3 July 2020 - Newsletter (Vol 37 No 11)
RISK
In the final newsletter for Semester 1, I want to focus on risk as I reflect on what has been a challenging Term for staff, students and families.
‘…I leaped headlong into the sea,
and thereby have become better acquainted with the surrounds,
the quicksands, and the rocks, than if I had stayed upon the green shore,
and piped a silly pipe, and took tea and comfortable advice’ – John Keats
John Keats sums up for me what I think has been the case for most of our staff, student and families as we ventured into many ‘deep seas’ unsure of the outcome. The blended learning during lockdown was challenging for all, yet, as I look at the feedback, I continue to be impressed by the human spirit and the ability to adapt in order to better ourselves.
Thank you for your specific feedback to the CSO survey about your experiences with blended learning. Whilst I acknowledge that it was not a positive experience for all, the majority of the comments reflected a willingness to do what needed to be done – ‘to leap headlong into the sea’, and in some instances embark on a process of self-discovery by students, one in which they performed and exceeded beyond their own expectations.
- I discovered the ability to motivate myself to achieve high standards of work instead of minimal efforts that had barely scraped through. Overall it's been an interesting journey, but definitely beneficial.
- I learnt that I am self-motivated and have a very good work ethic. I can manage my time well and give myself a balance of school, work and fun.
- I discovered that unless I found the work stimulating or challenging, making me motivated to complete the work I would quite often get distracted; it tells me that I need to focus more and try to be more motivated for all fields of my schoolwork.
- I discovered that I am capable of greater things than I gave myself credit for. I realised I am able to solve questions that I thought were impossible for me. I was able to keep myself focused by setting an alarm for each period of the day.
Thank you especially to the parents who provided us with valuable feedback, it will prove useful should we need to go into the blended learning environment into the future.
May these holidays provide you all with some quality time to reconnect with what matters most, your relationship with God and your family and friends. I look forward to seeing you in Term 3.
Please find below the 2020 Child Protection Policy and Procedures and mandatory requirements documentation. Please click on the link to access the policy via the College website: Child Protection Policy and Procedures 2020.
Michael Carniato
Principal
The Parenting Ideas webinar “Understanding Techno Tantrums” screened recently and is well worth viewing. Dr Kristy Goodwin delivers a very informative presentation on why all of us (not just our students) find it difficult to put technology down. She outlines why technology affects us, offers achievable strategies for parents to be able to use and encourages all parents to ‘be the pilot of the plane’ when it comes to their children using technology.
Dr Goodwin explains that technology preys on our vulnerability causing a neurobiological change in our body by flooding the prefrontal cortex of our brain with the feel-good hormone dopamine. One strategy she suggests is that rather than demanding an immediate termination of technology, to prevent a tantrum, give your child clear boundaries within which to work. Kristy outlines the three basic psychological drivers of CONNECTION, the need to be in CONTROL and the feeling of COMPETENCY. Dr Goodwin completes her work by exploring the three Bs of the parent being the pilot of their child’s technological use. These include setting consistent BOUNDARIES, protecting BASIC NEEDS and the need for all students to feel BORED from time to time.
If you have not had the chance to view the webinar as yet, do yourself a favour, click on the link, and enter your name and email to register. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Understanding Techno Tantrums
As we look to begin Term 3, students are reminded that “extreme hairstyles and unnatural colours or patterns are unacceptable” (pg.10 of the College Diary). This includes hair that is shaven above the normal hairline. Please consult with your Year Coordinator prior to making any major changes to your hairstyle.
The holidays are always a great time to take stock of uniform needs. Maybe the College hat that has become a little worn needs replacing (coloured emblems need cleaned), the shorts that fitted at the beginning of the year no longer do due to a growth spurt or the skirt length has become too short. Please take the time to make adjustments where necessary.
I hope all students have a well-earned rest and recharge their batteries ready for a very busy Term 3.
Until next term:
The will of GOD will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you - Bernadette Devlin
Assistant Principal - Mission
Staff and Student Wellbeing
Year 11 Parent Student Teacher Conferences Term 3
Due to the ongoing COVID 19 social distancing requirements the College has adopted some modifications to the Year 11 PST Conferences due to be held on Tuesday 28th July.
These modifications will be similar to the process used for our recent Year 12 PTS Conferences where parents were asked to schedule a conference via individual Subject Teachers, utilising the Google Classroom booking sheet.
Parents would then schedule a remote conference utilising ZOOM, email (question and answer) or phone calls if possible. Rather than one afternoon, this process would be conducted over 2 weeks of after school contact.
I will write to all Year 11 Parents this week outlining the exact procedures for the beginning of Term 3.
Year 7-10 Semester 1 Reports
Year 9 and Year 10 Semester 1 Reports will be released on Sentral at the end Term 2. For Year 10 this will be some valuable feedback and a key piece of information to assist in Year 10 into Year 11 subject selection process that continues into Term 3.
Year 7 and 8 Semester Reports will be released on Sentral early in Term 3 with follow up Parent Teacher Student Conferences later in the Term. The College will make a decision about these conferences as to whether there needs to be any modifications due to COVID 19 social distancing requirements. Any changes will be communicated to parents closer to the scheduled events.
Study Skills:
Visit www.studyskillshandbook.com.au to learn more about how you can make your life easier by being a more effective and efficient learner:
Username: stjohnpaul
Password: 89success
In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.
This online platform contains resources and useful study tips that all SJPC students will find effective. We encourage them to access this Student Portal and try some of the strategies. Students have the password to this site. The password can also be found on the Curriculum Noticeboard.
James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection
All Year 10 students, regardless of the pathway they choose to follow in 2021, are being given ample resources and support to assist them in this decision making process. They have attended subject and career presentations, received an Information Handbook and a planning sheet, as well as access to numerous support materials via their Curriculum Matters Google Classroom.
Our SJPC Stage 6 Information website will go live in Week 1 Term 3. This site will be the platform through which parents, carers and students can access a wealth of information about specific subjects, pathways and services which will assist them in making decisions that are right for them. We understand that this can be an overwhelming time, and encourage all students to use the resources provided, and speak with their teachers and parents about options available to them.
Here at SJPC the subjects that run are determined by the choices made by the students. The College does have restrictions placed on class sizes and staffing, but where possible student choice drives the subjects, hence why we offer so many options.
Yes, students will be making big decisions, but Subject Selection in Year 10 will not define the rest of their life.
We encourage students to:
- use the reflection questions on page 6 of their booklet.
- do the research and choose subjects that will help them to enjoy their last two years at school.
- take the time now to choose subjects that they’ll enjoy, do well at and will get them where they want to be faster, and will make their life less complicated in the long run - it will be time well spent!
Refer to the NESA link below on advice for students choosing HSC courses
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/subject-selection
Year 8 into Year 9 Subject Selection Process
This process will begin in Term 3 with an Introductory presentation in Week 1. Students will then receive a handbook and opportunities to view information on each of the electives offered at SJPC. More information regarding this process will be in the next newsletter.
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
The students in History have been busy working on their final semester tasks, with Year 10 looking at ‘Migrant Stories,’ Year 9, ‘Contested Histories,’ Year 8 ‘the History of Colonisation’ and Year 7 have learned about Ancient China. The HSC students are wrapping up their final course work – for the Ancients it is ‘Cities of Pompeii,’ and for the Moderns, ‘Civil Rights in the US.’ Year 11 Modern History have embarked on their topic of the American Civil War, having just finished ‘Genocide in Rwanda.’
Year 10 have also been watching several presentations on the variety of subjects on offer for Year 11 at SJPC. We have a very passionate History faculty here and all the staff are more than happy to answer any questions that students, parents and care-givers may have about the senior History courses. The specially designed website that the College has created also has some videos which explain each course in more detail than I gave the students in our recent information session.
Year 8 will soon be making their elective choices for Year 9 and similarly they will receive information on the courses the College can offer them. This year we have 2 World History classes, and they have recently been learning about how the story of the past is open to debate. To examine this, they looked at different views of the ancient Roman matriarch, Agrippina who was known to have eliminated rivals with poison; then we looked into the Jack the Ripper case and learned how most of the stories about this notorious character have focused on the perpetrator, rather than the victims, and why these so-called ‘Ripperologists’ were upset when a recent book about the victims (‘The Five’ by Hallie Rubenhold) was published. Finally, we have asked the question about Ned Kelly – National Hero or Cop Killer? (Which one do you think they lean towards?) All these topics are teaching our students valuable critical thinking and communication skills and highlight why Elective World History in Year 9 is a popular choice among students.
Next year in Year 9 we are also offering a new course, centred around archaeology, called ‘Digging Deeper.’ More information about this exciting new offering will be coming soon.
Next term Mr Greg Keith will be taking on the reins of Leader of Learning for History and I look forward to the skills and insights he will bring to the role to the benefit of our students. I am taking some extended leave and am intending to spend some time in China, teaching, though the logistics of getting there at present are challenging to say the least. Nevertheless, I hope that the experience will give me new insights into the Middle Kingdom. Whilst I am away, Mr Dean Faught will be replacing me. Mr Faught is a highly experienced teacher of History, having taught at Hennessy Catholic College in Young as well as overseas. He brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Bridget Punch
Leader of Learning - History
Crazy Monster Critters
Year 10 Fashion Parade
This Term Year 10 Japanese students have been learning about clothing and how to describe what people are wearing. The students have enjoyed learning all the different vocabulary and fashion styles especially in Japan.
To end their term of study, the students were able to display their talents at the “SJPC Year 10 Fashion Parade”. Students dressed up and walked the red carpet while their classmates explained what they were wearing.
There were many highlights including interesting fashion styles, some serious catwalk strutting and excellent explanations in Japanese of the models. Well done Year 10!
Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages
Year 7
This week during our pastoral lesson students looked at social media and personal wellbeing as well as 5 tips to tame social media use. Whilst social media can be a great tool to stay connected, quite often it can have adverse effects on our wellbeing.
Finding a balance when using social media can be challenging for students. By managing and reducing online activity when needed, students will have more free time and be more focused.
Students came to an understanding of the factors from social media that make them feel upset, stressed, overwhelmed or anxious as well as strategies for feeling less stressed online.
Some strategies included:
- Turning off notifications.
- Talking to family or friends if online activities are making you feel uncomfortable.
- Leaving group chats.
- Setting personal usage limits.
Four signs that social media may be affecting their wellbeing include:
- Sensing a little FOMO (fear of missing out).
- Going from curious-crush to not-so-subtle profile searching.
- Becoming more easily distracted.
- Craving notifications
5 ways to tame your social media use
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Keep apps out of sight, so they’re out of mind | Use apps to help you limit your time on social media | Spend an hour a week on at least one screen-free hobby | Enjoy a phone-free dinner | Leave your phone outside the bedroom |
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Year 9
At the end of this term I will be leaving the College to go on 12 months Maternity Leave. It is a bitter-sweet feeling as I leave such beautiful students behind for a year that I have a sense of connectedness and belonging with, in order to care and love for my own children. I look forward to what the future holds and for my return to the role of Year 10 Coordinator at the beginning of Term 3, 2021.
I was showered with love and care this morning when Year 9 held a surprise farewell for me. To say that I feel blessed is an understatement. Below are some pictures of the assembly they held for me. Another example of what a wonderful group of students we have here at St John Paul College.
I wish the Year 9 students all the success for the next 12 months and I hope to hear from them whilst I am away. Mr Charles Boshier will be taking over the role of Year 9 Coordinator whilst I am on leave and I thank him in anticipation for the hard work and dedication that the role requires.
I feel so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful College but more importantly, so fortunate to be surrounded by each and everyone one of your children. Thank you for entrusting me with your most prized possession.
Alana Johnson
Year 9 Coordinator
Year 10
It's been a busy end to this term for Year 10 as we have commenced preparation for subject selections. I would like to thank all the Leaders of Learning and specialised staff for delivering professional and informative presentations to Year 10 as they prepare to make the important decision of which subjects to study in their senior years. I'd especially like to thank Ms Claudia Brown, Mrs Sharon Reeves and Mr Paul Corsalini for their organisation, guidance and input into this important process. Students are encouraged to continue discussions regarding subject selections with their teachers and parents so when they return next term they are well informed about which path to take.
I would also like to remind Year 10 about their Year 11 interviews which will take place next term. I strongly recommend they get off to a good start with their studies and general aptitude to hold them in good stead when this important process commences.
Finally, I'd like to thank Mr Richard O'Connor, Mr Michael Stubbs, Mr James Furey and the Year 10 homeroom team for all their support and guidance during this busy semester and I wish them and Year 10 a safe and restful break.
God Bless
Mark Sultana
Year 10 Coordinator
College Athletics Carnival
The College Athletics carnival has been rescheduled to Thursday 30 July at the Cex Stadium. The schedule of events is attached and the plan for the day is explained below.
General
- THURSDAY 30 JULY WILL RUN ON FRIDAY BELL TIMES - SCHOOL STARTS AT 8.55AM.
- Students are to wear their sport uniform to school. Those who wish to support their house are encouraged to change into a plan house coloured t-shirt once at the stadium. Only Year 12 are to be in appropriate fancy dress on the day.
- Normal school rules apply throughout the day.
Arrival
Those who choose to be dropped directly to the Stadium will need to enter via the main entrance, use hand sanitiser and then move to the Southern stadium seating. This is particularly a good option for students who wish to participate in the first events of the day and who can use the time to warm up thoroughly.
All students will need to be at school no later than 8.55am. Students are to move to their year group meetings areas and then will be walked across to the Stadium via Geoff King Oval in year groups.
At the Stadium
Once all students arrive at the stadium, a Homeroom roll will be marked on the oval, students will be given competitor numbers and will then be seated in the Southern Stadium or on the hill directly next to it.
No student is to sit outside the designated area. No footballs, handballs or other sporting equipment is allowed into the stadium.
There will be limited food available, so students are encouraged to bring their own from home. Normal school rules apply - no deliveries from outlets such as Domino’s are allowed.
Hygiene processes
- Students will be required to use hand sanitiser on arrival and departure from each field event.
- All equipment will be wiped down and sanitised between events.
- Students are to have a drink bottle or purchase drinks from the canteen. No student will be able to drink directly from the water bubblers at the stadium.
- More details of our Covid-19 safety plan is available electronically. Those who would like a copy are welcome to email tanya.slaviero@lism.catholic.edu.au
Leaving Early from Stadium
Students who need to leave early or who are being collected are encouraged to contact the College Front Office via email PRIOR to 30 July so that an exit pass can be generated on the morning of the carnival. Students can then collect their pre-arranged exit passes from the Front gate at the Stadium on the day. Students can still organise an exit pass on the day at the Front Office prior to 8:50 am.
Any student who needs to leave early or who is being collected from the stadium MUST sign out at the front gate desk before departing. Parents are to wait in the car park for students to exit.
Covid-19 Restrictions
Due to Covid-19, there are a number of restrictions in place.
- Spectators are now allowed, but should be kept to a minimum where possible.
- Students will have a designated place to sit on the day. Spectators will also be required to sit in a specific area away from the students and are to remain on the outside of the oval at all times.
- There will be limited food from the Stadium canteen. NO FOOD IS TO BE PURCHASED OR DELIVERED FROM EXTERNAL OUTLETS.
- There will be sanitiser on hand at every event, with each House Patron and at the front gate.
Year 7 & 8 Term 3 Sport
A rotation roster for the term has been attached to the Newsletter. Due to many restrictions still in place the original sport program has had to be altered. All Year 7 students will get to do swimming this stage, but only for 2 weeks in Term 4. Students are reminded to bring their hats for outdoor activities and everyone must have a water bottle. Sunscreen will be provided for both off-campus and on-campus sports.
Year 9 & 10 Term 3 Sport
Will begin as scheduled on Thursday Term 3 Week 1. Students are reminded to bring their hats for outdoor activities and everyone must have a water bottle. Sunscreen will be provided for both off-campus and on-campus sports. Students are reminded to check the sport noticeboard outside the Palace for allocations.
Olympic Change-Maker Award
This award is still open for students from Year 10 - 12 until midnight tonight. Those students who would like to be considered due to their sport prowess, leadership and/or drive to improve health or social change are invited to email me a 150 word response or a 1min video describing why they should be considered for this award.
Further details about the award are available at:
https://www.olympics.com.au/resources/articles/australian-olympic-change-maker/
Coming up
3 July Closing date for Olympic Change Maker Award nominations to College.30 July College Athletics Carnival, Cex Stadium
Danielle McAra
Leader of Learning - Sport
Upcoming free Webinar
Michelle Mitchell - Resilience & Mental Health
Thursday, 6 August at 7pm - 8pm