13 March 2020 - Newsletter (Vol 37 No 4)

Coronavirus Update

A number of families have made contact with the College asking what our plans are should we have members of the community diagnosed with the virus. Please be assured that we are receiving regular updates from NSW Health and the Catholic Schools Office with guidance and information relevant to the normal operation of the College.
There is plenty of soap in all bathrooms and we have hand sanitizer in the student office area as well.
If your child is experiencing flu like symptoms, PLEASE DO NOT SEND THEM TO SCHOOL until you have seen a doctor or received medical advice. Some families have contacted the College and advised us that they have self-quarantined their children, and we appreciate that these decisions have been made.

The World Health Organization suggest the following protective measures on their website:

• Wash hands regularly
• Maintain social distancing
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when you sneeze or cough
• Seek medical care early if you have a fever.

God bless
 

Michael Carniato
Principal

Since arriving at St John Paul College, I have continued to be amazed by the experience of community that has been on show. In his book When All Is Said And Done, Neale Daniher constantly returns to the role community has played in his life, whether it be initially his family on the farm, his time at Ascension College, at Essendon football club or in the most recent time as he leads the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The power of supporting each other is something that we should never under estimate.

The initial two staff days of the year consisted of the regular meetings and organisation that comes with every school, however it all occurred within an atmosphere of care for one another. Similarly, the support the students and parents have shown for one another in the sense of community has been clearly obvious. The swimming carnival was a great opportunity for the College to come together and celebrate the athletic ability of its students in a friendly atmosphere. In the past week the Year 7 cohort had their Belonging Day and Night and were joined by an energetic group of Year 10 students who shadowed and supported them throughout their activities. In the evening the students and parents came together for a liturgy and meal to celebrate the successful transition into high school. On Tuesday evening a group of enthusiastic parents attended the first Parents and Friends meeting for the year, while over 250 students from many year groups enjoyed the College Social in the Hall. To finish off what was a very busy week, Mr Tim Davis hosted a carers and sons evening on Friday night.

All of these events took effort to organise and attend however, they are a very important aspect of College life. Students and families are continually encouraged to support the College’s Code of Conduct which highlights the need for engagement for all students.

A final reminder to all parents that the first free Parenting Ideas webinar entitled “Future Proofing your Child” will air on Wednesday 18 March at 8:00PM. All parents are encouraged to go to the Parenting Ideas website, click on webinars and add the voucher code of FUTURE to avoid the $37 regular charge. Any feedback will be welcomed.

Until next week:

Remember; ’it takes a village to raise a child’.

At this point in the term there are many assessment notifications being posted by teachers and a variety of assignments and assessment tasks being submitted across  Years 7-12. One common question asked of me is how parents can gain access to Google Classroom?
At SJPC we use Google Classroom for most subjects as a way of disseminating assessment tasks, homework, lesson content and any supplementary notes for lessons or revision. This platform also allows for marking homework, assessment feedback and links to other resources.
Therefore, having parental access to this Google platform is a way of engaging in student learning and feedback. The following was created by our IT Staff. 

Google Classroom - Guardian Summaries

When a guardian accepts an invitation from a teacher, they get regular emails about their student’s work and classes. These emails, known as guardian email summaries, include information about missing work, upcoming work, and class activity. Your student’s teacher sends you the email invitation. After you accept the invitation, you get regular email summaries of your student’s work.

Guardian email summaries - an explanation and example photo of email summary.

 FAQS - and common questions

Can I sign into my child’s google classroom?  
No, Guardians can't access Classroom or their child's assignments due to privacy laws. Guardians can only get email summaries, if your child's teacher allows it.
Reasons this may not be working

• A teacher may not have a google classroom
• Teacher has not turned on the ‘Guardian email summaries’ setting
• No Guardian is entered against a student.
• The invitation was sent but not accepted. 
• Guardian can search email, or teacher can remove guardian then add them back in. You may have to logout for this to work.
• Incorrect guardian email address

Our College’s subscription details to Study Skills Handbook are -
Username: stjohnpaul
Password: 89success

As was the case in 2019, we have access to the Elevate Education Student Portal. 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.

Good luck to all parents and students with the upcoming assessment tasks and please speak to your relevant class teacher if there are any issues with Google Classroom or assessment tasks.  

James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

UPCOMING RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Kairos Retreat – for senior students

On the 5 – 8 April, 20 senior SJPC students will travel to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an in-depth faith-based retreat. Kairos is an annual college retreat run by teachers, youth ministry officers and student leaders who have attended Kairos before. This is an exciting opportunity for a small group of senior students. Due to diocesan financial support, the cost has been reduced to $100 per student. There are a small number of spots remaining – if your son or daughter is interested, please print the attached permission note and submit to the front office as soon as possible. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this unique retreat opportunity.

Ignite Launch at Dreamworld – for Year 7-9 students

On Saturday 16 May, a large group of junior SJPC students will travel to Dreamworld on a chartered coach for a full day of fun in the theme park. At closing time, all Ignite Launch participants will stay behind for a supplied dinner and a high energy Catholic Youth Party – music, dancing and an engaging talk from one of the Ignite Youth members. Further information is available here. Discounts are available for students with a Dreamworld pass - please see the attached permission note for details. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this action-packed day out.

It is that time of term where students are preparing for their first assessment tasks in Years 7 – 11.  All Stage 5 and 6 students have been presented with the information and protocols surrounding Assessments at the College, and all students know how to access their Assessment calendars and Handbooks via the College extranet. Years 10, 11 and 12 also have a designated Curriculum Matters Google Classroom on which this information is posted. Year 8 were presented with this information this week.

How Can Parents Help?

Helping your child in the development of effective study routines and communicating with them about what they need to do and how to organise their time is important.  Discussing their goals and how to plan their study time around sport, work and family commitments will help them stay on top of the workload requirement of high school.

The following strategies have been shown to assist students in developing positive attitudes and behaviours towards learning;

• Develop daily routines
• Organise a weekly timetable around activities – see Elevate and Study Workbook resources
• Set short term achievable goals and celebrate when they achieve them!
• Show interest in, and discuss their homework plus what they are studying at school.
• Build a relationship with the College
• Get to know their friends

NESA also provides information to parents regarding their child’s education and how they can best support them during their time at school. NESA Parents guide

An interesting panel discussion on  QandA last Monday night about education. Education: Are We Failing?   https://www.abc.net.au/qanda

I hope you have found this information helpful and I look forward to continue to support you and your children in achieving their learning goals.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Getting the most out of Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Parent-teacher-student conferences provide you with a wonderful opportunity to:

• learn more about your child’s academic, emotional and social development
• meet and get to know your child’s teachers
• share information with your child’s teachers to help them understand more about your child
• make plans with teachers about how you can all support your child
• show your child that teachers and parents work in partnership to assist in the child’s learning
• build a relationship with your child's school

Even if you don’t have any particular concerns, attending parent-teacher-student conferences is one way to show your child that you’re interested in his/her learning needs and what’s happening for him/her at school. Bring your child with you so they can contribute to the conversation and feel that their voice is being heard.

Additionally, as older children and teenagers don’t always talk openly about what’s happening for them at school, these conferences provide you with a good opportunity to hear about how your child is going, from someone other than your child.

To get the most out of parent-teacher-student conferences, it helps to be well prepared. One of the first things you can do is read your child’s latest school report, jot down anything you want to ask about and take this with you to the conferences.

As you are no doubt aware, next week's parent-teacher-student conferences have been cancelled. Please feel free to contact your child's teachers via email if you wish to receive feedback about their progress.

Gifted Awareness Week Connect Series

Leanne Gennat
Leader of Pedagogy

Information regarding Canberra 2020

We are looking forward to a wonderful experience in Week 3 of Term 2 with your Year 10 child. The students will be accompanied by Mr Michael Carniato (Principal), Mr James Furey (Assistant Principal), Mr Mark Sultana (Year 10 Co-ordinator) Ms Sharon Brennan, Mr Lex Carruthers and Ms Bridget Punch (tour organiser).
Below are some photos of our current Year 12’s during their Canberra experience in 2018.

A permission note, which will be issued towards the end of this term. needs to be returned before the end of Week 1 in Term 2. This will provide us with up-to-date information regarding health and dietary requirements.

Travel to Canberra
A pillow and a small blanket are needed for the overnight bus trip. Departure times to come.

NO SOFT DRINKS, ENERGY DRINKS, JUICES OR JUNK FOOD are to be consumed whilst travelling. We will make 1 scheduled toilet stop between Coffs and Goulburn. However, there are toilets available on the bus for emergencies.

Travel home to Coffs Harbour
Our expected return time is 11pm on Friday 15^th May. Students will contact you when we are near. College gates will open 15 minutes before arrival.

Medical Details
If your child requires staff supervision for the administering of any medications, please bring the medications in a clear, plastic zip lock bag with the student’s name and dosage instructions on a piece of paper inside the bag. Please pass to Mr Sultana upon arrival.

Food
Students will need money to purchase the following (allow approximately $15 for main meals, depending on appetite!):

• Breakfast Monday morning (Goulburn Big Merino, eg. McDonalds, Trappers Bakery)
• Lunch Monday (Manuka shops)
• Afternoon tea Thursday
• Lunch Friday Goulburn
• Dinner Friday (Pacific Hwy north of Sydney)

Students should bring some snacks and a bottle of water to keep in their bag (for day trips) for morning/ afternoon tea.
Whilst travelling long distances, students may not drink juices, soft drinks or energy drinks.

Clothing
Canberra in May can be cool. Make sure students pack appropriate clothes for the public venues of national significance we will be visiting.

Teachers will have the final say on whether chosen outfits are appropriate or not.

• No ripped jeans
• A Year 10 sport shirt for Parliament House and for the War Memorial
• 1 pair of neat, long pants (for War Memorial and Parliament House)
• A warm jacket/hoodie
• Comfortable clothes to wear during the day
• Closed in, comfortable for walking footwear for day activities (not sandals or high heels)
• Thongs may be worn at the accommodation
• A rain jacket if you have one

Miscellaneous

• A small daypack/day bag for snacks etc.
• An umbrella. There is some walking outdoors and it may be raining.
• Toiletries
• Money for souvenirs or snacks

Please note
Due to security, do not bring valuables such as iPads, computers, PlayStations etc. At times, daypacks will be put into cloakrooms or left on the bus.
Final Canberra payments are due on April 8.

Students in Year 10 have wrapped up their research into a soldier’s experiences in the First World War through researching archival records. With Anzac Day coming up soon, the hope is that these students, through their engagement with this independent investigation, will gain a greater appreciation of the contributions made by Australian servicemen and women.

Here is some feedback from the students about the work that they have been doing:

My learning experiences about WW1 have been worthwhile because it’s an important part of history and I wouldn't know much about it if we didn’t do it in school. It’s been useful because it gives us a time where we can reach a family member whose past we may of not know a lot about. (Zoe)

Learning about WW1 has been a worthwhile experience because to me it’s important to be educated about the war and why it happened. It’s interesting to learn about the soldier’s experiences in war. I like researching about a real soldier because it’s interesting getting to know someone who was in the WW1 by using their service records. (Joely)

My learning experience with the topic of World War 1 has personally been really interesting and worthwhile. Before studying and doing the assessment I was unaware that I had multiple family relatives that risked their lives and served as part of the Australian Imperial Forces throughout WW1. (Isabella)

I have really enjoyed this topic and I think it is very important that the youth of our country get a better understanding on what our soldiers went through. (Alexie)

The learning of WW1 in my opinion has been a worthwhile experience. I believe this because it really shows us what the soldiers of that time really did for us and their motives for wanting to do it. I have been given a better understanding of WW1 and what the soldiers had to go through (Jackson)

Bridget Punch
Leader of Learning - History

Triathlon Report

On Wednesday and Thursday of week 5 a number of athletes attended the All Schools triathlon in Penrith. The event was held over two days. Individual races were on Wednesday and the team’s events was conducted on the Thursday.

Cooper Marle competed in the junior division (12-14Yrs). This race comprised of a 400m swim, 10km bike ride and 3km run.  He completed the three disciplines in a time of just under 39 minutes to finish in 21st position overall out of 149 competitors and 4th overall out of the 30 combined Catholic Colleges category (CCC) competitors. He was only 3 seconds off finishing on the podium in this category. His race was interrupted for over an hour due to a serious injury in the female event. The organisers did an amazing job caring for the athlete in question. This included accessing the CareFlight helicopter to assist in her treatment. The race resumed with a final 5km bike and 3km run. Because of the mass start after the interruption, it was impossible to determine finishing positions until after the event concluded and times were adjusted. 

The intermediate division (15-16Yrs) included 4 athletes from SJPC. This event was comprised of a 600m swim, 15km bike ride and 4km run. Lachlan Marle completed the distance in a little under 55 minutes placing 26th overall out of 118 male competitors and 10th in CCC out of 40. Tom Ylinen finished in 47th position and 14th in CCC. Molly Irving finished in 71st position in the female category and 14th in the CCC division. Josh Gordon withdraw after the ride due to a leg injury. He is keen to represent again next year when he will be eligible for the same age group.

On Thursday the teams event was held. This is the largest single day school event in Australia with over 2000 competitors participating.  The intermediate relay of swimmer Cooper Marle, rider Thomas Ylinen and runner Lachlan Marle finished in 23rd position overall out of 282 teams and 7th in CCC out of 47 teams. Many schools do not bring triathletes, just their best swimmer, cyclist and runner, so this was an outstanding result from these boys.

Fitness Test

Students in years 7 -10 have been participating in the multi-stage fitness test or ‘beep test’ as it is more commonly known. The idea behind completing this task is to promote and assess aerobic or cardiovascular endurance.  We have started an ‘honour board’ in the PE staffroom that recognises the boy and girl with the highest score in each year level.

We understand that not all students will do well in this test, but encourage everyone to attempt to improve their result throughout the year and set themselves a realistic goal.

Parents please discuss your child’s result and how you can assist with this improvement. Compare your child’s results with honour board results and the norms in the table below. Remember the recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes per day at least 4-5 times per week. Why not make this a family goal?

Year Level	Name	Progressive result
7	Riley Woods Jade Newton	Level 12.5 Level 9.6
8	Beau Guthrie Charlize Morrison	Level 12.3 Level 10.1
9	Finn Klinkers Zara Temesi	Level 13.7 Level 11.3
10	Jayden Duff Layla McDonald	Level 14.3 Level 10.2

Male beep test norms

Female beep test norms

Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Sports Corner

Triathlon
Five students represented the College in the Individual NSW All Schools Triathlon event in Sydney on 26 February. Under extreme heat conditions and events having to be restarted our students performed exceptionally well. Our top finishers were Cooper Marle who finished 4th in CCC, Lachlan Marle 10th, Molly Irving 13th and Tom Ylinen 14th in their respective divisions. Cooper, Lachlan and Thomas backed up the following day to compete in the Team event, finishing a very credible 7th in CCC. A massive thank you to Mr Kurt Marle who organised and accompanied the team to Sydney.

Diocesan Touch Football Trials
10 of our students attended the trials in Coffs Harbour on 3rd March. Of those students, Ruby Flanders was successful in her selection in the U15 Girls Touch team, while sister India was chosen as a shadow player for the Open Girls team. This is an outstanding result as both are at the bottom of their respective age groups playing against students up to two years older. Congratulations to all students who attended.

Diocesan Swimming Championships
With a number of last minute withdrawals, 22 students ended up travelling to Lismore on 5th March to represent SJPC at the Lismore Diocese Swimming Championships. Many personal bests and CCC qualifying swims were achieved throughout the day by our dedicated and well behaved students. Highlights include the Junior and Intermediate girls 4 x 50m Freestyle relay teams qualifying to represent the Diocese as well as outstanding individual performances from Alexis French, Riley Andrews, Alexander Main, Jacob Pratt and Maddison O’Leary to also gain qualification to CCC. To top an awesome day off, Riley Andrews was named Diocesan 14 years Girls Age Champion, Alexander Main Diocesan 12 year Boys Champion.
A massive thank you to our amazing coach (and parent), Mrs Kim Roach, and manager extraordinaire, Mrs Debbie Kimber for the time and effort given to our team. This was a hugely successful carnival with half of the team qualifying to represent Lismore Diocese in Sydney later in the month!

CCC Tennis
Once again, Connor Hennessy (Year 10) has been selected to trial for the CCC Open Tennis team. We wish him well.

School Representative Team Selection Process
Sign up for all school representative teams will occur at the Palace unless otherwise indicated. A notice is placed in the Daily Notices to sign up and students are given a minimum of a week to do so. Once sign up closes, the team list is given to the coach who then conducts trials. Again, notification of the trials is given via the Daily Notices. A minimum of two trials occur before a team is selected. Upon selection, teams are given a permission note which provides all details of the sporting event and a costing. Money and the permission note must be in by the due date. If this does not occur and not enough team members have paid, the team will be withdrawn from the event. Every student selected must attend a minimum of 3 training sessions to be eligible to participate in the event. Any queries about the trials, training times or the event should be directed to the team coach. A list of coaches is attached and is accurate at the time of printing. Should any changes be made, students will be notified via the Daily Notices.

Cross Country
On Wednesday 8 April we will be holding our Junior Cross Country carnival during periods 5 and 6 Sport time. Students in Year 7 and 8 will attend school as normal in their sport uniform and are asked to change into a plain house coloured t-shirt at the end of lunch to run in. These shirts will be used again for the College Athletics carnival in Term 2.
There will be sun screen and water stations around the course. At the end of the course, students will be offered an icy pole. Parents are asked to email Hunter Flanders at hunter.flanders@lism.catholic.edu.au should you NOT GIVE PERMISSION for your child to have an icy pole. This needs to be done before Friday 3rd April. If you are happy for your child to have an icy pole, you do not need to do anything.
Students will be walked around the course during sport time prior to the day. Maps have also been posted up around the school for students to examine.
Those students outside Year 7 and 8 who would like to be considered for the SJPC Representative Cross Country team need to sign up at the Palace by Friday 20th March. Should more than six runners in any age division sign up, students will be withdrawn from class during periods 5 and 6 on Wednesday 8 April to complete the time trial.
The top six runners from each age division will be taken on to represent the Diocesan carnival in Grafton on Friday 22nd May. Permission notes will be handed out on the day and will also be located at the Palace for students to collect. All notes and monies need to be returned to the College by Friday 8 May. No late notes can be accepted.

Year 9 and 10 Term 2 Sport Selections –

Selections for Term 2 sport opened on Thursday 12 March and will close at 11am on Wednesday 18 March as per email sent to all families earlier this week. Students are able to enter the system during this time to change their selections but once the site closes, no more changes can be made. If a sport is unable to run due to limited numbers, students will be emailed and called to the Palace to make an alternative selection. Payment is due by Friday 27th March and once again, late payments and notes cannot be accepted. Any student who has not returned their note and money by this date will be allocated into an on-campus sport that has availability.

Coming up Term 1 & 2 2020 

March
16        Closing date CCC Hockey (individual -- register with NSWCCC)
17        Diocesan Tennis Championships, Tweed Heads
              Winter sports trials (Football and League), Lismore
18        Girls League Tag, Coffs Harbour
              Closing date CCC Golf (individual -- register with NSWCCC)
31        NSWCCC Swimming Championships, Homebush

April
1          Diocesan Open Soccer, Kempsey
2          Diocesan Senior Basketball Championships, Coffs Harbour
9          Potential AFL Gala day, Coffs Harbour

May
1          Secondary Schools Squash Championship, Coffs Harbour
15        Bill Turner Cup and Trophy - date round must be played by
19        Country Cup League, Coffs Harbour
26        Waratah Cup Union, Grafton

Please see attached for the listing of the 2020 SJPC Sport Representative Coaches

Danielle McAra
Leader of Learning - Sport

NAPLAN Practice Tests

On Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March, Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts will participate in the 2020 NAPLAN Online Practice Tests. There are two practice tests: a 45 minute omnibus test (includes questions from domains of Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy) and a 45 minute Writing test.

The practice tests will allow students to become familiar with types of questions asked and the interface used to deliver NAPLAN Online. Test responses are anonymised and no results from the practice tests will be made available to schools or students.  

NAPLAN Online

The NAPLAN online testing window available to schools is Tuesday 12th - Friday 22nd May (Term 2, Weeks 3 and 4). Initial test sessions for all tests at SJPC have been scheduled for Week 3. Catch up tests for students who are absent from any test will be held at various times throughout the testing window. 

Student equipment requirements

Students will be required to complete both the practice tests and the NAPLAN Online tests using their iPad or any other approved computer device. Students will be given time at school to install a ‘locked-down browser’ (NAP app) to their device. This browser will not impact the usual functionality of their device and can be easily uninstalled after completion of the tests. 

For both the practice test and the NAPLAN tests students will need to bring the following items to school:

• A fully-charged device with the NAP locked down browser installed
• A set of headphones/earbuds*

* Some questions require students to listen to individual words or a question. Students who do not bring their own headphones/earbuds on test days will have a set issued at a cost of $2 each.

Preparation for tests

In addition to participating in the practice tests, it is recommended that students take further time to familiarise themselves with the question types in the lead up to the NAPLAN 2020 tests in Term 2. Sample questions for all test domains are available for practice at any time via the NAPLAN Online Public Demonstration Site. The site can be viewed here:

Disability adjustments and exemption

Applications for disability adjustments and exemption from the tests are made through the College. If your child accesses disability provisions in 2019, or is exempt from regular assessment tasks at school, they may be eligible for similar adjustments for the NAPLAN tests.  The College will contact parents of children who regularly access these provisions at school. If you require more information please contact Mrs Cathy Conroy via email at cathy.conroy@lism.catholic.edu.au

Withdrawing 

It is expected that all students in years 7 and 9 participate in the tests; however, parents may choose to withdraw their child.

Please note that all of the special considerations outlined above require parent or carer consent forms to be completed. Please contact Mr Paul Hewitt (paul.hewitt@lism.catholic.edu.au ) if you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN. Alternatively, information and forms are available from the National Assessment Program website.

The HSC Minimum Standards Online Testing - Year 10

From 2020, students in NSW need to demonstrate a minimum standard of functional literacy and numeracy to be eligible for the HSC award. The online tests in reading, writing and numeracy are available to each student FOUR times per year in Years 10, 11 and 12 and up to five years after they start their HSC. Each of the three tests are of 45 minutes duration. Students must achieve a level 3 in each test in order to meet the HSC minimum standard. This aligns with level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) which is considered the level required to function in everyday life, for work and further study beyond school.

Current Year 10 students will have their first opportunity to sit the online tests in Week 8 of this term unless they are exempt from testing or withdrawn by a parent / carer.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the online tests please contact Paul Hewitt at paul.hewitt@lism.catholic.edu.au

More information and support material including practice tests is available here.

Paul Hewitt

Literacy and Numeracy Coordinator

Finance

SJPC Elective Fee and Foundation Levy Statements for 2020 

SJPC Statements are in the process of being emailed out to fee payers. Please check your email inbox for your statement from our finance email address (cofhs-finance@lism.catholic.edu.au)

The Foundation Levy is a compulsory fee charged by the College on behalf of the Parents and Friends Association to finance major projects.
Elective Fees & Foundation Levy 2020 are due by 30th April 2020.
SJPC preferred method of payment is BPAY. Please refer to your statement for your individual BPAY details    

If you require further information please contact the finance team at the College Office on 6653 3155.

Thank you
SJPC Finance

Office

WHS in Focus – Good Hygiene, Good Prevention

While Covid-19 (or Coronavirus) is not currently a threat to our community, it may be an appropriate time to remind students and staff of good hygiene practices in our schools. Please see below advice from the Australian Department of Health and the attached posters.

How can we help prevent the spread of a virus and bacteria?

Practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating and after going to the toilet 
• Cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser 
• If unwell, avoid contact with others (touching, kissing, hugging and other contact).