Week 10 Term 1 2023
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
By the time this Newsletter hits your inbox, the Term will have concluded and the busyness of a traditional Easter long weekend will be a reality for most of us for the first time since 2019. The end of Term 1 at Woodlawn also sees us farewell our Years 11 & 12 friends from Trinity Catholic College who have shared our campus for the past twelve months, post-flood. Yesterday morning, all Years 11 & 12 students from both Colleges, along with a good cross-section of staff, celebrated a Farewell Liturgy and presentation to both Colleges. My address in part read:
‘The term ‘bittersweet’, by definition, refers to pleasure which is tinged with sadness or pain. And today is indeed one of life’s bittersweet moments, for both Trinity and Woodlawn. For in that as much as we celebrate the reunification of Trinity, and we knew this day would always come at some point, we possibly expected that our coexistence would extend for a longer period, so it is still somewhat difficult to comprehend now that the time to say ‘Goodbye’ has finally arrived…
On behalf of everyone at Woodlawn – our students, families and staff, present and past, can I simply offer our Trinity friends a most genuine ‘thank you’ for the very real gift that your presence has been to us. We wish each of you all the very best for the remainder of your studies on the SCU Campus and wherever your final ‘home’ may be in the future. I sincerely hope that the very real sense of camaraderie and goodwill shown throughout the past twelve months not only continues, but sustains us all, into what will undoubtedly be a bright future, for both Colleges, in word and deed.
Tenete Traditiones.’
Term 2 Dates – Term 2 commences for students on Wednesday, 26 April and concludes on Friday, 30 June.
Woodlawn has a long and proud tradition of marching on ANZAC Day, which this year falls on the Tuesday (25 April) immediately prior to school returning for Term 2. Mrs Reen provided details of the local commemorations in a previous Newsletter and I repeat them here for your information. We would like to see as many of our students represent the College as is possible, given the holiday time.
Lismore: 8.30am arrival for 9.00am start. Gather at Clyde Campbell Carpark.
Kyogle: 5.30am Dawn Service. March begins at 9.15am. Gather at Geneva Street, opposite the Exchange Hotel.
Ballina: March for Veterans and two student representatives only.
Alstonville: March at 9.30am. Gather at Bugden Avenue at 9.15am for the March.
Evans Head: Arrive at 5.10am. March begins at 5.20am. Gather at the Council Chambers.
As many of you would be aware from your sons and daughters, last week we took the extraordinary step of closing our student toilets during class times, given repeated incidents of poor behaviour, including vaping. Students needing to use the toilet during class time must first present to SSO, with their Planner signed by their class teacher, before being directed to one of our access toilets. This procedure will remain in place until further remedial work is done to our student toilets to discourage such behaviours. Mrs Fennamore has again listed a series of pointers for parents to discuss this matter with their children, in what has become an alarmingly prevalent practice amongst a broad cross-section of young people in recent times. This current situation is far worse than what we may have faced, as teenagers, with smoking traditional cigarettes in the 1970s, ‘80s & ‘90s. I would urge all parents to make a point of broaching this topic with your child over the break and strongly encourage them to choose their long-term health over a societal fad. I am more than happy to further discuss this issue with any parent, as are all members of our Student Welfare Team.
We continue our Lenten theme for this fortnight’s reflection. Tellingly, the Christian story resonates for each of us at different stages of our lives. I am reminded of Good Friday in the following reflection written by The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury:
‘…We learn that we are not immortal; that things can go wrong. With age, we learn to be more cautious, much more aware of disappointment and pain and therefore more able to identify with the depths of a story: the complex realities of human suffering.
So it is with the crucifixion. Jesus was in physical agony to an indescribable extreme. He was also in spiritual and emotional agony. He had seen his community of disciples torn apart by outright betrayal as well as cowardice and desertion. He could see his mother watching him die; is it possible to imagine her anguish? He was mocked and told he was a failure.
His sense of God the Father’s presence was gone. There was no earthly or heavenly help in his hour of need. Like every human being he had to rely, in his agony, on what he could find within himself. Jesus could not call on God for help because he was choosing to enter into the fullest hell of all: separation from his loving heavenly Father and therefore bearing the weight of the wrongs of our world.
Jesus would bear our sins, taking the whole darkness of human history and cosmic chaos, and die under their weight. The resurrection was promised, but in the absence of God the Father it could only be taken in faith.
These were not lines to be spoken in some school play: this was God’s love in action, even to the point where the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit - that deep mystery - was separated, out of love for God’s creatures.
As we wait at the cross and bring the darkness of bereavement, of isolation, of confinement, of insecurity and homelessness, or the sufferings of others, we place them all at the feet of Jesus. We can do nothing else. But at the feet of Jesus, at the cross, we also find the sign of our hope and the faithfulness of God-in-Christ, crucified. This is Jesus Christ who bears our sins and our suffering, that we may hear the whispers of resurrection: of new life, forgiveness, freedom and healing.
We too may call out: “Oh God, where are you?” The answer will come, “With you in your suffering and fear, knowing every aspect of it, for I drank it to the dregs. With you, if you take my hand, to lead you to new light and life.’
(Taken from: https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/speaking-writing/articles/good-friday-reflection-archbishop-justin-welby)
On behalf of the entire Woodlawn community, we offer condolences to the following students and their families who have suffered bereavements in recent weeks: Bella Griffiths (12); Thurston Moran (11); Jack (9) and Brady (8) McLean; Jonah Wraight (10); Ethan (8) and Tom (11) Welman; Lily Lindsay (12); and Georgia Sheridan (10). May their loved ones Rest in Peace.
Finally, I hope that you are all able to take some time for yourselves over this upcoming Easter break and wish you every blessing for the Easter season, when we celebrate the Easter Triduum and join with Christians around the world in proclaiming ‘Resurrexit sicut dixit – He has risen as He said - Alleluia!’
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Staff Development Day
On Monday, 24 April, staff will be engaged in professional learning that will ultimately improve the outcomes for our students. This day will be Student Free.
Tell Them From Me Surveys
The ‘Tell Them From Me Survey’ allows us to gain valuable feedback from parents, students and staff that will guide our strategic direction moving forward. The survey opens on 26 April and takes around fifteen minutes to complete. A link to the survey will be sent to all parents/guardians and your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Year 11 Examinations
Year 11 Examinations begin on 27 April. Students should be well into their preparations for their first round of senior examinations. It is important that each student organises their time at home and designs a consistent home revision program. Students also need to be reminded to seek clarification regarding any misunderstood concepts as soon as possible.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Compass
Thank you for the way you have embraced the new communication system now in use at the College and right throughout our system of Diocesan schools. We understand there have been some teething issues, but on the whole you are able to readily see much information pertaining to your child. Information relating to school fees, events (excursions), schedule (timetable) and classwork (in some cases) are all available. Next term, parent/teacher/student interviews will also be scheduled through Compass.
When using Compass, it is important to recognise that the phone app does not replace the desktop. When opening the app on phones the text that appears may not be grammatically correct. This is generically generated by Compass and is not able to be corrected by the College. We also acknowledge that the formatting on the app is poor. These technical errors are beyond our control.
Vaping
The growing rates of e-cigarette use among young people is concerning given young adulthood is a significant period for the establishment of unhealthy or risky behaviours that persist into adulthood.
Generation Vape is the first research project of its kind to take place at a national level in Australia and involves both quantitative and qualitative research components. This research is led by Cancer Council NSW in partnership with the Daffodil Centre and the University of Sydney, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Minderoo Foundation, the NSW Ministry of Health and Cancer Institute NSW.
I have been part of the focus groups and interviews that were conducted with secondary school teachers, principals and administrators. From what I can see, we are a long way ahead of many other schools in supporting our students and families during what can be called a crisis.
Take a Stand Against Vaping
Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.
Watch this short clip by Professor Adam Jaffé, Paediatric Respiratory Consultant at Sydney Children’s Hospital and Head of Paediatrics at the University of New South Wales: Do you know what you're vaping?
Start the conversation with your child in a relaxed, easy-going way, perhaps using a cue from around you, such as this message from school, a news story about vaping, or seeing people vaping on the street.
If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them. Help them to explore other ways to fit in with their peers. But also give the message that it is important to think and act independently.
Thank you for your support through what has been a busy and exciting term. We have certainly returned to ‘normal’ in a school that is abuzz with activity and enthusiasm. Take care over the holidays.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6626 2627.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Creative Arts News
Sydney Art Excursion 2023
We are thrilled to share with the College community the success of our recent Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts excursion to Sydney. From Wednesday, 29 March to Friday, 31 March our students had the opportunity to explore the bustling art scene of the city whilst learning from some talented artists and curators.
The itinerary included a range of varied and engaging activities, including visits to ArtExpress at the Armory in Homebush and the Art Gallery of NSW, Educator led Senior Learning Tours at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Art Gallery of NSW workshops at the Gallery NSW, as well as the exploration of various site specific art installations around the inner city and CBD.
The ArtExpress Exhibitions were a particular highlight of the excursion. Access to these exhibitions provided our students with the important opportunity to view and closely analyse the exemplary work of HSC Visual Arts students from across the state. Our students were inspired and impressed not only by the range of creative expression and different forms of media but by the depth of talent and conceptual basis that existed in these works.
The workshops, Educational Tours at the MCA and Gallery NSW gave students the opportunity to prepare for Section 1 style responses. Students had the chance to work with art educators who provided insight into not only conventions of contemporary and historical art practice but new techniques and mediums that continue to emerge in the world of art. Students were also given access to, and valuable insight into, the curation process and the inspiration behind the artworks.
In addition to these workshops, our students were able to explore the city and take in various public art installations around Sydney. This experience allowed them to see art in a different context and appreciate how art can shape the environment around us.
Our teachers were impressed with the level of participation and representation of the College by our students with gallery staff commenting on the positive nature and attitude of the group. They demonstrated a high level of engagement and enthusiasm throughout the trip, which made it a truly unforgettable experience.
We hope that this excursion has inspired our Visual Arts students to continue exploring their creativity and passion for the arts while gaining greater knowledge and insight into the world of artistic practice. We are exceptionally proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop their artistic skills and expression in the future.
Sharon Thompson
Leader of Creative Arts
sharon.thompson@lism.catholic.edu.au
Diocesan Senior Girls Basketball
The Woodlawn Girls Basketball team set out for Port Macquarie last Wednesday afternoon to compete at the Lismore Diocesan Basketball Carnival. The girls did not compete last year due to the floods so we did not know what to expect from the other teams this year.
Our first game was against Casino and our girls came out eager to get their first win and ended up winning convincingly 33 – 2. The second game was against Newman College, Port Macquarie who are usually one of the teams that have been previously in the grand final. Once again, the girls were determined to do their best. Sophie Alcorn and Jacqueline Andonov led the scoring with Eliza Herman and Jaya Wisemantel dominating the backboards to come away with another win 26 – 17. Game 3 was against St Joseph’s, Port Macquarie. All players had a great game with Riley Alvos and Bella Griffiths playing great defense with a number of steals and fast breaks. Eva McRae showed her strength against bigger players inside the key. Another win to Woodlawn 26-6. The last game of the round was against St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour who had beaten all the other teams and had not had double figures scored against them. Even though they beat us convincingly 54-14, we had the honour of scoring double figures against them and qualifying for the grand final.
With a great attitude, the team had their best game. Luca Butler stepped up at her first Basketball tournament and scored along with some lovely 3-pointers by Sophie and Jacqueline. Eliza, Jaya and Eva were strong under the bucket putting Riley and Bella on numerous fast breaks. SJPC proved too strong for us again winning 43 -17 but the team had improved by 14 points after a much-needed rest.
Congratulations to all players for an excellent result. The conduct of the players both on and off the court was a credit to themselves, their families and the College. Great job! Thanks also to Mrs Kallie Deegan for helping with driving the bus and looking after the team.
Tammie Creary
Senior Girls Basketball Coach
tammie.creary@lism.catholic.edu.au
Marist Boys Basketball
In Week 9, the Boys Basketball Team traveled to Adelaide to take part in the 31st Australian Marist Basketball Tournament hosted by Sacred Heart College. The students enjoyed some sightseeing on the Saturday and Sunday prior to the Carnival, exploring the cultural sites of Adelaide. On Monday, the team played three games against Sacred Heart College, St Gregory’s Campbelltown, and Newman College, Perth. These were hard-fought battles but we went down to all three of these strong sides. On Tuesday, the team played St Teresa’s, Noosaville. At half-time the game was close with a 20-17 scoreline. Fatigue set in during the fourth quarter and Woodlawn went down 33-44. On Wednesday, the team came up against Kogarah losing 71-24. On Thursday, the boys got the break they were looking for and had a win against Good Counsel College, Innisfail 44-13. At the Marist Basketball Dinner, Noah Hague was awarded the team’s Most Valubale Player with Billy Drooger awarded the Champagnat Award for Outstanding Marist Spirit throughout the Carnival. Well done to all the boys who represented the College with pride. A special thank you to our Sports Coordinator, Mr Simon Andrews for his efforts as Team Manager and Ms Donna Bashforth for excelling as ‘team photographer’. Next year’s Marist Basketball Carnival will be hosted by Trinity College, Beenleigh.
Luke Flynn
Marist Boys Basketball Coach
luke.flynn@lism.catholic.edu.au
Careers Update
Congratulations to everyone for making it through Term 1. There are a number of things coming up in the next term which we would like to bring to your attention.
Year 10 Work Experience
This will be held in Week 9 next term. More information and details of what students can and cannot do will be sent out early next term.
Year 12 University applications for those students wishing to attend a NSW University
UAC will open for Year 12 students on 5 April. Please find more information on the Careers Update site.
Careers Update.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Esport News
St John's College, Woodlawn emerged victorious in the Lismore Diocese eSport Mario Kart Tournament, which took place on March 31, 2023. Competing against teams from two other Catholic schools in the region, the eight-member team from St John's College, Woodlawn demonstrated expert skills and exceptional teamwork, securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies.
The winning team comprised: Flynn Doriean, Boyd Wilson, Tomas Corcoran, Austin Newton, Jacob Southwood, Charlie Parkinson, Ben Davis, and Eli Connolly, who communicated effectively and collaborated seamlessly to gain a competitive edge. They shared slipstreams, avoided friendly fire, and offered advice on course shortcuts to dominate their opponents in every race.
The Lismore Catholic Schools Office organised the tournament to foster healthy competition and teamwork among students in a safe and inclusive environment. St John's College, Woodlawn's win exemplifies the College's dedication to excellence and commitment to competitive play. The College congratulates the team on their remarkable achievement and eagerly anticipates their future success in the Just Dance competition held during Term 2.
Bryn Base
Leader of Learning Technologies
bryn.base@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Services
Administering Non-Prescription Medication (eg. Paracetamol) to Students - Reminder
A reminder to parents that when a student presents to the Student Services Office (SSO) and is feeling unwell or experiencing significant or acute pain, a member of staff will contact their parent or guardian seeking permission to administer non-prescription pain relief (eg. paracetamol). If a parent or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will remain in SSO; however, we will not be able to give them any non-prescription pain relief medication. Any previous permission to give non-prescription pain relief no longer applies. You will receive a phone call each time your child presents to SSO seeking your consent.
Student Drop-off & Pick-up Zone
Please note students need to be collected and dropped back at school at the Drop Off /Pick Up Zone which is between the College and the ovals at the back of the College.
Thank you to all parents/guardians who have been using the Compass App.
All student absences need to be accounted for. Accounting for student absences is a legal requirement for all schools. Your assistance in providing the relevant information to us regarding your child’s absences daily is appreciated.
Select Submit Absence Note on the Compass App for the following:
- Absent all day - illness etc (Please provide a medical certificate)
- Picking student up early
- Student is running late to school
The example below shows how to enter picking your child up early from school.
Instructions for entering details into Compass to collect a child early
- Log into your Compass account
- Click on the +Shortcuts symbol at the bottom of the page
- Select Submit Absence Note
- Select Reason
- Add Details/Comments
- Select the date and time that your child will be collected or absent
- Select the End date as the date or time your child will be returning to school (or 3.15pm if they are not returning to school that day)
- Select Potentially Affected Sessions
- Hit Add Attendance Note at the bottom of the page.
NOTE: If you have not been receiving "unexplained absence" notifications for your child, please contact the College on 6626 2600 to update your details.
Sharon Robotham & Kendall Thomson
Student Services Office
Lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
College Photographs
College Photo Day: 25/05/2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
College Photo Day is coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on photo day.
Two easy ways to purchase:
- Visa, MasterCard or PayPal;
- Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day.
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: M7D 2VN G2F
School photography information:
- Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school;
- Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing on the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos;
- Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately;
- Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately six weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school;
- Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.
School Vaccination Program
School Vaccination Program
Thursday, 4 May – Year 7 HPV & Boostrix
Thursday, 8 June – Year 10 Meningococcal
Thursday, 7 September – Catch up for any Years 7 & 10 students
Keeping your child up-to-date with routine vaccinations helps to protect them from serious preventable diseases such as meningococcal, whooping cough, tetanus, and cancers that are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).
As part of the NSW School Vaccination Program, students in Year 7 are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Parental consent is required for your child to receive routine vaccinations at school. If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 this year, you can now provide this consent through the online consent portal by clicking login with a ‘Service NSW Account’.
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
From February 2023, children in Year 7 will now only need one dose of HPV vaccination. This change has been endorsed by ATAGI based on evidence showing that one dose provides the same level of protection against HPV as two doses.
If you have already consented to your child receiving two doses of HPV vaccine, they will only receive one dose.
If your child previously missed their second dose of HPV vaccine, they are now considered fully vaccinated and do not require a second dose.
A small number of students who are immunocompromised are still recommended to receive a three-dose course of HPV vaccine. If your child is immunocompromised, please discuss their immunisation needs with their GP.
If your child misses a school vaccination clinic, you can speak to your local GP or pharmacist about catching up on vaccination.
For more information on school vaccination visit: health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
Community News
Safer Drivers Course for Learners
Participants who complete the Safer Drivers Course for Learners will receive a bonus of 20 hours credit recorded in their learner driver log book reducing the total logbook requirement from 120 to 100 hrs. The Course is a combination of theoretical and practical training for under 25 year old learner drivers who have completed 50 hours of log book driving hours.
Monday, 17 April - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Byron Youth Activity Centre
1 Gilmore Crescent Byron Bay
Cost: $140
CONCESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE for young people on Health Care or Centrelink benefits.
To book:
https://www.bys.org.au/transport
Contact Steffie on 66857777 or email
info@bys.org.au for more information.
Canteen News
Flexischools orders will have a 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 any time.
The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it much easier and quicker for students.
We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.
Please follow the link below to register now:
Uniform Shop
The 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.
Uniform Shop 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 Opening Hours:
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre
Winter Uniform
With the change of uniform approaching, the Uniform Shop will have extended opening hours. Please see the additional dates and times below. It is essential you book your appointment online to ensure availability.
Friday, 21 April 8.30am-2.00pm
Saturday, 22 April 8.30am-2.00pm
Sunday, 23 April 8.30am-2.00pm
Monday, 24 April 8.30am-2.00pm
Wednesday, 26 April 8.30am-2.00pm
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 constraints.
https://sjcwuniformshop.com.au/
Leanne Copeland
Uniform Shop Convenor
0407 739 237
