29 July 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 11)

Being in the here and now!

Too often many of us get worried about things we have no control of and it eats us to our very core. What if? What about? What happens when? If only…and so on.

We need to live in the here and now, we need to be conscious of what we can do and, most importantly, how we impact others by what we do. Planning for the future is important, but it is just that – planning, things can and do change and we adjust accordingly. We must do the best we can with the time we have and be aware of the present.

As our Year 12 students prepare for the trials and progress through their final term of schooling, it is timely to remember that we need to prioritise where our energy goes and what consumes it. Part of mindfulness is about prioritising our thoughts in the here and now, so often many who struggle with mental health get stuck in the past or worry about the future. 

I invite all students to reward themselves by being present and immersing fully in the moment, enjoy the now and be thankful for the experiences on offer. Be open to possibilities and do something not only for yourself but also for those around you. 

As Term 3 commences, look for all the opportunities that come your way and grasp them with both hands. 

Compass Parents Guide

Please click on the link below to access the Compass Parents Guide. This guide will assist you with navigating the portal and includes step by step information on how to complete key processes.

The portal is accessible via the web and also via the Compass School Manager App (available for download via the App store on your device).

Please don't hesitate to contact the office for further assistance. 

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

God bless

Michael Carniato
Principal

Year 11 PST Conferences on Compass 

This week saw the College utilise the Compass software to coordinate the Yr 11 Parent Student Teacher Conferences through “ Compass Conferences”. This has been a sharp learning curve for Year 11 parents and students, our Administration Staff and Teachers of Yr 11. My thanks to all these stakeholders for not only their patience but willingness to adopt Compass as the new platform for PST Nights. From this point moving forward, all PST Conferences will be run through Compass. 

Term 3 Staff Development Day 

As students remained on holidays last week, our teaching staff engaged with the Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative’s work around assessment and feedback. Our College team of Mr P Hewitt, Ms McKelvie, Ms Gennat, Ms Brown, Mrs Maybury, Mrs Furey, Ms Mitchell and Mr Carniato delivered a day of reviewing how we give effective feedback to our students. 

This Staff Development Day continued our work with renowned Educational Leader in improving literacy, Dr Lyn Sharratt. Lyn’s “Clarity” work asks educators to question what matters most in leading, learning and teaching. The work of our Learning Collaborative aligns with one of our College goals - to increase student engagement in their learning. In simple terms, more effective feedback and student engagement will achieve better academic outcomes for our students.

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

Quiet - “God at Work”

Lately I have been thinking about prayer. What does it mean to pray? How does prayer help me? Why do we need prayer?

Making God real, developing a connection with God is what we try to teach our students. In moments of turmoil, everyone prays- but what about the quiet moments in our day? Do we look at the clear sunny sky and think, thanks for this sunshine? Do we leave space to talk to God? To express absolute gratitude for life’s smallest joys?

Let’s think about God and prayer as a stillness in our lives, a source of nourishment and a chance to have a chat.

Eckart puts it so well:

Being aware of God

Is not in your power, but His.

God shows himself when it suits him,

And hides when He wishes.

So, even if you think you can’t feel Him

And are wholly empty of Him, this is not the case.

Be still, therefore,

And do not waver from your emptiness.

What’s Happening In Our Parishes? 

For further information to our associated parishes’ please use the links below

Here you will find ways to join with the local community, specially planned events and times for reconciliation and Masses. 

St Augustine's Parish including St Francis Xavier

Mary Help of Christians Parish 

Janine Sawtell
Leader of School Evangelisation

Santo Subito- A saint now!

When John Paul II died in 2005, the crowds who were gathered at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican cried out “Santo Subito”, meaning “A saint now!” His canonisation seven years later – one of the fastest in history – was a time of great celebration for the Church, but not just because it recognised John Paul II as a great leader of the Church or a significant historical figure of the twentieth century. The canonisation of Pope John Paul II affirmed that he remained a witness to Christ as part of the communion of saints and that he continued to pray for us from heaven.

Over the next few weeks in the lead up to St John Paul Day I wanted to share with you a little more about the patron and namesake of our college, the life of this saint and the gifts he gave to the church.

A man of mercy

“The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and     

dear to me… which I took with me to the See of Peter and

which in a sense forms the image of this Pontificate.”

—Pope John Paul II at the Shrine of Divine Mercy, 1997

This week the college focused on the theme of Mercy. Pope John Paul II often spoke of God’s mercy, choosing the mercy of God as the topic for his second encyclical (letter to the whole church), titled Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy). John Paul II was strongly influenced by the devotion to Divine Mercy, which was revealed through St. Faustina

Kowalska, a Polish nun who received visits from Jesus between 1931 and her death in 1938.

You might recognise the image of divine mercy which depicts Jesus with red and white rays coming from his heart. These rays represent the blood and water of Jesus which was shed to save souls. The image was painted based on St. Faustina’s visions. The message of divine mercy encourages us to ask for God’s mercy, trust in His mercy towards us, and to show mercy by being an instrument of mercy towards others.

Pope John Paul II canonised St. Faustina in April 2000 (she was the first saint of the new millennium), and established the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2001. Divine Mercy Sunday falls on the first Sunday after Easter, and we are especially asked to ask for God’s mercy towards us on this day, on behalf of ourselves and the whole world.

In his own life, Pope John Paul II exemplified mercy, praying constantly for peace. He reached out to other faiths, most especially Jews. With the help of his childhood friend Jerzy Kluger, John Paul II prayed at sites of significance to Jews, including Auschwitz and the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and was the first Pope to visit a synagogue. In the Jubilee year 2000, John Paul II asked for forgiveness for the sins of the church through history: “We humbly ask for forgiveness for the part that each of us with his or her behaviours has played in such evils thus contributing to disrupting the face of the church. At the same time, as we confess our sins let us forgive the faults committed by others towards us.”

In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited Mehmet Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate him. In a prison cell in Rome, they spoke together, and Pope John Paul II forgave him in a living example of mercy.

Pope John Paul II died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005. His final message to the church was written by him shortly before his death, and was read at the Vatican on Divine Mercy Sunday:

“As a gift to humanity, which sometimes seems bewildered and overwhelmed by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear, the Risen Lord offers His love that pardons, reconciles, and reopens hearts to love. It is a love that converts hearts and gives peace. How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy! Lord, who reveals the Father’s love by Your death and Resurrection, we believe in You and confidently repeat to You today: Jesus, I trust in You, have mercy upon us and upon the whole world. Amen.”

As we reflect this week on St John Paul II and his emphasis on the mercy of Jesus during his pontificate take some time to ask your children about what Mercy means to them. Talk with them about the challenges of receiving and showing mercy in your life. What examples of mercy from Pope John Paul II’s life most challenge or inspire you?

Interview with Darcy Hartin - Youth Ministry Officer

As we have just started a new semester, we thought hearing from one of our YMOs this week would make for a fresh start to the term. So this week you'll be reading responses from an interview with Darcy. 

If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future and why?

There have been so many incredibly influential people throughout history, who have changed the course of humanity. I would go back in time to be able to meet them and speak with them.

Whereas I feel like it would be kinda grim to go into the future. The events that are going to happen in the future I think are best remain a mystery. One of the biggest parts that makes life so precious is the fact that we don’t know what is going to happen…

Why did you choose to apply for YMO this year?

Throughout my highschool years I was completely convinced I was going to go off to university straight after school and do well for myself. I never really thought about why until I went on the Kairos retreat in year 12. It was at this retreat I realised I was being called to serve. I figured that being a YMO and serving the students for this year was the best way to do that. So here I am :)

What role does God play in your life?

He is my compass in every sense of the word. God guides me through each part of my life. Through the challenges that I face in my day to day life. Through the times where I need to discern decisions for my future and especially when I face challenges with my faith.

He is my moral compass; God helps me to realise when what I'm doing is wrong or immoral and he helps me to act better; He takes me where I need to go.

Favourite Quote / Scripture Passage

“An unexamined and unreflected upon, is a life not worth living.” - Socrates

Gabriella Majarich & Darcy Hartin
Youth Ministry Officers

As you are aware, for the past 4 weeks the College has develped some measures in an attempt to curb anti-social behaviour (graffiti and vaping) in the toilets throughout the day.

We are currently gathering data from a variety of sources  to measure the change or lack of it, from these modifications.

You are encouraged to complete the google form on the link below so your voice can be heard.

While Monday 18 July marked the last day of the school holidays for our students, our staff hit the ground running with a full day of Professional Development. 

Teacher aides participated in the face-to-face component of their Mental Health First Aid course to complete their certificates. The course is evidence based on best practice for supporting someone who has a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Meanwhile, teaching staff focussed on developing knowledge and understanding of robust performance tasks and giving feedback to students. Before focussing on feedback, it was important for teachers to deconstruct the core concept of assessment. We explored assessment terminology and the possibility of using assessment diagnostically, formatively and summatively in order to meet individual student needs and modify our teaching practice according to those needs. Providing clarity with our learning intentions and success criteria encourages students to take ownership of their learning and engage in peer and self assessment. We must know our students well and we must promote deep thinking and understanding more than marks and grades. One valuable component of formative assessment which promotes this is accountable talk. Teachers had the opportunity to explore the value of accountable talk, engage in accountable talk and incorporate it into their teaching programs. Further to this, teachers explored their programs and developed more robust assessment tasks so that we can encourage higher order thinking and student-centred learning from our students.

Our middle session focussed on developing a shared understanding of feedback by reviewing contemporary educational research about its impact and reflecting on our current practices. John Hattie  reports that “teachers account for about 30% of the variance in students’ achievements. It is what teachers know, do, and care about which is very powerful in this learning equation” and when we appreciate that feedback is a low cost, high growth strategy it becomes essential to our practice. Effective feedback can increase student autonomy, self-assessment and self-management which ultimately empowers our learners. Importantly, feedback includes feedback given by peers and self-reflection - it is more than marks and grades allocated by a teacher. The research by Hattie and Timperley clearly indicates that the most powerful feedback we can give students is Process level which is specific to the processes underlying tasks and Self-Regulation feedback  which “addresses the way students monitor, direct and regulate actions toward learning goals. It implies autonomy, self-control, self-direction, and self-discipline.” As a staff we considered how we increase student engagement with feedback, especially to help students see feedback as a part of their growth and development.

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) states that “effective feedback practices provide the bridge between assessment and learning. High quality feedback can improve student learning by as much as eight months.”  

Given the strong evidence base behind the impact of feedback, it is important for teachers to continue to develop a deep understanding of the different ways to provide feedback to students. Our Learning and Teaching Goal at SJPC is “to increase student engagement in their learning”. Feedforward is one way for teachers to promote student ownership and engagement by framing feedback in a way that prompts students to think for themselves. By giving students a voice, choice and ownership, we send a powerful message that they own their learning. Feedforward conversations between teachers and students are more like coaching sessions where the focus is on the future and finding solutions to progress student learning. Teachers are asking carefully crafted questions instead of giving judgements.Teachers who use this strategy as part of the feedback process, act as mirror holders who challenge others to see things for themselves, rather than window gazers who tell others what to see. 

This professional learning will support staff as we continue on our Learning Collaborative journey in partnership with the Lismore CSO and Dr Lyn Sharratt. This collaborative seeks to ensure that everything we do is backed by rigorous research and provides practical strategies for teachers as we strive to develop assessment capable learners at SJPC. Learners who understand what they are learning and why, monitor their own progress and actively seek feedback about their learning. 

Leanne Gennat, Maree McKelvie and Louise Maybury
On behalf of the SJPC Learning Collaborative Team

EMPOWERING PARENTS TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN’S STUDY HABITS

We have arranged for Elevate Education to run Parent Webinars live online on the Monday 15 August 22 at the following times;

Year Level	Start Time	Finish Time
Years 7- 9	3:45 pm	4:45 pm
Years 10- 12	6:30 pm	7:30 pm

A link will be made available closer to the date. 

Year 12 

The Trial Examination period began this week, starting with Music and Drama. The examination timetable is located on the HSC Curriculum Matters Google Classroom.

We remind students of the following; 

• you do not attend timetabled classes during the Trial Examination period
• you are encouraged to use the College library when not in exams to continue your preparation.
• read the Trial Procedures for Students document on Google Classroom so that you understand the examination protocols and your responsibilities.
• if ill or late due to misadventure ring/email school immediately.
• keep up to date with NESA via this link HSC Student Guide
• COVID safe practices will be in place.

Year 11 

HSC Studies of Religion Trial Examination

Year 11 students studying the compressed 1 unit Studies of Religion HSC Course will sit their Trial examination on Tuesday the 9th August starting at 9am in the College Hall. They will be attending normal lessons, periods 3 – 6, after their examination.

All students will now have received the timetable for Yr 11 Final Examinations via their Curriculum Matters Classroom. This examination period starts on Tuesday August 30th and finishes Friday September 9th. 

Students will not be attending timetabled classes during this time. Students may choose to travel home to continue their exam preparation or work in the College library or senior study centre. College uniform must be worn if students are on College premises. 

Year 10

The Year 10 subject selection process for Stage 6 will begin next week with a presentation by Ms Brown and Mr Corsalini in the Theatre on Tuesday August 2nd.  Students will receive their Stage 6 Curriculum Packs and the link to the College Course Information website.  This will be followed by a Parent and Student Information Evening held in the College Hall on Wednesday August 10th starting at 6:30pm.

This evening is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn about the options and requirements for Stage 6 study pathways, but also to meet specialist teachers and receive specific answers to any questions you may have. 

At SJPC student choice determines which courses run in 2023.  Once choices have been finalised, students will receive confirmation packs with all information needed for continuing at SJPC.

Year 8

All Year 8 students should now have explored their Stage 5 elective options by reading the information contained in the Stage 5 Elective pack and the Course Information Website. Next Wednesday evening the Student/Parent Information evening will be held in the College Hall from 6:30 pm.

This gives students and parents the opportunity to ask questions of specialist teachers and visit the work rooms. Students will be emailed the link to the online form which they will need to complete to register their elective preferences. They will receive a copy of their preferences via email.

Again I’d like to thank Year 8 students for their responsiveness, proactive and positive approach to this process. Well Done!

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

This term we are offering students in Year 8 the opportunity to participate in Seasons for Growth.  

This is a program that has been run at the college since 1996 by our Seasons for Growth  trained School Counsellors and Teachers. We recognise that life can be difficult for a while when changes occur in families or in our lives through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances. The Seasons for Growth program is an opportunity for students to learn with a small group of peers who have experienced similar issues. The program helps students learn new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. A core message is that change and loss are a part of life and grief is a normal response to loss. The program focuses on developing strengths in areas such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, communication and building support networks. Seasons for Growth is not counselling. It is an education program that uses a wide range of creative activities to help students learn how to manage well in times of change. 

Comments from students that have attended Seasons for Growth include ‘I can feel happy and sad about my family change.  Every feeling I have is normal’ and ‘I would say that it was an amazing experience and that I got a lot out of it. I would definitely recommend it’. A parent shared ‘This program has been so beneficial for my son. It has helped him make sense of his feelings and what they mean,and how to deal with them in a way that we as his parents have not been able to show him. I would highly recommend this program.’

Families of students in Year 8 have received a letter with a permission slip to return if you would like your child to participate in the group. In future terms we will offer this program to other year groups. We will notify the relevant families at this time.  

If you would like to explore the program further you can visit the website Seasons for Growth - goodgrief.org.au

You are also welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Andrew Hart & Alee Isgro

Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

Bill Turner Football

Our girls team took on BDC in a hard fought game on Friday 22 July on the synthetic field. The rain bucketed down and hampered the progress of both teams, but ultimately prevented our strikers from making their mark. Combined with a strong BDC goalie, the girls were not able to covert as they normally would and the team went down 3 - 1. The ladies should be proud of their efforts to make it to Round 4 of the Bill Turner Trophy competition. Thank you to Mrs Victorina Istrate and Mrs Tanya Slaviero for guiding the team so passionately.

Our boys team played Coffs Harbour High on Monday 25 July, also on the synthetic field but unlike the girls, were able to challenge and overcome a very physical side. Their team was jam packed with superstars who were bigger, stronger and very physical however, our boys rallied and came away with a big unexpected win and were crowned Mid North Coast Champions. Coaches, Mr Sultana and Mr Van Dartel were simply proud of their determination and effort.

Congratulations to the boys who now take on the Lower North Coast Champions in Round 5.

Cochrane Cup

Our Cochrane Cup 14’s League team played in the Northern Regional final on Wednesday 20 July at Geof King Oval. The boys were exceptional against Xavier Catholic College in the first round winning 22 - 0. They then met St Joseph’s Regional from Port Macquarie in the final. The game was a close contest with Regional jumping away on the bell to win 30 - 20. We congratulate the players on a great performance and thank the coaches Mr Michael Stubbs and Mr Kris Kent for their dedication.

Sporting Success

• Congratulations to Harrison Colyer (Year 12) who represented NSWCCC in Cross Country in Sydney on 22 July. Harrison’s performance was strong in the 18 years category, placing a very credible 13th in a field of 50 athletes at the NSW All Schools carnival. Well done Harrison.

College Athetics Carnvial

The College Carnival has been rescheduled for Friday 12 August. Whilst this is not ideal for some cohorts it is the only day we can host a community event. The Year 12’s who are not on exams have been invited to attend as normal, with those completing exams on the day given the option to attend after. The Year 9 athletes who want to contest for age champion and school representation have been given the option to nominate, so that no student is denied access to a CCC pathway sport. The remaining majority of Year 9 will attend their Pastoral day as normal.

The organisation for the carnival remains the same, with students meeting in the Hall at 8.55am for roll call. Changing into a house coloured shirt once at school is encouraged and the students will be walked to and from the Stadium accompanied by staff. The program for the day is attached and students are encouraged to participate in at least 2 events and the novelty Tug-o-war event throughout the day. In the event of wet weather, a message via Compass and Sport Classroom will be sent at approximately 7am.

SJPC Athletics Carnival Program - 12 August 2022

SJPC Athletics Carnival Program - 12 August 2022 109.12 KB

Diocesan Secondary students Hurdles and 1500m Walk Registration Form 2022

Diocesan Secondary students Hurdles and 1500m Walk Registration Form 2022 128.49 KB

Coming Up

Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

2022 Vinnies School Winter Sleepout 

As part of the St Vincent de Paul Society we have here at school, St John Paul College will be conducting our very own Vinnies Sleepout in the near future. This event is in support of raising student awareness of poverty, homelessness, and the displacement and marginalisation of people in our community.

On the evening following St John Paul Day on the Friday 26 of August, we are holding our Vinnies Winter Sleepout. This evening will consist of students spending the night with their friends and peers whilst becoming more aware of the issues surrounding our local and wider community. Through participating in various activities and workshops they will gain a new perspective on the matters that the marginalised face on a daily basis. 

We intend for this to be an invaluable experience for all students that will provide them with a new perspective and an opportunity to experience something outside their daily life.

As one of the most significant events at our school, the Winter Sleepout will be held on the same day as we celebrate St John Paul Day. All support and funds raised will go towards people in our local Coffs community.

Brett Bujeya
Teacher - St Vincent de Paul