12 November 2021 - Newsletter (Vol 38 No 18)

A simple prayer of thanks and best wishes to Year 12

Dear Year 12, on behalf of all the SJPC community I say to you all, congratulations and best wishes over the next few weeks. Despite all the odds you have made it and we are proud of you all.

Stay safe and God bless

Michael Carniato
Principal

Jesus preached many sermons in His time on Earth. It is however, one in particular that has given much comfort to many Christians through the ages. In Matthew's Sermon on the Mount gospel, Jesus presents us with The Beatitudes. The word beatitude comes from Latin, which, in turn, has resulted in the Anglicized word happiness. The term denotes a literary form that was commonly used in the ancient world commending or praising a person for favour received in life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven

Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt 5:3-5)

This can be difficult to interpret into actions in our everyday lives particularly in the lives of our children. The following may help in putting the words of Jesus into action:

Be the last of all, the servant of all, do not judge others and share all.

Consider the people you and others have lost, the things you have not done well, and the things you long to do.

Be slow to anger and remain humble.

Practise peace and be involved in helping others make peace.

Strive to do the right thing. Forgive others and yourself.

Look at things from the eyes of others.

Do not judge. Accept the differences of others as Jesus did.

Do not stop doing the right thing because of others.

Our Christian values align nicely with the Beatitudes and again gives us guidance to live like Jesus. Christian values include reverence, compassion, hope, peace, justice, charity, gratitude and love. 

As parents we always hope to instill big picture values in our kids as they grow and explore the world around them. While teaching values like honesty or respect may feel like daunting tasks with a young person, these lessons can gradually be taught through small but intentional moments.

The way children learn values, simply put, is by observing what you do, and drawing conclusions about what you think is important in life. Regardless of what you consciously teach them, your children will emerge from childhood with clear views on what their parents really value, and with a well developed value system of their own.

Until next time

Stay safe and God Bless

HSC Written Examinations 

Congratulations to the Year 12 cohort, who have demonstrated an amazing level of resilience this year, remaining focused on their study and overcoming many disruptions to get to the HSC written examinations. This week the students began their assessment with English Paper 1 & 2. Considering the COVID protocols, our student cohort was impressive and focussed.

On behalf of Mr Abbotts and the Year 12 Homeroom teachers, I wish all Year 12 Students the very best for their remaining exams this month. 

Lyn Sharratt Learning Collaborative 

As a College, we are continuing our journey working with Lyn Sharrat in a learning collaborative to improve our teaching and learning in literacy. 

The last 2 weeks have seen Year 7/8 undertake PAT testing to help teachers pinpoint where students are at in their learning, identify areas of strength as well as areas for targeted improvement. This data will enable our teaching Staff to tailor their learning and teaching based on student capability. 

Study Skills 

Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our College access details are:

Our school’s 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

James Furey
Assistant Principal
Learning and Teaching

Courtney Martyn

I am Courtney Martyn and I feel very privileged to be elected as a College Captain for 2022. I am the third and last of my siblings to attend SJPC. I have been fortunate to have two older brothers Cameron & Andrew attend our school and they have been my role models. They have set a high standard for me and they loved being part of our school.

I have always enjoyed being involved in our school community. SJPC has provided me with great memories and life lessons through participation in all areas of college life and I encourage other students to do the same. This year, I hope to help inspire students to take the initiative and accept all opportunities the school offers. I hope all students feel excited and proud to be part of the SJPC community and to look outside of our school for opportunities where we can all make a positive contribution to the local community and wider society. 

These past years haven't been the kindest to everyone and teenagers especially have been challenged. When Covid first hit back in 2019 I was living in Michigan USA on a student exchange program for 10 months. Covid meant that I was forced to fly home early and quarantine. I loved living and going to school in Michigan and it changed my life for the better. I can't wait to go back for a visit to my host family and friends.

Being a teenager in 2021 with lockdowns and online learning has been difficult. It has taught me how important community is and to appreciate freedoms. Social media was very helpful in maintaining communication and relationships between friends and family. We as students have adapted to new ways of learning. Thanks to the teachers and staff at SJPC for their hard work in making our lives a lot easier with online learning. Covid has forced us all to reconsider the way we are living and it is important to start again next year renewed. Next year I look forward to being outdoors, away from devices and connecting with friends and loved ones.

Being a community at SJPC means that everyone should feel involved and valued. Being a Catholic school, we have the opportunity to use God’s teachings to help others and strengthen our relationship with God. Hopefully in 2022 we will be able to do more as a college community together, give back to our community and be seen as a leading secondary college in Coffs Harbour.

Harrison Colyer

My name is Harrison Colyer and I’m from Moonee Beach. I feel very fortunate and grateful that I was elected 2022 school captain. In my family, I have a younger brother in year 7 who is only concerned about the Bulldogs making the top 8, a father who is overly invested in the length of the grass and a mother who is fanatically training to break her park run record. I’ve always been a sport-oriented person ever since primary school. I found that I excelled in athletics and cross country when I started making it to All Schools in year 4. Running has always been my major passion, however, I enjoy many other sports like soccer, surfing, mountain biking and triathlons (which I’ve only been doing for a short time). I’ve always enjoyed challenging my body with the physicality of new hobbies and sports. I’m also an aspiring vet who’s aiming to complete the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/ Bachelor of Veterinary Science double degree at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. 

As captain, I hope to develop SJPC’s inclusive school community. Fostering a sense of community can be accomplished through celebrating our successes whether in the academic or sporting fields, encouraging student voice in areas of concern or consideration, and especially creating a wide range of opportunities for student involvement. These opportunities should ultimately stimulate a sense of belonging and strengthen the collective bond between all year groups. 

As a teenager and a high school student, I cannot stress the importance of maximising your final years as a teenager before you reach adulthood. My advice as a year 12 student would be to have a go at all the opportunities on offer at SJPC which you’re capable of doing. Get out of your comfort zone and put your abilities to the test. This could be anything from participating in the college’s sporting teams, enlisting in the many student discipleship retreats, joining the college’s debating teams or signing up for extracurricular camps. Most importantly, make sure you’re maintaining a positive state of wellbeing and don’t place unrealistic pressures on yourself. Live a balanced lifestyle. Set achievable short and long term goals. Especially, reward yourself when you complete your goals as an incentive to encourage positive reinforcement.

Courtney Martyn & Harrison Colyer
2022 College Captains

Interview with Harrison Colyer - Year 11 Student

1. Do you prefer milk before cereal? Or cereal before milk?

Clearly cereal before milk.

2. What is the most overrated sport?

Basketball.

3. Where do you see Jesus in your life?

I see Jesus as a friend who is always with me in all aspects of life. I find that my relationship with Jesus was collectively shared by the disciples. Jesus chose not to isolate himself from the disciples but instead decided to pursue genuine friendships. During Jesus’ time with the disciples, he shared countless meals, journeys, conversations and other interesting experiences. Jesus called his disciples friends, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends (John 15:12-17). I see Jesus’ compassionate and charitable nature in every single person. I see Jesus as alive in his word through the scriptures. I also see Jesus in the sacraments, especially in the regular participation of the Eucharist and reconciliation. 

4. Who is your biggest faith inspiration?

My biggest faith inspiration would have to be St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. Despite being martyred many centuries ago his courageous actions still directly inspire me. St. Sebastian placed high value in the fidelity of Jesus. His whole life was structured around faith, love for Jesus, resilience, stamina, perseverance and courage. St. Sebastian was tied up to a tree and shot by four arrows and managed to survive. I aspire to embody his symbolic virtues into day to day life, whether this is at school, at home or on the sporting field.   

Rachael McConnell, Josiah Varney & Paddy Whittaker
Youth Ministry Officers

The HSC examinations began on Tuesday 9 November and will continue for another 3 weeks. Students have been well prepared for sitting these examinations under the required COVID restrictions and have again demonstrated resilience and focus in their approach.

Year 11

Week 6 signals the beginning of school based HSC assessments. I encourage students to ensure they are well prepared, and ask questions before assessments to ensure they understand what is required. I also suggest you read your Assessment Handbook on the College website,  to familiarise yourself with the Assessment procedures of the College.

This can also be accessed via the Curriculum Matters Google Classroom

Year 10

Students are currently doing the online course titled “All My Own Work”. Completion of this course and a minimum score of 80% is required in the final online test if students are to continue on to Year 11 in NSW.

At SJPC we are supporting students complete this NESA mandated requirement by provided in class opportunities for the completion of the course work and the final test. Students have access to these resources at home via their Curriculum Matters Google Classroom.

Years 7 – 9

What do Achievement Grades A – E mean??

NSW schools report on student achievement using a standards-referenced approach. Achievement standards are based on what students are expected to learn, as stated by the NSW syllabuses, and how well they have achieved. Stage 4 students are graded according to the Common Grade Scale, whilst Stage 5 students are graded with reference to the Course Performance Descriptors of each Board Developed Course syllabus.

Teachers make professional on-balance judgements to decide which grade description best matches the standards their students have achieved at a particular point-in-time. These decisions are based on evidence of achievement and information teachers have collected during the teaching and learning, it does not just focus on a single piece of work or the results of a test.

The information is derived from learning activities, observations and other methods of assessment that are collected over time and in different situations.

NESA supports the assessment for, as and of learning approach. Information on a student's achievement is collected during the course of learning and used as part of this broader assessment strategy to allocate grades.

The College’s Semester 2 reports inform students and parents of the level of achievement of syllabus outcomes which have been attained by students in Terms 3 and 4. Feedback to students outlines areas of strength and areas which need further development. This enables students to focus their efforts in this continuous learning cycle.

Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum

Our new Year 12 (2022) students received their Senior Jerseys earlier this term, however, out of respect for our current Year 12 students (who were present at school for the first 4 weeks of this term) they refrained from wearing them. However, Friday of Week four the jerseys were unleashed and our students have been wearing them with pride. I’ve even heard comments from students like, “Hey Sir/Miss, can you switch on the air con please? It’s hot in here.” The teacher responds with, “Why don’t you just take your jersey off?” The responses from the students varied with “That ain’t gonna happen!” or “Are you being serious right now?”

All jokes aside I must say how impressed I am with the jerseys and how our students really instill a sense of pride in them. Well done Year 11!

Mark Sultana

Year 11 Coordinator

Toy World

Our Year 9 Textiles Technology students have completed a unit titled ‘Toy World’. Students were given the opportunity to design and make their own pattern for a simple soft toy that incorporated knit fabrics for the body and included some form of embroidery and applique to give detail to the designs.

The students really enjoyed the challenge of designing and drafting their own pattern pieces, as well as creating the envelope that tied the whole task together.

For the practical component the students learnt the skill of sewing with knit fabric, as well as the requirements of making a toy that is both suitable and safe for a child.

Free motion embroidery, computerised machine embroidery, and applique techniques were all sampled and then put into practice in embellishing the creative range of toys.

This unit gave the students the opportunity to utilise the sewing machines in a variety of ways, as well as exploring the students' own creativity. The class were very supportive and encouraging of each other and the range of designs that came from the group was fantastic.

All students were very proud of what they produced!

Susan Haley
Textiles Teacher

Loaded Nachos!!

The Year 11 Hospitality class chose to produce their version of 'Loaded Nachos' to complete their Short Order Cafe competency.

The students spent the last couple of weeks planning, practicing, pricing and ordering for their function, and this week put it all together to successfully produce 75 serves of Beef Nachos complete with grilled tasty cheese, fresh salsa, guacamole and sour cream, all served in eco-friendly packaging.

They worked efficiently as a class to produce a great cafe service period! Their preparation was commendable, with every detail covered meticulously. Congratulations to the class on a fantastic Cafe!

Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages

School sport

School sport started back successfully in Week 5. Students are now happily participating in a range of on and off campus sports once again. Students are reminded to check the Palace noticeboard and the Sport Google classroom for updates on venues and sports each week. 

Year 8 Girls - A reminder that you have a sport change in Week 8. 

Sport Invoices

Invoices for sport for Year 9/10 are emailed to the parent email addresses on file and those Year 8 parents waiting for Term 1 invoices are asked to check junk email folders as they may have been filed as junk/spam. Year 9 and 10 parents are reminded that any outstanding payments for Term 4 sport are now due. Any questions regarding invoices should be directed to cofhs-finance@lism.catholic.edu.au

OSSA

Due to the shortened term of sport, we need to allow the Year 8 boys to attain their OSSA Award via an additional all day event on Wednesday 8 November. Only those students who want to and who the Lifeguards believe will be competent enough to attain the award will be required to attend the whole day. Those who are happy to learn the skills and gain ocean confidence will stay at school for the day and attend Park Beach in their normal sport timeslot. 

Additionally, there are a number of Year 8 girls who missed getting their OSSA in Term 1 and will be asked to sign up via the Sport Google classroom.  Year 8 students who would like to get their OSSA award (both males and those females who previously indicated) will be asked to fill out the Google form which will be posted on Wednesday 17 November. The opportunity to sign up will close on Tuesday 23 November and additional people will not be able to be added after this time.

Representative sport

Dates for the 2022 CCC and Diocesan sports calendar have been released, albeit some in draft form. The dates for team events and individual pathway trials are listed on the Palace noticeboard. However, the sign up window has not yet opened. This will occur early 2022.

Students are required to sign up online for individual pathway sports via either CSNSW website (most sports) or Lismore Diocese Sport website (Rugby League, Football and Touch Football)

Sports competitions that are team based will require students to sign up at the College. Again, this will not happen until next year.

Dates for team sports that do not have a CCC pathway (AFL, Rugby Union etc…) are still to be released. 

Inter House Competition

This week we kicked off our inaugural Interhouse Basketball competition with our new Year 10 House Leaders having their first taste of leadership. The Year 10 cohort took to the courts in a fun, agile and often intense tussle between the houses. 

The first round saw Casey take on Hargraves and Kelly and McAuley meet. The two winning houses, Hargreaves and McAuley, then played off for 1st and 2nd position, while Casey and Kelly took to the court to contest 3rd and 4th position. 

Despite a great deal of enthusiasm and desire, Hargraves struggled to overcome a tall Timbers McAuley team who were unstoppable in defense and attack. On court 2, Casey had no answers for a tough Kelly offensive, however, were awarded bonus points for getting in the house spirit, dressing up in green to support their house.

The progressive point score is as follows:

20 McAuley

15 Hargraves

10 Kelly

10 Casey

Congratulations to all House Captains and Vice Captains for their stella leadership and to the Year 10s who participated in such a positive manner. The bar has been set high!

Next Tuesday, the Year 10s will coach and encourage Year 9 students from their houses as they play the second round of the competition.

Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator

National Farmers Federation’s Choose Your Own AgVenture 

National Ag Day November 19th

This #AgDayAU celebrate the fabulous and fulfilling career opportunities on offer in agriculture. From mustering cattle in the Top End to developing the next breakthrough wheat variety, there's a career pathway whatever your passion, you really can choose your own #AgVenture.

You can join the Virtual Careers Expo and learn all about the wonderful different career opportunities available in the agricultural industry. There are webinars on Stock & Station Agents, Plant Breeding, App Developer, Veterinarian, Trader, Wool Classer, Pilot and Farmer. 

To find out more visit: https://www.agday.org.au/careers-expo

Free and Low Cost TAFE Courses 

Are you thinking about studying a VET qualification when you leave high school? The Government is providing lots of subsidies to make the cost of training cheaper, and in some cases, totally free. There are tons of qualifications to choose from in a variety of industries, from IT to construction, hospitality to health care.

There is an eligibility criteria you need to meet to be eligible for these free and low-cost courses, so make sure you check before you apply. Click here for more information on the courses that are available in our Coffs region: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/skills-initiatives/summer-skills

Why you should set goals  

Whether you’re thinking about subject selection, wondering which post school pathway to take, pondering your gap year options, choosing your next holiday destination, or thinking about how to get fitter and healthier – you’re already forming goals.

Goals don’t always have to be hugely monumental and life changing events either, so here’s some reasons why you should consider putting a little bit of time and energy into turning your dreams and plans into goals.

1. Goals can provide  focus and help you to move forward
2. Goals help you to see and measure your progress
3. Setting goals could help you overcome procrastination
4. Goals that have deadlines can increase your motivation
5. You can set goals anytime
6. Goals  can increase your productivity and when you achieve your goals it adds to your positivity.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your future career path. I encourage all students in Years 7 – 12 to pop in to the Careers Room and have a careers chat.

Paul Corsalini
Careers Adviser

Not even the Delta variant could stop the 2021 SJPC Annual Handball Tournament from being run and won. As well as being a good ‘circuit breaker’ for the students who’ve experienced many extra curricular activities being cancelled this year, the tournament also helped to raise a few dollars for the great work that the St Vincent de Paul Society here in Coffs Harbour.

The atmosphere was palpable as sign ons flooded in with students and staff desperate to compete for the prestige that comes with winning their respective titles. For students, they're aware that nothing looks better on a resume than the title “SJPC Year Level Handball Champion!” And for staff, the title of “Handball Champion” commands utmost kudos in the yard,...and a chance to take those wretched masks off for 10 mins to breathe while running around the court!

For some, this was their first time competing in this prestigious tournament, while for others redemption and the hope of erasing the demons of early round losses in previous years was foremost on their minds. For the reigning champions, they were under no illusion, there was ‘a target on their backs’ and complacency would almost certainly mean an early exit from this year's competition.

The scene was set! 

After  a week of minor rounds and preliminary finals the big day rolled around, but unfortunately there could only be one winner in each division. The cream had definitely risen to the top and the respective grand finals did not disappoint with close games being fought across the yard.

Amongst the female staff, Caroline ‘Kingy’ King ,shook off a tenacious  Siobhan ‘All Business’ McCosker to ‘take the chocolates’ and claim her maiden Female Staff SJPC handball title, a real win for the ages.

And the male staff final was also a ‘humdinger’ with Bryce ‘Silk’ Sully overcoming a big challenge from ‘the giant killer’ Andrew ‘All’ Heart who had methodically made his way through the draw like a stealth lion picking off its prey. 

After 12 years of perfecting his handball trade at school, Bryce was the short odds favourite but the school counselor definitely got ‘inside Bryce’s head’. At 9-8 Andrew served for the title but unfortunately ‘The Giant Killer’ failed to capitalise, going down narrowly to the ‘Silky’ Sully. 

No doubt the counselor will self annalyse, employ some positive self talk and be back for redemption next year.

The spirit in which all games were played was a highlight. The tournament created a positive atmosphere around the school during lunch and recess generating plenty of interest among students and opportunities for some good spirited banter.

Thanks must go to all participants who supported this initiative, this event doesn’t go ahead without staff and students signing on to play. Thanks also to those generous staff who assisted in many ways to make the tournament run smoothly.

We look forward to the tournament continuing to grow next year and become ‘a lock’ on the SJPC calendar. So until then,.. practice your power shots!

Tim Davis
Teacher - (Tournament Director, Chief Ball Boy and resident DJ)

Australia’s frogs need your help

Take part in FrogID week 12-21 November 2021 - Australia’s biggest frog count!

Our frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. Taking part in FrogID Week will help provide our scientists with valuable data for the protection and conservation of frogs. Download the free app and register now.
Remember, every call counts!