From the Headmaster
Living Lent
Living Lent
Many of our mentoring conversations at the moment revolve around resolutions for Lent - that season of the year when the Catholic Church encourages us to give something up and offer it in sacrifice to God. We do this in preparation to celebrate the Resurrection at Easter, modelling the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his public ministry.
We also encourage the boys to consider that Lent is not just giving something up, but taking something up. Prayer and almsgiving are also traditional Lenten practices, in addition to fasting and sacrifices. Many of our boys will be living Lent by incorporating some extra prayer into their daily routines, such as making a brief visit to the Blessed Sacrament upon arrival at school.
Pope Leo XIV in his wonderful Lenten message, asks us to consider harsh words as something worth giving up throughout Lent. This is how he ends his message: "Dear brothers, let us ask for the grace to live a Lent that makes our ears more attentive to God and to those most in need. Let us ask for the strength of a fast that reaches the tongue as well, so that the words that hurt may diminish and the space for the voice of others may grow. And let us commit ourselves so that our communities may become places where the cry of the suffering finds acceptance and listening generates paths of liberation, making us more willing and diligent to contribute to building the civilisation of love."
In other news, there has been an unexpected buzz of publicity around our Pared West schools over the past week. News Corp recently conducted a national analysis comparing school affordability and educational quality, using objective data from MySchool. We were delighted to see our two Pared schools in Western Sydney featured, with Wollemi College described in the local press as “one of the top-performing, affordable private schools in the state”. While we know that media listings are fleeting and do not fully capture the day-to-day reality of school life, it was encouraging to receive this recognition. It affirms our ongoing commitment to providing an outstanding education while remaining accessible to families. Our community deserves the very best, and regardless of rankings or publicity, we will continue striving for excellence in all that we do.
A special congratulations to our students selected to the Hills Zone Basketball teams: Kristofer R and Levi V in Primary, Alex M and Christian M for the U16s and Isaac M for the under 18s. Likewise, good luck to all our swimming representatives who will compete at the Hills Zone Swimming Carnival next Monday, March 2.
I’m looking forward to meeting many of our dads this Friday, 27 Feb, for our first Wollemi & Montgrove Dad’s Night of 2026, kicking off at 6 pm. A wonderful opportunity to welcome our many new dads to Wollemi and Montgrove, as well as continue to support each other and strengthen our community. (More details can be found in the Community section of The Pine ).
Mr James Ramos, Headmaster
Deputy's Dispatch
Busy and Productive
Busy and Productive
The school year has begun with a busy and productive rhythm. Between the recent swimming carnivals and various class excursions, the boys have settled back into their routines with steady engagement. These opening weeks are important for establishing expectations, and it is pleasing to see the students participating well in all areas of college life.
I would also like to acknowledge the staff members who organised our Ash Wednesday Mass. Their thorough preparation and professional diligence ensured the liturgy was conducted with appropriate solemnity. We are grateful for their work in facilitating this important start to the Lenten season for our community.
The Secondary Student Representative Council (SRC) elections are currently underway, with voting to be finalised by the end of this week. These elected students will be officially recognised and presented with their badges during the Secondary Assembly on Thursday of Week 7.
The important aspect of this role is for the representatives to act as a genuine voice for their class. Beyond representation, we endeavour to equip these students with the skills to model and encourage unity, support, and kindness among their peers, helping to foster a positive environment for everyone.
Beyond the elected positions, it is important that all students embrace the mission of the SRC. The success of the SRC depends on every class member engaging with their representatives and contributing positively to the class and college community. By participating in this process, the boys demonstrate that leadership is a collective effort, based on mutual respect and a shared sense of responsibility.
Finally, next week we welcome a group of students from Oita Tomei High School in Japan. They join us to improve their English skills while experiencing school and cultural life in Australia. We look forward to providing them with an enjoyable stay, and there is no better place to do so than within the welcoming environment of our Wollemi community.
Mr Scott Williamson, Deputy Headmaster
Primary Matters
Head of Primary: Term 1, Week 4
Head of Primary: Term 1, Week 4
Setting a high standard in all areas of life
It has been pleasing to visit Primary classes this week and see the boys working so productively, completing work of a high quality. As we settle into the term, we ask boys to ensure their work across all subjects is of their best possible standard. We challenge the boys to strive for their personal best, to work through tasks methodically, even when they are difficult, and we place a value on work being well presented.
In terms of our decision making and actions towards others, our weekly mottos and consistent messaging from teachers and mentors are helping to guide the boys to think before they act, take responsibility for their actions and reflect on their choices. Our first 3 mottos for the term, I look after my own things, I show respect for others and I obey straight away - have been areas of focus for the boys. I hope you have been able to have weekly conversations with your son about each of these mottos - it is within these interactions and conversations that the mottos become alive for our students!
Uniform and Hair Expectations
As we head into Week 4, all class teachers will be asked to notify families of boys who are not meeting our College uniform and hair requirements.
If you receive a notification regarding hair, uniform or jewelry, please action this as soon as possible to ensure your son complies with College expectations - these are set out on page 18 and 19 of your son's diary. Your assistance with this is much appreciated - if you have any questions regarding these expectations, please email me at lukebaxter@wollemi.nsw.edu.au
Student Talents on Display
There has been a great addition to our Friday afternoon assemblies of late with two wonderful performances from our primary boys.
Earlier in the term we had a group of creative Year 6 students (Max H, Davey O, Eoin N, Rafael S and Henry C) write and perform a creative play “At the bus stop” and just last week a brave Year 3 student (Gabriel A) took to the stage to sing acapella for the entire primary cohort.
This initiative is being organised by our wonderful Primary Captain’s, Max H and Mineth P, who are auditioning and coordinating all performances.
If your son has a special talent in any realm of music, dance or drama, please encourage him to seek out Max and Mineth to have the chance to put their talents on show.
Primary students’ sporting talents have also been on show of late with two students being selected for the Hills Zone Boys basketball team. We congratulate Levi V (Year 5) and Kristofer R (Year 6) on their selection and wish them both the best of luck at the upcoming CIS Championships / Trials.
We also wish our Wollemi Primary Swim team the best of luck at the upcoming Hills Zone Swimming carnival, next Monday.
Mr Luke Baxter, Head of Primary
From the Chaplain
A Journey towards Easter
A Journey towards Easter
These weeks of Lent are a journey towards Easter: we want to be ready to live again the Paschal Mystery, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord.
Pope Leo gave some suggestions to do penance during Lent: “In this time of grace, let us therefore practice penance generously, alongside prayer and works of mercy. Let us create space for silence by turning off televisions, radios and cell phones for a while. Let us meditate on the Word of God, approach the Sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us in our heart. Let us also listen to one another — in our families, workplaces and communities. Let us dedicate time to those who are alone, especially the elderly, the poor and the sick”.
Fr Felix Navarro, College Chaplain
Captain's Corner
Our Lent
Our Lent
The pace of the year has picked up ever so quickly, and in the blink of an eye, we are in our Lenten period!
The Year 12 class took on the initiative to spearhead the traditional Shrove Tuesday Feast; the effort put in by all the boys to heat, prepare and serve over 700 pancakes and crepes was quite fascinating. Shrove Tuesday signifies the last day before Lent, when we prepare our hearts and minds to dwell on the sufferings of our Lord in his ultimate sacrifice for us. I believe an event like this has made it clear to all that they are serving Christ through their efforts.
“Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me” - Matthew 25:40
The habits we practise privately shape the people we become publicly; this is why Lent revolves so heavily around small acts of discipline. In a school setting, discipline appears in regular moments that every student should seek: choosing to study productively rather than procrastinate, completing work honestly, and preparing for assessments well ahead of time. These small actions done in secret rarely receive attention or are praised on a big stage, but they keep us in the mode where we are able to work consistently toward our goals.
“Whoever is faithful in little is also faithful in much” - Luke 16:10.
When we choose to pick the narrow road, the hilly, rocky and meandering road, we tend to feel discouraged and exhausted. Superficially, we see our struggles as obstacles that are holding us back and hindering our growth, when in reality, it's the opposite. Lent advocates this. Every hour of extra study we choose to do in quiet, every piece of rubbish we pick up off the playground when no one is watching, every road you take that's harder than the other is shaping and strengthening you into the person that you will rely on in exams, commitments and future responsibilities.
One of my favourite sayings that often circulates Wollemi is that “An hour of study is an hour of prayer”. I believe this encapsulates the very essence of working hard and offering things up for Lent. This extra study, when we could have enjoyed something but rather offered it up for a cause, is bringing each of us closer to God and forming us into better people. Mr Joseph gave a good example of how we should offer up during Lent. He gave the example of having $50 and giving someone $10, and how that's gracious and kind. However, it doesn't cause an inconvenience. He continued saying that if I have $5 and it's the last money I have and I give that $5 to someone who needs it, that's where the true sacrifice is. Giving when it costs little is good. However, giving when it costs something changes you. Lent follows that logic. The point is not selecting what is easiest to remove. The point is choosing what you would normally protect: comfort, time, convenience, pride and placing it second. That's what builds us.
Giving up something during Lent is often perceived as a restriction; however, in reality, it is freedom in practice. Small impulses such as checking our phones, avoiding effort, and acting immediately actually limit our freedom. We are so accustomed to these small acts that we become their slaves, and our freedom seeps right out of our hands. The person who can pause and act intentionally rather than simply on instinct has true freedom. During Lent, we tend to offer things up, but forget to take things on as well. Whatever we remove has to be replaced with something productive; it's ever so simple to give up your phone time, but then hop onto your laptop. Therefore, whatever we give up, our screen time, our favourite foods, replace that with something fruitful: spending more time in prayer or going to Mass, during mass/reading.
For Secondary Students, if we have not set targets or goals for Lent yet, take this time to sit in silence and contemplate what virtues might be worth working on. Lent is not only personal - it is also communal. In fact, we should be ready to serve. This may look like helping another student understand their work, saying hi and being kind to younger students. Show up for others the same way you wish someone had shown up for you. Prioritise purpose and direction over comfort.
A Practical Challenge
For these forty days:
- Remove one habit that weakens your focus
- Add one action that helps another person
- Spend one minute each day in silence before the day begins
Lent is not meant to separate faith from daily life. It is meant to shape daily life so that actions, character, and purpose move in the same direction.
Lent lasts forty days, but the person you practise becoming can last much longer. Choose something that costs you, not to prove discipline to others, but to prove direction to yourself. If comfort always decides, nothing changes. If intention decides, everything can. By Easter, the question is simple: did the forty days pass, or did you?
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” - Mark 8:36
Thomas G, School Captain
Events
Year 12 Design & Technology Excursion
Year 12 Design & Technology Excursion
Wollemi College Students Gain Valuable Insight at PRH Plastic Recycling Hub
Wollemi College once again had the privilege of partnering with PRH Plastic Recycling Hub, a leading innovator in sustainable waste management and advanced recycling solutions. The visit offered students a rare opportunity to witness how industry specialists are reshaping the future of environmental responsibility through cutting‑edge processes and a strong commitment to the circular economy.
Mario, Yasmine, and the entire PRH team delivered an educational experience that left a lasting impact on our students. At a time when waste management stands as one of the world’s most pressing challenges, this excursion allowed students to see firsthand the type of forward‑thinking solutions required to protect future generations.
Throughout the day, students engaged with real‑world case studies, explored advanced recycling procedures, and developed a deeper understanding of how open communication between industry and education fosters transformative learning. Witnessing the full recycling lifecycle—from discarded plastic to reusable material—reinforced the importance of innovation and responsible design.
Several students expressed how meaningful the experience was:
“It was fascinating to finally see how recycling actually works,” said Raffaele. “Understanding the process behind transforming hard plastics into reusable materials gave me insight into how design and technology can directly reduce environmental impact.”
Another student, Vraj, reflected on how the excursion supported his Major Design Project:
“Seeing the entire recycling cycle inspired my own design thinking. It highlighted the global issues we face today and reminded us that our generation needs to innovate solutions for the future.”
He also shared how relevant the experience was to their studies:
“Design & Tech is about solving real problems. PRH has created a model that reduces landfill waste and turns plastics into new products. Observing their process helped us understand how sustainability and innovation work together.”
Students particularly appreciated the chance to engage directly with leaders in the field:
“The meeting room briefing was the most interesting part,” Vraj added. “Learning about the materials, the process, and even the sponsors gave me inspiration and research material for my portfolio.”
Wollemi College is sincerely grateful for PRH’s continued partnership and their generosity in opening their doors to our students year after year. Experiences like this not only enhance classroom learning but also empower students to see themselves as future designers, engineers, and innovators dedicated to positive change.
Thank you once again to PRH Plastic Recycling Hub for your ongoing commitment to education and sustainability. We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration in the years ahead.
Mr Mike Tolentino, Teacher/HOD Visual Arts/Design and Technology
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Week 3 Primary Sports
Week 3 Primary Sports
Aloha Wollemi Ohana,
We are only in Week 3, and it has already been a whirlwind in the world of Primary Sport! The energy, commitment, and courage our boys continue to display is something our whole community can be proud of.
Last Wednesday (11 February), we held our Primary Swimming Carnival, and what a fantastic day it was. Beyond the times and the ribbons, what stood out most was the heart shown by our students. Many boys stepped outside their comfort zones, faced nerves head-on, and gave their absolute best in the pool.
That willingness to try, to compete, and to support one another is what primary sport is truly about. The cheers from the sidelines, the encouragement behind the blocks, and the resilience shown in every race made it a special day.
Hills Zone Swimming Carnival Representatives
The following students will represent Wollemi College at the Hills Zone Swimming Carnival:
50m Freestyle:
12’s: William Casserly / Joseph Roi
11’s: Elijah Leggatt
10’s: Caleb De Castro
9’s: Jaxon Leggatt
8’s: Michele Asnaghi
50m Breaststroke:
12’s: Toby Ward / William Casserly
11’s Joseph Sheary
8-10’s Jaxon Leggatt
50m Backstroke:
12’s: William Casserly
11’s: Elijah Leggatt
8-10’s: Caleb De Castro
100m Freestyle:
12’s: William Casserly
11’s Elijah Leggatt
8-10’s Elijah Leggatt
50m Butterfly:
12’s: William Casserly / Joseph Roi
11’s: Elijah Leggatt / Joseph Sheary
8-10’s: Jaxon Leggatt
4x50 Relay Teams:
11-13: Elijah Leggatt / Toby Ward / Joseph Roi / William Casserly
8-10’s: Jaxon Leggatt / Daniel Byju Kurian / Caleb De Castro / Leonardo de Souza
We wish these boys all the very best as they prepare to compete at the next level. We know they will represent our College with pride, determination, and sportsmanship.
Hills Zone Basketball Trials
We also recently had the Hills Zone Basketball trials. Four of our students were nominated to attend:
Joseph Roi
Kristofer Rafanan
Levi Victorino
Pranav Kiran
Of those four, two students successfully earned selection onto the Hills Zone Basketball Team:
Levi Victorino
Kristofer Rafanan
This is particularly special for me personally. In my third year overseeing Primary Sport, these are the first two students I have nominated who have gone on to make the Hills Zone Basketball team. That is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and growth.
These boys will now go on to represent Hills Zone, Wollemi College, and their families at the CIS Basketball trial/gala day on 6 March. What an incredible achievement and opportunity!
Congratulations to all of our boys who continue to step up, compete bravely, and support one another. Whether you’re racing in the pool, trialling on the court, or cheering from the sidelines, you are building something special.
Wollemi is proud of you.
Mr Dustin Uyeda, Head of Primary PDHPE
Year 3 Father & Son Camp 2026
Year 3 Father & Son Camp 2026
Father & Son camps have been a
great tradition at Wollemi College
since the beginning, and these camps aim at strengthening the relationship between Fathers and Sons as well as to get to know the other dads better in the class. There are a number of activities that give Fathers and Sons the opportunity to spend time together. This year, the boys in
Year 3
loved the Giant Swing, did some activities in the bush, played sports, and had a great time in the pool!
Father and Son camps are also
a time for reflection…
It is customary for a dad to give a talk to parents about how we can help our boys become young
men of character.
So many virtues to embody and exemplify! Every Father and Son camp is a time for reflection, a time for learning and an opportunity to set new resolutions to do better.
A big thank you to
Fr Anthony,
who came to say Mass for us; to
Mr Breen,
Mr Alimangohan,
and
Mr Berryman,
who came to spend time with us; and to our Year 3 Class Parents,
Michael Punch
and
Marc Yumol,
for helping us with the smooth running of the camp. The best thing, however, was seeing how all the dads really enjoyed the evening get-together, and a
special thank you to all the parents who prepared and participated in the great barbecue on Saturday night.
I really look forward to the next Father and Son camp!
Mr Jack Johnson, Head of Personalised Education
On February 7th, we went to the 2026 father and son camp at Stanwell Tops. The first thing that the X-Men (my group) did was Survivor. In Survivor, we did so many fun games and activities. We played this swinging game where we had to split into groups. It was so fun when we swung across a small pit and then went on colourful tyres. We then ran across them to touch a tree. Whichever group touched the tree before the time limit ran out was the winner.
Next, it was our turn to go on the giant swing. It was huge, 26 metres tall! Everyone was nervous, especially me. When it was my turn, I was terrified, but I still went all the way to the top. When I pulled the rope, it felt like I was flying down; it was so fun. After that, we had some more free play before dinner.
Thank you to all of the dads and teachers for making it such a great weekend. I can’t wait until next year!
By Arjun M
Year 2 Term 1 2026
Year 2 Term 1 2026
It has been an
action-packed start to 2026,
and we are incredibly proud of how quickly our Year 2 boys have settled into their new routines with independence and enthusiasm.
In English, we have dived into the art of storytelling through the wonderful books
I’m Australian Too
and
Peggy.
The boys are learning how to become "sentence architects", exploring how different sentence structures can make their
writing
more descriptive and engaging
for a reader.
Our young mathematicians have also been busy
mastering the building blocks of place value and whole numbers.
As we move into Week 3, the boys have already begun identifying and creating
number patterns,
proving that math is everywhere if you know where to look!
A major highlight was our Week 2 trip to
Ripples for their first Primary Swimming Carnival.
It was a historic day for our cohort, with a
record number of Year 2 students participating
in the 25m and 50m races. Back on the grass area, the energy was just as high as the boys earned points for their houses through the coordination of
three-legged races,
the teamwork of the
Human Knot,
and the pure fun of
Crab Soccer.
It has been a fantastic first three weeks, and we are looking forward to a brilliant term of growth and learning ahead.
Mr Nathan Quan, Mr Cameron Wright and Mr Luke Baxter (Year 2 Teachers)
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
Join Wollemi Football Club in 2026
Join Wollemi Football Club in 2026
To Our School Community,
Wollemi Football Club recently held a very successful Registration Day, and we would like to sincerely thank the many parents and volunteers who generously gave their time to make the day run so smoothly. Your support is what makes our club such a strong and welcoming
community.
A reminder that pre-season training will continue over the next two weeks on
Friday 21st and
Friday 28th February from 8:30am–9:30am
. We encourage all registered players to attend and get ready for an exciting season ahead. If your child is keen to play football in 2026, now is the time to get in touch. Final spots are filling quickly, and we would love to welcome new players before teams are finalised.
New Canteen – Helpers Wanted
We are also seeking expressions of interest from
parent volunteers and junior helpers
to assist in our new canteen this coming season. Both paid and volunteer opportunities are available. It’s a great way to be involved at the club, meet other families, and support our players on game days. If you are interested in helping in any capacity, please contact the club to find out more.
Sponsors Wanted – Partner with Us in 2026
Wollemi Football Club is currently seeking new sponsors to support several exciting projects planned for the upcoming season. Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to give back to the community, gain valuable exposure, and help us continue improving our
facilities, equipment, and overall player experience. If you are interested in partnering with us and helping
“Make Wollemi Great Again",
we would love to hear from you.
Volunteers Needed – Ground Marshal Role
We are currently looking for a
Ground Marshal
to assist at our home games on either Saturday or Sunday. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for someone who enjoys being around sport, wants to support local families, and has some spare time on game days. No prior experience is required — just a willingness to help and be part of the Wollemi family.
Get in Touch
For registrations, sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, or canteen enquiries, please contact:
Shane Leggatt
President – Wollemi Football Club
0422 605 380
info@wollemifootballclub.com.au
www.wollemifootballclub.com.au
4 Gipps Street, Werrington NSW 2747
We look forward to welcoming new players, volunteers, helpers, and supporters to Wollemi Football Club in 2026!
Career News
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 (by Appointment ONLY).
For Uniform Fittings, please call: 02 8319 8487
Holiday Fitting Hours
Holiday Fitting Hours
Collared House Shirts
Collared House Shirts
Community
Dad's Night
Dad's Night
Wollemi would like to extend an invitation to our Wollemi fathers to join us at a Dads’ Night, the first one for 2026 will be on Friday the 27 February at 6pm here at Wollemi.
This night will be an opportunity for dads to come together and enjoy a meal, beer and one another's company. A plate of something to share would be most welcome, to RSVP, kindly complete the form below and feel free to pass on this invitation to other dads.
Wollemi 2026 Dad's Night
I hope to see you guys there.
Mr Jack Johnson and the Formation Team
St Joseph's Catholic Parish - 2026 Sacraments
St Joseph's Catholic Parish - 2026 Sacraments
Year 5 Mums Painting Together
Year 5 Mums Painting Together
Family Fun Day - Year 9
Family Fun Day - Year 9
Open Jam Nights
Open Jam Nights
Harmony Day Competitions 2026
Harmony Day Competitions 2026
Announcements
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
2026 Father & Son Camps
Year 2: Sat 21 Mar to Sun 22 Mar
Year 3: Sat 7 Feb to Sun 8 Feb
Year 4: Sat 7 Nov to Sun 8 Nov
Year 5: Sat 16 May to Sun 17 May
Year 6: Sat 29 Aug to Sun 30 Aug
Year 7: Sat 31 Oct to Sun 1 Nov
Year 8: Fri 18 Sept to Sun 20 Sept
Parent e-Handbook
Click here for more parent information about Wollemi College
Staff Directory
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:
● Update your contact details
● Submit an Absentee/Early Leaver Form
● Submit an Extended Leave Form(for holidays, weddings, etc.)
For more information on using the Engage Parent Portal please go to our Parent Portal Resource Site
Parent Calendar
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