In This Issue
From the Headmaster
Last Thursday, we held our Leadership Assembly to commission our new student leaders for the 2026 academic year. Congratulations to our new School Captain, Thomas G and Vice-Captain, Parsa D . They take up the torch from our wonderful 2025 student leaders, Matthias S and Luke B , who deserve our wholehearted thanks for their wonderful service to our community. Thomas and Parsa will be ably supported by House Captains: Micah A (Araluen), Abel A (Echuca), Achilles M (Mundoora), and Lucas L (Wyuna). This year, we have also expanded the team to include three new leadership roles: Andrew G will serve as Academic Captain, James G as Creative and Performing Arts Captain, and Filipo D as Community Engagement Captain. See Mr Williamson’s article below for more information.
On Friday, we celebrated World Teachers Day , an opportunity for students and parents to show heartfelt gratitude to the educators who guide and inspire learning every day. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping not only academic success but also character and confidence. By expressing appreciation - whether through words, notes, or simple gestures - families acknowledge the dedication, patience, and care teachers invest in every child’s growth. This recognition strengthens the bond between home and school, reminding us that education thrives when teachers feel valued and supported. At Wollemi, the ‘new’ Year 12s led the way with wonderful tributes to our teachers delivered during a special luncheon. After lunch, our staff walked through a guard of honour made up of the entire student body. Despite valiant attempts at stoicism, our staff felt very valued and supported.
Congratulations also to two Primary boys, William C (Year 5) and Hugo G (Year 6) for both receiving medals at the 2025 State Slalom Championships at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Hugo won the Bronze Medal and William won Gold Medals in the same race and in another event, too! Both boys have been training exceptionally hard for this - if you have ever seen kayaking or canoeing in whitewater, you’ll understand what it takes to compete in a sport that requires dedication, discipline, hard work and volumes of fun (once again, pun intended). Congratulations, William and Hugo!
Please continue praying for our ‘old’ Year 12 students who are in the process of completing their HSC Examinations , with Friday being the last day of exams. Amidst the many students from the Class of 2025 who came by to drop off their laptops and thank their teachers this morning, I was thrilled to receive a visit from Michael M , who came by with some of his classmates. Michael has been unable to sit the HSC due to the medical treatment he is undergoing. Despite this, he was in great spirits and very grateful for the many prayers from the Wollemi community. He assured me that he ‘feels’ them very much. Please keep praying for him.
Finally, congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 boys for their successful campaign at the BNSW Schools Championships . The Wollemi Primary Basketball team has qualified for the BNSW State Championships, to be held on Tuesday, 11 November, and Wednesday, 12 November, at the Hills Basketball Stadium, Castle Hill. Good luck, boys!
Mr James Ramos, Headmaster









Deputy's Dispatch
Commissioning of the 2026 Student Leadership Team
Last Thursday, the Wollemi community gathered for a special assembly to formally commission our 2026 Student Leadership Team. Pride, gratitude, and a clear sense of purpose were centre stage as the new leaders accepted their roles in front of their peers, teachers, and families.
Congratulations to Thomas G , our new School Captain, and Parsa D , Vice Captain, who will lead the team with commitment and example. Supporting them are our House Captains: Micah A (Araluen), Abel A (Echuca), Achilles M (Mundoora), and Lucas L (Wyuna). In addition, 3 new leadership roles will commence this year - Andrew G will serve as Academic Captain, James G as Creative and Performing Arts Captain, and Filipo D as Community Engagement Captain.
In his address to the College, Thomas spoke with clarity and conviction, identifying service as the central theme of his leadership. He reminded his peers that leadership is not about status or privilege, but about the willingness to serve others and set the tone for the community. His words captured the spirit of Wollemi’s approach to leadership — one grounded in humility, responsibility, and example.
Following the assembly, the student leaders joined staff and their families for a luncheon to celebrate their journey ahead.
We also extend our gratitude to our outgoing leaders, Matthias S and Luke B , for their exceptional service throughout 2025. Luke has been a man of his word and action, demonstrating consistency and reliability in every responsibility he carried. Matthias, who embodies kindness and compassion, has shown what it means to lead with a generous heart. Together, they have left a lasting legacy for future Wollemi leaders to aspire to — one of integrity, dedication, and humility.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead under the guidance of our new student leadership team.

Mr Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster

Primary Matters
Performing Arts on Show
Last Friday, Wollemi Primary witnessed an amazing performance by a small group of Year 2 students, who performed a confident acapella rendition of “We will rock you”. Led ably by Gabriel A of 2B, the boys clapped and stamped in perfect time, as they sang the lyrics with great volume. By the end of the performance, all of the Primary students were clapping along and singing the chorus. It was very exciting to see the boys perform with such courage and skill. Huge congratulations to Gabriel A, Ethan J, Samuel A, Pio N, Jay D, John Y, Matthias F, Enzo J, and Zane F. Your commitment to lunchtime rehearsals, teamwork, and the courage to take the stage is admirable.
I am hopeful that this outstanding performance will encourage other boys to take to the stage and showcase their amazing musical and performing arts talents. If your son is interested in performing at one of our Friday afternoon assemblies, or would like to be considered to perform at our end-of-year events - End of Term Assembly and/or Presentation Night - please complete the expression of interest form below.
Primary Performances - Expression of Interest.
We are open to individual and/or group performances involving musical instruments, dance, or poetry. The Primary Leadership team will review all potential performances, and students involved will be contacted in the coming weeks.
The Primary Presentation Evening will be held on Tuesday, 9 December. More information regarding this event will be communicated to families shortly.
New Student Orientation 2026
This Friday, Wollemi College will welcome our new students who will be joining us in Primary in 2026. Our new Year 2s, as well as a small number of students joining us in the older grades, will come and experience a morning at Wollemi and familiarise themselves with their new home away from home. I ask all students and current Wollemi families to welcome our new students with open arms, a smile, and a chat. Many of our Year 5 students will play an active role on the day, welcoming families, working with the new Year 2s, and ensuring that all new students and families have a positive first experience at our wonderful school. I look forward to seeing our Year 5 students showcase their leadership abilities as they prepare to lead the primary school next year.
Canberra Camp
Last week, our wonderful Year 6 students embarked on a journey to Canberra for the annual Year 6 Canberra Camp. The boys spent two nights and three busy days exploring our nation's capital, visiting many amazing sites and making countless memories with their classmates. A huge thank you must go to Mr Tu’ipulotu, Mr Fraser, Mr Pacquing, and Mr Lay for their time and efforts to make this experience so memorable and meaningful for all the boys in Year 6.
PACER Rebate - Canberra 2025
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $ 30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary

From the Chaplain
The Solemnity of All Saints spurs us to seek holiness in the midst of everyday life. We are saints in the making!! We teach this to all the students at Wollemi: our main goal is to go to Heaven, and we can start building Heaven on Earth through our charity, reaching the fullness of Love. As St Josemaria said, holiness is the struggle to transform work, study and ordinary life into an encounter with Christ and a way of serving others .
Pope Leo concluded his homily by quoting Pope Benedict XVI:
"We can say, then, that from a Christian perspective,
education helps everyone to become saints.
Nothing less will do. Pope Benedict XVI,on his Apostolic Journey to Great Britain in September 2010, during which he beatified John Henry Newman, invited young people to become saints with these words: '
What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine.'
This is the
universal call to holiness
that the Second Vatican Council made an essential part of its message (cf. Lumen Gentium, Chapter V). And holiness is intended for everyone, without exception, as a personal and communal journey marked out by the Beatitudes."
Fr Felix Navarro, College Chaplain


Captain's Corner
Introducing our New Vice-Captain - Parsa D
“ The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. ” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Welcome to term 4, boys! We've made it. Finally, after a long couple of months, we are nearing the end of the school year. I know that many of you are more than ready to put down your textbooks and relax, ready for the holidays, but the race isn't over just yet . I also know how hard it is not to fall into complacency, especially during this time of year. But just like the quote above, we need to remember that a ‘measure of a man’ is not found in how he does during times of peace and comfort, but how he stands during times of challenge and controversy, just like this time during your final exams. Now is the time to end strong and produce a testament to all the hard work that you’ve done this year.
With that being said, I would like to give you a little introduction about myself, as your new Vice Captain for the year 2026 . To start, I am an avid reader and I am completely obsessed with dystopian novels, the Hunger Games series being my favourite. I also immensely enjoy retro gaming and cycling when I get the time. In terms of my beliefs, I am a strong advocate for holding a spiritual and grounded life. But ultimately, I'm just like anyone else - someone who wants to make the most of this year, grow alongside my peers, and contribute to our school community in a meaningful and lasting way.
I'm genuinely excited for the year ahead and eager to work with this year's leadership team: Thomas, Micah, Lucas, Achilles, Abel and our other esteemed new captaincy members . I know that we will work well together and accomplish many great things. Finally, as we go about this week, please keep the graduating class of 2025 in your thoughts and prayers as they complete their final HSC exams and conclude their time here at Wollemi.
Thank you.
Parsa D, Vice Captain

Student Life
Year 7 & 8 Sport - Ripples
Year 7 & 8 Sport - Ripples
During Weeks 2–5 of this term, our Year 7 and Year 8 students participated in a practical health and fitness program at Ripples as part of their PDHPE lessons.
Year 7 students had the opportunity to build their confidence in the water through swimming lessons and enjoyed taking part in fun aqua aerobics sessions. Meanwhile, Year 8 students worked on developing their swimming skills and took part in a variety of fitness classes designed to challenge and motivate them.
Both year groups showed plenty of enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the program, making the most of the chance to stay active and build lifelong fitness and water safety skills.
Luke Dominici, Secondary Teacher












Year 12 Seminar
Year 12 Seminar
After completing Year 11 and progressing to Year 12, the Class of 2026 was privileged to participate in a seminar camp in preparation for the HSC. During the class’s first introduction to the seminar, we were enlightened by talks that delve into our future endeavours and ways to achieve them, as well as being informed of methods to succeed and reach our full potential to make the most of our final year. After leaving Wollemi, we all stayed at the Blue Gum Lodge in Springwood . Previously, many Father and Son camps were held there, so for some boys, it was a reminder of the great times and memories formed, as well as a place for new memories to be created during our final camp.
Being in the seminar, the class had many discussions, often imploring Year 12 boys to take a deep dive into how to approach the next year, as well as the current one. A presentation by Mr Johnson, “The Road Ahead workshop”, allowed us to gain insight into how our future paths could unfold. Additionally, we were privileged to gain essential information such as ‘time management’ - which many boys aim to now employ and utilise to their best advantage - while maintaining effective study habits, as well as keeping social/family life and individual growth activities like sport, all of which we have learnt should be balanced. On a greater note of thanks, the leadership team provided a helpful presentation to the class, broadening our methods of study and aiding us, united, to grow academically together - through information on how to take effective study notes, apps to aid in focusing, and more. Furthermore, a few talks and conversations with guest speakers also provided the boys with valuable information about out-of-school life.
Moreover, the meals provided on the trip were amazing, especially as the class strengthened their bonds by limiting phone usage and engaging in deep and fun conversations with each other. What made it even better was the celebration of two boys’ birthdays (Maximus F and Elias F), where cutlery wasn’t even an option; cakes went straight into the boys’ mouths (all in good fun).
One of the highlights of the trip was the brotherhood and great fun everyone had together as a class. With the wide variety of facilities and equipment available, such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, basketball courts, bushlands to walk in, etc, there was literally no space for boredom.
Eventually, after a jam-packed day, the class had a grand finale at night, with boys singing their hearts out in karaoke and finally a grand hide-and-seek game, which was chaotic but fun.
Disappointed that our camp was coming to a close the next day, the boys made the most of it by enjoying their time together, forming memories, and building friendships through plain old fun and games. The best way to end the great trip was the water balloon fight. Lots of surprises and a million photos later, we were on our way back to the good old Wollemi College. After this trip, I’d like to extend my great thanks to Mr Johnson for organising this exciting and relaxing getaway, as well as to Mr Garzaniti, Mr Weber, and a few teachers who stopped by to see the fun we all love (Mr Soji and Mr Finn).
Lastly, I would like to thank the Class of 2026, as this cohort is one of the most united in many aspects , and spending this last trip together was not an end, but rather a beginning to the journey we will take together, as brothers.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” - Aristotle
Lucas L, Year 12 Old boy



Entendre Literature Club
Entendre Literature Club
There will be Literature studies and discussions offered at lunchtime for students in Years 9-11, who have a particular interest in literature and the classics.
Workshops will involve discussions of literary articles, authors, poems, reviews, academic literary discourse, contemporary issues, and literature in its various forms, spanning a range of literary periods.
A forum for the exchange of ideas. Voluntary attendance is open to all interested in Years 9-12 .
Entendre commenced in Term 3 and continues to run in Term 4 on Fridays at lunchtime in D5 with Mr White .
Weeks 3 and 4: Mary Shelley and the Romantics
Email Mr White for further information: markwhite@wollemi.nsw.edu.au
Mr Mark White, Head of English
Events
The Fathering Project
The Fathering Project
The next event will be circa Week 4 or 5, Term 4 . We will be unpacking The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a book that, no doubt, many of you have heard much about. Looking forward to it already!
Mr Bernard James, Formation Assistant

General Notices
School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students
School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2026 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 2026.
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to
apply
for a new card or
update
their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to
re-submit
their details.
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to
apply for a replacement card.
Note:
a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a
replacement
application if a School Opal card is lost.
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.
Prayerboard
Prayerboard
Michael Lucas, grand uncle to Alexander (10G) and Achilles (11B); Carol Gonzales, mother to Gena and Alan Soriano, grandmother to Matthias (12G), Ignatius (8B) and Lorenzo (7B); (4B); Joseph Valladores, father to Jose (9G); Carol Alvarez, grandmother to Ramon (9B) and Vincenzo Zamora (5B); Emmanuel Hanna, brother to George (8G); Victor Sciberras, father to Marianne and Carmel Spiteri, grandfather to Justin (9B); Mariano Valladores, father to Ela and Will O'Neill, grandfather to Michael (11B) and John-Paul (7B); John McAuley (101 yo) great-grandfather to Max Horsfall (5B) and Joseph McAuley (3G); Zoey de Villiers, sister of Jayson de Villiers (6G) and daughter of Mr Jean Pierre de Villiers (Wollemi Teacher) .
Please pray for the soul of the recently deceased and the family left behind:
Ofelia P Merino, grandmother to Dylan (5B), Lucrecia Concepcion, 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).
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 you wish to remove your intentions from the newsletter .
Commemorative Book: Celebrating 25 Years of Wollemi
Commemorative Book: Celebrating 25 Years of Wollemi
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.
Wollemi Merchandise
Wollemi Merchandise
Wollemi is 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.
Visit the front office today to secure your favourite items, as they are in limited supply.
Visit the front office today to secure your favourite items, as they are in limited supply. To order online, click here.



School Times
School Times
The school gates will open at 8:15am, 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 8:15am, 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, please do not 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.
Car Line Pick-up
Car Line Pick-up
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...
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please ensure your son knows which car park 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.
Main Carpark (inside the College)
- Entry into the school is via the second gate only.
- Students are only to be collected in the green pick-up area (see diagram above)
- 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.
- Please do not double park in the set-down lane; instead, wait for space to become available on the curb.
- Please remain in your vehicle until your son arrives.
- 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)
- Students are only to be collected in the green pickup area (see diagram above)
- Please Park only in the designated parking bays - as noted in yellow on the diagram
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Career News
Career News
Career News
Dear students and Wollemi community,
- Hospitality Courses at the International College of Hotel Management
- Upcoming University of Notre Dame Open Day (Catholic University) THIS SATURDAY, 30th August
- ADFA (Defence Force) Virtual Open Day
- Apprenticeship Opportunities: Vehicle Mechanic and Patisserie
- Warrane College: Catholic College within UNSW in Sydney
When you open the doc, click this button on the first page to skip straight to items that have been added since the last update.
Remember, if you see anything relevant, discuss it with your parents, mentors and/or me.
Mr Paul Garzaniti, Careers
Midford Wollemi Uniform Shop News
Online Store & Fitting Appointments
Online Store & Fitting Appointments
Throughout the school term our opening hours are 1:00pm – 4:30pm on Fridays.
School Holiday Trading Hours
School Holiday Trading Hours

Collared House Shirts
Collared House Shirts

Community
A School Community HSC Prayer
A School Community HSC Prayer
We invite the Wollemi community to join us in prayer as our young men prepare to sit their HSC exams.
Sacrament of First Holy Communion Program - St Thomas Aquinas Parish 2025
Sacrament of First Holy Communion Program - St Thomas Aquinas Parish 2025


Announcements
2025 Term Dates
Term 1: 3 Feb to 11 Apr 2025
Term 2: 29 Apr to 27 June 2025
Term 3: 21 July to 26 Sept 2025
Term 4: 14 Oct to 9 Dec 2025
2026 Term Dates
Term 1: Mon 2 Feb to Thurs 2 April
Term 2: Tues 21 April to Fri 26 Jun
Term 3: Tues 21 July to Fri 25 Sept
Term 4: Tues 13 Oct - Wed 9 Dec
Parent e-Handbook
Click here for more parent information about Wollemi College
Staff Directory
2025 Father & Son Camp Dates
Year 2: 2 -23 Mar
Year 3: 1-2 Mar
Year 4: 15-16 Nov
Year 5: 5-6 Apr
Year 6: 20-21 Sep
Year 7: 22-23 Feb
Year 8: 6-7 Sep
The Parent-Teacher Project
How Can We Support Kids in Owning Their Faith?
What's the Deeper Purpose of a Catholic Education?
Nurturing Positive Body Image: What Parents Need to Know
The Parent's Guide to Emotion Coaching
Netflix's Adolescence: A School Counsellor's Thoughts
How Educators Inspire Students to Grow
Diligence & Heart: Raising Kids Who Thrive & Give
Engage Quick Links
Click here to access Engage
Click on the links below to complete the relevant forms in Engage:
● To update your contact details
● Submit an Absentee Form
● Submit an Extended Leave Form(for holidays, weddings, etc.)
● Submit an Exemption From School Form (for external activities, medical appointments, funerals etc.)
For more information on using the Engage Parent Portal please go to our Parent Portal Resource Site
Parent Calendar
Click + icon to add to your Google Calendar

