16 December 2022 - Newsletter (Vol 39 No 20)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- School Evangelisation
- SJPC Choir
- Compass News
- Office News
- Literacy Matters
- Library Matters
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Science - Australian Physics Magazine
- Languages
- Visual Arts
- Sports Corner
- End of Year Music Concert
- St Vincent de Paul - Christmas Appeal
- Charity Event - Golf Day 17 February 2023
Thank you and Merry Christmas
How fast has 2022 gone? It seems we were just starting and here we are publishing the final newsletter for the year. It has been a very busy year and I want to simply say thank you to all families who have supported us in the partnership to educate your child.
This week we celebrated academic, cultural and sporting success at the various awards ceremonies, and we have much to be excited and grateful for. The talent and excellence on display are inspiring and affirming for all those who were acknowledged.
I am very aware that the upcoming holiday period can be difficult for some families and I encourage you to reach out and ask for help if you need to, there are many organisations who can assist.
Looking to 2023, I am excited to welcome back our current students and especially the new families who join the SJPC family.
As we draw close to the celebration of Christmas, can I remind you the real reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our saviour! Take the time with family and friends and recharge the batteries but also remember that Jesus is the reason our school exists and we are all called to develop and nourish the faith of all who work and study here.
Finally, on behalf of the staff at the College, I wish you and your family a Happy and Holy Christmas. May God bless you and watch over you during the holiday period. Stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2023.
God Bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
It’s difficult to believe that 2022 Christmas is almost upon us and the new year is only around the corner. The years just seem to be flying by.
I believe the most exciting part of this year has been that our students and staff have been able to complete the year without lockdowns and blended learning. Our school community has been able to attend school everyday and engage in Masses, retreats, excursions, camps, year group fun days and inter school competitions. We have also been able to welcome our parents back on site whose absence at events was sadly missed. All these experiences make SPJC a richer place for our students to learn and grow.
After a very busy year, it’s now time to rest and recharge. For many of us this may not happen until the craziness of Christmas is over. Through this craziness it is important to remember the true meaning of the season. The Christmas season is a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular traditions. What’s interesting is the etymology of the word Christmas. It literally means Christian Mass. It’s a shortened form of Christ’s Mass. Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus.
It is also extremely important for us and our children to rest, recharge and refuel.
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop”. – the Roman poet, Ovid
Rest is essential.
Genuine rest is only realised during an extended break from the everyday endeavours of work.
What are the benefits of rest?
It renews your passion. Just as absence makes the heart grow fonder, so too does time away from the daily routine of school and work. It refuels your mind and body. The idea of refuelling is based on the premise that as humans, we have a limited pool of resources. When we stop to refill it, we enable our minds and bodies to replenish themselves. It recharges your mental and physical energy. Rest is a form of nourishment; just like food and water, it allows you to flourish and grow. Slowing down and enjoying time spent with friends and family gives you clarity; with your mind and body recharged, you are better ready to tackle another year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the College community who have assisted me in my endeavours everyday and to wish all our families a very holy, happy and restful Christmas break.
Until next time:
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Year 7-10 Awards and Academic Reports
This week saw Year 7-10 celebrate their awards ceremonies where the College acknowledged the academic and pastoral achievements of students throughout the year. The majority of these awards recognise:
- Academic Achievement in class
- Effort and Application in class
- KLA Honours in course
Year 7-10 Semester 2 Academic Reports were published this week via Compass for families to access. An email was be sent to parents explaining how to access their son/daughters Academic Report with an email link to our IT Staff, should there be any technical issues.
2022 Christmas Message from Jesuit online resource - Loyola Press
Encanto - A Christmas Movie
(Cartoon Network Studios photo/Disney)
By Eric A. Clayton - Loyola Press
Here’s a new take: “Encanto” is a Christmas movie.
A young family is forced to leave their home, threatened by violence and death, and bearing children that will be literal miracles to the community that welcomes them. Average people living normal lives become refugees overnight. And out of heart-wrenching sacrifice is born a life-giving miracle — and a chance at new life.
“Encanto” takes place in a fantastical corner of the Colombian countryside. It’s a colorful story about family and sacrifice, about coming of age and coming to know yourself. And it’s sprinkled liberally with catchy tunes – thanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
It won’t spoil anything to say that our young protagonist, Mirabel Madrigal — voiced by Stephanie Beatriz — stands out in her family. Unlike her mother, aunt and uncle, her sisters and cousins, she is the only descendant of Abuela Alma who didn’t receive a magical gift: super-strength, the ability to talk to animals, healing powers or something else equally exciting. She’s just regular old Mirabel.
This tension between preserving the magic of the Madrigal family — magic they have put to wonderful use in serving their community — and seeing past the magic to the real people — family members with their own unique needs and struggles — is at the heart of the movie’s plot.
Abuela Alma becomes so obsessed with living up to the responsibility of the miracle of her family’s powers that she overlooks the good of her family. Haunted by her husband’s sacrifice, she can’t move on — she lives each day as though paying off an impossible debt.
And here, I think, is the Christmas story at work. Because we, too, can fall prey to the same temptation as Abuela Alma. God enters our lives — our unique stories — as a gift; nothing more, nothing less. The sacrifice has been made out of love. And we don’t have to earn it; it’s already ours.
We live our lives and our gifts as a grateful response to this act of love – not as payment.
What we can do, though, is make life miserable for those around us, those we observe as falling short of God’s great gift. We can judge too harshly or put too much pressure on those we see as not living up to what God expects. And in so doing, we cause our human family to rupture, to crack, to crumble.
In “Encanto,” it’s Mirabel — the one who is seemingly without any obvious magical gifts — who saves the day, who helps those who do have noticeable gifts realize what really matters. She brings the family together — and saves it.
In one of the final songs, “All of You,” Abuela Alma sings: “A miracle is not some magic that you got, the miracle is you. Not some gift, just you.”
And it’s the same for you. No matter what your gifts are, no matter how fantastic or challenging your life is at this moment, God delights in you.
Not for what you’ve got. Not because of some gift. Just because of you. So, look in the mirror. And see what God sees: someone beautiful worth infinite delight.
Thank you to all students for their efforts in 2022 and I wish all families a safe and holy Christmas and summer break.
AMDG
James Furey
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Last week Year 11 had their Senior Retreat at Yarrahapinni. The theme was " Quo Vadis", Latin for "Where are you going?", and "You are the Light of the World."
Retreat is about retreating from the everyday, retreating from the pressures of school, home and work. A time to self-reflect, a time to focus on faith, to bond with peers, and a time to think about the future.
Many students had expressed hesitancy about the three-day event: trepidation, some anxiety about the unknown and some negativity in attitude. Others were excited to be spending time with their friends as they complete their first term as HSC students.
But…
The year 11 group who arrived at retreat on day one were certainly a very different group when they left on day three.
There was healing of broken friendships.
There was self-reflection.
There was a discovery of how others see us.
There were opportunities to be vulnerable, to speak, to listen and to grow in understanding.
There was a focus on God and His everpresence.
There is something special about retreat- we always leave with happy tears in our eyes and a sense of how wonderful our school community is. These retreats emphasise community, commitment and love.
These are special young adults in our care.
We were fortunate to have Sawtell's Father Michael lead the Reconciliation evening, a beautiful night of prayer and forgiveness.
Father Peter, our school chaplain, celebrated Mass with us on our final day, and the Responsorial Psalm echoed our retreat theme: "Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life."
A whole hearted thanks to the stamina and wisdom and teamwork of the retreat staff:
Mrs Johnson, a wonderful Leader of Well-being whose ongoing support of Year 11 knows no bounds!
Our dedicated and caring small group leaders:
Greg Keith, Kurt Marle, Carla Snow, Sally Poidevin, Steve Verbruggen, Leanne Gennat, Gabi Majarich (YMO), Darcy Hartin (YMO), and Amber Scanes (Youth and Young Adults' Leader for St Augustine's Parish).
These amazing staff members gave up their time, family commitments, comfortable beds and SLEEP to accompany our students on their three day journey.
To Jackson Adams and Jill Clack, our fantastic student support workers, whose energy and humour are constant gifts to the group.
And to our school counsellors, Alee Isgro and Andrew Hart, whose assistance with small groups and personal testimony were invaluable.
Retreat would be impossible without these strong and caring leaders.
And to our special guest speaker, Dr Genevieve, whose testimony and faith journey provided heartfelt inspiration. Her willingness to share time with our students away from her busy practice speaks volumes about our connection with the broader faith community.
Thanks to the SJPC office crew whose willingness to help with the back end of organising the retreat speaks volumes about our school community.
A special thanks to the Yarrahapinni Adventist Youth Centre for looking after us, as usual, and especially to Katie, Ivan, Jason, and Chef Joshua and his team.
Now, pictures speak louder than words!
Wishing for you all a blessed, restful Christmas season filled with love and family and hope?
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
After nearly three years of restrictions our students were finally able to connect with the wider community, performing a set of Christmas songs for keen audiences.
The SJPC Choir recently visited two aged care facilities and St Augustine's Primary School, and the delight on the faces of the residents was a clear indication of their appreciation for our wonderful singers.
Under the direction of music teacher Jon Baldwin, the choir has been meeting regularly to rehearse since the end of Term 3, with 30 students performing on the day.
Thanks to Dan, our bus driver for the day, and to Calvary The Brelsford Residential Aged Care for providing students with a delicious morning tea. To Frances, Jenna and Aurielle at Calvary and to Bec and Matt at Mater Christi for making our students so welcome on the day. Also to Wendy and Maria at St Augustine's for reciprocating with a performance from the St Augustine's choir.
Compass reminder
Parents of students who are leaving St John Paul College at the end of year, and not continuing their education within the Diocese of Lismore will lose access to the Compass portal on the 31 December 2022. Please download your child’s reports in Compass prior to this date.
via App
Select child profile, Reports (tab at top)
via Desktop Computer
Select view Academic Reports
Sharon Brennan
Teacher Librarian
Leader Learning Technology
Uniform Shop 2023 Holiday Trading Hours
2023 Term Dates - Staff and Students
Finance
2022 Tuition Fee Reminder
We would like to thank families for their support in keeping school fees up to date. A reminder that full tuition fees are due on 16 December, 2022. If there are any concerns with payment by this date, please contact the Catholic Schools Office on 6653 1655 or email: cofhs-fees@lism.catholic.edu.au
2023 Tuition Fee Assistance
Supporting your children to obtain a Catholic education can present financial challenges for families. The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) recognises these challenges and aims to support this important education choice by families.
It is expected that families, having chosen a Catholic education, have considered the payment of fees and payments are prioritised accordingly. However, when unexpected changes occur, short or long-term assistance may be required with the payment of tuition fees (non-compulsory fees are not covered under this scheme). The nature of support provided is determined following an assessment of the financial circumstances of parents/guardians. Whilst aiming to support as many families as possible, it is important to recognise that not all will qualify.
If you wish to apply for assistance in 2023, please download the application on the school’s website or click the link or a paper form will be available at the school office. All information is treated in the strictest confidence. As income and circumstances change from year to year, it is necessary to reapply annually if ongoing assistance is required.
2023 Applications (and supporting documents) must be returned to the email noted on the application form no later than 30 November 2022. (If you have a child at both St John Paul College and a feeder primary school, please complete and lodge the application form with St John Paul College only).
The Catholic Schools Office Fee Enquiry
Ph: 6653 1655 - Mell and Tess
Office Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Email: cofhs-fees@lism.
School Transport - upcoming roadworks - changes to bus routes
ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS
Thank you to all students who have returned all library resources. Unfortunately, there are many students who still have resources borrowed in their name. These must be returned on the first day back at school next year. Students who still have resources borrowed will not be able to borrow until the resource has been returned or paid for. Other students will need to borrow these resources so please look for them now and have them ready to return. Drop them in at the College Office if you wish to return them on Monday or Tuesday of next week.
If you have borrowed for holiday reading please remember to bring these books back on the first day on Term 1, 2023.
Happy holiday reading!
Sharon Brennan
Teacher Librarian
Leader Learning Technology
Year 7
Big Day Out
The first Year 7 Big Day Out (of class) took place last Friday. The day saw Year 7 take part in a campus wide scavenger hunt and also a trip to the Movies.
There were many fun activities involved in the scavenger hunt that not only challenged the students intellectually, but also physically. Challenges like creating a self portrait out of sticks and leaves, finding a member of staff whose birthday was on the 14 April (a lovely lady from the Office), doing the ‘renegade’ Tik Tok dance near the Leader of Student Wellbeing office, and recreating a famous Beatles album cover in the College were just a sample of the fun and crazy tasks that the teams had to complete.
I’d like to thank the Homeroom Teachers for their work on the day and preparation, and especially Lex Carruthers and Jo-Anne Benten for their assistance in creating the scavenger hunt.
Year 8
Wet & Wild
Last Friday morning 117 excited Year 8’s and 6 equally excited staff made the trip north to spend a day at the water wonderland known as Wet and Wild.
It was pleasing to once again be able to offer this trip and to hear the soothing tunes (known as the bus singalong) that are a given expectation of any bus trip involving teenagers, especially teenage girls.
The attitude, cooperation and behaviour of this group was outstanding and made the day such an enjoyable occasion.
A big thank you to Louise Maybury, Amrit Nagra, Pat Gleeson, Will Gregson and Jessi Reeves for going above and beyond to make this such a successful day. Special mention to Pat, Will, Jessi and Amrit who showed that age is not a limit when it comes to having fun and showed there was no ride in the park that they couldn’t conquer.
I am looking forward to taking an even bigger contingent north next year as we take on all that Dreamworld has to offer.
Year 9 & 10
Dreamworld
Last week's trip to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast certainly achieved our goal of providing an opportunity for students to enjoy each other’s company outside the school environment and to continue developing year group community spirit.
All 194 students in attendance were exemplary in their behaviour. They were respectful, co-operative and displayed gratitude for the experience. We too appreciated the opportunity to creat memories and to spend time with each other.
We cannot thank the staff enough who volunteered their time to ensure that this experience went ahead. They were diligent, patient, and were such a positive team to spend time with. Thank you to Jon Baldwin, Renee Berrisford, Tim Davis, David Ellis, Mikaela Hannaford, Charles Hibberd, Matt Hiddlestone and Ngahine Munokoa.
Lastly, thank you to the parent community for dropping off your child early and picking them up later in the evening. I’m sure the students appreciate it.
Please enjoy some great photos of our experience shared by Renee Berrisford and Chance Haslam (Year 9 student).
We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and we look forward to working with the students and families as we continue to walk beside them on their journey.
Anthea Hulbert, Year 12 student has had her depth study on Analysis of the Quantum Eraser Experiment published in the Australian Physics magazine. Anthea poured endless hours into refining her understanding and written submissions and set her sights on really understanding delayed choice and the observer effect as a way to extend her experimental work on polarisation. Congratulations Anthea.
Toyama Chubu High School – Online chat
In March next year, we will once again be visited by Toyama Chubu High School. Pre-COVID, they visited annually for a week to develop links between Japanese and Australian students through the study of our local environment. The Toyama students will take part in action research and field studies while in Coffs Harbour.
As a lead up to their visit, Year 8 students were able to interact with the students and learn about Toyama and also the school.
Exchange Students return
Over the past 3 months, 5 of our Year 10 students (Tobie Dugdale, Harrison White, Lana Wirth Amy Wise and Lily Wise) have been immersing themselves in the Japanese way of life at our sister school, Reitaku Mizunami High School in Gifu.
These 5 students had a wonderful time and arrived home last week to be greeted by their families and friends. The students learnt so much, not just about Japanese culture but also how different school and home life is compared to Australia. All of the group commented that their language skills have improved immensely and they recommend the exchange for any students studying Japanese in Years 9 and 10.
Kirsten Binnie
Leader of Learning - Languages
It has been a creative and productive end to 2022 in the Art Block. Years 7-10 have continued to embrace new artistic techniques and develop skills in a range of mediums.
Year 7 have taken a cultural journey into the central Australian desert with the Tjanpi Desert Weavers and investigated the botanical prints of Australian artist, Margaret Preston. They have produced some stunning lino prints and constructed native animal sculptures inspired by these talented indigenous weavers.
Year 8 entered into the world of SteamPunk and constructed some amazing masks. Students have assembled an array of everyday discarded objects into balanced, well considered designs. Year 8 completed their year investigating the UK artist Banksy and his controversial street art followed by designing their own ‘wildstyle’ graffiti name. They utilised digital applications to create an original ‘name’ which was then reworked in pencil, pastel and marker.
Surrealism became the topic of exploration for Year 9 as they created collages and small Surrealist compositions. Students looked at the works of artists such as Salvador Dali, Georio De Chirico, Rene Magritte and Max Ernst to understand the styles and techniques of this movement. The students are continuing to work hard at completing their paintings with skill and refinement.
Art and Craft have always been closely linked and Year 10 students explored the works of Kelcie Bryant-Duguid, Juz Kitson and Caroline Harrius to highlight this relationship. From these investigations, they each created a body of work incorporating ceramics, weaving, and stitching. In their final unit of study Year 10 students looked at Australian architecture and the historical and geographical influences that have shaped our diverse styles. This unit has seen students creating detailed linocut prints and small scale paintings inspired by Artist Howard Arkley.
We look forward to another creative, inspirational year in 2023 and hope you enjoy this selection of works by our talented students.
Vicki Foggiato
Leader of Learning - Visual Arts
Year 9 PDHPE - Movement Composition unit
On Thursday 25 November, the Year 9 Movement Compositon unit culminated in a performance in front of the whole year group. All students were required to choreograph and perform a group dance based around the elements of dance. What was impressive was the way students overcame their fear and anxiety of performing and had a wonderful time sharing their creations with the year group. As a bonus, the students had the opportunity to put our theory unit for Term 4 into practice - Overcoming Adversity! Many laughs were had on the day and the dance floor will never be the same. Congratulations to all students, they were simply amazing!
Downie Shield Cricket
The SJPC Open Boys Cricket team played St John’s Woodlawn in the Quarter Final of the Downie Shield Cricket Competition last Monday.
After winning the toss and sending the opposition in on a ‘green top’, SJPC managed to bowl out the opposition in constant light rain for 316 runs. Ashton Herbert was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/71, ably supported by Riley ‘the skipper’ Dagger with 2/34 and Campbell Forster 2/42.
Brodhi Francis also chipped in with a wicket with some dangerous swing bowling late in the innings.
In reply, after losing two quick wickets, Pat Rose and Riley Dagger steadied the ship in the middle overs. When these two fell shortly after drinks, there was a procession of wickets that left the team chasing upwards of 10 runs per over to win the match. This was too big a hill to climb even after some late hitting from Ashton Herbert (34 n.o.) and Xavier Hartley. SJPC finished on 158.
I’d like to thank the team for their spirit and enthusiasm this year and also Kurt Marle and Charles Hibberd for their assistance with the team. The team looks forward to another successful campaign next year.
3 x 3 Basketball
On Wednesday 7 December, 45 students from Years 7 - 10 represented the College as players, managers and referees at the inaugural 3 x 3 Coffs Region Schools Challenge at Sportz Central. It was wondrful to see ex-student Isla Jufferman’s (Australian and NSW Representative) at the tournament, encouraging our students to be their best selves. The theme for the tournament was inclusion and fun and our students had both in spades. Their sportsmanship, willingness to help out and general behaviour on the day was outstanding and every student walked away with a smile. It was a pleasure to take a group of such pleasant and determined students to what is hoped to be the first of many such tournaments.
SJPC Sports People of the Year
Each year a male and female from each year group is crowned Sportsperson of the year. This year, the following people were announced at the recent College Awards Ceremonies:
| Year 12 Sportsperson of the Year |
 Laila McDonald |
 Harrison Colyer |
| Year 11 Sportsperson of the Year |
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| Year 10 Sportsperson of the Year |
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| Year 9 Sportsperson of the Year |
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| Year 8 Sportsperson of the Year |
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| Year 7 Sportsperson of the Year |
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Of the above people, one male and female are crowned College Sportsperson of the Year. Congratulations to Jaxon White who is our 2022 College Sportsman of the Year and to Matilda Newton, our 2022 College Sportwoman of the Year.
| College Sports Person of the Year |
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College Sportswoman of the Year
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College Sportsman of the Year
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School Sport Term 1 2023
- Year 9 and 10 sport allocations have now been finalised. No changes can be made.
- Information regarding Year 7 and 8 sport allocations were published last newsletter. Students can also locate this information via the Sport Classroom and on the Palace noticeboard.
Diocesan and CCC Representative sports 2023
A reminder that students who would like to represent the Diocese or NSWCCC at a chosen sport, can now sign up for many of these trials. See the attachment for more information.
CSNSW Sign Up
Also, a reminder that the Diocese Touch Football entries close on 10 February 2023. Students must make the Diocesan team to be eligible to trial for the NSWCCC team. Please see Diocesan website for more details.
Coming Up in 2023 (some dates may change)
| Friday 10 February |
Diocesan Touch Football sign up closes |
| Friday 17 February |
Diocesan Winter sport sign up closes |
| Thursday 23 February |
NSW All Schools Triathlon, Sydney |
| Thursday 2 March |
Diocesan Swimming, Kempsey |
| Tuesday 7 March |
Diocesan League and Football Trials, Ballina |
| Friday 10 March |
Diocesan Tennis, Tweed Heads |
| Friday 31 March |
NSWCCC Swimming, Homebush |
| Tuesday 4 April |
Diocesan Open Football, Kempsey |
| Wednesday 5 April |
Diocesan Open Basketball, Coffs Harbour |
Thank you
As always, sport in our school is a massive machine and would not be possible without the staff who put their hand up to take sporting teams away. Thank you to all the coaches and managers who generously donated their free time, voluntarily travelled away from their families overnight and shared their passion of sport in order to give our students so many amazing opportunities this year.
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator
This year’s final music concert was held on the Library rooftop and what a huge success it was. The concert featured the many talented students from both Year 9 and 10 who wowed an audience of around two hundred friends, family and staff. Students performed music from a wide range of genres such as reggae, rock and pop just to name a few, which were all performed to a high standard.
A massive thank you to the Music staff, Renee Berrisford, Pat and Connor Gleeson for the awesome BBQ and everyone involved in making this evening possible.
Mark Hoare
Leader of Learning - Music & Drama
As 2022 draws to a close, an enormous thank you to the students at the College and the wider community for their enormous generosity towards the recent Christmas Appeal.
The donations will be given to the local Conference of St Vincent de Paul, to be distributed to those in need, and also to Pete’s Place, a local support centre for the homeless and rough sleepers.
An especial thank you to Georgia Bath, Keira Loy and Abby Sams, for their time and effort assisting the conference with shopping for the Christmas appeal.
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I would like to wish all a very happy and holy Christmas, and look forward to continuing to support St Vincent de Paul in 2023.
