4 December 2020 - Newsletter (Vol 37 No 20)

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

Last week saw the beginning of the season of advent in the Church. Advent, means ‘coming’. It is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

The Colours

Historically, the primary sanctuary colour of Advent is Purple. This is the colour of penitence and fasting as well as the colour of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. The purple of Advent is also the colour of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus’ birth and death. The nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the crucifixion.

The Wreath

The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the centre. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

The Candles

Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colours of the candles vary with different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles, corresponding to the sanctuary colours of Advent, and one pink or rose candle. The centre candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. It is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.

As we approach the birth of Jesus Christ, I invite you to think about Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph. Both said ‘yes’ to God, yes to being the parents of God’s son. I often imagine the excitement and their anxiety as they too waited for the most precious gift of a child in the most extraordinary of circumstances.

God Bless

Michael Carniato
Principal

Continually we are told that it is not a choice but a requirement for all Catholics to continue the Mission begun by Jesus over two thousand years ago. We must be out there preaching the Good News, living by the Gospel values so as to become better people while all the time praying for support from the Holy Spirit.

In a year when so many activities at school were cancelled, a willing Principal, a determined Leader of School Evangelisation, Father Joe, 7 enthusiastic Youth Ministry Officers, 1 confident Year Coordinator and some dedicated Homeroom Teachers put together a Catholic retreat that focussed on the role each young person should play in the Church’s Mission. The Year 10 Retreat theme of ‘Crossroads’ included a day that focused on Who Am I and Where Am I At?, spent another day exploring My Decisions: Life, Love and God and were topped off with a final day entitled Mass and Community (including a very moving Reconciliation evening). The message was made very clear to the young people that they can and in fact must make a difference. Thanks to Mr Goswell and Mr Sultana for all their hard work in the organisation and facilitation of this extremely important event, which was so well supported by a very keen group of students. Well done to all. 

The seed continues to be planted with the hope of a rich harvest.

Until next time:

Matthew 28: 19-20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Reflection on Triumphs and Tribulations

With the end of the year fast approaching it is a good time for students to reflect upon their approach to school this year and what they have learnt from the challenges they faced. 

So as the holidays approach, students are encouraged to take a moment to do a short SWOT analysis on their personal approach to school and learning. Students may also like to discuss these questions with a teacher, parent or friend.

STRENGTHS

• What did you do well at school this year?
• What subjects or topics were you good at?
• What worked for you in your approach to learning?
• What are you proud of achieving?
• What new skills did you develop?

WEAKNESSES

• What were your greatest challenges in achieving your personal best at school?
• What did you find difficult this year?
• What skills do you feel need more work?
• What areas of your approach did you struggle with?
• When did you feel not confident about your ability to succeed?

OPPORTUNITIES

• What could you do to build your strengths and deal with your weaknesses?
• Who did you encounter this year that might be able to help you on this journey?
• What will be different about next year that will create opportunities to change?
• What could you personally do differently in your approach to school next year?
• What one thing could you change that would make the biggest difference to you being a more effective learner?

THREATS

• What are the biggest obstacles to you making changes in your approach?
• Are there other students you sit with who make learning difficult?
• What is stopping you from achieving the top marks you are capable of achieving?
• What challenges do you face in staying motivated to do your work for school?
• What challenges do you face in managing distractions and procrastination?

In these school holidays it is important for students to have a decent break, recharge and spend time with friends and family doing things they enjoy. Certainly, if students are weak in areas such as literacy or numeracy, some practice on a regular basis over the holidays would not go astray. 

It is essential however that Year 11 students allocate some time these school holidays consolidating the work from Year 11, ensuring study notes are up to date and they are organised and prepared for the challenges ahead in Year 12. All students may find it useful to complete some of the study skills units over the holidays, particularly on their areas of weakness.

Study Skills

Visit www.studyskillshandbook.com.au to learn more about how you can make your life easier by being a more effective and efficient learner:

Username: stjohnpaul
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.

James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

 Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

U14 Girls League Tag team

Last Friday the girls under 14 Year 8 team participated in the local League Tag event. This was exciting for all involved due to the fact that 2020 has seen very limited opportunities for sporting competitions in schools. Many of the girls had limited league tag experience. However what they lacked in game awareness they made up for with determination and attitude. They had four 20 minute games on the day. This was a tough ask in very hot conditions. The first game was a narrow defeat to Grafton High 2-1. Our try scorer was Zoe Bohn, who was one of the key players throughout the day. Other notable performers included Libby Waugh, Oak Greenaway and Darcy O’Rorke.

The next game was against Bellingen High. The girls started very well and managed to hold on for a 4-3 victory. This was a typical performance from the girls who showed great teamwork and sportsmanship. Try scorers were Felicity Day, Jesseka Skinner, Riley Andrews and Georgia Bath who scored in the dying seconds to seal the victory. Other notable performances in this game included Keira Loy, Ayshia Fowler and Aliesha Slaviero.

The girls played BDC in the next game and were narrowly defeated 2-1. Our try scorer in this game was Charlize Morrison. She was everywhere on the field throughout the day and her speed and agility were a constant threat to the opposition.

Our last game was against another Grafton team and this resulted in another narrow loss 3-2. Our try scorers were Georgia Bath and Isla Anderson. Both these girls were standouts throughout the day. Isla possessed a strong kicking and running game and Georgia was outstanding in both attack and defence.

The girls were a pleasure to coach. Their attitude and effort was faultless.

Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

Sporting success

• Mia Blackett was successful in the Phase 3 U17 NSW Netball trials and was selected in the emerging talent netball squad. This is a huge achievement for her and for Coffs Harbour netball.
• Congratulations to Harrison Colyer (Year 9) who has been selected to participate in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championship at Homebush in the 1500m and 3000m. Again, a wonderful achievement for Harrison.
• Nathan Zawadzki (Year 12) is also representing NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championship in the 100m, 200m and 400m race in an effort to qualify for Nationals. We wish him well.
• Congratulations to Zara Temesi (Year 9) who took part in the Toowoomba Pony Club Tetrathlon which involved a 2km run cross country, a showjumping course on an unknown horse, followed by precision shooting and a 200m swim. Zara finished first! Well done, Zara!

Year 9/10 Sport Term 1 2020

Unfortunately, many families have not yet paid for sporting choices for Term 1 next term. These were due on Friday 27th November. Any outstanding payment must be made immediately (B-Pay, credit card or cash) or please contact the Finance department directly if you need to organise an alternate payment method. Should payments not be received by Monday 7 December, students will be withdrawn from the sport of their choice for next term.

Values Cup League Tag

On Friday 27 November, we had 7 teams complete in the Coffs Harbour Values Cup Challenge under extremely hot weather conditions. They all played exceptionally well and represented the College with pride and enthusiasm. A number of PDHPE and PASS classes also had the opportunity to support our teams in action. It was a great experience for all.

Future Planning

Danielle McAra
Leader of Learning - Sport

Year 12

Today on behalf of the College, I received a phone call from RONNI KAHN AO, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest. She wanted to personally say thank you for the wonderful effort by our Year 12 students in raising and donating part of their fundraising total towards our local Coffs Harbour OzHarvest branch.

Ms Kahn expressed her delight to hear about the students social justice initiatives and how it has further strengthened her faith in the children because of the principles we are developing in them at the College. 

Ronni Kahn AO is a social entrepreneur and founder of food rescue charity OzHarvest. Ronni is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She appears regularly in national media, serves in an advisory capacity to government and is a sought after keynote speaker. Her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people is supported by some of the world’s finest chefs. Ronni is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year. Her journey is the subject of a feature film, Food Fighter and her memoir, A Repurposed Life has recently been published.

Mark Coster
Year 12 Coordinator

The College office has received a lot of lost property items (without names) which have not been claimed by students throughout Terms 3 & 4. Please click on the links below and come to the office if an item belongs to you. 

Jewellery

Glasses

Headphones & Airpods

Keys

Wallets & Pencil Cases

Misc Items

Please note, any unclaimed items will be donated to charity at commencement of Term 1, 2021.