St John's College, Woodlawn Ex-Students Association

St John's College, Woodlawn Ex-Students Association When Woodlawn College opened in 1931 it was named St John's Educational and Agricultural College.

The Ex-Students association aims to help maintain the traditions of the College, co-ordinate the Ex-Student reunions & facilitate networking, publish a annual newsletter to help keep people informed and maintain contact. The initial enrolment was for 80 students and the emphasis was on agricultural studies. In the years since that occasion many changes took place within the College, none so great

as the changes over the past few years. Change has become an integral part of the society in which we live. There is no place for those who resist change in the organisations of our time. In order to continue to exist we must adapt, we must plan and we must put in place strategies and structures to best meet the future needs of that which we are a part. One of the strongest and time-honoured traditions of St John's College Woodlawn has been an emphasis on the Woodlawn family. Nowhere is this tradition of family more visible than in the relationships that exist through the ex-student network. In order to preserve this extremely important aspect of the College within the context of the new order, a group of ex-students took a decision to be proactive in establishing a structure to move with the changes. In association with Fr Paul Pidcock, the group set about registering with Woodlawn Ex-Student's Association as an incorporated body. This being done, the group set about establishing the aims and goals of the Association and some activities it would be dedicated to. The Woodlawn Ex-Students Association is dedicated to:

- Establish an Ex-Students Association to help maintain the traditions of the College.
- Coordinate the Ex-Student reunions and create Ex-Student networks.
- Publish a triennial newsletter to help keep people informed and maintain contact.
-Establish structures to develop communication between ex-students, parents and current students. The aims of the association are to:

- Foster the aims and objectives of St John's College, as a Catholic and Christian education institution, displaying its own image and traditions.
- Foster and keep alive among ex-students, a rememberance of the College and take an active interest in its welfare.
- Foster a spritit of frienship and love among all students, past and present.
- Encourage in the present student body, the Gospel values in everyday living, by our own Christian example and actions.
- Support the College in any manner that the Committee of the Association shall from time to time deem advisable. The benefits of being a member include:

- Regular information on ex-students news, reunions and functions etc.
- Maintain contact and friendship amongst fellow students.
- Access to tri-yearly newsletters.
- Life membership key ring.
- Member's lapel pin. The AGM is held on the Sunday of the June Long Weekend each year. We would invite all ex-students to be part of the Ex-Students Association.

06/05/2026

On Easter Sunday, we welcomed back former students celebrating their 50-year reunion. It was special to show them around the College and hear their memories of a place that meant so much to them.
John Freeman, now living in Port Macquarie and Michael Riley shared stories from their time as boarders, including plenty of larrikin moments and the strong sense of brotherhood they experienced.
They spoke about the care they received during their time at the College and reflected on how that same spirit continues today.

Woodlawn is hosting a Sportsman’s Lunch with former Wallabies captain John Eales.
20/04/2026

Woodlawn is hosting a Sportsman’s Lunch with former Wallabies captain John Eales.

Sports Luncheon with John Eales
~ Friday, 1 May 2026
~ 12:45pm
~ St John’s College, Woodlawn, 203 Woodlawn Road, Woodlawn
~ $30 per person (includes a three-course meal)
There will also be raffles on the day, including signed memorabilia.

This event is open to the wider Lismore and surrounding community.

Book now via our website: www.lisjclism.catholic.edu.au

17/03/2026

We acknowledge the passing of former Woodlawn student, James Henry Field (1 June 1941 – 12 March 2026).
A proud member of the Class of 1958, James spoke fondly of his time at Woodlawn.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

05/02/2026

Woodlawn Sport | 2026 Sponsorship
Sport plays a big part in life at St John’s College, Woodlawn. In 2026, we’re opening opportunities for local businesses to support our sporting teams and be part of the wider Woodlawn community.
Sponsorship supports student participation in sport while building a strong connection between local businesses and our school community.
Sponsorship packages start from $1,500 and include acknowledgement through College newsletters and social media. Major sponsorships also include logo placement on team training apparel.

For more information, please contact our Sports Coordinator, Mr Simon Andrews on (02) 6626 2639

17/12/2025

Class of 1957
Please contact Mike Hale at [email protected]
If you are interested in being involved in a get-together

27/10/2025
04/09/2025
Last weekend, the class of 63 - 68 held a reunion in Port Macquarie. Eighteen attended a dinner at the Comfort Resort on...
29/10/2024

Last weekend, the class of 63 - 68 held a reunion in Port Macquarie. Eighteen attended a dinner at the Comfort Resort on Friday night, forty attended the Westport Club on Saturday night, and thirty at a brunch hosted by Patrick Cassegrain on Sunday.

Amongst the ex-students who attended were Dr George Bursle, a surgeon in Sydney; Jim Soorley, former Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Fr Paul Mahony a Marist Priest; Patrick Cassegrain, recently retired CEO of Expressway Spares and part owner of Cassegrain Wines; Professor Nick Shuley and many others who received a great secondary education at Woodlawn and went on to have great careers.

This week Penny officially finished up her role as Ex-Students Secretary. We thank Penny for all the work she has done f...
22/08/2024

This week Penny officially finished up her role as Ex-Students Secretary.
We thank Penny for all the work she has done for the Association and wish her well in her future endeavors.

09/04/2024

EASTER Long Weekend 2026: Thursday 2/4/26 – Monday 6/4/26
Planning is underway for a reunion of those who were in the Graduating Class of 1976, and those who were in that same group from 1971 onwards – at any stage, for however long.
Part of the task is to provide a “Save The Date” notification, and to try to get as many contact details updated as possible.
Mark Skimmings ([email protected]) has offered to perform that task – and the rest of the ‘helpers’ will be assisting where possible – i.e. Graeme Hammond, Brendan Gibson, Gary Prowse, Gary Gooley, John Freeman, Tony Rowe.
Contact me via FB if you want, and I can pass on your details to Mark, if you wish to do it that way.
Hopefully, we can muster quite a crowd for the most auspicious occasion of the Golden Anniversary of our departure from Woodlawn – remembering some left before 1976, and some arrived after 1971 – all are, of course, most welcome to join us.
At this stage, the only decision has been that it will be held in Sydney, on the Easter Long Weekend of 2026 - so try not to book any overseas holidays at that tim

Address

203 Woodlawn Road
Woodlawn, NSW
2480

Telephone

02 66 262600

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when St John's College, Woodlawn Ex-Students Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to St John's College, Woodlawn Ex-Students Association:

Shortcuts

Share