As we continue to prioritise the academic success and wellbeing of our students, we reflect on recent insights from the PISA, an international study, that highlight concerns about digital distractions among students. The report found that many young learners struggle to focus due to the constant presence of technology, which can lead to decreased engagement and performance. Excessive device use is also linked to addictive behaviours, affecting both academic outcomes and overall wellbeing.

This week we conducted interviews to fill 2025 vacancies amongst teaching staff, and when asked what the most pressing issue is facing young people today, each one of the candidates answered social media. Technology in schools is more than a learning issue, it is a safety issue for our young people. We are committed to providing our students with a safe learning environment at school.

In line with our commitment to fostering a focused learning environment, we have already banned phones during school hours. This decision aimed to create a distraction-free space, allowing students to concentrate fully on their studies and interactions with peers and teachers. Additionally, we will be phasing out BYOD devices in Years 7 and 8 starting in 2026. This gradual approach will help students develop essential study skills and cultivate a healthy relationship with technology, further enhancing their learning experiences all in a safe environment.

We appreciate your support as we implement these changes, and we encourage you to discuss the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to technology use at home.

JPC 2025 Timetable

We are excited to announce that, based on feedback from our community earlier this year, JPC will implement a new timetable in 2025. In response to the survey conducted at the beginning of the year, both students and parents expressed a desire for more instructional time in Mathematics, English, and electives.

The new timetable will operate on a 7-day rotation, 6 periods a day, with two breaks equivalent to this year, providing a consistent rhythm to the school week. This structure reflects our commitment to the Catalyst pedagogy, which allows for increased cadence in some subjects (Maths, English, HASS and Science), ensuring that students engage more deeply with their learning. In addition, Year 7 and 8 students will benefit from two elective subjects, while Year 9 and 10 students will enjoy extended time in their chosen electives compared to this year. We will share more information about the new timetable in upcoming newsletters. The new timetable has been positively received by a focus group of students from Years 7-12.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferré Houses

JPC’s School Executive Council has had a busy start establishing both roles and understanding of the purpose of the council in the operations of the school. With representation from parents, teachers, students and the diocese, the council is a well-rounded group with a common goal of supporting Dr Wattam and his team in the development of best practice whole of school initiatives that ensure the best learning environment for our children.

In November, the council will host an Open Community Council Meeting where all members of the JPC community are welcome to attend, submit topics of interest they would like addressed, and participate in subsequent discussions. We understand that every family has a long list of priorities, and adding more to your calendar can create challenges, however, we encourage you to join us for just 30-45 minutes and be part of how the school operates. 

The Open Community Council Meeting will be held in the JPC College theatre on Tuesday 12 November, from 6 pm.  If you have any matters to be raised, please forward these to JPC.Principal@cg.catholic.edu.au for inclusion on the agenda. If you don’t feel comfortable raising the matter yourself, please let us know, and we will ensure your voice is still heard in the meeting. Please note, it is important that items are submitted prior to the meeting so that time can be allocated for discussion, as well as any additional information be gathered to ensure matters raised can be addressed in full. There will not be an opportunity to add additional topics to the agenda on the night.

We strongly encourage every family to find the opportunity to attend the Community Council Meeting and be an active part of the school’s future. An agenda will be available shortly before the meeting but may be subject to change if additional topics are raised for discussion and time is available.

If you have any questions about the role of the School Executive Council, or the Community Meeting, please do not hesitate to reach out and we’d be only too happy to speak with you.

I Look forward to seeing you on 12 November.

Julie Saunderson
JPC Community Council Secretary

Email - JPC.Principal@cg.catholic.edu.au 

We are excited to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mother Teresa Primary School in Harrison for their generous support of our new library. Through their highly successful Scholastic Book Club, coordinated by dedicated volunteers from the Community Council, Mother Teresa has gathered a collection of wonderful books to help us build a vibrant library for our students.

We are grateful for the commitment Mother Teresa Primary has shown to our school and community. Thank you to everyone at Mother Teresa Primary for this generous contribution. We look forward to welcoming all the fabulous new Year 7 students to JPC and celebrating the love of reading together!

Jessica Stokman

Jontee van Dalen (year 10, DR) and Kayla Bryant (Year 10, MT) represented the Canberra Netball Association in the Under-17s State League for the 2024 season. They narrowly missed the win, falling to the Tuggeranong Netball Association by just two points in the last two minutes of the game.

At this year’s Canberra State League Netball Ball, both athletes received special recognition: Kayla Bryant was awarded the Coaches' Player, and Jontee van Dalen was named the Players' Player for their outstanding contributions to the team.

Congratulations!

Introducing the newest recruit to the Pooch Pals team at JPC!

Meet Jett. He is a Tenterfield Terrier x Chihuahua and is 9 years old. He has passed vet and temperament assessments and is looking forward to meeting all the JPC students and staff. Jett will be completing his induction program in late 2024 and most likely (if he passes) join the team for 2025.

Mrs McNamara and her family unfortunately lost their beautiful Louie earlier this year. The McNamara family have been foster carers for many years and Jett (or Jetty) came into their lives as a foster dog but quickly won over the humans and fur family members establishing himself as a cuddle bug who loves everyone. We voted that Jett was meant to be part of the family and he was here to stay.  As always, the program is comprehensive and he has big shoes to fill to be able to provide the quality care and cuddles that Louie provided. Jett is certainly up for the task. His easy going happy, calm nature is not typical of his breed but we love his willingness to have all the cuddles!

We are constantly inundated with requests to have the dogs help our students so an added team member is most welcome.

He will commence training from Week 4 Term 4 and as always, we know our students are extremely respectful and kind to our recruits as they learn the ropes.

As always, any questions or queries can be directed to Mrs McNamara.

Mrs Chauntell McNamara
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing Van Thuan House

Parish Newsletter

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