Our Values and Traditions
OUR SCHOOL CREST AND MOTTO
Our crest is derived from the coat of arms of St John Paul II, after whom our College is named.
The outside lettering implies a circular shape, reminding us that we belong to a community and each of us is in the process of becoming the person we are meant to be. A circle helps us to think of community, unity, continuity and wholeness.
The shield symbolises defence. Education is our protection and defence against ignorance. Education includes not only what we learn from class activities but also what we learn from belonging to a community and sharing its experiences.
The cross is the sign of God’s redeeming love for us, as shown in the crucifixion of Jesus.
The M recalls Mary’s place in the life of the church.
The motto refers to Jesus’ statement: I am the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
At St John Paul College, we are challenged to walk in his way and to live in his truth.
MISSION
Enabling students to achieve the fullness of life (John 10:10).
At St John Paul, we provide a quality faith-filled education enabling students to be inspired to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
VISION
Our vision is to be a Christ-centred community where all students have an equal opportunity to learn. We provide an educational environment that challenges and supports each individual to achieve their personal best and acknowledges individual needs. We inspire students to learn about themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them, so they are filled with hope and passion.
PURPOSE
Our St John Paul College community works, in partnership with parents, to provide a quality education in a Catholic, Christian environment, which fosters and nurtures Gospel values. The College strives to provide a safe, positive and productive learning environment, where all students can reach their full potential, spiritually, academically, creatively, socially and physically.
VALUES
At St John Paul, we actively promote the values of:
- 'have the humility to value others; to be open to life's grandeur and a willingness to be surprised and uplifted by goodness wherever they find it' - Jonathan Sachs
- be committed to developing as leaders in society rather than simply gaining a certificate of achievement
- work towards a just future rather than an economically satisfying present
- question whether what is scientifically possible is also humanly appropriate
- realise that Christian freedom is the gift of a God who allows us to make choices and be responsible for our own destiny
- understand that lasting peace is the product of a passion for justice and that a love that lasts is founded on forgiveness
- form a relationship with Jesus, which leads them to practise the virtues he taught and to worship regularly with the Christian community
- know that wisdom is not found only in technological innovation and that the challenges of our time will not be solved by following a formula but by following Jesus and trusting in the assurances he gives.
GOALS
