It is easy to become negative sometimes and to see the shortfall, the deficit or the not-quite-good-enough in our lives. We can fall into the trap of a cycle of negativity where we feel dissatisfied with our lives; our financial situation, our personal or professional successes, and at times, our families and even ourselves.

Last week, our staff was encouraged to write a simple message of gratitude. I know when I have faced difficulties, I have attempted to end each day with an Ignatian Examen prayer and reflection time, reliving the moments of my day when God was really present to me. As a prayer practice, I then try to delve further into what God is saying to me through my interactions with others, with nature, or simply in quietude. And, in finishing my prayer time, I name (out loud) five things for which I am grateful. This usually puts me back on an even-keel and reminds me of God’s grace in my life. There is much for which we can be grateful - and as this prayer of thanksgiving above offers - for the gifts we receive each day, even in a world where war, famine, political upheaval, and uncertainty seem ever-present.

As principal here at St John Paul II College, I witness the generosity and goodwill of our staff and students on a daily basis. It is so heartening to have students say good morning and inquire about someone else’s day. It is always life-giving to hear their laughter and good humour. And it delights me to see our students engaged in their learning in the various subjects they take each day.

Schools operate on a great deal of goodwill. Sometimes we will make mistakes and get them wrong. Sometimes our students make mistakes and get it wrong: for this is part of being human, and also part of growing up. Our job is to educate our students on how to get it “more” right next time. We do this with parents. By and large though, given our size, we enjoy extremely positive engagement with our students, and they give us every reason to be hope-filled about the future. I trust that you see this in your own child, and that this inherent goodness, is also part of the fabric of your family life.

We can never have too much hope in our world. We can only ever hold this hope (as a will, an action, and a value) for the present and the future. We look forward with “grateful hope” and our children, your children, are the essence of that.

As the term draws to a close, I take this opportunity on behalf of the students and parents to thank our staff for the work they do each day in service of our students. I look forward to slowing down a little in the coming break, and I pray that our students and families stay safe over the holiday period, especially those who are travelling.

As the semester ends, we farewell Mr Matt Bourke, Mr John Cole, Ms Sharon Robinson, Mr Gary Seckerson, and Ms Danni Jewell (currently on leave) as they variously move on to new adventures. At the beginning of next semester, we will welcome back Mr Daniel Burns to the College and new staff commencing with us Ms Clare Kinnane (Mission and Ministry Coordinator) and Mr Jonathan Goodwin (music teacher). We also have a number of new students commencing with us. I hope and trust our students will make them feel at home very quickly in their new school.

I look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 23 July for the first day of Term 3.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal

Congratulations to John Cole who has achieved his 10-year HALT Certification as a Highly Accomplished Teacher. We believe John is the second person in Australia to achieve this recognition under the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. This award recognises John’s ability to improve student learning outcomes and his work supporting other teachers in the profession.

In addition to his passion for classroom teaching, John has contributed to the wider education conversation, speaking to state education bodies at national conferences, advocating for high-quality classroom practice and continuing his studies about the value of expert classroom teachers.

Congratulations to John Cole on an exceptional achievement.

ACT TQI

Year 8 Disco

On Wednesday evening Year 8 celebrated the end of the semester with a Black and White themed Disco at the College. The event was organised by the Year 8 SRC and Year 8 coordinator Mrs Emily Brak. Thank you to the students for their wonderful participation, singing, dancing, and acceptance of bad teacher dancing.

We thank those staff including Mrs Smith, Mr Charter, Mrs Gibson, Mrs Candy, Mr McComb, Mrs Dwyer and Mrs Brak, Mr Knolwes and Dr Wattam for giving up their evening.

Year 10 Social

The Year 10 Social was hosted at Gungahlin Lakes and organised by our Year 10 SRC. With the theme of Hollywood awards, the social gave students an opportunity to come together during their work experience week and dance the night away.

Well done to our SRC members for coming up with a great theme, setting up the room and organising the novelty awards. The night could not have occurred without the supervision provided by Mr Caldow, Mr Maloney, Mrs Lie, Mrs Siviour, Mrs Garvie, and Mr Knolwes.

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

The JPC Boys Bill Turner Cup team had a successful campaign this year – reaching the final of the Southern NSW/ACT Zone after beating Mount Stromlo 13-0, Harrison (forfeit) and Goulburn 1-0. The boys faced Eden Marine at Nicholls on Friday in week 8 in the final. JPC took an early lead 1-0 with a great goal to Christian I, before some nerves in front of the large crowd of JPC students took over. Although JPC dominated possession and had a number of further chances, hitting the bar and the post, the Eden keeper had a great game and grew in confidence with each save. As the first half passed, an Eden counterattack led to a goal to make it 1-1 and then Eden scored a dagger of a goal on the cusp of halftime, with an excellent headed goal off a free kick from the edge of the box.

The JPC boys responded well, tackling hard in the slippery and wet conditions and ignoring the aggressive opposition crowd to create more chances before another breakaway goal put Eden up 3-1. JPC was able to score and revive hope of a win with a goal to make the final score 3-2 but it was not enough. Congratulations to Eden Marine on their win and better luck to our team for next year – especially for those year 7 and 8 students who were members of the squad this year. Reaching the final continues JPC’s tradition of success in the Bill Turner Cup over the past few years. JPC continues to produce a high standard of football.

Thanks to Mrs Darmody for her support and organisational skills and to all the parents that came to support the team.

Thank you to all members of the squad for their efforts to train and represent JPC – Leon N, Keaton LC, Justin A, Desan P, Thomas B, Tommy Br, Dylan P (c), Brad M, Bryson LC, Will M, Brian N, Jye W (Assistant coach), Yaak Y, Jayden K, Christian I, James C, Cooper K, Daniel O, Xavier L, Kione M, Will B,  and all of the other members of the squad who tried out, trained and supported everyone!

Matt Caldow
Bill Turner Cup Coach 

It has been a big semester for Careers and VET at JPC! We want to thank our Careers Community members, our staff and students for their engagement.

Some amazing things that have happened:

• 53 students and 4 staff members have been trained in either the White Card, Asbestos and/or Silica training courses. These courses are essential for students looking to work in the construction field.
• Approximately 180 students have completed work experience. Most of these are in Year 10, but we have had some Year 11 and 12 students attend the Australian Signals Directorate and The Canberra Hospital.
• Four new ASBA students have taken up apprenticeships in areas such as event management, carpentry and plumbing.
• The majority of Year 11 and 12 students are working towards a VET qualification in either Active Volunteering, Foundation Skills or the Barista course. 

Next term we look forward to the Canberra Careers Expo in August, the School’s Recommendation Scheme, the Responsible Service of Alcohol course and the Big Day in at ANU.

The Careers Newsletter is our main source of Career’s/Pathways information, so please don’t forget to read this when it reaches your inbox. You can read the latest Careers Newsletter here:

Have a great break!

Ms Zorzi
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing – Careers

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