17 June 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 9)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Curriculum Matters
- High Potential & Gifted Learners Program
- Literacy Matters
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Sports Corner
- Visual Arts
- Music - The Didgeribone
- Push-Up Challenge
COMPASS School Manager
As part of a restructure across the Diocese we shall be moving to a new communication and school management platform called - COMPASS School Manager. The Compass platform will become our school community communication tool from 18 July 2022.
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App. Every family receives a separate login to Compass, which will be provided to you.
The Compass platform includes many different features and you’ll have the ability to:
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absence
- Communicate with your child’s teachers
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher interviews
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (no more permission slips)
- Pay school fees
Over the course of the next week, each parent will receive a username and login (provided that we have your correct email address). If you share an email address with your significant other, then you will receive two emails with two unique log-ins. The email will look like this:
To access the platform;
SMARTPHONE ACCESS
- Please be mindful that our College Portal has been used by our staff in a testing environment. There may be elements of this testing visible to you e.g. attendance data and discipline/awards testing. The Portal will be refreshed before the College goes live in Term 3.
- Download the Compass School Manager App (Google Playstore OR Apple Store).
- Wait for your unique username and log in to be emailed to you (this will begin after 9.00 a.m, Monday 25 June).
- Open the app on your device. If you are already a member of a Primary School you will still have to complete items 5-8 below and create an account at the College.
- Search for our school by searching for “Coffs Harbour” and then scroll to the bottom of the list where you will find “St John Paul College - Coffs Harbour”
- Use the unique username and log in sent to you by email.
- You will be prompted to confirm your mobile phone number and email address, and create a personal password.
- Read the welcome message that will be posted on our dashboard.
DESKTOP ACCESS
If you wish to use the desktop version of the platform please note the following;
- Please be mindful that our College Portal has been used by our staff in a testing environment. There may be elements of this testing visible to you. The Portal will be refreshed once the College goes live in the New Year.
- Once you receive your unique username and log in, open a new tab on your preferred browser, and navigate to https://cofhslism-nsw.compass.education/
- Use your unique username and password to log into the platform
- You will be prompted to confirm your mobile phone number and email address, and create a personal password.
- Read the welcome message that will be posted on the dashboard.
NOTE: Your unique username and password can be used to access the app and the desktop
For more information you can visit Compass for Parents. For further assistance, email the school at sharon.brennan@lism.catholic.edu.au
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
Are we serious about caring for each other?
The concept of caring for each other and for others is one that lies at the very heart of our mission as a Catholic school. As part of our student formation, students at St John Paul College are provided with a number of opportunities to grow personally, academically and spiritually. Many of those who participate then put their work into action. Next week some of our Year 11 students will travel to Brisbane for Street retreat where they will be working hands on with those most marginalised in society. On Friday, students who have taken part in one of the Student Discipleship retreats were invited to hear our guest speakers from Emmanuel City Mission speak to us. They also joined the staff for morning prayer fire in the Chapel. It was inspirational to see ex-students of the college who have chosen to give of their lives to service, be willing to return and talk to our community and hopefully light their inner fire.
Next term, we will celebrate St John Paul II day. He was one of the most influential and notable diplomats of his day. Not only was he Pope but he dedicated his life to service and was particularly focused on justice and care for the youth. He is a fitting Saint to have named the College after which should stand as a reminder to ask ourselves the same question - what do I do to help and am I serious about caring for each other? On the evening of St John Paul II day there will be a winter sleepout to support the work of St Vincent de Paul. It will be led by our Minnie Vinnies group and we welcome the support from as many students in our college as possible. It will involve sleeping out in the Quad to replicate and remind our students of the hardship many of our locals who are homeless go through each night. You will also see notices coming out soon about sending in goods to support the Winter Appeal which can be donated as well.
Each of these things are small but significant. They not only show that we understand that we are lucky and grateful but it demonstrates our willingness to put our faith into action. As you speak to your families this weekend, I encourage you to talk about the upcoming events and perhaps share with us as a community if you have ideas about how we can be involved in a community project that you know about. We are always looking for new opportunities to serve. Talking to our family about why we have chosen a Catholic school should also invite dialogue on what we hope we can do to show our genuine care for each other.
Everyone deserves to be cared for and should learn to care for others. Is this a priority in your house? Does your child see it as an important outcome of attending a Catholic school? As we approach the end of term, I pray that we have time to reflect on the good things that life brings us, and to embrace care as an essential part of your every day - including care for yourself! Pope John Paul is our namesake and Jesus the ultimate example for how we should live our lives. True inspirational models to follow. Love one another and always make the decision to be kind. Care can take many forms; the way we speak to each other, action we do for each other and our willingness to help everyone in our community feel safe and valued.
Assistant Principal - Mission
Communicating with our teenage children has been an old age problem. We all want to be super communicators who can talk to our teenagers about anything that arises. However, that doesn’t always take into account the other party- the teenager. We would love to fix all their problems and make their lives seamless, but reality steps in.
Having had four teenagers myself certainly doesn’t make me an expert but it has given me insight into some strategies where these barriers can be overcome.
The following tips taken from https://parents.au.reachout.com/ might help you to keep the channels of communication open with your teenager:
- Make time and space to talk, get comfy, remove distractions such as phones, and have eye contact. These all signal that you are present, you want to listen, and you are ‘there for them’. I found that the car was sometimes a good place to chat. On the way to sports training, dropping them at a party or in my case on the way home from school was a chance to even just catch up.
- You don't need to fix their problem or make them feel better; you just need to listen. Try not to judge what they are saying. Just nod and say things like, 'Ok', 'Ah ha', 'Yeah'. This will let them know that you're listening positively and will encourage them to keep talking. Please remember that you can’t always fix the problem. Sometimes they need to fix it or the problem fixes itself. Your child talking about the problem may be all that is needed…getting it off their chest, saying it out loud.
- Be empathetic. At times it can be difficult for us to remember what high school was like. It can also be difficult for us to understand what high school is like now. It is very different in so many ways.
- Talk often. Talk often. Talk often. We don’t always need to talk about problems. Just talk.
If your child can trust you to ‘be there for them’, to listen to, love and support them, then they are much more likely to see you as someone to turn to first when they need help in working through bigger problems. Your relationship will be built on trust and open, honest communication. Enjoy getting to know your child as the interesting and maturing person they are becoming.
Until next time:
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Afternoon Detentions (Curriculum)
The rationale for curricula detentions is one of completing course work to meet the academic requirements of the nominated subject. Afternoon Detentions (Curriculum) addresses the following:
- Facilitating the need for all students to meet NESA outcomes in their assessments
- KLA requirement of ‘evidence’ to apply the Common Grade Scale
- Mechanism to provide accountability for students throughout their courses
- Support for Classroom Teachers in their application of grades scales
- Supports the NESA/SJPC process of N Warning letters and their requirements.
An Afternoon Detention (Curriculum) allows KLAs to determine if a student’s lack of assessment evidence warrants a detention.
The aim of this type of detention is as a deterrent, to encourage students to submit satisfactory assessment evidence by a due date or attend the nominated Afternoon Detention. Should the student submit satisfactory evidence before the detention, then it will not be served.
If the detention proceeds, the student will be under the supervision of the Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching. The duration of the detention will facilitate the completion of the assessment as directed from the relevant LOL/Subject Teacher.
The Afternoon Detention (Curriculum) is different to any negative classroom behaviour or other actions that warrant an Afternoon Detention (Behavioural) and there aims to support a student’s learning at the College.
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
Register Now - Free Online HSC July Lectures
Reminder:
Plan your revision and study time over the coming weeks and winter break, with reference to the Trial Examination timetable posted on the HSC Curriculum Matters Google Classroom
Year 11
Ensure you are meeting the requirements of all Week 9 and 10 Assessments.
Remember that the Curriculum Office is open to all students if you have any queries regarding procedures and processes linked to assessments.
SOR students - Ensure you spend time over the Winter break, revising for your Trial HSC examination in Week 4 Term 3.
Year 8
Year 8 students will be starting the process of selecting their 2023/24 Electives next Tuesday (Week 9). They will be provided with a Course Information Pack at this meeting. A link to the Course Information Website will be emailed to Year 8 students on Tuesday of Week 10. A Curriculum Information evening will be held at the College on Wednesday 3 August from 6:30 pm for parents, carers and students. Stay tuned for more information!!
Years 7 – 9
All students should now be receiving feedback regarding their learning. It is important for students to now re-evaluate Semester 1 goals and determine what they want to achieve in regards to their learning in Semester 2.
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
In reading the June edition of the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, recent research into early adopters of the NSW Department of Education High Potential & Gifted Education Policy piqued my interest and revealed some insights regarding the importance of our very own HP&G programs. Brewster, Balla-Gow, Vialle, and Wormald’s (2022) reported that there was considerable evidence to “refute the perpetual myth that gifted students will make it on their own due to inherent natural ability. These comments reflect the understanding that the educational potential of gifted students will not be fully realised if support structures and expert pedagogy are absent” (p. 31). Furthermore, there was considerable discussion around developing mentor relationships in order to foster talent in HP&G students. In an effort to mirror the research, during Semester 2, our focus will move from year-based collective learning to individual projects, featuring mentoring as a key component. The article concluded with the suggestion that “future research on professional learning practices could provide valuable insights as to how successfully the relationship between educators and talent development has been embedded into high potential and gifted student programs, processes and procedures” (p. 31). It’s reassuring to know that SJPC is at the forefront of educational practice and research in its implementation of high-potential and gifted pedagogy.
Stage 5
Last week, Stage 5 participated in a writing workshop with published author, Felicity Castagna. Felicity explored where to find inspiration for writing, how to develop authentic settings and, as an extension of our work on ethics this term, how to identify character tensions which expose the values and morals of characters.
Year 8
Our Year 8 HP&G learners are mid-way through their STEM-MAD Projects. The value of this Diocese-wide competition echoes recent research presented in the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education by Maker, Bahar, Alfaiz and Rease (2022) which argues that recognising and cultivating creative and scientific thinking is essential to solve the litany of current problems on earth. “Old solutions are not working; therefore new, innovative ways to both frame and solve these problems are needed” (p. 5). Citing Sternberg’s (2020) research, Maker et al. argue that “Not only do we need creative scientific talent, but we also need transformational … talent or giftedness. Transformationally gifted individuals focus on making a positive and transformative difference - they seek to make the world a better place” (p. 5). The STEM-MAD competition enables students to identify existing problems in the world and innovate creative and logical solutions. “The world needs exceptionally talented individuals who seek to positively change the world — to make it a better place… programs and experiences [need to be] designed to ignite, cultivate, extend, and strengthen exceptional talent in all students with high potential” (Maker et al. 2022).
We have three teams who are innovating to make a difference in the following areas:
- Redirecting food waste to humanitarian and environmental causes: Alyssa Aranibar, William Buckley, Clare Edwards and Remy Goudge
- Improving the quality and nutrient value of meals in Aged Care facilities: Gabriel Wark, Poppy Higgins and Holly Becker
- Identifying and repairing potholes for community safety: Isabel Sparrius, Archie Wall and Myah Wright
Students are researching the technology available to them and consulting experts in their chosen areas. They will then commence the Create phase of their design which will see them devise and test a prototype of their innovation.
Maker, C. J., Bahar, K., Alfaiz, F. S., & Pease, R. (2022). Developing and assessing creative scientific talent that is transformational through Real Engagement in Active Problem Solving (REAPS). Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 31(1), 5-21.
Brewster, M., Balla-Gow, B., Vialle, W., & Wormald, C. (2022). Views from the border: Perspectives of gifted student needs from early adopters of the high potential and gifted education policy. Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 31(1), 22-36.
Aaron Dewhurst
Leader of High Potential Learning
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
ETYMOLOGY is the study of the origin of words and the development of their meaning through history. It can be a lot of fun to investigate the origin of words and it can help with spelling and vocabulary development.
OK is one of the most used and most recognisable words on the planet. It first originated in the 1830’s fad of intentionally misspelling abbreviations.
KC - Knuff ced (enough said)
KY - Know yuse (no use)
OW - Oll Wright (all right)
OK - Oll Korrect (all correct).
OK was first published in the Boston times and gained further popularity when used in an election campaign and as the standard acknowledgement of transmission of messages after the invention of the telegraph.
The following link explores the very interesting origin of the word, ‘OK’ in a short 5 minute video. This is most certainly an interesting watch for all.
Word of the Week
Conundrum noun
DEFINITION - A puzzle or problem which is difficult or impossible to solve.
ORIGIN - is itself a conundrum!
IN A SENTENCE - He is faced with the conundrum of finding a job without having any experience.
Malapropism noun
DEFINITION - The usual unintentional misuse of a word or phrase
ORIGIN - Although Shakespeare used this for comic effect, the term actually derives from the character Mrs Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775)
IN A SENTENCE - In class, everyone laughed at Bill’s malapropism when he complained about electrical votes instead of electoral votes.
Year 11
On Friday 10 June, Year 11 participated in a Reflection Day which gave us the opportunity to bond with one another, to reconnect and learn about the importance of respecting each other. The day began with a Liturgy to centre ourselves and remind us of how lucky we are to be receiving our education at SJPC, before heading to Boambee Reserve where we spent time in the sun engaging in activities with one another. This allowed us all to reconnect in the chaos of all our studies and assessments, reminding us that we are all here for each other and that we need to enjoy the last little bit of our schooling together.
We then returned to school and were greeted by David Kobler who spoke to us about relationships, what they can look like, why we need them and how to make sure that they are healthy. David was really engaging and our year benefited greatly from his knowledge. His presentation opened up a lot of discussions in our year about safe decision-making as we continue to move through our senior years.
All in all the day was full of fun and reflection, and Year 11 would like to thank our wonderful team of homeroom teachers and year coordinator Mrs Johnson for making it such an enjoyable day!
Lily Hallawell & Mia McKeon
Year 11 Students
Alana Johnson
Year 11 Leader of Student Wellbeing
CCC Open Basketball
Earlier this week our Open Boys and Open Girls Basketball teams travelled to Port Macquarie for the CCC Championships. Both teams were outstanding in their attitude and behaviour and took to the court with integrity and determination throughout both days.
The boys team had many tight tussels and narrowly missed out on wins against 3 different schools by 2 points or less. As a result they did not make it through to the finals.
The girls team was unstoppable and fought their way to 2nd place in their pool. This allowed them to contest the quarter finals, where they defeated an old foe, Tamworth. The girls went on to take on All Saints (who eventually won the tournament) in the semi and lost by only one basket (2 points) against a very strong side. As a result, the girls finished 3rd at CCC and received bronze medals.
Well done to both teams and thanks to the coaches Mr Steven Verbruggen and Mr Matt Hiddlestone for training and leading the teams at the tournaments.
Junior Diocesan Football
Our amazing boys and girls teams were outstanding in the Diocesan Football carnival played last week. Both teams were solid through the rounds and impressively, both made it into the finals.
The girls had a tough hit out and went down to Xavier 1 - 0 in the final despite beating them 4-0 earlier in the rounds.The girls were named Diocesan Runner Up Champions and performed admirably. Coaches Ms Victorian Istrata and Mrs Tanya Slaviero were very proud of the girls and their immense efforts all day.
The boys had a very successful finals campaign, never looking like going down to St Paul’s. The boys took the win convincingly and were named Lismore Diocesan Junior Football Champions. The boys now go on to represent the Diocese for the cross over game against Armidale Diocese Champions on Thursday 23 June. We wish them well and thank the Mr Rod Abbott and Mr Mark Sultana for coaching the boys.
Congratulations also and thank you to our ever dedicated coaches.
CRL League
Our 13’s and 15’s League teams were finally able to take to the paddock after a number of rescheduled events. To say the boys were keen and excited about the competition is an understatement!
Our 15’s worked hard all day and despite being younger and smaller than the other teams they more than held their own. The coaches, Mr Pat Gleeson and Mr John Podesta were impressed with their determination and look forward to coaching the majority of the boys again next year.
Our 13’s were unstoppable! They dominated all teams they came up against and played top League all day. As a result of finishing first, they will now travel to Port Macquarie for the Regional finals of the CRL Cup on Thursday 23 June. We wish them and their coaches Mr Kris Kent and Mr Michael Stubbs all the best.
Sporting Success
Congratulations to Harrison Colyer (Year 12), Rhys Mulholland (Year 11), Adelaide Keating (Year 7) and Zane Guthrie (Year 7) who represented the Diocese of Lismore at the recent CCC Cross Country Carnival. All students performed well finishing in the top 15 of each of their ager divisions. Special congratulations to Harrison Colyer who fininsed 6th in the 18 years division and will now represented CCC at the All Schools Cross Country Championships next term. Good luck Harrison!
- Congratulations to Riley Evans (Year 11) who was recently called up into the CCC 16 Rugby Union team. This required him to do a last minute dash to Sydney in order to play two games. As a result of his performance he has been kept in the team and will continue to represent CCC in upcoming events. Congratulations Riley.
Riley Evans (Year 11)
- Congratulations to Jack Harrison (Year 8) and Cooper Moore (Year 8) who were selected in the U14’s NSW Country Union squad and to Riley Evans (Year 11) who was selected in the U16 NSW Country Rugby Union squad recently.
Year 9/10 Sport selections Term 3
Payment for Term 3 sport is due by Monday 20 June. Only those who have discussed an extension with the Finance department will be accepted after this date.
Coming Up
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Monday 20 June |
Bill Turner Cup Round 3 Game, Woolgoolga High |
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Wednesday 22 June |
Fast 5 Netball, Port Macquarie |
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Thursday 23 June |
Junior Boys Football v Armidale Diocese, Leisure Park |
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13’s CRL regional finals, Port Macquarie |
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Thursday 21 July |
SJPC Athletics Carnival, Cex Stadium |
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Wednesday 26 July |
Diocesan Touch Football Gala Day, Ballina |
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KFC Zone final, Coffs Harbour |
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Thursday 27 July |
CRL Cup Northern State finals, Coffs Harbour |
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Tues & Wed 2 - 3 August |
Diocesan Junior Basketball Championship, Coffs Harbour |
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Wednesday 3 August |
Cochrane Cup Northern State Final, Port Macquarie |
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Monday 15 - 16 August |
NSW CCC Netball, Sydney |
| Wednesday 24 August |
Diocesan Athletics Carnival, Cex Stadium |
| Thursday 25 August |
NSW Netball Cup Regional Finals, Port Macquarie |
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Cochrane Cup State Final, Sydney |
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| Thursday 8 September |
Diocesan Netball Gala Day, Port Macquaire |
| Friday 14 October |
Dicoesan Volleyball Gala Day, Coffs Harbour |
| Tuesday 25 October |
Diocesan Gymnastics, Grafton (TBC) |
| Monday 31 - 1 November |
CCC Junior Basketball Championships, Penrith |
| Thursday 10 November |
Diocesan Junior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
| Tuesday 15 November |
Diocesan Golf Championships, Coffs Harbour |
| Thursday 17 November |
Diocesan Senior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator
In week 8, our junior music classes were treated to a very special musical performance by the world renowned didgeridoo performer ‘Tjupurru’ who brought stories from around the world together with uniquely Indigenous Australian soundscapes and very clever uses of technology in music. Our students were captured and inspired with the wonder of his presentation, and even able to engage in compositional experiments as a group. We look forward to seeing Tjupurru in the future.
The 2022 Push-Up challenge is well underway. Our SJPC Staff Team have now completed over 15000 push-ups and raised $910 for mental health and suicide prevention. This fundraiser itself has already raised over $7,500,000 for Lifeline, Headspace and the Push-Up Foundation.
Our team consists of: Maree McKelvie, Jana Elling, Janine Sawtell, Paul Harrison, Brendan Goswell, Gabriella Majarich, Claudia Brown, Sharon Reeves, Daniel Hickson, Darcy Hartin, Matt Fowler and Nataleigh Baxter.
We finish our challenge on Friday 24 June and would love your continued support. You can donate to our team by following the attached link. SJPC Staff Push-up Team Support
Thank you in advance.
Literacy Coach & Fellow Push-up Team member