30 August 2024 - Newsletter (Vol 41 No 13)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- SJPC Merit Award Recipients
- School Evangelisation
- School Catechesis
- Curriculum Matters
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action
- Literacy Matters
- Music
- Sports Corner
- Visual Arts
- SJPC Day 2024
- HSC Major Works Showcase Evening
- Office News
- We're Hiring
- Father's Day Breakfast
- Attractions Attendant - The Big Banana Coffs Harbour
- Parent Webinar - Raising Body Kind Teens
- Seasons for Growth
Learning in and out of a Formal School Setting
In recent weeks, students in Years 8 and 10 have been selecting their subject preferences for 2025, a process filled with both excitement and anxiety. Families and students grapple with questions like, “What should I choose to get the best ATAR?”, “Which subjects will help me get into university?”, and “Who will be teaching these courses next year?”
While school provides structured learning through textbooks, classes, assessments and interactions with others, life lessons come from real-world experiences outside the classroom. Life teaches us through trial and error, success and failure, and the complexities of human relationships. These lessons offer insights that often go beyond traditional academic learning.
As parents, teachers, and adults, our role is to instil in young people the traits and qualities that will help them become productive members of society and, eventually, responsible adults who can teach and guide others. With that in mind, I came across a social media post that I believe is worth sharing.
While marks and grades are important and play a role in our learning journeys, nurturing the development of young people is one of our greatest responsibilities as parents and teachers.
God bless
As a school community named in honor of Pope Saint John Paul II, we are privileged to draw inspiration from his remarkable life and lasting impact. Born Karol Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, his journey to becoming one of the most influential popes in history is both inspiring and humbling. His life showed faith, strength, and dedication to fairness, making him a symbol of hope for Catholics everywhere.
John Paul II faced many challenges and showed determination in his early life. Did you know that during World War II, he studied for the priesthood in secret, attending an underground seminary in Kraków? His ordination in 1946 was the beginning of a lifetime of service to the Church. He achieved a lot in his studies, earning doctorates in philosophy and theology, which helped build his deep understanding of theological insights.
In 1964, he became the Archbishop of Kraków, and three years later, he became a cardinal. He was elected pope in 1978 after the short papacy of John Paul I, becoming the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first from a Slavic country. His 27-year papacy was known for his energy, charisma, and intelligence. John Paul II strongly supported the oppressed, speaking out against communism and encouraging nonviolent actions that helped lead to the peaceful end of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Pope John Paul II was a man of deep faith and kindness. He survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and showed true Christian forgiveness by meeting with and forgiving the person who tried to kill him. He was dedicated to peace and reconciliation, not just in personal interactions but also on a global scale. His many travels around the world attracted huge crowds, showing how much people admired and respected him. He stood up for justice in poor countries and helped make the papacy more connected to people everywhere.
John Paul II was also committed to building better relationships with other religions. He made important progress in improving ties with Jewish, Muslim, and Eastern Orthodox communities. His visit to Jerusalem in 2000 was a significant act of reconciliation and hope.
Besides his efforts for peace and unity, John Paul II enhanced the Church's spiritual life by making more people saints than any other pope, celebrating the diversity of the Church. His work showed that everyone is called to be holy, and it highlighted the Church’s global reach. His contributions were formally recognized when he was declared blessed in 2011 and became a saint in 2014.
This week we celebrated St John Paul II day, remembering him not only as a leader of the Church but as a guide and inspiration for our lives. His dedication to faith, service, and the dignity of every human person serves as a powerful example for us all. At SJPC we are proud to carry his name and strive to live out his values daily. Our college is a testament to his vision of an animated, faith-filled community where each person is recognized for their unique gifts and called to serve others. We are committed to fostering a community of compassion, respect, and love, just as he taught.
Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission
Parenting is hard. As our children grow older it doesn’t get any less hard, it just looks different. Parents of babies and toddlers talk about sleepless nights, eating habits and tantrums and parents of teenagers discuss matters that are not too dissimilar. After having four teenagers of my own, what has probably been the most valuable lesson I’ve learnt is that as parents we need to choose our battles.
The teen years are possibly the time to best adopt this philosophy. We often experience having to muster the self control to bite our tongue with fierce restraint. There is even a parenting book that goes into more depth on this subject, and it’s titled Duct Tape Parenting. Why the duct tape reference? It’s for putting over your mouth when you want to start a battle!
As frustrating as this may be initially, my experience has shown that this practice can actually save your sanity and theirs.
The main three battles that come to mind are the messy bedroom, the silent treatment and the future.
You want them to respect your home and show some form of responsibility with their possessions, but in the dishevelled mind of a teenager, there is likely little room for developing and maintaining a cleanliness habit right now. I remember attending a seminar facilitated by Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia's highest profile child psychologists. He spoke about this very topic in relation to his own teenager. He pointed out, with all that teenagers have to navigate these days, it doesn’t matter, just shut the door! All four of our children have left home and at times I can quite honestly say, I not only miss them, but I also miss the mess.
‘The silent treatment’ can see your teen go from a chatty, engaged, enthusiastic human one day, or hour or minute to a withdrawn being who doesn’t even acknowledge your existence in the next. Some days demanding your teen interact and engage with you will just leave both of you frustrated and angry, so I have found it’s better to allow them the time they need to simply process life. Moody, quiet teens are perfectly normal, and not a reflection of your parenting.
Discussing your teenagers future with them is possibly the hardest battle to walk away from. We all want our children to be healthy, happy and to have some vision for their future. It seems as soon as teenagers hit the mid high school years they are constantly asked what they are considering as a career. Truth be known they don’t know and will possibly change their mind many times. As parents we need to resist the constant pressure and talk of career planning and instead let them take the lead. Reserve your opinion wisely on what you think they should and could do as adults, and make an effort to offer advice and guidance, not must-do directives and demands.
In all honesty, walking away from the argument if only temporarily can help the situation. With a little contemplation and reflection, you’ll soon realise that most teen battles are not worth having, or you’ll discover a new way to compromise with your teenager.
Teenage years can be difficult for many families. Young people may develop ideas, values and beliefs that are different to those of their parents. This is part of the normal process of moving towards independence. As parents we may struggle with how much independence we should allow our children at different ages and in different circumstances. The following article has strategies that may be of some help.
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/teenagers-and-communication
Truth be known there is no magic answer or perfect parenting style. We are all muddling our way through the very best way we can.
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Lyn Sharratt’s Assessment Waterfall Chart and parent involvement:
At St John Paul College, we are focussed on providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. One of the valuable approaches we have implemented is Lyn Sharratt's Assessment Waterfall Chart, which plays a pivotal role in fostering student growth and achievement.
I would like to share how parents can actively participate in and support this process, focusing on key elements such as feedback, learning intentions, and success criteria.
Understanding Learning Intentions:
Learning intentions are the essential outcomes or goals that teachers set for each lesson or unit. They clarify what students are expected to learn and achieve.
Parents can engage in their child's learning by asking questions like, "What are you learning in school today?" or "What are your goals for this assignment?" Understanding the learning intentions helps parents align their support with classroom objectives.
Discussing Success Criteria:
Success criteria are the specific criteria or benchmarks that indicate successful attainment of the learning intentions. They provide clarity about what high-quality work looks like.
Encourage your child to discuss success criteria with you. Ask questions like, "Can you explain what it takes to meet the success criteria for this project?" and "How can I help you achieve these criteria?"
Encouraging Self-Reflection:
Feedback is a crucial part of the Assessment Waterfall Chart. It includes self-assessment, peer feedback, and teacher feedback.
Encourage your child to reflect on their own work. Ask questions like, "What do you think you did well in this assignment?" and "Where do you think you can improve?" This self-reflection promotes ownership of learning.
Providing Constructive Feedback:
Parents can offer constructive feedback by reviewing their child's work and offering suggestions for improvement. Focus on specific aspects related to the success criteria.
Use phrases like, "I noticed that you did a great job with your research task, and here's an idea to make it even better," or "What do you think about trying different examples to meet the success criteria?"
Celebrating Achievements:
Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, both big and small. Recognise their effort and progress.
Celebrating achievements builds a positive learning environment where students are motivated to strive for success.
By actively engaging in discussions about learning intentions, success criteria, and feedback, parents play a vital role in their child's education journey. This collaborative effort fosters a deeper understanding of classroom objectives and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
I would encourage families to embrace these practices and join us in creating a supportive learning environment that promotes growth and success for all our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing the academic and personal development of our students.
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 so as to recognise student efforts not just at Assemblies but also within our Community throughout the year.
SJPC Merit Award Recipients
|
Year 7 |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
Year 8 |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
Year 9 |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
AMDG
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Year 10 Retreat
It has been another wonderful term so far with events and opportunities for our students to encounter Christ, who is at the centre of all that we do here at SJPC.
Week 4 was a busy week for our Year 10 cohort as they headed up to their retreat. This was an inaugural year for SJPC at a new retreat centre and although it rained, our students showed comradery and resilience, and a lot of fun was had!
We place great importance on our Retreat Program which is central to Pastoral Care within the College and is an integral part of students’ personal development. Year 10's Gospel theme is based on stewardship and students were encouraged to think about the importance of Catholic Social Teaching while considering the role that they play as part of a Catholic community.
The Year 10 Retreat is a focal point in students' school life at St John Paul College. The activities, conversations and prayer are designed to provide students with an opportunity to connect with themselves, their peers and with God.
Students participated in a range of whole and small group activities led by our amazing teachers and school leaders.
A shout out to the retreat team and to Mr Abbotts for a successful three days. Thanks also to Father Peter Wood from Murwillumbah Parish who celebrated a beautiful Mass with us on the Feast Day of Maximillian Kolbe.
What an amazing Shine gathering we had last week with over 600 participants from across the Lismore Diocese.
Shine unites ministry students from across the Diocese from Year 9 and 10, nurturing their faith and enabling spiritual formation.
The event combines elements of praise and worship, keynote speakers, a range of workshops, Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. Our senior students also participated as small group leaders, in a dynamic, faith-filled environment.
The 2024 Shine theme, Burn, reminds us of the Holy Spirit's healing power and the need to keep the fires of faith burning, and to shine bright for others, always walking forward with courage and God’s light in our souls.
Leader of School Evangelisation
Year 12 Catholic Faith in Action Pilgrimage
The tradition of pilgrimage has long been a significant practice in the Church, offering a spiritual journey that mirrors our life with God. On Wednesday, Year 12 students from St John Paul College embraced this tradition by embarking on a pilgrimage from St Augustine’s Parish in Coffs Harbour to Mary Help of Christians Parish in Sawtell.
The pilgrimage began with Mass at St Augustine’s celebrating St Augustine’s feast day, where Fr Joe blessed the students, staff and their pilgrim shells—symbols of their journey. Historically, these shells served as proof of pilgrimage and were practical tools for medieval travellers. Today, they represent the unity of all pilgrims, each taking different paths to a shared destination.
Students were also encouraged to bring a rock from home, symbolising a personal burden or struggle. Inspired by the Camino de Santiago tradition, they carried these stones during the walk, reflecting on their significance. At the end of the pilgrimage, the students laid their stones at the foot of the cross, a powerful act of letting go and seeking spiritual renewal.
Throughout the walk, students participated in reflective activities, prayer and discussion, deepening their connection to God and to one another. This pilgrimage, marked by both physical and spiritual challenges, became an experience of faith and community.
As Year 12 continue their journey towards graduation, this pilgrimage will remain a significant milestone, reminding them of their place in the household of God: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).
On Wednesday 4 September Elevate Education will be hosting another free webinar for parents. By tuning into the webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Live Parent Webinar:
How You Can Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking
Wednesday 4 September 6:30-7:30pm (AEST)
Here's what Elevate will be covering:
- Helping your child to structure their notes effectively
- Helping your child to remember what they learn
- Using deliberate practice with your child to improve their grades quickly
We hope to see you there!
Year 12
The Trial Examination period has ended, and students are back in class ready to continue their HSC preparation. Year 12 students are to be congratulated in regard to how organised they have been in their approach to the HSC Trial examination period and meeting Term 3 deadlines.
Well done!
HSC Markers will be on the College premises over the coming weeks to mark Year 12 Major Works, and Performances in Drama and Music. A very exciting time for these students and the staff who have supported them. Please pray for them.
We remind students of the following;
- Attend all classes as per your timetable
- Work with the feedback your teachers have provided
- Keep up to date with NESA Advice via the following link.
- Access the Stay Healthy HSC hub - stay active and keep connected during the HSC with resources brought to you by the NSW Education Department and Reach Out.
Year 11
Preliminary Examination Block
Students will not be attending timetabled classes during this time.
We encourage students to have a nightly study regime in place in the lead up to this examination block, and to make effective use of the many resources the College provides. It is also important to maintain a routine that includes a good night’s sleep, healthy eating and exercise.
Subject Selection Years 8 and 10
Thank you to all those Year 8 and 10 students who have been dropping their signed Course selection forms to the Curriculum Office.
Thank you to the parents of Year 10 students for confirming their child’s intentions for 2025, and recognising how this information impacts our planning as a College.
A reminder that at SJPC student choice determines which courses run in 2025. Now that choices are being finalised, students will receive confirmation packs with all information needed for continuing at SJPC in 2025. Students will automatically receive their reserve choices if courses do not run and will be informed of this over the coming weeks.
It is timely to remind ALL students of their responsibilities as learners.
Your teachers are designing and setting activities that will help you develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that are important throughout life. Trust them!
Year 7
Everyday leadership
At St John Paul College, we believe that leadership is not just about holding titles or positions of authority; it's about the actions we take every day to positively influence those around us. This term, our Year 7 students have been exploring the concept of everyday leadership through their pastoral lessons and program that has encouraged them to recognise and practice leadership in their daily lives.
Grounded in our Catholic values of Stewardship, Service, and Leadership, we emphasise the model of Jesus as a servant leader. Jesus did not seek power or status; instead, He led by serving others with humility and love. This Christ-like approach to leadership inspires our students to lead not out of a desire for recognition, but out of a commitment to serving their peers, community, and God.
As part of this week's focus, we introduced the virtue of Fortitude to our students—a key component of leadership. Fortitude is about saying or doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. It's about thinking independently, rather than simply following the crowd or media trends. And it's about maintaining optimism and starting anew, no matter how many times we may have faced setbacks or challenges.
The pastoral focus has challenged students to think deeply about what leadership means to them, identify key qualities of a leader, and reflect on how they can demonstrate these qualities in their interactions with peers, teachers, and family members. By engaging in discussions, watching relevant videos, and working through real-life scenarios, our Year 7 students are developing a nuanced understanding of leadership that goes beyond traditional roles.
One of the key themes we’ve emphasised is that leadership can happen in small, everyday actions—whether it's helping a classmate who is struggling, standing up against bullying, or simply being a kind and supportive friend. Through the worksheet’s activities, students have been encouraged to set personal leadership goals and reflect on how they can contribute to creating positive and inclusive school environments.
As our students continue to engage with these concepts, we look forward to seeing them take ownership of their roles as everyday leaders. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss these ideas at home and support their children in applying the lessons they've learned in their day-to-day lives.
Together, we are working towards supporting students to understand that leadership is about making positive choices, serving others, and taking action—no matter how small—to make a difference in the world around them. Inspired by the example of Jesus, our students are learning that true leadership is rooted in service, humility, and the courage to stand up for what is right.
Year 7 Leader of Student Wellbeing
Mark Sultana
Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing
All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things
The power of words and the power of poetry come together as we focus on kindness.
The Importance of Spelling
A seamless reading experience is a pleasant reading experience, and accurate spelling is an essential ingredient in this process.
Year 7 students have recently participated in a Spelling Bee where students have learnt the value of correct spelling, and employed various strategies when faced with challenging words.
Why Spelling Matters!
- Accurate spelling shows that we respect our own work and we respect the reader’s time. In the same way we tidy up our living space for visitors, we tidy up our words for our audience.
- Error-free writing shows professionalism and credibility and indicates we, as the author, are a reputable source. If we can’t get the little things right, how will we handle the big things?
- Correct spelling enables us to communicate effectively. Think especially of legal and medical documents. We also need to pay particular attention to homophones.
- Accurate spelling can prevent embarrassment. We have all come across embarrassing errors!!!
- Good spelling aids readability. Errors can break the reader’s concentration and cause them to stumble unnecessarily.
- Error-free writing enables authors of any kind to avoid criticism and get more exposure. We are more inclined to share documents that are error-free.
- Accuracy boosts an applicant's chance of being hired for a job. This is especially the case with cover letters and resumes. Error free applications indicate that the applicant has used the time and resources to eliminate errors. Similarly, spelling errors can indicate carelessness.
We look forward to crowning our Year 7 spelling champion.
Music Tuition
As a part of our music program, we offer one-on-one tuition for Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass and Drums. We have an experienced team of music tutors who currently have positions available for students looking to further their musical skills.
The lessons are held one day a week, with the option of half hour or hour lessons. This program may suit students who need extra support with their instrument or find attending lessons difficult after school. Please contact music staff for more information.
SJPC Athlete Spotlight
Eva Pronesti is a Year 9 student who has been playing Volleyball for 8 years, travelling all over NSW to be part of the sport. She has experienced great success already, having played for the North Coast Academy of Sport for the past 4 years and placing 2nd in the NSW State Cup as a member of the U16 Coffs Harbour team. This year, Eva travelled to Sydney to trial for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges team, a team she successfully made. Eva loves the sport as it is something her Mum got her into, she gets to meet new people and play with her friends. One day she hopes to represent Australia in the Olympics or go to a Division 1 College in America to continue her passion.
Rugby 7’s
SJPC had 5 teams compete in the Coffs Region Rugby 7s. Teams from Grafton to Taree competed across the 4 age groups. We had two 14s girls teams, two 14s boys teams, two 16s boys and one 16s girls team compete. To say the day was successful is an understatement. A more detailed report will follow, however, we have 14 boys, 14 girls and 16 boys all win their divisions, qualifying them for the State Championship finals in Sydney on 18 September. This is truely an awesome result. Congrtulations to all teams and to the coaches who trained and coached them on the day.
Congratulations
Harper Dent (Year 9) was selected to represent NSW as an umpire at the School Sport Australia National U12 Hockey Championships in Cairns. Harper's selection and attendance is a great credit to herself and her achievements in Hockey.
Coming Up - Term 3 & 4 2024
Term 3 |
|
Monday 2 September |
Diocesan Athletics, CEX Stadium Coffs Harbour |
| Monday 2 - 4 September |
Bill Turner Trophy State Finals, Lake Macquarie |
| Tuesday 17-18 September |
Rugby 7's State Finals, Venue TBC |
Term 4 |
| Monday 14 - 16 October |
NSWCCC Boys 9/10 Basketball, Penrith (7/8 to be confirmed) |
| Tuesday 22 October |
Diocesan Touch Football, Port Macquarie |
| Friday 25 October |
Diocesan Volleyball, Sportz Central |
| Tuesday 29 October |
NSW AFL Junior Schools Cup Finals, Sydney |
| Sunday 3 - 5 November |
NSWCCC Girls 9/10 Basketball, Bankstown |
| Thursday 9 - 12 November |
Australian Schools Futsal 13s and 14s girls, Brisbane |
| Monday 13 - 14 November |
NSW Netball Cup State Finals 9/10 Boys, Sydney |
| Thursday 14 November |
Diocesan Senior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
| Tuesday 19 November |
Diocesan Netball, Grafton |
| Thursday 21 November |
Diocesan Junior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
Leader of Sport
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Finance
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
Compass
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.
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.
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.
Student Diary
Lost Property
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Join Our Team at the Big Banana Waterpark & Attractions!
"Your body is the only place you can live in for the whole of your life. Appreciate it as the vehicle that allows you to experience and navigate the world." Arianna Huffington
Being thankful for our bodies matters!
Body appreciation and body gratitude play key roles in building positive body image. By focusing on and being thankful for our bodies' unique qualities and functions, we can build a more accepting and positive relationship with ourselves.
Free Parent Webinar - Raising Body Kind Teens
Date: 17 September 2024
Time: 7pm - 8.15pm (AEDT) (plus question time)
Via: Zoom (Time-limited recording)
BOOK HERE
For more information, please visit: butterfly.org.au
Dear Parents and Carers,
Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in their lives. At St John Paul College, we recognise that when changes such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters occur, students may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. To support students who are facing these and other challenges, we are offering an education program called Seasons for Growth, which will commence in Term 4. The program is an opportunity to learn with a small group of peers who have experienced similar issues.
Seasons for Growth is facilitated in small groups of up to 7 participants and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on building skills such as how to manage feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, and developing peer support networks. Participation in the program can promote improved self-esteem and self-confidence as well as giving children the opportunity to find their own voice amid change.
If you think your child/children would enjoy joining the Seasons for Growth program, we encourage you to talk to him/her about it. Seasons for Growth will run for eight weeks, and each weekly session is approximately 45 minutes. We are pleased to be able to offer this successful program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those involved. If you feel the Seasons for Growth Program would suit your child/ren, please register them by emailing Talia Saban at talia.saban@lism.catholic.edu.au or Bradley Poidevin at bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Please note that depending on the numbers of students nominated, not all applicants may be placed in a group in Term 4, but we will continue to run the groups in Term 1, 2025 and beyond.
Brad Poidevin and Talia Saban
School Counsellor / Student Wellbeing Officer