Week 8 Term 1 2024

Message from the Principal

Palm Sunday recalls the story in Christian Scripture of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, greeted by people waving palm branches. It is a reminder for Christians to welcome Jesus into their hearts and be willing to follow him. Palm Sunday holds a unique spiritual and cultural significance for Christians worldwide. As the day commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, it marks the beginning of Holy Week, ultimately leading to Easter Sunday – the celebration of Christ's resurrection. This is a time that Pope Francis calls on us to reach out to those who are suffering and those most in need. ‘May we not be concerned about what we lack, but what good we can do for others’. 

Our Lenten message is clearly focused on ensuring the dignity of others and of supporting those in need. This fortnight we have engaged in conversations around the idea of integrity and the importance of self-regulation. Home Groups, assemblies, and general conversations have challenged us all to ensure that at the heart of all we do, we show honesty in our relationships and interactions with others. 

I would like to affirm the work of the P and F, our staff, and our students who are embracing the review processes currently underway at the College. Last night parent representatives met to gain an understanding of the review process and the tools that will be used to review various aspects of the College. The discussion at this meeting centred around the College culture and the partnerships we have. They provided evidence of what is seen, heard, and read about these 2 domains.  We look forward to sharing their insights at the next social gathering where the other 7 domains will be addressed. Our focus on Mission was also at the heart of many of these conversations. Looking forward to more parents becoming involved in this process in early Term 2.

I have included photos from our staff twilight PD and some images taken last night. A review requires an understanding, a collection of evidence, and then a process of shaping the direction of the College for the next 3 years.

As a community we have also been looking at the 2 new models for parent representation. There have been 2 information sessions, emails, information sent to all parents, facebook reminders, newsletter articles, a preliminary vote and a final vote on the model that is accepted by the parents moving forward in 2024. The majority vote has been in favour of the Community Forum. This in essence is the structure of this model of engagement moving forward. 

• Similar to traditional P&F/Forum model.
• Must abide by a constitution.
• Meeting procedures tend to be more formal and all discussions and decisions must be moved, seconded, and voted upon.
• Parents are elected to executive positions such as Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary.
• Can register as a charity with the Australian Charity and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC).
• Can have a bank account.
• Can engage in fundraising activities.
• Is responsible for correct financial accountabilities and reporting to the ACNC.

The General meeting of the P and F will be an opportunity to establish the Forum moving forward. We will be looking for office bearers and workers.

We are looking forward to showcasing our College at our Open Night on April 3. These evenings are moments of pride in our students, our staff, and the level of commitment shown by all to ensure our visitors have a taste of everything ‘Woodlawn’.

Next week I will be shadowing a student in the Junior school and one in the Senior school to get a feel of the learning that is taking place and the relationships that are formed. I look forward to sharing my experiences in the next newsletter. 

Please check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to view all that is happening in this unique place.

Take some time to enjoy your Easter break.

Regards

Annette Reen
Principal 2024

Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Year 12 Half-Yearly Examinations
We congratulate all Year 12 students on completing their first round of examinations for 2024. While we celebrate the achievements of those who reached their learning goals, we also encourage those who may not have achieved the desired results to view this as an opportunity for improvement. Taking feedback from teachers seriously and using it constructively can pave the way for progress as they move towards their final HSC Examinations. 

Tell Them From Me
Early next term (in Weeks 2 - 4), the College will be taking part in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) student survey. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school, and the different ways that teachers interact with them. 

The survey is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in school-based surveys. Find out more about The Learning Bar and the TTFM survey here.

In addition to the student survey (for students from Year 7 to Year 12), parents/carers and teaching staff will have the opportunity to participate in the TTFM survey.  

The TTFM student survey is confidential, and staff in schools will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. All information will be handled according to relevant privacy legislation. 

The College will not disclose students’ personal information to any person or body other than as required by law. Individual students will not be identified in any publications. The survey is conducted online, takes 15 to 30 minutes, and will occur at school during school hours. 

We will receive a report on our school’s survey results shortly after our students complete it. The College will then share key aspects of the survey results with parents and carers in a timely manner. 

Participating in the survey is voluntary. If any survey questions make your child uncomfortable, your child can skip the question or choose to stop the survey at any time. If you do not want your child/children to take part in the survey, please contact Mr Bailey via email.

Year 7 Parent-Teacher Interviews
On Tuesday, April 9, parent, student, and teacher meetings will be held at the College for Year 7. Mrs Ryall, our Leader of Curriculum, will email details about booking appointments via Compass next week. The booking window will be open on the morning of Tuesday, April 2 and close on Monday, April 8 at 3:30pm. We suggest families schedule meetings with teachers to get feedback on their students' progress and to set some academic goals to help them as they continue to settle into life at high school. We look forward to meeting families on this evening.

As a College, we look forward to strengthening the relationship between the College and our parent community. This can only benefit our students when we work together toward the same end—that is, for the benefit of all students at the College. Please watch for opportunities to be involved and help our College progress into the future.

Matthew Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
matthew.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au

Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission

Dear Parents and caregivers,

This week at our College assembly I spoke to the students about love - and the type of love that, as Christians, we are called to show to the world. Jesus commanded us to love another as he loved us - a love without conditions and one that does not expect anything in return. I reminded our students to consider this in their interactions with each other and in their contributions to our Hearts for Hope campaign, raising money for the disadvantaged as part of the Caritas Lenten appeal.

Anzac Day
Anzac Day falls in the Term 1 school holidays this year. As in previous years, we invite all students to march with the school at the numerous ceremonies in the local area, details of which will be provided closer to the date. Students who are marching are required to wear their full winter uniform, including the blazer.

College pick-up zone
If you have driven into the College in the afternoon to pick up your child, you will be aware of the bottleneck that can occur when attempting to enter the pick-up zone.  Please be patient and be mindful of cars entering and exiting onto Woodlawn Road. 

Parent Talk
Parent Talk provides parents and carers with relevant and timely information about parenting, education, wellbeing, upcoming CCSP (Council of Catholic School Parents) events and webinars for parents, and significant Catholic news and events.

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT represents all parents and carers of students in our Catholic schools. Parents and carers are invited to subscribe to the CCSP’s Parent Talk newsletter to receive future editions and keep up to date with how the Council supports Catholic school parents to support their children’s wellbeing, faith journey, and academic outcomes. Click here to subscribe.

Upcoming Mission Events
We have a lot of activity in the Mission area over the next few weeks. Our Easter Liturgy is being held on Holy Thursday, March 28 at 11.30am for Year 8 - 12. Year 7, during their Catholic Studies classes, will observe the  Stations of the Cross. Catholic Education Week runs this year from April 8 - 12. During this week, we are hosting the Richmond Cluster Leaders Mass at 10am on Monday April 8, followed by Grandparents Day on Tuesday from 9.30 - 11.30am and our Staff Spirituality Day on April 12. We are certainly offering our students every opportunity to achieve the fullness of life.

Winter uniform
Students will return to school after the Term 1 holidays wearing the winter uniform.  Please note the opening hours of the Uniform Shop (outlined elsewhere in the Newsletter) so that you are able to purchase the necessary items before school starts (and in time for ANZAC Day if necessary). Apart from ANZAC Day (if marching), blazers do not need to be worn until after the June long weekend.

Family Connect
Woodlawn is fortunate to have the services of Family Connect available to our families. The type of support they provide is quite varied. If you would like to utilise this service please make contact with our Family Connect Worker, Cass Finucane.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 66262627 or at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au.

Fiona Fennamore
Assistant Principal - Mission

Message from the Leader of Evangelisation

Altar Serving Incursion and Training
After gathering interest from a number of students from Years 7-12 about participating in Atar Serving at St John’s, Woodlawn, on Tuesday March 19, Sister Di visited to run an Altar Serving training session incursion over lunch. Students learned about clothing worn, equipment used, procedures to follow, and how to conduct yourself on the Altar during the Mass and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Sister Di is excited to be back in our school to engage with our staff and students, and to pass on her knowledge to the next generation throughout 2024. 

If your child would be interested in learning about how to Altar Serve, or any other Ministry opportunity, please contact kallie.deegan@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Project Compassion
The work of Caritas Australia is only possible with the dedication, passion and tenacity of our local partners who implement the programs. These partners are the heroes on the ground, working tirelessly behind-the-scenes every day to create a better future for their communities.

Caritas Australia partners with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) to support communities living in urban slums in the Philippines. FCJ runs several programs that include house renovating, food processing, basic literacy skills, urban gardening, upcycling, and income-generating activities. They also have a clinic visited weekly by a Doctor and Community Nurse. 

Caritas Australia partners with Caritas Samoa to assist communities to have increased access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to ensure human health and well-being by providing water tanks and sanitation facilities.

Caritas Australia partners with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi through the A+ program. Since 2016, the A+ program has helped 7,397 families across Malawi improve their food security, access to basic water and sanitation, boost women’s income generation, and strengthen child protection. 

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations. You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. 

Kallie Deegan
Leader of Evangelisation
kallie.deegan@lism.catholic.edu.au

Message from the Sports Coordinator

Diocesan Sport 
Further NSWCCC sport selection trials have been confirmed and close dates set. 

Please note NO LATE ENTRIES will be accepted. All students must be registered by the close date to be considered for selection. The following sports are individual nominations only - this is the responsibility of the parents. Registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT portal. Parents must create an account and add their child. Attached is the link for HELP.

NEW SPORT PATHWAY !!!

LAWN BOWLS - Closes 18 March
Expression of Interest closes on 18 March. Successful applicants will be informed by 25 March.NSWCCC Selections - Wednesday, 29 May @ Club Sapphire Merimbula  $45  (NSW All Schools - 9 August)

 NSWCCC GIRLS 15 YEARS & UNDER AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL (AFL) Closes 12 April
NSWCCC Selections - Monday 6 May & Tuesday 7 May @ Wagga Wagga $90

 NSWCCC BOYS 16s FOOTBALL - EOI Closes 30 April 
Successful notification by 7 May
NSWCCC Selections - Friday 17 May @ Kareela $45

 NSWCCC 16 YEARS & 18 YEARS BASKETBALL - Closes 3 May 2023
NSWCCC Selections - 18 Years Monday 13 May,16 Years Tuesday 14 May @ Sutherland $45

 NSWCCC 15s & OPENS HOCKEY SELECTIONS - Closes 3 MAY 2024
NSWCCC Selections - Monday 20 May @ Bathurst  $45 

NSWCCC 17 YEARS & UNDER WATER POLO SELECTIONS - Closes 17 May 2024
NSWCCC Selections Monday 27 May @ Ryde 8:30am - 12pm Boys & 12pm - 3:30pm Girls  $35

Rugby 10 Gala Day
On Tuesday March 12, we were fortunate enough to hold the NSW Far North Coast Rugby 10's carnival. Woodlawn had a great turn out of players and fielded five teams across the boys and girls age divisions. 

The Under 14 Girls team were a highlight of the day showing great commitment and what they lacked in experience, they made up for in enthusiasm. They went on to win one game, draw one game, and lose one game. The best on ground was Aloura Gould.

The Under 14 Boys team were dominant and used their size and power to great effect. They won all three games convincingly and the best on ground was John Jacobs.

The Under 16 Girls team had a mixture of experience and first-timers and all had a great time. The girls lost both games but learned a lot on the day. Best on ground was Madison Coppola.

The Under 16 Boys team had a mixed day with two strong wins and a loss. The best on ground was Will Mosse. 

The Open Boys Team played the same team twice and won decisively. Special mention to Matt Gillan and Rio Carter who were very impressive in their Rugby debuts. 

The U14 Girls and the U14, U16 and Open Boys all move through to the next stage in Grafton.

Mr Reen

Dio Swimming
Congratulations to those students who represented the College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Thursday. Special mention to Alanna Bromhead who was named Open Girls Age Champion, and to Malekai Kubils and Elijah Mercy-Wilson who, along with Alanna, qualified for the NSW CCC Carnival later in the year.

We had 8 students who placed in the top three in their events:

Alanna Bromhead - 2nd open girls 50m freestyle
Alanna Bromhead - 2nd open girls 50m butterfly
Jacob Rowe - 3rd 14 boys 200m freestyle
Alanna Bromhead - 2nd open girls 200m freestyle
Malekai Kubils - 1st 15 boys 100m backstroke
Scarlet McDowell - 3rd 13 girls 50m breaststroke
Elijah Mercy-Wilson - 1st 14 boys 50m breaststroke
Izzie Rowe - 3rd 16 girls 50m breaststroke
Alanna Bromhead - 1st open girls 50m breaststroke
Izzie Rowe - 3rd 16 girls 100m freestyle
Alanna Bromhead - 2nd open girls 100m freestyle
Malekai Kubils - 2nd 15 boys 50m backstroke
Alanna Bromhead - 2nd open girls 50m backstroke
Abigail Glendinning - 3rd 16 girls 200m IM
Alanna Bromhead - 1st open girls 200m IM
Lincoln Cormack - 3rd 13 boys 100m butterfly
Alanna Bromhead - 1st open girls 100m butterfly
Scarlet McDowell - 2nd 13 girls 100m breaststroke
Elijah Mercy-Wilson - 1st 14 boys 100m breaststroke
Alanna Bromhead - 1st open girls 100m breaststroke

Dio Basketball
On Thursday, March 14, 17 students travelled to Coffs Harbour bright and early to compete in the Open Diocesean Basketball Carnival.

For our Basketballers, this was a great opportunity to put into practice all their hard work and training in the lead-up to the upcoming Marist Basketball competition.  Most of the students attending are also in our Marist teams so coaches went into the Diocesan Carnival with the mindset of using the games as trial games.

It was a great day full of quality Basketball and fun.  Our students performed to the best of their ability showing great leadership and sportsmanship.

Our coaches Mr Flynn and Mrs Tickle were extremely proud of the way our students conducted themselves both on and off the court.

Our Girls team walked away with 2 wins and 2 losses, a great achievement and a testament to their hard work over the last 6 months.

Our Boys team played hard but came away with 5 losses.  Their games were extremely tough but they played the best they could.  

Thanks to Tammie Creary for driving the bus and being a great Manager on and off the court, and to Noah, our newest Sports Assistant for helping organise the day and tagging along.

Dio Tennis
On Tuesday 12 March, 12 students travelled to Tweed Heads to compete in the Senior Girls, Senior Boys, Junior Girls, and Junior Boys events at the Lismore Dio Tennis Trials.

Morgan Moran and Molly Cronin lead the Senior Girls team, alongside Erika Wisemantel and Ciara McNall. Both teams faced fierce competition, showing great sportsmanship and teamwork to improve throughout the day.

The Junior Boys team of Austin Newton and Emmett Murphy were a great team. The boys worked well together to achieve a number of wins on their first Lismore Dio outing.

Our Senior Boys team was led by Digby Langdon and supported by Tom McPhee, Askel Langdon, and Boyd Wilson. These boys faced some tough opponents and won a number of matches, finishing the day in third.

The Junior Girls team of Ava Hutley and Djidji Bertram were a strong pair throughout the day. Also in their first Lismore Dio outing, the girls consistently defeated each school they faced until their final match. The loss in the final match meant that the girls ended the day with 1 point separating the top two teams. Congratulations to Ava and Djidji on coming runners-up in their first outing.

Simon Andrews
Sports Coordinator
simon.andrews@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2639

Year 7

It has certainly been a busy time for our Year 7 students as they have settled into life at Woodlawn. After the initial big events like their first day and the Year 7 Discovery Day, where the students experienced a number of workshops that will assist in their day-to-day, it was time for Year 7 to have some fun! 

Big Day Out
Year 7 jumped on the buses and set off to the Ballina Waterslides for the traditional Year 7 Big Day Out. The kids were put through their paces by our House Captains in a rotation of inter-house challenges. Once this had been run and won (I think Bell got the win….) the students were free to use the pool facilities and the slide. Fastest down the infamous yellow slide was reported to be Henry Condon, with the slowest being Mr Collings. 

Sleepover
Another of our important traditions is the long-standing Year 7 Sleepover. This was held on Thursday of Week 8 and was an action packed event to say the least. The kids participated in a collection of activities including; swimming, basketball, indoor soccer, table tennis, bead making, art, movies, Thursday Night NRL and a disco….any wonder they were a little flat Friday! Thank you to our wonderful canteen for ensuring that we all ate like kings and a special thank you to the Year 12 Leaders who came along to assist and the staff for giving up their valuable time for this event! 

Onwards and upwards for Year 7, 2024!

Luke Collings
Year 7 Coordinator  
Luke.collings@lism.catholic.edu.au

From the SRC

Hello from your SRC.
A lot has been happening this past week around the College. Our Years 7 and 9 students have participated in NAPLAN, Year 12 have had their half yearly exams, some Years 10 and 11 students received training to get their white cards. Also, Year 7 have had their sleepover, which is one of the exciting events they get to participate in on the school calendar. Year 8 participated in Mental Health First Aid courses throughout the week and have said that they thought it was a good opportunity to learn how to support their friends. Some Year 11 students went to Lead conference for students to explore their faith and leadership values. 

In our weekly meetings we have talked about:

-Champion House rewards and the committee voted for the Dreamworld Day out for the Champion House. This would be a co-contribution from the College and individuals to ensure the cost was shared. 

-House points: we have supported the idea of including house points for a wider range of College activities, not just Sport. We believe this is a more inclusive practice and recognises that service, personal commitment, and contribution to College life are important features of Woodlawn life. 

-Charity House: This plaque will be updated to recognise the House that contributes the most to our many charities. 

-Catholic Schools Week: Opening Mass, Grandparents Day, Cross Country, SRC sleepover and Bell House Breakfast feature during Catholic Schools week. 

-Filtering out of the old Uniform: The old summer uniforms will no longer be sold. We also have the addition of the Woodlawn hoodie for sports days in Winter. 

This week, we’d like to introduce you to our Year 8 representatives Edward and Amelie.

Tell us a little about yourself?

“I'm sporty, fun, and love to give things a try. I love to play piano, chess and read books”-Edward

“Hi my name is Amelie McPhee, but I usually go by Millie, and I’m the female SRC representative for Year 8 this year. I enjoy playing netball, dancing, going to the beach, cooking, doing creative things, and hanging out with friends.”-Amelie

What is your favourite thing about Woodlawn?

“I love the sense of community that Woodlawn brings to all aspects of the College”-Edward

“My favourite thing about Woodlawn is the sense of community- everyone supports each other, and I also love the variety of sport and academic opportunities offered here.”-Amelie

Why did you decide to become a member of our SRC?

“I wanted to suggest new fun ideas and help out the school”-Edward

“I decided to run for base class leader, as I wanted to get the ideas of my class heard, and make my class a better place. Then when I got base class leader, I was very excited when I got elected as the female Year 8 SRC representative. The SRC is a great way to get yourself involved in the school community, and help change the school for the better.”-Amelie

You both recently took part in the Mental Health First Aid training, what was it like?

“The Mental Health course was run well by Mr O'Toole. He is a fun and approachable teacher and he should run the course.”-Edward

“I recently took part in the Teen Mental Health First Aid training. It was very beneficial to learn how to help support our peers and get a better understanding of mental health issues, and crises. It taught us what signs are of mental health problems and how to check in with our friends.”-Amelie

Do you think that the training was a good experience?

“I think it is good to get this information in our system now so we understand it later in life.”-Edward

“The training was a great experience as it was engaging and helped us to be better peers.”-Amelie

We are looking forward to the upcoming events over the next few weeks like our College Open Night and Grandparents Day! We hope to see our community come together for these events so we can showcase the amazing things on offer at Woodlawn. 

We will also be welcoming our Year representative in week 10. 

See you next week!

Ava Allen and Kieran Weekes ( Year 10 correspondents)

Attendance

Going on a Family Holiday/Family Event?
Less than 10 days: Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature or email lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au 
More than 10 days: Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification.

Does your student compete or attend Elite Sport programs?
Also include talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.
Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General.

Dose your student attend Elite Arts Programs?
Accredited Elite Arts programs are defined as an opportunity for a student to participate in an event or program that is beyond the gifted and talented opportunities that the Diocese offers.
Complete Form 05 Exemption from Attendance General.

Late Arrival
Students arriving after 8.55 am, need to enter via the Student Service Office. Please submit late arrivals via the Compass Submit Attendance Note feature. 

Early Departure
Please use the Compass Submit Attendance Note feature to notify of early departure. The Student Service Office cannot guarantee your student to be ready for an early departure without adequate notification.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
Reminder the drop-off and pick-up zone is located between the school and the ovals at the back of the school. Please do not collect your student from the front entrance due to safety reasons.

Instructions for entering details into Compass to submit absence/ late arrival/ early departure (alternatively see attached pdf for instructions)

• Log into your Compass account

• Click on the +Shortcuts symbol at the bottom of the page

• Select Submit Attendance Note

• Select Reason

• Add Details/Comments

• Select the date and time that your child will be collected or absent

• Select the End date as the date or time your child will be returning to school (or 3.15pm if they are not returning to school that day)
• Select Potentially Affected Sessions 

• Hit Add Attendance Note at the bottom of the page.

Lost Property
Lost Property is located outside the Student Services Office. Please clearly label all items that are brought or worn to school.

Student Services Office
Lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
6626 2629

Canteen News

Flexischools orders has a cut-off time of 9.00am.

The cash free way to pay! - REGISTER NOW
Paying for lunches is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school.

The College has Flexischools to allow students to pay at the Canteen using their existing student ID card. Paying for lunches and items at recess or lunch is now safer and hassle free. With cashless cards there's no need for students to bring cash to school. Parents can set daily spending limits and view transactions online. Parents can also top-up funds at any time.

The Canteen has introduced a Fast-Track line for students who have pre-ordered to collect their lunches, making it much easier and quicker for students.

We encourage all students to register. This will allow for those days when your student may have forgotten their homemade lunches.

Please follow the link below to register now:

Uniform Shop

The Woodlawn Uniform Shop is proudly managed by P&C Uniforms.
To ensure you have an easy and pleasant experience while ordering uniforms, we encourage you to order online ahead of time for easy click-and-collect in store. 

Uniform Shop Opening Hours:
Time: Monday 8.00am - 9.30am & Wednesday 11.00am - 2.00pm
Where: Colin Centre
Order Online: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au 
Book a fitting: www.sjcwuniformshop.com.au/bts-appointments

Second Hand Uniform Shop Opening Hours:
Time: 11.00am - 2.00pm
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Colin Centre 

Leanne Copeland
Uniform Shop Convenor
0407 739 237 

Community News