Week 10 Term 4 2022
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Welcome to our final Newsletter for 2022. On behalf of all Woodlawn staff, I would like to offer a most sincere ‘thank you’ to each and every one of you for bearing the course of this extraordinary year with us.
In breaking news, our 2022 HSC results were simply outstanding and we congratulate every member of our Year 12 Class of 2022 for their efforts throughout their HSC year. We have included full details of their achievements later in this Newsletter. Special congratulations to our College Vice-Captain, and Dux of the College, Luka Venables who achieved an ATAR of 99.05!
Woodlawn was also privileged to be given a Minister’s Commendation for Resilience for our work with HSC students, post-flood. Mr Campbell received the award on our behalf in Sydney on Wednesday, along with our 2022 Student Leaders, Finlay Buchanan, Alana Rojo and Eva Crotty. We can all be extremely proud of our Senior Class of 2022 whose achievements belie the academic year.
On Tuesday, we held our annual Prize-Giving Ceremony, during which we farewelled Woodlawn ‘institution’, Mr Bernie MacDonald, after 43 years on staff and a 53 year association with the College. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance to celebrate with us - another sign that normality is finally returning to the educational domain. Photos are included elsewhere in this Newsletter.
As is usual in schools at this time of year, staffing changes are announced. The following staff will be leaving Woodlawn at the end of 2022. I offer them our collective ‘thanks’ for jobs well done and our very best wishes for the future:
Mrs Sophie Base – will be on maternity leave, returning in Term 4, 2023. We wish Mrs Base well for the birth of her fourth child;
Mr Noah Coleman – leaves Woodlawn to travel overseas next year. We thank him for the many contributions he made to the College’s co-curricular programme;
Mrs Rosaleen Colles – has been on leave throughout 2022 and now moves into retirement. We thank Mrs Colles for the significant contribution she made to Woodlawn for over 20 years;
Mrs Alyssa Dwyer – will be on leave during 2023 and returning to us in 2024. We wish her all the best for her extended family time next year;
Mrs Jessica Godfrey – moves to Mt St Patrick College, Murwillumbah where she will continue as one of our Diocesan Counsellors. Mrs Godfrey’s calm, considered approach to all aspects of her work with students, parents and staff will be missed;
Ms Courtney Hanson – concludes her gap-year Traineeship and will move into University study in 2023. We thank Courtney for her wonderful work in our Office and Library this year;
Mr Barry Harmon – moves into retirement from his role as one of our College Cleaners. We will all miss ‘having a yarn’ with Barry and wish him all the best as he takes more time to improve on the bowling green;
Mrs Suellen Irvine – moves into retirement from her role as our Canteen Convenor. Mrs Irvine ran a very tight ship in the Canteen and was renowned for a number of signature dishes, which will be missed, as she will also be;
Mr Nick Jones – takes up the Executive position as Leader of Pastoral Care at Xavier Catholic College, Ballina. We thank Mr Jones for his work as part of our Welfare Team over many years, and for his authentic spirituality evidenced in his work as Leader of School Evangelisation over the past two years, which will be missed;
Ms Bronwyn King – is leaving the education sector to take up a role with CaSPA. Bronwyn has been a wonderful advocate for our Indigenous students over many years and we wish her well in her new role;
Mr Bernie MacDonald – as indicated above, Mr MacDonald enters retirement after a long and illustrious career in the one school. I am sure he will remain in close contact with Woodlawn over the years ahead;
Mr Sam McLean – concludes his gap-year Traineeship and moves to University on the Gold Coast next year. We thank Sam for all his attention to detail in our Sports Department this year;
Mr Luke Rowling – concludes his YMO year and moves to Brisbane next year to volunteer with Emmanuel City Mission. We thank Luke for the wonderful, faith-filled example he set our students;
Mrs Tayla Tickle – concludes her current contract and moves into a period of Maternity Leave in 2023. We wish Mrs Tickle all the very best for the birth of her second child.
We also thank Mr Andrew Davy, Mr Josh Hodge; Ms Amelia Matthews; and Ms Sarah Purnell who have completed short-term contracts with us throughout the year.
We will publish a full list of all new staff and Middle Leaders in the first Newsletter of 2023.
Term Dates for Students in 2023 are as follows:
Term One: Tuesday, 31 January (Years 7 & 12 only); Wednesday, 1 February (Years 8 – 11) to Thursday, 6 April;
Term Two: Wednesday, 26 April – Friday, 30 June;
Term Three: Tuesday, 18 July – Friday, 22 September;
Term Four: Tuesday, 10 October – Friday, 15 December.
Changes to School Fee Billing in 2023 – The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd is implementing a new financial management system to all Catholic schools in the Diocese. Our school will transition at the beginning of 2023, and as such, there will be some changes to school fee billing and payment methods. Please see the attached letter which provides further details of this process.
As holiday time is often when students take the opportunity to ‘alter their appearance’, I would remind all parents that students will be expected to return to School in 2023 having fully adhered to guidelines in relation to neatness and grooming. Of particular note is school shoes and I thank you, in advance, for your cooperation in ensuring that our students return to school looking like fitting ambassadors for the College within the wider community.
Sincere thanks for your assistance in helping us to enact the various COVID-19 restrictions throughout the course of 2022. It is hard to remember back to the start of the year when we were issuing Rapid Antigen Tests through car windows! We will be in contact before school recommences next year should there be an update on this situation for 2023. We appreciate your support in keeping our community safe and healthy.
Finally, in this Season of Advent, I include the following Reflection for your perusal:
We come together to adore the Christ for whom there was no room at the inn.
We come to worship God who came into this world in an unexpected manner,
as a small, poor child, born in a stable.
People came from far and wide to see this miracle child, bringing gifts of all kind.
We come together to worship God who came to show us how to make room for others.
God who taught us how to welcome the mysterious and the different.
We come to celebrate and show our appreciation of the gifts
we see in every person beside us today.
May we always worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Amen.
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my very best wishes for a Happy and Holy Christmas, spent in the fine company of family and friends. Thank you, again, for your outstanding support throughout 2022. I look forward to taking up the next stage in our Woodlawn journey with you next year.
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord: (Luke 2:10-11).
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
Wishing you all a safe and joyous Christmas. Thanks to all members of our community for your commitment to living our faith through actions and deeds. Our final gift to you is this film sharing the year that was 2022.
Looking forward to 2023 with hope and possibility.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
As we reach the end of Term, I would like to thank you for your support of your young people. This has been a particularly challenging year and our students have coped well with all that has been presented to them.
How to support your young person if they are vaping
Although advertising and peers can heavily influence your teen’s decisions, the impact you have as a parent carries enormous weight. Research has found that parental involvement and a positive outlook can make a significant difference in healthy decision- making, both now and in the future.
Take a Health Approach
If you discover that your teen is vaping, address it as you would any other risk to your child’s health. Try to resist the urge to lecture, yell or punish your child. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and show your child that you are concerned about their health and safety.
Although purchasing vapes containing nicotine without a prescription is illegal in
Australia, many vapes labelled as nicotine-free do contain nicotine. Your child may need support to stop vaping as nicotine is very addictive. The more your child vapes, the more both the brain and body will get used to having nicotine, and the harder it is to go without it. When a person stops vaping, even for a short period, they can experience withdrawal, including strong cravings, irritability, fatigue, headache, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating.
Conversation Starters
Make sure your child recognises how much you care about them and that the conversation is coming from a place of unconditional love, support and concern for their wellbeing. Use the conversation starters below to understand if your child may be continuing to vaping to avoid withdrawal symptoms:
- Do you continue to vape even though you want to stop or think it’s hurting you in some way?
- Do you feel anxious or irritable when you want to use your vape but can’t?
- Do thoughts about vaping interrupt you when you are focused on other activities?
- Do you vape at school? How often?
- Have you ever tried to stop vaping but couldn’t?
- Do you feel like you have lost control over your vaping?
I would like to wish you all the best for the holiday season and look forward to working with our students again next year.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
2023 Swimming Programme
Careers Update
As we draw to the end of another busy Term, I would like to thank our parents for their support of the programs and events available to our students.
This Term we were one of three schools able to participate in the trial of the Great Work Experience Challenge, developed and delivered through ConnectNR. A small group of students who are considering a trade career participated in industry talks, employer visits, and a First Aid or WHS White Card course. The program culminated in a week of Work Experience with an employer targeted to each student’s desired trade pathway. Special thanks must go to ConnectNR for their hard work and support throughout the program, as well as North Coast Community College for delivering the courses to students.
For the first time, Year 10 students were able to attend the Thrills and Skills Showcase in person at SCU. This program is generally offered to students online, so it was great that they not only provided the materials in person, but also included a Keynote speaker from Lismore and SBAT of the Year from Alstonville. The showcase provided an overview of a range of career options in unusual careers beginning with a VET qualification. Many students walked away with an increased appreciation of options available to them.
Week 9 saw Year 10 students undertake their second week of Work Experience. Work Experience provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their employability skills, networking skills and roadtest career options that they may be considering in the future. It is really positive to speak with students and hear that some loved the experience and for others, it eliminated a career option for them. It is easy to underestimate the value in taking time out to explore these options. I need to extend my heartfelt appreciation to parents for going the extra mile to get students where they needed to be for the week, for the students who put the time and thought into researching and contacting employers outside their normal day-to-day world. It is a big undertaking so I have to thank all of the teachers who helped to visit students and to our superstars in the office who helped to overcome the mountain of paperwork needed to make it all possible.
Save the date: We have tentatively pencilled in 22 February as the date for the University Roadshow and Years 11 & 12 Parent Information Evening. More information will be provided early next Term, but we are proposing that the Roadshow will commence at 4.00pm, including talks from the University representatives and stalls to ask questions. Then the Parent Information Session will follow at 6.00pm.
We wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday and look forward to working with you in the New Year.
Please follow this link for further information on Universities, TAFE and other upcoming events.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Positions Vacant
Weekend Truck Washer
A well established local distribution company requires a truck washer for weekend work - ongoing. Contact Mr Magiinnity on 6626 2614 if you are interested.
Landscaper/Labourer
A former Woodlawn student requires two workers to join his growing team. The position involves landscaping, hedge trimming, clean-up, pressure cleaning, installing garden beds, digging etc. You need to be fit and healthy. It pays $25/hour. There will be a trial, but work will be ongoing. Call Will 0456 480 334.
Aboriginal Administration Assistant
If you are thinking about leaving school, this admin position might be right for you. See the attached document - Fr Paul As_Admin Trainee
Nursery Hands - Mountain Blue. Bruxner Highway, Lindendale.
School Holiday Activities
Optimise Me Basketball Camp
When: January 24 & 25
Where: Ballina Indoor Sports Centre, Cherry Street, Ballina
Times: 9.00am - 3.00pm both days
Who: Students aged 10 - 15 years - No level of Basketball experience required
What: OPTIMISE ME Basketball Camps are for everyone. This is an amazing school holiday activity for anyone who wants to level up their game on and off the court. There will be plenty of fun and on court action, games specific fitness, skills and game development delivered by highly experienced coaches. Participants will also learn how to support themselves, others, and team mates with on point strategies for visualisation, mindset, nutrition, grounding, self regulation, recovery and more.
Coaches:
Sammi Johnston: Psychosocial recovery coach, NCAA athlete (Basketball), Movement Coach, Counsellor, ASK Youth facilitator
Kellie Coates: Human Movement specialist, Basketball Coach, Athlete, Health Educator, Empowerment Coach for Mindset and leadership development, Personal trainer/Pilates Instructor, ASK Youth Facilitator.
Cost: $180 for both days (24/25 Jan, 2023)
Single day option $95 (24 Jan only)
Purchase tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/
Brought to you by: Prevent Consultants - Preventative mental health and wellbeing specialists.
Mind Movement Camp
When: January 17 & 18
Where: Ballina Indoor Sports Centre
Times: 9.00 - 3.00pm both days
Who: Students aged 10 - 15 years
What: Mind Movement Camps are for those students who love to move, or for those who want to learn more about movement. It will also lean into the mind/body connection, provide skills and strategies for visualisation, self regulation, grounding, nutrition, recovery, body positivity, mindset and more. The camp includes a variety of activities that will enhance movement potential for all participants, regardless of their background.
Pilates, Dance, ZUU, Functional Fitness, Flexibility training, Yoga and more.... It will be creative, fun and will foster amazing new friendships and connections through the love of movement across a wide variety of platforms.
Coaches:
Sammi Johnston: Psychosocial Recovery Coach, NCAA athlete (Basketball), Movement Coach, ZUU trainer, Counsellor, ASK Youth facilitator.
Kellie Coates: Human Movement specialist, Youth Sports Coach, Athlete, Health educator, Empowerment Coach for Mindset and leadership development, Personal trainer/Pilates instructor, ASK Youth Facilitator.
PLUS Special Guest International Dance teachers.
Cost: $212 for both days
Includes: Lunch
Single day option: $110 (17 Jan only)
Purchase ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/
Brought to you by: Prevent Consultants - Preventative mental health and wellbeing specialists.
NUYOU Tween Retreat Day
When: January 20
Where: Lennox Head CWA Hall , Mackney Lane
Times: 9.00am - 3.00pm
This one day retreat will feature the following:
Nourish your mind, body and soul: nutrition and mindfulness activities
Unleash your girl power: physical activity made fun
Your day your way: mindset, planning for success, and team building. Open your mind: creative activities and challenges
Uncover your best self: live your best life and find your girl gang
Facilitator: Kellie is a health educator and coach with 23 years experience teaching and coaching young people,15 years of fitness industry experience, a mental health and wellbeing course facilitator with Prevent Consultants and she is a mum of a Tween!
This retreat day is designed to be holistic, challenging, fun and educational. SPECIAL GUEST - Amy Quitoriano - Nutritionist www.
Purchase your Ticket here: $85
https://bigpicturehealth.com.
Back to School 2023
2023 Book Packs
Book Packs are now available for 2023. Please find the lists located on the side panel of the Newsletter under College Information.
NSW Back to School Vouchers
Intersport Lismore and Ballina are registered to accept NSW Back to School Vouchers. Each student is eligible for 3 x $50 Vouchers towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags, textbooks and stationery. Our locations for North Coast School students are:
INTERSPORT LISMORE INTERSPORT BALLINA
78 Magellan Street 192 River Street
Lismore NSW 2480 Ballina NSW 2478
P: 02 6621 7817 P: 02 6686 2117
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
Please note: The Uniform Shop will be CLOSED on Monday, 20 February. It will reopen on Wednesday, 22 February from 11am. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
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
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.