tuesday, 22 June 2021. 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
New technologies taking over the modern tradie’s toolbox
Careers with Maths and Data STEM
Traineeships from Real Estate Institute of NSW
National Marine Science Centre
The best universities for computing and information systems
The top universities for tourism and hospitality in 2021
Permanent Firefighter Recruitment 2022
Discover your Path to Physiotherapy
School Photos
Photo Package
School photos were taken Wednesday, 26 May and Thursday, 27 May.
All students will receive a package which includes the portrait set, Home Group photo and ID card. The cost of the package is $37 (incl. gst) and will be charged to the student's School Fees account.
Packages can be returned within one week of receipt and no charge will be made.
Additional photos (Special Interest Groups, Year Groups) can be ordered securely online at a later date at www.advancedlife.com.au using the unique code M7D 2VN G2F.
Should you have any queries concerning College Photographs or online ordering, please email enquiries@advancedlife.com.au
Free Parent Webinar
Canteen News
The cash free way to pay! - REGISTER NOW
Paying for lunches is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school.
The College has Flexischools to allow students to pay at the Canteen using their existing student ID card. Paying for lunches and items at recess or lunch is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school. Parents can set daily spending limits and view transactions online. Parents can also top-up funds at anytime.
The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it mush easier and quicker for students.
We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.
Please follow the link below to register now:
Parent Assembly
The Parent Assembly supports parents as they seek to improve their understanding of child development and parenting skills. Opportunities are provided for parents to enhance their knowledge and skills through seminars, topical workshops and expert guest speakers. Since its beginning in 1995, the Parent Assembly has provided parenting education opportunities for parents in the following areas:
- Prayer and family life;
- Drug and alcohol education;
- Christian personal development and human sexuality;
- Cyber safety;
- Bullying in schools;
- Boys and girls education;
- Parenting skills;
- Nutrition.
Save the Date
What parents need to know about drugs, alcohol, huffing, vaping and chroming.
Join us on Monday as Dr Irfann Jethra - ED Doctor Lismore Base Hospital, Madaline Seely - Headspace Lismore and Ms Peace Decle - Barrister, share with us vital information to help us support our teenagers.
When: Monday, 31 May
Time: 6.15pm supper
Presentation: 6.45pm
Where: St John's College, Woodlawn
RSVP: Register http://bit.ly/SJCW-VAPING
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Our Second Hand Uniform Shop opens on the first Wednesday of every month.
Date: Wednesday, 2 June
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: Colin Centre, Woodlawn
No eftpos facilities available. Cash only.
Students are able to access the Second Hand Uniform Shop at recess or lunch.
Items of school uniform given to the shop are done so as a donation to the P & F Association; however, $50 will be given for second hand blazers. No monies will be exchanged for other uniform items.
All items held by the Uniform Shop will be sold for a sum, at the discretion ot the P & F Association, with monies utilised for the ongoing needs and services of St John's College, Woodlawn.
Michelle Seccombe
mseccombe22@bigpond.com
0414 357 481
Leanne Copeland
leannecopeland3043@gmail.com
0407 739 237
School Locker - School Uniforms
Student Uniforms and supplies are available at the following stores. Please click on the links below for more information and opening hours.