8 March 2024 - Newsletter (Vol 41 No 3)
- Principal's Message
- Assistant Principal - Mission
- Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
- Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
- School Evangelisation
- School Catechesis
- Curriculum Matters
- The Career Path
- Leaders of Student Wellbeing
- Literacy Matters
- Mountain Bike Nationals - Thredbo
- Sports Corner
- SJPC Choir
- International Women's Day
- Wellbeing Room
- Seasons for Growth
- Blue Sky Community Services - Tuning into Teens
- Family Breakfast - All Welcome
- Awaken
- Kawalazi 2024
- The Kokoda Challenge
- Office News
- 2023 Yearbook Collection
- St Francis Xavier Celebrating 30 Years
Enhancing Student Engagement in their learning: A Shared Responsibility
Dear Students
This week I would like to focus on our Learning and Teaching goal for 2024 To increase student engagement in their learning.
As we navigate through the academic year, it's essential to reflect on ways to enrich our learning experiences. One crucial aspect of this journey is student engagement. When students are actively involved in their learning process, the outcomes are often more profound, fulfilling and inevitably make sense. Very often students ask why are we doing this? When will I ever use this in the future? How is this relevant? Making connections to the WHY is the first step in the engagement process. As learners, if we know why we need to do something then our level of engagement in the process increases.
Here are some strategies to increase engagement, perhaps they could be discussion starters at home this week.
Take Ownership of Your Learning: Do you actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed? I’d encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning journey by setting goals, managing your time effectively, and seeking out additional resources or support when necessary.
Interactive Learning Activities: Seek out opportunities to be involved in hands-on learning experiences, discussions, debates, and group projects. These activities not only make learning more enjoyable but also foster deeper understanding and critical thinking skills and make connections to the theoretical parts of the courses.
Utilize Technology: How do you embrace the power of technology to enhance your learning? Is it through using educational apps, online resources, or interactive simulations, or are you simply taking notes on a screen? Technology can provide new avenues for exploration and understanding especially outside the formal learning environment.
Connect Learning to Real Life: Try to relate classroom concepts to real-life situations. Understanding how what you're learning applies to the world around you can make the material more meaningful and interesting.
Explore Your Interests: Do you take advantage of the elective courses you have chosen? Are you involved in clubs, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests and passions? Engaging in activities you enjoy outside of the classroom can enhance your overall sense of fulfillment and motivation.
Seek Feedback and Reflection: How often do you regularly seek feedback from teachers, peers, and yourself? Reflecting on your progress and areas for improvement can help you stay focused and motivated to continue growing.
Increasing student engagement is a collaborative effort that involves parents, students and educators. By actively participating in your learning journey and embracing these strategies, you can enhance your high school experience and lay the foundation for future success.
Stay engaged, stay curious, and keep striving for excellence!
God bless
Michael Carniato
Principal
As we continue our journey through Lent, the solemnity of this season deepens, inviting us to reflect on our progress and recommit to our observances of Lent. With three weeks behind us and three more ahead, we find ourselves in a pivotal moment of spiritual growth and renewal.
During this phase of Lent, our fasting, prayer, and almsgiving take on deeper significance as we strive to stay faithful to our commitments. The initial enthusiasm may have waned, but the journey continues with unwavering determination.
In the third week of Lent, we are challenged to persevere in our fasting. As we abstain from indulgences, whether it be chocolate, entertainment, or other comforts, we are reminded of Jesus' own sacrifices in the desert. Each denial strengthens our resolve and draws us closer to the heart of Christ.
Our prayer becomes more contemplative as we seek to deepen our relationship with God. In the silence of our hearts, we listen for His voice and allow His grace to transform us. The rhythm of daily prayer sustains us, anchoring us in the midst of life's busyness.
In the spirit of almsgiving, we become more attentive to the needs of others. Whether through acts of charity, such as giving to Project Compassion, or simple acts of kindness, we extend the love and compassion of Christ to those around us. In serving others, we encounter the presence of God and experience the joy of selfless giving.
Lord, as we journey through Lent,
Grant us strength to persevere,
Guide us in prayer and reflection,
And inspire us to acts of love and mercy.
May this season of repentance
Lead us closer to You,
And prepare our hearts to celebrate
The joy of Easter.
Amen.
https://www.lism.catholic.edu.au/fullness-of-life-framework
Conflict in Perspective
- Conflict is inevitable when we work in relational environments.
- We are all hard-wired to connect – we like to feel a part of a community, to be valued and liked.
- It is challenging to resolve conflict when emotions are high.
- It is helpful to work towards a state of calmness to rationalise what has happened and why it has triggered the emotions.
Helpful Insights into Conflict Resolution
- Identify the issue/behaviour – reflect on its impact; how has it made you feel?
- Address the problem sooner rather than later - acknowledge it, but do not brush it aside or dismiss it if it has profoundly impacted you.
- Avoid the language of blame or judgement of character - when conflict is managed with emotional and judgemental language, it leads to further harm/hurt.
- Listen and be open to different perspectives and allow for dialogue to occur.
- Respect people's feelings – try to sit in the other person’s shoes.
- Be aware of your triggers and acknowledge them.
- Collaborate on working solutions.
- Establish how to manage things if there are setbacks in the future.
The aim of Restorative Practices in our college community is to strengthen relationships and to manage conflict and tensions by repairing harm as a way of building community. The restorative practice's philosophy is a values based approach that derives from the teachings of the Gospel and contemporary research into health and wellbeing. Restorative practices help develop resilient and self-regulating learners, thus creating a positive learning environment.
I take this opportunity to thank all parents who attended the evening that focused on “Building Positive Relationships with our Children'', the two groups of student leaders in the College, especially the senior students who gave up three hours of their valuable learning time, the middle leaders for attending a 7:30am meeting time when I’m sure they had plenty of other school business to attend to and finally the whole staff for their willingness to be involved in the PD day from the outset. Our aim is to continue to build on the structures Maurizio explored and revisit his content throughout the year.
Until next time:
NAPLAN 2024
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.
At St John Paul College, NAPLAN will occur for all Year 7 & 9s from next week, starting with:
- Writing on Wednesday 13 March;
- Reading on Thursday 14 March;
- Conventions of Language on Friday 15 March; and
- Numeracy on Monday 18 March.
- NAPLAN ‘catch up assessments’ will be from Tuesday - Thursday in Week 8
Students and parents can access the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.
NAPLAN 2024 Information for parents and carers is attached in the resources below. If you have any further questions about NAPLAN, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Resources include:
- Public demonstration site
- NESA NAPLAN website
- NAP parent/carer support page
- Watch a video that explains tailored testing
- 2024 NAPLAN Information for parents and carers
Parent Student Teacher Conferences for Term 1
From next week, the College will begin its first Parent Student Teacher Conferences for 2024.
This will begin with conferences for:
- Years 10/11 next Tuesday,
- Years 8/9 in Week 8; and
- Year 7 in Week 9
For some students, these conferences might conjure up a few feelings of nerves or stress. However, I would encourage students to move from the WHEN to the WHY and HOW.
- Students should consider the idea of PST Conferences vs PT Nights
- PST Conferences, by the very name, have notions of STUDENTS actively involved in the process and CONFERENCE has the idea of equal parties in student progress… a different degree of ownership.
- What are the questions that students should be asking about their own learning and reflection to gain the most out of this Term? I would encourage every student to consider their own learning and reflect on the following:
a. How are you feeling about your progress in each subject?
b. Have you tried hard to do your best?
c. Have you been distracted/am I distracting?
d. What goals do you have to improve your learning habits and effort?
e. What strategies do you need to have in place to support your goals?
f. Where can you put in more effort?
The emphasis here is on students taking responsibility for their own learning.
Students will be familiar with lessons starting with Learning Intentions and Success Criteria but the learning process continues beyond this …. with the idea of understanding teacher feedback, self assessment and goal setting…all transferring the learning from teacher to students owning their learning…a gradual release of responsibility where teachers skill students to take control of their own independent learning process.
Therefore Parent Student Teacher Conferences can be viewed with a different mindset from next week, where students own their learning…. a much better way of thinking of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria and PST Conferences.
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
It is steadfast love, not sacrifice, that God desires (Hosea 6:6)
Prayer
Prayer is at the heart of growing closer to God and we encourage students to focus on prayer in the classroom as part of our daily school routine and even more so as one of the tenets of Lent. It's helpful to follow the daily readings, too, easily accessible online through apps such as Amen and Universalis. And if you are curious about ways to pray as a family, here is a Family Lenten Prayer Link that may be useful. Further Lent Resources are also available.
Year 7 Transitis Retreat
It's been great to receive so many responses to the Google Form sent to Year 7 last week. It's not too late to put your name down as applications close in a couple of weeks. All details of the event are on the Google Form.
LEAD Event
Keep our senior students in your prayers as they await and prepare for LEAD.
If any Year 11 and 12 students missed the deadline please see Mrs Sawtell to discuss the possibility of attending this ministry event.
SJPC Youth Ministry Instagram
What's happening in our Parishes
Leader of School Evangelisation
Incitare Retreat
Incitāre is a one-day retreat experience for Year 6 students from Catholic Primary Schools based in regions of the Diocese to celebrate their faith. The retreat is a chance to bring students together to meet like-minded peers and to celebrate with other young people who practice their faith.
The activities are a mixture of large and small sharing groups and celebrating a liturgy together. The program focuses on the needs of the participants. The experience allows attendees to build relationships with other students in their region and invites the participants to talk about and share their faith journey focusing on the following:
- Values in life.
- Courage and ways to be a disciple.
- How to make a difference in the world.
SJPC Ministry students were invited to assist the Retreat Convenor in facilitating the day by running lively games, activities, small group sessions, faith sharing, testimony, and providing witness and accompaniment to the young participants. The theme of the day was taken from the Letter to the Hebrews and was brought to life through the energetic community that gathered (Hebrews 10:24 - “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another.”)
Congratulations to our wonderful Year 10 Ministry Students. They were awesome!
Information about Elevate Education's next free Parent webinar is below.
How You Can Make Technology an Ally
(and Not the Enemy!)
Wednesday 13th March, 6:30-7:30pm (AEDT)
Click here to register for free
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
* Reducing your child’s dependence on technology
* Using apps to prevent your child procrastinating
* Using technology to enhance your child’s learning
We hope to see you there!
Year 9 and Year 11 requests for course changes have now been actioned where possible. Thankfully we were able to accommodate most requests. Students are aware that they are responsible for completing work that they have missed.
Year 10 Work Experience Block
Those students who are not attending the Canberra excursion in Term 2, will be required to undertake a 5 day work experience block.
When: 20 - 24 May 2024 (Term 2 Week 4)
How:
Students must arrange their own placement. There will be no classes for Year 10 that week. Students will either participate in the excursion to Canberra or will be participating in work experience.
When you have found an employer to do your work experience with, you will need to complete the paperwork, called the Student Placement Record (SPR). It must be returned to school by 1 May 2024. (Term 2 Week 1)
Before you can attend any work experience, you must complete the online Preparing For Work Experience modules at the My Work Experience portal. The link for this is below.
https://myworkexperience.cls.janison.com/auth/login/
Paperwork and Additional Information that can be accessed from the Year 10 Curriculum Google Classroom
The Student Placement Record - this must be completed and returned to the SJPC Office by 1 May 2024.
For those of you who will be travelling in the car of the employer you must complete the Vehicle Travel With Employer Form.
The Workplace Learning Guide For Parents and Carers
The Employers Guide to Workplace Learning (You must give the employer a copy of this. You can do that electronically or print it off.)
An introductory letter - is available for those of you who may require a little help when you are talking to employers in person or on the phone about the work experience.
Hints and Tips
You will have more success finding a work experience position if you go and see the business in person or if you ring them.
If you just send an email, you will not have much success. I would recommend that you go and see them in person or phone them first to arrange a time to meet with them.
As there are many students in Year 10 who will be trying to source a work experience position, do not procrastinate (this means, give yourself plenty of time and do not leave things to the last minute). If you have any questions, please speak to Mr Corsalini.
Upcoming Events
22 March - SCU Discovery Day (for Year 12)
26 March- CSU Explore Day (Port Macquarie) (for Year 12)
9 April - White Card Course
3 May - UNE Open Day (Armidale) (for Year 12)
16 May - Coffs Harbour Careers Expo (for Year 10)
20-24 May - Work Experience block for Year 10
22 - 24 May - Newcastle and Sydney Universities Tour (for Year 11)
Paul Corsalini
Careers Adviser
Year 7
Dear Parents and Carers
I draw your attention to two of the themes that have been focussed on across the Year 7 cohort over the past two weeks and I encourage you to speak with your child about these topics.
One of Mother Teresa’s beautiful quotes that resonates with me is when she said “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier”. This has been a central message Year 7 have been hearing over the past few weeks.
As parents, you have such an instrumental impact on your child and the way that they behave. Below are a few tips you could use as discussion points with your child over the next few weeks.
- Help them understand what kindness means
Whilst we encourage children to treat other people the way we would hope to be treated ourselves, the discussion can begin to shift towards explaining that we treat people the way that’s best for them, even if that’s different from what’s best for us.
- Inspire their imagination
Asking the question “What would that feel like?” can be one of the most powerful habits we can instil in our children. You can’t be a compassionate person unless you have an active imagination - you have to be able to step into someone else’s shoes.
- Model kindness everywhere you go
Whilst we can’t control our children’s behaviour, we can always look for ways to demonstrate kind behaviour in the way we act and the things we do. We’ve been encouraging students to invite people into their friendship groups, say hello to all they come into contact with and to say thank you to people who have helped them or made an impact in their day.
- Encourage kind habits
Ways to encourage kind habits could be through sharing, volunteering, giving, including, comforting, supporting, compromising, listening and noticing when someone could use some help. This could be a peer with a classroom question, a family member with a chore, an older person who may need a seat on the bus.
- Understand that kindness is not always easy
We may need constant reminders that kindness is hard sometimes and it doesn’t always naturally flow out; however, this doesn’t mean that you are not a kind person. It can sometimes be challenging to be nice to a sibling who is annoying you, scary to stick up for a friend or a classmate who isn’t being treated right. What we can do is gently coach our kids to remember how other people might be feeling and to apologise if we make a mistake - this too is a form of kindness.
In addition to the theme of kindness, I have introduced the Level System to Year 7 students this week. I draw your attention to page 7 of the College Diary and have inserted the information below from this page.
The SJPC Level System aim is to recognise the efforts of students that support the school, its beliefs and engage in the opportunities and follow the Code of Conduct.
While all students begin their time at SJPC on Level 5, their aim is to move from level 5 through to level 8 by adhering to the College Code of Conduct. This is reflected in gaining positive Compass entries, wearing the College uniform appropriately and attending all College events. Students who reach the higher levels stay at these levels while they continue to satisfy the College Code of Conduct.
Students who fail to adhere to the College Code of Conduct will be moved from Level 5 to the lower levels. This can occur due to a major incident or a series of smaller incidents. Students who are placed on level 3 face certain restrictions e.g. behavioural monitor booklet, removal from the yard at recess and lunch, not representing the school in sport or other cultural activities etc.
This is a snapshot of the SJPC Levels System. For further information, students and parents are urged to contact the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing or Leader of School Engagement.
We encourage all students to continue to thrive and aim to be the best version of themselves. Year 7 are navigating their way through high school really well and I am very proud of the active, engaging and positive approach they’ve taken to St John Paul College.
Until next time,
Year 8
It was another great two weeks for Year 8 last week with the first Social for the year and other events. It was great to see so many students trialling for different representative sports including Tennis, Rugby Union and Football (Soccer). You may not make the team however, your commitment to trialling at 7.30am does not go unnoticed.
Our “Best All Rounders” for the last two weeks were Rhyse Ward and Max McKeon for demonstrating enthusiasm in Japanese. Both boys were rewarded with canteen vouchers. Congratulations!
Finally, the first Year 8 student to email me 3 things to remember from the “Living the Faith” document in this newsletter will receive a canteen voucher!!
Year 9
‘Being stewards of our world’ - ‘Clean Up Australia’ with Year 9!
Last Wednesday, our Year 9 students took a proactive step towards environmental stewardship by participating in Clean Up Australia Day. Armed with gloves, bags, and an enthusiastic spirit, they ventured out to make a tangible difference in our local school community.
The event was not just about picking up litter; it was a lesson in responsibility, teamwork, and the impact of individual actions on the environment. As they combed through our beautiful fields and oval students gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of keeping our surroundings clean and the consequences of neglecting our natural spaces.
Their efforts were commendable, with bags brimming with rubbish collected by the end of the day. But more than just the physical cleanup, the experience fostered a sense of pride and stewardship among the students for their community.
The Clean Up Australia Day activity provided an opportunity for Year 9 students to connect with nature, engage in meaningful service, and reflect on their role in preserving the environment for future generations. It was a morning filled with purpose and impact, reminding us all of the power we hold to effect positive change in our world.
All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things
Continuing with our love for words: Word Consciousness
Word Consciousness refers to ‘awareness and interest in words and their meaning’ Graves & Watts-Taffe, 2008. Teachers and family members who share their love for words (logophilia) and who provide engaging opportunities for children to interact with words both in conversation, reading, writing and research and creative opportunities, help to ignite this passion for words. It is a very effective way to motivate students to read and continue to build vocabulary and embrace the gift of words.
Word consciousness is empowering for children and adults. Vocabulary is not a closed file - we continue to add to it through our entire lives. Words are more than just words - they are envelopes packaged with concepts. When effective readers come in contact with different words it can trigger connections of familiarity, enabling them to make word associations and become more sophisticated comprehenders.
‘Vocabulary is more than words. It is knowledge. To know a word’s meaning is to know what that word represents and to begin to understand the network of concepts that go with it.’ Neuman and Darger 2009.
Studies have shown that students struggling with reading almost universally have not played word games. Playing word games in the home invites children to become animated and motivated learners and this can help struggling readers. Shared curiosity about words, word origins and word history, poetry, puns, proverbs and idioms and exposure to a variety of reading materials and word games in the home can engage children in a thirst for new, rich vocabulary and a journey toward word consciousness. Vocabulary knowledge is one of the best predictors of reading achievement.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Anomalous adjective
DEFINITION: deviating from what's standard or expected; strange, abnormal or irregular.
In a sentence: I found her use of mayonnaise on french fries anomalous.
Ineptitude noun
DEFINITION: lack of skill or ability
In a sentence: Carelessness and ineptitude were the reasons for his dismissal.
Diocesan Swimming Carnival
On Thursday 7 March, 35 students represented the College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Port Macquarie. The new venue for the event was challenging with a longer than normal program due to the pool only having 6 lanes. Our team was nothing short of spectacular and represented the College with pride. Coco Becker, William Backhouse, Luke Wilson, Lily-Mei Wong, Holly Tyler, Holly Becker, Carlo Eiler and Riley Andrews all qualified to represent the Lismore Diocese at NSWCCC Swimming by placing either 1st or 2nd in the 50m freestyle or 1st in any other event. Well done and good luck!
Some special results were achieved at the carnival. Congratulations to:
- Holly Becker (Year 10) won the 16 girls 100m backstroke and broke the Diocesan record with a blistering swim of 1.12.43sec. Well done, Holly.
- Coco Becker (Year 7) not only won the 12 year girls 50m freestyle but also broke the record with a cracking 30.09sec. Coco also broke the 50m butterfly record by swimming 33.03sec and broke the record in the 100m backstroke (1:18.48sec). The full official results have yet to be released for her last 3 swims, so this list could grow! Well done super fish.
Diocesan Representatives
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent the Diocese in sports:
- Tazmyn White (Year 8) and Hannah Burton (Year 7) were both selected to represent the Diocese in Touch Football at the CCC Championships in Nelson Bay in April.
- Mrs Carla Snow was appointed to the position of 15s Girls Diocesan Touch Football Coach.
- Lauren Harris (Year 10) and Evie Gibson (Year 8) were selected for the Open Female Soccer team and will represent the Diocese in Sydney later this year. Congratulations to Cooper Andrews (Year 10) also as she was selected as a shadow player for this team.
- Loki Marchant, Olly Angus-Brown and Jack Lemair (Year 12) were all selected in the Diocesan Open Men's Football team to compete for Lismore Diocese in Sydney later in the year.
CCC Selection Trials
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to attend NSWCCC trials in Sydney in the coming weeks:
Jennifer Martin (Year 8) in 15s Cricket
Eva Pronesti (Year 9) in 15s Volleyball
Congratulations
Charlotte Cougle (Year 12), Charlize Morrison (Year 12), Alexis Plater (Year 11), and Kira Juffermans (Year 10) were all selected in the U18 Country NSW Basketball team to compete at the Australian Championships in Brisbane in April. Good luck ladies.
Representative Sports Training
Our representative season is well underway with many of our sports training before school. We have had excellent attendance in Rugby on Tuesdays, Netball on Wednesdays, and Soccer on Thursdays. The Open Basketball squads are now training together on Friday mornings and our Tennis team has hit the Sawtell courts on Mondays. It is lovely to see our fields a hive of activity so early in the day.
Thank you to the parents who drop their children off early and the staff who freely give their time to ensure our students get the best possible preparation for our representative events.
Interhouse Volleyball
Our annual Inter-house Volleyball competition kicked off this week with two rounds of games. Year 11 opened the tournament with a strong showing. Many students attended to cheer on their houses, with the Year 11s putting on a strong display of skill and determination. Hargraves won the day, with Kelly finishing second, MacAuley placed third, and Casey was fourth.
On Friday, our Year 7s took to the court in a very competitive and enthusiastic manner. Again, we had a large turnout from the community to support and cheer on their house. Congratulations to McAuley who won, Kelly who placed second, Hargraves who placed third, and Casey who finished fourth.
Therefore, the overall results thus far are as follows:
4th - Casey - 10points
Equal 1st - Kelly, McAuley, and Hargraves- 30 points
On Tuesday 12 March, Year 8 have the opportunity to represent their house and compete in this fierce battle.
Sport Compass events
Families are reminded to read the entirety of the Compass event for any sporting activity as all information about the competition or activity is placed in the event. The resource section will hold items such as programs once they are provided to the College and the compulsory questions are vital for ensuring we keep your child safe. For representative sports, please note who your child's coach is and please direct concerns directly to them as this will streamline the process.
Coming Up - Term 1 2024
| Tuesday 12 March |
Diocesan Tennis Championships, Tweed Heads |
| Thursday 14 March |
Dicoesan Open Basketball, Coffs Harbour North Coast Rugby 10s, Crescent Head |
| Tuesday 26 March |
NSW Netball Cup (Year 7 - 10), Coffs Harbour |
| Tuesday 2 April |
Diocesan Open Football, Kempsey Schools Surfing Championships, Port Macquarie |
| Wednesday 3 April |
Schools Surfing Championships, Port Macquarie |
| Friday 5 April |
Diocesan Individual Netball Trials, Coffs Harbour Mountain Bike competition, Port Macquarie North Coast Rugby 10s, Crescent Head |
Danielle McAra
Sport Co-ordinator
Rehearsals have begun and we would like everyone to know about choir this year. In May we will be performing in the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod for choirs and presenting 2 new songs from our repertoire as well as enjoying the music from 15-20 other choirs from our region. Please see Mr Baldwin to sign up if you would like to - you will need the google classroom code. Life is short, SING!
International Women’s Day in Coffs Harbour is celebrated each year as a joint initiative of the three major women’s clubs, Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc., BPW (Business & Professional Women) Coffs Coast and Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network Inc. (BWN).
The International Women’s Day (IWD) Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award acknowledges and promotes the positive contribution of women to the community in the region of Coffs Coast which includes the local government area of Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Shire.
Each year 4 lucky SJPC staff members (Trish Furey, Amrit Nagra, Meg Philip and Nataleigh Baxter) attend the breakfast with the Student Leadership team, Riley Andrews (College Captain), Koko Nichols (Vice Captain), Lana Wirth (Year12 SRC), Dayna Loy & Makaylah Beatty (Year11 SRC).
Amrit Nagra - Maths Teacher - It was a great display of courage, hard-work and determination to inspire a generation to be independent, fearless and courageous. We were all very blessed to represent our school at this event.
Nataleigh Baxter - Office Manager - What a blessing to start the day listening to strong and passionate women and their inspiring stories. I especially enjoyed hearing from SJPC's 2023 College Vice Captain, Lily Betland. What a talented, confident young woman she is!
Riley Andrews (Captain) - The breakfast was a wonderful morning where we were able to listen to some of the wonderful women out there, and it was so inspiring to hear their stories.
Koko Nichols (Vice Captain) - On Friday the 8th March, the senior female leadership team and select staff attended the incredible International Women's Day Breakfast. It was a joy to hear from a series of inspiring, amazing women.
Lana Wirth (Year 12 SRC) - This morning I was lucky enough to attend the International Women's Day Breakfast and listen to so many inspiring women. After listening to many successful women such as an ex-student Lily Betland, business owners, a professional athlete and many other strong women I was inspired to consider my future and part in the community. How can I personally make a difference and help pave the way for other women to do the same?
Our very own Leanne Gennat, Assistant Principal Mission and the Catholic Schools Women who are featured in the Coffs Coast Focus magazine, celebrating 'Women in Business!
The wellbeing room is a safe space for students to talk openly about concerns, discuss support, and enjoy a calm atmosphere. We have seen great engagement with the room so far and are pleased to be able to accommodate students in need and offer another space in the school where they belong.
The wellbeing room is open before school from 8.30 am, recess, and lunch. On entry, students are welcomed with a warm greeting from our Student Wellbeing Officer, Mrs Talia Saban. The room is air-conditioned, furnished with sofas and bean bags, and contains an array of board and card games, wellbeing magazines, and books. It has been wonderful to see students socialising and building positive peer relationships through lunchtime crafting activities and games clubs. Lunchtime clubs allow students to engage in extra activities and also contribute to fostering an inclusive school community.
We are looking forward to facilitating the wellbeing program Seasons for Growth next term. This program is designed to support students to develop the skills to cope effectively with change and loss. Please contact talia.saban@lism.catholic.edu.au if you require any further information.
INVITATION
Everyone is affected by change and loss at some time in our lives. At St John Paul College we recognise that when changes occur such as separation, divorce, death, school transitions and natural disasters, 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. 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.
Please note - Seasons for Growth is designed for students for students who have experienced a loss at least 6-12 months before the program. If your child has experienced a more recent loss, counselling is a far more useful tool.
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 would like your child to participate in Seasons for Growth or require further information please contact Talia Saban at talia.saban@lism.catholic.edu.au or Bradley Poidevin at bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Today, we are thrilled to share with you the amazing results of our project: donating school uniforms to Kawalazi Primary School students in Malawi.
With the generous funding from St John Paul College, Australia, we were able to provide uniforms to the students, who previously had to wear clothes to school. This simple gesture has made a huge difference in their lives. The students and their parents are so happy and grateful to receive the new uniforms. Some of the students said they now feel more connected and equal to their classmates, regardless of their background or income.
Kawalazi Primary School is located in a rural area, where many families struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone school fees and supplies. Students in the areas face many challenges but despite the hardships, the students are eager to learn and improve their lives.
We are honoured to support the students. We believe that education is the key to empowerment and social change. By providing them with uniforms, we are not only giving them a new look, but also a new hope for a brighter future.
We want to thank St John Paul College, Australia, for their generous support. We also want to thank the teachers, parents, and community leaders of Kawalazi for their cooperation and hospitality. And most of all, we want to thank the students for their enthusiasm and courage. You are the reason we do what we do.
College Student Leaders Committee
Expressions of Interest from students to participate in the Kokoda Challenge, an annual event held in several Queensland locations. In the spirit of the Diggers experience of the real Kokoda Track, the event aims to challenge participants on a long difficult and hilly hike in a team. It aims to inspire courage, endurance and mateship, virtues of the Kokoda campaign, to get you through to the end. We aim to enter in the Brisbane event which at 48km, is half the distance of the Kokoda Track. To make it challenging, you do it in one day!
Check out the Kokoda Challenge website
WHAT: 48km hike with 2000m of elevation completed in one day. Average time 13hrs
WHO: Teams of 4 students and 1 teacher. Minimum age 13 years
DETAILS: 1 June. Brisbane event. Starts at 7.30am. We will stay 2 nights in accommodation (TBA) nearby. A parent support team is needed (at least 2 parents per team). There are check points along the way, one of which is a major check point where the support crew meet their team for a feed, water, new socks etc.
PREPARATION: MUST be prepared to train once a week after school for 1.5 - 3 hour hikes plus a couple of 6hr hikes on the weekends leading up to the event. Will be hilly!
COST: As part of the fund raising component, each student needs to raise $125. There will also be an accommodation cost TBA
Either contact Brad Poidevin (bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au) or fill out the Google Form if interested.
Brad Poidevin
School Counsellor
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
Vaccinations
The following vaccines are offered free to students at school in 2024:
- Year 7 - diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Thursday April 11 - Year 7 vaccinations
To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need to:
- visit the online consent portal link: online consent portal (https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school).
- click the login with ‘Service NSW Account’ button and log in with their Service NSW details, or create an account with ServiceNSW if they don’t already have one
- enter Medicare details for themselves and their child
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent online. Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese.
www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination
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.
Traffic and Parking Guidelines
Student Diary
Lost Property
Uniform Shop
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am
Homework Centre
Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm
Finance
Email: cofhs-fees@lism.
