Week 4 Term 3 2022
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Students across Years 7 – 11 were able to gather in the Colin Centre for our first regular ‘full’ School Assembly of the year (noting the absence of Year 12 on HSC Trial Exams). When I spoke to those gathered, I reiterated the importance of ‘community’ and coming together as such at regular intervals, which has been one of the hallmarks of a Woodlawn education over successive generations. I look forward to working with our Student Leaders in re-establishing this important Woodlawn tradition post-COVID/flood/s.
In staffing news, our ICT Assistant, Ms Sue Buss, finished her time at the College last Friday after seventeen (17) years at Woodlawn. While officially employed by Lismore CSO, Ms Buss worked through multiple iterations of IT rollouts, especially during the era of school-managed devices. On behalf of the broader Woodlawn community, I would like to wish Ms Buss all the very best in her new role closer to home in Ballina and thank her for the care and attention she showed our students and staff over many years.
Student Awards
Woodlawn has a long and proud tradition of recognising student excellence across a range of fields. It therefore gives me great pleasure to announce the recipients of the following Major Awards in 2022:
- The Jake Roff Memorial Award has been granted to Lucy Bell (Year 11);
- The Marsden Medal has been granted to Lilly Munce (Year 11) and Liam Weekes (Year 12);
- The ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award has been granted to Megan Elliott (Year 12);
- The ADF Future Innovators Award has been granted to Kye Newberry (Year 12).
Please join me in congratulating each of these students whose awards will be conferred at ceremonies to be held in the coming weeks.
In COVID-19 updates:
- There have been no changes to the NSW Health advice since our last Newsletter;
- The Term 3 allocation of Rapid Antigen Tests (1 x 7 pack per student) was distributed to students on Thursday, 28 July during Home Group. If your daughter/son was absent on this day and has not yet received their RATs, please ensure they attend SSO to collect these ASAP;
- Since last Newsletter, we are aware of at least 34 cases of COVID-19 across students in all year levels, 7 - 12.
As this fortnight’s reflection, I include the following thoughts which parallel admirable personal traits with Scriptural references:
- One does not need ‘all the trappings’ for true happiness.
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12: 25) - Those who stop caring about what other people think and choose self-love are set free from everything that holds them back, which ultimately leads to real happiness.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9) - Focus on pursuing authentic relationships with both people and nature.
“And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1: 31) - Never judge anyone by what you first see. It takes time to form truthful and trusted relationships.
“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” (Matthew 7: 1-2) - You don’t have to censor yourself just to fit in. Accept and own your differences.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12: 2) - You never know what someone is dealing with. Lead with kindness always.
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4: 32) - Love can bloom in unlikely places.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3: 14)
(Adapted from: 7 Lessons that …… taught us)
Finally, I will be taking a short period of Long Service Leave commencing next Monday. Mr Michael Campbell will be Acting Principal during my time away and I thank him, in advance, for allowing me this opportunity for a short break.
Enjoy the fortnight ahead and thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Tell Them From Me Surveys
We have invited students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our College using an online survey that takes approximately twenty-five (25) minutes to complete. The surveys are essential to our whole school evaluation and planning processes.
We invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our College community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The College will use the information you provide to maintain our commitment to working in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St. John’s College, Woodlawn.
You can access the survey on your computer or any mobile device using the link below:
www.tellthemfromme.com/woodlawn2022
Year 8 into Year 9 Elective Choices
Year 8 students will soon be selecting their elective subjects for Year 9 (2023). Students going into Year 9 will select one 200 hour course covering Years 9 and 10. They will also select one 100 hour course to be completed in Year 9 only. Students then choose another 100 hour course in Year 10. Mr Bailey has organised a Parent/Student Information Evening to be held on Tuesday, 23 August in the Performing Arts Centre from 6pm–7pm for Year 8 families only. The evening will provide information on courses and allow time for parents and students to seek clarification so informed decisions can be made.
Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection
Mr Bailey is in the final stages of the organisation that will give parents and students the opportunity to meet with experienced Woodlawn staff on Friday, 26 August to discuss subject selections for Year 11. It is important that students make realistic, informed decisions when it comes to subject selection for the HSC. Subject lines are set from the ‘expression of interest’ students recently completed. The lines are determined by the greatest percentage of students gaining their preferences. Unfortunately, this will not suit everyone and there will be some students who will need to rethink some of their elective choices.
Trial HSC Examinations
As the Trial HSC Examinations draw to a close, I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students on the way they conducted themselves during these examinations. Whilst the Trial Examinations are very important in determining school based assessment marks, they are not the overriding factor in the final HSC result. It is important for all students to take in and implement all feedback provided to them by their teachers in preparation for the HSC Examinations which begin in October.
Michael Campbell
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
michael.campbell@lism.catholic.edu.au
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
‘Never See a Need without doing something about it’.
St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop calls on us to live beyond the boundaries of our own lives. This week we began the celebration of her Feast Day with a reflection by our Year 7 Base class leaders and their SRC mentors, Lilly Munce and Connor Kempshall. The recognition of Mary’s courage, tenacity and care is something that we can all hope to emulate in our lives.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1phCpdXikvIuCs6Lu858zoWfNIJv4VM-b/view?usp=sharing
This fortnight we are featuring our students who are competing in the Australian History Challenge as an example of young people choosing to live life to the full by accessing many of the programs that Woodlawn has to offer. Students from the junior school chose to register themselves to extend their knowledge and capabilities. I was impressed with their commitment and the range of historical issues each student investigated. Thanks to Mr Mason and Ms Darke for encouraging and supporting these students to ‘live a full life.’
Looking forward to the coming weeks where opportunities abound.
Stay well...
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ministry Matters
“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can”. St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop puts in words the call to humble service in our lives. Attempting to live in right relationship with one another, in a life of love and servitude, we too can be courageous in our search to strive for ‘more’ for all we encounter.
SHINE Conference
For somebody who lived her life in service of the poor and marginalised in her society, St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop, showed that some of her bravest achievements were completed solely for the benefit of others. She truly wished for the students and families in her school communities to know the fullness of life of faith in Jesus Christ.
From that early time in the history of Catholic education in Australia, we carry on that mission today in our schools. I am delighted to, yet again, promote our ‘touring party’ who are off to the 2022 SHINE Conference in Coffs Harbour next Thursday, 18 August. With over sixty-five (65) students and four staff attending this student discipleship event, the spirit is well and truly alive in our Woodlawn community.
This week, we have met with all students attending SHINE and, particularly, our senior ministry leaders who will help to facilitate workshops and lead small groups at the Conference. There is a real buzz around SHINE this year and we are very much looking forward to participating in this great event for the first time since 2019.
Looking Forward
We celebrate a number of really significant events and feast days in the liturgical calendar over the coming weeks. We look forward to the celebrations of our faith through the Eucharist and will be reporting on these in future Newsletters. The dates are as follows:
- August 15: Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
- September 9: Mass to celebrate St. John’s Day as a College community;
- September 12: Mass to celebrate the Memorial of the Holy Name of Mary.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to your family on matters of faith and ministry.
Nick Jones
Leader of School Evangelisation
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Our young people use the internet for a variety of purposes. As parents we may not be familiar with all of these purposes, and there are certainly some risks associated with internet use. Below are two free webinars that might be of interest to you in this area:
Learn about TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to help your children stay safe online.
Join eSafety’s expert education and training team for a FREE live webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 8 to 13.
It will include case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.
Tuesday, 16 August: 7:30pm to 8:30 pm
Thursday, 25 August: 12:30pm to 1:30 pm
Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
Help your teens stay safe by learning how to deal with online sexual harassment and image-based abuse. Join eSafety’s expert education and training team for a FREE live webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 13 to 18.
Monday, 5 September: 12:30pm to 1:30 pm
Wednesday, 7 September: 7:30pm to 8:30 pm
If you are interested in either of these webinars you can register here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
REST
Our young people often lead very busy lives. Many of them do not take the necessary time to rest. As adults, we know that rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood and even a better metabolism (Integris Health). Rest is not just about physical rest. There are many ways that young people can rest - sometimes we just need to remind them of how they can unwind and feel refreshed.
Consent Education
On Tuesday, August 23, Year 8 students will be attending a Talking Consent program at the College. Each hour-long session will be conducted by Jane McGowen. Our young people will learn skills in understanding self-awareness and being able to identify different feeling states; identifying early warning signs and self-insight through mindfulness and art based practise; address age appropriate understandings of consent in our every day; setting boundaries in relationships and practising self confidence; looking at personal safety issues and protective behaviours; developing bystander awareness and peer support relationships.
Uniform Review 2022
As we move further into the school year, we have developed these guidelines to support our students to wear the correct uniform:
- Full College Assemblies provide an opportunity to remind students of uniform expectations and to check that students do have the correct uniform and are wearing it correctly;
- Students who present to school wearing the incorrect uniform, including sports uniform, without a note, must see Mrs Reen to receive a Day Pass. This is recorded.
- In keeping with our mission to ensure all students have access to resources, the necessary uniform item/s will be provided to the student;
- If a student receives three Day Passes, parents will be phoned to ascertain the issue and consequences will be determined.
Personal Grooming Review
1. There is clear communication around the agreed Personal Grooming expectations at the College. Students who consistently disregard these expectations will be placed on lunchtime Uniform Detention.;
2. Students wearing incorrect jewellery will be given an envelope into which they can place their jewellery. This will then be stored in their lockers.
For your information, here are our agreed expectations. These were determined via an extensive process of consultation with the SRC, P & F and staff.
Personal Grooming
Students must be clean, neat and tidy at all times.
Hair
- Extremes in hairstyle, cut or colour are not permitted (ie 'mullets');
- Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back;
- Hair accessories should be in keeping with College colours;
- Students must be clean shaven at all times;
- Make-up should be kept to a natural appearance;
- Nails should be kept to neutral shades or French tips.
Tattoos
These are not to be visible.
Jewellery and Piercings
Students are permitted to wear:
- No more than 2 plain rings on each hand;
- No more than 2 earrings per ear. These are to be studs or sleepers. NB: No other piercings are acceptable;
- 1 necklace;
- 1 watch;
- 2 plain bracelets or bangles.
These are not exhaustive lists. Members of the College Leadership Team are the final arbiters on what is deemed acceptable in all Uniform and Personal Grooming matters.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me on fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.
Regards,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
College Basketball
Year 9/10 Girls Diocesan Basketball
The last time some of these girls played Basketball for Woodlawn was in 2019 and for some this was their first opportunity to represent the College. With a tough preparation due to the Colin Centre being flooded and only being able to train a couple of times, the girls went out to do their best.
Our first game was against St Joseph’s, Port Macquarie, and we had a terrific win 58-18. Poppy Latta toped scored with 20 points. All players scored, including Tobhiyah Louis and Jaya Wisemantel playing their first games of Basketball. St John Paul College, the overall champions, were our next opponents. Being a very strong Basketball school, they had an easy win over us. MacKillop College, Port Macquarie were next and proved too strong also, but were pushed to keep ahead of us. On the last day we played Xavier, and the girls came out strong and refreshed. Eliza Herman was a force to be reckoned with under the basket dominating the rebounding with Jaya. Quick intense defence at the top of the key by Tobhiyah, Nikki Andonov and Sophie Alcorn slowed Xavier’s shooters down and saw us go down by only 12 points. The Andonov sisters, Jackie and Nikki, shot some lovely three pointers in all games to always boost us along. Sophie Alcorn and Jackie Andonov led the way with their endless effort in defence and offence. Poppy Latta, who continuously attacked the basket, top scored for the team with 58 points for the tournament. Congratulations to all players.
Senior Girls Basketball
At last, the Senior Girls’ Basketball team got to play! Only having one tournament last year and not competing at the Diocesan level in Coffs Harbour after the floods this year, the girls played at the Open Pegasus Basketball Challenge in Lismore on Wednesday, 27 July. They started well with a good win against Lindisfarne 27 – 8. This gave the opportunity for new player, Nikki McKinlay, to get her bearings. Next, we played Trinity who proved to be too strong. Jess Tulk and Kiara Jeffery rebounded strongly, with Eloise Davis and Bella Griffiths making some great steals. Our last game was against the champions of the day Rivers (Lismore High). Full of representative players, Rivers came out confident. Woodlawn wasn’t going to let them dominate though and it was even until the last quarter only going down 36-26. Juniors, Jackie Andonov and Sophie Alcorn, helped our team with some great shooting and defence. Congratulations girls on a great day and for Jess Tulk and Kiara Jeffery, their last game of Basketball for Woodlawn as they graduate this year.
Tammie Creary
Basketball Coach
tammie.creary@lism.catholic.edu.au
Rugby Sevens
The Under 15s boys Rugby Union team headed to Lyle Park in Wollongbar to participate in the NSW Schools Rugby Sevens Competition. Schools from across the Far North Coast would compete in the under 15s and 17s competitions.
Our first game was against our cross town rivals, Trinity Catholic College, Lismore. Trinity came out strong in the first half and managed to score a couple of early tries. Woodlawn came home with a wet sail in the second half with tries to Billy Beston, Zane Taylor and Jake Fowler to win the first game 22-12.
The second game saw Woodlawn take on Alstonville High which we expected to be our toughest task. This couldn’t be further from the case, with Taj Bednall turning over the ball at every opportunity. Captain Tom Welman made a number of slicing runs through the defence and was well supported by Noah Vakararawa, who scored a powerful try. Billy Beston was the best on ground with strong defence and some gutsy carries of the ball. The final score was 43-5 with the boys running in seven tries to one. This put us into the final against St Mary's, Casino. The winning team would move on and compete in the next round of the competition in Sydney.
After a three hour break between matches, the Woodlawn boys came out of the gates slow, conceding a try in the first twenty seconds of the match. Noah Vakararawa crashed over to even the score and it was a tight contest from there on. The boys went into halftime behind by seven and were the first to score after the break with another try to Noah. A few injuries saw us lose both our halfbacks and unfortunately, we lost our direction. Some late tries to Casino saw the score finish 26-10 in favour of the St Mary’s boys.
The three best players on the day were: Tom Welman, Taj Bednal and Noah Vakararawa.
Both Mr Jones and I could not have been more proud of the team and we look forward to hopefully playing some more Rugby Union at Woodlawn this year.
Seamus Reen
Inclusion Assistant
seamus.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Canteen News
Term 3 Changes
Please be aware there will be a price increase in menu items.
Flexischools orders will have a new cut-off time of 9am.
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 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 St John's College 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.
Opening Hours: 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
When: 1st Wednesday of every month
Where: Colin Centre
Time: 8am - 2pm