Week 10 Term 1
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
I would like to begin by thanking all families for the positive and proactive ways in which you responded to last week’s weather event and this week’s COVID-19 updates, some of which have been received well outside regular work hours. It’s when we work together, in instances like these, that we truly provide the very best learning environment for our students.
In 2021, ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday (25 April). Woodlawn has a long and proud tradition of marching at local services to commemorate the sacrifice made by our service men and women across various theatres of war. Full details of services will be provided after the Easter break; however, please note that this is the first occasion of the year where students will be required to wear their blazers.
Term 2 dates are as follows: Tuesday, 20 April to Friday, 25 June. Please note that Monday, 19 April and Wednesday, 5 May are Student Free Days.
We received a message during the week from Fr Tony Corcoran sm, Provincial of the Marist Fathers: ‘I hope the memorial for Bob went well. Thank you for putting it on. If the souls in heaven suffer from embarrassment, I am sure Bob would be because of all the wonderful attention he has been given by those who respected and loved him’.
A reminder that even though some COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, with the latest advice from Brisbane and Byron Bay it is imperative that students who are displaying even the slightest signs of illness remain at home. Should a student become unwell during the course of a school day they will be required to be collected from the Student Services Office ASAP to minimise the risk of cross-infection.
As per NSW Health advice, people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache) are advised to get tested. A student or staff member who has been unwell cannot return to school unless proof of a negative COVID-19 test has been provided. There are several local testing centres aside from your local GP, including Lismore Base Hospital and Ballina Respiratory Clinic. Visit the NSW Health website for further details.
Current Public Health Orders can also be found at: health.nsw.gov.au by clicking on COVID-19 (Case Alerts). These lists are updated daily and if you have recently travelled you must follow any relevant mandatory isolation guidelines stringently.
Additional cleaning measures remain in place at the College and while social distancing is not officially required of students in schools, students have been asked to refrain from close interactions with other students and staff. I expect that there will be a further COVID-19 update before school recommences in Term 2.
On behalf of all members of our College community, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to our College Registrar, Mrs Debbie Melino, on the death of her father. May he rest in peace.
Finally, as we conclude our Lenten journey, may we be inspired by Jesus’s hospitality in the face of rejection, compassion in the face of suffering, and strong sense of justice in the face of injustice. I hope that you are all able to take some time for yourselves over this upcoming Easter break and wish you every blessing for the Easter season, when we celebrate the Easter Triduum and join with Christians around the world in proclaiming ‘Resurrexit sicut dixit – He has risen as He said - Alleluia!’
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the term.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Eagle Award
We were pleased to hold our Term One Academic Assembly on Monday, where a Junior and Senior student were awarded the inaugural Eagle Award in front of their peers. This award is presented to students who have displayed outstanding academic achievement. Attached to the award is a $125 incentive, sponsored by our College P&F. At the end of each school term, worthy students will be nominated by staff and the successful students will be decided upon using set selection criteria. I would like to thank our P&F for sponsoring these awards.
Congratulations to Will Cronin (Yr 10) and Olivia Mosse (Yr 12) for receiving the inaugural Eagle Awards on Monday morning.
Year 11 Examinations
Year 11 Examinations begin on Friday, 23 April. Students should be well into their preparations for the first round of Senior Examinations. It is important that each student organises their time at home and designs a consistent home revision program. Students also need to be reminded to seek clarification regarding any misunderstood concepts as soon as possible.
Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
We are pleased to be able to welcome our parents back to the College for parent/teacher/student interviews after a tumultuous 2020. The Year 12 interviews will take place on Tuesday, 27 April starting at 4pm. These interviews provide a formal setting for parents and students to receive valuable feedback regarding student progress. I am looking forward to meeting with many of you on the evening.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Welfare
Dear Parents / Caregivers,
As the term draws to a close we can be thankful for a term that more closely resembles what we consider ‘normal’ in education. Our students have been fortunate to have been involved in whole school Masses and Liturgies, our Swimming Carnival, Home Group functions, school camps and Retreats, external sporting events as well as other regular school activities. To say it has been a busy term is an understatement. Nonetheless, this term has been rewarding for both staff and students.
The emotional wellbeing of our students is ably supported by our College Counsellor, Ms Jessica Godfrey (jessica.godfrey@lism.catholic.edu.au). During Pastoral Care lessons students will be addressing particular topics such as motivation, peer pressure, communication and study skills, to name a few. Maintaining emotional wellbeing can be difficult. Communicating with teenagers can often be challenging. Michael Grose is a parenting educator who writes on many topics. In this article he speaks of his experiences relating to communicating with young men. Maggie Dent, another well known educator, has a webinar aimed at communicating with teenage boys.
Year 9 Camp
On Tuesday, 16 March, Year 9 students set off for their epic camping adventure at Buccarumbi along the Nymboida river, just outside of Grafton. Wet weather had been forecast for the week, so there were mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness as students boarded the bus with their belongings fastened in a garbage bag!
Once at the campsite students were briefed over lunch. They then transferred their garbage bags into the hiking packs provided. Each group then set out in different directions and before they knew it- their adventure had begun. Over the course of the next three days students were challenged well outside their comfort zones. Students participated in exciting activities like hiking and orienteering, abseiling, white water rafting and more. They also were responsible for cooking, cleaning and maintaining their campsites.
All in all, Year 9 students did exceptionally well on camp and should be proud of their efforts. Since reflecting on their time at Exodus Camp in Pastoral Care, Year 9 students believe they have bonded more closely as a year group and built resilience in the face of the challenges that Exodus Camp presented. Year 9 wishes to reconnect with their camp groups later in the year to discuss their progress as well as reminiscence!
I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank all parents and guardians for your continued support. Without your help these activities would not be possible.
Stevie Whitton
Year 9 Coordinator
stevie.whitton@lism.catholic.edu.au
Holidays
As the holidays approach, I encourage everyone to maintain safe practices and enjoy a break from the school routine. For our Stage 6 students, Year 11 are encouraged to prepare for their examinations in Week 1. Year 12 should be utilising their results and feedback from their most recent examinations to build their skills and refine their study notes.
School resumes for students on Tuesday, April 20 as Monday, April 19 is a Staff Development Day. Winter uniforms are required to be worn.
I hope all families find time to enjoy each other’s company over the Easter break and enjoy a break from the rush of the everyday.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Careers Update
Careers Update
In an effort to refine the news provided to students and their families, we are trialling a new format for the Careers Update. A 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.
In this fortnight’s news, a number of Universities have provided information to help explore course options, while in Other Events there is a range of information on careers in various fields to support both Year 12 and Year 10 students with their plans for post-school study and work experience options.
As parents would be aware, we have made the decision to split Year 10 work experience this year and hold the first week from 31 May until 4 June next term. We feel that this will give students a better opportunity to make informed decisions regarding subject selections later in the year. We encourage families to begin conversations regarding where their child could go on work experience early to allow time to make contact with businesses, complete forms and return them. Students have been advised of a number of careers students are not permitted to undertake during work experience. Please contact me if you have any other questions relating to work experience.
Please click on the links below to read more about the latest news and events.
Bernie Maginnity
Vocational Pathways Coordinator
bernie.maginnity@lism.catholic.edu.au
University
Experience UNSW Day – Arts, Design and Architecture 13 April. 10am to 2.30pm
Experience UNSW Day – Business 15 April. 10am to 2.30pm
Experience UNSW Day – Engineering 14 April. 10am to 2.30pm
Experience UNSW Day – Law and Justice 14 April. 10am to 2.30pm
Experience UNSW Day – Medicine & Health 15 April. 10am to 2.30pm
Experience UNSW Day – Science
UTS - Year 12 students - 2022 Bachelor of Accounting Information Webinar Wed 12 May 2021 6-7pm
Discover what computing science at UTS is all about 3 May 2021. 5.30pm
Discover what games development at UTS is all about 5 May 2021. 5.30pm
Discover what Data Engineering at UTS is all about 11 May 2021. 5.30pm
10 differences between high school and university
ANU 2022 - Changes to direct application admissions for 2022
We will make offers based on Year 11 results on 9 August, 2021, and these will be honoured for study in 2022 as long as students have completed Year 12 with an ATAR.
Southern Cross University Virtual Campus Tours
Take a virtual tour of our campuses:
- Coffs Harbour campus virtual tour
- Lismore campus virtual tour
- Gold Coast campus virtual tour
- National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour virtual tour
University of Canberra Alternative Entry
- Early Offer Round (COVID-19) Further information.
- Adjustment factors
- The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
- Portfolio entry
UOW Parents Newsletter
Students - Register Their Interest with ACU
No Testing Required for 2021-22 US University Admissions
College Board eliminates SAT Subject Tests and optional SAT essay
Torrens Experience Open Days
Saturday, 8 May 2021 – On Campus
Tuesday, 18 May 2021 – Virtual
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Register your interest to stay informed here
Study Work Grow Early Entry Guides
Introduction to Actuarial Science by the ANU
University of Newcastle The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program 1 April 2021
Ma Morley Scholarship Webinar Youtube
University of Sydney Undergraduate Guide 2022
Living and Studying in Sydney in 2022 - Residential Applications Open
31 March 2021
Benefits of Internships
Which Uni are the best for Nursing
Become a Doctor with Bond University's Medical Program in 4 years, 8 monthsUpdate- Early Admission at the University of Wollongong Closes 13 August
Cambridge Summer College
Open Day at Federation University Sunday August 15
Scholarships at Federation University
University of Canberra (UC) Open Day 2021: Save the date 21 August 2021
UAC
Ask us anything Instagram Q&A – all day Tuesday, 6 April. Career Advice Instagram Q&A with Careers Advisor Charles Impey – 4pm 19 April.
From UAC: HSC students: don’t stress! Here’s a quick and simple ATAR explainer without all the jargon.
TAFE
HSC and Further Study at TAFE
Digital Parents Showcase
Q&A School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Careers at Council - your search starts here!
Private Colleges
AIE Open Day 15 May
Aspire Institute Uni Pathways
AFTRS – Meet the Creators – From Concept to Broadcast
Reminder: NIDA Open Day Save the Date, Saturday 12 June 2021
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Course Options
Other Events
Five Essential Steps before You Apply for an Accountancy Job
Nursing Scholarships in Australia
Nursing Careers
- Aged Care Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Emergency Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse Anaesthetist
- Neonatal Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Paediatric Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
And wait…there’s more!
Your Free Guide to Making Your Nursing Career
How do I become a Translator
Do the T Quiz: What tech degree is right for you?
The ATOM Photo Comp 2021
Closes 23 April 2021
Interactive ICT Career Wheel
Opportunities for Future Teachers
High Demand Teacher Subjects Maths, TAS, Physics, Special Ed and Counsellors.
Teach Rural
High demand Metro locations
Jobs List - Defence Work Experience
Explore the Careers of Women STEM Leaders
Projects Abroad’s Overseas Service Programs and Internships for High School Students
Careers in the Graphic Design Industry
Plan Now for the AgriFutures – What is your Industry ?
ADF Gap Year Gap Year Videos
All the Methods to Apply to the Australian Federal Police Force
Forensics Work Experience Years 9 to 11 with the Australian Federal Police Closes 9 April
UTS Engineering Webinars
Parents & Friends' Association
The next P&F meeting is on Monday, 26 April at 5.30pm, in the College Library.
We are an inclusive voice for our school community as well as raising valuable funds to assist our College and students. We look forward to seeing our familiar faces and welcome any new parents and friends who might like to come along to meet other parents and stay in touch with what is happening at the College.
If you would like to become a member of our P&F Association, membership is $10 per year or $30 for lifetime membership.
Please see form attached and account details are as follows:
Account Name: St John's College Woodlawn P&F Association
BSB: 012-715
Account No: 2090 26113
Reference: Your Surname.
The P&F Annual Raffle Tickets have been distributed to students this week.
The tickets are $2 each with each student will receiving 1 x book of 5 tickets.
Tickets are due back by Friday, 23 April and the raffle will be drawn on Monday, 3 May, 2021 at the College Assembly.
The Home Group that sells the most books of tickets will receive a lunchtime pizza party!
The raffle prizes are as follows:
1st Prize: Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 people valued at $650 - donated by Balloons Aloft;
2nd Prize: Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) valued at $599 - donated by the Lorkin and Williamson families;
3rd Prize: Apple Airpods Generation 2 with wireless charge case valued at $319 - donated by The Goonellabah Denture Clinic;
4th Prize: Gourmet Hamper & Veuve and Quilted Picnic Rug - valued at $250 - donated by First National Byron Bay; and Ms Gay Strong;
5th Prize: $100 Dinner Voucher at The Clydesdale Motel and Steakhouse and $50 Dan Murphys Voucher - valued at $150 - donated by the George Family and the P&F Asssociation.
The P&F would like to sincerely thank the families and businesses that donated these amazing prizes!
Good luck to everyone!
Lisa Love
P&F President
Canteen News
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 anytime.
The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it mush 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: