Week 6 Term 3 2021
From the Principal
Dear Staff, Students and Parents,
Sincere thanks for working with us, at such short notice, during this current Lockdown period. While there have been a few teething problems moving back into the Blended Learning environment so quickly, I have been really impressed with how the vast majority of our students have been able to adapt to this sudden change to their study pattern. Full marks to our staff for their work which has allowed this to happen so seamlessly.
Several communications have been forwarded since last fortnight’s Newsletter; however, I ask that you particularly note the following from Dr Sally Towns, Director of Catholic Schools:
Attendance at school continues to be limited to vulnerable students and those students where all parents/caregivers must attend their place of work and cannot work from home leaving their children unsupervised.
Please understand that should students attend school who do not meet this criteria, the school and the student are then in breach of the NSW Health Stay at Home Order. NSW Police are visiting schools to assess breaches to the NSW Health Stay at Home Order.
Should your child meet the vulnerable student or child of essential workers’ criteria and need to attend school, please be aware, under the Public Health Order, students over 12 years old and all secondary students are required to wear masks in all indoor areas. Masks are also required in outdoor areas where you are within 1.5 metres of other people. Students who do not have a mask will be provided with one. If your child is exempt from wearing a mask, an exemption document must be carried with them at all times.
Based on feedback from students, parents and teachers, I have asked staff to reduce the amount of work being set for students in this upcoming third week of Lockdown. The College’s Education Continuity Plan was updated earlier this year to reflect short period/s of Blended Learning. From Week 7, timetabled Zooms will be reduced to 15-20 minutes each lesson, with a further 20 minutes work then set for students. This should then give at least a 15 minute window for students to be ‘screen free’ before their next class. We will review this approach late next week if it appears that Lockdown will extend beyond 28 August.
Our Year 12 students have adapted admirably to the changed conditions of their Modified Trial HSC Examinations which are now being conducted online. Additional advice regarding practical subjects was emailed to parents and students yesterday morning.
Our Year 11 students will not be undertaking End of Preliminary Examinations. Given that Year 11 is no longer a logical exit point from school, and that ample assessment has been undertaken for the issuing of ROSA grades, alternate assessments will be devised for these students, where necessary. We also conducted our Student Leadership interviews via Zoom over the past two days. I was joined by Fr Bing, Mrs Reen and Mr Andrews in this process and am really proud of how ably our students articulated their vision for the College in 2022. Woodlawn will certainly be in good hands over the year ahead.
Our Junior students have also been working via Zoom, some for the first time. The Welfare Team has devised a simple ‘Welfare Check’ to see how students are travelling. This will be issued twice per week and monitored by Year Coordinators.
Mr Ryall has been issuing a really creative Daily Bulletin for all students and staff to follow during our period of Blended Learning. If you haven’t already done so, ask your sons/daughters to show this to you – there have been some great activities and pieces of information included to date.
Congratulations to Ms Stevie Whitton on her engagement to Michael Colman.
We offer sincere condolences to Mrs Jodie Lynch, whose father passed away last week and also Ms Jamie Townley, whose mother died earlier this week. May they rest in peace.
Finally, I include the following reflection for your perusal:
We Stand Together
We pray for all who are suffering and bereaved.
At this time of sorrow, incomprehension and tragedy, we stand together.
In this crisis, we pray for God’s mercy and healing for the sick
and for health and strength for all who care for them.
Amen.
(Adapted from a message from Sister Bridget Tighe of Caritas Jerusalem)
Please be kind to yourselves over this fortnight ahead. This is a most extraordinary time in world history that we are all living through and sometimes we might simply need to grant ourselves ‘permission’ to take some time out and realise that it doesn’t actually matter in the grand scheme of things if we don’t get everything done, as we might normally expect to. Savour the little things and be thankful for what we still do have.
With best wishes for your continuing good health.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
The words of Titus ask us to reflect on our purpose and our Mission. On Thursday and Friday, Mr Beach, Fr Bing, Mr Andrews and I have had the honour of interviewing members of our Year 11 cohort who applied for a range of 2022 Student Leadership positions at the College. Despite conducting these interviews via Zoom, we were impressed with the commitment of our students to serve our Woodlawn community. We are blessed to have so many authentic students in our community. They spoke with passion about 'being a Woodlawner', about the traditions of the College and about their desire to build on these traditions. The legacy they hope to leave was foremost on their minds and their commitment to being inclusive and interested in fostering further connectivity between year groups was impressive.
Thank you to the families who have supported their children in their preparation for these interviews. The thirty-four students we interviewed were a credit to themselves and their families.
Due to changing circumstances, we are disappointed to have to cancel the Annual Spring Fling fundraiser. We are looking at alternative dates to schedule this evening of entertainment and fundraising for our Cambodian families. Thanks to our students who have signed-up for the Walk a Mile in My Shoes. We will continue with this project - dates for the Walk will change so stay tuned. We appreciate your commitment to supporting the marginalised.
Our Youth Ministry Officers play a key role in the spiritual life of our College. These young people are a gift to our students and staff. They actively engage in faith programs, College prayer classes and social justice initiatives. Natasha, Jacob and Emerson are key members of our Evangelisation team. They are the face of Christ in the lives of all those they encounter. I have included the role description for the 2022 YMO position. We have a number of Year 12 students who have lived our Catholic Mission through words, deeds and actions. These students have been at the forefront of our Liturgical and prayer life, our Social Justice initiatives and leaders in a range of contexts. We are hoping that our 2021 graduates will consider applying for the Youth Ministry position as an opportunity - both personally and vocationally. If you require further information, please email your inquiries to myself, one of the team or Mr Jones. Applications close September 10, 2020.
The application can be found via this link.
We keep all families in our prayers during this time.
For all who have contracted coronavirus, we pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance, we pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status, we pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decision makers, we pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.
Stay well and don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to help you or your families at this time.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ministry Matters
I have been reminded in the last fortnight of what a blessing it is to be part of the Woodlawn family. Through the challenging times of uncertainty, adapting to seemingly ever-changing advice on when the lockdown might end, our staff and students have continued to show what a phenomenal community we have here.
On Tuesday, I put out a call to staff and students to send me some representation of what they think is beautiful in the world around them. It was framed by the thought that God’s beauty can surpass even the hardest of times and when we immerse ourselves in that beauty, the tough times may not feel as tough. I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who took the time to send some very thoughtful images, videos and words.
In seeing what beauty lies around our Woodlawn community, I put together a selection of these images for your viewing. I hope and pray for you all that this time brings some peace in a usually busy world, some calm amongst our usual chaos and that you might enjoy the extra time with family.
Please take a moment to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation through the eyes of our Woodlawn community.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
As we head into the second half of the term, it is important to be grateful for the important things in our lives. Whilst we cannot live our lives exactly as we had planned at the moment, we can still find joy in our days and be thankful for those things that make us smile.
Year 7 update
As we come to the end of Week 6, I would like to acknowledge the positivity and enthusiasm of the Year 7 students in what has been a challenging time in moving back to Blended Learning over the past ten days.
The students have remained committed to their learning and seem to be supporting each other well. In order to maintain our sense of community, on Monday I started a daily challenge for the students to participate in by sharing their talents and skills in multiple areas. The participation has been awesome and each day I have been genuinely excited and amazed at what the kids have created.
Here is a small snapshot of what has been brightening up mine and the students' days.
Annabelle Green
Year 7 Coordinator
Visual Arts update
Are your young people looking for a creative outlet during lockdown?
Sharon Thompson from the Visual Arts department wants to remind you not to forget to access the NSW Creative Kids Voucher. What many people don’t realise is that every child in your family is entitled to a $100 voucher which can be used to purchase things like art packs. These pre-assembled art packs might be a good way to give your children a break from online study and can be purchased online and delivered via post.
Apply below for your voucher:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher
Search the web for “creative art packs” and choose a supplier that accepts the vouchers and packs that best suit your child’s individual interests.
Black Dog Institute
Isolation from friends, family and regular activities is obviously an issue during Lockdown. There are many online resources that can be accessed during this time. The Black Dog Institute has some excellent resources that deal with topics including: screen safety, separation and general anxiety, home schooling as well as suggesting apps associated with mental health that might be of use. If you are interested these can be found here: COVID-19 resources for schools & young people.
Accessing mental health services during Lockdown
During Lockdown, there may be an increased need to access mental health support. Telehealth is a way of accessing a health appointment from a computer or smartphone, from anywhere in the country. There are many mental health professionals who are able to do their job using telehealth, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and social workers.
Why is telehealth a good idea?
In a telehealth booking with a mental health professional, you’ll receive the same service you’d receive from them in person. They will also have the same level of qualifications as someone you’d see in person. In fact, studies have shown that therapy done through telehealth is as helpful as talking to a health professional in person.
Here are a few reasons why seeing someone through telehealth might be a good fit for you:
- You could have more options available to you than just the mental health professionals in your local area;
- You could have a better chance of finding a professional who’s an excellent fit for you;
- You could feel more comfortable in your own home than in a therapist’s office.
Since you won’t have to commute to a mental health professional’s office every week or fortnight, you’ll have more time available for activities you enjoy.
How to book a telehealth appointment:
- See your GP. You will have an opportunity to talk to your doctor about what’s going on in your life and about what you think might help. Your doctor will then offer their perspective and write-up a Mental Health Plan that will allow you to receive twenty sessions a year at a discounted rate with the Medicare rebate.
- Book directly. For more information go to: https://au.reachout.com/articles/telehealth-and-more-getting-psychological-help-online
Welfare Check-in
Whilst students are working from home in a Blended Learning environment, we have been checking-in to see how they are faring. Each student was sent a Google form, by their Year Coordinator, to complete. This has provided us with a snapshot of any concerns that may have arisen. Year Coordinators are now better placed to address areas of need. If you have any concerns about your young person, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant staff member. For curriculum matters, please contact your child’s classroom teacher. Likewise, for welfare matters, please contact your child’s Year Coordinator or our College Counsellor: jessica.godfrey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Take care and stay safe,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by Universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science.
The school theme for National Science Week 2021 is Food: Different by Design. It honours the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables and the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. While we can't currently walk the halls of the Science Block, be sure to check out the interesting facts in the morning Bulletin. During Lockdown maybe you could do some investigating on the different foods eaten in different parts of the world, such as insects and arachnids or check out the many types of bush tucker and other uses of Indigenous plants.
Why not try designing a bug-based burger. Will it be based on crickets, maggots, or worms? Check out the insects being farmed in Queanbeyan, NSW by a company called Goterra. Did you know that the ecological footprint of insect farming is low? In South Australia’s Riverland, citrus and grain farmer Tim Schubert and his son, Zachary have installed two shipping containers in which to raise insects. Their aim is to subsidise their farming income in the lean seasons with insects, which require a fraction of the water of livestock or chickens. The Science Department may even have some tasty insectivorous morsels for you to try on your return to school!
Investigate a new roof-top farm in Sydney Yerrabingin and discover what it can grow. Then, consider designing a community garden in your area … At a public library maybe? Use your knowledge and understanding of sustainable design and use Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to create a new space for growing food. There are so many things we could do to make our living more sustainable. Why not think about how you can contribute.
Toni Pacey
Leader of Science
toni.pacey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Year 10 Commerce - Small Business
This term the students in the Year 10 Commerce class have been busy organising and designing their own small business to run at the College. Pending COVID Lockdown restrictions being lifted, during Week 8 the students will be running these businesses and trading throughout the week.
Some of their products can be pre-ordered now and can be paid for by Eftpos at the College Office.
Please see below an outline of some of the businesses and products available:
Help us Help them...
50% of the profits made will be donated to the Cambodian Immersion charity which gives hope and a future through providing safe accommodation, food and education to some of the country's poorest children.
1. KEEP IT KOOL… These hats not only look brilliant but provide quality protection from the sun and are eco-friendly being 100% cotton.
Forget about those daggy bucket hats or wide brims, if you're not wearing a Keep it Kool, you're doing it seriously wrong... SERIOUSLY!
What more could you ask for on a warm winter's day than a hat that gets the job done!
Our hats offer maximum comfort and stability for when the wind decides to turn on you, as well as quick-dry for those times when you're in a rush but still need to look presentable. Just chuck a cap on it!
You can purchase one for yourself at keepitkool100@gmail.com for only $30. Whether it's your best friend, girlfriend or boyfriend this hat is suitable for all. Which brings me to our special deal being two for $50, absolutely perfect for a birthday gift, Christmas gift or just to show how much you appreciate someone.
Always remember ⇌STAY FRESH AND KEEP IT KOOL⇌
Orders can be made via keepitkool100@gmail.com and paid for at the College front desk via Eftpos.
2. Mugs n What Not
Mugs n What Not is a business specialising in providing gift boxes for those special occasions. We will take away the stress of shopping for that perfect gift for your student, teacher, son or daughter.
This year they are providing customers with the opportunity to say congratulations or thank you in a personal and enjoyable way.
Our boxes may be suitable for:
Teachers: To give to their Yr 12 Home Group students as a special farewell and graduation gift;
Students: To gift to their teachers to thank them for their years of teaching, service and support;
Parents: To gift to their son or daughter to congratulate them on their Graduation day.
We will work with the customer to include special comments and photos that will be attached to add that special and personal touch.
These will be available and delivered to staff and students to be handed out during farewell celebrations or earlier if requested.
Payments can be made by eftpos or cash at the College front office. For order forms please contact: mugsnwhatnot@gmail.com
3. Icy Dough
Feeling tired after lunch and don't have enough energy for Period 5?
Icy dough is a business for you!
We provide customers with a customisable doughnut ice-cream sandwich that will give them energy to get through the last period. This product would be beneficial for all students as well as teachers, who need a boost.
There are two options:
$4- Doughnut with vanilla ice cream;
$5- Doughnut with vanilla icecream and any/all the topping you want!
These include caramel & chocolate sauce, sprinkles, crushed Oreos or Milo.
These products will be available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch, Week 8.
The doughnuts can be purchased with cash or Eftpos, and for Wednesday and Friday there will be the option to pre order.
We hope we'll see you there!
4. Lawson's Lemonade
Lawson's Lemonade is a custom, do it yourself, lemonade bar.
Feeling thirsty or hot? Well come down to Lawsons Lemonade for a wide diverse range of different iced lemonade flavours including:
Original lemonade;
Raspberry ice;
Orange bliss;
Lemon crush.
All of these drinks will be spruced up by custom infused fruits to make our homemade beverages even tastier for you.
BUT WAIT… THERE'S MORE!!! For the people who just want that bit more we are adding a special spider offer, for an extra dollar you will get a spider for any drink that you order from our bar.
We hope that our product goes out to everyone in the school and ensure that everyone is welcome to come and try one of our delicious beverages.
We hope to see you at our stall.
5. Darrell's Donuts
Darrell's donuts is a business that provides a wide range of donuts. We differentiate ourselves from other donut shops because we do your favourite homemade modifications and alterations on original glazed donuts.
Our different types of donuts include:
Strawberry and cream
M&M’s
Mini Oreo’s
Original Glazed
Chocolate Icing
We provide students and teachers with donuts bursting with flavour. Our donuts are made from enriched flour that provide some thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, along with some fibre for our customers. Our donuts are a way for students and teachers to stay energised for those gruelling Period 5 lessons after lunch.
Come down and purchase one of our sought after donuts. We sell the kind of donuts that you dream of. Are you tired of buying the same old boring lunch from the school supplied canteen? Well, no more! Now you can come down and buy some of our savoury and tasty treats from Darrell’s Donuts.
6. Bubble Brothers
Have you been in search of new drinks that stand out from the boring canteen drinks??
Well Bubble Brothers are here to help! We specialise in bringing you multi-flavoured and fresh Bubble & Ice Tea.
Our Bubble Tea range comes in two flavours: Caramel & Peach.
Both Including the delicious Tapioca Black Pearls and Ice.
Whilst our Organic Rooibos & Vanilla Tea will be sure to hit the spot.
You will witness both of your drinks being made in front of your eyes!
With the Bubble Tea Pearls, a special addition paired with Ice will keep your Ice Tea cool all Lunch.
We make for the most delicious Bubble Tea!
What more is there to know? We simply found an issue with the same old Canteen option and discovered the secret. The new and trending Bubble Tea!
We hope to see you at the Bubble Brothers stall with all your friends!!
Joel Saye
joel.saye@lism.catholic.edu.au
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, it would be worthwhile having a look at the CSU $10000 scholarship, as well as the Country Education Foundation Scholarships. Closing dates for the School Recommendation Scheme are rapidly approaching as well as other Universities' Early Entry Programs. AFL Sports Ready Traineeships are open again for next year and there is a range of information about apprenticeships and traineeships in a range of industries.
As those of you who are planning to undertake tertiary study after school develop a list and submit applications for Early Entry, as well as UAC and QTAC applications, we sometimes need a little extra help. Jobjump have put together this short video to help you to search for courses, find their last entry rank as well as seeing which degrees have the best employment at the end of the degree.
Year 12 students set-up their Jobjump account in Year 10. Please let me know if you need help logging in. https://vimeo.com/588089944
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.
Catholic Schools 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