On the final day of term, our U15 Bill Turner Cup team took on Jamison High School in an exciting Round 1 clash.

The boys found themselves down 0–2 early but responded brilliantly, scoring three unanswered goals through Matthew C (2) and Ethan L to take a 3–2 lead. Jamison High fought back to equalise, setting up a tense finish.

With just two minutes remaining, Thomas P scored the winner to secure a thrilling 4–3 victory.

Mr Luke Dominici

At Wollemi College, we know that the quality of teaching in the classroom is the single most important factor in helping students succeed academically. As a school committed to strong academic outcomes, we are always looking for ways to improve our teaching so that every boy can reach his full potential.

For this reason, Wollemi College has joined a two-year professional learning partnership with Independent Schools NSW focused on High Impact Teaching (HITS) .

Unlike many short-lived educational trends, High Impact Teaching is based on strong contemporary research into how students learn best . It focuses on a small number of proven teaching practices that have been shown to make the greatest difference to student learning and academic results .

These practices help teachers ensure that students:

• Are actively engaged in lessons
• Understand clearly what they are learning
• Practise and remember important knowledge
• Receive clear feedback to help them improve
• Develop independence and confidence in their learning

The initiative focuses on five key teaching strategies:

• Engagement routines – starting lessons with focus and purpose
• Checking for understanding – ensuring students grasp key ideas during lessons
• Retrieval practice – strengthening memory by regularly recalling knowledge
• Explicit teaching – clearly explaining new concepts step by step
• Gradual release of responsibility – moving students from guided practice to independent learning

By consistently using these strategies across classrooms, lessons become:

• Clearer and more structured
• More engaging for students
• Focused on deep understanding
• Better designed to support strong academic performance

Throughout the program, teachers will take part in professional learning sessions, apply these strategies in their classrooms, and work together to refine their practice. This collaborative approach helps ensure that effective teaching is consistently implemented across the College.

Our goal is simple: to strengthen teaching so that every Wollemi student develops strong thinking skills, performs confidently in assessments, and achieves his academic potential.

Head of Secondary and Instructional Coach
James Burfitt

Instructional Coach – Primary
Nathan Quan

Mr James Burfitt, Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning

Under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), eligible children (aged 0-17 years) can receive up to $1,158 for general dental services, including check-ups, X-rays, fillings, and extractions.

For more information on the CDBS, please see the links provided below:

- Australian Dental Association

- NSW Health

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.

Please pray for our sick Wollemi family and friends:

Peter Tohme, uncle to Jonah (7B), Michael Muema (Class of 2025), brother of Patrick (8G).

Please pray for the souls of the recently deceased and the families left behind:

Trinidad Caragdag, great grandmother of Joseph (12G) and John-Paul (2B); Amelia Patricia Pareja Acasio, grandmother of Peyton (10B) and Angelo (8G); Victoria Botones Bernacer, great grandmother of Peyton (10B) and Angelo (8G); Marie Montanari, great grandmother of Matthew (5B) and James (3G).

If you would like to add any intentions to the Prayer Board, please send them to newsletter@wollemi.nsw.edu.au. The Prayer Board will be cleared at the beginning of each term.

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.

Gerard Karam is a Wollemi graduate of 2025 - an exemplary student who embodies the Wollemi Man. Gerard was one of our best achieving students in last year's HSC and, thanks to an opportunity that was promoted in Wollemi Careers News has landed himself an excellent gig for this year!

Gerard applied for the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) School Leaver Program , which required him to undertake a multi-stage competitive process:

- Apply online before the set deadline

- Complete an online assessment

- Submit an online writing task

- Attend an interview

- Have referees contacted

- Pass pre-engagement checks

- Receive an employment offer

Having successfully completed this process, Gerard is working for the ATO this year. This is a paid internship, which offers around double the wage of typical traineeships! As part of his role, he is given one day per week to study for a Certificate III qualification, with the option to focus on IT or Business . Gerard was lucky enough to be offered a local position in Penrith, and he also has the option to work from home on his study day.

Gerard will undertake two six-month rotations, including Frontline Services, completing processing work, such as TFN registrations, sending out copies of tax documents, and updating client details. He has developed some valuable skills, including problem solving (knowing how to identify what the task requires you to do, and what procedure you need to follow), online and verbal communication (emails, one-on-one meetings, just being friendly to your coworkers) and attention to detail (directly required for the processing work).

We warmly congratulate Gerard on this appointment. Keep an eye out for Wollemi Careers News for more great opportunities like this one.

Mr Paul Garzaniti, Careers Advisor

"Wollemi Careers News" is back up and running for 2026 - all things relating to study, job and work experience opportunities.

Check out the Term One addition here !

Mr Paul Garzaniti, Careers Advisor

Wollemi Basketball Club is holding tryouts for the upcoming BNSW School Tournament. All interested and eligible students are encouraged to attend.

Eligibility

U16 Division

Currently enrolled at Wollemi College

Born 2011 or 2012

Open Competition

Currently enrolled at Wollemi College

Born 2010 and below

Tryout Details

Date: April 25

Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Venue: Wollemi COLA

What to Bring

1) Basketball

2) Your skills and best effort

3)Wollemi jersey

If unavailable, bring a reversible jersey (dark & light)

Important Reminder:

NO TRYOUT = NO SELECTION

Don’t miss your chance to represent Wollemi College. See you on the court!

The annual Paul Kelly Cup AFL Gala Day was held on Wednesday, the 25 March

at Jamison Park in Penrith under clear blue skies.

Fifteen Year 6 boys played 5 games of football with courage and gusto. We won two

of our three competition games against Colyton Public and Penrith Anglican College

and were the overall winners of our Pool.

We beat James Erskine College convincingly in the semi- final, which led us to

compete against Blackwell Public School in the Grand Final!

Unfortunately, we lost the grand final but played well up until the final siren.

Considering that only one student had played AFL before this year, I was very proud

to see our boys play exceedingly well and show great sportsmanship throughout the

day.

Special mention to Joseph and Toby who not only played four gamers of AFL, but

also competed in the CIS Swimming Carnival in the morning of the same day.

Thank you to all the parents who helped with transport and supported the team on

the sideline.

Mr Iain Fraser (Coach)