9 May 2025 - Newsletter (Vol 42 No 6)
- Principal's Message
- Pedagogy
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- SJPC Merit Award Recipients
- School Evangelisation
- Promoting Positive Relationships in our SJPC Community - Online Hate
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Curriculum Matters
- Literacy Coach
- Library Matters
- Visual Arts
- Languages
- Sports Corner
- NCCD - Collection
- Mother's Day Breakfast
- What's On!
- Office News
- We're Hiring
- Year 7 2026 Enrolments
- School Reunion
- Study Skills Handbook - Gamifying your study routine
A Reflection on the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
Dear Parents and Guardians
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he led the Catholic Church with humility, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice and peace.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of mercy, dialogue, and care for the marginalized. He often spoke of the Church as a "field hospital," offering healing and hope to those in need. His teachings inspired countless individuals to live out the Gospel through acts of kindness, service, and advocacy for the poor and oppressed.
In his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just one day before his passing, Pope Francis delivered a message of hope and renewal. He declared, "Christ is risen! In this announcement is contained the entire meaning of our existence, which is not made for death but for life." These words serve as a poignant reminder of the resurrection's promise and the enduring power of faith.
As we reflect on Pope Francis's life and legacy, let us honour his example by embracing a spirit of humility, compassion, and service in our own lives. May his message continue to inspire us to live out the Gospel with courage and conviction.
God bless.
Michael Carniato
Principal
One of our College goals this year is to increase student engagement through the creation of an effective learning environment. An important step towards improving student engagement is to build a shared understanding of what engagement looks like at SJPC and giving students, teachers and families the tools to discuss student engagement in a meaningful way.
To start the term, students in Years 7-10 attended a workshop on student engagement—what it looks like, why it matters, and how each student can take ownership of their learning journey. Students were introduced to the Student Engagement Continuum, a tool designed to help them reflect on how actively and positively they are engaging with their school experience.
The Student Engagement Continuum empowers students to assess where they are—ranging from feeling disconnected to being fully invested—and to identify realistic steps they can take to shift their mindset and habits towards deeper, more meaningful engagement.
We encourage all parents and carers to take a moment to talk with your child about the workshop they attended and ask them:
- What is their current level of engagement?
- What goal did they set during the workshop?
- How are they planning to improve or maintain their engagement?
These conversations can have a powerful impact in reinforcing the value of commitment, curiosity, and resilience in learning.
Thank you for supporting your child’s learning journey with us.
Louise Maybury
Leader of Pedagogy
Staff Spirituality Day: A Time to Pause, Reflect and Pray
At the end of last term, our entire staff gathered for our annual Staff Spirituality Day, held in the peaceful and beautiful grounds of Sawtell Parish. The day was facilitated by Father Joy, who gently guided us through a time of reflection and prayer.
Each year, under the direction of the Bishop, we are invited to pause and consider our lives and work through the lens of faith. In 2023, we focused on the theme of Work. In 2024, we explored the importance of Rest. This year we turned our hearts and minds to Prayer.
The Bishop’s words, “The Courage to Encounter God,” set the tone for the day. He reminded us that prayer requires an open heart and the bravery to embrace silence in a world full of noise. In that stillness, we are invited to listen deeply - to the voice of God, to our own hearts, and to the world around us.
Throughout the day, we were encouraged to consider prayer not just as an act, but as a relationship. We reflected on what it means to make space for God, to dwell in God’s presence within our minds, our hearts, and our lives. Prayer, we were reminded, is not measured by how often we kneel, but by how lovingly we view others, creation, and ourselves.
It was a gift to be off campus, away from the busyness of school life - a chance to slow down, to be silent, to reconnect with God, and to be present with one another. We return to our work this term renewed and grateful for this time of spiritual nourishment.
Tell Them From Me Survey - Your Voice Matters!
Next week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. We genuinely value the role of parents and carers within our school community and we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St John Paul College.
The anonymous survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and will be open from 8:00AM Monday 12 May until Friday 30 May 2025. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
http://tellthemfromme.com/2025sjpc
Calling for Volunteers to assist with our Vinnies Van Service
We are excited to share that our school will soon be coordinating and facilitating the Vinnies Van service on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 to 6:30pm in Toormina, providing support to those in our community who may be doing it tough. This is a wonderful outreach opportunity, and we are calling on parents, carers, and students aged 16 and over to consider volunteering. This could be a meaningful way for parents and their children to serve together, build connections, and make a real difference in the lives of others. To get involved, simply complete the attached Vinnies Volunteer Application Form and email it to Coffsharbourvv@vinnies.org.au. We can’t do this without you - your time and compassion can help make this service a success!
Term 2 RAP Meeting
On behalf of the SJPC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party, you are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming meeting on Friday, 16 May at 2:30pm, held upstairs in the College library.
We would love to see more community members join us, as your voices are essential in shaping a more informed and inclusive school environment. This upcoming meeting is a great chance to see what our group is about and to consider whether you’d like to be involved on a more regular basis - we aim to meet once each term.
If you’re able to attend, please notify me via email (leanne.gennat@lism.catholic.edu.au) so we can ensure the meeting space comfortably accommodates everyone.
We hope to see you there.
Assistant Principal - Mission
Serving others allows us to break free from our own self-centered perspectives. When we step outside of ourselves and focus on the needs of others, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the struggles they endure. This empathy helps us build stronger connections with those around us, fostering a sense of unity and compassion.
Not only does serving others benefit individuals, but it also has a ripple effect on the wider community. When one person starts serving, it inspires others to do the same. As acts of service become more commonplace, they create a culture of compassion and generosity. This culture, in turn, leads to stronger and more resilient communities, where individuals support and uplift one another.
In recent times at the College we have had examples of showing service in action. Towards the end of 2024 and into last term we had a group of Year 10 students (over 80) who put themselves forward to be Peer Mentors for the new Year 7 students. This involved supporting the students in transition from primary to secondary school along with leading a series of small group discussions on issues associated with high school.
Last Wednesday we commemorated ANZAC Day with our annual assembly. We were very fortunate to welcome an ex student of the College, Leading Aircraft Woman Sarah Markwort (2021) to address the assembly. She spoke of her experiences in the Royal Australian Air Force and how much her service to her country meant to her. Sarah also linked the lessons learnt at SJPC and how they play a role in her everyday life. We were also very fortunate to be joined by Ray Ellington (Piper) and Cathie McIntyre (Bugler) as part of this ceremony.
We had a very pleasing number of students at the various ANZAC marches in the area. Our College leaders respectfully represented the College at both the Dawn Service and marches.
These are all great examples of service at SJPC.
The recent passing of Pope Francis has given us time to reflect on him as a man of immense service to God and the marginalized. His life was one that lived the message of the Gospels.
In addition to the personal and communal benefits, serving others can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth. Engaging in acts of service challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and develop new skills. It pushes us to confront our own biases and preconceptions, fostering personal growth and broadening our perspectives. By serving others, we become better versions of ourselves.
Until next time:
Supporting your child with written assignments during Term 2
As we begin a new term, many students will be submitting assignment based assessments. The following are some thoughts to consider in order for students to do their best.
Written assignments are an important part of your child’s learning journey in secondary school. They help develop skills in thinking, communication, research, and organisation. At our College, students are taught a step-by-step approach to tackle these tasks confidently — and you can support this process at home too.
Step 1: Understand the Task
Before writing, students should:
- Read the task sheet carefully
- Know what type of writing is required (e.g. essay, report)
- Be aware of the word count and due date
- Understand any special instructions or source requirements
At home: Ask your child to explain the task in their own words. Encourage them to clarify anything they’re unsure of with their teacher or LOL early on.
Step 2: Plan and Prepare
Students are guided to:
- Brainstorm what they know
- Research using class notes, textbooks, and reliable websites
- Create a simple plan or outline
At home: Help them talk through their ideas and stay organised. Even a short discussion can help them feel more confident about starting.
Step 3: Write the First Draft
This is about getting ideas onto the page:
- Follow the plan (intro, body, conclusion)
- Write in full sentences and clear paragraphs
- Focus on getting ideas down first, editing comes later
At home: Remind them the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Encourage them to just keep writing and trust the process.
Step 4: Use Resources and Reference Properly
Students are learning to:
- Support their points with facts and examples
- Use sources appropriately
- Avoid copying and always cite where ideas come from
At home: Talk about where they’re getting their information. Encourage them to use their own words and keep track of sources.
Step 5: Edit and Final Check
Before submitting, students should:
- Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Make sure their ideas are clear and well-structured
- Confirm they’ve followed the task requirements
At home: Offer to listen as they read their work aloud. A fresh set of eyes can help spot mistakes they might miss. Parents do not need to know the syllabus but rather the literacy skill of communicating ideas effectively.
Finally, supporting your child with time management, planning, and encouragement helps build strong habits for future success. If you have any questions about their progress or assignments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with specific teachers or the relevant LOL.
At SJPC both staff and parents can help students develop their academic skills and become confident, independent learners…through written assignments.
Study Skills
Learn more about the ‘managing stress’ resources through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au . Our College access details are:
School’s Username – stjohnpaul
School’s password – 89success
In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.
This online platform contains resources and useful study tips that all SJPC students will find effective. We encourage them to access this Student Portal and try some of the strategies. Students have the password to this site. The password can also be found on the Curriculum Noticeboard.
AMDG
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Merit Awards
Below are our current Distinction Award recipients. We recognise student efforts not just at Assemblies but also within our Community throughout the year. Congratulations students.
AMDG
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
SJPC Welcomes the Jubilee Prayer Boat
On Wednesday, St John Paul College had the honour of welcoming a unique and deeply meaningful symbol into our school community—the Jubilee Prayer Boat. As part of its diocesan pilgrimage across the Diocese of Lismore, the boat docked at SJPC during our weekly assembly, where students and staff gathered for a special prayer service filled with faith, reflection, and hope.
Crafted by Newman Senior Technical College and blessed under the guidance of Fr Paul Gooley and our Bishop, the Jubilee Prayer Boat is a travelling symbol of the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope. The boat will visit parishes and schools throughout the diocese, uniting communities in prayer and reflection. Its design honours the rivers, waterways, and ocean that connect so many of our parishes, and it draws inspiration from the international Jubilee logo, which features an anchor as a symbol of faith amid life’s storms.
During the assembly, Mr Carniato was invited to place the St John Paul College plaque onto the boat—joining those of other schools and parishes who have already hosted it. This act of inclusion marks SJPC’s part in the broader diocesan pilgrimage, affirming our shared journey as a community of hope and faith.
Following the assembly, the Jubilee Prayer Boat was moved into the school chapel, where it remained on display for several days. This sacred space provided students with an opportunity to engage more deeply with the symbol—to get a closer look at the intricate design, learn more about the meaning behind the Jubilee Year, and spend time in personal prayer and reflection.
The presence of the Jubilee Boat in our chapel reminded us all that this is more than just a symbolic journey—it is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with our faith, and be strengthened by the hope and love of Christ.
May we continue to walk together as Pilgrims of Hope, grounded in faith, guided by love, and inspired by God’s promise of renewal.
An Unmissable Faith Experience for Young People in Year 9 – ACYF 2025
We are thrilled to share a remarkable opportunity for our Year 9 students to be part of a national celebration of faith, community, and youth empowerment — the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF).
Established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), ACYF is a vibrant gathering of young people from across the country. The Festival provides a space for students to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be inspired as faith-filled leaders and disciples, and to celebrate the vitality of the Church in today’s world.
In 2025, the Festival will be held in Melbourne and is open to students who will be in Year 9 (in 2025) up to young adults aged 25. This promises to be an unforgettable few days filled with inspiring speakers, music, worship, and opportunities for connection and reflection with thousands of other young Catholics.
We strongly encourage families of Year 9 students to complete an Expression of Interest form to help us begin preparing for this exciting event. Not only is this a powerful faith experience, but it also represents excellent value for money given the scope and impact of the Festival.
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Mrs de Byl, Leader of Evangelisation.
Let’s support our young people as they explore and deepen their faith through this life-giving experience.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival EOI for Year 9
Leader of School Evangelisation
Online Hate
In today’s digital age, parents play a vital role in guiding their young people through the challenges of the online world. It is essential to help young people critically assess the content they encounter online and reflect on how their interactions may affect others. Encouraging them to approach the digital space with integrity and respect reflects our Catholic values and commitment to treating every person with dignity.
Understanding Online Hate:
Online hate refers to any harmful or derogatory content directed at individuals or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, or other characteristics. It is a growing concern that can cause profound harm to those targeted and contribute to a culture of division and disrespect.
Fostering Respectful Online Behaviour:
Start conversations with your young person about online hate before an incident occurs. Regularly discuss the importance of respectful behaviour online and use real-life examples, including news stories or events, to illustrate the impact of harmful words or actions. Ground these discussions in Gospel values, such as compassion, understanding, and love for our neighbour.
Tips for Parents
Lead by Example: Model and encourage your young person to treat others as they would like to be treated, both online and offline.
Promote Positive Actions: Teach your young person to avoid sharing or engaging with hateful or threatening content and to report it when they see it.
Encourage Openness: Foster an attitude of empathy and curiosity about others. Remind your young person that some harmful speech stems from ignorance or misinformation, and encourage them to seek understanding.
Vocabulary: Be mindful of new terms or phrases your young person uses. Some harmful language may be adopted unknowingly, and gentle correction can help them understand its impact.
Think Before Posting: Expect your young person to think carefully before commenting, sharing an image, or sending a message online. Reinforce that their words and actions should always reflect the values of respect and kindness.
As parents and educators, we share a responsibility to guide young people in navigating the complexities of the online world with respect and compassion. By fostering open dialogue, modeling positive behaviours, and grounding our approach in Gospel values, we empower young people to make thoughtful, ethical choices online. Together, we can create a culture of kindness and understanding, ensuring that the digital space reflects the dignity and worth of every individual.
Year 8
Welcome Back, Year 8!
As we settle into Term 2, we extend a warm welcome back to all our Year 8 students and families. We hope you had a refreshing break and are ready to embrace new learning opportunities and experiences this term.
Building Meaningful Relationships
This term, our focus is on relationships—specifically how we can cultivate kindness, empathy, and compassion in our interactions with one another. These qualities form the foundation of strong, positive relationships that enrich our school community.
This focus beautifully connects with our gospel theme from Matthew 6:25-26, which reminds us: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Just as this passage reminds us of God's care for all creation, we too are called to care for one another. When we practice kindness and compassion, we acknowledge the inherent value in each person and build a community where everyone feels supported and appreciated.
Introducing the Fit Check Uniform Award
We're excited to announce our new Fit Check Uniform Award for Year 8! This initiative recognises students who consistently wear their uniform with pride, demonstrating respect for themselves and our school community.
Each week, two students from a homeroom class will receive this special recognition along with a $5 canteen voucher. We're pleased to congratulate our first recipients:
 Nicholas Dobson |
 Polly Salter |
 Andria Maria Jaison |
 Avighna Manu |
Congratulations to these students for exemplifying school pride through their presentation. We look forward to recognising more students in the coming weeks!
Alana Johnson and Matt Currie
Year 8 Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Year 9
As Term 2 begins, our Year 9 students are settling back into the rhythm of school life, ready to embrace new learning opportunities and personal growth. This term marks the exciting launch of the Rock and Water program, a powerful initiative designed to support the social and emotional development of our students.
Delivered progressively throughout the year, the Rock and Water program will be experienced by all Year 9 students. It focuses on building essential life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, self-confidence, and social skills. Through a mix of physical activities, discussion, and reflection, students learn to navigate challenges with strength and flexibility—much like the symbolic qualities of rock and water.
The program provides a safe and supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore their reactions, understand their boundaries, and develop constructive ways to express themselves. These are foundational skills not only for success in school, but for life beyond the classroom.
We’re looking forward to seeing how our Year 9 cohort continues to grow through this enriching experience and are confident that Rock and Water will make a lasting, positive impact on their journey this year.
College Commendation Awards
Congratulations to Grace Majambere, Asha McDonald and Sophia McPherson who received College Commendation Awards this week. Keep up the good work Year 9!
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Year 12
Year 12's annual fundraising event "Trivia Night - Pyjama Party". Friday 30 May 2025. Tickets are now on SALE! Call the College Office (6653 3155) to reserve your table - $15 per ticket / $150 per table. Thank you for supporting Year 12's Charities: Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services and Cando Cancer Trust.
Nick Haworth
Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing
Last term, Elevate Education ran four online sessions that were well attended. These live sessions are designed to help keep parents up to date with the study skills strategies students are being taught in class, as well as offer insights into how parents can best support learning at home. Just some of the data about these Term 1 seminars appears below.
We encourage parents to register for Elevate Education's Term 2 free Parent webinar series.
Click here to register for free
Year 12
Last Friday, students received their HSC examination timetable via their NESA Students Online account.
We encourage all students to check that the information is correct. If you have any questions, please drop into the Curriculum Office for support.
A reminder that Term 2 assessment planners are available via the Curriculum Matters Classroom or the Curriculum Office, as well as weekly planners.
The Trial HSC examination timetable will be released to students in Week 3. The written examination period starts on Monday 4 August.
Year 11
Term 2 assessment planners were made available to students during last week’s administration lesson. Electronic copies are available via their Curriculum Matters Classroom. With only 2 terms left of preliminary courses, and a busy term regarding assessments, students understand the importance of being organised in their approach.
Year 10
This is a big term for Year 10 students. Students will be asked to contemplate what they want to do with their life, where and what they want to study in 2026, and where they see themselves in 2, 3 and 4 years’ time.
The start of this journey begins in Week 6, Thursday 5 June, with Year 10 students attending a Careers Expo with Mr Corsalini.
To assist your child with the challenges of Year 10 please ensure they;
- Attend class
- Have a daily home study plan – with breaks and rewards factored in
- Have a designated place to study
- Hand write notes from readings, videos etc
- Come to school prepared
There is an advantage to setting up good habits in Year 10. If you receive a low achievement grade in a task it is not telling you that you have failed, it is warning you, it is indicating that you need to act and figure out where the gaps in your knowledge/skills are so that you can improve.
FEEDBACK is only powerful if you act on it
Years 7 – 9
As you know, the focus for students in Years 7 – 9 at SJPC is on developing healthy learning habits and skills, as well as understanding the content of their courses.
Each day, in every lesson, students have opportunities to develop as learners, improving their understanding of the world and themselves, as well as providing evidence of their learning.
It is the responsibility of all learners to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
Please refer to our SJPC Assessment and Curriculum site, which can be accessed via Compass under ‘School Favourites’, for information regarding assessments at SJPC including;
-
Assessment Books for all year levels,
- links to the Year 10, 11 and 12 assessment calendars,
- copies of all VOA paperwork for Year 10, 11 and 12
- Policy documents etc
Feel like being challenged??
Science Olympiad Exams
The Australian Science Olympiad Exams are challenging, but rewarding online exams held once a year in the following disciplines:
- Physics – Monday 4 August 2025
- Biology – Tuesday 5 August 2025
- Earth and Environmental Science – Wednesday 6 August 2025
- Chemistry – Thursday 7 August 2025
These are challenging exams, and we recommend trying a past paper on Olympiads Online prior to taking part.
https://www.asi.edu.au/program/australian-science-olympiads/past-exams-with-answers/
Remember; participation is the first step to unlocking opportunities in the future.
The Junior Science Olympiad Exams are challenging but rewarding online exams held once a year, which includes topics in science such as biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental Science, and physics.
- Junior Science Olympiad Year 9 & 10 Wednesday 11 June 2025
- Junior Science Olympiad Years 7 & 8 Friday 13 June 2025
https://www.asi.edu.au/program/junior-science-olympiad/junior-science-olympiad-past-exams/
If you are interested in participating, please see Mr Burke or Mrs Poidevin in the Science Department
Leader of Curriculum
LITERACY MATTERS
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
In our last newsletter we looked at the power of reading to help strengthen the brain and analytical thinking skills, improve vocabulary and knowledge, enhance memory and focus, boost imagination and empathy, help mental health and develop our writing skills.
The key to effective reading and comprehension is reading fluency - it is the bridge between word recognition and comprehension.
Reading fluency involves reading with accuracy, automaticity and prosody.
ACCURACY is the correct decoding of words using knowledge of letter-sound relationships. Accuracy level impacts speed and level of difficulty.
AUTOMATICITY is reading words on sight, automatically at an appropriate pace. When students can read without needing to decode, more cognitive space is available to comprehend meaning in text.
PROSODY is the patterns of stress and intonation when reading aloud (or silently in the reader’s head) to reflect emotion, emphasis or tone and make text interesting and engaging.
Reading aloud, listening to modeled fluency, repeated reading, choral or paired reading (reading together with someone), echo reading and mumble reading, text marking for phrasing and poetry recital can all help with the growth of reading fluency.
The reason we wish to continue to develop our fluency is because it aids comprehension. For this reason, effective questioning during reading is also essential.
With all this said, the key to improvement is learner agency.
Skilled readers are active, strategic, engaged and intentional. It’s our mind, not our brain, that takes on this agency to accomplish things and reach self-determined goals. AND when we recognise gains in reading performance we witness an increase in confidence and motivation to read, and this becomes a drive for further improvement.
We hold the power to improve our reading skills.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Segacious (adj) Smart and wise
A segacious teacher knows that struggling students need individualised help to succeed in school.
Equanimous (adj) Calm and in control of emotions.
She remained equanimous during the crisis.
If you're equanimous, you are serene and calm. Some people meditate or do yoga in an attempt to be more equanimous. People who are equanimous seem enviably composed and balanced.
Literacy Coach
Student devices
As per our long standing policy, students are required to bring a functioning device to school every day so they can actively participate in lessons. Please ensure the device's battery can reliably last for at least six hours of school use and that the keyboard and screen are in good working order (undamaged). If your child's current device does not meet these requirements, we strongly encourage you to purchase another device to prevent any further disadvantages.
For more information:
https://www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/technology
For situations where a student's device is temporarily unavailable due to repair, our school library offers a limited number of Chromebooks for short-term loan. To request a loan device, parents or guardians must send a written note or email to cofhslibrary@lism.catholic.edu.au outlining the reason for the request.
Please note the following conditions for Chromebook loans:
- Loan equipment is provided for a maximum period of six weeks.
- The loan is provided free of charge for the initial two-week period.
- For any loan exceeding two weeks, a fee of $60 will be billed via Compass to cover the remaining loan period (up to the six-week maximum).
- Loan extensions beyond the initial six-week period are not possible, and the Chromebook must be returned to the library promptly by the due date.
As we have a limited number of devices available, timely return is essential so other students can benefit from this valuable service.
Thank you for your ongoing support in this matter.
Leader of Learning Technologies
Year 7 - Christa Rijneveld Drawings
The dedication is real! Year 7 students have been exploring the meticulous linear landscapes of Christa Rijneveld and the importance of technical refinement in their artworks. These talented individuals embraced the challenge "head-on" and have drawn some truly insightful landscape interpretations. Proud of their effort and results! Well done year 7!
Goodbye to our Reitaku Students
Last week we farewelled our students from our sister school Reitaku Mizunami in Japan. Their last few weeks were filled with fun including a visit to the Big Banana, making Anzac biscuits and holidays spent with their host families.
All 5 students (Saki Ochi, Miku Oshima, Shiyu Okamoto, Jungo Takahashi and Shintaro Nakamura) had a great time experiencing our school life, Australian food and culture and made many new friends.
Thank you to our host families, our students and staff who ensured they were all well looked after.
Taiko Drumming Performance and Workshops
This week, the College was entertained by Byron Taiko. Taiko drumming is an immersive experience that incorporates movement, shouts, and even choreographed performances. It has a rich history in Japan and has been part of their tradition for over 3,000 years.
Byron Taiko performed for the whole school in the morning and then conducted workshops throughout the day for our elective Japanese classes (Years 9-12) as well as for Year 8s who are studying Japanese.
Here’s what some of our students thought of the day:
Daisy Becker & Ollie Jones (Year 10) “It was culturally enriching and overall it was a great experience. The Byron Taiko teachers were amazing and taught us new skills and teamwork”
Abigail Crockett (Year 11) – “It was fun and I would love to do it again. It gave me an insight into the tradition of taiko and how important it is to the Japanese culture. “
Dilshaan Chahal (Year 9) “I had the best time ever. It was really fun to learn a new skill from a different culture with my friends”
VIDEO 1 (Assembly performance) &
VIDEO 2 (Full song with Year 9 class – awesome!!!)
Bill Turner Cup
Our Bill Turner Cup boys travelled to the Synthetic fields to take on Christian Community on Friday, 9 May in Round 2 of the tournament. A slow start and some nerves had our boys hesitant and unable to get into the game. This slowly changed with increasing confidence and a wonderful goal by Busby Hibberd to put the team ahead 1 - 0. The score stayed that way despite relentless determination from Christian Community. The boys now play Coffs Harbour High School in Round 3. Well done, boys!
CCC pathway Representative Sport
Families are reminded that students who wish to represent CCC in sport must sign up directly on the CCC website. Individual sport dates will not be published through the Palace, so students must familiarise themselves with the requirements of their sport directly from the website.
Congratulations
NSWCCC has selected Harper Dent (Year 10) to umpire at the NSW All Schools Hockey tournament and NSW All Schools U15 Hockey selection. This is a significant achievement and well deserved. Congratulations, Harper.
Internal Sport
Free Squash Camp
Coming Up - Term 2 2025
Term 2, 2025 |
| Thursday 8 May |
NSW All Schools Touch, Port Macquarie (POSTPONED) |
| Tuesday 12 May |
Bill Turner Trophy Rd 2, Woolgoolga |
| Wednesday 14 May | Diocesan Tennis, Lismore |
| Thursday 15 May | Basketball NSW (Males and Females), Coffs |
| Friday 16 May |
Diocesan Cross Country, Grafton |
| Wednesday 28 May |
13s & 14s Futsal, Coffs |
| Thursday 29 May |
15s & 16s Futsal, Coffs |
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Country Cup League, Grafton (new date) |
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| Wednesday 4 June |
Diocesan Junior Football, Coffs Harbour |
| Wednesday 11 June |
Junior Cup AFL, Coffs Harbour |
| Thursday 12 June |
Diocesan Senior Football, Coffs Harbour |
| Friday 13 June |
NSW Fast 5 Netball, Port Macquarie |
| Monday 16 - 18 June |
NSWCCC Open Basketball, Penrith |
* events require students to sign up directly on the Diocesan Sport website
Leader of Sport
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Each year, all Australian schools take part in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This process helps schools record and report the support they provide to students with disability, in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Standards for Education 2005, and the NCCD guidelines (2019).
As part of the NCCD, schools provide the Australian Government with the following information:
- The student’s year level
- The category of disability (physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional)
- The level of adjustment provided (from differentiated teaching to extensive support)
This data helps schools to:
- Acknowledge and review the support given to students with disability
- Strengthen the ways they support these students
- Share and develop good practice across schools to improve learning outcomes
The NCCD also supports government planning for better resources and services for students with disability.
Please note:
- Your child will not be involved in any testing as part of this process
- The data provided is de-identified – no individual student can be identified
- All information is protected by strict privacy laws
For more details on how personal information is handled, you can read the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy here: https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy
To learn more about the NCCD, visit: https://www.nccd.edu.au
Leader of Inclusion and Diversity
A beautiful fresh May morning celebrating our lovely "Mums, Step-Mums, Sisters, Auntys and Grandmothers.... what an incredible turnout. Happy Mother's Day!
Finance
St John Paul College - 2025 College Elective Fees
2025 College Elective Fees have been invoiced and details can be viewed in your Compass Account.
Please note that your instalments will be recalculated to include electives to ensure payment is completed by 1 December 2025. Please adjust your payments to reflect the payment instalment plan attached to your end-of-April school Fee Statement which is due to be issued this week.
If you have any questions or require further information, please email:
cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ph: 6653 1655 Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Compass - Reminder
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.
If you are unable to contact the Office or provide a written note for a Late Arrival, once the student has signed into the Office, a notification will appear on your Compass Dashboard to prompt you to explain the partial absence with an attendance note.
Medical Information
Head Injuries
All Head Injuries to anyone in the school or associated with a School Activity are treated seriously.
Any student who receives a concussion or a suspected concussion should be seen by a doctor with experience in managing concussion.
Students who have been diagnosed with a concussion, must have medical clearance before returning to School.
Parents, Carers and/or Guardians are strongly encouraged to advise the school when a student suffers a head injury when in their care, out of school time.
A five-day activity restriction will be recommended for any students who have suffered a head injury.
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
Student Diary
Helpful information is found in the student diary regarding daily college procedures. Please take the time to go through the student diary with your child.
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 school uniform.
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:30am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
St John Paul College is currently hiring supervisors for HSC Examinations and College Examinations.
Please email the College for further information on sjpccoffs@lism.catholic.edu.au if you are interested in either of these roles and meet the criteria as outlined below.
HSC Exam Supervisors
HSC exams in Term 4, are supervised by HSC Supervisors and a Presiding Officer. Both roles work with Principals and schools to deliver the HSC exams to Year 12 students.
The main role of supervisors is to make sure all students follow NESA’s exam rules. Supervisors report to the HSC Presiding Officer and help them with other duties.
Supervisors receive a roster from their Presiding Officer. The length and number of shifts a supervisor receives depend on the number of exams held.
College Exam Supervisors
College Assessment Blocks in Term 3, such as Year 12 Trial HSC and Year 11 End of Course Preliminary Exams require external supervision.
Supervisors receive a roster from the College. The length and number of shifts a supervisor receives depend on the number of exams held.
Exam Supervisor Criteria
All Supervisors must:
- have a valid Working with Children Check
- work as part of a team
- have attention to detail
- be able to carry out duties in confidence and with discretion
- be able to stand for long periods of time.
Supervisors must not have a friend or close relative who is:
- sitting the HSC, or
- an employee of the school.
Supervisor’s duties may include:
- checking exam rooms are properly equipped and set up
- actively supervising students in exam rooms
- collecting completed exam papers
- packing up after exams.
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
Year 7 2026 Enrolment Period
Applications open - Wednesday 30 April 2025
Applications close - Wednesday 21 May 2025
Enrolment Interviews commence - Monday 2 June - Friday 6 June 2025
Dear Year 6 Parents/Carers
Please follow these steps to enroll your Year 6 child at St John Paul College:
Do not apply directly through the College website; use your current school portal. The application process is completed within your current school Compass’ Portal Family & Enrolments module, which can be accessed through your Compass App or a Browser using your existing Compass Username and Password.
It is recommended that you use a computer or a large device for this process.
Access the Compass Family & Enrolments Module:
- On a browser (Recommended): Once logged into your portal, click the Cog Icon (top right) and navigate to the Family & Enrolments Module
- Compass App: Tap the "More" button (bottom right) and navigate to the Family & Enrolments Tile
Enrolment Application Process:
The application process involves the following stages:
Stage 1 - Student Profile
- Update Your Child's Profile: The Family & Enrolments module displays your child's information (address, date of birth, medical details, etc.).
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Ensure you have reviewed each page. You must click “complete student profile” on the final page to continue. Update the profile until the progress indicator reaches 100%
Stage 2 - College Application
- Once the student profile is complete, create an application and select the college you want to attend. Be sure to search the location first rather than the college name.
- Pay the Application Fee $50
Stage 3 - Application Confirmation
- Once you have submitted your application, the College will confirm that they have received it through a confirmation email. The Confirmation email will have a link to complete additional questions and the ability to upload the required documentation.
*No application will be processed unless all required documentation is submitted
Stage 4 - Complete Additional College Questions
- This questionnaire will cover:
- Baptism certificate (if applicable)
- Latest school report (available in your Compass portal)
- Latest NAPLAN report (available in your Compass portal)
- Siblings
- Alumni
- Immunisation History Statement
- Additional needs
- Learning adjustments
- Professional services
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
- Health and Safety
- Parent Reason for Application
- Special circumstances (e.g., court orders, access restrictions, family care arrangements)
Once completed, you will receive a copy of your submission, which will confirm that you have successfully lodged your application.
Stage 5 - Next Steps
- The College will email you to request that your child attend an Enrolment Interview with the Enrolment Committee and provide instructions on booking a date/time.
- An offer email will be sent, including the terms and conditions of Enrolment, the fee payer agreement for the College, and instructions on how to accept the offer and pay the $300 acceptance fee.
