Week 4 Term 3 2023
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
I am very conscious of the length of some of our recent Newsletters, so I will attempt not to ‘double-up’ too much important information. Amongst all our other communication platforms (Compass, FaceBook etc) our regular, fortnightly Newsletter remains our primary source of information for you and I sincerely hope that you do take the time to read about the myriad of activities which our Woodlawn students are involved in. I feel a great sense of pride in our community when I sit down to do the final proofread each fortnight.
A reminder that next Friday, 18 August is a Student Free Day. Staff will be travelling to Bornhoffen for their annual Staff Retreat, which was postponed from the end of Term 1.
With the traditional cold and flu season now upon us, we offer a gentle reminder to families to ensure that students who are displaying signs of illness remain at home until these symptoms have eased. The College still has a small supply of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available to students (most with Expiry Dates of July, 2023). If you require these, please collect via SSO.
As this fortnight’s reflection, I share the following thoughts on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August):
The Catholic belief that Mary was taken into heaven has a long history. Though not mentioned in the Scriptures, it appears in other early Christian writings. It became widespread in the fifth century when a fierce debate about how to account for Christ’s divinity and humanity arose. The description of Mary as the mother of God affirmed both his divinity and the earthy reality of his human life. It also deepened devotion to Mary as mother, as one who was without sin, as someone to whom we could pray, and as example of the Christian life.
In this world belief that Mary was taken into heaven, either before or after her death, was natural. Like Son, like mother. In the Western Church, Mary was believed to have been taken to heaven before her death. In the Eastern Church, she was believed to have died and then to have been taken to heaven. The belief was expressed in devotions, in liturgical celebration, in art and in theological exploration. It was part of Catholic life.
Although not questioned by Catholics, faith in the Assumption of Mary became defined only in 1950 as belonging to the Catholic faith. This was the highwater mark of Catholic devotion to Mary in the life of the Church. In a Church where women were its core in nurturing faith and in pastoral activities, while the visible and aspects of the Church was represented by men, the austerity of Catholic life and devotion was softened by praying to Mary as mother. Women, whose role in society was largely confined to the home, could identify with Mary’s experience of childbirth and raising Jesus, with Mary as the mother whose child had left home, with her pride and anxieties as she followed his life, with her final cruel waiting with him at his public execution, and with Mary in hope of sharing in Jesus’ glory.
Although Mary was often represented in popular art as unshakeable in her faith and as totally self-possessed, as a model of conduct and self-control, and so a reliable companion in prayer, she could also be prayed to as a sister who shared our hardships. In the austere masculinity of church ministry, too, Mary represented the ideal woman and mother. A century earlier she had been proclaimed as free from original sin at her conception and so made fitting to receive the birth of the Son of God.
The doctrine of Mary’s Assumption reflected the long insistence on the importance of Mary. For many Catholics, too, the definition of doctrines concerning Mary were also a statement of Catholic identity. Protestants were seen to be hostile to devotion to Mary and to any definition of doctrine for which there was no explicit Scriptural grounding. Although the feast of the Assumption and devotion to Mary continued in Lutheran and Anglican Churches, Christians in Reformed Churches feared that devotion to Mary and the Saints drew attention away from Christ and sometimes obscured God’s free gift by turning our prayers into a currency. The Definition of the Assumption could then be seen as emphasising the difference between Catholics and Protestants.
In fact, the feast of the Assumption is for all Catholics. Its meaning has been caught in a later feast instituted by Pope Francis for a more inclusive Church, Mary Mother of the Church. It focuses on Mary’s links to us as well as to God, and also points to the links that unite all Christians and all Churches. The Feast of the Assumption enlivens our hope that we shall be with Christ as Mary now is. It promises that after the struggles and losses of this life that we shall find happiness and companionship with God.
(Catholic Outlook, Diocese of Parramatta)
On behalf of all members of the Woodlawn family, we extend our condolences to Fr Bing Monteagudo (College Chaplain and Parish Administrator) on the death of his cousin, Oliver; Isaac Johnson (Year 10) on the death of his Great Grandfather; and Mrs Tania Fraser (Staff) and Will Fraser (Year 10) on the death of their brother-in-law/uncle. May they rest in peace.
Finally, I must thank and congratulate all our Year 12 students on the way they have conducted themselves throughout their HSC Trial Examinations which conclude next Tuesday. With major projects being finalised across most practical subjects, our Seniors now embark upon an intense period of revision and study over their final few weeks with us and we wish them all the very best here.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. And go the mighty Matildas!
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
This weekend we celebrate International Youth Day.
This week I dedicate my space to the amazing youth of our College. At Woodlawn, we provide a broad range of co-curricular activities for our students to engage in so that they can live life to the full.
Below are images showing students engaged in some of the activities on offer at the College today.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
From the Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Trial HSC
Our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their Trial HSC Examinations. They have conducted themselves with aplomb, arriving in a punctual, focused, and organised manner. As staff, we look forward to celebrating results with the students who have studied hard, and focused on feedback and fine-tuning as we move into the final five weeks of their Secondary schooling. It is a time for Year 12 students to “meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same” (Kipling): whether they experienced success or disappointment, a level head, clear focus, and a committed plan of action is what will lead to future improvement and success. The Trial HSC finishes on Monday, August 14 and normal classes resume for all Year 12 students on Tuesday, August 15. Students can expect feedback from their classroom teachers within two weeks of their examination date, giving them important direction at this crucial time of preparation.
Year 11 Subject Selections
Year 11 subject lines have been set so our current Year 10 students can confirm their subject selections for 2024-25. Students need to return their subject selection booklets, signed by themselves and their parents, with confirmed choices to Mr Bailey on Monday, August 14. Students and families who would like further guidance, can attend subject selection interviews on that same day (August 14). Details have been sent to Year 10 families via Compass. Please note that Monday, 14 August is a normal day of lessons for Year 10 students.
Stage 5 Subject Selections - Information Night for Year 8 Parents, Tuesday, August 22.
In Week 6, our Year 8 students will begin making their subject selections for 2024. Parents/Guardians of Year 8 students are invited to the College at 6pm on Tuesday, August 22 to attend a Subject Selection Information Night. Mr Bailey has outlined the process to all Year 8 parents via Compass.
Year 9 students will also choose an elective subject for 2024. They will make their expressions of interest on August 22, and confirm their choices on September 4. Mr Bailey has outlined this process to parents of Year 9 students via Compass.
Please support your children in their choices by encouraging them to think about their strengths, interests, and future plans rather than the peers or teachers they imagine will be in the classes.
Year 11 Exams
Our Year 11 cohort will undertake their end-of-course examinations starting Week 8, (Thursday, 7 September), through to Week 9, (Thursday, 14 September). The examination timetable will be distributed next week. Students should be starting to prepare by consolidating notes and setting aside dedicated study time for each subject. Guidance on what to prepare for and how best to do so should be sought from each student's classroom teacher.
Christopher Mason
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
christopher.mason@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to give regular updates on current drug trends. Paul regularly appears in the media and is regarded as a key social commentator.
Each year he presents at the RRISK Safe Driving Day that our Year 11 students participate in. His factual presentation is one of the highlights of the day.
Navigating the world of teenage drug use, in its many forms, is difficult. If you are looking for some information in this area, Paul Dillon has a number of great resources.
Attendance Matters
Thank you to all families who are working with us to improve or maintain the attendance levels of our students. We appreciate your efforts in doing so as we know that attendance at school really does matter.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me on 6626 2627 or at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Regards,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Sports News
Mitchell Medal Nominations
The Mitchell Medal is a memorial to Father Syd Mitchell, SM (1918-1984), ex-student and Rector of St John’s College, who had a great love of sport and, for the many years he worked in Marist Colleges throughout Australia, greatly encouraged students to give their best in sport.
The Award will be presented to any sportsperson from the College in recognition of an outstanding sporting achievement either for the College or externally. Winners of previous medals in the same sport are ineligible. Nominees should include as many details as possible – number of competitors, competition levels etc. This is the only award that considers sporting achievements from outside the College.
Normally students who make State teams or place at State Championships would be highly considered.
Nomination forms are in the Sports Coordinator's office and close next Friday, 18 August.
Simon Andrews
Sports Coordinator
simon.andrews@lism.catholic.edu.au
Careers Update
National Student Volunteering Week
As I work with students each year to complete their Resumes, a lack of work experience regularly comes up as a sticking point when they are applying for jobs. "I can’t get the experience, because I haven’t got any experience."
We are lucky to offer our Senior students a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) offerings that they can complete during Years 11 and 12 to complement their HSC. But what about our younger students?
Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to build on your skills and experience.
August 7-13 celebrates the amazing work of student volunteers around Australia and promotes the benefits to those thinking of lending their time to a worthwhile cause. Volunteering can help you:
- Build confidence;
- Gain work experience;
- Contribute insights and ideas;
- Enhance and extend good causes;
- Attain references for your Resume;
- Build industry connections and networks;
- Develop employability and technical skills;
- Act on your values, passions, and interests;
- Gain experience for scholarship applications;
- Enjoy new social and cultural experiences;
- Improve your physical and mental health;
- Have fun and make a difference!
Volunteering can help you: To learn more about NSVW, click here.
University Early Entry
I receive a significant number of questions each year about University Early Entry which need clarifying.
When students apply for a place at a University they will typically apply through that particular State’s University Admissions Centre. These include UAC for NSW, QTAC for QLD, VTAC for Victoria, and so on. Applications through these centres are open to several offer rounds.
For example, in the first round, a student may have filled all of their preferences and received an offer to their third choice of University course.
They can then accept that offer and be done. Offers usually have a deadline for acceptance and any offers not accepted will go back into the pool for later rounds.
If the student does not wish to take their first offer, we would advise them to accept the offer, then remove that preference from the list and add another option to the bottom of the list to ensure the most possible options.
Once the main round offers have concluded and you have a course locked in, contact any Universities that you do not wish to attend and decline their offer.
University Early Entry schemes are many and varied. For some schemes, you apply when you complete your Admissions Centre application, for example, the Schools Recommendation Scheme through UAC, while other schemes require a direct application to the University, for example, SCU Early Entry, UNE Early Entry, CSU Advantage Program, etc.
In NSW these programs are referred to as Early Entry because the Universities typically make offers based on factors such as Year 11 results, a student’s written submission, and a school or Principal’s recommendation. Offers for these NSW programs usually occur in November, before the Admissions Centre’s offer rounds commence. Hence the term 'Early Entry'.
In Queensland and some other States, the process is different again. In QLD, Institutes such as USQ and JCU have a Principal’s Recommendation Scheme. Griffith and Bond have a different approach again.
Tasmania’s Early Recommendation Scheme has already closed and this process highlighted the need for timeliness and good communication.
While the forms for Early Entry programs may not indicate that you need to inform the College, it is best practice to let me know if you are applying. Universities will work to a deadline with these programs and if we need to gather evidence to support your application, we need to know that you are applying. If you are late and I am not aware of the need to support your application, it makes my job extremely difficult.
We want to support your academic success at school and your post-school pathways as much as possible. Please help us by keeping us in the loop.
Free Courses for School Leavers
Year 12 students would have noticed posters around the College regarding the Term 4 Fee Free Courses offered through North Coast Community College.
What a great idea to update your skills, add some short courses to your Resume and improve your employability.
One former student saved themself over $400 last year. Don’t miss out!
QTAC
We have managed to secure a limited number of printed copies of the Queensland QTAC Guide. These are not on offer to NSW schools. If you prefer to read a page rather than a screen, please come past the Careers Office and grab a copy while they last.
Careers Update
Please check here for the Careers Update page. There are a number of new Gap Year options included, as well as other relevant information regarding University, TAFE, and upcoming events.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
Community News
Canteen News
Flexischools orders has a cut-off time of 9.00am.
The cash free way to pay! - REGISTER NOW
Paying for lunches is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school.
The College has Flexischools to allow students to pay at the Canteen using their existing student ID card. Paying for lunches and items at recess or lunch is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school. Parents can set daily spending limits and view transactions online. Parents can also top-up funds at any time.
The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it much easier and quicker for students.
We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.
Please follow the link below to register now:
Uniform Shop
The Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms.
To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience while ordering uniforms, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store.
Uniform Shop Opening Hours:
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:
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre
Leanne Copeland
Uniform Shop Convenor
0407 739 237