Tonight, we will hold our new library blessing and opening. This is an exciting and much-anticipated addition to our College. The overwhelming majority of community members through surveys and focus groups have been calling for the College to institute a library for a number of years. Like all things, however, I have received some feedback from people who have queried the rationale for a library in the twenty-first century.

Occasionally, the argument is prosecuted that the world wide web can cater to all of the needs and functions that a library provides. Respectfully, I do not subscribe to this notion. The web cannot discern like a librarian can. The web does not filter anything. The web takes us down alleyways and rabbit holes that are not always healthy nor helpful. We also know from emerging research that comprehension is actually enhanced from using a real book, as opposed to reading from a screen. While the web might provide us with an unlimited amount of research material, unless we are sifting this carefully, we will be bombarded by a degree of extraneous information that is sometimes confusing for young people and adolescents. Of course, we engage with technology and the internet, and we would be doing our students a disservice if we did not use technology as part of the learning process, yet we do so with caution and discernment.  

A library is more than a physical space, although the space itself is especially important. For some students it is a safe haven, a place of quietude and respite. It is a retreat into one’s imagination, of other worldliness, adventure, fantasy, reflection, and importantly, learning. Our library hosts an array of fiction and non-fiction and our collection, and although in its early stages, is steadily growing. 

Our library is more than a drop-in centre. It is a place of active teaching and learning. Students in Years 7 and 8 are engaging in an explicit reading program to improve fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and confidence. We are explicitly teaching information literacy, which includes how to accurately reference, and why we need to acknowledge sources. Libraries teach us to read with a critical lens: do we believe everything we read? What is true? Whose opinion is being expressed? What is fact? All of these questions are key to understanding what we read, and how we as the responder, might be positioned by the composer.

Senior students have a study centre in the library for quiet, silent, and solo study. It is a respectful place that our seniors have reported that they love using. Our library is a hive of activity as well, with board games, puzzles and the like. At lunch times it is buzzing! After school we have staffed the library on four days of the week until 4.45pm thanks to the generosity of staff who give up their time voluntarily to provide additional support. We could not do this without their volunteering.

Among our invited guests this evening, we will welcome two very special people: author, Mr Peter Papapthanasiou and artist Mr Peter O’Callaghan. The former has been published by The New York Times, Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Canberra Times, The ABC, SBS, and Huffington Post. His first book is a memoir, entitled Son of Mine. Peter will provide an occasional address, and I am very much looking forward to hearing him. The latter, is a local Aboriginal artist, Mr Peter O’Callaghan, who has produced an artwork for our library that speaks to the local area, as well as recognising our six Houses at St John Paul II College. He is a teacher at Marist College, and we are grateful for his beautiful addition to our new space.  

I am deeply indebted to these gentlemen for their generous contributions to our new library. May it be a place of deep respect, and great learning. Our library is one of the central spaces in our building fabric. Einstein allegedly said: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” I will make it my mission at JPC!

I wish our students a relaxing holiday break. Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 29 April in full winter uniform, with correct jumper and black leather lace-up school shoes.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal 

The Power of Language Learning at JPC

Building Global Citizens Through Language Education

At St John Paul II College, we believe that language learning opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. Our Languages Faculty offers students the chance to study Korean, Chinese, and French—developing valuable skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Strong Foundations in Years 7 and 8

All students in Years 7 and 8 study one language for two consecutive years. This model ensures students can move beyond basic vocabulary to build meaningful communication skills and cultural understanding.

Cultural Highlights – Term 1

This term, students enjoyed a variety of cultural experiences linked to their language learning:

✔️ Lion Dance Workshops – Students took part in dynamic, hands-on workshops to explore Chinese New Year traditions.
✔️ Korean Fan Drawing – Korean students combined art and language, using vocabulary to describe colours, patterns, and techniques in traditional fan design.

Student Voices

“The lion dance workshop was incredible! I never thought I'd get to see the lion dance so close. It helped me understand Chinese New Year traditions so much better than just reading about them.”
“Learning to draw Korean fans wasn't just about art—we had to use Korean vocabulary to describe the designs and colours. It made the language feel more real and connected to something beautiful.”

Looking Ahead

✔️ JPC Lion Dance Team – Training begins in Term 2. This student group will perform at community events including the Multicultural Festival, Floriade, and school celebrations.
✔️ French Fencing Incursion – A unique opportunity for our French classes to engage in one of France’s most iconic sports.

Global Connections – Language Tours 2026

We are excited to announce plans for overseas immersion trips to China and France in 2026. These experiences will provide students with the chance to practise their language skills in real-life contexts while exploring the cultures they have studied.

Pathways for Senior Students

Students who stopped language study after Year 8 can opt into Beginning Chinese, Beginning French, or Beginning Korean in the senior years—allowing them to reconnect with language learning or start fresh with a new one.

New Korean Language Opportunity for Years 9 & 10

In response to strong student interest in Korean culture, we are excited to introduce a beginner Korean pathway for Years 9 and 10 starting next year. This opportunity is open to all students, regardless of previous language choices.
"We’ve seen tremendous interest in Korean language and culture," says Mrs Li. "This new pathway ensures students can engage with Korean language learning, even if they began with a different language."

Why Language Learning Matters

Learning another language at JPC fosters:

✔️ Critical thinking and problem-solving
✔️ Enhanced memory and cognitive development
✔️ Greater empathy and cultural awareness
✔️ Improved employment and travel opportunities
✔️ A deeper understanding of one's own language

Join the Journey

Whether students are just beginning their language journey or extending their skills, JPC’s Languages Program offers rich opportunities for growth, creativity, and global citizenship.

For more information about language opportunities at JPC, please contact the Languages Department.

Mrs Jie Li
Languages Faculty Coordinator 

This week, our Korean language students in Years 7 and 11/12 had the opportunity to engage in two beautiful aspects of traditional Korean culture: fan drawing (부채 그리기 / bu-chae geu-ri-gi) and calligraphy (서예 / so-ye).

The session was led by the talented Miss Lingbo, who guided students through these calming and creative art forms. Students explored the relaxing practice of Korean calligraphy and then had the chance to showcase their artistic flair by decorating their own traditional fans—each one a unique keepsake to take home and proudly display.

It was a wonderful hands-on experience that blended language learning with cultural appreciation, and our students thoroughly enjoyed it!

Elissa Burt 엘리사 선생님
English and Korean Teacher. 영어와 한국어 선생님.

As we approach the end of Term 1, we are reaching out to strengthen our partnership with families in supporting student punctuality and attendance.

From the beginning of Term 2, we will be placing a strong focus on students arriving at school on time and attending every class promptly. This is not only a legal requirement but a vital foundation for student learning and wellbeing.

The first bell goes at 8.45am, with Pastoral Care commencing at 8.50am. We are seeing an increasing number of students being dropped off after this time, which results in late arrivals and missed learning.

We ask for your support in ensuring that:

• Students are dropped off before the first bell
• Students arriving after 8.50am sign in at the front office
• Compass is used only for recording absences, not for general messages
• Morning routines are adjusted if needed to support on-time arrival

We will also be working with students directly to build habits of responsibility and independence in getting to class on time and ensuring they are correctly signed in when late.

Let us work together to give every student the best start to their day.

Thank you for your continued support.

As we approach the end of Term 1, we want to let families know that an exciting change is on the way for our school canteen.

From Term 2, JPC will begin using Compass Canteen, a new system that allows families to order food, view menus, and manage payments directly through the Compass app or portal. This will make the process more streamlined and accessible for both students and parents.

In the first few weeks of Term 2, both the current MonitorBM system and Compass Canteen will be available. However, MonitorBM will be phased out by Week 3, and top-ups will be disabled from Friday, 2 May.

More information will be shared during the school holidays, including a full guide on how to order, key dates, and how to request refunds from the MonitorBM platform.

Thank you for your support as we transition to this new and improved canteen experience.

The ACT Scaling Test (AST) is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and is used to compare T and H Course scores across colleges in the ACT. It assesses the reasoning and analytical skills essential for success at university.

When is the AST?

✅ Monday 26 August and Tuesday 27 August 2025

Who Needs to Sit the AST?

✅ All Year 12 students aiming to receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
✅ Year 12 students enrolled in a T package, even if they are unsure of their post-school plans, are encouraged to sit the test. These students may also explore alternative options such as VET courses or competency-based pathways.

Why is the AST Important?

✅ AST results help determine scaled course scores for students in each college
✅ Scaled scores contribute to ATAR calculations, ensuring a fair comparison across subjects and schools
✅ While the AST is important, strong performance in your best school subjects remains the most significant contributor to your ATAR

More Information:

The BSSS Website provides a Student Information Bulletin outlining the rules, administration details, and test requirements. It also includes information on special provisions for eligible students. These are determined on an individual basis, and support may vary depending on student needs.

For further assistance or questions regarding AST preparation, students are encouraged to speak with their teacher or the AST Coordinator.

As we approach the school holidays, it’s time to check your shelves and bags for any overdue library books!

If you have any outstanding loans, please return them as soon as possible so others can enjoy them too. And while you’re at it, why not borrow a fresh book for the break? We have many new titles in, and more coming next week. Holidays are the perfect time to dive into a new adventure, explore different worlds, or learn something new.

What will you be readying this holidays? Drop by the library this week to discover your next great read, or ask Ms Stokman for a recommendation.

Ms Jessica Stokman
Library Coordinator

As we approach Parent-Teacher Interviews, please ensure you have access to Canvas to view interim reports for each subject area. Below are instructions on how to log in and access this information.

How to Access Canvas

Parent Canvas Access

You can log in to the Canvas Parent Portal through:
✅ Web Version: https://jpc.instructure.com/
✅ Mobile App: Search for Canvas Parent in your app store. (Students should download “Canvas Student” instead.)

Web Login Instructions:

1. Visit https://jpc.instructure.com/
2. Use your Compass username as your Canvas username
3. Click “Forgot Password” and follow the prompts to set a new password
4. Wait up to 30 minutes for the reset email and follow the instructions
5. Once complete, log in using your Compass username and new Canvas password

Mobile App Login Instructions:

1. Download the Canvas app (new users) or sign out (existing users)
2. Click “Find School”
3. Search for "St John Paul II College Nicholls" and select "St John Paul II College Nicholls (Parents Login)"
4. Click “Forgot Password” and enter your Compass username
5. Click “Request Password” and follow the instructions in the email (this may take up to 30 minutes)

If you experience any login issues, please contact the JPC IT team via the office, with “Canvas Support” in the subject line.

Last Friday, we received an urgent request to support some of the most vulnerable families in our Parish with essential food items. As always, the St John Paul II College community responded with incredible generosity and hospitality.

Thanks to the efforts of our students, families, and staff, we filled 65 bags of food—a remarkable contribution that will make a real difference to those in need.

St Vincent de Paul was extremely grateful for the support. Thank you for showing what it means to live out the values of compassion, service, and community.

Maria Tolfree
Mission and Ministry Coordinator

Is your child interested in learning a musical instrument and developing their theoretical and practical skills? Individual tuition is available at JPC with industry professionals and performing artists who specialise in a wide range of instruments and styles, including:

✔ Violin, Cello
✔ Saxophone, Clarinet
✔ Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Piano, Bass
✔ And more!

We also offer band opportunities and instrument hire to support students on their musical journey.

If you are interested, please complete the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more details.

Music Tuition Form