College Update

Term 4, Week 10B

We are called to be people of Christ with courageous hearts & minds for all to flourish.

In this week's College Update

College Principal Leader - Mr Robert Muscat

Head of Catholic Identity and Mission - Mrs Michaela Evans

Business Manager - Mrs Emily Catt

Summer Office Hours

2026 Return Dates

2026 Semester One College Events Snapshot

College Uniform

2026 CSPD Mobile Phone Policy Update

Navigating the Social Media Changes

School student travel information for parents and students

College Principal Leader - Mr Robert Muscat

Dear St John Paul II community,

As we come to the end of another school year, our hearts turn naturally toward Christmas—its joy, its hope, and its deep significance for us as a Catholic community. Christmas is far more than a holiday or a moment of celebration. At its heart lies the profound truth that God enters our world in the vulnerability of a child. In Jesus, the Word made flesh, we come to know a God who walks with us, who shares our joys and our challenges, and who invites us into a life shaped by love, compassion, and courageous faith.

The Nativity reminds us that greatness is found in humility, that light is most powerful in darkness, and that every person is held in God’s unshakeable love. This is the message that sustains our identity as a Catholic school and inspires the vision that guides our work throughout the year.

As we look back on 2025, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable learning and growth we have witnessed across our College. Students have shown resilience, curiosity, creativity, and character. They have worked hard, supported one another, and embraced challenges with courage. Our staff have given generously of their expertise and care, shaping a culture in which every young person is known, valued, and encouraged to flourish. And our families—your partnership, trust, and support remain essential to all we do.

Learning this year has extended far beyond classrooms. It has taken place through service, reflection, conversation, leadership, friendship, and community. Together, we have continued to build a school where faith and learning are not separate paths, but a single journey toward becoming the people God calls us to be.

As we enter the Christmas season, my prayer is that you and your families experience the peace of Christ in your homes, the joy of togetherness, and the light of hope that this sacred time brings. May the break ahead offer rest, renewal, and the chance to reconnect with the people and moments that matter most.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. It has been a privilege to walk alongside you and your children.

We say farewell to the following staff members and wish them all the best in their future endeavours;

Ms Clark
Mr Copp
Mr Desylva
Mr Elliott
Mr Greenway
Ms Grey
Ms Hamama

Mr Hawlader
Mr Kamber
Mr Martyn
Mr Papa
Mr Tamanam
Ms Tolson
Ms Watts

Wishing every student, staff member, and family a safe, restful, and very Merry Christmas.
May God bless you abundantly in the year ahead.

God Bless

Mr R Muscat

Head of Catholic Identity and Mission - Mrs Michaela Evans

As we come to the end of the school year, we pause with grateful hearts to thank the St John Paul II community for the generosity shown through donations for the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Hampers. During the season of advent, a time of hopeful waiting and loving action, your kindness has become a tangible sign of God’s presence for those in need.

Inspired by the words of St John Paul II, who reminded us that “that the future starts today, not tomorrow,” our community has responded not with indifference, but with compassion and solidarity. Through your gifts, you have helped ensure that families in our wider community experience dignity, care and the joy of Christmas.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for living out the Gospel through service. As we journey toward Christmas, may this spirit of generosity continue to shape us as a people of hope, reminding us that even the smallest acts of love can transform lives.

Business Manager - Mrs Emily Catt

Whilst students enjoy a break and Teachers are busy programming for the new school year, work doesn’t stop on site. In fact, with 5 weeks available without classes occurring, the College will have a significant amount of works undertaken to improve the facilities in both functionality and appearance. With new carpets being laid, painting being undertaken and the construction of a large waterproof covered area just to name a few.

As students return and we welcome a new cohort of Year 7s onsite in February 2026, the College will have been transformed into a revitalised learning hub.

Whilst there may be a hive of activities on campus, the general office functions will be suspended until 27 January 2026 and any enquiries can be sent through to the College email address: stjohnpaul2@parra.catholic.edu.au. Our office staff will be enjoying a well deserved break over the Christmas New Year January Period.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout 2025.

Summer Office Hours

Schofields Campus

Closed - Fri 19 Dec to Wed 21 Jan inclusive

Reopens - 22 Jan

Nirimba Campus

Closed - Wed 17 Dec to Fri 30 Jan inclusive

Reopens - Mon 2 Feb

2026 Return Dates

Mon 2 Feb

First Day for Year 7, 11 & 12 and Year 10 Peer Support

Tue 3 Feb

First Day for Year 8, 9 & 10

2026 Semester One College Events Snapshot

Click here for the Semester One 2026 snapshot. This calendar is also available on Compass and may be subject to change.

College Uniform

Uniform link on Community Hub: https://stjohnpaul2communityhub.parra.catholic.edu.au/uniforms

2026 CSPD Mobile Phone Policy Update

From Term 1, 2026, all CSPD schools will implement a new Student Use of Mobile Phones and Other Digital Devices Policy.

This policy has been developed to create more focused learning environments and to support student wellbeing and safety. It follows strong evidence from schools across Australia showing that limiting mobile phone use during the school day helps improve learning focus, reduces distraction, and supports positive relationships.

Under the new approach, students will not use mobile phones during school hours.

Secondary students will be responsible for the safe keeping of their phones. They cannot be used during the day.
Other digital devices such as smartwatches or Bluetooth earbuds may only be used for learning activities and require principal approval.

The significant change is that mobile phones must be switched off the moment a student walks into the gate. They can only be used once they leave the gate in the afternoon. This also includes bus lines (no access).

Using a phone to check the time is not a valid reason to switch on or check a phone.

Please note: A plan will need to be further developed with the canteen operators. Students will be able to use a physical card or cash for canteen purchases. Online ordering is currently being investigated. More info in the coming weeks.

Exemptions to the policy will need to be approved by the principal, justifying the need for the mobile phone to be accessible by the student. For example, medical or educational needs could be grounds for an exemption.

We understand that families may rely on mobile phones for communication, so if your child needs to contact you during the day, they can do so through the school office. Likewise, you can contact your child by calling the school office.

This change is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every CSPD school remains a safe, supportive, and respectful place to learn. More information, including FAQs, will be available on the CSPD website.

Thank you for your support as we work together to build focused, respectful, and distraction-free learning environments at St John Paul II Catholic College.

Navigating the Social Media Changes

What's Changing?

From 10 December 2025, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and YouTube will no longer allow children under 16 to create or maintain an account.

This change gives young people more time to develop digital and emotional skills before engaging fully online.

What It Means for Our School Community

Students under 16 won’t be able to have personal accounts on major platforms.
They can still view public content without logging in.
Educational tools such as Google Classroom and YouTube Kids are not affected.
Our school will explore alternative communication methods for updates and events if needed.

For Students

Learn how to stay safe and positive online
Access eSafety’s Get Ready Guide for under-16s
Develop digital literacy and wellbeing skills

For Parents and Carers

Visit eSafety’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub for tools and FAQs
Find guides to help start open conversations with your teen
Attend free eSafety webinars for practical advice and support

Upcoming Webinars for Educators & Families

Join a live 30-minute session to understand the new laws and support young people through the changes:

Wednesday 26 November, 3:45pm (AEDT)
Thursday 27 November, 3:45pm (AEDT)
Monday 1 December, 3:45pm (AEDT)

How Our School Is Responding

We are committed to supporting students, staff, and families as these changes take effect.

Resources and updates will be shared through Wellbeing lessons, newsletters, assemblies.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Stay connected.

Learn more at the eSafety Commissioner’s official hub or download these resources below.

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.