Filter Content
- Message from Catherine Rey, Principal
- Meet Mr Anthony Mass
- NAPLAN
- Pancakes for PC!!
- 9/10 Drama excursion to Canberra Youth Theatre
- Moderation Day - 1 (Pupil Free Day Yr7-10)
- Student ID Cards
- Sports News
- High School Musical REMINDER
- Tutoring HUB
- Wellbeing Workshop - 8 March 2023
- Grandparents & Grandfriends Afternoon Tea
- Absences/Early Departure
- Car Park Safety
- Holy Spirit Parish News
- CNA U14s Boys Expression of Interest
- Gungahlin United FC - Looking for Players
- Gungahlin Flames Basketball Club
- Drain Art Competition
Message from Catherine Rey, Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Time to ensure good study habits are in place
We are now well into the term and assessment and assignment work demands will be increasing for students in every year level. If your young person does not already have a clear schedule for home study at least five times a week, I would encourage you to work with them to develop one.
Just to pre-empt the response “I don’t have any homework”, there is always homework at JPC. Thirty minutes of sustained reading, revision of Maths and, if studying a language, revision of vocabulary and structures is always on the agenda. Assignment work needs to be planned, research done, drafts written and edited and so on. In addition, students in their senior years are always allocated one hour of extra work for each subject each week that must be completed.
It would be timely to make a time with your young person to look at the content of their Term 1 Mentoring Booklet together. It has as its focus the development of key academic skills and it would be good to discuss the learning goals your child has developed and their progress towards those.
It would also be a good opportunity to look at the Assessment Planner in their Diary with your child to discuss what assessment is coming up and to encourage them to make detailed plans in order to manage their workload over the coming weeks. There are also useful pages in the Diary to assist them in developing more sophisticated expressions in their formal writing. Beginning with the page “Texas Structure”, on writing an analytical paragraph, the following pages give very practical prompts based on “The Writing Revolution” program that we are following, which enables students to expand their repertoire of vocabulary, to understand better what they are being asked to do, to structure their arguments and to develop more complex sentences to enhance their writing.
Our new structures for Independent Learning Time (ILT) are now well embedded and they appear to be working well. We invited students to complete a survey of their experience to date and have received some very positive feedback about how it is working for them. They value the opportunity to focus on just one subject at a time and they appreciate working with their year level peers in their House groups. For some, it was also a positive opportunity to dialogue about learning when in different classes in the same subject area. We will continue to survey them each fortnight as they move from one subject to the next to evaluate how effective specific tasks are and whether students feel they are gaining confidence and skills.
Our Opening Mass and Ash Wednesday liturgies
It was very special to come together to celebrate our Opening Mass – the first time in several years that we have been able to do so.
It was a joyous event where we welcomed the families of our Student Leadership Team and Principals and student leaders from our local primary schools and other ACT Catholic Secondary Colleges.
It was also an opportunity to welcome Fr Troy Bobbin, our new Parish Priest, as a whole community. His homily was inspiring, encouraging us all to think about how we will live our College theme for 2023 - Walking Together: Dignity for All - in a practical sense. He spoke of how our young people need to actively work to develop their own future, and through the choices that they make.
We commissioned our College Leaders and they received their badges, also commissioning the Year 12 students in their special role as leaders in the College. We also blessed badges to distribute to all members of the community to celebrate our 10 years.
Our Ash Wednesday Liturgies were facilitated in House Groups and led by our Year 11 House Leaders. Students were asked to reflect on the qualities and attributes they can bring to their House groups in the service of others. We reflected deeply on the story of the Good Samaritan and how we are called to see the potential in every person we meet – to genuinely walk together and uphold the dignity of all.
With every best wish.
Catherine Rey
I was teaching here at JPC in 2020, the year when covid hit us!
It was a very interesting experience, and I enjoyed working with the students, staff and parents whilst I was here. I was teaching Religious studies and Technologies. I am returning in 2023 as LLWB of Technologies, Van Thuan house, whilst Ms McCallum is on leave for term 1. I will then continue teaching in the Technologies faculty as a teacher. This is truly an amazing school; I feel very blessed to be here. I’m not sure if the students fully understand how lucky they are with the great facilities on offer to every student to maximise their learning.
I have included a picture of my daughter, Ashleigh Maas, because during my time at JPC she was teaching at Holy Spirit Catholic primary school, and most likely taught some of the students here at JPC!! She has since moved to Brisbane to work in a flexi school.
I have worked in many schools in Sydney and Canberra (St Mary McKillop College and St Clare’s College).
I thank everyone for such a warm welcome to JPC, I look forward to working with you all!
Anthony Mass
NAPLAN testing will occur in our school between 20 and 27 March 2023.
Education ministers agreed that NAPLAN would move to Term One from 2023. This will mean results will be available to education authorities earlier in the year to inform school and system teaching and learning programs and will assist teachers to better determine support students need for the coming year.
NAPLAN Online is a more engaging assessment that adjusts questions to each student’s achievement level.
NAPLAN provides valuable information to schools and parents about literacy and numeracy achievement. It supports school improvement processes by enabling teachers to monitor student progress over time and to identify areas of strength and development.
All eligible students are encouraged and supported to participate in NAPLAN testing. Visit www.nap.edu.au to see interactive versions of the test and for more information.
Mr Sam McCombe
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing
Maathai House – Year 9
Teacher – Health and Physical Education
JPC marked Shrove Tuesday on the 21st of February at Recess with a pancake barbecue put on by Ms. Doherty, Mr. Igoe-Taylor and Miss Foley, assisted by our new JPC Justice Team.
We raised around $300 for Caritas and sold out of our pancakes within 15 minutes!
Shrove Tuesday is often referred to as Pancake Tuesday, and it is traditionally a time when people use up foods such as eggs, milk and flour ahead of Lent.
Lent is a special time in the Catholic Church’s Calendar which invites us to enter a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, in recognition of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.
In Australia for the last 40 years, Caritas Australia, the Church’s International Aid and Development Organisation has run an annual appeal called Project Compassion.
Project Compassion aims to raise awareness of people on the margins throughout the world.
This year, Caritas’ stories for Project Compassion focus on Laxmi in Nepal, Tereesa in Australia, Priscilla in Zimbabwe, and Thu in Vietnam.
There are lots of resources at www.caritas.org.au for use in classrooms and in parishes that focus on how we can assist these communities.
Thank you to the members of the JPC Justice team for your wonderful work in promoting and assisting with the barbecue, and we look forward to more initiatives like this during Lent and as the year continues.
Ms. Beth Doherty
LLWB Religious Education, Social Justice Facilitator
9/10 Drama excursion to Canberra Youth Theatre
The 9/10 Drama class went to Canberra Youth Theatre at the Gorman Arts centre this week for their ILT task. CYT is a local theatre company that creates theatre and develops future artists through its programs.
Drama students toured the different buildings CYT use and engaged in a practical workshop. Students learnt about different types of theatre and how to create dramatic effects in different situations or using different materials. Students created short pieces using torches as their main lighting equipment to communicate meaning. Drama students will be able to apply these skills in their upcoming assessment and future performances.
Thank you to CYT for creating the workshop experience, especially for JPC. Students participated with high energy and enthusiasm, taking away a refined understanding of how to manipulate the elements of drama.
Canberra youth theatre offers a variety of workshops, lessons and performance opportunities. A new program, Young Creatives, is being launched targeting backstage skills. Participants will learn lighting, sound, costume and set design principles and stage management skills. For more information, access their website: https://canberrayouththeatre.com.au/
Mrs Sarah Smith
Drama Teacher
Moderation Day - 1 (Pupil Free Day Yr7-10)
28
Tue
28 Feb 2023
28
Tue
28 Feb 2023
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.
28
Tue
28 Feb 2023
No Card = No Service
All students have now been issued a Student ID card apart from a few exceptions who have a temporary card.
To help with the canteen queue all students must have their ID card.
If you have lost your ID card, a replacement card can be ordered at the college office for $8.00.
Any student who has not had a card issued because they have not had a school photo needs to see Mrs Bramham (Student hub) for a photo, and then a card will be ordered.
Thank you
College Office
Key Dates:
- 2 Mar - Yr 7-10 Girls ACT Waterpolo
- 7 Mar - College Mixed ACT Waterpolo
- 9 Mar - Yr 7-10 Boys ACT Waterpolo
- 10 Mar - JPC Athletics Carnival
- 14 Mar - ASC Touch Football
- 29 Mar - ASC Swimming
- 27 April - ASC Athletics
Students are to check Sentral regularly for all notices and information
All sporting events are updated on the JPC website under 'News & Events"
SPORTING SPOTLIGHT
@JPC.Sport.act
SIRENS Cheerleaders - JAMZ National Champions
A huge congratulations to our JPC students in the Sirens cheerleading squads that have just competed at JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas.
Both Echo (U16 International L3) & Alarm (U18 International L3), came away with 1st Place and National Champions in their respective divisions.
We are so proud of our students 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 and their teams for this amazing achievement.
Both teams have also had the amazing opportunity of getting to train at USA clubs and work with some amazing coaches, including Rebels Elite, San Fransico, California All Stars, California, and CA Pride, Los Angeles.
Both teams are doing Sirens, and Australia proud and we wish them the best of luck in their next competition (NCA in Dallas, Texas) this weekend. We can’t wait to hear how they go!
Congratulations & Good Luck!
World Cross Country Challenge
On Sunday 19 February, Daniel Randall, Year 9 Kennedy competed at Bathurst in the World Cross Country Challenge. Daniel placed 5th in the U20s 4km race, in a time of 14:42. The course involved many obstacles which included hills, mud, sand and tyres.
Daniel had the opportunity to meet and watch elite athletes from around the world competing in relays and individual events. Daniel enjoyed his time in Bathurst and is looking forward to his next race on this Friday 24 February.
Congratulations Daniel!
Junior Matildas
Another JPC student succeeding on a national stage is Georgia Ritchie, Year 10 Van Thuan who has just completed a third training camp for the Junior Matildas.
Georgia was identified with 80 other players at the Nationals in September and selected for her first training camp in October on the Gold Coast, where she played 3 games against South Korea.
After a Christmas break, camp number 2 took place in February, right here in Canberra at the AIS. After making selection a third time, Georgia has spent this week in Sydney, training hard and playing practice matches. They are working towards selecting the squad for the Aisian Cup Qualifiers in Mongolia in April this year.
We wish Georgia the very best of luck and have every confidence in her.
Congratulations!
Mrs. Danni Jewell
A reminder to all members of the WILDCATS TEAM to confirm their involvement in the Production via QKR by Wednesday 1 March.
Our first whole cast and band rehearsal is Sunday 5 March in the JPC Hall, 10 am – 1 pm. Families are welcome to join the start of the rehearsal for a brief welcome and Q+A session.
A reminder that show shirts can also be purchased via QKR and final orders are due Sunday 5 March. A second shirt order will occur in Term 2.
Time to get ya’ head in the game!
Mrs Sarah Smith
Director
Grandparents & Grandfriends Afternoon Tea
14
Tue
14 Mar 2023
2:15 PM to 3:35 PM
14
Tue
14 Mar 2023
2:15 PM to 3:35 PM
Closing Date: 08 Mar 2023
Location: JPC
Address: St John Paul II College, 1021 Gungahlin Drive, Nicholls, Canberra, 2913, ACT
Grandparents & Grandfriends Afternoon Tea
St John Paul II Invites the Grandparents & Grandfriends of JPC Students for afternoon tea on the terrace with staff and your grandchild/ren.
Registration is required for Catering purposes
RSVP CLOSED - This event is now fully Booked
14
Tue
14 Mar 2023
2:15 PM to 3:35 PM
Closing Date: 08 Mar 2023
Location: JPC
Address: St John Paul II College, 1021 Gungahlin Drive, Nicholls, Canberra, 2913, ACT
Absences
All absences from school (partial and/or full day) must be explained in writing. A note or email from an address recorded on file for a parent or carer will be accepted. A telephone call is no longer sufficient as all attendance is required to be stored digitally.
- An SMS Alert will be sent to parents each day if a student is absent from Pastoral Care and Period
1 Class without prior notification. Parents can reply to the SMS with the reason for the student's
absence. No further action is required if you reply to the SMS. - The preferred method of notification of full-day absences is through Sentral Parent Portal - Absences
If a student needs to leave the school during the day
An email must be sent to the College Office (office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au) and the student must be copied in (student email address) from their parent/carer so they can show their teacher at their departure time. The student is to then present themselves at the student office to sign out.
If no note or email is provided, students must be signed out in person by a parent or carer. Early departure should only occur during Lunch or Recess, or between Periods to avoid disturbance to other students.
Parents arriving during the day to collect students without prior notification will be asked to wait until Lunch or Recess, or between Periods unless there is an emergency. If something has come up unexpectedly and you need to collect your child, we ask parents to email their child using their son or daughters’ school email address and copy the college office (office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au) into the email so they are aware. The student is to show the teacher the email message if they need to leave class.
The JPC Attendance policy sets out the requirements for Attendance and Absence reporting. The policy is available on the College website.
Details are available in the JPC Student Guide available here - https://jpc.act.edu.au/handbook
Thank you
- There is to be NO pick-up or drop-off in the bus zone at ANY TIME
- Due to significant congestion, the small visitor car park will be closed between 3.20 pm and 4.00 pm each afternoon.
- Buses will be given priority at all times
- Expect considerable delays in collecting students
- Students will be directed to wait for their parents at the parent pick-up point closest to the Nicholls Playing Fields or in the Staff Carpark.
- Parents are also encouraged to make alternate arrangements for collecting their students eg. from Casey shops (accessed by students through the underpass) or in the parking area by the Nicholls Playing Fields.
Parents are reminded to follow all directions from JPC staff.
Thank you for your cooperation
Parish Newsletter
For the latest news Click here or you can view it on the Parish App or visit the website below.
CNA U14s Boys Expression of Interest
Gungahlin United FC - Looking for Players
In the U16 age group this year we have a lot of boys from JPC and we will be forming two teams. We really really need another goalkeeper for our second division 1 team.
Please contact Mr James Molloy at GUFC.