Handbook

Principal

Mr Jim Fanning

Parish Priests

Fr Ruben Elago
Fr Joshy Parappully

Mail Address

St John Paul II Catholic College
85 Hambledon Road
Schofields  2762

Email

stjohnpaul2@parra.catholic.edu.au

Sports Information Line 

Uniform Shop

Tuesday 8am - 2.30pm
Thursday 9am - 3.30pm
9208 7247

Key Contacts for 2018

School term dates and holidays are generally the same as government schools.

* Yet to be proclaimed
** Not a state-wide public holiday
# Possible substitute holiday to be considered by Government

From the moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she should have a sense of entering a new environment; one enlightened by the light of faith and having its own unique characteristics.

A Catholic school should first of all be a good school, a place where formation of the whole person occurs through a living encounter with a cultural inheritance. Thus, the school’s education program is intentionally directed towards the growth of the whole person.  It is essential to the nature of a Catholic school that this formation process is profoundly centred on Jesus Christ and his Gospel.

A good school will be a community where values are communicated through the entire network of relationships and structures that form the basis of school life, and also through a vision or outlook on life shared by the community and its members.  In a truly Catholic sense, the values of Jesus’ Gospel and the Catholic Tradition should permeate all areas of school life and curriculum, not just Religious Education.  Thus the existence of a loving God, who has taken to Himself a human nature and so entered into human history, is not just assumed but is something explicitly stated.

The name “St John Paul II Catholic College” was conferred on the college to celebrate the canonisation of Pope John Paul II who had stated in 1986 to the people of Australia, “Look dear people of Australia, behold this vast continent of yours! It is your home! The place of your joys and pains, your endeavors and your hopes! And for all of you Australians, the way to your Father’s house passes through this land.” 
It is from this statement by the pope that the college motto,“the way passes through this land”, is derived.

Brady House

John Brady was the first Parish Priest of the Riverstone area.  During his time there, he did a lot for the Aborigines of the district.

The Banner:  The earth is a symbol of all God’s creation, every living thing that must be cared for.  The hands cradling the world show how we care for the earth and each other.  The trees are a symbol of the environment and life.  Without trees we could not survive.  The rainbow serpent represents our connection to Aboriginal spirituality, and thus to John Brady.

Locke House

Maria Locke was the daughter of the Aboriginal Chief, Yarramundi.  She was born in 1808, studied in Parramatta, and in the final exams in 1819, she won first prize.  She married a man who had been a convict and their children were baptised by Father Brady at Windsor.  Maria brought them up as Catholics.

The Banner:  The black and white hand shaking symbolizes Maria’s marriage.  The cross represents her Catholicism.  The chain shows that her husband was a convict but, being broken, it also symbolizes freedom.  The colours in the banner are those of the Aboriginal flag.

Marycross House

Mary MacKillop founded a school for children who had no educational opportunities.  She worked tirelessly throughout Australia on behalf of under-privileged children.  Marycross is a shortened form of “Mary of the Southern Cross”.  The order of St. Joseph’s, the order of nuns begun by Mary, have a novitiate in Farnham Road, Quakers Hill.

The Banner:  The crucifix and the “M” represent the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  The colours of blue and brown are the colours of the Sisters.  The Southern Cross symbolizes that Mary will become our first Australian saint.

Therry House

Father John Therry was one of the first official priests in the colony of New South Wales.  He was a strong, vigorous man who rode all over the colony on horseback to visit the Catholics.  The community of Quakers Hill named their original place of worship the Therry Centenary Hall in 1922.

The Banner: The major part is the cross of St. Francis of Assisi and represents Terra Sancta College.  The rainbow is a sign that often occurs after rain, symbolizing new life and God’s promise to creation.  The rainbow also lets us remember the rainbow serpent and its importance in Aboriginal creation.

Counselling is available to students on both campuses.

Parents/caregivers are welcome to phone or make an appointment to discuss any concerns.

Students are given the opportunity to:

• Talk about a range of issues such as study, exams, teachers, friends, relationships, bullying, family conflict, feeling angry, worried or depressed, etc.
• Take the chance to talk with someone independent of the family
• Learn how to solve problems and achieve goals
• Find out how to help a friend or family member in trouble
• Bring a friend if coming alone is too difficult
• Discuss privacy at the first meeting to clarify any concerns
• Find the counsellor by asking at the office

School Counsellors: Mr Martin Graham (9208 7200)

Helplines and Websites for Students and Parents/Caregivers

Schofields Campus: Years 7 - 10

Nirimba Campus: Years 11 - 12

The RISE UP Merit System is used to positively recognise student achievements in all areas of RISE UP.  Students can be awarded a RISE UP Merit Sticker for any aspect of RISE UP in which they have achieved a recognised positive behaviour including involvement in extracurricular activities.

The RISE UP Merit Sticker received will be placed on the corresponding letter of the RISE UP Merit log within the student's diary.  Accumulation of RISE UP Merit Stickers will lead to higher awards such as RISE UP Merit Stage Awards and RISE UP Merit Principal’s Awards.

When a student becomes eligible to receive a Stage Award or Principal’s Award it is the student’s responsibility to alert their homeroom teacher during the RISE UP Homeroom Check. 

Students who have received a predetermined number of merits will be invited to a merit morning tea, held twice during the year.  Students who have excelled in the Merit System throughout the whole year will be invited to attend a fully funded excursion to a themed venue or the like.

In a Catholic community such as our College, there should be an underlying philosophy of care, based on respect for self and for others. At all times our behaviour should reflect a caring and respectful attitude to our peers, to our school, our families and the community.  This attitude could be identified in behaviour which would be courteous and honest, being aware of others, striving to reach one’s potential, thus resulting in a positive school spirit.

Expectations, rules and procedures are reflections of this underlying philosophy and are the day-to-day applications of this spirit.

Involvement: The College curriculum has been developed to challenge every student to reach his or her potential. Thus every student has the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest, both in the classroom as well as in other school activities. Students are expected to do their very best and to take pride in their achievement. Any behaviour or attitude that limits the opportunity to succeed for the individual or for others is discouraged. Students are expected to be involved in activities, including representing the College.

A student’s behaviour should be based on self-discipline so that his or her responses are appropriate even when no authority is present. However, when a student fails to meet the expectations of the College, then a number of methods of discipline will be introduced.

Detentions are generally held during lunchtime or after school, and are most commonly organised by Learning Community Facilitator or the Leader of Learning for that Stage.  Parents/caregivers are given at least 24 hours notice of detention.  Conduct report cards are used to monitor the progress in class of students who have experienced continual behavioural problems in class.  They record the performance of the student during class over a specified time period.  Suspension, from school or from class, is used for serious offences or for continuing failure to meet the College’s expectations in behaviour or attitude.

Parents/caregivers will always be informed of these matters and invited to assist in overcoming the problem.

St John Paul II Catholic College has adopted the principles of Restorative Practice as a Pastoral Model in dealing with student management issues. The process values individuals and demonstrates our Catholic ethos in action.

Where there are situations of wrongdoing we follow the following principles. The specific procedures may vary depending on the particular circumstances.

The wrongdoer is encouraged to think about their actions by asking the following questions:

• What happened?
• What were you thinking at the time?
• What have you thought about since the incident?
• Who do you think has been affected by your actions and how have they been affected?

The person affected is encouraged to express their feeling by asking the following questions:

• What was your reaction at the time of the incident?
• How do you feel about what happened?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• How did your family and friends react when they heard about the incident?

These principles aim at avoiding scolding or lecturing. When wrongdoers are exposed to other people's feelings and discover how others have been affected by their behaviour, they feel empathy for others. When scolded or lectured, they react defensively. They see themselves as victims and are distracted from noticing other people's feelings. The process allows us to separate the deed from the doer. We want to signal that we recognize the wrongdoers' worth and disapprove only of their wrongdoing. The process also allows us to see every instance of wrongdoing and conflict as an opportunity for learning. We can turn negative incidents into constructive events—building empathy and a sense of community that reduce the likelihood of negative incidents in the future.

• We want to base our relationships on the teaching of Jesus:
• "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters – you do unto me”.
• We want a safe, secure and welcoming place in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
• We do not want bullying.  This means that no one should be hurt, threatened, frightened or harassed by physical or verbal means.
• We do not want bullying, therefore gossiping, name-calling, teasing, intimidation, excluding, swearing, humiliation, stand over tactics, throwing objects, taking or using possessions without permission, hitting, pushing, fighting or anti-social behaviour – have no place in our school community.
• We want everyone – teachers, students and parents/caregivers – to deal with bullying, which may involve reporting it, whether they are victims or onlookers.
• We want to ensure anyone can protest against bullying and get support from the school.

When Bullying Happens Between Students …

If you are being bullied you have several options for responding to the situation.  Whatever you decide to do, act promptly to prevent the problem getting worse.

If You Bully Someone Else…

• You will receive an initial warning and be asked to stop it immediately.
• Your Leader of Learning will monitor your behaviour closely for an extended period of time.
• Either your Leader of Learning or the Assistant Principal will contact your parents/caregivers.
• Serious disciplinary consequences will be implemented in cases of repeated and/or serious bullying.
• You may be required to get help to change your pattern of behaviour.
• In extreme cases, students may face suspension from classes or school.

Safety at School: 

With a large number of students living in a relatively confined area, it is important that we always have the safety of others and ourselves in mind.

• Dangerous items should never be brought to school by students.

• Running and pushing are never allowed.

• No food or drink should be consumed inside buildings
  
  
• Chewing gum is strictly forbidden on school premises
  
  
• Liquid paper and metal rulers are not permitted
  
  
• For obvious safety reasons - cigarette lighters, knives, elastic bands, projectiles, sharp implements and aerosol cans should never be brought to school

• Care should be taken carrying bags over shoulders as well as in closing and opening doors and windows.

• In some subjects there are special safety requirements that students must observe – these subjects would include technology subjects, Science and Physical Education.

Accidents, Injury & Illness at School:

In the event of an accident, injury or illness the Class Teacher will direct students to the College Office for first aid.

Students must not make their own arrangements to go home.

If a student is too ill to remain at School, their parent/s will be contacted. It is, therefore, important that we have current home and mobile telephone numbers.

Students will be kept at School in the sickbay until contact can be made with parents.

If students become seriously ill and parents or emergency contacts cannot be contacted, an ambulance will be called and a staff member from School will accompany the student and stay with them until the parent/carer arrives.

Students should remain at home if they are unwell particularly if they are infectious or contagious.

Use of these substances by students is considered an extremely serious breach of school regulations.  No student may engage in these activities at school, whilst in uniform, or when attending official school functions.  It is an offence for a student to come to any school function under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to bring any of these substances onto school premises. Breaches of the law will be referred to the local police for investigation.

Mobile phones must be used in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy of the College.  It is expected that students will not disrupt classes by using mobile phones, iPods or other electronic devices in any way that has not been authorised by the teacher for the educational purposes of the lesson. Students who are found to be using an electronic item inappropriately will first be warned and subsequently will have that item confiscated.

In addition to our long-standing policy on this matter, parents/caregivers and students are reminded that taking pictures or recording on a camera phone is strictly prohibited as it represents a genuine threat to personal privacy in a range of situations around the school.

Mobile phones are a common target for theft and this can be an expensive lesson for our students to learn. In regard to this matter - we remind students and parents/caregivers that we take no responsibility for the loss or theft of mobile phones at school.  Students who bring these items to school are responsible for their security.

To ensure the best environment is provided at the College, the following directions must be observed:

• Staff areas of the Administration Buildings are out of bounds to all students.  Contact with staff may be arranged through the office.
  
  
• Students should always display courtesy to others and keep noise to a minimum in class and in their movements between class.
  
  
• No student should ever be in a classroom without a teacher.  This includes recess, lunchtime and time between lessons.
  
  
• Students should never leave bags or valuables unattended.
  
  
• During the last period of the day, students are required to ensure that their rooms are left in a tidy fashion, with rubbish placed in bins, desks and chairs placed in rows, windows closed and lights turned off.
  
  
• Any damage around the school is to be reported to the Assistant Principal immediately.
  
  
• Students are required to wait for teachers in the yard before each lesson.  They should do so quietly, and no games are permitted while they are waiting.
  
  
• Students in Years 7 to 10 are provided with lockers.  No food is to be stored in the locker.  No valuables are to be left in the locker.  Students are to have two keys for their locker.
  
  
• Students are only to access lockers during morning homeroom/administration time.
  
  
• Students outside classrooms during class time should have a note of explanation in their diary.
  
  
• Students who are ill must report to the front office with a note in their diary from their teacher.

For the safety of the students and smooth daily operation of the school the following directions must be observed:

• Students are to observe the Hands Off rule at all times. This policy is designed to protect the safety and property of all members of the school community and enhance their learning environment. Please be very clear about the intention and consequences of this policy – intimidation, bullying and anti-social behaviour often result in great stress and upset for the students involved and can all too easily lead to serious injury. Any action that breaks these guidelines for safe and non-violent behaviour will be dealt with firmly.
  
  
• No running, kicking of footballs or overarm throwing games are permitted anywhere other than the oval.
  
  
• Rubbish is to be placed in the bins provided.
  
  
• Students should never be in the yard without a supervising teacher during class time or at recess and lunch.  Senior students with study periods should work in the library.
  
  
• Students are not permitted to loiter near the toilets or the canteen.
  
  
• Visitors must report to the front office first.  Guests to the College will normally be accompanied in the yard by a teacher.  Any stranger in the yard should immediately be reported to the supervising teacher or to the office.
  
  
• No students are to be in classrooms during wet weather without a teacher.

Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school.

Regular attendance is a legal requirement and is a specific condition of the awarding of the RoSA and the Higher School Certificate.  Students must satisfy attendance requirements and show evidence of progress in their study in every subject to be eligible for a RoSA and/or Higher School Certificate.

• Attendance is recorded daily in Homeroom at 8:00 am.

• The College notifies parents/caregivers of whole day absences via an SMS message to the mobile number provided on the Enrolment Application and Agreement. Parents/caregivers are asked to reply to this message via return SMS. This information will then be recorded as an explained absence in our automated attendance monitoring system.

• Parents/caregivers who do not have a mobile phone or do not receive an SMS are asked to notify the College of their child’s absence via phone on the day of the absence or provide a note. The absence note should include the following details; student’s given name, surname, homeroom and reason for the absence. Please do not write absence notes in the student planner.

• Truancy from school will be dealt with firmly.

• Special days that occur during each year such as College Liturgies, Reflection Days, Sports Carnivals and Terra Sancta/St John Paul II Day are an important part of the education offered at this College. Students must attend these days as they would normal school days. Absences on Special Days are recorded specifically in our automated attendance monitoring system for future reference.

• Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours.
• Any requests for leave during term time must be made in writing to the Principal using the leave request forms found on the College website. Leave requests must be lodged prior to the student taking leave. Please refer to "Absence/Leave from School Procedures" in the "Communication with the School" section of this document.
• Any prior unapproved leave taken during term time will be recorded as UNEXPLAINED ABSENCE on the student’s attendance record. 

Students should always remember that they represent the College when travelling to and from school. Often this is the only contact the public has with the College and these first impressions are long lasting. Students should enter buses or trains in an orderly manner, allowing the public to enter and be seated first; noise should be moderated and bags should not block the corridor.  Where students need to wait for public buses, every effort should be made to minimise inconvenience to local shops and passers-by. If a student chooses to wear their uniform in public outside of  school hours it should be full and correct and not in combination with any other pieces of clothing.

Students are to travel directly to and from school.  They are not permitted to congregate at stops or shopping centers waiting for friends. In the afternoon, school specials must be used in preference to public services on the same route.  Special permission slips must be obtained from the Leader of Learning - Stage to use public services in the afternoon.

Due to safety concerns, all students are required to enter and exit College premises through the designated pathways and gates. At Schofields - all students must use the bus gate entry. At Nirimba – all students should enter and depart through the forecourt and past the front office.

For safety reasons, parent/caregiver vehicles are not permitted to enter the Schofields campus.

This is a place of quiet, active and purposeful learning.  Playing games on any of the computers is strictly forbidden.  Students using the library for a study period must first sign in at the desk.  No student is permitted to leave the library during the period without a teacher’s permission. A student with overdue books is not permitted to borrow further titles.

All property, whether belonging to students or the school, should always be treated with respect.  Care should be taken not to damage desks or chairs and no graffiti should appear on books, walls, diaries or bags.

• Students are forbidden to use electronic or small electrical devices during class time.  This includes smartphones, cameras, iPods, game consoles or similar items. These items will be confiscated and returned to the student after a short period of time by the class Teacher, Leader of Learning - Stage or Assistant Principal.  
  
  
• Valuables or large amounts of money should not be brought to school.  Students should take every precaution to avoid loss of property, especially by keeping valuable items on their person.  When cash is brought to school, such as for fees and excursions, it should be deposited immediately at the school office.

• The staff at the College Office would like to remind students and parents/caregivers to please label all belongings that are brought to school so that lost property can be returned to the correct students. This includes uniforms, devices, stationary, sports equipment and any other important items.  If your child has lost any of their belonging, please advise them to visit the College Office to look at what has been handed into lost property. 
   

All items of uniform can be purchased through the College Uniform Shop.

Open hours are:   
Tuesdays   8:00am – 2:30pm
Thursdays  9:00am – 3:30pm   

Any variations to these times will be advised through the College newsletter.

The College Uniform Shop is situated next to the Schofields Campus in the adjacent cottage.

• Every student is expected to be properly dressed in full College uniform at all times.
• Students should feel a sense of great pride in their personal appearance and be proud to belong and be part of St John Paul II Catholic College.
• No variations in uniform are permitted.
• We expect that students will be well groomed at all times
• Extreme hairstyles and excessive jewellery and accessories are not permitted. Students are supplied with clear guidelines about these items in their school diary.
• Oversize shirts or trousers are not acceptable.

College Bags
Compulsory for Year 7-10 (Years 11 - 12 are encouraged to purchase a College bag)

T Shirts/Tracksuits
T-shirts or tracksuits may not be worn under uniform by either boys or girls.

Body Piercing
No visible piercing allowed besides ear lobes – including nose, facial, brow, tongue or upper ear.

Hair
Hair must be one natural colour. Hair clips in silver or gold. Hair that is shoulder length or longer MUST be neatly tied back with a band or clips. Ribbons, scrunchies hair ties in navy, red, green or white. Extreme styles such as rat’s tails, undercuts, mohawks, dreadlocks or scalp designs are not permitted. 

Scarf
Plain navy, red, green or white only.

Shoes
Black, polishable, hard, leather or synthetic lace-up school shoes with heels less than 2.5 cm.  Soft or buckle styles are not permitted under WHS regulations.

Sunglasses
To be worn outdoors only

Additional information

• Boys must wear the style of trousers approved for use at St John Paul II Catholic College and sold by the College uniform shop. No variations in style, material or colour are permitted.

• If for any reason the sports uniform is not available then full school uniform must be worn.

• Neither girls nor boys may wear T-shirts beneath an open neck shirt or blouse.
  
  
• The girls’ skirts are to be worn between knee and mid-calf length.
  
  
• The only jewellery permitted is a watch and a plain signet ring.  Chains with small Christian medals or crosses may be worn around the neck but the chain must be long enough that they are not seen above the “V” of the shirt or blouse. Coloured bracelets and wristbands are not permitted.
  
  
• In the winter terms the school blazer must be worn with or without the college jumper. Parkas, school tracksuit tops or sloppy-joes may not be worn with the school uniform. Scarves are permitted during winter but they must be in plain St John Paul II Catholic College colours. Multi-coloured or patterned scarves are not permitted.

Consequences for Wearing Incorrect Uniform:

• Students found to be out of uniform without a valid reason in writing from a parent/caregiver will have a warning recorded in their diary.
• On the third occasion the student is out of uniform they will be expected to attend an afternoon detention.
• Repeated failure to wear correct uniform will require parents/caregivers to attend a meeting regarding the matter.
• Students in incorrect shoes cannot attend classes for health and safety reasons. Students will be expected to get the correct shoes before going to class.

Change of Details:

Parents/caregivers are to notify the College of any changes to personal details for students and their families, including contact numbers, emergency contact details, residential addresses, family living arrangements etc. Please contact the College via email - stjohnpaul2@parra.catholic.edu.au - or phone 9208 7200 to notify of these changes.

Student Medication:

Any medication, which needs to be taken by the student during the school day must be handed to the College office. Parents/caregivers are required to provide the school with a letter that permits the College to hold and administer the medication. It is the parents’/caregivers’ responsibility to ensure that the medication supplied remains in the dispensary container which indicates the student’s name and dosage. Prescription medication MUST be accompanied by a letter from the prescribing doctor. Ideally, medication times should fit in with the school timetable, therefore, it is requested that parents/caregivers take note of recess and lunch breaks when nominating times for students to take medication. Leaving class to take medication must be discussed with the Leader of Learning, Student Liaison or Assistant Principal.

Self administration of prescribed medication by students

The common law duty of care does not extend to administering prescribed medication to students who
are reasonably able to self administer.
However, if a student self administers prescribed medication the College has a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that the self administration is carried out safely.

Non-prescribed medications

In general, schools do not administer medication which has not been specifically requested by a medical practitioner for an individual student for a specific condition. In some cases the medical practitioner may not write 'a prescription' for such medication because it may be available 'over the counter'. Over the counter medications MUST have a label from the pharmacy stating the student’s name and dosage requirements.

Individual student medical management plans

The School will ensure that an individual management plan is developed, in consultation with the student’s parents, for any student with a medical condition.

The individual medical management plan will be in place as soon as practicable after the student enrols and where possible before their first day of school.

The enrolment form requests medical details including any allergies and anaphylaxis/asthma concerns and the provision of any management plan. This information is recorded and updated as notified on the College Database which is available to all staff.

It is the responsibility of the parents/carers to:

• provide the emergency procedures plan
• inform the school if their child’s medical condition changes, and if relevant, provide an updated emergency procedures plan
• Bring relevant issues to the attention of the College and discuss strategies for management.
• If a new enrolment - provide an up-to-date photo for the individual emergency procedure plan.
• Provide any required medication to the School 

There are different process and procedures to take place for different lengths and types of leave from school. Below is an explanation and further instructions for students who require leave from school. 

Parents/Caregivers are asked to respond to the SMS sent from the school acknowledging their child's absence either via reply SMS or email to stjohnpaul2@parra.catholic.edu.au.  Unexplained absences are investigated and then recorded on student reports each semester. Truancy will attract serious consequences.

Necessary medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours wherever possible.  Any requests for extended leave must be made in writing to the Co-operating Principals.

Type of Leave: Extended Leave for 5 or more days

Type of Notice Required: Form A1 Application for Extended Leave – Travel (5 or more days) to be completed PRIOR TO LEAVE and is available from the website under School Notes > Administration.

If Approved:  Student will receive Form C1 Certificate for Extended Leave – Travel (5 or more days) 

Type of Leave: 100+ days

Type of Notice Required: Letter and discussion with the principal PRIOR TO LEAVE

If Approved: Approval to be given by the Principal & Director System Performance - CEDP

Type of Leave: Working in the Entertainment/Hospitality Industry or Elite Sport Program

Elite Sport must be sanctioned by the Australian Institute of Sport for the leave to be exempt. 

Type of Notice Required: Form A2 Application for Exemption from Attendance at School PRIOR TO LEAVE, available from the school website under School Notes > Administration 

If Approved: Student will receive Form C2 Certificate for Exemption from Attendance at School 

If the principal declines any of the above applications (i.e it is not within the best interest of the child to take leave and be absent from school), a letter notifying parents that the application has been declined would be forthcoming from the school.

If you have any questions around these processes, please feel free to contact the College Office on 9208 7200. These forms can be found at "Current Families" > "School Notes" > "Administration".

Leaving Early from School:

If a student needs to leave the school during the day, parents/caregivers should make the request in writing to their homeroom teachers. Students are to show their note to their class teacher before going to the office to sign out of school. Students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds without their parent/caregiver. 

Arriving Late to School:

Students arriving after 8:00 am for school must report immediately to the school office. The student will be issued with a late slip showing the arrival time. Students must present the slip to their teacher before joining the class. The student must have this late slip signed by their parent/caregiver and returned to the office so that the students’ lateness will be explained. This lateness will be noted in our automated attendance monitoring system.

If a student is late to a lesson(s) during the course of the school day, he or she must have a note from the previous teacher or school office explaining the delay. Where there is no acceptable reason for lateness to school and/or class, appropriate consequences will result.

Parent/caregiver contact with the College may be related to a very specific issue or to a complex set of circumstances; but for reasons of courtesy and efficiency, it is best that all communication be made through pastoral and administrative structures already operating within the school.  All staff members at St John Paul II Catholic College are highly trained and totally committed to the well-being and development of the students and will be only too happy to assist you with any problem or injury.

Preferred contact procedures are as follows:

These are required for any of the following reasons:

• Absence from school for any reason or for any length of time. 
  Parents/Caregivers are asked to respond to the SMS sent from the school acknowledging their child's absence either via reply SMS or email to stjohnpaul2@parra.catholic.edu.au. 
  
  
• Permission to leave the school any time after students have arrived.
  
  
• Lack of full school uniform.
  
  
• Failure to do or to complete homework or assignments.
  
  
• Lateness for school.
  
  
• Any other circumstance that would prevent a student from full participation in normal school activities.

All notes are to be written by parents or caregivers. 
Please make sure every note is set out as follows:

• Address of sender and date.
• Homeroom and teacher.
• Statement of days and dates of absence and full reason.
• Signature of parent or caregiver.

N.B.  A medical certificate does not replace a note for absence or lateness.

 N.B.  Notes explaining your son or daughter’s absence should be written in the above format on a neat piece of paper and placed in an envelope addressed to the Homeroom Teacher.

Reports: 

Two official reports are produced each year outlining the formal progress in his or her studies and behaviour.  At the end of Terms 1 and 3 parents/caregivers will be informed where there are concerns about their son or daughter's progress in more than one subject.

Parent/Caregiver/Teacher interviews are available in the middle and at the end of the academic year.

Any parent/caregiver feeling concern about their child’s performance should feel free to make contact at any time with individual subject teachers or the appropriate Leader of Learning - Stage or Learning Community Facilitator.

Parent/Caregiver/Student/Teacher Interviews:

If at any time parents/carers wish to have a formal interview with the College concerning their son/daughter’s progress, they are asked to make an appointment with the Leader of Learning – Stage or Learning Community Facilitator. If an interview with a Class Teacher or subject teacher is sought, it should be arranged with the teacher directly.

Formal Parent/Teacher interviews are held in the middle and at the end of the academic year. Students are welcome to attend these interviews with their parents. Interviews are vital for the exchange of ideas between staff, parents and students

All students are issued with a Student Planner at the commencement of the school year.

In most cases the Student Planner is the most appropriate way of communication with all teaching staff, although contact by phone and/or email may sometimes be necessary. Parents are required to review and sign their child’s Student Planner weekly. The Student Planner also includes useful information for students and parents/caregivers about the College.

Homeroom teachers check the planners throughout the week to ensure that parents/caregivers are at all times aware of the progress their children are making. In this way, any problems concerning homework can be easily identified and followed up.

Lost or damaged diaries will need to be replaced immediately. Replacement diaries are available through the front office for approximately $10.00.

Students are encouraged to use their diaries to record set homework, projects and assignments. 

Guidelines for using the Student Planner are:

• Please keep your diary in a neat and tidy state all year.  No graffiti or other misuse is allowed.
• If your diary is defaced you will be required to buy a new one.
• Have your diary in your possession at all times while in class.
• Use this diary to record set homework, project and assignment work, additional study and revision.
• Do not use inside cover for storage.
• Parents/caregivers are urged to use this diary as a means of communicating with members of staff.
• Your diary will be used by teachers as a means of communicating with your parents/caregivers.  It must be brought to school each day.
• Your Homeroom Teacher will sign your diary each week.
• You are personally responsible for obtaining a parent/caregiver signature in your diary each weekend.

An intranet has been created for Students of the St John Paul II community to assist with access to information and resources. To access the Student intranet go to:

stjp2@parra.catholic.edu.au 

Students access the intranet by selecting the student tab and using their student username and password. The student intranet has three tabs:

• Student Wellbeing – includes information for each stage including Stage specific information and news, information on RISE UP, the LENR schedule, sport, careers, the SRC, extracurricular and the school counsellor site.
• Student Learning – includes information on assessment, access to school subject sites, access to the school Libraries including Clickview, LENR activities, ICT information and classm8 links for email and student Google Drives.
• Faith @ StJPII – includes information on the Angelus, year based prayer and Parish links.

Integrated Sports for Years 7 – 10 are held each week for 2 periods on an allocated day for each Year Group. All students are expected to participate. In addition, Representative Sport is scheduled every Thursday during periods 5 & 6.

Some sport/activities for Years 7-10 are conducted off site and may incur a fee. Students will be bussed to and from sporting events and will arrive back at school in time to connect with regular school buses. Any exception to this arrangement will be clearly communicated to parents/caregivers prior to the sporting activity taking place.

Doctors’ appointments and other personal business should not to be arranged during Sport/Activity time.

St John Paul II Catholic College is involved in Metropolitan Catholic Schools (MCS) and Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools (MCCS) sporting associations, which run various competitions, mostly on Thursday afternoons during school time.  Some representative sports return after normal school hours, therefore alternative transport arrangements need to be made on occasion.

The PDSSSC (Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Schools Sports Council) is the pathway to State selection for our girls and they can compete in Cross Country, Swimming and Athletics Carnivals throughout the year.  The MCS & MCCS associations allow them to achieve State selection in the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) teams for the same carnivals.

St John Paul II Catholic College also participates in the Parramatta Diocesan Secondary Sports Association (PDSSA) for a wide variety of sports. Many of these sports include gala days.  

Furthermore, all students, if not participating in representative sport, take part in various “internal” sport activities and programs throughout Integrated Sport and Learning Enrichment. Students with particular sporting ability are encouraged to represent the College in these events and associations. Parents/caregivers will receive full details of these events and must provide written permission for participation.

Representative Sports available for students to participate in include:

Girls Representative Sports

MCCS AFL                               MCCS Athletics                         MCCS Basketball

MCCS Cricket                           MCCS Cross country                 MCCS Hockey

MCCS Soccer                            MCCS Netball                            MCCS Swimming

MCCS Tennis                            MCCS Volleyball

Boys Representative Sports

MCS AFL                                 MCS Athletics                            MCS Basketball

MCS Cricket                             MCS Cross country                    MCS Golf

MCS Rugby League                 MCS Rugby Union (7 a side)     MCS Soccer

MCS Swimming                       MCS Tennis

(please note:  teams will only operate if there are sufficient numbers to field the team).

Students are permitted to wear their sports uniform on days when they are scheduled to have a PE lesson. It may also be worn for Intergrated Sport.

• Students must not wear their College jumper with Sports Uniform
• Students must not wear tracksuit top with Collegel Uniform.
• Students must not wear their sports uniform on days when they do not have sport or a PE lesson.
• Students must wear the College cap for PE lessons and sports/activities.

Students who fail to bring appropriate uniform or equipment may be excluded from PE or sporting activities and assigned written theory work.

Also see: Uniform & Grooming

St John Paul II Catholic College offers a very broad education that reflects the academic, social, physical and spiritual needs and interests of students.

Our learning and teaching programs place particular emphasis on the development and enhancement of literacy and numeracy skills across all Key Learning Areas.

Gospel values permeate all areas of the curriculum, not just Religious Education, and we encourage every student to pursue individual excellence, celebrate their own successes and that of others, and respect the dignity of others.

Information on the Learning Continuum and academic program at each year level can be found on the College website in "Learning and Teaching" and in the Assessment Handbooks.

The College offers a variety of teaching and learning opportunities, extra-curricular activities, spiritual development, advice and support to all of our students, a unique and dynamic learning experience delivered by a dedicated staff working in partnership with the students and their families. Students will be advised of these opportunities throughout the year via the Homeroom Notices and updates from their teachers and Stage team.

Some of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities available to students include:

• Public Speaking
• Debating
• Mock Trial
• College Musical
• Music Concerts
• Creative Arts Showcase
• Youth For Christ Youth Group
• Chess Club/Competition
• Captivate Dance Showcase
• Early Morning Gym Sessions
• Homework & Assessment Club
• Mathematics Assistance Club
• MCS Sporting Association
• MCCS Sporting Association
• Vinnies Van
• Write-a-Book-in-a-Day
• Blood Bank Donation
• Step Up Into Teaching University Program
• Community Service
• Music Ministry
• Kool Schools Music Program

Homework is a valuable part of schooling. It allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class. Homework provides training for students in planning and organising time and develops a range of skills in identifying and using information resources. Additionally, it establishes habits of study, concentration and self-discipline.

Regular assessment tasks/homework will be set in all subjects. Time set aside for regular wider reading in these subjects is encouraged.

The College suggests the following guidelines

 Years  7 & 8 -  1 hour per night

 Years 9 & 10 - 1 ½ hours per night

 Year 11 & 12 -  2 hours per night

Details of assessment tasks/homework should be recorded in the student planner and signed each week by parents/caregivers. Close monitoring of assessment tasks/homework and study by parents/caregivers is strongly encouraged. 

To reach your potential at school, it is necessary to supplement your class work with regular homework and study.  This will not occur unless you are sufficiently motivated to organise your time between your study and your other commitments.  To be properly motivated, you need to set realistic goals and to maintain a positive and disciplined mental attitude.

Study is a habit – the more it is developed, the less difficult it becomes and the more fruitful it proves to be.  Regular study during the term reduces anxiety at exam time.

Planning Your Time:

Time is the most valuable resource a student has.  With proper use of time students can maximize their learning and progress.  Without careful attention, a student may find weeks have passed and little learning has occurred.

Initially, a student needs to draw up a weekly study timetable, balancing their study with other commitments.  The recommended hours for study are listed under “College Expectations” in this diary.  If you find that there is insufficient time for study, then this may require a reassessment of your other commitments.

The timetable should be realistic and specific; it should contain variety and rest breaks. All subjects should be covered properly, not just ones you enjoy.  It should fit your style of study, e.g. some like to study early in the morning before breakfast.

There should be a longer-term timetable covering assignments when they are due and revision for exams. 

Study Conditions:

You should study in a place away from the distraction of family activities, TV and radio.  Avoid telephone distractions by telling your friends when you are available or to ring back after your study.

Your desk should be sufficiently large to hold whatever books, folders or resources you will require at the time. There should be a bookcase or shelf for other materials and books that are not being used. The chair should be comfortable but should be designed for good posture. The room should be well ventilated with good lighting.

Developing Good Habits:

Apart from the homework set by teachers, it is essential that you develop your own habit of personal study.  Even if no official homework is set, it is expected that the recommended hours be spent on study.

As a minimum, you should read over the day’s work and at the end peruse the likely areas for the next day’s classes.  It is essential that your produce something from your hours of study.  Summaries, outlines, flow charts, sample answers will help you learn and remember, as well as being handy aids for later revision.

Research shows that immediate revision of work learnt dramatically increases the amount of details remembered. Regular revision then maintains this level.  Have a system of reviewing the work covered at the end of the week or of the month.

Studying for Examinations:

This should be the culmination of months of regular study rather than a last minute cram.  While extra time may be spent on study, it is important to keep eating, sleeping and exercising sensibly. Working late into the early hours of the morning, greatly reduces the effectiveness of the study.

Students like to predict examination questions so as to reduce the amount of study time required.  However, this method is fraught with danger and turns the exam into a lottery.  Instead, you should use the syllabus as a guide to the information and skills that are required to succeed. When these are mastered, it is then appropriate to put extra effort into some more likely areas to maximise your marks.  Past papers, newspaper guides, and recommendations from your teachers or educational associations - can all indicate probable or topical issues.

There are many other important areas of study, such as note taking, essay writing and examination techniques that are vital skills for all students.  Also, some students may experience particular difficulties in certain areas such as reading, writing or memorising. It is important to identify these weaknesses as early as possible so that remedial action can be taken.  Let your parents/caregivers or teachers know if you believe you have a particular weakness in study techniques.

All students whether using the school bus service, walking or being driven to and from school are to enter/exit the campus via the bus bay gate.

We ask that Parents/caregivers access the Schofields Campus via the separate Pick Up/ Drop Off Zone located next to the Schofields Campus at Rose Cottage. This arrangement is to comply with the current Work Health and Safety (WHS) plus Child Protection Legislations.

The staff at the College Office would like to remind students and parents/caregivers to please label all belongings that are brought to school so that lost property can be returned to the correct students. 

This includes uniforms, devices, stationary, sports equipment and any other important items. 

 If your child has lost any of their belonging, please advise them to visit the College Office before and after school or during break times to look at what has been handed into lost property. 

Any money sent to the College with your child for payment of school fees, excursions, sport/activities needs to be placed in an envelope marked with the student’s name, homeroom and payment category, on the front of the envelope. It needs to be handed into the Office between 7:30am and 7:55am (before moving off to homeroom). It is very difficult to ensure the safety of loose notes and money so the envelope is important for this reason. Students are discouraged from carrying large amounts of money during the school day and the college will not be held responsible in the event of theft. 

Busways is the principal provider of bus services for St John Paul II Catholic College. School bus routes extend throughout the College catchment area. To apply for an Opal Card visit www.transportnsw.info/school-students 

All lunch orders are to be made by recess each day and placed in the box provided in the canteen. Students are required to stand in orderly lines while waiting to be served and must follow any instructions given by the canteen and/or playground duty staff.  Students must move away from the canteen area as soon as purchases are completed.