To the community of St John Paul II College,

This week, the Church is in the third week of lent. The Gospel reading for this Sunday comes from the book of John and tells of Jesus being confronted by the sin He observes when visiting the Temple in Capernaum.

Jesus caused quite a commotion when he confronted those who had turned the Temple into a marketplace. Those involved in selling animals for sacrifice were exploiting the sacred rituals of the Jewish faith for personal gain, disregarding the true purpose of serving God. This self-serving behaviour ignited the righteous anger of Jesus.

During this time in Lent, we stop to think about the parts of our life that we seek support from Jesus to help cleanse and purify.

Almighty and ever living God,

you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent.

May this time be one of outward focus;

seeking you in those we often ignore.

Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.

Give us hearts hungry to serve you

and those who need what we have to give.

Amen

Whole School Assembly and Introduction of Year 11 House Leaders – Tuesday 27 February

On Tuesday we held our second whole school assembly for 2024 led by our College Captains and Drexel House. At the assembly, we also commissioned our Year 11 House Captains for 2024. All captains received their badges and were presented to our community. The primary role of our House Leaders is to support the leadership within each house and to develop initiatives to further encourage house spirit. These students also play a pivotal role in providing students voice in our College to ensure that we are focusing on the needs of students. Our Year 11 House Captains for 2024 are; 

Sebastian received his House badge from Dr Wattam on 1 March 2024.

Year 7 Camp – Wednesday 28 February – Friday 1 March

This week our Year 7 students completed their three day camp to Tathra. There will be more details outlining the experience, however we must thank the dedicated staff that gave up time away from their own families to ensure the program was successful. Special acknowedgement must go to Mrs Katie Siviour (LLWB Drexel) for her organisation and leadership of the camp.

University of Canberra (UC) Clinics

This year we are continuing our partnership with the University of Canberra by hosting a ‘UC Clinic’. These clinics provide an opportunity for university students who are completing an education degree to spend time in schools working with our teachers to develop and present to students on an identified area of need.

Over the next three Wednesdays, students will engage in a variety of interesting small-group numeracy lessons that will completement their classroom learning.

Opportunities like this are exciting ones for our school to undertake. It provides our students and teachers on opportunity to provide valuable observations and feedback to the next generation of enthusiastic teachers.

Moderation Day – Tuesday 5 March

A reminder that next Tuesday is Moderation Day for staff at JPC. This day is an important opportunity for teachers across the ACT to review and moderate the work of senior students. Moderation Day is a requirement for teachers to ensure grade comparability across the senior secondary sector. Moderation Day is a pupil-free day for our Yr 7-10 students and no classes will be running.

Students from Years 7-10 are encouraged to use the day productively to work on learning tasks, assignments and general study.

All Yr 11 and 12 students have received an email from Mrs Stokman outlining their program for the day and must ensure they are present in their respective activities.

Athletics Carnival – Thursday

A reminder also that next Thursday 7 March is our JPC Athletics Carnival for 2024. This year we will be holding the carnival at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and students will be transported to and from the venue. The College will be contacting parents and carers of students who have not yet returned permission via Compass for the carnivals in the coming days. 

Of course, 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. 

Jacob Knowles
Assistant Principal – Development
Drexel and Mathieu Houses

As you may be aware, following a CECG review of the current School Board and Community Council model we have been asked to establish a School Community Council under the new model. The council will be advisory in nature and has key role in supporting the St John Paul II College community of parents, carers, students, and staff in building an open, inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative school community environment.  

The School Community Council will advise the principal on important matters and provide support to the principal and school leadership team in their decision-making process. We are in the transition phase of the establishment of this new School Community Council at this stage. We are currently awaiting approval from Catholic Education of our transition plan and once this approval is granted, we can then proceed with advertising Expressions of Interest (EOI) to fill the positions on the new Community Council. Please watch this newsletter for developments in this space. It is envisaged that we will commence the EOI process towards the end of this term, with a planned first meeting of the new Council at some stage in mid-Term 2.

I look forward to the opportunity of engaging with parents and members of the wider community to ensure our College is a place where the exchange of ideas is vital to our sense of true partnership. Naturally, in our Catholic school, this will only enhance our mutually respectful relationships where the nurturing of faith and learning of our students is a hallmark. Having parental support in the leadership of this College is both welcomed and eagerly anticipated.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal 

Welcome to English in 2024 at St John Paul II College!

We are delighted to be continuing our focus on developing students' reading and writing skills as we seek to ensure our students are critical and creative thinkers.

Students in Year 8 will be investigating the adventure and fantasy genres across a range of text types and we are looking forward to seeing students' creativity as they work on adapting texts from one genre to another.

Our Year 9 classes are examining themes of strength and courage in fiction and non-fiction texts and can look forward to an in depth study of documentaries next term.

In Year 10 students are learning about the importance of personal voice and speaking up on what matters, as well as preparing for the transition to Senior Study next year by engaging in close analysis of a range of text types. We encourage Year 10 students in particular to ensure they are reading widely and engaging with current affairs texts.

In Years 11 and 12 students follow the prescribed BSSS Units and develop their skills according to these frameworks. We encourage all senior students to read widely and engage with current affairs to assist them as they engage with a broad range of content. Students in their senior years are expected to study English. This can include re-reading and annotating class texts, researching the context of texts and authors under study as well as practising their writing skills independently and under timed conditions.

The English Faculty Team for 2024 is as follows: 

What can you do to support your child in English?

Whatever their year level, please encourage your child to be reading around their interests and for enjoyment. This could be comic books, graphic novels, autobiographies, or current affairs - whatever they are interested in. There is growing evidence to support the link between reading for enjoyment and increased student outcomes.

What opportunities are coming up?

The What Matters Writing Competition run by the Whitlam Institute is now open! Students are encouraged to enter, raise their voices and respond to the simple prompt of ‘what they think is important or needs to change and why.’

See the link for further information: whitlam.org/whatmatters

Kirstie Gibson
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
English Faculty and Ferré House 

Exciting news from our Year 10 History class! This week, Mr Carey-Ide’s and Ms Zorzi’s students have embarked on a unique learning journey, diving into the historic “Battle of Britain” using virtual reality (VR) headsets.

Picture this: our students transported back in time, right into the heart of one of World War II's most critical battles. With VR technology, they're not just reading about history; they're living it. They've been able to explore detailed reconstructions of the Blitz bombings of London in WWII, the beaches of Dunkirk and even hop into the cockpit of legendary aircraft like Spitfires.

The engagement levels have been phenomenal. The immersive experiences have captivated our students, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the bravery and challenges faced by Australian airmen as part of the Empire Air Scheme.  They've been analysing strategic maps, simulating flight manoeuvres with models, and soon they’ll even be interacting with historical figures through role-play scenarios.

Mr Carey-Ide

We are excited to share that our engaging lunchtime math club, MatheMAGICIANS, has successfully completed another week. The turnout this Wednesday in JF3 was very impressive, showcasing the growing interest and enthusiasm among students for the wonderful world of mathematics.

This week, students were getting their hands on a variety of math puzzles, problems, and games. It was fantastic to see students so engaged - working together or focusing intently on their own. The energy in the room was buzzing with excitement as everyone challenged themselves and each other.

Each week we bring something new to the table – a different focus, a new set of puzzles, and a fresh batch of activities.

It is a great way to meet people who share an interest in maths and make new friends on the way.

Whether students are joining with a group of friends to tackle challenges together or solving problems on their own, there is a place for everyone in MatheMAGICIANS.

2024 MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS

Over the coming weeks, we will be preparing for some of the 2024 Mathematics Competitions in which JPC is taking part (also advertised in this edition of Key Messages). Please check this list, visit each competition’s respective websites for more info, and sign up via COMPASS to enter. Registration and payments on COMPASS close Week 7 Tuesday 9 am (Tuesday 12 March).

MatheMAGICIANS - see you in JF3 every Wednesday lunchtime!

Bring your lunch and a bunch of mates!

Dr Sophia Afghan
Leader of Wellbeing – Drexel House, Mathematics Teacher
MatheMAGICIANS Club Coordinator

Recently, some of our Year 11 and 12 students were able to visit the University of Wollongong for their Discovery Day.

These students attended a variety of sessions to learn about specific course information and accommodation options and they also enjoyed a campus tour.

Thank you Mr Maloney and Miss Rodden for taking the time to supervise these students as they explore their university options.

Ms Teena Zorzi
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
Careers and Pathways | Drexel House

Tips and hints for families: AST writing task

In this task, students are asked to craft a persuasive piece in response to the provided material. This means focusing on one central issue and presenting a cohesive argument supported by evidence.

Examiners will be looking for in your son/daughter’s response:

• Selection of a major issue presented in the material
• Ensure your argument flows logically.
• Back up your points with strong evidence. Use the knowledge you have from wide reading
• Show clarity in your focus and demonstrate the importance of the issue.
• Arrange your argument in a clear and cohesive manner.
• Use language effectively and appropriately for your audience.
• Refrain from simply repeating the stimulus material without adding value.

Students are encouraged to read widely as the topics are vast. This has included:

• Social media
• Science
• Environment
• Technology
• Population
• Poverty
• Health
• Taxes & money
• Generational gap

Our tip:

1. Students should read/listen to the news for at least 30 minutes per day! This should be from a wide variety of news outlets
2. Discuss world issues such as the list above
3. Ask your son/daughter questions about the above topics

Ms Jessica Stokman
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
Senior Studies - Maathai Houses 

2024

Mathematics Competitions
are for everyone at JPC!

There are MANY benefits for students in entering Mathematics competitions, and JPC is offering the opportunity for ALL students to be part of the excitement where you will:

• work with a team, or on your own
• build your Maths confidence
• learn how to think differently
• surprise yourself
• solve puzzles and problems
• be stretched and challenged
• win a prize
• make a new friend
• and…….maybe…... just have some fun with Maths!

Below is a list of the upcoming mathematics competitions which JPC will enter this year. The links provide extra information so you can explore which competitions are right for you.

WHEN DO THEY RUN?

Competitions mainly run at different times from late Term 1 to late Term 3, and registered students will be informed of dates, times and rooms closer to each competition day via email and through the MatheMAGICIANS Club competition preparation sessions each Wednesday lunchtime, leading up to the events.

HOW/WHEN DO I REGISTER?

If you are interested in being part of these exciting events, please register/pay separately for each selected competition via COMPASS .

Families with siblings who wish to enter will need to make separate payments for each child, so their names are linked to the payment and we can register them in the correct competitions.

• Discuss entry in the competitions with your child before entering them - make sure they know what is expected (see each competition link).
• Register and pay before the closing date on COMPASS – late payments cannot be accepted as we submit student names and payments to each organisation by set dates. Registrations can only be accepted with payment via Compass.
• Only enter competitions for the correct year and ability level (where indicated).
• Include each child’s name and year level with their relevant competition payment.
• Note: REFUNDS cannot be given, even if your child is absent or forgets to attend, as the money is sent to the organisations well in advance of the sitting dates and cannot be returned. 

2024 Maths Competitions	Year Levels	Cost/Student	For more information:
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking	7 – 12	$8.50	https://www.amt.edu.au/cat (Australian Maths Trust)
Australian Mathematics Competition	7 – 12	$8.50	https://www.amt.edu.au/amc (Australian Maths Trust)
Oxford University Computing Challenge Round 1	7 & 8	$5	https://www.amt.edu.au/oucc (Australian Maths Trust)
Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad	All 10 or Advanced 8 & 9	$22.30	https://www.amt.edu.au/aimo (Australian Maths Trust)
APSMO Games	All 7 & 8	$15	https://apsmo.edu.au/maths-games-years-7-8/ (Australian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiads)
APSMO Olympiad	High Achieving 7 & 8	$20	https://apsmo.edu.au/maths-olympiad-years-7-8/ (Australian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiads)
Bebras	7 – 12	(Free) NOW CLOSED see previous Key Messages	https://www.amt.edu.au/bebras (Australian Maths Trust)
International Mathematical Modelling Challenge (High Achieving Y7-12) (Register individually to work in a team of 4)	High Achieving 7 – 12	$18.75	https://www.immchallenge.org.au/ (Australian Council for Educational Research)

Good luck to all competitors!

Mrs Jennifer Tually
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing – Mathematics Faculty
Ferré House

• Founded in 2014 by two 20-year-old mates, Orange Sky now operates services in 57 locations across Australia.
• The world's first mobile laundry van, providing free laundry, warm showers and genuine, non-judgmental conversation.
• Born from the idea of improving hygiene standards for Aussies experiencing homelessness or hardship, Nic and Lucas soon discovered the greatest impact came from the conversation shared with friends on our six orange chairs.
• We will help them continue our essential service for Australians doing it tough through our awareness-raising campaign.
• Walking 122km, individually or as a House or a school, in March for the 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness (3.9 km per day).
• We will get fit, feel amazing and help change the conversation around homelessness - and the lives of the homeless.

How we do it at JPC

At JPC, staff and students have signed up to join the team to Walk the Walk to raise awareness.

• They can choose to walk either the school perimeter or the Oval before school, at lunchtime or after school. They can walk it once a day, twice or 3 times, they choose.

For further details contact Kathy Kinnane

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

We would like to inform you of some upcoming changes in our canteen pricing. Due to the increasing costs of ingredients and operational expenses, we will be implementing a slight price increase on our menu items.

The new prices will take effect starting from Monday 11 March 2024. 

• Rolls and Wraps - $5.00
• All meals - $5.00

We understand that this change may inconvenience some of our customers, but please rest assured that we are committed to providing your child with quality food and excellent service.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to maintain the standards of our canteen. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this price adjustment, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to serving your children at our canteen.

Kind regards

Leon Sanft
Business Manager

Parish Newsletter

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

Catholic school families are invited to enter a treasure hunt competition being run by Catholic Schools Guide. The winner will receive $2000 worth of school fees, and runners up will receive Roblox vouchers. 

We invite you to share this with families. 

Details: catholicschoolsguide.com.au/competition