Term 4 is progressing as quickly as predicted. HSC exams finish this Friday and so far, the process has been smooth and without major incident. I am sure I can speak on behalf of the class of 2024 in thanking our wonderful community for their prayers and support. Our Year 10s began their examination week on Monday, and the Years 7 to 9 will begin theirs in two weeks. It is a time of intense study at Wollemi, notwithstanding many exciting events to break up the monotony: the Wiburd Cricket Shield for our Secondary cricketers, the Stand Tall Conference for Year 9s, the Hills Zone Gala Day for Year 3 or the BNSW Primary Basketball Tournament. As you see, busy as predicted.

The month of November has started with the twin celebrations of All Saints and All Souls. This month is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to praying for the faithful departed and the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Many a mentor meeting is taking place around the school encouraging the boys to pray for those who have passed away. Far from a negative or sad topic, it is a joyful duty recognised from the earliest times in the Church. It is my experience that it also helps the boys, and us all, to be mindful of ‘the big picture’ and take full advantage of the time we have been given.

By now everyone should have received an email inviting them to participate in the Perspectives survey. It is a great opportunity for parents, teachers and students (Years 5-12) to assist in the growth and development of our school as we embark on ‘the next 25 years’. I encourage all of you to take the time - no more than 15 minutes - to complete the survey (take the survey here).

One of the noticeable changes at Wollemi has been the expansion of our Music offering, ably led by Mrs Lamrock. Having had several school bands, we now have a College Orchestra for the first time, which differs from a band in the more varied instruments, including a string section. It currently includes students as young as Year 3, all the way to Senior Secondary. The second innovation from Mrs Lamrock is the Vocal Ensemble for students in Secondary and Upper Primary, which meets once a week on Wednesdays at 8 am. I am excited to hear them play and sing, and it is my hope that many more students will be encouraged to join either of these co-curricular initiatives. 

The school’s creative talents will be on full display this Friday at this year’s WOLCAN (Wollemi Creative Arts Night). I hope to see many of you there to support our students and enjoy the performances.

Lastly, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Anne and Jeff Bernacer on the recent loss of her father, Cecilio Acacio, grandfather to Peyton in Year 8 and Angelo in Year 6. Additionally, congratulations to Clare and Lubos Grus on the joyful arrival of their baby boy, a new brother to Benjamin in Year 7 and Edward in Year 2.

James Ramos,  Headmaster

Last Thursday, I attended the Stand Tall Conference with Mr James and the Year 9 students. The Stand Tall Conference, held in Liverpool, brought together hundreds of young people for a day of personal growth, motivation, and empowerment. The event featured dynamic speakers who shared powerful stories about resilience, overcoming adversity, and making positive life choices. 

Featured strongly throughout the day was the message of mental health and the challenges young people face today. While many of the challenging stories of adversity were extreme — and, I pray, experiences our boys will never have to face — the key messages from the speakers emphasised the importance of communication, active listening, asking for help, and surrounding themselves with like-minded people. In a community like Wollemi, we take comfort in knowing that our boys come from families who are united in virtue and deeply committed to the development of their children’s character. With that said, our boys are not immune to mental health issues. If you notice a significant change in your son’s behaviour or engagement at home, be sure to check in with him, speak with his mentor, teachers, coaches and those close to him and if there are similar patterns of behaviour or disengagement, consider the services of professionals in the mental health industry. 

With much pride and without any bias, I am pleased to say that our boys’ behaviour was extraordinary! The boys were in seats for the whole day and while there were a few fun breaks between speakers, their engagement, attention and listening were the best in the centre! I asked a few students to write about their experience at the event and I know most of Year 9 share their sentiments - enjoy the read!

Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

November is the month of the Communion of Saints! We started with the solemnity of All Saints and All Souls Day. The liturgy reminds us that we can get help from Heaven: we have so many good friends there and they are keen to intercede for us.

And we can help the souls in Purgatory, offering the Mass, our Rosary or our study time, during these weeks of exams for High School.

The last episode of the Growing Hearts podcast is about Death and Heaven: you will get good ideas to talk to your children in November!

Fr Felix

Uniform Expectations Term 4

Well done to all Primary students for their strong start in meeting our uniform expectations and for their compliance in wearing their hats during recess, lunch and sports lessons. 

Please see some additional reminders below:

• All boys are expected to wear black leather school shoes to and from school each day (excluding sports day). Students can change into their sports shoes for recess and lunch but must ensure their black shoes go back on entering class for Periods 3 and 5. 

• Boys must not wear their SPORTS JACKET on non-sports days. 

• Please carefully label ALL uniform items with the student’s name and class - the lost property tubs have been overflowing of late.

Lunchtime Clubs

We launched a range of lunchtime clubs throughout Week 3 with boys given the opportunity to participate in several different activities. See the roster below for our activity timetable from Week 4-8. 

Two of the primary classrooms have also been made available as QUIET SPACES for the boys to read/escape the heat if they choose to - these rooms are available each Thursday / Friday.

Wollemi Talent 

This term, Primary students have the opportunity to display their creative and musical talents. Please see the relevant information below. 

Creative Arts

Students with a passion/skill for creative arts are encouraged to contribute their artwork to our upcoming art show as part of our WOLCAN event. Students are asked to clearly label their artwork with their name and class and place their work in the black tub inside Mr Baxter’s office. 

These artworks will be displayed during WOLCAN on Friday 15 November.  

Musical / Other Talents

Students with musical and other talents that could be showcased on stage are welcome to nominate themselves to perform at our End of Term Assembly / Christmas Celebration on Friday 6 December.

If your son has a musical/other talent they would like to showcase on stage, please see Mr Baxter to nominate your interest - a nomination form will be sent in the coming weeks to allow boys to register. 

Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary

As many of you would know on the 25th of October we as a school celebrated our teachers on World Teachers Day. It is important that we always keep our teachers in our prayers and try to help them out as much as possible, as much of what they do is done behind the scenes, hidden from our view and we must always be grateful for what our teachers do for us. As we saw at the morning assembly a range of our teachers received an award for their years of service ranging from 5-16 years which further shows the dedication that our teachers at Wollemi have for us, the Student Body.

As our previous Captain mentioned, “Be grateful for the little things, not just the big things”. This line from Peter can easily be applied to our teachers, be grateful for everything that they do for you as they put in a lot of effort.

This week our graduating class of 2024 are sitting their final HSC exams, please ensure to keep them in your prayers as their Wollemi life comes to an end and they get ready to enter a new schooling life at University. Similarly, as the year 9’s and 10’s sit their final exams for 2024, be sure to keep them in your prayers as well. 

As exams are at our doorstep or around the corner it is vital to manage your time well and give it your all. Are you on your phone too much? Do you need to set a limit to how many hours you’re on your phone? or do you have a good timetable? These are good questions to ask yourself as you begin to study and prepare for your exams. The term is going fast, we are already in week 4, which leaves us with about 4 weeks and a couple of days left of school. Even though some of us may be tempted to let our foot off the gas, it is important that you push through right to the end of the term.

Luke B. Vice Captain

The School community is invited to pray for our young men as they sit their HSC exams this year.

A School Community HSC Prayer

Heavenly Father, we bring before you our HSC students. Give them the gifts of wisdom, right judgement, knowledge and courage. 

Bless them with calm hearts and clarity of mind as they sit for their exams. May they be affirmed in their efforts and may they know that you are there with them. 

We pray that they will stay calm under pressure and work to the best of their ability. May they feel your loving presence in their lives, now and always, and may they be strengthened by the prayerful support of us, their school community.

 We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

The Canberra trip was an exceptional experience where we explored the life of Australian soldiers through the hallways of the Australian War Memorial and witnessed the lifestyles of former politicians through the building of the Old Parliament House. Through this experience we were allowed to empathise with the soldiers that took part in various different wars and learnt about the contribution that Australia had in these wars. We were also able to understand the involvement of the media within the government and how the Prime Minister worked with the press in order to achieve the country’s goals. Overall, this was an exciting event where we all had great fun and more understanding of our country.

Abel Antony, Year 10

As part of Stage 5 Commerce students had the opportunity to test their investment skills through the ASX Schools Sharemarket game. The game provided students with an opportunity to learn about the sharemarket and how it works. Students used $50,000 in virtual cash to buy and sell shares in 300+ companies listed on ASX using live prices in simulating real sharemarket conditions.

Congratulations to our top 3 this semester:

1st- Boris Prokhorov

2nd-  Michael Gaid 

3rd- Yoav Nasayao

Mr Dominici, Secondary Teacher

In Week 3, Year 2 students went on an exciting excursion to Warragamba Dam, where they had the opportunity to learn about water conservation and the importance of this vital resource in our community. The day was filled with engaging activities, guided tours, and team challenges, making it an excursion to remember.

The adventure began at the Education Centre, where students participated in hands-on water-related activities. They learned about the history of Warragamba Dam, its role in supplying drinking water, and the various ways WaterNSW manages water quality. The interactive activities, binoculars, and water bugs captivated the children, sparking their curiosity about how water quality is managed.

Next, the students ventured to the top of Warragamba Dam and were awed by the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. We spotted birds and a school of fish swimming in the pristine waters of Lake Burragorang. Standing on the dam wall, they discussed its significance in controlling water flow and preventing flooding, making the connection between their classroom lessons and real-world applications. A highlight of the tour was exploring the Valve House, where students stood over 100 metres above the valves below. We also made our way near the dam's base, where we marveled at the sheer scale of the structure. The educators shared fascinating stories about the dam's construction and its impact on the local environment.

To conclude the day, students participated in the Year 2 Challenge activities, where they worked in teams to apply what they had learned. Supported by our dedicated teachers and five enthusiastic parent volunteers, the children tackled fun challenges that encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving before heading back to school.

Nathan Quan, Year 2 Teacher

We are excited to announce that we will hold a Wollemi Creative Arts Night (WOLCAN) on Friday 15 November from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Wollemi COLA.

The College is providing this opportunity for all the rock n' roll performers in the school to perform.

Loud & Plugged in!

No audition is necessary, just complete the form and if your item is suitable, you will be included. If you have questions, whatsoever, please contact me via email at melissa.lamrock@wollemi.nsw.edu.au

To register, click here.  I look forward to hearing from all our talented students.

Melissa Lamrock, Head of Music

A student-led assembly marked the celebration of World Teachers' Day at Wollemi on Friday, October 25. Students from Years 2-12 showcased their creativity by wearing fun and quirky hats for the occasion. During the assembly, we recognized and celebrated teachers reaching significant service milestones: congratulations to Mr Boyd Finn for 5 years, Mr Brett Wright for 15 years, and Mr Iain Fraser for 20 years at Wollemi in 2024.

Additionally, we honoured Mr Ian Ison and Mr Brendan Williams for 15 years of service, along with Mr Bryan Reyes, who celebrated 20 years of service last year (2023).

As a special treat for our hardworking Wollemi teachers, a delicious lunch was provided, along with heartfelt notes from various students expressing their gratitude for the dedication and support they received.

In appreciation of the commitment and service of Wollemi teachers to students, staff, and the wider Wollemi community, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Hats off to you, Wollemi Teachers!

Fathers matter. This was the message that John Anderson reminded parents of in his KPF talk in Term 3. Although it was a message that we all know, many dads expressed their gratitude for this reminder. Through stories and examples, John encouraged dads to get on the BUS of Fatherhood: That is, Be there for your children. Unconditional Love - show them that there are no conditions to your love for them. And Special - Help your children to understand that they are good in their own unique way. 

John Anderson is patron of the Fathering Project, a research-based organisation that provides support to fathers in facing the many challenges they have to navigate in today’s world. If you would like access to their Portal which has lots of useful and practical information for dads, please click on this LINK.

The Wollemi Spring Fair committee is thrilled to share the success of this year's event, where we raised an incredible $21,534.29! We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a triumph.

Special appreciation goes out to all the stall organisers, business stallholders, and parents who generously contributed their time and resources. We’re also grateful to the students, staff members, and families who came out to support this wonderful initiative.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so memorable! For those who couldn't join us this year, don’t worry—you’ll have another chance to enjoy a fun-filled fair in a few years. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting event!

From Wollemi Spring Fair Committee

PS Check out our new  Wollemi merchandise, limited stock so get them before they're gone!

As part of our 25th-anniversary celebrations, we're excited to offer a range of commemorative merchandise, including custom-designed hoodies, beanies, caps, cufflinks, and ties. These items feature unique artwork inspired by Wollemi's motto and vibrant community. By making a purchase, you'll not only be commemorating Wollemi's 25 years of excellence but also supporting the community, as a portion of the proceeds will go towards school initiatives and projects. Visit the front office today to secure your favourite items, as they are in limited supply.

Wollemi College values your insights about our school and seeks to gather these through the Perspectives: Your School in Focus survey.

The completion of this survey is voluntary however your participation will support us in improving our school. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will be available until Sunday 10 November 2024.

If you have already answered part of this survey, you can complete it using the same link. To ensure your responses are recorded, do not forget to click submit on the last page of the survey. 

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the survey. Should you have any questions, please contact Camille Wiggins at camillewiggins@wollemi.nsw.edu.au.

Please pray for our sick Wollemi family and friends:

Matthew Khairy, Year 11; Easter Nasayao-Montenegro, aunt to Yoav  (9B); Charles Rafanan, father to Kristofer in 4G; Joseph Valladores, father to Jose in 8G; Carol Alvarez, grandmother to  Ramon (8B) and  Vincenzo Zamora (4B); Vengie Panglinan, mother of Sam (Class of 2018) and Josh (Class of 2020); Alice Cassar; grandmother to Xavier Paris 5B;  Gemma Doyle; sister to Finn (4G),  Noah (Year 11B) and Jack (class of 2022);  Louise Cotter, Grandmother to Chase Kerin (9B);  Joseph Valladores, father to Jose  (8G); 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:

Cecilio Acasio, grandfather of Peyton Bernacer 8B and Angelo Bernacer 6B; Teresita Martinez-De Guzman, mother to Ardy and  Mike Seguban,  grandmother to  Mikhail (6G); Ian Rajnoch, grandfather to Xavier (5B); Walter Valenton, uncle to Dominique (5B); Igor Mileusnic; uncle to Hugo Giles (5B); Vince Sammut, grandfather to  Lucas in 10G; 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.} 

Congratulations to  Clare and Lubos Grus on the birth of a baby boy, brother to Benjamin in 7B and Edward in 2G.

If your son is interested in participating, please register the details using the link attached to the flyer BEFORE 20 Nov 2024.

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

We have begun....

The Orchestra started last Thursday morning at 7:45 on the COLA stage.

We had a wonderful group of 8 pioneer musicians who combined to form our fledgling ensemble and are learning  an exciting piece called "Storm" that sounds similar to "Pirates of the Caribbean".

We would love you to join us and swell the parts.

Looking forward to all the experiences only being in an orchestra can provide.

Please just bring your instrument next week and we will accommodate you.

Ms Lamrock, Head of Music

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.

It’s an ordinary school morning, and as I hop out of bed, I remember something…CRICKET! Yeeeess! I quickly pull on the whites, and before long we arrive at Samantha Riley Reserve, ready to make our school proud. When we all arrive, we notice some official-looking Cricket NSW umpires. 

The game is due to start at 9 am, in twenty minutes, but our opposition, William Clarke, is nowhere in sight! They’re running late. William Clarke arrives at 9:30 am and we quickly do the toss. Raph, our captain, wins and we’re batting. 

It looks like a batting wicket, which is great for the team, I’m batting at 6 and Piyush (Year 8) has brought an Esky full of drinks for the team! To open for us we have Shreyan (Yr 7) and Kabeer (Yr 8). The William Clarke team is full of Year Nines and the bowlers tower above the opening batsmen. We get seven off the first over, and then in the second over, we lose our first wicket to a speedy yorker. Ritwick (Yr 9) is the next batsman, and he has placed heaps of bets with all of us in Year Seven on how many runs he’ll get, confident of a haul. 

 The fitting range's  normal hours  on Fridays 1.00pm – 4:30pm 

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 QR code to book an appointment. https://Midford.as.me/Wollemicollege

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

 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.

Midford Uniform Order form

Wollemi Uniform requirements  

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.

Do you live in Glenwood, Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Quakers Hill and surrounding areas or on route to Montgrove and Wollemi Colleges. We are also able to do transfers between Montgrove and Wollemi.

Our driver has his RMS Driver Authority and completed his Working with Children checks.

Reliable Service at competitive prices.  There are currently spots available so call now and register your children.

Shokr Yassa 0411 575 782