Welcome back to the fourth and final term of the year. This term always seems to gather momentum as we rapidly move towards Christmas.

During the school holidays, I had the privilege of going to South Korea on a Principals’ Study Tour, hosted by the Korean Education Centre and the Korean Consulate. I visited a number of schools and universities as well as attended lectures by the ministry of education, the Australian embassy, and a number of museums. Of course, there were cultural sites of significance that we also saw.

As you may know, Korea has one of the highest performing education systems in the world. What struck me most about what I saw and listened to though, was not the stellar academic outcomes, it was the warmth of the school communities I visited. Many schools have written into their curriculum, or their stated goals, words such as “love”, “passion”, “patience”, and the like. I suspect this comes from a country where students are so driven and pushed to succeed, and that education officials are recognising this, and therefore prescribing activities and approaches that support student wellbeing, and emotional growth this then paves the way to acknowledging and responding in ways that respect the human condition and spirit, and nurturing each person as valued in their own right. Korean children are very focused on their learning, and classrooms are orderly and fast-paced.

Two key historical events I learned about during the trip spoke loudly to the Korean sense of nationhood and community spirit – perhaps what we as Catholic might describe as a commitment to the common good – were the financial crisis of 1998 in Korea, and the building of an economy that has taken the country out of poverty, to being a leader in many fields of manufacturing, and technology.

When financial trouble hit the world in 1998, and Korea in particular suffered economically, the country was in danger of defaulting on its international loan payments to the international monetary fund. Millions of Korean citizens went to their local banks, and donated gold jewellery, to assist the country in paying its debts. More than 227 tons of gold was donated, raising billions of dollars. Their spirit and patriotism allowed foreign debts to be paid. This effort commenced from a grass-roots women’s group.

In 1950 Korea held the unfortunate title of being the poorest country in the world. In 70 years, the country now has a stronger GDP per person, than Japan. Like Japan, Korea has no natural resources. Their industrialisation has been phenomenal. Korea now exports more than 45% of the steel that it produces, has the biggest ship-building business in the world, and is home to Hyundai, Kia, LG, and Samsung to name a few leading brands. Korean people are rightly proud of their embracing and development of cutting-edge technologies.

My visit confirmed for me the warmth of the Korean people, their care for their fellow humans, and an absolute commitment to stewardship of all they have. The schools are spotlessly clean, public amenities are well-cared for, and everyone is respectful, especially to elders, and those in positions of responsibility. The spirit of Korea is wonderful to behold. We currently have one Korean class at St John Paul II College. I am looking to expand this in the years to come. I do hope that more students will demonstrate a desire to learn to speak Korean, and learn more about this fascinating country.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal 

Why Study the Arts?

At JPC, our students are offered a wide range of subjects in both Performing and Creative Arts fields. Students study a combination of Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Photography or Visual Arts, learning empathy and identification as classroom experiences opens individuals to new dimensions of emotional experiences. These subjects increase one’s creative and critical expression, self-esteem and decision-making skills. Working independently and collaboratively, students learn the skills of listening, negotiating, communicating, and they develop new friendships!

Dancers are travelling the globe learning different cultural dances and how these styles influence meaning and storytelling for audiences! Of note, is the preparation for DanceFest led by the Senior Dance class. An eager group of dancers are meeting each Tuesday morning to learn and perfect their entry. DanceFest occurs in Week 14 at Canberra Theatre with tickets available via their website.

Drama students are cultivating their skills and preparing for their final performances. The Senior Drama class is devising their major performance in the style of verbatim theatre investigating the influence of social media and the control this can have over a person’s life. This will be performed on Wednesday of Week 14 at 4 pm in the theatre. All are welcome to attend.

Musicians are mastering their skills in timeless classics. Senior students presented their final performance in Week 9 demonstrating their abilities. The 9/10 class will be performing a showcase in Week 16 filled with tunes we all love! Look out for information to attend (and sing along).

Creative Arts students continue to refine their talents. Photographers continue to develop their skills in capturing and manipulating images both at school and on location through excursions. Visual Art students are working on their major artworks like painting experimentation, ceramics and printmaking. Of note, the 9/10 class have entered the Gungahlin Arts program competition, ‘Our Town’. Students have created a variety of entries and will represent JPC creatively and with finesse.

The Arts student engagement is not only present in the classroom. Many students engage in extra-curricular opportunities offered by the enthusiastic and committed Arts teachers. The Music program offers private instrumental and vocal lessons, as well as multiple bands in various styles. In addition, the Tech Crew allows students to develop their skills in backstage stage management for different events. Auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be in Term 4, Weeks 15 – 16, with sign-up sheets in the drama room. The production is an excellent way for students to showcase their current talents, develop more and forge friendships along based on a commitment for a shared project.

Mrs Sarah Smith
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing – The Arts and Van Thuan

We are excited to let you know that next year we will be moving away from Moodle to Canvas for our Learning Management System. Canvas has increased potential for the engagement of both parents and students. In 2025, this will be the platform where students and parents can access class content, assessment and assessment calendars and results. During term 4, classes and teachers across the college will be trialling the platform, with a full launch to take place in 2025.

We look forward to utilising this program to support student learning next year.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferre Houses

The Senior Outdoor Education students have acquired a wealth of skills during their time at Pegasus. From learning agricultural techniques for maintaining horse paddocks to mastering the art of concrete path construction, their experiences have been truly invaluable.

Thank you to Pegasus for giving us the opportunity to volunteer and assist with the great work you provide the community.

Mr. Adam McDonnell
Teacher – Outdoor Education, PE, Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader
Drexel House

Students in the Year 9/10 Sports Studies elective are moving into a unit on Lifestyle, Leisure and Recreation. As part of the unit, students are investigating and participating in different recreation activities on offer in their local area. This week both classes went to John Knight Park in Belconnen to play disc golf.

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

This week all students in year 10 will receive a draft copy of their Year 10 transcript. Both students and parents are required to review the information, using the instructions provided with the draft. If there are any inaccuracies or concerns, please note these on the document and they will be followed up. Then sign where indicated and return it to your house LLWB. All forms are to be returned by 25 October 2024.

Thank you

Parish Newsletter

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