Week 2 Term 4 2025

Message from the Principal

Term 4 has begun with a sense of energy and purpose. Today, we celebrated the academic and community awardees at the Year 11 Prize Giving Ceremony. This is a change to the ceremonies of the past in response to some thoughts from the SRC and our College Leadership Team. It was decided to celebrate these successes at the end of the Preliminary Course instead of waiting until the end of the year. Our First in Course students were recognised with academic awards. Students who are widely known for Walking the Woodlawn Way were affirmed for their community-mindedness, humility, compassion and care for others. Silver badges were awarded and Bailey Anderson received the Jake Roff Memorial Award. 

Jake Roff was a valued member of staff who tragically passed away following an extended battle with brain cancer. Jake’s family instituted this award to remember his care and dedication to our students. As a PE and Maths teacher, Jake was known for his care for all and his connection with those who needed extra support. He was community-minded and enjoyed the opportunity to share his musical talents. Today, our staff dressed in ‘Red for Roffy’ as a continued practice that honours his legacy. Bailey Anderson was awarded the Jake Roff Memorial Award and was affirmed for the way he encourages others to succeed, shows humility in all interactions and enlivens the daily lives of those around him.

We look forward to celebrating World Teacher Day with our staff next week. I would like to thank those families who email me to acknowledge the dedication and passion our staff have for our students. In a recent correspondence, a family wrote to thank Mr Quade for his inclusivity and passion for teaching. Our staff are unique in their commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to ‘live life to the full.’ Our classrooms are hives of activity, and our staff continue to develop new resources and improve their pedagogy. The commitment to students beyond the classroom is second to none. Whether it be sport, social justice initiatives, the Environment Club, chess, excursions, after-school tutorials, camps or everyday interactions as a community, we should never take for granted how blessed we are.

The shared values, beliefs, norms, behaviours, expectations and traditions unique to Woodlawn influence the strength of our vibrant culture. We ask that you continue to support the tenets of the Student Education Plan, which is the foundation of our restorative framework. Faith, Integrity, Relationships and Empathy underpin this seminal document. These are discussed at assemblies, meetings and with students who may need redirecting or affirming. We hope to build on the opportunities to engage families further in the coming term. The School Community Forum meeting was well attended, we have over 100 parents and Year 7 students attending the inaugural Base Class Trivia Night, and we look forward to seeing many more parents at the end-of-year Christmas celebration (more information below in the School Community Forum News). Please look to engage with the community as together we chart the course of your child’s development.

Families and friends are invited to attend the All Souls Mass on 1 November 2025. The Mass will be held in the College Chapel at 10am. We welcome home Father Gerry Hall, a former Woodlawn student, to celebrate this Holy Day of Obligation with us.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, may you continue to renew relationships and look with Hope to the future. We have a lot to be hopeful and grateful for.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Welcome to Term 4, 2025

Embracing Excellence and Opportunity

As we begin the final term of 2025, we're delighted to welcome back all our families and students. This term represents both a culmination of the year's efforts and a springboard for success in 2026. We encourage each student to identify one focused academic goal this term, an achievement that will strengthen their foundation for the year ahead. Our teaching team stands ready to partner with you in making this goal a reality.

A reminder that to support your child's learning, our Monday afternoon Homework Hub continues in the library from 3:30-4:30 pm. Students from all year levels are welcome; no registration is required. Simply come along and access the additional support available. 

Celebrating Term 3 Academic Excellence

Our term began with a wonderful celebration of achievement at our opening assembly, where we recognised outstanding academic work from Term 3. The Eagle Award, established in 2021, honours exceptional academic achievement across all subjects at the College. Each term, teachers nominate students who have produced work that truly exemplifies academic excellence, one nominee from our junior years (Stage 4-5) and one from our senior years (Stage 6).

We congratulate our Term 3 Eagle Award nominees: Mckenzie Newton (Year 10), Siena Hardie (Year 7), Alannah Davis (Year 10), Benjamin Ryall (Year 7), Chelsea Coram (Year 10), and Sophie Frost (Year 11). Each student received a certificate recognising their exceptional work.

Our Term 3 Eagle Award winners demonstrated truly outstanding achievement. Chathurya Wijesinghe (Year 9) received the award for Catholic Studies, producing an exemplary guide to the sacrament of Reconciliation. Her comprehensive booklet and written component earned a perfect 20/20 score, reflecting remarkable dedication to her studies. Bailey Anderson (Year 11) earned the Chemistry award for his exceptional Depth Study on copper cascade reactions. His work on optimisation processes and industrial applications far exceeded expectations, demonstrating university-level analytical writing and research skills. Both winners received certificates and $125 cash prizes, generously sponsored by our College Parent Forum.

Australian History and Geography Competitions

We also celebrated success in the Australian Geography and History Competitions, national contests that challenge students to demonstrate advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills. These rigorous assessments require students to apply geographical and historical principles to real-world scenarios, competing against peers nationwide.

Congratulations to Kiara O'Brien, who received a Distinction in the Australian History Competition, and to our Australian Geography Competition achievers: Omar Nekrasov, Marley Jones, Edward Schaffer-Thompson, Halo Banfield, Benjamin Ryall, Sophie Maher, Harry Hosking, Trixie Gillett, and Cooper Freys, who all earned Distinctions. Special recognition goes to Kieren Weekes, who achieved a High Distinction. We're proud of all students who participated in these prestigious competitions.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Credit in the Australian Geography Competition:

Harper Richardson, Sophia Wittemeier, Zac Cohen, Memphis Grossman, Benjamin Deacon, Cooper Ellis, Yoshi Gove and Bailey Thomson.

Well done also to the students who received a Merit or Credit in the Australian History Competition:

Adrian Brickhill, Matilda Gall, Aaliyah Garang-Hall, Lincoln Roberts, Peyton Thompson, Carmen Garcia, Scarlett Hajjar, Xavier Kay, Ellie McKay and Lila Pedley.

Year 12 HSC Excellence

Our Year 12 students have launched into their HSC Examinations with remarkable commitment and focus. We are inspired by their dedication and resilience. A gentle reminder to all students: please arrive with time to spare before each examination so attendance procedures can proceed smoothly. In the event of illness or misadventure affecting exam participation, contact Mrs Sally Ryall immediately. Mrs Ryall can assist in completing the official NESA documentation, supported by relevant third-party evidence (such as medical certificates), which must be submitted through the appropriate channels.

Year 11 Rising to the Challenge

Congratulations to our Year 11 students who have successfully completed their preliminary year and are now stepping into their HSC journey. Following the recent distribution of academic reports, our teachers have held meaningful conversations with students about their progress and future subject pathways. We remain flexible regarding subject changes through Week 3, as long as they meet NESA requirements and are available at the College within class size and staffing constraints; beyond this point, students should connect with Mrs Ryall for personalised academic guidance.

Today, the Year 11 Prize Giving Ceremony was a highlight, celebrating outstanding achievement across all Key Learning Areas throughout the Year 11 course. This milestone event marked both an ending and an exciting beginning as students commenced their Year 12 coursework. With full access to available marks in Year 12, students are well-positioned to approach this crucial year with clarity and purpose. This includes a renewed focus on application in class and at home in order to provide the best opportunity for success in their final year of high school. We strongly encourage families to maintain regular contact with teachers throughout Year 12, fostering a collaborative partnership that supports your child's success in this important final year.

Year 10 Formal Assessment Week

Year 10 students will undertake their formal assessment period during Week 4 (Monday 3 November - Friday 7 November). Core subject examinations will be held in the College Hall, offering valuable exposure to formal examination protocols, which is excellent preparation for senior years. Elective assessments will occur during scheduled class times under teacher supervision. Students attend their usual classes when not sitting assessments. Mrs Ryall will distribute the detailed examination schedule shortly.

Year 7 Interview Success

Thank you to the many families who participated in our Year 7 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews this week. These three-way conversations are invaluable as they allow us to celebrate achievements together and establish clear goals for continued growth. With Week 6 assessments approaching, these discussions were particularly timely. As always, please contact your child's teachers at any point for ongoing feedback and support as your student prepares for the transition to Year 8 in 2026.

Years 7-10 PAT Testing

For students in Years 7-10, the ongoing PAT testing in Weeks 1-3, serves as a crucial tool for data-informed teaching and learning. These assessments occur in the Science, Reading and Maths domains and track learning growth, and assist in identifying learning needs for high-potential learners and targeted intervention. If families have questions around PAT testing, please contact Nicole Hetherington. 

Years 7-9 Assessment Showcase

Students in Years 7-9 will demonstrate their learning through end-of-year assessments during Week 6 (Tuesday 18 November - Friday 21 November). These assessments provide an important opportunity for students to reflect on their progress and understanding. Detailed schedules will be distributed to families soon, allowing adequate preparation time. We encourage students to consult with their classroom teachers for subject-specific preparation strategies.

Investing in Excellence Staff Development Day

Please note that Monday, 17 November (Week 6) is designated as a Staff Development Day, and students will not be required to attend school. Our teaching staff will dedicate this day to collaborative professional learning focused on the comprehensive NSW curriculum reforms. These significant changes bring exciting possibilities for enriched teaching and learning experiences across all year levels. We appreciate your support in enabling our staff to engage in this vital professional growth.

We look forward to a productive and rewarding term ahead.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Message from the Assistant Principal-Mission

Welcome to our final term of the year. In days gone by, this was a less busy, more relaxed time. This is certainly not the case anymore. Whilst our classrooms will continue to be places of active learning, there are many events and activities on offer for our young people, and we will celebrate and acknowledge students and year groups. It is important that our young people maintain their high levels of attendance and engagement right up until the end of week 10. 

Saint Peter To Rot

On Sunday, 19 October, Pope Leo canonised 7 new saints, including Saint Peter To Rot, the first Pope from Papua New Guinea.

Peter To Rot, a lay catechist in Papua New Guinea, was martyred during the Japanese occupation in World War II. When the Catholic priest in his village was taken to a Japanese labour camp, the priest left To Rot in charge of catechising the village and told him before he was taken: “Help them, so that they don’t forget about God.” Despite Japanese oppression, To Rot worked in secret to keep the faith. He was a great defender of Christian marriage, working to defy Japanese law, which allowed men to take a second wife.  Toward the end of the war, the rules against religious freedom became even stricter, with any kind of prayer being forbidden. To Rot was arrested and sent to a manual labour camp in 1944 for his continual disobedience. In 1945, he was killed by lethal injection and is considered a martyr for the Catholic faith. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Jan. 17, 1995.  (Catholic News Agency)

The timing of Saint Peter To Rot's canonisation during this Jubilee Year of Hope is especially meaningful. His story shows us that hope isn't just about staying positive when things are going well—it's about holding onto what matters most even when life gets really hard. When he was told to help his village "not forget about God," he kept bringing people together for prayer even when it was dangerous, and stood up for what he believed was right despite enormous pressure. That kind of courage and commitment is what this Jubilee Year is all about. As a school community, we can look to his example and ask ourselves: How do we support each other during tough times? How do we help our families stay connected to what's truly important? Saint Peter To Rot reminds us that being a source of hope for others—whether through our words, our actions, or simply showing up for our community—can make all the difference.

Crazy Sock Day - Socktober

Today was our Crazy Sock Day, part of our fundraising campaign for Catholic Mission. Socktober is a way to bring communities together and make a real impact on global issues. By participating, we are not only helping those in need but also fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility. It's a chance to engage in meaningful activities and learn about important causes. This year, we are raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. Thank you to those members of our community who donated a gold coin to support our global community in Zambia. It is important to remember that as Catholics, we are called to help those in need. Two of our Catholic Social Teachings are particularly relevant when donating to Catholic Mission. We are reminded of the need to emphasise the Common Good, where we work together to better the wellbeing of all people in our community and the wider world. We also need to uphold the Human Dignity of all people; God made each person, so every life is important and should be protected. 

Thank you to our St Vincent de Paul team for their work in organising today.

Wishing you and your family all the best, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to make contact: fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6626 2627.

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Pastoral Care News

Welcome back to Term 4. It has been a great joy to welcome our students back after a holiday that has breathed life into some weary minds following the heavy workload of Term 3. I am looking forward to the opportunities for community that present themselves this term.

At the opening assembly of the term, I had a brief opportunity to commend our Social Justice Committee on their stellar work in raising awareness and funds for our designated charities over the course of the year. It was pleasing to have two of our Year 11 students talk about the project that the Socktober campaign is supporting through Catholic Mission Australia this year. 

I was pleased to make a connection to Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Dilexit Te’, which invites the church to go back to Christ’s call to go out to the poor and marginalised in the service of humankind. I am always buoyed by the many ways our young people engage in outreach to support those in need in our world…the future is in good hands with our young people.

Uniform

At the College Assembly on the first day of term, I also reminded all students that the old uniform is no longer to be worn. As previously communicated, this extended transition has been challenging due to initial issues with COVID-19 and the 2022 flood, but we are finally in a position to discard the old items. Importantly, if your family faces significant challenges in acquiring the new uniform, please contact me, and we will work with you and your children to find a solution. Importantly, if you see the old uniform items for sale online, avoid purchasing them as they will not be allowed to be worn at the College.

Interhouse Touch Footy

On Wednesday, 23 October, the first round of our new Interhouse Touch Footy Competition was played. It was so pleasing to see the level of engagement from students and staff. Even better was the passionate competitiveness displayed in a really joyful and respectful fashion. 

Congratulations to our SRC, and particularly our House Captains, for their effort in giving our students this opportunity to be active and healthy, whilst keeping our House Spirit alive. This group has begun their tenure of leadership with admirable energy. We look forward to sharing the results of the games as the competition goes deep into the term.

Vaping Education

Later in Term 4, our Year 8 cohort has the opportunity to participate in the Our Futures Vaping Education Program. This program was developed by researchers at the University of Sydney and has now attracted Federal Government funding to aid in its implementation in Australian schools for the next four years.

In our regional setting, we are fortunate to have leading programs facilitated by our staff to develop the holistic health and wellbeing of our young people. I will be sharing further information about this program in our next newsletter, but if parents would like to know more sooner, head to the Our Futures website. I am happy to answer any questions that may arise.

Social Media Changes - December 10

On 10 December, the ‘Social Media Ban’ will come into effect for seven of the most popular platforms that our young people utilise. Whilst we don’t deal directly with social media for our students, we recognise the significant change that this may present to many of them. We hope to support students and families through this period of change by providing relevant information to help ‘soften the blow’ when the changes occur.

Last term, we were fortunate to have Kirra Prendergast present to parents and staff. As an expert in social media, she presented a refreshing view on how we can prepare young people for the changes they will see. In a nutshell, her advice was to get ahead of the wave and prepare our young people for life after the ban.

This week, we addressed Year 8 to discuss what will be in store once the ban is in place. Over the coming weeks, we will speak with Years 7, 9 & 10 students to ensure that those under the age of 16 receive information that may help them when the ban commences.

I invite parents to utilise the following resources provided to us by the Pastoral Care team at the DLCS and the e-safety Commissioner to understand and prepare for the ban:

Attendance

Please be reminded that all students are expected to attend school every day. We understand that ‘things’ happen in families and that there will be days that need to be missed. I ask that all parents and carers familiarise themselves with the Compass attendance module and know how to submit an attendance note. We are hoping to reduce the amount of unexplained leave for students (i.e. no note submitted) this term. If you are unsure how to submit notes or need any assistance with Compass, please contact me so I can help.

As always, if there is anything I can do to support you or your family in any way, don’t hesitate to contact me at nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6626 2607.

Warm regards,

Nick Jones
Leader of Pastoral Care
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au

From the Social Justice Committee

Year Group News

Things are full steam ahead in Year 8 land as we charge our way towards becoming Year 9 students. Some recent happenings were the successful ‘The Voice: Woodlawn’ during Wellbeing Week last term. The Year 8 Base Class Leaders were instrumental in the running of this event, and it was great to see the Colin Centre stands absolutely packed to witness the talented vocal performers that Woodlawn has within our ranks. What's more…Year 8’s very own Scarlet McDowell was crowned the winner. Scarlet can really sing. 

We are very much looking forward to our ‘Catch the Wave’ retreat in Week 3, as this will be our first phase of the student discipleship initiatives offered as part of the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International (CSYMI) program.

Keep up the great work, Year 8.

Mr Luke Collings
Year 8 Welfare Coordinator

Vocational Pathways

NCA Training

Adult education can be daunting for our young people, so due to the outstanding response at our last TEEN ONLY training session, we’re offering our local Teens an opportunity to complete a couple of training sessions over the Christmas Break

Save money with these accredited courses at heavily discounted prices over the Christmas holidays.
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Inside the Classroom

Year 10 History Performance - Dusted Off

On Thursday of Week 1, Year 10 watched "Dusted Off," a performance related to their current study of Changing Rights and Freedoms and their new unit, The Vietnam War. This is Carmen Garcia’s (10.5) review of the experience:

Year 9 Child Studies

Circle time has become a favourite of the Year 9 Child Studies class. The concept is that a question or statement is raised at the beginning of the lesson, and the class is invited to spend some time thinking about their feelings about what was proposed, before sharing these ideas and thoughts with the class. Year 9 Child Studies begins every lesson this way. The Circle Time questions range from simplistic, e.g. what is your favourite chocolate bar, to the more thought-provoking, such as, at what age is it OK to give children sugar? The purpose of the activity is to promote communication, critical thinking and approaching new information with an open mind. It has really strengthened the bonds of the class this year as comments, thoughts and feelings are openly shared and validated.

Sports at Woodlawn

Sponsorship Opportunity with St John’s College, Woodlawn Sport

Opportunities are available to become a valued sponsor of the St John’s College, Woodlawn Sport Program. By supporting our community, your organisation will directly align with and champion our core College values: faith, integrity, respect, and empathy.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

We are offering your business to partner directly with a specific College sporting team or program. This focused sponsorship will give your brand high visibility within a dedicated community of students, staff and parents.

We have the following team and program sponsorships available:

• Marist Basketball Team
• Marist Netball Team
• Marist Cricket Team
• Elite Sports Program (Year 9)
• Other specific sporting team options are also available upon request.

In appreciation of your support, we are pleased to offer the following promotional benefits:

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please do not hesitate to contact the College Sports Coordinator, Mr Simon Andrews (02 6626 2639), email: simon.andrews@lism.catholic.edu.au

We would be happy to meet with you or provide further details, including how your contribution can be allocated.

St. John's College, Woodlawn reserves the right to withdraw from or discontinue any current or future partnership, without penalty, should the sponsor's practices, communications, or public output be deemed inconsistent with the core values or ethical standards of our organisation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for supporting youth sports within our local community.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

Study Smart This Term: Use Library Tools to Boost Your Exam Prep

As Term 4 progresses, examination periods are fast approaching for Years 7-10. The Library’s LibGuides offer a fantastic way for students to revise, revisit missed content, and strengthen their understanding across a range of subjects. These guides include targeted revision materials, activities, and helpful links designed to support learning. Printed study planners are also available at the Library to help students organise their revision schedule effectively.

Students are encouraged to make use of AI study tools such as Notebook LM, which is a research and note-taking tool that can turn uploaded content into summaries, quizzes, instant study guides, or even engaging podcasts. Drop by the Library to find out more about how to use this tool to make exam preparation more interactive and efficient. 

Our Read for 10 program has returned this term, giving students time to enjoy reading a book of their choice every day after lunch. Research shows that 10 minutes of reading a day isn’t quite enough. Try to build in an extra 10 minutes at home to boost comprehension, vocabulary, and overall wellbeing.

The Library is here to support students through this busy period. Encourage your child to explore the guides, collect a planner, and make the most of the resources available.

Looking forward to another exciting term ahead.

The Library Team.

Administration Announcements

Late Arrival/Early Departure

Please submit ALL attendance (All Day/Partial Attendance) through the Compass App to avoid phoning the College with late arrivals/late departures.

Early Departure

In Compass, click on the Shortcuts + icon at the bottom of the home screen, click on "Submit Attendance Note", complete the details and select the time you would like to collect your student. 

Your student will receive a Departure Pass to leave the class at the selected time and be directed to the drop-off/pick-up zone.

The Student Service Office cannot guarantee your student will be ready for an early departure without adequate notification. 

Late Arrival

In Compass, click on the Shortcuts + icon at the bottom of the home screen, click on "Submit Attendance Note", complete the details and select the time your student will arrive at the College. Students arriving after 8.55 am, need to enter via the Student Service Office. 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
A reminder, the drop-off and pick-up zone is located between the school and the ovals at the back of the school. Please do not collect your student from the front entrance for safety reasons.

Absentee

Absence due to holiday/family event:
Less than 10 days: Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature.

More than 10 days: Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification. 

Absence due to Elite Sport, Elite Arts, Employment in the Entertainment Industry:
Accredited Elite Sports programs include national and international organisations that run camps for athletes and national sports squads in which students have been selected to participate. They also include talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.

Accredited Elite Arts programs are defined as an opportunity for a student to participate in an event or program that is beyond the gifted and talented opportunities that the Diocese offers.

Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General. 

Parent Resources/School Forms

How to access the following forms:

• Student Driver/Rider Registration
• Medication Administered – Parent Form
• Exemption from Attendance General – Sport/Art
• Extended Leave Notification – over 10 days
• Volunteers Form

1. 1. Go to school documents (Phone) or People Icon (Desktop)
   2. Select the Parent Resources folder
   3. Select the School Forms folder

Messages

Please phone the Student Service Office before 2:45pm to advise of any emergency changes to afternoon arrangements. This will provide office staff with the best chance of ensuring that your child receives the message. Last minute phone calls at this busy time of the school day are not ideal, and we cannot guarantee that late messages will be received. We all experience emergencies from time to time, and that is understood and accepted.

Administering Non-Prescription Medication (eg. Paracetamol) to Students

A reminder to parents that when a student presents to sick bay, a member of staff will contact their parent or guardian seeking permission to administer non-prescription pain relief (eg. paracetamol) if required. 

Any previous permission to give non-prescription pain relief no longer applies. You will receive a phone call each time your child presents to sick bay seeking consent.

Lost Property

The Lost Property table is located outside the Student Service Office. Please clearly label all items that are brought or worn to school.

Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 66 262629

St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our last meeting. It was wonderful to see some new faces.

Principal, Mrs Annette Reen, gave us great insight into the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain lifelong skills and experiences. We look forward to supporting the College’s Join the Duke initiative and creating opportunities for our students to participate.

We are also excited to invite you to a social catch-up at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Thursday, 20 November. Drop in anytime from 4.:30 pm for a relaxed chat and some community connection. We’d love to see you there.

Our final meeting for the year will be held on Monday, 24 November at 5:30pm in the College Library. Everyone is welcome. We’ll share some Christmas nibbles and enjoy hearing from one of our students about their recent South Passage sailing adventure.

Come along, get involved, and be part of our wonderful Woodlawn parent/carer community.

Parent Information Hub

Parents/Carers Webinar

Canteen

Uniform Shop

Community Notices