Week 4 Term 2 2021
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From the Principal
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From Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
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Head Heart Hands
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Student Welfare
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Year 8 Visual Arts & Textiles Incursion
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Careers Update
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Sports News
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Woodlawn Equestrian Team
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Fast 5 Netball Gala Day
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Converge - First Nations Media Conference
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HSC Showcase Design Competition
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School Photos
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Canteen News
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School Locker - School Uniforms
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
I hope all of our Mothers had a wonderful day last Sunday and were at least somewhat spoilt by your children!
Next Monday, 17 May, we will belatedly celebrate ‘World Support Staff Day’ (held annually on 16 May). I cannot speak highly enough of our ancillary staff here at Woodlawn – nothing is ever too much trouble for them. They really are the backbone of this College community so on your collective behalf, I thank each of these wonderful people for all that they continue to do for us.
Community Service is one of the hallmarks of a Marist education. Woodlawn has a proud history of supporting those less fortunate than ourselves, and given our international borders remain closed, I would encourage Year 11 students to consider the annual ‘Street Retreat’ which is coming-up in early June. Joining students and staff from other Diocesan schools, retreatants will be ‘hitting the streets of Brisbane’ and ministering alongside various organisations. Having attended Street Retreat several times over the years, I can personally attest to its value as part of a well-rounded education. Interested students can see Mrs Reen for further details.
On behalf of our P&F Executive, I would like to announce the winners of our annual P&F Raffle, which generated a profit of $1067. Sincere thanks to all who purchased tickets, with extra special mention to our wonderful sponsors (listed below):
1st Prize: Hot Air Balloon Ride for two people valued at $650 - donated by Balloons Aloft.
Winner – Ms Preeti Kamboj.
2nd Prize: Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) valued at $599 - donated by the Lorkin and Williamson families;
Winner – Ms Natalie Leeson.
3rd Prize: Apple Airpods Generation 2 with wireless charge case valued at $319 - donated by The Goonellabah Denture Clinic;
Winner – Tasman Newman, Year 8.
4th Prize: Gourmet Hamper & Veuve and Embroidered Picnic Rug - valued at $250 - donated by First National Byron Bay; and Ms Gay Strong;
Winner – Daniel Westerman, Year 12.
5th Prize: $100 Dinner Voucher at The Clydesdale Motel and Steakhouse and $50 Dan Murphy’s Voucher - valued at $150 - donated by the George Family and the P&F Association.
Winner – Ms Kylie Ward.
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 Mrs Jo Collis, whose mother died recently. May she rest in peace.
Finally, as this fortnight’s Reflection, I include the following prayer written to mark 200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia which will be celebrated at a special Diocesan Mass on 24 May in St Carthage’s Cathedral, with representatives from each of the schools in attendance:
200 Years – Faith In The Future of Catholic Education in Australia
Almighty and all-loving God,
with gratitude for the endeavours of Catholic Education in the past,
with confidence in our Catholic pre-schools, schools and universities today,
and with faith in their continuing contribution in the future,
we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in this Great South Land.
As our Heavenly Father,
we thank you for your providential care for your children in this land
in inspiring priests, religious and lay people
to found and staff our schools in ages past.
Through them the Good News of your Son was brought to the young
even in colonial times – and ever since.
As Christ the Teacher,
you grace the staff and leaders of Catholic education today.
As they build on the achievements of their predecessors
direct them in their present efforts
to ensure that every young Australian has the opportunity
for an excellent education and formation in faith.
As our Inspiring Spirit,
you lead us into the future.
In the century ahead grant those teaching and
learning in our schools,
those planning and leading,
and the families and community that entrust
their young people to us,
a love of learning and a willingness to be the
face of Christ
in the world of tomorrow.
Pour out abundant blessings upon all involved
in the ministry of Catholic education. Amen.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross – pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Patron of Catholic Education in Australia – pray for us.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection Evening
A reminder to parents that there will be a subject selection evening at the college Wednesday, 26 May from 6pm-7pm. Information will be given to both parents and students regarding the options they have as they move into the senior years. This can be a confusing time for families, it is anticipated that this evening will give some direction.
Students will be addressed by each Leader of Learning on Friday, 21 May. This information day will give students valuable information regarding subjects they may wish to study in year 11.
Years 7-10 Examination Block
Monday, 17 May through to Friday, 20 May students in years 7 to 10 will be formally assessed through a series of examinations. Examination timetables have been sent to students. Each student should be preparing for these examinations.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
Head Heart Hands
Proclaim Staff
We would like to share with families the key themes of our recent spirituality experience. Coming together as a staff we acknowledge the commonalities that shape our unique Catholic community. The Foundational Values of Community, Service, Evangelisation, Witness, Worship and Tradition were at the heart of our discussions. Collectively, we acknowledged the strength that we find in these foundations. We linked the Parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son to our own experiences and will continue to be invitational in our approach to all those we encounter in our community. Thanks to our families who support the professional and spiritual opportunities that are afforded to our Staff.
Recognising Students' Learning Behaviours
The RFL is an important form of student feedback at Woodlawn. The RFL is an opportunity to provide students and families with a snapshot of students' learning behaviour and classroom practices. Teachers complete this feedback every five weeks. The rankings are excellent, commendable, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. These results are collated into a GPA (Grade Point Average). Students are then ranked through the year level. Each cycle, the top ten students receive commendation certificates. Those students who are having difficulty with these behaviours also have meetings with Year Coordinators. Those who are continually at risk will have a meeting with parents and teachers to endeavour to work towards improvement.
In my role as Assistant Principal - Mission, I have the opportunity to congratulate the top ten students and present them with commendation certificates. Students who show improvement will also receive a merit award in the next cycle. If you need further information about this process, don’t hesitate to contact me. The following photos are of our 'Top Ten' in the Junior School.
Uniform Committee
The Uniform Committee met this week. Representatives from all stakeholders discussed a range of issues with a focus on grooming, jewellery and the standards that the College would like to uphold around the uniform being a statement of the College both in the public arena and at school. We are meeting again in two weeks to formalise a list of draft recommendations to share with the community. Please contact your P&F representatives, College Captains, SRC or myself if you have any questions around this.
St Vincent de Paul
Our St Vincent de Paul Conference met this week with Rosetta Leo, a Regional Coordinator of the group. She spoke passionately about the plight of youth and families in our local community and how we can provide service and witness to our Catholic social teachings. As a Catholic community we are called to be advocates for the poor and redress injustice through our actions. This term the Vinnies members will 'sleep rough' in Kelly Park on June 3. We are looking forward to sharing the experience this year with our students in person. In 2020, the staff zoomed into homes as students made the event a 'virtual sleepout' due to COVID-19. I have shared some images of past sleepouts. The sleepout is capped at forty students. It includes a prayer vigil and the construction of a cardboard village.
Transitus
A key foundational principle of a Catholic school education is Evangelisation. This is where we provide opportunities for students and staff to have an encounter with our faith through our words and our actions. It involves outreach beyond the curriculum and through the sharing of ‘the Good News’. Last week a group of our Year 7 students had the opportunity to attend the Diocesan faith formation program known as TRANSITUS. Students applied to be part of this experience with other Year 7 students from across the Diocese.
On Wednesday, a number of Year 7 students went to Transitus, a Retreat where we learnt more about our faith and how to be more like Jesus. We stayed the night and slept in cabins with students from other schools, which gave us the opportunity to meet lots of new people who were there to grow their connection with God like us. We went to the beach where we had to make a sandcastle which represented our hopes and fears and we played a game similar to pictionary but much harder! Attending Transitus helped me to branch out and make new friends, while also having fun learning about how we can strengthen our relationship with God.
Chloe Ryall
Year 7 Student
Looking Forward
- Mass celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education
- Ignite Launch: Dreamworld
- Senior Ministry Team peer to peer Ministry at St Carthages
- SRC Sleepover
- St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
We are truly grateful for the community in which we learn and work. Together, we create a shared legacy and hope to touch the hearts and minds of all those we encounter.
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Welfare
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
Week 5 - Examination Week
As we move to the end of Week 4, our students in Years 7 - 10 are preparing for their first series of Formative Assessment tasks to be held during the Examination week in Week 5. Students have been provided with study guides they can access through the relevant google classroom. Please encourage your child to review these study guides to help them prepare for each examination. Learning the particular content is essential for each subject. Once content has been learnt, and in some cases committed to memory, encourage your child to practise writing the content to specific questions or as a recall exercise.
Uniform
A reminder that students are required to wear the College blazer to and from school after the June long weekend.
In the previous Newsletter the expectations around jewellery were outlined; a reminder that students can wear one plain ring and necklace. Girls are able to wear one set of ear-rings and bangle/bracelet. We have been asking students to follow these guidelines. Students who choose to wear incorrect jewellery will be asked to put the jewellery in a bag which will be returned to them the following week.
ThinkuKnow Presentation
Year 7 and 8 students will attend the ThinkUKnow presentations next Tuesday. Year 7 will attend during Period 1 and Year 8 during Period 2. These presentations will be conducted by our local Police Liaison Officer and will deal with issues associated with cyber safety.
Physical Activity
The following excerpt is from Be You and outlines the benefits of regular physical activity. It can sometimes be difficult for our young people to find time to exercise; however, if we look carefully at the list, we can see that the effects of physical activity are worth the effort.
Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development, including social and emotional skills, as well as physical development of motor skills.
It also supports mental wellbeing. We know that high levels of inactivity can lead to a greater risk of both physical and mental health problems.
Physical activity:
- can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins; the neurotransmitters involved in regulating and improving mood;
- promotes sleep – which also helps regulate moods, increase energy levels and improve memory and learning;
- increases the connections between the brain neurons, which improves memory and learning capacity;
- pumps blood to the brain to boost mood, concentration and alertness;
- promotes relaxation by reducing skeletal muscle tension;
- provides children and young people with an outlet for excess energy and frustration, which relieves tension;
- provides an opportunity for children and young to socialise and meet new people, reducing loneliness and isolation;
- improves motor and cognitive skills, which boosts self-esteem;
- distracts children and young people from negative thoughts.
These benefits also serve to improve classroom behaviour and promote a more positive learning environment.
Stay well,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
Year 8 Visual Arts & Textiles Incursion
On Thursday, May 6 a group of Visual Arts and Textiles students from TAS Rotation 1 came together, along with teachers Mrs Lovatt and Ms Wright, to design and create the first of the Year 8 Lino Print Banners that will be displayed around the College.
Students were invited to attend the workshop based on their demonstrated skills in design and the relief printing process, textiles skills and responsible and mature manner. After the teachers explained the objectives, the first printmaking stage of relief printing onto fabric began, with the Visual Arts students and Mrs Lovatt sharing their knowledge with the Textiles students in the textile relief printing process. In the next stage students were shown how to use the silkscreen process to create a multi-layered colour base for the lino blocks along with the riso stencil process printing for additional colour and photographic imagery transfer. Ms Wright and the Textiles students then assisted the group with ideas for design and layout and the important textile assemblage stage, with Ms Wright and the Textiles students ably assisting others. The students worked brilliantly on the day and in a truly collaborative manner. The work produced in this first incursion will now be continued on by students from the next two TAS rotations, printing and completing the textiles process for the banners to be ready for display. We thank all those involved in the participation and organisation for the day.
“I focused on lino printing and finding creative ways to pair designs, patterns and colours. I enjoyed the freedom of creativity and being able to explore techniques independently. “
Nina, Year 8 Visual Arts student
“I would just like to say thank you for organising and running today, it was amazing and I had such a great time, I am positive everyone enjoyed themselves. I learnt so much, thank you.”
Taia, Year 8 Textiles student
Danielle Lovatt
Visual Arts Teacher
danielle.lovatt@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 and there are two big Careers Expos coming up fast. The Year13 Expo and Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo. These provide a great opportunity for students and families to ask questions and get information about post-school options from industry experts and education providers. There is even a $10 000 scholarship up for grabs just for registering for the Year13 Expo.
A reminder to Year 10 students that your first week of Work Experience is rapidly approaching. Forms were due back today (Friday). If you have not completed these, please arrange to meet with Mr Maginnity early next week.
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
Australian National University - Direct applications are open
ANU The Kim Jackson Scholarship Female Undergraduate Engineering - 13 June
Griffith Study Area Brochures
Griffith University Chat and Advice
Sydney University - University of Sydney Undergraduate Guide 2022
University of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Guide 2022
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
UTS - Bachelor of Information Technology Co-operative Scholarship
Law Undergraduate Information Webinars
Discover what Flexible Engineering at UTS is all about
Intro to Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at UTS - 20 May. 5.30pm
UTS College
Australian Defence Force Academy
What is ADFA ?
ADFA Virtual Tour
CSU - Future Careers and Work Forum: Step into your new career with confidence. 26 May. 6.30pm – 8pm
Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program
Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program - Join us at the info session on Tuesday 18 May 6.45pm.
UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program
University of Canberra Bachelor of Primary Education Entry Questionnaire
Additional Admission Requirements
Bond University
Bond graduates top employer satisfaction survey.
Australian Maritime College - Tasmania
UTas University of Tasmania - Schools Recommendation Program
Central Queensland University
CQUniversity’s Principal’s Recommendation Scheme Alternate Entry Pathway
Engineering Pathways at US Universities
Early and Alternative Entry
Early Entry – Not Just for High Achievers
UAC
UAC - Begin Applications for Study in 2022
UAC - Educational Access Schemes (EAS)
UAC - Equity Scholarships
UAC - Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)
TAFE
TAFE - Scholarships for Australian students
TAFE NSW Degrees
TAFE NSW Aviation Program Expanded
NECA Electrical Practice Tests
Traineeship and Cadetship from Transport for NSW
Tocal College Farming and Agriculture Fee Free Traineeships
BBM Global Industry Scholarships - Take Leading Aussie Agriculture to the World Scholarships
Private Colleges
Sydney Film School Virtual Tour
Diploma of Screen and Media
Sport or Dance - Australian College of Physical Education ACPE Early Entry
ACPE Elite Athlete Program
Other Events
Year 13 Expo
We have registered the school for the Year 13 Expo. Now it’s your turn. Read the information below and register online if you are interested in some of the great material presented by a range of speakers. As well as going into the draw with the chance to win a $10 000 scholarship.
More information on the Year 13 Digital Expo.
Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
Less Than One Month Left To View The Skills and Thrills Digital Parents’ Showcase
Naval Ship Building Webinar Videos and Careers
How to become a Chartered Accountant
What is forensic science really like?
Psychology Scholarships – Plan ahead
Australian Psychological Society
Health Workforce Scholarship Program
Indigenous Psychology Student Congress Attendance Scholarship
https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/university-scholarships/
Your plan to become a Psychologist
Brisbane Air Show Volunteers Needed 3 and 4 July
What’s the difference between a career, a job, and work?
New Zealand is open for gap years
Sports News
Sport has had a busy but successful start to Term 3, with the following College teams achieving success:
Our Under 14 and 16 Rugby League teams were winners of the Northern Rivers Catholic Colleges competition. Both teams defeated McAuley Catholic College, Grafton in their respective finals.
Our Under 14 and 16 girls League Tag were also successful in winning the Northern Rivers section of their competition.
Our Cochrane Cup team (under 14 Rugby League) has progressed to the Northern Finals in Coffs Harbour.
Our Open Rugby League team was successful in winning both the Country Cup (All Schools) and Catholic Cup in this region.
Unfortunately, our Bill Turner (Under 15) Soccer male and female teams, after defeating Alstonville High, lost to Trinity – the males in extra time.
Brian Battese
Sports Coordinator
brian.battese@lism.catholic.edu.au
Cross Country
Woodlawn Equestrian Team
On Friday, April 30, Gemma Poles (Year 12) and I travelled to QSEC to compete in the SE Qld Interschool Equestrian Championship with our horses 'Ruby Tuesday' and 'Lochiel Park Whisky' to represent Woodlawn.
I competed over a three day period in six championships, Working Hunter show horse, 60cm and 70 cm show jumping, preliminary and novice dressage and 60cm combined training (dressage and jumping).
This was my first time competing at this amazing venue and was quite overwhelming at first. The horses were all stabled in a massive complex housing 154 horses and the riding took place in a huge indoor arena with seating and four permanent outside sand arenas. There were 214 competitors competing over the three days representing 95 different schools, some came for just one day, others two days and some like me for all three days. Most events had approximately thirty secondary school competitors in each class.
It was great that there was another Woodlawn student competing at the same event.
I am so proud of the way my horse and I performed, our results were:
- Reserve Champion Secondary school, 60cm show jumping (2nd and 4th in each round);
- 4th overall in Working Hunter (3rd, 3rd and 4th in qual rounds);
- 7th overall in 60cm combined training (score of 40. No SJ penalties);
- 10th overall in 70cm show jumping (9th and 12th in each round);
- 10th in Novice 2B;
- 16th overall in Preliminary Dressage Years 7-9 (11th and 19th in each round).
In each round Gemma competed against 36 riders and her results were:
- 70cm show jumping A2 - 2nd;
- 70cm show jumping, special two phase – 15th as I took a rail;
- 80cm show jumping A2 – 17th;
- 7th overall in 70cm show jumping championships;
- 19th overall in the 80cm show jumping championships.
The combined success of Gemma and I resulted in St Johns, Woodlawn winning the Aggregate Secondary School in SE Qld Award.
Jemima Southwood
Year 7 Student
Fast 5 Netball Gala Day
Fast 5 Netball is a way to play Netball with the dial cranked right up! Each team has only five players on the court at a time. There are different scoring zones (worth 1, 2 and 3 points the further away from the post you shoot from), rolling subs, and the quarters are shorter. Teams can even double their points after selecting a Power Play quarter each. It’s fast, tactical, and fun.
This year, Netball NSW implemented a Fast 5 Carnival for Year 11 and 12 students which we were very excited to be a part of. Woodlawn entered two mixed teams of Year 12 students and all involved had a great day, regardless of the weather!
Our Woodlawn Red team came away with two wins from their four games with some classy play from our experienced netballers and great support from our less-experienced but tall, male non-netballers.
Woodlawn Gold were able to achieve two wins from three games and were on their way to a third win before the persistent rain cancelled the round and the rest of the day’s games. Team Gold had some notable performances from our three point specialists in Kaleb Jeffrey and Declan Young.
A huge thanks to our umpires: Kiara Jeffrey, Macy Butler, Natalie Fennamore and Molly O’Toole, who probably had just as much fun with the whistle as they did on the court.
Special mention also to the bus entertainment, first-aid and sugar hits provided by Mr Jones - we wouldn’t have made it through the day without you.
Team Red - Innes McLaren, Isaac McWhirter, Sam McLean, Macy Butler, Jessie Herington, Katie Olive, Jacinta Coppola, Natalie Fennamore and Molly O’Toole.
Team Gold - Patrick Thompson, Declan Young, Kaleb Jeffrey, Georgia Kent, Kiara Hassall, Olivia Mosse, Mikayla Hyde, Courtney Hanson and Cate McNaught.
Sally Ryall
Coach
sally.ryall@lism.catholic.edu.au
Converge - First Nations Media Conference
A small group of Year 11 students were fortunate enough to be able to attend CONVERGE: National First Nation's Media Conference, which was held at NORPA last week.
As part of the Koori Mail's 30th anniversary celebrations, they hosted The First Nations Media Conference on Bundjalung Country, where our students (Aliya King, Ryah Whitby, Flynn Brown, and Gabriella Wiggins) interacted with representatives from the First Nations media industry from across the country.
Aliya King is a current School-Based Trainee at the College (SBAT). Aliya works at the Koori Mail while studying for her Certificate III in Business and her HSC.
Bronwyn King
Indigenous Liaison Officer
bronwyn.king@lism.catholic.edu.au
HSC Showcase Design Competition
The Catholic Schools Office is creating a new website to showcase the talents of our Stage 6 students in their major works and projects. For more information please click on the link below.
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.
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:
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.