Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of friendship, for those people around me who support me and share in both my sorrows and celebrations. I pray that my friendships only grow in love and respect, that we may flourish together in our faith and understanding. Teach me to become a better friend, showing love to my friends even in times of adversity. Please Lord, guide my friends in their lives so that they may be in communion with you, blessing them through your Holy Spirit. Have mercy on them and keep them under your protection.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

From: ACU Book of Prayer (2021, p.20)

During the last week I have had two distinct personal occasions to reflect on the value of friendship. The first was reading an article about Pope Leo and an address he gave to Augustinian educational leaders more than a decade ago, where he spoke about the values of a Catholic school. One of these values is community, and the benefit that we derive from sharing our gifts with others, for the good of the community.

From our community we spark the opportunity for the development of friendships. Often, our schools are places where enduring friendships are forged. Naturally, for some students, this is easier than for others. We are reminded that we need to spend time with each other, to be in the company of others without an agenda, so that we might develop quality friendships. Friends help us know ourselves better.

Friends also help us become better people. Sometimes they keep us in check and help us modify our behaviour and/or our language, and they might just tell us to figuratively pull our heads in because they care about us! Good friends are honest with us. They are a confidante, a social outlet, and people in whom we confide our most intimate thoughts, dreams, and even our fears. Friends also turn up when the going gets tough. They do not abandon us when we are not at our best. They provide solace, company, and comfort.

The second occasion that led me to reflect on the friends, was a series of texts with a mate who is planning to come and visit me. His thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. He always lets it begin with him and will take the initiative to ring me every single week. For the planned visit, he has suggested we go for a bike ride, even offering to bring my bike from Sydney with him. Friends make plans and keep them!

I consider myself fortunate to have some good friends. They sustain me and make my social life engaging to say the least. Friends listen to us, and we return this investment because reciprocity is one of the ingredients that make a sustaining friendship.

Professor and author Jonathan Haidt suggests that social scientists have identified at least three major forces that bind together successful democracies. They are social capital (extensive social networks with high levels of trust), strong institutions, and shared stories. With a robust friendship group, we get the bonds of a tight social network, and we certainly share stories. Our institutions (in this case our schools) are vital for the forging of lifelong, life-giving relationships and friendships.

I am sure that as an Augustine priest, Pope Leo values the gift of friendship. Of course, our relationship with the person of Jesus is the most precious friendship we can all enjoy. We must “waste time” with Jesus, so that we might know him more, love him more, and seek to be more like him.

May the coming holiday break be a time for our young people to enjoy the company of good friends. Stay safe until next term.

Students will recommence on Tuesday 14 October in summer uniform.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal

Term 3 is proving to be a busy time for the JPC Library.

Students in Years 7 and 8 are continuing to develop their reading skills. This term they have focused on vocabulary acquisition, continued to build reading fluency, and begun reading more complex texts to extend their knowledge. I encourage you to ask your child what they are currently reading or have read this term. We want every student at St John Paul II to achieve academic success, so reading is a priority!

Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge - a huge congratulations to all students who participated. It is evident that students at JPC read!

Books out — 4,945 books have been loaned and read. Well done and thank you to all the students who are writing book reviews on our platform, Oliver! Want to see what is available? Click here: https://oliver7.cg.catholic.edu.au/oliver/home/news

Need a new book to read over the break?

We have books to adopt in the library, or better yet, there are many new titles available for you to borrow. See you in the library.

Jessica Stokman
Library Coordinator

On Friday 12 September, Year 10 Youth Ministry attended the Shine Conference held at Merici College. We arrived in the morning, were welcomed by the youth ministers and taken into the hall.

We began the conference by exploring the theme “Let your light shine.” The Archbishop spoke about the theme and talked to us about what it means to have faith, and how we can let our light shine to share the gospel. He spoke about St Carlo Acutis and reminded us that even though we’re young, we can still use technology to spread the word.

After morning tea, we participated in some workshops. We did the “Faith on the Field” workshop where Father John Woods talked to us about his experience working with the Canberra Raiders and how they used prayer before games. He spoke about how we can use prayer and our faith to have confidence in ourselves. Something memorable from this workshop was when Father John said, “Be yourselves, because everybody else is taken.”

We then had lunch and finished the day with a Just Dance session in the hall. This final session included a Q&A panel where people in the crowd, including myself, were able to ask questions and get answers from the panellists. Afterwards there was a testimony shared by one of the Merici students. What stood out was that she openly admitted to denying God, but when she accepted Him she found her life improving. This day offered lots of powerful testimonies and practical ways we can all deepen our faith.

Cecilia A, Penelope B and Aman N
Year 10 Youth Ministry students

On Wednesday 3 September, a group of students was invited to attend the Battle for Australia Day Commemorative Service. This was a significant opportunity for students and teachers to learn about this event from the points of view of current defence officers and veterans. After the ceremony, we were able to socialise with students from other schools, building friendships and camaraderie across the ACT. This time also allowed us to speak with distinguished guests including Chaplain Martin Christensen RAN, the representative Ambassador for Japan, and Les Cook — a veteran of the Battle for Australia.

Chaplain Martin Christensen (RAN) led prayers, asking God to grant rest and to honour the supreme sacrifice of those who defended Australia. He recited a benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony and encouraged us to carry the message of that sacrifice forward, following the example of Jesus and his disciples. His wise words will inform how the defence leaders aim to lead and help form a stronger community at JPC.

 

The Ambassador of Japan shared insights into building unity between nations by strengthening our understanding of each other’s stories. He also touched on the importance of diplomacy and allied partnerships in creating a better world for future generations.

Finally, Les Cook — who enlisted at 17 and is a veteran of the Battle for Australia — spoke of his dedication to protecting our country. Students found his commitment inspiring and motivating, whether they are striving for excellence in the classroom or through extracurricular activities.

Written by
Emily J and Lucy G
Defence Coordinator Leader and Defence Leader

Our Year 9 and Year 10 French students recently visited Les Bistronome restaurant for an authentic French dining experience. Students had the wonderful opportunity to practise their French language skills in a real-world setting while enjoying delicious French cuisine, including escargot (snails), duck and crème brûlée.

 

A fantastic way to bring classroom learning to life and immerse our students in French culture!

Félicitations to all students who participated!

Jie Li
Languages Coordinator

This week, our Year 7 Korean students had an exciting opportunity to step onto the mats and experience Taekwondo (태권도)! Taekwondo, a modern Korean martial art and an Olympic sport enjoyed around the world, was brought to life in an energetic session led by two expert instructors from Action Taekwondo. Students were guided through dynamic warm-ups, traditional forms (품새, poomsae), self-defence drills, and powerful kicking techniques (발차기, bal chagi). They also got to practise their Korean language skills by using classroom vocabulary such as numbers and calls to attention.

 

The students left the session buzzing with energy, newfound skills, and maybe just a few dramatic “hi-yah!” sound effects echoing down the hallway!

Elissa Burt
English & Korean Teacher

From 10 to 12 September 2025, John Paul College students Luke, Evan, Harry N, Will, Rhys and Caelan, together with teachers Ms Goggin and Mr McDonnell, based at Horse Camp Hut in the Snowy Mountains for two nights. We cross-country/backcountry skied Schlink’s Pass, built a quinzee (igloo) and learnt many alpine skills. Great weather, including a snow dump on the first night! It was lots of fun.

 

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