Week 1 Term 1 2022

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

Welcome back to the 2022 academic year and what we all hope will be a better year the world over! I would like to especially extend a warm, Woodlawn welcome to our 138 Year 7 students and new students from each of the other year levels. I would also like to commend all parents on the way students have returned to school ‘looking the part’ and thank you for your support in ensuring our Woodlawn students remain worthy ambassadors of the College in the public domain. 

We welcome the following staff members to our community:

Ms Hollie Beston - Youth Ministry Officer (YMO) and 2021 Woodlawn Graduate;

Mr Eli Campbell – Graduate teacher of Mathematics & Science; 

Mr Noah Coleman – Graduate teacher of Mathematics and HSIE;

Mr Luke Collings – Teacher of Catholic Studies and HSIE, most recently from St Carthage’s & St Mary’s, Casino;

Ms Courtney Hanson – Library/Office Trainee and 2021 Woodlawn Graduate;

Ms Lucrezia Migliore – Part-time Counsellor (W/T/F) Semester One;

Mr Sam McLean – Sport/PDHPE Trainee and 2021 Woodlawn Graduate;

Mr Peter O’Toole – Teacher of Mathematics, formerly of Xavier Catholic College, Ballina and current/past parent of Woodlawn;

Mr Luke Rowling - Youth Ministry Officer (YMO) and 2021 Woodlawn Graduate;

Ms Eliza Smith – TAS Aide, currently studying TAS teaching with qualifications in Textiles.

On behalf of all members of our College community, I warmly welcome each of these new staff members to Woodlawn in their respective roles and know that they will each make a valued contribution to our College during their time with us.

I would also like to welcome Mrs Nicole Hetherington and Mrs Tayla Tickle back to the College after their periods of maternity leave. Mrs Merrilyn Pavez, Mrs Rosaleen Colles and Mr Matthew Irvin remain on leave at this time.

A number of existing staff have changed roles in 2022, so I offer this full list of Leadership appointments which are effective for the 2022 academic year:

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM

LEADERS OF LEARNING 

YEAR COORDINATORS       

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

HOUSE PATRONS

I would encourage all parents to ensure that you check your child’s Student Planner at least once per week and sign in the appropriate place. The Student Planner is a vital tool in assisting timely home-school communication. 

Our ‘theme’ for Woodlawn in 2022 is – ‘Carry On - Together’. While this may not appear to be the most aspirational of themes at first glance, given the reality we are currently facing as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third year, we thought that this theme will serve to strengthen our resolve in the tough times which no doubt still lie ahead. Our Student Leaders will be working with all year levels to promote this theme throughout the year. 

Other news, in brief:

• A number of minor works have been completed over the holiday period. Of particular note is the new cement path adjacent Kelly Park and the student drop-off/pick-up zone. The remediation work on the student carpark will recommence once the wet weather subsides. This carpark is currently closed to students. I especially thank Mrs Vicky Fitness, Mr Darren Magner and their respective teams for their work over the break towards these projects.
• Our College Newsletters will continue to be issued in electronic form only in 2022. A brief Bulletin will be issued in the off-week, if the need arises. If you are unable to access a digital copy of our Newsletter (via the College App, website or email) I ask that you contact Ms Sharon Robotham in the College Office to request a hard copy.
• Our ICT programme continues to develop, with the last of the College owned devices phased out with our 2021 Seniors last year. I would issue my own personal reminder about the importance of storing these devices safely during the school day, especially at recess and lunch times when they should be locked away in student lockers. This is most important, especially with Accidental Damage Insurance incurring an excess. I would like to especially thank Ms Sue Buss for her work in ensuring each of our students has access to technology from the beginning of the school year.
• Our annual Inter House Swimming Carnival will run as a championship only event prior to the Diocesan Carnival. We hope that as restrictions ease later in the term, we are able to host our regular College Carnival with full student participation.
• Other regular events which have currently been postponed include our P&F meeting, Year 7 ‘Meet & Greet’ and Opening Mass. 

Existing parents would be aware that we pride ourselves here at Woodlawn on building productive partnerships between home and the College. As in all things, from time to time issues will arise. Mr Campbell, Mrs Reen and I are always available to speak with parents on any matters, provided that these have been initially addressed with the staff member concerned. To contact any member of staff, please phone the College office on 6626 2600 or email: sjcwdln@lism.catholic.edu.au and the message will be forwarded on.

You will find a ‘flow chart’ outlining home-school communication reproduced below.

Communication Between Home and the College

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve with updates to advice and regulations often changing on a daily basis. It is therefore imperative that students who are displaying even the slightest signs of illness remain at home. A reminder that should a student become unwell during the course of a school day they will be required to be collected from the Student Services Office, as is standard College procedure.

Earlier this afternoon you would have received the first of what will become daily text messages notifying you of the number of positive COVID-19 cases amongst our school community. Please monitor your sons and daughters for symptoms on a daily basis and bring forward their Rapid Antigen Test, if necessary.

As at 2 February 2022, the requirement for positive cases to test on Day 6 has been removed. This applies to both students and staff. 

• If you have been a positive case and do not have symptoms at Day 7, you no longer need to test before leaving self-isolation. For example, if you were tested at 10am on Tuesday, you can leave isolation at 10am on the following Tuesday if you do not have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. 
• If you have been a positive case and still do have symptoms, you are to remain in isolation until 24 hours after your symptoms have resolved. If you are not getting better or you are concerned, please consult your GP. 

Students who have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from isolation before other positive cases in their household will not need to self-isolate or test unless they develop new COVID-19 symptoms. 

The Day 6 testing requirement remains in place for close (household) contacts.

Rapid Antigen Tests for Weeks 3 & 4 will be issued directly to students at the end of Week 2. This will alleviate inconvenience to families in collecting them directly from the College as was required at the end of the holiday period. 

The wearing of surgical grade masks remains compulsory in secondary schools in all indoor settings (for both students and staff). Lismore CSO is still waiting on its Government supplied mask order so we ask that students who are able to supply their own surgical masks from home do so at the current time.

Additional cleaning measures remain in place at the College for Term 1. Students are still being encouraged to practise social distancing and restrict themselves to mixing within their immediate year levels only, where possible.

A ‘Frequently Asked Questions for families and students’ is included with this Newsletter, along with a Patient Information Sheet on caring for your child with COVID-19 at home.

Thank you for your full and ongoing support with what is essentially an ‘honour system’ here. When we all work together, we keep our Woodlawn community safe (and OPEN) for everyone.

As has been outlined elsewhere in this Newsletter, our HSC results in 2021 were simply outstanding and built upon many years of hard work by each of our students. So as we begin a new academic year, and as our first reflection for 2022, I include the following story for your perusal:

The Treasure

Four young adults sit beside the bedside of their dying father. The old man, with his last breath, tells them there is a huge treasure buried in the family fields. The children crowd around him crying ‘where, where?’ but it is too late. The day after the funeral and for many days to come, the children go out with their picks and shovels and turn the soil, digging deeply into the ground from one end of each field to the other. They find nothing and, bitterly disappointed, abandon the search.

The next season, the farm has its best harvest ever…

Finally, I look forward to working with all parents and guardians of the Woodlawn community throughout the course of 2022 and ask for your ongoing support as we work in partnership to really make a difference in the lives of our children.

Sincerely

Aaron Beach
Principal

From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

This week we welcomed our new and returning students to the 2022 academic year. There was a fantastic atmosphere around the College, students were excited to re-engage with their peers and teachers. We are also excited about the year ahead, as we have learned over the last two years that we have a highly resilient community that is able to adapt quickly to a changing educational landscape.

COVID-19
The College is preparing for the possibility of substantial staff and student absences due to COVID-19 isolation. Although we are hoping that this scenario does not eventuate, we must be prepared.

Each KLA will upload work onto the Learning Hub 2022 Google Classrooms that students will have access to. These Google classrooms are designed for students who are unable to attend school due to self-isolation. They will also aid in the access of content for casual teachers if staff are also isolating and/or unwell. Learning activities will be uploaded every week to the Learning Hub Google Classroom at the beginning of each week for the first four weeks of Term 1. This will enable students to keep abreast of their school work if they are required to isolate during this time.

Languages
It is a NESA requirement that students in Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8) undertake 100 hours of one language in one continuous twelve month period of study. At St John's we are fortunate to be able to offer the study of both French and Italian in Year 7. Which language students study is random based on the establishment of base classes and staffing. Unfortunately, students are unable to choose between the two languages in Stage 4. When students select electives in Stage 5 they can select either French or Italian (depending on their interest and staffing). Please note that language courses in Stage 5 are 200 hours of study, meaning the course must be studied for both Years 9 & 10. If you study Stage 5 Italian or French, you can only study Italian or French Continuers online in Years 11 & 12. If you do not study Italian or French in Years 9 & 10, you can study Italian or French Beginners face-to-face in Years 11 & 12. Students are unable to change base classes on the preference of language taught.

HSC Results
The St John’s College, Woodlawn community congratulates the Year 12 Class of 2021 on their excellent Higher School Certificate (HSC) results. Our students' achievements have been a remarkable collaborative effort between the students, families and teaching staff in what was a challenging year for everyone. As a community, we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

Students' achievements were outstanding in many subjects. Across the College, 16 subjects achieved examination results above the state average with the most significant results coming from the following subjects: Ancient History, Construction, Hospitality, Legal Studies, Mathematics Advanced, Primary Industries and Society and Culture.

In 2021, 17 students were acknowledged by making the Distinguished Achievers List for achieving a result in the highest band (Band 6 or Band E4) for one or more of their courses. This equates to 20% of students who were ATAR eligible. Students achieved 39 Band 6 or E4 results  (90+) in the following courses: Ancient History, Biology, Community and Family Studies, Construction, Drama, English Advanced, English Extension 1, Geography, Legal Studies, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 2, Society and Culture, Studies of Religion I, Studies of Religion II, Textiles and Design and Visual Arts. Overall, 80% of students achieved Band 5 or Band 6 results across their courses. 92% of students undertaking Vocational Education and Training Examinations achieved Band 4 or higher. 8 students also ranked first in their subjects across the Diocese. Student success in these subjects results from their curiosity and love of learning that extends beyond the classroom and the examinable content. These results are also a testament to the dedication and goodwill of their teachers, who have worked with energy to innovate and adjust their pedagogy as they negotiated the changing landscape of 2021. 11 students elected to study a course through the School of Distance Education achieving commendable results including four Band 5 and four E3 results.

Several students received significant nominations for major works. These include an ‘On Stage’ nomination for Natalie Fennamore in Drama, an Encore nomination for Ossian Quinn-Jarvis in Music 1, and an Art Express nomination for Coen Moran in Visual Arts. Producing major works is difficult under ordinary circumstances; however, the global pandemic challenged last year’s students. Nevertheless, these outstanding results acknowledge their tenacity and talent in the Creative Arts.

The highest ATAR for 2021 was achieved by Molly O’Toole, College Dux. Congratulations are also extended to Nellie Allen, Olivia Mosse, Isabella Wilson, Ossian Quinn-Jarvis, Grace Carey, Lily Fisher and Grace Parrish who each received ATARs above 90.

100% of eligible students gained early entry or have been offered scholarships into University, including places at the Australian Catholic University, the University of New England, Southern Cross University, Griffith University, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Bond University.

While their final year at Woodlawn was marred with disruptions, these remarkable young people responded with optimism and good humour. We recognise the strength of their character and the resilience of their support networks. The skills, Catholic values, and Marian traditions our graduates take away from St John’s College, Woodlawn will help them make wonderful contributions to the broader community.

Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Mission

Head Heart Hands
We are so glad to welcome everyone to St John’s in 2022.

Our Mission is to ensure that our students are at the centre of everything we do. We have been called, through our vocation, to help them ‘live life to the full’. Through our relationships we aim to help them grow and develop spiritually, academically and socially in a safe and inclusive environment. At Woodlawn there are many opportunities for our students to realise their potential and continue the process of ‘becoming’. All students are invited to participate  in a range of areas beyond the classroom. It is essential that they take the initiative to sign up for these experiences.

I have the opportunity to work closely with the Mission Team. This aligns the areas of Welfare, Evangelisation and Catechesis. Together with the Learning and Teaching Team we prioritise student wellbeing and growth.

Woodlawn has a proud tradition of recognising the importance of our place in a global world where disparity, equity and injustice are brutal realities. As a community we work together to raise awareness, through education about poverty, to fundraise through a range of initiatives and to actively live the Foundational Values of Service, Witness and Community. The Year 10 Social Justice Committee and the SRC are at the heart of these campaigns.

Our SRC has organised our first event of the year: Valentine’s Day.
Did you know that Valentine's Day was originally established to honour Christian martyrs?   The Catholic Church in 496CE designated this day in honour of those men, named Valentine, who had been executed for their faith.  In contemporary times this day has come to recognise and celebrate the love that exists between friends, relatives and those in relationships.

In recognition of this, our Year 12 SRC members will be taking orders for chocolate roses - to be delivered on Monday, 14 February.

If your student would like to place an order: 
* Bring $3 per rose;  
* Place your order - SRC members will take these Friday and next Tuesday in the Dining Room from 1.30pm;
* Numbers are limited!

Roses will be delivered to your Valentines on Monday, 14 February during Home Group.  Proceeds to support our Term 1 campaign CARITAS: PROJECT COMPASSION 2022. The 2022 theme is ‘for all future generations’.

Leadership
All students are encouraged to nominate for leadership roles in their respective cohorts. Our Year 12 Student Leadership Team was appointed late in 2021 and they have been actively seeking to promote relationships between and with each other and the wider community. Students self nominate for these roles. Year 11 students will nominate during Week 2, prepare individual speeches (that are checked by Mr Garcia) and deliver these speeches to their year group. There are twelve SRC members in Year 11. Years 8-10 students will elect Base Class Leaders in Week 4. These leaders can then apply for the SRC and will address their year group prior to voting occurring. A formal Leadership ceremony will be held following this process.

Opportunity for leadership beyond the College.
I spoke with the Year 11 students this week about exploring their interest in leadership on a State level. I would encourage students to come and speak with me about this opportunity and I can assist them in preparing their application.

Recruitment for the NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) 2022 is currently open.

Last year a diverse and dedicated group of children and young people were appointed to the YAC, who provided feedback to the government over the year. Membership of the YAC is open to children and young people between 12-24 years of age who reside in NSW. Applications are particularly sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences.

The twelve member YAC provides a direct avenue of communication between young people and the NSW Government. The YAC meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of topics and provide feedback on policies, procedures and resources affecting children and young people.

Members also provide feedback to community groups, government agencies and Departments and Ministers on issues concerning children and young people.

Applications close 13 March, 2022.

We look forward to assisting students with this process. Our leaders are goal oriented, honest, hardworking, justice focused, encouraging and have good communication skills. We promote a model of Servant leadership in a Marist way: humble, presence, simplicity, love of work.

Welfare Initiative 
We are currently planning our entry into the Real Schools Program. This will involve staff, students and parents working in partnership to improve our restorative practices and relationships. This program focuses on language, conduct and mindsets. More information on how everyone can be involved will be presented in future Newsletters.

Driving to School
This is a privilege that is offered to our Year 12 students. It is essential for the safety of our students that the protocols around driving are adhered to:

• Students receive a blue driving permission form that is completed by parents and students;
• Students may NOT drive until they have an official permission letter from myself;
• Students are NOT permitted to travel with more than one passenger (who has been nominated on the BLUE application form);
• Car Parking on the oval is at students' own risk;
• Due to inclement weather the car park may be closed, as directed;
• Year 11 students may have permission to drive to school following a Leadership Team decision later in the year.

I look forward to meeting you all during the course of the year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have around welfare, mission, uniform or College programs.

Regards

Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au

Ministry Matters

Welcome
Welcome to 2022! A year we are hoping is going to be a life-giving and enriching one in the world of student & family faith formation. I extend a very warm welcome to families who have newly joined our Woodlawn community in 2022. I can only hope that conditions and restrictions allow for us to meet in the near future.

A huge part of my role in the College is to foster the faith formation and prayer life of students, families and staff. Whilst we face some challenges currently, I will be providing resources in this fortnightly Newsletter that will hopefully be of interest to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about your family faith life. I am always very happy to reach out to Parishes on behalf of our families.

Student Discipleship Opportunities
At this point in time, we are very lucky to have scheduled some very exciting opportunities for students to nominate for. These include the LEAD senior student faith Retreat and the Year 7 Transitus Retreat. Both exist as part of the Student Formation & Discipleship continuum within the Diocese of Lismore and have proven to be really inspiring and enjoyable events for students who have attended in previous years.

As these events approach, I will be in touch with students in the relevant cohorts to talk about the nomination process. For those interested, please tell your child/children to keep an eye out in the Daily Bulletin for updates.

Sacraments
Each year a number of our students at the College complete sacramental preparation programs. If you are interested in your child/children receiving a sacrament in 2022, please contact me to discuss how we can assist. 

Prayer
For many of us, the opportunity for prayer is often a very short window. At times, in the busyness of life, prayer is something that can be sidelined. If you are keen to engage or reconnect with your prayer life, I can recommend the 3-minute retreat that is published online by the Jesuits through Loyola Press.

It is a very simple method of praying that can be done whilst sitting at your desk. Each day, there is a self-paced, guided reflection on the daily Gospel reading. It provides a great way to focus some time on prayer and to enable yourself to enjoy the calm that a rich prayer life might bring.

3-Minute Retreat

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist in any way.

Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au

Student Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to 2022 and all that this year will bring. I would particularly like to extend a warm welcome to the new families in our community. We look forward to meeting you over your time at the College. Given our experiences over the last two years, we can certainly expect the unexpected and a need to be flexible in our approach.

As we begin this year we are again following significant Public Health Orders with regard to COVID-19. Thank you for your ongoing support in this area. It certainly has provided some challenges, but this week our students have been excellent in helping us to implement these regulations. Obviously, we need to stay tuned for further developments.

New Counsellor
I would like to welcome our new counsellor to the Welfare Team. Ms Lucrezia Migliore is working Wednesday - Friday each week .

She originally trained as an English and Italian teacher at Melbourne University, and worked at Lifeline in Victoria for four years before finding her calling. In 2021, Lucrezia completed her Masters of Counselling. She is very much looking forward to working with the Woodlawn community.

Lucrezia joins Christina Hazell (working Monday - Wednesday) as our counselling team for Semester 1.

Students who wish to contact our Counsellors can do so via email, christina.hazell@lism.catholic.edu.au or lucrezia.migliore@lism.catholic.edu.au, they can call into the Counsellor’s office to schedule a meeting or it can be done via their Year Coordinator.

NSW Youth Advisory Council 2022 – Applications Now Open
This is an exciting opportunity for young people who are community minded and would like to have a voice in the affairs of young people.

The NSW Youth Advisory Council plays an important role in guiding NSW Government youth affairs and raising the views of young people.

The Council meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a range of relevant topics, as well as monitoring and evaluating youth-related policies and legislation which affect young people.

The twelve Council members, aged between 12 and 24, come from all over the State and are broadly representative of the diversity of young people living in NSW.

What members do

• Advise the Minister and the Advocate on the planning, development, integration and implementation of government policies and programs concerning young people;
• Consult with young people, community groups and government agencies on issues and policies concerning young people;
  Monitor and evaluate legislation and government policies and programs concerning young people and recommend changes, if required;
• Conduct forums, approved by the Minister, on issues of interest to young people;
• Collect, analyse and provide the Minister and the Advocate with information on issues and policies concerning young people.

Applications are open for the 2022 NSW Youth Advisory Council. Children and young people between 12-24 years of age living in NSW are encouraged to apply. Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds and life experiences. The twelve member YAC advises the NSW Government on subjects relevant to young people across the state. Applications close 13 March, 2022.

More information on the NSW Youth Advisory Council as well as application forms are available here www.acyp.nsw.gov.au

Uniform
It is great to see the students enthusiastic about the start to the new year, equally notable is the correct way the uniform has been worn. Thank you for supporting our uniform policy. The new uniforms for Year 7 students look great. If you have had any issues sourcing a uniform item, please let your child’s Year Coordinator know.

Summer Uniform - Terms 1 and 4

Boys’ Uniform
Shirt: College green striped shirt - worn outside the shorts (Years 8-12 students). White shirt with crest on pocket & green piping on sleeves (Year 7, 2022 students).
Shorts: Grey polyester dress shorts worn on the waist.  Drill shorts are not permitted.  A plain black or grey belt must be worn.
Socks: Short grey College socks.
Shoes: Conventional black leather lace-up or buckle-up school shoes (polished).
Jumper:  Green College jumper or Green College vest (optional for colder days).
Hat: College green wide brimmed hat – to be worn in accordance with SunSmart Policy in Section 10.

Girls’ Uniform
Blouse: White, Peter Pan collar, short sleeve, pleated back (College design) (Years 8-12 students). White blouse with crest on pocket & green piping on sleeves (Year 7, 2022 students).
Tie: Short bottle green ‘mini-tie’.
Skirt: Green College tartan - double pleats front and back (knee length).
Shorts: Grey shorts (Year 7 students only for 2022).
Socks: Plain white, ‘Bonds’ style, ankle length, fold over top (Sockettes not permitted).
Shoes: Conventional black leather lace-up or buckle-up school shoes (polished).
Jumper: Green College jumper or Green College vest (optional for colder days).
Hat: College green wide brimmed hat – to be worn in accordance with SunSmart Policy in Section 10.

World Safer Internet Day

World Safer Internet Day is a global campaign dedicated to creating a safer online world for everyone. This is being held on 8 February, 2022. As this important day coincides with the start of school, this resource has some good information for students as they navigate the online world: Play it safe and fair online 2022 on Vimeo

Parents can also access the parent webinars that are available throughout the year.

If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached on 6626 2627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Stay well,

Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au

Sport News

Representative Pathways in School Sport
The College, through the Lismore Diocese, offers pathways through to represent NSWCCC and in some sports NSW All Schools and School Sport Australia.

Sports such as Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Soccer (open male/female), Rugby League (15/18 years), Touch Football (male/female open/15 years) start with Lismore Diocesan Trials and then progress through to the above.

Other sports Netball (15/18 years), AFL (15 years), Rugby Union (16/18 years), Softball (male/female), Baseball, Basketball (male/female), Cricket (15/18 years), Golf, Hockey, Tennis (male/female), Triathlon move directly to NSWCCC trials and students and parents need to visit the CSNSW.sport portal for details and applications.

Lismore Diocesan
Application are now open or will very shortly open for these sports. If you are interested, please see Mr Battese at the Sports Office for further details.

Touch Football
Open and under 15 years male and female trials will be held in Coffs Harbour - parents need to transport trialists.

Open Male and Female Soccer
Students need to be in Year 10 or above to trial. Trials will be held at Southern Cross Football Centre - parents need to transport trialists.

Rugby League
Open and under 15 years trials will be held at Woodlawn.

If unsure about any of these details, students should contact Mr Battese.

Swimming Carnival
With the current COVID-19 restrictions we are not able to hold our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival on the scheduled dates of February 9 and 11.

So that the pathway students are not affected, we will be running all individual championship events on Friday, 11 February. Unfortunately, due to the present restrictions, no parents will be allowed on-site for this event.

The plan at this stage is still to run the traditional Carnival at a later date - hopefully in March, on a Friday night, as per tradition.

Brian Battese
Sports Coordinator
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au

Library and Learning Resources

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to new families,

The Library at Woodlawn is open 24/7.

Please encourage your children to:

• Access the Library catalogue by logging in with their username.number and internet password. They can see what is available in the Library and also what they have borrowed. 
• Access the Library website. This site has guides for individual subjects such as Year 10 English – Macbeth, research and organisational skills and reading promotion.

Reading for Ten  (RFT) for Years 7-10 starts on Monday, Period 5. Students can choose to read fiction or non-fiction for ten minutes each day. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class with their book each lesson.

If your child has not chosen their reading material as yet, please send them to the Library and we can help them out. We have an excellent range of fiction, autobiographies/biographies and non-fiction. Students can choose to read novels, books on fishing and surfing, Layne Beachley’s autobiography or The Lonely Planet Guide to Cambodia. It’s up to them!

Whilst we are a contemporary Library, our core business is reading and its promotion. Please join us in encouraging your child to read. As we say at Woodlawn, whatever you do, READ!  

I look forward to working with your children in 2022.

Catherine Graham-Smith
Leader of Learning Technologies
cath.graham-smith@lism.catholic.edu.au

Careers Update

Welcome back to 2022. We are looking forward to working with students and families towards your future goals.  We have plans for a number of guest presenters this year once conditions are more favourable.

Year 10 will be introduced to Careers this year and we look forward to working with them as they explore the available options and plan appropriate Work Experience to explore the world of work.

Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to read this article from Study Work Grow with some quick ATAR facts.

Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au

Positions Vacant
A high quality local Cabinet Making company is seeking a full-time apprentice to join their team.

If you are interested in this position please let me know and I will put you into contact with the organisation.

University

Our early offer program is now open.

We’re looking at your Year 11 results and searching for people with soft skills. All you have to do is provide your Year 11 results and answer three questions to show us you have the qualities we’re looking for. And this year there are three rounds that you can apply for.

Some of our competitive courses will fill in the first round, so make sure you get your application in as soon as you can. Jump online to see if your Charles Sturt course is part of the program and apply now.

Find out more
You can also join our online information session on 1 March to learn more about our early offer program and ask any questions you have.

Register now
Successful students will unlock a world of possibilities. Benefits include:

• A study offer before students sit their exams;
• An exclusive support program and events to help them step into life as an official Charles Sturt student full of confidence;
• Students could receive an exclusive $1,000 Advantage scholarship based on their soft skills application to help with the cost of study.

Registrations are now open for Charles Sturt University's Explore Day

What is Explore Day?
It’s a day of discovery. Come and learn about Uni life. Meet lecturers and students. Check out the campus, classrooms and facilities. Take an accommodation tour and get all your questions answered at the info hub. The best bit? You can get hands-on in an area of study – or two – that interests you.

New in 2022
If your students are super keen on a particular course or career area, then an Explore Day spotlight session is for them! 

When they choose a spotlight session, students will dive deeper into the topic and spend more time getting hands-on. Because they’re more in-depth, spotlight sessions are for smaller groups and will run for longer.

Remember that everyone can enjoy lunch on us!

Explore Day at a campus near you
Albury-Wodonga, 29 March 2022
Wagga Wagga, 22 March 2022
Port Macquarie, 8 March 2022
Bathurst, 15 March 2022

Book your spot!

I want to study Medicine.
If you are considering studying medicine there are a number of steps you need to undertake above and beyond maximising your HSC performance. In addition to your ATAR, students applying for Medicine or Dentistry need to undertake an interview as well as complete the UCAT. Each of these elements band together to complete the selection process for these courses. There are free resources available to help prepare for the UCAT and there are also providers who offer specific UCAT training. We will provide you with information regarding upcoming UCAT courses as we become aware of them and you will need to discern for yourself whether this is appropriate to your circumstances.

UCAT NIE presenting a free webinar about UCAT, interviews, and pathways into medicine and dentistry.  This is NOT an advertising seminar.  The session is packed with invaluable information.  To register: https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions Ph: (02) 4367 0404  / enquiries@nie.edu.au   /  www.nie.edu.au

*MedEntry offer user pay course for UCAT preparation

MedEntry UCAT Prep Free UCAT Bootcamp
For parents, aspiring Medical students and Careers Advisers. Dr Ray, Gastroenterologist at Monash Health offers UCAT mini test, discusses medical interviews, admission process, life as a medical student, and career as a doctor. Watch this two hour Bootcamp from the comfort, convenience & security of your home at any time! https://www.medentry.edu.au/resources/ucat/free-bootcamp

Macquarie University Double Degrees
Double bachelor’s degrees are an excellent choice if you have two distinct passions that combine two different fields. Macquarie allows you to personalise your double degree by choosing the combination that will best kickstart your career. If you can’t find a double degree you’re interested in from their list of popular combinations, apply for the Bachelor of Combined Studies (UAC Code: 302000).

Southern Cross University
Preparing for Success at SCU is a fee-free course, designed with you in mind. You can study on campus or online, full-time over three months or part-time over a year.  Graduates gain direct entry into a range of Southern Cross University degrees*. This award-winning program equips you with the study skills needed to succeed at university and progress towards a new career. scu.edu.au/psp  

Western Sydney University
Offers $25 million in scholarships every year. Prospective students can find out what scholarships are available to them, what they need to demonstrate in their application to make themselves competitive, and how they can put forward the best application here.

TAFE
TAFE NSW Degrees. We offer a range of industry aligned degrees taught by expert teachers and small class sizes to nurture student learning. Our degrees are in industry sectors as diverse as ICT, Fashion Design, Applied Commerce and Early Childhood Education and Care. Students do not require an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW. Explore our degrees: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees

Private Colleges
The Hotel School Australia Find out what current students have gained from their courses and explore the best degrees for high schools leavers: https://bit.ly/3KUOAcC . Listen to Anne, National Schools Channel Manager discuss courses and applications in detail. It’s not too late, direct entry: https://bit.ly/3KTGS2l . Speak to Anne McCrory on 0409 034 962.

Other Information and Upcoming Events
The University of Queensland invites students and parents to attend this online event titled ‘Making an Impact with Engineering’. This event is hosted by UQ’s Women in Engineering team. This presentation will provide students with a clear description of the six specialisations on offer at UQ, the broad variety of projects that engineers work on, and how these projects are impacting the world around us!

Secure your spot via Eventbrite by searching ‘Making an Impact with Engineering’ or by following the link below.

Date: Mon, 28 February 2022
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM AEST
Location: Free online event – tickets via Eventbrite

EVENTBRITE Link

As we return to another exciting school term, we will leave you with this article for the students who ask ‘How can I make money to follow my passion?’ This article relates to travel, but is relevant to students thinking about career targets and thinking outside the box in terms of answering the question ‘How can I get paid to “do” my passion?’

Ways to get paid to travel if you’re not an influencer.

Reminder

Absentees
Please  ring the College on our Student Absence Line (6626 2629)
or email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au if your son/daughter is absent from school. You can also reply to the text message which is sent out in the morning of the absence.

All student absences need to be accounted for. Accounting for student absences is a legal requirement for all schools. Your assistance in providing the relevant information to us regarding your child’s absences daily is appreciated.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up Zone
The student drop-off zone is located at the sporting field entrance leading to a roundabout with two-way traffic where you may drop-off and pick-up in a marked drop-off zone. There are waiting bays for short stopping on the left hand side when entering, if required. Please also note that the College speed limit is a maximum of 15km/hr.

Signing Students In and Out of the College
If students are arriving late to the College, we ask parents/guardians NOT to enter the College Office if at all possible but to drop students off in the drop-off/pick-up zone and to phone the Student Services Office on 6626 2629 on their arrival. 

If students are leaving the College early, please email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au with the arrangement details. Please phone the Student Services Office on your arrival to pick-up your student at the arranged time. Students will be sent to the drop-off/pick-up zone. Thank you for respecting our modified conditions to protect all members of our College community at this time.

Janine Brown & Sharon Robotham
Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629

NSW School Vaccination Program

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

Year 7: Thursday, 3 March & Thursday, 27 October
Year 10: Thursday, 21 July

In 2022, the following vaccines will be offered:

Parent Information Kits that include an information sheet, consent form and privacy statement will be sent home soon to parents/guardians. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:

• read all the information provided;
• complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive;
• return the completed consent form to their child’s school;
• ensure their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.

Please note that, to improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses during Year 7 and catch up into Year 8 (for HPV and dTpa vaccination) and during Year 10 and catch up into Year 11 (for Meningococcal ACWY vaccination) or consent signed in 2021.

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/ Pages/withdraw_consent.aspx.

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic either as  a physical card or a text message sent to the mobile number recorded on the consent form. Details about vaccinations given at school will also be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to support complete vaccination histories.

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 much easier and quicker for students.

We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.

Please follow the link below to register now:

Uniform Shop

The St John's College Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms.

To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience while ordering uniforms, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store.

Opening Hours: 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

The St John's Uniform Shop is proudly managed by the P&F Association.

Our Second Hand Uniform Shop opens on the first Wednesday of every month. 
Date: Wednesday, 2 March
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 of the P & F Association, with monies utilised for the ongoing needs and services of St John's College, Woodlawn.

NSW Premier - Letter to Parents

Join SCU Netball Club