Week 8 Term 4 2021
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Our Year 12 students move into the final week of their HSC Exams and as a community we can be very proud of the way our Seniors have conducted themselves over the past three weeks. Many of these students have already completed their Exams and now look forward to their Graduation and Formal in early December.
As we now move towards the ‘business end’ of the school year, it is important that all students remain appropriately engaged in both their studies and conduct throughout these final weeks of term. We appreciate the support all families give us in this space and look forward to more of the same.
Our annual Awards and Prize-Giving Ceremony will look a little different again this year. As we are still unable to mix cohorts, on Tuesday, 14 December, each of Years 7 - 11 will have their own ceremony which will run for one period throughout the day.
As you would be well aware from various media reports, COVID-19 restrictions change regularly. Put simply, if your child has cold or flu symptoms, please follow the health advice, get tested and stay at home while unwell. Students who are unwell and attend school will be sent home with the request to get tested. We appreciate your support in keeping our community safe and healthy.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Ms Jane Farrugia and her family on the death of her father in Bathurst yesterday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and her family at this sad time.
Finally, as we face the upcoming Local Government elections, as this fortnight’s Reflection, I include the following short prayer for your perusal:
Prayer for Wise Governance
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the democracy alive in our country and for the freedom to worship You. Help the elected government and all in positions of power and authority to govern wisely and for the common good of all. Amen. (Harvey Barnes)
With best wishes for the fortnight ahead.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
‘LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME’ MATTHEW 19:14
We have been focusing on building community through the fostering of relationships during 2021. Our Catholic community is about connectivity and living the beliefs and values that align with our mission to live the good news of the Gospel. The Mission Team has chosen to explore Matthew’s Gospel with the staff this week. We participated in a number of activities that were designed to start conversation, share some joy and connect with each other. The ability to recognise our inner child and remember the curiosity, openness and humility that children possess was thought provoking and led to many hope filled conversations. This is a photo of our prayer wall for Week 8.
Our staff and students are actively engaged in serving the poor through a range of campaigns. Our St Vincent de Paul group are passionate about raising money to provide families in the local community with some necessities this Christmas. Over two million people across our nation live below the poverty line. Mother Teresa asks us to "see the poor to restore their humanity. They are not things, not garbage; they are people.” We are collecting money in Home Groups over the next two weeks for our local St Vincent de Paul Society. Each time a Home Group reaches $30 they receive a giving tree. Alternately, families can donate gift cards (these must be for food only). Click on the link to see their advertising campaign.
Over the next few weeks we have some opportunities for students to be involved in a range of programs. Mrs Wright is holding a scrunchies and munchies group over lunchtime, our Chess dynamos will be tutoring Chess enthusiasts and our Brotherhood and Sisterhood groups will be meeting regularly.
Youth Group is an opportunity to develop a sense of belonging. Our Youth Ministry Team openly share their faith, enthusiasm for life and care with our students daily and through the weekend youth group. All students are welcome to join the Youth Group and celebrate Christmas - a season for reflection and hope.
A sense of belonging is a basic human need. We are committed to fostering this through our spirituality, our relationships and our collective message of hope.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
Ministry Matters
O Come Let Us Adore Him!
This weekend sees the beginning of the celebration of the Advent season. During this time, we celebrate and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. The word ‘Advent’ prescribes a period of waiting or preparation for an arrival and holds the ultimate significance in the Catholic faith as we await the joy that manifests in Christ.
We are reminded of the humble example of Christ, who was born a baby and lived as a member of his community, spreading a message of love and doing the will of God throughout the world. We are reminded of the sacrifice of the crucifixion and resurrection for our salvation.
At times, it can be difficult to maintain a focus on what truly matters during the season of Advent. We are called to quieten our hearts and come to a peaceful clarity in our desires during a busy holiday season. All too often, it is easy to get swept up in the busyness of life and lose the true meaning of Christmas. To assist in preparing for Christmas during the Advent season, you could consider bringing the following intentions into your prayer life:
- Pray for attentiveness to that which really matters, without holding to disordered attachments;
- Pray for the ability to truly rest and enjoy the presence of God in your life;
- Pray for peace;
- Pray for joy;
- Pray for the love of the risen Christ to fill your hearts and homes this Advent season.
Christian Meditation
On Tuesday afternoon, the College teaching staff met for a twilight professional development session in which Christian Meditation featured. It was a good opportunity for staff to consider how this practice might be nurtured within our Home Groups moving forward.
It was pleasing to hear the enthusiasm from staff when informed of our desire to introduce Christian Meditation into Home Groups and I look forward to being able to talk with many of our students about their experience of this beautiful form of prayer in the near future.
Catch The Wave 2021
Finally(!!), we have planned an in-house student faith formation activity that (fingers crossed) will go ahead in 2021. On Monday, 29 November, members of the Year 9 Ministry class will participate in the ‘Catch the Wave’ retreat here at the College.
The students are incredibly excited about this opportunity and what it means for their faith life and future opportunities for ministry work throughout the diocese. By participating in this program, students are formed to be able to lead retreats for primary school students and this is often a lasting highlight for members of our senior ministry team when they graduate from the College.
I look forward to sharing some images and reflections from the day in our next Newsletter.
Shine Unplugged - 2021
Equally as exciting for the Year 9 Ministry class is the Shine Unplugged day that will take place on Tuesday, 7 December. As mentioned in previous correspondence, the Lismore CSO SEACS staff have worked tirelessly to create this program for our Ministry students who have not been able to participate in the usual events due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This day offers a great opportunity for these students to remove themselves from their daily life and quieten their heart to be more in touch with Jesus Christ. It will be a welcome opportunity for the students involved in what has been a particularly disordered year full of challenge, change and uncertainty.
As always, my heartfelt thanks goes to our wonderful Youth Ministry Officers: Emerson, Natasha and Jacob, for their tireless work in making this day memorable and enjoyable for our students.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions around formation and discipleship opportunities for students or families. I am always willing to help in any way I can.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It is now officially one month until Christmas with just under three weeks left of school. Some of the students are in a daily countdown mode and as of today, they are telling me they have thirteen days until the holidays. During these thirteen days it is essential that they maintain their focus for the remainder of the year.
Each of the year groups has been spoken to about the importance of maintaining standards - both in the classroom and the playground. Respect is a key element in this. Students should show respect for staff and students in all they do. If they are able to do this then we should finish the year on a positive note.
Year 11 students attended a virtual RRISK Day (Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge) on November 15 - 17 developed by the Northern NSW Local Health District. This program has been running for twenty years and is usually a one day event held at SCU. RRISK assumes that risky behaviours do occur in relation to socialising, partying and driving, and teaches students strategies to plan ahead, reduce risk and manage tricky situations. The focus of the days are around educating our young people about drug awareness, road safety education and car safety. If you haven’t already done so, ask your child what they learnt about keeping themself safe - they should have much to tell you.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me: fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.
Stay well,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
Careers Update
Week 8 Term 4 Careers Update 2021
Careers Update
In this fortnight’s Careers Update there is a range of information regarding UAC’s upcoming webinars, ACU Design and Technology course options, how TAFE courses can get you credit into a University course, this weekend’s Defence Open Day at Lismore Barracks, Carlton College of Sport and more.
Click on this link for the full Careers Update.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Positions Vacant
Headroom Hair - Hairdressing Apprenticeship from 2022
Headroom Hair is a well established local business with locations in Ballina and Lennox Head. If you are interested in a hairdressing apprenticeship, please contact Abbey on 6686 3111.
Service NSW Traineeships
As part of the Recovery NSW initiative, HVTC and Service NSW are offering traineeship opportunities across various locations in NSW.
Please see attached flyer for more information on these traineeships and the position locations.
If you have any interested candidates, please visit https://careers.hvtc.com.au to view our current vacancies and submit an application – you can search by location to find the vacancy nearest you.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 1800 247 864.
Please see the attached Flyer for more details.
MICROSOFT TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM - VARIOUS LOCATIONS SYDNEY
- Kickstart your IT career with the Microsoft Traineeship Program
- Certificate IV in IT with integrated Microsoft Azure Certifications
- The program enables pathways into a range of IT careers
- Various host employers throughout SYD Metro area
- 24 months of working and studying whilst getting paid
For more information on this role click here
or send your CV to yusefzara@megt.com.au your nominated recruiter.
Catholic Schools Parent Assembly
The Parent Assembly supports parents as they seek to improve their understanding of child development and parenting skills. Opportunities are provided for parents to enhance their knowledge and skills through seminars, topical workshops and expert guest speakers. Since its beginning in 1995, the Parent Assembly has provided parenting education opportunities for parents in the following areas:
- Prayer and family life
- Drug and alcohol education
- Christian personal development and human sexuality
- Cyber safety
- Bullying in schools
- Boys and girls education
- Parenting skills
- Nutrition
Sports News
Lismore Diocesan Touch Football Trials 2022
Nomination for positions to attend these trials are now being taken, with details as follows:
Date: Thursday, 3 March, 2022
Venue: Coffs Harbour Leisure Park
Age Groups: Under 15 and Open Male and Female
Start and finish time: 9am- 2pm (approx)
Cost to trial: $10pp paid to school
Canteen: No
Closing date for nominations: Tuesday, 15 February, 2022.
If selected to trial from applications, students will need to organise their own transport.
If you need further details please contact Mr Battese on 66262639.
Brian Battese
Sports Coordinator
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au
Uniform Supplier Changes
Uniform Supplier Changes
Many of you will be aware of the return of the uniform shop to the College, commencing next year.
We would like to thank SchoolLocker for five years of service to our community and of course families can continue to purchase other school supplies, musical instruments and technology from their stores in Ballina and at Southern Cross University. The last day of trading for Woodlawn uniforms is Tuesday, 30 November, 2021.
We are please to announce that P&C Uniforms will be taking over the supply of our uniforms from January 2022. P&C Uniforms is well a established company specialising in school apparel and enjoys preferred and valued supplier status with the Education Departments in both NSW and QLD. You find out more by visiting their website at https://www.pcuniforms.com.au/
The on-campus shop will operate from the Colin Centre foyer. Leanne Copeland will be employed by P&C Uniforms to oversee operations. Leanne has been a member of the College Parents and Friends Association for many years, serving as Treasurer, Second Hand Uniform Shop Convenor and many other roles over the years. Leanne will be able to assist families with any uniform queries. Normal opening hours for the shop will be:
Mondays 8.00 am to 9.30 am and
Wednesdays 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Extended opening hours will be available in January and advised in next fortnight's Newsletter.
Online orders and pre-order will also be available.
A dedicated St John’s College, Woodlawn page will be available soon.
Incoming Year 7 students will need to purchase the updated summer shirt from the on-campus store. Based on initial supply availability, there is a maximum of two (2) shirts per student allowed.
Students in Years 8 to 12 are not eligible to purchase the new summer shirt until January, 2024 or earlier if existing shirt stocks are unavailable.
If you have any questions, please contact the College on 6626 2600.