Mr James Ramos, along with the other Pared Heads of School, has embarked on a journey to the Philippines to meet with leaders of the PAREF schools and participate in the international conference Building Bridges – Global Collaboration of Best Practices on 21st Century Character Education.

During this conference, they will have the opportunity to connect with school leaders from around the world, network, and exchange ideas that will help shape and guide future generations. I am eager to hear about the innovative approaches other schools take to support their students, and I know James will also share the strategies and innovations we implement at Wollemi.

When one stops to reflect on all the events and activities our students and staff have experienced in just under four weeks, it can feel a little dizzying. However, it is all worthwhile to know about the opportunities our young men and community have at Wollemi!

To name a few, this term has already included the Key Parent Function, First Friday, a Double Bass incursion, the Secondary laptop rollout, the Year 12 Seminar, the Primary and Secondary swimming carnivals, the Year 7 Father and Son Camp, Open Day, the Year 12 Parent-Teacher Night, and a Year 12 Design and Technology excursion. Later this week, we have Dad’s Night at school, the Year 3 Father and Son Camp, and the CSDA Public Speaking Competition. So much is happening—and there’s still more to come!

With this in mind, I want to thank all our hardworking staff who make these events possible. A busy school provides boys with many opportunities to grow in all aspects of their lives, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Special mention goes to Demir Ulusoy (11B) for capturing various  Wollemi events this term. Demir has taken over as Wollemi's student photographer from Lucas Ison (12B). Thank you both for generously giving your time and talent.

Next week, students in Years 5 to 12 will participate in the School Culture in Motion program, which focuses on assessing the current culture of the school and developing student-led strategies to build on and improve aspects of school life. While our students’ general behaviour is not alarming or in desperate need of a major cultural shift, this program offers a valuable opportunity for our boys to reflect on their friendships, their forward-thinking mindset, and their support for the Wollemi community.

On Tuesday and Thursday next week, students in their respective stage groups will hear from speakers from Futuready Australia. The founder and director of the organisation, Isaac Busch—a Redfield Old Boy—has worked with many schools across NSW, including Redfield. I am excited to see the outcomes of this initiative and the impact it will have on our young men.

Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

Jubilee Year 2025: we started the school year reminding all the parents and students in the KPF and the first Assembly that 2025 is a different year! It is a Holy Year!!

Pope Francis is leading the whole World to Christ, to cross the Holy Door, to be Pilgrims of Hope. Let's follow him, deepening our knowledge about the theological virtue of Hope. Here you have how he explained it in his letter for the promotion of the Jubilee Year:

"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope. This will indeed be the case if we are capable of recovering a sense of universal fraternity and refuse to turn a blind eye to the tragedy of rampant poverty that prevents millions of men, women, young people and children from living in a manner worthy of our human dignity. Here I think in particular of the many refugees forced to abandon their native lands".

We are following the news that arrives every day from the Gemelli Hospital, where the Holy Father has been facing critical conditions: let's pray that he can recover soon!

Fr Felix, Chaplain

Living the Motto - building men of character.

2025 brings an increased focus on making our weekly mottoes clear and explicit for all boys from Years 2-6. By developing a sound understanding of each motto and  having practical examples to follow, we hope the boys will live the motto each week, develop positive habits associated with each motto and above all, grow to become young men of good character.

Our Year 6 leaders will play an important role in this process by delivering motto posters to classes each week and providing simple ways in which each student can live the motto in their daily lives.

Class teachers have made an increased effort to point out and reward students who have displayed the motto each week. This has led to many students receiving motto awards at our Friday afternoon assemblies. This past week, two students received special awards for their efforts in cleaning up their house group area at the Primary Swimming carnival. These two students - Jayson D (6G) and Zach D (3G) deserve special mention for truly living our Week 3 Motto - “Sandro's rule is the very best: Before departing, you clean up your mess”. 

Learning from one another - student work on display! 

During Week 3 we held our first writing groups session for Term 1 - the session challenged the boys to write a short narrative or persuasive piece of writing based on a stimulus - much like the NAPLAN format. They were given a time limit and clear descriptors for each writing sample.  

From these lessons, several student work samples have been selected and displayed on the windows of each classroom. The boys have been encouraged to look at the samples around the primary school to help them identify what their “next step” in improving their writing. These writing sessions will be held once a fortnight (during the ODD weeks of Term 1), with students' work samples updated after each session.

Please stop by your son’s class to take a look!  

Peer Support / Developing Relationships between our youngest and eldest students. 

Creating strong relationships between our youngest and eldest students in Primary is another important goal for 2025. To foster these relationships, Year 6 students have been working with Year 2 in various capacities throughout the first weeks of term. 

They have worked together on many sporting events, creative tasks and classroom activities.  

House group sports, making House group flags, developing their understanding of the motto through developing organisational skills and working together to make playdough are some of the events they have worked on collaboratively so far. 

Mentors - an extra support for you and your son! 

Your mentor is your extra connection to the College. Ask them questions, lean on them for guidance and keep open and honest lines of communication with your son’s class teachers and mentor. 

Mentors will aim to catch up with your son each fortnight and meet with each family once per term. 

Please contact me (lukebaxter@wollemi.nsw.edu.au) or Mr Jack Johnson (jackjohnson@wollemi.nsw.edu.au) for any enquiries regarding mentors. 

Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary 

It only feels like yesterday that the new term began, and we are already in week 4! I hope we all have gotten into the groove of the year and are preparing to put our best foot forward. I remember attending an Elevate talk last year and they spoke about starting your notes about 4-5 weeks before our assessments, with our assessments in week 9 it would be a good idea to start preparing yourself, your notes and to ensure you have a timetable that works for you. Echoing one of Mathias’s goals, “Start NOW”.  We always say, “Oh, I will start studying tomorrow”, but how often do we actually follow through with that? The best thing to do is start now. Otherwise, we will procrastinate until we realise that our exams are a week away, and we will ruin our chances of getting a good mark.

It is important, though, that we have a balance. It is important to focus on your studies, but you have to have a social life as well. Whether it be by going out with friends or getting a job, having that balance is very important as you don’t want to burn yourself out, being only in the first term of the year. What I've learnt from my five and a bit years of secondary life is that the school year is a marathon. You start jogging at the beginning of the term and start picking up the pace mid-way through, with the holiday period being your drinks break. You can't sprint a marathon; you will never make it, but if you monitor yourself and keep a steady pace, you just might.

At Wollemi, we are very lucky to have, in my opinion, a really good group of teachers who are willing to help you out. Use your teachers! They are here to help and will be glad to assist you if need be. In addition to this, we have a chapel and an excellent Chaplain. Fr Felix has a motto, “Grace always More”.  Not only is having a social life important, but having a spiritual life is just as good, possibly better. We walk past the Chapel nearly every day, and how often do we think we should pop in and say hello to Jesus? Presenting our struggles to God is probably one of the best things to do because He always wants to help us. We just have to have the courage to ask! By asking God for help, he fills us with the graces we need to keep on going!

Now, onto the better things!

We had the thrills and spill of the Secondary Swimming Carnival, and what a day it was! There was chanting going on throughout the whole affair, and House Spirit was definitely alive. Of course, congratulations to all those who placed in any of the races, but a massive congratulations to all the Wyuna members who participated in the victory celebrations. I hope we all can carry our House Spirit across to the Athletics Carnival next term. 

Yesterday, the Futsal Competition commenced for the 7-9’s, and what a start it was! A total of 10 goals were scored in the Wyuna vs. Mundoora Game, and the young Wyuna lads came out on top, winning 8-2. Mathew Nohra’s Young lads are off to a flying start, and can they keep it up? Araluen vs. Echuca was an action-packed match as well, with the Golden Army winning 5-0 against Echuca. It looks as though it’s going to be a tight competition.

Special mention goes to Demir Ulusoy (11B) for capturing some great futsal action shots. Demir has taken over as Wollemi's student photographer from Lucas Ison. Thank you both for generously giving your time and talent. 

 It was wonderful to pray the Rosary on Monday and Tuesday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Wollemi. The intention we are praying for is very important, and I ask that we all keep the Roberts family in our prayers. Feel free to join us at recess in the Rosary as we pray for a miracle.

A reminder, Boys, that Lent begins next Wednesday; it would be good to start thinking of things that you may want to give up this Lent. For the Older boys, our Lenten promises may be more than just giving up our favourite snack or our favourite game; it might be something more personal to you and a little more meaningful. For the younger boys, 40 days of Lent is quite hard, just try to do what you can and keep your Lenten promises as best you can, whatever your promises may be.

Keep up the good work, Lads!

Luke B., Vice Captain

The Wollemi Student Representative Council (SRC) plays an important role in fostering and developing student leadership within the College. The Wollemi SRC has 19 members, including The School Captain and Vice Captain, School House Captains, two representatives from each grade (Years 7 - 11; one representative from Year 12), and the Captain and Vice Captain of the Primary School. This leadership model helps give significant representation within the school and leadership development across a larger range of year groups.

The Wollemi SRC has three key goals:

To represent the interests of the student body, both at a year group and school level - to voice concerns and to present initiatives that will enhance the life of students at the College.

Develop house spirit and school community.

Serve both the school and the wider community.

Congratulations to the following Wollemi men for their selection to the Wollemi Council for 2025. 

Kia ora everyone, my name is Tim Helbano - a Kiwi import that has crash-landed here at Wollemi this year and is loving it! I am the new part-time school counselor and mentor, and I am looking forward to getting to know all the boys and their families during my time here. 

I was born and grew up in "Windy Wellington", the capital of New Zealand, to Filipino parents, alongside my four sisters, so I can really empathise with the boys and what it's like to grow up in a relatively busy and dynamic household! After moving up to Auckland for University, I ended up working in a variety of roles. I spent a few years working at a Mental Health clinic, assisting those with mental health issues to find meaningful employment and to reintegrate back into the workplace. Most recently, I have just spent the past 3 years working with the Department of Corrections in New Zealand, working with the offenders there and running some of the rehabilitation programmes in prisons and in community probation. Surprisingly enough, there are some similarities between working in a school and working in a prison (I'm sure that some boys would agree!), but in any case, it's always edifying to work alongside people on whatever journey they find themselves on. Outside of work, I have gone back to complete some postgraduate studies, help run activities at a nearby youth club, enjoy a good musical jam session, and am always up for a sneaky trip to a good food spot!

In my dual role as both School Counsellor and Student Mentor, my aim is to accompany the boys as they try to navigate their time here at school and as they grow - personally, professionally, and spiritually - into young men of virtue and character. Do reach out if you have any enquiries, want to spin a yarn or just want to talk about the All Black's latest victory! 

Tim Helbano, School Counsellor, Mentor

The College Orchestra is recommencing this year with rehearsals on WEDNESDAY mornings at 7:45 am.

All orchestral instrumentalists (including parents) are very welcome.

If you don't play an orchestral instrument (e.g. guitar)and would like to join, please speak to me, and we will see what we can organise for you to play.

The Vocal Ensemble is also recommencing, and rehearsals will take place on Monday mornings at 7:50 am.  

All are very welcome, even if you don't classify yourself as a singer, it is great for your musicality!

Come along and give it a try.  We are not judgemental!

Additionally, Years 4-8 and Elective Music Classes will be treated to a Double Bass Workshop/Demonstration on Tuesday.  Ms Ann Palumbo (a very active and vibrant muso with loads of experience working with famous artists) will be demonstrating all things double bass.  She will give some  students the opportunity to try this amazing instrument during the event.  If you feel inclined, you can consider hiring an instrument from the school and learning from Ann in the future.

Ms Lamrock, Head of Music

What a weekend! From high-speed go-karting (where some dads may or may not have been shown up by their sons), to decoding hidden messages (which, let’s be honest, was mostly solved by the kids) and the ever-challenging footgolf (turns out, accuracy is not our strongest suit).

Bluegum holds a special place in our hearts—it was the first camp many of us attended back in Year 2. Now, returning with our much taller Year 7 boys was a surreal experience. Some dads left feeling nostalgic, while others came to the solemn realisation their sons are now officially taller, faster and more agile than them.

But the real highlight? Volleyball during free play. Fathers, displaying peak competitive spirit, threw themselves across the court with enthusiasm—not with exact agility or coordination. If "the heart is willing, but the flesh is weak" was a team, we were all on it 😊.

The Fathers’ Catchup/BBQ was also a huge success—great food, great chats and a rare moment for dads to relax. The only issue? The boys were always around, swooping in on any meat that was served—reminding us of a pack of hungry seagulls at the beach. A sausage barely hit the plate before it was gone!

As the sun set, we gathered around the campfire for Rosary under the stars, a peaceful moment of reflection (and a rare chance for dads to rest their aching muscles). This was immediately followed by roasting marshmallows—a test of patience, precision and who could burn theirs the fastest.

A massive thanks to everyone who made it an unforgettable weekend.

Frank Perera, Year 7G Class Parent

An invitation to Wollemi and Montgrove Dads.

James Ramos would like to extend an invitation to our Wollemi and Montgrove fathers to join us at a Dad's Night on Friday, 28 Feb, at 6 pm here at Wollemi.

This night is an opportunity for dads to come together and enjoy a meal, beer, and each other's company.  

Feel free to bring a plate to share. 

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

 Contact Person: Andrew Zahra 0484 545 937

The Wollemi Basketball Club will be hosting Pancake Day the day before, on Shrove Tuesday, 4 March, during lunchtime.  Order forms were distributed to Primary and Year 7 & 8 students yesterday and are available in the front office.

This year, Ash Wednesday falls on 5 March, next week. We invite parents to attend our Ash Wednesday Whole School Mass at the College, which will begin at 9.40 am and conclude at approximately 11.00 am. 

To assist us with the logistics for the day, please complete the Google form below if you would like to attend the Ash Wednesday Whole School Mass.

Please pray for our sick Wollemi family and friends:

Raphaella, newborn baby to  Elizabeth and Graham, sister to Michael 4B; Lucy Tudehope, sister to Mr James Tudehope, Secondary teacher and Mentor; Joshua Gibbons (4G) brother to  Joseph ( 2B) and Samuel ( 8G); Matthew Khairy 12B;   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 (9B) and  Vincenzo Zamora (5B); Vengie Panglinan, mother of Sam (Class of 2018) and Josh (Class of 2020);     Emmanuel Hanna, brother to George (8G); Victor Sciberras, father to Marianne and Carmel Spiteri, grandfather to Justin in Year 9B;   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:

Tiano Mariano, father to Raquel and Edge Pinaroc, grandfather to Lucas in 6G and Paolo in10G; Mario Cauchi, mother to  Annabelle and  Placidus Bhandoo, grandfather to Elijah 4G and John-Paul 6G;  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 the following families on their latest additions:

• Elizabeth (Wollemi Teacher) and Graham Roberts on the birth of Raphaella, sister to Michael in 4B.
• Christine and John Abi-Elias (Head of Secondary Maths, Mentor) on the birth of  baby Joseph.
• Evelyn & Andrew Finianos on the birth of their daughter Gianna Gabriela-Mae, sister to Gabriel in 4B.
• Heather & Adam Bayliss (Wollemi Sportsmaster) on the birth of their daughter Zoe Claire

To finally mark Wollemi College's 25th Anniversary in 2024, we are thrilled to present a commemorative book honouring our rich history and the remarkable contributions of those who have paved the way for our success. 

 We believe this book is a meaningful way to honour and celebrate our school's legacy for years to come. Additional copies are available for purchase at the Front Office, enabling you to share this cherished keepsake with extended family and friends. We deeply appreciate your continued support and hope this special book inspires you.

To order your copy today, click here.

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.

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

Each year NSW Health works with schools to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the  National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).  

In 2025, the following vaccines will be offered: 

Year 7 students: 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a single dose. 

• Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (dTpa) as a single dose. 

Year 10 students: 

• Meningococcal ACWY vaccine as a single dose. 

Catch-up vaccinations will be offered to any students in Years 8, 9, 11 and 12 who provided consent in  2023 or 2024 and missed vaccination in previous years.  

Confirmation of vaccination clinic details is as follows: 

Clinic Dates: 

Visit 2:  Friday 25 July 2025

Yr 10, Meningococcal ACWY 

Yr 7, dTpa and HPV - catch up 

Yr8 and 9, dTpa and HPV - catch up of students who returned their consents in 2022 or 2023 Yr11 and 12, Meningococcal ACWY- catch up of students who returned their consents in 2023 or 2024

Visit 3: Friday 17 October 2025

Yr 7, dTpa and HPV - catch up 

Yr 10, Meningococcal ACWY- catch up 

Yr8 and 9, dTpa and HPV- catch up of students who returned their consents in 2023 or 2024 Yr11 and 12, Meningococcal ACWY- catch up of students who returned their consents in 2023 or 2024 

Please note that students cannot be vaccinated without online or paper-based consent.

The school gates will open at 8:15 a.m., and students are not allowed onto the school premises before this time unless they have co-curricular commitments. If you are dropping your child/children off before 8:15 a.m., please remind them that they are to stay outside the gates until they are 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 not to exit the car.

Please collect your child/children between 3.25 pm and 3.45 pm when Teacher supervision ends.

 This is a reminder to parents NOT to park along Gipps Rd in the afternoon, as it causes congestion and risks the safety of our students.

The safety and well-being of our students are of paramount importance at Wollemi.  As you would appreciate, with the commencement of a new school term, and the continued growth of the school population, the volume of traffic in and around the College has increased during afternoon pick-up. As a result of this, we have taken some measures to improve the parking at the College with the expansion of the overflow car park. To help ensure the effective traffic flow and our Wollemi community's safety, I take this opportunity to remind you of the College’s pick-up procedures. 

Main Carpark (inside the College)

1.     Entry into the school is via the second gate only.

2.    Students are only to be collected in the green pick-up area (see diagram above) 

3.    The curb by the buildings is set down and pick up only (noted in green) – no parking.  Do not alight from the right-hand side of cars in the set-down lane.  Please be especially vigilant that children ONLY alight on the left.

4. Please do not double park in the set-down lane; instead, wait for space to become available on the curb.

5.    Please remain in your vehicle until your son arrives. 

6. When waiting in the carline to collect your son/son, please move to the front of the line or fill any empty space available along the pickup area to ensure traffic flow and maximise space. 

Please watch for young students crossing on the pedestrian crossing from the school veranda entrance to the carpark.

Overflow car park (outside the school)

7. Students are only to be collected in the green pickup area (see diagram above) 

8. Please Park only in the designated parking bays - as noted in yellow on the diagram  

IMPORTANT NOTES

Please ensure your son knows which carpark he will be picked up from in the afternoon. 

To further assist with traffic flow and reduce parent wait time in the car line, please remind your sons that they must be watchful for the approach of your vehicle on Gipps Rd so that they can be ready for collection.

We hope these measures will help improve traffic flow within the College, reduce congestion, and ensure student safety. We appreciate that the afternoon pickup period can be busy, and we ask that we continue to be patient and courteous to each other. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

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.

Aloha Kakou (Hello, Everyone), Welcome back to another great year at Wollemi College! I hope everyone had a restful break and a fantastic start to the year. We are only beginning Week 4 but it has already been an eventful term.

 Last week, we held our annual swimming carnival! The boys had the opportunity to demonstrate their swimming skills, house spirit, and sportsmanship. They did not disappoint. Congratulations to all our primary students who tried their best, especially those who may not be the most confident swimmers. Congratulations on stepping out of your comfort zone and giving it a go! Everyone should be very proud. 

Congratulations to the following Swimming age champions for 2025:

U8: Jaxon Leggatt

U9: Leonardo de Souza

U10: Elijah Leggatt

U11: William Casserly

U12-13: Joel Leggatt

Congratulations again to all of our amazing athletes! This is the first of many athletic events to come! I will keep the students posted about upcoming athletic events and opportunities. Cheers to a great year! 

Mr Dustin Uyeda, Head of Primary PDHPE

All orders are to be placed online only. 

* Please note Terms 1 and 4 require full summer uniform 

The fitting range normal hours on  Friday 1.00 pm – to 4:30 pm 

Online Store 

Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Orders will be filled out when the store opens next. 

Fitting Appointment 

Full uniform fittings are strictly by appointment only. Please use the QR code to book an appointment.

 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  

We are very excited to announce our first Sydney event for this year: “Raising Kids in a Pornified World”. This is a masterclass that will provide you with tools and strategies to safeguard your kids, foster healthy relationships and have meaningful conversations. Pornography exposure has devastating effects on young minds and is a growing concern for parents. Consider attending this informative and practical seminar on Sunday, March 16th, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Atura Hotel in Prospect. A fantastic program with psychiatrist Dr Joanna Blades and a chance to mingle with like-minded parents makes this an unmissable event! Check out all the details in the flyer above and book your spot today via our booking form at https://tinyurl.com/43c9s6ec

FEA is thrilled to announce that our First Letters course will be held in Sydney’s Western suburbs this year. The course will take place over three Sundays from May to June and is designed for parents of children aged 4-7 years. This year, we’ll feature one session with an expert speaker and two sessions in our signature discussion group format using the Harvard Study Method. If you’re a parent looking to strengthen your connection with your children, this course is perfect for you! Join us to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills in raising young children effectively!

REGISTER HERE

Children’s Sacraments 2025 

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursday 10th April, 6.00pm 

Sessions: 2nd March (Registration & 1st Session), 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th March; 6th April 

First Communion: Sunday 22nd June (Feast of Corpus Christi), 10am 

Sessions: 27th April (Registration & 1st Session), 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th May;  1st, 8th, 15th June (15th June being for Rehearsal) 

Reconciliation: TBA 

Confirmation: Thursday 6th November, 7:00pm 

Sessions: 20th July (Registration & Session), 27th July; 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August; 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th September; (5th October – mid holidays), 12th, 19th, 26th October,  2nd November (2nd November being for Rehearsal) 

Eligibility: 

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

For 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. 

All sessions are compulsory and are to be attended by the child with their parent/ guardian. Sessions are held in the Parish Hall after the 10am Mass (Around 11:30am). 

Further details will be provided at registration. 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.

2025 Sacrament of Confirmation ✞

We invite you and your child to participate in our 2025 Sacrament of Confirmation Program. 

✞ Children in Year 5 and older in 2025 who have not yet received Confirmation but have received  Reconciliation and Holy Communion are invited to attend. 

✞ The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place through a parish-based process. This means that you will do the preparation with your child, but we help you through a process of guided reflection on a weekly basis through meetings in the church. 

✞ The enrolment form, payment arrangements, and other information will be available on our website, the back of the church, or the parish office in the middle of Term 1, 2025. 

✞ Enrolment forms must be returned to the parish office prior to the first Parent Information  Meeting. 

Parent ONLY Sessions: 

Wednesday, 30th April at 7.00pm, St Thomas Aquinas Church 

Wednesday 7th May at 7.00pm, St Thomas Aquinas Church 

Children and Parent Sessions: 

Saturday 17th May at 11.00am, St Thomas Aquinas Church 

Saturday 24th May at 11.00am, St Thomas Aquinas Church (and practice) Confirmation will take place on Wednesday 28th May at 6.30pm, St Thomas Aquinas Church