On Thursday this week, the church celebrates the life of one of Australia’s most amazing women, Saint Mary Mackillop. Australia’s first Saint left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire people today. Saint Mary Mackillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph and believed in education as a means to improve lives, especially for vulnerable Australians. Her compassion extended to anyone in need, often expressed through acts of charity and kindness. Schools often use one of Saint Mary Mackillop’s most famous quotes ‘Never see a need without trying to do something about it’ to guide students' social justice initiatives.

Coupled with her deep resilience and perseverance Mary never gave up. She bravely challenged those who did not support her vision for a more caring world. A vision that is still realised today with the work of amazing organisations such as the Mary Mackillop Foundation which works with local communities in Australia and internationally through learning for life and enabling access to learning opportunities in the areas of education, health, financial inclusion, and livelihoods to share practical life skills for self-sufficiency. Here in Canberra Mackillop House provides temporary shared accommodation for women and children experiencing homelessness and/or leaving domestic and family violence.

Mary MacKillop’s legacy encourages students, parents and teachers of JPC to be compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a positive impact in the world.

 Year 9 Urban Challenge

Last week I accompanied around 180 Year 9 students on the Urban Challenge in Sydney. This wonderful camp provided students with the opportunity to solve problems and complete challenges all over central Sydney. Over three days, students navigated trams, trains, buses and ferries, budgeted for their meals and explored iconic sights such as the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Cockatoo Island, just to name a few.

The camp was an excellent opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves and build connections with their peers outside of the confines of the classroom. The camp, of course, would not be possible without the generous supervision of staff and the coordination by Mr Sam McCombe. We look forward to a student presentation in week 5 at assembly and of course the announcement of the winning team!

Mobile Phone/ Ear Bud

As highlighted in earlier editions, all classrooms at JPC will be a phone and earbud free zone in semester 2, 2024. This means that all phones must be in lockers (not pockets) between 8.55 am and 3.35 pm. We are asking all students and families to support us to ensure classrooms are for learning, lunchtimes are for social interactions and phones are for use outside school hours.

We understand that mobile phones are an important communication tool, especially in emergencies. Therefore, we will ensure that all students have access to a school phone should they need to contact you during the day. Furthermore, we encourage you to communicate any urgent messages through our school office or via student email. We understand there will be some circumstances for families such as significant care arrangements or medical requirements that mean a student may need access to their phone. In this instance, approval can be sought from the Assistant Principal Wellbeing via your House leaders.

We understand that this transition may require adjustments for both students and families. However, we firmly believe that by reducing phone and device use, we can create a positive and productive learning environment that enhances student achievement and well-being. I encourage families who are concerned to read the following article by Columbia University.

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

Students and parents are reminded that mobile phones and earbuds are NOT permitted by any student during the school day. These devices negatively impact student engagement with learning and in social interactions with peers.

JPC staff have been instructed to confiscate these items that will then be stored in the Front Office. Data on the confiscation of devices is being logged on a central database and this is being monitored by the Wellbeing Team. 

The following are the escalation points and outlines of what occurs following the data being recorded based on the number of instances that a device is confiscated:

• Offence 1: returned to student at the end of the day.
• Offence 2: Office staff informs House Leader of second offence. Device returned to student at the end of the day.
• Offence 3: Office staff informs House Leader and detention issued to student. Device returned to student at the end of the day.
• Offence 4: Office staff informs House Leader who phones parents. Device collected by parent.

Students are to leave their devices in their locker or at home on school days.

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

JPC participated in the nation-wide story-dance competition of Wakakirri on Monday 29 July. This process was student-led from the initial theme development through to the performance concept and choreography with all students involved contributing, lead by our Wakakirri Captains Olivia H (Yr 10), Sofia L (Yr 11) and Mischa W (Yr 11).

The performance, titled, ‘How Long is a Piece of String?’ was based on the concept that as we grow, we conform to societal expectations, feeling like puppets on strings. Eventually, we break free, realising we can be our own puppeteers and still find a sense of belonging.

With a mix of acting, contemporary mechanistic choreography, jazz and a breath-taking lift – our students dazzled the audience with their polished technique under the disco ball! JPC was awarded four awards for their performance celebrating the unique and clever story-dance created that highlighted students’ acting and dancing skills.

1. Storytelling Award for great use of drama
2. Storytelling award for story theme and concept
3. Ensemble Award for Group Dance
4. Storytelling Award for a great minimalist Production Style

A big shout out to the performers from Years 7 through to Year 11, Mrs Dowling and Mrs Smith for their commitment to this experience.

CHOOKAS to all involved!

Congratulations to Adam S (Year 12, DR) on graduating from Questacon's Student Explainers program!

This prestigious program is renowned for equipping young minds with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills through hands-on STEM experiences. By completing this program, Adam has demonstrated remarkable dedication and talent in engaging audiences and explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible and exciting way. This achievement reflects their commitment to fostering a love for science and their ability to inspire and educate others.

We applaud Adam for his hard work and look forward to seeing the impactful contributions they will make in the future.

If you are interested in the Student Training Program - click here

A free family event with ‘Bluey’ creator Joe Brumm will be held at Merici College on Wednesday 11 September. Presented by Catholic School Parents Canberra and Goulburn with the support of Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn, the event aims to bring families from across the Archdiocese together, to listen to Joe talk about why he thinks Bluey has been such a success and the important role parents play in their child’s learning and development.
Please use the below digital or print flyer to promote the upcoming event to your school communities, and share the posts from CSPACG’s Facebook page.
There is an option for live streaming for parents and carers who are unable to attend in person.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-bluey-perspective

St John Paul II College (JPC) will be producing the first ever whole school Yearbook for 2024. Previously the Yearbook only included year 12 students and the cost of the book was included in the school fees.

This year the whole school Yearbook is not included in each family's school fees; therefore, families will need to purchase the book in advance.

For JPC to order enough Yearbooks, we ask for families to commit to purchasing a Yearbook now and delivery of the Yearbook will be at the end of Term 4, 2024.

The book will cost $40.00 each.

Orders must be placed by the end of week 4, Term 3, Friday 16 August 2024.

Note – an additional charge will be incurred if you order after 16 August 2024.

We look forward to starting a new tradition for JPC and keeping a visual archive of what has happened at JPC in 2024.

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.

Parish Newsletter

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