To the Community of St John Paul II College,

On Sunday, 22 June, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. This feast invites us to reflect deeply on the gift of the Eucharist—Christ’s real presence among us in the form of bread and wine. It is a celebration of unity, sacrifice, and love, reminding us that in receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are nourished spiritually and called to be Christ for others.

As a community, may we continue to grow in our reverence for the Eucharist and allow it to shape our lives in service, compassion, and faith.

Prayer for Corpus Christi Lord Jesus Christ, You gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of Your suffering and death. May this sacred mystery strengthen us in love and unity, and help us to live as one body in You. Nourish us with Your presence, and send us out to be Your hands and feet in the world. Amen.

Senior Exams

We would like to congratulate our senior students for the way they approached and completed their exams last week. Their commitment to their studies, focus during the exam period, and respectful conduct are to be commended. These assessments are an important part of their learning journey, and we are proud of the maturity and diligence they have shown.

Year 8 Retreats

Over the past week, our Year 8 students participated in their annual retreats—a time for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. These days were thoughtfully prepared and led by our Mission and Ministry Coordinator, Mrs Maria Tolfree, along with the Youth Ministry team, including Miss Foley, Mr Seselja, and the Year 10 Youth Ministry classes. We thank them for their creativity, leadership, and dedication in creating such meaningful experiences for our students.

As we enter the final two weeks of Term 2, our staff are working hard to complete marking and reporting to provide students and families with a clear overview of progress and achievement for the semester. We encourage all students to remain focused and engaged in their learning during this important time. Let’s finish the term with purpose and pride in all that we have accomplished together.

Kind regards,

Jacob Knowles
Assistant Principal – Strategy and Staff

Step into a World of Pure Imagination: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Coming to the Stage!

This year, prepare to be transported into a world of wonder, whimsy, and sweet surprises with our upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! With over 90 talented students involved, this is not just a musical - it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the spirit of our College motto, "Then come, follow me."

In this spirit, our 2025 production is more than just a show; it’s a journey of collaboration, where the creative community of students and staff have come together to deliver something truly extraordinary. Much like Charlie’s journey through Willy Wonka’s magical factory, this production showcases the power of following a vision, working together, and supporting one another. Our cast, orchestra, and backstage crew are working hand-in-hand to bring this whimsical world to life - demonstrating that when we collaborate with purpose and passion, we can achieve greatness.

Through the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory experience, students have embodied the essence of following a guide and discovering their own paths. Whether that path is as a performer on stage, a musician behind the scenes, or a technical wizard managing the backstage magic, we all won a golden ticket to be part of something truly special, working together to create a world of pure imagination.

This production reflects our shared values of community, respect, and the belief that, just like in Wonka’s factory, anything is possible when we come together with hope and determination.

Get ready to join us for a night of captivating performances, delightful music, and a story that reminds us all to keep dreaming big.

Ticket Information:
Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this magical experience!
Purchase tickets via this link for this not-to-be-missed event. 

Mrs Sarah Smith

Congratulations to our JPC Bill Turner Cup Boys' team on their incredible run to become the Southern NSW/ACT Regional Champions!

Their campaign began with a nail-biting match against Lyneham High School, where the boys held their nerve in a penalty shootout, securing a 4–3 win. In Round 2, JPC showed their strength with a commanding 4–0 victory over Stromlo High School.

The momentum continued as the team travelled to Goulburn for a tightly contested game, trading goals before clinching a 2–1 win. The final playoff match saw JPC face Jerrabomberra High School, with the regional title on the line. In a disciplined and determined performance, JPC came away with a 2–0 victory to claim the Southern NSW/ACT title.

The team now advances to the Inter-Area Playoffs in Albury on 30–31 July, where they will face top-tier teams from across Victoria. We wish them all the best as they continue their journey in this prestigious national competition!

Kym Darmody
Faculty Coordinator PDHPE/Sport

On Friday, 6 June, five members of the JPC Senior Youth Ministry Team accompanied Will and Ms Tolfree to Spirit Day, a special event bringing together Year 6 students from the Holy Spirit Parish primary schools to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

Throughout the day, students from Good Shepherd, Mother Teresa and Holy Spirit Primary Schools gathered in faith and reflection. They had the opportunity to hear from Archbishop Christopher Prowse and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation from a number of visiting priests.

Our Senior Youth Ministry students led a large activity focused on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, encouraging discussion and helping the Year 6 students explore how these gifts are present in their own lives. They also helped run games and activities during breaks, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere.

Spirit Day was a meaningful experience for both the Year 6 students and our JPC students, who embraced the chance to serve their wider parish community and grow in their own leadership and faith.

Special thanks to Ms Tolfree, Fr Eden, and the teachers from Good Shepherd, Mother Teresa, and Holy Spirit Primary Schools. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our JPC Senior Youth Ministry Team – Olivia, Grace, Mikayla, Kenzie and Neve – for their energy, compassion, and service. We wish the Year 6 students every blessing as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Will Seselja
Youth Ministry Officer

This week, we extend our congratulations to senior student Evan Ball on achieving a Credit for his Grade 3 ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts Limited) music theory exam. This two-hour written exam assesses a student’s understanding of pitch, harmony, rhythm, and broader music theory knowledge.

With this latest achievement, alongside his Grade 8 Drum Kit practical certificate, Evan is now eligible to apply for his ANZCA Diploma in Drum Kit—a significant next step in his musical journey.

Evan expressed his gratitude to St John Paul II College drum tutor, Mr Michael Knight, whose guidance and mentorship played a key role throughout the exam process.

You can hear Evan perform with The Session Band and the rest of the JPC ensembles at our Midyear Music Showcase, Momentum, on Thursday, 27 June from 5:00pm to 6:30pm in the Theatre.

Well done, Evan!

St John Paul II College Music Tuition Program

If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument and improving their theoretical and practical skills, individual tuition is available through the JPC Music Program. Our experienced tutors and professional performers cover a wide range of styles and instruments, including:

• Violin, cello
• Saxophone, clarinet
• Guitar, bass
• Drums
• Vocals
• Piano – and more
  
  

Band opportunities and instrument hire are also available to support students in their musical journey. 

If interested, please fill out the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more information.

Music Tuition Form

Mr Dennett
Music teacher

Parents and Carers,

A gentle reminder to please keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. This helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff and helps reduce the spread of illness in our school community.

If your child is experiencing symptoms such as a cough, fever, sore throat, or upset stomach, we ask that they stay home until they are feeling better.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

St John Paul II College

The Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD) would like to invite Year 10 - 12 students to attend our DiscoverFAD short courses these winter school holidays. Our short courses are facilitated by our talented academics and are a great way for high school students to experience what life is like at University and gain an understanding of their pathways to get there. 

• Held during the Winter school holidays over two or three days, our short courses provide hands-on learning opportunities inspired by our creative degrees. 
• DiscoverFAD short courses offer a certificate upon completion
• These courses focus on producing work worthy of a portfolio, which can be used to apply for our Portfolio Entry Program

https://www.canberra.edu.au/discover-fad/courses-for-high-school-students