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St John Paul College Coffs Harbour

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421 Hogbin Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Subscribe: https://www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/subscribe

Email: sjpccoffs@lism.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 6653 3155

St John Paul College Coffs Harbour

421 Hogbin Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Phone: 02 6653 3155

  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • School Absence
  • College Calendar
  • Like us on Facebook
  • Schoolzine App
  • Contact Us

Forms & Documents

  • Canteen Prices

Upcoming Events

9 May
Bill Turner Cup Rd 2

9 May
Mother's Day Breakfast

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM

12 May
Week A

13 May
Yr 12 Parent/Student/Teacher Conference

3:40 PM - 6:00 PM

14 May
Diocesan Tennis Carnival- Lismore

15 May
Basketball NSW Tournament Open Girls

15 May
Basketball NSW Tournament Open Boys

16 May
Diocesan Cross Country - Grafton

19 May
Week B

20 May
Staff Professional Learning Day - No students attend this day

21 May
Yr 12 Senior Retreat

21 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

21 May
Yr 9 Camp

21 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

21 May
Country Cup Rugby League - Grafton

21 May
Yr 11 (some) Sydney Uni Tour

21 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

21 May
Yr 7 2026 Enrolment Applications Close

23 May
Drama Eisteddfod Coffs Harbour

26 May
Yr 9 & 10 Sport Selections

26 May
Week A

26 May
Yr 12 Sydney HSIE Trip

26 May 2025 - 28 May 2025

27 May
Parent Representative Body Meeting 7:00pm - Library

27 May
National Reconciliation Week

27 May 2025 - 03 Jun 2025

28 May
Proclaim Lismore Yr 6 GLOW Gathering

30 May
YR 12 Trivia Night

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

2 Jun
Yr 7 2026 Interviews commence

2 Jun
Week B

3 Jun
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

3 Jun
Yr 11 Biological Diversity Day

3 Jun
Liturgy - SJPC Chapel 7C & 7D

1:35 PM - 3:20 PM

4 Jun
Diocesan Junior Football

5 Jun
Yr 10 Careers Expo

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24 March 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 4)

  • Principal's Message
  • St John Paul College Celebrating 40 Years
  • Assistant Principal - Mission
  • Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
  • Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
  • SJPC Calendar Dates
  • School Evangelisation
  • Youth Ministry Team
  • Office News
  • Leaders of Student Wellbeing
  • Curriculum Matters
  • Literacy Matters
  • High Potential & Gifted Learners Program
  • Languages
  • Visual Arts
  • HSIE
  • Outdoor Education
  • Sports Corner
  • World Down Syndrome Day
  • Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball

Principal's Message

Our Learning and Teaching Goal for 2023

To increase student engagement in their own learning

In the last newsletter I wrote about the College Mission goal, this week I’d like to explore the Learning and Teaching Goal.

Schools and the nature of education has changed since many of us went to school. The classrooms and places of learning have moved from a passive, teacher led environment to one where students are tasked to be co responsible for their learning. A skill set that we are taking slowly and working with the students on every day. A skill set that we want to develop so that students can take these learnings beyond the classroom to places of employment and to engage with others collaboratively, critically and with a sense of reason.

What does that look like here at the College?

  1. Active problem solving through group projects and discussions.

  2. Feeding back to students in a timely manner that is constructive, future facing and encourages the ‘what next’ in the learning cycle. Feedback from teachers, self-assessment and a move to also include peer assessment.

  3. A varied response to pedagogy – (the way content and experiences are delivered by teachers)

  4. Personalization and choices when it comes to topics for assessments. The freedom to choose the final product or focus of an assessment piece. Students invest in the process of learning because it is something they are interested in.

  5. Using technology as tools for engagement; interactive media sites, online forums and discussions, gaming (where appropriate) and simulations.

  6. From individual to a collaborative environment where group work is encouraged, peer to peer learning is common and where evidence of learning exists and can be demonstrated beyond a written piece.

  7. Creative ideas to respond to problems.

  8. Safe, contemporary learning spaces that provide for student voice and contribution and allow many of the elements listed above to occur.

At SJPC we still have a long way to go in some areas, but I would invite you to discuss these with your child and see how many of these ideas they experience on a daily basis. I would be keen for feedback if they were to say they haven’t been involved in many of them, and, I’d invite all students to have the same conversations with their teachers about the classroom experience.

Did you know about our Parent resource centre?

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools has a wonderful online resource centre to assist in the area of parent engagement and partnership. Check out this fabulous resource here.

Two other great resources are the Parent Assembly handbook and the family school partnership statement.

I invite all parents and families to look over these documents to see how you can contribute to your child’s ongoing education.

Parent Assembly Handbook July 2022.docx
Parent Assembly Handbook July 2022 _docx 4.75 MB

Family School Partnership Statement
Family School Partnership Statement 873.06 KB

Concerns & Complaints Brochure

Information for resolving concerns and complaints can be found in the Concerns and Complaints Brochure located on the College website. Please click the following link for more information: https://www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/policies

God bless

 

Carniato, Michael
Michael Carniato
Principal

St John Paul College Celebrating 40 Years

Celebrating 40 years

The 17th 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 Homeroom Classes or Tutor Groups as they were known as in 1983. Perhaps you may recognise some students or staff!

1983DuketutorGroup1983BowmanTutorGroup1983BoyleTutorGroup1983CraigTutorHouse1983BolstgertutorGroup1983ChisholmtutorGrop

Assistant Principal - Mission

Emmaus Project - Launching our Parents’ Gospel Passage

Thank you to all parents and carers who took part in the selection of the Parents’ Gospel passage for our Emmaus Project. The results of the vote are in! With an overwhelming majority of votes (74%), I am pleased to announce that 3 John 1:4 has been selected as the Parent Gospel Passage.

I_have_no_greater_joy.png

A key word in this scripture is TRUTH. The word for truth in Greek is Alethea - it is composed of two parts the negative particle a, like in apathy, signifying the absence of something and the second part lethea means ignored or hidden or forgotten. So the word alethea simply means the “un” forgotten. In John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” - our College Motto. Our Lord is the truth. 

So what does it mean to WALK in the truth?  Walking is an important concept biblically. In Jewish Law, the term ‘walk’ refers to how one applies the instruction of God to one’s life. It speaks specifically to our behaviour, our  lifestyle, how we live out our lives. What John is revealing in this Gospel passage is that living your life in God’s truth is fundamental in bringing about true joy and fulfilment.

As Christian parents, we deeply desire for our children to develop a relationship with God. The highest joy that we can have as Christian parents is to know that our children follow the teachings of Christ and apply these teachings to their daily lives. But what can we do to help them on that path? Here are some starting points to consider:

  • Talk about God with your children
  • Share with your children the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you
  • Pray with your children
  • Be a witness to your faith - children often copy what they see and hear!

In Term 2, parents and carers will have the opportunity to further develop their understanding of this Gospel passage through a Twilight Workshop delivered by our Artist in Residence - Dr Dan White. More details to come soon!

Gennat, Leanne
Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The statistics are alarming: one out of every four students is a victim of bullying. It’s an age-old problem that can impact children emotionally, physically, and academically. As much as it is a longstanding problem it is also an ever changing issue. The impact of social media on our children and it as a tool of bullying is a huge concern.  Anti-bullying legislation and campaigns can help, but educators and parents must invest time to foster social-emotional competencies essential for a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and respect together with resilience.

 A student is bullied when he or she becomes a repeated target of deliberate negative actions by one or more students who possess greater verbal, physical, social, or psychological power.  Verbal bullying involves threats, name calling, teasing or spreading rumours and cyber-bullying. Physical bullying involves hitting, pushing, or destroying items that belong to others. Bullying also includes repeated social isolation when children are purposefully excluded from groups. Bullying has devastating effects such as school avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression.

Conflicts between human beings are normal; not everyone is expected to get along all the time. It is important, though, that issues are addressed and relationships given the chance to rebuild after a conflict occurs. Ignoring the underpinning reasons for conflicts can lead to further issues developing and often to feelings of isolation or resentment. Who are the bullies? Anyone can be a bully – all of us. We all have the capacity and, occasionally, the inclination to be hurtful.

As a parent it can also be a very difficult realisation that our child may be a bully. Children who bully may also have the following factors: 

  • Less parental involvement or experience family issues at home
  • Low options and tolerance of others
  • Difficulty following rules
  • Interested in violence (this may present through video games)
  • Aggressive or easily frustrated
  • Friends who bully others

As parents we are the most influential models for your child:

Show interest 

  • in what your child does at school 
  • in your child’s social, sporting and cultural life. 

Build a welcoming and tolerant home environment

  • encourage your child to bring friends home 
  • accept and tolerate differences in others 
  • don’t permit bullying within the home. 

Encourage your child’s self-esteem 

  • value your child for who they are
  • be positive in the things you say and do 
  • nurture your child’s positive qualities. 

Discuss social, community and relationship issues openly 

  • discuss the College’s expectations about behaviour 
  • discuss how your child could best respond if bullied 
  • discuss what your child could do if they witnessed bullying

As the victim, your child is the one who should take action most strongly. 

  • Laugh it off, use humour.
  • DO NOT retaliate by becoming a physical or verbal bully themself and by engaging in conflict with the person.
  • Tell the bully to “quit it” or “get lost” or “cut it out”.
  • Don’t be afraid to talk about it with their friends or family.
  • Leave the area and go directly to a responsible adult.
  • Talk to their Homeroom Teacher, Leader of Student Wellbeing, mentors or other trusted adults.
  • Be smart about avoiding high-risk places and times.

The following sites have excellent advice for teens, parents and carers.

https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/bullying

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents

 

Success is not final

SJPC ANZAC Day Commeration

Students are reminded that Anzac Day is fast approaching. The College will be marching and laying wreaths in many areas around Coffs Harbour. Families are encouraged to plan ahead and join us in marching at Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Woolgoolga. The College will be holding its own commemoration service on Wednesday 26 April at 9:00am in the College Hall. This year we will be hearing from Mitchell Walton when he offers his thoughts on his time in the military. We will again be joined by Ray (bagpipes), Grant (Bugle) and Kayleigh (drum) as part of the service organised by our College Captains. Parents are very welcome to join us on this day.

Energy Drinks

Parents are reminded that these high caffeine energy drinks are not considered healthy for students. Of greatest concern is the Prime Energy drinks that are being sold by Woolworths and Coles. Please do not allow these drinks to be brought to school as they will be confiscated and returned to parents when they are able to pick them up.

We thank you for your support with this matter.

Stubbs, Michael
Michael Stubbs
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN 2023

NAPLAN

This week saw the conclusion of NAPLAN assessments for Year 7 and Year 9 with catch up tests for those students who were absent for any of the four assessments. This week I have included some information for parents and students taken from the NAPLAN site and edited for our context:

Why do students do NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 7 and 9 sit each year at SJPC. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

As students progress through their school years, it’s important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of the College’s assessment and reporting process. It doesn’t replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

What does NAPLAN assess?

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum at St John Paul College..

Students sit assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The questions assess content linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.

Participation in NAPLAN

NAPLAN is for everyone. ACARA supports inclusive testing so all students have the opportunity to participate in the national assessment program.

The College has made adjustments available for students who have diverse functional abilities and needs.

The College works with parents/carers and students to identify, on a case-by-case basis, reasonable adjustments required for individual students with a disability to access NAPLAN. Adjustments reflect the support normally provided for classroom assessments and based on Primary School recommendations for current Year 7 students. 

In exceptional circumstances, a student with a disability that severely limits their capacity to participate in the assessment, or a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background, may be granted a formal exemption. 

What if my child was absent from school on NAPLAN days? 

Where possible, the College arranged for individual students who were absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests between Tuesday and Thursday during Week 8. 

How is my child’s performance reported?

Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each assessment. This scale indicates whether the student is meeting expectations for the literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate fully in that year level. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided to the College later in the year. I have not been given a confirmed date but I would expect this to be early in Term 2. More information on this process will be given to parents when NAPLAN provides confirmation of their key dates. 

How are NAPLAN results used?

  • Students and parents/carers may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.
  • Teachers use results to help identify students who need greater challenges or extra support.
  • Schools use results to identify strengths and areas of need to improve teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
  • School systems use results to review the effectiveness of programs and support offered to schools.
  • The community can see information about the performance of schools over time at My School.

University of Sydney Academic Achievement Award:

This year the University of Sydney introduced a new academic award to acknowledge the effort and achievement of a high achieving Year 10 student from  2022.  

After consultation amongst the College Executive, Leader of Curriculum and the Year 11 Leader of Student Wellbeing, the College nominated Ruby Crosley to be the recipient of this award. Recently, the USYD flew Ruby down to Sydney to attend the Academic Achievement Award Ceremony to publicly recognise Ruby as  an academic leader.

Crosley, RubyRuby Crosley - Year 11

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.

Elevate

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

Furey, James
James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

SJPC Calendar Dates

Looking Ahead

Week 9 A - Monday 27 March - Friday 31 March

Mon 27 Year 7 & 8 eSafety On-line presentation
Mon 27 - Thurs 30 Year 12 HSIE & CAFS Sydney Excursion
Mon 27 - Wed 29 Year 10 Year 10 Retreat Group A
Wed 29 - Fri 31 Year 10 Retreat Group B
Tues 28 Year 12 *some Charles Sturt Uni Explore Day
Sport Girls Rugby 10's Crescent Head
Wed 29 Sport Year 7/8 Netball Cup Coffs
Thurs 30 Sport Boys Rugby 10's Crescent Head
Fri 31 Sport CCC Swimming

Week 10 B - Monday 3 April - Friday 7 April

Mon 3 - Tues 4 Sport

CCC Touch Football Championships (individual)

Tues 4 Sport

Diocesan Open Football - Kempsey

Sport

Yr 9/10 Netball Cup

  Year 7
Yr 7 Parent/Student/Teacher (3:40-6:00pm)
 Wed 5 Years 7-10
SJPC 7-10 Cross Country P4/5/6
Student's last day of Term 1
Thurs 6 Staff Personal Development / Pupil Free Day
Fri 7 Good Friday Public Holiday

Term Dates 2023

Term 1

Wed 5 April Last day of Term 1

Term 2

Mon 24 April First day of Term 2
Tues 25 April ANZAC Day PH
Thurs 1 June Pupil Free Day
Mon 12 June Queens B'day PH
Fri 30 June Last day of Term 2

Term 3

Tues 18 July First day of Term 3
Fri 25 Aug Staff Development / Pupil Free Day
Fri 22 Sept Last day of Term 3

Term 4

Tues 10 Oct First day of Term 4
Fri 10 Nov Staff Development / Pupil Free Day
Friday 15 Dec Picnic day Boambee Bay Reserve *Last day of Term 4

School Evangelisation

AlmsGiving

On Prayer During Lent

"Accept that God is good and that your relationship with Him is prayer, and you must conclude that prayer is an act of the utmost simplicity.”

                                Sister Wendy Beckett

Our whole life of faith is a shared experience, for we follow Jesus together. Our Lenten journey is “synodal”, since we travel together along the same path, as disciples of the one Master. #Lent                            

                                            Pope Francis 




LEAD CONFERENCE, 9-10 March

An incredible 2-day senior students' event held at McAuley College in Grafton with Year 11 and 12 students from across the Lismore Diocese interested in exploring and developing their faith while conducting what it means to serve others. This years' theme was "Connected, Committed and Courageous".

Lead Conference 7Lead Conference 6Lead Conference 4Lead Conference 1Lead Conference 3Lead Conference 5Lead Conference 2

The event was a mix of music, prayer and workshopping facilitated by YMOs (Youth Ministry Officers) and led by a range of well-versed presenters. Food was another highlight!

Father Peter Wood from Murwillumbah led Adoration and Mass, and the Proclaim Wildfire band provided ongoing music throughout the event.

If you're in Year 10 or 11 this year, keep an eye out for the opportunity to attend Lead 2024.

TRANISTUS RETREAT

A group of Year 7 students and three Year 10 leaders recently attended Transitus at Grassy Head. This formation retreat gave students the opportunity to meet peers from other diocesan schools while exploring their own faith. 

Year 7 Transitus Retreat (14)

Students' behaviour was exemplary! Thanks to Mr Mark Sultana for accompanying our students on this special journey.

Year 7 Transitus Retreat (25)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (11)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (6)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (9)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (13)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (7)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (15)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (20)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (8)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (12)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (5)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (24)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (10)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (14)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (23)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (3)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (2)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (26)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (18)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (1)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (17)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (22)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (21)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (4)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (19)Year 7 Transitus Retreat (16)

McKeon, Max

Last Monday, we went on a trip to Grassy Head called Transitus where we took part in different activities to learn more about ourselves as a person and we also celebrated Mass with Fr Michael and his dog Zippy. This retreat was run by a lady named Kate Nestor who set up all the amazing things we did. One of my favourite parts of the trip was when we all turned up and saw all the students from the other schools and not knowing who they were. However, by the end of the retreat we all got to know each other very well. By the end of the trip all of us were stoked that we had decided to go and can’t wait for another opportunity to attend something similar.     Max McKeon

Nolan, Ava

Being part of Transitus was a good experience. I made new friends with students from SJPC and other schools that attended. We all came together to grow our faith in fun ways through activities and games. These included being led around by our Year 10 leader blindfolded to show trust, building the biggest paper and paperclip tower and writing on paper feet about how we have God in our lives.

We were given beautiful gifts of wooden crosses, prayer cards and Bibles to keep by our retreat leader, Kate. Before we left, Father Michael celebrated Mass with us all. Ava Nolan

Ford, Bronte

Transitus was a great experience to grow your faith and become closer to our God. At Transitus we met new people and teachers. It was Awesome! I definitely recommend it! Bronte Ford

Lind, Harry

Last week a bunch of fellow students and I travelled to Grassy Head for the Transitus Retreat. I went there so I could learn more about God and grow a deeper relationship with him. Our teacher/host Kate was very nice and all the activities and games that she planned were really fun. Also one of the best things about Transitus was definitely the cooks in the kitchen, that was some of the best pancakes and ice cream I have ever had. I would just like to say a huge thank you to Mr. Sultana. He was heaps of fun and enjoyable during the retreat and there was no other teacher I would rather have there with us. I would highly recommend Transitus to anyone who wants to have a fun time, learn more about Christ and wants to grow a deeper relationship with God. Harry Lind

YouthMinistry code

Please follow our SJPC Youth Ministry Instagram account for announcements and student opportunities:

MASS TIMES

Parish

COFFS HARBOUR PARISH

St Augustine's Church

Saturday: 5 30pm
Sunday: 9:00am, 5:30pm

Woolgoolga St Francis Xavier's Church Sunday 9:00am
Coramba St Therese's Church Sunday 10:30am
St John Paul College Chapel Tuesday 9.15am (school term only)
Coffs Harbour Reconciliation Saturday - after 9am Mass
Woolgoolga Reconciliation Sunday, before Mass
https://www.coffscatholic.com/mass-and-reconciliation-time 

SAWTELL PARISH

Mary Help of Christians Church Saturday 6:00 pm
Sunday 7:30am & 9:00am
Tuesday 9:30 am
Wednesday 9:30 am (OLOW Chapel)
Thursday 5:00 pm
Friday 9:30am  
Reconciliation Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm or on request
https://sawtellcatholicchurch.com.au/ 



Sawtell, Janine
Janine Sawtell
Leader of School Evangelisation

Youth Ministry Team

Interview with Harper Dent - Year 8 Student

Dent, Harper

What is your coolest secret talent?

I can pop my arm out of its socket, it's pretty cool!

What is your favourite animal and why?   

My childhood favourite was horses because I grew up with them around me and created a special bond with them as for now I don't know.

What is your favourite childhood TV show?

Bluey is a great childhood show, I watch it with my siblings and we always have a great time.

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

My Grandfather has had the biggest influence on my faith because he used to take me to church every week in primary school and he is the reason why I know alot about faith.

YMOs 8.2.23

Ashlinn de Dassel & Kalob Stone
Youth Ministry Officers

Office News

SJPC pupil free day 6.4.23

Term 2 Term Dates

  • First day for all Staff and Students - Monday 24 April
  • Last day for all Staff and Students - Friday 30 June

Finance

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

CSO LogoThe 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

SJPC Communication - Facebook

SJPC Facebook

Do you follow SJPC's Facebook page? This is where you will find reminders of upcoming social events, sporting updates, transport delays, job advertisements and photos of SJPC students participating in everyday life at the College.

To start following St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour please click on this link

Compass - Permission to Leave from SPORT - Early Departure

Students must bring a written note from their parents/carers to the College Office before they depart for sport. Early departure from Sport cannot be submitted via the Compass App only a written note will be accepted. Only full day absences can be submitted using the attendance note via the Compass App.

Lost Property

Please encourage your child to visit the Office if they have lost any school items. Please mark your child's name on all school items, including airpods, pencil cases, drink bottles, sport bags and all items of school uniform. 

Uniform Shop

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

Homework Centre

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

Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 8

Year Gr8 Student spotlight!

This weeks Yr8 Student Spotlight falls on Sia Wilson in 8D. Sia volunteers for the organisation Share the Dignity. This is an Australian women's charity whose main goal is to end period poverty in our country. 

share the dignity.png

The organisation's work allows her to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence situations or just who are doing it tough. Sia collects donated menstrual products through the year and delivers these to charities, women and girls who need support.

"We are currently in the middle of our March collection drive where you can donate menstrual products at any Woolworths store to help us end period poverty in our regional area. All products collected locally are returned to local women and girls in need. The thought of a girl like me not having easy access to period products is confronting and I'm just doing my small part to help get products to those who need them". Sia Wilson

SiaT1Wk8no2SiaT1Wk8no1

If you'd like to help Sia or learn more about the organisation please visit sharethedignity.org.au

Clean up Australia logo

Year 8 was involved in the stewardship of our local College environment by taking part in Clean Up Australia Day activity at a recent Year 8 Pastoral activity at school. The students and their Homeroom Teachers collected over 45 shopping bags and 15 large bags of rubbish from our grounds and nearby Advocate Park.


Everyone joined in and helped tidy up and also had a lot of fun at the same time. Gr8 work Year 8.

Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (1)Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (2)Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (3)Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (4)Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (5)Year 8 Cleanup Australia  (6)

Coster, Mark
Mark Coster
Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Curriculum Matters

The last few weeks of term will see a large amount of assessment activity across all KLAs at St John Paul College. This is a great opportunity for us to remind the community about the process we follow at the college if your child is absent for an assessment task, which can happen for a variety of acceptable reasons.

There is a simple procedure we follow at the college if your child misses an assessment task known as a Variation of Assessment. A “VOA” is necessary for any task missed by students in Years 10, 11 and 12, or if a student is absent the day before a task, in-school activities notwithstanding.

Advice and guidance can be found in the assessment booklets present on the college website. The assessment booklets detail the procedure which should be followed, as well as the type of evidence which aligns with NESA guidelines should a student be absent from any formal assessment task. Each student has 48 hours upon their return to school to complete the VOA procedure. If the absence is a known absence - a VOA is to be submitted 2 school days before the Assessment Task.

Below are the most common links you may need if your child if absent for an assessment, or you know your child will be absent for an up-coming task:

  • Year 10 Assessment Handbook
  • Year 11 Assessment Handbook
  • Year 12 Assessment  Handbook
  • Assessment Calendars Year 10   Year 11   Year 12
  • Variation of Assessment Form
  • NSW Statutory Declaration Form

Should your child need support, guidance or assistance to complete this process, the Curriculum Office is more than happy to assist.

Parents are reminded that if your child will be absent from school for more than 10 days, you will need to complete an Extended Leave application form which can be found on the school website. A link has been provided below.

Extended Leave Application Form

If you have any questions regarding assessment policies and procedures, or applying for a Variation of Assessment, please do not hesitate to contact Jo-Anne Benten or Sharon Reeves in the Curriculum Office.


elevate

Elevate Education's last free webinar for Term 1 will be taking place on Wednesday 29 March at 6.30pm (AEDT), focusing on How to Help Improve Your Child's Memory.

Click here to register for free

Here's what Elevate will be covering:

✅ How memory actually works (and how it has nothing to do with brain capacity) 

✅ The most effective environments to assist in memorisation 

✅ 3 techniques you can implement overnight to improve revision



Benten, Jo-Anne

Jo-Anne Benten
Leader of Curriculum (Acting)

Literacy Matters

All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things

WE ALL NEED TO REVISIT THE POWER OF READING

I know we have been here before but I’m passionate about this. Reading increases our worldview, challenges our perspective and encourages us to concentrate and think.

Write to be understood


Reading is learning. Learning is education. Education is knowledge. Knowledge is power. Power is influence.     And influence is the ability to change the world.

Reading is not just important because it leads to higher achievement in education. 

Reading helps strengthen the brain. Just like exercise strengthens the body, reading is one workout that strengthens the mind. Reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability matures those networks also get stronger and more sophisticated. Frequent brain exercise helps  reduce the decline in mental ability that comes with ageing.

Reading improves mental health. Escaping to the world of books helps us escape worries and stress, promotes better sleep and higher self-esteem. Individuals who read fiction are better able to understand others’ mental states, beliefs, desires, differing thoughts and this leads to improved social, communication and relationship skills. 

Reading improves vocabulary and knowledge. The more you read, the more words to which you are exposed. There is a strong correlation between word-reading skills and vocabulary acquisition and opportunities in life.

Reading improves memory and focus. As your brain learns to remember all the aspects of a fictional novel your memory becomes better. This helps create new brain pathways and strengthen existing ones. Immersing oneself in the world of literature requires focus. The more we read the more our brains are able to link cause and effect.

Reading makes us better writers. The two are so strongly connected.

Reading enhances imagination and empathy. Literary fiction has the power to help readers understand what others are thinking and feeling. Empathy is crucial for interconnectivity.

Reading strengthens analytical thinking skills. Reading requires us to ask questions and seek answers.

Reading wheel

Teenager TED talk on: The Power of Reading

Word of the Week - 8

Lamprophony (noun)

DEFINITION: Speaking loudly and enunciating carefully

IN A SENTENCE: He was praised for his lamprophony and his forthright tone.

Word of the Week - 9

Ambisinister

DEFINITION Ambidextrous people can do any task equally well with either hand, but it’s exceptionally rare. Ambisinister means awkward with both hands. 

IN A SENTENCE I often worry that I am hopelessly ambisinister, it seems that things spill by themselves when I am around.

You can't be ambisinister and play the harp like an angel.

Our brains are cross-wired, meaning the left hemisphere controls the right handed side of the body and vice-versa. So left handers can boast they are always in their right mind. Yes, I’m left-handed!

McKelvie, Maree
Maree McKelvie
Literacy Coach

High Potential & Gifted Learners Program

wired brain

Our HP&G programs are now underway.  Stage 3 commenced in Week 6, Stage 5 last week and the remaining groups started this week.  The aim of the program is to stimulate each student's critical, creative and ethical thinking skills.  In the same way that Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was the classic Italian Uomo Universale -  whose gifts were manifest in the fields of art, science, music, invention, and writing - the program is built on the notion that our HP&G students should embrace all knowledge and develop their own capacities as fully as possible.  This is accomplished through cross-curricular content students in all areas of epistemology: STEM, social accomplishments and the humanities. For students who have met the eligibility requirements,  the following electives have been offered:

  • Thinking Like a Judge: Critical Thinking & Metacognition
  • Thinking Like Plato: Philosophy & Ethics
  • Thinking like Elon Musk: Enterprise and Creative Innovation

More details about the various electives can be found on our HP&G website: https://sites.google.com/lism.catholic.edu.au/sjpchpgprogram/home 

Last week, our senior eth-letes took part in the Training day for the 2023 Ethics Olympiad.  This year, topics included: “Lookism” and cosmetic surgery; Dietary choices dilemmas; Anger in politics; the fifth Industrial Revolution; Responsibilities of National Service; Death taxes; Cultural and medical practice; and Bullfighting.  Students revised the four paradigms of ethical situations: consequentialism, deontology, care ethics and Aristotelian virtue ethics.  The participants rose to the challenge of the cases and now work to prepare for the competition early Term 2.

Dewhurst, Aaron
Aaron Dewhurst
Leader of High Potential Learning

Languages

From 5-10 March, we welcomed back our friends from Toyama Chubu High School in Japan. Due to the pandemic, they have not visited since 2019. It was wonderful to see 20 students and their teachers Mr Abe and Mr Iwasaki visit the Coffs coast for the week.

Toyama Chubu is a Super Science high school so the group were keen to develop links between Japanese and Australian students through the study of our local environment. Therefore, the Toyama students took part in action research and field studies while in Coffs Harbour.

The group’s week was very busy with excursions to various locations including Dorrigo National Park, Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, the National Marine Science Centre and Muttonbird Island. Their SJPC host students also attended many of these places with their Japanese student.

During the week, the Toyama students attended classes here at SJPC but one of the highlights was their performance at the College’s assembly on the Wednesday morning. The group presented the school with a banner of our motto, “The Way, the Truth and the Life” written in calligraphy. They also performed “Wotagei” which is a recently popular dance that sees performers use glow sticks. The school community absolutely loved this.

In just a short time, it was obvious that our SJPC host families and the Japanese students had forged lifelong friendships. The farewell party on the Friday night and the airport farewells saw many hugs, tears and promises of keeping in touch.

Thank you to all our host families who looked after these students and made sure they all had a wonderful time and made many amazing memories. Thank you also to all staff and students who spent time with the Japanese over the week. Your efforts make these such programs a huge success.

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Binnie, Kirsten
Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

Visual Arts

This term in Visual Arts, Year 7 has been introduced to the elements of art & design with our focus being on LINE.  In doing so, the students have been learning about the qualities of lines and their effects and, have explored this in their drawings of nature using different drawing media and techniques. As you can see beautiful work has been created.

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Foggiato, Vicki

Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts

HSIE

Year 10 Exciting Fieldwork Excursion to Jetty Foreshore

Last week, the entire Year 10 cohort at our college was treated to an exciting and educational fieldwork excursion to the Jetty Foreshore in Coffs Harbour. The excursion aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of coastal processes, human impacts, cultural history, and management of the Coffs Harbour coastline.

Students were divided into small groups and participated in a range of engaging activities, including investigating coastal processes such as erosion and deposition, examining the impacts of human activity on the environment, and learning about the cultural significance of the Jetty Foreshore to the local Aboriginal community.

In addition to these activities, students had the opportunity to explore the Jetty Foreshore and learn about its management and conservation. They were able to observe firsthand the actions taken to protect the coastline from erosion and other natural hazards.

Unfortunately, the excursion had to be cut short due to the intense heat that we experienced on the day. However, the students were still able to have a fantastic time and learn a lot from the experience. As a treat for their hard work, the students were treated to a delicious pizza lunch.

Overall, the Year 10 fieldwork excursion to the Jetty Foreshore was an exciting and informative experience for all involved. It provided students with a greater understanding of the complex interactions between the environment, human activity, and cultural history that shape our coastline. We look forward to seeing how our Year 10 students will use this knowledge in their future studies and beyond.

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Martin, Amanda
Amanda Martin
Leader of Learning - HSIE

Outdoor Education

Year 9 Outdoor Education students have been working on various team challenges to help them develop persistence and to appreciate and use the great outdoors.
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Building shelters, learning first-aid, making cordage, wilderness construction, and respect for the outdoors are just a few of the set challenges that they have risen to.
Well done to all!
The seven PRINCIPLES of leave no trace
Carruthers, Lex
Lex Carruthers
Teacher

Sports Corner

Congratulations Maxwell Miller (Year 9) who was again selected in the NSW U15 Boy’s Hockey team. He will accompany the team to the National Hockey Championships held in Darwin in April. We wish him the best of luck.
Max Miller -Year 9 Hockey

Diocesan Tennis Championships

Our SJPC Tennis teams performed superbly at the Diocesan Tennis Championships at Tweed Heads on 10 March. The Open Girls and Boys pulled out outstanding performances but sadly missed out on a podium finish. However, the Junior Boys team of Luke Blackman and Noah Bayliss team celebrated first place after a well-played competition day with no losses. All teams demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship at the Tweed Heads Secondary Diocesan Tennis Championships. 

Ms Jana Elling, team manager

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Diocesan Open Basketball Championships

Congratulations to both our Boys and Girls Open Basketball teams who competed at the Diocesan Championships in Port Macquarie on Thursday 23 March. Both teams performed well under some pressure situations with both teams finishing the top of their pools. Moving into the semifinals, the boys went down to a well drilled MacKillop team who eventually won the tournament 49 - 28.

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The girls, who were nothing short of impressive, took on St John’s Woodlawn in the final and won convincingly 47 - 14. Once again they took out the Diocesan Championships - something the girls have done 24 out of the past 25 years according to the well informed Mr Conroy. Congratulations to both teams.

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Cross Country

On Wednesday 5 April during Period 5 and 6, students who have nominated to represent the College in Cross Country will undertake a modified time trial course around GKMO. A compass event will be drawn for those who need to run the time trial. Anyone who did not receive a time trial notification has automatically qualified and will be sent a compass event at the start of Term 2 for the Diocese carnival in Grafton. All of the above information is available to student on the Sport Classroom.

Year 9 Sport Week 9

Year 9 will participate in an on campus challenge event as Year 10 will be away on Retreat. No student was charged for sport in Week 9.

School Sport - Year 7

This term, Year 7 have been enjoying a ‘taste test’ of many of the sporting activities offered on campus as part of the SJPC school sporting. From Basketball, to athletics throws to gym etiquette, Year 7 have been trying their skills across a range of sports. We have once again been blessed to have the expert guidance from Rugby League and AFL Development Officers who have directed our students in the basics of their games respectively across a two-week block.

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In Term 2, Year 7 will be involved in a number of off campus sports such as Aquatics (compulsory unit - part of the PDHPE program), Golf, Tennis and Lawn Bowls. Compass events will be sent to parents soon for parental permission as part of a new process. No payment will be required, however the sporting program is essential to the overall development of our students, so all families are requested to respond by the due date.

Coming Up - Term 1 2023

Tuesday 28 March

Rugby Girls 10’s, Crescent Head

Inter-house Volleyball, College Hall

Wednesday 29 March

NSW Netball Cup Boys and Girls Year 7 - 9, Coffs

Thursday 30 March

Rugby Boys 10’s, Crescent Head

 

Year 9 on-campus sport challenge, Period 5 and 6

Monday 3 - 4 March

NSWCCC Touch football, Wagga Wagga

Tuesday 4 March

Diocesan Open Football, Kempsey

 

NSW Netball Cup boys and girls Year 9&10, Coffs

Wednesday 5 April

College Cross Country - by nomination

Thursday 28 April 

League Tag, Geoff King Motors Oval

McAra, Danielle
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

World Down Syndrome Day

Work Experience Success!

Rocco Siviour (Year 12) is currently completing work experience at Jade Hair Design and is fast becoming a much-loved member of their team. Rocco has already learnt skills such as hair washing, salon organisation, foil folds and laundry, and he looks great in his personalised apron. I think they love Rocco as much as we do!

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World Down Syndrome Day

World_Down_Syndrome_Day_21.3.23.png

World Down Syndrome Day is 21 March and on this day, people from all over the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down’s Syndrome. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.

Corsalini, Sarah
Sarah Corsalini
Leader of Inclusion and Diversity

Spectrum Spectacular Gala Ball

Spectrum spectacular Gala Ball 29.4.23


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