Week 4 Term 4 2022

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

Thank you, again, for working with us at short notice last Monday and Tuesday when the College was closed due to flooding. ‘Flexibility’ has been the key word of the past three years and we really appreciate your understanding in this space.  

As we go to ‘print’ our 2022 HSC Examinations have concluded and our Year 12 students now look forward to their Formal next Saturday night. We will include a full pictorial of this celebration in next fortnight’s Newsletter.

Given the demand for places at Woodlawn post-flood/s, if there are any current students who will not be returning to the College in 2023, please notify Mrs Debbie Melino, our College Registrar, ASAP so that we can contact families on our waiting list.

A final reminder that our Term 4 P&F Meeting will be held next 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.

There have been no changes to COVID-19 advice since our last Newsletter. A reminder that packs of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are available for collection from SSO should your daughter/son require these.

We have received information via CSO of a new support service for communities impacted by flooding. Social Futures is delivering this service which is funded by the NSW Government and called ‘Recovery Connect’. Recovery Connect can offer help with:

• addressing physical needs (including accessing furniture, food, clothes, housing services)
• accessing financial assistance (including applying for employment, business and housing grants), legal advice and financial counselling
• accessing mental health and wellbeing support
• dealing with practicalities, such as replacing personal documents
• addressing post-disaster recovery (planning, insurance, legal, etc.).

Recovery Connect is available to anyone living in the local government areas of Lismore, Tweed Heads, Byron, and the Clarence Valley. Contact Recovery Connect on 1800 719 625 or email recoveryconnect@socialfutures.org.au

As this fortnight’s reflection, I include the following thought from the latest edition of ‘The Soul’:

Finally, it was announced late yesterday afternoon that Mr Nick Jones has been appointed as the Leader of Pastoral Care at Xavier Catholic College, Ballina from 2023. There will be further opportunity to thank Mr Jones for his fine work at Woodlawn over the past nine years later in the term. A full list of staffing changes for 2023 will appear in a later edition of this Newsletter.

With best wishes for the fortnight ahead.

Sincerely

Aaron Beach
Principal

From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

HSC Examinations
Today, Friday, 4 November was the last day of HSC examinations. I would like to congratulate all Year 12 students for their efforts during the examination period. As a College we are very proud of this group and we look forward to celebrating this milestone in their life on Saturday, 12 November. 

HSC results will be released on December 15, 2022. 

Junior Examination Period
A reminder that Years 7, 8 and 9 students will be engaging in KLA examinations in Week 6. Students should be revising for these examinations so they are well prepared.

Year 12 Sign Out
Year 12 will officially sign out of the College on Monday, 7 and Tuesday, 8 November.

Student Free Day
Friday, 5 December will be a Student Free day. Staff will be engaging in vital training for the implementation of the new Diocesan School Management System 'Compass' in 2023.

INSPIRATION ED Live Seminars
With the beginning of the HSC year now having begun for your Year 11 students (and Year 10 approaching senior study), we would like to share with you some free live streamed webinars taking place on Sunday, 13 November.
Designed for both students and parents in Years 10 & 11, the webinars will be delivered by qualified counsellors and senior HSC markers to address the following topics:

• How to manage stress during assessment and exam blocks;
• Secrets to HSC success - tips from the marking centre;
• What you need to know about the ATAR;
• English tips and tricks;
• Strategies for parents: communication & emotional support.

For those who cannot make the live sessions, we will share with you the recordings as on-demand videos for all registrations.

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

Ministry Matters

All Saints & All Souls Day
In his Homily whilst celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints (Tuesday, 1 November), Pope Francis reminded those present that the saints were not “starched”, or the picture of perfection in a troubled world, they were “counter-cultural and revolutionary”. In the wake of Halloween, it is important to consider our call as Catholics to keep the memory of the saints of the Church and, indeed, all our departed friends and family, close in our hearts this week.

The Pope went on to urge people everywhere to go to the Beatitudes as a source of strength in this time, but particularly to strive for peace. Though focusing on significant global issues, I see this as a key message for all people in all communities, particularly after recent times of hardship and challenge in the local area. 

Peace comes from striving to find common ground and then working to build relationships that aim to benefit all involved parties. What a beautiful world it would be if we saw more of this happening.

Festa Christi - Year 8
Twelve of our Year 8 students, accompanied by Ms Annabelle Green, attended Festa Christi on Thursday and Friday. With the focus to know what it is to walk in another person’s shoes, this follows the Pope’s call to build empathetic relationships and consider the plight of humanity in our world.

We wish our group well and very much look forward to hearing from them upon their return and seeing how they might contribute to the Woodlawn community with their learning and experience.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if i can be of assistance in the faith and prayer life of your family.

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

Student Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Thank you for your support of the programs we have on offer here at the College. It is exciting to see our students engaged in a variety of activities they enjoy and enhance their wellbeing. 

Northern NSW, Parent/Carer free webinar: navigating uncertainty and change
This free online webinar is for Parents and Carers supporting young people with their mental health, while navigating uncertainty and change.
The session aims to:
- Strengthen understanding of how young people can be affected by change and uncertainty;
- Build skills and strategies to support young people who are navigating change;
- Identify signs that young people may need additional support;
- Build awareness of local, state, and national supports available to young people;
- Following the webinar, all those who register will be supported by a digital pack of information that will be sent out via email within five days of the event.
Monday, 5 December, 2022, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm AEDT
To register:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/northern-nsw-parentcarer-webinar-navigating-uncertainty-and-change-tickets-423856545337

Uniform
Please remember that if your child is unable to wear the correct uniform on the nominated day they must bring a signed note to school outlining the reason for doing so.

If you have any questions or concerns about your young person, please contact me at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.

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

Year 9 Camp Exodus

Last week, Year 9 ventured off to Exodus Adventures in Buccarumbi. Due to flooding, getting there became the first hurdle; however, the students and their parents are praised for their patience and efforts to make the trip.

Exodus Adventures provides the students with an outdoors experience where they work in groups to set up their camp which becomes their home for the remainder of the week. This opportunity sees them cook, clean, collect water, start the communal fire and camp out under the stars, free from technology and mobile phone reception, where they can further connect with other students in their year group. 

During the day, students were challenged with a range of activities including: navigation, team initiative games, Lazer tag, a giant water slide, and white water rafting. These activities were physically demanding and pushed the students to extend themselves outside their comfort zones in humid and muddy conditions. 

I would like to thank the students for the effort they put in to making a memorable camp that they will no doubt be talking about in years to come. 

Joel Saye
Year 9 Coordinator 
joel.saye@lism.catholic.edu.au

South Passage Sailing Adventure 2022

In Week 1, twenty-one of our Years 10 and 11 students embarked on the tall-ship ‘South Passage’ for a week-long adventure on the high seas. It was a wonderful return to the water after two years of COVID-related cancellations, and our students seized every opportunity offered by the experience. Throughout the week, they relished the challenges, joys and teamwork of tall-ship sailing.

Departing the College on a pupil-free day, there was a tangible sense of anticipation (read as nervous fear) amongst the team, as they chatted about the week ahead. With significant wind and swell forecast, there was speculation about who would get seasick, how it would feel and what life would be like sharing one cabin with twenty other people. 

After Dinner in Manly, and a quiet night in the Manly Marina, our first day on the water was fantastic. A brisk wind blew all day and the students worked in three teams to learn the processes involved with raising sails, changing tack, shortening sail, and steering a course. Everyone had a go on the helm throughout the day as we galloped across Moreton Bay at full heel. And everyone agreed that helming a 60-ton, 100-foot ship through the wind and waves was an exhilarating experience. In twos and threes, students donned harnesses and climbed out into the bowsprit nets to look down at water rushing past. We saw whales, dolphins and turtles. At the end of the day, a tired but elated crew settled into the routine of night watch, some sleeping, others keeping watch.

Over the next three days, we sailed to Southport, crossed the bar, and then sailed non-stop from Southport to North Solitary Island, and Coffs Harbour. By Day 5, each team was like a well-oiled machine and the running of the ship was handed over to them under limited supervision. Each morning and night there were knotting competitions and time-trials of the various ship operations. The food was outstanding; the teamwork superb; the sailing brilliant; and the support and nurturing of those who fell sick was typical of our College community. It was an all-round brilliant week. Here’s what two students had to say:

“The week of South Passage was easily the highlight of 2022. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience, including getting to know the crew & the people I spent my time with. This trip created bonds & strong connections between everyone aboard, sharing memories we'll cherish forever. I learnt so much during the five days: knot tying, how to hoist sails, using coordinates to document where the boat stood on the map, as well as so much more. I'm grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunities South Passage gave me, watching dolphins jump in close proximity to the boat, jumping off & swimming next to North Solitary Island & spending time on the net at the front of the boat, savouring the vast ocean surrounding us. The week of South Passage is a week I'll never forget.”
Eva Gallagher-Summers, Year 10

“Where to start! I am honestly speechless about how amazing South Passage was. I went into it with an open mind not really knowing what to expect and how this group of people would bond together. Little did I know that I would make lifelong friends and build stronger connections with people who I knew before. I loved every moment of this experience from knot tying competitions to holding on while hitting the waves as we glided past Cape Byron. And who could  forget swimming in 27 metre deep water just off North Solitary Island! This trip is a must. You learn skills such as navigation, adjusting to change, responsibilities of tacking and changing the sails, steering the boat, tying knots, working as a team and growing together as a group. I loved how close this trip brought a bunch of peers together, there wasn't a dull moment spending the five days with the group (besides a fair few getting sea sick but we try to forget that.) Taking the tender over to the shore and playing games such as bullrush and volleyball were moments that I will never forget. I would most definitely recommend this adventure to all the younger years as something to look forward to as it was the adventure of a lifetime.” 
Emma Cronan, Year 10.

Thanks to: Mr Nick Jones and Mr Kirk Elliott for driving the bus to get us there/back; Ms Stefanie Darke for stepping out of her comfort zone as the accompanying female staff member; parents for your support, trust and feedback. 
Congratulations to the students below; you were a credit to yourselves, your families and our College community:
Sophie Alcorn, Ruby Barnes, Luca Beasley-Kenk, Matilda Brown, Daniel Butler, Dylan Crawford, Zac Cuneen, Emma Cronan, Josh Chatterton, Eloise Davis, Emily Eyre, Eva Gallagher-Summers,  Bella Griffiths, Eliza Lamas, Zac Landrigan, Sarah Martin, Jay Mason, Oscar Murchison, Hannah O’Reilly, Albie Webster, Jaya Wisemantel.

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Christopher Mason
Leader of Humanities
christopher.mason@lism.catholic.edu.au

Diocesan Netball Championships

On Wednesday, September 7, Woodlawn took three netball teams down to Port Macquarie for the Diocesan Netball Championships. It’s always a special gala day when there is an overnight stay involved. After arriving in Port Macquarie and eating a buffet dinner (that included many courses of dessert), the teams headed back to T’s Resort for an early night and lots of rest before the big day of Netball. 

Opens Team
It was great to be back playing school Netball after a hiatus of two years. We struggled with numbers due to other events scheduled at the same time. However, we had seven enthusiastic, capable netballers who played really well in all their games, winning three out of four pool matches. At the conclusion of these games there were three teams on equal points. Unfortunately, on a count back, we missed out on the Final by one goal! Credit to the girls for their tenacity, sportsmanship and willingness to play in whichever position was required. 

Team members:
Monica Bennie, Eloise Davis, Bella Griffiths, Charlotte Hassall, Tahlia Kent, Nikki McKinlay, Emily Wiltshire.
Results:
Game 1 v Mt St Patrick’s 21- 13
Game 2 v St Joseph’s 17 - 25
Game 3 v Regional College 13 - 5
Game 4 v MacKillop College 14 - 8

16s Team
It was a pleasure to watch these girls on the court. After coming off the back of some excellent results to progress to the State Championships in Sydney, spirits and skills were high. The girls posted a win against Mt St Pat's, a loss against MacKillop and a draw against Banora. The three matches were as tough as they come and the team was unlucky not to progress through to the finals due to a count back of goals for and against. Each and every girl represented the College with commendable sportsmanship and spirit. 
Team members:
Sophie Alcorn, Riley Alvos, Ruby Barnes, Alanna Bromhead, Luka Butler, Charlotte Gilliland, Ava Lisetto, Quinn McInnes, Eva McRae, Ashlee Rugendyke.

14s Team
Coming together as a new team for this Carnival, the Years 7 and 8 girls had a challenge on their hands but they definitely rose to the occasion. As this was the first overnight sporting trip for most of these girls to represent Woodlawn, the adventure began as soon as they got on the bus. They surprised us all with their confidence, effort and determination. After winning two out of our three pool games, we played a semi-final against the eventual winners of the day. While the girls may have lost their semi-final, the improvement and teamwork they showed in this tough game was commendable. Congratulations girls on a fantastic first effort at a Diocesan Netball Carnival. 

Team Members:
Harper Bailey, Claudia Barnes, Marni Charters, Milani Kerr, Ellie McKay, Sam McLennan, Allie Robinson, Chloe Ryall, Kaytlyn Turner.

Game Results: 
Game 1 v Mt St Patrick College, Murwillumbah 17 - 7
Game 2 v MacKillop College, Port Macquarie 12 - 10
Game 3 v St Joseph’s College, Banora Point 10 - 13
Semi-final v St Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie 7 - 19

Fiona Fennamore, Jane Farrugia, Sally Ryall
Netball Coaches

Equestrian Team success

From October 14 to 17, Jemima Southwood and Lilly Munce travelled seven hours to Tamworth with their horses to represent St John’s College, Woodlawn Equestrian Team at the ISHE (Interschools Horse Extravaganza in the AELEC). The event is one of the largest Interschools Events on the Australian Equestrian calendar with over 500 competitors at the event, some even travelling from as far as Tasmania! Events ranged from dressage, show jumping, eventing, campdrafting, and show riding.
Both girls valued the experience and developed their riding skills immensely. The competition was strong with some classes having 50+ riders. Lilly Munce took the opportunity to school a young horse and was extremely happy with his development. 

Jemima Southwood successfully brought home some big wins. Jemima entered the eventing and show jumping, on day one she placed fifth in the EVA 65 eventing and on the second day she won both of her show jump classes. She was awarded Show Jumping Champion 70cm Intermediate (yr 7-9). Some amazing achievements. Congratulations to both Lilly and Jemima. 

On behalf of the College, thank you to the parents who were involved in making this weekend possible for the girls.

 Madeleine McNeilly
madeleine.mcneilly@lism.catholic.edu.au

Gravity Enduro National Championships

Recently, Oscar Murchison (Year 11) competed in Under 17s Gravity Enduro National Championships in Redhill, Victoria for mountain biking. This event takes the best riders from around Australia and puts them head to head in a very challenging course. Oscar should be congratulated for achieving eleventh place in events.

This comes off the back of achieving a second place at Downhill State Mountain Biking Championships in Queensland. Congratulations, Oscar.

State Worldskills Competition

On Monday, 31 October, Year 11 student, Holly Oates travelled to Sydney to compete in the State Worldskills Competition for Floristry.

Holly is a school-based floristry trainee in Alstonville, while completing her HSC at St John’s College, Woodlawn. Holly has to travel to Sydney twice per term to complete the course requirements of her Certificate II in Floristry, as well as working one day per week at Alstonville Florist. Holly competed against other Sydney based students who are studying Floristry full-time and at the higher Certificate III qualification level.

Holly was asked to complete four tasks at the competition and drew on her knowledge and experience gained in the workplace, as well as through her TAFE qualification.

Holly finished the Floristry Worldskills event in first place and will go on to compete at the National Worldskills event in Melbourne next August.

Congratulations, Holly.

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

Careers Update

Study, Work, Grow have provided a short article on Tips to Remember on ATAR Release Day. Remember to keep it in perspective and that there are so many options available.

With summer around the corner, some of you might be thinking about finding a casual job to earn a bit of extra cash. Check out our three tips for a successful job application:

1. Start looking now
While the two months standing between today and the summer break may seem like a long stretch of time, you'd be surprised how quickly time can pass when you're hunting for work.

We recommend that you start looking for work as early as possible. Between researching places you'd like to work, writing a Resume, interviewing, and getting all your schoolwork done in the meantime, two months can pass fairly fast.

2. Practise your interview skills
Job interviews can range from incredibly formal to surprisingly casual and relaxed. Reading the room and knowing when is the right time to show off certain skills is a skill within itself, and one that can be practiced and improved over time.

You can prepare by learning more about the company or the role you're applying for, asking friends or family members to ask you some practice questions, and recording the answers that you give. When it comes to job interviews, being confident and letting your personality shine through is key.

3. Have a professional looking Resume
Having a strong Resume is possibly the most important part of any job application. It is your main opportunity to communicate your skillset and experience to any potential employers, and often forms their first impression of you.

Your school's careers website has a Resume-builder which helps you build a professional looking Resume from start to finish. Once complete, your Resume will be ready to send straight in to any potential employers!

https://sjcwcareers.com/login

Positions Vacant

Brick and Block Careers
We are currently seeking candidates who are interested in joining the Construction Industry.
Bricklaying apprenticeships are ideal for anyone looking for a career in the building and construction industry. It provides a hands-on learning environment with consistently challenging projects demanding versatility and skills development.  The following criteria will significantly increase the chances for a candidate to get an apprenticeship in construction:

•   Technical aptitude to follow plans;
•   Ability to work at heights and outdoors;
•   Physically fit and healthy;
•   Motivated to work as part of a team;
•   Good awareness of health and safety issues;
•   Enjoy practical work;
•   Good hand-eye coordination;
•   Driver Licence (Learner/Full Permit)*;
•   White Card*.

Please note - Candidates require at least a Learner Permit and a White Card (White Card is compulsory for anyone working on a construction site in Australia). This will increase their chances of getting an apprenticeship. 
If you know of candidates who tick all the boxes and are keen to start, we want to hear from them! Apply via our Web form or call us on 1300 66 44 96.

NSW Police Force
During the recent Careers Advisers NSW Conference, we had the opportunity to listen to a Senior Sergeant from the HR division of Police NSW. Previously, applicants for the NSW Police force needed to leave school and spend a couple of years maturing before they were allowed to apply. This hurdle has recently been removed through updated training programs and young people are encouraged to apply as long as they have their Green P plates, a good driving record and no criminal convictions.

NSW Police have increased their number of courses delivered each year to now have six intakes. For more information about fitness requirements and the application process, go to NSW Police Recruitment.

AFL Young Leader Program Traineeship
We currently have a full-time traineeship for the 2023 AFL Young Leader Program for school leavers. This information is for current Year 12 students.  If they wish to apply for the position, follow the links below:
https://aflsportsready.com.au/jobs-board/2023-afl-young-leader-program/

https://www.seek.com.au/job/58931189

Apprentice Cabinetmaker
We are seeking a first year apprentice cabinetmaker. Morrisey Cabinets is a local family owned company. All enquiries can be emailed to morrisseycabinets@gmail.com.

 For the full careers update and more information on Universities, TAFE and other details follow this link.

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

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.
Second dose of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be given to Year 7 who have sent in consent forms on Thursday, 24 November.
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 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.

Sharon Robotham
Student Services Officer
lisjc-studentservices@lim.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:
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 

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.