21 October 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 16)
Building updates
If you get a chance have a look at the recent Facebook posts regarding the Library rooftop and the newly renovated B Block. The new PDHPE building is on course for completion this term and D Block will be ready for the start of the 2023 year, leaving only C Block to be refurbished during Term 1 next year.
Take a tour of the newly renovated B Block
Library Rooftop
You may have also noticed that the roofing, guttering and downpipes are slowly being replaced after the hail storm we had late last year. The colours of the roof as well as the external walls of the College will change as a result of the works. In addition, all the solar panels will be replaced over the Christmas break, walkways will be refurbed with the old timbers being removed and replaced with colorbond, new air-conditioning units have been installed and the shade sails will all be replaced over the next few months. The missing link to the driveway around the College will be poured and laid late this term. Thank you for your ongoing patience with all of this, the end result will be something we will all be proud of.
Extended Family Leave
Now that borders have opened up and travel is becoming more accessible, there has been an increase in requests from families to go on holidays (family leave). I understand the need for important family time and readily acknowledge that there are times when the opportunity to go and the dates it impacts are out of your control. I also acknowledge that the trip or event itself may provide a wonderful learning experience outside the confines of a formal school structure.
The Education Act (NSW 1990) makes it very clear that students are required to be in school on all days when the school is open for instruction. It is for that reason that Notification of Extended Leave is not an application for leave from the Principal. The Catholic Schools Office as our Registering Authority have determined that Principals cannot ‘permit’ or give ‘permission for’ extended leave for extended holidays. The Notification of Extended Leave is required under law to be provided to schools as an explanation of the absence. This does not constitute permission from the school to take the leave. Please note, however, I have no authority to tell families when they can and can't take leave. That is entirely your decision.
As schools cannot give permission for leave, we can similarly can't provide alternate learning for families when they are away on leave, nor can the leave be used as grounds for ‘Special Consideration’ for exams or assessment tasks. It creates a challenging decision for families and under current circumstances I can appreciate that timing is difficult.
There are only certain situations where permission for extended leave may be granted
- To attend ‘Elite Sporting’ events (may include state and/or national representation)
- To attend ‘Entertainment Industry’ activities (a role in a movie, series, etc)
- As a result of serious illness or injury. In this case, alternate learning opportunities and Special Consideration may be approved.
A number of families have been receiving notification of missed explanations from previous absences. I would appreciate if you could attend to those notifications as a matter of urgency.
God Bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
Last Wednesday our Year 8 students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be involved in the ‘Make Bullying History Program’. This is one of the very effective and worthwhile programs facilitated by the Life Choices Foundation.
Running for over 15 years, the Life Choices Foundation is a registered charity that aims to reach, engage & impact teenagers and provide them with a framework from which they can make positive choices around some of life’s important decisions.
The program is presented Australia wide by Australian of the Year Nominee, Brett Murray, and delivered under the Pastoral Care & Well-being Curriculum. The Make Bullying History Presentation was delivered with electric energy, lots of humour & used a solid balance of evidence-informed statistics to cover a variety of topics, such as What Bullying Is, What It's Not, Why People Bully, How We Can Stop It, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth & Challenging Young People to Aspire to Achieve Their Dreams.
When looking at recent statistics in Australia it is quite alarming that:
- Our nation has one of the highest teen suicide rates in the world.
- Suicide is the #1 killer of teenagers in Australia.
- Suicide is the #1 killer of males aged 15 – 25.
- 80% of all suicides are a direct result of bullying.
Brett explained bullying behaviour and identified bullying behaviour specifically both in the physical sphere and the cyber sphere. The session then explored the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’. This led the discussion to issues of self-esteem and self-worth. Other issues that were covered included the dangerous implications that bullying behaviour has on both victims and perpetrators. Self-esteem was positively reinforced for all present, victims, perpetrators and bystanders alike. The session then moved into unpacking bullying, why people do it, and how to stop it!
Brett came to us with the following testimonials:
99% of teachers have said that this presentation is relevant to their students.
84% of students said the presentation is better or the best of any anti-bullying programs they’ve seen.
Brett was very complimentary on how the students of SJPC took on board the message and became involved in discussions.
We sincerely hope all students took some positive information from the presentation and shared this with others at home. The important thing now is for the students to put Brett’s ideas into action.
Until next time:
“Strong people stand up for themselves but the strongest people stand up for others”
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
7 Ways Mindfulness and Meditation Can be Helpful to Students
With end of course assessments happening over the next two months, it might be timely for students to consider their coping strategies when in pressure situations. The following may be of assistance:
Do you experience feelings of anxiousness? Why not give meditation a go? It can be as simple as closing your eyes, breathing deeply and counting your breaths in and out. There are lots of great Apps out there, for example ‘Mindfulness’, ‘Headspace’, ‘Relax’ and ‘Positivity’. These will guide you through simple meditation and mindfulness exercises. You could even try the new mindfulness colouring-in books for adults that are all the rage. But what is it all about and why should you try it?
What is Mindfulness?
Headspace (www.headspace.com) defines mindfulness as “the intention to be present in the here and now, fully engaged in whatever is happening, free from distraction or judgement, with a soft and open mind”.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a way of transforming the mind, making it calm and silent. According to the Australian Teachers of Meditation Association, meditation is a discipline that involves turning the mind and attention inward and focusing on a single thought, image, object or feeling.
How does meditation and practicing mindfulness help you with your schoolwork?
- Reduces anxiety and risk of depression - By becoming mindful, a person stops judging themselves and those around them and recognises that every situation “is what it is”. When you stop judging and comparing, you are able to reduce anxiety.
- Increases resilience - resilience is the ability to experience something bad but to not internalise it and to be able to move on, still gaining benefit even from a negative experience. Practicing mindfulness and meditation calms the mind and enables acceptance without judgement, which is key for achieving resilience.
- Improves ability to learn and recall information - research by the University of Miami has shown that practicing mindfulness for 12 minutes a day improves a person’s attention and memory.
- Improves concentration - regular practice of meditation may help improve concentration by enabling the brain to focus more accurately and to filter out unwanted or unhelpful messages.
- Improves creativity - practicing mindfulness and meditation has the potential to allow the brain to unlock and unleash creativity. Creativity is of benefit to all students, not just in terms of artistic talents but also in relation to problem solving.
- Helps manage exam stress - meditation can help you calm and focus your mind which helps to manage stress related to exams. This tool can be used in the lead up to the exam and also during the exam if stress levels begin to rise.
- Leads to better sleep - getting enough sleep is crucial to ensure students have the mental and physical energy to learn. However, as academic and social pressures increase, this can lead to students having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. By reducing anxiety and stress you can ultimately sleep better and longer.
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:
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
At the end of last term, 16 of our students from Years 9 to 12 made the long voyage by bus to St Laurence's College in Brisbane for Ignite Conference 2022 with this year’s theme centred around “The Moment”. Aside from all the fun that we had on the bus, upon arrival we were greeted with smiles and warm welcomes. The Conference began with a commencement Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane.
From there, our students spent the next two days listening to renowned speakers and keynote performances, as well as participating in some awesome workshops throughout the day; with dance, worship and live music performed by Emmanuel Worship during both the morning and night rallies. One of our students said, “I love being able to go to all the night rallies, being able to listen to all the stories of everyone's lives. The whole experience was amazing.”... Another saying, “It was all really moving and it made me reconsider everything about my faith”.
In between the busy schedule our students had a chance to mingle with other students from all across the east coast of Australia as well as strengthen relationships with those from the Lismore Diocese. Plenty of new friendships were formed over the course of the Conference and so many said they felt at home within the acceptance and support of the Emmanuel community.
Year 10 students - “I loved being able to meet new people from across the diocese.”... “From the very start it felt like home.”
Unfortunately, we hadn’t had the chance to attend an Ignite Conference for the past 3 years so there was much anticipation and uncertainty that was felt by students in the lead up. However, they would all admit now that it was a truly incredible experience that was unforgettable with one of our students saying “It exceeded my expectations”. To capture and describe the incredible atmosphere is almost impossible but it is something our students will not forget any time soon. With the atmosphere and sense of belonging so many of our students felt, next year’s Conference couldn’t come any quicker with the theme of “Wonder” holding us in suspense for what is to come.
Ignite Conference 2022 was such an amazing event we were so grateful to be able to have taken our students to this year.
What’s Happening In Our Parishes?
For further information to our associated parishes please use the links below.
Here you will find ways to join with the local community, specially planned events and times for reconciliation and Masses.
St Augustine's Parish including St Francis Xavier
Mary Help of Christians Parish
Janine Sawtell
Leader of School Evangelisation
EMPOWERING PARENTS TO REINFORCE STUDY SKILLS
Next Webinar: Wednesday 26 October - How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents how to:
- Align family expectations on homework
- Work with your child on managing other activities such as your child's hobbies or sports
- Create the best weekly planner tool for your child
Register for free using the link below, Elevate seminar registration link
Year 11
Class Code = fa7s4ju
A reminder for students to either pick up a Term 4 planner and study weekly schedule from the Curriculum Office or download a copy from the Curriculum Matters Classroom.
REMINDER
Students who study SOR 1 - HSC Examination Thursday 27 October
Wednesday 26 October = home study day for SOR 1 students only.
All other Year 11 students attend classes
Year 10
2023 subjects have been finalised and all Year 10 students who have indicated they are returning to SJPC in 2023 will receive their Stage 6 Confirmation packs in the coming weeks.
Once again thank you to all those families who have informed us of changes in regard to 2023 enrolment. We appreciate you understanding how important that information is to our 2023 planning.
Year 7 – 9
In line with our understanding that learning is a continuous process, Term 4 is a vital term for students and staff alike. It is definitely NOT a ‘wind down’ term! Rather it is a ‘winding up’ term as teachers design activities that are continuing to develop the skills needed by students as they prepare for a more challenging year in 2023.
Students will continue to be assessed on their knowledge, understanding and skills, and be given opportunities to reflect on their learning, strengths and areas requiring growth.
Working together in an effort to continually improve requires clear communication and an understanding of what is expected. Students are beginning to see the importance of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria in not only communicating and guiding their learning, but in gauging their own success and knowing how to demonstrate their learning effectively.
It is wonderful to witness students engaging with this process!
Claudia Brown
Leader of Curriculum
This has been the end of an amazing year for the Technologies department. The HSC year is always filled with a mix of challenges and rewards and this year we again had some stunning Textiles and Design Major Projects.
Kaitlyn Bissett has designed and created a four piece ballet costume consisting of a rigid corset style bodice, gored romantic tutu, arm puffs and a hairpiece.
Syarn Lee produced a pants and coat set inspired by 1970’s silhouettes combined with retro colour combinations, and sashiko embroidery embellishment. The coat features a panelled patchwork outer fabric, created with a vintage style fabric of the seventies, and a golden crepe satin back lining.
Sally McConnell’s design consisted of a lingerie bra, pant and robe set embellished with various textured fabrics and delicate embroidery. Inspired by Vintage Lingerie, butterflies and the soft delicate fabrics most commonly used for bridal wear.
Joely Buquiron’s Roaring 20’s Flapper style dress is inspired by the Glitz and Glamour of extravagant shows. Vogue is also represented in the costume reflecting their design traits of a low neckline, straight waisted shape and handkerchief goddets.
Congratulations to these students. All four projects and folios are available for viewing in the College Library.
Leader of Learning - TAS
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
Harping on about handwriting
‘But a sluggish pen delays our thoughts, while an unformed and illiterate hand cannot be deciphered.’ Institutio Oratoria, by Quintilian.
Handwriting remains a vital skill that is foundational to all writing development. Being able to write fluently and legibly with little conscious thought can prove a unique predictor of the length and quality of sentence composition and writing quality. Improving the fluency of handwriting can free up student working memory, enabling them to grapple more with the composition aspect of responses and ensure the hand doesn't hold back the ideas.
Improving handwriting can be within the grasp of every child. Regular fluency practice in writing sprints of 5-10 minutes with targeted feedback and regular monitoring can encourage student focus and progress.
Here are some questions to ask as you monitor handwriting practice at home:
How would you rate your handwriting here?
Circle the best word for me.
Can any letters be improved?
Are your letters the right size? Are your descenders the same length?
Where is best to start writing this letter?
What letters have you made most clear?
‘We need to keep harping on about handwriting because the stark reality is that it matters in the classroom, the exam hall, and the wider world.'Closing The Writing Gap, Alex Quigley.
Weak handwriting can negatively affect a child's own judgement of their writing. We want all children to find the act of writing attractive, near automatic and always accessible.
Word of the Week
Capricious (adjective)
Our T3 Word of the Week competition winner, Isabel Sparrius, has chosen this week’s word - capricious. Capricious is an adjective to describe a person or thing that’s impulsive and unpredictable.
Bumbershoot (noun)
Here is a fun word that most people know. This is referring to an umbrella and is something we have heard in many a Disney film or in many different books. It is quite fun to grab your umbrella and say in a fun voice, “I think I need my bumbershoot today!”
Last week, the 2022 Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal Education Conference was held on Darug and Gundungurra country in the beautiful (and chilly) Blue Mountains. This bi-annual event brought together education and community practitioners to share unique perspectives on building systems and practices that allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to thrive. With over 500 delegates including staff, students, community, and leaders of Catholic schools across NSW in attendance it certainly was a transformative experience and one that we were so grateful to partake in.
This year’s theme ‘Transforming with the Spirit’ reflected a commitment to make a difference to the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and was an opportunity to more fully understand the contribution we can all make to reconciliation and healing. The program featured on-country experiences, presentations and discussion panels from local and national keynote speakers.
Our MC for the conference was Aboriginal Australian author, poet, cultural activist and social commentator, Anita Marianne Heiss AM, and guest speakers included:
- Dallas McInerney - CEO Catholic Schools NSW
- Greg Whitby - Executive Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta
- The Honorable Linda Burney MP - Minister for Indigenous Australians
- Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann - 2021 Senior Australian of the year
- Brooke Boney - Today Show host
- Isaiah Dawe - CEO and founder of ‘ID.Know Yourself’
- Eric Avery - violinist, vocalist, dancer and composer
This conference was truly inspiring and motivated us to come back to SJPC and begin thinking about what we can implement in our own school community to better help our wonderful students.
Leanne Gennat, Vicki Filewood and Caitlin Walpole
RAP Working Group
2023 School Bus Travel - Applications are now open
Compass - New Office Procedures
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 students dashboard. At the allocated time, students must return to the College Office to formally sign out for the day and return the handwritten note. If students return to school later in the day they are required to sign in at the College Office.
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.
Free Parent Webinar - "Popular Apps". Learn about TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to help your children stay safe online on Wednesday 26 October 7.30-8.30pm.
Please click on the link to register: Free Parent Webinar - Safety guide for parents to popular apps