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Dear STJPII community,
As term 3 comes to a rapid close we would like to thank all staff, students and parents for their ongoing support and contribution in making STJPII a unique learning community. We wish all Year 12 students good preparation for their HSC exams. We will keep them in our prayers.
Important dates
Important dates
Monday 13th October Staff Development Day (Pupil free day)
Tuesday 14th October Term 4 Begins - Tuesday Week A
Thursday 16th October HSC Exams begin
Save the dates
Save the dates
Friday 24th October STJPII Feast Day Celebrations @ Schofields
29th October Year 7 2026 Orientation Day
30th October - 6th November Year 10 Exam Block
6th - 13th November Year 9 PAT Testing
School phone numbers
School phone numbers
A big thank you to all families for your understanding as we navigated our changes to our internal phone systems. Just a reminder that all parents should return calls to our main switch number on 9208 7200.
All previously stored numbers that you may have had for key staff have changed and some staff numbers rotate through our system as we are now using Microsoft Teams to make calls. Simply redialing a received number may not get you to the teacher that called previously.
Term 4 - Summer Uniform
Term 4 - Summer Uniform
Just a reminder that the Uniform Shop is now Operated by School Locker.
https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-john-paul-ii-catholic-college
At the beginning of Term 2 we transitioned into the College socks. We thank parents for the feedback regarding the change and we have been informed by The School Locker that stock is available.
It is the expectation of the College that all students will be wearing the correct school and sport socks at the start of Term 4.
Girls: White logo socks with summer tunic, blue sock with navy trousers, and College sport socks
Boys: Grey socks with summer uniform, and College sport sock
Students are also reminded in regard to our commitment to high standards with wearing uniforms in a neat and tidy fashion:
Girls should have their skirts at knee height, no nail polish, and no false finger nails or makeup.
Boys are not allowed to wear any earrings.
Girls only 1 small sleeper or plain stud (ear lobe only) - size indicated in Student planner (13mm)
Piercing spacers/keepers (boys & girls) are not part of our uniform.
Facial Jewellery including lash extensions are not part of our uniform (page 35 and page 36 student planner)
Due to sporting requirements and site safety, facial jewellery is not permitted. This rule also comes in line with our local Catholic school communities and is discussed at enrollment.
We acknowledge that some members of our community may wear facial jewellery for cultural events, but we ask for these not to be worn for a normal school day. We have been working closely with local religious leaders and elders. These leaders have assisted us to learn more about other faith requirements in our community, and to understand these family traditions.
Travel to and from school
Travel to and from school
It is the expectation of the school that all students travel directly home at the end of the school day. Students should not be loitering in shopping centres or parks especially Arilla Park (next to the College).
Recently we have had community concerns regarding some of our students riding bikes, skateboards and scooters whilst in school uniform.
Could we also remind parents of the NSW bike laws that require all bike riders to wear an approved helmet whilst riding a bike to and from school.
The helmet laws for bicycle riders of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries and brain damage from falls and crashes. The Road Rules state that a bicycle rider on roads and road-related areas must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened.
Source: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe
Hair Styles
Hair Styles
With two weeks of student vacation ahead of us, we must remind students of the clear expectations we have here at STJPII in regard to grooming. Students are reminded of the haircut policy we have in relation to the appropriate school standard and consequences for inappropriate hair as indicated in the School Planner. All students are asked to check the requirements in the planner before getting their hair altered. This will save an embarrassing phone call home on the first day back next term.
Student Equipment / Stationery
Student Equipment / Stationery
Over the last few weeks, many students have used up their equipment for use in the classroom. Could I ask all parents/carers to check that their child’s books have pages available. A significant number of students are arriving to school without writing equipment / stationery. Could I ask that this be a focus for all parents these holidays so that students return with all the necessary writing and study equipment.
Student footwear
Student footwear
Could we take this opportunity to remind parents of the correct style of school shoes. Traditional black polishable lace up shoes with a heel. Before the last school holidays we reminded all parents / carers of the correct shoes to assist with WHS requirements. I hope the following assists. Please discuss this with students who are wearing incorrect shoes.
Students who do not have the correct shoes will not be permitted into areas of the school that require extra safety e.g. workshops, kitchens and science labs.
Acceptable shoes
Acceptable shoes
Unacceptable shoes - Flat soled shoes ie Nike, Adidas, are NOT approved
Athletic running shoes that offer a supportive heel are the only recommended sporting footwear. Canvas/skate style, and hi-top shoes are not permitted.
School bags
School bags
Students are reminded that the only school bag that should be carried to school is the STJPII navy blue backpack. This bag is chiropractic approved.
Notice for our current Year 10 students: All students in Yr 11 next year will be required to use the navy STJPII College backpack. Previous agreements in regard to alternative bags at Nirimba have ceased as we start planning and moving towards one campus at Schofields.
Mobile Phones & Technology
Mobile Phones & Technology
St John Paul II Catholic College has a responsibility to students and staff to mitigate any risk associated with the use of technology at the College
Students may bring electronic devices such as mobile phones/smartphones to the College. However, they do so at their own risk and the College will not accept any responsibility for loss of, or damage to, any of these devices.
Mobile/Smart phones are not to be visible from the first bell at 7:55 am until the final bell at 2:15 pm. They should be switched off or on silent. Smart watches (Apple watches etc.) may only be used as watches.
Airpods/headphones are not to be visible or used. The wearing of headphones/airpods is the same as the phone being used. Therefore they should not be visible.
Students may not take photos or videos of teachers or any other students at any time.
Mobile/Smart phones are not to be used to take and/or send photographs and/or videos of any member of the community without the express permission of the person involved.
** Note: Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese will be moving towards the implementation of a system-wide policy restricting student use of mobile phones and other digital devices during school hours from 2026. Specific policy will be released next term.
School Environment Considerations:
Classroom
Classroom teachers have the discretion to grant permission for students to use a mobile/smartphone or airpod/headphones for educational purposes only. If the device is to be used outside the classroom then the student must have a note from the classroom teacher in their planner and have their planner with them.
Mobile/smart phones cannot be used during recess or lunch at any time whilst on the College grounds. The only exception to this, is at the canteen counter when required to pay.
Urgent Contact
Students are to approach their relevant Stage Leaders - Student Learning Advisor, Head of Stage to call their parent or carer. Should a stage leader not be available, students are to go to the office for permission to contact their parent/carer.
If parents or carers need to contact their child/ren during the school day we ask for your support by not calling or messaging during the day. You can email your child/ren or contact the school office on 92087200 who will convey any messages where necessary.
Students who are feeling unwell, should go to the front office. After checking in with the student and Stage team, the office will contact home if the student needs to go home. Please do not turn up without a phone call from the College.
Energy Drinks
Could we also remind the community that energy drinks are not permitted on the College premises. Students and parents should read health notices regarding the safety of such drinks.
Glass bottles are also not permitted on the College grounds - this includes refillable drink bottles.
Checking Devices
Checking Devices
The holiday period is a great opportunity for the students to have a break from technology. It would be a perfect opportunity for parents/caregivers to inspect these personally owned devices. Could we ask parents/caregivers to remove any unwanted games and videos. The devices are meant to be an educational tool.
If a teacher suspects a student device has undesirable material or content, the device will be taken from the student and left in the school office for parent collection. We would ask all parents to please delete/remove unwanted content so students are not distracted in the classroom.
Could we also remind parents to check that Chromebooks/Laptops are kept inside a protective sleeve/pouch in the school bags.
Recycling your old phone can have a big impact
Recycling your old phone can have a big impact
One of the biggest threats to chimpanzees in the wild is the mining of minerals such as coltan, a metallic ore used in mobile phones and other electronic devices. As demand for mobile phones increases, so too does the mining of vital chimpanzee habitat.
You can help protect chimpanzees in the wild by simply donating your old mobile phones.
When you donate your old mobile phone or accessory to Sydney Zoo, the funds generated through recycling will help preserve chimpanzee habitat and go toward the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.
St John Paul II Catholic College, in collaboration with our 2025 Embrace the Wild Year 10 student leaders, is proud to support this important environmental initiative in Term 4.
Students are encouraged to donate their old mobile phones by submitting them to the IT Department. These devices will be forwarded to Sydney Zoo as part of their mobile phone recycling program, which contributes directly to the conservation of chimpanzee habitats.
We kindly ask that all devices be reset and any personal or sensitive data removed prior to donation.
This initiative will run until Wednesday, 20 November.
Please remember that if at any time your child needs support or you have concerns, please contact a member of the relevant Stage Team on 9208 7200.
We wish all members of the Community a safe vacation period.
Regards,
Miss Cartagena (Year 7 Student Learning Advisor)
Miss Azzopardi (Year 8 Student Learning Advisor)
Miss Cairns (Stage 4 Head of Stage)
Mr Ford (Year 9 Student Learning Advisor)
Miss Fitzsimons (Year 10 Student Learning Advisor)
Mr Martyn (Stage 5 Head of Stage)
Mr Chapman (Year 11 Student Learning Advisor)
Miss Prudnicki (Year 12 Student Learning Advisor)
Mr Watson (Stage 6 Head of Stage)
Mr Hulme (Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Learning)
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