Publication - John Paul International College

Transcription

Spring
EAGLE
2013
SOARING
into Positive
Education
Indigenous
Education
Programme enriches
our Campus
Cum Laude
Awards
celebrating Academic
Excellence
Unity | Christ
Unity | Christ | Learning
Cover: Austin Marpoondin, Year 12,
assisting with planting the Bush Tucker
Grove on Finch Farm
Inside this
spring Edition 2013
published by
John Paul College
editor
Nicola Dowding
content editorS
Nicola Dowding, Sue Homann
design
Megan Hibberd
printing
Kingswood Press
contributions
[email protected]
(Photographs are also welcome! )
The Eagle is a symbol of spirit,
vision, strength and courage.
It is the epitome of John Paul
College where its students and
alumni ‘soar like eagles’. Not all
students can be leaders and not all
leaders will succeed, but we must
not allow the illusion of limitation
to ground us in our flight.
CRICOS 00500B
1
From the Headmaster’s Desk
3
A Message from the Board
4
Nurturing Spirituality
7
Celebrating excellence
8
foundation day
10
Indigenous Education
12
primary SCHOOL sport
14
senior school sport
17
PERFORMING ARTS highlights
22
around campus
30
community
36
International Baccalaureate
38
John Paul International college
39
SUSTAINABILITY
42
Alumni
45
THE LAST WORD
from the HEADMASTER’S desk
Reinventing
Traditional
Education for
the 21st Century
by Mr Peter Foster, Headmaster
T
hings are changing around us very
quickly. We are facing issues never
before seen on our planet, including
global warming, famine, poverty,
health concerns, a population explosion and
other environmental and social issues. Our
world is becoming more interconnected but our
environment is becoming more unstable.
At John Paul College,
we recognise that we
must be at the forefront
of a new wave of
education taking place
around the world.
Changing global conditions demand that
we rethink what, how and where we learn.
The education needed for the 21st century
is one which is flexible, creative, challenging
and complex.
It must provide an authentic learning
experience within a quality learning
environment. Focusing on a holistic education,
it has to embrace School spirit, relationships
both within and outside the school
environment, flexible structures, integrated
learning and provide an engaging curriculum.
An underlying student-focused pedagogy
represents a profound change in what is
currently taught, how it is being delivered
and assessed and in relationships between the
parents, teachers and students. It also challenges
the traditional education systems to produce
students who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
As part of our annual Board and Senior
Leadership Team Retreat, we were challenged
to think strategically about what success will
look like at John Paul College for the 21st
century learner.
Our thinking and forward planning
during the retreat focused on what success
will look like in the future within the
curriculum, the community, for facilities and
for leadership, and what opportunities will
exist in these areas moving forward.
Given the rapid change in technology
as well as the changing nature of occupations
and job opportunities, this was no easy task.
We know that the ways things have always been
done in education are not necessarily the ways
of the future.
Today’s students are being educated for
occupations not yet created and will be using
technology not yet invented. As a school, we
need to change radically if we are to meet the
needs of our young people when they graduate.
Our kindergarten children will retire in the
latter part of the 21st century and for the next
13 years we must educate them for the next
stage of their lives – for 2026 and beyond.
john paul college 1
from the HEADMASTER’S desk
Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster and Year 11 students at camp
It is important to
recognise that learning
can no longer conform
to the confined
boundaries of past
teaching practices.
The traditional ‘chalk
and talk’ approach
no longer applies.
2 the EAGLE spring 2013
The Class of 2026 will enter a working
environment which will be vastly different
from the one most parents entered when
they left school. As such, we need to be aware
of the skills and personal traits that will be
important for life success in that space and
we must prepare our students to be ready to
achieve in that world.
The challenge is that we have little
idea of what the world will look like when
they graduate, much less when they retire
in 60 years.
One thing that we do know is that today’s
students are ‘digital natives’ whose entire lives
are immersed in the 21st century world of
multi-media. They are also digital learners who
multi-task in this world whilst studying and
going about their daily lives. They need to be
able to work within a globally interconnected
world more than ever before.
At John Paul College, it is our intention
to know each student and what they need.
We aim to teach them HOW to think, not
WHAT to think. We provide them with
genuine learning experiences within a quality
teaching environment with a curriculum that
engages them in real-world challenges.
Our teachers have an indepth knowledge
of their teaching areas and a thorough
understanding of the students in their care.
They know their learning styles, interests and
family environment and encourage them
to accept responsibility for their own learning.
Teaching them how to become lifelong
learners sets them on the path for success
long after their schooling has finished.
We believe we are responsive to the needs
of the individual learner as well as to the
challenges they might meet within the wider
community.
The 21st century learning experience that
we provide is constructed around students’
holistic growth and learning. It comprises
academic content and skills, the opportunity
to reflect on faith, participation in pastoral
care and positive education and in a wide
range of co-curricular activities. The outcome
is that learning opportunities and outcomes
are maximised for all students.
This is a dramatic departure from education
of a bygone era. It leaves behind teacher
focused textbook teaching and traditional paper
and pencil schooling. It means a new way
of understanding the concept of ‘knowledge’
and a new definition of the ‘educated person’.
Our team of teaching and learning experts
continues to look at the educational models
for the future and the skills that are needed for
us to continue to remain ahead of the game.
It is important to recognise that learning
can no longer conform to the confined
boundaries of past teaching practices.
The traditional ‘chalk and talk’ approach
no longer applies. If we are to provide our
students with cutting-edge 21st century
education, then we must remain open minded
about these new learning experiences.
I am excited at the possibilities which
lie ahead for our students and look forward
to reporting upon our developments over
the coming months.
A MESSAGE from the BOARD
1 Bruce and Roslyn Edmunds enjoying the view
from their bench 2 Helen Weissenberger, new
John Paul College Chair
1
It is a privilege to be
writing my first article
for ‘The Eagle’ as the
new Chair of the Board.
2
A message from the
John Paul College
BOARD
by Mrs Helen Weissenberger, Chair
A
fter serving nine years on the
Board, the last four as Chair,
Mark Fenton retired as per the
Constitution. On behalf of the
Board I would like to publicly thank Mark
for his leadership, commitment and dedication
to the College over the past nine years.
Corporate Governance, including the
relationship between the Headmaster and
the Chair and Decision-Making Models.
The Board has found it beneficial to have
the Headmaster and other members of the
executive in these sessions because we have had
robust discussions throughout the workshops.
infrastructure and facilities to enable them
to become the leaders of the future.
I would also like to welcome Mrs Susan
Middleditch. Susan brings with her a wealth
of governance and financial expertise from the
Public sector and other board appointments
she currently holds.
In June 2013, the Board spent two days
working with the Headmaster and the
Senior Leadership Team on our strategic
priorities for the remainder of 2013 and into
2014. We have streamlined the reporting
of strategic priorities to the Board for the
Senior Leadership team.
Whilst there are many current opportunities
available to the College, our focus remains
to provide leading-edge holistic education for
our students to be the best that they can be.
The Board has been working with ISQ
(Independent Schools Queensland) and a
company called Effective Governance over
the past four months on a pilot programme
designed specifically for directors and
executives of independent schools. The
programme teaches all aspects of Good
One of the outcomes of this Strategic
Retreat was to define how education will
look for the 21st century learner at John
Paul College. The way in which students
will be taught will require an environment,
The aim of the Board is to listen to the
needs of our families. In conjunction with
the Senior Leadership Team, we will be
investigating opportunities which support
21st century education.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the
contribution of Mr Bruce Edmunds, a long
standing member of the John Paul College
family and Board member from 2000 – 2012.
In recognition of Bruce’s involvement,
the College has installed a special bench
at Cec Munns Sports Centre so that Bruce
can enjoy his sports in comfort.
john paul college 3
nURTURING SPIRITUALITY
Christian
message
by Mr Steve Ward, Chaplain
1
2
I guess if you have
met me you would
understand that
I am a passionate
man. I think that is
just the way God has
made me.
1 American rock band, Safe Haven with Year 11
student Kurt Scheiwe 2 Easter Service
D
uring AFL season I can be heard
yelling at the television during
a Collingwood match and when
we move in to summer my wife
can hear up the other end of the house my cry
of “Yes”, when Australia takes a wicket in the
cricket. I could eat a litre of butterscotch and
honeycomb ice cream in one sitting and play
the stereo up full bore whenever one of my
favourite songs comes on.
on tradition. It is about understanding who
Jesus is, how he holds each one of us in his
hand, and the expectations he has of us
as his children. He is ours and we are his.
Out of this we gain a sense of belonging,
and of purpose. Furthermore, whatever
we are passionate about as individuals,
Christ loves us, and wants us to use our
passions to make a difference in this world –
in a way that honours him.
On top of all this, I have an unswerving
faith in Jesus Christ. As a teenager it took me
a while to understand just who he is, and what
he wanted from me – from all of us. I have
a fervent love for a God who showed me that
he had a passionate love for me – to the
point that he would give up his life for me.
From this came an offer to be in a relationship
with him every day. I am his child, adopted
into his family. I am a child of God.
That is why in Chapel we have covered such
topics as Generosity, Body Image, Kindness
and Goal Setting. We have also looked closely
at Jesus’ disciple Peter, the Parable of the
Sower, the Symbols of Christianity and C.S.
Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.
Through looking at these, the students have
been challenged about who Christ is, Christ’s
view of who they are, and the kind of life
he expects them to live.
I tell you all this so you might understand
the Christian message being passed on to the
students and staff of John Paul College.
When we have ‘Christ’ in the centre of our
motto it is not an empty word just based
On another note, one highlight of Semester
1 was a visit to our College by American rock
band Safe Haven. They are pictured here with
Year 11 student Kurt Scheiwe, who helped
to arrange this first visit by an international
Whatever we are passionate about
as individuals, Christ loves us, and
wants us to use our passions to
make a difference in this world
– in a way that honours him.
christian
LIVING
by Father Leo Burke, Patron of John Paul College
T
o nurture a Christian spirituality is something to which
every Christian person should aspire. This is best achieved
by understanding what ‘to nurture’ means.
It means to develop slowly, deeply and with great appreciation
as to what is being done. To develop a spirituality to me means
to more fully understand the role of the “Spirit”. That is the role
of God in our ordinary lives.
How then do I see this development coming about? To me
it means to have a close encounter with God through daily prayer,
which means simply being in touch with God on a regular basis.
This does not necessarily mean long prayer, but sincere prayer,
leaving God to do His part as well as my part. Even in our busy
world, as each of us needs to find time to be in regular contact
with those we love, so too with God our Father.
band. The lyrics of their songs reflected their spirituality, experience
and hopes. The concert they played after the Senior School Athletics
Day was very memorable.
‘Compass’ has continued for Christian students and those
interested in finding out more about Christianity. Every Friday
we meet and have a laugh, play a game and discuss something
to do with God. A volunteer from one of the local churches has begun
to come to help with the group.
As a College, we also continue to run ecumenical services that
involve the local clergy. We ran an Easter Service reminding students
about the price Jesus paid for them and his awesome resurrection.
This was followed in Term 2 with a Pentecost Service reminding
us all of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.
In the Primary Services we looked more closely at Easter and also
considered what it means to be responsible in God’s eyes. On the Years
5 and 6 camps students participated in a service about being ‘Servant
Leaders’ just as Christ showed us to be.
A couple of students washed each other’s feet and we discussed practical
ways we could serve our friends and family at school and at home.
Through all of these things, if our students learn to be passionate
about God, their friends, family, and those in need, then our
Heavenly Father will truly know that ‘Christ’ really is at the centre
of our great College.
To me the next best way to slowly nurture this relationship
with God is by a regular reading of the Bible, especially of the
New Testament, and even then the close reading of one of the
four Gospels.
Here we can literally touch base with the person who is our
spiritual leader, Christ himself. By close and regular reading of one
of these Gospels we can read for ourselves what Christ himself did
and said. This can become a pattern for us to follow in our daily
lives. St. Paul in his many Epistles has a lot of good advice for us
to follow to nurture that relationship more deeply with our God.
However, to me, the icing on the cake is to take an active part
in regular worship in a church setting. Here we can join more fully
with other Christians in putting ourselves in touch with our God,
and then letting Him be in touch with us in prayer, word and song.
It makes me realise that other folk find this of real value to
them as they endeavour to do the same as I am. It gives a sense
of community, a gathering of like-minded people coming
together for a common purpose.
To a beginner this all takes time, but as one Latin philosopher
said many years ago, ‘Festina lente’ - ‘Hasten slowly’. Let’s take
our time to slowly develop, to nurture, a real sense of the presence
of God in our lives so that when we do meet Him at the end
of our lives it will be as a meeting with an old friend whom we
have known for years here in this life.
john paul college 5
JPC
Care
COMMUNITY
1
James 2:14-17 says,
What good is it, my
brothers and sisters, if
someone claims to have
faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save
them? Suppose a brother
or a sister is without
clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to
them, “Go in peace; keep
warm and well fed,” but
does nothing about their
physical needs, what
good is it? In the same
way, faith by itself, if it
is not accompanied
by action, is dead.
3
1 Community Care students face paint
for charity 2 40 Hour Famine Sleepover
3 El Shaddai Ministries
2
T
he students involved in this
co-curricular activity are putting
these words into practice. They are
involved in helping others in our
local community, as well as people overseas.
The Community Care students sprang into
action and their efforts will make a difference
to those most in need.
Some students have been out with Rosies
to provide friendship, a cuppa and some light
Recently 59 students paid $10 to participate snacks to people at Woodridge. They have
showed amazing compassion to those who are
in a sleepover in the Gorman Centre to raise
less fortunate than themselves, whether from
funds for World Vision’s 40 hour famine.
a social, emotional or financial point of view.
They had a fun time while giving up things
like food, furniture, technology, speaking
Regular visits by students to the RSL Care
and even eyesight! In doing this they were
-Talbarra Retirement Village and Homework
Clubs in Kuraby and Logan ensured that both
identifying with those children in Malawi
seniors and children remain a part of our
(this year’s target nation) who have so little.
involvement in the community.
At Mayfair the students volunteered their
In all of these activities the students are
time and skills to paint the faces of anyone
putting
into practice the Christian values that
who came along. The funds they raised from
our College holds so dear.
this were donated to the Christian Blind
Mission which provided medication to
Africans to prevent parasites from destroying
the optic nerve and causing what is known
as “River Blindness.”
The students have also coordinated
fundraising stalls for El Shaddai Ministries.
Anita Edgar visited the school and spoke of
her work in Goa, India. She works with the
‘Untouchables’, the discarded children of
Indian society left alone and rejected to fend
for themselves. She described helping one
toddler left alone in a ditch
on the side of a road which broke our hearts.
The Community Care
students sprang into
action and their efforts
will make a difference
to those most in need.
Celebrating excellence
Cum Laude Awards
Honour Outstanding Students
Mrs Helen Weissenberger, Chair of the John Paul College Board presents Year 12 student Alyssa
Bebbington with her award.
O
ur annual Cum Laude Awards
Presentation Assembly held in
July saw 242 students in Years
7-12 receiving commendations
for academic honours in Semester 1.
Cum Laude is an academic honour that
means ‘with praise’ in Latin. It is normally
awarded to students on completion of
a course and is the first of a series of three
Latin honours. These kinds of awards are
most common in international universities,
but can be found at schools of varying levels
all around the world.
Not all schools or colleges award Latin
honours, but those that do usually adhere
to excellence and award three different levels
or ranks. Cum Laude comes first, and is
reserved for students who have shown great
proficiency over a sustained course of study.
Next is Magna Cum Laude, which means
‘with great honour,’ followed by Summa Cum
Laude, or ‘with highest honour’.
To achieve these levels of honour students
need to apply themselves to their studies with
enthusiasm and rigour. They also need to
display a consistent and determined approach
every day in each class and each night revising,
doing homework and studying the experiences
undertaken each day.
The 2013 Cum Laude Assembly marks the
seventh year since the introduction of these
special academic awards. Achieving a Cum
Laude is not easy and it takes a student who
is dedicated, to attain this accolade.
We congratulate our
highest achieving
students on obtaining
their awards and for
providing inspiration
and encouragement for
all students of our College
to aspire for excellence in
every endeavour.
“For those of you whose goal it is to walk
across the stage at the 2014 Cum Laude
Assembly I encourage you to be the best you
can be and challenge you to utilise your ability
to succeed through persistence, involvement,
reflection, good time management and striving
for accuracy,” Mr Foster said.
To achieve a Cum Laude two years in a row
is an even greater achievement. So imagine
the kind of focus and determination that is
required to attain a Cum Laude every year,
Keynote speaker, Dr Stephen Brown
from Year 7 to Year 12. This means six years
is Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland
of absolute commitment and motivation to
academic excellence - an achievement that we Education Leadership Institute (QELi) Ltd.
have now recognised with an additional award. This not-for-profit company supports the
development of current and future school
This award, the Praestantia Cum Laude
leaders in Australia and overseas. He has over
Award, was introduced in 2012 and
30 years education experience in education in
acknowledges those students who have
Queensland and Victoria and an international
received a Cum Laude Award every year
and national reputation as an outstanding
from Years 7 – 12.
system leader, thinker and educator.
In 2013, seven students were presented
As the author of research papers on public
with this award. Congratulations to Alyssa
sector change, leadership and organisational
Bebbington, Bridget Bunker, Nigel Chong,
redesign, Dr Brown is frequently invited to
Jemima Mapperson, Laryssa Perkins, Mitchell
address national and international conferences
Reinke and Laura Truong.
on leadership, organisational change and
school improvement.
The final presentation was awarded to
a young lady whose achievement was even
We congratulate our highest achieving
more astounding, as she was presented with her
students on obtaining their awards and
sixth consecutive Summa Cum Laude Award.
for providing inspiration and encouragement
Congratulations again go to Alyssa Bebbington.
for all students of our College to aspire for
Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster congratulated excellence in every endeavour.
all students for their ongoing persistence,
involvement, reflection, time management
and their capacity to strive for accuracy.
john paul college 7
foundation day
Day
FOUNDATION
A celebration of the fabric that makes us the Burgundy and Blue!
1
W
Foundation Day is A
special event on the John
Paul College calendar.
Each year we celebrate
our history and revisit
and reconnect with
the continuing journey
of our College.
e celebrate that we are
blessed with such beautiful
surroundings and wonderful
facilities. We celebrate the
joy of learning as we develop in mind,
body and spirit, and we celebrate the bond
we share with past and present members of
the John Paul College Family. We celebrate
the love of Christ that bonds us together.
That is why Foundation Day is so important
– it is a celebration of the fabric that makes
us Burgundy and Blue!
The other half of the Centre is the area
which focuses on the mind and the spirit.
This is home to our College Chaplain, Mr
Steve Ward and our College Counsellors, Mrs
Jodie Barnard, Miss Sarah White and College
Psychologist, Mr Nahum Kozak who is also our
very enthusiastic Head of Positive Education.
When we started looking for a name for
this new Centre, the “Sister Cecily Foster
Wellbeing Centre” immediately came to mind.
On Foundation Day 2013, our College
community gathered to officially open the
Sister Cecily Foster Wellbeing Centre.
As a leading Catholic educator during our
early years, Sister Foster’s generous spirit and
her sincerity and humility contributed greatly
to the development of the College.
This new Centre is the pastoral welfare hub
of our College campus and is made up of two
areas. One half is the home of our Health
Centre, where students from Kindy to Year 12
visit when they are feeling unwell. The wellbeing
of the body is the focus of the College nurses.
She worked alongside one of our Founding
Fathers, Father Rollo Enright, as a Pastoral
Associate and was intimately involved in the
spiritual life at St. Peter’s Parish, Rochedale.
Her assistance and guidance was integral when
developing our College ethos.
foundation day
It is the special members of our College
community, like Sister Cecily Foster,
who make up the unbreakable fabric, the
core of who we are and what we stand for.
Sister Foster organised and assisted in
teaching the Christian Living Programme
and co-ordinated the first religious education
programme and later wrote it. In 1983, she was
transferred to Nerang by the Catholic Church
but continued to visit John Paul College each
week for two years to teach religion and assist
teachers on a voluntary basis.
Many people would not be aware that
original College Learning Support Unit was
called the “Foster Centre” and was located
on the top level of the Home Economics
building above the art classrooms.
Long standing staff member of 29 years,
Mr Jeff Henderson, paid tribute to Sister
Foster and her passion and dedication to
ensuring that children had access to not only
an education, but a great education at John
Paul College.
Having attended 28 Foundation Day
ceremonies and borne witness to the amazing
transformation of the John Paul College
2
campus, Mr Henderson attested the one
1 Sister Cecily Foster and Mr John Dawson, Vice-Chairman thing that has always remained the same –
of the John Paul College Board of Directors, cut the ribbon to the sense of community.
officially open the Centre 2 (L-R) Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster,
Father Patrick Doulin (Founding Father), Sister Cecily Foster, Father
Leo Burke (Founding Father), Mr Harry Coleman (first Chair of
John Paul College Board), Deputy Headmaster Mr Norm Kerley
These were outstanding
men with many
professional skills. Men
with a deep faith who
believed in the concept
of Ecumenism, and
who worked with the
utmost integrity to
follow their beliefs.
“This year alone, there are five staff
members who turned 30. These five
people who are now passionate members
of our community were not even born
when Sister Foster and the foundation
members first opened John Paul College,”
Mr Henderson said.
“It is the special members of our College
community, like Sister Cecily Foster, who
make up the unbreakable fabric, the core of
who we are and what we stand for,” he added.
Sister Foster responded by saying that she
was deeply honoured and at the same time
humbled at having the Wellbeing Centre
named after her.
“The title of your newest centre is an
exciting and challenging one, in the field
of education. It speaks to me of the desire
to further enhance and cultivate within
the College, a continued love of learning,
creativity, resilience, optimism, character
strength and wellbeing in each and every
one of the students,” Sister Foster said.
“As I reminisce on the past and see the
present, I know it was a great privilege
in those early years, before and after the
commencement of the College, to be
associated and work with the Founding
Fathers and the wonderful laymen, including
your first Principal Mr Cec Munns,” she said.
“These were outstanding men with many
professional skills. Men with a deep faith
who believed in the concept of Ecumenism,
and who worked with the utmost integrity
to follow their beliefs.
“The early years were not easy and
I remember commenting at one of the early
meetings when the going was tough,
“No cross, no crown”. The response from the
Guiding Principal was “if this is of God,
it will succeed”. The evidence of that
statement has been seen throughout the 31
years of the College,” Sister Foster added.
Sister Foster commented that the John
Paul College motto, Unity, Christ, Learning,
is one of the finest in this country. She said
that firstly, it speaks of unity which is the very
essence of ecumenism. Jesus’ final prayer
to His Father before His death was “May
they all be one”. In the midst of so much
disharmony in our world there has never been
a greater need for unity and acceptance.
Secondly and most importantly it has
Christ at the very centre of all learning.
Sister Foster concluded by saying that
her prayer and hope for our students is that
they take Christ as the centre of their lives
and become men and women with strong
Christian values so that their family, school
and country will be proud of them.
Foundation Day celebrations concluded
with the formal opening and cutting of the
ribbon and tours of the Sister Cecily Foster
Wellbeing Centre and a morning tea for
invited guests and Foundation members.
On behalf of the John Paul College
community past and present, we thank
Sister Foster for all that she has given to make
this fine school what it is today and we are
very proud to name the Wellbeing Centre
in her honour.
john paul college 9
1
Indigenous
Education
The John Paul
College Indigenous
EDUCATION
Programme began
this year and continues
to strengthen.
A
s a College community we
value and respect Indigenous
people as the traditional
custodians of the land and
acknowledge that the spiritual beliefs and
cultural connections to this country are as
important today as they were in the past.
Increasingly, the curriculum is
reflecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander perspectives to ensure that
students develop skills in viewing issues
from a range of perspectives.
This year, we welcomed Indigenous
students into Year 8 from North Stradbroke
Island, Gladstone and Aurukun and they
join our other Indigenous families at
the College.
These students enrich our College life
and assist to raise intercultural awareness
throughout our community. We are also
continuing to create authentic spaces and
symbols representative of Indigenous culture.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags
fly beside the Australian flag at the College
entrance and all of our events now commence
with an Acknowledgement of Country, or a
Welcome to Country. A Yarning Circle and a
Bush Tucker Grove have also been established.
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week was celebrated across the
College with staff and students creating
a Sea of Hands, an impressive visual symbol
of our commitment to reconciliation.
– Sharing our common humanity
Stories were shared by Jeremy Donovan,
Aunty Evelyn Parkin and Delvene CockatooCollins. The Concert Choir sang the National
Anthem in the local Yugambeh language.
Also, during this week, Jukambi Oval received
a new sign recognising the Yugambeh people,
the original inhabitants of the land upon
which our College was built.
Cape York Visit
In July, Mr Mark Zietsch, Middle School
Head and Mrs Elizabeth Whitaker,
Indigenous Education Coordinator,
travelled to Cape York to visit Aurukun,
Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama.
The visit created considerable interest across
each community and many questions were
asked about the wide range of opportunities
at John Paul College.
Homestay, along with the opening of our
boarding village in 2015, provides options
in living arrangements. The families of two
of our current students were pleased to meet
representatives of John Paul College during
their visit to the Cape and they expressed their
pride in their children’s achievements and
thanked us for the care that has been shown.
These initiatives form the beginning of our
journey as a College which is committed to
raising awareness of Intercultural perspectives
and sharing our common humanity with
Indigenous Australians.
2
3
4
1 Sea of Hands on Jukambi Oval 2 New sign
on Jukambi Oval recognising the Yugambeh
people 3 and 4 Wall of Hands created
around campus by students 5 Shareya Doyle
(Year 8) and Austin Marpoondin (Year 12)
assisting with planting the Bush Tucker garden
5
As a College community
we value and respect
indigenous people
as the traditional
custodians of the land.
john paul college 11
Primary school
Sport
Excels!
1
2
1 Primary team winners of the Logan Districts Cross Country
J
ohn Paul College Primary School Sport
has gone from strength to strength in
2013 with the College’s sporting future
looking very bright.
We have seen some great individual
achievements with a large number of students
making representative teams. The Primary
School had 69 students represented in
a variety of Logan Districts sporting teams,
eight students made Metropolitan East
teams and two swimmers made the
Queensland swim team.
Whilst a significant number of Primary
School students made representative teams,
the Primary School excelled in the team sports
environment. At a JTAS level, four teams
went undefeated throughout their seasons:
Year 6 Hockey, Year 4 Cricket, Year 4 Blue
Netball - and who can forget the Year 5
Rugby team’s undefeated efforts amassing an
incredible 461 points for and seven against.
The Primary JTAS Swim Team also
displayed incredible spirit and passion to
take out their first JTAS Championship from
Ormiston College who have dominated for
the better part of a decade. Not only did we
take out the championship, we also collected
2 Kieran Moodie runs at the 2013 Qld All Schools Cross Country meet at Kedron State High
the Girls’ Aggregate, 9 and 10 Years Girls’,
and the Open Primary Boys’ Age Groups,
along with the Runners Up in the Boys’
Aggregate Championship.
Special mention must also go to the JTAS
Record breakers on the day and the Boys’
(18 seconds) and Girls’ (9 seconds) Open
Primary Relay teams for setting impressive
records that will stand for some years to come.
The Cross Country team also had a massive
season, convincingly winning the Logan
District Primary Championship for the 14th
consecutive year, along with the Qld Relays
Championships held at the College the
following day. The team also took out Gold
in the 9 Years Girls’ and 12 Years Boys’ and
Silver in the 11 Years Girls’ relays.
Continuing on from this success, the team
recorded a very impressive second place in
the Queensland All Schools event. The team
won two Gold medals in the 8 Years and
11 Years Boys’ categories, Silver in the 5-7
Years Girls’ and 9 Years Boys’ and a Bronze
in the individuals.
To top off the season, the team also scored
second at the JTAS Championship, winning
three of the age groups and claiming an
impressive second and third respectively in the
JTAS Boys’ and Girls’ Championships.
From a developmental aspect, the College
has strong numbers participating in our
Junior Programmes. Foundation Sports
gains momentum with a record number
of 61 students enrolling in the programme.
Dinosaur Football also remains very
popular with 80 students participating in the
programme each Saturday morning - a very
strong foundation for future success for JTAS
and Club Football in the next few years. Mini
Muscles also rolls on with 30 plus Prep to Year
2 students. We also have 52 Lower Primary
children aspiring to wear the baggy Burgundy
and Blue cap with In2Cricket.
Sport encourages discipline, commitment,
hard work, sacrifice, dealing with success
and failure, setting and achieving goals.
It teaches organisational skills, respect,
tolerance, team work and integrity. In addition
to our club programmes, JTAS sports are
a great opportunity for students to be involved
in short seasons. They have maximum
opportunities for participation and can
continue to learn several cornerstone skills
and refine movement and technique.
From a developmental
aspect, the College
has strong numbers
participating in our
Junior Programmes.
senior school sport
senior school Sport
Highlights
Cross Country Team
Reaps Rewards of Hard Work!
1
T
he John Paul College Cross Country Team experienced
tremendous success at the annual TAS Cross Country
Championships held in June. More than 2,000 students
from 14 schools in South East Queensland took to the course with
John Paul College emerging as overall champion school.
We won five Age Groups and took out the Girls’ Aggregate
Trophy, Boys’ Aggregate Trophy and the Combined Overall
Aggregate Trophy by over 200 points from Cannon Hill Anglican
College. Over 90 students were involved in the squad and trained
for six months to produce this result. We are very proud of all of
the athletes who competed on the day.
There were a number of outstanding performances and many
students went on to represent the College at the Regional, State
and National Championships.
2
We also participated in the 2013 Queensland State Cross
Country Relay Championships, emerging as overall champion
school with 24 medals.
The event attracted more than 250 teams and 750 runners with
Logan’s Fast Track Athletics combining for the first time with John
Paul College and Queensland Athletics to host the event at the Cec
Munns Sports Complex.
Great Results for
TAS Sporting Teams
3
C
ongratulations to all students who competed in the
TAS Trimesters 1 and 2 competition. All of our students
displayed excellent commitment and sportsmanship.
John Paul College continues to dominate the TAS competition
and has won 14 premierships to date.
Congratulations to our TAS Premiership Teams – First XI
Cricket, Year 9 Cricket, Firsts Basketball, Year 10 Basketball,
Year 9 Basketball, Year 8 Basketball, Year 7 Basketball, Year 7 Girls
Tennis, Year 10 Boys Tennis, Year 9 Boys Tennis, Year 8 Girls
Hockey, Firsts Netball, Year 8A Netball and Year 7B Netball.
We would like to thank all of the sporting co-ordinators, coaches
and managers for their dedicated support of the students.
4
1 Samuel West and Eddie the Eagle 2 Nicola Eadie, Kim Do and Haynes
Posala at the Cross Country Championships 3 Year 10 TAS Basketball
Champions 4 First XI TAS Cricket Champions
senior school sport
Great House Spirit at
Inter-House sports Carnivals
I
nter-house rivalry continued at the
Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming
Carnivals.
A very successful Swimming Carnival
was held at the Chandler Swimming Complex
with the entire Senior School travelling
to the facility to cheer on their Houses.
The class of 2013 led the
way magnificently. Their
willingness to step up,
dance, sing, chant and
generally have a good
time was exemplary.
The Inter-House rivalry didn’t stop there
with the equally successful Athletics and Cross
Country Carnivals held at the Cec Munns
Ovals.
These were outstanding days, the quality
of the sporting prowess was fantastic, the level
of participation was superb and the display
of House Spirit was amazing.
Congratulations to Burke House who
won both the Swimming and Cross Country
Carnivals and Enright House who took out the
Athletics Carnival.
Above and left: Having fun at the Inter-House Cross
Country, Athletics and Swimming Carnivals
senior school sport
A Passage
to India
W
hile many of Australia’s Test Cricketers
appeared to be challenged during their
tour of India, the next generation is
already preparing themselves for future Indian
cricket tours.
In a John Paul College first, six students
accepted an invitation from the Global Cricket
School, an elite cricket academy that has worked
with the English cricket team in the past.
They provided expert coaching and a host of net
bowlers to assist our cricket players to adapt to the
foreign playing conditions.
Kanga Cup
Teams Hop
to Success
T
he Kanga Cup is the largest football tournament in the Southern
hemisphere with 348 teams and 5,000 participants competing
across Under 10 to 18 age groups.
John Paul College entered teams in the Under 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18
categories and flew into Canberra with over 100 players, staff, coaches
and parents. Some of those parents had flown in from South Korea to
watch their children participate in this tournament.
Bailey Bennett, Daniel Weeks, Stuart Edgar,
Zachary Denovan, Lachlan Willaton and Jakob
Evelyn were accompanied on the ten day tour
by three parents, one Alumnus and Director
of Cricket, Mr Rodney Davison.
The touring party flew into the city of Mumbai
and was accommodated at the MIG Cricket Club,
which is where Indian Cricket legend Sachin
Tendulkar grew up playing his junior cricket.
Included in the tour were three full days
of training on turf wickets, three competitive
matches, dinner at the Cricket Club of India,
a day trip to watch the Pune Warriors play Kings
XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League along
with rest, shopping and a sightseeing day.
John Paul College had the privilege of K League coach Tae Yong
Shin coming to the tournament and coaching the Under 15s. The boys
played in conditions that were testing with some games starting with the
temperature at -2 degrees celsius.
On the way through to the finals, the Under 15, Under 16 and Under
18 teams defeated the ACT Academy of Sport teams.
Four John Paul College teams progressed to the grand finals with the
Under 14 and Under 15 Teams being successful.
The Under 15s defeated the ACT Academy of Sport in a hard
fought final and the Under 14s played the South West Queensland
Representative team and came out 3-0 winners.
The John Paul College football players would like to take this
opportunity to thank the coaching and support staff who guided our
teams to such a successful tournament.
In a John Paul College
first, six students accepted
an invitation from the
Global Cricket School.
Performing Arts
Highlights
John Paul College participates in
Guinness World Records Challenge
J
ohn Paul College Performing Arts
students, parents and staff were
excited to be part of the World’s
Biggest Orchestra Guinness World Records
Challenge held at Suncorp Stadium in July.
Internationally renowned musician,
James Morrison led 7,224 musicians,
surpassing the previous world record
of 6,452 set by Vancouver Symphony
in 2000.
Musicians, young and old,
performed a medley of songs arranged
by James Morrison that started with
Waltzing Matilda and Beethoven’s Ode
to Joy and concluded with Queen’s,
We Will Rock You.
Internationally renowned musician, James Morrison
led 7,224 musicians, surpassing the previous world
record of 6,452 set by Vancouver Symphony in 2000.
Queensland Cheer and Dance Idol
WINS AT Regional Competition
O
nce again, our dancers and
cheerleaders performed extremely
well in the Queensland Cheer
and Dance Idol Regional Competition,
taking out first and second places in the
Senior School Dance Double, Intermediate
School Dance Solo, Senior School Dance
Solo, first place in the Junior Double
Dance, High School Freshman Dance,
High School Varsity Pom, second place in
High School Variety / Lyrical and Jets Pom,
first and third places in High School Cheer
Level 1 and first place in High School
Cheer Level 2.
1
Whilst many of our
friends spent the school
holidays at home, a
group of us set off on
an adventure to learn
about the artistic culture
of Europe. Maddy
2
1 Outside Buckingham Palace
2 The Notre Dame
3 The Palace of Versailles
3
An Amazing
European
Trip of a Lifetime
During the June/
July school
holidays, a group
of 25 students set
off on an amazing
artistic learning
adventure.
T
he group visited many sights
in London including a Highlights
Tour which included Westminster
Abbey and Buckingham Palace,
a Beatles Walking Tour and a Warner Brothers
“Harry Potter” studio tour.
They attended a number of workshops
including a Saatchi Gallery Workshop,
a Queens Theatre Backstage Tour with
a Les Miserables workshop, a BBC Television
Centre Workshop, a Pineapple Studio Dance
Workshop and Lion King Drama Workshop.
They also attended a performance of the Lion
King Musical.
After travelling to Paris on the Eurostar,
the group experienced The Pompidou Centre/
Gallery, toured Palais Garnier, attended
a Caribbean Dance Class, cruised the Seine
River and visited Moulin Rouge, the Musee du
Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles
and Monet’s Garden. They also attended La
Sylphide – Ballet at Palais Garnier.
The trip continued with the overnight
train to Venice where they took part
in a Mask Making Workshop, took a Gondola
Ride, attended the Murano Glass Factory
demonstration and enjoyed a Classic
Music Concert.
En route to Florence, the students
visited the Galleria Ferrari museum and
once in Florence, had the choice of touring
the Uffizi Gallery or taking part in a Comedia
(drama) workshop.
Thank you to the
parents who came on
the tour and helped out
the teachers and to the
parents who did not
come but allowed their
child to go on a trip
of a lifetime… Aimee
The students concluded their trip with
a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa en route
to Rome and a Vatican tour including the
Sistine Chapel and a tour of the Colosseum.
Thank you to everyone who assisted
with the organisation, including parent,
Mrs Sharyn Bleakley, who planned the
tour and organized the workshops, teachers
including Mrs Sharyn Walker, Miss Lana
Milton and Mr Rob Marr who looked after
everyone instead of having a holiday of their
own and to the parents who came on the tour
to assist.
It was the trip of a lifetime!
John Paul College
Marching Band
members today: Aimee
Watt, 16, mellophone
and Band Captain;
Leonie Herbohn who
was a Year 10 student
when she marched at
Expo and is now Visual
Director; Rob Marr,
a Director of the ‘88
Marching Band and now
Artistic Director; and
Ethan George, 17, on
the trumpet.
John Paul College Eagles March on
South Bank turned
back the clock 25
years this year to
relive the colour and
excitement that was
Expo 88 and our John
Paul College Marching
Eagles did the same.
W
hen our College was
approached to form a USstyle Marching Band for
Expo 88, no one realised
what the long term impact would be.
The Marching Eagles performed twice
a day, two days a month at the World Expo
Piazza. They also became crowd favourites
at the lunchtime parades at the event
which attracted 15 million visits over its six
month duration.
Rob Marr, then Marching Instructor for
the band, rejoined John Paul College this
year as Director of Teaching Practice and
reclaimed his position as Artistic Director
of the band. He is now encouraging many
more students to take up the challenge.
“Our Marching Band encouraged
hundreds of students to take up music
and helped them develop leadership skills,”
Mr Marr said.
Kieren Joins the Bolshoi
K
ieren Bofinger might be only 11,
but he has had the opportunity
of a lifetime to perform with some
of the world’s best dancers.
For the first time in nearly 20 years,
Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet performed in Brisbane
and Kieren had the chance to audition for
a role when a Bolshoi scout spotted him
at his local dance academy.
Kieren’s rehearsals started just two
weeks before he took to the stage as part
of performances in Le Corsaire at QPAC.
Mr Marr said the school’s Concert
Band auditioned for two years prior
to Expo and staff trained in choreographing
performances. The shows featured not
only playing and marching, but lively
routines, with sections of the band splitting
and reforming, boogying and the odd
accidental collision.
“We didn’t have anything like this before
Expo so it was new to everyone,” Mr Marr
said. “It was such a positive experience for
our band and so exciting.”
After Expo concluded, it was decided
to keep the band going and this led to
performances up and down the east coast,
at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, in Disneyland,
and during other trips to the US and Canada.
“Expo started a wonderful journey for the
school and students.”
Rock On
I
n June, our premiere contemporary
ensemble, Rock Band One, participated
in Coomera Anglican College’s Battle
of the Bands, held at the Gold Coast
Institute of TAFE. Bands from 12 schools
participated in the high level competition.
Despite tough competition, Rock Band
One performed admirably and secured
third place. They also played at the Logan
Blue Light Disco in August. The band
demonstrated its ability to perform at
a professional standard, providing the
audience with 40 minutes of challenging
music ranging from heavy rock to modern
popular music.
Shanghai Young
Philharmonic
Orchestra
performs at Sydney Opera House …. AND John Paul College
O
ver 600 members of our local
community were entertained
by the Shanghai Young
Philharmonic Orchestra who
played their only Australian concert at John
Paul College, prior to taking part in the
Australian International Music Festival at the
Sydney Opera House.
This 80-strong orchestra is generally
conducted by one of China’s most
distinguished conductors, the world renown
89 year old Maestro Cao Peng. Maestro Peng
is one of China’s National Treasures and
has been respected and revered for decades
throughout Asia.
During his 50 year career, he has conducted
numerous international and Chinese
symphony orchestras as well as internationally
renowned soloists, opera and dance
companies. Maestro Peng is currently Music
Advisor to the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
and his other major appointments are Music
Director/Principal Conductor of the Shanghai
Philharmonic, and the Shanghai Chamber
Orchestra. Unfortunately, he was unable
to travel to Australia on this occasion, but the
orchestra performed under the direction of his
daughter, Cao Xiaoxia.
“We were very excited to have the
opportunity to bring this amazing orchestra
to perform at John Paul College and for our
Logan City community,” said Headmaster,
Mr Peter Foster.
“It came about following our recent visit
to China and the formation of our partnership
with the Shanghai Education Commission.
To strengthen and develop our global
connection, we have signed seven Sister School
agreements in Arts, Sports and Education.
The performance by the Shanghai Young
Philharmonic Orchestra is the beginning
or our Arts initiative,” he said.
Mayor of Logan City, Councillor Pam
Parker, gave a vote of thanks to the Orchestra
and thanked John Paul College for hosting
our visitors from China. We would like
to thank Councillor Parker and the Logan
City Council for their kind donation of
$2,000 to assist us with the costs associated
with staging the event.
Following their performance at the
Sydney Opera House, the orchestra was
awarded Gold at the Music Festival and
were the premier orchestra chosen to perform
at the closing ceremony.
Thank you to all staff who contributed
to making the evening such a success and
to the local community for supporting the
performance. We are looking forward to
how our partnership with the Shanghai
Education Commission will bring us further
opportunities, and how this will contribute
to the further growth and development
of our students and staff.
We were very excited
to have the opportunity
to bring this amazing
orchestra to perform
at John Paul College.
around campus
Congratulations to our
Year 6 leaders
In-Depth
Learning
with Michael Ymer
O
ur teaching staff enjoyed a
stimulating and rewarding week,
with all experiencing in-depth
learning in the Teaching of Mathematics.
Victoria-based consultant, Michael Ymer,
highly regarded as a leading teacher
educator, works around the country and
internationally in a wide range of schools,
including many IB schools.
He makes Mathematics teaching and
learning fun, relevant, rigorous and
hands-on, in the context of teaching the
Australian Curriculum in an inquiryfocused environment.
Year 6 inaugural Discipulus Concilium
O
ur Year 6 leaders were presented
with their badges in a special
Primary Assembly in March.
Parents joined in the celebrations as we
honoured each of the Year 6s for their role
as leaders in our College.
Primary Leaders:
6A – Emily Bennett and Fayzaan Aboo Omar
6B – Minuka Mendis and Mitchell Yeo
6C – Emma Gavin and Cody Vella
6D – Eva Zietsch and Alex Kim
We also acknowledged the House Leaders
and Class Leaders who are setting the example
for the remainder of the Year 6 students
to follow. We have a tremendous group
of Year 6 students and it is wonderful to
see them working so well together in their
leadership roles.
Discipulus Concilium, Latin for Student
Council, is a new initiative introduced in our
Primary School in 2013. Eight of our Year 6
students are the first group to form and found
our Discipulus Concilium. Leaders will
be rotated each Semester and we are working
to ensure that the foundations for our
inaugural group are strong before adding
other Year Levels next year.
Congratulations to the following students
for their leadership roles.
Primary House Captains:
Enright – Korben Phillips and Stephanie Bond
Doulin – Sam Lucas and Danica Martin
Gilmour – Connor Griffin and Mureeda Batty
Burke – Ben Nantes and Holly Mapperson
Introducing Discipulus Concilium
Congratulations to members of our
Discipulus Concilium for Semester 1:
6A – Mohammed Ally and Holly Clements
6B – Muhammed Gutta and Remi D’Hooghe
6C – Thomas Fitton and Alex McEvoy
6D – Jennifer McDonald and Abigail Shinkfield
As well as building on our teachers’
ability to meet the wide variety of students’
Mathematical readiness, Michael modelled
lessons in the classroom and deconstructed
them with teachers to rigorously unpack
the tools and skills required to target
individual student needs, and keep
children engaged and positive.
Additionally 80 teachers travelled
to John Paul College from leading
Independent schools as far away as
Bundaberg, to access this professional
learning opportunity.
What a pleasure it was also, to welcome
so many interested parents to the Parents
Mathematics evening. We extend our
grateful thanks to the Friends of Primary
for sponsoring this evening for all of our
parents. We know as teachers, that when
we can work closely with you, we can
make the best difference for our learners!
The children love to know that you are
working with us to support them too.
Thank you to our
Mothers’ Day Stall
Workers!
T
he John Paul College ‘Friends of Primary’ were well
prepared for their annual Mothers’ Day Stall. There were
hundreds of beautiful gifts for sale, ranging in price from
$3 to $10. The stall raised in excess of $7,500 and the money will
be spent on one of the Friends of Primary target projects.
Thank you to all of the mothers (and fathers!) who work so hard
to ensure the success of these fundraising events.
around campus
Outdoor Education
provides a catalyst for learning
O
ur Early Learning Centre is moving
forward in our thinking and the
way in which we foster and promote
children’s development and learning within
our environments.
Our Outdoor Education Programme has
blossomed with Tallara Ackerman taking
on the role of the Outdoor Educator. It is
important that our spaces, both indoor and
outdoor, provide experiences and opportunities
for children to reach their learning outcomes.
Tallara is collaborating with the educators,
ensuring that the experiences provided are
meaningful, relevant and most importantly,
meet the needs and interests of our Early
Learning community.
Tallara Ackerman and her little learners
She has designed spaces that invite children
in to explore their environment, not solely
eliminating risk, but working to ensure that
the children are aware of their natural world
and how to navigate it safely.
much more. They are safe because they are
engaged, they are engaged because they are
interested, they are interested because their
environment holds so many possibilities.
The children climb on rocks and logs,
explore with sticks, dig in the gardens and
engage with sustainability practices, and so
This programme has come to life with the
experience and dedication of our Outdoor
Educator. It is evolving with the interest,
involvement and engagement
of the children.
Both the Early Years Learning Framework
(EYLF) and the National Quality Standard
(NQS) acknowledge the importance
of these outdoor environments as a catalyst
for learning.
Outside School Hours Care Programme
receives highest level of commendation
C
ongratulations to Mrs Jan
Marxson and staff of the John
Paul College Outside School
Hours Care (OSHC) which received
a rating of “Exceeding National Quality
Standards” in all seven Quality Areas
following their recent workplace
assessment by the inspectors from the
National Quality Framework for Early
Childhood Education and Care.
These areas include:
¢¢ Educational
¢¢ Children’s
Programme and Practice;
Health and Safety;
¢¢ Physical
Environment;
¢¢ Staffing
Arrangements;
¢¢ Relationships
with Children;
¢¢ Collaborative
Partnerships with
Families and Communities and
¢¢ Leadership
and Service
Management.
OSHC was commended on its achievements
in providing quality outcomes for children
in the following areas:
¢¢ Innovative
¢¢ Strong
programmes for sustainability;
relationships with the community;
¢¢ Embedding
Indigenous Learning
in the programme.
We are extremely proud of the educators
who work at this programme, the
dedication they show in providing play
and leisure opportunities that are
meaningful to the children and for
the support they give to the children’s
wellbeing, learning and development.
around campus
Everything is Great
when you’re Under 8!
The students, staff and
parents got into the
“mood” by dressing up
in their favourite hats,
cool glasses, feather
boas or Hawaiian leis.
Our students enjoyed many activities at Barefoot
in the Park!
A
t John Paul College we love
learning! We also love celebrating
and have much to celebrate
with our learning, our student
achievements and with our planned regular
carnivals and activities.
The Photo Booth was a new addition to
Barefoot this year and proved to be a hit with
the young and old!
Special thanks to our Friends of Primary
for providing us with yummy food at the
Sizzle and Pop Shop!
RIGHT: Mrs Mundie (Deputy Head of Primary
School) and Mr Gordon (Head of Primary School)
enjoy the photo booth!
The students, staff and parents got into
the “mood” by dressing up in their favourite
hats, cool glasses, feather boas or Hawaiian
leis. They were then very keen to “strike
One of these, Barefoot in the Park, for our
Early Learning Centre, Kindy and Prep to Year a pose” and take home their printed photo
as a lasting memento of the fun they had
2 students, celebrated all that is great about
at Barefoot 2013.
being Under Eight!
around campus
Year 7
Showcase Day
O
ur Year 7 students were very
proud to host a large number
of their parents at our inaugural
Year 7 Showcase Day.
The purpose of the day was to share
the work that they have completed
throughout the Semester. The morning
began in the Coleman Centre with each
class performing their combination
of class work from each element of
Performing Arts – Drama, Dance and
Music. It was a colourful and polished
display of skill highlighting the significant
effort that staff and students had put in
during their lessons.
After morning tea everyone ventured to
the Year 7 classrooms to see the plethora of
student work on display in Science, Maths,
Humanities, Modern Languages, Design
Technologies and Positive Education.
After a sausage sizzle lunch, the
students had a more relaxing afternoon
of sport and games on Stephen Bowers
Oval. It was a highly successful day
and pleasing to see the quality of work
exhibited by all of the Year 7 students.
Recognising
The Leaders of Tomorrow
A
new leadership structure in Middle
School has been formalised to
create further opportunities for
students to experience leadership from a
service perspective and gain specific training
in leadership development.
The new structure includes a Student
Council consisting of representatives across
Years 7-9; six Committees (Citizenship,
Cultural, Environmental, Spirit, Sport and
Wellbeing) and Pastoral Care Class leaders.
A new buddy system that is linked to the
House System will also be set up with
Year 9s connected to Year 7 and Year 8s
connected to Year 6.
To provide further support, all Year 9s
enjoyed a day of leadership training with
Bernie Kelly from Global Immersion.
Bernie also conducted a follow up session
with all elected Student Council and
Committee leaders (Years 7-9), and a final
day once again with all Year 9s.
This provided an excellent platform
and assisted the Student Council and
Committees to develop their Charter
and begin serving the College and
greater community.
Congratulations to the following
students for their leadership roles in the
inaugural Middle School Council:
Year 9: Bree Brnabic, Gabrielle Foster,
Anisha Gandhi, Bailey Grevsmuhl, Caitlin
Holmes (President), Alexis Iacovou, Alex
Korenevski, Alexandra Long, Daniel Paiva
dos Santos, Jarred Reinke, Chloe Sheldon,
Jacob Stemp, Mark Van Wijk (President).
Year 8: Atiyya Batty, Grace Ingram,
Jasmine Meyer, Lachlan Nantes,
Sovan Patnayak.
Year 7: Kieren Bofinger, Georgia
Condolean, Bray Hagstrom, Emily
Weissenberger.
Celebrating our Diversity at Harmony Day
H
armony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who
calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this
land to those who have joined us from many countries around
the world.
By participating in Harmony Day activities, our students learnt and
understood how all Australians equally belong to this nation and enrich
it. Our Middle School Cultural Committee handed out stickers to all
students and organised a Cultural Food Festival which enabled staff
and students to experience the culinary delights of many of the cultures
represented at our College.
Students also learnt about the cultural backgrounds of a number of
students as they told stories of their family heritage and connections to
their culture. It was a fun day of celebrating diversity and the Cultural
Committee will plan future events to continue our celebration and
learning of other cultures in our John Paul College family.
around campus
National Day of
Action Against
Bullying
&Violence
John Paul College
Middle School
students and staff
put their bodies on
the line and took to
the oval to spell out
“Bullying No Way!” as
part of the National
Day of Action Against
Bullying and Violence.
his annual day provided a focus
for us, as a College, to support
a strong message against bullying
and to strengthen everyday
messages that bullying and violence at school
are not okay at any time.
T
This key message was discussed throughout
the week in combination with a number of
projects including poster design and making
wallpaper for computer screens. Year 7B also
produced an impressive banner in their stand
against bullying and violence.
Throughout the week, Pastoral Care classes
spent time exploring issues surrounding
bullying and in particular, the impact that
spectators and bystanders may have on
a bullying situation.
Our Middle School parents did an amazing
job running a sausage sizzle in support of
this day and raised over $300 to contribute
towards new seating in the Middle School
Precinct.
Our awareness campaign also included
students receiving “Bullying No Way” wrist
bands, as well as wearing an orange ribbon
to illustrate their support.
around campus
Ski Tours
Carve up M
a Storm!
Middle School Ski Tour having fun on the slopes of Mt Buller!
iddle and Senior School students carved up a storm on the
slopes of Mt Buller, Victoria and in New Zealand during
the June/July school holidays.
The groups of students flew out of Brisbane and had an amazing
time skiing and snowboarding. A big thank you to the staff and parents
who supported the students on both of the tours.
Thai Scholarship awarded to Top Teacher!
Human Ecology
teacher, Ms Rhiannen
Gimpel, was one of
only eight teachers
in Australia to be
awarded a BRIDGE
Thailand Project
scholarship.
This project paired Australian teachers
with Thai teachers, creating a connection
which used both digital technologies and
a short teacher exchange.
Ms Gimpel has been working with her
Year 9 students building websites and
creating blogs to help educate Thai students
about Australian native foods.
“I went to Thailand in June to teach
for just under three weeks and I took
with me a number of resources made
by my students,” Ms Gimpel said.
“This has been reciprocal as the Thai
students that I taught are now working
on websites to teach our students about
Thai cuisine.
“I have created a video for my students
so that they can see what it is like to be
a student for a day in Thailand. I am sure
that this has made them appreciate what
we have here in Australia even more,”
she added.
The relationship with the Thai
school will be ongoing and Ms Gimpel
is hoping to visit China, Indonesia or
Korea on a similar project in 2014.
around campus
Soaring
Positive
into
EDUCATION!
By Mr Nahum Kozak –
Head of Positive Education
I
have been so encouraged
by the enthusiasm, energy
and creativity of the staff
who have been promoting
and motivating students through
our Positive Education programme
– well done all!
In our first year of Positive
Education at John Paul College,
we are already celebrating some
of the amazing work people have
been doing.
So far this year we have seen:
¢¢ Vibrant
professional learning which was developed and
facilitated by our own talented staff.
¢¢ Promotion
of our SOARING Wellbeing Model throughout the
College – as captured in the SOARING Tree graphic designed
by our Art Teacher, Mr Liam Waldie.
¢¢ Creation
and delivery of timetabled Positive Education lessons
in Years 7 and 8 – thanks and great work Mrs Amanda Shaw,
Mrs Stacey Lang, Mr Mark Zietsch, and Mrs Susanne Jamieson!
¢¢ Specific
targeted events such as the “SOARING into Success”
Day of Excellence for gifted and talented students (Thanks
to Mrs Dawn Boland) and the Year 12 Positive Education Day
(led by our Year 12 student leaders).
¢¢ A
conference presentation I was invited to deliver at the First
Australian Positive Education Conference in Sydney in April.
¢¢ Much,
Year 12s
form a formidable team
O
ur 2013 Staff and Student Induction ceremony celebrated
our strong academic successes and the induction of the
Year 12 cohort into the role of Senior Leaders.
At this ceremony, Headmaster Mr Peter Foster
reflected on a story of leadership and presented a question to all
students in Senior School, in particular, the Year 12s.
He asked the Seniors how they intended to create unity within
the school and what it meant to them to be part of a great school with
great people. He also questioned whether they knew as many people
as they should know throughout the school and how they might get
to know more.
“In Year 12, I encourage you to get to know as many people in the
College community as you can. Be a formidable team who will always
be remembered for creating unity, beyond what John Paul College has
experienced before,” Mr Foster said.
The guest speaker for the evening was Mr Bernie Kelly, founder
of two extraordinary youth leadership development organisations
called yLEAD and GLOBAL IMMERSION. Bernie has become
an important part of our leadership development process and has
worked with our students for over 10 years.
Bernie delivered a very powerful take home message to the audience.
much more…
All of this is just a small snapshot
of what’s been going on – and
really, we’re just at the start of this
journey of Positive Education!
Leadership is any action that makes
the world you touch a better place.
He encouraged our young leaders to “Add value and create
your own dance”.
Also at this ceremony, we presented 22 long serving staff
with plaques in recognition of their service to John Paul College.
The evening concluded with celebrations with key staff, parents
and Senior Leaders.
around campus
Shaken
not
stirred
Year 11
Semi-Formal
B
ond - James Bond came to the Coleman Centre
in June when the Year 11 cohort celebrated their 007
themed semi-formal event.
This annual semi-formal tradition continued
in a classy, fun and elegant manner with the venue transformed
and the students dressed to impress.
The evening commenced with the theme music from the
movie playing as the students made a red-carpet entry and
were greeted by staff.
The draped fairy lights created a magical atmosphere and
students and staff alike embraced the opportunity to tear up the
dance floor with the cha-cha and the progressive barn dance.
To ensure everyone was well fuelled to continue the
celebrations, an ice cream parlour and lolly buffet provided
much needed sustenance throughout the night.
Year 11 students Daniela Cveticanin and Jay Min Spyve with their
Bronze medals
Serving Up
Success!
A
number of John Paul College Year 11 and 12
hospitality students participated in the state-wide
Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge in August.
Congratulations to our Year 11 students Daniela
Cveticanin and Jay Min Spyve who were awarded a Bronze medal
for their expertise in this competition.
Their mouth-watering entry comprised of chicken and pistachio
ballotine with a Frenched leg of chicken served on a carrot puree
with braised white beans and baby root vegetables.
Year 12 students, Jalisa Ker, Amy Beths, Britta Petersen,
So Bootwong and Nella Benzie also entered the cooking and
static displays.
The Culinary Challenge is run by the Australian Culinary
Federation of Queensland. Its aim is to provide students
studying hospitality at high school with a taste of what is involved
in a career in commercial cookery.
We would like to officially thank all our team sponsors:
the Heritage Bank, Struddy’s Sports, Lowes, The Academy
Hospitality and The Coffee Club (Loganholme, Mega Centre
and Springwood) who made our involvement in this world
class competition possible.
Everyone agreed that it was
a great night of food, fun,
dancing and glamour.
Thank you also to hospitality teachers, Ms Deb Illingworth
and Ms Rhiannen Gimpel, who guided the students in their
journey and their supporting colleagues; Mr Wade Howard
and Mrs Rebecca Peall who assisted with transportation and
preparation on the day.
Congratulations to all students who became such wonderful
ambassadors for John Paul College at this prestigious event.
community
Weatherman drops by in
Helicopter to SHOOT THE BREEZE
O
It was a very exciting
day for John Paul
College when the 96.5FM
Family Show came to
town, especially when
weatherman, John
Schluter dropped by in
the Channel 7 chopper!
ur students met Romeo the
Radio Dog who was no match
for our Eddie the Eagle. They
also played heaps of games on
the oval with the Family Show team, helped
on air and cheered on Father Leo Burke
and Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster as they
participated in “How well do you know Daisy
Hill?” and Radio Scattergories.
John then made his way to the Noelene
Munns Learning Centre where he spoke with
the Year 3s about the weather. He was very
impressed that, although he spoke to one
group “live”, another class upstairs was able
to join in the conversation via our live
streaming network.
Year 9 student Bailey Grevsmuhl was
interviewed about Finch Farm and our
sustainability programme and the choir also
gave a rousing rendition of ‘Stand by Me’.
The carnival atmosphere continued when
the helicopter landed and John Schluter
jumped out! Our Kindy children were very
excited to experience a close up and personal
view of the big machine.
That evening, we all
watched ourselves on
the Channel 7 News.
Recognise, React, Report
Powerful Safety Message delivered to Students
J
ohn Paul College students in
Years 4 to 7 absorbed a powerful
safety message when Bruce and
Denise Morcombe visited the
College recently.
The couple are the founders of the
Daniel Morcombe Foundation and
ambassadors for child safety. They regularly
visit schools to spread their very strong
message.
“Our safety message today is as simple
as three words. We want you to
RECOGNISE, REACT, REPORT,”
Mr Morcombe told the students.
He emphasised that children must
recognise that there are dangers present
but that they can help to keep
themselves safe.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe with students Eva Zietsch and Patrick Foster
After the presentation, Mr Morcombe
praised the group for listening so intently.
“We’re not about frightening the
children – it’s all about awareness,”
Mr Morcombe said.
Safety is really important and I liked
the phrase Recognise, React and Report. Minuka, Year 6
“Everyone was interested and you
could have heard a pin drop during the
presentation,” he said.
Following the presentation, students
were asked what they had learnt and
responses included:
I learnt that when someone you don’t know
offers you a ride in the car you shouldn’t go
with them. - Aden, Year 5.
“We try to keep it real by relating
back to Daniel’s circumstances by the
side of the road.
I learnt not to get into a car with someone
I don’t know and about the five people you can
talk to about your feelings - Elena Year 6
community
community
1
2
3
1 Hard working Mums, Susan Koch and Rosa Gulai
2 Winners of the Amazing Chase, Zach Pemboss
and Fraser Mapperson 3 Rebecca Cordner enjoys
all the fun of the fair! 4 Eddie the Eagle and Year
12 student Wilson Nguyen
4
MAYFAIR
a celebration of family
Mayfair is an
annual celebration
of our John Paul
College family.
It was great to see
over 5,000 of our
community gathered
to enjoy the festivities.
W
e were blessed with fine
weather, new rides, a wide
range of food stalls and some
old favourites which all added
to the atmosphere as we celebrated together.
With large crowds in attendance, the afternoon
was a great success and flowed into the evening
as we enjoyed a packed programme on stage.
The performances were once again first
class, and were interspersed with JPC’s Got
Talent, sponsored by QTMB, and the popular
but frenetic Amazing Chase, sponsored by the
Commonwealth Bank.
Additionally there were raffles to win, many
novelties to purchase, staff and students to
dunk, and much fun to be had.
The evening drew to a close with a fantastic
fireworks display which lit up the sky, sending
the many families who stayed home satisfied
and looking forward to 2014.
Thank you to all of the sponsors, the many
“Friends Of ” groups who ran the stalls, and
entertainers who contributed to the success
of this wonderful event.
community
The Coffee Club
Where will I Meet You?
B
arry Lane and his wife Jenny, together
with their four daughters, Kellie,
Katrina, Suellen and Melissa have
been long-time supporters of John Paul
College. We are excited that we now have the
opportunity to extend this partnership with
the launch of the new JPC Family Card.
Our families will now be able to join
The Coffee Club family at Springwood,
Logan Hyperdome and Logan Mega Centre
A
At John
Paul
College
t John
Paul College
we place
we place
immense
immense value in supporting
valuethose
in supporting
in our community who
our community.
may have suffered misfortune
students,
or Our
need donations
of equipment and
staff
and
parents
resources. Our
students,
staff and parents
work
together
to
also work together to volunteer
or raise
volunteer
or to
funds
for worthy causes.
raise funds for
worthy causes.
and obtain a range of discounts, special
deals and great prizes which are unique
to our John Paul College family.
In addition, Barry and his family
are supporting John Paul College in
a number of other ways including donating
gift vouchers for students, assisting our
hospitality students with training and work
experience, sponsoring a Hospitality Award
of Excellence and running a Coffee Van
on a regular basis around campus.
These three franchises also help with
promoting our Open Days and other
events. There will also be opportunities
for our students to perform at The Coffee
Club at mutually convenient times.
Where will I meet you? At The Coffee
Club – Springwood, Logan Hyperdome
and Logan Mega Centre.
Supporting our
E
Community
arlier this year, we assisted one
of our families in cleaning up 80
acres of their nursery following
devastating flooding which ruined
an entire crop of mature plants which had
been sold and were awaiting delivery to clients.
A team of approximately 100 student,
staff and parent volunteers rallied together
in thick mud and debris to undertake this
enormous task. Our College would like
to thank all members of our community
who donated their time and equipment
to assist with the clean-up.
The Brain family have always been very
supportive of the College and responded
by assisting us with our new staff area, aptly
named The Sanctuary, by donating a number
of plants for our new outdoor meeting area.
We also assisted a number of organisations
including the PCYC (Logan Central and
Trinder Park), East Logan Community
Centre and Women’s Refuge, Kim Walters
Choices Think Pink Breast Cancer
Programme, The 139 Club Fortitude Valley
and Grace Orphanage Thailand with a variety
of donations including unused College books
and resources, furniture, household items,
toys and sporting goods.
We collected unused library books and
other resources including uniforms and
school bags for Papua New Guinea and
Fiji. Our staff and students also assisted
to raise funds to build a classroom at the
Akha Academy in Thailand.
Our community is also very committed
to supporting The Ronald McDonald House
Charities at the Mater and Royal Brisbane
Hospitals with our staff providing assistance
with the organisation of the annual Ronald
McDonald Gala Ball, as well as collecting
funds for McHappy Day.
community
College Captains, Nathan Bleakley and
Tori Matthews at ANZAC Square
community
2
1
3
The
ANZAC
Spirit Lives on
As we remembered
those who fought
for the freedom of
our Commonwealth,
it was with a sense
of gratitude and
appreciation that
we reflected on the
sacrifice made for the
freedom and peace we
enjoy today.
1 John Paul College Concert Choir performs
at ANZAC Square 2 Signalmen Russell Finch
and Sam Mc Ara with Jackson Helmore and
Blake Carter 3 Shrine of Remembrance
O
ur students reflected on
the legend and spirit of the
ANZACs, across Primary and
Senior School Assemblies.
We also reflected on the challenge that
constantly remains before us which is
to use the freedom that was fought for,
wisely, appropriately and with gratitude.
The John Paul College Concert Choir
was invited to perform the National Anthems
for both Australia and New Zealand under
the direction of Bobby Gallo, Director of
Performing Arts, at the “Students Remember”
Commemoration Ceremony at the Shrine
of Remembrance in ANZAC Square.
This service was attended by over 3,000
students from across Brisbane and surrounds.
The youngest members of our College
family, the children of our Early Learning
Centre also held a special commemoration
event with a poignant display of authentic
ANZAC artefacts, including old photographs
of some children’s grandfathers in their
Army uniforms as young men.
Our Early Learning Centre staff did
an amazing job of creating learning
experiences and activities that were meaningful
to the young children, helping them to relate
to the meaning of ANZAC day. The Centre
even organised a visit from soldiers of the 7th
Combat Signal Regiment (7CSR), who came
in uniform and spent time with the children,
giving them camouflage effects on their faces
and real experiences with soldiers of today.
An outstanding outcome associated with
the learning experiences was the creation
of a collaborative art work comprising
of the children’s ‘poppy’ fingerprints,
and co-constructed with the oversight of our
Early Childhood Educator, Hye Won Sohn.
This stunning symbolic piece was given
to Signalmen Russell Finch and Sam McAra,
who presented it during the dawn service
at the Gallipoli Barracks Military in Enoggera
on ANZAC Day.
Integrated
Projects
Help Many Causes
1
Our International
Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme
students are involved
in a number of
integrated projects
as part of the
Creativity, Action
and Service (CAS)
component of the
IB Programme.
2
T
he CAS component is a framework
for practical learning and
is designed to involve students
in new roles.
Our students have chosen to support a
number of remarkable charities including
Meals on Wheels, Chicks in Pink, World
Vision, RSL Care Clubs, Mud Army Clean
Up, Bridge to Bridge Volunteering, Smith
Family Volunteering, Walk the Wall, Operation
Smile, Tzu Chi, Save the Children Australia,
Parkinson’s Association and Save the Dolphins
Project, to name a few.
1 Year 12 IB students Rachel Lim and
Hannah Fox. 2 Save the Dolphins Project
3 Fundraising for Save the Children Australia
“Save the Children Australia is a leading
independent emergency relief and
development organisation for children.
They endeavour to protect and advocate
children’s rights throughout the world and
strive to give every child a safe and happy
childhood,” said IB student Kiandra Are.
On an international scale, Save the Children
has reached over 100 million children in more
than 126 countries and within Australia,
they work throughout each state and territory,
with programmes in over 90 locations.
Their programmes, both within and outside
of Australia, aim to ensure that children:
¢¢ no
longer die from preventable diseases;
¢¢ have
the opportunity to learn through
access to education;
¢¢ are
supported and assisted in an emergency,
such as a natural disaster;
¢¢ are
safe and protected from harm;
¢¢ understand
their rights and responsibilities.
Throughout the Integrated Project the
students participated in and conducted
a wide variety of fundraising events.
We have tried to innovate new and
exciting ways to involve both our peers and
staff in raising awareness for our cause.
3
They worked closely with the organisation and
raised over $2000 selling chocolates, holding
fundraising dinners and collecting donations
from the local community.
“We all have a passion for children and
hope that our project helped to make
a difference to the lives of children throughout
Australia and the world,” Kiandra said.
Another project, Save the Dolphins,
aimed to raise awareness of the dolphin
captivity and slaughtering in Japan.
Thousands of dolphins are killed and
captured, toxic dolphin meats are sold
to the market and dolphins are captured,
sold to aquariums and trained to become
show dolphins.
The students developed key messages
around anti-captivity and stopping the
dolphin slaughtering and spread these
messages in Year 7 classrooms, talking on
assembly about their project and organising
workshops and programmes to show their
information.
“We collected petitions around the campus
and were supported by students, staff and
parents. Following this, a letter with 577
signatures was sent to the Embassy of Japan
in Canberra to show their concern on the
issue,” said IB student Angus Li.
“We also held sausage sizzle stalls to raise
money for Save the Dolphins to support their
cause”, he added.
“I am from Japan and I find it heartbreaking to know the truth about dolphin
slaughtering, said project participant and
IB student MJ Wu.
“I am very concerned about the rights
of these animals and want to see them
protected,” he added.
Another passionate project by Year 12
IB students Rachel Lim and Hannah Fox
focused on raising awareness and funds
in order to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
“This project is very close to my heart,
as I had a family friend who was diagnosed with
the disease and lived with it for most of his life
until he passed away last year,” Hannah said.
“We have tried to innovate new and
exciting ways to involve both our peers
and staff in raising awareness for our cause,
as well as involving the community through
donation boxes.”
Overall, the students all found this
experience very worthwhile and agreed that
they had gained a lot of essential skills from
the whole project.
They would like to thank everyone who
helped them along their journey.
John Paul International College
Visa Students Awarded Top Honours at
Cum Laude Ceremony
C
ongratulations to all of our Visa Students who received awards
at the Cum Laude Ceremony. Once again it was gratifying to
see so many of our JPIC graduates succeeding academically,
especially in the Senior School.
Such an achievement is only possible with the immense support
provided by teachers and homestay parents.
In all, a total of 15 students in Years 11 and 12 received Cum Laude
Awards, with another four students in Years 7-10 also receiving awards,
making a total of 19 award winners. Our Visa students have really
performed at the highest level of their education.
JPIC Study Abroad
Programme
welcomes Chinese students
I
n Term 2, our International College hosted
another very successful Study Abroad
programme with 37 students from Shenzhen
Nanshan Bilingual School who studied with us for
approximately eight weeks.
Integration into John Paul College Year 4 and Year
6 classes was enjoyed by the Shenzhen students and
our students alike. The students settled in well and
soon learnt the ways of our school and the Australian
classroom.
Cultural activities ranged from making chocolate
crackles and friendship bracelets, to playing didgeridoos
and making boomerangs. The weekly excursions
to nearby theme parks were also very popular.
The camp at Thunderbird Park, Mt Tamborine
involved a number of team-building exercises and
experiences. Again, the students were always willing
to ‘have a go’, doing activities like the mud course,
rainforest walk and Thunder Egg mining. Great food,
great activities and great weather meant everyone
thoroughly enjoyed themselves on camp.
JPIC Expo
– connecting with the community
T
Many of our homestay families commented on how
polite and willing the Shenzhen students were to join in
with family life and activities. JPIC Study Abroad always
looks forward to welcoming the next group of students
from Shenzhen Nanshan Bilingual School.
Thank you to all of the homestay families who open
their homes and their lives to share in these important
cultural exchanges.
he John Paul International College Expo was held in August and
was a great opportunity for JPIC students to connect with the
students from John Paul College again.
It enabled the JPIC students to develop their communication skills
further by using instructions to be able to teach and play games.
Students also gave answers and solutions after the games had been
played. These games were played in small and large groups with Primary
and Middle School students from John Paul College and other visitors.
Some of the games played included, Guess what is in the box?, Make
a snowflake, Find the Ninja and Polar bears go fishing. Students also taught
the visitors a country song called the Cup Song. The JPIC students added
to the fun by using plastic cups to keep the beat.
The students were always
willing to ‘have a go’, doing
activities like the mud
course, rainforest walk
and Thunder Egg mining.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability
in the News
Our students prepare punnets of seedlings with our new propagation tunnel in the background
From little things,
big things grow
“Propagate or
Perish” was the
cry from the
Sustainability Think
Tank in formalising
the successful
2013 EnviroGrant
application with the
Logan City Council.
J
ohn Paul College was successful with
our application and Mr Lucas Gilroy
eagerly accepted the $5,000 cheque to
establish a seedling propagation tunnel
on Finch Farm.
“This grant from Logan City Council will
help our students foster a deeper commitment
to environmentally sustainable practices,”
said Mr Gilroy, on accepting the grant.
The scale of the tunnel will allow large
numbers of students to work on inquiries
and experiments as part of the Australian
Science Curriculum. It has been designed
to include two micro environments.
One of these is under a plastic coverall and
the other is under shade cloth. They will
provide controlled and protected
environments to support students in
designing their own investigations.
With over 40 garden beds, there is
a constant demand for seedling stock.
The tunnel will be used as the “nursery”
for Finch Farm’s seedlings for herbs, fruit,
vegetables and flowers.
SUSTAINABILITY
Mr H2O Man
leads our “Healthy Waterways” initiatives
Mr Lucas Gilroy and students study water management
Harnessing nothing
more that “people
power”, our
College community
threw their support
behind the College’s
two nominations
in the Queensland
Healthy Waterways
Awards.
W
e entered this award because
we believed that all of our
sustainability initiatives,
including water management,
are woven into the curriculum. They do not
sit separately but are part of what we do on a
daily basis. We are working with our students
to help them discover that understanding and
practising sustainable living does not mean
sacrificing what they need – but just making
conscious decisions about what they do and
what we, as a school community do together.
and vote in response to a full social media
and email marketing campaign.
We have proven that over the past five
years, with the right conditions and
appropriate support, our students, staff and
families are taking a more significant role
as agents of change.
Mr Gilroy and his continued and passionate
sustainability initiatives have made a huge
impact on our College community.
With a community of over 3,000 people,
we believe this is our obligation. Our students
may be taking baby steps and making small
contributions in their homes and local
communities but their learning has empowered
them to shape their tomorrow… today.
Not only are we solving problems but we
are educating thousands of people on a daily
basis on how to be water wise which is setting
us all up for a much better future.
As finalists in the Sustainable Education and
the Waterways Mentor categories, the College
community rallied to lend their support
John Paul College secured the People’s
Choice Award and we are now enjoying the
benefits of a $1,000 grant which will support
Finch Farm and other sustainability initiatives.
These awards recognised both the innovation
implemented College-wide and the personal
expertise, management practices and
commitment of Property Services Manager and
Sustainability Champion, Mr Lucas Gilroy.
To sum it up beautifully, as one of our
young students said to her Mum:
H2O came and talked
to us today”. “Who?”
said Mum? “You know,”
she said, “H2O Gilroy
- that Water Man!
SUSTAINABILITY
Our Preppies enjoying chicken cuddles
Faculty Fowls
AND
You can’t help but
notice the chicken
coop on Finch Farm
and it is an impressive
residence for our new
faculty fowls.
Chicken Cuddles
T
his chicken coop is a testament
to the John Paul College
community spirit with our College
staff members forming syndicates
across campus to sponsor 31 faculty fowls and
their chicken feed.
straw that needs to be replaced and recycled
in the compost piles and of course, every now
and then, the workers get to enjoy a “chicken
cuddle” and a free egg!
Materials, including timber and the
concrete slab, were donated for the project
by Mr Ben Gilroy with Mr Ian White leading
the team of volunteers in construction.
The hens now rule the roost in their newly
constructed enclosure and the students are
relishing the opportunity to get “up close and
personal” with the new residents.
Groups of students are now working with
the Property Services team to care for the
chickens. With the warmer weather there are
30 eggs a day that need collecting, food and
water that needs to be topped up, manure and
Every now and then
the workers get to enjoy
a “chicken cuddle”
and a free egg!
ALUMNI
THE
Dami Army
Her exceptional
talent as a pianist
AND VIOLINIST was
widely known at
school, but few
realised that an
amazing voice was
also part of a secret
music arsenal.
Marches On!
2
005 graduate Dami Im has wowed
viewers throughout Australia as a
contestant and finalist on Channel 7’s
X-Factor.
It seems the two times Captain’s Cup
winner as the College’s finest all-round cultural
person (in 2004 and 2005), was always a good
singer, but was better on the piano at the time
(she received her L.Mus.A qualifications in
Year 11, studied at the Queensland Young
Conservatorium from Years 6 – 12 and was
Queensland national finalist in the Yamaha
Youth Piano Competition).
Away from school, Dami was fine-tuning
her singing using computer recordings. She
credits this for her vocal improvement and
giving her the confidence to audition for a
Master’s degree in Contemporary Voice at the
Queensland Conservatorium of Music (after
completing a degree in classical piano at UQ).
It also seems that singing is in her genes –
her mother is an opera singer who studied at
a prestigious school in Korea. She cites her
mum, Corinne Bailey Rae, Norah Jones, Ella
Fitzgerald and Beyonce as musical influences.
Dami’s X-Factor experience started with
an off-camera audition last year. From there,
she made it through to the first TV audition
where her rendition of Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’
received a standing ovation and an invitation
to attend ‘Super Bootcamp’.
“There was so much pressure on the last
day of Bootcamp, I just couldn’t remember
the words to my song, Jolene.” Unfortunately,
Bootcamp ended Dami’s time on X-Factor as
150 people were whittled down to just
24 finalists.
“Even though I thought I would, I didn’t
make it. I was sent home.”
Initially overlooked as a finalist, Dami has
made the most of her second chance after
another contestant pulled out of the show
for personal reasons. Her first live show
performance of U2’s ‘One’ was judged to
be the performance of the night and she has
secured her own ‘Dami Army’ of followers
across the country.
Her most ardent supporter (along with the
entire JPC family) is husband, Noah whom
she married last year.
ALUMNI
Our Alumni
Take on the World
Our alumni have
enjoyed a highly
successful year
in a number of
disciplines both
in Australia and
throughout the
world.
Rosa Boyd (2005) recently returned
from the World Games in Cali, Colombia
as captain of the Australian Women’s Beach
Handball team. Ranked eighth going into
the Games, the Australians improved their
ranking to seventh. The World Games
is a subsidiary of the Olympics and caters
for sports that are yet to be recognised
as Olympic Sports. Further congratulations
to Tanya Beths (2007) who was selected
as a reserve and travelled to Colombia
to prepare and train with the team in the
lead up to the tournament.
Kalani Purcell (2012) made her
debut with the New Zealand Tall Ferns
in August against the Australian Opals.
Going down by 15 points, Kalani scored
her first international points and further
contributed with two assists and a steal.
The second game of the Oceania Series
was played in Canberra with Australia
qualifying for the World Championships
in Turkey next year.
Brendan Teys (2007) was selected
in the Australian Boomers squad in June,
joining Australia’s 20 best players in a
training camp prior to a four game series
against the Chinese national team. On top
of his basketball commitments (he is also
currently playing for the Brisbane Spartans
in the South East Australian Basketball
League winter competition), Brendan is
studying a Bachelor of Business.
Mick Downer (1993) has been appointed
Assistant Coach with the Australian Boomers
basketball team. Mick is currently the
Assistant Coach with NBL team, the Cairns
Taipans. He commenced his post with the
Boomers in June under Head Coach, Andrej
Lemanis where his focus will be on video
analysis and scouting.
Peter Lee (2010) continues to make huge
advances in Sevens Rugby and is one of only 16
contracted players with the Qantas Australian
Sevens. Peter has been back in full training
for the first event of the HSBC World Sevens
Series, the Gold Coast Sevens played at Skilled
Park in October. The former Fijian Under 20
representative, debuted for Australia at the
Dubai Sevens late last year. He is a premier
grade player for club Sunnybank and is about
to enter the third year of an engineering degree.
Y20 Summit, a forum which gathers
young leaders from the world’s largest
20 economies to give them a voice
in international discussion. The event
will run in conjunction with the G20
in Brisbane next year. This all comes
on top of Yassmin’s professional life
which involves regular travel to oil rigs
in central Queensland where she
is a mechanical engineer.
Renee Gracie (2012) is taking the
Australian motor racing circuit by storm.
At just 18, Renee has become the first
female to compete in the Porsche Carrera
Cup, a national seven-series event featuring
all Porsches. The Cup is televised
on Channel 7 as part of the V8 Supercar
Series. With lofty ambitions to compete
in the V8 Supercars, Renee is right on track
to realise her dream.
Francesca De Valence (1997)
recently released her third EP - Things That
We Have Said. The album was officially
launched as part of the Brisbane Fringe
Festival in collaboration with painter Brett
Moffatt, whose illustrations feature
as the EP’s cover art.
Mitch Larkin (2010) swam in Europe
with the World Championships in Barcelona.
He showed great form at the World Short
Course Event in Berlin where he received
a bronze in the 50m backstroke and came
fourth in the 200m backstroke.
Nick Gonsalves (2006) has won an
international architecture competition.
He, along with colleague Nic Martoo from
architect firm, Conrad Gargett Riddel,
collected first prize in the International Award
for Young Architects. The duo designed an
innovative emergency shelter for victims of
natural or man-made disasters. Their design
was recently showcased in King George Square
and Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied (2007) has
earned a well-deserved reputation for her
thoughtful and informed voice on youth
and current affair issues. In between finding
time to meet the Dalai Lama and speak
at national and international conferences,
she has become a regular panelist on ABC’s
Q&A show. Yassmin was recently invited
to join the steering committee of the
Genevieve LaCaze (2006) returned
to the College recently to present to Year 12
students during ‘Legends at Lunchtime’,
an initiative to connect members of
the Alumni network with our students.
Genevieve is back in Australia undergoing
rehabilitation following a season-ending
injury she suffered just before the World
Athletics Championships. With never before
seen footage from her march in the opening
ceremony at the London Olympic Games
through to a ‘selfie’ video of a very nervous
Genevieve ‘the moment just before the race’
students were inspired and motivated
to always do their best but to also learn
to ‘let it go’ when life doesn’t go as planned.
Look out for her in the Commonwealth
Games – she’ll be back!
ALUMNI
Introducing
Alumni & Christmas Drinks
Member
D
for Life
Alumni
Network
Launch
uring the course of the year, Alumni business
owners and leaders have been invited back to the
College to reconnect with their old school and
other successful Alumni. The tours and lunch have
generated lively conversations and much reminiscing. Business
and employment connections have been the result.
O
ur Class of 2013 graduates are set to become
our first subscribed John Paul College Alumni
Members for Life. Thanks to the generosity of their
parents who have largely funded the $100 lifetime
fee, these students, and other graduates who follow them, will
receive a range of additional benefits and services, including
discounted ticket prices to alumni events and reunions and
graduation mementos.
The initiative was introduced this year to provide member
services that will further assist past students to stay connected
to their school and their classmates. They will also benefit in
their professional lives through networking events and career
opportunities.
Of course, the 8,000 alumni who have preceded the Class
of 2013 will continue to remain equally valued members
of our alumni network and nothing will change in terms of our
ongoing communication with them and our commitment
to staying connected.
44 the EAGLE SPRING 2013
To officially launch our Alumni Business Network, the
Alumni Office is hosting Christmas Drinks at the London
Club (thanks Beau Vedelago 2001 for looking after us).
Date: Thursday 14 November
Time: 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Cost: $50 includes canapés and drinks. As an incentive
to grow our network, the ticket price will entitle
you to bring a fellow alumnus!
Speaker: Matthew Burgess (1991), Partner with
McCullough Robertson, will present his
‘WWW’ matrix (Why the Wealthy Win) lessons learned while acting for a significant
percentage of BRW’s Rich List. (He may include
one or two personal anecdotes from JPC days).
Tickets from ‘Events Ticketing’ on
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au
Our Alumni Brand Goes
Global
O
ur Alumni drink coolers have
ventured to all corners of the
world. Past students who
registered as members of our
online community all received a cooler and
were asked to send in photos of their JPC cooler
at memorable or unique events and locations
(coolers with celebrities earned big points).
The competition has already seen one cooler
photographed on the tyre of an A380 at Los
Angeles International Airport (photographed
by Qantas captain, John Fraser, 1985).
the last word
Last
THE
Word
By Nigel Chong
The Last Word is
a John Paul College
tradition which
takes place at the end
of each Headmaster’s
Assembly. A senior
student delivers The
Last Word on the
topic of their choice.
the opportunity to
contribute is highly
sought after.
P
lease enjoy The Last Word
presented at the Cum Laude
Awards Presentation Assembly,
delivered by Cum Laude Praestantia
Award recipient, Nigel Chong.
Have you ever wondered how the greatest
sportspeople on earth are consistently able
shoot the game winning shot and never seem
to miss?
As a runner, I have experienced pressure
regularly and can tell you that there is nothing
worse than toeing the line next to competitors
that you know have worked longer and trained
harder than you have.
Vince Lombardi was perhaps the greatest
coach in NFL history. He led the Green Bay
Packers to five NFL championships including
two Superbowls. He was often overheard
yelling at his players during practice “The only place success comes before work
is in the dictionary.”
In this modern world with all of its
technology, we have every tool imaginable for
us to succeed. Why then do only a select few
achieve success? At the age of 12, before every
training session, Kevin Durant would slip on his
shoes and run 50 laps around the court, shoot
a hundred free throws and complete five sets
of fifty push ups. He now earns $25 million a
year in the NBA.
Hard work, commitment and perseverance
are all words that can be thrown around, but
the hard truth is, to be best at what you do, you
must practice. There are no shortcuts, no tricks
that make it easier. Working hard is the only
thing that will guarantee that when the time
comes you are able to rise to the occasion.
So what does this mean? It means you get
in before the lights are turned on, you work
on your shooting form, your free kick or your
maths assignment. It means you are the last
one to leave, you run that extra lap, lift that
one more rep or finish that last sum.
Make no mistake however, working hard
will not guarantee success. Nothing can. There
will be times when your best effort will not be
enough; when that last shot you take will rim
out, when the game winning kick goes wide
right or when the maths test turns out to be
harder than expected. But life is not measured
on whether we succeed or not, but by the
number of times we fail before we succeed.
Rocky Balboa sounds this out the best when
he says; “The world ain’t all sunshine and
rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place;
it will beat you to your knees and keep you
there permanently if you let it. You, me or
nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it
ain’t how hard you hit it, it’s about how hard
you can get hit and keep moving forward,
how much can you take and keep moving
forward. That’s how winning is done!
I’m Nigel Chong
and that was my
Last Word.
John Paul College
John Paul Drive
Daisy Hill Queensland
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au
Tel: +61 7 3826 33333

Publication - John Paul International College

Transcription

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