Week 2 Term 4 2022
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Welcome back to Term 4! As this fortnight’s Newsletter outlines, the College is currently a hive of activity and for students to make the most of the holistic educational programme which Woodlawn offers, we strongly encourage their participation in the broad range of activities available at the College. Please talk with your daughters/sons about their co-curricular involvement now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased.
Our Term 4 P&F Meeting will be held on Monday, 7 November at 5.30pm in the College Library. Please come along and support the wonderful work our P&F undertake to support students and staff here at the College.
As you would be aware, teachers and support staff in NSW/ACT Catholic Systemic Schools are currently engaged in Enterprise Bargaining as they finalise a new industrial agreement with employers and the IEU. Our Acting Director of Catholic Schools, Mrs Jenny Allen, has asked that the following information regarding this process be disseminated to all families.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to invite NSW & ACT students with a disability in Years 10 – 12, their parents and carers to attend a virtual information session. Details are included on the attached flyer.
The Diocesan School Review Commission is currently working through a number of issues facing flood affected school communities in the north of the Diocese. Please find attached the most recent update from this group.
All NSW schools have recently received advice from NSW Police regarding Gel Guns which are illegal in NSW and considered to be firearms. If a student is found to have a gel gun they can be arrested and charged for possession of a firearm (under Section 31 (1) of the NSW Firearms Act 1996).
Term 4 Dates: The term concludes on Friday, 16 December for all year levels. Please note that there will be a Student Free Day on Monday, 5 December to allow staff to undertake Compass Training in readiness for the rollout of this new integrated Education Management System next year.
The following changes to COVID-19 advice have come into effect since our last communication:
National Cabinet has now removed the isolation requirements for positive COVID-19 cases. CSNSW is working with NESA and the other school sectors on the COVID-smart measures, which include:
- staying home if unwell and testing for COVID-19 if showing any symptoms;
- encouraging masks to be worn particularly indoors and when physical distancing is not possible;
- requiring masks for staff and volunteers who interact with students at greater risk of serious illness if they were to contract COVID-19;
- encouraging up-to-date vaccinations for staff and students, including COVID-19 booster shots for anyone eligible;
- maintaining natural ventilation;
- encouraging good hygiene practices; and
- continuing to provide rapid antigen tests (RATs) and masks to schools as required.
Packs of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are available for collection from SSO should your daughter/son require these.
As this fortnight’s reflection, I include the following prayer on love, which reminds us to always go with kindness:
In my own part of the world, Lord,
I pray today and commit myself
to be loving and understanding in all that I do
and to be generous in giving of myself
without expecting anything in return.
I pray and commit myself to have an attitude
of respect for each and every person,
treating everyone as the equals that they are.
All that I am determined to be, Lord,
I ask for the power of your Spirit to enable me to be.
Amen.
Finally, a number of members of our College community have suffered bereavements in recent weeks. We pray for the repose of the soul of Jasmine Boyd’s (Year 8) Great Grandmother; Mrs Rosaleen Colles’ Mother; and Ms Catherine Graham-Smith’s Father. May they rest in peace.
With best wishes for the fortnight ahead.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
2021 Dux of the College
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions and flooding early in the year, we were unable to formally recognise the achievements of Molly O’Toole in being awarded the Dux of the College for 2021. Molly’s academic performance throughout her senior school years was outstanding; the key to her success was a very strong work ethic and consistently utilising teacher feedback. Molly achieved four Band 6 results and received an ATAR of 96.4. Congratulations again, Molly and best wishes in your future endeavours.
Staff Development Day (Student Free - Monday, 5 December)
Staff will be engaging in Compass training on Monday, 5 December, which will be a Student Free Day. Compass is our new Diocesan school management system which will be implemented in 2023 so it is vital that staff are familiar with its application before the commencement of the new school year.
PAT-Testing Years 7-10
During Weeks 2-4 our students in Years 7-10 will undergo a series of PAT adaptive assessments in their English, Mathematics and Science classes that will allow us to gain a precise picture of their achievement and growth in reading, Mathematics and Science. This diagnostic tool addresses the proficiencies of fluency, understanding, problem solving and reasoning. The test is completed in class and takes approximately 40 minutes. It is not a test that students need to prepare for. Students simply turn up on the day and are provided with login details to complete the multiple choice questions.
HSC
Congratulations to our Year 12 students for a positive start to their HSC Examinations. One of the many highlights in high school teaching is watching young children grow and leave us as young adults ready to take on the world. I had the privilege of spending a substantial amount of time with this group and look forward to celebrating with them at their Formal on Saturday, 12 November.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
I trust that everyone has had a restful break. In our first two weeks of term we have had a number of opportunities to gather and spend time with year groups reflecting on our relationships, prayer life and the service opportunities we have coming up.
Our SRC, Mr Beach, Mr Hamilton and I were honoured to attend an ecumenical prayer service with His Excellency The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishops Gregory and Geoffrey last Friday at St Carthage's Cathedral. The common theme of our prayers was the importance of dialogue between Church groups, the commonalities that we share and the hopes that we have. The Archbishop had travelled from England to meet and pray with communities which were affected by the floods. Care of our communities, our environment and ourselves were his key themes. ‘Take away all prejudice and pride, and whatever else may hinder true harmony’ is a line from the prayer that resonated with all who shared the Midday Prayers.
Care for ourselves and others is a key theme for relationship building this term. NSW Police Youth Engagement Officers, Brooke Papasidero and Clare Beek, shared some valuable insights into the complexities of healthy relationships with our Years 9 and 10 students The focus of the Year 7 presentation was around the legalities of online activity, the responsibilities of being digital citizens and ensuring that students foster healthy relationships and give themselves the permission to go offline. Students were given question time and many misconceptions about the sharing of images and media were addressed. The dangers of the Omegle online chat room was highlighted as being a dangerous forum. The use of this chat room would be a valuable conversation to have with your children. The officers gave a clear definition of the term 'procuring and distributing' and the repercussions were clear. These sessions were followed by a whole school presentation at this week's Assembly. Brooke and Clare also addressed the legalities associated with vaping. The messages were clear: ‘vapes are illegal’ and ‘vapes are health destroying and addictive’. New legislation clearly outlines the criminality of supplying vapes. We were grateful to both Officers for their time.
There have also been some clear messages this week about appropriate behaviour and protocols for using the bus interchange. A recent email from Transport NSW asked us to communicate the following explicit guidelines to our families:
- Do not drop off students in the bus zone;
- Do not perform u-turns within the school zone;
- Ensure you are not parking illegally - in driveways, or no-parking zones.
For further details please follow this link:
Bus safety for school students: How families can help
All of the above are related to the safety and care of our students. As a community it is crucial that we work together to ensure that students are cognisant of the legal ramifications of their behaviour and the impact that making poor choices can have on their wellbeing.
Our Senior students will have the opportunity to access a presentation by Nic Newling on October 25. Nic Newling is an advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and sharing personal stories. Since surviving his own mental illnesses in high school but losing his brother to suicide, Nic strives to encourage sharing, listening, and working together for positive change. Nic will be presenting to the students of Year 11 in a sensitive manner and support people will be on hand for students who wish to talk privately. http://www.nicnewling.com/ We would also like to invite parents to attend this presentation if you are available: 11.30am - 1pm in the PAC. Please sign-in at the College Office first.
You can also contact me if you do not wish your student to hear Nic’s presentation.
The Resilient Kids Project: we have signed up to be part of this essential survey process. The Resilience Survey results will be used to inform the development of early intervention mental health supports and services for primary and secondary school-aged children through the $10 million Resilient Kids program, as part of our community’s recovery response to the February/March 2022 Northern Rivers floods. Please follow this link for further information and a form stating if you do not wish your child to participate.
Last weekend I happened to meet these young men celebrating their 60 Year Woodlawn Reunion at the Mezza in Ballina. The gentlemen were excited to regale their memories of the College ‘where they found friends for life’. I was honoured to meet many of the men who spent their formative years as boarders at the College. Their keen senses of humour and obvious love of many of our traditions was heartwarming and entertaining. I promised them that I would include their photo. It is this love of the College that we aim to foster sixty years on.
Where are They Now?
I love sharing stories of past students and this week I am featuring Harry Nichols who graduated in 2005. Harry was committed to his Music studies, and was known for his kindness and humility. Harry had a keen sense of humour and staff and students knew him as a positive student who was passionate about College life. Harry pursued his Music career after leaving Woodlawn, completing his Bachelor of Contemporary Music, majoring in guitar. He toured with Toni Child’s Band for six months and joined Lisa Hunt’s Band. He travelled with her for seven years and relished the opportunity to share his love of music. Harry now has his own international music studio in Byron Bay and gigs in the local area. I’m always looking to feature other past students so please contact me if you have a story to share.
Around the Grounds
Looking Forward
Week 3:
Year 9 Camp
Nic Newling Presentation for Year 11 students
Socktober: Supporting the valuable work of Catholic Mission
Year 7 students celebrating Mass with St Carthage's Parish
World Teachers' Day
Week 4:
Festa Christi Retreat
Year 10 Exams
Resilience survey
Week 5:
Year 12 Formal
We end Week 2 with an attitude of gratitude. If you have a spare moment, consider emailing one of our staff to thank them for their care of your student/s. Our staff are genuinely committed to accompanying your child/ren during their time at Woodlawn.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ministry Matters
Welcome back to Term 4! It has been so pleasing to see how many students returned with great stories of really positive experiences after their holidays. Of particular note is the number of students who have shared tales of fun times with their families. This became the theme for both prayer and a Ministry lesson with Year 10 on Tuesday, when students felt open to share together and gained great satisfaction upon hearing these stories.
We are truly blessed to live where we do and our students often can be a great testament to this in sharing their experiences of living a full life in the beauty of God’s creation around them.
IGNITE Conference
It would be remiss of me to start this article with anything other than extreme gratitude for the effort and selfless dedication of Mrs Karen Davies, Mr Luke Flynn, Miss Natasha Wotherspoon and Mr Luke Rowling in accompanying our group of nineteen (19) students to the IGNITE Conference over the first weekend of the recent school holidays. The students have returned to the College brimming with great stories of shared experiences at this great discipleship event.
I must also express the deep praise that our students received from many of the Diocesan Faith Leaders. I attended a Conference with these leaders last week and they were very generous (deservedly so!) in providing positive feedback about our students' participation and contribution to the IGNITE Conference experience.
This event is always a great highlight in the Ministry calendar and I am grateful to Miss Natasha Wotherspoon for providing the following recount of her personal experience:
I was given the absolute privilege of attending Ignite Conference this year, alongside the nineteen Woodlawn students at the end of Term 3, and can confidently say that the experience was a success. The students who attended the Conference came from all different walks of life and had varying experiences when it came to ministry events and encounters with their faith. However, despite these differences between the students, they were all able to enjoy the Conference and experience encounters with Mass, adoration, testimonies and various workshops that were able to inspire and captivate students. I would like to commend all the students who attended the event for the way they participated and carried themselves for the duration of the Conference.
Festa Christi
On Thursday, 3 November, twelve Year 8 students will head off to Festa Christi supported by Miss Annabelle Green. This is an outdoor education style Discipleship Retreat on the Diocesan Student Faith Formation Continuum that is very popular among those who attend. This year’s theme invites students to consider what it is to walk in another person’s shoes with a view to Catholic social teaching around social justice.
I would like to commend the students attending on the quality of the applications they submitted and the energy they have bought to our group meetings thus far. I know they will represent the College and their families brilliantly and look forward very much to sharing their experience with you.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any thoughts or questions about how your family can engage in a life of prayer and faith together.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to Term 4 and the busyness that it brings.
Cybersafety
On Thursday, November 13 we had our local Youth Engagement Officers present a series of talks to students in Years 7, 9 and 10. Of particular note was the Think You Know presentation made to Year 7. This was about cyber safety and keeping yourself safe online. As adults it is difficult to be familiar with all the apps and sites that young people access. What I found interesting was that almost half of our Year 7 students had accessed Omegle, which according to wikipedia: “..... is a free online chat website that allows users to socialize with others without the need to register. The service randomly pairs users in one-on-one chat sessions where they chat anonymously using the names "You" and "Stranger" or "Stranger 1" and "Stranger 2" in the case of Spy mode. I am not sure if you are familiar with Omegle, but this article refers to a program that aired a couple of weeks ago, specifically investigating this site. It is quite horrifying, and as the Engagement Officers told our students, when they are on this site they are likely to be exposed to nudity or masturbation. Keeping our young people safe online is challenging. The eSafetyCommissioner has great tips on keeping young people safe and what to do should there be any issues. Year 8 will also hear this presentation, Think You Know, on November 29.
Wellbeing Wednesday
I mentioned last term that we were introducing our Wellbeing Check-in. We did, however, delay this until the beginning of this term. Each Wednesday, using a platform called ORAH, our young people are asked to rate, in a private and secure manner, how they are feeling and the reasons for this. This information is shared with the specific Home Group teachers and Year Coordinators to assist them to support the wellbeing of the students in their care. There have been a lot of positive conversations as a result. Students are also able to access detailed information about a range of topics including healthy eating, exercise, sleep and stress management.
If you have any questions about student wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to make contact: 66262627 or via email.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholioc.edu.au
From the Humanities Department
Australian History Competition results:
In Term 3, all students in Years 8 and 10 participated in the Australian History Competition. We are very proud to announce that the following students achieved Distinction and High Distinction results in the competition:
Year 10:
Distinction: Indiana Adams, Sophie Alcorn, Mitchell Anderson, Anzac Corkery, Damon Dwyer, Mary Parry, Orlando Power, Jack Pryde, Amelia Turner, Billie White.
High Distinction: Shoshana Cussel-Barnes; Eliza Lamas, Shivam Raval.
Year 8:
Distinction: Benjamin Deacon, Tom McPhee, Chloe Ryall.
High Distinction: Molly Cronin, Sophie Frost.
We congratulate these students for their outstanding achievements.
Year 8 Night of the Notables - Wednesday, 9 November, 5.30pm-6.30pm.
On Wednesday, 9 November, all Year 8 students will participate in the ‘Night of the Notables’, a History Expo that showcases the many colourful personalities of History. Each student has undertaken an individual research task on a person of historical significance, and they will be presenting their research on the night of the Expo. Students dress up as their character and set up stalls showcasing their research. The Expo is the core assessment for Term 4.
All Year 8 parents/carers are invited to attend the College that evening to wander the halls of history with other parents, staff and welfare team members. Light refreshments will be provided.
Christopher Mason
Leader of Humanities
christopher.mason@lism.catholic.edu.au
Agriculture News
After a three year Show hiatus, the 2022 Cattle Show Team have been busy preparing two steers and two heifers for the Show Season. Spur, our white Steer<400kgs; Stockpot, our red steer >400kgs; Stella, a registered Charolais heifer; and Shazza, a charbray heifer, have been washed, brushed, blow dried and taught to lead over the last three months. Twelve Year 9 students have been giving up their lunchtimes, learning new skills and at their first Show their hard work was rewarded.
On the last Saturday of the holidays, nine students attended the Kyogle Show with Spur and Shazza; with Stella staying at school due to a last minute eye injury and Stockpot needing more time to be Show ready. It has a great opportunity for the students to prepare and present animals at the ‘Biggest Little Show’. Students led Spur and Shazza in the Parader and the Led Steer classes. Spur was awarded second in School Steer <400kg and in the Open Steer <400kg classes. To cap off the day, we were fortunate to win the lucky entry in the Grand Parade - taking home a $500 cash prize which will be used to buy valuable Show resources in 2023.
On the Friday of Week 1, four students took the same cattle to the Casino Show. With more schools in attendance and some great competition, we were not successful in any categories; however, there was a lot of confidence and experience gained. Albe made the final of junior paraders.
Our students will be attending Lismore & Alstonville Shows over the next two weekends.
A special thank you to Mr Craig Fowler for his tremendous effort across the holidays, and our College P&F for supporting the purchase of a new Uniform work shirt as well as Mr David Maslen for taking four students to Casino Show.
Tania Fraser
Agriculture Teacher
tania.fraser@lism.catholic.edu.au
Careers Update
Study Work Grow have produced this short article for students and parents to help with University options. University offers and your options explained. Have you considered studying University online? Here is an article about the benefits of studying online.
The following advice from Year 13 is useful to consider for students who wish to apply for University when ordering course preferences:
- Put your desired course first, no matter what your ATAR results;
2. Use up all of your five UAC preferences, to maximise your offers. Do you have a backup plan?
3. Make note of key cut-off dates and rounds;
4. Have you talked to alumni or experts to learn more about your options?
5. Remember that you can re-order, add or delete courses in your preferences throughout the duration of your application.
Please read the Positions Vacant from a range of local employers. If you are planning to work after school or thinking about a gap year, consider applying for one of these positions and keep an eye out for other upcoming vacancies for Years 10, 11 and 12 school leavers.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11NGWiVKA4DPPNmOSng40-XXBEA_5O_jlYPXnJ6H5UHE/edit
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Services 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 on the morning of the absence.
It is a legal requirement for all student absences to be accounted for. Your assistance in providing the relevant information to us regarding your child’s absences each day 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 to phone 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 prior to pick-up time.
School Travel Information
Applications for student travel in 2023 are now open. Please see the flyer below for more details on how to apply.
Sharon Robotham
Student Services Officer
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
Canteen News
Term 4 Changes
Please be aware there has been a price increase on some menu items.
Flexischools orders will have a new cut-off time of 9.00 am.
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:
2023 Canteen Roster
We are in the process of preparing our Canteen Roster for 2023. We would like to invite all parents, both new and existing, to join our roster to assist with Canteen duties for the new calendar year. Please complete the form below should you be interested.
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:
Time: Monday 8.00am - 9.30am & Wednesday 11.00am - 2.00pm
Where: Colin Centre
Order Online: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au
Book a fitting: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au/bts-appointments
Second Hand Uniform Shop:
Time: 11am - 2pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre
Extended Opening Hours:
December 2022
Saturday, 10 December 8.30am – 3.00pm
Sunday, 11 December 8.30am – 3.00pm
January 2023
Saturday, 21 January to Sunday, 29 January 8.30am – 12.00pm (Excluding Australia Day)
Monday ,30 January & Tuesday, 31 8.00am – 10.00am
Please click on the link below to place an order or to make a booking. We encourage parents/guardians to make appointments for fittings due to time restraints.
https://sjcwuniformshop.com.au/
Leanne Copeland
Uniform Shop Convenor
0407 739 237