St John Paul College Coffs Harbour eNewsletter (2024)

God bless

Proclaim Lismore Staff Day 2024

2024 marks the fifth Proclaim Lismore Staff Day (PLS’24) since 2013. Over a number of years our Diocese has looked to building a stronger Catholic Community within the Mission of Catholic schools. I invite you to click on this link to see a video that showcases our Proclaim journey: Proclaim Lismore Retrospective Opening Video.

With the theme 'Hope for the Future,' PLS’24 brought together over 2,800 staff members, including educators, administrators, and our clergy, embodying the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. At SJPC we hosted over 550 colleagues from across the Clarence region and were fortunate to have two exceptional guest speakers: Dr. Maeve Heaney, Director of the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation at the Australian Catholic University, and Roby Curtis, Director of Emmanuel City Mission in Brisbane.

Dr. Heaney captivated the audience with her insights on the dynamic changes within the Catholic Church, describing the current era as one where "the ground is moving under our feet." She emphasized the need to adapt and remain hopeful amidst these transformations, highlighting that the core of our faith remains steadfast despite the shifting landscape.

Roby Curtis shared his profound experiences working with the homeless and marginalized through Emmanuel City Mission. His heartfelt stories underscored the pivotal role of relationships in fostering hope and resilience within our communities. He illustrated how genuine human connections can be a shining light for those in need, urging everyone to reach out and make a difference for those in need in our own communities.

Roby also highlighted the inspiring journeys of three past students from SJPC, Britt and Matthew Kimber and Max Bain who are now working at Emmanuel City Mission. These alumni exemplify the quality of students that graduate from our college —individuals with deep empathy and a desire to help those less fortunate. Driven by a shared mission to be the Risen Christ for those they serve, they stand as fine examples of how our Catholic education nurtures compassionate and dedicated leaders.

I am excited to be heading off on 3 weeks long service leave from Week 8 this term with a trip to Bali being the highlight. Please contact Mrs Sarah De Byl for any Mission related queries in my absence.

Assistant Principal - Mission

The SJPC College community has once again shown its generosity by its involvement in the various activities of the 2024 Kawalazi Development Project. Unfortunately the College Social, where all the profits were going to Kawalazi had to be cancelled. We are asking for one last effort in each Homeroom to help raise $50 for the education of a student for 2025. We are fortunate to contribute to the education of so many students at our sister school in Kawalazi.

It seems timely to revisit the growing concern that is being experienced around social media and keeping our young people safe.

Like any form of social engagement, social media comes with risks. Some of the most common risks include:

• spending too much time online and being disconnected from the real world
• being a victim of online bullying
• damaging your online reputation
• having your personal information shared online
• being harassed or annoyed by someone you do not want attention from
• being the victim of an online scam
• having reduced self-esteem (for some teenagers)

When you talk to your child about personal subjects, you are trying to balance a number of different things:

• respecting your child’s privacy while still making sure they are safe and happy
• giving them space to test their own problem-solving skills online but supporting them as they make their own way
• educating them about people’s different personalities but knowing you can’t make their choices for them
• establishing boundaries while being understanding and open

Keeping up-to-date will help you to set clear boundaries with your teen and encourage them to stay safe on the platform. The following platforms all provide parents with ways to help keep your child safe online: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Twitch, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). Any other information on gaming or social sites can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website.

You may have had the opportunity to attend the very insightful presentation given by Kirra Pendergast, founder of the Safe On Social program, on Tuesday evening hosted by St Augustine's Primary School Parent Forum.

“As an industry pioneer and cybersecurity expert, Kirra Pendergast has been at the forefront of information security since 1991. With a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals of all ages, Kirra’s innovative approach focuses on education and awareness rather than fear tactics, guiding organisations and internet users towards safe and responsible engagement with technology. Through her unique blend of personal experience, technical expertise, and compassionate methodology, Kirra inspires a shift towards a balanced and positive relationship with technology use, aiming to make the online world safer and more enriching for everyone.” Safe on Social

The advice and recommendations outlined by Kirra were very practical. Please remember that her presentation was pitched to an adult audience and it is advisable that parents/carers preview it prior to speaking with their children. If you were unable to attend, much of what was discussed can be found on the Safe on Social website.

Kirra’s whole presentation can be viewed on YouTube.

I strongly suggest you take the time to look over this.

More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. For us as parents and educators it is our responsibility to guide the young people in our care through the complexities of social media use.

Until next time:

Michael Stubbs
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

College Merit System - Recognising positive behaviour

Study Skills

Learn more about the ‘managing stress’ resources through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au . Our College access details are:

School’s Username – stjohnpaul

School’s password – 89success

In addition, our subscription to Elevate Education may assist in this area.

AMDG

Proclaim Lismore aims to provide a comprehensive continuum of intentional student discipleship programs across the Diocese for students from Year 4 to Year 12. These gatherings bring Catholic School students together to meet like-minded peers and to celebrate with other young people who practice their faith.

Youth Ministry Classes are currently offered to Year 10 students at SJPC, allowing those with an interest in nurturing their faith an opportunity to develop skills in the area of peer-with-peer ministry. Senior students with an interest in Youth Ministry are also invited to attend the Shine event.

SHINE offers students an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and the Church, to experience dynamic faith, to be equipped for ministry and living the Christian life, and to be empowered to impact the Church and the world. It is an opportunity to gather and share an experience of faith.

• WHO - Year 10 Ministry Classes and Senior Ministry Students
• WHEN - 22 - 23 August
• WHERE - SJPC
• COST -$60
• DUE DATE -17 June (or earlier) Compass Event for payment and permission
• CONTACT - Mrs Sawtell
• VIDEO - Shine 2023

Festa Christi Retreats

We are still taking Year 8 names for the upcoming Festa Christi Retreats being offered to a limited number of students. Please see / email Mrs Sawtell for further details (please check Daily Notices and your emails!).

Year 12 Pentecost Mass

Thank you to Mrs de Byl and Father Joe for a lovely Pentecost Mass celebrated last week.

The Gifts and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Margaret Liddy – The Holy Spirit

`When you send forth your spirit`

“The mission of the Church in Australia is to recognise and celebrate the working of God in our midst, including everyone and every place. These post-Pentecost times promise that God is always with us until the end of time, and this is the basis for our hope.” (St Columban’s Mission Society, Australia)

Holy Spirit,

Give us the gift of wisdom so that we may make the right decision and know the right way to treat others.

Bless us with understanding that we may use our talents to build up friendship and love.

Help us Lord with the gift of right judgement so that we may always know the difference between right and wrong.

Send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us so that we may always show reverence for the gifts that God has given us.

We thank you for the gift of life, the world we live in and all who share it with us in love.

Grant us the courage to act as Jesus would.

Give us wonder and awe that we may respect the earth and those who live in it. May we have knowledge to help us know God more in our hearts and that we may come to know our own path in life. Amen

Parish News

Bishop Gregory Homeming has appointed Fr Joe D'Souza as Parish Administrator and Fr Joy D’Souza as Assistant Priest for Sawtell parish

Mass times:

Monday - 9am Coffs Harbour

Tuesday –7:30 am Coffs Harbour, 9.15 am SJPC Chapel - no Mass 4 June

Wednesday - 7:30 am Coffs Harbour, 9:30am Woolgoolga

Thursday - 5:30 pm Coffs Harbour

Friday - 9:15am Mass Coffs Harbour

Saturday -9am Coffs Harbour Saturday Vigil 5:30pm Coffs Harbour

Sunday 9am Coffs Harbour 9am Woolgoolga 11am Coramba 5:30pm Coffs Harbour

Women’s Bible Sharing 7pm Tues 28 May, Curran Centre.

Men’s Prayer Group - 7:30 pm Wed 29 May, Curran Centre.

Sawtell Parish Bulletin

LOVE GOD, LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER AND PROTECT THE WORLD

Currents of Grace Conference: Empowering Catholic Educators

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere....to the ends of the earth."

This promise of Jesus was profoundly felt by over 300 educational and Church leaders who gathered in Canberra for the "Currents of Grace" conference. This significant event brought together leaders from Catholic schools in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom, Uganda, and the USA. The conference provided four days of professional learning, formation for mission, school visits, meetings, and worship.

The St John Paul College Mission team attended this inspiring conference and returned with renewed enthusiasm, a wealth of ideas, and valuable contacts to follow up. Our time in Canberra was transformative, equipping us with new strategies and a refreshed vision for our roles as educators and evangelisers.

Leanne Gennat, Janine Sawtell & Sarah de Byl

The focus on both staff and student formation for ministry reflects a commitment to holistic spiritual development within Catholic schools. The exchange of ideas and best practices among delegates from diverse backgrounds fostered collaboration and mutual learning, strengthening the global Catholic education community.

Our Mission team is excited to implement the insights gained from the conference, further enriching our school's spiritual life and educational mission.

Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action Students Shine in Peer Ministry

Year 11 Catholic Faith in Action students joined Year 4 students from St Augustine’s for the Accendere retreat at the Curran Centre, themed ‘Friendship’. Through songs, games, activities, and prayers, students deepened their understanding of friendship and how Jesus is their greatest friend in all circ*mstances.

“Peer ministry provides a unique opportunity for young people to exercise leadership and discipleship within their faith communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection.” Our Year 11 students exemplified this by engaging the Year 4s in interactive and spiritually enriching activities. Their dedication was evident as they led prayers, facilitated discussions, shared testimonies, and participated in games, all reinforcing the theme of friendship.

Their involvement not only made the retreat memorable for the younger students but also helped them grow in their own faith and leadership skills. Their commitment to peer ministry sets a wonderful example of how faith can be shared and nurtured within our school communities.

Congratulations to our Year 11 students for their outstanding participation and engagement. Your efforts have made a significant impact, and we are proud of how you have embraced the call to serve and lead in faith.

Sarah de Byl

Leader of Catechesis

Year 12

In conversation with Year 12 this week, I pointed out that even though it is just over 18 weeks until their first written HSC examination, students have only 12 weeks of class time dedicated to their HSC courses.

This came as a shock to some, as they have, as yet, not effectively utilised term planners or calendars.

REMEMBER; in addition to texts, and staff expertise, the College provides access to the following resources; Atomi, Elevate, Study Skills Handbook, and links via the HSC Curriculum Matters Google Classroom.

The College Library will also be open Monday to Wednesday 9am – 12pm for Year 12 students during both weeks of the Winter school break. A letter will be emailed home closer to the break outlining the necessary details for families.

These resources support Year 12 in their preparation for the HSC and in class assessments. However, students are ultimately responsible for their study regime and learning!

The Trial HSC examination timetable was released in Week 4 to enable students to plan their study regime well in advance. All students should be focussing on what they want to achieve and be putting into place strategies to succeed. This may mean speaking with employers regarding changes to work hours to enable more time to implement their study plan.

As Pope Francis recently said, “students must learn to identify and use their personal talents and the resources available to promote models of personal and social life marked by justice and mercy, in order to give everyone an acceptable and dignified existence.” (May 10, 2024)

Year 11

Students received their Preliminary end of course examination timetable on the 21 May enabling them to plan their study regime well in advance. All students are now half way through their Year 11 courses and are practising the skills required in Year 12. The focus, literacy and metacognitive skills required in these courses highlights the need for all Year 11 students to implement a comprehensive study regime at home and a proactive approach to learning.

Students are reminded that they are on the HSC pathway. This is the highest academic qualification that a secondary school student can acquire in NSW. Such a qualification not only requires commitment, hard work and an organised approach, but a supportive environment in which to grow. We at SJPC are committed to supporting students and are experienced in helping students take on this responsibility as learners. Use the resources we provide and ask for help when needed!

Year 10

As you know this is a term of contemplation and planning for Year 10 students. They have already begun thinking about their future whilst attending the Careers Expo in Week 3 with the Year 10 Homeroom team and Mr Corsalini.

In Week 8 they will be asked to complete a Personal Profile Reflection Booklet, with their homeroom team, which will require them to think about what they want to do with their life, what they want to study next year and where they see themselves in 2, 3 and 4 years’ time. This is an opportunity for them to assess where they are, and then to set new goals. As part of this process parents are also asked to share their thoughts regarding their child’s future.

In Week 10 this term students will be presented with their Curriculum Guide to Stage 6, with access to a website that has been designed to support families learn more about Stage 6 course options and the different pathways of study available. Information regarding this process will continue to be forwarded via emails and the College Newsletter. Stay tuned!

Years 7 – 9

Students in Years 7 – 9 have been receiving feedback and having conversations with their teachers about their learning and level of achievement. These conversations are vital in order to help them recognise their strengths, as well as identify areas that need further development.

This will enable new goals to be set and strategies for improvement to be implemented.

I encourage parents to also ask these questions of their children;

1. What are you learning? Why?
2. How are you doing?
3. How do you know?
4. How can you improve?
5. Where can you go for help?

A Wonderful Opportunity at Yarrila Arts and Museum

ARTEXPRESS 2024features a selection of outstanding artworks created by NSW Visual Arts students for the 2023 Higher School Certificate practical examination.

Mark Sultana
Year 8 Leader of Student Wellbeing

“I learnt that my fellow Year 9 students can be really encouraging and can help out with complicated things.”

Last week both our College Choir and Stage Band performed in this year’s Coffs Harbour and District Eisteddfod. Our Stage Band performed exceptionally well on the day, performing the classic ‘I want you back’ by the Jackson Five. The ensemble was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ for their performance, which was received well by the audience and adjudicator.

Our choir performed to a packed audience, performing two pieces by the band ‘Cold Play’, which was arranged by Mr Jon Baldwin. The audience were grooving in their seats as the choir performed with a great sense of energy and were awarded with a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate and shield.

This semester, our Year 8 Technology Mandatory students have been busy sewing up a storm! They have learnt to use sewing machines and applied their new skills to create custom tote bags.

Starting with fabric selection and moving through to stitching and finishing touches, the students have demonstrated impressive creativity and skill. The finished tote bags showcase their hard work and unique designs.

Year 10 Drama at the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod

On Monday 27 May, the Year Ten Drama class attended the Coffs Drama Eisteddfod, held this year at CHECC, and competed as both ensembles and individuals. Competing against other Coffs Harbour schools, our students performed their Commedia dell ‘Arte group devised pieces from their Term 1 studies in the category of Group Devised Ensemble. Every group from our school received a highly commended in this category. Our two individual performers -Kayla Kennedy and Katelyn Davidson- performed monologues with Katelyn receiving a Highly Commended from the Adjudicator while Kayla placed third in the monologue section. Our students joined in the impromptu scene with a topic of “World’s Largest Shopping Mall” and with only two minutes to prepare did a wonderful job. I was proud of their performances, but even more proud of their behavior-they were respectful, interested students who gave those on stage the attention that all performers deserve but do not always receive. I would gladly take them again-they were a credit to the school.

Kayla Kennedy

Katelyn Davidson

Kayla and Katelyn receiving their awards.

Year Ten Drama Students: Lucy, Carly, Leo, Emily, Diva, Somerley, Katelyn, Kayla, Abby, Melinda, Tully.

Teacher - Drama

Riley Andrews (Year 12) is a talented and determined athlete who has repesetned the College in a range of sports; she has been the epitome of the SJPC athlete since Year 7. Riley has successfully represented St John Paul College in Swimming, Cross Country and Waterpolo for the past 6 years and has been Age Champion in both Swimming and Cross Country several times. Throughout her time at the College, Riley has also represented the College in Athletics, Football, Touch Football, and League, winning many Diocesan and Regional Championships for the College over the years. Additionally, Riley has regularly received a Coach's Award for her sportsmanship, effort and leadership on the sporting field or in the pool! Finally, Riley was the College Sportperson of the Year in 2021 and the female Sportsperson of the Year for her year group in 2021 and 2023. Riley has had an illustrious sporting career at the College and is an outstanding role model for our junior students.

NSWCCC Swimming

On Thursday 30 May and Friday 31 May, two students and one staff member from our school attended the NSW All Schools Swimming Championship at Homebush. Mrs Furey, in her role of NSWCCC team manager/official, was present to cheer on and help Coco Becker (Year 7) and Carlo Eiler (Year 10).

Carlo had a wonderful championship, finishing 8th overall in his 50m Freestyle event. This is a remarkable achievement.

Coco also had a phenomenal championship placing well in all her events: 1st 100 m freestyle, 2nd 50 m backstroke and 50m freestyle, 3rd 50m butterfly, 4th 50m breaststroke and 8th in the 100m butterfly. Although Coco qualified for the Australian Schools Championships, she cannot attend as there is no 12-year division at the Australian level!

Well done Coco and Carlo!

Online speaking practice with Seiwa Girls High School

Our Year 12 students have been preparing for their HSC Oral examination by practicing with students from Seiwa Girls High School in Sasebo, Japan.

The Japanese students have been pretending to be examiners and asking the SJPC students questions about their family, school and daily life, future plans and more.

It has been a great opportunity for our students to use their language skills and communicate with native speakers.

Sister City 10-day Coffs Council Youth Exchange Program to Sasebo, Japan

After a 5-year hiatus, this year SJPC will be involved in the re-instatement of the bi-annual Youth Exchange between Coffs Harbour schools and schools in Sasebo, Coffs Harbour’s sister city.

This exchange will see 5 SJPC students host a Japanese student for 10 days in Term 3 and then go to stay with that student in Japan for 10 days in Term 4.

The applications received were of a high calibre and all of the applicants interviewed were outstanding.

Congratulations to the following Year 8 students who were successful and will be involved in the program:

All things Literacy, because Literacy matters in all things

Again, we look at the importance of reading!

So, what should you read?

What you read isn’t always the most important consideration, for if it interests you and calls you to read, then go ahead and read. Choosing non-fiction allows you to expand your view and knowledge of the world and our place in it. This can be especially invigorating if you read about foreign topics or people who fascinate and inspire you. The delicious world of fiction teaches the beauty of language and encourages empathy with others. Young adult fiction helps you connect with teens, while children’s books will allow you to return to youthful innocence and youthful endeavours. Romance novels inform your feelings about relationships, while science fiction and fantasy expand your imagination. If mystery is calling, you may find yourself improving your capacity for deductive reasoning and deductive logic.

The most important thing is not WHAT you read. The most important thing is building a reading habit and making an effort to expand your mind, increase your brain power and enjoy the ride of losing yourself in a good book. The most important thing is engaging in reading.

‘Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.’Charles W Eliot

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ‘WRITER OF THE WEEK’ AWARDEES

for exceptional creativity in his Catholic Studies parable.

for detailed explanation of ‘Scientific Method’.

for extraordinary cohesion and sentence structure in her History task.

for sophistication and maturity in writing a Crime fiction narrative in English.

Word of the Week

Redemption noun

DEFINITION: The act of being saved or saving from evil, error or evil

IN A SENTENCE: Confessing a sin is the first step toward redemption.

Difference between redemption and Repentance: Redemption is when you perform an act that atones for a bad action that you took in the past, and this act then puts you in good standing after the bad deed you committed. Repentance is when you acknowledge your sins and you are truly sorry for them.

Temperance

DEFINITION: The habit of moderating our impulses and emotions so that we can make wise choices, behave in ways that benefit ourselves and others, and set ourselves up to achieve meaningful life goals.

IN A SENTENCE

She shows temperance with her strong mind, for she restrains from having too much of anything.

Galatians 5.22

‘And beside this, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.’

Literacy Coach

THE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE 2024 is underway and SJPC staff have again registered a team. The challenge continues through until 23 June with participants completing 3249 push-ups. Tragically, this represents the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2022. Each day the number of push-ups is linked to a statistic or fact about mental health and we have been sharing our learning from this with the college through daily updates posted in the walk-through sub-way. The SRC team have also been rigorous with their push-ups and competitive spirit and we look forward to this challenge.

50KM KOKODA CHALLENGE – WELL DONE TEAM SJPC!

Whilst the east coast was drenched in rain on Saturday, a team of 4 students and myself set off on foot at 7.30am for what was to be a very long day that did not see us return until 11pm that night.

We were attempting the Brisbane Kokoda Challenge, held on a challenging course through the hills on the western outskirts of Brisbane.

Our training was limited but it was tough and the group had a mindset to accept and embrace steep difficult terrain, mud and rain, the dark and physical discomfort. Of the 457 participants, 10% were unable finish.

The start was preceded by the Last Post and Reveille to remember the those who fell in WWII on The Kokoda Track. At the starting blast, we were sent off to the haunting sounds of bag pipes in misty conditions. The first few legs had us in a lot of foot traffic as teams overtook each other, leap frogged and settled into their own pace and rhythm. Our team was made of Ty Stephenson and Flynn Oates from Year 12, Jasper Harris and Parker Swan from Year 8 and myself as the compulsory adult. During our 3 hour training hikes our group was well matched in speed. However, this was a different beast. Our group accordioned with differences in speed, changing physical states and energy levels. Everyone (except Flynn – hardened on forced marches in the Airforce cadets) spent time at the back, some more than others, but they never stopped. In honour of the Kokoda spirit, no one was left behind, we regrouped at junctions and entered each checkpoint as a team.

Sally Poidevin made up the support crew (a huge thanks!), meeting us with the school bus at the 14km mark with a morning tea of carbs. She joined us for 9 of the toughest kilometres and loved it. Looking across one gully, I thought there was a landslide scar it was so steep, only to realise it was the road we were about to head up!

Darkness fell at about the 30km mark just as light rain settled in. This turned steep hills that were hard enough in the dry, into muddy slippery slopes where just getting a foot hold was a test. Some of our team hit ‘the wall’ and were down to … “Just keep moving one small step at a time … Aim for the next erosion bump ... Rest for 20 seconds … Aim for the tree up there ... Stop for 10 seconds …”. I was super proud that never once did I hear any negative talk about giving up or complaints.

At the last checkpoint we were told it was only 8 more kilometres. Everyone was in good spirits despite some very sore bodies. I love the adage ‘pain is inevitable, suffering is optional’ and our students embodied this with no one complaining, accepting the pain as part of what it takes to make such an achievement. Oh, and they lied. It was 10km to go and that extra 2km seemed a loooong way. Our aim was to get everyone through. 15 hours and 34 minutes after starting, we crossed the finish line as a complete team.

Congratulations to all 4 boys for committing, sticking to a goal, maintaining such a positive mindset, for patience waiting when others struggled and for your company. As the biggest thing the students had ever done, it redefined what is possible and raised the question, what is possible with a resilient mindset and right attitude? I hope it inspires others and we can get several teams together in 2025 to give it a crack.

Brad Poidevin
School Counsellor

Student Diary

Helpful information is found in the student diary regarding daily college procedures. Please take the time to go through the student diary with your child.

Lost Property

Please encourage your child to visit the Office if they have lost any school items. Please mark your child's name on all school items, including airpods, pencil cases, drink bottles, sport bags and school uniform.

Uniform Shop

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 9:00am

Homework Centre

Hours: Monday - Thursday 3:20pm - 5:00pm

Finance

Traffic and Parking Guidelines