10 December 2021 - Newsletter (Vol 38 No 20)

Thank you and Merry Christmas

As we come to the end of another year, I want to sincerely thank every student, family and staff member for your ongoing support and patience in a year that threw us many challenges.

In the final days of this year we will celebrate all our students at the various academic award ceremonies for Years 7, 8, 9,10 and 11, observing the current COVID 19 restrictions and, as a result, we will miss not being able to have parents celebrate with us in person. The absence of the parent community this year has been significant and I genuinely look forward to you all being back on campus in 2022.

Last week we celebrated the Year 12 Graduation and formal and it was a wonderful opportunity for all of the community to recognise a wonderful senior year group come to the end of their formal secondary education. My sincere thanks to all involved in sending them off in a special way.

As we draw close to the celebration of Christmas, can I remind you the real reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our saviour! Take the time with family and friends and recharge the batteries but also remember that Jesus is the reason our school exists and we are all called to develop and nourish the faith of all who work and study here.

Michael Carniato
Principal

As another year draws to a close, we should take the opportunity to be grateful for the many gifts and opportunities we have been given throughout the year. While we can all agree that 2021 has been very difficult at times, compared to others we are blessed to have all we do. With the busy season well and truly upon us, it is important to take the time to stop and thank The Lord for all we have.

I recently read an article that suggested 5 activities for Catholics to do at Christmas time:

• Reflect on the true Christmas Story
• Decorate your house with Christian Symbols
• Give Religious Gifts to Loved Ones
• Attend Mass as a Family
• Do some Volunteer Work

Why not try to do some if not all of these over the Christmas period.

I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given their all to help make St John Paul College the wonderful place it is to attend. Whether it has been your work in the classroom, behaviour in the playground, talent and enthusiasm on the sporting field or performing and creative arts or helping in the community, we thank you for representing the College to the best of your ability. 

Students, it is YOU that makes SJPC one of the most popular schools in the Coffs Harbour region. Please take the opportunity to have a well earned rest, while at the same time trying to do something for someone else and return refreshed for what I am sure will be a very busy 2022.

Until next year:

Remember there is no ‘Christ’mas without Christ.

Stay safe and God Bless

Yr 11 Awards and Course Feedback 

This week sees Year 11 celebrate their awards ceremony where the College acknowledges the academic and pastoral achievements of students. The majority of these awards recognise:

• Academic Achievement in class
• Effort and Application in class
• KLA Honours in course

Unfortunately due to the current COVID restrictions, parents will not be able to attend   these awards, however, the College will post photos across the various social media platforms for parents and families to view. 

I wrote to Year 11 Parents last week to provide a Google Form link so as to access feedback on student performance in the Year 11 course. This is a vital opportunity for parents to seek feedback but also to assist in planning for the Year 12 course that has begun this term. 

Year 7-10 Awards and Semester 2 Reports

Next week will also see students in Year 7-10 participate in their respective Year Level Award Ceremonies. These ceremonies will recognise the academic achievement of students for both semesters. Again, due to COVID restrictions, parents will not be able to attend these events, however, photos will be published on our social media platforms of all the major award recipients. 

Year 7-10 Semester 2 reports will be published from Monday next week on Sentral for families to access. An email will be sent to parents explaining how to access their son/daughters Academic Report with an email link to our IT Staff, should there be any technical issues. 

2021 Christmas Message from Fr Brian McCoy  

In reading the Province News this month I came across an article by Fr Brian McCoy SJ reflecting on his final submission as Jesuit Provincial. The following extract is taken from his message and it reminds us that it's in small ways that the divine touches us, enters our life and blesses us with joy during Christmas. 

The birth of Jesus, some 2000 years ago, was in itself a very small event. Born into the town of Bethlehem, which probably had a population of around 1500 people at that time. His birth at that time was quite unremarkable. One birth, amongst the billions of people who have lived on this earth. Before then, and since then.

One birth, amongst many. And yet, that birth has changed the world.

And it’s changed the world because in his gift of life, His presence amongst us, He has reminded us that in everything we are, and everything we do, the Divine lives amongst us.

A great grace of the Divine entering our world, from creation and from the beginning, but to believe more passionately and personally that the life of the Divine, a life of God, the gift of Christ, lives within each one of us.

As we move to the season of Christmas, we know that in the days to come and in the years to come it’ll continue to be small steps to protect ourselves from sickness, to protect others.But also to be reminded that it is those small ways that the Divine touches us, enters our lives, blesses us with joy for the world.

Let heaven and nature sing, says the hymn, and he does, sing, because the Divine has joined us, and is with us in every small step and gesture we make.

Thank you to all students for your efforts in 2021 and wishing all families a safe and holy Christmas and summer break. 

AMDG

James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

Uniform Shop

Lost Property

Students not returning in 2022

Term 1 2022 Dates

Yearbooks

Due to printing and delivery delays the 2021 Yearbook won't be available until Term 1, 2022. The College will contact Year 12 Graduates to arrange their copy of the Yearbook. Thank you for your patience. 

Interview with Janine Sawtell - Teacher/Assistant LOL English

1. What is the Coolest place you have travelled to?

Mt Pilatus, near Lucerne, in Switzerland! 

Incredibly beautiful, VERY HIGH UP and has a mythical connection to Pontious Pilate. It is a place of great beauty and stillness.

Second on my list would be the eclectic Istanbul where we spent an incredible 5 days exploring this ancient place. The mosques, the food, the art, and then visiting Ephesus where St Paul wrote the First Letter to the Corinthians.

2. Describe something about you that most staff or students wouldn’t know?

I was a representative netball player as a teenager, and a badged umpire. 

3. What / when was the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue your faith?

I was raised as a Catholic and attended Our Lady of the Rosary in Waitara, Sydney, before moving to St Bernadette's in Castle Hill, and Mt St Benedicts College in Pennant Hills. But my family wasn't particularly religious and I recall pestering my mum to drive 8-yr-old me and my slightly older sister to Mass! We were taught that prayer was about talking to God and that we should have daily conversations with Him! While Nuns have a rather strict reputation, the nuns who taught us were very lovely and have remained a source of inspiration, particularly Sister Mary Hyacinth who was my principal at Bennies.

4. Who or what has had the biggest influence in your faith?

So many people have influenced me, but a recent experience happened while I was on a five day silent retreat in 2019, where Ignatian spiritual exercises really opened my eyes to a deeper level of faith. And seeing the faith of my dear mother-in-law, Kathleen Sawtell, whose daily life struggles were buoyed by her unswerving faith.

Rachael McConnell, Josiah Varney & Paddy Whittaker
Youth Ministry Officers

Ariella Coster

I’m Ariella Coster, the Female Vice Captain for 2021/2022, a role that I am both grateful for and excited to fulfil. I come from a family of four, with a younger brother who obsesses over the latest video games, a mother who can recite every line of each and every Harry Potter film and a father who spends most of his Saturdays betting on the races and the footy or simply watching the newest episode of Gold Rush. I, on the other hand, spend most of my time attending the gym, studying so that I may be accepted into a university course of my choosing or spending time with my friends. 

Much of my life and, as a consequence, my family’s was always centred around my dancing schedule. However, in growing up and entering senior years I have learnt many skills and lessons that will continue to assist me throughout my life - particularly that of prioritising. In collectively prioritising our own individual needs and strengths whilst adhering to the wellbeing of those around us, I believe that, as a school, we may achieve a more supportive and cooperative environment that recognises individuality and encourages diversity whilst remaining inclusive. 

Having two teachers for parents, I have always valued the structure of the school environment and have looked up to people in the position that I and my friends are now in - Year 12. I hope that in being Vice Captain and a member of the 2022 Year 12 cohort, I may provide an example that younger students can look to for guidance, as putting my hand up for this role was well out of my comfort zone.

Joseph Clarke

My name is Joseph Clarke and I’m from Toormina. I feel very fortunate and grateful that I was elected 2022 School Vice-Captain. I have a family of 6 including an older brother that was previously a Youth Ministry officer at St John Paul College. An older brother lives in Melbourne who is a Green Machine fanatic (Canberra Raiders), and an older sister who is amazing and works as a disability support worker. My mum is an early bird who works for the NDIS, (National Disability Insurance Scheme), and my dad is an insurance worker for NRMA. I have always been a heavily sporting orientated person and the maddest Sea Eagles supporter on the North Coast. I play Water polo, basketball and most important the great game of Lawn Bowls. I recently took out the national under 18s title for lawn bowls. 

When I won the national title there was a large sense of overwhelming support and community which will forever stay with me. The support in the SJPC is amazing and makes me proud to represent the school as Vice-captain. I am hardworking and concentrated on reaching my goal of achieving becoming an Occupational Therapist. I will hopefully be able to complete this course at ACU, Australian Catholic University in Sydney. 

As Vice-Captain I am hoping to develop the importance of faith as an aspect of the school community and strengthen the collaboration with next year YMO`s to promote faith and a sense of belonging for every student enrolled at SJPC. I would also hope that the importance of celebrating sporting achievements internally when representing SJPC and external sporting events that students do outside the School sporting system. The celebration of sporting achievements and increased importance of the faith identity at school enables an environment of belonging to aid students through the difficult pathing of School.

I can't stress enough the importance of finding a place within the SJPC community where you belong, and this is achieved through a variety of opportunities presented at the SJPC campus. Belonging enables us as teenagers to get through the schooling process with much more comfort. I also would like to highlight the importance of striving your best in everything you do. Lastly, enjoy your years as a teenager and reward yourself when you achieve academic and sporting goals 

Ariella Coster & Joseph Clarke
2022 College Vice Captains

Leanne Gennat
Leader of Pedagogy

The novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens is still recognised as the most popular piece of fiction that Dickens ever wrote and one of the best Christmas  stories ever written. 

If you ever had to read Great Expectations or A Tale of Two Cities for school you will already have a good idea of Dickens’ ability to create vivid characters, intricate plots, shocking twists, social commentary and satire.

A Christmas Carol tells the story of a grouchy old man who hates Christmas and refuses to participate in any of its conventions, even helping the less fortunate. On the evening of Christmas Eve Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. He warns him that if continues to be resentful, greedy and selfish he will be cursed for eternity. As other ghosts appear, Scrooge must make a decision about how he feels about Christmas AND what kind of a man he truly is.

This ghostly night transforms Scrooge from a greedy wealthy miser with little concern for the rest of mankind, to a generous, compassionate, selfless and good man. He becomes known as the embodiment of the Christmas spirit.

This book is as popular today as it was over 175 years ago. Throughout his entire life, Dickens was involved in charities and social issues. Through the voice of Scrooge, Dickens urges us to honour Christmas in our hearts and try to keep it all the year round. He reminds us of the importance in taking notice of the lives of those around us.

Maree McKelvie

Last week 7D celebrated the end of term in class with the learning intention of ‘exploring some of the personal skills and strengths that can help us to create and support inclusive communities by valuing and respecting diversity’.

Students took the opportunity to share a cultural aspect of their lives and the class was treated to some food, sport and dance.

A big thank you to those students that allowed everyone to participate and enjoy some delicious spring rolls and Irish tea cakes.

Mark Coster

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 9

As another year comes to a close, it often causes us to reflect on the year that was. Year 9, at both a personal and group level, have had a rewarding 2021. As their Year Coordinator, it has been my pleasure to watch each young person in this group continue to grow and develop. Throughout the year there were many challenges faced and many successes. It was encouraging to see these students developing resilience and perseverance when taking on obstacles they perhaps hadn’t encountered before.

At the end of this year I will sadly be leaving the St John Paul College Community, as I have taken up a teaching position in Newcastle. It is a bitter-sweet feeling to be leaving behind the wonderful community we have here at the College, particularly the special group of students that make up our Year 9 cohort.

I would like to thank the parents and carers for entrusting your child into my care, this is not something I have taken lightly or for granted. Thank you for your support in allowing me to be a part of your child’s growth journey over the last 3 years.

I wish this group of students all the best for the remainder of their schooling and have no doubts they will continue to grow and develop into the young adults they are desiring to be. Mrs Trish Furey will be taking over the role of Year Coordinator in 2022 and I thank her in anticipation for the work she will do.

I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful College but more importantly, so fortunate to be surrounded by each and every one of your children. I wish all families a very happy and Holy Christmas and hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the break.

Lauren Woodward

Year 9 Coordinator

Year 11

As the year draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Year 11 on the way they have taken on the challenge of Senior school life. They have met the challenges placed before them and have thrived in confidence knowing they are able to achieve well if they put some effort into what they are doing. Many have obtained their driver’s licence and have jobs to add to the juggling act of Senior school life. I would like to thank my homeroom team and teaching staff for their constant care of our Year 11 students. I would also like to thank all members of the fundraising committee for their commitment to our causes and I look forward to working with you all over the next 12 months. 

A special mention to all those involved in the creation and running of the Lunchtime Football League (LFL). This is a perfect example of what you can create and achieve if you put a little effort into something. I look forward to the LFL carrying on in 2022!

Finally, I would especially like to thank our Captains Harry and Courtney and Vice Captains Joey and Ariella for their initiative and leadership. Prayer before lunch has been instituted into our College with the little ding-a-ling bell before the end of period 4 and you guys are responsible for this, so thank you for giving us an opportunity to pray as a College community every day.

I wish you all a great holiday and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

God Bless

Mark Sultana

Year 11 Coordinator

Mr Muschal and Mrs Cotton would like to congratulate all of our 2021 Drama students on their efforts this year and to wish them and their families a Merry Christmas.  Fingers crossed that 2022 will be a year where Drama showcases return and performers no longer have to wear masks.

Melissa Cotton & Markus Muschal
Teachers

‘Inspired Textiles’

As their last unit for Year 9 the Textiles class created diary covers using applique and free motion embroidery, and then finished their designs with cording and solvy work bookmarks.

As a class we investigated the creative works of Meredith Woolnough, a textile artist from Newcastle who works primarily with free motion solvy embroidery. The students used Meredith's work as inspiration for their own designs.

The students all loved this unit, as can be seen in their creative and original designs.

Congratulations to the class on embracing yet another form of textiles, and all the challenges and decisions that come along with working with such a diverse range of materials and tools.

Susan Haley
Textiles Teacher

Congratulations to the joint winners for the first Inter-house Basketball competition, McAuley and Casey House!!

An extra big thank you to the House Captains who displayed enthusiastic, patient and determined leadership throughout the 5 weeks. Thank you also to our Referee’s Bryce Sully, Beven Gendel and Trinity Kachel who ensured the games ran smoothly.

Representative Sport news

Congratulations to Zara Temesi (Year 10) who recently participated in the Victorian State Triathle where she had to run, shoot and swim. She completed 4 laps, covering 600m running, 5 precision shots and a 50m swim. She came 1st! Well done, Zara.

NSW All School Athletics

REMINDERS FROM LAST WEEK'S NEWSLETTER (in case you missed it!)

Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

Another year. Another life-saving effort

As the end of the year approaches, all the staff at Coffs Harbour donor centre would like to thank the incredibly generous donors in the Lifeblood Team for their incredible work.

We’ve all been through so much this year, but seeing you give your time (and blood) to help those in need is truly heart-warming.

Keep up the life-giving spirit

While we prepare for a well-deserved break, don’t forget the end of the year often means a drop in blood donations, especially between 24 December and 2 January. So, why not book your next donation with your team today.

Your gift could help someone spend another year with the people they love most. It’s a great way to keep up with colleagues — not to mention the warm fuzzy feeling you’ll get knowing the donation you make will help save a live.

A huge milestone for Lifeblood team ‘Doin’ it for Holly’ with a huge 1,000 donations made country-wide since the team launched – an amazing achievement!

https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood

Group Donation Day

We had great fun with our top 2 Coffs Coast school teams – BDC and SJPC with a total of 10 teachers and staff coming in to donate to ensure they stay the top school teams on the coast. Great to see so many new and returned donors. 

Thanks to Michael Stubbs, Janine Sawtell and Paul Harrison for taking the time to donate Plasma for the first time. 

Janine Sawtell, Michael Stubbs and Paul Harrison

Staff and Students are raising money in Homerooms on behalf of St. Vincent de Paul  annual Christmas appeal. Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Looking for a fun-filled family activity for the school holidays? Come along and see some of SJPC's talented students performing in the local production of Disney’s Moana (Junior) – they would love your support!

Year 8 students Ebony Davies and Makaylah Beatty share the lead role of Moana (and Te Fiti), alongside Year 9 student Sam Melinz in the role of Maui.

Produced by Naidu Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, the performances run from 14 – 22 January.

Naidu Performing Arts

Tickets are available here