St John's College Woodlawn eNewsletter
Source: http://www.lisjclism.catholic.edu.au/latest
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
St John's College Woodlawn eNewsletter
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St John's College Woodlawn
203 Woodlawn Road
Woodlawn NSW 2480
Phone:
02 6626 2600
College Information
Attendance
Extended Leave Notification - Travel and Other Greater Than 10 Days
Exemption from Attendance General
Compass
Compass - Accessing Insights Parent
Guide
Canteen
Canteen Volunteer Form
Flexischools
Facebook
Upcoming Events
25
Apr
ANZAC Day March
All day
27
Apr
ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
All day
27
Apr
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
South Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
North Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
Boys League Tag Challenge U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
30
Apr
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
30
Apr
Len Diett Shield Round 2 Rugby Union U14s Boys only
All day
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Week 10 Term 1 2026
Message from the Principal
Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission
Pastoral Care News
School Counsellor
Enrol Now
Indigenous News
Year Group News
Sports at Woodlawn
Administration Announcements
St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News
Uniform Shop
Canteen
Upcoming Events
Community Notices
Message from the Principal
Our Lenten journey has been shepherded by the words of Pope Leo. Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, generously giving to the poor and fasting.
Lent is a 40-day Catholic season of renewal starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. During this time, we have been encouraged to spiritually fast and to fill our lives with gratitude, to leave behind bad habits and to have generous hearts. These words have been echoed in the prayer life of the College and the Caritas ‘Hearts of Hope’ campaign. Our student leadership team were invited to attend the Mass of the Chrism at St Carthage’s Cathedral. Together, we were led by Bishop Greg through this ancient ritual of blessing the oils for the coming year. These sacred oils are used throughout the coming year. The oil of Catechumens, the oil of the Sick and the oil for the Holy Chrism were blessed and carried from the Cathedral in a traditional procession. Our students represented our community with reverence and awe.
Student Leaders
For our SRC Leaders, this was the first of many official gatherings that they will be part of. Student participation at the College features four key elements that contribute to effective participation. Having voice, having influence, having choice and working together are evidence of our commitment to appreciating shared conversations, co-developed responses to situations and facilitating meaningful dialogue. Our Base Class leader structures flow into our Student Representative Council and this group meets fortnightly. In Week 9, we welcomed our Year 7 representatives, Archer and Isabelle to the group with our family formal dinner. We are especially grateful to Jaocb Franey, a former College Captain for openly sharing his experiences and journey since leaving the College. Jacob’s candour and honesty were key features of his message of being leaders who lead with open hearts, open ears and caring dispositions.
Members of the Year 11 SRC recently represented the College at the Parliament of NSW’s Regional Road Show in Tweed Heads. Students from over fifteen secondary schools came together to share their views on issues that are impacting youth. These included poverty, homelessness, regional students' access to higher education and the costs, environment and peace. Carmen Garcia competed in the public speaking section of the day. Her speech, ‘tick tick boom’ impressed the judges and audience alike. Carmen was the regional winner and will represent the region in the state finals later in the year. Her thought provoking challenge to us all was to ‘show up’ to ‘stand up’ and to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Her advocacy for courage was inspiring.
Women In Leadership Awards
I would also like to congratulate Chloe Ryall and Ava Allen, who recently received Women In Leadership Awards from Zonta. Chloe was selected as the overall winner of this award, which is aimed at acknowledging students who actively promote equality and justice. Both students displayed humility and care for others in their applications. As leaders in the College, both students model compassion and promote the dignity of all. Leading peer programs, actively volunteering and seeing a need and addressing it are noteworthy aspects of their service to the College and the wider community. We are justifiably proud of these young leaders.
Parent Partnerships
Parent partnerships are
critical for children’s holistic development and academic success
. By fostering trust and open communication, these partnerships create a collaborative environment where parents and educators, as partners in education, support learning at school and at home, improving child engagement, social skills, and wellbeing. We are grateful to our Parent Community Forum for being the outward facing arm of the parent voice. This term, our parents attended the community conversations workshops facilitated by Janita Thompson, DLCS LEAD Family Partnerships. The outcome of these conversations is included below.
Janita also facilitated an evening for our Year 8 parents based on the research of Maggie Dent and her publication ‘Help Me Help My Teen.’ This evening was supported by the DLCS Parent Assembly group. With an attendance of over 30, this session reinforced many of the pastoral elements that are evident in school and align with practices at home. Every child wants to feel safe, be seen, feel significant and be supported, not controlled. Other topics explored included how to foster independence, allowing children to have a voice and be listened to and techniques for resilience building in times of extensive brain development. Attendees were given a copy of the book. We have some available in the library if you would like some of these valuable insights.
Parent Voice
Open Night
A huge thank you to all members of our community who contributed to the success of our Open Night. We welcomed over 800 people through the College doors on our evening that showcases our facilities. As well, the positive energy of our staff and students is no small feat. Parents for the BBQ, grounds and maintenance teams for the presentation of our facilities, educators for their passion and love of learning and our students for their authenticity, their pride in the College and their affability. I am so proud of everyone, whose energy could have been low after a 10 week term, for representing the strength and uniqueness of our community.
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John Eales Luncheon
We are launching our campaign to raise funds for an additional sun-safe space at the College. Following the successful Australian campaign for sun safety, our students were recently gifted a day with John Eales.
Following some requests from our Parent Forum, we will be hosting a Sportsman Luncheon on Friday, May 1, which is open to the public. Please join us for this unique occasion.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - John Eales Luncheon
Enjoy some time with your families and we look forward to catching up at the ANZAC Day March.
Regards,
Annette Reen
Principal
Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Staff Professional Learning:
On Monday, April 20 (Week 1, Term 2), our staff will engage in a dedicated day of professional learning. Our focus remains on the DLCS Pedagogical Framework as we continue to cultivate a high-impact learning culture at the College.
Having successfully integrated Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, and Daily Reviews into our routine, our staff will now shift their focus toward Checking for Understanding and Effective Questioning techniques. This work is a core pillar of our Annual School Improvement Plan, ensuring that every classroom interaction is designed to maximise student growth.
This day is a Student Free Day.
Public Holiday
: Please be advised that in 2026, NSW will observe an additional public holiday for Anzac Day. As April 25 falls on a Saturday, Monday, April 27 will be a public holiday. The College will be closed on Monday (Week 2).
Eagle Awards & Student Achievements
During our final assembly of the term, we proudly celebrated our Academic Excellence Eagle Awards. We extend our gratitude to the College Parent Forum for their ongoing sponsorship of these awards, which highlight exceptional performance across all Key Learning Areas.
Overall Winners: A massive congratulations to Cooper A Williams and Claudia Barnes for being named the overall Eagle Award recipients for their outstanding academic dedication.
Duke of Edinburgh: We recognised Jonah Pillbeam for earning his Bronze Award. Jonah showed immense character by mastering new skills, improving physical fitness, serving the community and completing an adventurous journey.
Public Speaking: Carmen Garcia wowed the assembly with her award-winning speech from the Parliament of NSW Regional Roadshow. We wish her the best as she advances to the State Finals!
Leadership: Congratulations to Chloe Ryall (Winner) and Ava Allan (Runner-up) for their success in the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award, recognising their commitment to civic service.
Open Night
It was a pleasure to meet so many prospective Year 7 families during our Week 10 Open Night. Despite the rain, the Woodlawn spirit was undampened. Our staff and students took great pride in showcasing our exceptional facilities and vibrant community. We are now preparing for enrolment interviews early in Term 2. Please view the website or contact the College Office for further details.
Year 7 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
Thank you to the Year 7 families who joined us in Week 9 for our first round of interviews. These conversations are vital for establishing a partnership between home and school. If you missed the evening, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers via email to discuss their transition and progress.
Responsibility For Learning (RFL) #1
The first RFL reports of the year are now available via the Compass Dashboard under the "Reports" tab. These indicators focus on:
Organization & Punctuality
Classroom Engagement
Independent & Collaborative Learning
These reports are designed to spark productive conversations at home regarding study habits. A second round of RFL reports will be issued mid Term 2 to track ongoing growth.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey
Between Weeks 3 and 5, the College will participate in the Tell Them From Me survey. This tool allows students (Years 7–12), parents, and staff to provide confidential feedback on school life and engagement.
Privacy: All responses are anonymous and managed by The Learning Bar.
Process: The survey takes 15–30 minutes and is conducted during school hours.
Participation: Involvement is voluntary. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify Mr Bailey via email.
We look forward to using this data to continue improving the Woodlawn experience for every student.
Warm regards
,
Matt Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
matt.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission
One and done! Term 1 has been a remarkable celebration of all that is Woodlawn. Throughout the Term, we've had the opportunity to come to know our students even better and walk the path alongside them as they continue to strive to do and be their best.
Sometimes, a holiday break can lead to periods of unsettled behaviour or concerns for our young people. The sudden shift in pace from hare to tortoise can lead to emotional dysregulation and illness after a huge effort throughout the term. If you are concerned about this in your family, try to engage with your young people in:
Meaningful conversations that check in on their feelings and look to promote interest-based activities;
Hobbies and interests, particularly those that promote increased physical activity;
Social activities. Though it can feel like a lot of work, hosting or promoting healthy opportunities for social connection can assist in this time.
2026 House Breakfasts
Segrief, Kennedy and Bell Houses will host their breakfast gatherings for families next term. These are another great way to connect with your child/ren’s school experience and get to meet and engage with key staff in the life of your young person.
There will be a formal invitation coming soon, but families in Segrief House should save the date for Friday 1st May, Kennedy House for Friday 8th May and Bell House for Friday 29th May.
LEAD Summit 2026 - Northern Region Year 11 Retreat
During Week 7, Term 1, Year 11’s from the North of our diocese came together at Camp Drewe, Lennox Head.
This retreat was a purposeful journey designed to help our young people step away from the "noise" of school life and reconnect with what truly matters: faith, community, and God, to return stronger and more equipped to take on senior ministry at St John’s.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment the Lismore Proclaim Wildfire Team took the stage. Through their high-energy music and moving worship sets, they provided a soundtrack for the retreat that was both modern and deeply prayerful.
Throughout the retreat, students were treated to:
Dynamic Keynotes:
Guest speakers shared raw, authentic stories of their own faith journeys, proving that a relationship with God is a living, breathing reality in the 21st century.
Interactive Workshops:
From exploring social justice to understanding personal prayer styles, these sessions allowed students to dive deeper into specific areas of their spiritual lives.
Small Group Connections:
Impactful moments, where students from different schools shared their experiences, voiced their questions, and built new friendships across the diocese.
Students and staff returned with strengthened hearts, a deeper connection to God, and a network of peers ready to support them through their final years of ministry and schooling.
A huge thank you to the Lismore Proclaim Wildfire Team, our dedicated staff, and all the students who brought such openness and spirit to this experience.
As always, if there is anything that we can do to support you or your family, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards
,
Nick Jones
Assistant Principal - Mission
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Pastoral Care News
As we approach the end of the term, I would like to thank our parents, carers, and students for making it such a positive one. The engagement, respect, and community spirit we have witnessed this term speak to the very best of who we are as a school.
The Manosphere
The manosphere has gained significant attention recently and is increasingly shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young men. With Louis Theroux's recent Netflix documentary shining a spotlight on this online world, we have had several families contact us, concerned about the impact on their children. As an initial source of support,
this article
from the eSafety Commissioner provides useful information and resources.
The eSafety Commissioner also has a number of
webinars
available for families in Term 2 on a variety of topics.
Digital Thumbprint
Last week, we were fortunate to have Optus Digital Thumbprint present a number of workshops to our students to support their digital safety and wellbeing.
Our Year 7 and 8 students had a presentation on Cyberbullying,
where they
explored the importance of respectful relationships online through compelling
scenarios
and were asked to consider the impact of their interactions online. There were discussions about consent online, image-based abuse, and the tools they have to positively support themselves and their peers.
Years 9 and 10 attended a workshop on Digital Discernment related to
Social media and its power to influence society and friends for the better. Students worked through scenarios, practised discernment to navigate online media, and problem-solved to find safe, healthy online solutions.
Students in Years 11 and 12 had a presentation on Digital Identity,
which
allowed them
to examine their social media profiles and posts through
the lens a boss uses in the hiring process
and during employment. Students worked on improving their online identity for future success.
We also had students from St Carthage’s and Our Lady Help of Christians join us on the day to learn how to keep themselves safe online in a Cybersafety workshop.
As a Trusted eSafety Provider, the Digital Thumprint website has
excellent resources
on several topics, including Navigating the AI world, Sinister Scams, Decoding emojis, Digital tips for setting up a new device, and the First Phone Readiness Guide.
Uniform
Thank you to the families who have made the most of the opportunity to purchase new winter uniforms required for Term 2. If there are any issues or concerns about the uniform, please let me know. The Uniform Shop will be open at the following times during the school holidays.
April - Winter Uniform Fittings Information
School Uniforms
I wish your family an enjoyable break over the Easter weekend and look forward to seeing you during Term 2.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns,
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu
or 66262627.
Warm regards,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Pastoral Care
School Counsellor
School Counsellor Psychologists Support Teen Wellbeing
The teenage years can be a time of great growth, but they can also bring challenges. From friendship changes and social pressures to exam stress and personal struggles, young people sometimes need extra support.
At the College, we have three registered psychologists available on-site to support our students. School counselling is a free, confidential and voluntary service available to all students.
How our School Counsellor Psychologists can help
Our counsellors provide a safe and supportive space for students to talk about what is going on in their lives. The aim is to help students build resilience and support their wellbeing so they can engage positively in school and everyday life.
Support may include:
Individual counselling
for concerns such as anxiety, low mood, grief or self-esteem
Conflict resolution
to help students navigate friendship difficulties, bullying or family relationships
Stress management
strategies for handling academic pressure and workload
Crisis support
for students experiencing significant distress
Skill building
, including coping strategies, emotional regulation and social skills
School counselling focuses primarily on issues that affect students in the school environment. When a student requires more specialised or ongoing support, families may be encouraged to connect with external services. In these situations, our counsellors can work with families and external professionals to help coordinate support.
Small Group Programs
Our psychologists also run small group programs during the year that focus on building practical skills in a supportive setting. These may include:
PEERS
- social skills support for students who want to build confidence in making and maintaining friendships
Peaceful Teens
- a mindfulness program that helps students manage stress and anxiety
Study Without Stress
- practical strategies for Years 10–12 students managing workload and exams
Seasons for Growth
- support for students experiencing grief, loss or significant life changes
Cool Kids / Chilled Teens
- a cognitive behavioural program that helps young people understand and manage anxiety
How to connect
Students do not need to be in crisis to speak with a counsellor. Support is available for both big and small concerns.
Students can access the service in several ways:
Self-referral:
Students can complete the self-referral form on Compass or speak with their Year Coordinator.
Parent referral:
Parents can contact their child’s Year Coordinator or the School Counsellor Team through Student Services to discuss a referral.
Counselling sessions are confidential within safety guidelines, which helps students feel comfortable speaking openly. Families are involved where appropriate.
If you have any questions about counselling services at the College, please contact the Front Office or Student Services.
Enrol Now
Year 7 2027 Interviews
Students applying for Year 7, 2027 are invited to make a booking for an interview.
Interviews will take place on
Monday 11 May
or
Tuesday 12 May, 2026
From 3.30pm to 7.00pm
BOOKINGS ARE TO BE MADE IN THE
STUDENT'S NAME
.
Please ensure you have submitted an enrolment application before making a booking.
Students applying for other year groups will be offered an interview as places become available.
Year 7 2027 Interviews - Book Here
Indigenous News
Mob Monday
On Monday, March 16th, our school held a special Mob Monday session filled with exciting opportunities for our senior students. We were fortunate to have Kylie Caldwell join us to assist in creating the Year 12 graduation pieces, offering valuable guidance and inspiration.
We also welcomed representatives from Kmart, Lismore, including the Regional Manager, who provided our senior students with helpful information about employment opportunities at Kmart. To make the day even more memorable, Kmart brought in a selection of clothing pieces for students to design. These designs will be displayed in the Kmart Lismore store as part of the NAIDOC 2026 celebrations.
It was a fantastic day of learning, creativity and career exploration for everyone involved.
Heartfelt Condolences
Our connections with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are closely aligned with our commitment to justice, equality and care for all. We acknowledge and pay tribute to the advocacy, cultures and communities of First Nations peoples.
Year Group News
Year 7
As we reach the conclusion of our very first term together, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey your children have embarked upon. Transitioning to high school is a significant milestone and seeing our Year 7 students settle into life here at St John’s College, Woodlawn has been a privilege.
To give you a true sense of their experiences, I asked our Base Class Leaders to share their highlights, challenges and reflections from the past few weeks. Their voices paint a vibrant picture of a community that is growing stronger every day.
The shift from primary school brings a whirlwind of new experiences. For many, the sheer scale of the College was the first hurdle. Chloe noted that finding classes can be "crazy," especially when room changes send you to the highest classrooms. Despite the navigation challenges, she highlighted how many fun classes there are to learn in and the joy of building new relationships with teachers.
Ryder shared that while the thought of making new friends can be "scary and overwhelming", it has been a central part of the term. We’ve seen this connection flourish in the locker bays. Billy mentioned that even if students don't know each other well, they are always "up for a chat" and greet one another every morning.
We have asked a lot of our students this term, and they have risen to the occasion:
Managing Responsibility:
Billy proudly reported that students have "almost mastered their locker codes" (doing them 10x faster than in Week 1) and have kept their areas tidy.
Academic Rigor:
Wyatt reflected on the "Academic Challenges", noting that the workload and homework are greater than in primary school. He believes these experiences are helping the year group develop vital time management and independence.
The Daily Commute:
For some, the "Ultimate Bus Challenge" is the biggest adjustment. Teal described the reality of waking up at 6:30 am for a 75-minute commute, a testament to the resilience and dedication our students show just to get to school each day.
Life at Woodlawn is about more than just the classroom. Our sporting culture has been a major highlight:
Carnivals:
Charlee loved the "amazing" school carnivals, noting that they offer a chance to have fun with friends regardless of skill level.
Junior Sport:
Skylar highlighted how swimming for sport helped Year 7 students build fitness and confidence, acting as a great way to settle into high school life.
Community Events:
Emma and Yuhasna shared wonderful memories of our "Big Day Out" and the Year 7 Sleepover. From sand sculpture challenges at Skenners Head Beach to the disco and games on the oval, these moments have been essential for bonding as a cohort.
We are deeply grateful that you have chosen St John’s College, Woodlawn for your child’s education. We are thankful for the enthusiasm the students bring to everything from the canteen to the classroom. As we look toward Term 2, our hope is to build on this foundation of teamwork, positive attitudes and growing independence.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We wish you a restful break and look forward to seeing the students return, ready for the next chapter of their Year 7 journey.
Warm regards,
Mr Joel Saye
Year 7 Welfare Coordinator
Year 8
Term 1 has been an impressive start for our Year 8 cohort, who have embraced the new school year at Woodlawn with confidence, positivity and a wonderful sense of community.
Our students have been busy both in and out of the classroom, participating enthusiastically in the Swimming Carnival and a range of sporting gala days. In their new Base Classes, they have settled in quickly and continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning. Each class has now elected Base Class Leaders and SRC representatives, who have already begun working to share their peers' ideas, hopes and feedback.
Congratulations to our Year 8, 2026 Base Class Leaders and SRC
.
SRC
Harry Hosking and
Marlie Hayes
Base Class Leaders
801
Marlie Hayes and
Harper Richardson
802
Tess Stewart and
Tyler Elford
803
Willow Englefield and
Archie Graham
804
Luna Nekrasov and
Aidan Mark
805
Bailey Newton and
Rocco Pearson
806
Quinn Parrey-Harrington and
Harry Hosking
This term also saw Year 8 move into new locker spaces and take on the daily routines of high school with growing independence. It’s been particularly heartening to see them extend kindness and support to our new Year 7 students as they navigate their own transition to high school life.
In Pastoral Care classes, our focus has been on social and emotional learning, with students engaging deeply in learning about self-awareness, restorative practices and meaningful conversations. These lessons are helping everyone develop a stronger understanding of how to build relationships, resolve conflict, and communicate with empathy, a shared language that helps strengthen our school community and enhance belonging for all.
Friendships, both old and new, have flourished this term. As a year group, Year 8 continues to shine as a beautifully supportive, inclusive, and respectful group, one that truly celebrates the diversity and individuality of each student.
We’re so proud of the way Year 8 has stepped into 2026, and we’re already looking forward to the adventures ahead next term. Coming up we have Night of the Notables, Book Expo and I am especially looking forward to the excitement of our first overnight camp experience in Week 8.
Tenete Traditiones
Mrs Erin Parrey
Year 8 Welfare Coordinator
Sports at Woodlawn
Swimming
Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Students from Woodlawn competed at the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival, recording a number of strong performances across the day.
Summer Sheehan had an outstanding carnival, finishing first in the 200 metre freestyle, 50 metre freestyle, 50 metre butterfly, 200 metre individual medley, 100 metre freestyle and 100 metre butterfly. She also broke records in the 200 metre freestyle and 50 metre butterfly and was named 14 Years Girls Age Champion.
William Bullpitt recorded consistent results throughout the day, placing second in the 200 metre freestyle, 50 metre freestyle, 50 metre butterfly and 100 metre freestyle.
Elijah Mercy-Wilson finished first in both the 100 metre breaststroke and 50 metre breaststroke, setting new records in both events.
Jacob Rowe placed first in the 200 metre freestyle and 400 metre freestyle, and second in the 50 metre freestyle and 100 metre freestyle. He was also named runner-up 16 Years Boys Age Champion.
Charlotte Burns placed second in the 100 metre breaststroke.
Congratulations to all students for their efforts and for representing the College at the Diocesan carnival.
Rugby Union
Girls Rugby 7s Ballina Coast Cup
Three Woodlawn teams competed in the all-girls Rugby 7s Ballina Coast Cup, hosted by Ballina Coast High School
The Under-14s Team included a number of students new to the sport. They made a strong start with a win in their opening match and continued to show effort and determination across the day. While the later games were more challenging, the team showed steady improvement and a willingness to learn.
The Under 16s Team had three wins from three games. They combined well as a team, supporting each other in attack and defence and creating consistent scoring opportunities throughout the day.
The Opens Team also finished with three wins. After two close matches, they finished the day with a strong performance in their final game. Their results see them progress to the Waratah Shield in Sydney in Term 2.
Cody Johnston, Tayla Tickle and Andrew Budnick - Coaches
Rugby League
Girls League Tag
The Woodlawn Girls League Tag teams competed in the Opens, Under 16 and Under 14 divisions, with all teams showing strong effort and a positive approach throughout the day.
The Opens Team was involved in several close matches, with the highlight a hard-fought draw against Mullumbimby High School. After trailing early, the girls worked their way back into the game to finish 4–4, with tries from Charlee Daley, Chloe Weston and Annie Parrish. While results didn’t quite fall their way in other games, the team showed plenty of determination and stuck together in each match.
The Under 16 Team had mixed results across the day, with losses to Ballina Coast High School and Mt St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah Team 1, before finishing with a solid win against Mt St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah Team 2. Mali Cooper was a standout in attack, while Ruby Allen played strongly at fullback, followed by a full-field run from Eva Crook. The team worked well together and continued to build their skills as the day progressed.
The Under 14 Team approached the day with a positive attitude, with several students taking part in their first experience of the sport. The focus was on learning the game and building confidence. Grace Hogan played an important role in organising the attack and combined well with Summer Sheehan, while Charlee Gould and Ebony Andrews showed noticeable improvement in their attacking play as the day went on. The team’s sportsmanship and support for one another were consistent throughout.
Kael Little, Jamie Townley and Jesse Hayden - Coaches
Northern Country Trials
On Tuesday, 31 March, the Northern Country Rugby League Trials were held at South West Rocks.
The following students were selected in the Northern Country Team and will now compete at the CCC Trials in Sydney:
Under 16 Boys
Xavier Eades
Bowie Blakeney
Under 16 Girls
Ruby Allen
Mali Cooper
Taleah Eades
Willow Fisiilose
Open Boys
Blake Perkins
Open Girls
Charlee Daley
Macy Field
Hockey
Open Boys
Game 1 vs Trinity Catholic College Lismore (0–2 Loss)
A slow start in the first game as the boys adjusted to playing together. Trinity scored twice midway through.
Tyler Webster’s stick save on the line was a highlight. Thomas Bailey was strong in defence, and Max Allman controlled things well from the back.
Game 2 vs St Joseph’s College, Banora Point (5–0 Win)
A much better performance. The boys were settled early and controlled the game.
Goals to James Cormick, Isaac Coulter, Harry Hosking and Brady McLean.
Isaac Coulter stood out in attack, and Zakk Lancaster was dangerous with the ball, breaking through the defence consistently.
Game 3 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
(1–0 Win)
A close game, but the boys defended well and managed the pressure.
Jack McLean was solid in midfield, Max Venables was reliable in goals, and Harry Hosking scored the winner.
Most Valuable Player was Harry Hosking for his consistency across all three games.
Jacob Franey - Coach
Open Girls
A strong overall performance across the day, led by captain Charlotte Weissel.
Game 1 vs Trinity Catholic College Lismore (2-1 Win)
A good start, with goals to Josephine Payne and Addison Collins.
Game 2 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
#1 (1-2 Loss)
A tight game. Georgia Collins scored to keep the team in it.
Game 3 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
#2 (4-0 Win)
The girls finished well, controlling the game.
Goals to Charlotte Weissel (2), Josephine Payne and Georgia Collins.
Most Valuable Player was Josephine Payne for her consistency and impact in attack.
Nicole Hetherington - Coach
Basketball
The 34th Australian Marist Basketball Carnival was held at Bendat Basketball Centre in Perth,
but the journey began away from the court on Rottnest Island, where students spent the day exploring and enjoying the scenery. This provided a relaxed environment for the players to bond before the intensity of the competition began.
Open Girls
The opening day presented a challenging start, with the team facing strong opposition in Lavalla Catholic College and Marist Regional College, Burnie. While results did not fall in their favour, the girls approached these matches with maturity, using the experience to identify areas for growth and improvement.
As the carnival progressed, the team demonstrated significant development. A highlight came with a convincing 34-21 victory over Assumption College Kilmore, reflecting both their persistence and growing confidence.
This momentum continued into the Plate Division, where the girls again met Assumption College and secured a 27-17 win, confirming the progress they had made. The final match against eventual Plate winners Marist College Bendigo was a competitive and high-quality contest. Despite a 39-27 result, the team challenged their opponents throughout and remained in contention until the closing stages.
Beyond results, the trip was a valuable and rewarding experience.
Thank you to team Captain, Scarlett Johnston and Vice Captain, Maggie Lynch, whose leadership was instrumental throughout the week.
Award recipients:
MVP: Scarlett Johnston
Champagnat Spirit Award: McKenzie Olivieri
Simon Andrews and Nicole Hetherington - Coaches
Open Boys
It was a tough draw from the start. Games against host school Newman College and St Augustine's College from Cairns were hard-fought and, early on, the results didn't always fall their way. But the team kept competing and it showed on the final day when it mattered most. A 34-32 win over St Patrick's Marist College, Dundas nail-biting right to the end.
Award recipients:
MVP: Benji Deacon
Champagnat Spirit Award: Sonny Butler
Thank you to our sponsors Rugendyke and Bashforth Contracting, Hutchinson Builders and Shaw and Partners Financial Services; your support means a lot.
Well done to all the players on a fantastic week away.
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Soccer
Woodlawn hosted Round 1 of the Bill Turner Cup, with both the boys and girls teams taking on Lismore High.
The boys came away with a strong 5-0 win. It took some time to settle into the game, but once they found their rhythm in the second half, they were able to convert their chances. Lucas Henwood was named Player of the Match, scoring two long-range goals. It was also a good opportunity to see the College’s new goals in use, supporting future home fixtures.
Noah Coleman - Coach
The girls played a close and competitive match, going down 1-0. They worked hard throughout the game and stayed in the contest until the end. A highlight was Sophie Newton in goals, who handled pressure well and made several important saves. Both teams were awarded a penalty opportunity, with Lismore High School converting the difference.
While this result brings their Bill Turner campaign to an end, the girls will look ahead to the Junior Diocesan Football Gala Day in Coffs Harbour next term.
Kallie Deegan - Coach
Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport
Administration Announcements
Attendance
Please submit all attendance notifications (full day or partial) through the Compass App.
This helps the College manage attendance without phone calls.
Student Arrival and Departure
Students leaving early will receive a Departure Pass and go to the pick-up zone at the scheduled time. Please give enough notice so the Student Service Office can have your student ready.
Students arriving after 8:55 am must sign in at the Student Service Office.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
The area is located between the College and the ovals at the back of the school. For safety, please do not collect students from the front entrance.
Official Attendance Forms
Absence due to:
Holiday/Family Event:
Absence due to:
Elite Sport, Elite Arts, Employment in the Entertainment Industry
Less than 10 days:
Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature.
More than 10 days:
Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification.
Accredited Elite Sports
programs include national and international organisations that run camps for athletes and national sports squads in which students have been selected to participate. They also include talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.
or
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
.
Parent Resources/School Forms
How to access the following forms:
Student Driver/Rider Registration
Medication Administered - Parent Form
Exemption from Attendance General - Sport/Art
Extended Leave Notification - over 10 days
Volunteers Form
On Compass (Phone): Go to More (bottom tab) → School Documents / (Desktop): Click the Community icon → School Documents
From there: Parent Resources → School Forms
Messages
If there are emergency changes to afternoon arrangements, please phone the Student Service Office prior to 2:45 pm.
This allows staff the best chance to ensure your child receives the message. The end of the school day is a busy time, and we cannot guarantee that late messages will reach students. We understand that emergencies do occur and will always do our best to assist.
Administering Non-Prescription Medication
If a student attends sick bay and requires non-prescription pain relief (for example, paracetamol), a member of staff will contact a parent or guardian to request permission before administering the medication.
Please note that previous permissions do not carry over. Parents or guardians will be contacted each time a student presents to sick bay and medication may be required.
Lost Property
Lost property is located outside the Student Service Office. To help return items to students, please ensure that all clothing, bags and personal items are clearly labelled.
Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ph: 6626 2629
St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News
Uniform Shop
Woodlawn Uniform Shop Information
Canteen
Woodlawn Canteen Information
Weekly Canteen Specials
Stay up to date with our rotating weekly specials. To view our latest menu offerings, please check any of the following platforms:
Flexischools App:
View the "Specials" category within the ordering menu.
Social Media:
Follow our school’s
Stories
on Instagram and Facebook.
Canteen Notice Board:
Check the display board located in the canteen.
Orders can be placed via the Flexischools app no later than 9:00am on the day of service.
Upcoming Events
25
Apr
ANZAC Day March
All day
27
Apr
ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
All day
27
Apr
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Boys League Tag Challenge U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
29
Apr
South Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
North Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
30
Apr
Len Diett Shield Round 2 Rugby Union U14s Boys only
All day
30
Apr
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
1
May
SunSafe Ambassador Day
8:55 AM - 2:00 PM
1
May
Segrief House Breakfast
All day
1
May
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
4
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
5
May
School Photos
All day
5
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U Boys & Girls Rugby Union Selections
All day
5
May
Junior male/female Yr 7/8s - AFLQs Cup
All day
6
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
6
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
6
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U Boys & Girls Rugby Union Selections
All day
6
May
School Photos
All day
7
May
Marist Netball vs Trinity (Colin Centre)
7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
7
May
NRCC Rugby League - Casino U14s, U16s Boys and Girls
All day
8
May
Kennedy House Breakfast
All day
8
May
NSWCHS Buckley & University Shield Rugby League U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
8
May
Youth male/female Yr 9/10s - AFLQs Cup
All day
8
May
Diocesan Cross Country - Grafton All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
11
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U + 18Y&U Girls Rugby League Selections
All day
11
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
12
May
Year 8 Night of the Notables
All day
12
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U + 18Y&U Girls Rugby League Selections
All day
12
May
Senior Male/Female Yr 11/12s - AFLQs Cup
All day
12
May
Night of the Notables
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
13
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
13
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
13
May
Phil Tobin Shield/CCC Cup Rugby League First XIII Boys rugby team
All day
14
May
Cochrane Cup U14s Boys Rugby League competition
All day
16
May
IGNITE Launch - Dreamworld
All day
18
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
19
May
Jamie Chapman 9's U14s, U16s, U18s Girls only Rugby League side
All day
20
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
20
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
20
May
North Junior Soccer Gala Day South Junior Soccer Gala Day Yr 10 - Yr 7 Boys and Girls
All day
21
May
NRCC Junior Football yr 7/8 Boys and Girls
All day
21
May
NSW All Schools Swimming Championships All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
22
May
NSW All Schools Swimming Championships All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
22
May
NSWCCC Rugby League Boys 16Y&U + 18Y&U selections
All day
Community Notices
Want to play Baseball
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St John's College Woodlawn
203 Woodlawn Road
Woodlawn NSW 2480
Phone:
02 6626 2600
College Information
Attendance
Extended Leave Notification - Travel and Other Greater Than 10 Days
Exemption from Attendance General
Compass
Compass - Accessing Insights Parent
Guide
Canteen
Canteen Volunteer Form
Flexischools
Upcoming Events
25
Apr
ANZAC Day March
All day
27
Apr
ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
All day
27
Apr
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
South Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
North Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
Boys League Tag Challenge U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
30
Apr
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
30
Apr
Len Diett Shield Round 2 Rugby Union U14s Boys only
All day
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Week 10 Term 1 2026
Message from the Principal
Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission
Pastoral Care News
School Counsellor
Enrol Now
Indigenous News
Year Group News
Sports at Woodlawn
Administration Announcements
St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News
Uniform Shop
Canteen
Upcoming Events
Community Notices
Message from the Principal
Our Lenten journey has been shepherded by the words of Pope Leo. Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, generously giving to the poor and fasting.
Lent is a 40-day Catholic season of renewal starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. During this time, we have been encouraged to spiritually fast and to fill our lives with gratitude, to leave behind bad habits and to have generous hearts. These words have been echoed in the prayer life of the College and the Caritas ‘Hearts of Hope’ campaign. Our student leadership team were invited to attend the Mass of the Chrism at St Carthage’s Cathedral. Together, we were led by Bishop Greg through this ancient ritual of blessing the oils for the coming year. These sacred oils are used throughout the coming year. The oil of Catechumens, the oil of the Sick and the oil for the Holy Chrism were blessed and carried from the Cathedral in a traditional procession. Our students represented our community with reverence and awe.
Student Leaders
For our SRC Leaders, this was the first of many official gatherings that they will be part of. Student participation at the College features four key elements that contribute to effective participation. Having voice, having influence, having choice and working together are evidence of our commitment to appreciating shared conversations, co-developed responses to situations and facilitating meaningful dialogue. Our Base Class leader structures flow into our Student Representative Council and this group meets fortnightly. In Week 9, we welcomed our Year 7 representatives, Archer and Isabelle to the group with our family formal dinner. We are especially grateful to Jaocb Franey, a former College Captain for openly sharing his experiences and journey since leaving the College. Jacob’s candour and honesty were key features of his message of being leaders who lead with open hearts, open ears and caring dispositions.
Members of the Year 11 SRC recently represented the College at the Parliament of NSW’s Regional Road Show in Tweed Heads. Students from over fifteen secondary schools came together to share their views on issues that are impacting youth. These included poverty, homelessness, regional students' access to higher education and the costs, environment and peace. Carmen Garcia competed in the public speaking section of the day. Her speech, ‘tick tick boom’ impressed the judges and audience alike. Carmen was the regional winner and will represent the region in the state finals later in the year. Her thought provoking challenge to us all was to ‘show up’ to ‘stand up’ and to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Her advocacy for courage was inspiring.
Women In Leadership Awards
I would also like to congratulate Chloe Ryall and Ava Allen, who recently received Women In Leadership Awards from Zonta. Chloe was selected as the overall winner of this award, which is aimed at acknowledging students who actively promote equality and justice. Both students displayed humility and care for others in their applications. As leaders in the College, both students model compassion and promote the dignity of all. Leading peer programs, actively volunteering and seeing a need and addressing it are noteworthy aspects of their service to the College and the wider community. We are justifiably proud of these young leaders.
Parent Partnerships
Parent partnerships are
critical for children’s holistic development and academic success
. By fostering trust and open communication, these partnerships create a collaborative environment where parents and educators, as partners in education, support learning at school and at home, improving child engagement, social skills, and wellbeing. We are grateful to our Parent Community Forum for being the outward facing arm of the parent voice. This term, our parents attended the community conversations workshops facilitated by Janita Thompson, DLCS LEAD Family Partnerships. The outcome of these conversations is included below.
Janita also facilitated an evening for our Year 8 parents based on the research of Maggie Dent and her publication ‘Help Me Help My Teen.’ This evening was supported by the DLCS Parent Assembly group. With an attendance of over 30, this session reinforced many of the pastoral elements that are evident in school and align with practices at home. Every child wants to feel safe, be seen, feel significant and be supported, not controlled. Other topics explored included how to foster independence, allowing children to have a voice and be listened to and techniques for resilience building in times of extensive brain development. Attendees were given a copy of the book. We have some available in the library if you would like some of these valuable insights.
Parent Voice
Open Night
A huge thank you to all members of our community who contributed to the success of our Open Night. We welcomed over 800 people through the College doors on our evening that showcases our facilities. As well, the positive energy of our staff and students is no small feat. Parents for the BBQ, grounds and maintenance teams for the presentation of our facilities, educators for their passion and love of learning and our students for their authenticity, their pride in the College and their affability. I am so proud of everyone, whose energy could have been low after a 10 week term, for representing the strength and uniqueness of our community.
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John Eales Luncheon
We are launching our campaign to raise funds for an additional sun-safe space at the College. Following the successful Australian campaign for sun safety, our students were recently gifted a day with John Eales.
Following some requests from our Parent Forum, we will be hosting a Sportsman Luncheon on Friday, May 1, which is open to the public. Please join us for this unique occasion.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE - John Eales Luncheon
Enjoy some time with your families and we look forward to catching up at the ANZAC Day March.
Regards,
Annette Reen
Principal
Message from the Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Staff Professional Learning:
On Monday, April 20 (Week 1, Term 2), our staff will engage in a dedicated day of professional learning. Our focus remains on the DLCS Pedagogical Framework as we continue to cultivate a high-impact learning culture at the College.
Having successfully integrated Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, and Daily Reviews into our routine, our staff will now shift their focus toward Checking for Understanding and Effective Questioning techniques. This work is a core pillar of our Annual School Improvement Plan, ensuring that every classroom interaction is designed to maximise student growth.
This day is a Student Free Day.
Public Holiday
: Please be advised that in 2026, NSW will observe an additional public holiday for Anzac Day. As April 25 falls on a Saturday, Monday, April 27 will be a public holiday. The College will be closed on Monday (Week 2).
Eagle Awards & Student Achievements
During our final assembly of the term, we proudly celebrated our Academic Excellence Eagle Awards. We extend our gratitude to the College Parent Forum for their ongoing sponsorship of these awards, which highlight exceptional performance across all Key Learning Areas.
Overall Winners: A massive congratulations to Cooper A Williams and Claudia Barnes for being named the overall Eagle Award recipients for their outstanding academic dedication.
Duke of Edinburgh: We recognised Jonah Pillbeam for earning his Bronze Award. Jonah showed immense character by mastering new skills, improving physical fitness, serving the community and completing an adventurous journey.
Public Speaking: Carmen Garcia wowed the assembly with her award-winning speech from the Parliament of NSW Regional Roadshow. We wish her the best as she advances to the State Finals!
Leadership: Congratulations to Chloe Ryall (Winner) and Ava Allan (Runner-up) for their success in the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award, recognising their commitment to civic service.
Open Night
It was a pleasure to meet so many prospective Year 7 families during our Week 10 Open Night. Despite the rain, the Woodlawn spirit was undampened. Our staff and students took great pride in showcasing our exceptional facilities and vibrant community. We are now preparing for enrolment interviews early in Term 2. Please view the website or contact the College Office for further details.
Year 7 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
Thank you to the Year 7 families who joined us in Week 9 for our first round of interviews. These conversations are vital for establishing a partnership between home and school. If you missed the evening, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers via email to discuss their transition and progress.
Responsibility For Learning (RFL) #1
The first RFL reports of the year are now available via the Compass Dashboard under the "Reports" tab. These indicators focus on:
Organization & Punctuality
Classroom Engagement
Independent & Collaborative Learning
These reports are designed to spark productive conversations at home regarding study habits. A second round of RFL reports will be issued mid Term 2 to track ongoing growth.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey
Between Weeks 3 and 5, the College will participate in the Tell Them From Me survey. This tool allows students (Years 7–12), parents, and staff to provide confidential feedback on school life and engagement.
Privacy: All responses are anonymous and managed by The Learning Bar.
Process: The survey takes 15–30 minutes and is conducted during school hours.
Participation: Involvement is voluntary. If you do not wish for your child to participate, please notify Mr Bailey via email.
We look forward to using this data to continue improving the Woodlawn experience for every student.
Warm regards
,
Matt Bailey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
matt.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au
Message from the Assistant Principal - Mission
One and done! Term 1 has been a remarkable celebration of all that is Woodlawn. Throughout the Term, we've had the opportunity to come to know our students even better and walk the path alongside them as they continue to strive to do and be their best.
Sometimes, a holiday break can lead to periods of unsettled behaviour or concerns for our young people. The sudden shift in pace from hare to tortoise can lead to emotional dysregulation and illness after a huge effort throughout the term. If you are concerned about this in your family, try to engage with your young people in:
Meaningful conversations that check in on their feelings and look to promote interest-based activities;
Hobbies and interests, particularly those that promote increased physical activity;
Social activities. Though it can feel like a lot of work, hosting or promoting healthy opportunities for social connection can assist in this time.
2026 House Breakfasts
Segrief, Kennedy and Bell Houses will host their breakfast gatherings for families next term. These are another great way to connect with your child/ren’s school experience and get to meet and engage with key staff in the life of your young person.
There will be a formal invitation coming soon, but families in Segrief House should save the date for Friday 1st May, Kennedy House for Friday 8th May and Bell House for Friday 29th May.
LEAD Summit 2026 - Northern Region Year 11 Retreat
During Week 7, Term 1, Year 11’s from the North of our diocese came together at Camp Drewe, Lennox Head.
This retreat was a purposeful journey designed to help our young people step away from the "noise" of school life and reconnect with what truly matters: faith, community, and God, to return stronger and more equipped to take on senior ministry at St John’s.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment the Lismore Proclaim Wildfire Team took the stage. Through their high-energy music and moving worship sets, they provided a soundtrack for the retreat that was both modern and deeply prayerful.
Throughout the retreat, students were treated to:
Dynamic Keynotes:
Guest speakers shared raw, authentic stories of their own faith journeys, proving that a relationship with God is a living, breathing reality in the 21st century.
Interactive Workshops:
From exploring social justice to understanding personal prayer styles, these sessions allowed students to dive deeper into specific areas of their spiritual lives.
Small Group Connections:
Impactful moments, where students from different schools shared their experiences, voiced their questions, and built new friendships across the diocese.
Students and staff returned with strengthened hearts, a deeper connection to God, and a network of peers ready to support them through their final years of ministry and schooling.
A huge thank you to the Lismore Proclaim Wildfire Team, our dedicated staff, and all the students who brought such openness and spirit to this experience.
As always, if there is anything that we can do to support you or your family, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards
,
Nick Jones
Assistant Principal - Mission
nick.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au
Pastoral Care News
As we approach the end of the term, I would like to thank our parents, carers, and students for making it such a positive one. The engagement, respect, and community spirit we have witnessed this term speak to the very best of who we are as a school.
The Manosphere
The manosphere has gained significant attention recently and is increasingly shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young men. With Louis Theroux's recent Netflix documentary shining a spotlight on this online world, we have had several families contact us, concerned about the impact on their children. As an initial source of support,
this article
from the eSafety Commissioner provides useful information and resources.
The eSafety Commissioner also has a number of
webinars
available for families in Term 2 on a variety of topics.
Digital Thumbprint
Last week, we were fortunate to have Optus Digital Thumbprint present a number of workshops to our students to support their digital safety and wellbeing.
Our Year 7 and 8 students had a presentation on Cyberbullying,
where they
explored the importance of respectful relationships online through compelling
scenarios
and were asked to consider the impact of their interactions online. There were discussions about consent online, image-based abuse, and the tools they have to positively support themselves and their peers.
Years 9 and 10 attended a workshop on Digital Discernment related to
Social media and its power to influence society and friends for the better. Students worked through scenarios, practised discernment to navigate online media, and problem-solved to find safe, healthy online solutions.
Students in Years 11 and 12 had a presentation on Digital Identity,
which
allowed them
to examine their social media profiles and posts through
the lens a boss uses in the hiring process
and during employment. Students worked on improving their online identity for future success.
We also had students from St Carthage’s and Our Lady Help of Christians join us on the day to learn how to keep themselves safe online in a Cybersafety workshop.
As a Trusted eSafety Provider, the Digital Thumprint website has
excellent resources
on several topics, including Navigating the AI world, Sinister Scams, Decoding emojis, Digital tips for setting up a new device, and the First Phone Readiness Guide.
Uniform
Thank you to the families who have made the most of the opportunity to purchase new winter uniforms required for Term 2. If there are any issues or concerns about the uniform, please let me know. The Uniform Shop will be open at the following times during the school holidays.
April - Winter Uniform Fittings Information
School Uniforms
I wish your family an enjoyable break over the Easter weekend and look forward to seeing you during Term 2.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns,
fiona.fennamore@lism.catholic.edu
or 66262627.
Warm regards,
Fiona Fennamore
Leader of Pastoral Care
School Counsellor
School Counsellor Psychologists Support Teen Wellbeing
The teenage years can be a time of great growth, but they can also bring challenges. From friendship changes and social pressures to exam stress and personal struggles, young people sometimes need extra support.
At the College, we have three registered psychologists available on-site to support our students. School counselling is a free, confidential and voluntary service available to all students.
How our School Counsellor Psychologists can help
Our counsellors provide a safe and supportive space for students to talk about what is going on in their lives. The aim is to help students build resilience and support their wellbeing so they can engage positively in school and everyday life.
Support may include:
Individual counselling
for concerns such as anxiety, low mood, grief or self-esteem
Conflict resolution
to help students navigate friendship difficulties, bullying or family relationships
Stress management
strategies for handling academic pressure and workload
Crisis support
for students experiencing significant distress
Skill building
, including coping strategies, emotional regulation and social skills
School counselling focuses primarily on issues that affect students in the school environment. When a student requires more specialised or ongoing support, families may be encouraged to connect with external services. In these situations, our counsellors can work with families and external professionals to help coordinate support.
Small Group Programs
Our psychologists also run small group programs during the year that focus on building practical skills in a supportive setting. These may include:
PEERS
- social skills support for students who want to build confidence in making and maintaining friendships
Peaceful Teens
- a mindfulness program that helps students manage stress and anxiety
Study Without Stress
- practical strategies for Years 10–12 students managing workload and exams
Seasons for Growth
- support for students experiencing grief, loss or significant life changes
Cool Kids / Chilled Teens
- a cognitive behavioural program that helps young people understand and manage anxiety
How to connect
Students do not need to be in crisis to speak with a counsellor. Support is available for both big and small concerns.
Students can access the service in several ways:
Self-referral:
Students can complete the self-referral form on Compass or speak with their Year Coordinator.
Parent referral:
Parents can contact their child’s Year Coordinator or the School Counsellor Team through Student Services to discuss a referral.
Counselling sessions are confidential within safety guidelines, which helps students feel comfortable speaking openly. Families are involved where appropriate.
If you have any questions about counselling services at the College, please contact the Front Office or Student Services.
Enrol Now
Year 7 2027 Interviews
Students applying for Year 7, 2027 are invited to make a booking for an interview.
Interviews will take place on
Monday 11 May
or
Tuesday 12 May, 2026
From 3.30pm to 7.00pm
BOOKINGS ARE TO BE MADE IN THE
STUDENT'S NAME
.
Please ensure you have submitted an enrolment application before making a booking.
Students applying for other year groups will be offered an interview as places become available.
Year 7 2027 Interviews - Book Here
Indigenous News
Mob Monday
On Monday, March 16th, our school held a special Mob Monday session filled with exciting opportunities for our senior students. We were fortunate to have Kylie Caldwell join us to assist in creating the Year 12 graduation pieces, offering valuable guidance and inspiration.
We also welcomed representatives from Kmart, Lismore, including the Regional Manager, who provided our senior students with helpful information about employment opportunities at Kmart. To make the day even more memorable, Kmart brought in a selection of clothing pieces for students to design. These designs will be displayed in the Kmart Lismore store as part of the NAIDOC 2026 celebrations.
It was a fantastic day of learning, creativity and career exploration for everyone involved.
Heartfelt Condolences
Our connections with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are closely aligned with our commitment to justice, equality and care for all. We acknowledge and pay tribute to the advocacy, cultures and communities of First Nations peoples.
Year Group News
Year 7
As we reach the conclusion of our very first term together, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey your children have embarked upon. Transitioning to high school is a significant milestone and seeing our Year 7 students settle into life here at St John’s College, Woodlawn has been a privilege.
To give you a true sense of their experiences, I asked our Base Class Leaders to share their highlights, challenges and reflections from the past few weeks. Their voices paint a vibrant picture of a community that is growing stronger every day.
The shift from primary school brings a whirlwind of new experiences. For many, the sheer scale of the College was the first hurdle. Chloe noted that finding classes can be "crazy," especially when room changes send you to the highest classrooms. Despite the navigation challenges, she highlighted how many fun classes there are to learn in and the joy of building new relationships with teachers.
Ryder shared that while the thought of making new friends can be "scary and overwhelming", it has been a central part of the term. We’ve seen this connection flourish in the locker bays. Billy mentioned that even if students don't know each other well, they are always "up for a chat" and greet one another every morning.
We have asked a lot of our students this term, and they have risen to the occasion:
Managing Responsibility:
Billy proudly reported that students have "almost mastered their locker codes" (doing them 10x faster than in Week 1) and have kept their areas tidy.
Academic Rigor:
Wyatt reflected on the "Academic Challenges", noting that the workload and homework are greater than in primary school. He believes these experiences are helping the year group develop vital time management and independence.
The Daily Commute:
For some, the "Ultimate Bus Challenge" is the biggest adjustment. Teal described the reality of waking up at 6:30 am for a 75-minute commute, a testament to the resilience and dedication our students show just to get to school each day.
Life at Woodlawn is about more than just the classroom. Our sporting culture has been a major highlight:
Carnivals:
Charlee loved the "amazing" school carnivals, noting that they offer a chance to have fun with friends regardless of skill level.
Junior Sport:
Skylar highlighted how swimming for sport helped Year 7 students build fitness and confidence, acting as a great way to settle into high school life.
Community Events:
Emma and Yuhasna shared wonderful memories of our "Big Day Out" and the Year 7 Sleepover. From sand sculpture challenges at Skenners Head Beach to the disco and games on the oval, these moments have been essential for bonding as a cohort.
We are deeply grateful that you have chosen St John’s College, Woodlawn for your child’s education. We are thankful for the enthusiasm the students bring to everything from the canteen to the classroom. As we look toward Term 2, our hope is to build on this foundation of teamwork, positive attitudes and growing independence.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We wish you a restful break and look forward to seeing the students return, ready for the next chapter of their Year 7 journey.
Warm regards,
Mr Joel Saye
Year 7 Welfare Coordinator
Year 8
Term 1 has been an impressive start for our Year 8 cohort, who have embraced the new school year at Woodlawn with confidence, positivity and a wonderful sense of community.
Our students have been busy both in and out of the classroom, participating enthusiastically in the Swimming Carnival and a range of sporting gala days. In their new Base Classes, they have settled in quickly and continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning. Each class has now elected Base Class Leaders and SRC representatives, who have already begun working to share their peers' ideas, hopes and feedback.
Congratulations to our Year 8, 2026 Base Class Leaders and SRC
.
SRC
Harry Hosking and
Marlie Hayes
Base Class Leaders
801
Marlie Hayes and
Harper Richardson
802
Tess Stewart and
Tyler Elford
803
Willow Englefield and
Archie Graham
804
Luna Nekrasov and
Aidan Mark
805
Bailey Newton and
Rocco Pearson
806
Quinn Parrey-Harrington and
Harry Hosking
This term also saw Year 8 move into new locker spaces and take on the daily routines of high school with growing independence. It’s been particularly heartening to see them extend kindness and support to our new Year 7 students as they navigate their own transition to high school life.
In Pastoral Care classes, our focus has been on social and emotional learning, with students engaging deeply in learning about self-awareness, restorative practices and meaningful conversations. These lessons are helping everyone develop a stronger understanding of how to build relationships, resolve conflict, and communicate with empathy, a shared language that helps strengthen our school community and enhance belonging for all.
Friendships, both old and new, have flourished this term. As a year group, Year 8 continues to shine as a beautifully supportive, inclusive, and respectful group, one that truly celebrates the diversity and individuality of each student.
We’re so proud of the way Year 8 has stepped into 2026, and we’re already looking forward to the adventures ahead next term. Coming up we have Night of the Notables, Book Expo and I am especially looking forward to the excitement of our first overnight camp experience in Week 8.
Tenete Traditiones
Mrs Erin Parrey
Year 8 Welfare Coordinator
Sports at Woodlawn
Swimming
Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Students from Woodlawn competed at the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Carnival, recording a number of strong performances across the day.
Summer Sheehan had an outstanding carnival, finishing first in the 200 metre freestyle, 50 metre freestyle, 50 metre butterfly, 200 metre individual medley, 100 metre freestyle and 100 metre butterfly. She also broke records in the 200 metre freestyle and 50 metre butterfly and was named 14 Years Girls Age Champion.
William Bullpitt recorded consistent results throughout the day, placing second in the 200 metre freestyle, 50 metre freestyle, 50 metre butterfly and 100 metre freestyle.
Elijah Mercy-Wilson finished first in both the 100 metre breaststroke and 50 metre breaststroke, setting new records in both events.
Jacob Rowe placed first in the 200 metre freestyle and 400 metre freestyle, and second in the 50 metre freestyle and 100 metre freestyle. He was also named runner-up 16 Years Boys Age Champion.
Charlotte Burns placed second in the 100 metre breaststroke.
Congratulations to all students for their efforts and for representing the College at the Diocesan carnival.
Rugby Union
Girls Rugby 7s Ballina Coast Cup
Three Woodlawn teams competed in the all-girls Rugby 7s Ballina Coast Cup, hosted by Ballina Coast High School
The Under-14s Team included a number of students new to the sport. They made a strong start with a win in their opening match and continued to show effort and determination across the day. While the later games were more challenging, the team showed steady improvement and a willingness to learn.
The Under 16s Team had three wins from three games. They combined well as a team, supporting each other in attack and defence and creating consistent scoring opportunities throughout the day.
The Opens Team also finished with three wins. After two close matches, they finished the day with a strong performance in their final game. Their results see them progress to the Waratah Shield in Sydney in Term 2.
Cody Johnston, Tayla Tickle and Andrew Budnick - Coaches
Rugby League
Girls League Tag
The Woodlawn Girls League Tag teams competed in the Opens, Under 16 and Under 14 divisions, with all teams showing strong effort and a positive approach throughout the day.
The Opens Team was involved in several close matches, with the highlight a hard-fought draw against Mullumbimby High School. After trailing early, the girls worked their way back into the game to finish 4–4, with tries from Charlee Daley, Chloe Weston and Annie Parrish. While results didn’t quite fall their way in other games, the team showed plenty of determination and stuck together in each match.
The Under 16 Team had mixed results across the day, with losses to Ballina Coast High School and Mt St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah Team 1, before finishing with a solid win against Mt St Patrick’s College, Murwillumbah Team 2. Mali Cooper was a standout in attack, while Ruby Allen played strongly at fullback, followed by a full-field run from Eva Crook. The team worked well together and continued to build their skills as the day progressed.
The Under 14 Team approached the day with a positive attitude, with several students taking part in their first experience of the sport. The focus was on learning the game and building confidence. Grace Hogan played an important role in organising the attack and combined well with Summer Sheehan, while Charlee Gould and Ebony Andrews showed noticeable improvement in their attacking play as the day went on. The team’s sportsmanship and support for one another were consistent throughout.
Kael Little, Jamie Townley and Jesse Hayden - Coaches
Northern Country Trials
On Tuesday, 31 March, the Northern Country Rugby League Trials were held at South West Rocks.
The following students were selected in the Northern Country Team and will now compete at the CCC Trials in Sydney:
Under 16 Boys
Xavier Eades
Bowie Blakeney
Under 16 Girls
Ruby Allen
Mali Cooper
Taleah Eades
Willow Fisiilose
Open Boys
Blake Perkins
Open Girls
Charlee Daley
Macy Field
Hockey
Open Boys
Game 1 vs Trinity Catholic College Lismore (0–2 Loss)
A slow start in the first game as the boys adjusted to playing together. Trinity scored twice midway through.
Tyler Webster’s stick save on the line was a highlight. Thomas Bailey was strong in defence, and Max Allman controlled things well from the back.
Game 2 vs St Joseph’s College, Banora Point (5–0 Win)
A much better performance. The boys were settled early and controlled the game.
Goals to James Cormick, Isaac Coulter, Harry Hosking and Brady McLean.
Isaac Coulter stood out in attack, and Zakk Lancaster was dangerous with the ball, breaking through the defence consistently.
Game 3 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
(1–0 Win)
A close game, but the boys defended well and managed the pressure.
Jack McLean was solid in midfield, Max Venables was reliable in goals, and Harry Hosking scored the winner.
Most Valuable Player was Harry Hosking for his consistency across all three games.
Jacob Franey - Coach
Open Girls
A strong overall performance across the day, led by captain Charlotte Weissel.
Game 1 vs Trinity Catholic College Lismore (2-1 Win)
A good start, with goals to Josephine Payne and Addison Collins.
Game 2 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
#1 (1-2 Loss)
A tight game. Georgia Collins scored to keep the team in it.
Game 3 vs Mount St Patrick College,
Murwillumbah
#2 (4-0 Win)
The girls finished well, controlling the game.
Goals to Charlotte Weissel (2), Josephine Payne and Georgia Collins.
Most Valuable Player was Josephine Payne for her consistency and impact in attack.
Nicole Hetherington - Coach
Basketball
The 34th Australian Marist Basketball Carnival was held at Bendat Basketball Centre in Perth,
but the journey began away from the court on Rottnest Island, where students spent the day exploring and enjoying the scenery. This provided a relaxed environment for the players to bond before the intensity of the competition began.
Open Girls
The opening day presented a challenging start, with the team facing strong opposition in Lavalla Catholic College and Marist Regional College, Burnie. While results did not fall in their favour, the girls approached these matches with maturity, using the experience to identify areas for growth and improvement.
As the carnival progressed, the team demonstrated significant development. A highlight came with a convincing 34-21 victory over Assumption College Kilmore, reflecting both their persistence and growing confidence.
This momentum continued into the Plate Division, where the girls again met Assumption College and secured a 27-17 win, confirming the progress they had made. The final match against eventual Plate winners Marist College Bendigo was a competitive and high-quality contest. Despite a 39-27 result, the team challenged their opponents throughout and remained in contention until the closing stages.
Beyond results, the trip was a valuable and rewarding experience.
Thank you to team Captain, Scarlett Johnston and Vice Captain, Maggie Lynch, whose leadership was instrumental throughout the week.
Award recipients:
MVP: Scarlett Johnston
Champagnat Spirit Award: McKenzie Olivieri
Simon Andrews and Nicole Hetherington - Coaches
Open Boys
It was a tough draw from the start. Games against host school Newman College and St Augustine's College from Cairns were hard-fought and, early on, the results didn't always fall their way. But the team kept competing and it showed on the final day when it mattered most. A 34-32 win over St Patrick's Marist College, Dundas nail-biting right to the end.
Award recipients:
MVP: Benji Deacon
Champagnat Spirit Award: Sonny Butler
Thank you to our sponsors Rugendyke and Bashforth Contracting, Hutchinson Builders and Shaw and Partners Financial Services; your support means a lot.
Well done to all the players on a fantastic week away.
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Soccer
Woodlawn hosted Round 1 of the Bill Turner Cup, with both the boys and girls teams taking on Lismore High.
The boys came away with a strong 5-0 win. It took some time to settle into the game, but once they found their rhythm in the second half, they were able to convert their chances. Lucas Henwood was named Player of the Match, scoring two long-range goals. It was also a good opportunity to see the College’s new goals in use, supporting future home fixtures.
Noah Coleman - Coach
The girls played a close and competitive match, going down 1-0. They worked hard throughout the game and stayed in the contest until the end. A highlight was Sophie Newton in goals, who handled pressure well and made several important saves. Both teams were awarded a penalty opportunity, with Lismore High School converting the difference.
While this result brings their Bill Turner campaign to an end, the girls will look ahead to the Junior Diocesan Football Gala Day in Coffs Harbour next term.
Kallie Deegan - Coach
Simon Andrews
Leader of Sport
Administration Announcements
Attendance
Please submit all attendance notifications (full day or partial) through the Compass App.
This helps the College manage attendance without phone calls.
Student Arrival and Departure
Students leaving early will receive a Departure Pass and go to the pick-up zone at the scheduled time. Please give enough notice so the Student Service Office can have your student ready.
Students arriving after 8:55 am must sign in at the Student Service Office.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone
The area is located between the College and the ovals at the back of the school. For safety, please do not collect students from the front entrance.
Official Attendance Forms
Absence due to:
Holiday/Family Event:
Absence due to:
Elite Sport, Elite Arts, Employment in the Entertainment Industry
Less than 10 days:
Please notify the school that your student will be absent via the Compass Absence feature.
More than 10 days:
Complete Form 01 Extended Leave Notification.
Accredited Elite Sports
programs include national and international organisations that run camps for athletes and national sports squads in which students have been selected to participate. They also include talented identification programs run by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.
or
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
.
Parent Resources/School Forms
How to access the following forms:
Student Driver/Rider Registration
Medication Administered - Parent Form
Exemption from Attendance General - Sport/Art
Extended Leave Notification - over 10 days
Volunteers Form
On Compass (Phone): Go to More (bottom tab) → School Documents / (Desktop): Click the Community icon → School Documents
From there: Parent Resources → School Forms
Messages
If there are emergency changes to afternoon arrangements, please phone the Student Service Office prior to 2:45 pm.
This allows staff the best chance to ensure your child receives the message. The end of the school day is a busy time, and we cannot guarantee that late messages will reach students. We understand that emergencies do occur and will always do our best to assist.
Administering Non-Prescription Medication
If a student attends sick bay and requires non-prescription pain relief (for example, paracetamol), a member of staff will contact a parent or guardian to request permission before administering the medication.
Please note that previous permissions do not carry over. Parents or guardians will be contacted each time a student presents to sick bay and medication may be required.
Lost Property
Lost property is located outside the Student Service Office. To help return items to students, please ensure that all clothing, bags and personal items are clearly labelled.
Student Services Office
lisjc-studentservices@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ph: 6626 2629
St John’s College Woodlawn School Community Forum News
Uniform Shop
Woodlawn Uniform Shop Information
Canteen
Woodlawn Canteen Information
Weekly Canteen Specials
Stay up to date with our rotating weekly specials. To view our latest menu offerings, please check any of the following platforms:
Flexischools App:
View the "Specials" category within the ordering menu.
Social Media:
Follow our school’s
Stories
on Instagram and Facebook.
Canteen Notice Board:
Check the display board located in the canteen.
Orders can be placed via the Flexischools app no later than 9:00am on the day of service.
Upcoming Events
25
Apr
ANZAC Day March
All day
27
Apr
ANZAC DAY Public Holiday
All day
27
Apr
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
29
Apr
Boys League Tag Challenge U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
29
Apr
South Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
29
Apr
North Open Soccer Gala Day Yr 11/12 students Boys and Girls
All day
30
Apr
Len Diett Shield Round 2 Rugby Union U14s Boys only
All day
30
Apr
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
1
May
SunSafe Ambassador Day
8:55 AM - 2:00 PM
1
May
Segrief House Breakfast
All day
1
May
NSWCCC Hockey Championships - Taree All ages Boys and Girls
All day
4
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
5
May
School Photos
All day
5
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U Boys & Girls Rugby Union Selections
All day
5
May
Junior male/female Yr 7/8s - AFLQs Cup
All day
6
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
6
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
6
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U Boys & Girls Rugby Union Selections
All day
6
May
School Photos
All day
7
May
Marist Netball vs Trinity (Colin Centre)
7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
7
May
NRCC Rugby League - Casino U14s, U16s Boys and Girls
All day
8
May
Kennedy House Breakfast
All day
8
May
NSWCHS Buckley & University Shield Rugby League U14s, U16s, U18s Boys only
All day
8
May
Youth male/female Yr 9/10s - AFLQs Cup
All day
8
May
Diocesan Cross Country - Grafton All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
11
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U + 18Y&U Girls Rugby League Selections
All day
11
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
12
May
Year 8 Night of the Notables
All day
12
May
NSWCCC 16Y&U + 18Y&U Girls Rugby League Selections
All day
12
May
Senior Male/Female Yr 11/12s - AFLQs Cup
All day
12
May
Night of the Notables
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
13
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
13
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
13
May
Phil Tobin Shield/CCC Cup Rugby League First XIII Boys rugby team
All day
14
May
Cochrane Cup U14s Boys Rugby League competition
All day
16
May
IGNITE Launch - Dreamworld
All day
18
May
Homework Club
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Recurring event
19
May
Jamie Chapman 9's U14s, U16s, U18s Girls only Rugby League side
All day
20
May
Kokoda Training
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Recurring event
20
May
Wonder Wednesdays - Senior Ministry Team
8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Recurring event
20
May
North Junior Soccer Gala Day South Junior Soccer Gala Day Yr 10 - Yr 7 Boys and Girls
All day
21
May
NRCC Junior Football yr 7/8 Boys and Girls
All day
21
May
NSW All Schools Swimming Championships All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
22
May
NSW All Schools Swimming Championships All Ages Boys and Girls
All day
22
May
NSWCCC Rugby League Boys 16Y&U + 18Y&U selections
All day
Community Notices
Want to play Baseball