6 June 2025 - Newsletter (Vol 42 No 8)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- School Evangelisation
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- SJPC Merit Award Recipients
- Three minutes with our Senior Students
- Year 11 Science
- Sports Corner
- Literacy Coach
- Careers
- Music
- Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
- School Social - Under the Sea
- What's On!
- Office News
- Year 10 Vaccinations - Tuesday 17 June 2025
- Parent Assembly - Year 8 Family Night - Stronger Together
- Push-Up Challenge 2025
- Study Skills Handbook - Mind Mapping for Memory
- Blue Sky Parent Workshop - Teen Tactics
- Congratulations Ailish Barry - Class of 2021
- School Reunion
A Moment of Reflection: Navigating the SJPC Enrolment Journey
As we embark on the 2026 enrolment interview process at St John Paul College (SJPC), we're engaging with both current and prospective families in conversations designed to ensure a strong partnership between home and school. These interviews are a vital opportunity to understand shared values and aspirations.
I invite all parents, both those new to our community and those already part of the SJPC family, to take a moment to consider the fundamental questions we're posing during these interviews. There's immense value in reflecting on these points, not only for those preparing for an interview but for anyone invested in their child's educational journey.
Here are some of the questions currently being asked of parents for our 2026 enrolment interviews:
- Why do you want to enrol in SJPC?
- What are you looking for in a school?
- How do you want your child to contribute as a student in the College?
- What can you do as a parent to support the College?
I challenge you to truly think about how you would articulate your responses to each of these. What comes to mind when you consider your family's educational priorities and your role in your child's learning environment?
Take this reflection a step further: Would your answers to these questions have been different when you went to your own child’s school enrolment interviews? How have your experiences, values, understanding and expectations of education evolved over time?
Engaging with these questions thoughtfully can offer profound insights into your hopes for your child's future and your family's vision for their education. This process of reflection is incredibly powerful in shaping the best possible outcomes for our students.
The only way to ensure your child experiences the absolute best at their school is to ensure that the partnership between school and parents is an open, honest and supportive one, always looking to maximise the learning (spiritual, academic, emotional and social) for all our students at SJPC.
As always, I invite you as parents to actively engage the staff to partner on your child’s education journey.
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
We are off and running!
We were excited to mark the beginning of the very first SJPC Vinnies Van Service to Toormina last Wednesday evening - a milestone moment for our college community and a powerful opportunity to serve those in need. This weekly outreach initiative brings staff, parents and students together in a hands-on way to provide support, warmth, and connection to people doing it tough in our local area. It’s more than just handing out tea or coffee or basic essentials; it’s about offering dignity, kindness, and genuine care. The Vinnies Van is a chance for us to live out our values and make a real impact.
To keep this service running successfully, we need your help. More volunteers - both adults and students - are essential. Adults can download and complete the Vinnies Volunteer application form, then email it to Coffsharbourvv@vinnies.org.au. Students aged 16 and over are also encouraged to get involved - simply see Mrs Gennat for more details on how to apply.
Students under 16 can get involved too - join our Vinnies Conference at school and help prepare snack packs and sew reusable tote bags. See Mr Bujeya if you are interested.
Whether you’re giving time, a listening ear, or a helping hand, every bit makes a difference. Let’s work together to grow this vital program and be a force for good in our community!
National Reconciliation Week
During National Reconciliation Week, our College had the privilege of welcoming Uncle Gary Williams, a Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung Elder, to speak at our assembly. Held every year from May 27 to June 3, National Reconciliation Week marks two key moments in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation: the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reminds us of the importance of learning from the past and working together for a more united future.
Uncle Gary shared first hand insights from his experience as part of the Freedom Ride 60 years ago and spoke about his ongoing work as CEO of the Muurrbay Language Centre in Nambucca Heads. His efforts to preserve and revitalise the Gumbaynggirr language - including co-authoring a dictionary-grammar and translating a collection of traditional stories - are a testament to his lifelong commitment to culture, education, and justice. It was an honour to learn from Uncle Gary and to reflect on how we can each play a part in building respectful and inclusive communities.
Gary Williams 19, of Nambucca Heads, defies the colour bar in a Bowraville hotel on February 24, 1965. With him is Brian Aarons, of Fairfield, a member of Student Action for Aborigines, led by Charles Perkins. photo contributed by ABC.net.au
Assistant Principal - Mission
At the College Assembly last week our College Vice Captain, Tahlia Amos & Year 12 SRC representative Ethan Dawson introduced our Term 2 Pastoral Care theme of Relationships and its link to the Emmaus Program. The following is a copy of their address.
‘There is no doubt that SJPC is a big community, when we include our parent body, we consist of thousands of individuals. And yes there are times when we will not see eye to eye on certain issues but this cannot and should not prevent us from forming respectful relationships with one another.
Relationships are important in any organisation no matter how big or small. As a Catholic organisation we must approach each and every person with kindness and respect as one of our most important beliefs is that we are all made in the image of God. This adds another layer to the relationships we try to develop with one another. All throughout the New Testament we see Jesus developing sound relationships with those around him. To Jesus it did not matter whether you were a law abiding citizen, a person of great wealth and power or someone who society questioned your place. He treated all the same.
So how does the concept of the development of relationships fit with our Emmaus Project and in particular the Gospel message for your particular year group?
Year 7 are told to “Love each other and go and bear fruit” Surely this is fulfilled when we make a place for each other no matter how different they are from me.
Year 8s Gospel passage tells us not to worry about our life, how we look or dress. In supportive and meaningful relationships, it is not about how someone looks but rather what they have to offer in each situation.
Year 9s passage emphasises the idea that it is easy to love your friends and the ones who do good by you. The challenge is to be supportive of those who you are not necessarily best friends with, who you find difficult to get along with. You are told to “Do good to those who hate you”. What does this look like in the playground?
Year 10 is instructed to put others before yourself. Be conscious of not becoming selfish and looking after yourself alone. What happens when you put someone before yourself? How does it make you feel? How might it make them feel?
Year 11 is given a great example of Jesus caring for the community in both a physical and spiritual manner when we hear about the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish. He made sure everyone was cared for. How will Year 11 care for each other this term?
Year 12 is encouraged to “Let your light shine before others, so they will see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. We can only become the best version of ourselves when we feel the support of others around us.
And finally our Staff focus is on the Lost Sheep. We are required to try to build a relationship with ALL students and not to leave ONE behind.
In today’s world, especially in uncertain times, building respectful relationships is very important in our school community. As a Catholic school, we look to our leaders—teachers, staff, and student leaders—to help create a kind and caring environment. We are lucky to be part of a school where everyone can share their ideas and be treated with respect. It’s important that we all act with honesty, fairness, and care for others. When we do this, we help make our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
At a local level, as a College community, we can develop respectful relationships that contribute to our growth, maturity and sense of self-confidence. We need to exercise healthy self-expression, awareness and acceptance of others and ourselves. These elements enable us to feel accepted, positive and free to be ourselves.
Finally, remember God’s hope for us is to show love to all those we encounter in our lives. How are you going to live out this wish?’
Tahlia Amos & Ethan Dawson
Year 12 College Vice Captain / Year 12 SRC Representative
Tahlia and Ethan did a wonderful job in capturing the essence of our term’s theme.
In Week 8 of this term we will kick off the 2025 Kalawazi Development Project. The project offers our students the opportunity to come together and raise funds for the ongoing support the College gives to the education program of the students in our sister school in Kawalazi, Malawi, Africa. This year marks the 25th year of our partnership and will be highlighted by a special assembly where we will hear from members of the original Year 12 group who helped initiate the project along with the Principal of our sister school plus a mufti day. This is also a perfect opportunity for the College community to live the message of the Gospel through our Emmaus Program. Please give what you can when it comes to sponsorship of the students.
Until next time:
College Merit System - Recognising positive behaviour
This merit system aims to recognise and acknowledge positive behaviour of students in a class setting and demonstrate a high level of engagement in their learning.
Compass recognises levels of merit based on the accumulation of class awards. The following graphic outlines this in simple terms:
- 3 Class awards = Merit Award acknowledged on Compass
- 2 Merit Awards = College Commendation, presented by LOSWs at Assemblies
- 3 College Commendations = Distinction Award, presented by APs at Assemblies
- 3 Distinction Awards = Award of Honour, presented by Principal at College Assembly.
The College Commendation, Distinction Award and Award of Honour will be physical awards that can be collected, used in CVs, job applications or even university scholarships.
As shown in the graphic, The Award of Honour represents 54 Class Awards that can be accumulated over several school terms or years and it is possible to achieve more than one of these awards during a student’s time at SJPC.
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
Last week, Catholic primary schools across the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed regions came alive with the vibrant light of GLOW, a joy-filled experience designed especially for Year Six students. More than just an event, GLOW offers a unique chance for young people in their final year of primary school to come together in faith, friendship, and fun.
We at St John Paul College were lucky enough to host the Clarence portion of the retreat, welcoming Year Six students from this Diocesan area. Our Year 10 ministry students provided fantastic support throughout the day, greeting students at the bus bays and helping them drop off their bags, actively participating in sessions by dancing, singing, and encouraging younger students to join in. They also engaged warmly with students during meal breaks and assisted with the prayer response by helping to set up and guide students through this reflective activity. We are so proud of their enthusiasm and dedication in demonstrating peer-to-peer ministry skills, and celebrate their energy, reverence, and boldness to step out in faith, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
Led by the dynamic Wildfire Worship Team, with support from College Youth Ministers (CYMs) and the Mission School Evangelisation team, students were invited to encounter God in a deeply personal and powerful way. Each GLOW event featured creative expressions of faith, inspiring testimonies, and an unmistakable joy that comes from young people confidently living out their faith.
GLOW 2025 has once again shown us the incredible possibilities when we invest in the faith journeys of our young people.
Leader of School Evangelisation
Year 7
Mr Baldwin kindly arranged for Year 7 to enjoy a hot chocolate, which was well timed with the excessive sky water. The students waited patiently and displayed wonderful manners as they received their drinks. After lining up in the hall out of the wet, we had the privilege of hearing from a senior student. Riley Woods kindly gave some of his time to share about his experience from when he was in Year 7.
Riley shared his observation that distractions seem to increase as we get older but that we also get better at managing them. He acknowledged the role his mum has played in shaping him and that it’s hard to see it in youth. His advice to his younger self, and to our current Year 7 cohort, was to embrace failing more because people don’t judge as much as we think they do.
Jon Baldwin and Mikayla Hannaford
Year 7 Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Year 9
Due to the recent heavy rains, flooding and closure of the Pacific Highway, the much anticipated camp to the Great Aussie Bush Camp was postponed . While we understand that this was disappointing, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
We sincerely thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigated these unforeseen circumstances.
The rescheduled camp will now take place in Week 10 of this term, from Monday 30th June to Wednesday 2nd July. Please note that this is now considered a new event on Compass, and as such, a new permission form will need to be completed for your child to attend. We appreciate your prompt attention to this so we can finalise numbers and ensure all preparations are in place. If you know that your child cannot attend, could you please contact Mr Mark Sultana or Mrs Elise Cox via email to explain why so we can decline the event on your behalf.
On a positive note, we’d like to congratulate the students who received College Commendation Awards in Week 5.
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We also have our latest Best All Rounder Winners from the past two weeks in Benji Smith and Bodhi Field for great improvement in their academic effort and application this term. Well done lads!
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These awards recognise outstanding effort, attitude, and contribution to the school community. Well done to all recipients. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed!
This week’s pastoral assembly for Year 9 focused on building strong communication skills and teamwork. Students took part in a range of fun and energetic games, including Captain Ball and Tunnel Ball, which encouraged them to work together, strategise, and support each other.
Congratulations to 9C, who took out the win after a close and spirited competition! A big thank you to Mr De La Hoz and Ms Swe for organising the activities and creating such a positive and engaging environment for students to grow and connect.
Year 12
A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Community!
St John Paul College is overflowing with gratitude after the incredible success of our recent annual Trivia Night! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community and the wider Coffs Harbour community for your overwhelming support and generous contributions.
This annual event wouldn't be possible without the dedication of so many. A special shout-out goes to all our patrons, our incredible staff who volunteered their time and energy, and everyone who donated a prize. Your generosity helped create an exciting and rewarding night for all our participants.
We are particularly proud of our Year 12 cohort, who truly outdid themselves in organising and running such a fun and entertaining evening. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork made the night a huge success, and we are so grateful for their leadership. Thanks to everyone's efforts, we raised much-needed funds for two very deserving charities: Warrina Women and Children's Refuge Services and the CanDo Cancer Trust.
Your support makes a tangible difference in our community, and we are so fortunate to be part of such a caring and giving collective. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact!
Nick Haworth
Year 12 Leader of Student Wellbeing
Merit Awards
Below are our current Distinction Award recipients. We recognise student efforts not just at Assemblies but also within our Community throughout the year. Congratulations students.
I was curious to find out a little more about the Year 10 Mentor Program so I decided to interview Mitch and Jackson the TAs who run the group.
The Year 10 Mentor Program, led by Mitch and Jackson, is quickly becoming one of the most impactful and uplifting initiatives at our college. Created in partnership with Student Services, the program is designed to guide and support Year 10 boys in becoming confident, respectful, and resilient young men. What began as a response to concerns around behaviour has evolved into something much greater—a program that is transforming attitudes, building brotherhood, and inspiring real change.
Mitch and Jackson were the perfect mentors to take on this role. With both Jackson’s and Mitch's disciplined military background and Mitch’s additional experience in football, they bring both strength and understanding to their work. Their passion is clear: “We didn’t want to just talk about it—we wanted to do something,” said Jackson. And they have.
The program runs 2 groups, one during Period 4 on Tuesdays and second on Period 6 on Wednesdays, and is thoughtfully split into two parts: physical development and mental growth. The physical side introduces students to safe, respectful training in a gym setting, with team challenges like hiking a 400m elevation hill that pushes limits and builds resilience. These sessions don’t just improve fitness—they encourage teamwork, trust, and discipline.
The mental aspect of the program is where the true magic happens. Through breathwork, goal setting, conflict management, and lessons in self-awareness and professionalism, the boys are learning essential life skills. They’re discovering how to calm themselves in moments of stress, how to present confidently in the world, and how to interact with respect and maturity. SMART goals give them clear direction and the confidence to follow through.
But what really sets the program apart is the environment it creates. Mitch and Jackson aren’t just mentors—they’re trusted role models. They’ve built a space where boys feel safe to open up, ask questions, and talk about real-life challenges. It’s not about textbooks or exams—it’s about becoming better people. The boys are learning to support one another, take responsibility for their actions, and hold themselves to higher standards.
The impact is already clear—not just in behavioural data, but in how the boys walk, talk, and treat those around them. They’re more engaged, more respectful, and more connected. They’re starting to check in on each other, speak with purpose, and take pride in their progress.
The Year 10 Mentor Program is more than a school initiative—it’s a movement. It’s showing our young men that they are capable of greatness, and giving them the tools to achieve it. This is the kind of leadership and care that shapes futures.
Year 11 Biology Depth Study Assessment Task
On Tuesday of Week 6, our Year 11 Biology students embarked on an exciting and enriching excursion to the beautiful Botanic Gardens to participate in Biological Diversity Day—a hands-on learning experience that brought the curriculum to life.
Throughout the day, students attended three engaging sessions delivered by experts from the Australian Museum, Taronga Zoo, and the Botanic Gardens. Each session offered unique insights into the vital importance of biodiversity and plant and animal adaptations.
The day began with a thought-provoking presentation from the Australian Museum staff, who highlighted Australia’s unique native species and the urgent need for conservation. Students examined real specimens, explored interactive displays, and learned about the evolutionary relationships.
Next, the Taronga Zoo team captivated students with their discussion on wildlife and their adaptations. Through up-close encounters with live animals and detailed case studies, students were able to connect classroom theory to real-world examples.
The final session, hosted by members of the Botanic Gardens, brought attention to the incredible diversity of plant life. Students explored the Gardens’ collection of Eucalypts, learning how plants adapt to different environments.
The experience not only deepened the students’ understanding of biodiversity but also inspired a greater appreciation for the role science plays in preserving the natural world. By the end of the day, students walked away with a renewed sense of purpose and curiosity, ready to bring their learnings back to the classroom and beyond.
Thank you to Mr Druzinec and Ms George for accompanying us and for Mrs Poidevin for organising such a great day for us.
Bill Turner Trophy
Round 3 saw our girls take on Maclean High School in a home game held at the Synthetics Fields on Tuesday, 3 June. To say the girls dominated is an understatement. Winning 18 - 0, the game never looked in doubt. Our goal scorers were Pippa Dodd (5), Jayda Crocker (3), Eva Corsalini (3), Evie Gibson (3), Maggie Winn (2), Hannah Burton (1), Summer Barden (1).
The girls now move into Round 4 against either Bellingen High School or Coffs Harbour High School.
Bill Turner Cup
Like the girls, our boys had a strong game in Round 3 against a very talented and spirited Coffs Harbour High School. The boys won in a closely contested and physical game 2 - 0. Our two goal scorers were Michael Collins and Bailey Barden. The boys now move on to Round 4 against either Bishop Druitt College or Grafton High School.
Futsal
We had five teams compete in the Coffs Region of the Australasia Futsal Championships on Wednesday, 28 May and Thursday, 29 May at Sportz Central. All teams enjoyed the opportunity to test their Futsal skills against local and regional school teams. Our two girls teams excelled, with the 14s girls being unlucky to place second and the 16s girls securing second place with outstanding play. Both teams progressed to the Champions of Champions round later in the year. Thank you to all the coaches, Mr Woods, Mr Hibberd and Mr King for taking the students and good luck to Mr Van Dartel and Mr Sultana, whose teams' progress.
SJPC 15s Futsal Team Shows Grit at 15s Tournament
The local high school futsal team put in a valiant effort at the recent Under-15s tournament, facing off against strong opposition from Bishop Druitt College and Sydney-based Ku-ring-gai High School. Across four tightly contested matches, the team demonstrated commitment, discipline, and an improving tactical awareness, despite narrowly falling short in each fixture.
While the results didn’t reflect the team’s overall performance, several players made a lasting impact. Rune led the scoring with an impressive tally of three goals, showcasing sharp instincts and composure in front of goal. Lucas also made his mark with two well-taken goals, combining creativity with relentless energy. Jayden rounded out the team’s goal scorers with a fine individual effort, adding to an encouraging display of attacking promise.
The tournament provided invaluable experience for the squad, highlighting both their competitive spirit and areas for growth. With continued development and the same level of determination, the team is well-placed for success in upcoming competitions.
Ronolo King
Coach
Diocesan Junior Football
On Wednesday, 4 June, our Junior Football teams competed in the Diocesan Southern Football Championships at the Synthetic Fields in Coffs. The day was productive and successful for both teams, with only one loss between them.
The boys lost their first game against MacKillop 1 - 0, won 2 - 0 against St Paul’s and won 3 - 1 in their final game against Regional. This placed them second, an excellent achievement. Thank you to Mr Moore and student coach, Ashton Herbert (Year 12), for their guidance of the team.
The girls team were dominant from the start, winning 6 - 0 against MacKillop, 5 - 0 against St Paul’s and finished with an impressive 8 - 1 against Regional, placing them first in the Southern Diocese. The girls will now play against the Northern Diocese winner on 24 June for the chance to progress as the Diocese Champions in the NSWCCC Football Championships. We wish the girls and their coaches, Mrs Slaviero and Mr Abbott, all the best for the next round.
Diocesan Cross Country
On Thursday, 5 June, 45 keen and fit runners represented SJPC at the Diocesan Cross Country at the Wiigulga Sport Complex, Woolgoolga. All students were competitive, determined and displayed the grit synonymous with SJPC athletes. We had some outstanding results with the following students qualifying to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country by finishing in the top 6 of their division:
 1st - Diocesan Age Champion |
 1st - Diocesan Age Champion |
 Louis White |
 2nd - Diocesan Runner-Up Age Champion |
 3rd |
 3rd |
 3rd |
 4th |
 4th |
 4th |
 4th |
 6th |
Congratulations to the following students who have been named SJPC Cross Country Age Champions as a result of their performances at this event:
 12 Years |
 12 Years |
 13 Years |
 13 Years |
 14 Years |
 14 Years |
 15 Years |
 15 Years |
 Matilda Newton |
 17 Years |
 17 Years |
 18 Years |
Congratulations
- Carlo Eiler (Year 12) who was selected in the NSWCCC Waterpolo team to compete at the Australian Schools Exchange Tournament in Queensland in August. Congratulations Carlo.
- Jemma Potter (Year 12), Danica Harrison (Year 10), Jennifer Martin (Year 9), Amelia Harrington (Year 8) and Pippa Robertson (Year 8) who represented the Diocese in Netball at the CCC Netball Trials in Sydney.
- Congratulations to Anthony Omtha (Year 12), Lachlan Montgomery (Year 12), Dominic Omtha (Year 11), Lauren Harris (Year 11), Taylor Clark (Year 10), Evie Gibson (Year 9), Pippa Dodd (Year 8) and Eva Corsalini (Year 8) who represented the Diocese at the CCC Football Trials in Sydney. All students were outstanding, with the girls placing third in their pool, while the boys pushed past expectations to finish second in their pool. They missed out on the final by only one goal. Congratulations to all.
Coming Up - Term 2 2025
Term 2, 2025 |
| Wednesday 11 June |
Junior Cup AFL, Woolgoolga |
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CCC Open League, Port Macquarie |
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NSWCCC Cross Country, Sydney |
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| Thursday 12 June |
Diocesan Open Football, Coffs Harbour |
| Friday 13 June |
NSW Fast 5 Netball, Port Macquarie |
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Mountain Bike event, Jolly Nose Woolgoolga |
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| Monday 16 - 18 June |
NSWCCC Open Basketball, Penrith |
| Tuesday 17 June |
CRL 13 League, Coffs Harbour |
| Tuesday 24 June |
Cochrane Cup 14s League, Coffs Harbour |
| Tues 24-Thurs 26 June |
NSWCCC Hockey Championships, Bathurst |
| Wednesday 25 June |
NSW All Schools Touch, Port Maquarie |
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North v South Diocesan Football finals, Coffs Harbour |
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| Friday 27 June |
College Athletics Carnival, CEX Stadium (compulsory event) |
Term 3, 2025 |
| Tuesday 5 August | Rugby 7’s, Coffs Harbour |
| Tues 12 & Wed 13 August | Diocesan Junior Basketball Championships, Port Macquarie |
* events require students to sign up directly on the Diocesan Sport website
Leader of Sport
LITERACY MATTERS
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
Reading and writing skills are deeply interconnected, each enhancing the other in a reciprocal relationship that is fundamental to literacy development.
When our children reach teenage years they move beyond learning the fundamentals of reading. However, we must remember that reading is a skill that continues to develop through our secondary schooling years.
While we have focussed heavily on developing our writing skills at the vocabulary, sentence, paragraph and extended response level, we must continue to encourage children to develop their reading prowess. Below are some strategies that students can undertake independently in order to build skills, improve comprehension and fluency and further their love for reading.
Reading Comprehesion Strategies
- Engage with reading material that is just above my current reading / comprehension skill level so that I can access the content, yet it still challenges me.
- Activate my prior knowledge - What do I know about this topic?
- Read ‘out-loud’ in my head so that I can hear myself read the words, yet no one can hear my voice.
- Ask questions of the text, before, during and after reading.
- Re-read to improve fluency - this helps me know what it feels like to read with effective accuracy, fluidity and pace.
- Make note of exciting new vocabulary.
Fostering both reading and writing skills simultaneously creates a dynamic learning environment where each skill enhances the other, leading to a more comprehensive understanding and mastery of language.
Literacy Coach
Year 10 Students exploring their post school options at the Coffs Harbour Careers Expo.
2025 Music Eisteddfod
Last week our talented students competed in this Year’s Eisteddfod in both the Instrumental and Secondary Schools Choir and Instrumental section. Our Choir consisting of 31 students performed two pieces ‘Nothing Is Gonna Stop Me’ by Pink Zebra and ‘See you Again’ by Charlie Puth. Both performances were well received by the audience and achieved 2nd place in their section. In the instrumental section, we entered four ensembles from Year 10 and 12. Our Year 10 class wowed audiences with their band performance of Sam Barber’s ‘Indigo’, this was followed by a stella performance of Billy Joel’s ‘In a New York State of Mind’, performed by Ben Melinz and Paula Guiterrez Santana. Year 12 entered as both a Duo and as a class ensemble, taking out first place with their version of Phil Collin’s ‘In the Air Tonight’. Congratulations to all of the students and staff involved in this year’s Eisteddfod.
Year 12 Duo Eisteddfod
Year 12 Band Eisteddfod
Year 10 Duo Eisteddfod
Year 10 Band Eisteddfod
On Tuesday 3 June, Year 11 Hospitality students catered for the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and what a delicious spread it was. SJPC staff enjoyed platters of assorted savoury and sweet treats.
Mr Stubbs and Mr Furey auctioned 3 incredible cakes which were generously baked by our talented staff members; Jo-Anne Benton, Trish Stocks and Richelle Smith. With the generous backing of her Year 12 English students, Siobhan McCosker successfully made the highest bid for two of the cakes.
It was a very successful fundraiser, raising $882 for the Cancer Council.
Tickets are on sale during recess and lunch in the canteen area.
If you have any questions or require further information, please email:
cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools
cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
Ph: 6653 1655 Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Compass - Reminder
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.
If you are unable to contact the Office or provide a written note for a Late Arrival, once the student has signed into the Office, a notification will appear on your Compass Dashboard to prompt you to explain the partial absence with an attendance note.
Medical Information
Head Injuries
All Head Injuries to anyone in the school or associated with a School Activity are treated seriously.
Any student who receives a concussion or a suspected concussion should be seen by a doctor with experience in managing concussion.
Students who have been diagnosed with a concussion, must have medical clearance before returning to School.
Parents, Carers and/or Guardians are strongly encouraged to advise the school when a student suffers a head injury when in their care, out of school time.
A five-day activity restriction will be recommended for any students who have suffered a head injury.
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
Student Diary
Helpful information is found in the student diary regarding daily college procedures. Please take the time to go through the student diary with your child.
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 school uniform.
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:30am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
You can now provide online consent for your child's routine school vaccinations.
In Year 10, students are offered the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine. Vaccination will only be provided at School if consent has been received.
Term 2 - Year 10 Vaccinations - Tuesday 17 June 2025
How to provide consent:
1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: https://nswhealth.
2. Click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in using your Service NSW details. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s license. If you don’t have a Service NSW account, refer to Service NSW to create one.
3. Update or confirm your personal details in Service NSW as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child. You will need to:
a) Enter your child’s personal details
b) Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
c) Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and Privacy Statement
d) Provide consent
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from the College Office.
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Translated information about school vaccination is available in 27 languages, please visit
www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Stronger Together Year 8 Family Event
We’re aiming for 30 families to join us for our Stronger Together event next Wednesday 11th June at 6pm — and we’d love your family to be one of them!
It’s a relaxed evening focused on wellbeing, with practical activities like gratitude, strength spotting, and meditation — plus a free pizza dinner.
Come connect, unwind, and enjoy time together. Let’s build stronger families, stronger kids, and a stronger school community — together.
THE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE 2025 is underway and SJPC staff have again registered a team. The challenge continues through until 26 June with participants completing 3214 push-ups. Tragically, this represents the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2023. Each day the number of push-ups is linked to a statistic or fact about mental health and we will be sharing our learning from this with the college through daily notices and updates posted in the walk-through walls.
Our staff team consists of:
Maree MUSCLES McKelvie, John FLEX Philip, Claudia BURNOUT Brown, Jessi REPS Reeves, Jasmine SUPERSET Swe, Sharon RELENTLESS Reeves, Nat BURPEES Baxter, Jeremy THUNDEROUS Thewlis, Cory BICEPS Blight, Leanne JUMPING JACK Gennat, Jesse DEADLIFT Druzinec
Students have also joined our push with extraordinary interest led by our Push-Up Challenge Student Ambassadors, Dayna Loy and Ethan Dawson. Current student team members are listed, with numbers expected to grow. We thoroughly appreciate the rigorous competitive spirit of this challenge and student involvement.
Year 12 student team consists of:
Maycee Shortis, Dayna Loy, Ethan Dawson, Logan Butcher, Drew Butcher, Riley Woods, Sam Rava, Jed Capps, Cooper Gater, Nazrawi Gebremichael, Gunsanjh Brar, Louis White, Sari Bridgeman, Monique Hill, Makaylah Beatty, Amelie Suokallio, Matilda Noble, Tahlia Amos, Holly Becker, Laila McLaughlin, Lucas Cung Tho.
All funds raised will go towards mental health and crisis support services, helping to break stigmas and provide hope to those struggling with their mental health. This is Australia's largest mental health and fitness event and, since it began, over 700,000 participants have raised over $50 million for mental health programs and services.
Help us push for better mental health.
Please hit the link and donate to our staff push-up team
SJPC STAFF PUSHUP TEAM DONATION PAGE
Think of us, and think of our shoulders, as we smash out 3214 pushups!!!
We are so proud to be a part of this event.
Literacy Coach & Fellow Push-up Team member
