As we reflect on the year so far, it has truly been a time of exciting new beginnings for our school community. One year ago, we began seeking feedback from students, staff, and families through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Listening carefully to this feedback, we have worked hard to implement meaningful changes that enhance the experience of our students and their families.

Some of these changes include the opening of our new library (featuring a dedicated senior study space), a redesigned timetable that offers more opportunities for student-teacher engagement, and additional parent engagement opportunities such as access to learning via Canvas and more scheduled parent–teacher interviews. Our next parent–teacher meeting opportunity will be held on the first day of Term 3.

In response to student feedback requesting more co-curricular opportunities, we were proud to officially launch our newest partnership this week with the Liverpool FC International Academy Australia. This exciting collaboration opens the door for students to build their skills, teamwork, and leadership through professional-level training and mentorship—and, in time, links to post-school opportunities as well.

Importantly, this partnership will not just be limited to a co-curricular program. It will also be integrated into the Health and Physical Education curriculum, giving all students access to learn soccer skills taught by accredited coaches.

As someone who openly admits they are not a sports enthusiast, I naturally asked, what does this offer students who are not interested in soccer? Rob Davey, Executive Director of Liverpool FC International Academy Australia, addressed this perfectly during his presentation at our College Assembly:

“This partnership represents far more than just a football program; it embodies a shared commitment to educational excellence and character development.”

It is about building a culture—not just a team. A culture shaped by ambition, commitment, dignity, and unity. These qualities are at the core of what we hope every JPC student carries with them beyond Year 12. They align nicely with our Catholic, and JPC values of justice, peace, and courage.

We invite families to learn more about the partnership and our broader Senior School offerings at the Senior College Expo on Tuesday, 27 May. This evening will offer a valuable opportunity for families of students in Years 8–12 to explore learning pathways and post-school options:

• Years 11–12: Meet with post-school institutions and learn more about pathways beyond the ATAR, including training and employment opportunities.

• Years 8–9: Explore elective offerings for 2026 and receive guidance on subject selection.

• Year 10: Learn about senior subject offerings and the unique opportunities available at JPC, including vocational training, leadership pathways, and the chance to be among the first Senior participants in the Liverpool FC International Academy program.

While you are here, we also warmly invite you to explore our new College Library. Staff will also be available on the night to assist families with Compass and Canvas access or troubleshooting.

We look forward to continuing to grow our programs and offerings in ways that nurture each student’s passions and support them to achieve personal excellence.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

What’s Happening in Mathematics

Welcome back to Term 2! The Mathematics Faculty is already off to a strong start, with students engaging in foundational and challenging content across all year levels. Here is a brief snapshot of what each year group is currently working on and how you can support learning at home.

Year 7

Year 7 students recently completed a mathematical investigation on fractions and decimals. Many found the word-heavy nature of the task challenging, highlighting the link between literacy and mathematical comprehension. One way families can support at home is by encouraging regular reading to strengthen literacy skills, which in turn helps with worded maths problems.

Students are now finishing decimals and moving into percentages. This is a great opportunity to link learning with real-life contexts—such as percentage discounts while shopping. As part of JPC’s focus on numeracy, students are encouraged to complete 15–20 minutes of Maths homework after each lesson, showing all working in their workbook.

Year 8

In Week 3, Year 8 students will undertake an in-class investigation on Rates and Ratios. This task is also worded, with an emphasis on interpretation and problem-solving. Please encourage your child to practise the worded problems at the end of textbook exercises and to attend Maths Tutorials in preparation.

Year 8 is also moving into solving equations—a key foundation for higher-level algebra in senior years. Students are encouraged to ask questions regularly to clarify their understanding of these concepts.

Year 9

This week, Year 9 completed an assessment task on factorising and expanding algebraic expressions—concepts many students find complex. They are now moving on to Linear Relationships, a vital topic that has applications in everyday scenarios such as budgeting, exchange rates, and fuel consumption. Later this term, they will begin exploring Pythagoras’ Theorem and Trigonometry.

Year 10

This week, Year 10 students completed an assessment task, with many taking advantage of Maths Tutorials to prepare. They are now moving on to Probability in Core classes—a topic many students enjoy—and Logarithms in the Extension classes.

Maths Tutorials

Students are encouraged to attend tutorials for extra support or clarification. These are open to all students:

• Tuesday (Seniors only): 8:00–8:45am in JF9

• Thursday (All students): 8:15–8:45am in JF9

• Thursday (All students): 3:35–4:45pm in the Library

Equipment Reminder

All students are expected to bring the following items to every lesson:

- Maths workbook
- Charged device
- Black and red pens
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Calculator (preferably Casio 82AU)

We look forward to supporting your child’s progress and confidence in Maths throughout the term.

Amanda Brown
Mathematics Coordinator

Last week, St John Paul II College proudly launched its partnership with Liverpool FC International Academy Australia (LFCIAA)—an exciting initiative that brings professional coaching, new co-curricular opportunities, and long-term pathways to our students.

At a special school assembly, Rob Davey, General Manager of LFCIAA, addressed students about the opportunities this collaboration will bring to the College community. From high-level football development to leadership and character-building, the program is designed to benefit all students—whether or not they are football enthusiasts.

As part of our launch, we are pleased to invite families to our Community Day this Saturday, 17 May, from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Join us for a day of fun and Train under LFC Academy coaches in a free 30-minute skills session.

Register your spot here: https://lfcacademy.com.au/product/st-john-paul-ii-college-community-day-2025/

Did you catch us on the news last Wednesday?
Watch the WIN News coverage of the event on their Facebook page: Watch now

As a reminder to families, from Week 4 (Monday, 19 May) the College will no longer accept cash or EFTPOS at the Front Office for canteen top-ups.

All canteen payments must now be made online via the Compass Wallet. This system allows families to pre-load funds and manage student canteen purchases directly through the Compass app.

If your child still has funds on their MonitorBM account, these will be automatically transferred to Compass Wallets after Week 4. There is no need to request this transfer.

We thank you for your support as we continue streamlining school systems.

Lorraine Catanzariti
Marketing and Communications Manager

As students move into Term 2, the expectations placed on them increase significantly. With multiple subjects, regular assessments, and growing responsibilities beyond the classroom, staying organised becomes essential—not just for academic success, but for overall wellbeing.

Parents play a vital role in helping their teenagers build strong organisational habits during these crucial years.

Being organised is more than just keeping tidy notes. It involves managing time effectively, setting priorities, and establishing routines that support consistent effort and help reduce stress. When students are organised, they are more likely to:

• Stay on top of deadlines and avoid last-minute pressure

• Balance study with downtime, reducing the risk of burnout

• Feel more confident and in control of their learning

You can support your teen by:

• Encouraging the use of a planner, wall calendar, or digital schedule

• Helping them set up a quiet, organised study space at home

• Checking in regularly to break big tasks into manageable steps

• Modelling healthy time management and balance in your own routines

Organisation is not just a school skill—it is a life skill. By guiding your teen to develop these habits now, you are helping them lay the foundation for success in senior school, further study, and life beyond the classroom.

Jenna Martin
Acting Senior Studies Coordinator

Last term, a group of our Year 7 Defence students had the opportunity to attend the Birrigai Multi-School Event, joining Defence students from other schools for a day of connection, challenge, and teamwork.

One of the highlights of the day was the high rope swing—an activity that pushed students out of their comfort zones. While some were understandably nervous at first, it was wonderful to see them quickly build confidence, with several students enthusiastically volunteering to go first!

Following the high ropes activity, students took part in a series of team-based puzzles designed to encourage problem-solving and cooperation. Working alongside Defence students from other schools, they approached each challenge with determination and good humour.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7s to form new friendships, demonstrate leadership, and feel a stronger sense of connection to the wider Defence community.

Zonika Smith
Defence School Mentor

If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument and improving their theoretical and practical skills, individual tuition is available. Our industry professional tutors and performing artists cover a wide range of styles and instruments, including violin, cello, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, drums, vocals, piano, bass, and more.

Band opportunities and instrument hire are also available to support students in their musical journey.

If you are interested, please complete the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more information.

https://forms.gle/XuVzaW5Tn1L9H7Fd6