To the community of St John Paul II College.

On Tuesday 22 October, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of our patron St John Paul II.

St John Paul II was a Polish Pope whose deep spirituality, unwavering faith, and dedication to spreading the message of Christ touched the lives of millions around the world. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła, he faced great personal and national adversity throughout his life, including the tragedies of World War II and the oppressive regime in his homeland. His experience with suffering and his strong devotion to prayer shaped his compassionate outlook and fierce dedication to human dignity.

As Pope, St John Paul II was known for his emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace. He inspired the world with his tireless efforts to unite people of all faiths and cultures, promoting human rights and the sanctity of life. His work as a global pastor, teacher, and philosopher continues to resonate through his writings, teachings, and the example he set for living a Christ-centered life.

We look to St John Paul II as an example of courage, faith, and love. His papacy was marked by his focus on the importance of youth, family, and the call to "be not afraid" in living out one's faith in daily life. His legacy reminds us to seek out truth, stand up for justice, and strive for peace in our communities.

Prayer to St John Paul II
St. John Paul II,
You were called to shepherd Christ’s Church during times of great challenge and change.
Through your courage, faith, and love,
You reminded the world of the power of forgiveness, reconciliation,
and hope.
Please pray for us, That we may live with the same courage to proclaim the Gospel and seek unity in our families, schools, and communities.

Amen
St. John Paul II, pray for us.

JPC Feast Day 2024 – Friday 25 October

This year, the celebration of our JPC Feast Day will take place on Friday 25 October. We look forward to this special event as a moment to reflect on and celebrate the wonderful spirit of our college community. Archbishop Christopher Prowse will be joining us to celebrate Mass, and there will be a variety of fun house-based and whole school activities planned throughout the day.

It is essential that all students attend and engage in this day, as it is a key opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and celebrate our collective identity. We ask families to ensure that students are present to share in the joy and significance of this celebration.

Inspiring Performances from Our College Band

This week, one of our College bands delivered two remarkable performances at our Assembly on Tuesday and during the Year 7 2025 Information Night. The band played “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen, a contemporary musical that tells the story of a socially anxious high school student, Evan, who feels invisible and struggles to connect with others. After a misunderstanding involving a letter, Evan finds himself at the center of a lie that brings him unexpected popularity but also emotional turmoil. The musical explores themes of loneliness, mental health, identity, and the desire for belonging.

The central themes of Dear Evan Hansen, include the value of honesty, the impact of social isolation, and the importance of building genuine connections. The story emphasises that everyone has struggles, but reaching out for support and being true to oneself is key to finding personal peace and connection with others.

I would like to thank our band members Zahra, Jacob, Eamon, Cooper, Sam, and Martin for their wonderful performances. Thank you also to our music teacher Mr Jonathan Goodwin for his work in bringing these performances together.

Year 7 2025 Information Evening – Wednesday 16 October

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who made our Year 7 2025 Information Evening a success. On Wednesday 16 October, we welcomed our future Year 7 students and their families to learn more about our school, discover their house groups, and meet their House Leaders. It was a fantastic evening that provided a strong foundation for these students as they begin their journey at JPC. We appreciate the hard work and commitment of the staff, students, and families involved.

As always, there have been many other wonderful things that have occurred at JPC over the last couple of weeks. We thank all of those involved in these activities and for the collective effort to make them a success.

We look forward to another week of achievements and celebrations at St John Paul II College!

Jacob Knowles
Assistant Principal – Strategy and Staff