To the community of St John Paul II College,

On Thursday 21 November, the Church celebrates the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This significant feast invites us to reflect on Mary’s unique role in the history of our church. From her earliest days, Mary exemplified total dedication to God; a model of faith and humility. As the Mother of Jesus, she holds a special place in our Catholic tradition, embodying purity, obedience, and grace. The Presentation reminds us to dedicate our lives to God, trusting in His plans with an open and faithful heart, much like Mary did.

We encourage all in our community to take a moment on this day to pray and reflect on Mary’s profound influence as a model of faith and devotion.

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary,
you were conceived without sin and
remained sinless throughout your life.
With the perfection of every virtue and grace,
you loved and served God even as a young child.
Please pray for me, as I help to inspire
young people in the ways of holiness,
that I will never shy away from pointing them to you
as a model and mediator of God’s grace.
Most Holy Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for me.
Jesus, I trust in You.

End-of-Year Senior Exams

Congratulations to our Year 11 and 12 students for completing their end-of-year examinations! This milestone marks a significant step in their academic journey. To our Year 12 students, we extend particular recognition as they have now finished their final school exams, an incredible achievement and a testament to their hard work, resilience, and determination.

House and College Farewell for the Year 12 Graduating Class of 2024

This Thursday, we will bid farewell to the Year 12 Graduating Class of 2024 in a series of special celebrations. The day will commence with farewells within each House group and culminate in a whole-school assembly in the afternoon.

These students are also looking forward to two significant occasions in the coming weeks: their Year 12 Formal followed by their Year 12 Graduation Mass at St. Christopher’s Cathedral. These events are important traditions, offering opportunities to celebrate their accomplishments, reflect on their journey, and look ahead with optimism.

Transport Canberra Strike - Friday 15 November

We acknowledge the disruption caused by the unplanned Transport Canberra strike on Friday 15 November. Unfortunately, this industrial action was not announced beforehand, leaving schools and the wider community with no opportunity to provide advance notice to families. We appreciate the understanding and flexibility of our families during this unexpected challenge.

As we move through the final weeks of the year, we thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to our vibrant college community. We look forward to celebrating many more achievements and milestones as 2024 comes to a close.

Jacob Knowles
Assistant Principal – Strategy and Staff

At the start of the year, through our teaching and learning survey, we asked students and parents about the structure of free lines for Year 11 and 12 students. The consensus was clear: both students and families preferred the free line structure over a block of free time, such as a day off every fortnight.

The 2025 timetable for Years 11 and 12 will include more face-to-face instructional time, leading to fewer additional hours outside the classroom. Students will still have free lines, and our new library space will feature a designated Senior Study area. This space will provide an environment for students to utilise their free time effectively, with just-in-time tutoring support available when needed.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferre Houses

Student revision materials for upcoming exams are available on Moodle. These resources are designed to support students in their preparation and ensure they feel confident heading into their assessments.

If your child is having difficulty finding appropriate revision materials or needs additional guidance, please contact their subject teacher for assistance.

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferre Houses

St Vincent De Paul’s Society (Vinnies) has been running a Kids Club at Gungahlin Library every Saturday from 1:30-3:00 pm. I first found this opportunity when it was advertised through the Sentral Notices in August. It is a place for young primary school kids from different cultural backgrounds to make friends, practise literacy and numeracy skills they learn in school and feel supported in their community. The Kids Club also provides a refuge for the kids to have time away from their families, connect with others and develop their skills in a safe environment. For many of these kids, it may be the only safe space where they have a chance to explore their freedom. 

I have begun volunteering at the Kids Club on the weekends, alongside Dr Afghan and many other dedicated volunteers. The experience is very rewarding, where I learn how to communicate with a variety of age groups in different situations. They have endless enthusiasm and energy, so it is always fun to have conversations with them, play games and read books. The program provides the kids with a sense of freedom to participate in the activities of their choice - from picture books to bingo games, they learn new skills and have a fun time. I enjoy creating a safe space for these kids to express themselves and have fun after a busy week at school.

This volunteering experience has given me a chance to consider what I would like to do with my future and has allowed me to gain experience that is vital to many pathways in many jobs and careers. I am able to explore my passions and help others in my community in a context outside of school and home life, taking this with me into the years to come.

Thank you to Vinnies Gungahlin for taking me on as a volunteer, and thank you to Dr Afghan for supporting me through this journey!

Elise W
Year 10, Drexel

We are excited to share that a beautiful new nativity scene has been installed near the College office, for the Advent season. This cherished symbol of Christ’s birth invites us to reflect on the core of our faith—God’s love for humanity through the gift of Jesus. The nativity scene reminds us of the humility, hope, and peace that the Holy Family represents, serving as an enduring example of God’s presence in our lives.

We encourage all students, staff, and families to take a moment to pause and reflect on the display as we journey together through this season of anticipation and joy.

St John Paul II College will once again support the Annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal during Weeks 6, 7, and 8. Each house will contribute four hampers to help those in need this festive season.

PC teachers will discuss the appeal with students during PC time and share a list of items that can be donated.

We encourage all students to contribute generously, ensuring these hampers bring joy and relief to families in our community.

Thank you for supporting this important initiative!

Mrs Clare Kinnane 

The 2025 St John Paul II College calendar is now live on our website - https://jpc.act.edu.au/calendar

Key dates for the upcoming school year, including term dates and camps are all listed.

We encourage families to check the calendar regularly, as updates or changes may occur throughout the year. Staying informed will help ensure you don’t miss any important events or deadlines.

Are you thinking about 2025 stationery requirements?

St John Paul II College has partnered with COS to offer pre-packed book packs tailored to each year level's requirements. COS will handle the packing and delivery of all necessary resources directly to families.

For more information about requirements in 2025 visit - https://www.jpc.act.edu.au/stationery-requirements

The 2025 Student Guide is also now available - https://jpc.act.edu.au/handbook

Mrs Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal -Learning
Kennedy and Ferre Houses

Applications for the Snow Scholarships will open in early 2025; successful applicants will commence their studies in Semester One, 2026.

Parish Newsletter

For the latest news Click here or you can view it on the Parish App or visit the website below.

Applications for the Future of Education Equity Fund for the 2024 school year close on 29 November 2024.

The ACT Government's Future of Education Equity Fund provides yearly one-off payments to low-income Canberra families with students from preschool to year 12, and independent students. The Equity Fund helps cover costs associated with schooling.

The following payments are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high-school and college students

NOTE: There is no limit on the number of students for whom each parent or carer can apply, providing they meet all conditions. Independent students can apply on their own behalf.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

1. Reside in the ACT
2. Have parental responsibility for a dependent student(s) in grades P-12; or be an independent student
3. Be financially responsible for the student(s)
4. Demonstrate low-income status

Click here for details and full Eligibility requirements.