Wrapping up Semester 1 at Wollemi is busy work. Many assessments have been carried out recently, both in Primary and Secondary, and teachers are busy marking and writing Semester Reports. We strive to make these reports informative and useful so that they not only reflect students’ attitudes and performance but also serve as a springboard for a fruitful goal-setting process. This requires a close partnership between the parents and the school.

At Wollemi, our unique one-on-one mentoring system is at the heart of our partnership with parents, dedicated to forming well-rounded young individuals. These mentor meetings are informal yet purposeful conversations aimed at fostering self-awareness, character development, and setting regular academic and personal goals. Mentors work collaboratively with students and their teachers and parents to identify strengths and areas needing growth, ensuring each child achieves their best academically and personally.

Additionally, the mentoring system supports parents in their role as the primary educators of their children, providing valuable insights and fostering a strong home-school partnership. If you have not already done so, please make sure that you attend the meeting with your mentor before the end of the term.

Across the school, there is an emphasis on finishing things well. A clear incentive for this more intense period of work is the thought of the approaching holidays, which are one week longer than at the end of Term 1 & 3. However, the length of the holidays is not enough for them to work their ‘magic’; what we do counts just as much. At a recent conference one of the speakers, on the subject of mental health, explained the difference between ‘disconnecting’ and ‘recharging’. Disconnecting takes no effort at all - relaxing, consuming entertainment, etc. Recharging, on the other hand, takes effort but yields lasting results. He concluded with the advice that we put in the effort to pursue ‘what fills your bucket’.

This is sound advice for parents, students and staff. Rather than simply ‘disconnecting’ from school and letting the holidays happen around us, it is worthwhile to put in the effort. Forward planning is a key element for a busy and productive holiday that allows all of us to ‘recharge’. I look forward to our students and teachers coming back for Semester 2 recharged, carrying ‘full buckets’.

 James Ramos, Headmaster

With less than two weeks remaining in the semester, our students must maintain their high standards. Across the school, we have seen the quality of student personal presentations increase significantly thanks to your support, your son’s sense of accountability and the friendly reminders by our teachers. As the days become cooler, there is a temptation to wear hoodies or jumpers which do not comply with the College’s policy. Please remind your son/s to adhere to Wollemi’s uniform expectations and finish the semester well.

On the subject of cooler weather, the Student Representative Council, ably supported by the Year 8 cohort has organised and will facilitate the Wollemi Winter Warmth Appeal. Please see the information below: 

With the winter upon us, it is crucial to extend our support to those less fortunate in our wider community. The Student Representative Council, in collaboration with Year 8, is organising the Wollemi Winter Warmth Appeal to collect winter clothing and blankets for the homeless. Many people and families in need face harsh conditions during winter, struggling to stay warm without adequate clothing and shelter. By donating, you can make a significant difference in their lives.

Logistics:

Items to Donate: Good condition winter clothing and blankets.

Drop-off Dates: Tuesday, 25th, and Wednesday, 26th.

Drop-off Location: Year 8 students will collect all items at the front of the school during the morning drop-off.

Thank you in advance for your support! 

Over the past month, Secondary teachers have been trialling the Wollemi Behaviour Tracker. This database records and tracks student behaviour, both positive and negative. 

If your son receives regular positive entries, you will receive an email from the school, notifying you of his consistent positive contributions to our school community.

He will also receive an award at the Secondary assembly. I am pleased to write that I am sending many positive notifications over the next week! 

Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

Term 2 has been full of big events at Wollemi: pilgrimages, Family Rosary, Eucharistic Procession led by Bishop Vincent... and we are going to finish the term with the feast day of St Josemaria on 26th June!

You are invited to the Mass that we will celebrate on Saturday 22 at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith. We want to give thanks to God and, as friends of St Josemaria, to go to his intercession and pray for the intentions of our families.

Following the Finals of the NBA, with Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks still competing for the Championship, we realise how important is the role of the coach. St Josemaria is a good spiritual coach. With his help we can win our most important competition: to be saints in ordinary life!

Go to this link to find ways to use the intercession of St Josemaria to pray for the sick, family, forgiveness, work and a happy and faithful marriage.

Fr Felix, Chaplain

As we head towards the end of Term 2, the importance of revisiting our goals from earlier in the year becomes apparent. Teachers are currently writing Semester 1 reports which involves grading and commenting on students achievement, as well as the application to their subjects. In the coming weeks, I encourage parents to talk with their son/s about their progress throughout Term 1 and 2, revisiting the goals they had set with their mentor/teacher earlier in the year and assessing how they have worked towards these goals. From these discussions, the next challenge is for the boys to then set new goals for Semester 2. 

You will receive your son’s Semester 1 report at the conclusion of Term 2 - if you have questions or concerns regarding your son's report please reach out to your son's class teacher, your mentor or to me as soon as possible.

Student Leadership on Display

Leading by your actions is a message we convey to our wonderful Year 6 students on a regular basis. We ask them to lead by example, assist younger students and try to identify areas within the school and community where they can make a difference. 

With this in mind, it was heartening to see our Primary Captains propose a plan for a fundraiser which will benefit a very worthy cause within our community. The boys have chosen to organsie a mufti day and “skip-a-thon / skipping challenge” which will be held Wednesday of Week 9. More details will be communicated in the coming days.

It is great to see our Year 6 captains showing great initiative and leadership!

ZooSnooz

A huge thank you to Mr Reyes, Mr Younes, Mr Tu’ipulotu and the amazing dads who accompanied the Year 4 students on their ZooSnooz camp last week.  Congratulations to the Year 4 students, many of whom were spending their first night away from mum and dad. The boys received many compliments throughout their stay with the zoo staff and program leaders commenting on the boys' manners, positive behaviour and their inquisitive nature. 

They should all be very proud. 

Finally, thank you to our entire Primary Staff who have organised and coordinated so many amazing experiences throughout Term 2. From sports gala days, class excursions, camps, Mother’s Day celebrations and the day to day learning within our classrooms, it has certainly been a memorable Term 2. 

 Luke Baxter, Head of Primary

I always thought “tomorrow” was a magical word - until it wasn’t! 

I thought I could simply say “tomorrow” and the essay on The Battle of Britain would be as good as won, emails would miraculously hide and the socks I had hastily shoved under my bed (unbeknownst to my mum) would disappear. 

My intentions were pure, I would assure myself. Tomorrow didn’t complain. It actually welcomed all the undesirable chores. But alas, tomorrow always came and the magic disappeared like a puff of smoke. If experience has shown me anything, I know that “no unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome by putting them off till tomorrow”. But why do I then find myself waving the magical wand of “tomorrow” over and over again and pushing today’s trouble into tomorrow? 

Many reasons - no energy today, not motivated enough or just lacking that creative spark. 

We are all prone to procrastination, some more than others. However, I have found that once I start “doing” it, God gives me the strength for today and promises a harvest for tomorrow. You see, I think I have been viewing “tomorrow” all wrong. My inner procrastinator sees a magical “get out of jail for free” card, but fails to see the coming harvest. A harvest borne of letting my “today” be today and my “tomorrow” tomorrow (James 5;12), ripe with fruits of faithfulness, diligence and reliability. A man of stature! 

Such a man knows that life in all its fullness includes a hundred unwelcome tasks but is wise enough to rise up against his inner weakness and say, “Not tomorrow - today” with the assurance that God’s grace and strength are on the way!

Noah P., Vice Captain

On an overcast day on Thursday 13th June, Year 4 set out for a spectacular experience commonly known as 'Zoo Snooze'. Whilst the weather wasn't great, it did little to dampen their spirits!

As the families gathered outside the Shrine of Our Lady to say their final goodbyes before the trip, the excitement was obvious amongst the boys. A few parents shed tears as they waved their sons off into the sunset.

The bus drive was loud at times, driving me crazy! As this was an experience the boys will talk about long into the future, I let the craziness go a little and the boys were having a great time. Nothing Panadol can't fix!

Upon arrival, the boys were taken to their tents, where they settled quickly before going on a fantastic night walk around the zoo! The boys saw capybaras, red pandas, lizards and many more exciting things to see. Year 4 were beside themselves with amazement! The night was still young and there was so much left to do!

After a lovely dinner, the boys set off to their tents, where they quickly settled after I told the boys the last tent to sleep in would be last to breakfast and on clean-up duty in the kitchen. The silence was deafening!

I didn't need an alarm for the 6 am wake-up as most of the boys were awake at 5:30 am! We had a lovely breakfast followed by some sessions with some curious critters! The Seal Show was the highlight, followed by the torrential rain which happened just as we were wrapping up.

A HUGE thank you must go to Mr Baxter, for his phenomenal organisation of the camp, Mr Reyes and Mr Younes for ensuring things ran smoothly. Thank you to Mr Ward, Mr Amituanai, Mr Camilleri, Mr Roi and Mr Zamora for being our parent helpers (special shoutout to Mr Roi for purchasing ponchos for those who didn't have adequate rain cover clothing!).Thank you to the parents for the love and support you show your sons. Lastly, a MASSIVE thank you to the boys that make up Year 4. You are all a testament to your parents, the way you behaved was exemplary and Taronga Staff mentioned how well-behaved and inquisitive the boys were. You truly embody 'The Wollemi Way'.

Year 3, it's your turn next year. Get excited!

Mr Tu'ipulotu

In their final Chemistry module, students are required to analyse spectral data from a variety of chemical analysis instruments. During the excursion, our Chemistry students gained first-hand experience with H-1 NMR, Infrared Spectroscopy and Ultra-Violet Spectroscopy. While this isn't a required component of the HSC Syllabus, the first-hand experience helps immensely in our students deepening their Chemical understanding.

Earlier this term, Julien Mojica and Joseph LeGrand interviewed Mrs Pospischil, the former landowner of the land that is now Wollemi College!

Mrs Pospischil, mother to our wonderful Grounds Assistant, lived here from the 1940’s to the 1960s along with 11 other siblings. Her house was positioned approximately where the shrine is now located. They lived in a yellow house made of fibro that her dad built with the aid of plumbers and electricians.

Their family owned a cow that lived in a shed around their backyard. As a kid, Mrs Pospischil would milk the cow quite frequently. Along with the cow, they owned some chickens that they let wander around their backyard. Mrs Pospischil mentioned that she used to feed the chickens very well. Due to this, it resulted in the eggs they laid being a dark orange, almost reddish colour. These were some of the chores that kept her active and entertained.

As a child, Mrs Pospischil had many things to keep herself busy. One of her favourite things that her mum would do for her was cook a pig or other animal, from their property and prepare a delicious dish for dinner - from the farm to the plate! 

She mentioned it would get quite cold in the winter, so much so that sometimes she would hear the sound of ice crushed underneath her feet on the grass. Occasionally, the front of her house (the road leading to Wollemi) would flood and typically get muddy just like it does now.

Mrs Pospischil was truly surprised by how much had changed since she lived here. It was a really great experience for both the Wollemi boys and Mrs Pospischil to see the difference in what the land is now.

In Week 4 Year 7 attended the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Lake Macquarie. The students participated in a variety of challenging activities that are geared towards developing teamwork and testing character. 

Some of the boys' favourite activities included raft building, the giant swing, rock climbing, a harnessed free-fall and high ropes.

For myself as a teacher, the best activity by far was the night activity: Commando. This was a variation of the spotlight where students needed to find an instructor hiding in the bush, collect a token from them and return it to the base. The challenge here, apart from it being dark, was trying to evade the teachers who were actively moving through the bush, spotting groups with torches. Needless to say, the boys didn't manage to return many tokens.

Mr Weber

An invitation to Wollemi and Montgrove Dads.

The Headmaster, James Ramos would like to extend an invitation to our Wollemi and Montgrove fathers to join us at a Dad's Night  on Friday 21 June at 6pm here at Wollemi.

This night will be an opportunity for dads to come together and enjoy a meal, beer and one another's company.  

This term,  the Wollemi and Montgrove Dad's Night will be enjoying a Potluck Dinner, feel free to bring a plate to share. 

To RSVP, kindly complete the form below. We hope you can join us and catch up on the night.

 Contact Person: Andrew Zahra 0484 545 937

RSVP Here

Wollemi turns 25 in 2024! 

As part of this year’s celebrations of this significant milestone, Wollemi will host a Gala Dinner on Friday, 2 August at Novella on the Park, inviting  Wollemi past and current parents and staff, alumni and friends of Wollemi.

Given the importance of the 25th anniversary, we anticipate that this celebration will draw a large number of people from our school community, past and present. To ensure you do not miss out, secure your spot by booking early using this link.

We look forward to spending an unforgettable evening with you, sharing stories from the past and hopes for the future,  there will be special guests, the Modulation Band providing Music of the evening and some surprises and prizes to be won!

Please contact  Camille Wiggins (or any one of the committee members; Kristine Zamora, Tamara Zahra, Josephine Khairy, Joseph Chaghouri, Anne Bernacer and Rebecca Aoun) should you require assistance in finding or filling a table.

Wollemi 25th Anniversary Committee

To celebrate Wollemi's 25th Anniversary, we are delighted to launch a special raffle to raise $25,000 to purchase robotics, 3D printers and coding gear to equip our Futures STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) Pioneering Lab.

The raffle will be drawn at the Wollemi 25th Anniversary Dinner, 2 August at 7:45pm, and will have cash prizes of $1000, $500 and $250.

Please buy a ticket, or two, and please share the opportunity with your family and friends. Grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, relatives and family friends, who are interested in supporting our children's education, could be invited to buy a ticket and support our children's development in STEAM subjects.

Please purchase and promote our raffle today - https://rafflelink.com.au/wollemi25thanniraff  

Your support is crucial in helping us create a dynamic and innovative learning environment for our children. Together, we can make a significant impact on their development and future careers.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Wollemi College.

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advancedlife photography on Wednesday 31 July 2024(Term 3, Week 2), with Monday 5 August 2024 (Term 3, Week 4) used for a catch-up day. 

Ordering Photos 

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit Advanced order code below: 

 RB3 AKJ 8B2

Portrait and group package orders can be made up to Monday 12 August  (one week after the catch-up day). Orders made up after this date will incur a reorder fee due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately. This fee cannot be waived.

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, please note the orders will close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 30 July. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

To reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day we prefer you order online. However, if you are unable to order online, you may collect an ordering envelope from the Front Office to use to purchase your son(s) school photos. 

Please Note:

Online orders - do not require an ordering envelope returned to your school

Full details about how to order your school photos can be found on the attached flyer. 

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please direct them via email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au

Wollemi College will be hosting Japanese students from  30th July – 3rd August 2024. 

Share your lifestyle & home whilst experiencing another culture.

• Students attend school on weekdays and enjoy family life with you on the weekend

• Japanese language is not necessary.

• Students just fit in with your family routines – eat your food, they need their own bed but can share a room.

• Families are paid $50 per night per student.

If you can assist in hosting a student or would like more information, please contact VS Oceania Pty    Ph: 02 9889 4366  Email: admin@vsoceania.com

Please pray for our sick Wollemi family and friends:

Joshua Gibbons (4B), brother to Joseph  (2B) & Samuel (8G); Gemma Doyle; sister to Finn (4G),  Noah (Year 11B) and Jack (class of 2022); Luke White (Yr 11G) brother to Daniel (7G) & Matthew (4B);  Charles Rafanan, father to Kristofer in 4G; Amelia Acasio, grandmother to Peyton Bernacer (8B) and Angelo Bernacer (6B); Louise Cotter, Grandmother to Chase Kerin (9B);  Joseph Valladores, father to Jose  (8G); Vince Sammut, grandfather to  Lucas in 10G; Igor Mileusnic, uncle to Hugo Giles (5B); Alex Borg, grandfather to Nicholas Cassar (6B).  Joanne Pang, mother to Ian Chia in 4G;  Benjie Santiago, father to Aryel (Class of 2020); Emmanuel Hanna, brother to George (7G); Victor Sciberras, father to Marianne and Carmel Spiteri, grandfather to Justin in Year 8B;   Mariano Valladores, father to Ela and Will O'Neill,  grandfather to Michael in 9B and John-Paul in 4B; Nikita D'Souza, Michael Carrington (PARED Maintenance)'s girlfriend.

Please pray for the soul of the recently deceased and the family left behind:

Dorothy James, grandmother to Harry in 4G; Antonio Singson, father to Ruth and Pierre Fakhry, grandfather to Elias in 10G,  Francis in 5G and Markus in 3B; Peter Ruhl,  father to Eric and Teresa, grandfather to Dominic in 5B and Joseph in 2B; Victor Tuballa, father to Victor and Sarah, grandfather to Alexander in 6B; Pricilla Yabut, grandmother to Achilles in 10B and Alexander in 9G. 

_{If you would like to add any intentions to the Prayer Board, please send them to newsletter@wollemi.nsw.edu.au.  Kindly notify newsletter@wollemi.nsw.edu.au when your intentions can be removed.} 

It has been great to see an increased number of students coming to daily Mass at School, so that our chapel is almost full everyday.  Parents are welcome to attend Mass with their sons, either on the set day in Primary or on any day their Secondary sons choose to attend. Unfortunately, as the space in the chapel is very limited, we are unable to offer daily Mass to parents as a regular alternative to their local parishes. We also ask that any parents attending Holy Mass please sign in at the Front Office.

Start of School Day 

Classes commence at 8:40 am each day. All boys are expected to be at school before this time.

Supervision for students will be provided at the school from 8:15 am each day. Students will not be admitted to the school until this time. 

End of the School Day

The school will conclude for ALL students at 3:25 pm. 

Late to School

If your son is late to school, he is required to sign in at the Front Office BEFORE moving to class. 

Early Leave

If your son needs to leave school early due to an appointment, parents/guardians must notify the College either by submitting an Early Departure Student Daybook in the Parent Portal.  Before leaving campus, your son must report to the Front Office to sign out. If you are collecting your son from the College, he is to be collected from the Front Office and not the classroom or other school areas.

Absence from School 

If your son is absent from school, we ask you to complete the form “Wollemi Absentee Form” from the Parental Portal on Engage PRIOR to the commencement of the school day. 

Please be mindful of the carline procedures listed below:

• Morning drop off - Morning supervision before class begins at 8.15 am. Students are not permitted on school grounds before this time, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Students arriving after 8.40 am are to stop via the front office to have their names marked off the roll.

• Afternoon pick up - if you arrive early and park in the carline, please do not disembark your car. Your son/s will walk to your car.

• For efficiency and flow of the carline, please remind your son to be ‘on the look out’ for your car. 

• Please ensure your son is aware of any changes to your afternoon pick up routine.

Adjusted Pick-up Times for Primary and Student Collection points.

• New Wollemi Primary finish time will be 3:10 pm
• Primary students with no Secondary brothers will be available at this time to be collected by parents at the regular pick-up zone in front of the administration building.
• Primary parents should have their family name clearly printed on a sign on their dashboard.
• Any Primary Student with Secondary brothers will be supervised away from the pick-up area until 3:25 pm. 
• For safety reasons Primary students who travel by public transport or walk to other pick-up points will be asked to remain at school until 3:25 pm.

Secondary

To ensure car line pick-up continuity, we ask that parents picking up secondary students who arrive before 3.25 pm, please park in the surplus car park before joining the car line. Please do not wait in the 3.10 pm car line in the main car park.

The school gates will be opened at 8:15 am and students are not allowed onto the school premises before this time unless there are co-curricular commitments. If you are dropping your child/ren off before 8.15 am, please remind them that they are to stay outside the gates until it is opened. 

A reminder that when collecting your child/ren parents can either:

• Park their car in the outside car park and walk into the school/pedestrian gate to pick up their child
• Use the car line process where your child will come to the car. 

To help with the flow of the carline and traffic in the area we kindly ask that: 

• If you are using the car line, we ask parents to not exit the car.
• Please collect your child/children from 3.25 pm and 3.45 pm when Teacher supervision ends.
•  Reminder parents NOT to park along Gipps Rd in the afternoon as it causes congestion and risks the safety of our students.

We’ve had a very exciting term with athletics, and the last two weeks are no different!  

Last year, we established a tradition of friendly rugby games with William Clarke College. We secured two cups, and named them “WCWC Rugby Cups”, in honour of both our colleges. Today, we played the second installment of the WCWC Cups.  Proud to say that both our teams came out with wins!

Years 3/4 won 55-5!

Years 5/6 won 30-0!  

Great showing by our amazing Wollemi athletes!  We played with toughness and with sportsmanship. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our boys, and thank you to the parents who trust us to coach their sons properly.

We look forward to wrapping the term up with the athletics carnival next week!  Looking forward to seeing all of our great athletes do their thing!  Have a great rest of the term everyone! 

Dustin Uyeda

In week 7, our students showcased their skills at the NSW Futsal Championships held at the Penrith Basketball Centre. The competition was intense, and our teams gave their all. The U18s and U14s were both eliminated in the group stage, while the U16 A and B teams made it to the quarter-finals before bowing out. Despite the early exits, the effort and sportsmanship displayed were commendable. Well done to all participants!

The uniform shop is open on Fridays 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm 

Online Store 

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping.  Orders will be filled when the store is next open. www.Midford.com.au passphrase: Wollemi1999

Fitting Appointment 

Full uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only. Please use the links to book an appointment https://Midford.as.me/Wollemicollege

Wollemi College Fitting Range on Fridays from 1.30 pm - 4.00 pm Appointments Only 

 All ordering and sales of Wollemi uniforms are online Orders can be collected from the College or delivered to your home address ( free delivery for orders over $50). To place an order online, go to www.Midford.com.au and enter the school passphrase: Wollemi1999 when you log in.

Wollemi Uniform requirements

We hope you are all having a fantastic week.  As we near the end of term 2, Mr Berryman and I (Mr Uyeda) are excited to announce our  Wollemi Primary Sports Camp. 

When:                     Monday, 1 July to Wednesday, 3 July

Start Time:           9:00 am

Pickup Time:       3:00 pm

Cost:                       $100 for all 3 days or $40 per day

 To register, complete the form here.

If you or anybody you know are interested in signing up, please click the link below:

Please feel free to contact Mr Dustin Uyeda at dustin.uyeda@wollemi.nsw.edu.au or Mr Jacob Berryman at jacob.berryman@wollemi.nsw.edu.au  for any further information.

Children’s Sacraments 2024 

First Communion: Sunday 2nd June (Feast of Corpus Christi) 10 am 

Sessions: 7th April (Registration & 1st Session) 14th, 21st, 28th April; 5th, 12th, 19th,  26th May, (26th being for Rehearsal) 

Reconciliation: TBA 

Confirmation: Sunday 3rd November 10:00am (Or Sunday 10th November) 

Sessions: 21st July (Registration & 1st Session), 28th July; 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August;  1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September; (6th October – mid holidays), 13th, 20th, 27th  October (27th being for Rehearsal) 

Eligibility: 

For the Sacrament of Reconciliation, children should be 8 years old and above and have received the Sacrament of Baptism. 

For the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, children should be 8 years old and above and should have received the Sacrament of Baptism & Reconciliation. 

For Sacrament of Confirmation children should be in Year 6 and above and have received the Sacrament of Baptism, Reconciliation & First Holy Communion. 

Please provide a copy of your relevant certificates at registration or email a copy to the parish. 

Further details will be provided at registration. Registration is after the Sunday 10 am Mass (Around 11:15 am) in the Parish Hall. You can call the Parish office on 4721 4080  or email parish@stjosephskingswood.org for further information. 

Office hours: Tues & Thurs 9am to 2pm & Fri 9am to 1pm.

Join the Zumba dance workout for Mums every Wednesday, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Multi-Purpose Hall!  

See the flyer or visit https://www.zumba.com/p/Mildred-Yap/2105634 to know more details.