Week 2 Term 2 2025

Message from the Principal

“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just." This is one of the many calls to action that were made by Pope Francis. His recent death leaves us reflecting on the words and deeds of our great pastoral leader who was defined by his simple humility, his care of the abandoned and those who suffered, his dialogue with all, no matter their beliefs and the way he listened deeply with his heart. As a community we also appreciated his call to action to our young people that they ‘get off their couches" and engage with the world, rather than simply passively consuming entertainment’. He emphasised that young people are not meant to simply "vegetate" or be "couch potatoes" but to "leave a mark" and actively participate in making a difference. This message is conveyed regularly, and for many of our students, it is their lived reality. This is evident in the way our students engage in their studies, their community participation and their sporting lives. Our students are generous and appreciative of the opportunities afforded them at Woodlawn.  We pray that they continue to shine as they take advantage of our mission to enable them ‘to live life to the full’.

Today, we received a very special announcement regarding the appointment of Mr Aaron Beach, our substantive Principal, to the leadership role of Regional Assistant Director. Mr Beach is known for his leadership, guidance and outstanding organisational skills. His connections with our staff and students were underpinned by his belief in our mission to ensure equity, compassion, and relationships are at the heart of all we do. The college will have a formal assembly later this term to thank him for his guidance and leadership. Please read the attached memo from Adam Spencer, the DLCS Director.

In the weeks following our last newsletter, we’ve had several matters for us to reflect on.

We are very grateful to the families who supported our ANZAC Marches across the region. Despite the weather, we witnessed our students reverently representing the College. On our return to school, our students hosted a special ANZAC Assembly. Below, I have included Eric Graydon’s address to the College. Eric is our SRC President and Cadet Under Officer with 326 Squadron (City of Lismore).

This was followed by our celebration of the life of Father Lionel Marsden and his mission to ensure that, despite extreme hardships, there is always hope and reconciliation at the heart of all human interaction. Lionel Marsden attended Woodlawn in the 1930s. He was known for his connection to the Marist Charism. His love of hard work, humility, care for the poor and marginalised, and desire to live life with courage and integrity were evident when he was a student here. Following his call to the priesthood, his chaplaincy resulted in him being a POW during WW2. His story of survival and subsequent mission to restore relationships with the Japanese is included in the attached essay below. Matilda Price, our College Captain, presented this paper while on her study tour in 2024. It is the qualities of Father Marsden that were recognised in our Medal recipients for 2025: Eric Graydon and Elizabeth Maginnity.

Our opening Staff Development Day was an opportunity to learn more about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Crossing Cultures Hidden History workshops were attended by all staff. A key learning of the day was an invitation to immerse ourselves further in our understanding of the local Widjabul Wia-bal people. I have included one of the introductory statements as 'without knowledge, action is useless and knowledge without action is futile’ (Abu Bakr). The land on which we gather each day holds the history of these people, and it is imperative that we appreciate this. 

Widjabul Country is steeped in the tradition of Ngathang Garr, ancestral beings whose movements, travels and events are etched in the landscape and rivers of this ancient land. The Wilsons River that runs through the heart of Lismore is the lifeblood of Widjabul Country, supporting ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years. The river is sacred to the Widjabul, who view it as an old friend, always there in times of need with sources of nourishment to feed and look after the people. Through this relationship, the river is seen as an important gathering place where shared learning takes place. May we never forget the significance of this relationship.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the members of the Community Forum for their service to the College. On Monday evening, the leadership team changed hands. Thanks to Kara Parrish for chairing this new group over the past year. Her passion for the College, care of all members and encouragement of new members has been outstanding. We also appreciated her sense of humour. Thanks to Emma Cronin, Treasurer, whose organisational skills and dedication to ensuring all meetings function to a high level were valued. Grant Stewart has been a dedicated Secretary, and we thank him for assuming the position of Chair moving forward. Grant brings a wealth of experience to the role. A sincere thank you to our incoming team of Rebecca Blakeney, Secretary, and Megan Thorpe, Treasurer. We appreciate the time parents give to ensure that this partnership at the College is authentic and focused on the needs of our families. The gift of time is something that cannot be repaid. All parents are welcome to attend these meetings. 

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Principal

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Hello Woodlawn Community,
As we begin Term 2 of the 2025 school year, I offer a warm welcome back to everyone. I trust this period brings fresh motivation and passion for education and development.

Recognition of Academic Excellence:

Recently, we hosted a special Academic Assembly to celebrate the remarkable abilities and accomplishments of our students. It was a delightful gathering where we acknowledged exceptional performance in a variety of assessments across multiple Key Learning Areas. A notable moment was the affirmation of the Eagle Award nominees and winners, a distinction from the Parent Forum recognising academic excellence. I'm pleased to congratulate Dilansa Welikadage (Year 8) and Joshua Salisbury (Year 11) as the worthy recipients of this honour.

Dilansa achieved perfect scores in her Term 1 Mathematics Assessment Task. She created an outstanding reference document demonstrating her comprehensive grasp of the units studied. Dilansa is also acknowledged for her exceptional contribution to the Night of the Notables History Assignment. Her chosen historical figure was Hypatia of Alexandria, and her submission included a remarkable hand-crafted children's story, a comprehensive poster, and an impressive costume and exhibition.

Joshua earned full credit for his first assessment task in Modern History covering the American Civil War and the Meiji Restoration. His answers were refined and extremely thorough, showing strong capability to incorporate and examine sources effectively. It was impressive how much content he produced within the allocated timeframe.

Assessment Years 7-12:

To support our students with their assessment preparations, we maintain dedicated Assessment Hubs on Google Classroom for Years 7-10. Here, you'll discover assessment schedules, task notifications, and study guides. All students have received invitations to join, and we kindly ask families to ensure their children can utilise these resources. Additionally, please note that for assessments occurring during the examination periods listed below, a separate schedule will be provided as the date approaches. Term 2 Assessment Calendars have been added to these Assessment Hub Google Classrooms. Years 11 and 12 Assessment Calendars have been emailed to Students and Families to support their preparations for Term 2.

Term 2 Examination Periods:

• Year 8 and Year 10 - Week 6 
• Year 7 and Year 9 - Week 7

Monday Afternoon Study Support:

Every Monday afternoon in the Library, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., teachers are available to assist students with assignments, assessments, and examination preparation. All students are invited to utilise this support session at any time. No reservation is necessary; simply arrive. Students must be picked up by parents at 4:30 p.m.

ICAS

Within our school population, certain students exhibit exceptional commitment and scholarly talent. They merit recognition, and this year we're providing an opportunity to showcase and celebrate their abilities in the prestigious ICAS competition.

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online academic contest that gives students the chance to test their advanced thinking and problem-solving abilities in English, Mathematics, Science, and Writing.

ICAS results are comprehensive and significant, and ICAS evaluates student performance compared to other participants across the state and nation. The information reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can assist you in supporting your child's educational journey.

Parent payments will be processed through the online portal accessible via this link. The parent code will be MDM956.

Year 9 Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews:

We extend an invitation for you to participate in the Year 9 Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews to discuss your child's academic progress in 2025. Staff will be accessible on Wednesday, 21 May, from 3:30 pm until 8:00 pm.

Scheduling for these interviews will commence on Tuesday morning, 13 May, and remain open until Tuesday, 20 May, at 3:30 pm.

To utilise the interview booking system once it becomes active (labelled 'Conferences' in Compass), please follow these directions:

• If using the mobile application, you may notice an alert on your dashboard. Alternatively, navigate by selecting the 'More' option in the navigation panel at the screen's bottom, then choose 'Conferences' from the menu options and adhere to the provided instructions.
• If using the web version of Compass, locate and click the Parent-Teacher conference tile from your dashboard.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we aim to improve the educational experience for your children at Woodlawn.

Matt Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Message from the Assistant Principal -Mission

Welcome to Term Two - one that is filled with exciting opportunities both in terms of curriculum offerings and extracurricular activities. 

The Jubilee Year has its roots in the Old Testament, where every 50 years, debts were forgiven and slaves were freed – a chance for a fresh start. The Catholic Church adopted this idea, creating its own version typically every 25 years. It's a special period dedicated to spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with God. A Jubilee Year offers everyone, regardless of background, an opportunity for reflection, hope, and perhaps even a personal discovery.

This year is the Year of Hope. We all need hope, that little spark that keeps us going even when things are tough. A "pilgrim" is someone on a journey, and this Jubilee reminds us that we're all on a journey through life. We're all searching for meaning and connection. "Pilgrims of Hope" means we’re on that journey together, supporting each other and looking towards a brighter future. 

Our college fundraising focus this term is the St Vincent de Paul Society. Vincent de Paul was primarily recognised for his charity and compassion for the poor, and thus the SVDP Society is focused on helping those in need. Jesus calls us to care for those in need, "For when I was hungry you gave me food..." (Matthew 25:35) so that the dignity of the human person can be sustained. Through our efforts, we aim to be inclusive and provide hope to those in need.

This term, our St Vincent de Paul team will be coordinating our Winter Appeal and will be asking for donations of winter clothing and blankets for members of our local community in need. We will also be having our annual Winter Sleepout on June 5, which will also raise funds for the society.

Our Caritas appeal in Term 1 had a focus on our Hearts For Hope campaign. Thanks to the generous donations of our students, both through the purchase of hearts in Home Groups and a gold coin donation for a casual clothes day, we were able to raise $4,156.00 for Caritas. Care for the poor and marginalised is at the heart of Catholic social teaching.

Tell Them From Me 

Next week, students, teachers and parents will be invited to provide feedback on their experience of our College using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The confidential information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing. 

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. On Monday, you will receive your link to the survey, which will be open until Friday, 30 May.

Council of Catholic School Parents

The parent volunteers on the Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) provide leadership, advocacy and support to all parents and carers of students in Catholic schools in dioceses in NSW and the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn, and represent their interests at state and national level. The members of the Council aim to support parents and carers to build communities of faith and hope. 

They have organised a range of free webinars during Term 2, on a range of topics that may be of interest. Please see the attached flyer below for details.

Mother’s Day      

As Mother's Day approaches this Sunday, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in the lives of our students. Whether you help with last minute homework, drive children to and from training sessions, games and work, provide guidance through life's challenges, or simply offer unconditional love and support, your support is immeasurable.

Catholics reflect on Mary during the month of May. As a Marist community, we honour Mary and appreciate the joy, compassion, humility and service she demonstrated as the mother of Jesus, and we aim to replicate these qualities in our lives.

Segrief House Breakfast  

Save the date: our Segrief House Breakfast is going to be held on Friday, May 23. All families are invited to join us for breakfast between 7.30am and 8.30am to meet House Patrons, Home Group teachers and members of our Segrief community. Please RSVP to the invitation sent via Compass earlier this week. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 6626 2627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Thank you,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Pastoral Care News

Welcome back to Term 2! I’m sure the sport and mowing-cancelling rain has seen the start of a new school term welcomed with open arms in many households. Indeed, we are excited to welcome our students back to a term with so much on offer and so many ways to shine!

Year 7 Police Presentation

On Tuesday, 6 May, our Year 7 students welcomed Constable Kayla Smith, Acting Youth Engagement Officer and Jordan Jenkins & Kandice Bolt, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers from the Richmond LAC Police. We are so grateful for the continued support of our local Police in educating our young people on the world they face today.

Students enjoyed a presentation called ‘Think U Know’, which provides information on the practices, laws and consequences associated with engaging in the digital world through social media. 

This presentation complements our efforts to support positive student engagement in the online world through our PDHPE syllabus, Pastoral Care Program and other external presenters. Year 7 parents are encouraged to discuss the presentation with their children.

High Expectations of High Standards

With a new term and a new (winter) uniform, it is pertinent that we start well by ensuring that our standards of personal presentation and uniform are high. We have a proud tradition at Woodlawn of wearing our crest with pride.

On Monday, 5 May, at our Assembly, I addressed the College with respect to this. In making a request for our students to take pride in our College uniform, I invoked the history and proud traditions of Woodlawn. I mentioned the history of our College as a boarding school where students not only learned, but also lived. Their school was also their home. In a way, as the current crop of the Woodlawn community, our high standards of dress and personal presentation give a nod to the proud tradition and great reputation we hold in the wider community.

I want to offer my sincere thanks to students, staff and parents for the way that the uniform has been worn this week. I have witnessed many respectful conversations between staff and students, challenging any issues with the uniform. Done in this way, this only serves to make our community stronger.

We have also introduced a new method of partnership to inform parents when there are issues with uniform and personal presentation to address. Our staff, having addressed a concern with students, will then add this into Compass in a ‘Non-compliant Uniform or Personal Presentation’ chronicle. After this, I will read about the issue presented and approve the chronicle, which will send an email to parents to inform them of the issue at hand.

Our desire with this process is to simply inform you of what conversations are being had with your child/ren at school about these issues. It is greatly appreciated if a conversation could be had at home to support us in ensuring that our standards in the College are maintained on this front.

Year 8 Camp

Year 8 Parents and Carers will have received notification through Compass of the upcoming Year 8 Camp. I wish to thank Mr Luke Collings and members of our administration team for the work in getting the camp organised thus far.

Students will hear plenty of information in the coming weeks, and we look forward to the 2025 iteration of this absolute highlight of the calendar! Watch this space for more on the Year 8 Camp.

As always, if you have any questions or issues you wish addressed, please don’t hesitate to contact me at nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Warm regards,

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

Counselling Corner

Teen Sleep: More Than Just a Lie-In

If you've ever wondered why your teenager seems physically unable to get out of bed before 10am on weekends, or why they're like zombies at breakfast on school days, you're not alone. Today, we’re talking about teen sleep—why it's crucial for their wellbeing, how it affects their functioning, and what we can do to help them get the rest they need.

The Science Behind Teen Sleep

Contrary to popular belief, teenagers aren't just being lazy when they sleep in. During adolescence, their body clocks (circadian rhythms) naturally shift, making them feel alert later at night and sleepy later in the morning. This biological change, called "sleep phase delay," can push their natural sleep time to 11pm or later.

At the same time, teenagers need more sleep than adults—about 8-10 hours nightly for optimal functioning. With early school start times, many teens accumulate significant "sleep debt" during the week, which they try to repay on weekends.

How Sleep Affects Your Teen

In the Classroom:

• Memory consolidation happens during sleep, directly affecting a student's ability to retain what they've learned
• Problem-solving abilities and creative thinking improve with adequate sleep
• Attention span and focus dramatically decrease when sleep-deprived
• Academic performance can drop by as much as a full letter grade when consistently short on sleep

Beyond the Classroom:

• Emotional regulation becomes challenging without enough sleep (explaining those dramatic reactions)
• Physical coordination and reaction time diminish, affecting sports performance and driving safety
• Immune function weakens, making them more susceptible to the many bugs circulating at school
• Mental health is significantly impacted—lack of sleep increases risk of anxiety and depression

Research from the 2023 Sleep Health Foundation study found that teens who were sleep-deprived were 38% more likely to report feeling sad or hopeless, and 23% more likely to admit to substance use. A similar study by Professor Mary Carskadon at Brown University confirmed these findings, demonstrating that sleep isn't a luxury—it's fundamental to their wellbeing.

Signs Your Teen Might Not Be Getting Enough Sleep

• Difficulty waking up for school most days (beyond the occasional Monday morning blues)
• Falling asleep during quiet activities like reading or watching television
• Becoming increasingly irritable or emotional, particularly in the afternoon
• Sleeping for extra-long periods on weekends (12+ hours)
• Increased caffeine consumption to stay alert
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering information

Practical Strategies for Better Sleep

Environment Matters:

• Keep bedrooms cool (18-22°C is ideal), dark, and quiet
• Remove screens from bedrooms—the blue light disrupts melatonin production
• Consider blackout curtains, especially during summer months when daylight extends into evening

Routines and Habits:

• Encourage a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends (within reason)
• Promote a wind-down routine: lower lights, relaxing activities, shower/bath
• Limit screens 1-2 hours before bedtime (a challenging but worthwhile battle)
• Avoid caffeine after midday and heavy meals close to bedtime

Supporting Overall Sleep Health:

• Encourage morning exposure to natural sunlight to help regulate their body clock
• Promote regular physical activity (but not right before bedtime)
• Create a household culture that values sleep—this might mean adjusting family schedules
• Model healthy sleep habits yourself (I know, easier said than done!)

When to Seek Help

While some sleep difficulties are normal during adolescence, persistent problems might require additional support. Consider speaking with your GP if your teen:

• Has ongoing difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Experiences excessive daytime sleepiness despite seemingly adequate sleep
• Snores loudly or seems to stop breathing during sleep
• Has symptoms that interfere with daily functioning for more than a few weeks

A Final Thought

In our achievement-oriented culture, sleep is often the first thing sacrificed in the pursuit of academic success, social connection, or sporting commitments. However, adequate sleep actually enhances performance in all these areas.

By supporting healthy sleep patterns, you're not just helping your teen function better now—you're helping them establish habits that will benefit their health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about your teen’s wellbeing. 

Rest well,

Christina, Susan and Jacqui
School Counsellors

Year Group News

A Day at University – Year 10 Students Explore Future Pathways at SCU

Last Friday, a group of enthusiastic Year 10 students had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of university students for a day at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. 

This experience was designed to give students a taste of tertiary life, and it certainly delivered.

Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on, interactive workshops across a diverse range of disciplines, including Nursing, Midwifery, Marine Science, Engineering and Sport Science. These sessions allowed students to explore potential career pathways and to engage directly with university-level learning in a practical and enjoyable way.

Beyond the workshops, our students had the chance to explore the university’s impressive campus facilities and speak with current students and academic staff. These conversations provided valuable insights into university life, including study expectations, course options, and what it’s like to transition from high school to higher education.

The day proved to be an eye-opening experience for many, sparking new interests and fuelling motivation for their future studies. A huge thank you to Southern Cross University for hosting such a dynamic event, and to our students for representing our school so positively.

As Year 10 students begin to consider their pathways post-school, experiences like this provide important exposure to the many opportunities available to them beyond the classroom. A big thank you to Mrs Parrish and Mr Cotgrove for accompanying Year 10 on the day. 

NSW School Vaccination Program 2025

Year 10 students – Tuesday 20th May

• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (1 dose).

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need:

• To complete online consent, parents/carers need to visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal (https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage).

• For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please refer to the NSW Health webpage, How to Provide Consent (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx)

 For online consent, parents/carers will need:

• their ServiceNSW log-in details, or to create an account with ServiceNSW if they don’t already have one 
• Medicare details for parents/carers and their child.

Benefits of online consent for parents/carers:

• SMS notification three days before the clinic to remind parents of the vaccination day • SMS notifications on the day once vaccinations are given 
• easy updating of their child’s details online 
• faster upload of their child’s vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Inside the Classroom

Upcoming Events in Humanities

Term 2 is a big term in HSIE with a number of events that students have elected to participate in. The Australian History and Geography Competitions will be occurring for students who opted in as well as the Year 11 Geography task. This is a great opportunity for students to check their skills and understanding of these core HSIE subjects and practise working under examination conditions.

On Sunday, a keen group of Year 10 historians will be heading to Sydney with Mrs Garcia and Mr Reen to attend three immersive days at the Jewish Museum. During this time, they will hear the experiences of Holocaust survivors as well as attending lectures and workshops to further enrich their understanding of the Jewish experience during WWII and beyond. This excursion is one of the highlights of the year for the Humanities Department.

Years 11 and 12 Legal Studies - Bond University Criminal Law Workshop & SCU Mock Trial Competition

Years 11 and 12 Legal Studies students attended a Bond University two-day workshop focusing on Criminal Law and Procedure at Emmanuel Anglican College in Ballina last week. It was a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the study of criminal law and gain practical insight into the exciting world of criminal law, including going to court, criminal offences, criminal defences, and the powers relied upon by police. The students worked in teams, acting as either the prosecution or the defence on a hypothetical case. Teams then had to prepare advice for the court that they delivered in a moot sentencing hearing.

A number of these students also took part in the Southern Cross University Mock Trial Competition on Thursday night. This was an incredible opportunity to step into the shoes of legal professionals and experience the courtroom. St John’s College acted as the prosecution against Trinity Catholic College in a case involving seld-defence. The students have been working on this case for four weeks and were successful in winning both their Moot Court and finishing equal first overall in the whole competition. Congratulations to Nicholas, Tom, Tobhiyah, Mia, Ella and Yoshi (pictured below with the Judges on the night).

Year 10PDHPE and 10PASS

Year 10PDHPE and 10PASS students recently took to the court for some lively modified netball matches as part of their units on Fundamental Movement Skills (10PASS) and Net and Court Games (10PDHPE). The friendly competition brought great energy, with students showcasing teamwork, agility, and growing confidence. It was especially encouraging to see many of the boys embracing and developing their skills in a sport that continues to grow in popularity among male athletes.

Chess

Friday was the second round of the New South Wales Junior Chess League (NSWJCL). In Round 2, Woodlawn was matched up against Mullumbimby High, who dominated Round 1 of the competition against Shearwater Steiner School.

The team consisted of Ben Davis (year 12) on Board 1 (playing with the black pieces), Lachlan O’Sullivan (Year 12) on Board 2 (playing with the white pieces), Jesse Davis (Year 7) on Board 3 (playing with the black pieces) and Gulliver Smith (Year 8) on Board 4 (playing with the white pieces).

Woodlawn won 3-1 with wins on Board 1, Board 3 and Board 4.

Ben Davis on Board 1 played against a really strong player, with the game taking 1 hour and 50 minutes, consisting of 108 moves (54 moves each). The game was very close for most of the match until Ben pulled away with some brilliant tactical moves to close the match.

Sports at Woodlawn

Due to copious amounts of rain throughout the beginning of our term, Woodlawn’s sport has been either cancelled or postponed due to wet weather conditions. Going into Week 3, we hope to see some sports get back on track. 

However, our new Elite Sports Program for Year 9 students commenced on 7 May. It was a momentous occasion, as it is the first time we have ever created a program like this at Woodlawn. 

The Elite Sports Program (ESP) aims to provide students with the ability to continue excelling in their chosen sport, whilst maintaining academic participation. The ESP includes elements such as strength and conditioning training, fitness testing, guest speakers, recovery, sport psychology, and many more. These activities will be crafted based on the students' respective sports and provide them with valuable insights and tools to help them reach their full potential in their sports.

The students are involved in the program whilst their double period of sport is scheduled. We have amazing facilities here at Woodlawn and are making use of those, in addition to a partnership with ACE Performance Coffs Harbour. We will be working collaboratively with ACE, who cater for strength and conditioning, sports psychology and sports nutrition for student-athletes.

In addition, practical sessions will be held, where students will have the opportunity to undergo pre-testing and functional movement tests to identify areas that need improvement. Students will also receive individual programs tailored to their specific needs, as well as strength and conditioning sessions, fitness goal testing and recovery techniques relevant to their sport. 

Our Elite Sports Program aims to not only improve our students' physical abilities but also to cultivate leadership skills and a sense of community within the school. We believe that this program will provide our students with the tools they need to excel in their sports and beyond.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

This week, the Library was a busy little creative hub, with students making cards for their mums, grandmothers, and other special women in their lives.

It was lovely to see students taking time to slow down, sit with friends, and make something meaningful by hand.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful women in our Woodlawn community.

The Library Team.

Community Parent Forum

 Race Day Cancellation & Upcoming Events

It is with great disappointment that we advise the cancellation of our Race Day event scheduled for this Saturday, 10 May. Despite our best hopes, the persistent and at times frustrating rain has meant it is not possible to proceed, and the Lismore Turf Club called it early this week. We were so looking forward to a day that would bring our parent community together, and it is a real shame that the weather had other plans.

However, we encourage you not to lose momentum, we have more opportunities to connect. Please join us for our upcoming Parents & Carers Catch-Up at the Northern Rivers Hotel on Thursday, 5 June. It promises to be a relaxed and friendly evening, and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. Your involvement helps keep our parent body vibrant and supportive.

AGM News

This week saw our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday evening, 5 May. During the meeting, both Emma Cronin and I stepped down from our roles on the Forum. We are delighted to announce the new SJCWSCF Executive:

• President – Grant Stewart
  
• Secretary – Rebecca Blakeney
  
• Treasurer – Megan Thorpe
  

We extend our sincere congratulations to Grant, Rebecca, and Megan and thank them for stepping into these important roles.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Emma, Grant, and all the Forum members for their incredible support and collaboration over my time on the committee. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and I wish the new team every success as they continue to build on this important work.

Lastly, please note that our next SJCWSCF meeting will be held Week 8 of Term 2 – Monday, 16th June 2025 at 5:30pm in the Library. (This date has been adjusted due to the June long weekend falling in Week 7 which is our normal meeting week.)

Thank you again for your ongoing support of the Forum and our school community.

Warm regards,
Kara Parrish

Parent Information Hub

Photography Day - Week 5

School photography day is coming up on Thursday, May 29. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below.

Student Attendance

All students should be in attendance at school each day unless sick, attending necessary events (e.g. funeral, medical appointment etc) which cannot be scheduled outside school hours. All attendance should be submitted through your Compass App.

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.
Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General.

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.

Late Arrival/Early Departure

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

Early Departure
Click on the Plus Button on your Compass App, click on Attendance Note, 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
Click on the Plus Button on your Compass App click on Attendance Note, 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 as cars and buses use this area.

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

A reminder to parents, if you wish your child to be allowed paracetamol while at school in 2025, please consent using the INSIGHT on your Compass App. 

If your student presents to sick bay requesting paracetamol and the consent has not been completed via the Compass App you will receive a phone call each time.

Canteen Ordering

● Orders can be made via Flexischools. Orders need to be in by 9:00 am.
● Orders can also be placed via the brown paper bags, which are available near the canteen microwaves. These need to be placed in the box in the canteen by recess.

Create a Flexischools Account here: www.flexischools.com.au

Uniform Shop

The Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms. To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store. 

Uniform Shop Opening Hours (School Term):
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 (School Term):
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre 

Community Notices