We came together last week to celebrate our College Feast Day. The day commenced with a Mass led by Archbishop Christopher, and concelebrated by Fr. Mark Croker (College Chaplain until 2022) and Fr. Troy (current Chaplain). Additionally, Mr. Ross Fox, the director of Catholic Education, shared insights on the significance of JPC within the Catholic Education system. It was an honour to have many individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping JPC over the past decade in attendance. In the latter part of the day, students enjoyed carnival rides and activities organized by House Groups. We extend our gratitude to all the dedicated staff and students who contributed to making this community day exceptional. As we continue our celebrations, we look forward to gathering tomorrow for our 10 Year Gala Dinner.

See JPC Facebook for further images

Multicultural Day, which we will celebrate tomorrow, highlights the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make up our student body. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of diversity in our community. Our community at JPC reflects the real world, where people from various backgrounds come together to collaborate and learn from one another. It broadens our perspectives, fosters tolerance, and nurtures a deeper understanding of different cultures and traditions. This exposure to diversity not only enriches our educational experience but also equips our young people with vital life skills in an increasingly interconnected global society. Multicultural Day stands as a testament to the fact that our differences are what make us stronger, more compassionate, and better prepared for the challenges of the future. 

In the teaching and learning space, students are diligently working towards completing their final assessments, and for our seniors, the impending exams are just around the corner. It's a crucial time, and we want to emphasize the significance of students giving their very best. Education is not confined to the boundaries of exams and assessments; it's an ongoing journey that extends well beyond these moments. The knowledge and skills acquired in these critical periods will serve as building blocks for their future endeavors. So, we encourage all students to push themselves, stay motivated, and remember that learning is a lifelong pursuit, continuing long after the last assessment has been completed.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses

On Thursday evening last week, our dedicated Dance students took centre stage and showcased their exceptional talents in a mesmerizing piece titled "Perfect Illusion" for Dance Fest 2023. The group of 22 students, including three senior Dance students who choreographed the piece, helped close the show and were commended by other CBR schools and Dance Fest organizers alike on their enthralling performance and exceptional talent.

Throughout the festival process, the students from John Paul College exhibited a tremendous work ethic and their commitment and dedication did not go unnoticed. The JPC community are exceptionally proud of their students' remarkable accomplishments and we are looking forward to Dance Fest 2024!

Zoe Dowling
Dance & PE/HPE Teacher
Ferré House

This week the Senior Modern History class attended the Australian War Memorial as part of their studies into modern nations and conflicts. Students demonstrated exemplary behaviour in their representation of the College, and enthusiasm in their engagement with one of our famous Canberran institutions. A special thanks to Mr Carey-Ide for volunteering his time and expertise to support the excursion. Hannah Wallis and Gregory Thompson had the following to say about the excursion:

“On the 24th October 2023, the Year 11 and 12 Modern History Class accompanied by Mr Arundell and Mr Carey-Ide set out on an excursion to the War Memorial. Our favourite parts of the excursion included seeing the Vietnam exhibit, specifically the Iroquois Helicopter. Being able to put what we have learnt throughout the year into practice was also extremely insightful for us as Modern History students. As well as hearing the many different stories from those who served in wars.

We were able to have a look at the many different perspectives of different wars and the different topics we have gone through this year, making it an extremely enjoyable and important experience to close off our two Modern History units for the year. This was a very fun and most importantly a very educational day, filled with lots of learning and enjoyable time spent together. We would like to thank Mr Arundell for organising our excursion as well as Mr Carey-ide and Mr Arundell for accompanying us on this excursion and sharing their own insight into some of the different stories.”

Mr Lachlan Arundell
Classroom Teacher (English/Studies of Society and Environment)
Facilitator for First Nations Students and Aboriginal Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We kindly request your prompt attention to settle any outstanding balance of School Fees, prior to Term 4, immediately.

Term 4 Fees are due and payable by Friday 10 November 2023.  If you are paying on a regular frequency, please ensure your payments are sufficient bring your account balance to zero by the end of the year.

Thank you for your cooperation in meeting your financial obligations to the College.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our College's finance team, JPC.Finance@cg.catholic.edu.au

Kind regards

JPC Finance Office

Term 1

Begins: Wednesday 31 January (Years 7, 11, 12, new students),

Thursday 1 February (Years 8, 9, 10)
Ends: Friday 12 April

Term 2

Begins: Tuesday 30 April
Ends: Friday 5 July

Term 3

Begins: Tuesday 23 July
Ends: Friday 27 September

Term 4

Begins: Tuesday 15 October
Ends: Friday 6 December

Dear Parents and Carers of Year 10 Students,

This is a reminder that the year 10 students will receive their meningococcal ACWY vaccine
next Friday the 3rd of November during school hours.

Please see the ACT Government Canberra Health Services high school immunisation program link for more information, along with a downloadable consent card should you have not yet returned one for your student. https://www.canberrahealthserv...

Kind Regards

JPC Office

Are you Leaving JPC at the end of 2023?

An invitation is extended to all our JPC family and friends to attend our BAND EXTRAVAGANZA on Tuesday 21 November from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on the JPC Oval.

The JPC Bands are looking forward to showcasing their performance pieces.

Bring a picnic rug or chair and sit back and enjoy an evening of great music.

See you there!

JPC Leadership Team

Girls Volleyball

The Year 10 Girls Volleyball completed an amazing season last week and placed third overall in the Volleyball ACT Open League Div 5. They had an amazing final game and played really well as a team throughout the year, congratulations to all of them for an amazing final season as a team

Miss Elissa Burt
Mathieu House
Teacher of Integrated Humanities and Languages

NPLW Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Mr Woodman who was awarded the NPLW Coach of the Year at the Capital Football NPL & CPL Awards Night earlier this month.

Mr Woodman is our head coach for the Bill Turner cup teams at JPC and has had great success with the students he coaches here.

Well Done Mr Woodman!

2024 World Cup Hockey Teams Announcement

Congratulations to Mrs Huckstadt who has been selected by Hockey Australia and Hockey Australia Masters Committee to represent the Australia A Team at the 2024 Masters World Cups in November 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

ANNIVERSARY BOOK

A beautiful book of memories of the first 10 years of St John Paul II College has been created.

The book has messages from past and present staff, and MANY photos from each year.

Cost - $15 ea

Available - At the College office from Monday 30 October.
T|(02) 6163 4800 or Email| office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au

A HUGE thank you goes to Emma Bramham (Class of 2021) who has spent many hours putting this book together so we can enjoy the memories of the past 10 years.

Sample of some of the page

Following a successful Apprentice Information Evening held last month at John McGrath Auto Group. Students who may be interested can now apply the 2024 intake of Apprentice Technicians.

Below is the current Seek advertisement. Applications can also be sent directly to hr@jmcg.com.au .

https://www.seek.com.au/job/70748784?type=standout#sol=42b2982ee635c270668e03cbdfad5fa58cb6e2b1

If you need assistance or further information, see Mr Charter.

Parish Newsletter

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

End of year exams are approaching, maybe your young guy is prepping for Highschool, College or Uni.  Any of these changes can be significant stressors … and we are here to help!

If your young guy is having a hard time, is anxious, uncertain or fearful of his future and could really use someone to talk to, get in touch! Our wait times are relatively low so we're ready to help when your young guy needs it. We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for young guys to share their concerns and worries and we provide tips and strategies to get them through those tough times that many of them are facing right now. 

Menslink Counselling sessions are completely confidential and are available to any young guy aged 10-25.  There are no fees or charges, and no limits to the number of sessions. You don't need a mental health plan and we are available during school terms and school holidays.

Do you think your young guy would really benefit from a counselling session? If so, have a chat with them and head to www.menslink.org.au, hit the 'Get Help' button, fill in the form and we'll get back to you, generally the same or next business day. 

If you need more info on how to have that chat with them, just email info@menslink.org.au or call 6287 2226 and we will send you some information. 

Menslink has provided free counselling to young guys throughout the Canberra region for 20+ years.

The next PERKS Parenting Seminar covers disordered eating and body image concerns. Learn about the warning signs, practical strategies to best support your teen or pre-teen with recovery and when you need to seek professional help. Details are: 

• Date: Tuesday, 7 November
• Time: 4-6 pm
• Venue: Woden Community Hub, Westfield Woden, above Commonwealth Bank
• Cost: Free 
• Register below