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Key Messages Week 7

Iain Robertson

 

“I work as a Coordinator at the College and my leadership roles include Vanier House (with Chauntell McNamara), Integrated Humanities, Community partnerships and development (with Jennifer Tually) and the development of Pastoral Program initiatives (with Colleen Marriott)”

How can we best prepare all students for a world that will require more of them? As an educator in the 21st century this is the essential question that has been a driving force in igniting my passion in wanting to work with young people and make a difference to their lives. St John Paul II College provides the perfect platform to create an environment that empowers and guides students to have the courage to reach their full potential, equipping students with the life skills necessary to lead fulfilled and fruitful lives. Week 7 at JPC, like every other, provides evidence of how the holistic experiences and opportunities at JPC continue to allow your boys and girls to grow in every way. 

But first…


I take this opportunity to introduce myself, share my story and provide some information about what I do at JPC. I graduated from Loughborough University, United Kingdom in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sports Science and Management before proceeding to study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. My specialist teaching area is Physical Education and Health. I supplemented my studies at University with voluntary work at local primary schools delivering Physical Education whilst also working as personal trainer at a local gym. In addition, I developed a passion for coaching football (soccer) and in 2004 I spent four eye-opening months working on the East Coast of the United State of America as a coach. I was a Youth Team Scholar (soccer Player) at Nottingham Forest Football Club before attending University and continued to have a successful playing career in football, captaining the University team to a Grand Final victory in 2005.

 

Upon graduating I acquired a teaching role at a Secondary School in Nottinghamshire. It was in these first two years that I recognised that my calling was to become a teacher. In 2008 I started a role (School Sports Coordinator) which focused on student development through the medium of sport. Students acquired and developed new skills in areas such as leadership, events management, risk assessment, coaching and officiating/umpiring. I worked in partnership with primary schools, local and professional sports clubs and various National Governing Bodies of Sport. Students gained rich life experiences in areas that interested them most, for instance umpiring at National Sports Competitions, coaching motor skills to students with disabilities or choreographing dances for primary aged students.

 

I arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom in 2011 and have since enjoyed a successful spell at a Catholic secondary school on the southside of Canberra. I came to Australia with my partner Faye Robertson, also a member of the JPC teaching community, we married in July last year. For three of the five years at my previous school I worked as a Pastoral Care Coordinator, initially with students transitioning into senior studies (Year 11 and 12) and more recently with Year 7. I have successfully designed and run various holistic projects to help students develop their skills and knowledge. I have a particular passion for helping our young men to develop a healthy view of relationships and what constitutes ‘success’. Throughout my teaching career I have also acquired a passion for working with senior students. Most recently I have supported students by delivering academic workshops that prepare them to sit the AST (ACT Scaling Test) in Year 12, whilst also designing a stimulating and rigorous program for the Exercise Science course across Years 11 and 12.

 

My journey at St John Paul II College…


Commenced eight weeks ago and I have been extremely overwhelmed by the strong sense of community which permeates through the school. The calibre of student has captured my attention, most notably because of the way in which they interact so positively with one another and with their teachers. For me, this is a sign of a healthy school environment which can only mean positive things for student learning. The boys and girls of JPC are proud to be part of this unique environment and indeed I am equally proud to be part of an educational setting that will help each young person to achieve great things.

 

Perhaps the cohort that have impressed me the most are those students in Year 10. In the coming months as your boys and girls start to make decisions about their future it is crucial we, as a whole community, work together to ensure appropriate pathways and goals are set. Many students in year 10 have approached me, and we have had some mature discussions. They seek advice and want to learn more about what life has to offer. Healthy conversations with their coordinators, mentors and class teachers are a daily part of life at JPC. I’d like to encourage each of you to engage with us if you have any questions about the multifarious options available to your girls and boys for Years 11 and 12. I am confident that every student will thrive in our JPC Senior Studies courses in 2017-18 and beyond and I look forward to working with each of you as the year progresses.

Integrated Humanities (English, SOSE/Studies of the Society and Environment)

“Students watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in ILT”

 

Over the past decade the Harry Potter books have helped to rekindle the world’s love of reading. J.K Rowling has inspired all kinds of people from young to old. She reminds people of how much fun both reading and writing is. With that in mind, the first of her Harry Potter novels, the Philosopher’s Stone, has been our text for Term 1 in Year 7.

 

Our focus for the term in Integrated Humanities (Year 7) is ‘Liveability’ (Geography study) i.e. what sorts of things do we look for when deciding where to live and how does that differ for people around Australia and the rest of the world. In the English component of the course, students have been learning how to write using ‘Descriptive Language’. We’ve recapped on the ‘Parts of Speech’ and in recent weeks’ students have explored how to write an effective narrative (story).

 

Using J.K Rowling as their inspiration, and the Year 7 Camp in Tathra as their setting, our Year 7 students have spent the past week compiling a narrative about an experience from their camp. Then, on Wednesday afternoon students watched the movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This has helped students to understand various elements of writing including the importance of character development. As we approach the end of the term we tie all the content together and will teach our students how to construct a ‘Persuasive’ piece of writing. In weeks 9 and 10 students will be comparing ‘Hogworts’ and ‘JPC’ for their main assessment, analysing ‘Liveability’ features and creating a persuasive essay.

Vanier House Assembly

“Courage to be One”

“We leave Footprints of Kindness”

 

Jean Vanier is a Catholic philosopher, theologian and humanitarian. He founded L'Arche in 1964, an international federation of communities spread over 35 countries, for people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. Jean Vanier is an inspiration to all and for that reason he is the patron of Vanier House.

 

On Thursday morning Vanier House delivered their assembly to the College. The assembly, in keeping with both our College theme ‘Courage to be Merciful’ and our house theme ‘We leave Footprints of Kindness’, was focused on the ‘Courage to be One’.

 

Courage to stand together:


Students who speak a second language at home volunteered to share a couple of sentences in their native language. As we sang the National Anthem of Australia, we’re reminded that Australia is a country for everyone. ‘With courage let us all combine’ to make both this country and our school even more beautiful and a place of unity.

 

Courage to be a community:


We spoke of the need to work together to help our thriving community to keep on growing and improving. Students watched a presentation by Mrs Chauntell McNamara regarding ‘Sustainability’ and students viewed a montage of the Year 7 camp. Students were then invited to express their interest in volunteering opportunities for 2016.

 

Courage to be kind:


The work of Jean Vanier was shared while students from Vanier House stood and described to their peers their own personal commitments to be ‘kind’ in 2016.

 

Courage to be you:


We had several students speak about their talents which included Dance, Music, Singing, Golf, Athletics, Debating and Water Polo. They spoke of the courage to do something they love and to persevere when things get tough. At JPC we’re interested to know, celebrate and share the achievements of all of our students. With this in mind, all students were encouraged to share their ‘unique’ talents by adding their name and details to a list after the assembly.

 

 

Have a lovely weekend

 

Mr Iain Robertson

Vanier and Integrated Humanities Coordinator

 

Close the Gap Day

Close the Gap day 2016 allowed JPC to reflect on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians who have cared for this country and their elders who continue to hold the knowledge of their rich and diverse cultures. As a community, we came together at lunch time where students were lucky to watch our very own “Indigenous All Stars V JPC All Stars” in a game of touch football. Both teams played alongside a Canberra Raiders player, Sam Williams with the JPC All Stars and Edrick Lee with the Indigenous All Stars. We had a match between both girls and boys teams. The crowd were eager to see the competition unfold and I congratulate all students who competed.

 

Following this, our assembly was held in the gym. This involved the Indigenous students performing a cultural dance to their own music which was composed at school. We then watched a film that presented various staff and students around the school talking about their ideas of what Close the Gap means and the leaders from all houses projected and took a stance on the alarming statistics which help us call for action on the important issue of transforming the social and political landscape around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia.

 

To conclude the assembly, each student at JPC participated in creating our very own ‘Close the Gap flag’ which involved using the colours from the Aboriginal flag and displaying handprints with paint to fill the spaces. I would like to thank everyone involved in making the day memorable with a valuable purpose.

 

Miss Elle Boller

 

Social Media at JPC 

“Get involved"

 

Early next week the College will be launching the new website. Many in the community are already using Facebook to keep up to date with school news. We are a 21st century school and recognise the importance of communicating with our community across a number of platforms.

 

Instagram
Will be used to share photos and videos of the College. This will be led by students at the College. You’ll be able to see the activities and learning going on at JPC. Follow the JPC Instagram Page. JPC_ACT

 

Facebook
Will be used to communicate upcoming events at the College. This is run by staff at the College and will also include articles/media of recent events.

 

Twitter
Will be used to build a network with our parent community as well as local and international businesses and organisations. Our Twitter feed will be linked to our website and will also include notices about upcoming events/current news. Follow the JPC Twitter Page @JPC_ACT

 

Mr Iain Robertson

 

Sustainability

 

“The Sustainability Squad”

 

This week I invited all JPC students to join the Sustainability Squad for 2016!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrgT-heFi8k

 

The squad will be meeting once a month to plan out what we will be doing and on an as needs basis for its projects!

 

All students are welcome!


Our first meeting will be held at recess on Tuesday week 8!

 

Mrs Chauntell McNamara

 

Year 7 Drama Showcase

Year 7 Drama have been working extremely hard to create and perform pieces of theatre this term. The showcase will be a variety of assessment performances from the two Drama classes this term. Students have self-nominated to perform.

 

Please join us to support our budding actors as they dazzle you with their growing talents!

 

Ms Sarah Keane

Vanier House & building community
“Share a meal”

We all know that one of our greatest pleasures in life is sitting around a table sharing great food and conversation with our loved ones. Sharing a meal creates deep connection and a sense of community.

 

Share a Meal is an exciting national event run by L’Arche where you plan a ‘Share a Meal’ event and invite guests to join you. It really couldn’t be easier and on Thursday evening staff from JPC shared a meal with members of our L’Arche community in Canberra. It was a lovely experience and allowed JPC staff to get to know and support some wonderful people living with intellectual disability and their support staff. We hope to continue this partnership for a charity inspired by our house patron Jean Vanier.

 

Defence News

 

On Tuesday this week we hosted our very first Defence Families Welcome Breakfast.  This event was attended by our Defence parents, JPC Students and their siblings.  They tucked into a delicious breakfast of Egg & Bacon rolls cooked by our lovely Mrs Kelly.  I spotted sow some students eating the delicious fruit!  It was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with other Defence families in our community and a chance to meet other Defence students too.  In our very busy mornings, I appreciate that families could make some time and come along to meet me and our ever increasing Defence presence at JPC.

 

A few weeks ago we ran a competition to name our new Defence Room.  The winning name was announced this morning at Morning Tea - we have decided to call our Defence Room ….. insert drum roll ….  “JPC Barracks” and the student who presented the name is Harrison Bergman.  Well done Harrison!  Special mention also to Imogen Church who presented several great names “Camo Kids” and “Top Guns” being a couple of them.  So from this day forth, we shall be meeting in JPC Barracks to share morning teas (every Thursday), organise events and work on projects.

 

For those families new to Canberra, don’t forget that the Canberra Balloon Festival is on until this weekend (Sunday, March 20 is the last day).  Balloons inflate from 6.15am on the Lawns of Old Parliament House.  This is truly a spectacular event and well worth the early morning rise.  For more information check out their website  http://balloonspectacular.com.au


Have a great Week 8!


Ciao for now


Vicki Walsh
DTM

 

Holy Spirit Parish Holy Week and Easter Mass Times

 

7.00pm Tuesday 22 March -  2nd Rite of Reconciliation

 

7.30pm Thursday 24 March - Holy Thursday, Mass of the Last Supper

 

11.00am Friday 25 March -  Stations of the Cross

 

3.00pm Friday 25 March -  Liturgy of The Passion. Parishioners are invited to bring a flower to lay at the foot of the Cross

 

7.30pm Saturday 26 March - Easter Vigil Mass

 

8am, 9.30am & 5.30pm Sunday 27 March - Easter Sunday Mass

 

 

Headspace

Is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. As assessment deadlines approach towards the end of the term is sometimes difficult for young people to distinguish ‘elevated stress levels’ and genuine anxiety. Click the icon for an article which may be of some interest to you.

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