‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’, is a motto that has personally sparked great motivation, inspiration and dedication throughout my life and continues to act as an anchor in facilitating resilience, courage and justice. As an International track and field athlete for Great Britain, I initially understood the Olympic motto in a literal sense. However, I believe that these strong words have a multifaceted and holistic approach to personal development and achievement. The positive education model that is embedded into the ethos and culture of St John Paul II College is analogous to my own pedagogical ideals and personal philosophy. I believe that every student should be exposed to a teaching and learning environment that is student focused, providing a personalised, enriched and authentic experience. The Arts team strive to provide every student with a wealth of opportunities to discover their varied and unique talents. Our aim is to foster creative instincts and provide students opportunities to persue their passions. We encourage students to explore their potential while they develop thinking skills, such as: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. Art is a mixture of fun, creativity and unity that inspires confidence, it enables us to find ourselves and loose ourselves at the same time.

Faye Robertson

Van Thuan and Arts Coordinator

Celebrating Talent: Jason El-Khoury

Last weekend I participated in a national dance competition. This competition is recognised worldwide and this year it happened to be held in Sydney, Australia. The huge event gives an opportunity to all the top dance crews in the country to come together and compete against each other. This particular competition meant so much to me, I had practiced for so long and been working very hard with my crew to be the best we could be. I also was given the opportunity to dance solo, which was really exciting but also quite nerve racking. When I found out that I had made it past the Canberra and Australian level, I was so proud of what my crew and I had achieved.

This was a totally new experience. My crew and I had never been a part of such a large competition. My crew is new in Canberra, we have only just begun to compete as a team, so we were all very excited for the challenge. I feel that my crew is quite different to other crews in Canberra, we like to do original hip hop and the sub-styles of it. As a team and individually, I am so proud of what we have achieved. Competing in the international section was really exciting. To be part of one of the best dance crews in Australia is quite an achievement.

Moving forward, we are hungry to be even better. We are going to keep training, working hard. Even though we have made it this far, we must keep training as there is always room for improvement. As our crew gets older, we begin to move up divisions which brings with it new challenges. I look forward to those challenges.

Celebrating Talent: Kiarrah Williams

I started dancing at the age of 4 and ever since then I pretty much haven't spent a day without it, I fell in love in the first class. From 1-2 days a week to 6 days a week constantly learning and practicing every day. Last year for me was big as I competed with my hip hop crew internationally at World Supremacy Battlegrounds. Last year I also did many competitions and succeeded many times becoming well known for coming first place in many of my routines, but this year has been my biggest year yet. I did my first real audition ever and I was chosen out of 50 dancers in Canberra and all around Australia to get paid and perform in shows with a touring adult cast.

The production is called 7 Vices. When I auditioned I was just going for experience as I didn't expect to get in, but when I got the call I was in complete shock for at least a week and I just couldn't believe I got the job! I have so much support behind me coming from my family, dance family and friends and I am so grateful. I usually don't give myself credit but after getting in for 7 Vices I have gained a lot more confidence. To be from Canberra and get in to a Sydney production is massive for the dance industry, wherever I go that involves dance, people are always saying "look that's the girl for 7 Vices Canberra!".

I have been promoted through a company called Dance Editorial and I now get messages, emails and friend requests from modelling companies, dance companies, international dancers and dance studios asking me to do their programs, or compete in modelling competitions. One thing I always say to myself is remain humble, be grateful and good things will come. I'm so grateful to be well known in the dance community in Australia. To top everything off I thought I should mention a major goal of mine, I would love to one day complete my course at VILLIAGE full time dance training in Sydney and be able to travel the world teaching and learning, to come home and open my very own dance studio!

Alison Fisher: Band Leader

JPC’s rock bands performed at the most recent art exhibition. All of the band members practiced really hard and had a good time performing. JPC has a wide variety of bands, from Rock Bands to Unplugged Acoustic groups. All of the bands recently went on tour to Good Shepherd and Mother Teresa where they got to perform 2-3 songs each. The children loved to get up and dance along to the music. Both schools were very welcoming and the bands would love to come back and perform again. The sound crew came with us and helped us set up everything, they were a great help. Every student that participates in the bands enjoy performing and are extremely dedicated to their band. Each band has an hour long practice time that takes place during ILT. So students have to time manage a little bit harder to get all their work done. All the bands consist of very talented students that never fail to put on a good show and we encourage anyone who would like to join to sign up!

Georgia Wallace – Concert Band Leader

On Friday 9th of September, the St John Paul II College Concert Band travelled to Goulburn to perform in the Goulburn Eistedfod. We travelled in a minibus driven by Mr McKie. After a quick rehearsal before school began, the band packed the minibus full of instruments and music stands and set off for the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium. While we waited for our turn to perform, we went for a walk to the nearby church, Saints Peter and Paul's Old Cathedral. It was a very beautiful church with vaulted ceilings and ornate finishes. Afterwards we returned to the Conservatorium and waited patiently for our turn. Finally, it was our go, and we quickly set up on the stage. Mr Thompson conducted us through two songs, the Rainbow Connection from the Muppets Movie and Canterbury Overture by Anne McGinty. We played well despite the conditions. (A small room made for bad acoustics). When we had finished we went to the Goulburn Soldiers Club for lunch. We returned to Canberra in the rain, and we are still waiting for the results of the eistedfod. Overall it was an enjoyable day and we were able to refine our performance skills.

Emily Watt: Director of Dance Fest 2016

On Thursday September 9, 34 JPC dancers performed at AusDance Australia DanceFest. We started the day off with a team breakfast at Pancake Parlour before heading over to Canberra Theatre for our tech rehearsal at 8:40. Once we arrived at Canberra Theatre we had a few minutes out front to take some photos before we headed into the dressing rooms for costume changes, then we went to the main stage and ran over lights, positioning and music as well as some general information about the performance and how backstage runs. It was beginning to feel very real, that we would be preforming in front of such a large crowd.

After our tech rehearsal we headed to Civic to get lunch, we had around 2 hours between our tech rehearsal and our meet time for the introduction so after eating and doing a last minute shop we started getting ready for the performance.

At around 12 we met back at Canberra Theatre and met some people from other schools, went over our finale dance, took some photos and had the 104.7 van come and give out free chips and drinks. AT around 1 all dancers from the 12 other schools came into the theatre and we had an introduction from Jamie (the creative director and choreographic mentor). After the introduction we had some ice breakers where dancers from every school went onto stage and free styled, the vibe in the theatre was crazy with so much cheering. We had four of our students up there flying the JPC flag, even Mrs Robertson got up on stage with the other dance teachers. It was quite funny to say the least.

Then all dancers headed backstage in preparation for the finale piece, a dance where every school gets 16 counts of choreography to the same song. With so many dancers it was crazy trying to organise orders and timing, but after a while it was all sorted and we ran through it once more going at actual speed.

We then went and got ready for dress rehearsals, as we were the final performance in act 1 we got plenty of time to do everyone’s hair and make up as well as get dressed, all the performers in act 2 got to watch our pieces which was cool. Due to the chaos of so many dancers in one small space, instead of going back into the courtyard studio after our performance we found a little garden area where we relaxed for around half an hour before running through finale one last time, we then all headed to get dinner before heading back to the theatre for the show. After eating and getting a few photos we headed back to the theatre to touch up hair and makeup before heading into the change rooms then backstage, after waiting backstage for around 5 minutes we got to take the stage. This was totally overwhelming, there were so many bodies packed into such a small space!

The experience was amazing and the dance looked just as we planned, all of the dancers ran off the stage afterwards hugging everyone and with big smiles. It couldn’t have gone better. After our performance we got to go back to the courtyard studio and hang out with the other schools, the atmosphere was amazing and there was lots of fun had in the dance battles. We then had one final time on stage which was the finale, we all went through back stage very slowly and then got to go and show our 16 counts of the finale. After that it was time for everyone to go home and get some much needed rest.

The experience was one I will never forget and the atmosphere was amazing. The whole day was so jam packed and tiring but it was definitely worth it, the performance JPC put on stage really did show all the hard work that not only the leaders but all the dancers put in. I will definitely be doing DanceFest next year and am already so excited.

We would like to thank Mrs Robertson and Mrs McNamara for all the work you put into preparing us for the night and for giving us this opportunity. We are already planning on what we are going to do next year!

Last week the students of Year 9 went to the Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Reserve. The students learned about the many conservation methods used in the park, as well as how the rangers strive to maintain the facility. They also learned about the biome ground within the park, as well as how the scientists are using the park to reintroduce animals previously extinct from the area, such as the Bettong that creates a mound for itself in the ground with its tail. It also digs up native truffles – a type of fungi - to eat. This rejuvenates the ground around it. Another animal being reintroduced is the curlew. The curlew is a long beaked bird that feeds on insects and small lizards. The students were all very excited to spend some time in the sun and would like to thank the teachers for their involvement. (Lachlan)

Some students share thoughts about what they learned:

I thought it was interesting how Eastern Bettongs help the environment by spreading the fungi that help trees while simultaneously aerating the soil. It was also interesting how Eucalyptus trees hang their leaves down to avoid the heat of the sun. (Harry)

Mistletoe isn’t just a northern hemisphere thing, it occurs in Australia too, but it appears different as it is trying to camouflage with the gum leaves. (Alison)

I found the way the eucalyptus tree leaves hung was very interesting. Unlike trees you find in a lot of other places around the world having leaves that stay flat out, eucalyptus leaves hang down. This is so they only get sunlight in the morning and the afternoon when the air is more moist and not as much evaporation happens. This helps the tree conserve water. (Ian)

What I found interesting was the intriguing adaptions of the various native animals to their environment. (Max)

A great day was had by all on Wednesday with the two Food Technology classes holding a luncheon for some senior members of the community.  This was in keeping with their unit of work called ‘Food for Everyone’.  This unit consisted of the students learning about the different dietary needs of the public and learning how to modify recipes accordingly. A Nutrition Australia representative spoke to them about the needs of the elderly population, and for their assessment, the students cooked food in keeping with these guidelines. This opportunity gave meaning to the classes and they loved having a real experience rather than just being theoretical.  

Our guests enjoyed being around the young ones and were really surprised at the standard of the food!  This could not have been achieved without the support of the staff in the canteen who helped with ordering and setting out the food which was greatly appreciated.  Well done to the Food Technology classes you were amazing!

Once again, the Drama students have demonstrated their passion for acting and performed in the Drama Showcase on Wednesday afternoon. This term, it was not only Year 7 students, but some Year 9 and 10 students as well.

The audience was entertained by a variety of assessment performances from Group Laban performances with unique soundtracks and a variety of monologue from Shakespeare and contemporary scripts. Some students took it upon themselves to write and perform work they have devised in their own time as well. A group of students from years 7 – 10, also performed a piece titled, “Come Alive”. This group has engaged in the full playbuilding process to research, devise and rehearse a unique piece based on death and the afterlife from the theme of ‘come alive’.

Following the show, the actors and audience shared in some nibbles and soaked up the atmosphere of many students’ first successful performance at JPC.

A huge round of applause to Lilith Prado and Adau Kuir who not only performed, but also were the MCs for the afternoon. Big “Chookas” go to Ciara McConnell, Laura Hampton, Mia D’Ambrosio, Jorja Greenwood, Olivia Mugridge, Chloe Thorpe, Cullen Savle, Arjun Gupta, Andrej Despotoski, Taniesha Chong, Briana Pilicic, Logan McMahon, Ian Edwards, Olivia Henssen, Bronte Froome, Rios Valenzuela, Finn Salisbury, Harry Costelloe, Amisha Sehgal, Shade Williams, Celeste Gibbs, Lachlan Richards, Jacqui Koina, Max Wood and Sabrina Sidhu.

Special mention to our techy Tom Mugridge and Brie Pilicic who made the performance look even more professional under their lighting designs.

Sarah Keane

On Friday the 9th of September, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in years 9 and 10 who have been participating in the AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) program attended the final program day. Since May earlier this year, the students have been attending program days at ANU which consist of workshops, activities and guest speakers. The students were grouped with their age groups and spent the time getting to know students from schools all over the ACT and each individual had their own Mentor. Their Mentor is a university student who attends ANU and they spent time talking about aspirations, how school is going and general advice on how to live the values of the AIME program.

The final program day was at the Novotel building in the city and the main focus was on celebrating everything that happened at AIME throughout 2016. Each student rocked their AIME Retro Hoodies and JPC was particularly mentioned as a new school that has joined the program and achieved so much. We were lucky to hear the musical talents of Jack Biilmann who has featured on Triple J and had some fun playing with the photo booth. It was extra special when each of our students received a certificate for participating in AIME during 2016 and an exceptional mention goes to Niagha Ward in Year 10 who was awarded our Ambassador of Indigenous Success award to commence in 2017 when representing JPC.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with AIME throughout the year, particularly on Tuesday’s when the organisers of AIME and students studying at ADFA come and assist our group with homework, assessments and simply strengthening the mentoring experience.

Elle Boller

Students in Years 8 and 9 will be receiving an email shortly to their school email account with information about the process for selecting their elective classes for 2017. This year we will be using an on-line system to complete this process. Key information about Elective classes can be found on Moodle on the Parent Information page, Year 9 and 10 Electives. I would encourage students and their families to read through the single page information sheet prior to making their selections. Students wishing to continue the study of their language will need to select an additional two elective units. For those students not continuing their language study, they will select four discrete elective classes. The only exception to this is if a student wishes to study the newly developed Design and Technology course. This involves students selecting Design and Technology as two of their electives. Students are encouraged to speak with Faculty Coordinators about the specific content and expectations associated with each of the elective units.

We ask that students complete their selections prior to Friday 14 October (Week 1, Term 4). After this date the database will be closed so that the timetable can be created.

Rachel Francis-Davies
Assistant Principal

If your child has an accident at school or on a school based activity outside the school, the student must come to the Front Office and be attended to by a First Aid staff member. The First Aid staff member will complete a report to enable parents to make a claim on the school’s insurance policy “Student Personal Accident Insurance – Schoolcare” should the need arise. It is very important that the school has a report filed for every injury at school in case further treatment is required. 

The position of Administration Officer/Secretary at Holy Spirit Parish has become available.

This role has responsibility for a wide range of administrative and organisational activities in a busy Catholic Parish in the Gungahlin area and to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the parish office. The Secretary/Administrative Officer is often the first point of contact for people connecting with the parish and therefore is required to have an understanding of parish functions and groups, must be able to answer a variety of general questions relating to parish life and must be able to show compassion, understanding and patience when dealing with a wide range of people.

Applicants must show enthusiasm and have the ability to contribute to building community, have excellent administration skills, be able to self-manage work priorities and projects and to work effectively within a small team. 

For the full job description and selection criteria, visit our parish website holyspiritgungahlin.org.au or email Fr Mark Croker parishpriest@holyspiritgungahlin.org.au

Applications

To apply please provide a covering letter which includes your response to the Selection Criteria along with your Curriculum Vitae to Fr Mark Croker at parishpriest@holyspiritgungahlin.org.au

For more information, contact the Parish Office on 6242 9622 (Tuesday to Friday).

Applications close: Friday, 7 October 2016.

Come and join in the fun at Gungahlin Little Athletics Centre. Fun and friendly athletics in a safe and enjoyable environment.

There’s something for everyone: running, jumping, throws, hurdles, walks.

Who: 4½ to 17 years; for the 2016/17 season we welcome athletes born between 1 Oct 1999 and 31 March 2012.

Season Dates:

The 2016/17 season commences on Saturday 15 October 2015 (season runs across Term 4 and Term 1 of school).
Weekly meets are held at Amaroo Oval, Horsepark Drive (behind Amaroo and Good Shepherd schools) on Saturday mornings from 8.55am to 11.30am.

Registration Details:

Registration Days - Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016, Gungahlin Marketplace (outside BigW), 10.00am - 2.00pm

Come & Try and Registration Days - Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October 2016, Amaroo Playing Fields, 10.00am - 12.00pm

On-line registration is available through the ACT Little Athletics website - www.actlaa.org.au (register now).

Bring a copy of your on-line payment receipt along to a Registration / Come & Try Day to collect your registration pack.

Cost: Online registration costs - $120 = 1st child, $115 = 2nd child, $110 = 3rd child, $85 = 4th & subsequent children. Manual/paper registration add $15/athlete.

It’s easy to register so come and have some fun with us.

For more information please go to our website at www.gunlac.org.au, visit our Facebook page or email enquiries@gunlac.org.au