To the community of St John Paul II College,

On Sunday of next week (October 22) the Church remembers the feast day of Saint John Paul II. Pope Saint John Paul II at the dawn of the new millennium said

“we wish to propose once more the message of hope which comes from the stable of Bethlehem: God loves all men and women on earth and gives them the hope of a new era, an era of peace. His love, fully revealed in the Incarnate Son, is the foundation of universal peace. When welcomed in the depths of the human heart, this love reconciles people with God and with themselves, renews human relationships, and stirs that desire for brotherhood capable of banishing the temptation of violence and war.”

As a community we continue to look to Pope Saint John Paull II as a person who taught peace as an integral part of an independent and healthy community, a message still relevant to our world today and conflicts that are unfolding in the middle east.

On Friday, October 20, we come together to celebrate our Feast Day and the 10-year anniversary of this school community. Our day will begin with Mass providing students to reflect on Pope Saint John Paull II's life and values of justice, peace and courage before moving into communal activities throughout the afternoon.

Feast Day (20/10) and Gala Dinner (27/10)

An email went home this week outlining details of the Feast Day. There are some lunch deals and activity tokens available to pre-purchase, as well as some information on changed timings to the school day and canteen operation.

Tickets for our Gala dinner will be closing on the 16 October and I encourage families and members of our community past and present to consider attending.

Wellbeing Programs

Students in Years 9, 11 and 12 were engaged in various wellbeing programs facilitated by external providers during the first week of Term 4. Year 9 are taking part in the YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) program, this program is run over three weeks and via the delivery of structured, evidence-based programs, provides an effective way of promoting mental health, resilience and help-seeking amongst young people. Years 11 and 12 have engaged in a consent education program facilitated by Consent Labs, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to teach young people how to navigate consent respectfully.

The College is also launching the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. An information evening will take place on Wednesday 18^th October from 5-6 pm in the staff hub.

Parent / Teacher / Student Meetings

Thank you to those families who were able to book in to speak with their child’s teacher(s) during either the week 10 or week 11 evenings. Please continue to speak with your child’s classroom or pastoral care teacher throughout the term if you require. 

A reminder that as Term Four commences we thank all of those involved in the planning and organisation of events and activities and for the collective effort to make them a success in providing such wonderful opportunities for our students.

Regards

Tom van de Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Community
Maathai and Van Thuan Houses

On Monday the year 7 and 8 rock bands performed at Floriade. It was such a beautiful day and a great way to start the term. The students performed covers from the 80’s to the present day and did such a great job.

Thank you to Aron Lyon for all your work with the bands, Veronika McCluskey for coming with us and thank you to the parents who came and watched the students perform.

Sharon Robinson
Music teacher

Are you Leaving JPC at the end of 2023?

ACT Schools Rocky Trail Academy Mountain Bike Race

On the last day of week 10, five JPC students participated in the Rocky Trail Academy Mountain Bike Race at Mount Stromlo. The race took place across 3 timed trails, with the times of each being added up for an accumulated fastest result.

The trails each had their own difficulty, some being more technical, and others being more flowy. Although, throughout the day there were a few setbacks in the form of mechanicals and crashes, the whole team had a great time, socialising and having fun out on the mountain. The event was mainly geared towards having fun with mates, however, there was still a lot of friendly competition involved.

We would like to thank Rocky Trail Entertainment for hosting this awesome event and we highly recommend this race to anyone looking to get out and have a great day on their bike.

Congratulations to all the students who represented the college; Cooper M - Yr 9,  Evan B - Yr 9, Cameron R - Yr 7, Riley H - Yr 8, Benjamin S - Yr 7.

Cooper M, Yr 9 and Evan B, Yr 9

AFL Upire Awards

On the back of the success of the previous Carpentry Careers evenings, Master Builders ACT will be hosting the event again this October. This will take place on Thursday 26 October from 4.30 pm onwards at MBA Fyshwick. 

In line with our last event, the purpose is to promote a carpentry career in the construction industry, provide a tour of the MBA’s training facilities and connect prospective candidates with employers looking to recruit apprentices. This is a registered event free of charge to attendees, for both prospective carpentry apprentices and their parents.

The format will run as follows:

Section 1: Careers Presentation Session (ALL ATTENDEES) – approximately 30 minutes

A presentation outlining what a carpentry apprenticeship looks like, and career progression opportunities.

Section 2A: Employer Networking Session in Workshop, combined with Workshop Tour (POTENTIAL APPRENTICES ONLY)

An opportunity for employers to meet with prospective carpentry apprentices and discuss the next steps in a career in construction. Employers will showcase and promote their business with the aim to recruit a carpentry apprentice.  At the same time, the prospective apprentices will be given access to the workshop and will meet our trainers while they showcase projects and demonstrate tools and equipment used in carpentry and construction.  Based on earlier events, several attendees may be interested in work experience and / or a school-based apprenticeship (ASBA).

Section 2B: Parents Q&A Session (PARENTS ONLY)

While prospective apprentices are meeting with employers, parents will have the opportunity to have a Q&A session with a panel including a representative of Sarina Russo, MBA staff, a graduate carpentry student and an industry employer of carpenters. 

Attendees must register online

• DATE: Thursday 26 October 2023
• TIME: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
• VENUE: Master Builders ACT, 1 Iron Knob Street Fyshwick
• COST: This session is free to attend, with registrations essential below.

Do you have students and jobseekers interested in a trade career? 

Whether they already have a trade, are an apprentice, or have no experience at all, they’ll gain all the skills needed with extensive on-the-job trade training - and be paid from day one.

Hear from Jarryd and Bronson on how they started their stories in a Navy trades career and what it’s like training and living on base.

Discover how Jarryd took his skills to the next level and keeps the Navy running as a Marine Technician.

Find out about Bronson’s training and the advanced technology he’ll work with as an Electronics Technician.

A trade career in the Navy offers your students and job seekers the chance to take part in unique missions, have extraordinary adventures and make memories with mates that last a lifetime. 

That National Endangered Skills and Trades Show will take place on the 13th to 15th October at the Old Bus Depot Markets with an Evening Seminar held at the National Museum of Australia on the Friday 13th October. 

There will be:

• French polishers
• Art Conservators
• Stone carvers
• Coach makers
• Blacksmiths
• Cutlers
• lacemakers
• weavers
• Upholsters
• Clock makers

All traders will be working at their bench and looking for trainees. 

Booking on eventbrite for the Seminar at the National Museum of Australia

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/national-endangered-skills-and-trades-show-seminar-2023-tickets-708349140347?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

Parish Newsletter

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

Parish Office Manager – Inner North Parishes

People are invited to apply for the position Parish Office Manager, Inner North Parishes (encompassing Campbell, Canberra Central, O’Connor & Watson). This is a full-time position (subject to review in 12 months)

Essential Requirements:

• An understanding of and support for the Catholic Church and its teachings
• Excellent verbal and written, interpersonal and communication skills
• Computer literacy in MS Suite and database skills, (in particular PACS database)
• Act with tact & discretion, maintaining high levels of confidentiality, honesty, integrity, reliability and punctuality

Please email Deborah.foote@cg.org.au for a detailed copy of the duty statement and selection criteria.  Applications addressing the Selection Criteria with attached resume to Fr Anthony Riosa, SSS, anthony.riosa@cam.org.au  must be received by Friday 3 November 2023.

Omnia Inclusive, are registered NDIS and DES providers, we offer SLES (school leavers employment support) as well as support with independent living skills and access to social and community.

Our workshops are fun and engaging and cover all things employment.  We also provide access to work experience, support with RTO’s and external training , learners license, travel training and Independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting , communications skills, all things related to preparing for adult life.

Below is the Canberra timetable for any students that might like to come along and trial a day with Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions.

Nicki Lihou
Youth Diversity Community Engagement Manager

Free Call 1800 466 046  omnia-inclusive.com.au

The ACT Government is holding the inaugural Sustainable Canberra Expo on 13 and 14 October 2023 at Thoroughbred Park.

The Expo is free to attend and open to the ACT and surrounding community.

At the Expo you can discover how to save money on your energy bills and live a happier, healthier, more sustainable life. Some of the activities include:

• Discover the latest sustainability products and services from over 60 exhibitors
• Test drive an electric vehicle and hear from owners and suppliers
• Learn about induction cooking with MasterChef finalist Simon Toohey alongside five of Canberra’s favourite chefs
• Get free expert advice on how to save money at home or at work
• Learn a new sustainable skill, like composting, in a free workshop
• Hear from inspiring speakers and see live demonstrations on the latest innovations in sustainable living.
• Find out about government support that could help you make your home more energy-efficient
• The kids can enjoy face painting, a Questacon pop-up, an art workshop and take home a tomato seedling.
• Enjoy delicious food and drinks from Canberra providers.

Public transport to and from the Expo on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services is free. Just let the bus driver or light rail customer service officer know where you’re going, and you won’t need to tap your MyWay card on or off.

More information on the webpage - https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/events-news/events/sustainable-canberra-expo-2023