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St John Paul College Coffs Harbour

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421 Hogbin Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Subscribe: https://sjpccoffs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: sjpccoffs@lism.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 6653 3155

St John Paul College Coffs Harbour

421 Hogbin Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Phone: 02 6653 3155

  • Visit our Website
  • Newsletter Archive
  • School Absence
  • College Calendar
  • Like us on Facebook
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4 Sep
Yr 11 Preliminary Final Exams

04 Sep 2025 - 12 Sep 2025

8 Sep
Week B

8 Sep
Bill Turner Trophy Finals - Newcastle

08 Sep 2025 - 10 Sep 2025

8 Sep
Yr 9 - Elective History Excursion

08 Sep 2025 - 11 Sep 2025

9 Sep
CCC Open Girls Soccer Finals - Sydney

09 Sep 2025 - 10 Sep 2025

9 Sep
Mass & Reconciliation SJPC Chapel - 8B

1:35 PM - 3:20 PM

10 Sep
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10 Sep 2025 - 11 Sep 2025

10 Sep
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2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

12 Sep
Yr 10 PASS Excursion

12 Sep
Yr 8 Online Course Selections Close

15 Sep
Week A

16 Sep
Yr 7-12 (some) The Jeffrey Morgan Leadership Program P5-6

16 Sep
Immunisation Catch ups

16 Sep
Yr 11 First Aid Course

16 Sep
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17 Sep
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19 Sep
Mountain Bike Race Woolgoolga

19 Sep
Yr 12 Graduation Mass

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22 Sep
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22 Sep
Clarence Regional Public Speech Competition

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23 Sep
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23 Sep
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24 Sep
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25 Sep
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25 Sep 2025 - 26 Sep 2025

26 Sep
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27 Sep
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27 Sep 2025 - 12 Oct 2025

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29 August 2025 - Newsletter (Vol 42 No 13)

  • Principal's Message
  • Assistant Principal - Mission
  • Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
  • Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
  • School Evangelisation
  • Wellbeing Matters
  • Leaders of Student Wellbeing
  • SJPC Merit Award Recipients
  • Literacy Coach
  • Curriculum Matters
  • Visual Arts
  • Languages
  • Marine Studies - Heron Island
  • Sports Corner
  • What's On!
  • Office News
  • Father's Day Breakfast
  • HSC Major Works Showcase Evening
  • Family Connect in Schools
  • St Francis Xavier School Community Fete

Principal's Message

Anchored in Hope: The 2025 Catholic Education Conference

Last week I joined over 1,400 Catholic educators, leaders, and special guests from across Australia for the Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC)

This year’s theme, “Hope, Anchored in Faith,” reminded everyone that in times of change, faith remains our constant. Guest speakers explored how being part of a faith community helps us make choices that are compassionate, courageous, and future-focused. Student learning, family connections and the implications of AI on our young people were also prominent themes across the three days.

The conference took place during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, reminding educators of their shared mission: to help students grow in faith, compassion, and purpose. Sessions explored how Catholic identity can be lived out in everyday school life — not just through liturgy and prayer, but also through social justice, service, and the example set by teachers and leaders.

One of the most talked-about guests was Professor Dylan Wiliam, a global expert on how assessment can be used for learning—not just of learning. His ideas continue to challenge schools to rethink how feedback works, how we grow as learners, and how teachers can support students to reach our potential, not just get a grade – I might add that it was very affirming to hear the work that we have done at SJPC is laying strong foundations and aligns well with our learning engagement continuum.

Another key speaker, Dr Simon Breakspear, talked about how students and teachers can work smarter—not harder—by focusing on what really matters in the classroom.

As I engaged over the three days I kept focusing on the following key questions:

  • How do students best learn – how are teachers using new ideas on feedback, questioning, and self-reflection to engage students in their own learning?
  • What does leadership look like in schools – are leaders at all levels focusing on fairness, student voice, and wellbeing?
  • How do we walk together – with renewed commitment to reconciliation and inclusion
  • How do we live our faith – not just in prayer, but through action, service, and hope.

We want students and families to know that the student must be at the heart of everything we do, your learning, your wellbeing, your sense of purpose—it all matters, it is what makes up the holistic approach towards education at SJPC.

The ACEC 2025 message was clear: Catholic schools exist not just to educate the mind, but to form the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The conference reaffirmed a national commitment to:

  • High-quality teaching and learning
  • Faith formation and values education
  • Inclusive, supportive school environments
  • Partnerships with families and communities

As parents and carers, your role remains vital. We encourage open conversations at home about your child’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of purpose—and invite you to be part of the journey as we continue to shape Catholic education for today’s world.

God bless

  

Carniato, Michael

Michael Carniato
Principal

Assistant Principal - Mission

St John Paul Day - What’s it all about?

St John Paul Day is one of the most important days on our College calendar - a day to celebrate the life, papacy, and legacy of our Patron Saint, Pope St John Paul II.

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Did you know?

  • The very first “John Paul Day” was celebrated way back in 1983 - the very same year our College first opened!
  • At first it was held on 16 October, the exact date John Paul II was elected Pope.
  • A number of years later, it was moved into Term 3 so that our Year 12 students could join in the celebration before graduation.
  • In 2014, when John Paul II was canonised a saint, our school was renamed St John Paul College to honour him. 
  • From the very beginning, St John Paul Day has always started with a Mass or Liturgy focused on Pope John Paul II - his life and his teachings. This is followed by a full day of fun activities where students and staff can come together, celebrate as a community, and build connections.

St John Paul II had a deep love and respect for young people. He encouraged them to live with joy, courage, and faith - which is why celebrating together with fun activities is such an important part of the day. It reflects his belief that faith and joy go hand in hand, and that young people bring energy and hope to the Church.

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Photos from St John Paul Day 2025

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Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission

Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The College continued its focus on Leadership this week with the College Captains linking the concept of Leadership to the College Emmaus Project in their presentation to the College Assembly in Week 5. I take this opportunity to thank Makaylah and Chayton for their work.

Please take the time to read their thoughts.

College Captain's Leadership Speech 2025
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Until next time: 
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Michael Stubbs
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching

Year 7-9 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Following this fortnight’s Year 7–9 Parent Student Teacher Conferences, I encourage families to use the new Engagement Continuum as a tool to reflect on and support learning at home. 

The continuum helps students understand that true engagement in learning moves beyond simply participating in class, towards investing effort, and ultimately driving their own learning. By discussing where your child currently sits on the continuum, you can help them identify strengths, set meaningful goals, and take ownership of their progress. The aim is to develop and foster greater responsibility, motivation, and confidence, ensuring every student develops the skills needed for successful learning.

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Engaged Learners - Classroom Entry and Exit Routines

Students will now see this graphic appear in classrooms and electronic screens. The aim is to have a greater student engagement in their learning and consistency of practice amongst our staff and student body. The following graphic is an expectation of what our lesson should look like:

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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

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In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.

Elevate

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

Furey, James
James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

School Evangelisation

SHINE 2025: Follow Me!

Last week, St John Paul College had the incredible privilege of hosting one of the most exciting events on the Youth Ministry calendar – SHINE. As part of the Student Discipleship Continuum, SHINE brings together Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students from across the Diocese of Lismore to explore what it truly means to live out their faith and be part of youth ministry in today's world. This year’s theme, “Follow Me,” invited students to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Jesus with trust, courage and purpose.

Our two amazing Year 10 Ministry classes were joined by several passionate Year 11 and 12 leaders from the Senior Ministry Team, all representing SJPC with pride and spirit. Over two faith-filled days, our College was buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of 605 students from schools across the diocese, coming together in one community to encounter Jesus in new and dynamic ways.

SHINE offered students a powerful experience of Catholic faith in action – from praise and worship, to inspiring keynote speakers, student testimonies, interactive workshops, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass. It was a celebration of what it means to be young, Catholic, and alive in the Church today.

A highlight for many was the breakout session led by our Senior Ministry Team, titled “Walking the Path.” Based around praying with the labyrinth, this session gave students a peaceful and reflective way to engage with God, step by step, through quiet prayer and contemplation. It was a beautiful expression of the ongoing commitment of our senior leaders to peer-to-peer ministry.

The event concluded with a powerful and moving final address from Oliver, our College Youth Minister, who reminded students to trust in God’s plan for their lives and to respond with a resounding “yes” to Jesus' call to “Follow Me.” His message was heartfelt and inspiring. It was a fitting end to two unforgettable days of connection, prayer, and transformation.

We are so proud to have hosted such a meaningful and memorable event. SHINE 2025 was a true celebration of faith, leadership, and community. Every student walked away with something special – a renewed sense of purpose, deeper friendships, and a strengthened relationship with Jesus.

Thank you to everyone who made SHINE at SJPC such a success, especially our Ministry students, staff, and volunteers. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Sarah de Byl and Matthew Quinton

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Catch the Wave

On Tuesday 26 August, St John Paul College was thrilled to host Catch the Wave, a dynamic mini-retreat experience designed especially for our Year 8 and 9 students. With the generous support of the Regional Youth Ministry team from the Catholic Schools Office, this uplifting event marked an exciting moment in the life of our school, particularly as we prepare to expand our Youth Ministry program to include both Years 9 and 10 from next year.

“Catch the Wave” is all about helping young people deepen their relationship with God through engaging and reflective activities. Using the analogy of “catching the wave” of faith, the retreat encouraged students to understand that faith is a journey — and we are all riding the waves at different stages. Whether students are only just beginning to explore their connection to God or are already growing in their friendship with Him, the day provided space to reflect, connect, and be inspired.

Throughout the retreat, students focused on recognising God’s presence in their daily lives and how His Spirit continues to guide and shape them. With a balance of music, games, group discussions, quiet reflection, and prayer, the event offered a meaningful and enjoyable experience of what youth ministry is all about.

A highlight of the day was seeing our Year 10 Ministry class take on leadership roles, working alongside the CSO team to support and lead parts of the retreat. They modeled peer-to-peer ministry with confidence and care, using the skills they’ve developed throughout the year to inspire and encourage their younger peers.

It was particularly exciting to see so many Year 8 and 9 students engage so enthusiastically with the day’s activities and show a real interest in what it means to be part of youth ministry at SJPC. The energy and openness displayed by the students was a clear sign that the future of ministry at our school is bright.

To build on the momentum of the retreat, Catch the Wave will be followed up in Year 8 and 9 classes with a special session called "Going Deeper". In these sessions, Oliver, our College Youth Minister, will further explore the meaning of youth ministry and encourage students to consider how they might get involved. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on their own faith journey, and learn more about what’s involved in joining the Youth Ministry classes for 2026 with the opportunity to apply to be part of these classes at the end of this session.

We are deeply grateful to the Regional Youth Ministry team, our dedicated staff, and our incredible Year 10 Ministry students for making this event so meaningful. Catch the Wave was more than just a retreat — it was a spark that will continue to grow as we support our students to ride the wave of faith and discover their own unique call to follow Christ.

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Sarah deByl
Leader of School Evangelisation

Wellbeing Matters

St John Paul College students ‘ACTIVATE’ their futures

Students from St John Paul College recently participated in an engaging opportunity named ‘Activate’, which was focused on self-reflection and career discovery for some of our Indigenous students. The afternoon was a fantastic opportunity of discovery for the girls to connect their personal interests and talents with real-world job prospects and financial planning.

The session began with the students completing a self-reflection survey designed to identify their unique strengths and passions. Armed with this newfound self-awareness, they then moved on to a creative exercise: designing their own ideal lifestyle. This involved thinking about their future homes, hobbies, and, of course, what type of car they wanted to own. The next crucial step was to calculate the annual income needed to support this dream life. 

To bring it all together, the results from their initial survey were used to match each student with potential occupations that aligned with their personality and talents, demonstrating how their passions could translate into a fulfilling and financially viable career.

It was a fun and insightful afternoon that equipped the students with valuable skills in self-awareness, financial literacy, and career planning, giving them a clearer vision for their future.

A big thank you to Aunty Vicki and Tahlia for their organisation and assistance with the day.

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Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

In my position, I'm extremely fortunate to have exposure to the many wonderful opportunities our young people have outside of the classroom walls. Experiences that go beyond the textbooks and can shape the students in ways that cannot be achieved otherwise.

Choosing our school means joining a vibrant community that extends beyond the classroom. Our school camps, retreats, and events are integral to this experience. These aren't just fun trips; they are intentionally designed opportunities for students to develop crucial life skills like resilience, teamwork, and leadership in a supportive environment.

We respectfully encourage families to support these valuable programs. Your partnership is vital for the success of these events and for fostering well-rounded, capable young individuals prepared for the future. 

As you can imagine, the planning and organisation that takes place to offer opportunities to literally hundreds of individuals is extensive, and when families accept an invitation to attend and then don’t turn up on the day, it has a lasting effect on the event.

Your encouragement at home and ensuring your child's participation makes a world of difference. When our students fully engage, they not only grow as individuals but also contribute to a stronger, more connected school spirit for everyone. Together, we can provide enriching experiences that help every student thrive.

Bullying – important conversations to have with your child

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Across Australia, many schools participated in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action 11 - 15 August 2025. 

By working collaboratively within our community(staff, students and families), we can collectively help reduce bullying. Our SJPC families play an important role in helping our young people to understand bullying and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Questions you could ask:

  • What do you think bullying is?
  • Have you seen it? How did you feel?
  • Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
  • As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
  • Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
  • Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower our students to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong at SJPC.

For more information you can visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

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Mark Coster
Leader of Student Engagement

Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 7

2025 has been a fantastic year so far for our Year 7 cohort. A year of new beginnings and growth. 

Our youngest members of the SJPC community have definitely landed on their feet. Hand ball, soccer, and excited chats with friends throughout the playground would be one highlight of most student's day. Friendships from primary school are blending with new connections and interest groups.

I am very encouraged by a large number of students applying for College Leadership roles into 2026, and more and more student volunteers to practice leadership skills through prayers and announcements at our Year 7 assemblies each week.

Each Year 7 homeroom has been enjoying the planning of fun activities for SJPC day.  

It was wonderful for our teachers of Year 7 to connect and talk with parents and students this week at our Term 3 Student/Parent/Teacher conferences. Thank you to the families that were able to make that time a priority for our students to discuss goals, barriers and wins.

Many of our students accessing support in their learning are developing more independence in their skills and understanding of subjects at school. We have an amazing Learning Support Department of dedicated teaching staff, together with a dedicated homeroom pastoral team caring for our Year 7 students at SJPC at the beginning of each day. I am grateful to God for this community we enjoy at SJPC and I am very hopeful for the future adventures and further growth of our Year 7 cohort. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to ask anything or to help us care for yourchildren at school as best we can.

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Jon Baldwin and Mikayla Hannaford
Year 7 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

Year 9

We are proud to congratulate our outstanding Year 9 students who were recognised with Distinction Awards in Week 4. These awards celebrate students who consistently demonstrate excellence in their studies, uphold our school values, and act as positive role models for their peers. Congratulations to: Sharon Shabu, Dilshaan Chahal and Danika Denner. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to personal growth are truly commendable. We are inspired by the way you approach your learning and contribute to our school community. Well done, Year 9 – we look forward to seeing you continue to achieve great things!

Week 4
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Sharon Shabu
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Dilshaan Chahal
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Danika Denner

We would also like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding efforts and achievements in Week 5: Tahlia ROOK, Joshua DE GROOT, Melinda TWAROWSKI.
These students have demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards their learning and school community and received a Merit Certificate. Merit Certificates are a wonderful recognition of the hard work and dedication shown both inside and outside the classroom.

Week 5
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Tahlia Rook
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Joshua De Groot
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Melinda Twarowski

As a year group, we continue to focus on the importance of inclusive language and behaviours. The words we choose and the way we treat one another shape the culture of our school. By promoting respect, kindness, and understanding in all our interactions, we create a community where everyone feels valued and supported

Well done to Tahlia, Joshua, Melinda, Sharon, Dilshaan and Danika – we are proud of your achievements and encourage you to continue striving for excellence!

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Mark Sultana and Elise Cox
Year 9 Leaders of Student Wellbeing

SJPC Merit Award Recipients

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. 

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Literacy Coach

LITERACY MATTERS

ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS

Write a book in a day

This fabulous event has again had outstanding success at SJPC!!!

For the fourth year running, Mrs McKelvie and Mrs Brennan have administered the WRITE A BOOK IN A DAY competition for interested students from Year 7 and Year 8 and what a fabulous day it was!

Thirty five passionate, creative and inspiring young students worked tirelessly in groups of 6-10 over a period of 12 hours to complete illustrated chapter books. The competition is run by the Kids Cancer Council, raising funds for research and resulting in the creation of reading material for children in hospital.

On the morning of the competition each group was assigned a unique set of parameters outlining characters, setting, key words and the theme or issue. Students worked collaboratively with extraordinary passion, positivity and skill to successfully complete their task.The library was abuzz with enthusiasm from 8am until 7pm and students submitted their books and proudly shared their success with parents.

Congratulations to all students involved. Please enjoy these images of students exploring their literary and illustrative skills during this creative team writing competition.

Student comments about the day:

‘It is a really fun day where you get to hang out with friends and use teamwork skills, your imaginations and creativity. Overall, it’s a great experience.’

‘You get to spend time with your friends and create something worthwhile - an illustrated chapter book in just one day.’

‘It's cool and fun, and there's great food. You can develop your writing skills.’

‘It helps build teamwork and communication skills.’

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Mrs Maree McKelvie
Literacy Coach

Curriculum Matters

Year 12

HSC Markers will be on the College premises over the next three weeks, starting on Monday with the marking of Year 12 Industrial Technology major works and Drama. This is a very exciting, albeit nervous time for students and staff alike. Please pray for them.

We encourage all HSC students to keep working with their teachers to improve and make the most of the next 3 weeks of class.

We remind students of the following;

  • Attend all classes as per your timetable
  • Act on the feedback your teachers have provided
  • Keep up to date with NESA Advice via the following link. NESA student guide 
  • Get plenty of sleep, eat well and do moderate exercise

Year 11

Exclamation Mark
Preliminary Examination Block

The Year 11 Final Examinations start this coming Wednesday, starting with English in the morning – 9am start. Please meet outside the Hall for roll marking. All students are to be at school at least 30 mins prior to the start of each examination.

The examination period runs from Wednesday, 3 September and finishes Friday, 12 September.

This will be the first-time students will experience an HSC style examination environment. It is important to be aware of the requirements as outlined in the Assessment Block Student Information document provided on Google Classroom.

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

Year 10

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Students will receive course confirmation letters next week along with the information they need for continuing at SJPC in 2026. We look forward to discussing your pathway and finalising courses at the Week 8 Round Table Conferences. Thank you to all parents for supporting this important part of the process.

A reminder that students automatically receive their reserve choices if courses did not run or if clashes within the timetable occurred. Ms Brown has been speaking with these students to ensure their preferences and reserves are correct and they are happy with their pattern of study.

Year 8

Year 8 students should now have started to explore their Stage 5 elective options by reading the information contained in the Stage 5 Elective pack, which they received last Monday, as well as via the SJPC Stage 5 Information Website.

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Students are being provided with opportunities to learn more about the electives being offered via presentations and talks during timetabled meetings with different Leaders of Learning.

On Thursday of Week 7 students will be emailed a personalised link to the online platform through which they will register their elective preferences.

Students are asked to print out their elective form, have a parent or carer sign the form to acknowledge their selections and submit the printout to the Curriculum Office.

I’d like to thank Year 8 students for their responsiveness and positive approach to this process thus far. I would like to stress that it is important for students to think carefully about their choices. Classes are not constructed based on order of submission of the form, so please do not rush your decision making.

Again, if you have any questions feel free to pop into the Curriculum office.


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Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Visual Arts

In Semester One, our Year 8 students explored the wonderful world of Pop Art, a movement that emerged in the 1950s and 60s as a bold celebration of popular culture, consumerism, and everyday objects. Pop Art transformed ordinary items, from comic books to food packaging, into striking works of art that reflected the trends of popular culture at the time, and in doing so, challenged traditional ideas about what constituted art. Inspired by this, our students created sculptures featuring food and objects that play a central role in today's culture. As you can see, their sculptures are bright, bold, and visually appealing.

Students making Pop Art

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Year 8 Pop Art

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Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts

Languages

Year 10 SJPC students at our sister school in Japan

7 of our Year 10 students, Anna Matthews, Ollie Jones, Bonnie Plunkett, Daisy Becker, Davis Flanagan, Ashley Bartlett and Robbie Haig departed last week for their 3 and 5 month exchanges to our sister school in Japan - Reitaku Mizunami High School.

They were greeted with signs and lots of smiles at the airport by their host students and families. They have spent a few days with their hosts before starting their school experience this week.

We are so proud of these talented and brave future leaders whom we know will represent our College with pride and humility. We wish them all the best for the experiences that lay ahead of them. 

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Year 10s learn how to make Onigiri

Just before the departure of some of their classmates, the Year 10 Japanese class learnt how to make onigiri. Onigiri are Japanese rice balls, typically molded into a triangle, that are filled with various ingredients and wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed). They are a popular snack found everywhere from convenience stores to specialty shops.

The students brought their own ingredients and some enjoyed decorating their onigiri in fun ways. They all found their onigiri delicious.

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Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

Marine Studies - Heron Island

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Thirty two Marine Studies students have just returned from an extraordinary week of diving and exploring the reefs and ecosystems of Heron Island, near Gladstone.

Each day started at 6, with staff and students snorkeling out to the wreck to swim with an abundance of sharks, rays, turtles and a myriad of other amazing creatures and organisms. After breakfast, we would then load up the boats and head out to the reef rim to see more of the incredible coral habitats found on the Great Barrier Reef.

The students were blessed with reasonable weather this year and we made the most of it. Keen divers also opted into the bonus wreck dive in the last hour of the day, with some kids getting 7 dives in per day! Most students this year swam with several manta rays - an experience that brought some to tears of joy. Our nights were spent in the lab completing research tasks or taking a guided reef walk.

I am very proud of how this group behaved during this trip. They were polite, well behaved and as keen as mustard. I am also very grateful to our wonderful staff, Matt Currie, Louis Van Dartel and Tanya Slaverio who worked very long hours to ensure that this expedition was safely and successfully conducted. The reef is an amazing place. It has been an incredible privilege to show it to our kids.

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Toby Waters
Teacher

Sports Corner

Rugby 7s

Our Rugby 7s teams recently competed in the Mid North Coast Secondary Schools State 7s Tournament, with all teams advancing to the Grand Final undefeated despite the cold and windy conditions. The 14s Girls and 16s Boys were crowned champions of their divisions, while the 14s Boys and 16s Girls finished strongly as runners-up. Congratulations to all players and their coaches. All four teams have now secured their place in the State Finals to be held in Tuggerah this September.

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Bill Turner Trophy Northern NSW Finals

Our Bill Turner Trophy team has secured a place in the semi-finals! Top 4 in a nation-wide competition for the second year in a row. They claimed a 5–3 victory over St Joseph's Lochinvar in the Round of 16, followed by a hard-fought 2–1 win against Merewether in the quarter-final. Congratulations to the players and their coaches, Vicky Istrate and Josh Moore!

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Bill Turner Cup Northern NSW Finals

The boys faced a well-drilled St Bede’s, Chisholm side in the Round of 16, showing great skill and teamwork but going down 2–0. They backed up strongly the following day in a consolidation match against Emmanuel Anglican, securing a 4–3 victory with Busby Hibberd scoring all four goals. A big thank you to Damien Wood and Craig Bertwistle for their guidance and excellent team management across the two days.

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Year 9 & 10 Term 4 Sport Selections

Sports selections have been finalised and invoices will be issued via Compass. Payment is required by the Tuesday 23 September.

Term 4 Representative Sport Sign Up Form

Students interested in representing the College in Volleyball, Water Polo, Golf, Cricket, League Tag, Basketball, or Squash are encouraged to complete the Term 4 Representative Sport sign-up form on the SJPC Sport Google Classroom.

Coming Up - Term 3 2025

Term 3, 2025

Tuesday 2 September Diocesan Athletics Carnival, Coffs Harbour
Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 September

Bill Turner Trophy Girls Final, Speers Point

Wednesday 10 September

NSWCCC KO Open Girls Football, Sydney

Thursday 11 September Rugby 7s State Finals, Sydney
Monday 15 September

NSWCCC Athletics Championships, Sydney

Friday 19 September

North Coast Schools Mountain Biking, Woolgoolga

* events require students to sign up directly on the Diocesan Sport website




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Carla Snow
Acting Leader of Sport

What's On!

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Office News

SJPC Virtual Tour

SJPC Virtual Tour https://advancedpromo.com.au/tours/stjohnpaulc/

Finance

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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

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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


SJPC Facebook

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

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.

Father's Day Breakfast

Click here to RSVP by Monday 1 September 2025
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HSC Major Works Showcase Evening

Please click here to RSVP attendance

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Family Connect in Schools

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Family Connect Service at SJPC

Our school, Social Futures and the Catholic Schools Office are in partnership to integrate the Family Connect in Schools Service into our school.

The Family Connect in Schools Service helps families to connect in with a wide range of services in the community. They can also accompany families to service appointments and case manage a support plan if a family needs a significant variety of services.

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St Francis Xavier School Community Fete

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St Francis Xavier Primary School is holding a Fete on Saturday 25 October from 12pm - 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy an afternoon of fun rides, food trucks, great stalls, and entertainment. 

We would like to invite any past SFX students who are interested in volunteering for an hour on the day to run the Crazy Hair, Facepaint and Tattoo Stall to fill out this Google Form.

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