Week 6 Term 2 2022
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
At our P&F AGM on Monday evening, we farewelled two long-standing members of our Association – Mrs Lisa Love and Mrs Michelle Seccombe. Lisa and Michelle have both given tremendous support to the College across a variety of areas over many years and we are very grateful for their hard work, especially throughout the COVID period. A small presentation was made on behalf of the College.
In farewelling these two ladies, we also welcomed our new P&F Executive Team for 2022. Congratulations and thanks to the following parents:
President: Ms Louise McKinlay
Vice-President: Mrs Christine McCombie
Secretary: Mrs Rebecca Prodger
Treasurer: Mrs Leanne Copeland
Assistant Treasurer: Mrs Megan McPhee
Fundraising Coordinator: Mrs Kara Parrish
Sports Canteen Coordinator: *Vacant
Second Hand Uniform Shop Coordinator: Mrs Megan McPhee
Parent Assembly Representative: Mrs Rose Smith
As you can see, we are still looking for a Sports Canteen Coordinator. This is not an onerous role and we would love to see someone step-up and take this on for us at the next meeting.
For the remainder of 2022, it was decided to have only one (1) meeting per term, so our next gathering will be Monday, 15 August at 5.30pm in the College Library.
There has been a significant amount of ‘behind the scenes’ work involved in getting the College ready for occupation by our friends from Trinity. While this has been a team effort, one extra special ‘thank you’ must be offered to Mr Kim Evans, former Woodlawn AP, who acted as a Liaison Officer between the two schools for several months, and whose formal work concluded on Tuesday. I know I speak on behalf of both College communities when I thank Kim for his generosity, eye for detail and sheer hard work in seeing this special project through to completion. Mr Evans will now return to his casual teaching role at both schools.
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in the education space. Included below is a summary of the current NSW Health Guidelines for Schools:
- Students and staff who are close contacts and have no symptoms can continue to attend school if they follow the guidelines below:
- They must notify the school and their outside of school hours care (OOSHC) provider if they are intending to return under this provision.
- They should conduct a daily rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days.
- Secondary school students must wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising).
- No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps.
- No apprentices, trainees or students on placement or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to attend settings identified as high risk by NSW Health (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities).
- Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times. Schools should consider if the visit can be conducted virtually.
- Packs of 7 RATs are available for all students via the Student Services Office (SSO).
- Last week at Woodlawn, we are aware of at least twenty-six (26) cases of COVID-19 across students in all year levels, 7 - 12.
- Mask wearing is mandatory for staff and high school students returning to school as close contacts for 5 school days. Masks continue to be mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 12 years and older when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered transport services.
- Students are encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Enhanced cleaning measures remain in place at the College.
As this is National Reconciliation Week, as this fortnight’s reflection, I include the following thoughts for your perusal:
Reconciliation Week 2022 – ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’
Our Call to be People of Unconditional Love
Last Sunday week’s Gospel centred on a promise of unconditional love. We are told in John’s Gospel, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” (Jn 14: 23). Even though this text was written close to 2000 years ago and Jesus modelled this sense of unconditional love to all humankind so perfectly, historically, human beings have not always taken heed. We are constantly challenged by the notion of unconditional love when we see firsthand how people can treat each other so dreadfully. In our own history, we have seen the atrocious treatment of our First Nations Peoples at the hands of our early European settlers in the late 1700s, with this treatment continuing across the ensuing centuries. Historical records tell of interactions with our First Nations Peoples that are stories of harm, injustice, violence, inequality, sadness and inhumane treatment.
Reconciliation is ‘the act of reconciling’. To ‘reconcile’ is ‘to no longer be opposed’. It is an act of love - an act of unconditional love - because it takes courage, vulnerability and self-awareness to admit and own culpability. We can be pleased that over the past decades, we as a nation have made considerable efforts to own our challenging past and reframed our treatment of our First Nations Peoples. This was publicly marked in history by the delivery of a very important speech back in 2008.
We reflect on the words of former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd’s public apology to our First Nations Peoples:
Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
We reflect on their past mistreatment.
We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations - this blemished chapter in our nation's history.
The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future…
For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.
To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.
And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.
…. For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.
During Reconciliation Week we pay our respects to the Indigenous peoples of Australia and their elders, past, present and emerging. With that, we pay our respects to the great Woodlawn women and men among us who are proud First Nations Peoples. At Woodlawn, we work with these incredible young women and men to ensure equal opportunities with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in our shared history.
Our hope for our First Nations Peoples, and indeed all people everywhere, is the experience of unconditional love.
Finally, we remember in our prayers the local community of Casino and also Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas, and all affected by the tragic stabbing and mass shooting. May these communities experience God’s unconditional love during this time of grief and significant loss.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
Ministry Matters
This week we celebrated National Reconciliation Week across the College and this formed the focus of many of our communal prayer opportunities. It was particularly pleasing to listen to students talking about how they might be able to ‘Be Brave & Make a Change’ in their lives; the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week.
LEAD Conference
Our Year 11 SRC and members of the Senior Ministry Team attended the LEAD Conference at McAuley Catholic College, Grafton two weeks ago. I share my gratitude for the work and support of Mrs Tayla Tickle in supporting our students in their engagement in the event. Of particular note, too, is the leadership displayed by our current and previous YMOs who presented in various roles over the course of the conference. Congratulations to Bianca, Jacob, Luke, Tash and Macy on their efforts.
Below are two student reflections of their experience at LEAD:
The 2022 LEAD Conference was an unforgettable, eye-opening experience that immensely strengthened my connection with my spirit and other Senior students from across Lismore Diocese. As a Year 11 student, it was my first time having the opportunity to apply for LEAD, and it was such an undeniably refreshing and enriching experience. The sessions and workshops we worked through all aimed to extend our faith and promote growth into the next stages of our lives. We got the opportunity to listen to incredible testimonies from different YMOs and teachers from different areas, who shared their own personal experiences with their faith and how they developed their relationship with God. I enjoyed being able to meet and connect with such a diverse group of students and learning their personal stories and backgrounds during the workshops.
Ella Shield - Year 11
LEAD was a truly inspiring event giving us the opportunity to explore and develop our faith further to gain an understanding of how to lead with Christian values. The theme for this year was 'Rise' and it challenged us to rise above to become leaders in Christ. For two days you were surrounded by such a supportive and genuine environment, every person you encountered was welcoming and open to talking about their faith journey; there was never a moment where you felt afraid about being vulnerable with people. LEAD was a time to remove the common stigma around faith and be your authentic self, influenced and guided by the teachings and love of Jesus. Adoration was something I have never experienced before and it was definitely life-changing, to be able to reflect on your life and personal journey of faith. We also had the opportunity to listen to some inspiring testimonies from YMOs and special guests. These left you feeling motivated to stand up in faith and provided key lessons to becoming a successful disciple of Jesus. Saints were an important part of the Conference, learning about them and their incredible bravery and humility even in small, everyday actions were genuinely remarkable. Overall, LEAD 2022 delivered an abundance of opportunities to explore our faith journey further to become faithful leaders in Christ.
Olivia Taylor - Year 11
Street Retreat
This event will take place from June 23-26 in Brisbane and is an opportunity for six students to participate in service and ministries that will help the poor and marginalised in society as Jesus called us to do. I would like to formally congratulate the following Year 11 students on being successful in the application process this year:
Lilly Munce
Thomas Rowling
Lily Lindsay
Teodoro Astone
Bella Griffiths
Noah Hague
Students and staff who attend Street Retreat often see it as one of the highlights of their Woodlawn experience. We wish these students well and look forward to hearing of their experience upon their return.
SHINE 2022
This year, we are very pleased to offer our Years 9 & 10 Ministry classes the opportunity to attend the annual SHINE Conference at St. John Paul College, Coffs Harbour.
Students in Ministry Classes from across the Diocese attend for an opportunity to engage in discipleship and worship activities with like-minded people in the pursuit of the fullness of life of faith in Jesus Christ.
The Conference will not take place until August but there will be updates leading into this wonderful experience, held for the first time in two years, after COVID-19 postponed the previous two conferences.
Reflection
We now approach Pentecost Sunday, a time in which we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples of Jesus, giving them the strength and courage to go and “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). It is a constant reminder for us that we, too, are charged with the mission to go out to those on the margins and bring the love of Christ to all we meet.
The following prayer was shared with Year 7 by Mr Luke Flynn to mark National Reconciliation Week. With this in mind, in the context of the courage to answer the call of Jesus, I offer you this for your own personal reflection:
Dear Lord,
Today we give special thanks to the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our nation. As our First Nations Peoples, it is their courage, innovation, and determination that shape our national story.
This Reconciliation Week we pray for bravery. Bravery to own our history. Bravery to acknowledge the mistreatment of Indigenous people in this country and the intergenerational implications. Bravery to immerse ourselves in responsible, respectful and honest conversation about our shared histories. And bravery to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation within our communities.
Lord, today we seek forgiveness for the mistakes of our past. May these lessons influence our thoughts, actions and words as we seek to reconcile the relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Help us to walk together as equals and curate a future defined by truth and solidarity.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Around the College we are seeing students engaging more fully in school life, within a somewhat more normal school environment. We have students going on excursions, attending evangelisation experiences, participating in sporting events, rehearsing for performances and providing a Cafe experience, among other activities, that connect students to school. These have been missing for so long and are now being appreciated once again. Please chat with your young person - is there something they would like to be involved in at the College? Remind them to check the Daily Bulletin to hear about upcoming events for which they can nominate.
Vaping
St John’s College, like many other schools, has seen a recent spike in young people vaping.
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, often called ‘vapes’, are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes and types of e-liquids, or e-juices, available. Vapes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks.
The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe.
Vaping facts
Many vapes contain nicotine making them very addictive. The nicotine in one vape can equal fifty cigarettes.
- Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. They just don’t put it on the pack;
- Vapes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety;
- Young people who vape are three times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes;
- Vape aerosol is not water vapour;
- Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease;
- Vapes can cause long-lasting negative effects on young people’s brain development.
Signs your child might be vaping
Tell-tale signs that your child might have started vaping include the symptoms of nicotine addiction such as feeling irritable or anxious.
The laws around selling vapes
Young people often purchase vapes online, from retail stores or from friends and contacts on social media.
- It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18 years;
- It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone, unless they are prescribed by a doctor to someone over 18 years for smoking cessation purposes and obtained with a prescription from a pharmacy.
There are a number of retailers who sell vapes to young people. This is a crime. If you suspect someone is selling vapes to minors, you can report it to NSW Health via its website or by calling the Tobacco Information line on 1800 357 412.
Talk to your child about vaping
Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about vaping and help them understand the risks. Try to start the conversation in a relaxed easy-going way, be patient, and remember your goal is to have a conversation, not deliver a lecture. Importantly, have your facts ready.
For more information
Get the evidence and facts at www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaping
Winter uniform
It was heartening to see the majority of our students wearing the uniform well on the school photo days. We are seeking your support for this standard to be maintained every day. If there are any concerns about sourcing uniforms, please make contact with your young person’s Year Coordinator and these concerns can be resolved.
Just a reminder that the wearing of blazers is compulsory after the June long weekend. At a minimum, blazers need to be worn to and from school.
If you have any concerns or questions about your young person’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to make contact: fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.
Regards,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Sports News
NSW CCC Tennis - Bathurst 2022
St John’s College, Woodlawn sent two teams to Bathurst to represent Lismore Diocese at the 2022 NSW CCC Tennis Teams Event at the John Matthew’s Tennis Complex. We were fortunate to be able to send two teams to the event, one boys team and one girls team, each consisting of four players. The teams played eight sets per match, consisting of two doubles and four singles, then, if the winner was unclear, a second set of reverse doubles were played.
The team departed early Sunday morning, leaving the sunshine and fine weather behind, while hoping to catch a glimpse again once we landed in Bathurst. We arrived in Bathurst to fine, albeit cooler temperatures. The team purchased food, then spent a couple of hours at the courts to stretch our legs.
On Monday morning the Team Managers took the decision to not tell the players the outside temperature in the morning as we boarded the bus to head to the courts for a 7.30am ‘warm up’. Moments later, as we arrived at the courts, we felt every part of the -0.3 (but feels like negative three) degree temperature!
Play started ahead of time as rain was predicted throughout the day and snow forecast. Both teams had matches in the first round of the draw.
The Girls Team, consisting of Sarah and Amy Martin as Co-Captains, and Jaya Wisemantel and Riley Alvos, started the day with doubles. Both teams worked well together to push their opponents from Stella Maris, Broken Bay. In the singles, each girl played well which forced us into reverse doubles to determine the winner. All of the girls performed well, but of particular note was Co-Captain Amy Martin’s performance in the singles. Amy pushed her opponent in an hour long battle to send us into the reverse doubles and keep us in the match. Unfortunately, this was the Girls Team’s last match for the day as each of the other teams sent through to consolation withdrew as soon as they lost due to the conditions.
The Boys Team played St John’s College, Dubbo in their first match. With a late COVID-19 withdrawal of one of our players, Year 7 student, Askel Langdon, stepped up to join the team of Captain Daniel Butler, Benji De Milford and Digby Langdon. We were concerned for Askel as teams were generally made up of players between Years 9 and 11 and he drew a Dubbo player from Year 10. Askel played well, joining two of his team mates in winning their sets, while the fourth went down narrowly. The boys won one doubles set and lost one, giving us enough points for the win and sending us through to the next round as the rain started to fall.
The boys stepped off the court and were literally called straight back on for their next match with third seeded team Edmund Rice College, Wollongong. With no break, the team faced off in doubles first. Both teams went down quickly to their more experienced opponents. The boys each played exceptionally well in their singles matches, having warmed a little from the ten minutes of sun; all showed good form on the court. Team Captain Daniel, taking advantage of his last opportunity to represent the College at Tennis, used his experience to push his opponent to earn every point in his set and hold on to try to push for a reverse doubles showdown; unfortunately, going down in the end. This ended our last match for the day as the icey rain which had been threatening all day began falling relentlessly.
Both of the CCC Tennis teams represented the College exceptionally well both on and off the court. Special thanks to Ms Farrugia for managing the girls, navigating and catering Sunday night dinner and Mr Maginnity for managing the boys and negotiating the Sydney traffic.
Cross Country Report
Last Friday, 20 May, Woodlawn sent a team of runners to Lismore Diocesan Cross Country in Grafton. Congratulations to all who travelled away and participated in the race, especially to all those listed below who placed in the top ten.
We also wish good luck to: Emily, Rue, Izzy, Jaya, Oliver and Alex who finished in the top six place getters and have now qualified to attend the NSW CCC Cross Country Championships held in Sydney in a fortnight's time.
Emily Glendinning (U/12 Girls) – 5th
Scarlett Johnston (U/13 Girls) – 7th
Rue Heffernan (U/14 Girls) – 3rd
Isabella Rowe (U/14 Girls) – 5th
Alanna Bromhead (U/15 Girls) - 7th
Jaya Wisemantel (U/16 Girls) – 3rd
Charlotte Gilliland (U/16 Girls) – 8th
Niamh Thompson (U/16 Girls) – 9th
Oliver Pennisi (U/12 Boys) – 6th
Askel Langdon (U/12 Boys) – 9th
Alex Pursey (U/14 Boys) – 4th
Lachlan Beare (U/14 Boys) – 7th
Brian Battese
Sports Coordinator
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au
Careers Update
Year 10’s first week of Work Experience for 2022 has been moved back to Week 4 next term to allow more time for the students to prepare and complete work readiness. As Year 10 subject selection information commenced today, we encourage families to start conversations with students about both Work Experience and subject selections so that they can begin to generate ideas about businesses which suit their skills and interests.
Please find the full range of information including University updates, TAFE, private colleges, as well as updates and other information at this link.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Positions Vacant
WCA Accounting School Leaver
Attached is a flyer containing information about WCA Accounting’s school leaver position for 2023. If you are interested please contact WCA through the attached details. WCA flyer.
Earth & Environmental Science
On 16-17 May, the Year 11 Earth & Environmental Science class accompanied Mr Base, Ms McNeilly and Mr Saad, on a journey to discover the ancient geological history of Australia’s East Coast. Student’s examined rocks to discover unique evidence of volcanism occurring on the ocean floor. They discovered ocean sediments which had been buried and ‘cooked’ so deep below the surface, that they no longer resembled their original state. The class is currently building upon their fieldwork as they compile their findings in a comprehensive Depth Study.
I would like to thank the staff, parents and students who made this field experience possible in such trying times.
Thank you,
Bryn Base
Earth & Environmental Science Teacher
bryn.base@lism.catholic.edu.au
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
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: