14 March 2025 - Newsletter (Vol 42 No 3)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- School Evangelisation
- School Catechesis
- Pastoral Care Matters
- Promoting Positive Relationships in our SJPC community - AI Abuse
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Year 12 Fundraising - Golf Day - 6 April 2025
- Year 7 & 9 Science
- Sports Corner
- Visual Arts
- TAS
- Harmony Day celebrating 1 April 2025
- NAPLAN 2025
- Office News
- What's On!
- Student Driver / Rider Registration Form
- We're Hiring
- Year 7 Vaccinations - Friday 28 March 2025
- Study Skills Handbook -How to Break Down Complex Subjects
- Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
- Family Advocacy
Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the Return to Normal Operations: A Message of Resilience and Solidarity
As many of you are aware, Tropical Cyclone Alfred recently swept across our region, causing significant disruption and forcing us to temporarily close the College for a few days. The impact of the storm was felt far and wide, with heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding affecting our local area. It was a challenging time for our community, and we appreciate the patience and understanding shown by everyone as we navigated these unexpected circumstances.
Our college has now returned to normal operations, and it is wonderful to have our students, and staff back on campus. The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of camaraderie that come with the return of our college community are truly uplifting. It’s a reminder of how resilient and strong we are, even in the face of adversity.
During the closure, we took all necessary precautions to ensure that our campus was safe, and we’ve worked diligently to restore any disruptions to our academic and pastoral programs. Assessments that have been affected will be adjusted and new dates issued where required. We understand that some of our students and families were impacted by the storm in other ways, and we extend our thoughts to those who are still facing challenges in the aftermath, particularly those in communities affected by ongoing flooding. Please refer to our College webpage for wellbeing links that may be of assistance.
While we are grateful to be back in operation, we remain mindful of the many schools that are still closed due to the flooding caused by Cyclone Alfred. Our thoughts are with all those who are continuing to deal with the aftermath, and we stand in solidarity with them. It is in times like these that our sense of community and support for one another is so crucial. We are hopeful that these schools will soon be able to reopen and resume their important work.
We are excited to continue this semester with renewed energy, and we look forward to the great things we will accomplish together. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation, and we are grateful to have you all back on campus
God bless.
Michael Carniato
Principal
In our last newsletter, we reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they influence our school's values and identity. This week, we're diving into a deeper concept called "charisms" - which are special gifts given by the Holy Spirit to individuals or groups to serve others and make the world a better place. At SJPC, these charisms play an important role in shaping our school's unique culture and guiding how we support and serve our community.
So, what exactly are charisms, and why do they matter? Unlike talents or skills that people use for personal achievement, charisms are meant to benefit others. They show up in many ways - through teaching, leadership, acts of kindness, or advocating for social justice. In Catholic schools, charisms help create a mission-driven culture where faith and values are lived out daily.
Think of charisms like a stained-glass window. Just as a stained-glass window lets light shine through in different colors and patterns, charisms allow God’s love and grace to shine through people in unique ways. The light itself is always the same - God’s love and grace - but each charism adds its own beautiful expression to how that light is shared with the world. Just as every window contributes to the beauty of a church, each charism offers a unique way to reflect and share Jesus' message.
At SJPC, our school’s identity is more than just religious instruction - it is a living faith community. Through charisms, we are called to witness the love of Jesus in how we educate, support, and serve one another. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in acts of service, the Holy Spirit moves among us, calling us to be beacons of faith, hope, and love.
Next newsletter, we'll look at the special charisms of Pope St. John Paul II, our patron saint whose life continues to inspire our school and the world. As we prepare to learn from his example, let us remember that at the center of every charism is Christ, who invites us to share His love with all we meet.
Assistant Principal - Mission
It is not unusual, for us as adults, to feel unmotivated and not want to go to work. Young people in our care may also feel like this at times and this is perfectly normal. Sometimes though, the idea of going to school can cause severe distress for a young person and can result in a reluctance to go to school and an increase in nonattendance.
High levels of distress and a reluctance to go to school is known as school refusal.The signs of school refusal may include distress before school, health complaints, skipping class, leaving school or repeated absenteeism. In more extreme cases the thought of attending school may result in vomiting, refusing to eat, shaking or panic attacks. Being a parent or carer of a teenager who refuses to attend school can be incredibly challenging, putting strain on your relationship with them and impact heavily on home life.
It is important to inform the College at the first sign that your child may be experiencing any degree of school refusal or avoidance. It can, in some situations, be more manageable in its early stages. At SJPC everything we do is based around fostering a positive working relationship between students, staff and parents. In the area of pastoral care these relationships are paramount. Our Leaders and Assistant Leaders of Wellbeing, the Leader of Student Engagement, The College Counsellors, the Wellbeing Officer, Homeroom teachers, members of Student Services and the College Executive are all willing to communicate with you to help with your child. In the past 18 months the College has developed a designated Wellbeing Room which is an ideal space for any student who is struggling with the concept of attendance. This area along with sound advice is a starting point from which we can try to overcome this very real concern.
While the attached resource is primarily aimed at teachers, parents may find it helpful with any concerns they may be having.
SCHOOL REFUSAL: Every School Day Counts | NSW Department of Education
The College will be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week from Monday 17 March. In a school of 1080 students it is important to recognise and support the diversity of diagnosis in our College. I thank our Student Services who have put together a program for the week. Please click here for information which may be of interest to all.
Until next time:
The importance of NAPLAN for student success
At St John Paul College, we are committed to fostering the academic growth and personal development of each student as they progress from Year 7 until Year 12. As part of this commitment, we recognise the importance of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in supporting student learning and future success.
NAPLAN is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 that evaluates essential skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. These fundamental skills are crucial for academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Why is NAPLAN Important?
- Assessing Core Skills – NAPLAN provides valuable insights into students’ literacy and numeracy skills, helping our teachers tailor support and intervention where needed.
- Tracking Progress – The assessments help measure student growth over time, ensuring that each child is developing key competencies at an appropriate pace.
- Guiding Teaching and Learning – Schools use NAPLAN results to refine teaching strategies and enhance educational programs, ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded education.
- Future Readiness – Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential for success in senior studies, tertiary education, and future careers.
Supporting Students Through NAPLAN
At SJPC, we prepare students for NAPLAN by embedding literacy and numeracy development in our daily teaching. We encourage parents to support their children by maintaining a positive attitude towards NAPLAN, ensuring they get adequate rest, and reinforcing the idea that the assessments are simply a tool to help guide their learning journey.
NAPLAN is not about passing or failing—it is about understanding where students are in their learning so we can help them reach their full potential. By working together, we can ensure that all students at St John Paul College are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.
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
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sale Kicks Off Project Compassion with a Sizzle!
The Year 10 Ministry students got Project Compassion 2025 off to a fantastic start with a lively and delicious Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sale. With spatulas in hand and smiles on their faces, the students worked hard to cook and sell pancakes to the enthusiastic SJPC community, raising an impressive $250 towards our school goal of $2000.
The day was filled with joy and laughter as the ministry students embraced the spirit of service and generosity. Their efforts truly embodied the charism of St. Pope John Paul II, whose faith in the power of young people to make a difference continues to inspire us all. Through this simple yet meaningful event, our students demonstrated how small acts of kindness and service can contribute to greater change.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event by purchasing pancakes and donating to Project Compassion. Let’s continue this momentum and work together towards our goal, knowing that every dollar raised will make a real difference in communities around the world!
A Reflective Ash Wednesday Liturgy
On Wednesday, our school community gathered for a beautiful and reflective Ash Wednesday liturgy, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. This sacred time of prayer and reflection invited us to consider what Lent means for us as individuals and as a school community.
During the liturgy, the Year 10 Ministry students officially launched Project Compassion, introducing the boxes placed in each homeroom. These boxes serve as a daily reminder of our call to generosity and compassion, as the funds raised will go towards transforming lives in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Project Compassion 2025 shares three stories from around the world. We’ll meet Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a young student from Samoa who faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her school now has a 10,000 L water tank improving hygiene and allowing the teachers to prioritise education.
We’ll get to know Lam from Vietnam, born with short stature, Lam faced social exclusion and limited employment opportunities – through the I-SHINE program, Lam is now a freelance graphic designer.
And we’ll meet Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who faced immense challenges after losing her father to war and raising her children in poverty. With support from Caritas Australia, Irene received vocational training in sewing and farming and can now support her whole family.
Watch the Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE - be inspired by 3 powerful stories of resilience and strength, and learn the impact that our support can have on vulnerable communities around the world.
As we journey through Lent, let us take this opportunity to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, committing ourselves to acts of kindness and service. May we follow in the footsteps of Christ and use this time to deepen our faith and extend our love to those in need.
Let’s continue to support Project Compassion and make a meaningful impact together!
Leader of School Evangelisation
Enabling our students to experience the fullness of life
(John 10:10)
From our Lismore Diocese website: Why Choose Catholic Education?
Christ lies at the heart of our school's curriculum. We provide our students with a unique faith based educational experience.
Making a choice about the best education for your child is one of the most important decisions parents undertake. We all desire a schooling experience for our children that not only provides them with exceptional educational opportunities, but also nurtures the whole human person.
Choosing a Catholic school in the Diocese of Lismore will provide your child with a unique educational and Faith experience which seeks to form them into young people of faith, hope, purpose and joy. Our schools support each child to develop a commitment to the core values of the faith;
- Love of God
- An opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ
- Love and service of others
- Integrity, goodness and truth
Our Catholic schools are Christ-centred communities which are built on a commitment to the Gospel. We seek to serve the Gospel by accompanying young people in such a way that they may experience the ‘fullness of life’ (John 10:10) in learning and living well.
What you are seeking from an educational experience for your child may be;
- Diverse learning opportunities
- A commitment to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical care of each child
- A place of belonging
What’s happening in the classroom?
Our senior students are working hard towards upcoming assessments while Years 7- 9 are also preparing for common tasks aimed at assessing their understanding of the topics studied this term. While “tests” can be stressful for some students they are important summative markers that indicate student progress. Combined with all kinds of formative assessments teachers are able to tailor student learning plans through the lens of achievement. We recommend that students revise classwork in small chunks on a regular basis, using summary points and other recommended recall strategies to access prior learning.
Cognitive Load Theory is worth a look!
Resources
Catholic School Parents Australia
Janine Sawtell
Leader of Catechesis
Finding Shelter, Finding Strength: Pastoral Care After Cyclone Alfred
The winds have died down, the waters have receded, but the impact of Cyclone Alfred lingers. As our community, it's crucial to remember that recovery isn't just about bricks and mortar. It's about the human spirit.
Pastoral care plays a vital role in this process. In the aftermath of such an event, many may experience a range of emotions: shock, anxiety, and a deep sense of uncertainty. These feelings are normal, and they are not alone.
If your child needs to connect with a pastoral care team, please ask them to reach out and come chat or email their concerns to their relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing, our Wellbeing Officer, Sam or myself.
As we focus on weather recovery, week 7 sees a time to celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes our community so special. We're excited about our upcoming Harmony Day celebrations, a time to recognise and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that surround us in the College.
Harmony Day celebrations, observed later this term and culminating on Tuesday 1st April, will be a time to promote inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone and a chance to learn about different cultures, share traditions, and build bridges within our community.
The Year 9 Pastoral Care team, led by Mr Sultana, are planning and organising for Year 9 to engage in the world-renowned ‘Rock and Water’ self confidence program starting next term. This will be an exciting experience and more information will be shared over the next few weeks. We have many trained facilitators on staff, including Mr Sultana, Brad Poidevin, our College Counsellor, our SWO, Sam and myself.
In conclusion I’d like to finish with a question in upcoming articles, and if it strikes a chord, please don't hesitate to contact the Pastoral Care Team or me here at the College.
Here’s this week's question:
"In today's complex world, what specific challenges do you feel your child faces that pastoral care could best address?"
Mark Coster
Leader of Student Engagement
The Risks and Realities of AI Abuse
As advancements in generated artificial intelligence (Gen AI) continue to shape the digital landscape, it is crucial to be aware of how this technology can be misused, especially within the context of online safety for our young people. AI-generated content, including fake images and videos, is becoming increasingly realistic and accessible, posing new challenges for schools, families, and communities.
What is Gen AI Abuse? It refers to using Gen AI technology to create, alter, or distribute content that can harm individuals. Examples include:
- Deepfakes: Manipulated videos or images that appear authentic but are entirely fabricated.
- Gen AI Explicit Content: Realistic but fake images created without consent.
- Identity Manipulation: Using Gen AI tools to impersonate someone online.
The Impact on Young People: AI abuse can target young people and staff, leading to severe emotional distress, reputational harm, and legal consequences. For students, the ability to create or share such content may feel like a joke, but the repercussions are far-reaching and long-lasting.
Our School’s Stance: We uphold the values of respect, integrity, and dignity within our Catholic community. The creation or sharing of Gen AI content that harms others is strictly prohibited and will result in serious consequences.
How Parents Can Respond:
- Stay Informed: Learn about AI tools and their potential for misuse. Discuss these risks openly with your young person.
- Encourage Empathy: Help your young person understand the human impact of their online actions, emphasising kindness and respect.
- Promote Accountability: Teach your young person to think critically about the content they create or share and its potential consequences.
- Support Reporting: Encourage your young person to report inappropriate or harmful content, whether they witness or experience it.
Conversation Starters for Parents:
‘Have you come across Gen AI content, like deepfakes or altered images? How do you think they could be used positively or negatively?’
‘Do you think there are ways we can make certain what we are seeing online is real?
‘How can we ensure that the technology we use is helping, not hurting, others?’
‘What would you do if you saw someone sharing fake or harmful content about someone else?’
By working together, we can equip our young people with the knowledge and values to navigate these emerging challenges responsibly. Let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and faith-filled community for everyone.
Year 7
Year 7 Belonging Night
Year 7 students and their families joined with staff for Year 7 Belonging Night. We were glad to have the families join us, especially to witness a number of our Year 7 cohort offer to lead in prayer, acknowledgement to country and music performance.
We were also kindly joined by the Diocese Family School Partnership Team, Janita and Chrissie.
The were facilitated in homerooms by our awesome Homeroom Team to dress their future graduating selves with the qualities we hope to foster in them by the time we farewell them as adults. The night was capped off with a potluck meal and easy conversations with Year 7 class teachers.
Thank you to all who made the effort to come along and who assisted with the evening.
Jon Baldwin & Mikayla Hannaford
Year 7 Leader of Student Wellbeing Team
Year 12
Year 12 Jerseys
Inspired by the ocean, the student's educational journey is symbolized by a blue river connecting to the vast sea, with blue and yellow colours representing their diverse paths merging into a unified experience at St. John Paul College. This journey, depicted through concentric circles, illustrates their progression from individual primary school experiences to collective growth in high school, and finally, to a lifelong journey of faith and learning beyond its walls.
The distribution of the commemorative jerseys was met with enthusiastic reception from the student body, marking a significant milestone in their culminating academic year.
Dust off your clubs and join us for a day of friendly competition and heartfelt giving at our Charity Golf Day on Sunday 6 April 2025! Swing into action to support two incredible local charities: Warrina Women's and Children's Refuge, providing vital safety and support, and the Can-Do Cancer Trust, offering hope and assistance to those facing cancer. Enjoy a beautiful day on the green, compete for fantastic prizes, and know that every putt and drive contributes to making a real difference in our community.
Please contact Coffs Harbour Golf Club directly on (02) 6652 3244 or email: reception@coffsharbourgolfclub.com.au to book your spot and be a part of this impactful event.
Year 7 - Making Measurements
Our Year 7 students have been learning the names of scientific equipment and making observations. Practical lessons are always a highlight and our students are becoming more familiar with using specialist equipment when learning how to make precise measurements.
There has been a great deal of enthusiasm and strong levels of engagement.
Here are some pictures of our students at work measuring Volume, Mass and Temperature.
Year 11 Chemistry - Titrations
Our Year 12 students are learning about a laboratory technique called Titration.
Commonly students will conduct a quantitative chemical analysis using a solution of known concentration to determine the concentration of an unknown solution.
Teacher/Assistant Leader of Learning - Science
Australian Women’s Golf Classic
On Friday 14 March, 8 students from the SJPC Golf team were given the opportunity to attend the golf event at the Coffs Harbour Golf course, where a field of 132 players, which included 80 international players, competed. As part of the experience, NSW Golf provided our students with a private lesson from a golf professional before having the chance to follow the golfers and watch the National and International talent on show. What an amazing experience for our up and coming golfers.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent the College in their chosen sports.
NSWCCC Golf - Ashton Herbert (Year 12)
NSWCCC Tennis - Madison Jones (Year 12)
Diocesan Touch Football
Adelaide Keating (Year 10), Tazmyn White (Year 9), Hannah Burton (Year 8), Harlow Smith (Year 8) and Tillie Reibelt (Year 7). Congratulations also to Ashton Lockyer (Year 9) who was selected as a reserve for the team.
Thredbo Mountain Bike Event
Congratulations to the 6 students who competed at the Thredbo Mountain Bike event last week. There are 361 students from 291 schools competing. Congratulations to Year 9 students Harvey Wilhelm, Lachlan Bull, Brock Conroy, Riva Casson and Year 10 students Archie Cole and Tobey Johnston. Please see the article below from Dionne Arthur.
Last week, 6 students competed in three events across 4 days at the biggest mountain biking event there is for school students in Australia, the 2025 Australian Mountain Biking Interschools at Thredbo, there were over 1000 competitors from schools far and wide.
Year 9 students Lachlan, Riva, Brock and Harvey and Year 10 students Archie and Tobey proudly represented St John Paul College.
The boys competed in Downhill, Flow and All-Mountain in Division 2 (Years 9 and 10), by far the biggest and most competitive cohort with over 350 riders in their division.
There were plenty of thrills and spills and even blown shocks, a reflection of the tough and trying nature of the Thredbo terrain. Overall, as a school, we placed 58th out of 291 schools for the event, a remarkable effort against some very large school groups, many that run specialised mountain biking programs.
Dionne Arthur
Parent
Coming Up - Term 1 2025
Term 1, 2025 |
| Thursday 20 March |
Diocesan Open Basketball Championships, Coffs Harbour |
| Wednesday 26 March |
NSW Netball Schools Cup Rd 1, Coffs |
| Wednesday 2 April |
AFL Senior Schools Cup, Coffs |
| Friday 4 April |
Diocesan Netball Individual Trials, Coffs * |
| Wednesday 9 April |
SJPC Cross Country |
Term 2, 2025 |
| Thursday 8 May | NSW All Schools Touch, Port Macquarie |
| Wednesday 14 May | Diocesan Tennis, Lismore |
| Friday 16 May |
Diocesan Cross Country, Grafton |
* events require students to sign up directly on the Diocesan Sport website
Leader of Sport
Year 9 Photography and Digital Media (9PDM) students took their first 'big' leap into the exciting world of photography on an excursion to the Jetty on Friday 28 February. Armed with our Canon cameras and a beautiful sunny day, they explored and experimented with the art of capturing well-composed photographs using the Elements and Principles of Photography. Students investigated the rule of thirds, leading lines, fill the frame, framing, rhythm and repetition, to name a few. The next step is to begin experimenting with post-editing in Adobe Lightroom Classic for some professionally enhanced and narrative-laden visual storytelling. Keep an eye out for their images on our Instagram page ‘from_the_art_block’.
Teacher - Visual Arts, Photography, Video & Digital Imaging
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
St John Paul College is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of Harmony Day, a national event that promotes inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for everyone in Australia, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. This year's celebrations will be observed later this term and culminating on Tuesday, 1st April. It will be a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and recognise the rich tapestry of cultures that make our college so special.
Students and staff will be invited to participate in a variety of activities including:
- Cultural Food Stalls
- Lunchtime Sports Tournaments
- Harmony Day Assembly
- Harmony Stickers
- Cultural Music
- Games including Flag Guessing
- Henna
- Sharing Language Activities
Harmony Day is a reminder that everyone belongs, and St. John Paul College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
We are excited to celebrate the values promoted by Harmony Day - such as inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging, which closely align with the Gospel values of love, compassion, and the dignity of every human being. As Christians, we are called to recognise and celebrate the inherent worth of all people, reflecting Jesus' teachings to 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31).
Harmony Day encourages us to embrace diversity and foster a community where everyone is valued and welcomed.
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, our school will commence NAPLAN testing on Monday, 17 March 2025. All Year 7 & 9 writing tests will take place on this day. This delay allows us to focus on ensuring our students are ready and supported.
NAPLAN is just one part of our College’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests.
NAPLAN LockDown Browser
All Year 7 & 9 students must have the NAPLAN lockdown browser installed on their devices. Instructions for downloading were sent directly to students. Please ensure your child has successfully installed the software.
Public Demonstration Site
The public demonstration site available for you to see the format of the online tests.
Further Information
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website and the NAP website.
To ensure the testing goes smoothly it is crucial that all students come to school prepared on the testing days with a fully charged device and headphones.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the College.
Jessi Reeves
Leader of Numeracy
2024 Yearbook
For families who have not received their 2024 Yearbook, please remind your child to collect from the College Office. One yearbook per family.
School Buses
School Travel Passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Bus timetables
Busways is the school bus operator that runs your school's bus services. To find your child’s school bus timetable visit the Busways website by using the following steps:
- Go to busways.com.au/nsw
- Click on ‘school services’ in the navigation bar and then proceed to ‘school timetables’
- Enter the school’s name in the field that says ‘enter a school name’
- Select the school’s name and the timetable should open on your device. If you are unable to find or search for the school’s name, use the drop-down menus on the same web page to find the school.
- Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child to use.
Finance
To view your balance and make a payment online please log in to the Compass Parent Portal.
If you have any questions, please email cofhs-finance@lism.catholic.edu.au or cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au, or phone 6653 3155 (St John Paul College) / 6653 1655 (DLCS Regional Fee Support Team)
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 students who receive a concussion or with 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
If your child drives a car or rides a motorcycle to and from the College, we require you to fill out an updated permission form. Please click here to complete the form.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the College Office.
You can now provide online consent for your child's routine school vaccinations.
In Year 7 and 10 students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination will only be provided at School if consent has been received.
Term 1 - Year 7 Vaccinations - Friday, 28 March 2025
Save the date: Term 2 - Year 10 Vaccinations - Tuesday, 17 June 2025
How to provide consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.
2. Click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in using your Service NSW details. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s license. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
3. Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child. You will need to:
a) Enter your child’s personal details
b) Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c) Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
d) Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from the College Office.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Translated information about school vaccination is available in 27 languages, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/