25 March 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 4)
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Principal's Message
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Assistant Principal - Mission
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Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
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Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
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Curriculum Matters
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Year 10 Retreat & Activities Week
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School Counsellors
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Leaders of Student Wellbeing
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Literacy Matters
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High Potential & Gifted Learners Program
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The Career Path
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Visual Arts
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PDHPE in Focus
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Sports Corner
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Office News
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Year 7 Men and Boys Camp Out
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World Down Syndrome Day
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World's Greatest Shave
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Year 12 Fundraising - Bridging the Gap
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Year 12 Fundraising - Charity Golf Day
School Improvement Plan and College Goals 2022
SJPC is first and foremost a place of learning for all, both students and staff. As a staff we have a duty of care to our students and families, but more importantly, there exists a moral imperative to ensure all our students are given the opportunity to learn and develop their skills over time. Learning is not reserved only for the students, so as a staff we must continually hone our skills as professionals and better ourselves for those we serve.
I am biased no doubt, but I believe that SJPC is a wonderful school offering great opportunities for all our students and families. Having said that, we can’t afford to sit back and rest on our laurels, we must always strive to improve.
Each year the College is asked to submit its goals for the academic year and after approval from the Catholic Schools Office, I have included them in this week’s newsletter. Alongside each of these goals there exist actions and responsibilities, professional development needs and measures of success. Whilst these are aspirational and are driven by our current data, there is room for change as the need arises during the year.
School Improvement Theme: Hand in hand we learn
The 2 specific Goals for this year are;
- Mission: To promote the Catholic Tradition with a focus on the Gospels
- Learning and Teaching: To increase student engagement in their learning
Goal 1
Intended Outcome(s):
- Greater staff confidence in interpreting and sharing the Gospels so that students see meaning and relevance in the words of Jesus Christ.
- Gospel themes become a part of conversations and interactions between students, staff and parents.
Agreed Measures of Success:
- An increase in student and staff confidence in interpretation and sharing of specific year based Gospel themes.
- Increase in student’s engagement with the Gospels.
Goal 2
Intended Outcome(s):
- Improved student literacy through consistent pedagogical practice.
Agreed Measures of Success:
- To see one year’s growth in Stage 4 as evidenced by PAT R data (decrease in the number of students in bottom 10% and an increase in the number of students in top 10%).
- A consistent approach to literacy that embeds the Literacy M8s, evident in all KLA programs and student work samples.
- Evidence of improved student achievement via samples of student work in the Professional Learning Teams.
- Evidence of increased consistent approach to the first 3 aspects of the Assessment Waterfall via student surveys, Learning Walks and Talks and reflected in Cycles of Improvement Goals.
I encourage you to discuss with your child their engagement with, and knowledge of these goals and also invite you to engage the staff here at the College in similar conversations.
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
Stop, Contemplate and Reflect
This week our Year 10 students engaged in one of the core components of the Mission of the school at their Year 10 Retreat. Each year group at St John Paul College is focused on a particular Gospel and have experiences which enable them to crack open the scripture that supports their focus and to learn to understand how to use the Gospel story to grow in their faith and choices as they mature into young adults. Year 10 are focused on Stewardship and the importance of offering humble service to those around them and to our environment.
From a mission perspective, retreat and reflection days such as these form part of the distinctive character of Catholic schools. They recognise the individuality and dignity of each student by fostering their unique potential and spirituality. Throughout the retreat, there were times when they worked in small groups with group leaders, mixed groups for discussions and activities and whole groups for sacramental celebrations through the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
Retreats are an important time to step out of our day to day routine and allow ourselves to learn to deeply reflect in an environment where prayer, liturgy, and scripture are at the centre of the experience. Since the first retreat at St John Paul College to now, there have been many adaptations of the program to meet the ever-changing times and culture, the relevance and importance of the retreat experience to the students’ faith and life journey remains.
Underlying every retreat program is Theology (story of understanding about God) and Anthropology (story of understanding about the human person). As an essential part of the understanding of the human person, the students attended a day which was led by Real Talk. Real Talk is an organisation that is all about getting real on the topics of sex, relationships and personal identity. Based on Christian values and using personal sharing from a team of dynamic presenters, Real Talk provides presentations, programs and up-to-date resources. Their focus is on all young people being made aware of their genuine value, worth and dignity and to experience love for all it was created to be.
Unlike a camp or holiday, there is a deliberate program with important time constraints in which there is an opportunity for both staff and students to get away and recharge, reconnect and re-create. It provides the students an opportunity to: stop, contemplate, reflect so as to;
- contemplate who is Jesus? Who is God?
- reflect on their relationship with God, with Jesus, with self and with one another
- reflect on the role of the Spirit and how it connects and inspires people
- reflect on themselves, people around them and their environment
- slow down, stop and contemplate their current place in the world today
Yours in Christ
Assistant Principal - Mission
At the College Assembly last week, I commented to the students and staff again on the importance of respect. In the past, respect has applied to personal and professional relationships. At the assembly on Wednesday, I included the need to respect the College rules and in particular the wearing of incorrect jewellery and the use of chewing gum. It is clearly stated in the College diary that earrings should be plain gold/silver studs or sleepers and that facial piercings (coloured or clear) are not to be worn while in College uniform. Current consequences include a lunch time detention, with an after school detention becoming a reality for repeat offenders. Chewing gum causes many dollars of damage at the College. Any student who chooses to use chewing gum will be issued an after school detention.
At a recent College Leadership Student meeting the issue of vaping again came to the fore. The senior student leaders highlighted the need for the education of the younger students (Year 7 and 8 students) before it becomes a habit. The College followed up this concern with a mention at staff briefing for the need for vaping to become a topic during Homeroom and Pastoral discussions especially among the younger students. Thanks to these concerned students for their thoughts and considerations on this matter.
I have just returned from Year 10 Retreat and can report that a multitude of topics were discussed with many Catholic principles and practices being encouraged and implemented. While the Retreat was taking place, the other half of Year 10 completed a relationship based course called “Love Bites” and some sessions on goal setting, future career paths and the idea of stewardship towards the local community. Thanks to the many people involved with the logistics of the past week. We hope the students take many important messages from each of these activities.
Until next time:
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Year 10 Retreat & College Programmes
While Year 10 attended their College Retreat, the College has ran a parallel programme under the direction of Richard O'Connor, Leader of Student Engagement.
Part of this programme included a segment on Growth Mindset and Goal Setting. This presentation aimed to address the skills a Year 10 student will need to adopt to be successful in Year 11/12.
In each of these sessions, students were asked to consider fixed vs growth mindsets and what that would be like for a Year 10 student. The table below is part of the information presented:
Students were then asked to complete an activity that demonstrated the brain's ability to focus on growth mindset and expand upon current thinking. The following is an example of one group’s work in answering questions based on positive attitudes and trying different things to achieve success:
To conclude this activity, students were asked to apply a ‘growth mindset’ to setting targets for the remainder of Year 10 and the jump to Stage 6.
I was impressed with how Year 10 students applied themselves and completed this task. From a learning & teaching perspective, these skills will be developed throughout Years 10-12 and support their academic goal setting whilst at SJPC.
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
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. We encourage them to revisit their goals, and utilise 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.
Years 7 – 9
Hopefully students in Years 7 – 9 took the advice from 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. During weeks 9 and 10, students in these year groups will have the opportunity to discuss their learning with their teachers and parents during Parent, Student, Teacher conferences at the College. It is important students take this opportunity to discuss their learning goals and needs with parents and staff.
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 Questionnaire
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.
Photographer William Chapman
Year 12 students Charlie, Bennet and Jeremy conducting a modelling investigation testing the hypothesis; The level of CO2 within the atmosphere affects the temperature of the atmosphere.
As you can see, Charlie is shocked by the results! (collaboration, critical thinking, analysis of data, formulating evidence based conclusions)
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
“ I live Gospel Spirituality by responding to humble service to those around me.”
During Week 8 Year 10 were divided into two groups over the week. Four homerooms went on retreat Monday and Tuesday and the other 4 homerooms stayed at school doing activities, on Wednesday the groups swapped over.
While at school, student participated in a number of activities.
These activities focused on student looking at themselves, those around them and the environment they live in.
Activity 1: Walking with each other
A Reflection on the Year 10 Gospel passage Mark 9:33-37 “Who is the greatest?”, and the concept of Stewardship. Students were asked to reflect on their role in stewardship, not only caring for the environment but for those they come in contact with each day.
Activity 2: Careers
Reflecting on who they are and how they can contribute to the community.
Activity 3: Growth mindset
What growth mindset is, the importance of this not only in our studies, but also in our relationship with each other. How students can view opportunities to better themselves and contribute to the community of SJPC and beyond.
Activity 4. Stewardship and the environment
Opportunity to stop and reflect on the world that God has given us and being grateful for the gifts we have. Vicki Filewood spoke to the students about our local culture through their stories, its link to the environment and to our Catholic faith.
Activity 5. Love Bites Program
Love Bites Program is a well-established, respected relationship program that has been presented in schools across Australia since 2003. Love Bites was facilitated by the College Counsellors and local Social Worker, Sandy Hart.
I would like to say thank you to the staff who gave their time here at school especially, Andrew Hart, Denise Andrade, James Furey, Vicki Filewood, Paul Corsalini and to the students who participated each day.
Leader of Student Engagement
This week, as part of our pastoral program, Year 10 took part in the NAPCAN Love Bites program that focuses on building and developing students’ understanding of respectful relationships.
Love Bites is a well-established, respected relationship program that has been presented in schools across Australia since 2003. Love Bites is an extremely successful school based domestic violence and assault prevention program that evolved on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Love Bites was facilitated by the College Counsellors and local Social Worker, Sandy Hart.
The day delivered in three sessions focusing on a number of topics such as:
- Exploring what to do if relationships are unhealthy, how to talk about it, who to talk with, where to go.
- Exploring the concept of a bystander.
- Deconstructing the myths around Domestic and Family Violence.
- Understanding what consent is.
- How to support a friend and where to go for support.
- ART workshops
Year 7
Last Monday evening the students and families of Year 7 were able to come together to celebrate what has been a fantastic start to their high school journey via the College Belonging Night.
Beginning with a prayer service, students and their parents were able to immerse themselves in some of the traditions and prayers that have made Belonging Night a welcoming and important event on the College calendar for many years.
Our pastoral theme; John 15:12 “Love one another, as I have loved you”, was central to the evening and has been ever present over the year so far. Belonging to this group, our group, means caring for one another, welcoming each other and being exposed to the variety of gifts we all have to share.
Following the prayer service, families were able to meet with their children's Homeroom Teacher and partake in a Q & A session. This is always a valuable way to strengthen the connection between families and the school by ‘putting a name to a face’ and also learn more about the person that is advocating for the children via homeroom every day.
Finally the evening concluded with a sausage sizzle hosted by the College and parents were able to have a casual chat and meet some of their children's new friends and their families.
It was a great evening that catered for over 240 members of our new Year 7 community and I would like to thank my homeroom teachers and also the other members of staff that were able to help out on the night.
Year 9
Year 9 has had such an impressive start to the year and I am proud of how well they have settled in so far. This has been most evident through the large number of positive entries on Sentral each week. It is important to recognise the effort and enthusiasm each person brings to the group and each week those who have made a positive contribution to the college and the school environment are publicly acknowledged. Out of these students, each week, one lucky individual is randomly selected and given a small incentive to continue their efforts. Congratulations to Ruby Mezher, Alex Main, Alex Chau, Kiara Casey, Henry Fuller, and Bronte Sprowles who have already been rewarded for their contribution to the College environment.
To start our year we reflected on the Gospel of Luke 6: 27-36 “Love your enemies”. This Gospel reminds us that Jesus is inviting us to respond to challenges as he did – by loving, doing good, praying, and giving. This will be our focus for 2022 as we learn “to walk with others”. We took time to think about how we will demonstrate God’s love to others with courage and empathy.
Adolescence is a time of growth, development, and understanding. Recently, in our pastoral lessons, students have explored how they can recognise the ways in which our desire to belong to a group can impact our identities and the choices that we make. Sometimes, although students know what is happening around them may be wrong, it can be difficult to call out the poor choices and behaviours of others. This week students learned 5 ways to address the poor behaivour of their peers so that they may be more empowered to be a positive influence on each other.
It has been a wonderful start to the year and the Homeroom team and I look forward to seeing everyone and working with you and your children as we walk beside them on their journey.
Year 12
Pastoral Activity
Over the past couple of pastoral homeroom sessions held every second Wednesday, Year 12 have been working on a self and peer reflection poster. This comprises an A3 sized sheet of paper with a photo of themselves and affirmation & positive comments written on their poster by their teachers and peers. The aim of the exercise is for students to not only recognise and record the positive attributes of the peers and homeroom teachers (and yours truly of course) but to discover certain things about others that they may not have necessarily known about them. This exercise comes at a very important time as Year 12 have many scheduled assessments which may bring stress and anxiety in some students. So, to have a little down time where they can stop and reflect on the positive attributes of themselves and others was an exercise much needed and appreciated by the students.
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
Our new college library provides the perfect opportunity for us to encourage students to read and further develop a love for reading.
Many teenagers speak of the time where they acquire the skill to read independently as a time where there is reduced expectation of them to continue to read for the pure enjoyment of it. If we really want our teenagers to continue to read we really need to be careful not to transmit the idea that once they know how to read it’s not something they don’t need to do anymore.
We need to keep reading aloud to our adolescent children - until they tell us to stop.
We need to choose books we think our children will like. Connect their reading to their leisure pursuits and the things they value in life. Keep abreast of what they like to read and be aware of changes in attitudes to reading. Remember, reading is reading - it doesn’t always have to be novels. Sport magazines, articles, newspapers and graphic novels can encourage the enjoyment of reading beyond the traditional book.
We need to limit access to devices. The more devices children have in their possession the less likely they are to engage in reading for pleasure. When children choose to read books online they are still receiving notifications. Print novels ensure fewer distractions.
We need to make time and space to read. As parents it’s important that in such busy lives we ensure children apportion some time to reading. Make our children aware of the literacy benefits of reading and the advantage this gives us in life.
We need to be role models for our children. Read regularly and read where children can see us.
Reading opens a world of possibilities and a life filled with imagination. It allows us to momentarily escape reality.
As Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Word of the Week 8
Integrity noun
DEFINITION - the state of being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity behaves ethically and does the right thing, even behind closed doors.
ORIGIN - from Latin integer, meaning whole and complete
IN A SENTENCE - He has a reputation for integrity and everyone trusts him completely.
Word of the Week 9
Nonchalant adjective
DEFINITION- appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest or enthusiasm.
ORIGIN - French, nonchaloir and Latin, calere to be warm
IN A SENTENCE - Although John is always stressed out about something, he comes across as nonchalant and without any worries.
Stage 5
Last Thursday, our Year 10 HP&G students participated in the Ethics Olympiad training day. Participants discussed real-life, current ethical cases, including: Diversity and equality through university admission by lottery case; freedom of speech and hatred; History-redressing and the place of statues; Fairness and the Paralympics; Restorative justice vs. discipline; The impropriety of confronting art; Medical doctor graduates moving from developing to developed countries.
Students observed a sample Ethics Olympiad heat, heard from an international panel of philosophy and ethics experts and conferred with judges. They were involved in practical activities designed to improve their critical skills and understanding of philosophical paradigms.
Student feedback included:
“I enjoy doing things like debate and public speaking and this is very different to what I currently those things. I think the collaborative discussion between different groups sounds really interesting to explore!”
“It seems like an opportunity for me to learn how the world works and how to view global issues which I'd really like to partake in.”
“I learnt what utilitarianism is, how to structure a Olympiad debate and how to counter ethical opinions.”
“I learnt to always be open and polite and make sure to see both sides of an issue.”
“I learnt about Giving constructive criticism, approaching issues/questions, and trying to think empathetically (understanding other perspectives through different subjects).”
10 students will continue the training in preparation for the competition on the 3rd May.
Stage 3
Stage 3 students from St Francis Xavier and Mary Help of Christians visited in Week 7 and 8 to commence our "Da Vinci Detectives" program. Students were introduced to metacognition - in particular how we can use mnemonics and other memory tricks to help us to learn. Students learnt about the lobes of the brain and how our perception doesn't always match reality and thus they were encouraged to use lateral thinking skills to look for new ways to solve problems.
Some student reflections:
“Something I found interesting from my visit to SJPC was the concept of lateral thinking. I discovered that lateral thinking is ‘thinking outside the box’. I also found the different lobes of the brain interesting too. There was the frontal lobe, the occipital lobe, the temporal lobe and the parietal lobe and each of these controls a certain part of our responses and learning.”
“Something I think everyone should know is to think laterally when the logical way isn’t working.”
Stage 4
Given a high number of absences recently, data collection continues for Years 7-9 with the vision for the program to start Term 2.
Aaron Dewhurst
Leader of High Potential Learning
Regional University Roadshow
Last week the Regional University Roadshow visited SJPC. Our Year 12s got to hear first hand from representatives from Newcastle University, Charles Sturt University, University of New England and Southern Cross University. The students were provided with a presentation that focused on the benefits of attending a regional university such as smaller class sizes and lower living away from home costs. As well as what does university life look like, how much does university cost and what are some of the ways to pay for it.
Personality Types and Careers Paths
This week our Year 10s participated in a workshop where they learnt about personality traits and how connections can be made to particular career paths. Whilst this is not an exact science, it certainly is food for thought. Students completed a personality quiz and upon completion a personality traits report was emailed to them. It certainly generated a lot of discussion amongst the group as it was an opportunity for them to stop and consider what path they may take upon the completion of their schooling.
Upcoming Events
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 7 Line Drawings
Year 7 came to the SJPC Visual Arts department enthusiastic and eager. This year they will learn at length about the seven elements of art and design and the first one we have spent time concentrating on is line. In creating continuous and contour line drawings, the students are also learning to draw from observation. As you can see, they have produced some wonderful drawings full of beautiful mark making.
Year 11 PDHPE/SLR Surf Rafting Excursion
On Tuesday 15th March, 40 Year 11 students attended an excursion at North Beach, Coffs Harbour. The activities complemented the Fitness choices and outdoor education units being studied in class. All participants had a very enjoyable day and learnt some new skills in the process. Their behavior was exemplary and they were excellent ambassadors for the college. A big thank you to Mrs Johnson, Mr Abbotts and Matt Fowler, our 2022 PDHPE trainee, who accompanied them on this excursion.
Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood
Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood visited Southern Cross University for a lecture on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and support services. Students were given a short lecture on the many aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, the range of alternatives available for giving birth and how accessible they are to families.
Students were able to practice testing the new born simulator babies, learn about the characteristics of the new born and the special needs baby.
As the majority of students were showing an interest in following a career in nursing and midwifery, this excursion has been a valuable educational experience.
Yr 9 Child Studies
Uniform Reminders
Parents please note that online timetables are now displaying when students have prac in our subject. This will hopefully reduce ‘out of uniform’ issues. Please read through the ‘Guidelines for Practical Classes in PDHPE’ section in the front section of your child’s diary. The guidelines have not changed in 2022. If students have prac period 1 or 2 on their timetable they may wear their full sport uniform to school and change into their school uniform at recess. If students have prac period 5 or 6 they are allowed to wear their sports uniform home.
Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
SJPC had an amazing carnival this year, finishing 1st overall in the school competition and have been crowned Diocesan champions! Congratulations to the following swimmers who qualified to represent the Lismore Diocese at the CCC Swimming Championship at Homebush on 6 April:
Jaxon White, Riley Andrews, Josie Straw
Isla Martin, Charles Rutherford-Searle, Matilda Newton
Lily Betland, Harper McIntosh, Loki Marchant
Cooper Andrews, Riley Woods, Ethan Dawson
Particular congratulations to Isla Martin (Year 9) who broke the Dicoesan 14 years girls 50m Backstroke record, while Riley Andrews (Year 10) qualified fastest in 6 events!
Also, our 4 x 50m freestyle relay teams, both the 12 - 14 years girls team (Josie Straw, Matilda Newton, Cooper Andrews and Isla Martin) and the 15 - 16 years boys teams (Riley Woods, Ethan Dawson, Loki Marchant and Charles Rutherford-Searle) qualified fastest, meaning they too represent our College at the CCC championships. The 15 - 16 girls relay team (Ava Pratt, Riley Andrews, Eliana Straw and Jade Newton) came second by 0.2 seconds, just missing out on qualifying for CCC. Well done to all our teams.
Finally, congratulations to Riley Andrews (16 years), Jaxon White (14 years) and Josie Straw (13 years) who were all crowned Age Champion of the Diocese in their Age divisions and to Riley Woods who was named Runner Up Age Champion (15 years).
CCC Trials
Congratulations to Alexis French and Connor Gleeson who travelled to Sydney to trial for the CCC Waterpolo team. Also, to Daniel Pronesti who also travelled to Sydney to trial for the CCC Volleyball team. All students conducted themselves in a professional manner and represented the College with pride.
Northern Region League Trials
Congratulations to Lachlan Mifsud (Opens), Logan Lacey (Opens) and Cooper Moore (15s) who were all successful at the recent Diocesan Northern Region League Trials. The boys now go on to represent the Diocese at the next level and if selected, will have the chance to trial for the CCC Open and 15s League teams.
Diocesan Touch Trials
Congratulations to Ruby Flanders, Poppi Flanders, Mia McKeon, Cooper Moore and Jaxon White who were selected to represent the Diocese at the CCC Touch Football Championship at Nelson Bay in April and will be considered for the CCC Touch football teams.
Netball NSW Schools Cup
The Netball NSW Schools Cup was held on Thursday 17th March at the Coffs Harbour Netball Courts. SJPC was well represented on the day with 4 teams playing against other high schools in the local area. Our Year 7-8 Girls and Year 9-10 Girls teams completed the day undefeated Champions. This year was the first year that our Year 7-8 and Year 9-10 boys competed and they played sensational netball and represented the College well. The Year7-8 team also completed the day undefeated whilst the Year 9-10 team lost 1 game. All 4 teams finished the day 1st on the leaderboard and will now represent the College at the Mid North Coast Cup in Port Macquarie in Term 3 on 25th August.
Thank you to our umpires for the carnival, Dayna Loy, Danielle McHugh, Grace Fuller and Aliesha Slaviero. Thank you to our Coaching team of John Baldwin, Lyn Brokmann, Alana Johnson and Tanya Slaviero for ensuring the players had a fun and successful day.
Diocesan Open Girls Soccer
Our girls travelled to Kempsey to compete in the Diocesan Open Girls Soccer gala event. Our talented girls had a very successful day. We played 4x 40 minute games in 30 degree heat and ended the day with 3 wins and 1 loss. This is an amazing result for our players from Years 8-11 playing in a competition against Years 10-12 girls from other schools.
College Cross Country
This year we are hosting the 7 - 10 Cross Country on Wednesday 6th April from Period 4 - 6. Like the Swimming Carnival and Athletics carnival, attendance is expected by all. Not only will students have the chance to test their stamina on the cross country track in order to represent the College at the Diocesan Championship, they will be able to raise house points through participation in the walking event, touch football, basketball and tug-o-war activities scheduled throughout the afternoon that contribute to the Ultimate House Championship. Students are encouraged to bring a plain house coloured shirt to change into and participate in for the afternoon. The details of the day will be presented to students at the next College Assembly.
Coming Up
31 March |
Girls League Tag Challenge, Coffs Harbour |
1 April |
NSW Netball Fast 5 (Year 11/12 boys and girls), Port Macquarie |
6 April |
7 - 10 College Cross Country, Period 4 - 6 SJPC |
7 April |
10-a-side Rugby, Coffs Harbour |
28 April |
Diocesan Tennis Championships, Tweed Heads |
19 May |
Docesan Open Basketball Championships, Coffs Harbour |
20 May |
Diocesan Cross Country Championships, Grafton |
1 June |
NSW CRL Cup (Open, 15, 13’s), Coffs Harbour |
9 June |
Cochrane Cup League (14’s), Port Macquarie |
21 June |
Katrina Fanning Cup (Girls League), Coffs Harbour |
25 August |
NSW Netball Cup Regional Finals, Port Macquarie |
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator
Finance
2022 Northern Territory Trip final installment due Thursday 31 March.
Office
Busways
Over the course of this term, Busways are finishing the fitting of all school buses with seat belts. We are expecting to have them all fitted by the end of this term. Buses with seatbelts will have a loading capacity of 55-57 seats. From the start of this term, we have been documenting and monitoring loads on both morning and afternoon bus routes and looking at possible changes needed due to seatbelt buses.
- Ensuring all eligible students have current valid bus passes
- Ensuring students are catching the correct bus to and from school
- Advising parents that bus travel will prioritise home/school/home bus runs and they will need to make alternative arrangements for afternoon travel from school to sporting activities, work and other extra curriculum activities.
- Ensuring students know they need to be seated and put their seatbelt on when they board the bus (fines may apply if not)
We will have buses available to alleviate any loading issues at the Coffs Harbour interchange on Harbour Drive in the short term, whilst data is being assessed and solutions determined.
The best thing parents can give their children is presence!
Who: Year 7 boys and their fathers (guardian or significant male in your boy’s life)
Where: SJPC
- Tents set up on the grass netball courts next to hard courts (Bring your own tent and sleeping mats/bags etc)
When: From 4pm Friday 6th May - 9:30am Saturday Morning 7th May 2022
Why: A chance for the boys in Year 7 to camp out, have some fun and spend some quality time with their peers and dad’s or a significant male in their lives.
What to expect: Good company, dodgeball, team challenges, BBQ dinner, bacon and eggs Breakfast, bonfire, marshmallows and more.
What to Bring:
- A tent for you and your boy to share, sleeping bag and camp mattress/stretcher
- Some snacks and all meals will be provided but feel free to bring anything else you may want to drink/snack on.
- A water bottle
We try to avoid:
- Mobile phones or other electronic devices.
- No alcohol please
If you have any questions, please contact: Tim Davis - tim.davis@lism.catholic.edu.au
Tim Davis
Teacher
Sarah Corsalini
Student Services
Additional Needs Teacher
Year 11 student Taliah Ashfield took part in the world's greatest shave.
Men’s Resource Centre Visit to Year 12
On Wednesday volunteers from Bridging the Gap - Men’s Resource Centre visited our Year 12 students to present a summary of what they do and the services they provide for vulnerable men and others in our community. They are a totally self funded volunteer organisation who receive no funding or grants and rely solely on the donations provided by organisations like SJPC and supporting businesses of our events. The presenters offered insight into the conditions and situations men and other family members find themselves in after experiencing domestic violence and other occurrences that bring unrest to the family network. I would like to thank Jean and Charles for giving their time to come and talk to Year 12.
We now turn our focus to our next event, our annual Trivia Night to be held on the 27th May at the SJPC College Hall. If you would like to make any donations of prizes, vouchers, silent auction items etc please contact me via email at mark.sultana@lism.catholic.edu.au. Tables of 10 will go on sale shortly so watch this space!