Last week, I was speaking with a Year 12 student about their studies. They mentioned that it was a busy and stressful time of term, which is true—schools naturally follow a pattern of quiet periods and intense assessment periods.

Over the years, I have noticed that students who plan effectively tend to achieve their goals more successfully. I recall a particular student who was completing an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) while maintaining strong academic results. His exceptional planning skills enabled him to balance both commitments effectively.

The habits we develop in school often follow us into our work life, making planning an essential skill. The benefits of planning include reduced stress, improved time management, increased focus, and greater productivity. But if planning is so beneficial, why do students often struggle with it?

There could be many reasons, including:

• Feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks.
• Lack of motivation or procrastination.
• Distractions from technology.
• Not knowing how to plan effectively.
• Thinking planning is time-consuming or unnecessary.

Practical Ways to Support Planning at Home:

✅ Create a Weekly Schedule as a Family

• Set aside time each week to plan homework, assignments, sports, work, and social activities.
• This promotes balance and keeps everyone on the same page.

✅ Print Out an Assessment Calendar

• Having due dates visible at home helps students stay organised.
• Students can access all assessment dates via the Canvas Calendar.

✅ Focus on Long-Term Goals

• Families set academic and personal goals with PC teachers at the start of the year.
• Keeping these visible at home or in lockers serves as motivation.

✅ Use the College Diary

• Every student has a school diary—this is a great planning tool.
• Students should bring their diary home daily, helping track assignments, deadlines, and key dates.

As we approach the midpoint of the term, it is a great time to refocus and plan ahead. Remember, it is never too late to start planning or to revisit big-picture goals set at the start of the year.

What’s Been Happening at JPC?

NAPLAN Complete for 2025!

We are proud of our Year 7 and Year 9 students who completed their NAPLAN assessments last week, finishing with numeracy on the final day. Each student approached the exams with a positive attitude, resilience, and commitment. A big thank you to Sean Shibutare and all staff involved in facilitating NAPLAN.

Athletics Carnival Success

Our annual Athletics Carnival was held last Thursday at the AIS Running Track. Students competed with enthusiasm and sportsmanship in various track and field events. The day was filled with house spirit and community connection. Congratulations to all participants, and a special thank you to Mrs Darmody and the PE staff for organising the event!

Harmony Day Celebrations

Last Friday, we celebrated Harmony Day, a special occasion promoting unity and diversity. This day serves as a reminder of how our community is enriched by cultural diversity. A heartfelt thank you to all students who wore traditional dress and shared this important part of their heritage with us.

Open Events for 2026 Enrolments

Last Thursday night, we hosted our first Open Event for the 2026 enrolment period—a Talk and Tour of the school. The event was well-attended, with over 130 people. Prospective students and families had the opportunity to explore our facilities and meet staff. This was the first of several upcoming events, all of which can be found https://www.jpc.act.edu.au/open-events 

Invitation: JPC Library Opening

We warmly invite all JPC parents to attend the official opening of the JPC College Library on Tuesday, 8 April (Week 10). RSVP is essential—please see the attached invitation in this newsletter for details.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

With the rise of skilled labour and technological advancements, it is more important than ever for students to leave school with the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical tasks. This year, we have refined our Technologies curriculum to bridge the gap between core academic learning and real-world application.

Students are often surprised to discover how much of their technologies work is rooted in previous learning from other subjects—from measurement and mental arithmetic to analysing plans and recipes. By applying theory in practical ways, students enhance their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, while preparing for future careers.

How We Apply Theory to Practice at School:

• Exploring Fractions in Food Tech – Converting measurements, experimenting with flour, and developing a hands-on understanding of volume and proportion.
• Knife Skills with Playdough – Practising cutting techniques safely before using real ingredients.
• Precision in Timber Projects – Using correct tools and mathematical language (e.g., perpendicular, parallel, edge, vertex).
• Orthographic Drawing – Applying measurement principles to create accurate technical plans before construction.
• Synthesis Teaching in English – Senior students reinforce their English skills within practical subjects.
• Understanding Binary & Decimal Systems – Differentiating between number systems and reinforcing decimal language.
• Communication & Time Management in Hospitality – Working under time constraints and engaging with real clients to build professionalism and teamwork.
• Food Presentation & Design – Understanding how plating techniques influence mood, style, and perception of food.

How You Can Support Learning at Home:

• Design a Flyer or Poster – Apply colour theory, typography, and balance for an event, birthday, or garage sale.
• Review Everyday Designs – Discuss website layouts, magazine ads, and signage—what works and why?
• Upcycle Old Clothes – Turn fabric into tote bags or cushion covers, considering material properties and durability.
• Sustainable Fashion Audit – Research ethical brands or create a wardrobe plan to reuse and repair clothes.
• Home Network Mapping – Have students diagram how devices connect to the internet.
• Coding a Game or Calculator – Use Python or Scratch to explain logic and variables in programming.
• Modify a Recipe for Nutrition – Adjust ingredients for better balance while cooking together.
• Plan a DIY Project – Sketch a room redesign or small woodworking project, complete with measurements.

By encouraging students to see the real-world connections in Technologies, we empower them with valuable skills that will serve them well beyond school.

Each semester, our Woodwork students begin their practical journey with a focused project designed to build foundational skills and confidence. This semester, our Mission and Ministry Coordinator, Maria Tolfree, invited students to create something truly meaningful: wooden crosses to replace those that have been lost over the years in classrooms.

As part of this journey, Year 10 students explored the significance of proportion in cross design, learning that the horizontal bar is called the patibulum and the vertical bar the stipes. This integration of technical skill and historical understanding brought depth and purpose to the project, allowing students to connect craftsmanship with faith.

On Friday, the class officially presented their beautifully crafted crosses to Maria Tolfree and Dr Craig Wattam, marking a proud moment that celebrated not only the quality of their workmanship but also the thoughtful and respectful way they engaged in the task.

Chloe McCallum
Technologies Coordinator

Parent-teacher interviews provide an opportunity to discuss your child's progress and learning. While this is not the only way parents receive feedback—student results are made available through Canvas once marked by the classroom teacher—these conversations allow for valuable insights and collaboration.

This semester, Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be held via Teams, allowing flexibility for families to join from any location.

Interview Date: Monday, 28 April 2025
Time: 12:00 – 5:00pm
Bookings Open: Friday, 4 April at 12:00pm (Week 9)
Bookings Close: Friday, 11 April at 12:00pm (Week 10)
Interview Duration: 6 minutes per session

How to Book:

✅ You must be registered on Compass to access and book your interviews.
✅ Please do not book interviews back-to-back to allow time to transition between meetings.
✅ We strongly encourage students to be part of the discussion with teachers.

By Wednesday of Week 9, all students will receive an interim report, accessible under the Assessment tab in Canvas for each subject area.

Teacher Requests:

Some teachers may specifically request to meet with you and your child. If so, you will see a ‘Yes’ indicator at the bottom of the interim report rubric. If you do not receive a request, you are still welcome to book an interview. However, please be mindful that available time slots are limited.

If you are unable to secure a booking with your child’s teacher, please email them directly to arrange another time for discussion.

For assistance with bookings, please contact Jody Crocombe at jody.crocombe@cg.catholic.edu.au.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal – Teaching and Learning

As we approach Parent-Teacher Interviews, please ensure you have access to Canvas to view interim reports for each subject area. Below are instructions on how to log in and access this information.

How to Access Canvas

Parent Canvas Access

You can log in to the Canvas Parent Portal through:
✅ Web Version: https://jpc.instructure.com/
✅ Mobile App: Search for Canvas Parent in your app store. (Students should download “Canvas Student” instead.)

Web Login Instructions:

1. Visit https://jpc.instructure.com/
2. Use your Compass username as your Canvas username
3. Click “Forgot Password” and follow the prompts to set a new password
4. Wait up to 30 minutes for the reset email and follow the instructions
5. Once complete, log in using your Compass username and new Canvas password

Mobile App Login Instructions:

1. Download the Canvas app (new users) or sign out (existing users)
2. Click “Find School”
3. Search for "St John Paul II College Nicholls" and select "St John Paul II College Nicholls (Parents Login)"
4. Click “Forgot Password” and enter your Compass username
5. Click “Request Password” and follow the instructions in the email (this may take up to 30 minutes)

If you experience any login issues, please contact the JPC IT team via the office, with “Canvas Support” in the subject line.

With the increasing accessibility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, students must navigate their use responsibly and ethically. The Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) Policies and Procedures emphasise that academic integrity is a cornerstone of learning. Misusing AI—whether through dishonest, unattributed, or disallowed applications—constitutes a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.

Ethical Use of AI in Your Studies

Rather than viewing sources as a requirement to fulfil, consider them an essential part of deepening your understanding. Proper research helps you place your work in the broader context of your discipline, ensuring meaningful learning and personal growth.

AI can be a helpful tool, but its use must align with ethical guidelines:

✔ Follow task instructions – If AI is not permitted for a particular assignment, do not use it. If it is allowed, document your prompts and submit any requested supporting materials to demonstrate your engagement with the technology.

✔ Avoid debates over definitions of plagiarism – The BSSS explicitly considers unauthorised AI use a breach of academic integrity. Adhere to the given guidelines rather than relying on commercial claims from AI service providers.

✔ Be mindful of AI-powered rewriting tools – If an AI tool completely reworks your writing, particularly in subjects like English or Religion, where personal expression is integral to assessment, this is considered a violation of academic integrity.

Our Senior Outdoor Recreation students had an incredible opportunity to experience abseiling and rock climbing in Canberra’s outdoor environment. Throughout the day, students gained hands-on experience in safe climbing and abseiling techniques, building confidence as they successfully navigated 12 to 15-metre climbs and abseils.

This experience was designed to explore the concepts of ‘Flow’ and the ‘Adventure Experience’, highlighting how outdoor challenges help develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of achievement.

All students successfully abseiled a towering cliff face, each finding their own unique challenges along the way. Their determination and enthusiasm were truly commendable—well done to all involved!

Thank you for a fantastic day!

Mr Adam McDonnell

Is your child interested in learning a musical instrument and developing their theoretical and practical skills? Individual tuition is available at JPC with industry professionals and performing artists who specialise in a wide range of instruments and styles, including:

✔ Violin, Cello
✔ Saxophone, Clarinet
✔ Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Piano, Bass
✔ And more!

We also offer band opportunities and instrument hire to support students on their musical journey.

If you are interested, please complete the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more details.

Music Tuition Form 

Over the weekend, Mr Hanna took the opportunity to visit Majura Valley Farm, owned by Ms Anne McGrath, a beloved member of our JPC staff. The farm is well known for its delicious free-range eggs and the stunning Sunflower Maze, which has become a must-see attraction in the region.

Whether you are looking for farm-fresh eggs or a fun outdoor experience, Majura Valley Farm is well worth a visit! For more information, visit Majura Valley Farm and support a local business run by one of our very own JPC staff members.

A limited number of 2024 JPC Yearbooks are still available for purchase!

Relive the highlights of 2024 with a beautifully designed keepsake featuring memorable moments, achievements, and celebrations from throughout the year.

Cost: $40
Where to Purchase: Contact the College Office to secure your copy before they are gone!

Get yours before they sell out!