Week 2 Term 4 2023
From the Acting Principal
Colossians 3:23 reminds us that ‘whatever you do, work heartily’.
Over the past week I have been working closely with the SRC to organise some ways of showing our appreciation for our teachers and their commitment to our students. Our celebration of World Teachers' Day on 27 October, has been shaped by their input. Through our work as educators we not only deliver curriculum we also believe that we develop virtues which may help us and our students live a more fulfilled life. These virtues include generosity, charity, justice and love; all of which contribute to a fulfilling workplace and a strong community. Our teachers believe that teaching is a vocation not just a job as they follow the guidance of Pope Francis who teaches us, “As educators, you are called to nurture the desire for truth, goodness and beauty that lies in the heart of each individual, so that all may learn how to love life and be open to the fullness of life”.
We are grateful for our teachers at Woodlawn and how they embrace the Woodlawn Way. I have included some photos of our staff joining the Year 12 students in the last week of Term. We were more than happy to pick up and run with the dress-up challenges they gave us. This added to a real community feel.
As we move into the summer months we are developing a Fire Plan should an emergency occur in our area during school hours. Please see the attached information regarding recommended actions to date.
As a community, we are looking to strengthen our relationships with our parents and caregivers. This Term we are trialling a program with our Year 9 students called Connections. We will have our first Mother/Daughter Sisterhood Evening and sleepover on Thursday, 16 November. We are currently looking into offering something for the Year 9 boys and their fathers later in the Term. These evenings are designed to promote communication and understanding and share some time together before the students begin their final year in the Junior school. Invitations will be distributed through the Compass portal and directly to the students. Please RSVP by the due dates for catering and organisation purposes. We are looking to enhance our culture of inclusivity. An inclusive culture is one that welcomes and respects differences in opinions, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, while making each partner feel valued, supported, and understood. As a Catholic College we honour the sacred dignity of each person and appreciate diversity and difference and these evenings will be an opportunity to live this belief.
Our Diocese has a very active and innovative Parent Forum. There is an interesting seminar coming up that is focused on parenting your video gamer. These evenings are free of charge and provide access to professionals in their fields. See attached flyer for further information.
Students Not Returning For 2024
The College has been receiving a number of enrolment enquiries for various year groups for 2024. If you are aware that you are, or may be, relocating at the end of the year, or that your student/s will not be returning to Woodlawn to continue their studies, can you please contact Debbie Melino on 6626 2606 or via email at debbie.melino@lism.catholic.edu.au and inform her of your decision.
Looking forward to celebrating with our HSC students in the coming weeks. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
If we can assist your families in any way please contact us at the College.
Annette Reen
Acting Principal
From the Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Risking failure - it’s good to do
I spoke to our students at assembly this week about a wonderful book I’m currently reading. It's called ‘The Comfort Crisis’, by Adam Easter, and it examines his struggle to find meaning in life by pushing himself deep into a state of physical, academic and spiritual discomfort. Easter’s central argument is that once each year we should all challenge ourselves to undertake a project that is so ambitious that we have only a 50% chance of success, even if everything goes perfectly.
My challenge to our students in assembly this week was to set such a goal for this Term and strive to achieve it, being mindful of their personal struggles and growth as they go.
Below are a few quotes that we looked at in assembly. Some great food for thought.
“Modern humans may have an unmet need to do what’s truly difficult for us. New research shows that depression, anxiety, and feeling like you don’t belong can be linked to being untested.”
“Nothing great in life comes with complete assurance of success. Engaging in an environment where there’s a high probability of failure, even if you execute perfectly, has huge ramifications for helping you lose your fear of failing.”
Year 12 HSC - the final test.
Our Year 12 students are half way through their HSC Examinations, and are doing themselves proud in their application and focus. If your child has an illness or misadventure during one of their exams, please contact Mr Matthew Bailey to seek advice on how to lodge the correct paperwork to NESA.
Year 11 students begin their HSC year.
The Year 11 academic year has now concluded and our Year 11 students have begun their HSC year. Year 11 academic reports will be available by Week 4. Teachers have been providing feedback to students about their Examination results and giving them guidance on their subject choices going into Year 12. Changes to enrolment can be made up to Week 4.
Year 10 Examinations, Week 4
The formal examination block for all Year 10 students is timetabled for Week 4. Core subjects will be examined in the College Hall to simulate Senior examination conditions. Elective examinations will be completed in class under the classroom teacher’s guidance. When students are not sitting examinations, they will be in their normal classes, as per the timetable below.
World Teacher Day
Next Friday is World Teacher Day. We acknowledge the wonderful expertise, enthusiasm and dedication of our staff; they really are the beating heart of Woodlawn, who offer our students so many opportunities to learn both in and beyond the classroom. Our SRC have organised a celebration for our staff.
Christopher Mason
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
christopher.mason@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
As we move into Term 4, there are many activities and opportunities for students to engage in to enhance their College experience. These are associated with both the Curriculum and Co-curricular activities. Please encourage your young person to get involved and when they do, give their best effort. This includes behaviour and attitude. Many of these activities can be found in the College calendar or are visible on the student calendar in Compass. Details are also shared with students in the Daily Bulletin. If you would like to speak with someone to support your young person getting involved in College activities, please contact your child’s Year Coordinator.
All students in Years 7-10 will be having formal Examinations this Term. For those unsure of how to study, Reachout Australia has a 5-point reminder for study success. In addition, it is important for students to write practise responses as Examinations are written papers, not simply a recall of knowledge. Your child’s teacher will have provided these to their classes so please encourage them to complete them.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also the time when mental health problems can first emerge. During high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, problems with friends and relationships, substance use or abuse and they can have lifelong impact. As part of the College’s focus on mental health support, this term all of Year 10 will participate in a Teen Mental Health First Aid Course that equips teenagers with the skills to recognise and respond to a friend who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. This also then gives them skills to notice when they may be experiencing problems themselves and utilise help seeking behaviours.
Uniform
If your child does not have the correct uniform on any given day, and this includes, socks, shoes and mini ties, we ask that you write a note and send it to the College with your child to explain the issue. This note is then handed to a member of the Pastoral Care team to have this noted and their planner stamped. We ask for your support in this matter as we value our students wearing the correct uniform.
College Hats
Students are not permitted outside without a hat. Our Sunsmart Policy is clear on this. Whilst your child might have begun the year with a hat, please check with them that they still have one. If they don’t, the College Uniform Shop is open on Monday mornings before school and at lunchtime on Wednesdays to enable you to purchase a replacement.
If you have any questions or concerns about your young person’s wellbeing please do not hesitate to contact me at 66262627 or fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Mission Matters
In the last week of Term 3 the annual gathering of young Catholic students and adults, called ‘Ignite’ gathered in Brisbane at St Laurence’s College in South Bank for a three-day and three-night adventure exploring our Catholic faith and engaging with worship opportunities.
Mrs Deegan and I were most fortunate to be invited to accompany our students to this event, traveling to Brisbane with students and staff from McAuley College, Grafton, and St Mary's College, Casino, then collecting students from St Joseph’s College, Banora Point and Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah. A full coach we had as we traveled first to St Joseph's Nudgee College which would be the location of our overnight accommodation space for the three nights and then into the Opening Rally at St Laurence’s.
This Conference is one of high energy and involvement from the ‘get-go’. To see over 1200 people gathered together to share in a faith experience is quite overwhelming but also affirming, giving us hope for the future of the Catholic Church.
Pope John Paul II called for the first World Youth Day, to invite and show that young people have a place at the table of the Lord and this invitation has been taken up by so many young people, not only from the Diocese of Lismore but also around the world. It is exciting to see and to be part of this mission. This ‘Ignite’ conference allows young people to fully engage in the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and reverent worship during Adoration and Prayer Circles.
Our students fully engaged with the keynote speakers and their addresses, the workshops, and the creative aspects of the gathering. The photos that are provided in the banner below exemplify this. To have the privilege to be with these young people is something that I would encourage all of our faithful to experience. I know that I will certainly be asking to accompany our students again to this event, as it is a highlight in my life each and every time that I attend.
Karen Davies
Leader of Evangelisation
Tom Rowlands, 2023 SRC President, on Ignite Conference 23: WONDER
Wow! What a beautiful four days full of awe and wonder! It is always a blessing to have the opportunity to attend the Ignite Conference with the Lismore Diocese.
Ignite is the sort of event that I look forward to for the entire year, and in the blink of an eye, it’s all finished! Although it’s finished, our hearts are still on fire for Jesus Christ. Through inspiring keynote speakers, powerful prayer, and groundbreaking live worship, we have been able to deepen our faith and continue to learn more about it.
My Ignite Conference experience was outstanding this year. I was enthralled with the theme of ‘Wonder’ and how God can perform Wonders in our lives. To be surrounded by like-minded people is amazing as we can all share our experiences and learn more about what we were encountering.
My first workshop was through the Year 12 stream, hosted by NET Ministries Executive Director Mark Lysaght. Mark discussed the ways that social media can affect our lives in different ways. One thing I took out of this workshop was, “If Jesus was sitting next to you watching what you were doing, do you think He’d enjoy it?”
After some more engaging workshops, we enjoyed dinner and the night rally. And that was just the first full day!
Similarly to Friday, Saturday saw us do more workshops, small groups, and live worship. I would have to say my highlight of the Saturday was the morning rally, where we were able to hear three incredible letters to the speakers’ 14-year-old self. My favourite would have to be Roby Curtis’ letter, where he explained how being caught up in the wrong crowd at a young age can severely impact your life, but after turning to Jesus, his life was changed forever.
Ignite Youth encourages believers of all ages to be “not just changed for a day, but transformed for life”. Ignite Conference will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope it can change other’s lives like it did for me.
See you at Ignite Conference 24: RISE UP
Student Representative Council
This is a big hello from your SRC and welcome back to Term 4! We hope that you are as excited for a busy final Term as we are. We as a collective have decided to bring you information each Newsletter about what we are doing and what we are hoping to achieve around the College, as we aim to fulfil our vision to “Walk the Woodlawn Way”. Along with this, we want to introduce you to the members of our SRC, so you can get to know those leading your community.
This week we want to introduce you to Luca Parsonage, one of our newly elected Year 12 SRC members, as well as Oliver Penisi, one of our lovely Year 8 SRC representatives.
Let's hear what Luca had to say…
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
“My name is Luca and I am in Year 12 at Woodlawn. In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball and hanging out with my friends.”
What is your favourite thing about Woodlawn?
“My favourite thing about Woodlawn is the culture we have here and how inclusive and friendly everyone is. I also really enjoy how passionate everyone here at Woodlawn is toward everything - it makes it a great environment to be part of.”
Why did you decide to become a member of our SRC?
“I decided to become a member of the SRC because I wanted to follow the footsteps of our previous leaders as well as trying to push myself to be the best version of myself I can be. I believe we have a great SRC and will continue to make progress amongst Woodlawn and I am very proud I have the opportunity to be part of it.”
Now let's talk to Ollie …
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
“Hello my name is Oliver. I am a Year 8 SRC representative. In my free time I play water polo, soccer and code video games.”
What is your favourite thing about Woodlawn?
“My favourite things about Woodlawn are the students and teachers that make up the College.”
Why did you decide to become a member of our SRC?
“This year I decided to become an SRC member because I love to help make a difference in mine and other people's lives.”
Next Friday, 27 October, is International Teachers' Day, which is an opportunity for our community to come together to thank our teachers for the wonderful work they do within our College. To thank them for their tireless efforts and devotion to the education of our students the SRC is holding a breakfast before school on Friday. If you would also like to acknowledge and thank your child's teachers, we encourage you to send them an email expressing this (all teachers' emails are available on Compass). This will help us celebrate their incredible efforts.
That's all from the SRC this week. We are excited and looking forward to the Term ahead!
Reminder from Student Services
Student Attendance
All students should be in attendance at College each day unless sick, or attending necessary events (e.g. funeral, medical appointment etc) that cannot be scheduled outside school hours.
Absent from College
If we have not heard from you, via the Compass Absence feature, you will receive an SMS generated by Compass at 10.30am. Please respond by clicking on the link in the SMS (the link is active for 7 days but can only be used once). In the case of shared care of a student, both parents will receive an SMS but we ask the parent who has the child in their care that morning to respond. A medical certificate is required if your child is absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness.
If you do not advise the reason for your child’s absence, you will receive a letter from the College requesting an explanation, which we ask you to return within 7 days of your child’s absence so that we can update your child’s attendance records.
Late Arrival
Students arriving after 8.55am, need to enter via the Student Services Office. Please submit late arrivals via the Compass Absence feature or phone the College.
Early Departure
Please use the Compass Absence feature or phone the College to notify of early departures. The Student Services Office cannot guarantee your student to be ready for an early departure without adequate notification.
Absence due to holiday/family event:
Less than 10 days: Please notify the College 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.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
A reminder for parents and students: the drop-off and pick-up zone is located between the College and the Ovals at the rear of the College. Please do not collect your student from the front entrance for safety reasons.
Messages
Please phone the Student Services Office PRIOR to 2.45pm to advise of any changes to afternoon arrangements. This will provide office staff with the best chance of ensuring that your child receives the message. Last minute phone calls at this busy time of the school day are not ideal and we cannot guarantee that late messages will be received. We all experience emergencies from time to time and that is understood and accepted.
Administering Non-Prescription Medication (eg. Paracetamol) to Students
A reminder to parents that when a student presents to sick bay a member of staff will contact their parent or guardian seeking permission to administer non-prescription pain relief (eg. paracetamol) if required.
Any previous permission to give non-prescription pain relief no longer applies. You will receive a phone call seeking consent each time your child presents to sick bay.
Lost Property
Lost Property is located outside the Student Services Office. Please clearly label all items that are brought or worn to school.
Student Services Office
Lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629
School Student Travel
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.
SPECIAL HOURS FOR NOVEMBER
Wednesday 8, 9.00am - 2.00pm
Monday 13, 9.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday 15, 9.00am - 3.00pm
The Uniform Shop will be CLOSED from Thursday 16th of November, and will reopen on Saturday 20th of January. During this time there will be NO ONLINE orders taken.
Outside of the above dates, the Uniform Shop will operate in their normal business hours as below:
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
