Welcome to Term 4, and the last - as well as the shortest - term of the year. After a much needed rest, our boys are now ready for one final ‘sprint’ to the finish line. Industriousness is therefore the main focus for the beginning of the term. Despite the beautiful weather, now is the time to avoid distractions and put in the effort required in school work to finish the year on a high note.

Whilst most of us focus on finishing well, one of our cohorts is very much focused on beginning their final year of schooling: our new Year 12 boys in the Class of 2025. Last Thursday we held our traditional Leadership Assembly for the commission and induction of our new Year 12 captains. Congratulations to Matthias S and Luke B, our new School Captain and Vice Captain, as well as John M, Michael M, Giovanni M and Matthew N, our new House Captains. I have great faith in our new student leaders. As I mentioned at the assembly, they not only represent the student body but also reflect the Class of 2025 and the brother student body. ‘We get the leaders that we deserve," it is said, which gives me great hope for this group, as they lead a wonderful group of students.

We were particularly grateful on that occasion to our departing Captain and Vice Captain, Peter W and Noah P, for setting aside time in the middle of their HSC to lead the Leadership Assembly, and for the support they have given, and will continue to give, our new student leaders. We continue praying intensely for our HSC students who sat their first exam last Tuesday. They are counting on our prayers and support until the end of the examination period on 8 November.

Last Sunday we hosted the 25th Anniversary Spring Fair at Wollemi. We were blown away by the attendance: current families, friends and relatives, old boys, even prospective families. The elders of the place tell me they have never seen so many cars parked in front of the school. It was a wonderful event and a fitting celebration of what makes our school so special: our community. I was most moved by the literal army of volunteers ably led by the 25th Anniversary Committee; Tamara Zahra, Camille Wiggins, Kristine Zamora, Anne Bernacer and Joseph Chaghouri. Most telling, an even bigger army stayed behind to help with the packing and the cleanup. A massive thank you to all who attended, making the day so special, and very especially to the many volunteers: parents, teachers and students. 

I would like to think last Sunday showed that we are striving to put into practice the advice given to us by the Prelate of Opus Dei during his visit last year: that to ensure a bright future for Wollemi, we should be very united!

Here is a little taste of the festivities, for those who couldn’t make it, thanks to our own Lucas I, resident student photographer.

Wollemi Spring Fair Photo Gallery

James Ramos, Headmaster

Term 4 has commenced with a hive of activity! On Thursday, the whole school, along with a group of proud parents, welcomed our 2025 School Leadership Team at the Leadership Induction Assembly. The School Leadership Team is:

Matthias S - School Captain

Luke B - Vice Captain

Giovanni M - Araluen House Captain

Mathew N - Wyuna House Captain

John M - Mundoora House Captain

Michael M - Echuca House Captain

Congratulations to all members of the Student Leadership Group! Matthias and Luke made solemn promises to the Wollemi community during the Leadership Assembly. Their pledges included:

To serve the Wollemi College community with courage, generosity, and fidelity.

To act with honesty and integrity, using their authority to promote care and learning.

To strive for personal excellence, live a life of faith and service, and set a positive example.

To uphold the values, mission, and ethos of the College, fully committing to its goals.

In my first year at Wollemi in 2018, I had the privilege of teaching the Class of 2025 when they were in Year 5. From that very first moment, I knew this group of young men would be something special. I distinctly remember Matthias and Luke demonstrating many of the qualities mentioned in their pledges throughout their time at Wollemi. Even then, they consistently put the needs of their peers and the wider school community first, showcasing their strong character. Another quality that stood out was their ability to inspire others to strive for excellence. Just this morning before school, I found Matthias and Luke at the front of the school, greeting each student arriving at Wollemi with a high five or fist bump. Their infectious enthusiasm and energy were and will continue to be, well-received by all. The House Captains and the Class of 2025 will ably support both boys. The students at Wollemi are in very good hands!

If you attended Wollemi’s Spring Fair on Sunday, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that the day was an incredible success. The last Spring Fair was in 2018, and I remember the warmth and connectedness of the Wollemi community. This time, the only difference was the larger crowd, which amplified that sense of warmth and connection even more. A huge thank you to the Spring Fair committee and the many parents involved in making the day one we will remember for years to come!

As we head into another busy term, I encourage you to help your son plan his time effectively in preparation for the end-of-year exams. Year 10 and Year 9 elective exams will take place in Week 4, with Years 7 to 9 exams scheduled for Week 6. Starting sooner rather than later with afternoon study sessions during the week and allocating time on weekends will go a long way towards reducing stress and anxiety during the exams. If you need any support or guidance, don’t hesitate to contact your son’s mentor.

Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

Two years ago I started playing basketball. At my first ever basketball training, my coach told my team something which has become a phrase that I now treasure. 'You only get out, what you put in.' He told us that the extent of our basketball abilities depended on how much time and effort we put into training. The more training and the more that we gave, the more we would improve.

You get out as much as you put in.

It is something that one of my friends who goes to the gym believes. You'll only grow as much as you want to, as much as you try to. The extent of our abilities is in our own hands. These words so are precious. I know I can grow as much as I want to, in every way. The amount that we grow depends on us.

Kobe Bryant is one of my idols. We can all learn from his passion, resilience, his Mamba Mentality. He said 'Great things come from hard work and perseverance. The more work and hours, can be seen by abilities on the court.' He began training at 4am every day and finished his last training session at 9pm. He was rewarded with being one of the greatest basketball players of all time. We can imitate Kobe, to become the best versions of ourselves.

I'm excited for this upcoming year. I'm excited to work with this year's leadership team: Luke, Gio, Mathew, John and Michael. I know that we will work together and do many great things. This year depends on the effort that my class puts in. We have big dreams, but they can only become realised by our effort.

For my class, we will start to experience things for a last time. This next year we will participate in our last swimming carnival, athletics carnival, cross country. In a few months we will sit our last school class, last school assembly, last school lunchtime. A lesson that we have been taught from a very young age is to 'finish well'. This is the last stretch of our long school journey but I believe that we can make it our best year yet. Mr Vassallo was very big on leaving things better than you found them. This is what we plan to do this year.

To the whole school, this is the final term, but the most important term. It is going to be extremely busy with end of year exams and activities. I urge all of you to finish this year well. Make this your best term of the year. You will get out of these exams, what you put in.

It is time to take a risk and to do what is hard. Take a risk and don't worry about what your friends think if you are the only one preparing for the exams.

Do what is hard. No risk, no story. 

Matthias S., School 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

Graduation Week for the class of 2024 was a tremendous week of activities that the boys eagerly participated in, and which served as an appropriate farewell for them.

The highlight for the staff, of course, was our (predicted!) victory in the annual staff versus Year 12 touch football match. The lifelong association of Mr James and Mr Tudehope on the field proved too strong for the inexperienced students and ensured that I could bow out a winner in my last game.

Monday was Primary Fun Day, which always proves to be a big hit with all the boys, young and old  I am always touched by the care our seniors take with the Year 2s as they draw each other’s portraits. It is a tremendous testament to their character. The water activities in the second half of a hot day again proved extremely popular for all.

Tuesday saw the class journey to Redfield for a presentation from a member of the PARED board, morning tea, sport with the Redfield Year 12s, and a barbecue lunch. The opportunity for a reunion with Mr Vassallo and Mr Aldous was also greatly appreciated.

Wednesday’s more formal events included the Graduation Mass, Presentation Assembly, and Valete lunch, which were replete with special moments that I’m sure the boys and their parents will treasure forever. As always, the Year 12 farewell video celebrated the more unusual things the boys have gotten up to over their time at Wollemi.

Friday was the boys’ first activity as graduates of the college. We met at the Bethany Centre in Parramatta where Bishop Vincent shared some of his life experiences, followed by morning tea with the staff of the Parramatta Diocese. After saying the Rosary and the Angelus at the Cathedral, Graduation Week concluded with Mr Ramos shouting us all lunch at the local Coco Cubana restaurant.

I want to thank the Year 12 boys for their participation in the week; their parents, especially the hard-working class parents; Mrs Wiggins and all the office staff who always make everything happen; and Mr Williamson for his vital assistance throughout the week.

Brett Wright (Head of Senior School)

FIRST IN SUBJECT

Congratulations to our Year 12 award winners for their mighty effort in coming First in their subjects and to the recipients of the Special Awards. Well done!

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

What a fantastic day it was to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Wollemi! The Spring Fair was a great success, bringing together families, friends, parishioners, and our parish priests. The spirit of the Wollemi community was truly alive, exceeding all expectations.

It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying fun rides and our parents' culinary talents. Our business students showcased their entrepreneurial skills, and Daniel with his side hustle Lory Coffee, delighted everyone as our barista for the day.

Attendees enjoyed a diverse array of food, from Indian, African and Filipino dishes to Polynesian drinks and Lebanese manooush, along with classic zooper doopers, a sausage sizzle, Croatia’s famous čevapi rolls, and a variety of cakes and slices for those with a sweet tooth. Many parents contributed their time and resources by preparing food, donating drinks, aiding a food stall, helping with games, or displaying beautiful plants for our plant lovers. Our musical and creative students also entertained us with singing and dancing, and our Zumba Mums had a blast joining in the fun. We even had a chocolate wheel with prizes that turned into an entertaining auction!

A big thank you to all the businesses that shared their delicious, informative and fun products. We also appreciate our first aiders for ensuring everyone's safety at the event. Finally, we are grateful to God for making this wonderful day possible.

Stay tuned for updates in the Pine, where we will reveal the funds raised from this great event.

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.

Please pray for our sick Wollemi family and friends:

Matthew Khairy ( 11B0Easter Nasayao-Montenegro, aunt to Yoav  (9B); Cecilio Acasio, grandfather of Peyton Bernacer 8B and Angelo Bernacer 6B; 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:

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.} 

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

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

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.

 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  

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

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.