10 February 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 1)

As we return to another year in the life of SJPC, I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed a time of rest and revitalisation, and are prepared to begin a new academic year. I want to extend a very warm welcome to new families to the College and I look forward to establishing a long relationship and partnership with you all. A very special welcome to the nine families who have come from overseas to work in our region and learn in our College. We hope your stay is life giving and fulfilling.
So much has happened since the end of last year with new buildings and spaces continuing to be opened, new staff joining the teams and faculties and professional development for staff around student wellbeing, data analysis and our call as educators in a Catholic College.

College Goals 2023

Our College goals aim to respond to a range of data to ensure we maximise the learning opportunities and outcomes for all of our students. In 2023 we remain focused on the following goals;

Catholic Identity and Mission

To animate the Gospel values through our Catholic Traditions

Teaching and Learning

To increase student engagement in their learning

New Staff

I am excited to introduce you to the following new staff who join us this year.

Rachelle Daniel English	Elise Cox Science	Hollie Pellatt TAS
Brad Poidevin Counsellor	Tammy Murphy Student Services	Chris Cherry Teacher Aide
Emily Starr Teacher Aide	Sophie Ward VET Administration	Kirsty Turnbull Library Assistant

Cameron Mitchell PDHPE Teacher Training

Ashlinn de Dassel Youth Ministry

Kalob Stone Youth Ministry

Jayden Duff PDHPE Trainee

I again invite all of you to engage with your children’s teachers very early on so that together we can ensure that SJPC is a place where students are loved, learning is valued and where we all have the chance to appreciate the various gifts we bring to our community.

God bless

Michael Carniato
Principal

The 17 April 2023 will mark 40 years since the official opening of stage 1 of John Paul College. During the year we will delve back into the history of the school in our newsletters and on our Facebook page.

This week we feature some aerial shots of the site as construction commenced.

All are welcome, All Belong!

Hi everyone. My name is Leanne Gennat and I am the Assistant Principal Mission this year. It is my great honor and privilege to serve our College community in this role and I look forward to catching up with you at the many wonderful community events we hold throughout the year. I am here to listen, and to nurture a culture of dialogue. I welcome your feedback on how we can further develop SJPC into an authentic Christ-centered community where all children of God are treated with respect and dignity.

It has only been 2 weeks and already so much has happened at SJPC! Some of the highlights for me were meeting our new staff and talking with them about what makes our Catholic College different; joining over 1,200 people clapping as we welcomed the new Year 7 students into the College at their first assembly (with the beautiful song by Jesse Manibusan ‘All are Welcome, All Belong’ played in the background); and believe it or not…afternoon bus duty! 

On Tuesday this week we came together as a whole school to celebrate the Eucharist in our Commencement Mass. In preparation, students were reminded of appropriate Mass Etiquette in homerooms and also in their year group meetings. Their exemplary behaviour during the Mass was a credit to them and something that made me personally feel very proud as a member of our Catholic faith community. 

I encourage parents to read the Mass Etiquette document and discuss the contents with your children. At its core is the message of respect and reverence. Participation in the Mass is a form of worship. As Catholics, it is our most sacred event and one that demands utmost respect. 

As a member of the SJPC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party, it was a wonderful moment when Year 11 student Brayden Darcy, a proud Bundjalung young man, entered the hall with clapping sticks as part of the entrance procession for our Mass. By incorporating Indigenous symbols and rituals such as clapping sticks into our liturgical celebrations, we hope to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for Indigenous students, staff and families. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in organising and supporting this whole school event.

Our class Masses will resume every Tuesday from Week 3 in our College Chapel (9:10am start). Parents are very welcome to attend these Masses. In Term 1 Year 7 homeroom classes are scheduled to attend Mass, with the addition of some Year 12 classes. There will be additional reserved parking near the College office on Tuesdays for parishioners and parents to attend class Masses. Please see the schedule below - we would LOVE to see you there.

This year our College Mission Goal is ‘to animate the Gospels through our Catholic Traditions’. On Thursday morning our staff came together to ‘unpack’ this goal and discuss ways that each one of us can bring the Gospels to life in our everyday interactions with students, staff and parents. I invite students and parents to reflect on what this goal might mean to you as well, and consider what personal actions you could take to proclaim the Good News of the Gospels, to follow Jesus’ teachings and act with mercy, justice and forgiveness. Knowing the teachings of Jesus is not enough - it requires action too. What might your action be?

Welcome back to another exciting year at SPJC. I look forward to many happenings around the College which will allow our students to grow academically, spiritually, physically and socially. The students were spoken to at our College Assembly last week with regard to belonging to our school community and the responsibility that comes with that. A reminder was given regarding suitable haircuts, acceptable jewellery and the wearing of the correct college uniform at all times. These school guidelines can be located in the school diary and were agreed upon by parents and students upon enrolment.

School uniforms play a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging within the student body. These factors contribute to students' wellbeing.

School uniforms mean that all students wear the same clothing, helping to level out the playing field. This removes any preconceived ideas about what to wear, allowing for greater group cohesion and commonality. As a result, uniforms demonstrate a clear message of equality.

We are all aware that students have rights and with these rights comes responsibilities. We are all responsible for our level of self discipline. Self discipline can allow us to stay focused on our goals. It enables us to stay in control of ourselves and of our reaction to any situation. Self-discipline is like a muscle: the more we train it, the stronger we become. Lack of self-discipline can cause low self-esteem.

Our Year 7 students had a wonderful start last week and it was extremely pleasing to see that they were all complying to school policy towards hair, jewellery and uniform. When our young students see the older students adhering to these guidelines it generates a sense of pride and identity within the student body.

You can feel school pride as soon as you walk in the school gates. It might mean different things to different people but, for most students, it translates as a feeling of strong connection to the school or being proud to represent the school and the values it stands for. School pride is an important part of building a successful school community. We are very fortunate to learn and work in a beautiful environment and the current renovations accentuate this further.

Please feel free to contact me or your child’s Homeroom Teacher or Leader of Student Wellbeing should you have any questions regarding pastoral care at SJPC.

Until next time:

The 2023 Learning Journey

Last week as the College welcomed students for the 2023 academic year, I wanted to acknowledge the journey our students are on this year. This included Year 7s just beginning their journey, up to the Year 12s who will finish out 13 years of education. By association, I want to acknowledge our parents and carers role in this learning journey for 2023. 

Students will often hear of Student Engagement and Student Ownership of their learning. While both are crucial to growth, student engagement is only the start. My goal is to have each student at St John Paul College, to actually ‘own’ their learning and see academic growth no matter what their ability level is. 

Student engagement reflects what students are “doing” and “understanding” about their learning. Student ownership takes that a step further. When students own their learning, they know how to apply what they are learning in different contexts and take responsibility for their progress and success. If a student does not  own their learning, growth will become all that more difficult. 

So, what does “student ownership” of learning look like at SJPC?

As part of the Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative, the journey we have embarked on at the College is evident in the graphic below. Students this year will see Learning Intentions, Success Criteria, evidence of feedback and in 2023 a real focus on students taking responsibility for their learning. 

Student ownership is evident when students can articulate what they are learning, why they are learning, strategies that support their learning, and how they will use these strategies in the future.

Study Skills

Learn more about the ‘managing stress’ resources through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au . Our College 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

Interview with Madison Pearce - Year 11 Student

1. If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would you choose and why?

Personally I don't watch many cartoons, however I would choose to hang out with one of the Scooby Doo characters since I enjoy solving mysteries and finding out new things. 

2. What is your coolest secret talent?

It's not so much a secret but I used to be a dancer and can still dance on pointe (ballet with the shoes that help you dance on the tip of your toes).

3. When did you find your faith?

I've always had a faith since going to christian schools although it didn't come much into play in my life till I was in Year 8; I was going through a rough time at school so I had decided to turn to faith in the hope of finding people that would accept me and help me through that time. 

4. Who or what has had the biggest influence in your faith?

The biggest influence on my faith would have to be Amber who is an ex YMO and works for the Parish, she has helped me a lot through my faith journey and I find that without her, I wouldn't be where I am today. Turning to what has influenced my faith journey would be the many retreats and events I've attended that are based around the word of God and spreading that message such as Ignite Conference and Shine.  I was able to meet amazing new people from other schools who share the same interest in faith as I do.

Ashlinn de Dassel & Kalob Stone
Youth Ministry Officers

Year 7

It’s been a busy start to the year for Year 7 and they are settling in really well. I am very proud of the way they have learned everything so quickly about the College and the way we do things at SJPC. A highlight was the way the entire College student body welcomed Year 7 and clapped them into their first full College assembly last Wednesday. 

I would like to commend Year 7 on their behaviour during the full College Mass on Tuesday. Although it was very warm and stuffy in the Hall, students were very well behaved and I am very proud of the way they handled themselves.

College Swimming Carnival

Year 7 also enjoyed their very first College Swimming Carnival on Friday and it was great to see them entering into so many races and really getting involved. The house spirit was amazing! 

Belonging Day and Night

This Friday is Belonging Day led by our amazing Year 10 Peer Mentors at Boambee Bay Reserve. A sausage sizzle will be provided.

Belonging Night is on Monday 20 February in the College hall commencing at 5.45pm. All families are asked to bring in a plate of food to share with other families after the presentation. We look forward to seeing you all there. 

Mark Sultana

Year 7 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Year 8

Year Gr8!

2023 brings about new classes and new opportunities for our Year 8 students. On the first day back at school we examined the meaning and purpose behind our new Year 8 Pastoral Theme - Know Your Value - Who am I? It takes its beginnings from Matthew 6: 25-26 where Christ warns against stockpiling money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should make choices that store up treasure in heaven.

It’s a theme that will run throughout our activities this year and our students are encouraged to look at their gifts and what they can offer to friends and family. Make choices that will please God and put aside the material worries that burden them. In addition, the students will be encouraged to also see these gifts in others.

With the reshuffling of homeroom classes, it’s the perfect chance to make new friendships and more positive working relationships, especially with people they may not have had the chance to work with before now (or even known their names). There are many beautiful students in Year 8 and I’m sure there will be lots and lots of great new friendships formed, along with the strengthening of old ones.

These changes also mean new teachers. This means that in the first few weeks, the Year 8 students need to work hard on developing good work habits in these new classes. The quicker you’re able to settle into the routines of you new classes, the easier things become. As always, the students are encouraged to ask for help or assistance.

I was also super proud of the students at our Commencement Mass on Wenesday. Being such a significant event and the only opportunity to celebrate Mass together as a whole school, the behaviour and reverence shown by our Year 8 cohort was highly commendable.

Looking forward, there are a lot of sporting teams that are beginning sign-ups and trials. Year 8s are encouraged to check the ‘Sport’ Google classroom (the joining code is on the Sport noticeboard if they don’t have it) or visit the Palace for further information.

Bring on 2023!

Mark Coster

Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Years 8-9

Smiles, music, coffee and yummy treats; a perfect way to start a Wednesday morning with Year 8 & 9 celebrating a family breakfast. Thank you to all the families who came along. 

Mark Coster & Tony Abbotts

Year 8 & 9 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 11

Starting Year 11: A New Chapter in Your School Career

As the new school year begins, Year 11 students are starting a new chapter in their academic journey. It's a critical year, as it lays the foundation for their final years of secondary school and prepares them for the challenges ahead, beyond St John Paul College.  

To make the most of their Year 11 experience, parents are encouraged to support  students to:

1. Set achievable goals:
   Start by setting realistic goals for the year, both academically and personally. Make sure your goals align with your aspirations for the future, and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
2. Stay organised:
   Keep track of important dates, deadlines, and assignments using a planner or an online calendar. This will help you stay on top of your work and avoid stress.
3. Get involved:
   Participating in extracurricular activities and clubs can help you develop new skills, make new friends, and boost your self-esteem.
4. Seek support:
   Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Whether it's from teachers, classmates, or family members, having a support system can make a big difference in your success.
5. Take care of yourself:
   Maintaining a healthy balance between academics and personal life is crucial. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and find time for physical activity and relaxation 

Throughout the year we will be spending time exploring the theme of “Community” and how we can use our gifts and talents to better ourselves, our school, and the wider community. I look forward to inviting parents and friends to share this journey with us, and seeing you at some of our events in the near future. 

Thank You to 11F who cooked and served at the Welcome BBQ for Year 7 on their first day.

Trish Furey

Year 11 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Year 12

Year 12 students will be sharing the love at their annual Valentine's Day fundraiser on Thursday 16 February raising money for their nominated charities. 

Valentine’s Day Price List

Roses

• 1 Rose - $3.00
• 3 Roses - $5.00
• 6 Roses - $10.00
• Dozen - $18.00

Heart Lollipop

• 1 Lollipop $1.00

Hug

• 1 Hug - $1.00

Chocolates

• 1 Chocolate - 50c 
• 5 Chocolates - $4.00

Serenade  $3.00

Slowdance $4.00

Flashmob $6.00 (Limited Spots - Only 5 Available for Lunch and Recess)

The Cupid Package $5.00

• Serenade
• 1 Rose

The Love Package $12.00

• 3x Roses
• 5x Chocolates
• 1x Slowdance

All orders must be purchased by Tuesday 14 February. 

Alana Johnson

Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing

In 2022 Premier Dominic Perrottet instituted a new award for schools - The Premier’s Respect Award.

  “Our schools and teachers do incredible work with students inside and outside the classroom, and we want to make sure that we’re calling out those students who are putting their best foot forward each and every day,” Mr Perrottet said.  “These awards will give respectful behaviour in schools the same high regard and status as academic achievement and attendance.” 

This week at our college assembly, Lily Betland (Vice Captain) became the first SJPC recipient of the Premier’s Respect Award. Lily received the award primarily for her work in Coffs Harbour with the All One Under the Sun project.

Click on the link for more information about this project. All One Under The Sun

Welcome to 2023, especially to those who are new to our College community.

Throughout the year we will keep you abreast of Curriculum issues across the College, along with links to current educational research and advice. 

Our focus for 2023 continues to be improving student engagement in their learning.

Students who can accurately describe their learning, and how they can improve, improve their level of achievement. One way we assess whether we are making a difference for each student is by asking them five critical questions.

We encourage you to ask your children these questions when asking about their day.

On Wednesday 8 February, Year 11 and 12 students participated in workshops run by Elevate representatives Amy and Adam. These workshops provided opportunities for our students to further develop their understanding of what constitutes effective study and which strategies have been proven to work. 

As is evident from the data, these seminars were well received by the vast majority of students.

We continue to have access to the Elevate Education Student Portal. This portal contains resources and useful study tips that ALL SJPC students will find effective.   

We encourage all students to; 

• access this Student Portal via the Students Links page on our website
• try some of the strategies outlined. 

The password for this site is rondo.

This password can also be found on the Curriculum Office Noticeboard.

https://austudent.elevateeducation.com/

It was great to see those who were able to attend the Elevate Parent Seminar run by Amy. If you were unable to attend, don’t worry, as we are excited to announce that Elevate Education will again be running their free webinar series for parents this year, the first of which will be on the 15 February. By tuning into their webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.  

Webinar 1 - How to Get (And Keep) Your Child Motivated This Year?

Wednesday 15 February at 6:30pm - 7:30pm (AEDT)

Click here to register for free

As Leader of Curriculum, I have met with Year 10 and Year 11 students to outline the College’s Assessment Policy and Protocols, as well as the NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority) requirements for obtaining RoSA and HSC qualifications.

We were impressed by their attitude and respectful behaviour at these meetings. It can be a challenging time for Years 10 and 11 students as they develop the improved study habits needed to cope with the increased rigour required by the courses they are studying. The College offers many support structures and resources, all of which the students can access with ease.

As always Years 10, 11 and 12 have access to their own Curriculum Matters Google Classroom in which all matters regarding Curriculum can be easily accessed.  

https://www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/learning-teaching/curriculum

The Student Link page is the ‘one stop shop’ for all students to easily access resources and platforms commonly used by students.  

https://www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/student-links

I encourage all parents to speak with their children about how they can make the most of their time at SJPC, and in particular, to encourage your children to access the support structures and resources available through the College.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Naplan Disability Provisions

Years 7 and 9 students will sit in Naplan in Term 1 this year. Like in the classroom, adjustments are provided to students with disabilities to enable an equivalent learner experience during NAPLAN testing and to encourage maximum participation.

When considering the application of adjustments in the NAPLAN tests, it should be remembered that:

• adjustments should allow students with a disability to access the tests. A student may have access to one or more adjustments in any test, which may differ across each test.
• adjustments should be consistent with support and assistance typically accessed by the student for assessment activities. Adjustments should be closely aligned to the support the student receives for their day-to-day classroom activities, as outlined in their personalised learning plan and/or NCCD evidence.
• when providing adjustments, the integrity of the NAPLAN tests should be maintained. For example, reading the stimulus material and/or questions to a student during the reading test is not appropriate or permitted, even if this is what happens during a student’s regular lessons.

If you feel your child is eligible and you have not received an application provisions form, please contact Sarah Corsalini at Student Services. sarah.corsalini@lism.catholic.edu.au

Student Services are looking for readers and writers!

Students with disabilities who are sitting the HSC exams are able to access support known as Disability Provisions. Disability provisions are a practical arrangement that helps a student access the exams on the same level as those without disabilities.

Each year, Student Services are blessed with students who volunteer their time to be readers and writers for the HSC and now we’re looking for our 2023 team. If you are in Year 10 or 11 and are interested in being a reader or writer, please contact Katrina Senes katrina.senes@lism.catholic.edu.au or Craig Bertwistle. craig.bertwistle@lism.catholic.edu.au

A big thankyou to our generous, supportive 2022 team!

Sarah Corsalini

This week, Year 7 technology students were required to create algorithms for a basic activity consisting of multiple steps, such as making a cup of tea, or a vegemite sandwich.  The development of algorithms is a common process used in programming, where a procedure is decomposed into a set of accurate and succinct step-by-step instructions.  These sequential instructions become the forerunner to the development of code for computer programming.

To test the algorithms for accuracy and explicit detail, select students tested out using the algorithms of their peers through the physical making of vegemite sandwiches or a cup of tea.  The opportunity to ‘test’ the algorithms was an iterative and fun way for the students to identify ‘problems’ with their algorithms and edit them.

It was really funny seeing the students ‘interpreting’ and following the documented steps.  Some vegemite sandwiches were quite ‘interesting’, and not how we commonly present vegemite sandwiches, or make cups of tea.  I look forward to new opportunities to make learning fun, yet effective in Technology.

David Ellis

All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things

As Literacy Coach at SJPC, Maree McKelvie endeavours to work in-class coaching and mentoring teachers in evidence-based practice to improve their impact on student learning, with a particular focus on literacy skills across the disciplines. 

This position aligns with our whole college goal to ‘Increase students' achievement in literacy’ and presents a targeted approach to literacy in Stage 4 (Years 7 & 8). It commits SJPC to a relentless focus on explicit teaching and high expectations for all students.

This initiative sees a whole-school approach to the implementation of actions to improve student literacy outcomes. Professional learning and further building the capacity of classroom teachers to improve their practice in literacy will continue to be embedded across the College.

Mrs McKelvie will also engage Year 7 students in Literacy Skills lessons with the intention of improving students’ ability to read, write and communicate effectively across all subject areas. 

We shall continue our vocabulary focus across the college with our ‘Word of the Week’, shared with staff and students in the daily notices and with parents in the newsletter. We hope to develop in students a thirst for new words.

We will also take opportunities to showcase and celebrate student literacy growth and achievements with regular ‘Writer Of The Week’ awards.

Word of the Week - 2

Compliant (adjective)

DEFINITION - Obedient; willing to do what others ask of you.

IN A SENTENCE - The student’s shirt was not compliant with the school dress code.

I asked him a favour and he was compliant.

Word of the Week - 3

Contumacious (adjective)

DEFINITION - Stubbornly and willfully disobedient to authority

IN A SENTENCE - She was warned that her contumacious behaviour would not be tolerated.

We look forward to witnessing our students taking ownership of their learning and their literacy growth through 2023 at SJPC.

Maree McKelvie

Over the past week, it’s been wonderful to reconnect with several students, from our primary feeder schools, who participated in the Stage 3 HP&G program in 2022.  May I extend a warm welcome to all students who are commencing at SJPC this year.

The role of the High Potential & Gifted program is to extend students who, by virtue of highly-proficient abilities, are capable of complex creative, lateral and critical thinking. As an extension of the 2023 College Goal - To increase student engagement in their learning - the aim of the HP&G program is to identify, support and challenge students whose intellectual and creative potential extends beyond that of their peers. The support activities of this program, both within and beyond the regular College program, aim to enable our HP&G students to realise their intellectual and academic potential and the ethical contribution they can make to themselves, the College community and society.  

As the coordinator of the program, my professional aim is to inspire our HP&G students to discover the importance of intellectual pursuits in creating a better world and foster a sense of enjoyment in the process of learning.  Having always privileged the fostering of academic opportunities throughout my career, our experiences during 2022 culminated in some outstanding Independent Learning Projects from our HP&G students.

In order to identify the most suitable candidates for the High-Potential & Gifted Learning Program, we are processing the objective data we have available to us (NAPLAN and Standardised External Testing), academic achievement in 2022 and seeking subjective feedback via Year Coordinator recommendations, teacher observations and staff referrals. Short-listed students will complete testing in Critical Reasoning and Thinking. These tests will examine: inductive, deductive and conceptual reasoning; basic logic; argument analysis; observation skills; credibility evaluation; and, assumption identification.

Key to identifying the most suitable students for the program is seeking referrals from both parents and teachers.  Subjective data such as referrals help us to identify students who might possess gifted behaviours but may not express these academically or under examination conditions.  If you believe your child possesses gifted behaviours, please complete the following Nomination Form by Wednesday 15 February 2023.

Aaron Dewhurst
Leader of High Potential Learning

Welcome to another year in the Library at SJPC

It has been wonderful to see many of the Year 7 and new students making use of our wonderful space. Our library is open before school from 8:00 a.m., every recess and lunch. Only occasionally does something happen to prevent us opening. 

Students are welcome to sit and read, complete schoolwork or play one of our games. By Week 4 we will have our lunchtime program up and running. This will include opportunities to use our Virtual Reality headset, play chess and attend bookclub. We are open to other suggestions for lunchtime activities.

Library Resources

Students can login with their username and password to access Oliver our library catalogue. They can see what resources we hold in the library and what resources they have borrowed.  As long as a resource is not overdue, resources can be renewed by students. We also provide access to a number of electronic resources.  Overdrive provides access to eBooks and audiobooks. Digital video content is provided by Clickview Online 

We subscribe to the following electronic databases: World Religions Online, Ancient & Medieval History, Modern World History, History Reference Centre, Australian/NZ Reference Centre, Australia/New Zealand Points of View and  Literary Reference Centre. These can all be accessed from the Homepage on Oliver.

Homework Centre 

Our College Homework centre  operates after school until 5:00 pm each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students must be collected from the College by 5:00 p.m. Occasionally we are unable to keep the library open but students will be given adequate notice via Daily Notices and will be able to contact parents if necessary. 

A wide range of students make use of the Homework Centre. Many come who are highly motivated and want to take advantage of the quiet space and resources to get their work done. Other students come needing help with particular assignments while others come to review class work. Students who are working on group assignments are also welcome. 

The Homework Centre has been of great benefit to the whole school community. It is hoped that this year students will again take advantage of this service. 

Printing 

Students are credited with $20 printing credit each year and are charged 10c for black and white and 50c for colour copies. Documents can also be scanned and emailed or saved to the student's Google Drive. Extra printing credit can be purchased from library staff. 

A student library card is needed to print and borrow resources from the library. Year 7 and new students have been issued with a temporary card. If a card is lost, replacements can be purchased. If you don't have your card yet, please collect if from the library.

Overdue Resources 

Thanks to the many students who searched for missing library books over the holidays. However, we still have a large number of outstanding resources from 2022. Please have another look for these missing resources. Remember that students are responsible for any resource they borrow from the library. If outstanding resources are not returned by Friday 17th February,  families will be charged for their replacement as these books will need to be repurchased.  Please email sharon.brennan@lism.catholic.edu.au if there is an issue.

Loan Devices

The College has a limited number of Chromebooks for students to borrow if their device is broken and being repaired. If a student needs to borrow a device, parents must either provide a note or email the College. Devices are not given to students if they forget to bring their device to school.

The loan device is provided  at ‘no cost’ for a maximum period of up to 2 weeks to allow you time to source another device. However, if the equipment is not returned within that period you will be initially invoiced $60, and then a further $60 per month until the device is returned. 

If the loan Chromebook and/or charger is damaged or lost, you will be invoiced for its repair or replacement. 

Sharon Brennan
Leader Learning Technology
Teacher Librarian

Swimming Carnival

What a way to end Week 2 of the 2023 school year. Congratulations to all students on their energy, participation and behaviour. The House Captains were well organsied and enthusiastic and the house spirit was pleasing across all houses. The Year 12’s had a wonderful last carnival, their BBQ and fundraising efforts a real highlight of the day. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by students, parents and staff alike.

Congratulations to McAuley house who finished champions! The final point scores are as follows:

1st       McAuley          641	2nd      Casey              429
3rd       Kelly                421	4th       Hargraves       310

The Age Champion competition was a tight battle with some outstanding performances in the pool across all age groups. Congratulations to the following 2023 SJPC Swimming Champions:

12 Years	Holly Johnson (H)	nil
13 Years	Mary Thompson (C)	Jack Howe (H) and Joshua Howard (H)
14 Years	Josie Straw (M)	Jake Wilson (M)
15 Years	Isla Martin (M)	Jaxon White (M)
16 Years	Eliana Straw (M)	Mitchell Newton (K)
17+ Years	Riley Andrews (C) and Lily Betland (C)	Finn Klinkers (K)

 

Full results will be available on the Palace notice board on Monday. Those students who finished first or second in an event have progressed to represent the College at the Diocesan Carnival on Thursday 2 March in Kempsey. A Compass event will be created and all students will be expected to attend a team meeting on Wednesday 15th February to confirm events and attendance. Should a swimmer withdraw from an event, the third place getter will be invited into the team.

Thank you to the wonderful staff who made the day such a success. The maintenance crew, front office staff, the many non-teaching staff who volunteer their time, the sport and PDHPE department and of course all the staff on the day who combine to ensure our students are given every opportunity to shine - thank you!

Sport Communication

There are many sources of information regarding sport. Families are encouraged to read the Daily Notices and event information via the Compass portal and access the fortnightly College Newsletter in order to ensure no sporting opportunity is missed. The Palace is also a hub of information with school sport sign up sheets, note collection and team selections being posted on the Palace noticeboard. Students have access to a Sport Classroom and are encouraged to read the posts regularly. The student code for the classroom is wi7ugjz .

School Sport

A timetable of each year group's sport is located on the noticeboard outside the Palace from Day 1, Term 1 2023. It will also be posted each week on the Sport Classroom for students to check from Week 3.

Representative Sport

The individual representative pathway for most sports is via the CCC online website (except for Touch Football, Soccer, AFL and Rugby League which require students to trial and qualify for the Diocesan team in each sport). It is important to check the CCC Website for details on age groups, trial venues and closing dates.

Further information can be obtained from https://csnsw.sport/  (Click on the CCC link) and is currently open for registration. Details on how to register >>  csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/article/198901765?src=584134009

For sports such as Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country, students are required to qualify through the school carnival and then sign up online through the Diocese of Lismore Sport webpage in order to represent the Diocese.

It is important for all families to note that participation in a trial for Lismore Diocese or a NSW CCC team is considered a normal school day. A permission note will need to be collected, signed off via the Compass app and any payment made accordingly.

Lismore Sport website - https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/registration/

CSNSW website - https://csnsw.sport/

Girls Rugby League Group 2

The Local NRL staff in conjunction with Group 2 Junior Rugby League would like to invite all SJPC females from 13 - 17 years to a Group 2 Girls Tackle Gala day.

The clinics are a come and try type of session on the days listed below. A nomination form has been linked for those interested.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/NewSouthWalesRugbyLeague/_2023GROUP2GIRLSTACKLEGALADAY

The local NRL hopes to have a U14s and U17s competition start at some point in the year to culminate in a Grand Final on the 9 September 2023.

 Event details-

SESSION 1 - 9.30am Saturday 25 March @ Allen Gillet Oval, Macksville

SESSION 2 - 9.30am Saturday 1 April @ Allen Gillet Oval, Macksville

GALA DAY - TBC Saturday 15 April @ Leisure Park, Coffs Harbour

 

 

Coming Up - Term 1 2023

Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

If you would like to find out more about your College Counsellors please click on the link to the St John Paul College website College Counsellors

Brad Poidevin & Alee Isgro

Julian Na - College Captain

At SPJC, leadership is a key aspect and role that students grow and develop into. It is not just about making decisions, it's about inspiring and guiding others toward a common goal (whether this is finishing school or developing skills to assist with the broader world). Leadership is about more than just holding a position or having power. It's about creating a positive impact in the lives of others and inspiring them to do the same. And, this requires a strong foundation of faith and love.

In 2023, this is what I aim to achieve, while also conserving the Catholic values that SJPC is built upon. Other things that are in my vision during this year are encouraging and facilitating student involvement in school events and activities, organising community service and charitable activities and most importantly continuing to promote school spirit, pride and a positive school culture.

Lily Hallawell - College Captain

We all know that completing Year 12 is a significant milestone for students and their families. While for some this may look like achieving a high ATAR and excelling in their studies, for others the achievement of a HSC, regardless of results, is a huge accomplishment in itself. As a leader, my aim for this year is to help foster a sense of community, wherein student individuality is acknowledged and prioritised. I hope to ignite a sense of success in all students and their unique everyday achievements, whether they be in Year 12, Year 10, or Year 7.

At SJPC, Student Voice is highly valued. This not only provides students with many opportunities to enact positive change within our community, but also stimulates a dynamic, evolving and thriving educational environment. This year, I’m proud that our Year 12 cohort has taken the initiative to raise funds for a local charity: we look forward to working with The Wesley Youth Project in Coffs Harbour. 

Student Diary

Compass - Permission to Leave School during the Day - Early Departure

Lost Property

Appropriate School Footwear

Uniform Shop

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am

Homework Centre

Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm

Finance

 

Your next Statement will be emailed to families during the first week of March, not this week as previously advised and we apologise for this error.

 

For fee related enquiries and payment plan assistance, please contact the Catholic Schools Office by email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

The Catholic Schools Office Fee Enquiry

Ph: 6653 1655 - Mell and Tess

Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety.

They are the world’s first government agency dedicated to keeping people safer online. 

They started operations in 2015 as the Children's eSafety Commissioner and are now at the forefront of the fight against online risks and harms faced by adults as well as children. Their purpose is to help safeguard all Australians from online harm and to promote safer, more positive online experiences. They use research, evidence and experience to lead and advise on online safety issues. 

We encourage families to visit the website and look through the support that the eSafety Commissioner can offer families.

This year eSafety is offering free parent and carer webinars.  Go to https://www.esafety.gov.au/ and look for New parent webinars for 2023. 

Richard O'Connor
Leader of Student Engagement

The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a free webinar on Thursday 23 February at 7:30pm. Please click on the link to register: https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/upcoming-webinars