This week our College community came together to celebrate a significant moment in our liturgical life - our Feast Day. It was a joyful and reflective occasion, reminding us of the powerful witness St John Paul II was to many people around the world, and it is his actions and words that shape our identity and mission.

A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a new sculpture of St John Paul II, a powerful symbol of faith and trust. Sculptures such as this, serve not only as aesthetically beautiful pieces but also as spiritual signposts, inviting us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our faith.

During the unveiling, Archbishop Christopher Prowse encouraged all members of our community to take a moment as they pass the statue, whether arriving at the College or walking through the grounds, to offer a prayer of thanks or to ask for guidance in times of need. It is a simple yet profound gesture that reminds us of the many blessings in our lives and the importance of gratitude.

We were especially blessed to have the sculptor, Linda Klarfeld, present at the unveiling. She shared her powerful personal story of how St John Paul II changed her life. Although she never met him, his influence on political change in her home country allowed her, as a refugee, to be reunited with her family. Her work on the sculpture was a labour of love.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the planning and running of our Feast Day celebrations. As we continue through the term, may the presence of St John Paul II inspire us to live with justice, peace, and courage.

Kathleen Garvie
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning 

Welcome to Term 4! Our Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) classes are off to an exciting start, with students engaging in a range of thought-provoking topics that build critical thinking and real-world understanding.

Year 9 Business

Students are developing financial literacy through the unit Protecting Your Financial Future: Scams, Threats and Consumer Programs. They are exploring:
• Financial scams and identity theft
• Financial fraud and the “lazy tax”
• Loyalty programs and their impact
• Tools for evaluating information, such as the CRAAP test and source analysis

Year 10 Geography

Students are investigating global food inequality and will be creating opinion pieces to express their perspectives on this important issue.

Year 9 History

Our historians are examining the MAIN(S) causes of the First World War, deepening their understanding of the complex factors that shaped global events.

Year 7 HASS

Students are learning about how people live in different parts of the world, focusing on environmental quality and its role in liveability. They will soon move on to comparing infrastructure in Canberra with places such as Singapore.

Finally, we would like to welcome Ms Sarah Barron, who brings a wealth of experience across the HASS subjects. She is looking forward to working with the students at JPC.

We look forward to a term filled with curiosity, discussion and learning. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students thrive.

Daniel Burns
HASS Coordinator 

Semester 2 Exam Schedule for Year 7-12

End of year dates for Years 11 and 12 

Although it is not the end of term yet, the Library Team is beginning preparations for the return of school-issued textbooks. While the official return schedule will be shared shortly with your child, we’d like to offer a gentle reminder to families to begin checking in with them about their textbooks.

Here’s how you can support the process:

• Damaged books? If your child’s textbook is torn, marked or otherwise damaged, now is the ideal time for them to visit the library. Early conversations help us manage repairs or replacements with care and understanding.

• Missing books? If a textbook has been misplaced, we encourage parents and students to speak with the Library Team as soon as possible. We’ll work together to explore options and avoid last-minute stress.

Taking a few minutes now to locate and assess textbooks—whether they’re in lockers, bags or at home—can make a big difference. Your support helps us maintain our shared resources and ensures a smooth transition into next year.

Thank you for partnering with us.

Jessica Stokman
Library Coordinator

Huge congratulations to Year 9 student Riley Prior who took out first place in the Junior Heavy category at this year’s Canberra Cup Championship. Riley’s performance was outstanding and a fantastic example of skill, focus and determination.

Riley now has one more Canberra race in four weeks. If the result goes his way, he will claim the Junior Heavy Championship for 2025—an incredible achievement for such a young competitor.

Looking ahead, Riley is also preparing for an exciting international opportunity: he will travel to Italy in December to compete in the Ayrton Senna Winter Trophy Championship. We wish him all the best as he continues to represent JPC with distinction.

Well done, Riley!

If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument and improving their theoretical and practical skills, individual tuition is available through the JPC Music Program. Our experienced tutors and professional performers cover a wide range of styles and instruments, including:

• Violin, cello
• Saxophone, clarinet
• Guitar, bass
• Drums
• Vocals
• Piano – and more

Band opportunities and instrument hire are also available to support students in their musical journey.  If interested, please fill out the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more information.

Music Tuition Form

Matthew Dennett
Music Teacher