AI has been talked about extensively this year in the media and amongst teachers. But what is it and what capacity does it have? And what role can this place in the education landscape if we do want to teach students about academic honesty (not plagiarising).

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. AI is designed to learn from experience and adapt to new situations, making it a powerful tool for a wide range of applications, including image and speech recognition, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and intelligent personal assistants. Overall, AI is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, from how we work to how we interact with technology.

Developments in AI have the capacity to change the educational landscape and its advancements are rapid. The challenges it presents in task design for teachers are not new, however, the opportunities are limitless. While most people’s first thoughts go to students using this new technology to do their tasks, we need to trust our students to do the right thing, but also discuss with them what is appropriate and not appropriate use of such new technology. Parents and teachers play an important role in this. The Board of Secondary Studies has put out some information to support this discussion at home for parents, students and others in the community. This can be accessed HERE

Three ways in which students can use AI to enhance their learning and academic performance:

1. Intelligent tutoring systems: AI-powered tutoring systems can provide students with one-on-one support, answering their questions and providing additional resources to help them better understand the material.
2. Study aids: AI can help students study more effectively by providing personalized study plans, suggesting relevant resources, and even generating practice questions.
3. Research and writing: AI can be used to help students conduct research more efficiently, by scanning and analyzing large volumes of data to identify relevant information. It can also be used to provide writing suggestions, such as grammar and style corrections, and even generate outlines for research papers.

Overall, AI can provide many benefits to students, helping them to learn more effectively, improve their academic performance, and prepare for their future careers. However, it is very important that students do not fall into the trap of academic dishonesty when using AI.

Academic honesty is not only about writing your own tasks but also about acknowledging the words and ideas of others. Another way to think about it is that we don’t agree with someone taking something from a shop (this is called stealing); taking someone’s ideas can be then seen in the same light (but it is called plagiarism). One of the limitations of some of the current AI programs is that they do not reference the work of others. One of the key academic skills, relevant to all subject areas and to all year levels is referencing. Parents play an important role in supporting students to learn these skills (JPC has its own referencing guide, which can be accessed on the JPC ‘Library’ page on Moodle, which students can use at home). Mastering these skills in the junior years can help significantly when students move into Years 11 and 12, where the consequences of plagiarising are more significant. Students are encouraged to ask their classroom teachers or mentors for support if they need help further developing these skills.

New technology comes with new opportunities, hopefully, in 2000 years' time, civilisation will look back at us and be amazed about how we embraced AI in our educational setting.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal - Learning
Ferré & Kenndy House

The Year 9-12 Chinese students recently had the opportunity to embark on a week-long trip to Singapore. One of the highlights of the trip was the food - it was simply amazing! We got to try all sorts of local dishes and flavours, from delicious chilli crab, mouth-watering laksa and the infamous durian fruit (with many mixed reactions). Being in a Chinese-speaking country was also a fantastic chance to practice and improve our Mandarin skills. We got to interact with locals and use our language skills in real-life situations, which was both exciting and challenging. In terms of sightseeing, we were able to explore some really cool places. We visited the Gardens by the Bay, the iconic Merlion statue, and even took a cable car ride to Sentosa Island, where we spent a day at Universal Studios Singapore.

Throughout the trip, we were taught about the rich history and culture of Singapore by the amazing Ms Julie. From real estate to the best places to shop, Ms Julie gave us a true insight into the bustling city of Singapore and made us all wish we had more time! One thing we were not prepared for though was the torrential rain that accompanied our trip!

On behalf of all Chinese students that attended, we want to say a massive thank you to Mr Knowles, Mr Burns, Miss Reid, and especially to Ms Vannavong, who made sure the trip ran as smoothly as it did. We hope you also had a wonderful time on an overall unforgettable trip.

我爱新加坡！旅游很好玩！谢谢Vannavong 老师！

Photo Credits: Olivia Humphreys & Harry Tatum

The Online Simulated Maths Olympiad (OSMO) conducted by the International Maths Olympiad Challenge (IMOC) is back this year and will be conducted online on June 3-4,2023.

Since we are a Selected School, our students can take the Olympiad without fees. There are a couple of value-added services the Olympiad provides, which attract a fee, but you can opt for the 'Olympiad only' free version.

To do so, you must first create a login and enrol here using the code (SJP@IMO) in the fees section. This code reduces the fees of any of the 4 Selected School courses by $27, making the first course ('Olympiad only') a free version.

You can find all details regarding the Olympiad here www.international-maths-olympiad.com/selected-schools. For any queries, you can directly write to support@international-maths-olympiad.com

Good luck!

Bill Turner Cup - Girls

Round 1 of the Girls Bill Turner Cup. The girls played a hard-fought game to the end but unfortunately lost to St Clare’s College 1-3.

Great Effort Girls & Keep up the great work!

No Card = No Service

All students have now been issued a Student ID card apart from a few exceptions who have a temporary card.

To help with the canteen queue all students must have their ID card.

If you have lost your ID card, a replacement card can be ordered at the college office for $8.00.

Any student who has not had a card issued because they have not had a school photo needs to see Mrs Bramham (Student hub) for a photo, and then a card will be ordered.

Thank you 

College Office

Enrolment for Year 7, 2024

Key Dates

• Enrolment applications are completed online and must be submitted by Friday the 26 May 2023
• Offers of Place will be emailed on Friday 23 June to the address you record on the enrolment application
• Acceptances or Declines received by Friday 21 July 2023
• Year 7 Information Session for parents/carers and students - Thursday 31 August 2023 for Accepted enrolments
• Year 7 Induction Morning will be held on Thursday 30 November for Students enrolled for 2024

JPC Careers Updates

• Don’t forget that we have amazing resources on our JPC Careers website https://jpc-careers.com/
• Also follow us on our social pages to get more up to date information - @JPCcareers on Instagram and Facebook.
• Email - careers.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au

White Card & Asbestos Training

Training is on 3 & 4 August 2023

• Day 1 - 3 August - White Card
• Day 2 - 4 August - Asbestos

Cost

• Two Days (white card and Asbestos) = $150 per student
• One Day - (White card OR Asbestos) = $100 per student

If students are interested, click on the link below to register your interest.

Further details will be emailed to students soon.

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

If students are interested, click on the link below to register your interest.

Date and time to be confirmed.

If you have any questions with regard to either of these courses, contact Mr Charter

Senior College Expo

Year 9 - 12 Students, don't forget to register for the Senior College Expo.

Register HERE

The following will be attending the Careers Expo:

There are a number of other organisations who are still to confirm their attendance and the list will be updated on the JPC Website HERE

MULTIPLEX | Jump Start

University & Careers Day - Thursday 11 May 2023

Are you interested in Construction, Engineering or Design?

Or are you unsure of what you want to do after school?

Meet Kabai, Able Seaman, and hear his story about an exciting and rewarding career in the Navy.

Follow him as he shows what life is like aboard an LHD ship with his favourite downtime activities, like snacking on his favourite foods, breaking a sweat on the sunset deck, and exploring around the Whitsunday Islands.

Take a sneak peek into life on deck in the Navy, and watch the video below.

From the rec room up to the bridge, all the way down to the sleeping quarters, there’s a good reason why Kabai is always happy to show off his crib to anyone with a minute to spare.

Be sure to direct your students to the Defence Jobs website, and get them one step closer to the experience of a lifetime.

Cadetships in Australia

If you want a way to get some valuable hands-on work experience while you study, cadetships are the perfect way to do it.

Similar to an apprenticeship, you’ll get to work with an employer in a relevant field, all while completing your studies – and best of all, you get paid to do it. The main difference is that cadetships are usually available to those studying at a university level.

Cadetship perks

So what are the benefits of a cadetship? They can include things like:

• Getting paid a salary while you study
• Gaining real work experience with an employer
• Credit towards your degree
• Extra allowances to help with your study
• A guaranteed job once you finish your degree

Each individual program will have different benefits, so make sure you check carefully before you apply.

When can I do a cadetship?

Cadetships are generally offered to students who have already begun their university studies, though sometimes you can apply the year before you start (when you’re in Year 12).

Some cadetships are targeted to students at the beginning of their degree, while others might be for students in their third, fourth, or even fifth year of uni.

Cadetships vs degree apprenticeships

There are a few different terms you might hear being thrown around, one of them being degree apprenticeships. So what’s the difference between a cadetship and a degree apprenticeship?

Fundamentally, they are very similar: both offer paid work while you’re studying at uni. The main difference is that under a degree apprenticeship, the government will cover your tuition fees as well (just like a regular apprenticeship). Cadets will still generally need to pay uni fees, unless they are specifically covered by an individual employer.

Another difference with degree apprenticeships is that your study pattern might be different. You might only study certain subjects instead of completing an entire degree, or some employers might offer their own training instead of you needing to go to uni at all. Cadetships generally require you to study a degree alongside your work, just like any other student would.

There are currently only two programs on offer in Australia at the moment: Deloitte’s Cyber Academy, and BAE System and AI Group’s Systems Engineering Program.

Is a cadetship right for me?

Because you’ll be working and studying at the same time, you’ll need to be dedicated and have great time management skills to succeed in a cadetship. If you’re feeling confident about your dream career, a cadetship can be a great way to secure employment before you finish university.

More about cadetships with PCA

We spoke to Alister Wilkinson from Professional Cadetships Australia to learn more about their Business and Technology Cadetship programs, currently open for applications.

SWG: What’s involved in the cadetships?

Alister: Cadets combine study at the university of their choice in Sydney with paid work at leading companies. Business Cadets work at either UBS, or Barrenjoey Capital Partners or Macquarie Group. Technology Cadets work at UBS.

SWG: What degrees can I study?

Alister: Business Cadets may choose from a wide range of degrees, including business, commerce, economics, mathematics, computer science & technology and the humanities. It is also possible to study some combined degrees.

Technology Cadets will typically study computer science, information technology or information systems. Alternatively, they may study a generalist degree like commerce or arts, or a combined degree.

SWG: What is it like to be a cadet?

Alister: To give you an idea of the cadet experience, why not have a look at our video and PowerPoint? You might also like to check out our Facebook and Instagram sites for insights into what is on offer and tips on the application process.

SWG: How can students apply?

Alister: Cadetship applications are made online to Professional Cadetships Australia. Business Cadetship applications close on 24 May and Technology Cadetship applications close on 2 June 2023.

In 2023, there is a greater number of cadet placements available to Year 12 students than ever before. But cadetships are only open to current Year 12 students so if you don’t apply now, you will miss out for good!

Note: applications are only open to students in NSW & ACT.

Cadetship programs in Australia

If you’d like to find out a bit more, we’ve gathered some other cadetship programs from around Australia you might like to look into.

Digital Cadetship Program

The Australian Government has a Digital Cadetship Program, aimed at university students studying business, IT, cyber security, STEM, and more. You can apply once you’ve finished the first year of your degree. Find out more.

Defence STEM Cadetship

The Department of Defence offers entry-level cadetships for students studying STEM at university. If you’ve finished at least 12 months of your degree, you can enjoy perks like reimbursement of uni fees, a bursary payment, and ongoing employment with the APS. Find out more.

Australian Public Service (APS) Career Starter Program

Kickstart your career in Government with the Career Starter Program. You’ll get the opportunity to study a Certificate IV in Government while working full-time for a participating government department. Find out more.

AFL SportsReady First Nations Cadetship Program

AFL SportsReady offer financial support to Indigenous university students studying and working in Australia. You can work with employers including Jacobs, ANZ, Metro North Health Services, and BiOC. Find out more.

UOW Management Cadetship Program

Each year, UOW offer two places in their Management Cadetship Program for commencing students studying an eligible degree. One great perk is that you receive an allowance to cover the cost of your studies, so you graduate without any HECS debt. Find out more.

Coleman Greig Legal Cadetship Program

This cadetship program is open to first year law students, meaning you can apply straight out of high school. Find out more.

Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetships

NSW Rural Doctors Network offer a cadetship for medical students, giving students up to $15,000 per year for the final two years of their medical degree in return for undertaking two of the first three years of their hospital training in an eligible rural NSW hospital. Find out more.

Doxa Cadetship Program

Doxa’s Cadetship Program is open to is open to Year 12 students transitioning to university and aims to support talented young people facing challenging life circumstances to complete university and gain the skills needed for an employable future. Find out more.

Hall Chadwick Cadetship Program

Hall Chadwick’s Cadetship Program is targeted at Year 12 high school students and first year university students who have already indicated their interest in business and accounting. Find out more.

Parish Newsletter

For the latest news Click here or you can view it on the Parish App or visit the website below.

It has been officially announced that the 2024 NYSF Program will be running with a completely residential format, meaning students will be on-site for the duration of the program. This will differ from the last few years, with the online and hybrid models being adopted.

The program will run in two hubs over January:

• Canberra: 5-13 Jan
• Brisbane: 12-20 Jan
• https://www.nysf.edu.au/what-we-do/

The 2024 program will break down as follows:

• Application Fee: $65
• Program Fee: $2850 (travel NOT included)

If any JPC student is interested in applying for this program, register your interest on the NYSF website as soon as possible so that you can receive regular updates on registrations and key dates.

The Rotary Club of Gungahlin is offering JPC students sponsorship of up to $1425.00 to help cover some of the cost. 

Please see Ruth Hill if you would like to apply for the Rotary Club sponsorship.

Shine Om
Teen Yoga Classes

Online Teen Yoga 

• Dates: Classes operate on Tuesdays during the school term. 
• Time: 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM
• Location: Via Zoom
• Book via our website: https://shineom.com.au/teen-yoga