5 June 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 8)

“A teenager’s brain is only about 80 percent developed,” says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo. “Teens have extra unconnected synapses in the area where risk-assessment occurs, and this gets in the way of judgement. In addition, the prefrontal cortex is underdeveloped, which makes teens more sensitive to peer pressure and risky, impulsive behavior.”

The concept of peer pressure in adolescents, over time, has tended to have negative connotations. When in fact influence from our peers may also present itself in a manner that helps us to grow and thrive. At times, our young people may need guidance in choosing their peers as they navigate through these formative years.

Peer influence is when we choose to do something we wouldn’t otherwise do, because we want to feel accepted and valued by our friends. It isn’t just or always about doing something against our will.

We might hear the term ‘peer pressure’ used a lot. But peer influence is a better way to describe how teenagers’ behaviour is shaped by wanting to feel they belong to a group of friends or peers.

Peer pressure and influence can be positive. For example, our young people might be influenced to become more assertive, try new activities or get more involved with school.

It’s normal to worry that our children are being influenced too much by their peers, or that they’re compromising on their values (or ours) to fit in with their friends. It’s also normal to worry that our child won’t be able to say no if they get pressure to try risky things, like truancy or vaping. But listening to the same music and dressing in the same way as friends doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will also do antisocial or risky things.

If your child is happy with who they are and their choices and values, they’re less likely to be influenced by other people. Your child might choose to do some things that their friends do, but not others. And your influence is important here – it’s the biggest factor shaping your child’s values and long-term choices. This is closely related to my last newsletter where I discussed the need to keep communication lines open.

As a parent, the rules really aren’t that different from when your child was a toddler:

• *Keep a good watch over them
• *Communicate when they’re entering a danger zone
• *Intervene when necessary, especially if their physical and mental health are at stake.

It’s important to remember that peer influence and pressure is a normal part of adolescence. As your child starts moving away from the parent-child relationship and seeking their own independence and identity, their peers will become more important to them. 

While peer pressure can be difficult, it isn't always a bad thing. Positive peer pressure can be a valuable part of learning how to socialise and even growing as a person. The type of peer pressure your child is experiencing depends on the peer group they socialise with as well as the larger social groups they interact with, both in person and online.

Until next time:

Yr 12 Ignite the Future- Pentecost Mass

On Wednesday, the Year 12 students gathered to commemorate Pentecost, the significant day marking the birth of the Church. The Mass was designed to align with The Emmaus Project, emphasizing the gospel message "You are the light of the World" (Matthew 5:14-16) and its theme of igniting the future.

During the Mass, our school chaplain, Father Joe, skillfully incorporated the senior retreat theme of "Quo Vadis" (Where are you going?) along with the celebration of Pentecost. He aimed to inspire our students by reminding them that, like the Apostles, they are blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Father Joe encouraged them to identify the "Salt" in their lives—the driving force that would ignite their passions and endeavors. He further emphasized that the Spirit would infuse them with courage as they embark on their journey beyond our school, illuminating the world with their unique gifts and talents. 

It was lovely to spend time after the Mass with our seniors and celebrate the birthday of the church with a cake. Fr Joe also enjoyed talking with Yr 12 and finding out what their plans were for the future.

Interview with Bronte Ford - Year 7 Student

What is your favourite colour and why?

I love all colours but if I had to pick some I would pick Yellow, Orange and Red because they are vivid and bright. It makes a warm feeling in my soul when I see them.

What is your favourite place you have visited and why?

I think Fiji because I love how peaceful it is and you can just chill at the beach all day!

Why do you choose to come to the lunchtime ministry activities?

I think it's a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more.

Describe one way that Jesus has changed your life?

Jesus changed my life by teaching me what is right and what is wrong.

Ashlinn de Dassel & Kalob Stone
Ministry Assistants

Loan Devices

Parents are reminded that if a student needs to borrow a device they must bring a note from home stating that their device is not working and is being repaired.

Devices are lent for 2 weeks free of charge and are charged at $60 per month after that. Please note that there is a limited number of these Chromebooks available for short term loans.

All parents are advised to check the condition of their child’s device. Many are not working efficiently and your child is having difficulties meeting daily technology requirements.  Please consider replacing these devices.

Please take into consideration the following:

A student's device:

• should be under three years old and running an up to date operating system
• must be able to operate without charging whilst at school
• should be portable and comfortable for the student to carry
• must have a minimum screen size of 9.7 inches
• must be able to switch off bluetooth communications

Sharon Brennan
Leader Learning Technology
Teacher Librarian

A Sneak Peek of the 2023 SJPC Archibald Prize

Our Year 10 Elective Visual Arts class has risen to the challenge of completing their portraits for the 2023 SJPC Archibald Prize. The students wrestled with the immense challenge of immortalising a member of our extended SJPC community in paint. The fourteen-week project challenged every student, stretching them beyond their comfort zones as they worked tirelessly to complete a portrait of their chosen sitter. The result? All students have produced diverse, high-calibre portraits. 

Take a sneak peek of some close-up details before the grand reveal. More to come soon!

Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts

Year Gr8 Student Spotlight!

This week's Yr Gr8 student spotlight is on Ollie Jones who is part of the College Student Leadership Team as a Year 8 representative. She also has an enjoyable and busy time juggling school work plus training and competing in Gymnastics outside of school. 

Recently Ollie competed in Port Macquarie and her Mum reported that “She did very well…placing 2nd on Floor competition, 2nd on vault, 3rd on beam and 5th on bars making her place 3rd overall, winning a bronze medal”. Well done Ollie and keep an eye out for her in the Olympic team in Brisbane 2032!

If families have any photos or stories to share, please forward them to mark.coster@lism.catholic.edu.au and they could become our next Year 8 student in the spotlight.

Mark Coster

Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Year 11 & 12

Year 11 & 12 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 12

Year 12 Fundraising 2023

Our second major fundraising event for 2023 is fast approaching (Friday 23 June) and tables are selling fast. Please contact the College office to purchase your trivia table ($15 per seat / $150 per table). There are a limited number of tables available so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

We have a number of items available for purchase through our silent auction and eftpos will be available. Also, lots of raffle and lucky door prizes on offer! We look forward to a great night of fun and frivolity and don't forget the "Masquerade" dress-up theme.

Your ongoing support of our fundraising efforts will ensure that Wesley Mission https://www.wesleymission.org.au/ can continue to serve those in need in our Coffs Harbour Community.

Alana Johnson

Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing

Once again, the staff at SJPC have registered a team to participate in THE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE 2023. The challenge runs from 1st to 23rd June with participants completing 3144 push-ups. Tragically, this represents the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2021.

The Push-Up Challenge is a unique way to engage people in mental health. As participants, we improve our physical and mental fitness. Working with the College SRC, we will also share the daily tips that are offered to participants, so that, as a college we raise awareness and learn more about mental health.

In addition, we are raising funds for mental health. All funds raised will go towards mental health and crisis support services helping to break stigmas and provide hope to those struggling with their mental health.

 Help us push for better mental health.

Hit the link below and donate to our staff push-up team

St John Paul College staff 2023

Official Opening & Smoking Ceremony for the Yarning Circle

Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission/RAP Working Group Member

­­­­­­Year 12

In conversation with Year 12 this week I pointed out that even though it is 18 weeks until their first written HSC examination, they have only 10 weeks of class time left of their HSC courses.

This came as a shock to some, as they have not effectively utilised term planners or calendars as yet.

REMEMBER; in addition to texts, and staff expertise, the College provides access to the following resources; Edrolo, Elevate, Study Skills Handbook, and links via the HSC Curriculum Matters Google Classroom to support Year 12 in their preparation for the HSC and in class assessments.

The Trial examination timetable has been released this week to enable students to plan their study regime well in advance. All students should be focussing on what they want to achieve and be putting into place strategies to succeed. This may mean speaking with employers regarding changes to work hours to enable more time to implement their study plan

Year 11

All students are now half way through their Year 11 courses and are practising the skills required in Year 12. The focus, literacy and metacognitive skills required in these courses highlights the need for all Year 11 students to implement a comprehensive study regime and a proactive approach to learning.

Students are reminded that they are on the HSC pathway. This is the highest academic qualification that a secondary school student can acquire in NSW. Such a qualification not only requires commitment, hard work and an organised approach, but a supportive environment in which to grow. We at SJPC are committed to supporting students and are experienced in helping students take on this responsibility as learners. Use the resources we provide and ask for help when needed! 

Year 10

This is a term of contemplation and planning for Year 10 students. They have already begun thinking about their future as they attended the Careers Expo in Week 5 with their Homeroom team and Mr Corsalini.

In Week 8 they will be asked to complete a Personal Profile Reflection Booklet, which will require students to think about what they want to do with their life, what they want to study next year and where they see themselves in 2, 3 and 4 years’ time. Many are already finding the high expectations of Year 10, and meeting NESA requirements a challenge, so this is an opportunity for them to assess where they are and to set new goals.

In Week 10 this term students will be presented with their Curriculum Guide to Stage 6, with access to a website that has supporting materials, as well as opportunities to learn more about Stage 6 options and the different pathways of study available. Information regarding this process will continue to be forwarded via emails and the College Newsletter. 

Years 7 – 9 

Students in Years 7 – 9 have been receiving feedback and having conversations with their teachers about their learning and level of achievement. These conversations are vital in order to help them recognise their strengths, as well as identify areas that need further development.

This will enable new goals to be set and strategies for improvement to be implemented.

I encourage parents to also ask these questions of their children;

1. What are you learning? Why?
2. How are you doing?
3. How do you know?
4. How can you improve?
5. Where can you go for help?

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things

THE BEAUTY OF POETRY

The beauty of poetry can be found both as a reader and creator, for poetry gives us voice and allows us to connect to something larger than ourselves. When we accept the invitation to write poetry we engage in an opportunity to navigate complex topics and difficult themes and find beauty and meaning in our world. 

Poetry can be therapeutic for both the reader and the writer. Poetry allows us to find solace in times of grief, joy in times of beauty and celebration and hope in times of despair and question.

Enjoy this read as Paul Kelly shares ways that we can embrace poetry.

ABC: Paul Kelly Talks Poetry 

Word of the Week 

Mnemonic (noun)

DEFINITION assisting or intending to assist memory

IN A SENTENCE I taught my young children mnemonics so that they could remember emergency information.

Altruism (noun)

DEFINITION: Unselfish concern for other people’s happiness and welfare. 

IN A SENTENCE We should celebrate those who show genuine altruism and dedication and commitment to helping others.

Our writer of the week has found value and beauty in writing poetry. She is to be commended for her passion for poetry and her effort to seek advice on improving her craft.

Well done, Bonnie.

In our commitment to fostering the holistic development of our students, St John Paul College embarked on an exciting venture as part of our enriching Pastoral program. Welcoming the spirited participants from Year 9, we organized a  three-day camp at the picturesque Great Aussie Bush Camp located in the serene Tea Gardens. This extraordinary opportunity allowed our young adults to step out of their comfort zones and explore new horizons, reinforcing their role as the future leaders of our society.

Aligning seamlessly with our Emmaus Project Gospel and its corresponding theme of Luke 6: 27-36, which encourages us to "Love your enemies," the camp imbued the students with a profound sense of purpose and provided a unique opportunity to emulate the teachings of Jesus himself. Through their participation, they were encouraged to respond to challenges by embodying love, leadership, and unwavering support for their peers, thereby reinforcing the values that underpin our educational mission.

The overarching objective of this transformative camp was to foster the growth of meaningful relationships among the students, encouraging them to forge bonds that extend beyond the conventional confines of the classroom. By engaging in a series of carefully curated challenges, the participants were afforded the chance to not only gain a deeper understanding of their own capabilities but also develop a profound appreciation for the diverse strengths and talents within their cohort.

Despite the inclement weather that cast a shroud of rain and cold over the camp, the students demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering enthusiasm throughout the entire experience. They embraced the opportunity to challenge themselves and their peers, propelling each other forward on this collective journey of personal growth. Walking side by side, they embodied the essence of solidarity and camaraderie, truly epitomizing the notion of "walking with others" as espoused by our Emmaus Project Gospel.

Undoubtedly, this immersive camp proved to be a profoundly enriching and unforgettable experience for all involved. Furthermore, it extended beyond the students themselves, offering a rare chance for our dedicated homeroom teachers to forge stronger connections with their homerooms in an entirely novel environment. Witnessing the transformative power of this camp, our teachers had the privilege of gaining fresh insights into the unique qualities and potentials of their students, fostering a stronger sense of community within our year level. 

The Great Aussie Bush Camp provided an invaluable platform for our Year 9 students to explore their leadership potential, cultivate essential interpersonal skills, and strengthen the bonds that form the bedrock of our school community. The resounding success of this camp serves as a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning and the indomitable spirit that thrives within each and every student of St John Paul College.

Finance

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

Year 7 Adolescent Vaccination Program - Tuesday 6 June 2023

You can now provide online consent for your child's routine school vaccinations.

In Year 7, students are offered vaccines for Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (dTpa) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination will only be provided at School if consent has been received.

How to provide consent:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: NSW Health Service - Consent Online School Vaccinations

2. Click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in using your Service NSW details. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s license. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.

3. Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.

4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child.

You will need to:
a) Enter your child’s personal details
b) Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c) Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
d) Provide consent

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from the College Office.

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination

Translated information about school vaccination is available in 27 languages, please visit: 
www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx

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.

The amazing Emerald Island Distillery and Skinb kindly donated a hamper worth over $400!!! Including a range of the divine Emerald Island Gins, mixers, garnishes and chocolates. Skinb donated a beautiful organic DIY skin care kit.

The raffle raised $440.20 which will be donated to Warrina Women’s Shelter. 

Emerald Island Gin and Skinb are local businesses that sell their products online and at our local Harbourside Markets at the Jetty and the Thursday Growers Markets in the CBD. 

Let’s get behind these amazing local small business owners!