School Travel for 2022

Ministry Matters

The commencement of Term 4 brings an equal level of excitement and trepidation as we face our ‘new normal’ at school. It’s been an absolute joy to witness the return to school of our students after our recent, significant period of uncertainty within the Blended Learning environment.

Overwhelmingly, students have spoken this week of their confidence that people will do the right thing, follow the rules and allow them to return to some semblance of normality. This faith in humanity has been a breath of fresh air during a time that has often bred scepticism and doubt in recent months.

October - Devotion to the Rosary
Term 4 brings us back as a community in a month that is remarkably special for the Woodlawn community and our Marist Charism. Within the month of October, Christians around the world are invited to be more intentional in our devotion to Mary the Mother of Christ, through learning about and praying the Rosary.

The Rosary has long been an incredibly popular part of Catholic spirituality and prayer life. Pope John Paul II placed the practice of the Rosary “among the finest and most praiseworthy traditions of Christian contemplation”. After this, Pope Benedict XVI made mention of a renaissance of the practice in 2008, saying “it is one of the most eloquent signs of love that the young generation nourish for Jesus and his Mother”. 

This month we are inviting staff and students alike to try to focus on the Rosary in their lives and to aim to pray it together during Home Group or classes. It would be wonderful to think that families might join our efforts to pray in devotion to our Mother, Mary. Please see the below resource from Busted Halo as to how you can experience this prayer in your lives at home.

VIDEO LINK

SHINE Conference 2021
The unfortunate decision was made by members of the CSO SEACS team to cancel this year’s iteration of the annual SHINE Conference. This is incredibly disappointing news for our Years 9 & 10 Ministry classes who see this as a real highlight of their formation for discipleship.

We are very fortunate to have been provided with resources to host our very own, home-grown SHINE: Unplugged for each class and our Youth Ministry Officers are very busy at the moment preparing programs for these days to go ahead. There will be more to say on this in coming weeks once we’ve hosted the days and can share some of the experiences with you.

2022 Year 9 Ministry Class
In coming weeks, we will be promoting the opportunity to join the Year 9, 2022 Ministry class to our current Year 8 students. This is always a very exciting time for staff and students alike as the application process is completed.

Our Youth Ministry Officers will be presenting a short formation opportunity to all Year 8 students to provide a taste of what students can expect in the Ministry class. Following these experiences, the formal application process will begin.

We are incredibly excited to promote this opportunity as we look toward a future where our students might be able to travel further afield for discipleship and formation opportunities.

Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au 

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
  

School Locker - School Uniforms

Student Uniforms and supplies are available at the following stores. Please click on the links below for more information and opening hours.

Reminder

Absentees
Please  ring the College on our Student Absence Line (6626 2629)
or email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au if your son/ daughter is absent from school.

All student absences need to be accounted for. Accounting for student absences is a legal requirement for all schools. Your assistance in providing the relevant information to us regarding your child’s absences daily is appreciated.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Any students who have experienced flu-like symptoms are now required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to the College. Please email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au with the results prior to returning to the College.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up Zone
The student drop-off zone is located at the sporting field entrance leading to a roundabout with two-way traffic where you may drop-off and pick-up in a marked drop-off zone. There are waiting bays for short stopping on the left hand side when entering, if required. Please also note that the College speed limit is a maximum of 15km/hr.

Signing Students In and Out of the College
If students are arriving late to the College, we are asking parents/guardians not to enter the College Office if at all possible but to drop students off in the drop-off/pick-up zone and to phone Student Services Office on 6626 2629 on their arrival.

If students are leaving the College early, please email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au with the arrangement details. Please phone the Student Services Office on your arrival to pick-up your student at the arranged time. Students will be sent to the drop-off/pick-up zone. Thank you for respecting our modified conditions to protect all members of our College community at this time.

Janine Brown & Sharon Robotham
Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629

Careers Update

In this week’s Careers Update there is information about alternative entry pathways to University, choosing your University preferences and UAC has a number of upcoming events to provide clarification about EAS, Deferring an offer and preferences for Uni offers. As well as some interesting information about Other Events.

As a number of University early entry offers come in for our Year 12 students, we would like to congratulate those students who have received offers and would encourage you to read conditions about  accepting offers carefully.

Congratulations
As part of our partnership with Charles Sturt University, our students have priority access to a range of events and Next Gen Scholarships. We are extremely pleased to announce Leilani Mangan as the 2021 Year 12 recipient of the CSU Next Gen Scholarship. Congratulations Leilani, this is a fantastic acknowledgement of your efforts.

The full version of the Careers Update can be found at this link. Newsletters are listed on the left side of the page. Select the week for the most up-to-date news. 

Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au

Student Wellbeing

Dear Parents /Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 4. It is hard to believe that we are entering the final school term of the year. I read yesterday that there are only 71 days until Christmas. This has certainly come around quickly in a year that has been so disruptive.

It has been great to see our students back on campus. The transition for some will be challenging and others will enjoy being back in the classroom and with their friends. Please reach out to Year Coordinators if your young person needs some support in this transition.

Headspace is an excellent resource for information about mental health. Families are encouraged to attend the Northern NSW, Parent/Carer webinar: Supporting Youth Mental Health. This session will be conducted by Headspace National and address the following content:

• Strengthen your understanding of mental health and wellbeing​;
• Build skills and strategies to support your young person's mental health;​
• Explore the conversational approach to talking to your young person about their mental health​;
• Build awareness of local, state and national support services.

Following the webinar, all those who register will be supported by a digital pack of information that will be sent out via email within five days of the event.

 If you are interested you can register here.

If you missed the opportunity last time, Northern NSW local health districts are hosting another FREE online wellbeing webinar on vaping. Titled 'What do parents need to know’ will be held on Wednesday, 27 October from 7.00pm-8.00pm. This workshop will be presented by Paul Dillon, the Director and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training (DARTA). I attended the previous presentation for teachers that Paul presented. It was worthwhile attending, as he is an engaging presenter and the content was delivered in an engaging and professional manner.

I would like to remind all families of our Uniform and Personal Grooming Policy.  As members of our community, it is important that students not only wear the correct uniform but also wear it appropriately.

Our grooming guidelines are listed below. It would be greatly appreciated if you could read over these with your young person so they are familiar with them.

Students must be clean, neat and tidy at all times. 

• Extremes in hairstyle, cut or colour are not permitted (ie no 'mullets’);
• Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back;
• Hair accessories should be in keeping with College colours;
• Students must be clean shaven at all times;
• Make-up should be kept to a natural appearance;
• Nails should be kept to neutral shades or French tips.

Tattoos
These are not to be visible.

Jewellery
Students are permitted to wear:

• No more than 2  plain rings on each hand;
• No more than 2  earrings per ear.  These are to be studs or sleepers;
• NB - No other piercings are acceptable;
• 1 necklace;
• 1 watch;
• 2 plain bracelets or bangles.

There have been no changes to our summer uniform expectations. Your support in maintaining these is also appreciated. If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing uniforms, please contact your young person’s Year Coordinator.

Boys' Uniform

Girls' Uniform

If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to make contact: fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.

Stay well,

Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare

NSW School Vaccination Program

Year 7 Vaccination - Thursday, 21 October, 2021
NSW Health has been working with education authorities so that school vaccination can be offered as school-based learning returns. 

Program background
In 2021 NSW Health is offering the following vaccines:

• dTpa vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough) as a single dose;
• human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 2-dose schedule at least  6 months apart.

While the school vaccination program has been disrupted due to Blended Learning in some areas, vaccination clinics are being rescheduled as students return to school.

COVID-19 safety measures
NSW Health has implemented additional measures based on expert clinical advice to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission in school clinics, including:

• nurses vaccinated against COVID-19;

• health screening of nurses before clinics;

• pre-vaccination screening of students;

• physical distancing restrictions at the clinic entrance & observation area;

• ensuring the number of students and nurses at the clinic does not exceed the maximum space allowed;

• enhanced hand hygiene & environmental cleaning of all surfaces.
  
  What Parents/Guardians should do:
  There is no need for parents/guardians who have given consent for their child to receive vaccinations at school to take any action, except to:

• contact the school to withdraw consent for HPV, dTpa or MenACWY vaccination if any of these vaccines have been given at the GP;

• ensure that students with influenza-like symptoms do not attend school and are tested as soon as possible (www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/symptoms-and-testing);

• note that there is a minimum dosing interval of seven days between any routine school vaccinations (HPV, dTpa and Meningococcal ACWY) and any dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

  When students will be vaccinated
  Vaccinations will be offered to consented students as soon as possible as clinics are rescheduled at your child’s school, noting that catch-up vaccination can be offered at school at any time in 2021 or 2022, if necessary. You will be advised if your child cannot be vaccinated at school and recommended to arrange vaccination with your GP or another immunisation provider.
  

  • dTpa vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough) as a single dose;
  • human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 2-dose schedule at 0 and 6 months.

More information
Information about school vaccination during COVID-19 is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination

School Fees

Term 4 Tuition fees were emailed to all parents and caregivers on Friday, 24 September, 2021. 

Please note all Term 4 school fees were due and payable in full by Friday, 8 October, 2021.

Thank you to all those who have made prior arrangements to pay your balance off over the term.  

Should you wish to discuss a repayment arrangement, please call or email Carolyn Hope or Vicky Fitness.
lisjc-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

Please refer to the Information for Parents and Students - School Fees and Charges 2021 on our website.

Vicky Fitness
College Manager

From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Return to Term 4
It was fantastic to welcome our entire student body back to school to commence onsite learning on Monday, 11 October. Whilst our Blended Learning platform received positive feedback on the whole, nothing can replace face-to-face learning and teaching. I would like to thank and congratulate all of our community on the way they have engaged with the Blended Learning environment over the past two months. It is times like these that bring out the strength in a community, and all members of our Woodlawn community (staff/students and parents) came together as one to develop and engage in learning from home.

Year 12 are finally nearing the end of their formal high school education. Although they have had a very disrupted end to their schooling, they have battled on, showing great resilience in the process.

Years 7-10 Assessment Term 4
The scheduled Years 7-10 examination blocks were required to change due to the postponement of the HSC Examinations. These assessment tasks will now take place within students' timetabled classes. Class teachers will advise these changes to students.

Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.cathlolic.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Mission

Welcome to Term 4
As a community we are pleased to have everyone back in person. The COVID times have certainly been challenging for all of us. To see the many smiling faces this week was a blessing. Thanks to all of our families who have touched base over these interesting times in history. The sharing of our common humanity and faith have definitely been pillars upon which we are reliant.

This week the United Nations promoted the celebration of the day of the girl child #thislittlegirlis me. The gender digital divide in connectivity, devices and use, skills and jobs is real. It is an inequity and exclusion gap across geographies and generations that is our challenge to address if the digital revolution is to be for all, with all, by all. 

This day was about reflecting on our younger selves and those memories that we often don’t have time to share. I am grateful to the generous members of our community who took the time to share a ‘little girl moment’. The digital divide was the key theme of this year's campaign and we were challenged to share our humanity on this platform whilst comparing our access to digital resources with those around the world. 

One of the ideas of the United Nations campaign was to create a digital resource that showcases members of our community remembering a moment in time when they were a little girl. Our visuals are linked to the hymn, 'A Million Little Miracles' and showcases the diversity of our experiences.

As you are aware, inclusivity is one of the hallmarks of a Catholic education in the Marist tradition. Every member of our community is cared for and respected.

We recently received thanks from the Catholic Schools Office for contributing to the Creative Arts Virtual Gallery celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education. We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our Ministry classes, Mr Finlayson and Harper Bailey. I have included a photo of my Ministry students receiving their certificates. This team created a unique rap showcasing the key themes of justice, community and the selfless act of Saint Mary MacKillop whose words, actions and deeds have given us the gift of a Catholic education.

Being an advocate for social justice is a core responsibility of our College community. This term we are bringing hope to poor and marginalised communities through a number of activities that we hope everyone will embrace. Our commitment to the education and support of students in Cambodia is being made possible through the 'Walk for Justice’ and 'Dag Day' (date to be confirmed). Catholic Mission will benefit from our ‘Cans for a Cause’ fundraiser and our local community will receive  gift cards from our giving tree at the end of the term. 

Stay Well.

Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

Welcome back to Term 4. After a somewhat disjointed start due to Lockdown and a short period of Blended Learning, it was wonderful to be able to finally welcome all students back to the College on Monday. Our Year 12 students will be with us for another fortnight before their study week and HSC Exams and I thank them for the most cooperative way they have worked with us during these challenging times.

In staffing news, I would like to offer our collective congratulations to our College Counsellor, Ms Jessica Godfrey and her husband, on the birth of their first daughter, Audrey during the holidays. We also welcome Mr Chris Mason, Ms Bronwyn King and Ms Christina Hazell back from their respective terms of leave. Mr John Hamilton joins us as part-time Student Support Worker, Ms Shataya King will be working part-time as an Indigenous Education Worker and Mrs Karen Davies has been appointed Acting Leader of Catechesis for Term 4. Ms Beth Hobbs, Mr Graham Hartley, Ms Chattral Leland and Ms Ellen Seller will each be taking on part-time roles throughout the term. 

With limited movements of staff, we are in the process of finalising our staffing for 2022, along with conducting our Middle Leadership interviews for the 2022 – 2024 triennium. I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applicants to these positions in next fortnight’s Newsletter.

Later this term, our Assistant Principal – Learning & Teaching, Mr Michael Campbell, will be involved in an Assistant Principal Appraisal process as part of his contractual conditions with the Catholic Schools Office.

The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the Parish school. The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the Assistant Principal’s performance and identify areas for further development. 

A panel consisting of myself as Principal (Chair), our School Service Consultant, Mr Mark McDonald and Mrs Rachel Kearey from CSO Human Services will conduct the appraisal.

The full Assistant Principal appraisal process involves:

• A survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the Assistant Principal;
• Surveys of Parish school staff & CSO personnel;
• An interview with the Principal;
• Input as arranged with the Parish Administrator;
• Interviews with Parish school staff;
• Interviews with any parents who wish to be present;
• A formal interview with the Assistant Principal by the Panel.

Any parents who wish to make contact with the Panel are welcome to do so by contacting me via Mrs Debbie Melino, prior to the appraisal date.

Thank you for your support of our Parish School’s Leadership Team. 

We would like to remind all families of the College Policy around providing one term’s notice to the College should your child be leaving the school. Please contact our College Registrar, Mrs Debbie Melino, at your earliest convenience should your son/daughter not be returning to Woodlawn in 2022.

As you would be well aware from various media reports, COVID-19 restrictions change on an almost daily basis. 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. 

Finally, as this fortnight’s reflection, I include the following prayer specifically for our HSC students in the lead-up to these important examinations:

A HSC Prayer
Heavenly Father, we bring before you our HSC students. Give them the gifts of wisdom, right judgement, knowledge and courage. Bless them with calm hearts and clarity of mind as they sit for their exams. May they be affirmed in their efforts and may they know that you are there with them. We pray that they will stay calm under pressure and work to the best of their ability. May they feel your loving presence in their lives, now and always, and may they be strengthened by the prayerful support of us, their school community. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(Parramatta Diocese)

With best wishes for the fortnight ahead.

Sincerely

Aaron Beach
Principal

From the Assistant Principal - Mission

This week we acknowledge the Senior students in the College who have excelled in their commitment, desire to serve and contribution to our community. It is my pleasure to announce the winners of the Special Awards for 2021.

The Jean Claude Colin Award for special contribution to College life and culture was awarded to Skylar McQuilty. Skylar involves herself in all aspects of College life in the Marian way of presence, simplicity, love of work and her capacity to see a need and do something about it.

Molly O’Toole was awarded the Woodlawn Ex-Students' Association Award for the most consistent effort and desire to improve. Molly also received The Father John Webber Award for positive leadership promoting a spirit of unity in College and the J.C. Reilly Award for Senior Mathematics and Science.

The Ex-Students' Award for most consistent effort and desire to improve was also awarded to Lachlan Watts for his commitment to his studies. 

The Aden Ridgeway Award for Indigenous Cultural Ambassadorship was awarded to Coen Moran for his outstanding achievements in the Arts and being a humble role model.

Servant leadership is acknowledged through the College Leadership Award for meritorious contribution. This was awarded to both Daniel Westerman and Tiana Riley for their stewardship during their year as College Captains. They are commended for their contribution across all areas of College life and for the authentic way they expressed their leadership through words and deeds.

Tiana Riley also received the Bishop Carroll Award for positive energy, upholding Marist values and for mentoring and being a role model for all those whom she encounters. The Chanel Award exemplifies a life lived with courage, kindness and participation as a witness for the marginalised. This was awarded to Courtney Hanson who also received her Gold Badge in 2021.

Being an 'all-rounder' at the College is acknowledged through the receipt of the Caltex Medal. Being an all-rounder means that Innes McLaren, the recipient, involves himself in all aspects of College life. This includes involvement in Social Justice initiatives, involvement in the Spiritual life of the College and sporting achievements at a Diocesan level. 

The Father Stephen Maloney Award for the students displaying outstanding Christian concern for others was awarded to Grace Carey and Jack Leslie.

The Anne Jones Award for Public Speaking in 2021 was awarded to Lily Fisher for her advocacy of those who are marginalised and on the fringes. Lily also openly promotes stewardship of creation by being a passionate voice for care of the environment.

Zoe Leadbeatter-O’Reilly received the Thomas George Award for civic leadership and contribution to the school and the wider community.

The Reuben F. Scarf Award for consistent effort and desire to improve whilst persevering to attain their goals was awarded to Riley Barrett.

In 2021, the Paul and Robyn Davies Challenge Award for perseverance in the face of adversity was awarded to Brigid Richardson and Roy Czislowski.

The Matthew Johnston Memorial Prize for outstanding dedication to creative arts was awarded to Ossian Quinn-Jarvis for his talents in the creative pursuits of Drama and Music.

The Academic Achievement Award for Senior Humanities was awarded to Isabella Wilson and Olivia Mosse.

I hope you all have a restful break. I would especially like to commend our Year 12 students for their maturity and their resilience in these unusual times.

Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au

From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

The last few weeks have been a difficult time for our entire community. I would like to congratulate our students who were forced to snap into the Blended Learning environment with very little warning. Year 12 students deserve a special mention, as they have been the most affected by the current COVID outbreak. They had to prepare for and complete online modified Trial HSC Examinations. This style of examination was foreign to us all, but Year 12 handled the situation with distinction!

Have a safe break. Term 4 starts on Tuesday, 5 October for all students.

Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au

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
  

Creative Kids Vouchers

Creative Kids Vouchers are available. This is an excellent way for your students to use their Creative Kids voucher for art and craft supplies ... which can be delivered directly and contactfree to their homes.

More information on how to obtain your Creative Kids Vouchers in the flyer attached.

Careers Update

The full version of the Careers Update can be found at this link. Newsletters are listed on the left side of the page. Select the week for the most up to date news. Don’t forget to check the Calendar for Open Days, events, Career Expos, new dates and closing dates, etc.

Positions vacant:
Automotive Apprenticeship
A local prestige automotive dealership is seeking a first year apprentice to join their team.
If you are interested, please contact Mr Maginnity for further details.
Medical Reception Traineeship - North Coast Radiology
NCR are currently seeking a Trainee Medical Receptionist to join our Lismore and Ballina team. 

We are looking for candidates who are interested in gaining a 12-month Medical Receptionist Traineeship commencing in 2022. 

The successful applicant will gain work experience through on the job training and theory based learning, where you will work towards a Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical), a nationally accredited qualification.

Upon successful conclusion of the 12-month program, there will be potential opportunity for the Trainee to gain a full time clerical position.   

The successful candidate will:

• Be enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking;
• Display excellent interpersonal skills;
• Have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team;
• Pick up new computer systems quickly;
• Pride themselves on their meticulous attention to detail;
• Provide exceptional customer service in person and over the phone;
• Be able to balance competing priorities and tasks, while ensuring timely service.

Whilst the position will predominantly be based within our Lismore branches, the successful applicant may be required to travel to our surrounding branches as required. 

Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au

School Locker - School Uniforms

Student Uniforms and supplies are available at the following stores. Please click on the links below for more information and opening hours.

Student Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Congratulations on making it to the end of a very challenging school term. Our students have coped well with the challenges of Blended Learning, but it has been lovely to see them back at the College this week.  We hope they have a restful holiday and are recharged, mentally and physically, for Term 4.

If the young people in your care are needing support during the holidays, there are many online services available to them:

Lifeline (lifeline.org.au  or 131114)

Kids Helpline (kidshelpline.com.au  or 1800 55 1800)

Beyond Blue (beyondblue.og.au  or 1300 224 636)

Headspace (eheadspace 1800 650 890)

Take care,

Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.a

School Photos

All students have now received a package which includes the portrait set, Home Group photo and ID card. 

Additional photos and specialty group photos will be at a 20% discount until Tuesday, 21 September. Please note the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the unique code M7D 2VN G2F.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email enquiries@advancedlife.com.au

Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au