Ash Wednesday

This week, the Church celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. It is observed by many Christian denominations, particularly Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some other Protestant groups.

On Ash Wednesday, worshippers attend church services where ashes—made from the burnt palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday—are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes are typically burned and consecrated for this purpose.

The significance of Ash Wednesday lies in its call for self-reflection, humility, and spiritual renewal as Christians prepare for the celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At JPC, our students took part in a House-based Ash Wednesday liturgy, led by House Captains and senior students. Year 7 students, who were on camp, participated in an evening liturgy on the beach.

International Women’s Day

Our school, like many others, took time to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day is dedicated to recognising the incredible achievements of women throughout history and across all fields of endeavour. In the library this week, this was highlighted through book displays and screenings of two amazing stories of young Australians—Michelle Payne and Jessica Watson.

It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.

At JPC, we are proud to support and empower our female students, staff, and community members. We believe in fostering an environment where every individual can reach their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. It was fantastic to see so many students engage in the events organised by our teachers.

Raising Children Resource

I was recently referred to a valuable resource by one of our teaching staff. Raisingchildren.net.au is a government-funded website, free from commercial interests. It aims to provide tips and tricks for busy families on a range of topics—from newborns through to teenagers.

This week, I am highlighting a particular article on friendships, especially when friendships become toxic. Friendship fallouts and changes are a natural part of any school setting, but sometimes these fallouts can lead to issues, particularly online through cyberbullying and harassment.

This article is one of many available on the Raising Children website, and I highly recommend families explore the videos, articles, and interactive resources.

Mr Tom Van De Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing

We are very excited to have recently collaborated with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Forensic Science Laboratories to celebrate the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is held annually on 11 February.

Three of our senior science students—Kayla Bryant, Imogen Hannaford, and Matilda Brown—were invited by Commander Joanne Cameron, AFP Acting Commissioner, to join female students from other Canberra schools and spend the day with science professionals from the Forensic Laboratories at Majura.

The organisation’s Principal Forensic Scientist, Dr Kylie Jones, and her team led Kayla, Imogen, and Matilda on a tour of the AFP Forensic Facility, where they participated in interactive experiences that included ballistics, fingerprint and shoeprint capture, and DNA and blood analysis.

This day provided our students with the opportunity to not only be immersed in the world of forensics but also to speak with inspirational women in science about their roles in their field and their educational and career paths. It was an exciting day!

Building a Future for Women in Science

Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, yet females continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers. Current worldwide statistics show that only one in three scientists are female.

There are many factors that influence young girls' access to STEM careers, including family environment, school and university settings, as well as persistent social and cultural norms. Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women’s advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It is our fervent hope that we at JPC can help shift this imbalance and encourage greater access for girls to the sciences, engineering, technology, and mathematics. This can be achieved overtly, by attending opportunities such as this day, and inherently, through our curriculum and the role models provided by our inspirational teachers (of all genders).

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations’ observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. For more information, visit the link below:

United Nations – International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Other Science News: Year 9 Science – Biology and Brain Dissections!

In the current biology unit, Year 9 students have been exploring the role of the nervous system in regulating and coordinating the body’s response to a stimulus. This was enhanced with a practical session where students undertook a dissection of a sheep’s brain.

Dissecting animal organs offers a direct and authentic view into the body’s structures. As a hands-on activity, it enables students to consolidate the theory they have learned while also developing their understanding of scientific inquiry.

Pictured are some of our Year 9 scientists at work!

Mrs Jennifer Tually
Science Coordinator

Retreat Theme: Faithfulness – The Holy Spirit Dwells
"For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." (Romans 5:5)

The Year 7 evening Retreat began with lighting their Year 7 Retreat Candle to symbolise the light of love, the light of the future, and the light of their hearts to guide them as they began their journey at St John Paul II College. United in hope, the students were encouraged to open the door of their hearts and to be a channel of love – in what they say, what they do, and the way they think.

As a symbol of the love this group shared and a symbol of the beginning of their spiritual journey, each student came forward and traced their hand on a huge canvas. Then followed a reflection: "God has written the name of each of us on the palm of His hand." God loves us unconditionally! Even when we make mistakes, God will not love us any less or any more tomorrow than He loves us right now! As their hands grow over their time at JPC, so too will their hearts. As they become more generous, loving, and wise and find their place in this world, they will be the light, sharing their gifts with our faith community. They will be a beacon for others to follow so that they too may seek their dreams for the future through their faithfulness.

Each student then lit a candle, reflecting on their God-given gifts. As the canvas was illuminated with all the candles, they realised that by bringing their gifts to our community, we become brighter, stronger, and more beautiful! A powerful symbol of how the light of love, the light of the future, and the light in their hearts will guide them on their journey at St John Paul II College.

The Retreat concluded with the Year 7 students writing a letter to themselves, which they will open at their Year 12 Retreat in 2030. The students wrote about their dreams for the future, their prayers for their families, and their aspirations for their spiritual journey ahead. Some students had the opportunity for stargazing. The Year 7 students sometimes feel small and insignificant… but without them, without their loving hearts and gifts of the Holy Spirit, St John Paul II College would be a gloomy place. Like the stars, together they brighten the whole school.

"My God loves me and all the wonders I see and all small signs of love my God has for me. He calls my name, to Him no one is the same – to Him I am me."

Ms Maria Tolfree
Mission and Ministry

The Senior Outdoor Recreation class went on their first Cycle Journey of the semester on Monday, 3 March. Our aim was to get to Mt Stromlo from JPC on bicycles! It was a great day as students learned how to guide others in the group and navigate through some hidden gems of Canberra. Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and it was awesome to see our JPC students travel a big distance. The next journey will be the second leg of the Centenary Trail, which will take them from Mt Stromlo to Red Hill via Pine Island (Tuggeranong) and Isaacs Ridge (Woden).

 

Please see the following information for NAPLAN. TH1 will be for students with incompatible devices who need to use school computers. TH3 and TH4 will be for students entitled to sit NAPLAN in a separate space. All other students will be in the hall and will line up in alphabetical order.

NAPLAN Schedule

Wednesday, 12 March

• Period 3-4 – Year 9 (Writing)
• Period 5-6 – Year 7 (Writing)

Thursday, 13 March

• Period 1-2 – Year 9 (Reading)
• Period 3-4 – Year 7 (Reading)

Friday, 14 March

• Period 1-2 – Year 9 (Conventions of Language)
• Period 3-4 – Year 7 (Conventions of Language)

Monday, 17 March

• Period 1-2 – Year 9 (Numeracy)
• Period 3-4 – Year 7 (Numeracy)

Catch-Up Sessions

Catch-up sessions will run alongside the alternate year group's scheduled session in the hall. Period 1 catch-ups will be in the Tech Hubs from Tuesday, 18 March – Monday, 24 March. There will be no opportunity to catch up after 24 March.

At St John Paul II College, we encourage students to submit their assessment tasks on time. Meeting deadlines is essential for maintaining consistency in marking, providing timely feedback, and ensuring equity for all students. However, we also understand that sometimes students may need extra time, and we support them in completing their work even if it is late.

To ensure fairness, the following guidelines apply to all senior non-test assessment tasks:

• Due Dates & Times: All assessments must be submitted by the specified due date. Physical submissions are due by 4:00 pm, while digital submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on the due date.
• Extensions: If a student is unable to meet the deadline due to exceptional circumstances, they must apply for an extension at least three days in advance and provide appropriate supporting documentation.
• Late Penalties: If a task is submitted late without an approved extension, a penalty of 5% per day (including weekends and public holidays) will be applied, up to a maximum deduction of 35%. Any work submitted more than seven days late will receive a zero score.

Leave Processes

If a student requires leave for two or more days, a formal application must be submitted in advance. To apply for approved leave, families must complete the Senior Application for Extended Leave (2–10 days) and send it to the principal at principal.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au before the leave begins.

Please note that leave is only approved in exceptional circumstances, and holidays scheduled during term time are not considered a valid reason for absence. Unapproved absences may be recorded as unexplained and could result in a void grade.

Year 10 Work Experience Week

Last week, we introduced the Year 10 Work Experience Week to our Year 10 students. To help support their transition into senior studies with an idea of what may lie on the other side, all Year 10 students will have the opportunity to complete five days out in the ‘real world’.

Work Experience Week will take place in Term 2, Week 10, from Monday, 30 June – Friday, 4 July.

Our work experience process can be found here.

Upcoming Presentations – Week 6

• ANU – Tuesday, 11 March @ Lunchtime in the Library
  Open to Year 10+ students. All tertiary students should attend.
• Year 7 Careers Information @ Lunchtime in the Library (Week 6)
  Students should bring their device to the sessions. This session is dedicated to Year 7 students only. Over the week, they will engage in various activities to help consolidate their transition into high school while creating a deeper understanding of themselves.

Students can book a careers meeting by emailing careers.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au

Thank You

We would like to thank Nicole for inspiring our students and staff with her insights into the world of animation and illustration. Students who attended the presentation gained a glimpse into the work life of a Disney animator/illustrator and how they bring their ideas to the big screen!

Application to learning was previously known as an effort grade. We use the same Application to Learning assessment across all subject areas, and these assessments reflect our School-Wide Positive Behaviours of respect for others, respect for self, and respect for the environment. Students' application is assessed based on teacher judgment using the following rubric.

This rubric will be completed for each student and published in Canvas in Week 8, and then formally reported at the end of each semester.

Please check Canvas at the end of Week 8 to see how your child is progressing and to determine if you would like to schedule a parent-teacher interview on Monday, 28 April. Please note that these interviews will take place online.

As we enter the month of March, Orange Sky encourages us to think about the people who are experiencing homelessness in Australia.

Orange Sky is an Australian charity that was founded in Brisbane in 2014. As part of their organisation, they created the world’s first mobile laundry van, which provides free laundry services, warm showers, and meaningful conversations to support those experiencing hardship and living on the streets.

In 2025, St John Paul II College will participate in “Walk The Walk” throughout March. We will raise awareness by walking around our school oval each morning. As a school, our goal is to walk 122 kilometres over the month to represent the 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness.

Parent/Teacher/Student meetings will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm via TEAMS.

Further details, including booking information, will be sent out during Week 8.

The Hunny Hair Academy will be offering a special holiday program providing hands-on training in shampooing and basic blow-drying techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work with a model, have their own hair styled, and practice on their model. They will also hear from guest speakers and staff members about the realities of an apprenticeship, including the challenges, the rewards, and what the lifestyle entails.

Participants will also receive a certificate of completion to present to a future employer.

The holiday program will run during school hours over two days, with a $395 fee.

Contact the salon directly for registrations.