It has been a busy week at St John Paul II College with preparations for Monday's swimming carnival, our Welcome BBQ for new families and our first school assembly focused on coming together as a College to discuss key items within the College. As always it has been a busy start to the year for our students, however, among all of the happenings this week, on Tuesday it was Safety Internet Day. This day is celebrated around the world and has been occurring for a number of years. The aim of the day is to recognise the importance of staying safe online and also being aware of our own use of technology which in recent years has been focused on social media.

This timely discussion regarding safer internet and technology including phones was had with students during Tuesday's assembly highlighting some key points for our students to take away;

• Technology at JPC is to be used for learning purposes only
• Students must respect others online
• Students need to be responsible for their technology and protect their personal information
• Report any cyberbullying and not be part of cyberbullying
• Report and not access unsafe or inappropriate sites
• Follow the JPC technology policy

A discussion was also held around some of the more serious implications of misuse of technology with a highlight on misuse of social media to harass others. We are encouraging parents and carers to have a discussion with their child about following the JPC technology, the serious implications for misuse of technology and ensuring that students are staying safe online.

Strategies to support the parents and carers of young people in our community as advised by the eSafety commissioner include talking about online safety openly, setting up family rules regarding phone use in the house, setting up appropriate areas where computers are used and being aware of the apps your child is accessing including social media. More information for parents and young people can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website by following this LINK. The St John Paul II College Technology Policy can be found in student diaries and we ask that parents/ carers read through this policy with their child and sign it. It can also be found by following this LINK to our JPC website. Thank you for supporting us in working with your child to ensure that we are setting them up with all of the best advice to stay safe online.

We hope everyone has a good weekend and look forward to seeing all students at the JPC swimming carnival on Monday.

Welcome BBQ

Kind Regards

Mr Nic Whatman
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Community
Maathai and Van Thuan Houses

On Thursday the 3February, the St John Paul II College Year 11 students set off to camp Wombaroo in the Southern Highlands to attend the Y11 Conference. They were accompanied by 6 JPC staff members who will be working closely with the Senior students.

This was the first year the conference had been held away from our College campus and incorporated an overnight stay.

On day 1, a company called Burn Bright worked with the students and through interactive discussions and activities, students explored the following topics:

• Think ‘we before me’
• Build strong relationships
• Leadership is influence
• You choose your mindset
• Support each other through challenges 
• Set a goal for the future 
• Know the roles you play within your year group
• Enjoy the journey 

We were extremely proud of the effort our students put into these sessions and we all shared many laughs. In the evening sessions, students spent time considering their life journey so far and worked in house groups to give positive affirmations to their classmates.

Day 2 started with prayer and the College theme of ‘Walking together: Dignity for all’ was shared when students read the Gospel passage, road to Emmaus. Students also wrote commitments of how they are going to walk together as part of the JPC community. The rest of the day was full of outdoor activities. Students participated in activities such as: giant swing, raft building, bridge building and vertical challenge. All students and staff found ways to challenge themselves and take themselves out of their comfort zone.

It was an honour to share this experience with our students and we feel it has set them up spiritually and emotionally as they move into their Senior years of schooling.

Mrs Kelly Candy
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing, Year 11 and 12 wellbeing
Ferré House

Gregory Thompson, Yr 11 Ferré - "My favourite thing about the year 11 conference was having the opportunity to participate in fun and mentally-challenging activities which were able to bring me closer to the people in my house group, cohort, and friends. 

Another thing that I really enjoyed about the conference was the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone with activities such as the big swing and vertical challenge."

I am returning to JPC in 2023, having worked at the College in 2019. I teach in the SOSE and English Faculties and am in Kennedy House, mentoring Kennedy 02. I have enjoyed coming back to JPC and it’s been wonderful to reconnect with colleagues and students. It was quite surreal to walk down the corridors to see that my former Year 8 students are now Year 12s.

I have two adult children, and this is my family’s fifth year in Canberra. Previously I worked in NSW as Head of HSIE at Scone Grammar School for many years.

I enjoy music and I play the violin with a local orchestra; my other passions are swimming and bushwalking, and I enjoy the National Parks and bushland of the ACT.

I look forward to the year ahead and meeting everyone.

Catherine Gibson

The excitement is building around the swimming carnival on Monday 13 February and we are all keeping our fingers crossed for good weather! If you haven’t completed your permission on Qkr please do so ASAP. Houses have decided upon their dress up themes for the day, and have been working on their house chants.

House Themes are as follows:

• Ferré – Jurassic park
• Kennedy – Robots
• Maathai – Cops and Robbers
• Drexel – Where’s Drexel (Where’s wally)
• Van Thuan – Van Thuan-icana (like Tropicana)
• Mathieu  - Under the Sea 

Students who wish to enter the Individual Medley, 100m and or Butterfly events must arrive at the pool around 8:15 am, students wishing to participate in all other events need to let their house know of their intentions, and they will add you to their team sheet.

Any NON-SWIMMERS should have notified their PC teachers. They will not be allowed to participate in the championship races. However, they will be able to be involved in the novelty events in the family and baby pools which are very shallow.

The program for the day can be found on the Sport moodle page or see the link below. I will also be posting updates on the JPC Sports Instagram page which can be found @JPC.SPORT.ACT.  

If you have any questions or issues please get in touch with your PC teacher or myself.

Mrs Danni Jewell
Sports Coordinator
Teacher of PE/HPE, Photography & Media

Cheerleaders head to the USA

A huge congratulations to our JPC students in the Sirens cheerleading squads heading to the US this weekend.

A group of 21 girls, with 5 girls from JPC are going to America on the 10th of February to compete in two of the world's biggest cheerleading competitions.

The 5 JPC students are Miah Cooper, Yr 9 Maathai, Holly Hawtin Yr 9 Kennedy, Emily Harrington Yr 10 Mathieu, Taya Casey Yr 8 Ferré and Jessica O’Connor Yr 10 Drexel. 

The first event is located in Las Vegas, Jamz National. The second is being held in Dallas, Texas is called NCA (Nationals Cheerleaders Association) It’s the largest cheerleading competition in the world with over 30,000 athletes and coaches competing and 50,000 spectators in attendance this year. These athletes have been working towards this competition for years. The team have won National titles, state titles and international bids and has faced many challenges along the way. They have worked extremely hard towards this goal and will be representing both Sirens Cheer and Australia proudly.

Sirens are sending two teams, Echo (L3 U-16 ) and Alarm (L3 U-18). Good luck to b both teams.

Karting Success

Over this past weekend Riley Prior, Yr 7 Mathieu competed in the Canberra Kart Racing Club 1^st Round 2023 Competition.

Riley came 1^st in all 3 of his races and 1^st in the final, in the ‘Rotax Mini Max’ group.

Congratulations Riley!

Please send your achievements to the College office so we can share your successes in Key Messages

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have several parent vacancies on our College Council and are seeking Expressions of Interest from parents who feel they have a contribution to make to the development of the College through participation in the College Council.

Please see below an explanation of the process for recruitment of parents to the College Council, the criteria for appointment and an Expression of Interest form.

We would welcome Expressions of Interest. You will note that the date for submission of EOIs is Monday 20 February.

Warm regards,

Catherine Rey

Process for Council Appointments

The term of service is two years (maximum of 3 consecutive terms) and the process for appointment is as follows:

1. Expressions of interest are called for which address the membership criteria set out in the Council constitution (see below).
2. Should there be more expressions of interest for these positions than places available, the College Leadership Team and the Parish Priest will discern those who would be offered membership on the Council.  Considerations would include:
   • the qualities and expertise that candidates bring and ensuring a mix of expertise
   • ensuring that the Council parent membership reflects the diversity of the College population
   • Ensuring a balanced representation from feeder primary schools
     
     

Membership Criteria

1. A demonstrated commitment to Catholic values and the ministry and mission of Catholic Education.
2. An understanding of local Church policies, as determined by the established decision-making process of the Archdiocesan Synod.
3. A genuine desire to be of service to the College community
4. Having the necessary skills to contribute to the Council’s work
5. The ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other members of the Council
6. Adequate time to give to Council duties
7. Willingness to act within the code of ethics for Council members.
8. The Chairperson of the Council would normally be a Catholic and/or a committed member of a Catholic parish.

Enrolments are currently open for the JPC Production Crew.

Our Production Crew students are part of a rotating fortnightly class where they learn skills in live music/dance and drama production.

Classes run from 3:35-4:35 on Tuesday afternoons and rotate between junior and senior groups.

Our students learn how to set up and pack down live music performances, manage sound and lighting and be a part of a team. Throughout the year our students are involved in managing sound and lighting for Dance, Drama, Masses and Music events both in the school and externally, including events such as Floriade, School Tours, Smiths Alternative Gigs and more!

If you’re thinking of a career in the creative arts industry, a gigging muso who wants to learn how to manage their own sound at gigs or even just keen to be involved, follow the link below and become a part of our amazing team!

Aron Lyon

ENROLLMENTS FOR 2023 NOW OPEN!!!

Ever wondered about learning to play a musical instrument??

Here are some great reasons why you should sign up!!

Transport Canberra has notified us that the 1003 School Bus route will commence at the starting point at 8:00 am instead of 8:22 am from Monday the 20th of February 2023. This will greatly assist the students who catch this bus as they have been arriving late to school every morning.

The information may not yet be updated on the Transport Canberra website so please inform your students to be at their bus stop earlier than usual.

• Term 1 school fees have been invoiced to families, if you have not received yours please contact JPC.Finance@cg.catholic.edu.au, noting your family code or child’s name for reference.
• Payment of school fees is to be made via BPay, the details are noted on your Statement.
• Term 1 school fees are due and payable by Friday 17 March 2023, unless you have a recurring payment in place through BPay.
• Any previous outstanding balances are to be paid immediately.

If you have any questions with regard to your fees, please email jpc.finance@cg.catholic.edu.au

Thank you

Please update your Student details in QKR! to reflect what year they are now in.

1. Open Qkr!
2. Select Profiles
3. Click on the Student's name
4. Update Class

Thank you

Moderation Day is an important day for teachers across the ACT to review and moderate the work of senior students. Moderation Day is a requirement for teachers to ensure grade comparability across the senior secondary sector. Moderation Day is a pupil-free day (Yr 7-10 only) and no classes will be running.

Students from Years 7-10 are encouraged to use the day productively to work on learning tasks, assignments and general study. Students are discouraged from visiting 7-10 High Schools or Primary Schools, as their presence can prove very disruptive to the learning of these students.

All Y11 and 12 students are to arrive for 8:45 am for a 9am start. All students are required to attend and are to be in full College uniform on the day and are able to make their way home after at 3.00 pm.

Please bring lunch/ snacks for the day and a bottle of water.

Students will need to bring their laptops, pen, highlighter, calculator and a pencil.

Parish Newsletter

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

I am the Event Director at Wagi Bridge parkrun which is a free, community event where participants can walk, jog, run and volunteer. It is a 5km event that takes place at 8 am every Saturday in the area between Amaroo and Moncrieff.

We have opportunities for students to volunteer if they are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh program or learning photography.

We have several volunteer roles that students can partake in to accrue their hours for the Duke of Edinburgh. We currently have a student doing this with us now. The good thing with these roles is they get to try out different roles which offer different experiences.

One of our volunteer roles is as a photographer. I would provide hints and tips for running photography. You can view some of my portfolios on Facebook and Instagram under Snapped by Mark.

Please visit https://www.parkrun.com.au/wagibridge/ to register.

Mark Scarborough
Event Director
Wagi Bridge parkrun