Soon we will be coming towards the end of the year. Preparations may already be underway at your house for Christmas, and the blessed break that comes with it. Before then, our Year 12 students will experience the rites of passage that come with the end of secondary schooling. These rites are both symbolic and real. They are markers of a point in time, where we as educators, the students themselves and their families celebrate 13 years of school education. This is not the end of their education though; all students will engage in some form of formal or informal and ongoing education beyond school. It is not long now before they take their leave from St John Paul II College.

I am always conscious at this time of year that it is a time of mixed blessings. Many students look eagerly to 2026 and beyond and are excited about the “what next” bit. Some may be a little anxious or nervous, and even cautious about the liberation from schooling, for this brings the need to make conscious, and personal decisions. Regardless, it is a milestone that we rightly recognise and memorialise. In a Catholic school we do so through awards and farewell assemblies, through a formal dinner evening, and of course with the celebration of a sacred meal, at Mass. We give thanks and we pray for our young people as they step out into the world in a new way.

It gives me pause to recall my own Year 12 end-of-year celebrations, and perhaps in many ways how not much has changed. There was gathering, there was speech-making, there were a few tears, and there was a sense of moving on. There was nervousness about the coming HSC exams for me, and in wanting to do my best, with a hint of worry about the marks and the implications of said marks on my aspirations for tertiary study. All very real at the time, and yet in hindsight, none of this has defined me, none of it has not decided my future, and it has not limited my life choices. I acknowledge that at the tender age of 17 or 18, this is sometimes difficult to comprehend. What I do know though, is that there will be people there to look out for, walk with, and support our young people during this time of transition.

While the end of schooling and the need to do one’s best is important, an equally important marker for young people who have enjoyed a Catholic education, is the kind of human they are now, and are going to be in the future. My prayer for all our Year 12 students is not that they become wealthy, always happy and fulfilled, or that they enjoy stellar success at everything they attempt. Rather, I pray that they leave us with a heart for the poor; for those who sit at, or beyond the margins, for those who need our help the most. I hope that together with mums, dads, and grandparents, we have inculcated in them a desire, and indeed an urgency for seeking to do good in the world, for the benefit of “the other”. In his very recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (I have loved you), Pope Leo impels us as Christians to:

“not abandon almsgiving. It can be done in different ways, and surely more effectively, but it must continue to be done. It is always better at least to do something rather than nothing. Whatever form it may take, almsgiving will touch and soften our hardened hearts. It will not solve the problem of world poverty, yet it must still be carried out, with intelligence, diligence and social responsibility. For our part, we need to give alms as a way of reaching out and touching the suffering flesh of the poor. (#119).

May our Year 12 students go forth with the intention to work for the poor, for justice, and for peace. I wish them every blessing as they move on from school, and pray they are safe during these celebration times. I ask for your prayers for our students at this time of year.

I remind all parents when picking up your child in the afternoons by car to not park in the disabled car parking spots unless you hold a disability parking sticker. It is really not fair on parents and staff with a disability to not be afforded their right to park here. Let us respect the need for others to have access to these spots. You will be moved on if you park here without the need to do so.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal

Last week marked a special milestone as our school held a traditional lion awakening ceremony. Dr. Wattam performed the sacred dotting ritual, bringing the lions to life in a vibrant display of culture and tradition.

With each careful stroke of the brush, the eyes of the magnificent lions were ceremonially opened, symbolizing their awakening and the infusion of spirit into these guardians. The once-still figures now pulse with energy and life, ready to bring good fortune, strength, and protection to our school community.

The ceremony was a beautiful reminder of the rich cultural heritage that connects us, and our lions now stand proudly animated—not just as decorations, but as living symbols filled with spirit and meaning.

Mrs Jie Li
Languages Faculty Coordinator

This year, JPC Duke of Edinburgh participants completed a four-day adventurous journey in the Snowy Mountains, camping and hiking in the Jagungal Wilderness where only hikers and cyclists are permitted. We were fortunate to find Aussie bush huts on the trail, which provided welcome shelter.

It was wonderful to see participants try a new activity and continue to grow their skills, becoming more proficient in outdoor pursuits. The trip was great fun for everyone involved.

A big thanks to Miss Amy Freckleton-Sant and Miss Elissa Burt for assisting me on the trip.

Mr Adam McDonnell
Teacher – Outdoor Education, PE, Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

Our Annual Sports Presentation Evening was a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and excellence across all areas of school sport. The night recognised achievements from our three major carnivals through to gala days and representative honours in School Sport ACT. Students, staff, and families came together to acknowledge the outstanding commitment and success of our athletes throughout the year.

Among the many deserving award recipients, two major awards highlighted the evening: Felix Oniyelu was recognised for his outstanding Contribution to Community Sport, reflecting his leadership, sportsmanship, and service beyond the school gates. The prestigious Sportsperson of the Year award was presented to the incredibly talented Mia Marrinan, whose exceptional performances and dedication exemplify the spirit of our sporting community.

 

It was a fantastic evening celebrating the passion, perseverance, and pride that define our school’s sporting culture.

Kym Darmody
Faculty Coordinator - Health & Physical Education/Sport

On Monday, 27 November, JPC physics and chemistry students visited Questacon for an enriching excursion. There were many physics exhibits at the centre, but the most amazing was the cloud chamber. We were able to observe nuclear decay in real time and put an image to the theory we have been studying in class.

Emily J, Year 11.

 

The new annual School Engagement Survey is launching mid-November, and you will have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences at the school as a parent or guardian and provide feedback.

Your feedback will be valuable to help us understand how to better support your child and improve our school.

The new survey has been developed with the support of JWS Research. It will take around 10-15 minutes to complete, and your responses will be kept completely confidential and only reported at an aggregate level.

You can expect the 2025 School Engagement Survey to be distributed through Compass as a News Item and push notification in the coming days! If you have any issues accessing the survey link, please contact the Catholic Education Office through Strategy.Survey@cg.catholic.edu.au

Semester 2 Exam Schedule for Years 7-12

End of year dates for Years 11 and 12 

On Friday, 31 October 2025, our College welcomed grandparents and grandfriends for a warm morning tea on campus. Guests enjoyed conversation and refreshments while spending time with students and members of the College community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to the staff and student volunteers who organised and supported the morning tea. Events like this strengthen our community and remind us of the important role grandparents and grandfriends play in the lives of our students.

Photos from the morning tea are available here: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qKU5L27U8YhUI0g5JoRgkcxUaWDEaNRH?usp=sharing 

Lorraine Catanzariti
Communications & Marketing

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

Matthew Dennett
Music Teacher

LEARNER DRIVER PROGRAM

This is available to students `12 years & over. Designed for children who have or have not driven a car before.

TEENAGE DEFENSIVE/ADVANCED DRIVER TRAINING

The Teenage Defensive/Advanced Driver Training Course is aimed at children who are on their P Plates.

Participants run through several exercises designed to give drivers the confidence to deal with adverse situations on our public road

More information is available at: www.pheasantwood.com.au