23 February 2024 - Newsletter (Vol 41 No 2)
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Principal's Message
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Assistant Principal - Mission
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Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
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Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
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School Evangelisation
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Leaders of Student Wellbeing
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Curriculum Matters
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Visual Arts
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PDHPE in Focus
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Sports Corner
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Literacy Matters
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Seasons for Growth
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2023 Yearbook Collection
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Office News
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SJPC Calendar Dates
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Term 1 Social - Tuesday 27 February 2024
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Real Talk - free resources for all Parents
Fostering a Sense of Belonging: The Heartbeat of Our School Community
In the last newsletter I outlined the College Goals for 2024. This week I want to reflect on the Pastoral Care Goal - To improve the student’s sense of belonging within the College.
I love working here at SJPC and I am proud to be the Principal of what I consider to be among one of the best schools that I have taught in over the past 33 years. I love it because of the people and I love it because I get the privilege of working with colleagues in developing young people and watching them grow into young adults. I love it because for the most part, most of the students and families like being here.
As we navigate the busyness of our campus, it's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of academics, extracurriculars, and personal pursuits. Yet, amidst this flurry of activity, there exists a vital force that binds us all together - a sense of belonging.
Belonging is more than just being physically present in a place; it's about feeling welcomed, valued, and embraced for who you are. It's the heartbeat of our school community, it is in every interaction, every shared experience, and every bond forged between students, teachers, and staff.
At its core, belonging is about connections - the profound sense of kinship that arises when we find common ground with those around us. Whether it's through joining a club, participating in a sports team, or simply engaging in conversations with classmates, each interaction contributes to the tapestry of belonging that envelops our school.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our school community is its inclusivity. Regardless of background, interests, or abilities, every individual has a place here, each person adds their unique hue to the vibrant mosaic of our collective identity.
But fostering a sense of belonging is not just a passive endeavour; it requires active participation and genuine effort from each member of our community. It's about extending a hand to those who may feel lost or overlooked, inviting them into the fold and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
Our school thrives when every individual feels a deep sense of belonging, when each student knows that they are an integral part of something greater than themselves. It's in this shared sense of purpose and connection that we find strength, resilience, and the power to overcome challenges together.
My hope for this year is that together we strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. In belonging, we find not only community but also the foundation upon which we can truly flourish.
To that end, I invite you as parents to BE ACTIVE at two important events next week here at SJPC.
Monday 26 February 6.30pm – College Hall
An evening with expert Maurizio Vespa on Building Positive Relationships with your children. Please click on the link to RSVP.
Tuesday 27 February 7.00pm – College Library
P&F meeting, a valuable place for parent ideas and contributions.
I really do look forward to seeing as many of you at these events next week, to contribute to the discussion and decision making process for your child.
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
Project Compassion 2024
Throughout Project Compassion, we will get to know the stories of Ronita, Leaia and Memory.
During our College Assembly this week, we were introduced to Ronita from the Philippines through a short video. Ronita is a mother of two young boys living in a slum in Quezon City. She went back to school to finish her education so that she could earn income to support her children.
Meet Leaia from Samoa. Not having access to a reliable source of clean water was very difficult for Leaia and her family. But, with the support of Caritas Australia, a water tank was installed at their home, improving their health and living conditions. Learn more about Leaia by watching this short video.
Meet Memory from Malawi. Memory, the eldest daughter from a rural Malawian family, trained to become a carpenter and is now a trailblazer for future generations of women in her village. See Memory’s story here.
Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia
Let's make this season of giving truly special by coming together as one supportive and compassionate school family. Let's stand together, create awareness and actively contribute to making the world a better place.
Please donate to Project Compassion.
You can donate through the Project Compassion donation boxes in homeroom or by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion.
In discussions with students, parents & teachers I will often comment on the importance of good communication in developing a positive working relationship. To help assist with this relationship development, in Week 5 the College will be hosting our 2024 Artist in Residence, Maurizio Vespa. Maurizio is a communications consultant who works in collaboration with schools, organisations and individuals using restorative language tools and strategies. His work is about restoring relationships without blame and less punitive approaches, therefore opening up opportunities for growth and learning. He is passionate about education and offers tailored workshops and mediation consulting.
We feel very fortunate to have been able to secure his services and are looking forward to engaging with him. Maurizio consults with public and private schools as well as organisations and other social services that are focused on workplace relationships, trauma informed care practices and the positive resolution of conflict. He is strongly committed to sharing his personal insights and learning of Restorative Practices. As well as exploring Restorative Leadership in the workplace and Restorative Parenting for the home.
Maurizio, has a solid background in Education with thirty years of experience in this profession as well as counselling and mediation expertise. He is a highly skilled facilitator and presenter of student and adult workshops.
Maurizio will be holding the following workshops with the SJPC Community:
Monday 26 February | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Staff Professional Development Day |
Monday 26 February | 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Parents/Carers (RSVP via this link) |
Tuesday 27 February | 7:30am - 8:30am | Middle Leaders |
9:00am - 11:45am | Year 10 Peer Mentors | |
12:15pm - 3:00pm | College Student Leadership team |
We look forward to hearing what Maurizio has to offer and how we can put his practices in place at SJPC. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the parental workshop.
Until then:
PAT Assessments Year 7 Thanks
Last week Year 7 students completed Test Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading, Mathematics and Science. These were completed as adaptive online tests and required all students to engage with the indivdualised tests.
Considering the Diocese wide internet outage on the day, our students handled themselves well and were able to complete the required testing by the end of the day. On behalf of Mrs McKelvie and myself, I would like to congratulate all Year 7 for their flexibility and maturity in completing these assessments.
How we use PAT & NAPLAN at St John Paul College
As we progress into Term 1, we now seek opportunities for growth and achievement, as it is essential to reflect on the integral role that assessments play during this stage of the year. At St John Paul College, we recognise the significance of Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) and the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in providing valuable insights and fostering continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.
PAT & NAPLAN: Tools for Professional Growth
For our staff at St John Paul College, PAT & NAPLAN serve as more than just standardised assessments for students. They are powerful tools for professional growth and development. By analysing PAT & NAPLAN data, our teachers gain valuable insights into student performance, allowing them to tailor instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners effectively.
Identifying Strengths and Areas for Improvement
PAT & NAPLAN results provide St John Paul College teachers with a comprehensive overview of student achievement in key literacy and numeracy areas. Through detailed analysis, teachers can identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to design targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance student learning outcomes.
Informing Instructional Practices
At St John Paul College, we believe in the importance of evidence-based decision-making in education. PAT & NAPLAN data serve as valuable sources of evidence to inform instructional practices and curriculum development. By aligning teaching strategies with the specific needs identified through PAT & NAPLAN assessments, our teachers can optimise student engagement and facilitate meaningful learning experiences.
Promoting Collaboration as part of the Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative
With College’s Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative work, staff can use PAT & NAPLAN results for collaboration and professional learning communities. Through collaborative analysis and reflection on data, The Learning Collaborative can share best practices, brainstorm innovative approaches, and support each other in addressing instructional challenges. This collaborative approach strengthens our collective capacity to meet the diverse needs of our students effectively.
Using data to benefit students
As we embark on the upcoming NAPLAN assessments, let us reaffirm our dedication to leveraging this valuable tool for the benefit of our students and our community. By embracing the insights provided by NAPLAN data and collaborating with colleagues, we strengthen our collective efforts to inspire excellence in learning and teaching at St John Paul College.
Naplan Disability Provisions
Years 7 and 9 students will sit in Naplan in Term 1 this year. Like in the classroom, adjustments are provided to students with disability to enable an equivalent learner experience during NAPLAN testing and to encourage maximum participation.
When considering the application of adjustments in the NAPLAN tests, it should be remembered that:
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adjustments should allow students with disability to access the tests. A student may have access to one or more adjustments in any test, which may differ across each test.
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adjustments should be consistent with support and assistance typically accessed by the student for assessment activities. Adjustments should be closely aligned to the support the student receives for their day-to-day classroom activities, as outlined in their personalised learning plan and/or NCCD evidence
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when providing adjustments, the integrity of the NAPLAN tests should be maintained. For example, reading the stimulus material and/or questions to a student during the reading test is not appropriate or permitted, even if this is what happens during a student’s regular lessons.
If you feel your child is eligible, please contact the College directly on sjpccoffs@lism.catholic.edu.au or 6653 3155.
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
It's been a busy few weeks as students and staff settle into a school routine!
Staff Prayer Fire
Year 7 Mass
Our Year 7 class masses have been going so beautifully with guidance from their Catholic Studies’ teachers. We are so lucky to have such a lovely school chapel, and Father Joe has been a constant source of encouragement and knowledge for our students. Parents are more than welcome to attend Tuesday morning Mass with us which begins at 9.10am.
The Ash Wednesday Prayer Service demonstrated how reverent and respectful our students are and was a wonderful example of a whole school commitment to our faith, marking the beginning of the season of Lent.
The Lead Conference is our next event open to students in Years 11 and 12 and it is not too late for senior students to add their names to the list of attendees. Lead is held at McAuley College in Grafton and offers a faith nurturing day (and a sleepover) of friendship, leadership, music and great food. Let me know if you are interested!
Attention: Year 7 parents!
Transitus is a retreat opportunity for Year 7 students to grow in their discipleship of Jesus Christ and to strengthen their transition into Catholic Secondary School.
We encourage you to have a discussion with your child about attending Transitus. If they are keen, please see Mrs Janine Sawtell (janine.sawtell@lism.catholic.edu) to have their name added to the expression of Interest list. We are limited to 17 SJPC students.
Applications close on Wednesday, 13 March, after which time you will receive the retreat details and consent notification through the Compass portal.
Link to the Google Form Expression of Interest
Don't forget our tenets of the Lenten Season: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, remembering that “Lent is an invitation to LOVE”.
Year 7
Week 3 of High School already?
Welcome to week 3 of high school at St John Paul College. The transition from primary to secondary school is all about change: new environment, new teachers, new routines, new subjects, new expectations. You, as Parents and Caregivers, can help your child by encouraging them to have a healthy perspective on the concept of change.
Find the familiar
Help your child to find some familiarity, even if it’s small. Not everything at high school will be completely different. Recognising that there will be something familiar helps make change appear less overwhelming. Talk about people they might know, similar subjects they will study, routines that will be the same.
Control what they can
A helpful way for your teen to cope with change is to learn how to figure out what they can and can’t control. This helps reassure them that they are not powerless and gives them something positive to focus on. Talk with them about what they can control:
- how they treat other people
- what activities they can do each day to enhance their wellbeing
- who they spend time with
- how much effort and energy they contribute to activities.
Do what they love
For young people who find change particularly difficult, ensuring that they spend time regularly on an activity they love can help reduce feelings of anxiety and negativity. It might also be a good time to explore with them the activities that don't always put them in a healthy mindset.
Change up thought patterns
When facing change and uncertainty, our brains can tend to create negative storylines. Encourage your child to stop imagining all the things that could go wrong, and instead think about things going well when they start school.
Below is some helpful advice on how to check in with your child and chat about how they are feeling as the term progresses. I encourage you to take the time to read this and engage with your child about their day, what has been the excitement of the week or what has been on their mind, worrying them. It is the small consistent conversations that will remind your child that you are there for them and invested in their time at the College.
1. Making time to talk:
Make time, free from distractions and siblings, to listen to your child. Sometimes chatting while you do another activity helps kickstart the conversation. You could start with some of these simple questions:
- What's been your favourite class so far?
- What do you like to do at recess and lunch? Do you have people you like to sit with?
- What has surprised you about starting high school?
- I have noticed that you seem rushed or worried in the morning. Is there anything we can do together that could help you feel less stressed?
2. Think about how your child is settling into the new learning experience of high school:
- Are they using their diary to record homework and assessments?
- Do they have a quiet space to work at home?
- Are they appearing to spend too much time using their devices for gaming or socialising, not school work?
- Are they eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep and exercise?
- What has their attendance at school been like?
3. Friendships and Belonging:
Positive friendships provide teenagers with a sense of belonging, confidence and support. This is important during the transition to high school.
- Check in with them about the friends from primary school they are staying connected with, and the new people they think may be potential friends.
- Encourage them to maintain connections with friends who may be attending a different school.
At St John Paul College, we want all children to feel that they belong.
If you have any ongoing concerns about how your child is coping socially at school, please make contact with your child’s homeroom teacher or myself.
Please take the time to fill out this very brief google form to RSVP to this event. Please note - RSVP numbers are due in by Friday, 1st March 2024.
Until next time,
Year 8
It’s been a great start to the year for Year 8 and they have settled in well. It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in the place for over a year and are no longer the littlest fish in the big pond that is SJPC. Year 8 students will be completing a Bullying Survey next Wednesday to identify those students not behaving in a christian like manner and those impacted by their actions. Once identified we will then work with those students on building resilience and leadership skills. A big thank you to our Year 8 Student Leaders Layla Woodcock, Jasper Harris, Rhyse Ward and Tazmyn White for working with the College Student Leadership Team on generating the Bullying Survey and promoting it amongst the Year 8 cohort.
Best All Rounder Award
Each school newsletter we will have our Best All Rounder Award chosen from a list generated from our fortnightly Compass teacher awards summary. This fortnight’s winner is Bodhi Field for his excellent work in Science awarded by Mr Van Dartel. Congratulations Bodhi you have won a $5 Canteen voucher!
Year 9
‘Being stewards of our world’ - ‘Clean Up Australia’ with Year 9!
The stewardship of our environment is rooted in the values of the Catholic Faith. Stewardship, quite simply, is recognizing that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God and being grateful and generous with those gifts. God reveals His perfect and infinite love for us most visibly in His Son, Jesus Christ. A steward makes God's love visible by imitating Jesus.
Next Wednesday, Year 9 will again be taking part in the annual ‘Clean Up Australia’ Day activities. It's hard to believe that what was started over thirty years ago, by Ian Kiernan, AO, an "average Australian" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event, held annually on the first Sunday in March.
We are so fortunate to have a beautiful school environment and surrounds in this area. The impact of litter and rubbish on our local ecosystems, including the nearby Boambee Creek, needs to be minimised. Our students will partake in cleaning up rubbish around the school grounds, and also some educational activities related to the results of littering.
Please pray for good weather!
Year 10
Year 10 Vaccinations
The following vaccines are offered free to students at school in 2024:
- in Year 7 - diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Thursday April 11 - Yr 7 vaccinations
- in Year 10 - meningococcal ACWY vaccine - Wednesday March 6 - Yr 10 Vaccinations
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:
- visit the online consent portal link: online consent portal (https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school).
- click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in with their Service NSW details, or create an account with ServiceNSW if they don’t already have one
- enter Medicare details for themselves and their child
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
Your school will be provided with hard copies of consent materials which can be distributed to students where parents/carers cannot provide online consent, including for parents/carers or students who do not have a Medicare card. There is a barcode on front of the forms that link to the online portal.
To help communicate with parents, it would be appreciated if you could please:
- Use the draft email text provided in the attached to send an email or newsletter to parents/carers of Year 7 and Year 10 students, including the link to the online consent portal (https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school). If you use an app to communicate with parents, you can also copy and paste this text – make sure to include the link to the online consent portal.
- Post the social media content provided in the attached communications from your school accounts to encourage parents/carers to provide consent for their child’s routine school vaccinations online
- Display the attached posters, flyers and digital screen graphics in reception areas or parent waiting areas
To help answer questions parents/carers may have regarding providing online consent, please visit the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
As many in our community already know, at SJPC we recognise that learning is not static. It is a continual process that involves practice, reflection, adjustment, and refinement.
Our focus is on student growth and building the capacity of learners to improve. The NSW education system uses a standards referenced approach based on what students are expected to learn and how well they have achieved, with grades being the indicators of the level of achievement of outcomes in each course in Years 7- 11. However, grades are only part of the discussion, they are not the discussion.
As such, we have a flexible, supportive approach to assessment in Years 7 – 9 with an emphasis on developing an attitude which promotes continuous improvement, engagement and therefore learning. Thus, creating assessment capable learners well equipped for the future.
Our aim is to develop expert, engaged learners who are motivated, knowledgeable, resourceful and goal-directed; learners who are focused on effective habits and routines.
Students in Years 7 – 9 have multiple opportunities to provide evidence of their learning and achievement of course outcomes across a semester, with feedback playing a vital role in student growth and improvement. Grades are based on the evidence students provide their teachers during the teaching and learning cycle.
Students are encouraged to;
- reflect on their learning and whether they have met each lesson’s success criteria
- act on feedback from their teachers and peers regarding which strategies they need to employ to improve.
It is important that we continue to ensure everyone understands what learning, assessment and grading ’looks’ like.
Our Year 9 students attended a curriculum presentation last Tuesday in which many of the ideas discussed here were outlined. The students were receptive, engaged and well-mannered during the presentation. The majority of these young adults showed they were ready to take on the more challenging Stage 5 curriculum, including their 3 new electives.
All information regarding Scope and Sequences of courses, and what assessment looks like in Years 7 to 9 can be accessed via the SJPC Assessment and Curriculum site. You can also find it under School Favourites on Compass.
Last newsletter we included information about the how you, as parents and carers, can gain some insight into how you can best support your children in developing effective study habits by registering for Elevate’s free Parent Support Webinar series. It was wonderful to see many of our community register for the last Webinar How to Get (And Keep) Your Child Motivated This Year?
Information about Elevate Education's next free webinar is below.
Wednesday 28th February @ 6:30pm (AEDT)
How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
Click here to register for free
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
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- Align expectations on homework with your child
- Help your child balance their schoolwork and social life
- Set up a weekly planner tool with your child
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Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.
The College continues to base decision making on data and educational research. We ask you to continue to trust us to implement the strategies that international educational research has shown to be effective.
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Thank You Highgrove Bathrooms
During the week I received a visit from Rod and Carlos from Highgrove Bathrooms. They generously donated 50 basketballs to be used during our PDHPE and Sport programs. Basketball is one of the most popular sports at SJPC and these new resources are greatly appreciated.
Kurt Marle
Leader of Learning - PDHPE
College Swimming Carnival
What a carnival. Although the weather only cleared for parts of the day, the spirits of the students could not be dampened. Our Year 12’s lead by example participating in most events. Our new Year 11 leaders were outstanding, encouraging students to be involved, while having a high participation rate themselves. The smiles, laughter and positive interactions of staff and students expressed the day nicely.
There were some outstanding swims at the carnival. Our 12 years girls 50m freestyle record was broken by Coco Becker (Year 7). Her new record of 30.46sec was a wonderful improvement on the old record of 31.00sec from 2007.
Students who finished 1st or 2nd over all in an event have qualified to represent the College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Port Macquaire will receive a Compass event in coming days. Those who want to swim the 400m freestyle need to register directly on the Diocesan of Lisore Sport website. The Diocesan carnival is on 7 March in Port Macquarie.
The house competition was tight with the participation in the novelty events nearly being the downfall of the winning house! Congratulations to all houses but especially to McAuley house for once again taking out the swimming carnival. This is their 3rd year in a row.
Progressive Overall Results |
Place | House | Total |
1 | McAuley | 857 |
2 | Casey | 793 |
3 | Kelly | 695 |
4 | Hargraves | 611 |
Age Champions
Congratulations to our College Age Champions:
12 years | Alexander Greenwood (Hargraves) | Coco Becker (Casey) |
13 years | Luke Wilson (McAuley) | Hayley Woods (McAuley) |
14 years |
Jack Howe (Hargraves) | Lily-Mei Wong (McAuley) |
15 years | Jake Wilson (McAuley) | Josie Straw (McAuley) |
16 years | Riley Betland (Casey) & Carlo Eiler (Hargraves) joint |
Holly Becker (Casey) |
17+ years | Riley Woods (McAuley) | Riley Andrews (Casey) |
Officiating sport
We are always looking for assistance with officiating at representative sport. We invite suitably qualified members of the College community to email me at danielle.mcara@lism.catholic.edu.au with your sport and officiating qualifications (referee, linesmen, medical officer etc) and availability or interest. This will help us fulfil our duties at various representative carnivals and ensure our SJPC students have the very best standards in which to compete. Upcoming events we may need help to fill officiating roles include:
14 March - Qualified coach female Rugby 10s @ Crescent Head
14 March - Basketball referees @ Coffs Harbour
2 April - Football linesmen @ Kempsey
5 April - Netball badged umpires @ Coffs Harbour
Sharing the success of our students sporting achievements
SJPC students are amazing athletes across many sports, from Martial Arts and Lawn Bowls to Gymnastics, Netball and Rugby Union. Unfortunately, we can not recognise every student participating in local weekend sport and mid coast community sport. However, students who perform at a state level or higher in non school sport are invited to share their success with me so that we can recognise their achievements at a College Assembly, in the newsletter or via our Facebook page. An email with details of the student, homeroom, achievement and a photo which can be used to accompany the acknowledgement is required for us to celebrate our non-school sport achievements.
Coming Up - Term 1 2024
Tuesday 27 February |
Diocesan Individual Touch Football trials, Sawtell |
Thursday 29 February |
Rugby League 7s girls comp, Rex Hardaker Oval Sawtell |
Tuesday 5 March |
Diocesan Individual League and Football Trials, Lismore |
Thursday 7 March |
Diocesan Swimming Carnival, Port Macquarie Rugby League 7s girls comp, Rex Hardaker Oval Sawtell |
Tuesday 12 March |
Diocesan Tennis Championships, Tweed Heads |
Thursday 14 March |
Dicoesan Open Basketball, Coffs Harbour North Coast Rugby 10s, Crescent Head Rugby League 7s girls comp, Rex Hardaker Oval Sawtell |
Tuesday 26 March |
NSW Netball Cup (Year 7 - 10), Coffs Harbour |
Tuesday 2 April |
Diocesan Open Football, Kempsey Schools Surfing Championships, Port Macquarie |
Wednesday 3 April |
Schools Surfing Championships, Port Macquarie |
Friday 5 April |
Diocesan Individual Netball Trials, Coffs Harbour Mountain Bike competition, Port Macquarie |
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator
All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things
Vocabulary is an important focus in literacy teaching. Words all have:
- meaning, which can vary according to context
- phonology – sounds
- morphology – word parts
- syntax - the way in which words are arranged to form phrases or sentences
- uses - depending on context.
Oral vocabulary refers to words that children can understand or use while speaking and listening. Oral vocabulary is closely related to reading vocabulary, which is the words that children can recognise and use in their reading or writing.
Children need to have a rich vocabulary that continually grows through language and literacy experiences, in order to comprehend and construct increasingly complex texts, and engage in oral language for a variety of social purposes. It is an unconstrained skill, meaning we continue to develop it over our life span.
There is a close association between vocabulary skills and how well teenagers read and write. For this reason, supporting vocabulary skills and the acquisition of new words has the potential to positively impact the ability to read, write and understand in all aspects of life.
Here at SJPC, we thoroughly enjoy sharing our passion for words and we encourage you to foster this thirst for vocabulary in the home and engage with our college, ‘Word Of the Week’. Let’s kickstart this vocabulary momentum with the new word, Heuristic. The word heuristic means learning by experience. It comes from the Greek word, heuriskein, meaning ‘to discover’. Building vocabulary is necessarily heuristic since it takes trial and error to use new words correctly
Attached is an inspiring clip exploring a young boy who loved and collected words - a beautiful story to share at home.
Word of the Week
Compassion
DEFINITION: Concern and regret for the suffering and misfortune of others.
In a sentence: The victims should be treated with compassion.
Provenance noun
DEFINITION: Place of origin or earliest known history of something
In a sentence: The collectors raised doubts about the provenance of the painting.
In order to value goods, experts must confirm the provenance and determine future worth.
INVITATION
Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in our lives. At St John Paul College we recognise that when changes occur such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters, students may benefit from learning the skills to manage these changes effectively. To support students who are facing these and other challenges, we are offering an education program called Seasons for Growth. The program is an opportunity to learn with a small group of peers who have experienced similar issues.
Seasons for Growth is facilitated in small groups of up to 7 participants and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on building skills such as how to manage feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication, and developing peer support networks. Participation in the program can promote improved self-esteem and self-confidence as well as giving children the opportunity to find their own voice amid change.
Please note - Seasons for Growth is designed for students for students who have experienced a loss at least 6-12 months before the program. If your child has experienced a more recent loss, counselling is a far more useful tool.
Seasons for Growth will run for eight weeks, and each weekly session is approximately 45 minutes. We are pleased to be able to offer this successful program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those involved. If you would like your child to participate in Seasons for Growth or require further information please contact Talia Saban at talia.saban@lism.catholic.edu.au or Bradley Poidevin at bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au.
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
Vaccinations
The following vaccines are offered free to students at school in 2024:
- in Year 7 - diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Thursday April 11 - Yr 7 vaccinations
- in Year 10 - meningococcal ACWY vaccine - Wednesday March 6 - Yr 10 Vaccinations
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:
- visit the online consent portal link: online consent portal (https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school).
- click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in with their Service NSW details, or create an account with ServiceNSW if they don’t already have one
- enter Medicare details for themselves and their child
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
Your school will be provided with hard copies of consent materials which can be distributed to students where parents/carers cannot provide online consent, including for parents/carers or students who do not have a Medicare card. There is a barcode on front of the forms that link to the online portal.
To help communicate with parents, it would be appreciated if you could please:
- Use the draft email text provided in the attached to send an email or newsletter to parents/carers of Year 7 and Year 10 students, including the link to the online consent portal (https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school). If you use an app to communicate with parents, you can also copy and paste this text – make sure to include the link to the online consent portal.
- Post the social media content provided in the attached communications from your school accounts to encourage parents/carers to provide consent for their child’s routine school vaccinations online
- Display the attached posters, flyers and digital screen graphics in reception areas or parent waiting areas
To help answer questions parents/carers may have regarding providing online consent, please visit the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
School Photos - MSP
Catch up school photos are scheduled for Term 2 Tuesday 11 June. Sibling photos will be taken on this day. A reminder will be sent home closer to this time.
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.
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.
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.
Traffic and Parking Guidelines
Please follow the red arrows and remember to give way to buses.
Student Diary
Lost Property
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Finance
Email: cofhs-fees@lism.
Week 5 B - Monday 26 February - Friday 1 March |
Mon 26 Feb | Staff / Students | Staff Development Day / Pupil Free Day |
Tues 27 Feb | Parents | P&F Meeting 7pm in Library |
All Students |
T1 Social - Tropical theme |
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Sat 2 March | All welcome |
Coffs Harbour Musical Society Opera Queensland’s new rising star, performs light, bright and sparkling opera arias that we Purchase tickets: Coffs Harbour Music Society |
Week 6 A - Monday 4 March - Friday 8 March |
Mon 4 March | Year 7 Parents/Students | Year 7 Belonging Evening - 5.45pm College Hall |
Mon 4 - Fri 8 March | Japanese Students & Host Students | Students from Toyama Chubu High School, Japan visit |
Tues 5 Mar | Sport | Dio Winter Sport Trials Lismore-League, Soccer |
Year 10 | 25 Yr 10 Students @ Incitare Primary School Retreat |
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Japanese Students & Host Students | Dorrigo Excursion |
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Wed 6 Mar |
Year 10 & some Year 11 |
Yr 10 Vaccinations - Meningococcal some Yr 11 students (catch up vaccinations) |
Japanese Students & Host Students |
National Marine Science Centre - Woolgoolga Excursion |
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Thurs 7 Mar |
Sport |
Dio Swimming Carnival Port Macquarie |
Japanese Students & Host Students |
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary |
Term Dates 2024
Term 1 |
Mon 26 Feb | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Fri 29 March | Easter Good Friday |
Mon 1 April | Easter Monday |
Tues 2 April | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Fri 12 April | Last day of Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Mon 29 April | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Tues 30 April | First day of Term 2 |
Thurs 30 May | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Mon 10 June | Monarch's B'day PH |
Fri 5 July | Last day of Term 2 |
Term 3 |
Mon 22 July | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Tues 23 July | First day of Term 3 |
Fri 23 Aug | Staff Development / Pupil Free Day |
Fri 30 Aug | SJPC Day |
Fri 27 Sept | Last day of Term 3 |
Term 4 |
Mon 14 Oct | Staff Development and Pupil Free Day |
Tues 15 Oct | First day of Term 4 |
Fri 15 Nov | Staff Development / Pupil Free Day |
Wed 18 Dec | Picnic day Boambee Bay Reserve *Last day of Term 4 |