Welcome to Term 3.

Students are to be congratulated for their focused start to the term, and it has been wonderful to see classes so engaged in learning. It is a busy term ahead with a considerable assessment load for senior students, as well as tournament week, derived grade exams, and the long anticipated school ball at the end of the term. Thanks to our dedicated staff and parents for their support of our students.

This term we are delighted to have retained the expertise of Rev Greg Holmes who has moved into the senior physics subject, using his considerable skill and knowledge to add value in this area. We have received two resignations, one from our librarian who has returned to Europe with her family. Interviews for her replacement are being held next week, and we hope to have our new librarian ready to go in the next few weeks. We have also received the resignation of Learning Support Coordinator, Jude Smith. Jude is returning to the classroom, a place she has greatly missed, and we will farewell her at the end of the term. This role is advertised and we expect to make a prompt appointment with no loss of service. Interviews for the new guidance counsellor will be held next week with a prompt start in this space, too.

In week one, we were proud to host our friends from the Police, with Dale Kirk from Methcon providing timely education to our students and staff about the realities of alcohol, MDMA and Meth use. It was great to get accurate information and a non-judgmental presentation. JPII also hosted around 50 teachers from other schools that afternoon to hear the presentation and learn about what's happening in the narcotics space on the Coast. The follow up sessions with students, staff, and the police the next day were another great opportunity for students to ask questions and examine social attitudes towards drugs and alcohol, and I was particularly impressed with the maturity of the group I worked with. We hope that this education will help our students to make smart, informed decisions around drug and alcohol use, and remember 'not even once' for methamphetamine. 

Congratulations to our science fair students for their outstanding performance at this year's West Coast regional Science Fair held at Buller High School. Year 10 student, Harry Byrne, continued JPII's winning streak taking out top honours winning the competition with his investigation into 'Airforce'. Special mention to our awesome science teachers: Ms Beach, Mr Porter, and Mr Steggles for their work with our students. No pressure for next year's team!

We are delighted to welcome new enrolments into JPII this term. Enrolments for 2025 are open for all year levels. Information about preference and non-preference enrolment can be found on our website. Many parents do not know that their child has automatic preference into JPII if they themselves are baptised Catholic. If you know of someone who may be interested in the quality education and safe, family environment at JPII, please have them get in touch. Enrolment meetings for 2025 are taking place at the end of this term, and I am really looking forward to meeting our new students coming in.

Thank you to everyone who could make it to the academic conferences on Wednesday. We have received lovely feedback from parents, and this is greatly appreciated. I am immensely proud of the staff and students here at JPII, and thank you for supporting the school.

God bless and keep you safe.

Yours in Christ

Renee Hutchinson

Principal