College Update

Over the coming months, our College will be engaging deeply with the ACER School Improvement Tool as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening student learning, wellbeing and school improvement. This nationally recognised framework provides schools with a clear process for reflection, evaluation and strategic growth across a range of domains including teaching and learning, student wellbeing, leadership, use of data and community partnerships.

The implementation of this process is not about adding more initiatives, but about sharpening our focus on what has the greatest impact on student outcomes. Through staff collaboration, analysis of student achievement data and consultation with students and families, we will identify clear improvement goals that support excellence in learning for every student. We will continue to strengthen consistent high-quality teaching practices, student engagement, literacy growth across all learning areas and a culture where every student is challenged and supported to achieve their personal best.

Importantly, the ACER School Improvement Tool aligns strongly with our College vision and our belief that every young person is capable of growth, success and flourishing when high expectations are combined with strong relationships and purposeful learning. We look forward to sharing our progress with the community throughout the year as we continue building a culture of continuous improvement.

Recently, our students and staff also participated in the Nirimba Precinct initiative focused on Reconciliation and deepening understanding of the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations peoples. This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage in dialogue, reflection and learning that promotes truth-telling, respect and unity within our wider community.

As a Catholic learning community, we recognise the importance of walking together in the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. Students participated thoughtfully in activities and discussions that encouraged empathy, understanding and a commitment to justice and inclusion. We thank the staff and students involved in organising and supporting this important initiative and for helping strengthen a culture of respect and belonging across the Precinct.

Last week, we were also pleased to host a Parent Engagement Forum focused on adolescent development, particularly the neurobiological changes that occur during the teenage years and how parents can effectively respond to adolescent emotions. The evening provided valuable insights into how the developing teenage brain influences behaviour, emotional regulation, decision-making and relationships.

Parents explored practical strategies to support young people during this significant stage of growth, including the importance of calm communication, empathy, boundaries and maintaining strong connections at home. The forum reinforced that adolescence is a period of enormous development and opportunity, and that positive partnerships between school and families play a critical role in supporting student wellbeing and resilience.

We thank the many parents who attended and contributed so positively to the discussion. Opportunities such as these strengthen the partnership between home and school and reflect our shared commitment to helping every young person flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

The College hosted our inaugural Dance Enrichment Day which involved workshops on Bollywood. West African and Filipino dancing. The workshops were facilitated by professional dancers from each nationality. The students were truly inspired throughout the day. A big thank you to Ms Luna-Rileuy and Ms Rosser for organising the event.

God Bless

Mr R. Muscat

Ms Michalea Evans - Head of Catholic Identity and Mission

Expression of interest - Parent Information Session exploring the Encountering Jesus Curriculum and how it nurtures and supports your child’s spiritual growth and faith development.

This session will provide parents and carers with an overview of what students are learning in the Religious Education classroom, including the purpose and vision of the curriculum. It is also an opportunity to gain insight into how faith, learning, and lived experience are connected within the classroom.

Parents and carers will be equipped with practical ways to continue conversations at home and support their child’s ongoing spiritual and educational journey through meaningful discussion and reflection.

Throughout the month of May, students have gathered during lunch time to pray the Rosary together, taking the time to reflect on the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary and growing in faith, community and prayer. In the spirit of St John Paul II, these moments of prayer encourage our students to live as people of Christ with courageous hears and minds for all to flourish.

Students from Stage 4 and 5 recently attended the LIFTED Live events coordinated by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) and Catholic Youth Parramatta. These inspiring faith formation experiences brought together young people from across the Diocese of Parramatta for a dynamic day of music, prayer, reflection, worship, and connection with other Catholic school communities. Through engaging guest speakers, live music, and interactive activities, students were encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their sense of belonging within the Church, and reflect on how they can live out their faith through service, compassion, and leadership in their schools and wider communities.

Mr Anthony Hulme - Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Learning

StJPII Catholic College is inviting StJPII parents and carers to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at STJPII Catholic College.

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the link: http://tellthemfromme.com/stjpii2026

The parent/carer surveys close at 4:30 pm on Friday 5th June 2026

Student surveys will be distributed at the start of Week 7 to be completed in homeroom.

Assessment and Exam Stress

Some families often reach out looking for resources to help them and their child/children get a healthy balance during busy times of assessment.

Some young people, or even parents might experience physical symptoms, like trouble sleeping, feeling sick in the stomach, headaches and muscle tension, and fidgeting, nail-biting and teeth grinding.

Exam stress can also be mental or emotional, like feeling confused, being irritable, feeling overwhelmed, lacking motivation and withdrawing from the family, friends and things you do normally.

To assist with further strategies a link is provided to the Kids Help line resources for parents/carers to assist them in navigating what some feel is a challenging time.

Assessment / Exam Stress - Kids Helpline Resources

Check out the Teens 13-17 tab at the top of the page.

The Power of Sleep

In recent times, it is quite common for young people to tell us they are always tired and struggle to do the work during the normal school day. With increased technology usage, this presents a problem for the developing mind.

Please see the link below on the Power of sleep by SchoolTV.

Power of Sleep

2026 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

The 2026 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has begun.

Already a number of students have begun their reading challenge and are busily adding to their reading log. Registration for this event can take place anytime - all you need to do is come to the Library to sign up and remember any books read since last September can be included in your reading log for 2026.

All students are encouraged to take the challenge and be a part of this State-wide initiative from the NSW Government.

For more information, contact the Library staff.

Uniform

It has been pleasing to see improvements in the wearing of our uniform across years 7-12, with our focus areas showing particular improvement. This includes students wearing their blazers to and from school each day they are in school uniform during terms 2 & 3.

During Term 2 & 3 boys shirts should be tucked in and wearing a belt and tie.

A reminder that facial piercings are not permitted, and for the girls only 1 small sleeper or stud worn in the ear lobe (max dia 13mm). Boys cannot wear earrings.

No nail polish/false nails should be worn at school. This impacts practical lessons and safety onsite.

Student medication onsite & Action Plans

This is a friendly reminder that students are not to carry medication with them on site, with the exception of an EpiPen and/or Ventolin. If your child is required to take any medication during school hours this must be provided to the office by a parent/carer accompanied by the completed.

Does your child need to have any medical action plans updated. If so please send completed plans to the College office so they can be updated.

Bicycle Safety

Students are reminded that if they ride a push bike to school, a helmet must be worn. The bikes must be walked onto our site by the front bus bay gate, and placed immediately into the bike racks. No student is permitted to ride a bike onsite.

There have been a number of questions regarding E-Bikes. Students cannot ride these to school.

Please see the attached rules/policies from Transport NSW.

E-Scooters/Bikes Advice for Families

Ms Christina Luzi - Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

I recently had the opportunity to attend Dr Kristy Goodwin’s presentation on the Human Operating System (HOS), which provided fascinating and highly relevant insights into how technology is influencing the way our children learn, focus, manage stress, and recover.

Dr Goodwin explored how our brains and bodies are not always designed for the constant stimulation of modern digital life. She explained that prolonged screen time can disrupt natural nervous system regulation, reduce focus, and contribute to heightened stress levels. One particularly interesting point was how simple actions, such as regular sighing, help reset our nervous system, something that often decreases when we are intensely focused on screens.

A major takeaway was the powerful effect of intermittent variable rewards, the unpredictable notifications, messages, and digital interactions that can create addictive patterns for both children and adults. In a world where attention is increasingly fragmented, Dr Goodwin emphasised the importance of intentionally teaching young people how to build resilience, optimise focus, and prioritise recovery.

Her Flourishing Formula focused on three key pillars:

Build Stress Adaptability
Helping children experience manageable challenges, physical activity, and even brief discomfort can strengthen their ability to cope with stress over time.

Optimise Focus
Focus is now one of the most valuable skills we can help our children develop. Reducing distractions, creating structured work periods, and understanding when children work best can significantly improve learning outcomes.

Reframe Recovery
Recovery is essential for academic success and wellbeing. Sleep, movement, sunlight exposure, and regular breaks are critical for healthy brain function.

Practical Tips for Parents:

Following the presentation, several practical strategies stood out that families can implement at home:

Encourage morning sunlight exposure before school to support healthy sleep patterns.
Establish tech-free times, particularly during homework, family meals, and before bedtime.
Support regular movement and outdoor activity to improve mood and focus.
Help children develop healthy screen habits by modelling balanced technology use.
Encourage proactive rest and consistent sleep routines.
Recognise your child’s natural energy patterns and structure demanding tasks around their peak focus times where possible.

Dr Goodwin’s presentation was a timely reminder that while technology is an essential part of modern life, we must actively support our children in developing the habits that protect their wellbeing. By focusing on stress adaptability, attention, and recovery, parents can play a vital role in helping their children flourish both academically and personally.

National Reconciliation Week 2026

Dance Enrichment Day 2026

Celebrating culture through movement, rhythm and connection.

Students explored the styles and techniques of Bollywood, West African Dance and Filipino Tinikling during our Cultural Dance Day, developing their appreciation of cultural dance within our school community.

The day began with a warm-up and dance technique session led by Mrs Rosser and Mrs Luna-Riley, creating an engaging celebration of diversity through dance.