17 November 2023 - Newsletter (Vol 40 No 18)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- Ministry Assistants
- Literacy Coach
- Curriculum Matters
- Numeracy
- Debating
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- STEM MAD Student Showcase in Melbourne
- Visual Arts
- Sports Corner
- Year 8 Young Change Agents
- Year 10 Learn from guest speaker and performer Brett Hunt
- Office News
- SJPC Calendar Date
- Student disability paperwork for 2024
- VAPING Webinar - Parents and carers to protect young people
- Catholic Schools Parent Assembly - Advent resources
- Local Coffs Harbour Businesses supporting SJPC Students
As we approach the Christmas season, I know that for many families in the area, it proves to be a difficult time both financially and emotionally. With recent rate rises from the Reserve Bank putting more pressure on families, I appreciate that sometimes people need to make difficult decisions and forego things or prioritise what is more important. Sometimes we can’t see how to move ourselves ourselves or are at a loss on how to help others.
At the risk of appearing condescending, I want to share with you this reflection which reminded me that often we have much more to be thankful for in our lives than what we may realise.
With at least two significant wars in the world, a huge number of displaced peoples, forms of government which oppress peoples and not support them, drought, poverty and famine it's easy to fall into a helpless mindset. BUT……
If you wake up in the morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
If you attend a church meeting without fear or harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank and in your wallet, and some spare change, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than 2 million people in the world, who can’t read anything at all.
If your parents are still alive and married, you are very rare.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed, because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed, because you are not alone in the world.
You are blessed in ways we may never know.
Again, my intention in sharing is to firstly acknowledge times are tough and getting tougher, but also but for the grace of God, anyone of us could be in the groups of disadvantage in the reflection above.
As always if you need help from us as a college, please make contact with us and I invite you to speak with the staff or myself to see what we can do to assist all our families irrespective of the situation you find yourself in.
God Bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
A Night to Remember: Movie Magic Under the Stars at Our College
Last Thursday, in celebration of our College's 40-year history, we held our first ever Outdoor Family Movie Night. Families gathered with camp chairs, picnic rugs, blankets, and pillows, transforming our grounds into a cosy and family friendly haven for a trip down memory lane as we all enjoyed the classic 1980s film, E.T.
As we prepared for the evening, the weather threatened to dampen our spirits, however, the rain clouds held back, and we were blessed with a rain-free night. Although there were a few moments when the wind picked up and the screen almost blew over!
We extend our appreciation to the SRC and Mrs Furey for their efforts in organising the sausage sizzle and a special thank you also goes to the fantastic food vendors who contributed to the festivities (Yukari from Miyachi’s Sushi, Sue Amos from BCC Cinema and Lisa Mangan from Golding Goodies Bakery), offering a variety of treats, from ice cream and milkshakes to sushi and popcorn.
The success of the night was a testament to the unity within our College community. We're thrilled by the turnout and the shared joy that echoed through the evening. With such positive energy, we look forward to more movie nights in the future, fostering the bonds that make our College a truly special place.
Mrs Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission
Racism is any attitude or behaviour that assumes someone is inferior because of their skin colour or race. It can take many forms from jokes or comments that cause offence (perhaps unintentionally) to harassment and intimidation or physical abuse and violence.
Every day, one in five school students in Australia experience racism.
Racial discrimination in schools can impact learning, development, and achievement, reinstating the need for a renewed focus on systems and policies that perpetuate racism in institutions like schools now more than ever.
The first step in tackling racism is recognising what the different types of racism look like, and identifying appropriate ways to handle them.
Subtle or ‘casual’ racism can also appear in the form of a ‘microaggression’. This is an intentional or unintentional offensive message that targets a person based entirely on their being a member of a minority group. Any form of racism is unacceptable, even a comment or an action that is subtle or occurs in a casual environment. It’s just not on and will not be tolerated at SJPC.
Examples of casual racism may include intentionally choosing not to sit next to a person because you feel uncomfortable about the colour of their skin or making fun of someone’s background, even if it's disguised as a joke.
More pointed examples of racism which your child or young person in your care may be experiencing are if either adults or children:
- exclude them from social groups
- make fun of their clothes, food or appearance
- ridicule or mimic their accents or gestures
- write graffiti or use derogatory language directed against their family or cultural group
- make stereotypical statements
- make assumptions about their abilities based on their cultural background
- witness racist behaviour and allow it to go unchallenged
- do not respond to complaints of racism
- anglicise their name whether they like it or not
- do not allow them to speak their birth language
- use intimidating behaviour, such as stealing, damaging personal property, taunting and stalking, because the child or young person is seen as being different
- pick fights or physically assault them because of their cultural background.
Race equality is an issue for everyone. We need to prepare young people to be able to navigate and succeed in the world they live in. By ensuring that they value and celebrate diversity, we can help them to build healthy relationships with people from all walks of life. Children will have many questions to ask around ethnicity and the differences between people, and the following link may be helpful in guiding discussions with your child:
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
How Much Sleep…
“We all know that sleep is important for general health, for growth and development and for emotional well-being. However, you may not know that important memory processes take place while you are sleeping, ensuring you retain what you are learning and studying.
Perhaps you have heard that teenagers need between nine to ten hours of sleep per night. But where does this come from and how valid is this claim?
In 1980, Mary Carskadon of Stanford University, sequestered a group of adolescents in the university's sleep laboratory for several days, letting them sleep for as long as they wanted, up to 10 hours. She found that the teenagers slept just over nine hours, with very little variation. This single "naturalistic" study is the primary basis for the adolescent sleep recommendation. However, some researchers argue that just because teenagers slept nine hours when left alone does not mean that this is the best thing for them, just like letting people eat whatever they want is not necessarily the best thing for their health. So there is no definitive answer at this point in time.
The amount of sleep needed by teenagers is most likely very individual, just like it is for adults. It is probably safe to assume that adolescents need more sleep than adults and that the average for most people is at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
Pay attention to the signs and have students listen to their body. If they lie down in bed and fall asleep instantly, this is a sign they are not getting enough sleep for their body. It should take at least 15 minutes to fall asleep. If they wake up in the morning and are feeling exhausted, then check all lifestyle factors: are they getting enough sleep, eating healthily and getting enough exercise?
If teenagers are sleeping in for many hours on a weekend, unfortunately this does not mean they are “catching up” on their sleep. According to University of Texas Southwestern sleep specialist Dr. Gregory Carter, when we think we're catching up on sleep, what we're really doing is messing with our circadian cycle -- the body's internal clock which dictates sleep patterns. Excessive sleeping in is in fact a signal that during the week students need to go to bed earlier. The aim is to work out the optimum bedtime so that the need to catch up on large amounts of sleep on the weekend is eliminated.
There is nothing wrong with having a power-nap in the afternoon when students get home from school, as long as the nap is no longer than 40 minutes. A short nap can help students regain their energy levels and allow them to focus on the work they have to do that evening. However, a longer nap will also disrupt sleeping patterns for that night.”
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
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Interview with Zali Allen - Year 7 Student
1. What is your favourite place you have visited and why?
The Cook Islands because there were a lot of different churches we got to see and I was able to visit some of my family!
2. If you could have any superpower and why?
3. What did you enjoy about RE class?
4. Why do you like to attend the lunchtime School Ministry events?
Ashlinn de Dassel & Kalob Stone
Ministry Assistants
LITERACY MATTERS
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
SCINTILLATING SENTENCES
Our focus on literacy at SJPC is currently centred on sentence structure, for varied, strong and coherent sentences are the building blocks for strong, clear communication, especially in written form.
Words and knowledge are not enough - they must be carefully and accurately arranged to ensure clarity and precision.
There are so many beautiful ways to construct and vary our sentences and, while it's important to know the structural elements of simple,compound and complex sentences, it’s more important to focus on different ways we can purposefully construct sentences for varied purpose, audience and effect. It’s so exciting when we recognise the impact that simple variations with our writing style can have on our audience.
We see grammar and sentence structure as a set of tools, rather than a set of rules.
Mrs Maree McKelvie
Literacy Coach
Elevate Education webinars continue into November. The FREE webinars run live online from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The presenter will share key research and skills and will conduct a live Q and A so that you can ask questions directly.
Next Webinar: Wednesday 22 November - How you can build resilience in your child
Click here to register for free
In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents:
- what resilience means, what it doesn’t mean, and why it’s important;
- how to help build your child’s resilience levels, both in and out of school
- how to help your child break their ‘fear of failure’
Year 11
All students should now have their assessment plans for their first HSC assessments up in their study area at home.
If students have yet to pick up or print their Term 4 assessment planner, I suggest they do so as soon as possible.
It is wonderful to see Year 11 students using the study centre in the afternoons to prepare for their assessments, working collaboratively to support each other and deepen their understanding of their course work.
A reminder that students need to refer to the Year 12 assessment policy to ensure they are meeting NESA and College requirements. Completing a Variation of Assessment form does not guarantee it will be approved so please check with the Leader of Learning or Curriculum Office if in doubt.
Year 10
Now that Year 10 students have finalised their pathway for 2024, it is vital that they practice those skills they will require for successful transition into Stage 6, TAFE or the work force in 2024.
This is not a time to wind down, but an important time to gear up for the challenges that will come their way in just a few months.
Year 7 – 9
Research has shown that when parents are engaged in their children’s learning and build strong connections with their children’s school, there can be significant benefits for children:
- They are more likely to enjoy learning and be motivated to do well
- They have stronger relationships with other children
- They have greater confidence and social skills
- They do better at school and have increased wellbeing
- They are less likely to miss days at school.
You can let your child know that you value education by showing an interest and asking them questions like the ones listed below.
A reminder
If you have any questions about Curriculum, NESA requirements or College Assessment Policies please feel free to contact the Curriculum Office.
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
Nurturing Mathematical Minds - Celebrating Our Junior Mathematicians
A group of students at SJPC have been participating in a Numeracy Intervention Program targeting identified gaps in the Mathematical learning of capable students. These young Mathematicians have shown remarkable dedication and have consistently demonstrated their love for numbers and problem solving.
The students involved have engaged in rich and engaging learning within a small group environment. They have achieved remarkable progress as they develop and strengthen their skills in Fractions, Decimals and Percentages.
The growth in student learning is a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the students in our Numeracy Intervention Program. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success in the field of Mathematics.
The focus of the day was how to maximise debate preparation time and how to best structure an argument. The session was presented by Year 11 student, Jay Bloomfield. The importance of respectful listening and speaking was explored and students gained an understanding of the types of debate styles that can be used with each debate topic.
The students completed the day with a lively debate on the idea that 'We should adjust school hours to better suit the needs of students.' The Negative had a resounding win by convincing the audience that, if the system isn't broken, it doesn't need changing.
Teacher / Assistant LOL English
Year 7
Year 7 Pastoral Day
On Wednesday Year 7 attended their Pastoral Day which began with a pilgrimage to Mary Help of Christians Church, Sawtell. We walked along the beach to Sawtell Surf Club and then to the Church where we participated in a liturgy beautifully prepared by Mrs De Byl focusing on friendships. After the liturgy we began our journey to Boambee Bay Reserve via the beach and headland. It was quite a trek and there was a fair bit of uphill climbing; however, we all survived and made it in one piece! Lunch was supplied and everyone enjoyed a sausage sandwich followed by a swim in Boambee Creek and some games. From the photos you can see that all students had a great time! A big thank you to all staff and students for making our Pastoral Day a great experience.
Year 7’s Zali Allen National Archery Champion again!!
Recently we were happy to announce that Zali Allen from Year 7 was placed first in Australia in Archery. Last weekend Zali was at it again shooting in the 8-12 female cubs compound division at Nambucca for the National 3DAAA championships.
Last Friday was the presentation for the national indoor 3D championships in which Zali came 1st in cub female.
Over Saturday and Sunday Zali competed in the national 3DAAA championships and Zali scored a 106 out of 110! The scoring is based on 100 points, Zali scored a perfect 10 on each shot, however a small dead centre ring gives the archer an extra 1 point. Zali finished with a perfect 100 plus 6 dead centre points!!!
Zali finished the championships with 514 from a possible 550 points for a total of 50 targets over the 2 days and placed 1st in cub female!
She also received the Jake Collins perpetual trophy for the highest score EVER achieved in the youth division at a National Championship and scored a perfect 100/100 award!
Zali’s achievements this year are:
3 x 1st place National champion
3 x 1st place State champion
What a great achievement and we congratulate Zali!!
Year 12
Year 12 Formal
A night of nights celebrating the class of 2023. Congratulations Year 12 and best wishes for your future.
Mannat Dhariwal and Anna Matthews were in Melbourne last week at the STEM MAD Student Showcase - a celebration of student learning designed to acknowledge and promote STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrate the particularity of Catholic Schools; encouraging students to make a difference (MAD) in the world by acting for justice and the common good. This aligns with the papal call for action in Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home. Their project was showcased to conference participants, diocesan representatives, sponsors and affiliated organisations.
This showcase was the culmination of much problem solving, determination, dedication and attention to detail. Their Calm Cap was described by the judges as simply brilliant. The Calm Cap is a product that counters overstimulation, stress and anxiety. If stress is found the interface responds alerting you with a personalised suggestion of mitigating techniques including breathing exercises and guided imagery.
In the online awards presentation earlier in the month, the girls won the Best Integration of Technology Award for Secondary students. They were in the top three for the Wellbeing Award and they were in the top three for the major STEM MAD National Future is Stem Award.
The trip to Melbourne was not without difficulties as some of their luggage went to Perth necessitating a quick shopping trip to purchase other skirts to wear as "school uniform".
Sharon Brennan
Leader Learning Technology
Teacher Librarian
Year 9 - Stakeboard Decks
Year 9 elective Visual Arts students recently undertook our "Skateboard Stylin" graphic design unit where they learned about the history of skateboarding and graffiti/street art. The design brief for this unit focused on Australian culture and it allowed the students to understand the process graphic designers go through when designing a product based on a brief. The students also investigated the artmaking practices of their chosen street artist where they used elements of their style in creating their own for their graphics.
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Futsal Championships
Congratulations to the 13s girls Futsal team who competed in the Australasian Futsal Championships in Brisbane from 10 - 12 November and placed 3rd! The girls qualified by winning the Mid-North Coast Championships and brought that top form into the tournament. Thank you to Mr Sultana and Mrs Slaviero who coached and managed the team for this event.
Please see Mrs Tanya Slaviero’s report below:
The whole team played enthusiastic, dynamic, and intense Futsal over the 3 days and should be proud of their efforts. We are delighted to announce that 4 of our 10 players were recognised as outstanding and the best of the best in the U13s. Evie Gibson and Liana Montgomery were successful in being chosen in the Team to represent Australia in July 2024 in China, while Evie Hill and Jayda Crocker made the shadow squad.
It was such a tremendous effort from the girls and we are extremely proud of how they performed up against some very strong Futsal teams. Congratulations also to Ms Jana Elling for coaching the team in previous tournaments in order to get them to this event.
Tanya Slaviero
Berg Shield Cricket
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our Berg Cricket side who met MacKillop Catholic College in Round 1 of the state-wide Berg Shield event for Year 7 - 9 boys.
Please see Mr Marle’s coach's report below.
We headed to Port Macquarie under grey skies to challenge MacKillop College on Monday 6 November. We elected to bat and made a positive start. Toby Couper (32 runs) and Josh DeGroot (16 runs) put on 46 for the opening partnership. Unfortunately, Unfortunatelym, it was all downhill from there. The team was dismissed for a total of 77. One bowler from MacKillop had the amazing figures of 7 -13 of 4 overs including a hat trick. SJPC was only able to dismiss one batter in reply. Hunter Sawaya bowled out the opening batter. However, the damage had already been done by this stage. MacKillop passed the total with 10 overs to spare. A number of this team were Year 7 students so I look forward to improved performances in the next few years.
Kurt Marle
Coffs Coast Schools Squash Tournament
On Wednesday 8 November, 24 students represented the College in the Coffs Coast Schools Squash Challenge. All teams performed well with our 15s boys taking out the junior division. Congratulations to Rhyse Ward (Yr7), Noah Baylis (Yr8), Roman Pradhan (Yr8) and Brodie Coster (Yr9). Well done to all players and thank you to Mr Coster who accompanied the team.
Diocesan Golf
For the first time, SJPC sent 9 golfers to compete in the Diocesan Golf Championships at South West Rocks on Monday 13 November. All players enjoyed the experience of a fast green and championship conditions. Congratulations to all players who represented the College with pride. Special mention to Sam Rava (Yr10) who was awarded the Drive and Chip for closest to pin on the 6th. Thank you to Mr Mark Coster who accompanied the team.
2024 Representative Sport
The calendar for most sports has now been set. The first sports for 2024 are the Diocesan trials for Touch football, Rugby League (male and female) and Football.
The Lismore Diocese will be holding trials for 15 Boys, 15 Girls, Open Boys & Open Girls Touch Teams on Tuesday 27 February in Sawtell. The start time of these trials is 9am, with an approximate finish time of 2pm. To nominate for these teams, please fill out the form below. Students will then be selected to trial for each squad and a team will be chosen at the trials.
Diocesan Teams will compete at the NSWCCC Touch Football Selection Trials at Tuggerah, Central Coast, on the 9 and 10 April 2024 (the tournament also doubles as the NSWCCC Diocesan Championships). The closing date for nominations is Friday 9 February 2024. Students selected to trial will be published on the Lismore Diocesan Sport Website.
*The cost of the trial will be $12 plus any applicable travel costs to be paid to your school's coordinator upon selection to trial. Your school's Sports Coordinator will provide information to you regarding the total cost of the excursion if you are selected to trial.
** PLEASE NOTE: IN NOMINATING FOR THESE TRIALS, YOU ARE COMMITTING TO TRAVEL TO THE TUGGERAH, CENTRAL COAST IF SELECTED. THIS WILL REQUIRE PRIVATE TRANSPORT TO THE VENUE AT THE ATHLETE'S EXPENSE.
Lismore Diocese Touch Football Nomination form
Year 8 and 9 Sport reminders
Sports selections for Term 1 2024 are well underway. Please remember to make a note of these key dates:
22 November: Compass events pushed to parents for paying sports
5 December: Sport payment closing date (no late payment will be accepted. Please contact the Finance department directly if you require an extension for payment).
13 December: Timetables for Term 1 2024 finalised.
Term 4 2023 and Term 1 2024
| Tuesday 21 November | Round 2 Downie Cricket, Woolgoolga |
| Girls League Tag, Geoff King Motors Oval | |
| Sunday 26 November - 1 December |
Australian Schools Basketball Championships, Gold Coast |
| Wednesday 6 Dec |
Coffs Schools 3 x 3 Basketball, Sportz Central |
| Friday 16 Feb |
College Swimming Carnival, Coffs Harbour |
| Wednesday 21 & 22 Feb |
All Schools Triathlon, Sydney |
| Tuesday 27 Feb |
Diocesan Individual Touch Football trials, Sawtell |
| Tuesday 5 March |
Diocesan Individual League and Football Trials, Lismore |
| Thursday 7 March |
Diocesan Swimming Carnival |
Leader of Sport
A number of students participated recently in a Transforming Transport Workshop run by Young Change Agents at SCU in Coffs Harbour. Young Change Agents is a nationwide social enterprise helping youth from all backgrounds see problems as opportunities through social entrepreneurship.
The workshop was a continuation of an earlier workshop run at school. This workshop enabled our students to deepen their understanding of entrepreneurship. Students learnt to create a pitch, formulate ideas and then follow up by networking these ideas. After the two days, students presented their pitches to different agents from many businesses. The boys designed an Autonomous Bus and the girls a Medical Emergency Assistance (MEA) drone.
Congratulations to Bo Dodd, Daisy Becker, Dilshaan Chahal, Adelaide Keating, Josie Straw, Harper Dent, Robbie Haig, Archie Foy, Luca Mighell, Davis Flanagan and Ben Melinz for your outstanding efforts over the two days.
Year 8 Student
On Tuesday Week 4, Year 10 had the privilege of hosting guest speaker and performer Brett Hunt. Brett used his unique musical abilities to present two engaging sessions. His style of storytelling, through use of a guitar, vocals and loop pedals, captivated the audience and provided a new perspective on war, family, and our relationships with those surrounding us.
Session one, Dust It Off, focused on real experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War. He recounts his father’s traumatic journey, however, his use of song and instrumentation made it incredibly engaging.
Session two, Building Bridges, saw Brett speak about the importance of family, building and maintaining relationships and not judging a book by its cover. His personal anecdotes about his relationships allowed us to learn from real life experiences.
As a whole, our year group took a lot away from the time spent with Brett and greatly appreciate him taking the time to share both his and his family's stories.
Bella Crawford (Casey House Captain) and Isla Martin (McAuley House Captain)
Finance
For fee related enquiries and payment plan assistance, please contact the Catholic Schools Office by email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholi
The Catholic Schools Office Fee Enquiry
Compass - Attendance and Permission to Leave School during the Day - Early Departure
Please note early departures or late arrivals cannot be submitted as an attendance note via the Compass App. Only full day absences can be submitted using the attendance note via the Compass App.
Students must have a written note from their parents/carers, giving an explanation and requesting permission to leave the College at a specific time. Students must take the note to the College Office before school and a Compass reminder notice is uploaded on the student's dashboard. At the allocated time, students must return to the College Office to formally sign out for the day and return the handwritten note.
For urgent appointments or requests to leave the College without a written note, parents/carers are required to collect their student from the College Office. Students will not be dismissed from class until parents/carers arrival at the College Office. Please allow enough time for the Office staff to retrieve students, as there could be delays leaving the Office. If students are able to bring a note in the morning this will alleviate any delay.
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.
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
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.
Week 7A - Monday 20 November - Friday 24 November |
| Tues 21 Nov | Year 9 | Year 9 Elective History Incursion |
| Sport | Girls League Tag | |
| Sport | Downie Cricket | |
| Year 10 | Yr 10 Ministry Classes visit to Primary School |
|
| Wed 22 Nov | Future Yr 7 2024 |
Year 7 2024 Orientation Day St Augustine's Primary School |
| Thurs 23 Nov | Future Yr 7 2024 |
Year 7 2024 Orientation Day St Francis Xavier, Mary Help of Christians Primary School & others local primary schools |
| Wed 22 - Fri 24 Nov | Year 11 | Yr 11 Senior Retreat Coffs Coast Adventure Centre |
| Fri 24 Nov | Yr 7-9 | Ethics Olympiad Competition Day |
| All | Sea Benz Music Rock Band - performance in Hall |
Week 8B - Monday 27 November - Friday 1 December |
| Mon 27 Nov - Fri 1 Dec | Sport | Aust Schools Basketball Champs. Gold Coast |
| Mon 27 Nov | Yr 9 | Yr 9 Commerce Students Shops in the Quad during |
Term Dates 2023
Term 4 |
| Friday 15 Dec | Picnic day Boambee Bay Reserve *Last day of Term 4 |
We have shared information about 2024 Disability Paperwork on Compass and via the newsletter to all families of the college to ensure that no student is missed. Thank you to those families who have made contact regarding disability paperwork for 2024.
If your child has a diagnosed disability please ensure that your paperwork is relevant and updated, as some diagnoses may become outdated relatively quickly. For example, speech/language and occupational therapy reports typically have a validity period of two years, whilst an anxiety diagnosis is valid for 12 months.
To check, please reach out and contact our Student Services department to check the validity of your child's paperwork and inquire if a review is necessary. This is especially crucial if you anticipate your child will require provisions for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 2024.
If your child has been recently diagnosed or has had changes in their existing diagnosis, we strongly encourage you to inform our Student Services department and provide the relevant supporting documentation. In such cases, it may be beneficial to schedule a Personal Plan Meeting with our team. This meeting will enable us to gather all the essential information and work collaboratively with you to ensure that your child's needs are adequately addressed as they move forward in their academic journey. Your proactive communication is invaluable in helping us provide the best possible support for your child's educational experience.
To verify your child's paperwork or if you have any questions, please reach out to our team members, Sarah Corsalini or Tammy Murphy via phone or email (ph) 6653 3155 sarah.corsalini@lism.catholic.edu.au tammy.murphy@lism.catholic.edu.au
Leader of Inclusion and Diversity
Let this Advent be a special time of shared moments, deepening your connection and
anticipation for the celebration of Christmas.
Click here to view the 2023 Family Advent Guide and download the below pdf to sign up for a free Catholic online resources.
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care