Counselling Corner

Supporting Your Teen Through School Camp: Before, During, and After

School camps offer incredible opportunities for growth and independence, but even a three-day experience away from familiar routines can feel overwhelming for some students. As school counsellors, we've seen how the right preparation can make all the difference. Here's how to help your teen prepare emotionally and make the most of their camp experience.

Before Camp: Setting the Foundation

Acknowledge the Changes. Camp means disrupted sleep schedules, shared facilities, and constant social interaction. Rather than dismissing concerns with "you'll be fine," validate that these changes are challenging. Work together to develop practical strategies for common issues like homesickness, roommate conflicts, or feeling left out.

Discuss the Growth Zone. Help your teen understand that discomfort often signals growth. Camp activities are designed to be challenging – whether it's trying the flying fox, speaking up in a group discussion, or sleeping in a dorm with new people. Feeling uncomfortable in these moments means they're expanding their capabilities and pushing their boundaries in positive ways. Frame these challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles to avoid.

During Camp: Trust the Process.

Resist the urge to rescue your teen from every difficulty. Remember that camp staff are trained to support students through challenges, and working through problems independently builds resilience. 

After Camp: The Debrief.

Give Space First. Don't bombard returning campers with questions immediately. A simple "Welcome home, I missed you" works better than demanding instant details.

When They're Ready to Talk. Try open-ended questions like "What surprised you most?" or "Tell me about a time you felt proud of yourself." Listen for stories about pushing through discomfort or discovering new strengths. Many teens feel a bit flat after three days of constant activity, so acknowledge this adjustment and help them identify transferable skills they developed – like speaking up in groups or supporting friends – that apply to school and future challenges.

When You Have Concerns.

If you or your teen have significant worries about camp – whether related to mental health, medical needs, social anxieties, or past experiences – reaching out to the school counselling team can help. We're the perfect place to discuss any concerns and we can work together to develop specific support strategies to keep your teen safe and help them succeed.

The Bigger Picture.

School camps provide a safe environment to take risks and build independence. The temporary discomfort of stepping outside comfort zones often leads to lasting confidence and resilience. 

Christina, Susan & Jacqui

Year Group News

Year 10 Movement Composition Performances
Final Preparations Underway

Final preparation is underway for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the Woodlawn calendar …the Year 10 PDHPE Movement Composition Performances.

On Wednesday, Week 7 (3 September 2025), our Year 10 students will take to the stage in the PAC to perform their original, creative movement routines as part of their PDHPE assessment. This performance is the result of weeks of planning, rehearsals, and collaboration, and promises to be a colourful, high-energy showcase of creativity, teamwork, and performance skills.

This year’s routines are based on a fantastic range of themes, including:

• Cops and Robbers
• Minions
• Mafia
• Kung Fu Panda
• Black Tie
• Teletubbies
• Trolls
• Glow Party
• Shrek
• Alvin and the Chipmunks
• Britney Spears
• 2000's Pop Icons
• Party in the USA
• Ninja Turtles
• Toy Story
• Bananas in Pyjamas
• Bondi Rescue
• 2000's Glow in the Dark
• Grease

Students have been encouraged to use costumes, music, and props to bring their chosen theme to life, and we look forward to seeing the results.

• Date: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
• Venue: PAC (Performing Arts Centre)
• Audience: Year 10 cohort and staff

The countdown is on for what promises to be a memorable and entertaining afternoon.

Inside the Classroom

Our Junior students have been busy completing their reference sheets to help them study for their forthcoming tasks.

All of our Year 11 Mathematics students are well into their preparations for their Year 11 Examinations, which occur over the next couple of weeks. Good luck to everyone.

Maths Challenge Program

A group of students took part in the Maths Challenge, a program run as part of the Australian Mathematics Competition. Over 3–4 weeks, students worked in small groups to tackle unique maths problems designed to extend their problem-solving skills.

The program encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. We acknowledge all students for their participation and commitment to this engaging learning experience.

Year 9 Geography - Shaws Bay Excursion and Assessment 

On Wednesday, 27 August, Year 9 Geography students completed mandatory fieldwork at Shaws Bay in Ballina. Whilst it was a fun day out in the sun, this trip was also an integral assessment for Stage 5 Geography, which allowed students to make observations on coastal landforms and their management, a key focus for the Term 3 unit of study ‘Environmental Change and Management’. The completion of this fieldwork is also a mandatory element of the Stage 5 Geography course. On Tuesday, 26 August, before the fieldwork, students attended a presentation by the Ballina Shire Council at the College, which outlined the current and future projects within the Shaws Bay area and their impact on residents and businesses. This valuable information could then be used to inform their observations made at the Bay. 

The day consisted of three ‘stations’, which saw students and their teachers rotate around Shaws Bay, observing the coastal landforms at the site, including the headland at Ballina Head Lookout, sand dunes, Lighthouse Beach, spits, and sandbars. Students were then asked to consider the stakeholders of these landforms and how they are impacted by ongoing natural processes such as erosion, deposition and longshore drift. 

The day was enjoyed by all and proved to be a valuable learning experience, which enabled our students to apply their knowledge of coastal landforms and management to the real world. We hope to continue this experience for all future students at the College. 

Year 10 Holocaust History Research Task

As part of their History studies, Year 10 students recently completed a Holocaust Assessment Task focused on remembrance and commemoration. Students were given a choice of project styles, including producing a video of survivors’ stories, designing a memorial, writing a film review, building a model or diorama (physical or virtual), or creating a detailed timeline aligning the experiences of survivor Eddie Jaku with Nazi policies.

The results were remarkable, with students demonstrating both creativity and deep respect for the subject matter. Their projects, some of which are shown in the photographs, reflected a strong understanding of the importance of remembering the Holocaust.

Alongside their projects, students also wrote a personal reflection, considering how their chosen task helped them gain a deeper appreciation of survivors’ experiences and the ongoing significance of commemoration.

Year 12 Community and Family Studies (CAFS)

It’s always nice for students to put down their regular tools of pen and paper, and pick up others that promote creativity and collaboration. The Year 12 CAFS class created vibrant posters illustrating the concept of a productive community. Through this activity, students explored the many ways technology positively influences communities, improving communication, supporting education, enhancing healthcare access, and fostering social inclusion. The posters reflected their understanding of how technology acts as a powerful tool to connect people, increase opportunity, and promote wellbeing within diverse community settings. This hands-on project encouraged students to think critically about the social impact of technology while expressing their insights visually and collaboratively.

Year 7 Agriculture and Food Production - Hatching Chickens

Our Year 7 Agriculture and Food Production students have been busy this term learning about the fascinating journey of food production, beginning with one of the most important sources of protein in the world, poultry.

As part of their unit of work, students have taken on the responsibility of hatching chickens right here at school. Using incubators, they are carefully monitoring temperature and humidity levels to ensure the best environment for the eggs to develop. This hands-on experience not only builds students’ understanding of the life cycle and animal husbandry but also helps them develop practical skills in responsibility, observation, and care.

The excitement has been building as students eagerly watch for the first signs of chicks emerging from their shells. Once hatched, the chicks will continue to be cared for in class, providing students with ongoing opportunities to learn about nutrition, animal welfare, and the role chickens play in sustainable food production.

This project has sparked wonderful discussions in the classroom about where our food comes from and the importance of ethical farming practices. It has also been a highlight for students, giving them the chance to connect classroom learning with real-life agricultural processes.

We look forward to seeing the chicks grow over the coming weeks and to continuing our exploration of food production in action!

Year 8 Digital Technologies

Our Year 8 Digital Technologies students have been busy developing their design skills using Fusion 360, a professional 3D modelling program. As part of their learning, students designed their own unique cookie cutters, which were then brought to life using our 3D printers. To finish the project on a sweet note, the class tested their creations by baking and enjoying cookies together in their final lesson.

Well done to all students. Fantastic creativity and innovation were showcased through this project.

Year 7 Engineering

The last couple of weeks have been exciting for students learning about Laser cutting materials and working in small groups to create modelled Theme Park rides. Students have demonstrated their ability to draw, set up, and use the laser cutter themselves to create their pieces before assembling them.

Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber

Students are busily trying to complete their projects and portfolios ready for submission in the coming weeks.

A few students' projects are complete and look impressive. Students are to be commended for their motivation, resilience and commitment to enhancing their skills and challenging their ability, which should put them in great stead for designing and developing their major HSC pieces beginning next term.

Parent Information Hub

Canteen Ordering

● Flexischools, by 9:00 am
● Brown Paper Bag: available near the canteen microwaves, by recess.

How to Use Flexischools for Canteen Orders

1. Create a Flexischools Account

   • Visit www.flexischools.com.au

   • Click “Register” and follow the prompts to create your parent account.

2. Add Your Student

   • Once logged in, go to “Students” or “Add a Student”

   • Enter your child’s name, school name, year group, and class

   • Enter your child’s student ID number

   • Save your student profile.

3. Top Up Your Account

   • Go to “My Wallet” or “Top Up”

   • Choose your preferred payment method and add funds to your account.

4. Place a Canteen Order (order cut-off time of 9.00am)

• Select your student

• Choose the canteen and date

• Pick items from the menu and place the order

• Confirm and pay at checkout.

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 Parent Forum

Message from the Principal

This term, we have the honour of announcing the student leaders who have been selected to advocate for our students and to be the voice of their peers. Following an extraordinary leadership day facilitated by Damon Joseph from Character Builders. We began the formal process of selecting College leaders. The process included:

• A written application
• Delivery of a formal speech (for SRC positions)
• The creation of videos for (House leaders)
• A formal interview 
• Voting by students and staff

Over two days, Miss Green, Mr Jones, Mr Andrews, Sister Dee, and I interviewed 45 members of the cohort. Each candidate demonstrated exceptional levels of commitment, a clear understanding of the Woodlawn Way and a genuine desire to represent with integrity and authenticity. Please meet the team.

This is also an opportunity to express our gratitude for the current leadership team. Their voices have echoed student concerns, ideas, and affirmations throughout the year. Their final project is a canteen review. The link is below to the survey if you would like to take a few minutes to share your understanding about how the canteen functions and make some suggestions that we could consider going forward. All viewpoints are appreciated. 

The celebration of all things St John was a testament of the capacity of our College to come together and connect in many ways. Thankfully, the sun shone on the many smiling faces of enthusiastic staff and students. The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, where our College Chaplain, Father Philip, reminded us of the significance of St John in the life of Jesus and the lasting messages of love and hope. The day unfolded with a range of activities, Eat the Street, bands and the grand finale Staff vs Students soccer match. The photos say it all.

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We extend our thanks to the Parent Forum for sponsoring Kirra Pendergast, formerly of ‘Safe on Social’. This widely published, free event was open to all families, and it was heartening to see so many people attend this timely and relevant opportunity. The key takeaways were:

• Know your child and the range of apps and activities they are linked with.
• Don’t be afraid to be the gatekeeper to ensure they are safe online.
• Despite the rate of change, it is essential that everyone communicates openly to ensure data is not transferable.
• View the school as a partnership that can assist with families.
• The eSafety Commissioner is a ‘go-to’ point of call if you have any issues with online behaviour.

I have included the information sheet for further details.

Please come and meet with the Parent Community Forum on Monday night at 5:30pm in the library. This group of wonderful parents are keen to grow the organisation and hear your voices. The power of a strong partnership between parents and the College cannot be overstated. We truly view education in this way.

Finally, a word of gratitude for our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure the College can offer so many opportunities to our students. 

Looking forward to many celebrations with our Year 12s and families as the term draws to a close.

Kind regards

Annette Reen
Principal 2025

Pastoral Care News

How the first half of Term 3 has flown.

Woodlawn continues to be a remarkably busy and engaging community. I wish to start this week by offering my thanks to our Parents, Carers and Teachers for ensuring that our young people can participate in all the wonderful extracurricular activities on offer in the College. Without the work and support of Staff, Parents & Carers, these would not happen!

Ctrl Shft Presentation: What You Need to Know Now

On Tuesday, 26 August, the Parent Assembly co-hosted Kirra Prendergast from Ctrl Shft to deliver an incredibly informative and engaging presentation on the nature of the world in which our young people are growing up.

Kirra’s delivery is always a great mix of hard-hitting and entertaining. She left us with some great messages for all families:

• Create a safe space at home for your children to feel as though they can discuss anything with you
• All problems online are fixable if young people share their concerns with trusted adults
• The Under 16 years Social Media Ban is coming into effect in December and will result in changes to the way we all use social media. Help them by preparing now for what this might look like.
  

To underscore these points, here are some messages from two of our College’s parents who attended on the night:

“Kirra was an incredible and insightful guest speaker. Direct, to the point and at times confronting, but delivering exactly what we as parents of teenagers need to hear in order to hold a safe space and guide our kids through the ever changing world of social media.

With the new social media laws coming into effect at the end of the year, the information Kirra shared has sparked valuable conversations in my family about what these changes will mean and how we can best navigate them.

Big thanks to Woodlawn and the Parents Assembly for putting the night together.”

“After listening to Kirra Pendergast’s talk, I walked away feeling much more confident in how to handle online safety issues that may arise, and where to begin if any problems do arise. It was definitely hard and confronting at times to listen to, as a parent of teenagers, but unfortunately, it is our reality. With the upcoming changes to legislation in December, as a parent, she made me feel more confident that the government was trying to support us. One of the most important takeaways for me was the emphasis on keeping the lines of communication open with our children. Creating a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable coming to us with their problems, knowing that there is always a solution and they won’t always just be “in trouble" for their actions. Kirra’s insights really reinforced how powerful that can be in keeping them safe online.

Big thanks to Woodlawn and the Parent Assembly!”

Year 9 Camp

Next week, our Year 9 cohort heads off to Camp Kokoda for their trip of a lifetime! I look forward very much to hearing from staff and students alike about how they enjoyed their time there. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms Justine Kennedy for her organisation and all other staff attending for supporting our Year 9 group in this way.

As always, if there is any way that I can support you and your family, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

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

Sports at Woodlawn

Rugby Union

Alex Gibbon Cup 7s Champions

On 6 August, 20 Woodlawn girls travelled to the Stan Payne Ovals in Evans Head for the finals of the Alex Gibbon Cup 7s Champions. We had teams in the Under 14s and Under 16s divisions, with both achieving excellent results.

Under 16 Girls Team

Our Under 16 Girls Team had a fantastic day of competition, finishing at the top of their pool after strong wins over Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar and Emmanuel Anglican College. In the semi-final, the girls played confidently and defeated Trinity Catholic College to earn a place in the final.

Facing a skilled Ballina Coast High School team in the final, our girls were trailing by 10 points at halftime. Showing great determination and teamwork, they fought back in the second half with standout performances from Macy Field, Ruby Allen, Georgia Kennelly, and Olivia Weston. Their efforts paid off with a thrilling 12-10 victory.

Throughout the day, every player made valuable contributions, and the team continued to improve with each game.

Under 14 Girls Team

Our Under 14 Girls Team showed resilience and composure against tough competition, finishing first in their division. The girls had to compete against Trinity Catholic College in a super series of 3 games, with points earned for each win. The girls lost their first game, with a 24-7 loss, although they kept composed under the pressure.  This fueled the girls to push for success, and they came out of their second game with a 24-17 win. 

Their final game was the tiebreaker to determine the winner of the Under 14s Girls Alex Gibbon 7s Cup. The girls went out onto the field with drive and focus, and displayed amazing teamwork and skills, earning them their final win of 12-7 against Trinity. 

A special mention goes to Willow Fisiilose, who displayed incredible playing abilities whilst guiding some of the other girls. 

Both teams now move on to Sydney in September to compete at the next level. Congratulations once again, you’ve made Woodlawn proud.

Basketball

Diocesan Junior Basketball Competition

On 11-13 August, a group of 36 students, making up Years 7/8 and Years 9/10 Boys and Girls teams, travelled to Port Macquarie to compete in the annual Diocesan Junior Basketball Competition. 

Girls 7/8 Team

An incredible effort by our Years 7 and 8 Girls Basketball team! After a fantastic tournament, the team finished second in their round games, winning three of their four matches. This amazing performance earned them a spot in the semi-finals against St. John Paul College, Coffs Harbour.

The girls played with incredible teamwork and determination, leaving everything on the court. While they ultimately fell short to a very strong Coffs Harbour side, their sportsmanship and collective effort were a joy to watch. It was a truly memorable tournament and a wonderful display of talent and teamwork. 

Girls 9/10 Team

Our Years 9 and 10 Girls Basketball team showed incredible resilience and determination throughout their tournament. Facing a tough start on day one, they battled hard against strong teams from Xavier Catholic College and MacKillop College, Port Macquarie, who eventually went on to make the final.

Refusing to be discouraged, the girls came out fighting on day two. They delivered two convincing wins against St. Mary's Casino and Mount St. Patrick College, Murwillumbah, showcasing fantastic teamwork and skill. This strong finish earned them a respectable fifth place overall. The team’s impressive performance was highlighted by the outstanding leadership and guidance from McKenzie Olivieri and Allie Robinson. 

Boys 7/8 Team

After a challenging pool stage against MacKillop Port Macquarie, St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino, and Mount St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah, the boys showed great resilience and determination.

In the playoff for 7th place, they came out firing against St Joseph’s Banora, producing their best performance of the day to secure an exciting 67–57 win.

The boys displayed excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance throughout the tournament, finishing on a high, and representing the school with pride. A fantastic effort by our Years 7 and 8 Boys Basketball team!

Boys 9/10 Team

The boys' first game was an early one against Mount St Patrick's College, Murwillumbah. The squad wasted no time asserting their presence on the court, establishing an early lead, which we held for the remainder of the game, with strong defensive pressure and a fast-paced offence passing the ball up the court on fast breaks.

Our next opponent was St Mary's Casino. Again, the Woodlawn Squad quickly pushed out to a comfortable lead and demonstrated our depth, with all players contributing points on the board and dominating at both ends.

The boys' third game was against a formidable Mackillop squad. The team fought well, but were outrun and challenged by the full-court defensive pressure from the well-drilled Port Squad, and ultimately fell short by 20 points.

This placed us second in our Pool behind Mackillop. The semi-final was another tough encounter with St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour. Again, the boys fought hard, but were outsized by the Coffs team, falling short by 20 points.

The boys represented themselves and the College admirably. All players made valuable contributions, with special mention to Malekai Kubils for his tenacious rebounding and defensive presence around the basket and Maverick Johnston for his aggressive driving on offence. Congratulations to all squad members on their achievement.

Netball

Northern Diocesan Netball Championship:

On 19 August, a group of 74 students travelled to the Tweed Heads Netball courts to compete in the Northern Diocesan Netball Championship. There were 7/8 Girls A & B teams, 9/10 Girls A & B teams, and 11/12 Girls teams. There were also  7/8, 9/10, and 11/12 Boys Teams taken on the day. 

Girls 7/8 teams A & B

We took two Year 7/8 Girls' teams and, despite the cold weather, the girls had a great day of netball. Both teams showed excellent sportsmanship and fantastic teamwork skills. The Woodlawn A Team finished 5th and the Woodlawn B Team finished 6th overall.

Girls 9/10 Teams A & B

The 9/10 Girls team had a great day of netball. They showed leadership and resilience, facing some incredibly tough competition from Xavier Catholic College and Trinity Catholic College. The Woodlawn Red Team had a cracker of a minor semi-final to beat St. Mary’s Catholic College, finishing 3rd overall. 

The 9/10 Gold players showed excellent skill, teamwork, and determination at the carnival. They recorded confident wins, including strong victories over both the A and B teams from Mount St Patricks College. Along the way, they faced tough challenges against Trinity Catholic College, St Mary’s Casino, and fell just short in a close contest with St Joseph’s College, finishing 5th overall. What stood out most was their energy, positivity, and support for one another across the day. 

Every player made valuable contributions, and their resilience and spirit were a credit to the team. Well done, girls.

Girls 11/12 Team

The 11/12 Girls had an amazing day of Netball, despite the challenging teams and weather conditions that they faced. The Girls earned themselves 3 wins on the day, beating Xavier Catholic College twice and winning against Mount St Patrick’s College. The Girls concluded the day in 5th place, and were excellent in many aspects of the game, but the most being teamwork. The supportive plays and words shared on the court were truly admirable, and a display for younger years to look up to. 

Congratulations to all the Girls, well done.

Boys 7/8 Team

The boys had a great day, remaining undefeated until the grand final versus Mount St Patrick College, where they only went down by one point, leading them to finish second overall. All players made notable contributions to the team’s success; Hugh Bashforth and Kobi Preston with their wild basketball shots, great defensive skills by Harper Richardson, Dylan Dart, and Reid Simes, centre court stars being Henry Condon, Mason Campbell, Archie Sauer, and Jimmi Bradfield. The most improved on the day was Dylan Dart earning player of the match for the grand final game. Mention goes to Henry Condon once again, for his assistance all day in running the warm-ups and helping with team positions. Congratulations boys on your efforts.

Boys 9/10 Team

Our Year 9/10 Boys team put on a fantastic display of skill, determination, and sharp shooting throughout the Northern Diocesan Netball competition. The boys recorded strong wins against Trinity Catholic College, St Mary’s Casino, and McAuley College Grafton, battled hard for a draw with St Joseph's Banora Point, and went down in a tight contest against Mount St Patricks College. In the playoffs, they lifted once again to edge out Banora Point 7–5, securing a spot in the grand final. Despite a strong effort in the decider, the boys were outmatched by Trinity, finishing the day as runners-up. It was an excellent team performance across the board, with plenty of standout moments and relentless energy from start to finish. Well done, boys.

Boys 11/12 Team

The Year 11/12 Boys had a memorable day of netball despite playing in some cold and windy conditions. After winning only one pool game, the boys managed to finish third, putting us into a semi-final against SJC. This lifted the spirits of the boys and gave us some belief. Some standout performances from some senior players enabled us to get the semi-final win and head into the grand final against Trinity Catholic College. We started the grand final 2-0 up, but Trinity were too strong in the end and beat us 4-12.  Altogether, it was a strong team effort, filled with standout plays and unwavering energy. A fantastic display of determination and teamwork, well done.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

Woodlawn Students Rise to the Challenge - Write a Book in a Day

This week, 39 students from Years 7 to 10 participated in the Write a Book in a Day challenge, an inspiring nationwide project that combines creativity, teamwork, and community service. From 8am to 8pm on Tuesday, students worked in six teams to plan, write, and illustrate an entire 5,000 word story all within 12 hours.

Each team was given a set of quirky story “ingredients” to include in their tales. Characters ranged from filmmakers and pelicans to cartoonists, while settings stretched from Uluru and the Simpson Desert to a suburban grocery store. The challenge required every story to showcase a distinctly Australian identity, to entertain young readers across the country.

The energy in the library was infectious, as students worked together, showing remarkable creativity, dedication, and teamwork. All projects were completed well within the 12-hour time frame, a testament to their focus and enthusiasm. Year 10 student, Lila Pedley, said, “‘Write a Book in a Day' was a really fun, creative, eye-opening experience. I enjoyed illustrating as well as writing, and I think all of us really strengthened our teamwork, quick thinking and creative skills."

The finished stories will be published and donated to children’s hospitals throughout Australia. Some teams also opted to participate in the fundraising and competition components of the project, further supporting this meaningful cause.

A special thank you goes to the teachers involved, the Library Team staff, and student mentor Abdullah Rizwan, whose guidance and encouragement helped make the day a success. Students were also grateful for the many College staff members who dropped by to offer support throughout the marathon writing session.

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There’s still time to support this worthy initiative. Visit www.writeabookinaday.com to learn more and contribute. Woodlawn students should be proud, as their creativity and commitment have made a real difference in the lives of others.

For now, enjoy these front covers. The full novels will be published and available in the College library soon.

The Library Team.

Message from the Assistant Principal -Mission

St John’s Day

Today is St John’s Day.  This is our annual day of celebration of our namesake, John the Evangelist. St. John was one of the favoured apostles who witnessed first hand, many events in the life of Jesus, including his death.  He wrote about Jesus and shows us what it looks like to have a really close relationship with Jesus and to centre your whole life around love. 

The eagle became John's symbol in Christian art around the 4th-5th centuries and appears on church lecterns where the Gospel is read, connecting the symbol directly to the proclamation of God's word.

One of the significant and favourite hymns at Woodlawn is Eagles Wings. This is sung on special occasions, of which today is one. The words of one of the verses are:

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His Hand

The reference to eagle’s wings come from Exodus 19:4, “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself” and Deuteronomy 32:11, “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions.” Ornithologists have testified that this behaviour accurately describes how certain eagles teach their young to fly. In these flight lessons, eagles occasionally shove the nestlings out of the nest, then swoop down to catch them on their back or wings.

God works in a similar way in our lives. When we get too settled and comfortable in our faith, God might allow challenging situations that push us beyond what feels safe. During those moments when we feel like we're falling and don't know what will happen, God catches us and supports us through His love. These difficult experiences teach us to depend on Him more while helping us avoid spiritual complacency and grow stronger in our faith.

Today, we began our day with Mass followed by celebrations within our community. Year 12 have taken responsibility for the day, organising Home Group competitions, food stalls, fun activities and a staff v student sporting match. This is a fantastic community day where everyone comes together to not only celebrate St John but what it means to be a part of the Woodlawn family.

SHINE

Last week, we had 73 students and 4 staff attend the annual SHINE discipleship conference held at John Paul College, Coffs Harbour. This is a continuation of the diocesan discipleship program which reaches students in Years 4 - 12. SHINE is offered to Years 9 and 10 students, allowing those with a willingness to nurture their faith an opportunity for Christian fellowship and spiritual formation. With a continued focus on peer-to-peer ministry, the two-day event combines elements of praise and worship, inspiring keynote speakers, student testimonies, interactive workshops, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. This is a fantastic opportunity to gather in faith and friendship with young people from across the Diocese.

A special thank you to the staff who attended so that the students could have this opportunity. Thank you to Kallie Deegan, Eliza Blunn, Andrew Budnick and Brock Smith.

Digital Safety Forum Highlights Critical Online Risks for Children

On Tuesday evening, our Parent Assembly welcomed Kirra Pendergast from Ctrl/Shft, a digital safety organisation focused on protecting children online. Her presentation, "The Good, The Cringe, The Dangerous," provided parents with essential strategies for keeping children safe in digital spaces while preparing for potential online incidents.

Kirra emphasised that today's young people need two critical skills: algorithmic literacy (understanding how apps and platforms influence what they see) and privacy literacy (knowing how to protect personal information). These skills are fundamental for navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The evening included sobering statistics that underscored the urgency of digital safety education. According to Kirra, approximately 300 million children worldwide are affected by online child abuse material annually, highlighting why proactive digital safety measures are crucial for every family.

The presentation covered both preventive strategies parents can implement and response plans for when digital safety incidents occur. Parents learned practical tools for ongoing conversations with their children about online experiences and warning signs to watch for.

For families who couldn't attend, Kirra has generously provided access to her digital safety resources. These materials can help parents continue the conversation at home and implement the protective measures discussed during the evening.

This forum represents part of our school's commitment to supporting families in addressing the challenges of raising children in a digital world.

Father’s Day

Since our next newsletter will be published after Father's Day, I want to take this opportunity to extend warm wishes to all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our school community. Father figures come in many forms, and we appreciate all the men who contribute to nurturing and supporting our young people. I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day celebration with your families next weekend.

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Trial HSC Examinations - Year 12

Our Year 12 students have successfully completed their Trial HSC Examinations, which concluded on Monday, August 18. Throughout this demanding period, students demonstrated remarkable composure and commitment, with exemplary punctuality, concentration, and organisational skills.

The entire staff team celebrates their accomplishments and acknowledges the substantial effort invested in their academic pursuits.

As students move forward, they should maintain classroom engagement during the final weeks of their secondary school journey and focus on acting upon the comprehensive feedback they will receive from teachers regarding their Trial performance. This feedback will help them refine their preparation strategies and address areas requiring attention. Students who actively engage with this feedback will be well-positioned for success in their final HSC Examinations.

Both triumphs and challenges from the Trials provide valuable learning experiences. Students who embrace feedback with a balanced outlook and a clear action plan will continue their positive trajectory toward HSC goals.

Stage 5 Subject Selection - Years 8 & 9

This week marked an important milestone as Years 8 and 9 students commenced their subject selection process on Wednesday.

We extend our gratitude to Year 8 families who participated in the online Zoom session discussing the intricacies of subject choices. This represents an exciting juncture as students begin to craft their educational pathway based on their interests, abilities, and aspirations. Year 9 students, having navigated this process previously, should reference the information provided by Mrs Ryall to select their remaining 100-hour course for Year 10 study in 2026.

These selections will enable us to effectively plan our timetabling and staffing arrangements for Stages 5 and 6 courses in 2026. Students are reminded to consult the subject selection website distributed by Mrs Ryall. While the majority of students usually secure their first-choice electives, class size and staffing limitations mean that not all students can be accommodated in their preferred selections. The Learning and Teaching Team will be contacting students who have been allocated their second-choice electives to confirm their preferences in the coming weeks.

Year 11 2026 Subject Selections

Subject offerings for Year 11 2026 are currently being refined and will be finalised over the coming weeks. Final offers will be communicated to families at the earliest opportunity. We wish to emphasise that all subject offerings are contingent upon adequate student enrolment while operating within our budgetary and staffing parameters.

We commend the Year 10 cohort for their thoughtful and mature engagement throughout this selection process.

Year 11 Examinations

Year 11 students will undertake their end-of-course examinations commencing in Week 7 from Wednesday, September 3, continuing through to Wednesday, September 10 in Week 8. The examination timetables have been distributed to students.

Students should be well into their preparation, continuing both at school and at home, to review and consolidate their course materials and allocate specific study periods for each subject area. Students are strongly advised to consult with their subject teachers regarding optimal preparation strategies and key focus areas for their examinations.

Responsibility For Learning (RFL) Assessment Update

RFL 3 was finalised at the end of Week 4, with results now available from the Compass student portal report page. The RFL assessment provides comprehensive insights into student engagement within the classroom.

We encourage families to engage in meaningful discussions with their children regarding their progress in this RFL cycle and to cultivate constructive conversations that empower students to achieve their full potential. Historical RFL reports remain accessible through Compass on individual student profile pages under the reports section. This historical data allows students and families to track progress over time to assist with reflection and goal setting. Students may also reference the RFL criteria outlined in their student planners for personal reflection and goal-setting.

Thank you for your ongoing support and active involvement in your child's educational journey.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

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/early departures.

Early Departure
Click on the Plus Button on your Compass APP, click on Submit 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 8.55am need to enter via the Student Service Office.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
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.
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.

Community Notices

Inside the Classroom

Year 7 Mathematicians have been investigating and analysing sets of data recently. They took part in data Bingo, where they were asked to solve a range of interesting problems.

Our Year 7 HPL Mathematics students attempted to solve the number mazes, which proved quite challenging.

The Years 8, 9 and 10 HPL students took part in another Zoom lesson with Professor Jelena Schmalz from the University of New England. They looked at iterations and solved quadratic equations. A big thank you to Mrs Perry for all her help.

Exhibition of Culture in the PAC

Year 9

This term, our Year 9 students have begun engaging in a series of fitness tests as part of their preparation for their Term 3 Assessment Task. One of the key activities has been the Beep Test, which measures cardiorespiratory endurance. Students demonstrated great enthusiasm and determination as they challenged themselves to reach their personal best. These practical sessions not only support theoretical learning but also help students understand the components of fitness, track their progress, and set personal goals. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and commitment throughout the term.

Year 11 Agriculture

This week, Year 11 Agriculture students visited Paul and Sharon Weir’s property, Hiddenbank, as part of our Farm Case Study. Students had the opportunity to tour the dairy, explore the calf shed, go on a pasture walk, and learn about the technology used on the farm,  including a close look at the silage bunkers.

Thank you to Paul for generously welcoming us onto your property. His passion for dairying, innovation, and education was clear throughout the day and gave our students valuable insight into the realities of modern dairy farming.

Year 10 Cafe Skills

On July 29, several students from the Year 10 Cafe Skills class either competed in or served coffee at the North Coast Junior Barista Championship. This was held in conjunction with the North Coast Careers Expo at the Lismore Showgrounds.

Our coffee caravan was on site to serve coffee for the people attending the event. The milk and coffee were provided by North Coast Community College and Old Quarter Coffee Merchants. A gold coin donation for all hot drinks was given, with all the proceeds going to St Vincent de Paul. A total of $186 was raised. 

Two teams of our students competed on the day, with one of the teams placing third. Considering our students were the youngest competitors there, they performed exceptionally well overall. In addition, the students have worked extremely hard this year to serve our community at events such as house breakfasts and sports carnivals. They all deserve first place in my eyes. 

Mrs Tanya Pearson

Parent Information Hub

Canteen Ordering

● Flexischools, by 9:00 am
● Brown Paper Bag: available near the canteen microwaves, by recess.

How to Use Flexischools for Canteen Orders

1. Create a Flexischools Account

   • Visit www.flexischools.com.au

   • Click “Register” and follow the prompts to create your parent account.

2. Add Your Student

   • Once logged in, go to “Students” or “Add a Student”

   • Enter your child’s name, school name, year group, and class

   • Enter your child’s student ID number

   • Save your student profile.

3. Top Up Your Account

   • Go to “My Wallet” or “Top Up”

   • Choose your preferred payment method and add funds to your account.

4. Place a Canteen Order (order cut-off time of 9.00am)

• Select your student

• Choose the canteen and date

• Pick items from the menu and place the order

• Confirm and pay at checkout.

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 

Message from the Principal

This week, we have celebrated some of the partnerships that are fostered between the College and the home. These highlights are featured in our Catholic Education Week celebrations. The Church teaches that the family is a school of humanity, love and hope for society. It is the place where each of us learns who we are as individuals and as members of human society.

The family is also where we first learn how to live, how to take care of ourselves, how to share our gifts and talents with others, and how to collaborate and live in harmony with our neighbours, whether close to home or far away. This is where we learn to recognise the sacredness of every human life and the beauty (and necessity) of living together in peace. This is where we discover the fundamental principle that grounds all human rights and dignity: every person, regardless of gender, race, religion, economic or social status, is deserving of our respect. This is where we learn that the family is the only lasting, solid foundation on which healthy societies can be built. It is these principles that Woodlawn sees as foundational and on which we build learning and culture. It is these teachings that guide us in establishing connections.

It is clearly outlined in associated practices that there are four key dimensions that work together to promote authentic and healthy family-school partnerships. No one dimension is more important than another; rather, they overlap and work in mutuality. Whilst schools must take responsibility for ensuring opportunities for parents to engage in all dimensions, families may enter partnerships in one or more ways, moving in and out of different partnership activities depending upon the unique circumstances of each family. Please consider how you may become more involved in this essential partnership.

• Communicating: This is a two-way process that is outlined in a number of documents and spoken about previously. We would like to encourage more feedback from families to teachers, which also includes positive, affirming emails. If you have an issue, the classroom teacher is always the first point of contact. Sometimes it may feel like over communication through Compass, but our aim is to ensure families remain well-informed about what is happening at the College. Opportunities such as Parent/Teacher nights, information sessions and personal phone calls are all part of this.
• Connecting: This week has provided rich opportunities to connect with the College. Monday Night: Parent Forum gathering. Advocacy for students, the expression of opinions and future planning were the focus of this essential group in the life of the College. I would encourage more parents to become involved.

Our Grandparents Day was a highlight of the year to date for me. Watching families come together in a communal spirit was heartwarming. Our prayer Liturgy was followed by a trivia competition with added elements of fun.

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Wednesday evening, we enjoyed the HSC Lights Up Production. Families and friends gathered to share in viewing the talents of students from the Arts sector. We began with the celebration of our artists. With various mediums and portfolios on display, this curated exhibition was a testament to the diversity of our artists. The Dance and Drama Showcases followed, demonstrating performances of an exceptional standard. Our Drama students entertained us with clever scripts and well-developed characterisation in a highly engaging comedic performance. The Dance showcase was professional and spellbinding. Each dance was choreographed to an exceptional standard with dynamic performances from HSC students and their young dance crews. 

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Friday’s Bell House Breakfast was well attended with a real buzz around the connections between families, staff and students. It was a beautiful morning where students served the community with wide smiles and positive energy. Bell House has always been known for its spirit and its commitment to being inclusive. All were welcome.

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• Consulting: We have consulted families on a number of occasions regarding the 2024 reviews and the development of Annual School Plans. One of the key features of this consultation was the need to work together in understanding the complexities of the social media landscape, the associated ‘lingo’ and the development of strategies to keep our students safe. The Parent Assembly has invested their budget in bringing Kirra Prendergast to the College to present on these issues and to answer your questions. There is no household that is untouched by the power of social media. It is vital that we come together to hear a common message and work together in this space. Please spend a couple of hours with a world expert in this field so that we all share a common understanding. If there is one thing you attend this year, please sign up for this evening. There are spaces available, and this is open to other Catholic schools and primary schools. Why not? 
  

• Participating: Please take the opportunity to participate and develop a further sense of belonging to our community. If you have ideas on how you would like this to happen, drop me a line.

Today at lunch, our students and Mr Saye participated in the Shave for a Cure. This was an outstanding event with over $15 000 raised for Cancer research. Partnerships with past students, families and friends raising money and families attending to support the shave was the last event of our week, where partnerships were on display.

Our Year 7 Trivia Night will be later in the term. Further information to come. There is also the Annual Spring Fling. Come with a group of friends and students and help raise money for La Valla School, our Cambodian family. Save the Date: September 12. 

We would also like to support the Doolan family, who are longstanding members of our community with many connections. Nate Doolan recently suffered a major spinal injury, and the community has come together in prayer and is happy to share the GoFundMe details if anyone can support Nate and his recovery. ‘Help Support Nate Doolan Through His Recovery.’

In the spirit of practising mutuality, with our mutual connection being our students, thank you for being part of Catholic Education Week, and may you consider investing some time to further enrich these partnerships that are integral to the success of our students. 

If you would like to discuss any of these further, please make an appointment. Together we are stronger.

Kind regards, 

Annette Reen 
Acting Principal 2025

Pastoral Care News

Welcome to Term 3! I hope that you enjoyed the recent school holiday period. It has been lovely to witness the return of our young people with a renewed energy and enthusiasm, ready to tackle the challenges and exciting opportunities that await in the second half of the year.

Uniform

I ask for your continued partnership in reiterating a consistent message with your child/ren at home regarding our standards of dress. We are very proud of our uniform as it unlocks a connection to the long and rich history of our College. I’ve talked at College assemblies on this point, reminding all students that:

“The uniform needs to be worn to a high standard from driveway to driveway”. This means that, from the moment students leave home in the morning until they return in the evening, they should have their uniform worn to the appropriate standard.

Of particular note this term is that ALL students should have their shirts tucked in at all times. Also, blazers are expected to be worn during the winter months, both to and from school. At present, many students have highlighted that they either don’t own or can’t find their blazer. Your continued support is appreciated in ensuring our students look and feel the part.

Attendance

As always, it is our hope to see each student every school day of the year. We understand that life needs to occur and know that there are times when appointments and other necessary commitments need to happen during school hours. 

Please be reminded that we require an explanation for each and every change to attendance. This is most simply done through the Compass App. For assistance with this, select the ‘More’ option at the bottom right, before clicking the ‘Help’ button with the light bulb (as per the image below). Within this help section, you will find information regarding submitting attendance notes.

G.O.A.T Retreat

In Week 1 of the Term, I had the great privilege of accompanying nine Years 10 and 11 students to the G.O.A.T. Retreat as part of the Diocesan Student Formation Continuum. Our students represented the College and their respective families incredibly well, through a series of individual and communal opportunities for prayer, intentional input, and physical challenges.

It was really pleasing to see the engagement of our young men and the support that each of them provided to one another and to boys from other Diocesan schools. The group will continue to meet over the course of 2025, and I look forward to accompanying these wonderful young men through the remainder of their journey this year.

Year 9 Camp

The event notification for our Year 9 Camp will be sent out to families within the next week. Please be reminded that this camp will take place on September 2-4 (Week 7), later this term. I want to publicly thank Ms Justine Kennedy for her tireless work in preparing a challenging and enjoyable experience for our Year 9 cohort.

Parent Learning Opportunities

Raising teens in this day and age is complex. There seems to be a never-ending supply of questions, and the answers can feel like finding a needle in a haystack! We are very fortunate to have access to a vast array of learning opportunities that aim to empower parents to foster loving and fruitful relationships with their children. I attach flyers below that may be of interest to families.

As always, if there is any way that I can assist your family, please get in touch.

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

Sports at Woodlawn

Rugby Union

Alex Gibbon Cup

On July 23, five teams travelled to the Stan Payne Ovals in Evans Head, to compete in the Alex Gibbon 7-a-side Cup. There were Girls U14s, and U16s teams, as well as Boys U14s, U16s, and Opens teams. 

Under 14 Girls

The Under 14 Girls Team had an outstanding day, displaying incredible sportsmanship, skill, and talent. The Girls had 4 games, all against Byron High due to other teams forfeiting late. The Girls exemplified impressive ballwork and defensive ability, earning themselves a first win. 

As the day progressed, and the Girls continued their impressive wins, they merged sides with Byron High in their 3rd game in an attempt to share their knowledge and provide an opportunity for the opposition to learn new skills. 

Overall, the Girls played with honourable spirits and proved to be a very strong side on the day. They will now progress to the Alex Gibbons Cup Final Day on August 6.

Under 16 Girls

The Under 16 Girls Team exhibited immense grit and resilience in the face of all the opposing teams they faced. The Girls kickstarted their day versing Maclean High School, with an impressive first win. Their second game versus Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School proved to be a challenge, with the Girls winning by a small margin in the first half. Minutes from the end of the game, the Girls secured themselves a win through another fantastic try. 

Their third game, versing Ballina Coast High School, was the most challenging of the day. The Girls put up a great fight against the undefeated team of the day, but unfortunately lost in the end. The Girls’ last game of the day was against Kyogle High School, where they exemplified their impeccable teamwork abilities and skillsmanship. 

Overall, the girls played to their absolute best, never backing down from a challenge.

Under 14 Boys

The Under 14 Boys Team started the day strongly, displaying excellent teamwork to secure an impressive win in their opening game.

In their following two matches, they came up against strong opposition. Although both games ended in narrow losses, the boys showed great spirit and never gave up.

Some highlights from the sideline included the outstanding teamwork and determination on display throughout the day,  a commendable effort and a credit to the players involved.

Under 16 Boys
Last week, our Under 16s Rugby Team enjoyed good weather and spirited competition at Evans Head for the Alex Gibbon Cup Rugby 7’s. Despite a reduced schedule, the team played two pool games—winning one and narrowly losing the other. They went on to compete for 3rd place and finished just behind Lindisfarne in a closely fought Final.

Jakob Scheibel impressed with strong defensive play, while combinations between Bryce Byrne and Jackson Sheehan improved noticeably throughout the day. Congratulations to all players, and a special thanks to co-captains Tony Leju and Damien Lutze for their leadership. 

Under 18 Boys

The Under 18 Boys Team delivered a strong performance at Stan Payne Oval, stepping up for what was a tough day of rugby. The squad approached the day with focus and plenty of team spirit.

The opening match saw the boys face a skilful McLean High School team, and while it was a shaky start, the group quickly regrouped. They bounced back with a convincing 45-0 win over Kyogle High School, followed by another solid performance against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. These efforts earned them a place in the 1 v 2 Final, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against McLean High School.

In the Final, the boys came out firing, racing to a 10-0 lead early in the first half. Despite their strong start, McLean responded well in the second half to take out the win.

Every player who took the field represented Woodlawn with pride. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and willingness to keep improving across the day were a credit to the team and the College.

Rugby League

Boys Country Cup

On Friday, 25 July, at Queen Elizabeth Park in Casino, our Years 7-12 teams competed in the Country Cup Gala Day. Our Under 13s, Under 15s, and Open Boys teams all qualified for the Regional Finals.

Regional Finals

Under 13 Boys

The Under 13 Boys Team competed at Kingsford Smith Park in Ballina on 29 July against Xavier Catholic College, Banora Point High School, and St Joseph's College, Banora Point. The team had a draw and 2 convincing wins.  All the boys played really well and should be proud of their efforts. They will now progress to the next stage of the competition.

Opens

The First XIII travelled to Geoff King Motors Oval in Coffs Harbour for their regional final. They drew 0-0 with St Joseph's Catholic College, Aberdeen, lost 12-6 to St Francis Xavier's College, Hamilton, and defeated Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie 16-10. The win against Newman secured the Phil Tobin Shield. Oliver Walker was best on ground, with strong performances from Matt Gillan, Blake Perkins, and Hudson Farrell.

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Girls Country Cup

Under 14 Girls

Our Under 14 Girls Team travelled to Mullumbimby Rugby League Football Club on 30 July, where they demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. They began with a 14-0 victory over St Joseph's College, Banora Point, showcasing brilliant ball work and team coordination.

The girls then faced a challenging second match against St Mary's Catholic College, Casino, where their resilience shone through in a nail-biting 6-4 victory that secured their place in the finals. Although they were understandably tired after such an intense day, the team showed true Woodlawn spirit in the final, ultimately falling 10-4 to St Mary's Catholic College, Casino in what was a hard-fought contest.

Captain Taleah Eades deserves special recognition for her fierce leadership and constant energy throughout the competition. Dekyra Layton, Mali Cooper, and Aaliyah Garang-Hall also stood out with their exceptional playing abilities and unwavering commitment to the team.

Soccer

NRCC Junior competition

This week, our Years 7 and 8 Woodlawn Soccer Teams competed in the NRCC Junior Competition at Cavanbah Centre, Byron Bay.

Junior Boys Team

The boys' team had a draw and four losses over the day. Despite the results, the team played well together and matched their opponents throughout the day. Jesse Davis scored a breakaway goal, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper in a one-on-one contest. Tyler Webster and Sam Herington rotated as goalkeepers, making key saves that kept the scores close. Dannon Pucci McDermott controlled the midfield with good skills, working well with Ben Ryall's passing and work rate.

Junior Girls Team

The girls played six matches, winning two and losing four to finish 5th overall. Playing together for the first time, the team improved throughout the day.

Sophie Maher, the goalkeeper for the final three games, showed good energy and willingness to attack the ball. Willow Englefield played as striker and scored several goals during the tournament.

The tournament provided a good opportunity to see the new football talent at Woodlawn, and we look forward to their development over the next couple of years.

Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport

From the Library Learning Hub

Book Expo Tips for Year 8 Students and Parents

This term, Year 8 students are working on one of Woodlawn’s most loved English tasks – Book Expo. This rich and rewarding assessment encourages students to choose their own novel, read it in full, and create an engaging display to promote the book. It builds critical thinking, creativity and communication skills.

To support success, establishing a regular reading routine at home is essential. Try setting aside 15-20 minutes each evening, either before bed or after dinner. A quiet, well-lit space helps minimise distractions. Reading alongside your child – or even reading the same book – models good habits and creates opportunities for discussion.

After reading at night, encourage your child to put the book straight into their school bag to avoid forgetting it the next day. A sticky note on the bedroom door or lunchbox is another useful reminder.

As part of the assessment, students must also keep a reflective journal throughout the term – this is a compulsory component. To support active reading, encourage your child to ask questions like, “Why did the author include this moment?” or “How is this character changing?” Recording these thoughts regularly makes it easier to build insights for their display.

Over the term, students will also complete a portfolio of scaffolded activities to prepare their final presentation. Supporting your child to stay organised and on track across the weeks is key to avoiding last-minute stress.

Visit our Book Expo LibGuide for reading tips, journal guidance, activity support and examples of past displays. The library is open at lunch for reading, journal help, and general Book Expo support – we’re here to help!

Happy Reading from the Library Team,

Catriona Fraser, Amanda Starr, Helen Koellner and Fiona Thompson.

Message from the Assistant Principal-Mission

It is always lovely to welcome students back to school after a holiday. There is a buzz in the air and a sense of excitement. 

This week, we celebrate Catholic Education Week. This means that we acknowledge our Catholic identity through the many activities that we have on offer throughout the week. This was certainly an action-packed week; however, each and every week, there are always great things happening. Pope Francis said that education is “....a journey that enables you to learn three languages that a mature person should know how to express: the language of the mind, the language of the heart and the language of the hands. Harmoniously, though, that is, to think what you feel and what you do; to feel deeply what you think and what you do; and to do well what you think and what you feel.’ This week at Woodlawn, our young people have certainly had the opportunity to engage their minds in academic grappling, their hearts to encompass others and their hands to come together to serve others.

NAIDOC Day Celebration

We began the week on Monday with our NAIDOC Day celebration. This year is the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, and the theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, which celebrates the achievements of the past and looks to a bright future ahead. Uncle Peter Roberts shared with us a Welcome to Country and, in Bundjalung language, sang a song to the warriors. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students joined with members of the local community to celebrate this special day. Woodlawn students provided musical and dance entertainment, offered face painting to our primary school visitors and engaged in a touch football competition with visiting high schools. A special feature of the day was the art installation of Kylie Caldwell in our Performing Arts Centre. This was a successful day that brought together our whole school community in acknowledgement of the important role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Reflection Days

Years 7 - 10 have reflection days each year, which are an opportunity to gather as a year group and focus on relationships, in some form, with activities grounded in scripture and practical application to everyday life. 

On Monday, we had our Year 9 Reflection Day, which was facilitated by Sam Clear. Sam has a background in Youth Ministry and public speaking, and notably a 19-month, 15,600km walk around the world. It is this journey that forms the basis of his presentation. Throughout the duration of Sam’s journey, it was evident that God’s love was ever-present. Sam spoke to our students about the importance of reaching out to those around them, placing their trust in God and appreciating the dignity of others.

On Tuesday, our Year 8 students had their Reflection Day with Chris Doyle. Chris has been a regular visitor to our school over the years, and has a knack of meeting our students where they are at. Through music, singing and games, Chris had the students not only enjoying themselves, but also thinking about our Catholic values: respect, dignity and love, and reflecting on how these are evident in their year group, and within our community. There was an emphasis on making good choices and considering the values associated with positive decision making.

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

Warm regards,

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal Mission