School Newsletter

One of the more memorable parts of the trip was the involvement with Nagasaki Nishi West High School, where the boys were made to feel incredibly welcome. They engaged in a range of cultural activities, including a Nagasaki history lesson, origami(with Mr Ramos quickly earning the title of number one origami expert), onigiri(rice ball cooking), Kanji calligraphy, a Japanese tea ceremony, and even Kendo. Later in the day, small groups of Japanese students took our boys on guided tours of the Peace Parkand the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter— the exact point above which the atomic bomb detonated on 9 August 1945. These visits offered powerful lessons in history, remembrance, and peace, as students stood on ground that has since become a symbol of resilience and the commitment to a world without nuclear weapons. The days spent at the school were not only an enriching cultural exchange for our students but also gave the Japanese students a valuable opportunity to practise their English conversation skills.

Perhaps the most special part of the trip was the bond the boys formed with their host families. While initially out of their comfort zones, the nature and character of our students shone through, andgenuine connections were built in a very short time. These bonds were clear on the final day at Brick Hall, where many teary farewells showed just how meaningful the experience had been for both our students and their Japanese hosts.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Hazama de Guzman, whose calm and collected leadership under pressure ensured the success of the trip from start to finish. She worked tirelessly—often late into the night and early in the morning—to secure alternative flights, manage logistics, and ensure the care and safety of every single student, including Mr Ramos and me. Her professionalism, dedication, and steady guidance were instrumental in turning what began as a challenge into a truly memorable and rewarding experience for all.

We encourage Wollemi families to consider hosting visiting Japanese studentswhen the opportunity arises next year. Hosting is not only a wonderful way to welcome others into our community, but also an enriching cultural experience for your own family — one that fosters friendship, understanding, and a lasting connection between our two schools.

Mr Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

Let us look, then, at our existence as a journey following Jesus, to be travelled, as we have done this evening, together with Mary".

Fr Felix Navarro, Chaplain

Appreciating these good deeds will be my focus for the remainder of 2025 and I challenge you to join me in acknowledging and rewarding acts such as these. Whether it’s a shout-out in class (or around the dinner table), a couple of Wollies or simply by saying thanks. When we celebrate kindness and acts of service, we encourage more of it. By shining a light on these everyday actions, we will build a culture where kindness and putting others before ourselves is valued and appreciated.

So let’s look around, notice the helpers, the encouragers and the quiet leaders. Let’s acknowledge them and let’s make sure their kind acts and good deeds do not go unnoticed.

Sun Safety

With Spring upon us and the heat increasing, there will be an increased focus on sun safety throughout primary. It is important that all boys come to school with a water bottle and a Wollemi hat each day.

Boys MUST wear their Wollemi hat at recess, lunchtime and during sports lessons. Boys who do not have a Wollemi hat will not be permitted to play on the fields or the covered areas at recess and lunch.

Primary school aged children should be drinking between 1 and 1.5 litres of water each day - students will be given reminders throughout the day to regularly drink water - ensuring your son has a water bottle each day will help him to form positive habits and keep hydrated.

On days of high temperatures, a “cool space” will be made available for students to remain indoors playing chess, building lego or completing quiet activities.

Forming good habits regarding sun safety are vitally important and will be a consistent message that I give to the boys throughout the very warm Term 4 ahead.

Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary

Michael Lucas,grand uncle to Alexander (10G) and Achilles (11B);Ofelia P Merino,grandmother to Dylan (5B),LucreciaConcepcion,great-grandmother to Yoav Nasayao (10B),Paul Ruhl,brother to Eric Ruhl, uncle to Joseph (3B) and Dominic (6B);Emelita Humarang,grandmother to Harry Tamunday in Yr 4; Jamie Dowsett,father of Max 4B and Noah 6B; Rita Farrugia,grandmother to John Paul 6G and Elijah 4G; Remedios & Mariano Tiano,mother and father to Raquel and Edge Pinaroc, grandmother and grandfather to Lucas (6G) and Paolo (10G); Argyna Santiago,Year 12 Montgrove student, sister of Aryel (Class of 2020 graduate) and Argel (Class of 2015 graduate), first cousin to Seb Santiago 11B and Pocholo Javier (Dad of Mateo 6B, Lucas 5B and Enzo 2B); Bridget Collits,auntie to Luke Collits 4B;Erlinda Kabiling;grandmother to Andrei Kabiling (7B); Cirilo Kabiling; grandfather to Andrei Kabiling (7B); Chris Clements,son-in-law to Mr Gerard Kenny (Wollemi Teacher); Mario Cauchi, mother to Annabelle and Placidus Bhandoo, grandfather to Elijah (4G) and John-Paul (6G); Bruce Kilpatrick, father to Julie Blazevic (Montgrove school secretary), grandfather to Daniel (Class of 2017) and John-Paul (Class of 2011); Benjie Santiago;father to Argel (class of 2015) and Aryel (Class of 2020), brother to Lydia and Danny Jocson;Cecilio Acasio,grandfather of Peyton Bernacer 9B and Angelo Bernacer 7B;Teresita Martinez-De Guzman,mother to Ardy and Mike Seguban,grandmother to Mikhail (7G).

Congratulations to:

Leanne & Michael Noone on the birth of their little girl, sister to Jonathan (Yr 9), Dominic (Yr 6) and Eoin (Yr 5)

Jessica & John Maklouf on the birth of Estephan Laurance - baby #11, brother to Joseph (Yr 11), Francis (Yr 8), Samuel (Yr 4) & John Paul (Yr 2)

_{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.auwhen you wish to remove your intentions from the newsletter.}