From the Headmaster
Less Than a Week Left - Let’s Wrap Up 2025 with Gratitude and Purpose!
Less Than a Week Left - Let’s Wrap Up 2025 with Gratitude and Purpose!
It is hard to believe there is less than a week remaining of the 2025 academic school year. Two weekends ago, we had our last Father & Son Camp of 2025 with the Year 4s. Last week, we celebrated with our wonderful Year 6 families the milestone transition to Secondary School. Our older students have been working really hard at their End-of-Year exams, as have our Year 12s with the first round of assessment tasks of their HSC year. Even in Primary, a myriad of end-of-year diagnostics have been carried out to inform our Semester 2 reports. It is all happening!
In these final weeks, I encourage our whole school community to finish strong and well, and to reflect with gratitude on how lucky we are to be part of this school at this particular time. I have encouraged all our students to take some time to reflect on the growth they have experienced through 2025, each in their own measure and at their own pace, and the support they have received to achieve it. To our parents, gratitude in our boys is the opposite of entitlement, a wonderful antidote to materialism, and a proven way to foster a positive growth mindset. And so, a big thank you to our students, our staff, and our wonderful parents for an amazing year.
Our Year 10 boys had a wonderful 5-day Service Camp on the South Coast, where, once again, they made their school and their families proud. They have also learned first-hand the joy of doing things for others and of not thinking about oneself. I am really happy that both Primary and Secondary students will finish the year with Activities Week, with a focus not just on celebrating a good year of hard work, but also on community service and gratitude through deeds, not just words.
The Nativity Scene is now in the Chapel, and the smell of Christmas pudding and the sound of carols are in the air. Some of the Mass Readings during this time have been from the book of Wisdom, which has some sombre reminders for us all. It proclaims, “love virtue” and “seek simplicity of heart” and states that “wisdom is a spirit, a friend to man, since God sees into the innermost parts of him, truly observes his heart, and listens to his tongue”. As we come to the end of the year and begin the new Liturgical Year with Advent, we are asked to reflect on who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going. It is a call that reminds us of where our true home is: in Heaven, and a reminder that our words and deeds come from the heart, that Our Lord hears and sees them all. Are my words ones that pull others up or push them down? What a great way to prepare for Christmas, loving my family and members of my community by living out charity in words and deeds.
It is a wonderful and busy time of year, but please mark in your calendars our End-of-Year Presentation on Tuesday, 9 December at St Marys Band Club. For the first time, there will be two sessions: an Afternoon (Primary) session at 4.30 pm and an Evening (Secondary) session at 7.30 pm. There should be enough time between the two sessions to enjoy a family dinner at the Club, if you have children attending both. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students across all areas of the school on our final day together.
On behalf of all students and staff at Wollemi College, a very Merry and Holy Christmas to all our families, and a Happy New Year to all.
Deputy's Dispatch
Year 10 Service Camp - Tuross Heads
Year 10 Service Camp - Tuross Heads
I was fortunate to attend the Year 10 Service Camp at Tuross Head this year - my first time experiencing this special tradition. Located about four hours south of Sydney, the camp provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to look beyond themselves and serve the wider community.
The primary purpose of the camp is for the boys to participate in community service at two nursing homes in Batemans Bay. Their tasks included assisting with gardening and grounds maintenance, as well as spending meaningful time with the residents. These moments of conversation and companionship were just as important, if not more important, than the physical work.
The camp also serves another vital purpose: building unity among the boys as they prepare for their senior years. It is a time to strengthen friendships, support one another and work collaboratively to bring out the best in themselves and their peers.
Over several very hot days, the boys demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic during laborious tasks. Their care for the residents, their willingness to engage, and their cheerful attitude - service with a smile - were a sight to see. Feedback from nursing home staff and residents was incredibly positive. They praised the boys’ manners, initiative, communication skills, and willingness to help. One resident even remarked on how mature and well-formed the group was .
One of the most refreshing aspects of the week was that the boys spent the entire camp without their phones. In their downtime, they played table tennis, basketball, or simply hung out in groups and chatted face-to-face. One afternoon at the beach, it was amazing to see the boys turn into their younger selves - building sandcastles, burying each other neck-deep in the sand, and even constructing mini forts out of driftwood. At the accommodation, after each meal, the boys all chipped in to wash up, dry dishes, wipe benches, and sweep the floor - without complaint. These simple acts of cooperation and shared responsibility reinforced the spirit of teamwork and service that defined the camp.
What stood out most during the camp were the virtues on display - generosity, perseverance, respect, and empathy . These qualities are not just admirable in the moment; they are foundational for the years ahead. As the boys enter their senior years, these virtues will help them:
- Lead with empathy: Understanding and caring for others will make them better leaders in group projects, sports teams, and eventually in their careers.
- Persevere under pressure: The resilience shown during long, hot days of service will translate into academic challenges and personal goals.
- Communicate with respect: Their ability to engage thoughtfully with residents will strengthen their collaboration skills in Year 11 and 12.
- Think outwardly: A mindset of service prepares them to contribute positively to society, rather than focusing solely on personal success.
I was proud to see not only their hard work but their genuine manners - thanking the cooks, opening doors, greeting staff and residents with warmth. These small acts speak volumes about the kind of young men they are becoming.
Thank you all for a wonderful 2025. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday break .
Mr Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster
Primary Matters
Head of Primary Newsletter: Term 4, Week 8
Head of Primary Newsletter: Term 4, Week 8
Primary Leadership 2026
On Monday of Week 7, Primary students gathered to hear our Primary Captain Speeches for 2026. We had the opportunity to listen to 9 wonderful candidates, each of whom presented with confidence, sharing their thoughts on leadership, their positive qualities, and their plans for how they would lead Primary in 2026. The theme of service was present throughout many of the speeches, and what truly echoed throughout was the boys' pride in our wonderful school.
Congratulations and good luck to our outstanding Primary Captain candidates.
Kirbie A, Maximilian H, Jeril L, Jack M, Brody M, Dominik N, Davey O, Mineth P and Vincenzo Z.
Captain interviews will occur this week, ahead of our announcement of our new captains for 2026 at this Friday’s assembly.
As we complete this process of finding our new Primary Captains, a huge thank you must go out to Lawrence D and Dominic R, who have led our Primary Leadership team throughout 2025. These two boys fulfilled their roles of Primary Captain and Vice Captain with diligence and responsibility. They always said “yes” to new tasks, led weekly assemblies with confidence and were pivotal in the organisation of many school events and fundraisers - all while succeeding within the classroom, achieving pleasing results and setting a great example for their peers. I wish these boys, and all of our Year 6 Leadership Team, the very best.
Service Week - Instilling a spirit of service!
This week, all Primary boys will be participating in Service Week - a wonderful opportunity for our students to look outward and demonstrate gratitude and stewardship for their school, their neighbours, and one another. The boys will be completing a range of activities focused on 3 key areas -
Service to the community
- Community Clean-Up Walk (Year 5 and 6 only): We will be extending our care beyond the school gates to clean up the Werrington area.
- Christmas Cards for Seniors: Students will spend time creating handwritten Christmas cards and artwork for residents of local nursing homes.
Service to the School
By working together to care for our physical space, students learn the value of stewardship and collective responsibility.
- The Big School Clean-Up: Students will roll up their sleeves to deep clean our school grounds. Tasks will include scrubbing hard surfaces, washing down external classroom walls, and cleaning the fence line to ensure our school looks its best heading into the holidays.
Service to Peers
We want to celebrate the friendships and bonds formed throughout the year. This pillar focuses on joy, celebration, and school spirit.
- Class Christmas Decoration Competition
- Teacher vs. Student Activities: We will host friendly, competitive games between staff and students, fostering fun and rapport outside the classroom setting.
- End-of-Year Class Celebrations: The week will conclude with class parties to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the year.
- Year 6 Primary BBQ: Year 6 students will plan and run a BBQ to serve to the rest of the Primary school during lunch on Thursday
Many classes have begun our week strongly, spending Monday afternoon turning their classrooms into a celebration of Christmas, working collaboratively to bring a sense of Christmas cheer to the Primary School. It is exciting to see our boys approach this week with such enthusiasm, and I look forward to the many events, hoping to instil a sense of service in all of our students.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the teachers and parents of the Wollemi community for their support and dedication throughout 2025. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christmas break and looks forward to continuing to build on the foundations of our strong school community in 2026.
Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary
From the Chaplain
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Come and save us, Lord our God; let us see your face, and we shall be saved”.
The Liturgy in Advent helps us to show in words our eagerness to celebrate Christmas: we can’t wait to see the Baby Jesus born again in Bethlehem, in our hearts.
We should follow this suggestion that Pope Francis gave us last year:
"Let us frequently repeat the traditional Advent prayer: 'Come, Lord Jesus' - before meetings, studying, work, and before making decisions in the important moments or times of trial. 'Come, Lord Jesus!'
And listen to the "Growing Hearts" podcast: How can we celebrate Advent together as a family? , where Fr Anthony and I share some helpful thoughts.
On Monday, December 8, we are going to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception ! She will get us anything we ask her for!!
I wish you a very Holy and Happy Christmas: don't stop singing Christmas Carols to show your joy for the birth of Our Lord!
Fr Felix Navarro, Chaplain
Captain's Corner
Chapters, Choices and Who You're Becoming
Chapters, Choices and Who You're Becoming
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to first commend all the boys who have made it this far! School exams are over, studying is over, and it's time to relax. So well done to every single one of you.
We should also take this time, as we finish exams, to thank the teachers for all the effort they have put in for us over the past year. Their late nights ensuring you get your Maths marks back the following day (Mr Beshay marks them by the following period, somehow), the constant strive they have for each one of us to be the best we possibly can, and for always trying to form us into men of character who will go out and make a difference in the world.
Term 4 is nearing the end, and I'm sure there was a strange feeling at the beginning of the year when you felt it would never end. However, looking back, it seems shorter than you would have ever imagined. I want to encourage my fellow students of Wollemi, my brothers, to reflect on the fact that we only realise the value of a moment once it becomes a memory. So don’t sleepwalk through the time you have left. Use these final days of Term 4 to be present, grateful, and intentional. Make the small moments count. They’re the ones you’ll miss most.
Now that the pressure is off and no one is pushing you to study, a question emerges: Where am I going? Although it may seem useless, we must remember that our identity is sculpted through the choices we make and the way we carry ourselves throughout the rest of this term. It's essential to keep our feet on the pedal; this doesn't mean we shouldn't relax. However, it's important to keep in mind that every action and every choice we make in the last few weeks will carry over to next year and all years ahead.
When exams finish, most people switch off completely. That's normal. However, we must be conscious that this is where standards quietly collapse. Mr Ison commented during the Year 7 orientation that humans aren't made for comfort but for greatness. Comfort doesn't hit you all at once; rather, it eases its way into tiny things we often perceive as normal or fail to recognise. Such as: sleeping in a little later, skipping the reading or studying you said you would do to get ahead and excel. Growth is about direction, about not letting oneself become dull and indulging in material things; comfort often erases this . I would really encourage everyone to attempt to hold onto something over the break, something small but intentional, a routine, a discipline, an instrument. Make this holiday worthwhile, and something you can look back on and be proud of.
Each term is a chapter, some with more stanzas, some with a climax, some with a lot more literary devices than others. However, the way we endure through them shapes us. “It's very easy to start, but difficult to end.”
I urge everyone, parent, student, and teacher, to ask themselves a few fundamental questions:
- What did this term teach you?
- What weakness did you see?
- What strength emerged
The chapter is about to close, but who you become next term, next year and in a few years time will be determined by your attitude, effort and discipline now.
Live with intention, carry the lessons, and step into the next chapter as someone stronger than you were before.
Merry Christmas, “Pikhristos Avmacf” and God bless!
Thomas G, School Captain
Student Life
Arts Appreciation Day
Arts Appreciation Day
This year’s AA Meeting burst into life with a bang, sizzle, and pop - the perfect kickoff to what will now be a joyful Wollemi tradition: AA - Art Appreciation Day ! From here on, it will shine in the Wollemi calendar as a celebration of the creativity, colour, and individual brilliance of our students.
The warm embrace of the afternoon sun paired beautifully with the incredible talent on display at this year’s Art Exhibition. Congratulations to every student who contributed - your work lit up the space more brightly than any spotlight ever could. There were no streamers, no confetti cannons, and not even a table of nibblies - just a simple, genuine gathering of the Wollemi community. And honestly? That simplicity made it even more special. The joy came from the art, the laughter, and the kindness of the people who quietly worked behind the scenes to bring it all together.
With little time and lots of heart, this exhibition came to life - proving once again what our secondary arts department is capable of. It was fun, humble, meaningful, and full of hope. A reminder that every Wollemi boy has a talent worth celebrating, even if it’s been tucked away or overlooked. We are, above all, children of God, gifted with creativity meant to be shared generously.
And next year? Let’s go bigger, louder, brighter, and even more joy-filled!
A huge, heartfelt thank you to my Year 12 Design and Technology HSC 2026 cohort; to Mr Fraser, Mr Ison, Lucas I, Khaizz B, James G, Ms Lamrock, Mr James, Viani D; to the office ladies; and to the entire Wollemi community. Your effort, positivity, and support are the reason this event felt so fun and full of gratitude. You are all gifts - and nothing you do goes unnoticed.
Mr Mike Tolentino, Teacher, HOD Visual Arts, Design & Technology
Events
Jam Nights - Open to All Dads!
Jam Nights - Open to All Dads!
Hi All Dads
Let's make some noise and end the year in style (Christmas-style that is!)
Open to all Dads of all musical skill levels from minus 10 to plus 10! Hope to see you there!
General Notices
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.
Sports News
BNSW Primary State Championships Report
BNSW Primary State Championships Report
Year 4 students enjoyed a fantastic Cricket Gala Day , beginning with a morning skills session where they developed their batting, bowling, and fielding through fun, engaging activities. In the afternoon, the students put their learning into action with two matches, winning one and losing one in a great display of teamwork and enthusiasm.
A standout moment came in the first game, where Luke C delivered an exceptional spell, taking four wickets in four balls —an extraordinary achievement at any level.
It was a wonderful day of skill-building, sportsmanship, and school spirit from all involved.
Mr Adam Bayliss, Sportsmaster
BNSW Primary Basketball Competition
BNSW Primary Basketball Competition
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our talented young athletes at the recent BNSW Western Primary Basketball Competition !
Team 1 (Division 2) - Western Sydney Premiere Champions!
- NSW State Championship Semifinalist!
Team 2 (Division 3) - Western Sydney Semifinalists!
Your dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship truly shone through on the court. A huge congratulations to all players, coaches, and supportive families - this is a fantastic accomplishment that reflects our school spirit!
Career News
Midford Wollemi Uniform Shop News
School Holiday Trading Hours
School Holiday Trading Hours
Collared House Shirts
Collared House Shirts
Community
St Joseph's Catholic Parish - 2026 Sacraments
St Joseph's Catholic Parish - 2026 Sacraments
WOLLEMI COLLEGE HOLIDAY SURF CAMP
WOLLEMI COLLEGE HOLIDAY SURF CAMP
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
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