25 August 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 13)

Two reasons to celebrate next week

I am so excited to join students, parents, staff and extended family members for two wonderful events happening in the College next week. The upcoming HSC Showcase evening on Thursday 31 August beginning at 5pm and our Father’s Day breakfast the following morning on Friday 1 September starting at 7am.

HSC Showcase Evening - Thursday 31 August

Our showcase evening will be an evening filled with student accomplishments, creativity, workmanship and academic excellence. It is an evening that provides an opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable projects, artwork, and performances that the class of 2023 have been working on and are presenting for external marking in the coming weeks.

I know that the students are so proud of their achievements and are both excited and nervous as the final deadlines approach marking the end of more than 8 months of dedication and focus. Together we celebrate their talent, success, growth and achievements as their final term at the College comes to a close.

Fathers Day Breakfast - Friday 1 September

To all our dads and father figures, we look forward to having breakfast with you on Friday where we celebrate you and your influence in your children’s lives. We appreciate that many of you will be on your way to work, so please stop in and grab a quick bite.

Fathers in Our Lives

We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.

This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways--both big and small--they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.

So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers pass early or are absent; grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches and the women of our families.

For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.
In Your Holy name, O God, we pray.

God bless

Michael Carniato
Principal

Our Patron Saint - Saint John Paul II

Last Friday, to mark the beginning of St John Paul Day, our College community gathered in the hall and celebrated a special liturgy dedicated to our patron saint, Saint John Paul II. This remarkable figure, whose life was marked by faith, dedication, and service, continues to inspire us in profound ways. In preparing for this liturgy, the Mission team spent time reflecting on who Saint John Paul II was, his notable contributions, and why he continues to be an inspiration to us all.

A Life of Faith and Service

Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, emerged as a beacon of faith and a symbol of hope during his papacy from 1978 to 2005. Originally from Poland, he faced the challenges of Nazi occupation and communist rule, which molded his unwavering commitment to promoting human dignity, freedom, and justice. His  deep spirituality and connection to the youth made him a beloved and relatable figure who challenged the young to ”not be afraid”.

Notable Contributions

Throughout his papacy, Saint John Paul II was known for his groundbreaking efforts to bridge divides and advocate for unity. He was a champion of interfaith dialogue, working to strengthen relationships between various religions. His commitment to social justice was evident through his opposition to the death penalty and war, as well as his emphasis on caring for the marginalized and vulnerable. Additionally, his pivotal role in bringing about the fall of communism in Eastern Europe showcased his dedication to freedom and human rights.

During the special liturgy, we reflected on Saint John Paul II's life and teachings. We offered prayers of gratitude for his guidance and sought his intercession as we continue our journey of faith and learning. 

In celebrating Saint John Paul II, we honor his memory by striving to live out the virtues he so passionately embraced: love, forgiveness, and unity. As we move forward in the school year, may we continue to draw inspiration from his example and nurture a sense of purpose and compassion within our school community. 

I would like to acknowledge our Leader of Catechesis, Mrs Sarah de Byl and the Year 10 Ministry students for their efforts in putting together and delivering such a wonderful liturgy. 

Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission

Having a growth mindset means believing that a person’s abilities aren’t innate but can be improved through effort, learning, and persistence. A growth mindset is all about the attitude with which a person faces challenges, how they process failures, and how they adapt and evolve as a result. 

With a growth mindset achievement is supported, students are more likely to rise to their full potential, people focus on the learning process and challenges and effort are embraced.

Mindsets can be changed.

If we want to improve our physical fitness we engage in regular exercise, eat healthier food and get plenty of rest. We work at it and it’s not always easy to start or to retain this regime. However we can do it by prioritising this in our lives. We change our habits. Growth mindset needs this same commitment. Commitment to improving our mind fitness. Changing our thinking to more positive thoughts.

The mindsets we’ve got right now were formed by years of personal experience, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change. Research tells us that our brains are always making new connections, even as we get older. With training and self-discipline, it’s possible to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Examples of growth-mindset thinking

• We take small steps each day toward our goals. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we can build small, positive actions into our daily routine.
• We move out of our comfort zone. Take on a project doing something we have no experience with. 
• We roll with the punches. It takes time to develop a growth mindset, so we don’t get dismayed if we don’t see results. Instead, focus on consistency.
• We seek out new perspectives. Books are an invaluable source of new ideas and viewpoints, and can expose us to novel ways of seeing the world that we hadn’t considered before. 
• We use the word ‘yet’.

The “power of yet” is about having a growth mindset. It is rooted in how we approach failure to say that we can't do something “yet” instead. Carol Dweck is a Stanford University professor and the mind behind the “power of yet.” In her book “Mindset,” she discusses the effect of a positive growth mindset. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxlPK1cKn0U

I strongly believe as teachers, parents and caregivers of the young people in our lives it is our responsibility to not only encourage a growth mindset but to also model it in our own lives.

Until next time:

Lyn Sharratt’s Assessment Waterfall Chart and parent involvement

At St John Paul College, we are focussed on providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. One of the valuable approaches we have implemented is Lyn Sharratt's Assessment Waterfall Chart, which plays a pivotal role in fostering student growth and achievement.

I would like to share how parents can actively participate in and support this process, focusing on key elements such as feedback, learning intentions, and success criteria.

Understanding Learning Intentions

Learning intentions are the essential outcomes or goals that teachers set for each lesson or unit. They clarify what students are expected to learn and achieve.

Parents can engage in their child's learning by asking questions like, "What are you learning in school today?" or "What are your goals for this assignment?" Understanding the learning intentions helps parents align their support with classroom objectives.

Discussing Success Criteria

Success criteria are the specific criteria or benchmarks that indicate successful attainment of the learning intentions. They provide clarity about what high-quality work looks like.

Encourage your child to discuss success criteria with you. Ask questions like, "Can you explain what it takes to meet the success criteria for this project?" and "How can I help you achieve these criteria?"

Encouraging Self-Reflection

Feedback is a crucial part of the Assessment Waterfall Chart. It includes self-assessment, peer feedback, and teacher feedback.

Encourage your child to reflect on their own work. Ask questions like, "What do you think you did well in this assignment?" and "Where do you think you can improve?" This self-reflection promotes ownership of learning.

Providing Constructive Feedback

Parents can offer constructive feedback by reviewing their child's work and offering suggestions for improvement. Focus on specific aspects related to the success criteria.

Use phrases like, "I noticed that you did a great job with your research task, and here's an idea to make it even better," or "What do you think about trying different examples to meet the success criteria?"

Celebrating Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, both big and small. Recognise their effort and progress.

Celebrating achievements builds a positive learning environment where students are motivated to strive for success.

By actively engaging in discussions about learning intentions, success criteria, and feedback, parents play a vital role in their child's education journey. This collaborative effort fosters a deeper understanding of classroom objectives and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

I would encourage families to embrace these practices and join us in creating a supportive learning environment that promotes growth and success for all our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing the academic and personal development of our students.

Study Skills

Learn more about the ‘managing stress’ resources 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

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Jesus answered him, ’Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

John 14:2-4, 23

SHINE is an element of the Student Discipleship Continuum, which brings Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry (CSYMI) students together to learn what it means to be part of youth ministry in the Diocese of Lismore. It also provides students with an opportunity to connect with other students and to encounter Jesus in new and dynamic ways.  This year our two wonderful Yr 10 Ministry classes as well as a few Yr 11 and 12 small group leaders attended this amazing event held right here at SJPC. This year's event saw us host 550 students from across the diocese to contemplate and pray on the idea of “Coming Home”.  

The SHINE theme for 2023 was “The House”. Jesus uses the metaphor of a house with many rooms to convey the idea that in God's kingdom, there is ample space for everyone. He's assuring his disciples that there is a place for them in the afterlife. Using this Scripture passage students were reminded of this assurance and the concept of "home" in these verses represents a place of comfort, belonging, inclusion, purpose, and reunion with God. It's a powerful and reassuring image that underscores the deep relationship between Jesus, God, and those who believe in him, promising them a sense of security and eternal fellowship with their Creator.

Students had a great time and made many new friends and connections with students from other schools. The prayer experience, testimonies and music is something they are sure to remember for many years to come. Check out the Proclaim Lismore Students Facebook page and our own school page for more content and pictures from SHINE 2023.

Sarah de Byl
Leader of Catechesis

At St John Paul College, we continue this term with our pastoral program working with our students on leadership. We ask our students to be leaders amongst their friends, the classroom, the school and our community. We invite them to reflect on Christ’s teachings and how he was a servant leader making all those that were with him or heard his words felt welcome and accepted.

The NDA is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative for schools and provides an opportunity to connect with students, staff and our school community to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The 2023 NDA theme, Growing connections, promotes the importance of school, family and community connections in building safe and supportive learning environments where all students can belong, feel accepted and respected.

Research has shown that strong school connections and positive relationships can help to prevent bullying. When students feel a sense of belonging and connectedness at school, they are more likely to enjoy school, to trust and respect their teachers, and be concerned about and help others (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

At St John Paul College, we can help grow connections by promoting inclusiveness, respect and community belonging for all students. During Homeroom lessons this week staff and students will be discussing these important issues and how Christ teachers us to look out for all in our community. 

For more information about the NDA and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying. No Way! website.

SJPC Sister School Exchange

Last weekend we farewelled 4 of our Year 10 students who will be spending 5 months at our sister school, Reitaku Mizunami High School, in Japan. Pepper Bowie-Ford, Eamon Browne, Jayden Phillips-Manwaring and Theodore Wood left Coffs Harbour full of excitement as they headed to Gifu to start their once in a lifetime experience. 

The students had a slightly delayed arrival in Japan after their flight from Sydney was two hours late, causing them to miss their flight to Nagoya. After an 8 hour wait at Tokyo airport, they finally arrived to be greeted by their host families and staff from Reitaku Mizunami.

Reports so far are that the students are enjoying themselves and settling in well to their new lifestyle. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their adventures.

Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

CCC Netball

On Monday 14 August, 19 of our best netballers travelled to compete in the NSWCCC Netball Championships in Sydney. Staying overnight in Penrith, our 9/10 and 11/12 team woke fresh to take the court for a massive day of netball.

Our 9/10 team had their first taste of CCC Championship level netball and faired extremely well. They finished 3rd in their pool overall but should be proud of their effort and how they fought to the end, losing 2 games by the narrowest of margins. The learnings they took away from this experience will be of benefit to their performance next year.

9/10 Team

The 11/12 team returned for the second year but this time as top of the age bracket. They easily accounted for Marist Sisters Woolwich and McCarthy College Tamworth, before having to dig deep to defeat Caroline Chisholm Glenmore Park, Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College North Sydney and Mount Carmel College Varroville. Our outstanding results placed us top of our pool and straight into the Grand final. Leaving our all on the court in the pool matches, we could still hold our heads high despite being beaten by Mater Dei Catholic College Wagga Wagga who were also last year’s champions. The ladies were amazing in tenacity, sportsmanship, and teamwork. It was a real pleasure to take both teams away.

11/12 Team

Futsal

During Week 5, our qualifying Futsal teams ventured to Port Macquarie across 3 different days to compete in 5 different divisions of the Australian Schools Futsal Competition.

13 years girls - Made it to the grand final where they took on BDC in a rematch of the local event in Term 2. However, this time our girls ended triumphant beating BDC 2 - 1 with a golden goal in extra time! They are now the Northern NSW Champions.

13 years boys - They too made it to the finals, however, were narrowly defeated in a gallant effort against BDC. A great result for the day!

14 years boys - Despite their best efforts and some spectacular goals, finished third in their pool. Good effort boys.

15 years boys - Were magnificent making it all the way to the finals where they continued their winning streak being named Northern NSW Champions! Thank you to student coach, Dayne Watson-Sinclair who led the boys with confidence and passion.

19 years boys – Some ups and downs in the pools still saw the boys qualify for the semi’s where they went through successfully to the finals. A couple or narrowly missed opportunities saw the boys finish second overall.

Diocesan Athletics

The Lismore Diocesan Athletics was held in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 23 August. SJPC had a 90 strong team attend as well as 10 senior students to help as officials on the day. SJPC students, whether competing, running coffees, or assisting with recording they were outstanding in manner, effort and behaviour; they were a credit to our school.

Diocesan Age Champions

Congratulations to Evie Hill who was named 13 years girls age and to Cooper Moore who was 15 years boys Runner Up Age Champion!

Diocesan Qualifiers

Congratulations to the following students who have now qualified to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships at Homebush in September:

Evie Hill (Year 8) High Jump	Lincoln Henry (Year 9) Long Jump
Cooper Moore (Year 9) 100m, Discus, Shot Put	Tahlia Amos (Year10) Shot Put

Riley Woods (Year 10) 800m, 1500m

Finn Klinkers (Year 12) 800m, 1500m

Rhys Mulholland (Year 12) 1500m

Coming Up - Term 3 2023

Danielle McAra
Leader of Sport

After enduring lockdowns several years ago, the 2023 SJPC Vinnies Winter Sleepout returned on Thursday 17 August. It was decided to move the sleepout to the night before St John Paul Day in the hope that this will become a College tradition while highlighting social justice initiatives at the College. 47 students and 6 staff signed on to spend the night at the College, to give them a sample of what a sadly increasing number of people endure on a daily basis. Even the food that was so generously supplied by the Hospitality Faculty is something many are forced to do without. This year, we were joined by Rosie Leo, the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the Lismore Diocese, who kindly stayed overnight with us. The new Vinnies van for the Coffs Harbour Chapter of St Vincent de Paul came to the school, having been personally delivered by the manager of Vinnies Vans NSW,  Josie Charbel in time for our sleepout. SJPC was the first stop for this new resource, which the local conference plans to send around town to meet the needs of those in our community experiencing homelessness and financial disadvantage. This visit was a great privilege for the College; Josie is a state manager but also someone who works on the front line. Her presentation on the night challenged the stereotypes that society holds and showcased real stories of those she has worked with that endure homelessness.

Josie Charbel - Vinnies State Manager

Prime News were set to do a live broadcast from the school, and some local conference members were in attendance for this.  However, technology being what it is, Prime were not able to complete the broadcast, and screened pre-recorded clips.

Whilst the night was mild for this time of year, strong gusts of wind early on Friday morning saw many cardboard shelters blow away; one hopes that the uncomfortable experience for one night will inspire the students to participate more closely with Vinnies in the future. With the arrival of the new Vinnies van, it is intended that students can move to the front line of the homelessness issue and address this societal scourge.

I would like to thank all involved with the sleepout, whether it was for supervision after school, doing the overnight sleep, or preparing meals.  My enormous gratitude to Mrs Leanne Gennat for all the administrative and logistical support she provided; the night would not have been a success without your hard work.

Brett Bujeya
Teacher - St Vincent de Paul

SJPC Communication - Facebook

Do you follow SJPC's Facebook page? This is where you will find reminders of upcoming social events, sporting updates, transport delays, job advertisements and photos of SJPC students participating in everyday life at the College.

To start following St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour please click on this link

Lost Property

Please encourage your child to visit the Office if they have lost any school items. Please mark your child's name on all school items, including airpods, pencil cases, drink bottles, sport bags and all items of school uniform. 

Uniform Shop

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am

Homework Centre

Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm

Arriving Late or Returning from an Appointment

Students MUST sign in at the College Office if they are arriving late to school or if students are returning to school after an appointment.

Finance

For fee related enquiries and payment plan assistance, please contact the Catholic Schools Office by email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

The Catholic Schools Office Fee Enquiry

Ph: 6653 1655 - Mell and Tess

Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au

Compass - Attendance and Permission to Leave School during the Day - Early Departure

Compass - Permission to Leave from SPORT - Early Departure

Students must bring a written note from their parents/carers to the College Office before they depart for sport. Early departure from Sport cannot be submitted via the Compass App only a written note will be accepted. Only full day absences can be submitted using the attendance note via the Compass App.

We are looking to hire Attraction Attendants who are 16 years and older and willing to work on weekends and school holidays. A positive and proactive “can do” attitude with great customer service and safety awareness.

To apply please email your resume to Dutymanager@bigbanana.com or click the link Attractions Attendant.