College Update

Term 4, Week 6B

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

Dear St John Paul II community,

The College conducted the Preliminary Awards last week to celebrate and acknowledge student achievements in Year 11. My address developed the theme of “focus” and its importance in delivering results. The research on the psychology of focus argues that success only happens once young people remove distractions and intentionally direct their attention onto a focal point. This requires discipline and commitment. It is for this reason that the idea of multi-tasking is a myth and reduces the brain’s capacity to process material and ultimately memory intake. I concluded by wishing our seniors a successful start to the HSC course and reminded them that they were not alone on this journey.

Year 7-9 students have completed PAT testing which will provide vital information for our teachers to ascertain student levels in reading and numeracy. The data will also inform teaching programmes and the type of intervention we need to implement across the College.

At the last College Assembly of the year, I presented to the student body the new College vision. This has been a work in progress since Term 2. I have worked closely with staff and the Parent Engagement Group in gradually refining the statement to truly reflect what we believe in and what we aspire to be as a Catholic community. The vision statement - “We are called to be people of Christ, with courageous hearts and minds, for all to flourish” – encapsulates the motif of “being called”, as an invitation to commit to being like Christ and living a life filled with hope and love. Secondly, we chose the word courage as it was extensively used by St John Paul II in his reference to promote freedom and the meaning of life. We also deliberately used hearts and minds as we fulfill our roles as Catholic educators to shape the hearts and minds of the young peoples under our care. Finally, we aspire for all people to flourish and grow into humans who will make a difference in the world. Furthermore, we will push out new Mission statements, College Pillars and a model which will drive a culture of success.

The Year 12 cohort participated in the Senior Retreat this week and I am happy to report that was a huge success. On my visit to the retreat centre, I had the opportunity to speak with students and they all said how they used the time to connect better with their peers but most importantly with God. They also said how they came to appreciate the support from their families as they commenced the HSC course. I like to thank the teachers who attended for giving up their time away from families and for their dedication in making the opportunity memorable.

Congratulations to the Intermediate Super 8 Cricket for winning the Grand Final last week. We are so proud of their achievements!!!

Ms Janina Starkey, Assistant Principal (System, Learning and Metrics), is leaving the College this Friday as she commences a leadership role at the National Catholic Education Commission. We thank Janina for all that she has done during her tenure and wish her all the best in her new role.

God Bless

Mr R Muscat

Business Manager - Mrs Emily Catt

School Development

The Development Application currently under assessment at Blacktown City Council is progressing well. Further Site Investigations have taken place and we are on track for approval shortly. The Approval will see the neighbouring block to the College officially become School Property and then steps can progress towards building our new carpark, Hall and additional classrooms with both General Learning Classrooms and Specialised spaces for Science, Food Technology, Hospitality and Creative and Performing Arts. We will also gain a large undercover cover sports court and meeting space. These new facilities once constructed will enhance the learning environments and consolidate our Campuses benefitting College life significantly.

School Fees

Thank to those who have finalised their school fee accounts. Please reach out the College if you require assistance with the payments of your payment arrangement. In 2026, all School Fee Invoices (Instalments) will be issued via email. With this change, it is likely that they will be issued earlier in the term too. Please ensure you add the sender to your safe list so you can keep on top of your School Fees.

Mobile Phones

Commencing in 2026, Students will not be able to use their mobile phones from time of entry to school until they have left the school site. This is part of an updated Mobile Phone Policy that is across the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. Please discuss this with your children in the coming weeks to ensure they are prepared for a change to their behaviours at School.

Assistant Principal - Mr Anthony Hulme (Wellbeing and Learning)

School Uniform

Unfortunately there is a growing trend of boys wishing to wear earrings. Our policies have been very clear regarding our expectations. At enrolment acceptance, parents/carers signed an agreement that they would support us in our policies. This included the specific instruction of no earrings for boys. This includes plastic/clear spacers and covers/bandaids.

If a student is supported by parents to wear an earring this should only be done at the start of the holidays, and the earring removed before leaving home or wearing our College uniform in 2026. This would allow time for the wound to heal and allow daily removal at school.

**** Please see the College Uniform Policies regarding application for variation. Please note no approval will be given if a variation is already in place.

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

Sport Socks

The College sport sock requirement began in Term 2. By the start of next year (2026) all students must be wearing the College sport socks which contain a blue and red band.

Girls Summer socks

The girls summer sock was implemented at the start of 2025. It is also expected that at the start of 2026, all girls will be wearing the College summer socks.

Year 10 into Year 11 College Bags/Backpacks

From the start of 2026 all Year 10 students must be using the navy College branded school bag. No other school bag is permitted.

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.