26 March 2021 - Newsletter (Vol 38 No 5)

The Easter Message

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said. Come and see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead…” Matt. 28:5-7

Holy week is the final week of Lent and begins with Palm Sunday this weekend. It concludes with Easter Sunday, which celebrates the most important event in the Church’s calendar. Not the death of Christ, but his Resurrection. It is a time when we as Christians celebrate the triumph of good over evil, a time for new possibilities and restoring parts of our lives that have been ‘broken’.

HOLY WEEK

Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday – Washing of the feet and the last supper

Good Friday – The Crucifixion

Holy Saturday – The Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection

We commemorate the Passion of Christ and remember his sacrifice for all of us. Jesus challenged!! He challenged the authorities at the time and he challenged the status quo. He advocated a different way of life and this was a threat to those in power, those who had most to lose. If only he did not ‘rock the boat’, if only he sat silent, if only………

We are called as Disciples of Christ to also challenge, not authorities necessarily, but ourselves, our thinking, our actions and our relationships.

Even to his last breath, Jesus cared, Jesus loved, Jesus forgave.

As we reflect on the Easter story, let us take the time to appreciate and give thanks to God:

“For God loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

God bless

 

Michael Carniato
Principal

What is Easter? 

Without a doubt one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, Easter is a holiday that celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. After his crucifixion, death, and burial, three days later, he arose from the grave. In doing so, he conquered death and redeemed us from sin if we believe in Him. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that with His help we too can have victory over sin.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the core of the Christian gospel. Saint Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and hope are in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). Certainly, without the resurrection, there would be no Christian preaching or faith. The apostles of Christ would have continued as the disheartened group which the Gospel of John depicts being in hiding for fear of the Jews. They were in total despair until they met the risen Christ (John 20:19). Then they touched Christ's wounds of the nails and the spear; they ate and drank with Him. The resurrection became the foundation of everything they said and did (Acts 2-4): “...for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39).

The resurrection affirms Jesus of Nazareth as not only the prophesied Messiah of Israel but as the King and Lord of New Jerusalem: a new heaven and a new earth.

This resurrection of Jesus and the whole of Holy week helps us to see how our faith should be about setting aside our doubts, and knowing that we are not broken in His eyes through His love for us and through the light of the world that is Jesus.

With easing Covid restrictions many of us may have the opportunity to come together with friends and family. As we do, we should also think about the true meaning of Easter. May you all have a holy, safe and happy Easter.

The information presented above in part comes from the attached documents. Feel free to read more about what Easter means to Christians.

True meaning of Easter and why is it celebrated

Understanding the meaning of Easter as explained by Catholic Life

Until next term:

"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." M.Luther

At the end of this Term and the beginning of Term 2 there are many hand in assessment tasks due. The following is from our studyskills website subscription and may be of help to some families: 

4 REASONS NOT TO PUT OFF STARTING ASSIGNMENTS

Here are four reasons why you should start working on your assignment immediately.

1. GET YOUR BRAIN THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC

Even if your assignment is not due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, ensure you review and understand the requirements the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be hard at work.

2. FIND LIBRARY AND ONLINE RESOURCES

Although the school or local library may not be your main source of reference, you should drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Your teacher will probably have alerted the Library to the assignment, and reference books etc, may well be displayed. These will disappear quickly if the whole class has the same assignment. Reference books can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment and they help clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Your librarian can also guide you to online journals or databases that may be useful.

3. STARTING EARLY MEANS MORE TIME TO EXPLORE & ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED

If you do some initial research on the assignment, you could find yourself needing more direction in your next research. For example: Perhaps there isn’t enough information, or perhaps you find you don’t understand important concepts, or perhaps you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn’t start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time. Starting early also gives you a longer time to think through and develop your ideas.

4. CREATE A SAFETY NET

Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given over a period of time because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

Study Skills 

Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our College access details are:

Our school’s 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

James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

Year 12 

A number of Year 12 students have expressed that they are currently lacking motivation and are starting to feel fatigued, which is not unusual for students at this time. Last week we encouraged them to revisit their goals, and presented them with a few strategies to help them refocus and stay healthy.  As always we offer support in many guises, and have encouraged them to surround themselves with supportive people. 

Year 11

Year 11 students are receiving feedback on their first assessment tasks, which for some may be a little confronting. Remember that feedback is there to assist you in focusing on the areas of improvement. We can all improve our skills, knowledge and understanding with support and specific feedback. 

Year 10

We were impressed with the way students in Year 10 participated in last week’s workshops on;

• Growth versus fixed mindset 
• Time management and organisation
• Possible selves
• Goal setting and My Learning Strengths

Students in this year level are all at different stages of development and self-awareness, and these workshops challenged students at times. Yet they were respectful of each other and participated when they could. I have posted the presentation and a copy of their booklet on the Yr 10 Curriculum Matters Classroom for future reference. Hopefully students shared a little of their experiences with their parents.

Years 7 – 9  

Hopefully students in Years 7 – 9 took the advice from the last newsletter and took the first step in setting up a new routine to ensure they are organised for school. This will set you up for success!

Remember that every day of your life you are learning; learning new skills, improving skills, knowledge and understanding of subjects, the world around you and the people you are interacting with. 

Learning Strengths

We all have learning strengths that we can utilise in order to improve our learning across all areas. If an individual can understand their own pattern of learning strengths then they can use this knowledge to increase academic self-belief and more powerfully engage in their learning, improving performance, and gaining new skills.

If you are interested in reading more about learning strengths, I encourage you to access the following website and complete the free online questionnaire. My Learning Strengths

The personalised report generated will assist students to begin to understand what and how to connect with their top 2 learning strengths and to use that knowledge to increase their level of self-belief so that they can do well academically, as well as developing other strengths and plan future learning priorities.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Year 12 HSIE Excursion - Sydney

Legal Studies

The Legal Studies students experienced an incredible few days in Sydney. Our first activity was a visit to NSW Parliament House where we were treated to a rare viewing of the magnificent Jubilee room followed by a guided tour through Parliament by Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh. The experience was a highlight of the trip according to our students. From there we headed to the State Library of NSW to view the Photos 1440 exhibition which was spectacular. On our final day, we had the privilege of meeting SJPC graduate and Family Law Barrister, Rhys O’Brien, in his chambers. Rhys provided the students with invaluable insight into his journey from high school to the courtroom, the inner workings of family law and the challenges and highlights of working in law. We also visited the Justice and Police museum to learn about the origins of crime and punishment in Australia. The trip was capped off by a mock trial in one of Australia’s first courtrooms - a fabulous end to the trip!

Society and Culture

The Society and Culture students spent the trip observing and immersing themselves in a range of religious, ethnic and sub-cultural communities. Our first stop was down to Wollongong to experience the meditative and serene Buddhist Nan Tien Temple. Here we gained insights into Buddhist philosophy including calligraphy as meditation, methods of worship and vegetarianism. The shrines, temple grounds and surrounding gardens showed the students the important role that architecture plays within Buddhist tradition. This was explored further on our second day when we visited the Lakemba Mosque and were graciously welcomed by the Lebanese Muslim Association. Our guide, a university student studying to become an imam, gave us a thorough explanation on the beliefs and practice of Islam. We were thoroughly enlightened with the differences between Catholicism and Islam and left with a deep respect and reverence for our Muslim brothers and sisters. The students’ behaviour towards the different social and cultural groups demonstrated a mature sensitivity that was exemplary and they proved to be respectful and informed 21st Century world citizens.  

Business Studies

The Business Studies students spent the trip observing a number of high profile real world case studies. On our first day we visited the Sydney Cricket Ground where we were given a tour of the ‘front’ and ‘back’ of house areas of this iconic landmark. Our students were given an insightful introduction to the Human Resources of the SGC, including details of the scale and training involved in running events at the stadium. They also experienced how the SCG uses technology to enhance the experience of events at the ground. 

Our second day saw us heading to IKEA at Tempe where a breakfast of meatballs proved to be a highlight for some of the students! Here, we explored how IKEA controls the experience of their customers, such as what customers see and how a customer feels after the ‘IKEA experience’. 

During the trip, the students also investigated the interaction between the price and quality of various products and brands with visits to the failed Max Brenner Chocolate Bar chain, the iconic ‘Strand Arcade’ heritage listed and unique version of their case study, McDonalds. We also visited Culture Kings - a business which has some unusual marketing strategies, providing customers with a spectacular light show and an in house DJ. The trip was a great opportunity for students to explore real world examples of their syllabus content. 

Geography

The Geography students spent the trip examining the urban dynamics of a world city. Our first day involved exploring Sydney, including public housing on Kirribilli Rd - the home of our PM. We also walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, examining the history and the urban dynamics of The Rocks and Circular Quay. The students explored the patterns of advantage and disadvantage and the vast differences that exist between the wealthy and the poor in this major city. 

Day two was spent with a teacher from Observatory Hill who gave the students a guided tour of Barangaroo, Millers Point and The Rocks. Here, they completed fieldwork including an assessment of urban challenges such as heritage, waste and human movement. Barangaroo was particularly interesting as it is a new development that has had its fair share of controversy over the past decade. Our final day was spent at a drenched Taronga Zoo where we examined this enterprise in the context of global tourism. We were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the zoo, including a visit from ‘Darling’ the snake who was keen to say hello to the students. 

Matt Hiddlestone
Leader of Learning - HSIE

Bell Shakespeare

The show must go on! Despite the wild weather we were lucky enough to have live performances return to the College on Monday. Year 8 got their first experience of Shakespeare with the performance ‘Just Romeo and Juliet’. Whilst, Year 10 got to experience a great performance of ‘Macbeth: The Rehearsal’ which should equip them for their study of the play in term 3. These shows were interactive and helped to bring Shakespeare, his stories and language alive.

Louise Maybury     &  Janine Sawtell
Leader of Learning    Assistant Leader of Learning

The PDHPE faculty is very excited to introduce our new learning space. The three new rooms will allow for a variety of teaching strategies to be implemented. The flexibility of the space is something that both students and staff have responded favourably to. We will be providing regular photographic updates of student progress. The use of learning intentions will allow students to have an understanding of what we are trying to achieve in each lesson.

Yr 8 PDHPE - Mental Health

Learning Intentions:  

To develop and understand reasons why mental health is an important issue for teenagers and to explore strategies to improve mental fitness.

Yr 9 Child Studies - Nutrition in Childhood - Master Chef Presentation

Learning Intentions

To plan a menu for a day for a pre- schooler. The menu should contain the food items that follow the nutritional guidelines, quantity, list of ingredients emphasising the health benefits.

Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood - Visits to St Augustine Primary

Learning Intentions

To develop an understanding of child behaviour at different stages of development and to encourage students to interact with young children so that they can observe child behaviour as well as practise and develop their interaction strategies.

Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

SJPC New sporting uniforms

At this week’s assembly, we had the pleasure of revealing some of our new College Sport Representative uniforms to staff and students. The new design provides a modern professional look, ensuring our students are well equipped to represent the College with pride. Of particular note is the wonderful Tree of Life design which is positioned directly opposite our College crest on the left hand side of all uniforms. This emblem is meant to encapsulate our connection to and pride in the role our College has within the Gumbaynggirr Nation. “Together We Learn On Gumbaynggirr Land.”

Good luck

• We wish our athletes attending the CCC Swimming Championships at Homebush on Monday 29 March all the best, including our Junior boys 4 x 50m relay team. Good luck to Jaxon White, Liliana Marle, Cooper Andrews, Riley Andrews, Ethan Dawson, Jacob Pratt and Alexander Main.
• India Flanders, Ruby Flanders and Jaxon White head to Nelson Bay on Wednesday to compete as part of the Diocesan Touch Football teams. Students have the opportunity to be selected in the CCC teams from this competition. We wish them all the best.

Congratulations

Connor Hennessy (Year 11) travelled to Bathurst for the NSW All Schools Championships as a member of the Open Male Tennis Team. Due to the weather conditions, only one game was played before it was cancelled. This is disappointing as this is the third and final year that Connor is eligible to play. We congratulate him for his  consistently high achievements in school tennis.

Mia Blackett (Year 10) was recently named as a member of the 12 person Regional Emerging Talent U17 Netball Team. Not only is this special as Mia had to undergo rigorous trials and training sessions over many months and many visits to Sydney, but she is also the first Coffs Harbour resident to ever be selected. Well done, Mia!

Alexandra Harrison (Year 12) has once again eclipsed the competition in High Jump, receiving a Silver medal in the recent NSW Junior Athletics Championships. Alexandra jumped in the U20 division and only finished second on a count back, jumping the same height as the Gold Medalist. Awesome work, Alexandra!

With the inability to leave campus this week for sport, a number of Year 8 girls were unable to complete their OSSA mission and so have not been awarded their OSSA. It is intended that those who missed out on doing the task will have the opportunity to do their Mission at the start of Term 4, when the boys are doing their theory and times swim. More details regarding this will be forthcoming as we near Term 4.

Representative sport

Due to the recent poor weather conditions, many of our sports have had to be postponed. Please carefully read the calendar below to ensure you put the new dates in your diary.

Danielle McAra
Leader of Learning - Sport

SJPC Swim success at Dio

On 4 March, 24 swimmers represented St John Paul College in the Lismore Diocesan Swimming Championships. The students swam with great sportsmanship, discipline and determination, earning 3rd place for our school out of the 12 High Schools from the Diocese who competed.

For some of our students, it was their first experience competing at Diocesan level, while others were representing our school in swimming for the third or fourth time. Our relay teams showed us just how powerful school spirit can be with everyone giving everything for their team. Our 12-14 years’ girls relay team and our 15-16 years’ girls team swam incredibly well, with each team just missing out on first place by a fraction of a second. Everyone was elated to see the 12-14 years’ boys relay team win their event- with a sensational final leg swum by Year 7 student, Jaxon White.

Four of our swimmers competed successfully in numerous events at the carnival, earning first or second place in their age division. These students are: Riley Andrews - 15 years Girls Champion, and Jaxon White - 13 Years Boys Champion.

Two other swimmers were runners up in their age division, with Jacob Pratt runner up in the 13 years Boys, and Cooper Andrews runner up in the 13 years’ Girls Championship.

Nine swimmers have earned the right to represent the Lismore Diocese in the Combined Catholic Colleges’ carnival at Homebush Aquatic Centre on 29th March. The girls going to CCC are: Liliana Marle, Cooper Andrews, Riley Andrews and Lily Betland and the boys are Alexander Main, Jaxon White, Jacob Pratt, Riley Woods and Ethan Dawson. 

Congratulations to these competitors for their achievements so far and we wish them every success representing the Diocese in the CCC carnival. 

Debbie Kimber

Interview with Bill Van Ryswyk

Question 1 - What was your favourite subject and why?

Religion was not one of my favourite subjects. However, aspiring to one day be a farmer, I loved science and any subjects that focused on animals and the environment

Question 2 - What was your most memorable overseas experience?

My most memorable overseas experience was visiting the Vatican. I have done this four times in my life, both as a single man and with the family. St Peter Basilica is a beautiful church filled with history and is the place of many Popes including Patron St Pope John Paul II. I have also climbed the dome, which is 330 steps three times. The last time which was in 2019.

Question 3 - Who / What influenced you to go to Mass?

My parents were the ones to take me to mass when I was younger, it wasn't really a choice and Mass wasn’t overly enjoyable. It was said in Latin and the priest faced away from the congregation. Now I see going to Mass as a commitment to my faith and through the changes that have happened, I now am able to understand Mass better.

Question 4 - What is the focal point of Mass for you?

The focal point of me going to Mass is receiving the Eucharist.

College Photos

College photographs will take place on Friday 23 April (Term 2, Week 1). Students are reminded of the following important points:

• Wear full school uniform (no sports gear).
• No jumpers/jackets are to be worn.
• Long hair (touching shoulders) must be tied back and off their face.
• Any clip or ribbon in a student's hair must be plain black, blue, maroon, white or navy.
• No makeup.
• Any jewellery must meet the guidelines in the College diary.
• Junior girls top button must be buttoned.
• Senior students' and junior boys' second button is to be buttoned.
• Girl’s skirts must not be rolled at the waistband.

In 2021 all payments will be ordered on-line using your students individual shootkey. Each family would have received an email with your student's individual shootkey. Please contact Nataleigh Green if you have not received the shootkey: nataleigh.green@lism.catholic.edu.au

Please visit www.msp.com.au and use the shootkey to order and pay for your child's photo pack.   

• Sibling photos will be arranged on the day - please remind your children sibling photos are taken during lunch time in the hall. A sibling shootkey will be given out on the day to arrange payment.
• For further information please do not hesitate to contact MSP on 6583 1968.

On Thursday 25 March Year 11 and 12 Hospitality catered for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. Each staff room received a platter or assorted savoury and sweet treats. All money raised was donated towards the Cancer Council. Many thanks to the Staff Association, Hospitality Staff and students as this was a very successful fundraiser from the St John Paul College Community.

This year 5 awesome kids from 4 different schools are performing in their rock band – Sidetrack’t on the Sunday afternoon. Check them out: Sidetrack't

Hamish Moore Year 8 - St John Paul College

Cooper Lane Year 8 - Bishop Druitt College

Zach Moore Year 8 - Toormina High School

Poppy Browne Year 9 - Toormina High School

Frank Lane Year 5 - Sawtell Public School

The weekend fundraising includes Friday night Mexican Night, Saturday Night RSL Trivia, Garage sale all weekend, Board Swap see Barney Miller Surf Classic and Sidetrack't playing Sunday afternoon.