13 September 2024 - Newsletter (Vol 41 No 14)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- SJPC Merit Award Recipients
- Languages
- Literacy Matters - Write a book in a day
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Sports Corner
- Junior Science Olympiad Training Squad
- Office News
- We're Hiring
- R U OK? Day 2024
- 2024 Handball Tournament
- HSC Major Works Showcase Evening
- Father's Day Breakfast
- Study Skills Handbook - Preparing for Exams
- Parent Webinar & Survey - Raising Body Kind Teens
- Seasons for Growth
- School Holiday Programs & Events - Yarilla Arts
The House that Education builds
There is a story of a wealthy man who called his servant in to say that he was leaving the country for a year and that, while he was gone, he wanted the servant to build him a new house. The wealthy man told his servant to build the house well and, when he returned, he would pay all the bills, whatever the cost.
Shortly after the wealthy man departed, the servant decided it was foolish to work so hard and started to cut corners, spending and squandering all the money saved.
When the wealthy man returned, he paid all the bills and then asked the servant,
‘Are you satisfied with the house you have built?’
‘Yes, I am,’ replied the servant.
The wealthy man said ‘Good… because the house is yours. You can live in it for the rest of your life.’
Education is the house you are building to live in for the rest of your life. Build the very best house you can.
As we approach the end of the Year 11 exams and the start of the HSC final exams next term, as well as all the learning we do in all year groups both in and out of the classroom, let’s remember the importance of investing our time well in all learning settings, to do the very best we can - it’s going to be the foundation of our success in the future.
Acting Principal Role – Term 3 Week 9 and 10 and Term 4 Week 1
I will be on leave for the above-mentioned dates. Mr James Furey will be acting Principal in my absence while I travel overseas.
God bless
As we step into September, the changing seasons invite us to reflect on the themes of renewal and growth within our Catholic community. Spring's arrival fills the world with new life, offering a powerful reminder of the fresh beginnings God provides each day.
Earlier this week, we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary’s example continues to inspire us to say "yes" to God’s call in our lives. In our school community, we can live this out by showing kindness, helping others, and strengthening our faith.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate our Year 12 Graduation Mass on Sunday, 22 September which will be held at 5:30PM at St Augustine’s Church in Coffs Harbour. This is a special moment for our graduating students as they complete their secondary education and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. We warmly invite all members of our school and parish community to join us for this important celebration, as we give thanks for their journey and wish them well in the future.
As we continue through this month, let's focus on how we can be a source of light for others in our school and community. May we follow Christ’s example, guided by Mary’s love and humility.
Leanne Gennat
Assistant Principal - Mission
We all love our children and want to protect them, keeping them from harm or hurt. This can become increasingly more challenging as they become older and more independent. Allowing them to have this independence, trusting them and knowing they could possibly make mistakes is difficult. In our present society, particularly with the influence of social media, it is an increasingly more difficult job as a parent or caregiver. In saying that, it is also a right of passage for teenagers to make mistakes and they will learn from this.
The term ‘helicopter parenting' paints a picture of a parent who hovers over their children, always on alert, and who swoops in to rescue them at the first sign of trouble or disappointment. The term was first coined in 1990 by Foster Cline and Jim Fay in their book, Parenting with Love and Logic. Over the years this term has had a degree of negativity attached but I believe we are all guilty of it to a certain extent. The perfect balance is sometimes difficult to find.
Helicopter parenting can be defined by three types of behaviours that parents exemplify:
- Information seeking behaviour including knowing your children’s daily schedule and where they are at all times, helping them make decisions, and being informed about grades and other accomplishments
- Direct intervention meaning jumping into conflicts with kids’ roommates, friends, partners and even bosses
- Autonomy limiting like when parents prevent kids from making their own mistakes and control their lives
What can we do to break the helicopter habit?
All parents know that parenting is not easy. Having children and raising them presents innumerable challenges and surprises, but also immense joy and connection. Now that we know that overparenting only leads to more problems for our kids, we can make the following adjustments in our parenting approach:
- Support your children’s growth and independence by listening to them, and not always pushing your desires on them.
- Refrain from doing everything for your children (this includes homework!). Take steps to gradually teach them how to accomplish tasks on their own.
- Don’t try to help your children escape consequences for their actions unless you believe those consequences are unfair or life-altering.
- Don’t raise your child to expect to be treated differently than other children.
- Encourage your children to solve their own problems by asking them to come up with creative solutions.
- Teach your children to speak up for themselves in a respectful manner.
- Understand and accept your children’s weaknesses and strengths, and help them to use their strengths to achieve their own goals.
(https://www.gottman.com/blog/helicopter-parenting-good-intentions-poor-outcomes)
Making mistakes is certainly something that is not confined to developing adolescents. As adults we also have times when we wish we had made a different decision. Learning from mistakes is a lifelong journey. "Making a mistake" is not the same thing as "failing." A failure is the result of a wrong action, whereas a mistake usually is the wrong in action. So, when you make a mistake, you can learn from it and fix it, whereas you can only learn from a failure. This is a thought that we can try to instil in the young people in our care. Sometimes the hardest part is witnessing your child make a mistake and for you to step back and allow them to own it, deal with it and eventually learn from it. Parenting effectively is definitely the hardest job.
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
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 now 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
Merit Awards
Below are our current Distinction Award recipients so as to recognise student efforts not just at Assemblies but also within our Community throughout the year.
SJPC Merit Award Recipients
|
Year 7 |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
Year 8 |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
 Distinction Award |
Year 9 |
 Abbie Schmetzer - Year 9 |
 Distinction Award |
AMDG
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching
Sister School Exchange
Last weekend we farewelled 5 of our Year 10 students who will be spending 3 months at our sister school, Reitaku Mizunami High School, in Japan. Rubee Shaw, Maya Farmer, Isabel Sparrius, Noah Gennat and Luca Mighell left Coffs Harbour full of excitement as they headed to Gifu to start their once in a lifetime experience.
Despite the threat of Typhoon Shanshan, the students arrived safely and on time to be greeted by their host families and staff from Reitaku Mizunami.
Reports so far are that the students are enjoying themselves and settling in well to their new lifestyle. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their adventures.
Leader of Learning - Languages
All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things
This fabulous event has again had success at SJPC!!!
For the third year running, Mrs McKelvie and Mrs Brennan have administered the WRITE A BOOK IN A DAY competition for interested students from Year 7, 8 and 9, and what a fabulous day it was!
Fifty 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 8pm 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.
Maree McKelvie and Sharon Brennan
Year 11 Ceramic students explored Chinese-Australian artist Ah Xian's artmaking practices and ceramic busts, and they created a clay bust inspired by his artworks. Students further developed their clay-making skills by incorporating pinching, coiling, and glazing techniques. As you can see, they have created some visually intriguing and unique forms.
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Rugby 7s Report
14s Girls
SJPC Maroons
The Maroons started the day with a narrow 2 point loss to eventual runners-up BDC. They then had two close losses to SJPC White and Woolgoolga High before securing a final dominant victory against Macksville High. The play from the team improved as the day progressed with some outstanding performances across the matches. Notable mentions must be made to Hayley Woods punching well above her weight class all day, Holly Johnson who steered the team around perfectly from halfback, and Molly Pither who had some barnstorming runs to put the Maroons in key field positions time and time again. The school should be extremely proud of the effort displayed by the Maroons.
SJPC White
From the outset SJPC White showed their class and why they were eventual champions on the day. With strong pool victories against Macksville High, Woolgoolga High and some incredible sportsmanship to share some tips and tricks with SJPC Maroons as they played, the SJPC White girls took on BDC to decide the champions of the day. From the kick off, the ladies showed they were a cut above by running 7 tries in the final, with Molly Biddle scoring 3 and Matilda Noble bagging a double. It was a terrific display and one that showed these girls will be a contender at the State Championships later this month. Amongst this team, it is hard to single out just one player as a player of the day, but notable mentions must go to Ellie Bailey whose offload game resembled that of a young Sonny Bill Williams, Molly Biddle whose defence was intimidating from the sideline and lastly Miranda Richter whose leadership as captain shined through and was exemplary.
Mitch Walton (Coach)
14s Boys
The SJPC A team were destructive. Annihilation was the theme. I told the boys not too much carnage, but they didn’t listen.
Three straight wins against Grafton High School (49-7) Saint Clares of Taree (28-14) and McAuley Grafton (42-7) gave us all the momentum we needed to take on BDC in the final.
Although BDC were a strong and well-organised team the boys put them to bed very easily with 6 tries to nil score line. It was night night at halftime and the second half gave BDC the sweet dreams they needed.
The A boys were clinically dominant and played with cohesion and sportsmanship. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys off to Sydney we go.
Sadly, our 14s B side lost their two round games and didn’t proceed to the final but played with courage and tenacity all the way through. They were a pleasure to coach.
Joshua Moore (Coach)
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
On Monday 2 September, SJPC had the honour of convening and hosting the Diocesan Athletics Championships at the CEX Stadium. Almost 140 students and staff played a role in this event, with over 800 students and staff from the Diocese converging on Coffs for what was one of the hottest days yet - a balmy 35 degrees! Thank you to our amazing SJPC staff and student officials who were team managers, starters, recorders, judges and marshalls. They made the carnival happen!
We had many outstanding individual results from our SJPC team, including 12-years boys joint Diocesan Age Champion, Thomas Joyce and 14 years girls Diocesan Age Champions, Evie Hill. Additionally, the following students placed top 4 at the carnival:
Thomas Joyce - 1st in 400m; 2nd in 200m; 3rd in 100m; 4th in Javelin
Evie Hill - 1st in 100m and High jump; 2nd in Long jump, Triple jump
Coco Becker - 1st in 400m and 800m
Eric Greenwood - 1st in 1500m and 800m; 4th in 400m
Max Pinder - 1st in Long jump
Sian Morrison - 2nd in 100m and 200m
Tiah Allen - 2nd in Long jump; 4th in Discus, Javelin and High jump
Alex Greenwood - 2nd in 1500m; 3rd in 800m
Monique Hill - 2nd in Triple jump; 4th in 100m
Riley Woods - 2nd in 800m and 1500m
Dayna Loy - 2nd in 1500m; 4th in 400m
Jasper Franklin - 2nd in Shot put
Nazrawi Gebremichael - 2nd in Javelin
Maisie McCormick - 2nd in Javelin
Levi Schultz - 2nd in Long jump
Isla Anderson - 2nd in Shot put
Tahlia Amos - 3rd in Discus and Shot put
Jayda Crocker - 3rd in Long jump and 4th in 200m
Tazmyn White - 3rd in Javelin
Angus Watson - 3rd in Long jump
Joseph Oliver-Lynch - 3rd in 400m; 4th in Shot put
Haira Haira Ri - 3rd in 100m
Makaylah Beatty - 3rd in Javelin
Sia Wilson - 4th in Javelin
Chayton Chang - 4th in 400m
Liam Newbery - 4th in 100m
Louis White - 4th in 400m
Scarlett Walmsley - 4th in Shot put
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to represent the Diocese at the CCC Athletics at Homebush on Monday 16 September:
Evie Hill, Monique Hill, Coco Becker, Thomas Joyce, Max Pinder, Eric Greenwood, Alex Greenwood, Sian Morrison, Riley Woods and Dayna Loy. We wish those students going on to the next level all the best.
Bill Turner Trophy
On Monday 2 September, the 16-strong squad travelled to Lake Macquarie in preparation for the National Finals of the Bill Turner Trophy. The team was outstanding, breaking milestones along the way. Congratulations to all the girls and coaches on a spectacular achievement. Please see the coach’s report below for more details.
Our Turner Trophy hopefuls were full of spirit and optimism as we made the descent down to Newcastle to face the best of the best. A country school competing against city giants. We had already stamped our presence in the northern competition as being formidable, tenacious and unyielding when in front, from behind and when neck and neck. We had come so far; further than anyone had been before us at SJPC!
Day one of competition began against Cairns State High School. A school population of 1665 students ensured a large selection pool for talent and from the talent is what we saw, the girls were ready to fight as underdogs against the notorious Cairns outfit. Cairns were well drilled, they were clinical and highly skilled from front to back.
It was from the go Cairns played to feet all day long with brilliant one-touch, two-touch, three-touch passing. Rarely was there a selfish play from any of the Cairns players. Our girls fought hard and fair. We lost four goals to one. Pippa Dodd scored a screamer off a free kick in the top left corner as she does time and time again. We were so proud of the girls and on another day the game would’ve been closer but Cairns were too good on this day.
Sadly, we were out of the final match but had one more game to play off for third place.
This opponent was next level; a Victorian Sporting Academy school from Maribyrnong with talent coming out from every which way. If the previous school played clinical, this school played with ruthless precision. They held 80% of the possession for most of the game. Unfortunately for us, they put goal after goal on us with beautiful passing and selfless play from everyone of the opposing teammates. We were held off from scoring despite 2 to 3 chances, however, our girls fought hard but we were bested.
All in all, we are so proud as a country school to play some top tier football against some incredibly talented teams. We could not be more proud of the girls and how hard they fought for every square inch of possession. To play on this stage can only serve us in the future to develop more skills, more tactics and better gameplay.
An excellent trip. We hope to do it again in the future, well done girls!
Joshua Moore and Tanya Slaviero (Coaches)
9/10 School Sport Payments
Coming Up - Term 3 & 4 2024
Term 3 |
| Tuesday 17-18 September |
Rugby 7's State Finals, Venue TBC |
| Dates prior to 27 September |
Berg Shield and Downie Trophy cricket, Grafton |
Term 4 |
| Monday 14 - 16 October |
NSWCCC Boys 9/10 Basketball, Penrith (7/8 to be confirmed) |
| Tuesday 22 October |
Diocesan Touch Football, Port Macquarie |
| Friday 25 October |
Diocesan Volleyball, Sportz Central |
| Sunday 3 - 5 November |
NSWCCC Girls 9/10 Basketball, Bankstown |
| Thursday 9 - 12 November |
Australian Schools Futsal 13s and 14s girls, Brisbane |
| Monday 11 November |
Diocesan Golf, South West Rocks
|
| Monday 13 - 14 November |
NSW Netball Cup State Finals 9/10 Boys, Sydney |
| Thursday 14 November |
Diocesan Senior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
| Tuesday 19 November |
Diocesan Netball, Grafton |
| Thursday 21 November |
Diocesan Junior Waterpolo, Alstonville |
Leader of Sport
Finance
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
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.
Student Diary
Lost Property
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Jesus reminds us that all people are made in the image and likeness of God and it is our role as Catholics to look out for everyone in our community. This should be second nature to us.
This year has had its many challenges for our young students and families. Now more than ever, it’s important to ask the simple question R U OK? Because starting a conversation could make a difference in someone’s life.
On our national day of action we remind each other that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever we spot the signs that someone we care about might be struggling with life. Looking out for one another and lending support are key life skills for any age group. During our homeroom pastoral lesson students will be involved in activities around this day.
Asking the question “Are you OK?” can really work in the workplace, at home, at school, sporting events, and at social gatherings. As a community, we can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question.
For more information on R U OK? please click on the link: R U OK?
Thanks everyone, please take care of each other.
Richard O'Connor
Leader of Student Engagement
A beautiful and special gathering of all the special men in our lives at the Father's Day breakfast last week. We are blessed and forever thankful.
Body Kind Youth Survey
Parent Webinar
"Your body is the only place you can live in for the whole of your life. Appreciate it as the vehicle that allows you to experience and navigate the world." Arianna Huffington
Being thankful for our bodies matters!
Body appreciation and body gratitude play key roles in building positive body image. By focusing on and being thankful for our bodies' unique qualities and functions, we can build a more accepting and positive relationship with ourselves.
Free Parent Webinar - Raising Body Kind Teens
Date: 17 September 2024
Time: 7pm - 8.15pm (AEDT) (plus question time)
Via: Zoom (Time-limited recording)
BOOK HERE
For more information, please visit: butterfly.org.au
Dear Parents and Carers,
Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in their lives. At St John Paul College, we recognise that when changes such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters occur, 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, which will commence in Term 4. 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.
If you think your child/children would enjoy joining the Seasons for Growth program, we encourage you to talk to him/her about it. 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 feel the Seasons for Growth Program would suit your child/ren, please register them by emailing Talia Saban at talia.saban@lism.catholic.edu.au or Bradley Poidevin at bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Please note that depending on the numbers of students nominated, not all applicants may be placed in a group in Term 4, but we will continue to run the groups in Term 1, 2025 and beyond.
Brad Poidevin and Talia Saban
School Counsellor / Student Wellbeing Officer
Here is a link to Yarilla Programs and Events that may interest some students during the school holidays.
https://www.yarrilaartsandmuseum.com.au/whats-on/programs-events