15 December 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 20)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Ministry Assistants
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Sports Corner
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Library Matters
- End of Year Picnic Day
- Office News
- Return to School - Term 1 2024
- SJPC Calendar Date
Thank you and Merry Christmas
What a pleasure it was to celebrate the academic and sporting success of our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students over the past fortnight. Their talents and gifts all add to what makes this a very special place to work and learn.
2023 has been another busy year, especially with all the building and refurbishment works finally coming close to the end. We truly have a special place at SJPC.
Some families will cease their relationship with the College after many years, to them, I say thankyou and wish you all the very best as you pursue other schools, other places to call home and make new discoveries. A special mention to the year 10 students who have decided to complete senior school elsewhere, may your choice bring you the rewards you are looking for.
As we draw close to the celebration of Christmas, can I remind you the real reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our saviour! Take the time with family and friends and recharge the batteries but also remember that Jesus is the reason our school exists and we are all called to develop and nourish the faith of all who work and study here.
Finally, on behalf of the staff at the College, as always, I wish you and your family a Happy and Holy Christmas. May God bless you and watch over you during the holiday period. Stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2024.
God Bless
Principal
As we approach the end of another academic year at SJPC, it is with joy and gratitude that we reflect upon the many events that have strengthened our Catholic identity and deepened our commitment to serving others.
One of the highlights of this year has been our collective effort in supporting the Coffs Harbour Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society through both the Winter and Christmas Appeals. Our fundraising efforts have made a significant impact on alleviating the hardships faced by those less fortunate in our local community and provided practical ways for our students to ‘walk the talk’ and put their faith into action.
Beyond our local efforts, SJPC has also actively engaged in global outreach initiatives. Socktober, a fundraising project led by Catholic Mission, saw our community rallying together to make ‘sockballs’ in an effort to raise awareness of the children in need in Timor-Leste. Additionally, our commitment to education was highlighted through the continued sponsorship of children's education in Kawalazi.
Reflecting on the spiritual journey of our students, this year's retreats and reflection days have provided opportunities for self-discovery and connection with our faith. These experiences have allowed our students to deepen their relationship with God and one another, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Mission Leadership Team - Mrs Janine Sawtell, the Leader of School Evangelization, and Mrs Sarah de Byl, the Leader of Catechesis. Their unwavering commitment to Youth Ministry and Religious Education in our College combined with their passion for Jesus and dedication to helping young people see the light of Christ in themselves and others is inspiring. I would also like to say a very special thank you to our 2023 Mission Assistants - Ashlinn de Dassel and Kalob Stone and wish them all the very best for their future endeavors.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year.
Mrs Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission
As Christmas approaches it can be a wonderful time to reflect on the many blessings we have. It is also a time to think about those who may struggle through this period. Many families may be struggling financially and many in our community can find Christmas a very lonely time. We may know someone for whom, this year, will be the first Christmas without a loved one. In reflecting we may ask ourselves how we can perhaps relieve others of these struggles?
Christmas reminds us of the importance of giving and sharing with friends, family and one another. Through Christmas, we know that the birth of Lord Jesus is symbolic of new beginnings. It is a chance to think about nature and the reason for our existence.
As our break draws near, let’s view the new opportunities to care for each other with hope in our minds and hearts, and answer the call with generosity of spirit and optimism.
Earlier this week each student received their academic report. Take this opportunity to stop and reflect on the role you have played in helping your child learn, not just academically but socially and emotionally as well. As James A. Baldwin (American novelist and playwright) so accurately describes:
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to work closely with the young people in your lives. I’d like to wish you a holy, happy and restful Christmas with your loved ones and look forward to doing it all again in 2024.
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
This reflection is part of Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ’s series on the season of Advent.
“I am not sure whether the Advent wreath has made a debut or a comeback. It was never a feature in the Advent liturgies of my childhood. I was an altar boy and I would remember seeing it or lighting the candles. I was always looking for something to do, for it made Mass go more quickly. In fact, the Advent wreath has a very complex history.
Wreaths go back to the Etruscans, the ancient Greeks and Romans, and symbolized all sorts of things from one’s office or status in society, a success or an achievement (the forerunner of the ribbon, medal, or plaque) to a fashion statement.
By medieval times, wreaths had come to be used in three ways: as symbols of the harvest; as the completion of the circle of life at funerals; and as an anticipation of Christ’s coming during Advent. As best as we can make out, in Europe, during dark December, green branches were found and woven together as a promise that spring was on the way, and candles were lit as a metaphor for Christ’s birth, piercing through the darkness of our sin. It may well have had an echo of the ancient relationship between Advent and Lent in that the wreath can also symbolize Jesus’ as yet un-thorned crown.
This largely German ritual was confined to people’s homes. In this regard, the ritual lighting of the candles is also a nice quotation of the ancient Jewish custom of the kindling of the Sabbath candle or, better still, the lighting of the Menorah candles during the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah, which, and not by accident, often coincides with our Advent.
The Puritans did not like the pagan origins of the Advent wreath so opposed it, but it persisted and as German Catholics and Lutherans migrated all over the world they took this domestic ritual with them as well. It caught on, and though it is not an official part of the Catholic advent liturgy, it has come to be a legitimate custom. It is a rare cathedral or church that does not now light the Advent wreath.
It’s striking that while harvest rituals and their accompanying wreaths have largely gone, the funeral and advent wreaths remain as strong as ever. During Advent, the wreath entwines both ideas: the completion of our life-long journey; along with the final unveiling, or the apocalypse, of Christ.
Without doubt, the most nagging question confronting Christians, as they contemplate the end of their lives and the end of the world, is what will the next world be like? Let me speculate on what may lie beyond the veil.
Some time ago, Pope Benedict XVI surprised a few people when he suggested that heaven, hell, and purgatory may not be places where we do time, but could be experiences through which we arrive or pass. I think he is right, not only because time and space are elements of this imperfect world, and not the next world, but also because this opens up interesting ideas about what these experiences might be like, and how rich the Catholic tradition is in this regard.
When I think of what the hereafter might be like, I turn by way of analogy to the magnificent parable of God’s mercy in Luke 15:11-24, the Prodigal Son. Here is a Jewish boy who commits two of the worst sins he could commit: he squanders his patriarch’s inheritance and is so down on his luck and would have gladly eaten what the pigs are eating. Then he decides to go home and make up with his Dad. I think that is what death is like for all of us, the final journey. This image is poignantly evoked in the final Holy Communion given to our dying, which is called “viaticum,” which literally means “food for the journey.”
Meanwhile, in the story, the Father watches and waits on the road all day, every day, for any sign of the son’s return. It is worth noting that the father did not go and club the son over the head and haul him home. The son had to put himself on the road home, which is similar to what happens when we die. We begin the final journey home. And when this extraordinary Father sees him, he rushes out, kisses him, and calls for a party, even before the kid has had a chance to finish his well-rehearsed apology. That has to be heaven. For some of us who do our best, though we also fail, we get the basics right and God, who knows our heart and has accompanied us as we have labored under the difficulties with which we have lived, does not even want the apology. We are welcomed home.
For some of us, however, the meeting with God may be personally painful because God takes our free choices very seriously. So when the extraordinary Father sees some of us, he rushes out to meet us, but when we are face to face with love itself, we are aware of the many free and knowing times we have been destructive toward ourselves, others, and our world. At that point, we will be allowed to start and finish the well-rehearsed apology, asking, indeed, in some cases begging, for forgiveness. It will cost us dearly to own what we have done, because it will be so stark, and it will cost God to forgive us. But because the Father is full of mercy and compassion, we will be cleansed, or purged in love. Echoes of this approach are found in Pope Benedict’s words when he met in 2008 with the priests and deacons of Rome during Lent: “Today we are used to thinking: What is sin? God is great, he understands us, so sin does not count, in the end God will be good toward all…. It’s a nice hope. But there is justice, and there is real blame. Those who have destroyed man (sic) and the earth cannot sit immediately at the table of God, together with their victims.”
Finally, I think there may be some of us who will make the journey home. The Father will rush to meet us, but when we are face to face with love itself, we will do what we have freely and knowingly chosen to do all our lives – we will reject God’s love and walk away, the ultimate sin, which no doubt reflects how our lives on earth were spent. That has to be hell—the abyss—to see the face of God; of love itself, and walk away from it because we always have. And the Father painfully respects our choice, even this one to reject him. As the Pope says, “… it is precisely the last judgment of God that guarantees justice…. We must speak specifically of sin as the possibility of destroying oneself, and thus also other parts of the earth.” But like the Pope, I do not think this final group is large. “Perhaps there are not so many who have destroyed themselves so completely, who are irreparable forever, who no longer have any element upon which the love of God can rest, who no longer have the slightest capacity to love within themselves. This would be hell.”
As painful as death and grief are, and the end of time may be, the Advent wreath symbolises both the completion of the cycle of life and our hope in Christ’s reign beyond time and space, where we hope and pray that our parting from those we have loved in this world is not a definitive “goodbye,” but more a “see you later.”
Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ is the author of ‘What are we waiting for? Reflections for Advent and Christmas’
Wishing all students and their families a happy and holy Christmas.
AMDG
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Interview with Ashlinn de Dassel - Ministry Assistant
What is something that students and staff may not know about you?
That I have had the amazing opportunity to be involved in songwriting and singing for the Lismore Diocese worship Team, called Proclaim Lismore Wildfire this year! The music is available on music platforms.
What is the Coolest place you have travelled to?
This year I have travelled to Spain and Portugal for World Youth Day 2023. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The places that we visited were gorgeous!! To be surrounded in the field of grace by 1.5 Million Young Catholics was an out of body experience.
What is your favourite scripture?
My Favourite piece of scripture is "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." This was given to me from a YMO when I was in year 7 and it has stuck with me since!
What has been your favourite memory in your year of ministry?
I have had so many highlights this year but one one of my favourite memories this year is making connections with the students especially through the CSYMA classes and Running awaken, sisterhood and senior ministry team. They have made a very special impact on my life!
Ashlinn de Dassel & Kalob Stone
Ministry Assistants
Year 7
Year 7 Big Banana Fun Day
On Wednesday Year 7 were given the opportunity to spend a fun day out together with their fellow peers and teachers. In the morning, students (and staff) were busy having fun at the ice skating rink, laser tag, toboggans, giant slide, 4D cinema, putt putt golf and of course the gift shop! We then had a BBQ lunch (thank you student services staff for cooking) and spent the afternoon having fun on the slides in the water park.
I would like to thank all students for their exemplary behaviour and to all the staff for their constant supervision of the students and as previously mentioned for the cooking and distribution of lunch for our students. It’s not an easy job feeding 200 people!
In closing, I would like to thank the homeroom team for a wonderful year and for caring for our Year 7 students during their first year of high school. To Anneliese Mills, Mark Hoare, Jana Elling, Sally Poidevin, Megan Henry, Sam Meredith, Brett Bujeya and Louis Van Dartel thank you so much. To Jana, we wish you all the best in becoming a mum for the first time and eagerly await the arrival of your new bub. Sam, we wish you a safe trip as you travel the world next year and hope you come back to us!
I wish all Year 7 families a safe, holy and happy Christmas and I look forward to you all returning bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for another great year!!
God Bless!
Year 8
Christmas message
As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on another year that has been a remarkable journey filled with growth, laughter, and unforgettable moments for Year 8.
To all students (and their families), as you head off to holidays, and next year embark on new adventures and challenges, I want to express my pride in the individuals you are growing to become. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience have left an indelible mark on our school community this year.
This festive season, as we gather with loved ones and reflect on the year gone by, I hope you cherish the memories you've created together. May the joy of the season fill your hearts with warmth and the promise of a bright future.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the holidays bring you rest, joy, and the company of those you hold dear.
Wet n' Wild
Our Year 8 students recently embarked on the annual exhilarating and unforgettable excursion to Wet'n'Wild, a day filled with adventure, fun, and opportunities for social interaction outside the traditional classroom setting.
Upon arrival, students were greeted with a burst of excitement as they explored the vast array of water attractions available at Wet'n'Wild. The park offered a diverse range of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, providing thrills for adrenaline seekers and a more relaxed experience for those seeking a leisurely day out.
Highlights of the trip included:
- The Tornado: A heart-pounding ride that sent students spiraling down a massive funnel before splashing into the pool below.
- The Aqua Racer: A competitive water slide where students raced each other down intertwining slides, adding an element of friendly competition to the day.
- Calypso Beach: The wave pool that allowed students to relax in the sun or ride the waves with their friends.
The day was a great success, providing students with a day of adventure, laughter, shared memories, and a little sunburn. I’d like to thank the students for their exemplary behaviour and also the staff that traveled and supported the students on such a long, but rewarding day.
3 x 3 Basketball Schools Tournament
The school's outstanding performance at the recent 3 x 3 basketball tournament held in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday, December 6th was nothing short of amazing. Our school proudly sent eight teams to compete, showcasing the talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship of our students.
Out of our eight teams that participated, an impressive four of them advanced to the grand finals, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young athletes.
The 7/8 boys' team displayed incredible resilience in their game against Coffs Harbour High. Despite a nail-biting overtime period, they ultimately fell short, with a final score of 7-9. Nevertheless, their determination and effort were commendable, making us proud of their performance.
The 7/8 girls' team, on the other hand, emerged victorious in their match against Orara High, securing a well-deserved win with a final score of 7-5. Their strategic plays and teamwork were truly commendable, showcasing the strength of our girls' regular basketball program.
In the 9/10 boys' division, our team faced off against Nambucca High and emerged triumphant with a convincing score of 10-5. The boys demonstrated exceptional skill and coordination, reflecting the hard work put in during the selection tournament.
The 9/10 girls' team continued the winning streak in their match against Orara High, securing an impressive victory with a final score of 14-5. The girls exhibited both skill and sportsmanship, making their coaches and school community proud.
I thank the dedicated staff who guided our teams throughout the tournament, to Matt Hiddlestone, Jessi Reeves, and Jayden Duff.
The success of our 3 x 3 basketball teams is a testament to the talent and dedication within our school community and a wonderful to finish the 2023 SJPC representative sport year.
Girls Tackle 7’s Competition
The NRL has created a school-based evening competition to promote girls' Tackle 7s League. Several teams will be submitted under the SJPC umbrella in the U14 and U16 divisions. The competition will run from Thursday 29 February to Thursday 4 April from 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Geoff King Motors Oval. Students are asked to sign up individually or as part of a team on the sports classroom to nominate for a team in weeks 1 and 2 of Term 1, 2024. Parents are also encouraged to coach or manage the teams. If you are an accredited League coach or manager or are simply happy to help out, please email me directly on danielle.mcara@lism.catholic.edu.au or nominate through the student sign-up form. This competition is not run by the College, however, like other local competitions, students will wear SJPC uniforms.
2024 Representative Sport
Students are encouraged to view dates for their favourite sports via the sports calendars on Sport Classroom (released in early 2024) and on the Palace noticeboard.
Some sports have opened for sign up via the CCC individual pathway. Please see the message from NSWCCC below.
A message from CCC
All individual sports registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT website. The parent must have an account and add their child to have access. (Sport Registration HELP available on sport info page)
More details are available on the csnsw.sport website
NSWCCC Softball Selections - close date 7 February 2024 - Selection date - Tuesday, 13 February at Stanhope Gardens - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/softball
NSW All Schools Triathlon - close date 7 February 2024 - Championship date - Wednesday, 21 February at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/triathlon
NSWCCC Baseball Selections - close date 22 February 2024 - Selection date - Tuesday, 5 March at Castle Glen 1 & 2, Castle Hill - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/baseball
NSWCCC Tennis Selections - close date 22 February 2024 - Selection date - Monday, 4 March at North Parramatta Tennis Courts - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/tennis
NSWCCC Golf Selections - close date 29 February 2024 - Selection date Monday, 11 March at Belmont Golf Club - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/golf
In 2024, 3 new pathways will be introduced. NSWCCC will be opening an Expression of Interest registration for these next week to assist in conducting selections to finalise NSWCCC teams -
- 15 Years & Under Cricket - boys & girls
- 15 Years & Under Volleyball - boys & girls https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/volleyball
- 18 Years & Under Bowls - boys & girls
SCHOOL TEAMS - NSW All Schools Triathlon Schools Relays - to be registered by the school sports coordinator or Principal only.
Close date - 7 February - Championship date - Thursday, 22 February at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith - More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/triathlon - use Schools Based Competition tab. https://csnsw.sport/triathlon-form
Related Link
Diocesan AFL trials
For the first time, the Diocese is involved in an AFL selection process to select a team for the Northern state to attend the CCC AFL trials. Students have been asked to complete an expression of interest form for the 2024 Northern 15-years Boys AFL Trial on the 26th of March 2024 at Warners Bay. Students who play AFL to a high standard are invited to complete the form on the Diocesan Sport Website under registrations. Only some students will be selected to attend the trials. Please contact Mrs McAra if you have any questions.
Diocesan Touch Football Trials
The Lismore Diocese will be holding trials for 15 Boys, 15 Girls, Open Boys & Open Girls Touch Teams on Tuesday 27 February in Sawtell. The start time of these trials is 9am, with an approximate finish time of 2pm. To nominate for these teams, please fill out the form below. Students will then be selected to trial for each squad and a team will be chosen at the trials.
Diocesan Teams will compete at the NSWCCC Touch Football Selection Trials at Tuggerah, Central Coast, on the 9 - 10 April (the tournament also doubles as the NSWCCC Diocesan Championships). The closing date for nominations is Friday 9 February 2024. Students selected to trial will be published on the Lismore Diocesan Sport Website.
*The cost of the trial will be $12 plus any applicable travel costs to be paid to your school's coordinator upon selection to trial. Your school's sports coordinator will provide information to you regarding the total cost of the excursion if you are selected to trial.
** PLEASE NOTE: In nominating for these trials, you are committing to travel to travel to Tuggerah, Central Coast if selected. This will require private transport to the venue at the athlete's expense.
Lismore Diocese Touch Football Nomination form
Final note
Thank you to the staff who supported the representative sports program this year. Some 35 staff were available to select, train, coach, guide, and manage our students. Throughout 2023, 103 teams were entered across 21 different sports in 63 different local, regional, state and Australian events. Thank you also to the parents who support our students so that they may undertake these sporting opportunities available at SJPC!
Coming up
Term 1 2024
| Friday 16 Feb |
College Swimming Carnival, Coffs Harbour |
| Wednesday 21 & 22 Feb |
All Schools Triathlon, Sydney |
| Tuesday 27 Feb |
Diocesan Individual Touch Football trials, Sawtell |
| Tuesday 5 March |
Diocesan Individual League and Football Trials, Lismore |
| Thursday 7 March |
Diocesan Swimming Carnival |
| Tuesday 12 March |
Diocesan Teams Tennis Championship, Tweed Heads |
| Tuesday 26 March |
NSW Netball Cup, Coffs Harbour |
| Tuesday 2 April |
Diocesan Open Soccer Championships, Kempsey |
| Friday 5 April |
Diocesan Individual Netball Trials, Coffs Harbour |
| Thursday 14 April |
Diocesan Open Basketball Championships, Coffs Harbour |
Leader of Sport
Year 10 Visual Arts students explored the idea of art vs craft by using two forms that were once deemed craft, clay, and weaving, to make a clay vessel that combined weaving and found objects. They also explored the physical properties of working in porcelain to make organic pods inspired by nature and the work of Juzz Kitson.
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Music Tuition Program
We would like to thank our music tuition team ‘Mr Peter Skelton’ and ‘Mr Danny Stitt’ for their continued work in providing our students with the highest levels of music education. Next year we welcome back Mr Tony Rowley, who will be joining the team as our Guitar teacher.
If you are interested in lessons for Guitar, Bass or Drums please contact our music staff for more information.
Leader of Learning - Music & Drama
There are many students who still have resources borrowed in their name. Please look for these over the holidays and return them on the first day back at school next year as many are required for students early term 1. Students who still have resources borrowed will not be able to borrow until the resource has been returned or paid for.
If you have borrowed for holiday reading please remember to bring these books back on the first day.
Happy holiday reading!
Sharon Brennan
Leader Learning Technology
Teacher Librarian
Finance
For fee related enquiries and payment plan assistance, please contact the Catholic Schools Office by email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholi
The Catholic Schools Office Fee EnquiryCompass - Attendance and Permission to Leave School during the Day - Early Departure
Please note early departures or late arrivals cannot be submitted as an attendance note via the Compass App. Only full day absences can be submitted using the attendance note via the Compass App.
Students must have a written note from their parents/carers, giving an explanation and requesting permission to leave the College at a specific time. Students must take the note to the College Office before school and a Compass reminder notice is uploaded on the student's dashboard. At the allocated time, students must return to the College Office to formally sign out for the day and return the handwritten note.
For urgent appointments or requests to leave the College without a written note, parents/carers are required to collect their student from the College Office. Students will not be dismissed from class until parents/carers arrival at the College Office. Please allow enough time for the Office staff to retrieve students, as there could be delays leaving the Office. If students are able to bring a note in the morning this will alleviate any delay.
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.
SJPC Communication - 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
Lost Property
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Arriving Late or Returning from an Appointment
Students MUST sign in at the College Office if they are arriving late to school or if students are returning to school after an appointment.
Uniform Shop
2024 Holiday Trading Hours on Monday 15 January 2024.
Uniform Price List 2024
Stationery List 2024
Week 1B - Monday 29 January - Friday 2 February |
| Tues 30 Jan | Staff | Staff Return |
| Wed 31 Jan | Yr 7, 11 & new | First day for Year 7, 11 & new enrolments |
| Thurs 1 Feb | All | First day for Year 8, 9, 10 & 12 |
Week 2A - Monday 5 February - Friday 9 February |
| Tues 6 Feb | All | School Photos |
| Wed 7 Feb | All | Swimming Carnival |
Term Dates 2024
Term 1 |
| Wed 31 Jan | Years 7, 11 & new enrolments commence |
| Thurs 1 Feb | All students commence |
| Fri 12 April | Last day of Term 1 |
Term 2 |
| Tues 30 April | All students commence |
| Thurs 4 July | Last day of Term 2 |
Term 3 |
| Tues 23 July | All students commence |
| Fri 27 Sept | Last day of Term 3 |
Term 4 |
| Tues 15 Oct | All students commence |
| Wed 18 Dec | Last day of Term 4 |