11 March 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 3)

We watch and listen to the news and it seems that there isn’t much to celebrate, given the current flood disasters in our own back yard and the devastating events unfolding in Ukraine. I then think to myself, but there for the grace of God go I.

Often times we feel a sense of hopelessness and almost a numbness that we can’t do much to solve what seems an impossible problem and that is OK. We can only do what is within our capabilities both financially and within any skill sets we have. Don’t be hard on yourself – just do what you can, given the resources you have.

Mother Teresa says it best;

‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples’

 and again

‘It’s not how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts’

There are many places to contribute goods or money for these causes including our own collection here at the College and Bishop Greg’s flood disaster relief fund.

BSB: 037-889
Account number: 1061 5829
Name: DOL Flood Appeal

Michael Carniato
Principal

“Laugh and Grow Strong”

During the past week, I have met with many of our students and teachers which has led me to reflect on the importance of dialogue and conversation. So often, the messages being sent are not the ones intended and certainly the messages being received are not fully understood. Teenage years already present a challenge for us all to find new ways to keep the lines of communication open whilst our young adults battle the challenges of change, adolescence and society. I had the opportunity to read some work from Scott London which highlighted this very point. He went on to say “Genuine understanding seems to be the exception rather than the norm in everyday communication. We speak at each other, or past each other.” This crosstalk that he describes is known as a din, not a dialogue. 

The opportunity to listen to one another, particularly when there is already a conflict or a point of misunderstanding, is crucial to the work that we try to achieve at home and at school. We so often see repeated choices of behaviour and language from our teenagers who feel they are being misheard and misunderstood. How often does this happen in our own daily lives?

The culture and mission of our college is that we accompany and walk beside our young people on their individual journeys. It is our responsibility to acknowledge that each individual has their own narrative and there is nothing more important than to be loved and to be known. St Ignatius invites us to reflect on today’s culture in the light of the teachings of the church, and promote: a spiritual vision of the world in the face of materialism; a concern for others in the face of egoism; simplicity in the face of consumerism; the cause of the poor in the face of social injustice. With so much work to do, what can we be reminded of during this Lenten period? 

Perhaps the message to us all  is to recalibrate ourselves and place our young people at the centre. Celebrate what they do well and focus on genuinely listening to them with forgiving hearts and empathetic souls to their stories. Find new ways to see situations and encourage authentic dialogue. As Ignatius says, “laugh and grow strong.”

Lent can be a time to reclaim our relationships and be grateful for the gift of our teenagers, families and communities.  I pray that each and every one of us is able to find God in the smallest of moments and to be grateful for the many gifts we have been given. 

Yours in Christ

Thanks to the people who have answered the call for essential items to help out our friends in Lismore and the surrounding areas. While we have all watched and heard the news regarding the floods, it was when Mr Coster came to school relaying the difficulties of close friends and family that a real urge to help came to the fore. The College have been fortunate to be offered some space on a truck from Faircloth & Reynolds which will take the first load to “Our Two Hands” a not for profit organisation who assist and help the Homeless and those in crisis, who will distribute the goods to Casino and nearby dwellings. The College will continue to collect clothes and toiletry items, so please give all you can so we can help people who have lost so much in this natural disaster.

It was a privilege to attend the recent College Student Leadership Day and witness the level of enthusiasm, maturity and care for one another that was on display. The students had an opportunity to listen to Heather McKinnon from Bryant McKinnon Lawyers who spoke about the challenges and successes of being a leader, and why the world needs our young leaders to come through and take over the mantle. In the afternoon the students put their leadership and physical skills to the test on the Commando Course and the newly created Survivor Course.  The College is certainly in good hands when we consider the calibre of student leaders that are in our midst. 

While continuing to work on the regular issues around the school, the Student Leadership team currently has three items on the agenda:

• Year 9 and 10 members looking into rubbish in the playground.
• Lily Betland is working in the All One Under the Sun racial discrimination program.
• The House Captains and Vice Captains are evaluating involvement in the recent College swimming carnival.

Until next time:

Never regret a day in your life. 

Good days give you happiness and bad days give you experience.

Either way, thank the Lord for both.

Parents Student Teacher Conferences - The importance of students striving for success.  

The College saw the return of its first ‘face to face’ Parent Student Teacher Conferences since COVID-19 restrictions began in 2020. 

The schedule for Term 1 2022 Conferences is as follows:

Year 10 and 11 were this week, (Week 6);

Year 8 and 9 on Tuesday March 29 (Week 9); and 

Year 7 on Tuesday April 5 (Week 10).

Students have been given further information in their respective Curriculum Matters Google Classrooms and the Curriculum Office has established a Parent and Student Resource stand for families to peruse information that may enhance academic success.
 

Families are encouraged to consider the following in preparation for each Parent Student Teacher Conference:

• How are you feeling about your progress in this subject?
• Have you tried hard to do your best? 
• Have you been distracted/or are you distracting others? 
• What goals do you have to improve your learning habits and effort? 
• What strategies do you need to have in place to support your goals?
• Where can you put in more effort?

In between Parent Student Teacher Conferences, parents can ask their children 5 things about their learning that may assist in future PST Conferences:

1. What did you learn today?
2. How did you do?
3. What did you do if you didn’t understand?
4. How can you improve on your learning?
5. What are you most proud of?

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:

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

ARISE is back on for 2022! This activity is open to all junior students Monday lunchtime in B5 and run by the YMOs.

ARISE is the perfect opportunity for younger students within the school to experience a sense of community while having fun. The focus is on involving everyone, making friends and including those who may find themselves alone during lunch. 

AWAKEN has also begun, with three successful weeks full of milo and milk filled smiles. This event is now open to all years on Thursday mornings from 8:30am in the Chapel. AWAKEN gives students the opportunity for discussion, reflection, prayer and activities that are centred around a weekly theme. This is a community centred event that encourages students to ask questions and engage with their faith, building student awareness and recognition of scripture.

Gabriella Majarich and Darcy Hartin
Youth Ministry Officers

Some students from the Year 10 Youth Ministry class attended Incitare, the Diocesan Year 6 retreat. The SJPC students assisted with the running of the retreat by leading games, small groups and the personal sharings throughout the day. Thank you to the college YMOs, Darcy and Gabi, for supporting our courageous students.

Janine Sawtell
Leader of School Evangelisation

Interview with Ashlinn de Dassel - Year 12 Student

1. What is your favourite movie?

When I was younger I would watch the ‘Parent Trap’ movie on repeat, as for currently, I don’t know. There are so many good movies out there.

2. Who is your favourite singer and why?

I think an all-time favourite singer will always be Adele. Her vocal range is amazing and the way she can convey her songs is so powerful and moving, it’s incredible. 

3. What role does God play in your life?

God plays a very important role in my life as God is always there for me even when I don’t see it. God plays the role of the navigator and shows me the way that I could go in my life even if I don’t choose that pathway.

4. Favourite Quote / Scripture Passage, is there a reason why?

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" - 1 Timothy 4:12. The reason why this is my favourite scripture is the passage was written to me by a YMO in 2017 and I have kept it close to my heart ever since. I also think it’s really powerful and has a lot of meaning. This scripture can apply to everyone in the SJPC school community.

Gabriella Majarich & Darcy Hartin
Youth Ministry Officers

It seems unbelievable that we are entering Week 7 of Term 1 2022! It seems only last week that we were welcoming our students back to begin the new year.  Most students are settling into the rhythm of school and are developing their new routines, and relationships with their new teachers and class groups. We emphasise with all our students the importance of not only being organised for class, but that they also need to implement routines at home that will set them up for success at school.

It was wonderful to see so many of our parents join the Webinar ‘How to help your child manage their time and beat procrastination’ on Wednesday night.

Remember to register for the next Webinar on 23 March

Register Elevate Coaching

Year 12

It is great to see a significant number of Year 12 students making effective use of the new library to study and collaborate. On Wednesday we spoke to them about procrastination – the causes and the strategies to overcome it. This is timely in their HSC journey as some students may be starting to feel overwhelmed or fearing failure, and hence procrastinate. They are encouraged to revisit the information and videos provided on their Curriculum Matters Classroom and practice, adjust, and refine their work and skills, using vital feedback from their teachers and peers.

Year 11

Year 11 students have experienced their first Parent/ Student/Teacher (PST) conference for the year and have been sitting their first assessment tasks for their Senior courses. This can be a stressful time for them as the reality of the high standards expected become apparent. We remind our students that a study routine, time management and collaboration with staff and peers will set them on the path to success for the remainder of their school life. At home they should have a designated study space organised, a term planner up on the wall and a weekly study schedule in which they map all commitments, fun activities and study times.

We hope you found the resources we provided on the PST conference evening useful. Remember that resources are available via the Curriculum Matters Google Classroom, the Curriculum Office, Elevate and ELES online platforms.

Year 10

Year 10 have begun their formal NESA journey this year and are beginning to see the importance of taking responsibility for their learning. They too have experienced their first Parent/Student/Teacher (PST) conference for the year and are hopefully reflecting on the conversation they have had with their teachers.

Years 7 – 9  

As stated last newsletter our focus for Year 7 – 9 students is to engage them with the learning process. We want to help them develop the capacity to be able to articulate;

• what they are learning and why
• how they are going
• how they know how they are going
• how they can improve
• where they can go for support

This not only focuses the student on their learning, but assists teachers in determining what each student needs. As Leanne Gennat pointed out last newsletter, teachers are continuing to focus on using evidence-based practices to enhance student engagement, and developing skills around making learning visible – for example; using Learning Intentions and Success Criteria in every lesson

As stated earlier, implementing routines/habits at home will set your children up for success at school. Simple things like;

• a checklist for packing their bag
• an area to sit and do school work daily
• a Term Planner/calendar up on the wall/fridge
• a weekly planner

Taking the first step in a new routine is the hardest, but well worth the energy in the long run!

NOTE

For Years 10, 11 and 12 - Check for resources in Curriculum Matters Google Classroom

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Reading and writing are so intertwined it is impossible to divorce the two. Both serve as important components in successful comprehension and communication of ideas and thoughts.

Students need to see that writers are not just those who write novels and plays but are also people who post on Facebook, send texts, use Instagram, keep organisational lists, take notes, write lyrics to songs, screenplays and blogs. They also write advertisements to sell items online and workout sets for the gym. 

Showing students the wide-encompassing definition of a writer can help them see that they already possess many of the skills needed to complete academic-based writing skills.

Writing regularly assists students in generating new ideas and thinking, improves their critical thinking skills and helps them retain new content knowledge. Writing and reading in one's own context generates meaning and value to words. 

Our words have power.

Words give our thoughts clarity and power.

Maree McKelvie

High Potential & Gifted Learners Program

In order to identify the most suitable candidates for the High-Potential & Gifted Learning Program, we have been processing the objective data we have available to us (NAPLAN and Standardised External Testing), academic achievement in 2021 and seeking subjective feedback via Year Coordinator recommendations, teacher observations and staff referrals. Our Year 10 students have been offered their placement and will commence the program with training for the Senior Ethics Olympiad next Thursday 17 March.  

An Ethics Olympiad is a competitive yet collaborative event in which students analyse and discuss real-life, and timely, ethical issues. It differs from a debate in that students are not assigned opposing views, rather, they defend a variety of positions and achieve by showing that they have thought carefully, deeply, and perceptively about the cases in question. The event encourages and promotes ethical awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, international engagement, and an appreciation for diverse points of view.

The Ethics Olympiad Training Clinic presents participants (future eth-letes) with sample ethical cases, similar in what to expect in the Olympiad. The day will involve an intensive in-service via Zoom in Ethics as well as many useful tips for students. Participants will hear from an international panel of experts and have the opportunity to engage with judges.  During the day, eth-letes will observe others preparing for an Ethics Olympiad heat and be involved in practical activities designed to improve skills.

HP&G identified students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to participate in the Ethics Olympiad later in the year.

We continue to examine the data examination and undertake standardised testing for students in Year 7, 8 and 9 over the coming weeks.  Key to identifying the most suitable students for the program is seeking referrals from both parents and teachers.  If you believe your child should be considered for the HP&G program, please complete this survey by Wednesday 16 March:  HP&G Program Survey

Aaron Dewhurst
Leader of High Potential Learning

Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

Year 10 Work  Experience 

Work Experience is an integral part of the Career Development Program at St John Paul College. In 2022, the Work Experience Program for Year 10 will take place in Week 8 of Term 2 (14 - 17 June 2022). It is expected that all students who are not going on the Year 10 History Trip to Sydney will participate. 

Work Experience provides the opportunity for students to gain experience in the workplace through meeting and working with adults who are unfamiliar to them and understanding what is required of them personally in a work situation. Furthermore, students will be able to use this experience to help them make decisions concerning HSC courses, TAFE or work at the end of school. Students will also use the opportunity to assess their interest in and suitability for particular careers.

In the past, local employers have been exceptionally co-operative in allowing St John Paul College students the opportunity for Work Experience. Our students in past years have played a large part in building a reputation with employers as reliable, enthusiastic and well mannered young people - they have been good ambassadors for the College.

Whilst it may seem like there is plenty of time to get organised, it is important to note that some placements in some industries in our Coffs region are limited and therefore students should  begin to seek and organise a suitable business to complete their work experience program with sooner rather than later. 

White Card  Course  

A White Card is a mandatory work card required in Australia in order to work on a construction site. It is gained by completing a face-to-face  government mandated course through a registered training organisation. Students in Years 9 – 12 who wish to undertake work experience in any of the construction trades (e.g. bricklaying, carpentry, electrical. plumbing, plastering or tiling) will need to hold a white card in order to do so. A White Card Course will take place later this term at SJPC on 6 April and will cost $125. Further details can be obtained from the Careers Room.

Are you thinking of a career in medicine?

UNSW Medicine Information Evening hosted by Future Students will be held 6.30-7.30pm on Tuesday 15 March.

Start your medical career at one of the top 50 medical schools in the world. Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional.

UNSW’s Medicine Information Session will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2023 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.

Register to attend this online session at the link below  where you will hear from our expert panel of academic staff and current students, and get all of your UNSW Medicine questions answered.

Register UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

Charles Sturt University Explore Day

This week a group of our Year 12 students had the opportunity to visit CSU’s Port Macquarie campus to attend the Explore Day. An open day designed to give students an understanding of what a university feels like, and for them to find out more about specific course offerings and entry pathways.

Upcoming Events

16 March: Regional University Roadshow (at SJPC for Yr 12)

6 April: White Card Course 

5 May: Careers With Drones Workshop

6 May: University of New England Open Day

14-18 June: Year 10 Work Experience block

Paul Corsalini
Careers Adviser

Year 10 Child Studies Class have been visiting the Kindergarten students at St Augustine's Primary School this week. They were supporting the teachers and helping the students with different learning activities. It was pleasant to see the involvement of our students, promoting reading for everyone, but also these programs bring two diverse age groups together, creating a real bonding process between older and younger students. 

We will continue this project during Terms 2 and 3.

Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE

On Tuesday 8 March I was privileged to attend the International Women's Day breakfast at Pacific Bay with other female staff and our Senior college student leaders. Together with over 300 women, men and students from the Coffs and Clarence regions we were inspired and entertained by women from all walks of life. 

Courtney Martyn did a fantastic job as one of the speakers (Honorable Mention in the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour's Young Women in Public Affairs Awards) addressing the many biases facing women and marginalised people, in general, in the community. Ngahine Munokoa presented the IWD Woman of the Year awards with her mother, Joanne Vines. A testament and evidence of strong women raising strong women.  

We were impressed with guest speaker Lorraine Gordon, mother, wife, farmer, Director of SCU's Farming together program, Owner of Yaraandoo Environment Centre, co-founder of the Ebor Beef Cooperative and ABC's NSW Rural Woman of the Year Award winner for developing hydroelectricity schemes in Australia and we discussed this year's theme "Break the Bias". 

Sarah de Byl
Leader of Catechesis

Office

Year 7 Belonging Night

A St John Paul College community outreach support project giving the gift of education to a small, rural and isolated Catholic community located in the village of Kawalazi within the tribal area of Chinyakula in Malawi, Africa.