Key Messages Week 2 - Term 4From the Principal Dear Parents and Carers, Today was my last day at school prior to beginning my secondment to Catholic Education. What a wonderful coincidence for me that this last day coincided with our Feast Day! We had a very special, joyful day, particularly poignant for me as I leave the College for this period of time away. Our beautiful Mass, said by Fr Jiss, was a highlight of the day. I was so proud of our students who, as always, rose to the occasion, demonstrating reverence and respect in their demeanor and participation. A highlight for me was that they sang, which added a special dimension to our prayer. The Mass was prepared by Mrs Edghill with many wonderful helpers. Special mention must be made of our Year 12 Leadership team who took a leading role, the musicians and singers, readers and other participants. The Mass provided the occasion to launch our College prayer. Our Peace Captains, Madison Greenwood and Lachlan Richards conceived and led the project, putting many hours of effort into it. The prayer encapsulates who we are and who we aspire to be as a College. Lachlan and Madi also arranged for beautiful, large permanent copies of the prayer, each including its own inspiring image, to be placed in key areas of the College. What a wonderful legacy they leave us! I was surprised and humbled when our College Captains, Finn Salisbury and Chloe McGovern included in the Mass a lovely farewell to me and the students all blessed me in song. It was a very emotional moment for me and one where I felt incredibly blessed to be part of such a special community. The rest of the day was full of laughter and fun. The Year 12 Leadership team were instrumental to the success of the day with their amazing Feast Day Championship and, as always, the Carnival in the afternoon was fantastic. Everyone got into the spirit of the day and it was truly a great day of community spirit and togetherness. As I said at the end of the day, when we proclaimed Maathai the Champions and thanked all those involved in the joyous day, I leave for a time, totally secure that the College is in excellent hands. Our expert staff are incredibly committed. Mrs Stephanie O’Meara, Acting Principal, has been a great leader in the College since its inception and Mrs Jennifer Tually will ably step up to take her place as Acting Assistant Principal during Term 4. As I step away, I take you all with me in my heart. JPC is indeed a very special community and I have been so privileged to be part of it over these years. I will keep you all in my prayers over the next year and discreetly (or perhaps not so discreetly!) follow the great achievements and successes of our students and the growth and development that I know will occur in the community. Catherine Rey HeadSpace Workshops and Further Resources On Thursday the 24th of October, we had a number of students attend a HeadSpace workshop that was designed to help students develop their understanding of stress and Anxiety. The workshop provided them with a number of self care strategies and tips and tricks for keeping on top of things. Sophie and Jane from HeadSpace also mentioned there will be free workshops on offer, starting this week at HeadSpace Canberra. These workshops will focus on different topics each week and are open to all young people who have an interest in bettering their mental health. They are skills-based workshop designed to provide you with tools for maintaining your wellbeing. Workshops include:
Drop-in program… you don’t need to come every week….come to one workshop or a few!
Parents & carers welcome! Please RSVP on 5109 9700 Key Dates & Topics:
The Wellbeing Team In and Around the School Legal Oratory ACT Mock Trial Competition Grand Final Yesterday 10 of our Senior School students had the great honor of representing JPC in the Grand Final of the Legal Oratory ACT Mock Trial Competition for 2019 in no lesser place than the ACT Supreme Court, and with Justice Loukas-Karlsson presiding. The competition is steeped in history, highly competitive, and is a brilliant opportunity for Year 9-12 from all over the ACT, including those interested in pursuing a career in law (whether they are studying Legal Studies or not) to partake in simulated criminal and civil trials, where they act as the barristers, solicitors, witnesses and paralegal support. Students prepare for two weeks leading into every trial, and if successful in gaining a Top 8 spot in the 21 team competition following the four preliminary rounds, progress to the quarter-finals. In our first year in the competition, 2018, our team placed 15th. This year the team place 3rd after the preliminary rounds and were getting stronger every week. Our three lead Barristers, Phoebe Nguyen (Opening and Closing Address), Stephen Sisavanth-Norman (Examination-in-Chief) and Oliver Kiogora (Cross-Examiner) were showing clear aptitude for the profession in the future, and key witnesses Bronte Froome and Chloe Bartlett, similarly impressive public speaking skills and attention to detail. In this Mock Trial competition, all five speaking parts require significant preparation and collaboration, including legal analysis, problem solving and workshopping the different ways in which the trial at hand might play out. The contributions of the rest of our JPC team, Finn Salisbury, Laura Cantlie, Monica Cougar, Bella-Clare Thom and Jarrod Koenig (many of whom also took on speaking roles in the preliminary stages of the competition) were really significant in this respect. It has been a great team effort! Fast-forward to this week, and in front of a real Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, our team and Radford College (who had also won the NSW Mock Trial Competition in 2017) were involved in what I have subsequently been informed by Legal Oratory ACT was the closest Grand Final the competition has seen since the current organisers took on management of the competition back in 2015. While Radford College came out winners, it was so close that the three justices presiding even saw fit to ask the competition lead organizer who he thought was the winner, when the justices were deliberating in the Justice Loukas-Karlsson Chambers, prior to announcing the result. The justices made the decision nonenetheless. Most significantly, the feedback that our students received from all three justices was glowing, and all our barristers were told that they performed much better than many of the real barristers that Justice Loukas-Karlsson sees in court. She noted the great confidence of all our barristers, their legal analytical skills, and most significantly, their ability to think on their feet, and in such a potentially intimidating environment as the Surpreme Court. Such skill is a clear sign of the kind of a person that Justice Loukas-Karlsson wants to see in her courtroom. She made it obvious that she hopes to see all of our five speakers appear as real barristers in her court in the years ahead, whether they choose that pathway or not. I thank the JPC community for their fantastic support for the students over the six months that the competition took place, to Miss Zorzi for her great involvement with the team, as well as Mr Paris. I also want to make special mention of the JPC Office staff who were phenomenal in encouraging our team every step of the way and reflecting on just how well the team was doing. We look forward to entering the competition again in 2020. The organisers have encouraged us to enter two teams in 2020. Watch this space! Andrew Woodman Teacher – Law/English Music in week 2 The music students were super busy this week with 3 performances. We are so proud of all their efforts and enthusiasm the put towards our music program. The first performance was at Holy Spirit’s Pink Spirit Breakfast morning on Wednesday which raised much needed funds for breast cancer. Vicki Walsh was the organizer of this amazing event and these JPC students had a wonderful time playing their music there to support the event. The second event for the week was the Feast Day mass on Friday. The music students (as always) made us proud on stage. The third event will occur this Sunday at Holy Spirit Parish from 4.30-5.30pm. We would love to see you there to support not only our students but our Parish as well. Again, thank you to all our students for their willingness and enthusiasm to perform at all of these events this week. Mission Mass On Wednesday 23rd October a small group of Year 7 students attended the Archdiocesan Mission Mass, celebrating October as the month of Catholic Mission. Our students joined with others from all over the Archdiocese to celebrate with Archbishop Christopher Prowse. These students were excellent representatives of our college community with their prayerful participation and exemplary behaviour. Mrs. Sara Rowley Senior Drama Returns to Year 1B at Holy Spirit! This semester, the Years 11/12 Drama class is studying the course, Theatre for Young People. As part of their assessment, students are required to create a performance for a target audience of children from Holy Spirit’s Year 1 classes. To ensure they make a thoroughly enjoyable performance, the Drama class returned to visit the Miss Bartley’s Year 1B class. Students prepared an engaging and unique performance. Using performance styles of pantomime, the Senior students delivered lively and interactive characters which made the Year 1s giggle and clap as they performed. Following this, Senior students asked the Year 1s some questions about what they think should happen to these characters and played some character developmental games. The Drama class were energetic, inclusive and effective when working with the Holy Spirit students. The excitement was shared by all students involved and it is now only weeks until the final Senior Drama performance is presented to the Year 1 audience. Exciting performance times ahead! Mrs Sarah Smith Drama Teacher Careers Year 10's Work Experience Application Deadline 15 November During Week 7 of Term 4 (25th of November to the 29th of November), Year 10 students will have the option to do Work Experience outside of school, as JPC continues to expand Work Experience and Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA) opportunities. Although not compulsory, doing work experience is an invaluable opportunity to ‘try out' a possible career pathway, particularly for students considering an ASBA in 2020. In some circumstances, JPC will be able to provide support in finding an employer, however essentially it is up to students and families to find their own host workplace. All of the associated paperwork is located in Moodle under 'Careers'. If your child is interested in doing Work Experience in Week 7, all necessary forms need to be filled in and either emailed to the JPC office (office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au) attention Natasha Bramham or handed into Mrs Bramham, located in the student hub by the end of Week 5 (15 November). Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. Kind regards Ian Pettit AFL 2020/2021 Traineeship An awesome opportunity for any students leaving year 12 who may be interested in a career within the sporting industry, with the opportunity to study on the job and work full time with one of Australia’s biggest sporting organisations. Contact - luke.martin@AFL.com.au CanteenThe Canteen Menu for Week 3, Term 4 is now available on the JPC website - or Moodle under Canteen Menu From the College OfficePlease note that the College Office Email is office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au Hayfever Medication If your child suffers from Hayfever, please make sure they take their medication before school or provide them with a supply in their bag. The College office does NOT have any in the first aid room and is unable to administer this medication unless supplied by parents/caregivers along with the appropriate forms. Thank you JPCII – Uniform & Tech to You With the growth of the College, many families are looking for ways to buy and sell items that are no longer required. Based on this demand St John Paul II College Community Council has established a “closed” Facebook Page to enable parents and carers to buy and sell preloved uniform and school technology equipment (ie laptop/ipads). Families will still be able to donate Uniforms through the College Front Office to the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop with items sold at a discounted rate. Funds raised from the Uniform Shop are utilised to support other families in our College Community. Visit Facebook and search for JPCII - Uniform & Tech to You Further details about the JPC Community Council can be found here 2020 NSW School Travel Applications Now Open To assist with any enquiries you may receive regarding student travel applications, we have provided some information below. Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11 October 2019. Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email. Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply. Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply. If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online here Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued. Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020. Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass. Leaving JPC? If you know that your child will be leaving JPC at the end of this year, please email the college office (office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au) as soon as possible. Year 12 families - There is no need to respond. Thank you to those who have notified us already. The College Office For the latest CELEBRATE Edition Click Here Diary DatesWorld’s Greatest Shave I first met Mia Gibb at the start of the year when she was asking about participating in the World’s Greatest Shave. Mia is in year 7 with the most beautiful, long, blonde hair. I was amazed and so proud that one of our students wanted to do such a brave thing. Mia’s Aunty has suffered with leukemia, and fortunately her story is a successful one. Mia’s Aunty is her motivation for doing the World’s Greatest Shave this year. Through Mia’s friendship, kindness and willingness to do amazing things, she has gained a huge committee of JPC students to back her, either also shaving, colouring or simply helping to raise funds for the Leukemia foundation. Mia’s goal is $10,000! She is aiming high and hoping she can reach her goal by the date of the shave. The shave will take place on Wednesday 4th December from 5-7.30pm during our end of term music concert; Christmas picnic extravaganza which will be held on the terrace while people picnic on the oval. Every music student will be performing and we will also be having face painting, balloon making and a sausage sizzle. All funds raised will go towards the Leukemia foundation. Mia would very much appreciate your support. If you would like to donate, the link to Mia’s fundraising page (team Kessie) is below. We would love to see you at the concert to watch Mia and others shave for a cure! We are all super proud of you Mia and JPC will be supporting you all the way!!! Worlds Greatest Shave & Band Concert Wednesday 4 December 2019 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm on the JPC Terrace Assessment Calendar Assessment Calendars are now available for each year level on the JPC Website and through Moodle under Parent Information/Assessment Calendar. These calendars summarise key assessment dates for students. As our first trial, there may be some elective dates missing and some dates may indicate a week. Please note that there may be changes to the information as specific due dates are set or for other reasons negotiated with the students. Students will be informed of specific dates when the tasks are handed out. A reminder that assessment tasks are also available in Moodle under the relevant subject. If you have any feedback with regards to the Assessment Calendar, email either myself or the college office. Regards, Dr Ann Cleary For the latest Parish Bulletin Click Here Community NewsChildren’s Asthma Education ServiceWe are writing to you to let you know about the free Canberra Health Services Children’s Asthma Education Service that is available to your students who have asthma. Asthma affects 1 in 10 children. Students with asthma have been found to be generally less active than their non-asthmatic peers and have an increase in school absenteeism. Asthma education for children and adolescents improves lung function and feelings of self-control, reduce absenteeism from school, number of days with restricted activity, number of visits to an emergency department, and possibly number of disturbed nights. The Children’s Asthma Education Service is available to all children in the ACT and surrounds up to the age of 18. Providing children, young people and their families with initial and continuing support to manage their asthma by Registered Nurse asthma educators. This includes helping:
If you feel you would benefit from receiving asthma education, please contact the Community Health Intake line on 5124 9977 to make an appointment. If you would like any further information about our service, please click here Children’s Asthma Education Service, Women Youth, and Children Community Health Program Canberra Health Services Sports@Moncrieff - Term 4 Sports@Moncrieff, a completely free program which provides an opportunity for children in the region to try different sports, meet other kids and for families to connect with each other. So far, we have had sports such as Oztag, soccer, Rugby League, TaeKwonDo and more. We have confirmed hockey, netball and cricket for term 4! The program runs every Thursday during the school term from 3:30 pm to 5 pm at the Moncrieff Community Recreation Park (Bon Scott Cres). We require a parent/guardian/carer to be onsite for the duration of the program, however there is no ongoing commitment, strict timeframes or costs associated with attending. We are open to ages 6 to 16. |