This week around 70 dedicated students and ten staff (including Dr Wattam) participated in the annual Vinnie's Sleep Out. This event aimed to raise awareness and funds for homelessness and provide participants with a firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those without a home. Participants braved the cold night with minimal comforts, reflecting on the hardships many people in our community endure daily. In addition, Years 9 and 10 have participated in further awareness raising through ILT run by St Vincent de Paul. Initiatives such as these are run to support students to understand that, while giving money is important, true charity requires a change of heart and genuine compassion.

Thankyou to everyone involved and who contributed to the fundraising initatives.

This week our Year 11 and 12 students received their final assessment back for the Semester. Regardless of what year level, individual assessment results can be a pivotal moment for students. It’s more than just about grades; it's an opportunity for reflection and growth. Here are some key points on the importance of reflecting on results:

1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Students are encouraged to look through assessment and identify what they did well and where improvement is needed.
2. Develop a Growth Mindset: Students are encouraged to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
3. Plan Ahead: Students are encouraged to use feedback provided to adjust study habits and strategies for future assessments.
4. Seek Support: Students are encouraged to ask teachers for additional help or resources if you’re struggling with certain topics.

We encourage all students to take the time to reflect on their returned assessment, as this is crucial for continuous improvement and success in the academic journey.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses

The following is an overview of th what has been happening in English across the College.

Year 9 have also been developing their creative flair, producing some engaging and thought provoking documentaries about a local legend. The effort and enthusiasm from students about their documentaries suggests we have some budding film makers amongst us!

Year 10 have been busy preparing for life as Senior Students undertaking their first extended exam session after completing their study of Between Us. 

Our Senior students have now completed all assessment for Semester 1 and have been provided with their texts for next Semester. Students are asked to begin reading the texts during the next two weeks as part of their extra hours completion before they take a well earned break over the holidays.

The English Faculty would also like to congratulate Lara Callaghan on the completion of her first placement as a pre-service teacher. Lara joined the faculty at the beginning of June working with Kirstie Gibson and John Cole and has absolutely excelled at her placement.

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

Earlier this year, Archbishop Christopher announced changes to the governance arrangements for Catholic Education within the Archdiocese from 2025. This will result in a change to the proprietor of each Catholic School in the ACT but will not otherwise materially impact school operations.

If you would like further information about this change, or you would like to provide feedback about the change in proprietor, please contact governance@cg.catholic.edu.au  by 19 July 2024.

At the Assessment feedback lessons this week (Wednesday and Thursday), Year 11 & 12 students were provided the required information to start the new semester.

In lieu of students returning for week 20 and 21, five hours of learning will be set for each subject. This independent work will be due the first Tuesday back of Term 3. Students are required to submit their work as evidence of completion, via a drop box or other means explained by your teacher.

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

The Year 9/10 Outdoor Education went camping in Jindabyne on the 3-5 June, just before the snow set in.

Students were challenged with early morning starts, mountain bike riding, building milk crate towers and climbing Mount Kosciusko. The students were challenged in many ways and it was great to see the resilience and teamwork from all within the group.

A special thanks to Ms Goggin and Mr Holloway for assisting with the camp and to the staff at Action Learning Initiatives (ALI) for helping to bring everyone back safely and with hopefully many great memories.

This opportunity will run again in semester two.

Jake Maloney
Health and Physical Education and SOSE Department
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
Van Thuan House

Over the past three Thursdays, Year 9 students have participated in the Youth Aware Mental Health program (YAM). YAM is an evidence-based program aimed at upskilling young people to better understand and manage their mental health.

The program is interactive, involving guided discussion and role play activities. It aims to get young people involved and talking about mental health in order to learn problem solving skills, gain knowledge, build resilience, and promote early intervention/help-seeking.

This is the third year JPC has offered the YAM program to Year 9 students. We hope that the program has worked to promote positive mental health practices amongst the Year 9 cohort.

Mr Sam McCombe
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
Maathai House – Year 9
Teacher – Health and Physical Education

On Tuesday 18 June two teams represented JPC at the 3 x 3 basketball tournament. The students were super engaged and competitive throughout the tournament. They showed great sportsmanship and respect towards the other teams, officials and represented JPC in a positive matter. Unfortunately, both teams got knocked out in the quarter finals which was not the desired result, nonetheless, both teams played with heart until the final whistle.

Boys Team
Nate B	Year 8	Kennedy
Lucas W	Year 7	Kennedy
Dylan B	Year 8	Mathieu
Oscar P	Year 7	Drexel
Great U	Year 7	Kennedy
Girls Team
Abigail B	Year 7	Drexel
Amy G	Year 8	Kennedy
Kaily M	Year 7	Ferre
Sasha H	Year 7	Ferre
Ajok D	Year 7	Mathieu

Mr Zac McDermott

There are limited tickets available for the Biggest Afternoon Tea.

Book TODAY so you don't miss out on an afternoon of delicious food and great entertainment.

See you there!

Thank you to everyone for your support and generous donations for this year's Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Dr Wattam, Staff and Students have nearly doubled the initial goal!

There is still time to donate - HERE

A full update will be in next week's Key Messages.

Parish Newsletter

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

FOR SALE

St John Paul II College Umbrella

$40.00 ea
Available from the College Office
Cash or Card 

Never be caught in the rain again,
stay dry with a JPC Umbrella.

• Full-sized umbrella to protect you from the craziest of storms
• 8 ribbed frame made from fibreglass and vented wind panel
• The shade is made from a 190T pongee fabric
• Automatic button release and a matching pongee sleeve.

Please join us for a night of live music, food and inspiring speakers:

Rising Tide guests Senator David Pocock and Polly Hemming of the Australia Institute, with MC Alex Sloan.

Rising Tide is a diverse movement working to ensure Australia honours its commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement via a focus on the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle.

When: from 5:30 pm for 6:15 pm, Friday 5 July

Where: Lyneham High School Hall, 61 Goodwin St Lyneham

RSVP: HERE

Attendance is FREE. Food and drinks by optional donation.