Week 2 Term 2 2023
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students,
Welcome back to Term 2! In this first fortnight of Term we have already commemorated ANZAC Day, celebrated Catholic Schools Week, held our Year 8 Camp and various sporting fixtures. It is going to be an exceptionally busy term. Please encourage your daughters and sons to take full advantage of the many co-curricular offerings which our staff so willingly commit to providing to ensure a first-class, holistic education here at Woodlawn.
During the holidays I had the privilege of representing the College (along with Mr Bernie MacDonald and Mr Chris Comerford) at the Requiem Mass of former College Rector (1988 – 1993) Fr William (Bill) Ryder SM. Fr Ryder’s life story was ‘Woodlawn-centric’ – in that he was a former student of the College (1950 – 1954); staff member (1965 – 1977) and Rector (1988 – 1993). He went on to become Provincial of the Marist Fathers in Australia (2001 – 2006). We will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Fr Ryder at Woodlawn in the coming weeks, details to be advised.
Given the College now has an official FaceBook presence, please be reminded that it is not permitted to establish a social media presence using the College’s name or logo without written permission from the Principal. Any permitted social media pages/groups/accounts must adhere to the Colllege’s and the Catholic Schools Office Diocesan Social Media Policies. Your support here is greatly appreciated.
Please find attached a letter that details our approach to emergency preparedness in schools and the support and actions required from parents as part of this process.
As part of our employment contracts, all Principals in the Diocese of Lismore have an appraisal in each term of contract. As this is now my fourth year at Woodlawn, please find attached information regarding my Principal Appraisal which will be conducted later in Term 2.
Our College, as part of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL), like all child-safe organisations, is implementing the Child Safe Standards. As a part of this work, we share our Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement which reinforces our dedication to the safety and wellbeing of all children. Please take the time to read the commitment statement and if you have any questions, please discuss with the school leadership team. We will continue to engage with you on this important matter.
As many of you will already be aware, our Assistant Principal – Learning & Teaching, Mr Michael Campbell, has been seconded to St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino as Acting Principal while Mrs Tracy Robinson is on leave. Thanks to Mr Chris Mason (Acting AP – Learning & Teaching) and Ms Stef Darke (Acting Leader of HSIE) who have assumed additional responsibilities at Woodlawn for the duration of Mr Campbell’s secondment.
As this fortnight’s reflection, I include a brief ANZAC Reflection from the former Governor of Tasmania, the Hon. Peter Underwood AC: ‘All our remembrances and honours are meaningless, unless we also vow to become resolute about peace because that is what those whom we remember and honour on this special day thought they were dying for.’
On behalf of all members of the Woodlawn family, we extend our condolences to the families of Joseph Shelley (Year 8), Laura Masman (Year 10) and Dylan Masman (Year 11) who have lost family members in recent weeks. May they rest in peace.
Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you next Tuesday night at our ‘Real World of Our Students’ Presentation. It is when we all work together that our students achieve the best possible outcomes, so I strongly encourage your attendance on the night.
With best wishes for the coming school term.
Sincerely
Aaron Beach
Principal
From the Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Year 12 - Parent Teacher Interviews: Tuesday, 16 May, 2023
We invite you to attend the Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss your child's HSC progress. Staff are available in the Colin Centre on Tuesday, 16 May between 4 pm and 7 pm.
These interviews provide an excellent opportunity for families to receive feedback on student progress as we move toward the completion of Year 12 and the final HSC examinations.
Bookings open at 9am Friday, 5 May and close at 12noon Monday, 15 May.
To make a booking, please access the notification on the Compass dashboard for your child.
We look forward to seeing you on the night.
Years 7-10 Assessment
To further support students in their preparations for assessment, all assessment calendars, assessment task notifications, and revision guides for Years 7-10 will be posted on a dedicated assessment hub via Google Classroom. All students have been invited to the classroom. It would be helpful if families check-in with their children to ensure they have access. Notification will be posted with a minimum of two weeks notice. If students need help with task requirements or accessing the assessment hubs they should seek guidance from their classroom teacher. Please note that for any assessment that falls within an examination week, as listed on the assessment calendar, a separate examination timetable for this assessment will be available closer to the date.
Year 11 Examinations
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 encourage all students to apply the teacher feedback they receive in the coming weeks to improve their knowledge and understanding and set academic goals as they move towards Year 12.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) reminder
Parents/Guardians should have received communication from the College to participate in the Tell Them From Me survey.
The survey will provide valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school, and how teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and worldwide have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve.
The anonymous survey will take approximately twenty (20) minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
http://tellthemfromme.com/woodlawn2023
Thank you for assisting us in improving the Woodlawn educational experience for your daughters and sons.
Christopher Mason
Acting Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
christopher.mason@lism.catholic.edu.au
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
In the Lismore Diocese, we are fortunate to have a strong relationship with the Parent Assembly. This initiative is part of a multi-pronged approach to ensure that parents at our College have access to information from leaders in a range of fields. The Parent Assembly team works with us to provide opportunities for parents to gather in a collegial, welcoming manner, to learn about a wide range of issues that are impacting the lives of our students as they traverse the teenage years. I cannot recommend highly enough how important it is for us to develop a common understanding of the issues affecting our students' wellbeing and to understand the many avenues available to seek assistance when required.
The 'Real World of Our Students’ seminars are the first series of sessions available since COVID derailed our program. Next Tuesday, we will have presentations from the Real Schools group on the power of language and positive behaviours to modify relationships and enhance optimal learning and wellbeing. Sheila Bollard, from the Sydney office, is our mentor on this program which is looking at restorative relationships and practices in the College. Woodlawn has invested in this three year program with Real Schools that focuses on improved student engagement through relationship building. It is essential that as parents you are aware of these practices and your role in this.
Our second presenter will be Senior Constable Brooke Papasidero, our local Youth Engagement Officer. Brooke will present and answer any questions you may have about technology, risk-taking behaviors, vaping, rules and parental accountabilities around partying, and any other issues you would like to know more about. Headspace will also present information about supporting children - tips and networks.
This evening allows for conversation and is essential for all parents to know the reality of life as a student with great advice and guidance. This will not be repeated in the coming terms. Enjoy some refreshments before the evening begins. Parents and children both experience better outcomes when they feel connected with and supported by others in their school community.
Your support of this event is essential. Please take the time to complete the RSVP on the flyer. This information is for everyone.
Catholic Schools Week began with us remembering the importance of tradition. In ‘Living Our Mission’ we came together in a number of ways over the course of the week.
ANZAC Day is a community event that commemorates and remembers those who have served, and are serving, Australia in a number of theatres of war. We remember families, the home front, and the civilians impacted. We proudly marched with so many students in a number of regional centres. Thanks to parents and grandparents who supported our students in joining us. The standard of uniform was outstanding and our students marched with heads held high. This was a community showing our respect for tradition. This was followed up with a special ANZAC Assembly on Wednesday where Mr Beach addressed the College and spoke with passion about his personal connections and thoughts on commemoration. We also prayed for past Woodlawn students who had been involved in various conflicts.
Thursday’s celebration focused on the importance of staff and student leadership. In the tradition of breaking bread together, we shared a meal with all SRC Reps, the College Leadership Team, and our Year Coordinators. Our luncheon address was delivered by Jacob Franey, a past College Captain and Youth Ministry Officer. Jacob spoke with authenticity about the challenges of leadership, the importance of basing leadership on the Gospel values and the servant leadership model. The message most students remembered was “If not you - who? If not now - when?" We are truly blessed to have staff and students coming together to share their thoughts and further develop a common understanding of our Mission.
Friday’s celebration was one of gratitude for our Grandparents. Beginning with a Liturgy in the Chapel, we recognised that Grandparents not only pamper and shower affection on their grandchildren but also advise them and act like personal cheer squads. Rose Parrish and Lachlan O’Sullivan shared personal testimonies reflecting on the unique place Grandparents have in their lives. The common understanding was that Grandparents are the family's greatest treasure; they are the keepers of traditions and the foundations for a family's love to develop. Thanks to students for sharing your wonderful Grandparents with us for the morning.
Our Term 2 Community Service focuses on the local and national issue of homelessness. Our St Vincent de Paul Committee actively promotes knowledge about this growing concern for the dignity of all members of our community. They have a number of fundraising opportunities so that all students can actively address this problem. St Teresa of Avila reminds us that we are the hands and the feet needed to help those in need. If not us, who? If not now, when?
Our Vinnies Winter Sleepout is for Years 11 and 12 students only. Everyone joins in the Flanno Friday casual clothes day in Week 4. Donations of $2 are the minimum to participate. Students donating over $20 receive thanks through our Commendation Certificates.
Our Vinnies team also assists our younger students with the Study Buddy program. As our Years 7-10 students are coming into the exam period many feel the need for further help with preparation, assignments, curriculum understanding, or organisation. The Study Buddy program kicks off next week. Younger students are linked with a senior student who is there to assist them weekly. If you would like your child to be involved in this program, please email me with the following details - area of interest and year level. This has been a great peer-to-peer mentoring opportunity for all students.
We are also looking forward to the Year 7 sleepover and reinforcing the importance of our students feeling part of the community. With relationships at the forefront of this event, the sleepover is a chance for students to meet others and enjoy themselves. Please check your Compass notifications for full details. This has been planned for the evening before the casual clothes day 'Flanno Friday' so that packing uniforms will not be an issue. Check out some fun memories from 2022.
SAVE the DATE
On Wednesday, 24 May, 2023 the inaugural CARROLL House Family Breakfast will be held in Kelly Park. Breakfast will be served by our House Leaders and senior students from 7.30am. This is a chance for our Carroll House families, students, and staff to come together in the spirit of community building. This is an initiative from our P & F and we wholeheartedly encourage you to join us. Each House will have the opportunity to engage in a House Breakfast during the year. There will be ‘real coffee’ on sale with proceeds going to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Please note that it is essential to fill out the Google form to RSVP for this event.
Google Form link
As Pope Francis reminds us ‘we didn’t come into the world to vegetate - we came to leave a mark’. Please take the opportunity to embrace everything our College has to offer.
Yours in Mission,
Annette Reen
Assistant Principal - Mission
annette.reen@lism.catholic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing
Welcome back to Term 2 which will no doubt be as full and busy as Term 1.
NSW Youth Advisory Council 2024 – Applications Now Open
Students are encouraged to apply for a position on the NSW Youth Advisory Council if they feel they would like to be the voice of young people to the Government.
Applications are now open for the 2024 NSW Youth Advisory Council. Children and young people between 12-24 years of age living in NSW are encouraged to apply. Council members are sought from diverse locations, backgrounds, and life experiences. The 12-member YAC advises the NSW Government on subjects relevant to young people across the state. Applications close 21 May, 2023.
More information on the NSW Youth Advisory Council as well as how to apply can be found here.
School refusal
You have no doubt seen media reports lately about the increasing number of young people who are experiencing school refusal. If you would like some information about what it actually is, why it might be happening, and what can be done to support young people in this situation, this link will be helpful.
Vaping
The Federal Government announced earlier this week changes to the law around vaping- specifically around packaging, access, and flavours. I know that families are concerned about this problem so we will all look forward to these changes that will put in place measures to keep our young people safe.
The North Coast Vaping Taskforce has put together a survey to help inform of parent/carer knowledge and awareness of the impact of vaping on young people in our region.
Family Connect
We are fortunate to have a Family Connect worker based at school each Thursday. If you think Cass would be able to assist your family, you can make direct contact with her or contact your young person’s Year Coordinator for assistance.
The office of the eSafety Commissioner has some excellent webinars available this term. If you are interested, registration details can be found below.
If you have any questions or concerns about your young person, please contact me at fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au or 66262627.
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Student Welfare
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu.au
School Photos
Please find below some important information regarding this year's School Photos.
Community News
Canteen News
Flexischools orders has a cut-off time of 9.00 am.
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
Sports Jackets
Thank you all for your patience, our Sports Jackets are now in stock and will be available from Monday. Place an order online or call in to the Uniform Shop before it gets too cold!
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