12 March 2021 - Newsletter (Vol 38 No 4)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Curriculum Matters
- Visual Art
- Science
- Year Coordinators
- Youth Ministry Team
- Sports Corner
- Literacy Coach
- Public Speaking
- Tournament of Minds
- International Women's Day
- Office News
- Sawtell Parish
- Parish School's Office
- Parent Assembly
Making every minute count!!
I am of the belief that two of the most important skills we need to develop to be able to contribute to the society we live in are the skills of commitment and genuine involvement. Six years at high school may seem like a long time, but ask any student who has graduated or parent who has had children graduate and they will tell you just how quick those years went.
‘I’ll be there tomorrow, I’ll go when I’ve got an assessment, It’s only sports today, Retreat doesn’t matter, we are going on holidays….’
These are just some of the reasons I hear from students (and some parents, albeit only a very small number) trying to justify absence from school. I know that families live very busy lives and that for the most part, when students are away, the reasons are justified and clearly communicated to the College.
Being at school and all college events is part of the learning experience and we do try to make every minute count…
Some years ago I shared this simple visual with the College community and I hope you find it interesting and perhaps a conversation starter with your child.
Over the next few weeks we will be sending home letters to families where attendance is a concern in the hope of raising awareness and entering into a conversation about the importance of being on the campus.
10 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?
He/She is only just missing... |
That equals... |
Which is... |
& over 13 years of schooling that's... |
| 10 mins per day | 50 mins per week | Nearly 1.5 weeks per year | Nearly 1/2 year |
| 20 mins per day | 1 hr 40 mins per week | Over 2.5 weeks per year | Nearly 1 year |
| 30 mins per day | Half a day per week | 1 month per year | Nearly 1.5 years |
| 60 mins per day | 1 day per week | 2 months per year | Over 2.5 years |
How about 1 or 2 days a week? That doesn’t seem much, but ………
If your child misses... |
This equals... |
Which is... |
& over 13 years of schooling that's... |
| 1 day per fortnight | 20 days per year | 4 weeks per year | Nearly 1.5 years off |
| 1 day per week | 40 days per year | 8 weeks per year | Over 2.5 years off |
| 2 days per week | 80 days per year | 16 weks per year | Over 5 years off |
| 3 days per week | 120 days per year | 24 weeks per year | Nearly 8 years off |
EVERY DAY COUNTS
TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE DOES MATTER!!!
Did you know that you can log into the parent portal and track your child’s attendance record? I invite you to do so, and if need be, engage in a discussion with your child about their attendance patterns.
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
The Gospel for the third week of Lent in part focussed on the respect Jesus demanded for his Father’s House. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I wonder how often we stop and think about the way we show respect. I was left with the following questions to ponder:
- How do I show respect to the marginalised groups in society?
- How do I show respect to myself in the way I treat my body and my mind?
- How do I show respect to the environment?
- How do I show respect for those around me?
Some ideas:
- Listen and be present
- Give time and service to others
- Be thoughtful of others' feelings
- Acknowledge others and say thank you
- Address mistakes with kindness.
- Make decisions based on what's right, not who you like
- Respect physical boundaries
- Take care to rest and rejuvenate
- Eat well and exercise regularly
- Reuse, recycle and reduce
This week the Australian Government has launched a respect campaign that is very relevant. It states, ‘As parents, and as influencers of young people, we want the best for kids. We want them to have positive experiences, healthy relationships and opportunities to learn. We want them to understand right and wrong. We want them to respect others, and respect themselves.
We do our best to set a good example, but sometimes, without meaning to, we might say things that excuse disrespectful behaviour in young people.’
Find attached next week’s Gospel reading and reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Gospel reading and reflection
It would be remiss not to thank Mr Tim Davis for his efforts in putting together the annual ‘Father/significant male and Son’ sleep over (held at the College on Friday 12 March). It is an opportunity to put other distractions aside and enjoy each other's company.
The College held a ‘Boardshort’ themed mufti day with a gold coin donation going to St Vincent de Paul. Recently the devastating floods at Corindi have affected so many and this is our opportunity to give to others in need.
Until next time:
Matthew 7:12 - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Assistant Principal - Mission
Staff and Student Wellbeing
PST Nights in 2021
In line with the CSO COVID requirements, the College will again be hosting ‘face to face’ Parents Students Teacher Conferences.
These will begin with Year 10 and Year 11 PST Conferences in Week 7 and Year 8 and Year 9 Conferences in Week 9.
Students have been given further information in their respective Curriculum Matters Google Classrooms. Families are encouraged to consider the following for the night:
- How are you feeling about your progress in this subject?
- Have you tried hard to do your best?
- Have you been distracted/distracting?
- What goals do you have to improve your learning habits and effort?
- What strategies do you need to have in place to support your goals?
- Where can you put more effort in?
In addition, SJPC has been accepted into the Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative for 2021 and 2022. A key aspect of this collaboration is an understanding of the 14 parameters of improvement. In CLARITY, the 2nd parameter deals with knowing the FACES of learners.
In light of Parent Student Teacher Conferences this month, parents can ask their children 5 things about their learning that may assist in PST Conferences:
- What did you learn today?
- How did you do?
- What did you do if you didn’t understand?
- How can you improve on your learning?
- What are you most proud of?
Study Skills
Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our College access details are:
Our school’s access details are:
School’s Username – stjohnpaul
School’s 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.
AMDG
James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
It seems unbelievable that we are entering Week 8 of Term 1 2021! It seems only last week that we were welcoming our students back to begin the new year. Most students are definitely settling into the rhythm of school and are developing their new routines, and relationships with their new teachers and class groups. We emphasise with all our students the importance of not only being organised for class, but that they also need to implement routines at home that will set them up for success at school.
Year 12
Year 11
Year 11 students have experienced their first Parent/ Student/Teacher conference for the year and have been sitting their first assessment tasks for their Senior courses. This can be a stressful time for them as the reality of the high standards expected become apparent. We remind our students that a study routine, time management and collaboration with staff and peers will set them on the path to success for the remainder of their school life. At home they should have a designated study space organised, a term planner up on the wall and a weekly study schedule in which they map all commitments, fun activities and study times.
Check the Curriculum Matters Google Classroom for copies of planners to download or pick one up from the Curriculum Office.
Year 10
Year 10 have begun their formal NESA journey this year and are beginning to see the importance of taking responsibility for their learning.
During Week 8 they will not only be attending Retreat, but will also be participating in workshops at school which will further support them in their development as learners and young adults. These workshops include;
- Growth versus fixed mindset
- Time management and organisation
- Possible selves
- Goal setting and My Learning Strengths
This will give students an opportunity to reflect on what they want and who they want to be, as well as provide tools and strategies which they can use to make positive choices now and into the future.
I encourage parents to ask your children to share with them their experiences and insights of the week’s activities.
Years 7 – 9
As stated last newsletter our focus for Yr 7 – 9 students is to engage them with the learning process. We want to help them develop the capacity to be able to articulate;
- what they are learning and why
- how they are going
- how they know how they are going
- how they can improve
- where they can go for support
This not only focuses the student on their learning, but assists teachers in making a difference for each student. As Leanne Gennat pointed out last newsletter, staff are beginning this journey by displaying and discussing Learning Intentions and Success Criteria in our classrooms.
As stated earlier, implementing routines/habits at home will set your children up for success at school. Simple things like;
- a checklist for packing their bag
- an area to sit and do school work daily
- a Term Planner/calendar up on the wall/fridge
- a weekly planner
Taking the first step in a new routine is the hardest, but well worth the energy in the long run!
NOTE
For Years 10, 11 and 12 - Check for resources in Curriculum Matters Google Classroom
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
Snake Tails
Year 8 was given the opportunity to watch and participate in a Snake Tails presentation by Bob Whithey from Australian Reptile Displays - Snake Tails. The show featured real live snakes, including: Red Bellied Black snake, Tiger snake, Brown snake and a Fierce snake (the most venomous snake in the world). Bob also had a range of other reptiles and a massive Carpet snake that the braver students were invited to touch or hold. The students really enjoyed the presentation as Bob shared his wealth of knowledge about Australian reptiles which he has gained from over 25 years of experience in breeding and displaying reptiles.
Year 7
It’s been clear to see how mother nature can have a massive impact on our lives here on the Coffs Coast. The Year 7 community sends its thoughts and prayers out to those affected by the heavy rainfall and flash flooding at Corindi Beach in recent weeks.
Last week Year 7 engaged in our first Pastoral Gathering for 2021. With new beginnings fresh in the minds of everyone, homerooms ran through a selection of short topical discussions surrounding different aspects of College life so far.
There are a wide range of sources that can be used to help our young people develop their understanding in many topics that they are facing and one such valuable source is Reach Out. This site provided material and videos etc that we discussed covering:
- Tips for starting high school
- 5 things to remember when starting at a new school
- A gazillion ways to make new friends
- 7 tips for dealing with change
I always encourage families and carers to discuss these things with your children and open a dialogue to improve their social and emotional literacy levels.
Conversations surrounding school and class work should be ongoing and be a feature of a families communication. These discussions will form a large part of our young persons attitudes and approaches to their school lives, and I'm sure a families interest in the school lives of their children has a massive, positive impact on their experiences. This is especially true when we consider that in week 10 of this term we have parent, teacher, student conference night. A great time for the advancement of the growth of our students through communication.
The adverse weather played havoc (to a much lesser extent of course) to our planned Belonging Day. Two postponements so far, saw us celebrate Belonging Day on Thursday this week. Year 7 had a successful Belonging Day and are looking forward to cementing the new and existing relationships they’ve been forming this term. “Get out of your own way, Nothing's stopping you except what's inside” Bono, U2.
Year 8
What a wonderful way to start a Wednesday!
Thank you to all parents and students who were able to attend last Wednesday’s Family BBQ Breakfast. We were thrilled to see you and there were smiles all around.
A huge thank you to the maintenance team for setting up and cooking, the canteen staff for catering, the music department for organizing equipment set-up and supporting student performances, and getting amongst it themselves.
Thank you also to Ms. Coates for energizing staff and parents with the coffee van and her year 12 student helpers, Grace Hartsyuker and Maddie Howarth.
This day would not have been as successful without the organization and communication through the office staff and for taking some glamour shots.
On behalf of the students, we would also like to thank the Year 8 & 9 HR teams, Mr. Stubbs, Mr. Carniato, and Mr. Goswell for being present and helping out wherever they could. Lastly, thank you to Ms. Woodward for organizing everything to make sure the morning ran smoothly. What an incredible job.
Interview with Darcy Hartin - Year 12
1. What’s your favourite subject and why?
Physics because it challenges me to think in different ways.
2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully finishing a degree somewhere and hopefully enjoying life.
3. Why have you chosen to be a part of the SJPC Senior Ministry Team
It gives me the chance to deepen and recommit to my faith as well as making a positive impact.
4. Favourite Quote / Scripture Passage
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to our 24 person strong Swimming team who attended the Diocesan Championships in Lismore on Thursday 4 March. The day was very successful for both the swimmers as individuals and as a College team. Please see Mrs Debbie Kimber's write up following with all the details of the day.
Diocesan Tennis
It is with delight that we announce all 3 of our College teams medalled in the recent Diocesan Tennis Championships in Tweed. The students were outstanding in their behaviour, attitude and sportsmanship. Congratulations to:
- Luke Blackman (Year 7) and Jayden Phillips-Manwaring (Year 8) who were the Junior Boys Diocesan Runners Up.
- Madison Jones (Year 8) and Zoe Mosti (Year 8) were the Junior Girls Diocesan Champions winning 27 games and only losing 1 game in the day.
- Connor Hennessy (Year 11), Max Jones, Cooper Jones, Adrian Aranibar (Year 10) were the Open Boys Diocesan Champions after winning 84 games and losing only 5 between them. These boys have now qualified to represent Lismore Diocese at the CCC Tennis Championships in Bathurst later in the year.
CCC Representatives
- Jack Horseman (Year 12) after attending trials in Sydney, was selected to represent CCC in the U19 Boys Cricket side. This is a huge achievement and we wish him well for the upcoming games against CHS/CIS.
- Connor Hennessy (Year 11) was again successful in being selected to represent NSWCCC in the Open Boys Tennis at the trials in Sydney recently. He will compete in Bathurst against CHS and CIS in the coming month. We wish him well.
Diocesan Representatives
- Logan Lacey (Year 9) attended the Diocesan trials in Lismore on Tuesday and was chosen as a member of the Lismore Diocese Rugby League team. Congratulations and good luck with the next stage of the trials!
- Lily Betland (Year 10), Riley Andrews (Year 9), Jacob Pratt (Year 9), Alexander Main (Year 9), Riley Woods (Year 8), Ethan Dawson (Year 8) Liliana Marle (Year 7), Cooper Andrews (Year 7) and Jaxon White (Year 7) were all successful in gaining a place in the Lismore Diocese Swimming team to compete in the CCC Championship at Homebush later this month. We wish them all the best.
- Duncan Cooper (Year 12) attended the Diocesan Football trials in Lismore on Tuesday and was selected to represent the Diocese in the Open Boys Football team. Congratulations and we wish him all the best for the next phase of selections.
Other Success
- A number of our students recently attended the NSW Junior State Titles in Lifesaving. While all performed amazingly well, often competing against up to 150 competitors in a discipline, of particular note was Maddison O’Leary (Year 8) who finished 7th in the U13 board race. Well done Maddy!
College Cross Country
This year our College Cross country will be held during sport time this term. It will run over two days with Year 9 and the Year 10’s still at school on Thursday 18 March and the Year 7, 8’s and nominating Year 10’s on Wednesday 31st March. Any Year 11 or 12 student who wishes to be considered to represent the College at Cross Country needs to sign up at the Palace by Tuesday 16 March.
At the conclusion of the Cross Country, participating students will be offered a water icy pole. If your child is unable to have one of these or you prefer they do not, please email bryce.sully@lism.catholic.edu.au.
CLOSING DATES FOR NSWCCC INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE SELECTIONS
Sign up and details - CSNSW Sport - Sign Up and Details
NSW CCC Individual Athlete Selections Term 1 2021 |
| Mon 22 Mar 2021 | CCC Hockey selections - Moorebank | Online closes 15 March |
| Mon 30 Mar 2021 | CCC Triathlon selections - Penrith | Online closes 15 March |
Coming up |
| 16 March | Year 9 - Inter-house Volleyball Challenge |
| Year 9/10 Term 2 Sport payment due by close of business | |
| 18 March | Year 9 and 10 - SJPC Cross Country event, period 5 and 6 |
| 23 March | Year 12 - Inter-house Volleyball Challenge |
| 25 March | Girls League Tag gala day, Geoff King Oval |
| NSW Netball State Cup carnival, Coffs Harbour | |
| Diocesan Open Basketball, Sportz Central | |
| 31 March | Year 7 & 8 - SJPC Cross Country event, period 5 and 6 |
Danielle McAra
Leader of Learning - Sport
We encourage you, as parents, to continue to explore the value of encouraging your child/ren to keep a journal. Regular writing enables students to become inquiry students and achieve a more genuine ownership of their learning and their experiences. When children do some of the heavy lifting of learning they become involved in the construction of understanding.
The benefits of journaling:
Set and attain goals. Writing your goals helps you to clearly articulate them. Reviewing past successes can be very motivating.
Spark Creativity. We all have an innate desire to be creative. Journaling not only enables children to become better sentence crafters but encourages them to effectively communicate more complex ideas and issues.
Strengthen self-discipline. Committing to regular personal writing strengthens self-discipline and control in this area and many others.
Head, mind, body and soul. Expressive writing is a form of emotional, physical and psychological healing. Often, we have emotional experiences we can’t process in our mind - writing them down brings clarity and emotional release.
Honesty. Children learn about themselves and, if they share, others learn about them.
The Inquiry student reflects on their learning and experiences and this can be a part of journaling:
I realised…
I understand…
A connection I made was…
My thinking changed when…
I still wonder…
Next time I will…
We encourage you, as parents, to model and promote regular journal writing with your children.
Malala said this during her remarkable and passionate speech while receiving her Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17.
While she may not have had the students of SJPC in mind at the time, she can still teach them the valuable lessons:
- They have the right to free speech
- They have the right to be heard
- They must have something worthwhile to say
Students are invited to enter the 2021 Public Speaking SJPC competition. Two students from the Year 7-9 age group will represent the school in the national Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition with a five-minute prepared speech and a two-minute impromptu speech. Two students from the Year 10-12 age group will represent the school in the international Plain English Speaking competition with an eight-minute prepared speech and a three-minute impromptu speech.
Through the competition students gain confidence and learn invaluable life-long skills that will help them in their future career or leadership positions.
The students meet every second Friday (Week A), all new students from every year group are invited to attend.
Linda Gleeson
Teacher
If you have ever thought it was possible for the world to be flat and round at the same time, then you have some concept of Tournament of Minds (TOM).
TOM is an international gifted and talented program which is open to all students. A team of seven students from different year groups are given an open-ended and complex problem to solve within six weeks. The students will give a 10 minute presentation of their solution which draws on their combined talents and skills and requires them to work cooperatively and imaginatively. On the presentation day they will also be required to complete an impromptu challenge where they will be judged on their team work skills and the ingenuity of their response. The beauty of TOM is that each team will reach a solution based on the strengths of the team members.
Each year, the team is looking for new members from students who love to laugh, work in a team and think outside the box. The students will solve problems that are fun and dynamic to help create independent, problem-solving and creative thinkers who are ready for a lifetime of developing their strengths and encouraging the best in others.
In 2021 we are set to enter TWO teams and we are looking for more participants particularly in the Year 7 and Year 8 groups.
The team will meet every second Friday at lunch (Week B) and at our next meeting the participants will be taking part in a challenge with prizes for original answers.
Linda Gleeson
Teacher
Monday 8th March was International Women's Day. Every year the C.EX Club Coffs Harbour holds an IWD breakfast in association with Zonta Club, Coffs Harbour. This year the theme was ‘choose to challenge’. I was nominated by Mr Abbotts for the Young Women in Public Affairs award. Unfortunately I did not win, but it was an honour to attend and congratulate the winners of all the awards and to experience their fantastic leadership, work and commitment in the Coffs Harbour area.
The Woman of the Year for 2021 was Emma Aspden for her three E’s program committed to helping refugees in their search for employment, education and empowerment. Her program is inspiring and encourages all of us to think about what we can do to help others.
The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Rosie Ross who is recognised for challenging society’s norms. Her speech focused on challenging and overcoming negative thoughts and talk, in order to strive to reach personal goals.
The event was exciting to attend and I very much enjoyed the experience with the teachers and students. I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this day possible, Zonta club for considering me for the award, Mrs McKelvie and Mrs Sawtell for accompanying us and the C.EX Club for hosting this important event every year.
Uniform Shop Update
Sports Uniform
Maroon sports shorts (embroidered College initials) are now in stock. Please note from Term 2 your child must be in the correct school and sports uniform.
Tracksuit
Unfortunately due to COVID delivery restrictions tracksuits in size small and medium are out of stock. The school will advise once we receive delivery.
Opening Hours
The Uniform shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 7.30am - 9.00am.
Bus Update
Finance Update
2021 SJPC Elective Fees and Foundation Levy Statements
