In the last month we have been conducting enrolment interviews with 2026 Year 7 families. These meetings are such a privilege. Listening to our potential Year 7 students speak so confidently and with passion and enthusiasm is a credit to our primary schools in Canberra. Not only do these boys and girls tell us about their favourite subjects, but they also let us know what they like to read, eat, what sports they like to play, and how they contribute to their family unit. I am always filled with renewed hope after listening to children tell us about their world. I think that the Year 7 cohort for 2026 is going to be an impressive group.

In addition, in the last two weeks alone, I have conducted more than a dozen Year 11 interviews for next year with families who currently attend a school other than JPC. It is great to know that we have so many young adults who are really motivated to join our senior cohort because of the reputation we have for subject choice, fine teaching, good results, and a commitment to our Catholic faith. Most parents are keen for their child to be in a Christian environment where our espoused values seek to emulate the Gospel message and intent.

The interest in our senior school bodes well for our breadth of choice in the future. If you have a current Year 10 child and you have not made an appointment for a senior interview to discuss pattern of study and subject choice for next year, please do so without delay. We have a number of families who have still not indicated their intentions at this stage.

As winter really bites, please stay safe, dry, and warm during the holiday break. The usual winter bugs are with us, and I pray you escape them during the vacation.

I am taking some leave in the last days of this term, and the first week and a half of next term. Jacob Knowles will be Acting Principal during my absence, and Chloe McCallum will take up Jacob’s role. I thank them both for their willingness to take on the roles.

I hope to see many of you attend our College Musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The students and staff have been working hard on this production for months now. We have some amazingly talented young people who will take to the stage, as well as working behind the scenes. Please come and support them. I look forward to seeing everyone next term.

Carpark Issues

An increasing number of community members have reported issues, particularly at pick-up time in the afternoons, with cars parked in the wrong places including the bus bays and disabled car parking spaces, slowing up the flow of traffic and providing a degree of frustration for others.

Front of mind in all of this is the safety of your children. We all must take collective responsibility for the safety of young people as they exit the College each day. Please park in the appropriate spots. If your child is not present, do a loop. This may be time-consuming but is fair for all. If you do not have a disabled parking sticker, do not take up a disability spot. There will be an increased presence of senior staff in the coming weeks to ensure safety for all. If you are directed to move on, please do so respectfully.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal 

Open Your World: 2026 Language Electives Now Available

Enrolments are now open online for 2026 electives – and we strongly encourage all students to consider choosing a language!

Learning a language is one of the most valuable skills you can develop during your school years. In our increasingly connected world, being multilingual opens doors to exciting career opportunities, deeper cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships across the globe.

Why Choose Languages?

Career Advantages: Employers highly value language skills. Whether you're interested in business, tourism, diplomacy, translation, teaching or international relations, speaking multiple languages makes you stand out in the job market.

Brain Benefits: Studies show that learning languages improves memory, problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility. It literally rewires your brain to think more creatively and analytically.

Cultural Connection: Languages are windows into different cultures. When you learn Korean, French or Chinese, you're not just memorising vocabulary – you're gaining insight into how millions of people see and experience the world.

Travel and Communication: Imagine confidently ordering food in Paris, chatting with locals in Seoul or navigating the streets of Beijing. Language skills transform travel from mere sightseeing into genuine cultural immersion.

Exciting Semester 2 Activities Ahead

Our language programs aren't just about textbooks and tests – they're about experiencing culture firsthand. Here's what's coming up in Semester 2:

• Korean Taekwondo Workshop: Students will learn basic taekwondo techniques while practising Korean commands and vocabulary. This unique combination of physical activity and language learning makes Korean come alive in an authentic cultural context.

• French Food Tasting: Bon appétit! Our French students will explore French cuisine, learning food vocabulary while sampling authentic French delicacies. From croissants to coq au vin, this delicious event celebrates France's rich culinary heritage.

• Chinese Yum Cha Experience: Students will practise their Mandarin in a traditional yum cha setting, learning food names, polite conversation and cultural dining etiquette while enjoying authentic dim sum.

• ACT Chinese Gala Day: This exciting event brings together Chinese language students from across the ACT. Students will participate in cultural performances, language competitions and collaborative activities that showcase their skills and celebrate Chinese culture.

Ready to Begin Your Language Journey?

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your horizons. Language learning is an investment in your future that pays dividends for life. Whether you're drawn to the melodic tones of French, the dynamic energy of Korean culture or the rich history behind Chinese characters – there's a language waiting to transform your worldview.

Enrolments for 2026 electives are now open online.

Questions about language electives? Contact our Languages teachers or speak with our Career Counsellor about how language skills can enhance your future pathway.

Your global adventure starts with a single word – why not make it in another language?

Jie Li
Languages Coordinator 

Works have commenced this week to address long-term issues with the concrete area near the front entrance of the College. Earlier this year, several trees were removed due to their roots interfering with the surrounding concrete and underground service pits that house important electrical and fibre optic cabling for the school.

This next stage involves the removal of the remaining tree roots and the remediation of the concrete to ensure the area is safe, functional, and protected from future damage.

As part of these works, the front carpark will be closed from 3:20pm each day until the end of term. Construction fencing will be in place during this time, which will block access to the 5-minute parking area.

We thank our families for their understanding and support as we carry out this important upgrade to our school grounds.

Leon Sanft
Business Manager 

When choosing your senior subjects, the most important question is: Am I enjoying what I’m studying, and do I feel motivated to continue?

The answer can change between Year 11 and Year 12. At the start of Year 11, it’s helpful to choose six subjects you’d be happy to carry through to Year 12—but it’s perfectly normal to rethink your choices along the way. If you’re feeling unmotivated or unsure, don’t ignore those signals.

Before deciding to add or drop a subject, consider:

• Does this subject support my career goals?
  Many university and TAFE pathways require English and often recommend Maths. Even if not essential, subjects like Maths, Science, or VET can be incredibly useful.

• Do I enjoy this subject?
  Even one subject you truly enjoy can boost your energy and help balance your workload.

• What do my grades tell me?
  Strong results and confidence are good signs. If things aren’t going well, it could be time for a change—or a chat with Miss Martin or Mr Charter.

Still unsure? If you’re “keeping your options open,” a balanced subject package might include:
English, Maths, Science, a creative or interdisciplinary subject, a team-based course, a VET option, and something hands-on or practical.

Whatever you choose, make sure your subjects align with your strengths and goals - even if you’re still figuring those out. Speak with Miss Martin or Mr Charter, explore new ideas, and remember: your choices should open doors, not close them.

Subjects don’t just give you knowledge - they build transferable skills like communication, teamwork, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving that prepare you for life beyond school.

Jenna Martin
Acting Senior Studies Coordinator

This week, all Year 8 and 9 students will receive an email from St John Paul II College, Nicholls <edval-noreply> containing their login details to access the portal and select electives and core subjects for Year 9 and 10 in 2026.

Please note: We are unable to send this email to parent email addresses due to the limits of the system.

The elective selection process has two steps:

1. When they receive the electives email, students are asked to log in and enter their preferences into the online platform and submit.
2. To ensure students have discussed their selections, parents are then asked to log in to the Compass portal and acknowledge the selections have been discussed.

The elective system will open on Thursday, 26 June at 6:00pm. Electives will be allocated based on the order in which forms are submitted—first in, first served.

Students will be choosing electives to study for the full year. We understand that interests can change, so there will be an opportunity to swap electives later in the year during Term 4, when allocations are confirmed. Please note that changes can only be made if there are places available in the desired elective.

Once the 2026 school year begins, we are unable to consider further changes to elective choices.

There is no prior learning required for Year 9 and 10 electives. We encourage students to select subjects that genuinely interest them. If your child has been selected for an extension course, this will be visible in the portal.

If a student does not make their selection by 9am on Monday, 28 July 2025, we will allocate them to an elective to ensure everyone has a place. If your child needs more support about making elective choices, please contact their pastoral care teacher.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with the portal please don’t hesitate to contact Belinda Hammond via email: belinda.hammond@cg.catholic.edu.au

Jacob Knowles
Assistant Principal- Strategy and Staff

The Year 9 and 10 boys participated in a full day of competitive volleyball with great enthusiasm and team spirit. Across multiple games, the students consistently demonstrated strong effort, commitment, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.

Each match brought its own challenges, with moments of impressive play and teamwork, as well as opportunities for learning and growth. The boys often started strong, securing early leads, but sometimes found it difficult to maintain momentum through to the final sets. Despite a few close results and narrow losses, the players remained positive and supportive of one another throughout the day.

Between games, many students stepped up to assist with refereeing duties, contributing to the smooth running of the carnival and showing great leadership and initiative beyond their own matches.

It was a fantastic day filled with valuable experiences and memorable moments. A big thank you to Mr Hanna, Ms Burt, team captains Lucas Allin and Dylan Penders, all players, and everyone who helped make the day such a success.

Well done to all involved!

Written by Dylan Penders and Mr Hanna

St John Ambulance ACT is offering a fully accredited First Aid for Teens course during the July school holidays — a valuable opportunity for young people aged 13 to 17 to learn essential, life-saving skills.

This one-day course covers the fundamentals of first aid, helping students build confidence, learn how to respond in emergency situations, and gain a skill they can proudly add to their resume.

Course details:
Monday 8 July or Sunday 14 July
8:30am – 5:00pm
St John Ambulance ACT Training Rooms, Deakin
Cost: $190 (with a 15% discount for JPC students)

Whether your teen is looking for a practical skill for babysitting, sport coaching, or just wants to be prepared in a crisis — this course is a great way to use the school break productively.

For more information or to access the discount, please contact Jacinta Johnstone at St John Ambulance ACT.