26 September 2025 - Newsletter (Vol 42 No 15)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- School Evangelisation
- Wellbeing Matters
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- HSC Nominations
- SJPC Merit Award Recipients
- Literacy Coach
- Sports Corner
- Music
- What's On!
- Office News
- We're Hiring
- Wellbeing Program form HSC Students
- The Vinnies Van
- St Francis Xavier School Community Fete
Something Pawsitively Exciting is Coming…
Very early next term, campus life might feel a little cozier, a little brighter… and maybe even a bit more comforting.
We can’t say much yet—but trust us, this surprise is worth the wait.
Keep your eyes (and hearts) open. All will be revealed soon.
God Bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
As we come to the close of Term 3, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of our students, staff, and families throughout this busy season. The end of term is always a good reminder of the importance of rest. School holidays are a time not only to step back from the routine of study and work but also to invest in the things that sustain us most deeply - time with family and friends, moments of quiet, and opportunities to nurture our own wellbeing.
In the Gospels, we hear how Jesus too would often withdraw to a quiet place to pray and rest. Just as He showed us, we too are called to find balance: to care for ourselves, to strengthen our relationships, and to give back to others in ways, big or small, that build up our community.
Last Sunday, we were blessed to gather for our Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Augustine’s Church in Coffs Harbour - a beautiful celebration of faith and community. It was heartening to see so many families come together in support of their child as they prepare to leave school life behind and embrace the next chapter. The Eucharist united us in gratitude and prayer, and Fr Joe’s words reminded us of the importance of listening to our hearts, for it is there that God dwells and speaks to us most personally.
As we step into the holiday period, may we each take the time to rest, reconnect, and listen - to ourselves, to those we love, and to God who is ever-present. If you are travelling, please do so safely, and I look forward to seeing you all next term.
Assistant Principal - Mission
Week 10 of Term 3 always comes with mixed emotions. It has been a busy term with St John Paul Day and Student/Parent/Teacher meetings and the final school days for our Year 12 just to name a few for our general school body. The holidays will come as a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge.
As mentioned, this week we celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 class of 2025 and farewell them as they approach their HSC exams. This can be a difficult time for students as well as parents. Leading up to these exams can be a time of uncertainty, stress, fear, helplessness, disappointment, negative thoughts (rumination about past poor performances, consequences of failure, feeling inadequate, helpless), mind going blank, and racing thoughts. It isn’t all doom and gloom there are also feelings of being well prepared and ready to embrace the next chapter in their lives. As parents it’s very difficult to navigate through these emotions with your child even if this isn’t your first time. Personally, as a parent, I have had four very different experiences.
Your child may feel an enormous amount of pressure about the HSC. As a parent or carer you play an important role in giving them the confidence, support and stability to cope with their final exams. Here are some ideas for supporting them:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/stay-healthy-hsc/resources/tips-to-support-your-kids
You should always encourage your child to study and work to the best of their ability but also balance their lives with friends, family, health and rest.
A good diet and healthy routine helps maintain concentration and energy levels. This should include:
- plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables
- lots of drinking water
- moderated caffeine - if your child must have a coffee, try to limit it to one per day and don't drink coffee after midday
- plenty of sleep - teenagers don't always realise how much sleep they need; at least eight to 10 hours a night is recommended
- exercise and time to switch off and relax each day.
Prudence Greene, Leader, Secondary Education at NSW Department of Education, says it's understandable students and parents want to achieve the best results in the HSC:
"But in the determination to succeed students should not forget that a balanced life is key to success," she says. "Too much of a focus on one area can be counter-productive."
There’s no question that most HSC students are feeling the pressure. In fact, a University of NSW study found that 40% of HSC students displayed symptoms of depression, high stress or anxiety.
By helping to create a calm home environment, you can reduce their anxiety. You could also consider changes to their bedroom, so it is a space where they feel comfortable and relaxed to work.
Meditation is another good way to overcome stress. There are plenty of options to choose from too such as Headspace or Insight Timer.
As a parent or carer, you need to look after your own wellbeing too. As a family unit, you are part of the HSC journey.
Our young people are very fortunate that there are many ways for them to achieve success after the HSC. Career paths may go in the direction of tertiary education, internships, apprenticeships, etc. Whether they are searching for a job for the first time or are interested in a particular career, it’s important for them to understand what their options are.
After listening to Dr.Michael Carr- Gregg (a psychologist specialising in adolescent mental health and parenting adolescents) on many occasions I often find myself looking to his writings for some practical advice.
“If in life if you can’t change something, change the way you think about it”.
This means when your students are dealing with self-doubt and anxiety around their progress they should try to change their mind set from “I need to achieve a high ATAR or I won’t succeed in life” to the exams being “a great opportunity to show the examiners what I know”.
Michael also believes it is always best to take an individual approach with students. Everyone develops at their own pace, and some Year 12 students are simply still trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life. A great way to support those students is to remind them that there are many options available, such as:
- Bridging courses – great pathways to get into their preferred course
- Second round offers
- Gap years – this will give them the opportunity to really consider their options and what they want to do.
We need to remind our young people to try their best and exam results do not define us as a person.
In closing, it would be remiss of me not to thank Year 12 for all their efforts over the years. A particular vote of thanks to Makaylah and Chayton (our 2025 College Captains) for all their hard work, especially this year. They have guided the student body in an outstanding way doing their very best to understand the needs of the students while also balancing the complicated aspects of such a large organisation that is SJPC. Well done!
Year 12, all the best and God bless Year 12.
Celebrating Year 12 Graduates: A Journey of 13 Years in Catholic Education
This week, we gathered as a community to celebrate the graduation of our Year 12 students, for most, this concludes 13 years of Catholic Education.
Our Year 12 students have exemplified dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the values instilled in them throughout their time at St John Paul College.
This was exemplified by their involvement, support and participation in Sunday night’s Parish Mass. It was at this mass that our Year 12s were called to carry the light of faith, hope, and love into the world, as Christ's disciples. The values they have learned at SJPC will guide them through life’s challenges and triumphs.
In addition to celebrating the graduation of all our students, we take a moment to recognise those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, extracurricular activities, and community service. A special congratulations to the following award recipients:
We pray for their continued success and remind them that they will always have a home here in our Catholic community.
Congratulations, Year 12 Class of 2025! We are incredibly proud of you all.
AMDG
Acting Principal
Year 12 Graduation Mass – A Beautiful Evening of Celebration
On Sunday evening, our school community gathered at St Augustine's Church in Coffs Harbour to celebrate the Year 12 Graduation Mass. It was a truly beautiful occasion, filled with gratitude, reflection, and blessings as we honoured our graduating students.
The evening was made even more special by the outstanding musical contributions of our talented Year 12 Music students, accompanied by Mr Jon Baldwin, Miss Mikayla Hannaford, and Mrs Kerri Potter. Their performance added a heartfelt and memorable touch to the ceremony.
Special thanks go to the Year 12 Homeroom staff and our Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing, Mr Nick Haworth, for their continued support, as well as to Mrs Renee Berrisford and Fletcher Wilby for capturing the evening through photography. We also extend our gratitude to all staff and students who played a role in making the Mass such a meaningful event.
It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the journey of our Year 12 students as they prepare to take their next steps beyond school. We wish them every success in the future.
Brotherhood
On Tuesday the Brotherhood group were lucky enough to have Deacon Anthony Gooley, the Vocations Director of the Diocese come and join them over lunch time to share about his experience as being a Deacon and how he discerned his own personal vocation. Deacon Anthony's sharing was very insightful to the male students who were also given time to ask questions about their own faith. We thank Deacon Anthony for his insightful sharing of his own knowledge on Tuesday as he has touched each and every one of the students who attended at lunch. Brotherhood will run again next term! Keep an eye out in daily notices for more details. Sarah de Byl and Oliver Dwyer
Leader of School Evangelisation
Social Media Age Restrictions – What this means for families..
Social media age restrictions for Australians under the age of 16 are due to take effect by 11 December 2025. The social media minimum age obligations will be implemented in line with the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. The new law requires age-restricted social media platforms to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent children under 16 from having an account.
The restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing. More information regarding the changes can be found on the eSafety website via this link.
What can this mean? Families will have a task ahead of them in navigating their child’s responses to this new legislation. For some students, it will mean very little. However, for many teens, especially, it may come with some sense of loss and even grief. Estimation is that some adolescents may feel that their connection, communication and some forms of social outlet have been unfairly ripped from them. Perhaps for some students it may well be accompanied by a sense of anxiety.
It’s suggested that the time to start planning for and discussing with your children, and what this will mean for them, is now. It might be instructive to have conversations about some of the following:
- How we connect with (and feel connected to) our peers other than through social media.
- What other forms of social outlet might be employed in real time, with real people.
- If it is not part of your family routine, re-establishing a dinner time routine with all family members at the dinner table, which is a phone-free zone.
- Encouragement of outdoor activities including sports, running, walking, a trip to the park, bike riding and so on.
- Inviting children/adolescents to play board games, cards, play a musical instrument.
- Becoming a “joiner” – join a group of some sort in the community, including volunteering. Vinnies is always looking for volunteers either in-store or in the warehouse.
- Managing those times where we feel the “loss” of opportunity that social media presents. For a small number of young people, this could look like withdrawal from an addictive substance.
- The ways in which some young people may attempt to subvert or circumvent the legislation. Adolescents are creative and industrious!
Parents and families are encouraged to access the latest information and news from eSafety’s ‘Social media age restrictions hub’.
‘It’s not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts’
Mark Coster
Leader of Student Engagement
Year 8
Dear Parents and Year 8 Students,
As I prepare to step away for a short time to focus on the arrival of our newest addition to the family, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared together.
Over the past two years, it has been a privilege to walk alongside Year 8, supporting and celebrating the growth of this wonderful group of students from their first days in Year 7 through to the confident and capable Year 8s they are today. I have had the joy of witnessing friendships form, challenges overcome, and the incredible resilience and kindness that so many of our students bring into our College each day.
For me, this role has never been just about wellbeing—it has been about connection, trust, and the small but powerful moments where students feel seen, heard, and supported. I am so grateful for the countless conversations, the laughter, and even the hard times, because they have all been part of shaping the strong, vibrant group we see now.
Parents, thank you for entrusting me with your children’s care and for the partnership we have built together. And to Year 8 - thank you for letting me be part of your journey. I carry with me so many memories that I’ll hold onto until I see you again.
Although I will be away on maternity leave for a time, please know that my thoughts and heart remain with this wonderful year group. I am excited to see all that you will continue to achieve, both as individuals and as a community.
I thank both Matt Currie, acting Leader of Student Wellbeing and Matthew Quinton, acting assistant Leader of Student Wellbeing in advance for their hard work and support that I know will extend to all Year 8 students in my absence.
I’ll miss you all,
Alana Johnson
Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing
Year 9
Year 9 Awards
We are proud to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students who received College Commendation and Distinction Awards this term:
| College Commendation Awards |
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 Scarlett Thomas |
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| College Distinction Award |
 Danika Denner
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Term 3 Highlights
As Term 3 comes to a close, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the exciting opportunities and experiences our Year 9 students have been part of:
- Poetry in Action workshops
- Artist in Residence – Joel Moore (“Mulga”)
- Year 9 Pastoral Day at the racecourse
- Catch the Wave program
- History excursion
- Selection of our new SRC representatives
Holiday Wishes
We wish all students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Take the time to rest, recharge, and return refreshed for another exciting term ahead.
See you in Term 4!
Year 10
The past few months of a very busy and productive Term 3 have been a whirlwind of activity, and the dedication and hard work shown throughout by our young people have been truly inspiring.
Academic and Spiritual Growth
A significant milestone for students this term has been the careful consideration and selection of subjects and pathways for 2026, with students showing great maturity in their approach to senior schooling. On the academic front, students have been diligently working through assessments and completing their Term 3 exams. Congratulations to all the students who have worked incredibly hard this term and who have received Commendation Awards: Aidan Skimmings, Archer Moore, Ava Potter, Bo Dodd, Brock Fardell, Cami Graham, Charlotte Stewart, Chloe Griffin, Cooper Gunther, Daniela Recinos Garcia, Emily Mossman, Eva Pronesti, Evan Jacobs, Finn Willoughby, Hope Cassidy, Lexie Heron, Lila Webb, Lilianna Ratcliffe, Madeline Suokallio, Malila Soper-Flick, Matilda Keoller, Matthew Kearns, Matthew Killey, Mia Littler, Noah Baylis, Oliver Bath, Oliver Smith, Paula Gutierrez Santana, Riley Duff, Rowdy Bonus, Sophie Dunn, William Bickle-Smallwood and Yaminn Aarts.
Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to grow spiritually. Through our pastoral lessons, they have strengthened their connection to our school values. The recent Retreat and the Shine program were powerful experiences that provided a space for reflection and personal growth. The commitment of our students to making a difference is truly remarkable. This term saw significant involvement in important initiatives, such as RUOK and the Winter Sleepout, raising awareness and support for crucial causes. The students’ willingness to give back was also evident on SJPC Day, where they lent a helping hand at many of the stores.
Extracurricular Success and Community Impact
Our students have also excelled in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Once again, our musicians shared their talents at different times throughout the term. We’ve seen incredible participation and success in various sporting events, with many students representing our school with pride, both in school competitions and as part of the wider community including The Rocky Trail Academy North Coast Schools MTB championship, Bill Turner Cup, NSW CCC Soccer, Rugby Union, League, AFL and Athletics, to name a few, highlighting the many unique skills and talents within this group.
Leadership and Gratitude
I would like to acknowledge all the students who attended the retreat and graduation this term—rare and meaningful moments that leave a lasting impact. Those who took part experienced the power of stepping away from the everyday to reflect, connect, and gain a fresh perspective. Through shared stories and insights—especially from our inspiring keynote speaker Andre Holmes (Class 2004) at Graduation—they were reminded of the strength in vulnerability and the value of being present. These experiences don’t just mark an occasion—they shape the journey ahead.
Special congratulations go out to the students who have been selected as school leaders for 2026. This is a testament to their character and their commitment to our school community. I also extend a heartfelt thank you to our current Student Representative Council (SRC) Jacob Chappell, Paula Gutierrez Santana, Adelaide Keating, and Lucas Cung Tho. It’s wonderful to know that your leadership will continue to benefit the school in different capacities next year.
As we look forward to a well-deserved break, it's a great time to reflect on our achievements and set new personal and academic goals for Term 4. I wish all of our students a safe and restful holiday. You’ve earned it.
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.
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
LITERACY MATTERS
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
National Punctuation Day - 24 September 2025
While there is no specific National Punctuation Day recognised for Australia, the US celebrates on 24 September, so we took the liberty of joining the fun.
Accurate punctuation is crucial for writing success. Learning to use the available forms of punctuation allows us to communicate and express ideas and arguments effectively.
The use of the oxford comma is a very widely debated topic. In a sentence with a list of three or more items, the Oxford comma is the comma you place right before the coordinating conjunctions and the last item in the list. The Oxford comma is considered grammatically optional.
The one time that most punctuation can be ignored is with crossword clues. In fact, cryptic crossword clues often use punctuation to add confusion.
While the event doesn't have a specific Australian observance, individuals in Australia can still participate in National Punctuation Day / Week by focusing on the correct use of punctuation in their everyday writing and communication.
Literacy Coach
NSWCCC Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to the following students who competed at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, Homebush and were selected in the NSWCCC Merit team for 2025:
Evie Hill - 1st Place 15 Girls High Jump & 3rd Place 15 Girls 90m Hurdles
Lincoln Henry 2nd Place 17+ Boys 110m Hurdles
Jasper Franklin 3rd Place 16 Boys Shot Put
MTB North Coast Schools Competition
What an amazing day for our SJPC mountain bikers! Our team of 24 riders faced hot, dry, and dusty conditions while competing against nearly 200 riders from 20 schools. Max Pinder dominated the Junior (Year 7/8) division, taking out first place by a healthy margin. Harvey Wilhelm and Levi Schultz came incredibly close to the podium, finishing 6th and 4th in their respective divisions by just seconds! Special shoutout to Sophia Flint, SJPC’s first female rider, who showed immense grit throughout the day. We hope her determination inspires more female riders to join our team in the future! A huge thank you to Mr Nick Burke and Mr Brad Poidevin for their support, organisation and efforts.
Coming Up
Term 4, 2025 |
| Wednesday 15 October | Secondary Schools Squash Challenge, Korora |
| Friday 24 October |
Diocesan Volleyball |
| Thursday 6 November | Open Boys & Girls Water Polo, Alstonville |
| Monday 10 November |
Southern Diocesan Golf Championships, SWR |
| Thursday 13 November | 15’s Boys & Girls Water Polo, Alstonville |
| Tuesday 25 November | 3 x 3 Basketball, Coffs Harbour |
| Wednesday 26 November | Girls League Tag, Coffs Harbour |
| Friday 28 November | Netball State Finals, Sydney |
* events require students to sign up directly on the Diocesan Sport website
Acting Leader of Sport
Celebrating Our HSC Musicians
Week 9 marked a memorable evening for our Year 12 music students, who showcased their HSC performance pieces to a packed theatre of friends and family. This special night served as their final public concert before the HSC Music Performance examination.
The evening was a huge success, with every student demonstrating a high standard of performance and musicianship. The audience was captivated by the diverse range of pieces, from classical to contemporary, all delivered with remarkable skill and passion. It was a wonderful celebration of all the hard work and dedication these students have put into their craft throughout the year. The positive energy in the theatre was a testament to the talent within our music program and the strong support from our community. We wish all our Year 12 students the very best for their final exams.
Leader of Learning - Music & Drama
Finance
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
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
SJPC Virtual Tour
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
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.
Leanne Gennat and Brett Bujeya
SJPC Vinnies Conference
St Francis Xavier Primary School is holding a Fete on Saturday 25 October from 12pm - 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy an afternoon of fun rides, food trucks, great stalls, and entertainment.
We would like to invite any past SFX students who are interested in volunteering for an hour on the day to run the Crazy Hair, Facepaint and Tattoo Stall to fill out this Google Form.