Week 2 Term 2 2021
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From the Principal
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Head Heart Hands
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From the Learning & Teaching Team
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Student Welfare
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Careers Update
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Sport News
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Student Voice
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School Fees
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Student Service Office News
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School Photos
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Year 10 - NSW School Vaccination Program
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Parent Assembly
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Collection of Data
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Canteen News
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Thank You
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Second Hand Uniform Shop
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School Locker - School Uniforms
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Term 2 is in full swing and this fortnight’s Newsletter provides a great ‘snapshot’ of various activities in which students are currently engaged here at Woodlawn. Of particular note is Mrs Reen’s ‘Head, Heart, Hands’ Report which captures how ‘Catholic Schools Week 2021’ was celebrated during the past week.
As previously advised, next Wednesday (5 May), staff from all Lismore Diocesan Schools will be engaging in a Professional Development Day, ‘Staff Proclaim 2021’. As such, this will be a Student Free Day.
Statement of Intent: Our Shared Commitment
The role of schools in strengthening children and young people’s understanding of consent, and preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual violence among young people. A Statement of Intent was signed on Friday, 26 March 2021 by the Government, Catholic and Independent Schools to strengthen school-aged children and young people’s ability to form healthy relationships, understanding of consent and harm prevention. The Statement acknowledges the key role of school staff, in partnership with families, in supporting change.
This Statement is our system commitment, which recognises the innate dignity of the child and young person and their inherent goodness, ‘to enable each to achieve the fullness of life’. The Statement acknowledges the key role of school staff, in partnership with families, in supporting children and young people to reach their full potential by strengthening their ability to form healthy relationships, understand consent and harm prevention.
As a system of Catholic schools, we recognise our duties and responsibilities as educators and the growing concerns in the community in this area. We believe that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, religion or ethnicity.
At St John’s College, we believe in delivering a robust curriculum across stages. Healthy relationships, understanding of consent and harm prevention is in the following PDHPE units: Year 8 Positive Relationships; Year 10 Respectful Relationships; and Year 10 Risky Business. We will supplement the curriculum by engaging the services of appropriate community-based organisations. In 2021, consideration is also being given to the engagement of external presenters such as ‘Tomorrow Man’ and ‘The Man Cave’.
The voice of parents/carers is valuable as the first and continuing educators of their children. We encourage families to complete a survey to support our future direction in driving cultural change around respectful relationships.
The survey is open until Friday, 7 May.
If you have any questions, please email the College at sjcwdln@lism.catholic.edu.au and a College Leadership Team member will contact you.
A reminder that even though some COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, 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.
On behalf of all members of our College community, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Ms Tara Garrett and family on the death of her partner and former Woodlawn staff member, Mr Cameron Hyde, who died last week. Cameron was only 31 years old and an absolute inspiration to all who knew him. A gifted teacher of Mathematics and Soccer coach, although seriously ill, Cameron continued working right up until the end of last year. He was an outstanding role model for students in the face of considerable adversity. There was exceptional Woodlawn representation at Cameron’s funeral on Wednesday, where mourners were asked to leave messages for his 15 month old daughter, Lennie, so that she may come to know her father in later years. May he rest in peace.
Finally, as this week’s Reflection, I include the following excerpts from ‘Speak Lord’ by Br Nicholas Howlett fms:
Only Once
I shall pass through this world but once.
If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show,
or any good thing I can do,
let me not defer it,
nor neglect it,
for I may not pass this way again.
Life
Facing death means facing the ultimate question of the meaning of life. If we really want to live we must have the courage to recognise that life is ultimately very short, and that everything we do counts. When it is the evening of our life we will hopefully have a chance to look back and say: ‘It is worthwhile because I have really lived’.
(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross)
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
Head Heart Hands
This year we have a renewed focus on the importance of relationships and their seminal role in the creation of our Woodlawn community. Catholic Schools Week has been the impetus for a range of community building activities this week. The mission of our Catholic Schools is reflected in the words of Pope Francis, who sees us all as having a mission to bring light, blessing, healing and compassion to the world.
We were very proud of our student representation at ANZAC Day Services around the region last Sunday. I would like to thank everyone for their participation in this national commemoration of our Service men and women. In accordance with RSL Sub-branch requests, we marched at Lismore, Kyogle, the Dawn Service at Evans Head and also laid a wreath in Ballina. The support of these events was testament to the connectivity we aim to foster between the past and the present and the pride that our students have in representing the College.
Catholic Schools week began with a reflective prayer showcasing our core Catholic values and recognising the links between the past and the present with a view to thinking about a reimagined future.
The SRC celebrated student life with a picnic program on the oval and at Kelly Park. The year 9s playing ‘duck, duck, goose’ was a particular highlight!
To celebrate our families, we welcomed Grandparents to the College on Wednesday. The day began with a Liturgy celebrating the unique role that Grandparents play in the nurturing and care of our students. These photos reflect the ‘love that was all around us’.
College Leadership is a key strength of our student body. Their energy, advocacy and desire to serve is something we chose to celebrate with a luncheon on Thursday. Jacob Franey, our current YMO and former College Captain, addressed the gathering with conviction and advice around the importance of being a courageous leader. His authenticity was appreciated by staff and students alike. This luncheon was a key feature of our Catholic Schools Week program.
Friday was staff appreciation day and began with Mass in the Chapel. We were blessed to have Fr Pidcock sm and Fr Bing celebrate this Mass, with members of the broader school community present.
As a community we farewelled Cameron Hyde, a beloved teacher whose passion for education, for our students and for all those he knew, was testament to a young life lived to the full. We were honoured to attend Cameron’s funeral service. We also shared a prayer service with the College students and staff who were unable to attend.
Parent School Partnerships are a focus of our School Improvement Plan for 2021. After speaking with the P&F this week, it was decided that we would send through a very brief survey to parents in Week 3 to ascertain their thoughts on this key element of our College. We will look towards aligning staff and parent data later in the term.
The following scripture reference has been provided as food for thought this week.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
From the Learning & Teaching Team
Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews
It was fantastic to see parents on site Tuesday evening for a discussion around the learning of their child in Year 12. These discussions provided valuable feedback to students and parents. They are designed to give students strategies for improvement moving forward.
Year 11 Exams
Year 11 have just completed their first round of major Senior assessment tasks. Students applied themselves and were well organised during the assessment period. I would encourage all students to apply the teacher feedback they receive to improve their knowledge and understanding.
Assessment Calendars
Assessment Calendars have been distributed to all students. Parents received an email from their child’s Year Coordinator outlining the assessment schedule for Term 2. Please note Week 5, Term 2 is the Junior examination block. Students will receive a detailed timetable to help them design a home revision program.
Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection
Students in Year 10 are about to embark on their HSC subject selection journey. This can create confusion and anxiety for both parents and students. We have designed procedures to alleviate this stress. I would encourage students to seek advice from staff who teach individual subjects. Below is the outline of the timeline for the subject selection process.
Friday, 21 May - Week 5 - Term 2
Leaders of Learning, subjects specific teachers and the Leader of Vocational Education and Training will talk with students.
Wednesday, 26 May (6pm-7pm) - Week 6 - Term 2
Parent and student subject selection Information Evening at the College.
Week 9 - Term 2
Students will submit an expression of interest regarding subjects they would like to apply for in 2022. This expression of interest will allow us to determine lines and courses that will be on offer in 2022. This expression of interest is not a guarantee of what subjects students will ultimately be able to enrol in.
Week 1 - Term 3
Students will complete a ‘Senior Education and Training Plan’ which will include subject preferences. This is completed in consultation with subject specific teachers and Leaders of Learning who will provide a recommendation of the students' suitability for the course chosen.
Friday, 23 July - Week 2 - Term 3 (8am-4.30pm)
Subject selection interviews involving parent/student and leaders of learning. Booking times will be sent closer to the date. This will be done through the Parent/Teacher online booking portal (link in the fortnightly Newsletter).
Friday, 30 July - Week 3 - Term 3
Final subject selections due.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
Matthew Bailey
Leader of Curriculum
matthew.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Welfare
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome back to Term 2. It is pleasing to see our students excited to be part of our community; engaging in lessons and involving themselves in the many activities on offer. It is also good to know that in a post - COVID year we are able to offer many extra-curricular activities in which the students can involve themselves. We have a range of sporting activities, PROCLAIM student and Ministry events, Chess competitions and other options for students to engage in.
Headspace are offering free local mental health sessions focusing on suicide and self-harm. If you are interested, details can be found on the flyer below:
Year 8 Camp
Last Wednesday, our Year 8 students set off to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat for three days of challenging outdoor activities including: kayaking, orienteering, high ropes, flying fox, rockhopping, archery, bike riding, low ropes and waterfall hiking.
Afternoons allowed for free time where students were able to play football, table tennis, chess, pool, take a swim, chill with friends; whilst being surrounded by rainforests, flowing creeks, waterfalls and a full view of the majestic Mt Warning.
During the evening students participated in trivia on night one and a surprise visit by the YMOs on night two, who had prepared a Liturgy based on our theme for camp this year: Celebrating Individuality and Uniqueness.
It was pleasing to see such a large number of students attending the camp. The personal initiative and leadership demonstrated by students was admirable. Woodlawn staff members attending were impressed with the enthusiasm, positive attitude and exceptional manners students displayed.
A special thanks from our Year 8 students to all teachers, support staff and YMOs who took time away from their families to help make camp such a great success.
Sharon Thompson
Year 8 Coordinator
sharon.thompson@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Uniform
The students are generally looking great in their school uniform, as was demonstrated at our local ANZAC Day marches.
Beginning next week, we are going to have a focus on jewellery. Our College Uniform and Personal Grooming Guidelines currently state that girls can wear one pair of earrings (silver or gold studs or sleepers). They can also wear a plain bracelet. All students may wear one plain ring and necklace. We would like your support in encouraging your child to wear the appropriate jewellery to school.
Just a reminder that Sports uniform only is to be worn on Wednesdays. The College jumper is not part of the sports uniform and should not be worn on Wednesdays.
Physical Wellbeing
In order to promote and maintain optimal wellbeing, our students should be engaging in regular physical activity, they should not sit for too long and they should get enough sleep. This is sometimes difficult to attain given the busy nature of young people’s lives. The Australian Department of Health has provided the following guidelines:
Physical Activity
- Accumulating 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day involving mainly aerobic activities;
- Several hours of a variety of light physical activities;
- Activities that are vigorous, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone should be incorporated at least three days per week;
- To achieve greater health benefits, replace sedentary time with additional moderate to vigorous physical activity, while preserving sufficient sleep.
Sedentary Behaviour
- Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible;
- Limit sedentary recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day;
- When using screen-based electronic media, positive social interactions and experiences are encouraged.
Sleep
- An uninterrupted nine to eleven hours of sleep per night for those aged 5–13 years and eight to ten hours per night for those aged 14–17 years;
- Have consistent bed and wake-up times.
Grandparents Day
It was lovely to see so many Grandparents and guests at the College on Wednesday for Grandparents Day. This is an important celebration for us during Catholic Schools Week. The large numbers in attendance says volumes about the important role that Grandparents play in the lives of our young people. This was beautifully acknowledged in the Liturgy that was held in our Chapel. The classroom visits were enjoyable as the Grandparents got a first hand look at the classrooms of 2021. The Grandchildren reversed their typical roles, playing host during the morning tea.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
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.
In this fortnight’s news, a number of Universities have provided information to help explore course options, UAC have provided information on SRS, EAS and Equity Scholarships, while in Other Events there is information about the upcoming Gold Coast Careers Festival.
A reminder to Year 10 that your first week of Work Experience is rapidly approaching. Please ensure that you have downloaded and completed the Student Workplace Learning Record and made contact with an employer. Please contact Mr Garcia or Mr Maginnity if you need help with ideas for suitable businesses.
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
Sport News
Representative Sport
Congratulations to Niquola White on her selection in the NSWCCC Swimming team to compete at the NSW All Schools championships later this term.
Congratulations also to Harry Sivewright, Jye Davis, Henry Lee, Harry Baker and Kye Cooper on their selection in the Northern Country Rugby League team to contest the NSWCCC Rugby League trials next month.
Brian Battese
Sports Coordinator
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Voice
This week’s reflections are written by our College Captains: Tiana Riley and Dan Westerman and our Ministry Captain, Luke Rowling
Soccer Carnival
Last week, on Wednesday, 21 April the Senior boys and girls Soccer team travelled by bus to Southern Cross football centre. The bus was bubbling with keen energy in anticipation of the first games starting at 9am for the boys and 9:40am for the girls. Both of the first games were against Mount St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah where we were able to put our excitement into a sustained effort on the field. The boys fought a tight 1-1 draw and the girls had a slight 2-0 loss. The second round of games were against Xavier, where the chemistry of the boys team began to flourish and they achieved 2-1 win. The girls went up against a tough side and lost 4-0. In the final games against Trinity, the girls played exceptionally well and beat Trinity 2-1, whereas the boys battled tough for the full forty minutes to come away with a 0-0 draw. From these sets of games, the boys team qualified for the final against Trinity. Throughout the final there were stages the game was in the balance; however, we unfortunately fell short with a 2-0 loss. Both teams should be highly commended and appreciated for the way that they represented the College proudly and their remarkably sustained effort throughout the course of the day.
Sports opportunities such as this Senior School Soccer Carnival, are a significant part of College life as a continuation of our culture and tradition. I encourage all students to look towards ways that they can be involved in College life such as this. Sporting opportunities and teams can be rewarding for everyone promoting teamwork, positivity, and appreciation of the value of all team members and their talents. Sporting teams are a positive community building opportunity where all the players share a strong common interest and play together for the betterment of the team. Encouragement from the sideline, cheers from the bench, positive motivational talk on field. All reinforces the positive team culture that is fostered through strong sporting relationships. We can’t wait for more opportunities like this.
Finally, a huge thank you to Mr Saye and Mr Miller for organising, leading, and coaching our Senior Soccer teams during this day. Their strong interest and passion for Soccer and their leadership allowed our Soccer teams to perform at their best on a very hot day. Congratulations to both Senior Soccer teams for their achievements. Well done to all those involved.
Kevin Hogan Morning Tea and Ballina Picnic
During the holidays, our Year 12 SRC team had the privilege to attend Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan’s ‘Celebrating Student Leaders’ event. This is an annual event run across the northern rivers to celebrate school leaders from local Primary and Secondary schools and their appointment to school leadership positions. This year, we were honoured to be able to listen to motivational speaker, Nathan Parker. Nathan is a veteran who was injured in a military bus crash, resulting in the loss of his arm. Despite these injuries, Nathan has become an Invictus Games gold medalist, returned to civilian flying and has completed his military training. He is also the most recent recipient of the NSW Young Australian of the Year award. His story showed us young leaders how through making consistent small choices and sheer determination, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Throughout his story, Nathan outlined six main points which helped guide him through his journey of recovery and beyond. These are: Regain Control, Improve your Perspective, Simplify, Endure and Execute, Utilise Support, Pay it Forward.
Nathan’s inspirational story and advice was beyond valuable and something I'll be able to utilise both in leadership and everyday life. I’d like to thank both Nathan and Kevin Hogan for organising this event for us. It was truly valuable as a young leader to hear from someone who had so much passion and knowledge to share with us.
After the event, our student leaders headed to Shaws Bay for a relaxing picnic lunch organised by Fr Bing. This was an opportunity for us to touch base after a two week break, brainstorm ideas for the term ahead and enjoying some time to just hang out and have a chat. Opportunities like these give us a relaxing way to think about the term ahead and the exciting new ideas in store for our community. This was a great way for the SRC members to come together and build stronger bonds. Thanks to Fr Bing, Mrs Reen, and the YMOs for organising this fun afternoon for us!
School Fees
Term 2 Tuition fees, and Elective costs for the year were emailed to all parents and caregivers Thursday, 15 April. Please check your emails to ensure that you have received this. If you have not, please email to advise:- lisjc-fees@lism.catholic.edu.
Please note all Term 2 school fees are due and payable in full by Friday, 30 April, 2021.
Please refer to the Information for Parents and Students - School Fees and Charges 2021 on our website.
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.
Carolyn Hope
Finance Officer
lisjc-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2609
Student Service Office News
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.
Signing Students In and Out of the College
If students are arriving late to the College we are asking parents/guardians to:
* Welcome to sign into the College and escort your student to the Student Service Office or;
* Send a note in with your student on arrival or;
* Phone the College on the students late arrival.
If students are leaving the College early we are asking parents/guardians to:
* Email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au or phone with the arrangement details PRIOR to your arrival to minimise wait time;
* Sign-in to the College and wait for your student in Student Service Office or call from your car on arrival for pick-up.
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.
Change of Details
Please notify the College with any change of details.
Have you bought a new mobile?
Maybe started a new job?
Moved house?
Changed your email?
Janine Brown & Sharon Robotham
Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629
School Photos
Wednesday, 26 May
Thursday, 27 May
Photo Package
All students will receive a package which includes the portrait set, Home Group photo and ID card. The cost of the package is $37 (incl gst) and will be charged to the student's School Fees account. Packages can be returned within one week of receipt and no charge will be made.
Sibling Photo
Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 11.59pm Tuesday, 25 May. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.
Orders for sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the unique code M7D 2VN G2F before the scheduled photo day.
Should you have any queries concerning College Photographs or online ordering, please email enquiries@advancedlife.com.au
Additional photos and groups will be at 10% discount rate and can be ordered online at a later date to be advised.
Year 10 - NSW School Vaccination Program
A reminder that vaccination forms for the Year 10 program have been sent home.
Please return completed form ASAP to the Student Services Office.
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the School Vaccination Program.
The following vaccines will be offered to:
Year 10 - Meningococcal SCWY strain
Thursday, May 13
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by phoning the school.
To improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses throughout the year where possible.
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated. Parents/guardians should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination.
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.
Save the Date
When: Tuesday, 4 May
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Where: Casino RSM Club
Presentation: Randa Habelrih - "How I successfully raised my child with autism, and how you can too."
https://www.lism.catholic.edu.au/parent-assembly
Collection of Data
The NCCD is a collection of data in August each year, that gathers information about the support or adjustments being provided in each school for students whose learning is impacted by disability.
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:
Thank You
Thank you to parents who shopped locally at Dolphin Office Choice for their back to school requirements. A rebate of $389.15 has been received from the local supplier as a result of this.
Mark Perrin
Accountant Manager - Dolphin Office Choice
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Our Second Hand Uniform Shop opens on the first Wednesday of every month.
Date: Wednesday, May 12 - (Due to Student Free Day, Wednesday, May 5)
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: Colin Centre, Woodlawn
No eftpos facilities available. Cash only.
Students are able to access the Second Hand Uniform Shop at recess or lunch.
Items of school uniform given to the shop are done so as a donation to the P & F Association; however, $50 will be given for second hand blazers. No monies will be exchanged for other uniform items.
All items held by the Uniform Shop will be sold for a sum, at the discretion ot the P & F Association, with monies utilised for the ongoing needs and services of St John's College, Woodlawn.
Michelle Seccombe
mseccombe22@bigpond.com
0414 357 481
Leanne Copeland
leannecopeland3043@gmail.com
0407 739 237
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.