Reflecting on Mothers' Day which is this Sunday 12 May, we acknowledge and celebrate mothers and mothering. I make that distinction because I know that many people – aunts, stepparents, close family friends, and many more fulfill the chief mothering role in families.

We reflect and pray for mothers everywhere. For many of us, Mothers' Day is a joyous time to celebrate our mums or be celebrated as a mother, but for others, it is a more complex time involving grief or feelings of loss, regret, or guilt. I am fortunate to have had many mother figures in my life whom I will be celebrating on Mothers' Day: females who have nurtured, encouraged, cared for, challenged, and inspired me! It is also important to not only acknowledge but support and stand with women and children affected by domestic violence and support the amazing work done locally by Mackillop House among others.

Whatever your Mothers' Day looks like this weekend, I hope it is a time of positive reflection and celebration for your family.

This reflection was penned by Deacon Keith Fournier as part of a seven day Christian reflection on the significance of women and mothers in the Church and our lives.

Mothers' Day High Tea

The senior technology students will be hosting a Mothers' Day High Tea on Friday 17 May. Places are limited.

Importance of Routine

The mid-term break is now a distant memory with assignments, school excursions, gala days, open evenings, and many more school activities in full swing. It can become very easy for a student’s week to be filled with cocurricular events, part-time and casual employment, and more to fill their afternoons and weekends. It is vital students have a balance to achieve success in their education, having a routine during the week and weekend to ensure our young people are getting their mix of sports/social integration and academic learning. I am partway through a podcast series by Maggie Dent. The ‘Parental as Anything’ podcast is short and sharp and gives a beautiful perspective on the difficulties of raising teenagers. Each podcast ranges from 4 minutes to 24 minutes and covers topics from teenage angst and outbursts to online safety and the sleep and teenager who won’t stop swearing! You can find the series for free HERE. While there will be inevitable resistance to boundaries from teenagers, the benefits of a structured yet balanced environment where expectations are clear and consistent has many positive benefits. This is explored through the range of discussions held by Maggie and her c.

Senior College Expo

It was tremendous to welcome so many families into the school for Tuesday night’s Careers and Subject Information Evening. Seeing so many families engaging with our teachers and external providers in discussions about futures and study was terrific and I congratulate Mrs Kathleen Garvie Assistant Principal Learning for her leadership of this as well as our amazing team of faculty leaders and support staff who worked tirelessly to gather resources and presenters that made this such an amazing community event. 

Child Safe School

This term the College has launched a Child Safety Committee which will be looking at ways we keep students safe here at JPC. This committee will be seeking the voice of students, using the newly created Student Representative Council members in focus groups. It will also capture the wider student voice via a survey. The College remains committed to making St John Paul II College a child-safe environment.

Try High Day

Today, Friday 10 May JPC hosted the second of our Try High Days. These have been popular amongst our local community with over 300 students attending over the two events. During the sessions Year 5 and 6 students got to experience the best of the Technology, Arts, Humanities, Science and Physical Education departments as well as having an introduction to our Youth Ministry program. The lessons were led by our highly engaging staff and supported by a number of students from Years 10,11 and 12 who were all keen to have the opportunity to welcome our potential 2025 enrolments. Thank you to those staff and senior students who gave their time, effort, and empathy over the two days.

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

Did you know that Catholic Education and our school have a Child Safe Policy that outlines our approach to child safety?

This can be accessed on the Catholic Education Safeguarding Page. We encourage you to visit this page and review our policy.

As part of our approach to child safety, Simon Abbott is also our school's Child Safe Advocate who works closely with our school regarding our approach and response to child safety matters. This approach involves proactive strategies to safeguard our students as well as responding to areas of concern.

The area of child safety includes many parts of a schools operation such as day to day activities, school events and school camps. We encourage you to contact us should you like to discuss this further. 

Kidsafe ACT will be launching a Youth Action Committee. Details of the program and how to submit an Expression of Interest can be found here: https://forms.gle/tk8TFBN4H7TvF6zz6

It would be a wonderful leadership and service opportunity for a young person and a great chance to contribute to an important community mission. 

Wishing you a lovely week ahead ?

Mr Simon Abbott
PDHPE Department
Leader Wellbeing Kennedy House
JPC Child Safe Advocate representative

Expressions of Interest are now welcome for members to join the St John Paul II College Community Council (SCC) Executive Committee 

As you may be aware, following a CECG review of the current School Board and Community Council model St John Paul II College has been asked to establish a School Community Council under the new model. The council will be advisory in nature and has a key role in supporting the 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. 

As part of this transition to the new School Community Council model, I am asking parents/carers to show their interest in being part of this School Community Council Executive Committee via an expression of interest process for the following positions:  

• Executive Committee Chair
• Executive Committee Secretariat
• Two Executive Committee members

Expressions of interest need only be brief. A few lines about yourself, your connection to the school, involvement in the school community, and reasons for your interest in being part of the School Community Council Executive Committee.  

The Council will meet on four occasions per year. Your interest in, and support of our College, is appreciated.

 Please email the expression of interest to nicola.grieb@cg.catholic.edu.au by Monday 13 May 2024

For current Year 10 families, now is the time to let you know your intentions for completing Year 11 and 12 at JPC.

We ask ALL current year 10 families to complete the online commitment form by Friday 31 May 2024.

The form is available on the JPC website here. Students who indicate they will be continuing at JPC will be contacted for an interview which will be held in Term 3, Week 1.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses

Year 9 and 10 2025

Year 9 & 10 Elective Information 2025

Year 9 & 10 Elective Information 2025 261.74 KB

Year 9 & 10 2025 Elective Selection Timeline

Year 9 & 10 2025 Elective Selection Timeline 176.96 KB

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses

On Friday 3 May, the senior Visual Arts class attended a screen printing workshop at the Megalo printmaking studio in Kingston. We were able to design and print our own tote bags or t-shirts, which allowed us to explore a fun new medium that could be used for our final assessment task in Semester 1.  

We began the session by having a tour of the space so that we were familiar before beginning printing. We were then instructed on the method used to print our designs. The instructors shared various techniques for mixing colours, and the effects that they can create when printing on fabric. We also were taught various methods about how the designs were transferred onto the screens, including using chemicals and light exposure. 

Overall, the session provided a great starting point for our assessment as we were able to explore a new medium, methods of colour mixing, and how this will affect our final piece. It really was a great excursion, 10/10 would do it again!!

Miss Tori Dallas

Visual Arts & Photography Teacher

Maathai House

On Tuesday 7 May, the senior Photography class took a trip to the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia to inspire them for the upcoming final assessment tasks. Students were able to find at least 10 pieces each that sparked creativity and encouraged them to take notes of different visual conventions.

While the art that they were looking at was not specifically pieces of photographic work, the main goal was to look at compositional techniques within them, such as the contrast of colour, leading lines, focal point, repeated patterns, etc. The class enjoyed the experience of being thoroughly immersed in the varied range of artworks shown by the galleries and is very appreciative of such a fortunate opportunity.

This experience not only inspired us, but also educated us as we learned about the history of Australia’s connection to artworks such as “Blue Poles” by Jackson Pollock that is now valued at $500 million. Overall, the experience was enjoyed by all and was a great starting point for our assessment.

Miss Tori Dallas
Visual Arts & Photography Teacher
Maathai House

In the class of Senior Outdoor Education on the 9 May, we went to the ‘BFirm obstacle course’ located in South Canberra. We saw and completed many obstacles that featured rope swings over mud pits, climbing over walls, going through tunnels and trenches (full of MUD!) and hopping gigantic tyres! All of this was done with smiles and determination and could only be possible with the support of each other in Senior Outdoor Education.

Well Done!

Mr. Adam McDonnell 
Teacher – Outdoor Education, PE
Drexel House

Last Friday, our Year 7 students – Oscar D, Sean F, Rohan N, Alysha O, William O, Theo S, and Sienna W had the fantastic opportunity to participate in the Da Vinci Decathlon at Canberra Grammar School. The event was an inspiring showcase of teamwork and intellectual engagement, with our students demonstrating collaboration and creativity across a series of challenging tasks.

It was a day full of learning, innovation, enthusiasm, and their ability to work as a group. Congratulations to all our participants for representing St John Paul II College with such honour and team spirit.

Dr Sophia Afghan
Leader of Wellbeing Drexel House
Mathematics and IMS Teacher

Every Wednesday at lunch, the MatheMAGICIAN club turns everyday maths into an engaging exploration, making maths fun and fascinating!

Under the guidance of our maths teachers, some of our students are preparing for the upcoming AMT competitions, honing their skills for the challenges ahead. In addition to Algebra Tiles, club members enhance their understanding of mathematics through dice games, and much more.

Whether you are a maths enthusiast or just curious about numbers, the MatheMAGICIAN club is the perfect place to explore, learn, and enjoy the magic of mathematics.

Dr Sophia Afghan
Leader of Wellbeing Drexel House
Mathematics and IMS Teacher

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE - 1-5 July

On Friday of Week 1, Term 2, Professor Adam Butt from the Australian National University presented on the career field of Actuarial Studies. This was very interesting and can lead to a variety of jobs! If you would like access to the presentation, please contact the careers team.

The field of Actuarial Studies has a strong growth regarding job opportunities! Have a read about this pathway below:

Please check the lost property table located by the Student Office.

JPC students are invited to participate in the Big Science Competition, to be held in week 14.
The Big Science Competition is a 50 minute, multiple-choice competition testing science knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The competition will cost $7.70 to enter.

Email Mrs Cally for further information and how to register.

Mrs Kate Calley
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing – Science
Kennedy House

Parish Newsletter

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