21 June 2024 - Newsletter (Vol 41 No 9)
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Principal's Message
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Assistant Principal - Mission
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Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
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Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
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School Evangelisation
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Curriculum Matters
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Visual Arts
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History
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English
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The Career Path
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Literacy Matters
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Sports Corner
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Push-Up Challenge 2024
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Study Skills Handbook - Starting Assignments Straight Away
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Get Involved - CHY FM - 5 day On-Air Presenter Workshop
Staff comings and goings
At the end of this term, we say farewell to Mr Jeff Guy. Jeff joined the College in 2016 as a casual teacher and became a permanent member of the Science faculty in 2018. We have been very fortunate to have Mr Guy as part of the teaching team and he has been generous with his time and knowledge in many areas outside the classroom including many trips, excursions and field events. Jeff goes with our very best wishes as he heads to Japan to teach.
We also say farewell to Ms Natalie Jupp from the English faculty who has been here in a temporary capacity since 2023. Natalie has made an impact on both colleagues and students during the short time she has been here and we wish her all the very best as she pursues her teaching career.
A very warm welcome to Bianca Johnson who joins the front office team. Bianca has many years of experience in the corporate setting and we are very excited to have her as part of the service team at the office.
- The Canteen has the following new additions to the menu.
- Thursday - Sushi
- Wednesday to Friday mornings - Raisin Toast and Hashbrowns
- homemade banana bread and slices, hummus snacks, Up and Gos, mineral waters
- In Term 3 we will be conducting surveys for students and parents to seek further advice and changes.
- The ‘Screaming Beans’ coffee van is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8.00am to 11.30am
Clarification
In the last newsletter, I made the claim that SJPC held the highest ATAR last year in the local government area, the wording should have read ‘…was amongst the highest.’ In fact, the highest ATAR in 2023 was 98.95 by Maya Farmer of Toormina High. My apologies for the incorrect information.
As we head toward the end of another busy term, I wish to say thank you to all our families who continue to support the College, the decisions we make and the directions moving forward.
God bless
Animating the Gospel: Catholic Mission Visit
Recently, St John Paul College had the privilege of hosting Loana Wallace, affectionately known as Lew, the Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission for the Diocese of Lismore. Lew's role at Catholic Mission involves proclaiming the Gospel, serving the poor, and advocating for peace, justice, and creation. Her visit was a vibrant testament to the values we hold dear, breathing life into the Catholic social teachings that form the bedrock of our community.
Lew engaged with our Vinnies Conference students, Student Leadership, and Year 10 Ministry students, exploring the essence of mission. She emphasised that mission is God's mission—an outward focus that reaches out with a positive message of hope and love. Her inspiring words resonated deeply, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility, human solidarity, and the common good.
One of the highlights of Lew's talk was the story of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, the founder of Catholic Missions. Born in Lyon, France, in 1799, Pauline dedicated her life to supporting missionaries worldwide. Her innovative approach—forming prayer groups and collecting small donations—laid the foundation for the Propagation of Faith Movement, the first Pontifical Mission Society. This legacy continues to inspire our efforts today.
Lew also shared insights into the types of aid provided by Catholic Mission. From emergency aid during disasters, like the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, to development aid that supports grassroots projects worldwide, Catholic Mission's work exemplifies the spirit of service and solidarity.
A key focus this year is Socktober 2024, supporting two vital projects in Mongolia: The Don Bosco Industrial Training Skills Centre; and the Don Bosco Caring Centre which provide education and support to vulnerable communities, embodying the mission's commitment to uplifting those in need. Our students were particularly enthusiastic about contributing to these initiatives, seeing firsthand how their efforts can make a tangible difference.
Lew's visit was more than just a talk; it was a call to action. Her stories and experiences illuminated how we, as a school community, can actively participate in animating the gospel. We are profoundly grateful to Lew for her inspiring presence and the opportunity to deepen our understanding of and engagement with Catholic social teachings.
Together, we look forward to supporting Socktober, Catholic Mission and continuing to embody the mission of Jesus in our daily lives, ensuring that all people can experience life to the full.
Catch the Wave: Year 9 Students Strengthen Their Faith
On Tuesday, Year 9 students at our school participated in the "Catch the Wave" event, a mini-retreat designed to help them deepen their relationship with God. Using the analogy of ‘catching the wave’ of faith, the event emphasised that everyone is at different stages of their spiritual journey. This concept aids students in navigating and developing their unique connection to God.
With the invaluable support of the Year 10 Ministry classes, insightful testimonies from Year 11 students, and the guidance of CSO Regional Ministry Assistants Ash and Joey, Year 9 students embarked on a metaphorical surfing adventure. The day was focused on recognising God’s presence in their lives and understanding how His Spirit guides them. This enriching experience was a significant step in their faith formation, helping them to ‘catch the wave’ and strengthen their friendship with God.
Year 9 now have the opportunity to discern if the Year 10 Ministry class is an opportunity they want to be part of next year. The EOI form has been sent out to Year 9 students and parents and we encourage you to have this conversation with your child.
Year 10 Ministry Leads Heartwarming Retreat for Year 2 at St Augustine's Primary
On 14 June, our Year 10 Ministry students hosted a retreat for Year 2 students at St Augustine's Primary School, themed "Signs of God's Love."
The day began with a lively "Get to Know You" activity, setting a fun tone. Year 10 students introduced themselves and led games, helping everyone feel connected.
An opening prayer focused on God's love set a reverent atmosphere. Students then reflected on scripture and participated in a creative craft activity, reinforcing the day's message.
Prayers of petition allowed personal reflection, encouraging students to ask for God's guidance and express gratitude. A personal testimony from a Year 10 student illustrated the impact of recognising God's love.
The retreat concluded with a closing prayer, summarising the morning and thanking God for His love. Students left with joy and a deeper understanding of God's love.
This retreat showcased the leadership and compassion of our Year 10 students, fostering community and spiritual growth among the younger students.
I would like to thank the SPJC college community for once again rallying and showing how generous they are. It is so pleasing to say that in the Homeroom tins alone, we are able to sponsor at least one student for every Homeroom as part of our Kawalazi Development Project. The Kawalazi community will be incredibly grateful for these funds which will enable them to continue the education of their young people.
It is at times like this that we tend to reflect on how extremely grateful we should be for opportunities that are available to us in our lives. At times we can take for granted what is easily accessible, particularly in terms of our quality of life and educational opportunities.
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognise that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or God. (www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier)
In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Practicing an “attitude of gratitude” makes you feel better about the daily stresses and frustrations we all encounter and it improves your health:
- Better sleep. Before you go to sleep, spend a few minutes counting your blessings, and you could sleep more soundly and longer.
- Better physical health. Lower blood pressure, improved immune function and less fatigue are just some of the physical benefits you could reap.
- Better mental health. Gratitude promotes a sense of well-being and can help ease depression. It can also improve resiliency.
- Improved self-esteem. Cultivating feelings of gratitude and focusing on all the good things in your life create positive feelings about yourself and your abilities.
- Better relationships. Saying “thank you” and showing appreciation can strengthen your relationships with your significant other, family and friends. And it can help you make new friends and build new healthy relationships.
- Improved self-care. Being aware of the good things in your life can promote behaviours like exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, creating opportunities for “me time” and taking care of your own health. (www.conehealth.com/services/behavioral-health/outpatient-behavioral-health-care/7-benefits-of-gratitude/)
Taking time to remind ourselves and the young people in our care how very blessed we are and in turn practicing gratitude can certainly make a positive impact on our lives.
Afternoon Student Collection
Until next time:
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Recognising Positive Behaviour at SJPC
St John Paul College has encouraged students to meet high expectations in regards to positive classroom behaviour and now rewards students meeting these expectations. The Learning & Teaching team, supported by pastoral programmes, has developed the College’s class award and merit system, recorded on Compass.
This merit system sets out the clear processes to be followed in order to support students' behavioural, educational and emotional engagement. This process provides a mechanism of acknowledging positive student behaviour through:
- promoting positive behaviour in the school community;
- affirming positive behaviours; and
- providing opportunities to celebrate a student’s success amongst their peers.
An essential element of human wellbeing is the experience of belonging, of being connected to others in a community, being accepted and valued, and being positively involved and engaged within a community. It follows that, when SJPC is affirming positive student behaviour it should be celebrated within the Year Level and at College Assemblies.
Merit Awards
Below are our current Distinction Award recipients so as to recognise student efforts not just at Assemblies but also within our Community throughout the year.
SJPC Merit Award Recipients
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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
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
SACRED Heart of Jesus,
filled with infinite Love, broken by my ingratitude,
pierced by my sins, yet loving me still;
accept the consecration that I make to You,
of all that I am and all that I have.
Take every faculty of my soul and body and draw me,
day by day, nearer and nearer to Your Sacred Heart,
and there, as I can understand the lesson,
teach me Your blessed ways
Amen.
PASTORAL DAYS
Respectful Relationships (Year 10) and Connections that Count (Year 8)
Our Year 8 and 10 students were privileged to participate in Pastoral Days last week, facilitated by the professional team at Your Choicez, combining seminars, activities and small-group discussion.
The Year 8 program spoke to the very heart of what students are facing in a digital generation. The ‘Connections that Count’ seminar helped students to gain insight into how their online choices can affect their friendships and current or future relationships.
There were many useful tips including how to step away from technology, particularly mobile phones, including leaving your phone away from where you sleep (grab an alarm clock!!).
Did you know that based on average screen time between the ages of 10 and 80 that an individual spends 17 YEARS glued to their screen!
Some students offered tips from their own “boundaries” established at home by their parents, such as WiFi disconnected at night, phones and devices left with parents etc. Bec also reminded students the importance of healthy sleeping habits, avoiding any screen time at least an hour before going to sleep. The danger zone for online abuse is between 10pm and 1am, further evidence of the hazards of unchecked screen time.
There was also an emphasis on building real friendships that can often be overlooked and replaced by the quest for online “likes” and virtual friends. Students were encouraged to focus on their own dignity, value and worth while being reminded of respectful behaviours and how to support their friends. We are again reminded of the importance of Catholic Social Teaching on the “Dignity of the human person”, reflected in our behaviours and connections with others.
Year 10 participated in the Respectful Relationships program which aimed to help them to discern healthy relationships from unhealthy relationships, covering consent and assisting students in understanding the importance of building meaningful connections.
“Every young person deserves to have happy, healthy and safe relationships”
For further information:
IGNITE CONFERENCE
Ignite is a dynamic and contemporary Catholic conference for adults, teenagers and children. Since it began in 2001, it has grown to become one of the largest Catholic youth events of its kind in Australia. Ignite experience gets bigger every year and now regularly attracts over 1,500 young people, ministry leaders, priests, religious and parents from across our nation and beyond.
What: Ignite is about gathering with other young people for a common experience: encountering Jesus Christ and the Church, experiencing dynamic faith, being equipped for ministry and living the Christian life, and empowered to impact the Church and the world.
Who: Students in Years 7- 12
When: Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 September, 2024
Where: St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane
Travel: Students will leave the College with (TEACHERS TBC) on Thursday 19 September and will return on Sunday 22 September (TIMES TBC)
Cost: $300
- Complete the SJPC Ignite Expression of Interest form to be added to the Compass list
- Please ensure that you register your child via the Ignite website (code below) and ensure that you follow these steps when registering:
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- Enter the coupon code ‘ProclaimLismore’. This will generate a Proclaim Lismore - Ignite High $0 ticket ($300 to be paid to SJPC)
- Enter the quantity of tickets
- Click ‘Register’ at the bottom of the page
- Enter your child’s information and confirm the booking
STREET RETREAT
Please keep our 6 senior students in your prayers as they embark on Street Retreat in Brisbane next week, a 4 day CSO supported experience that aims to develop a sense of social justice in our students through often challenging, often life changing activities in the Brisbane area.
PARISH UPDATES
St Augustine’s Community Luncheon is a Parish initiative aimed at uniting our parish and school communities over conversation and delicious food.
This is held every THIRD Wednesday at the Curran centre at 12pm, and all parishioners and parents are more than welcome to attend. Bring a plate of food to share!
Year 11 student leaders Monique Hill and Isabella Crawford represented our school at this week's event, acting as wonderful ambassadors for SJPC, chatting with Year 4 students from St Augustine’s and other members of our parish community who really enjoyed their company. It was heartening to see cross-generational hospitality and companionship!
NEW Mass Schedule commencing Saturday, 29 June 2024:
SATURDAY
8am - 8:20 am - Confessions, St Francis Xavier Church, Woolgoolga
8:30 am Mass - St Francis Xavier Church, Woolgoolga (Baptisms after Mass on request)
4:45pm - 5:15pm - Confessions, St Augustine’s Church, Coffs Harbour
5:30pm Mass - St Augustine’s Church, Coffs Harbour
SUNDAY
7:30 am Mass - Mary Help of Christians Church, Sawtell
9am Mass - St Augustine’s Church, Coffs Harbour (Baptisms after Mass on request)
5:30pm Mass - St Augustine’s Church, Coffs Harbour
Once per month*: 11am Mass - St Therese Church, Coramba (Baptisms on request)
(*1st Sunday of Month - 7 July, 4 Aug, 1 Sep, 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec 2024)
Year 12
The College library will be opened between 9am and 12pm for Year 12 students during the winter school holidays on the following dates in July;
Week 1 - Monday 8, Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10
Week 2 - Monday 15, Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17
Some staff will be holding workshops outside these hours for specialist classes. Information regarding these workshops will be made available to the students closer to the break.
Reminder
Plan your revision and study time over the coming weeks and winter break, with reference to the HSC Trial Examination timetable posted on the HSC Curriculum Matters Google Classroom
Year 11
Ensure you are meeting the requirements of all Week 9 and 10 Assessments.
Remember that the Curriculum Office is open to all students if you have any queries regarding procedures and processes linked to assessments.
A reminder that Year 11 students must successfully complete over 50% of in-school assessments to be eligible to continue on to the HSC course of their subjects.
Year 10
As parents of Year 10 already know, Year 10 students worked on their Personal Profile Reflection Booklet this week in preparation for making decisions about what the next 2 years will look like for them.
A reminder for parents and carers to complete the last page of the booklet, which then needs to be returned to the College for safe keeping, by Week 10.
Students will be presented with their Curriculum Guide to Stage 6 in Week 10, and be given access to a website containing supporting materials, including information about Stage 6 options and the different pathways of study available. Please refer to the timeline below.
Years 7 – 9
All students should now be receiving feedback regarding their learning. It is important for students to now re-evaluate Semester 1 goals and determine what they want to achieve in regards to their learning in Semester 2.
General Reminder
It is timely that we remind students not to come to school if they are sick even if they have an assessment. It is important students are well and thinking clearly if they are to perform their best in all learning activities.
Year 10 recently completed their Archibald portraits to coincide with the annual Australian Archibald Prize announcement at the AGNSW. The students' sitters ranged from family members to national sporting identities, and the portraits could be created in drawing, painting, or mixed media and in a style of their choice. A lot of time was spent at school and home producing these fantastic portraits, and they are commended on their efforts.
Canberra Excursion
During Week 4 of this term, a group of Year 10 students embarked on an educational excursion to Canberra. Throughout the trip students explored several key institutions, enriching their knowledge of Australian history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The excursion included visits to the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, Parliament House, the High Court and the Museum of Australian Democracy, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributed funding to St John Paul College in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. This funding was taken into account prior to the excursion and reduced the fee paid by families. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Throughout the excursion, students were not only exposed to rich educational content but also had the chance to bond with their peers and teachers outside the classroom setting.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff who made the trip possible, Ms Hannaford, Ms Punch, Mr Adams, Mr Baldwin, Mr Harrison and Mr Carniato.
Artist in Residence 2024
In Week 6 of this term, the English faculty was honoured to host the 2024 Artist in Residence program with acclaimed author, Will Kostakis. Will is a published young adult author, both in Australia and internationally, and used by many schools across the country to boost students' confidence and capabilities in imaginative writing. All students in the school were lucky to have a workshop with Will on the art of creative writing, and were able to take the tips and tricks from this into their Term Two assessment and beyond. Whilst our junior year groups focused on using literary techniques, such as metaphors and similes, to create authentic characters and moments, our senior students were moved to consider ways to add greater complexity to their imaginative and discursive writing, so as to develop greater sophistication of ideas and meaning. We appreciate the engagement and respect that students demonstrated to our author, as well as the enthusiasm and joy that Will had while working with our young people. It was, most definitely, a successful week!
On behalf of the English faculty, I'd like to thank Mr Carnito for the opportunity to host our author as a part of the Artist in Residence program in 2024.
Year 10 Work Experience
Earlier this Term, a large group of Year 10 students participated in a wide range of work experience placements and on behalf of the College I would like to say thank you to the many local businesses who provided them with the opportunity to experience what work is really like. One of the many published benefits that stems from this work experience is that it increases the students’ employability skills. Not to mention that it gives students an insight into occupations and starts the process of them thinking about what post school training is required and where that training can be acquired. Is it TAFE or is it university? This then connects with the subject selection process for Year 11 & 12 in terms of will the student need to choose an ATAR package of subjects that has academic rigour and sets them up for future university study or will they choose a non ATAR package which is aimed at setting them up for entering the world of work and taking vocational courses at TAFE.
Here is a list of the businesses that opened their doors to our students this year:
AJ & CR Betland Electrical |
Excel Occupational Therapy |
NSW Health |
Allied Air Conditioning |
Faircloth & Reynolds |
NSW Health Pathology |
Balance Design & Construction |
Family Faith Early Learning |
Pacific Vetcare |
Bellingen Shire Council |
Goodstart Early Learning Toormina |
PRD Real Estate |
Blue Ribbon Homes |
Hoys Allied Health and Wellness |
Pure Flow Plumbing Pty Ltd |
Blue Wave Orthodontics |
Inscape Landscaping |
Rage music |
Bluewater Fiberglass & shipwright |
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters |
Rose Avenue Vets |
Bryant McKinnon Lawyers |
J P Kahlon |
Sable Engineering & Metaland Pty Ltd |
Chill Pty Ltd |
J Society |
Spence Electrical |
City of Coffs Harbour |
Jetty Dive Centre |
The Big Banana |
CJM Fitouts |
JG & BM Skimming |
The Book Warehouse |
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary |
Lavendar Electrical |
The Physio Movement Woolgoolga |
Coffs Harbour Montessori Preschool |
Macksville Dental |
The Shack Barber Shop |
Design Studio 22 |
Melanie Jayne |
Three Blue ducks |
Ecolinx Environment Services |
Moonee Beach Veterinary Surgery |
Ventoux Cycles |
Enhance Aesthetics |
Narranga Public School |
Wylde Oak Cafe |
Year 11 Excursion to Newcastle and Sydney Universities
A group of Year 11 students has returned from visiting a group of universities down south. The aim of this excursion was for students to discover the wide range of courses that are on offer, to view facilities, to speak first hand with current university students, to ask questions of the university ambassadors and to find out the various entry pathways that exist. We had the added bonus of catching up with SJPC Alumni’s Professor Alexandra Adams at Newcastle University and Lily Betland (Class of 2023) at Sydney University. Students also visited Macquarie University and UNSW over a 3 day tour.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 21 June – Careers in Construction Workshop
Wednesday 31 July – Post School Options Expo (Year 12)
Paul Corsalini
Careers Adviser
All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things
It has become increasingly important for us to be able to communicate, both effectively and impressively, in this very modern, digital world. We are exposed to a magnitude of reading and writing material - more than we could have ever have imagined when living in the purely print world. We have to navigate through so much, discern what is important and we must be capable of responding with an informed manner and maturity.
READING and WRITING skills are paramount.
We need to be impressive writers so that we can share our understanding, our knowledge, our opinions and our creativity.
We cannot be impressive or effective writers without effective sentences.
Year 8 students have been stretching their understanding of all the things a sentence can be and do, and how we hold the key to effective writing in the choices we make about words and word order.
The way we say things is just as important as what we say. The same goes for our writing.
WORD CHOICE + WORD ORDER + PRECISION
Effective writing is all about our INTENT and PURPOSE as writers.
Our sentences have to do what we intend them to do.
Our sentences have to impact our readers in the way we intend.
Our sentences must be purposeful.
SJPC Athlete Spotlight
Kira Juffermans (Year 10) is a star on the rise in the Basketball world. Selections and outstanding performances in both State and school-aligned State teams have seen her grow and develop as a power player in NSW in her age group. Kira was again selected for NSWCCC and as a member of the team, won the NSW All Schools competition on Monday 18 June in Sydney - an outstanding feat! She was selected in the NSW All Schools team for the second year in a row and will compete at the Australian Schools Championships in August on the Gold Coast.
Additionally, Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) has invited Kira as a visiting scholarship athlete from 20 -29 June 2024. This exciting opportunity will see Kira train at the AIS in Canberra and compete with the CoE Women’s team in NBL1 East.
It should be noted that Kira does not just play basketball but also gives back to the basketball community by refereeing and assisting with Basketball NSW school holiday programs.
We are so proud to play a part in the journey of this outstanding athlete and look forward to seeing how far her Basketball career goes!
ACT/NSW AFL Open State Championships
Congratulations to all our boys who competed with such fire, you are a credit to the College. Thank you to our staff who accompanied, coached, parented and organised the boys, Mr Tim Davis, Mr Kurt Marle and Mr Lionel Conroy.
AFL Report - Senior Schools State Final
On Wednesday 12 June, 21 excited footballers participated in the Senior Schools state final in Tuggerah for the first time in our school's history. Our first game was against St John’s Nowra. The boys had a slow start in very windy conditions. Due to the shortened nature of the matches which were 10 minute halves, this made it very difficult to recover. They were defeated 21-1 by the eventual runners up on the day.
Our second match was a much more determined display from everyone. We started strongly and held on in the second half for a tight 15-9 victory over St Peter's Catholic College Central Coast. Strong performers included James Watson, Jake Funston and Connor Ryan in defence, and Iggy Hibberd who was very hard to handle before injury ruled him out for the remainder of the day. Goal scorers were Olliver Fitzgerald and Sonny Colyer.
Our third game was against Hunter Sports High who were the eventual winners of the day. Once again we started slowly against a very strong wind and never recovered. The final score was 34-6 with our lone goal being kicked by Cody Duffy.
The boys received a boost before our next match against Denison College who were the winners of the central west division. We informed them that the game was being live streamed in the SJPC hall at lunchtime. They fired up immediately and produced an all round performance winning 26-4. Beau Willoughby starred with 3 goals. Riley Woods, who was celebrating his birthday, also kicked a goal in another strong performance. Hugh Thomas, Wes Pither, Sam Cox, Angus Harris and Sam Rava gave their all while Ewan Baker tackled everything in site.
The last game against St. Gregory’s College was a real nail biter. We trailed at half time. This meant we were kicking against a strong breeze in the second half. An inspirational speech by coach Davis, who challenged the team to be first to the ball and play for each other did the trick. The Captain of the team Cooper Marle, who led from the front throughout the day was ably assisted by Jack Harrison in fighting hard for every possession. We were able to prevent any goals being kicked by our opposition. Kden Carter took a mark in front of goal after strong lead up work from Ashton Herbert and Drew Butcher. He kicked the winning goal after the Siren for a 9-5 win and a special end to a very successful day.
A huge thank you to coach Tim Davis for everything he does. Thanks also to Lionel Conroy for driving the bus and motivating the team and Will Nulty who was the assistant coach. I was extremely proud of how all the boys in the team performed, but more importantly, how they represented the values of our school throughout the two days away.
Kurt Marle
Team Manager
NSWCCC Basketball
The conditions in Penrith over the past week could be described as chilly or even freezing! The cold from both days resulted in 4 of the courts being unplayable due to excessive condensation from the skylights making pools of water on the courts. Despite this, the championship continued with a re-jigged draw and modified games.
Our boys pool draw saw them compete against catholic schools from around the state such as Gregory’s Hills Sydney, Aubury, Wollongong, Port Macquarie, Armidale and Orange. Many tight and fiercely contested battles resulted in some narrow losses and a pleasing final match against O’Connor from Armidale where the boys held composure to take the game 47 - 38.
The girls' division consisted of one pool playing teams from Aubury, Wollongong, Auburn, Hamilton, Tamworth and Orange. Wollongong and Aubury were the toughest matches with Woolongong sealing a draw after the bell and Aubury taking the win with seconds left to play. Despite these results, the girls finished the pool tied in 1st place with St Mary Star of the Sea from Wollongong.
The grand final was a torrid affair with the game seasawing before our girls eventually counteracted their talls with dynamic, strong defence and dominated offence with controlled and disciplined plays. Congratulations to our girls team who are once again the NSWCCC Basketball Champions - Charlize Morrison (C), Alexis Plater (VC), Kira Juffermans, Isla Anderson, Isla Martin, Bella Wiffen, Tully Jarvis, Brooke Dart and Maya Duncan.
Thank you to our coaches Ms Jessi Reeve and the boys coach, Mr John Philip for travelling away and providing such high-quality coaching to our students.
Diocesan Junior Football
Our Junior boys and girls football teams contested the Diocesan Football Championships in Coffs on Wednesday 19 June. Both teams had mixed results with the boys securing one big win, one big loss and two narrow losses. The girls had an amazing day and should have progressed but a throw-in blunder and an offside goal being awarded set the girls back. Despite the best goal average of all teams with 11 goals scored and only 1 against our girls did not progress.
A fun day was had by all. A massive thank you to our coaches Mrs Tanya Slaviero and Mr Rod Abbott for coaching the girls and Mr Damien Wood and Mr Mark Sultana for taking the boys.
Coming Up - Terms 2 & 3 2024
Term 2 | |
Wed 26 June | Armidale v Lismore Diocese Football, Coffs Harbour, 10am kick-off |
Fri 28 June |
Fast 5 Netball (Year 11 and 12 only), Port Macquarie Bill Turner Trophy Rd 4, SJPC 11.15am kick-off |
Sun 7 July - Fri 12 July | Australian Schools Rugby League Championships, Coffs Harbour |
Term 3 | |
Wed 24 July | Rugby 7’s, Coffs Harbour |
Fri 26 July | SJPC Athletics Carnival, CEX Stadium |
Tues 30 & Wed 31 July |
Futsal Round 2, 13 and 14 girls, 19 boys, Coffs Harbour |
Wed 31 July |
Jnr/Inter Diocesan Basketball, Port Macquarie |
Thurs 1 August | Jnr/Inter Diocesan Basketball, Port Macquarie |
Wed 7 August | AFL Junior Schools Cup, Coffs Harbour |
Thurs 8 August | NSW Netball Cup Regional Finals, Port Macquarie |
Mon 2 September |
Diocesan Athletics, CEX Stadium Coffs Harbour |
Biceps are bulging!
Pecs are pulsing!
Shoulders are screaming!
Arms are aching!
BUT we remain all smiles ?
We are so proud to be a part of this fundraising challenge.
Collectively our SJPC Staff Push-Up team has shouldered through over 12,000 push-ups and raised close to $1500, all in support of mental health and suicide prevention. We have been sharing our learning and our passion for this cause with our college students and staff and many have pushed with us in moral support.
We shall continue through until June 23rd with participants each completing anywhere up to 3249 push-ups. Thank you to those who have already generously donated. There’s still plenty of time to offer your support and we would thoroughly appreciate all donations. Simply hit the link below. All funds raised will go towards mental health and crisis support services, helping to break stigmas and provide hope to those struggling with their mental health. This is Australia's largest mental health and fitness event and since it began over 500,000 participants have raised over $40 million for mental health programs and services. This year alone over $9 million dollars has already been donated.
Our staff team consists of:
Maree ‘MUSCLES’ McKelvie, Claudia ‘BICEPS’ Brown, John ‘FLEX’ Phillip, Nick ‘BRAWNY’ Burke, Cory ‘BEAST’ Blight, Charles ‘BUFF’ Boshier, Nataleigh ‘BULKING’ Baxter, Brad ‘PECS’ Poidevin, Jeremy ‘THOR’ Thewlis & Jesse ‘DESTROYER’ Druzinec
Help us push for better mental health.
Please hit the link and donate to our staff push-up team
Literacy Coach & Fellow Push-up Team member