John Paul College Eagle Magazine 2017/18 Summer Edition

OUR 2018 STUDENT LEADERS CELEBRATING

35 YEARS

THE MILESTONES

Summer EAGLE 2017/2018

TAS CHAMPION SCHOOL

WE WILL ROCK YOU MEET THE LEADS

COUNTDOWN

TO THE GAMES

Unity | Christ

Unity | Christ | Learning

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Inside this SUMMER EDITION 2017/2018

From the

PRINCIPAL

By Mrs Karen Spiller OAM, Principal

PUBLISHED BY

John Paul College EDITOR

Sue Homann Nicola Dowding DESIGN

Megan Hibberd PRINTING

Kingswood Press CONTRIBUTIONS

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

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KAREN SPILLER Q+A

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A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

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LEADERSHIP

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35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

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LEARNING – KINDY

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LEARNING – PRIMARY SCHOOL

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LEARNING – MIDDLE SCHOOL

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LEARNING – SENIOR SCHOOL

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JPIC – 20 YEARS

ndowding@jpc.qld.edu.au (Photographs are also welcome!)

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COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Eagle is a symbol of spirit, vision, strength and courage.

It is the epitome of John Paul College where its students and alumni ‘soar like eagles’. Not all students can be leaders and not all leaders will succeed, but we must not allow the illusion of limitation to ground us in our flight.

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INNOVATION

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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

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PERFORMING ARTS

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COMMUNITY

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ALUMNI

Unity | Christ | Learning

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AS I WRITE MY FIRST WORDS FOR THE EAGLE AS PRINCIPAL OF JOHN PAUL COLLEGE, I EXTEND MY THANKS FOR THE VERY WARM WELCOME I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE MY APPOINTMENT LAST YEAR, ESPECIALLY OVER THIS FIRST TERM.

ohn Paul College is a special place.

As I have moved around campus and attended events, I have been fortunate to meet the people that make our College unique.

My first communications and connections were with the Board. Their focus and commitment showed me that they are keen to do all that they can to support the staff who work with the young people in our care each day.

I have received an especially warm welcome from our parents. Their engagement and support of our College is so positive and their pride in being John Paul College parents is evident.

I have witnessed the professionalism and commitment amongst the staff to create a safe and nurturing environment for each student and ensure that they are supported to be all they can be.

During the term I have engaged with students from all year levels and I have been impressed by their positivity and respect.

Their presentation and the way they have a genuine desire to make a difference demonstrates their authenticity as young people who show responsibility and respect for others.

We are a College that is serious about academic outcomes for each child. We are serious about ensuring that every student has a viable academic pathway that leads to post-school study or the workplace.

What we are most serious about though, is assisting each young person to be the best they can be. We want each boy and girl, each young adult, to leave our College equipped with life skills which include a care for each other and our world and with a genuine desire to make a difference.

As Principal, I have witnessed first-hand, the warmth and encouragement of the school community and I see that this is a College that is infectious in a positive sense.

I look forward to continue meeting with our families, both current and future, our staff and the broader community of alumni and past parents as we progress our Mission as an holistic, connected, dynamic and innovative learning community.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 1

KAREN SPILLER Q+A

Karen Spiller

Q+A

KAREN SPILLER Q+A

Always make decisions with the best interest of the students in mind and never resist a generous impulse!

Q What do you consider to be your greatest teaching achievement?

A I am always delighted when I meet people whom I have taught. It is heartwarming to know that past students have such positive memories of my classes and their interactions with me. They are happy to see me and keen to share stories.

Q Do you have any tried and trusted ideas or activities for motivating students?

A It is as simple and as hard as showing you care about them as people, not just as students in your geography (or whatever subject) class. You look for the good, the interesting and show them you really value their thoughts and input. Then meet them where they are educationally and always, always expect the best of them.

OVER THE LAST TERM, MANY PARENTS AND STAFF HAVE MET WITH NEW PRINCIPAL, MRS KAREN SPILLER AS SHE SEEKS TO CONSULT COLLEGE STAKEHOLDERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN PAUL COLLEGE.

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hile Mrs Spiller’s outstanding leadership credentials are well documented, the Eagle sought to learn more about the person Karen Spiller, her vision for the College and what drives the leader appointed as John Paul College’s fifth Principal.

Q Who or what inspired you?

A I grew up at Southport and attended Southport State High School until my parents had a ‘tree change’ and moved to Maleny where I completed Year 12 and was the School Captain there.

After school, I moved to Brisbane to attend The University of Queensland and have lived in Brisbane ever since.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.

As a very young primary student I would return home each afternoon to teach my dolls, teddy bears and very compliant family dog, some of the lessons I had learned at school each day. It was the right choice as I have loved every minute of my career as a teacher and leader.

I also credit my Year 7 teacher, Mr Thorsbourne and my Year 6 teacher, Miss Basket – they were gifted and inspired me to want to make a difference like they did for me.

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Q What is the most memorable lesson you’ve ever been taught?

A It’s a life lesson – believe in yourself and work hard to make your goals reality.

Q What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered while teaching and how did you overcome it?

A As a teacher, it can sometimes be difficult to motivate students to understand why it is important to study the works of Shakespeare or learn about the water cycle in geography (or in other areas of content and experiences in other subjects).

The key is to connect with each student as an individual and to understand where they are at in their learning. Essentially, students need to know that you care about them as a person, and more often, they will embrace the material you are presenting to them.

Q What led you into leadership?

A Research is clear that women, in particular, need people to tap them on the shoulder and say, “you should apply for that role”. That’s exactly what happened to me. I had three inspirational previous Heads who nurtured and encouraged me.

Q What inspires you?

A To make a difference to the students, staff and families in the school that I lead.

Q Do you have a favourite quote, mantra or philosophy that you live by?

A I have two: always make decisions with the best interest of the students in mind and never resist a generous impulse!

Q What do you aspire for our students and College?

A For students to have a strong sense of self and confidence in themselves as they leave John Paul College. I think we can all agree that this is one of the greatest gifts in life – to be confident in your own abilities, wherever they lie and to feel good about yourself.

Q In your opinion, what makes a leading school?

A A leading school is one where the staff are learners as much as the students. Staff use data to inform their teaching practice and are constantly working to ensure that each student in their classes is actively engaged in their learning. The school insists on academic rigour for all students, a focus on care and concern and holds both students and staff to account for their daily work and interactions. A strong positive climate of wellbeing and a focus on interpersonal skills is paramount.

Q What is your vision for John Paul College and how will we look in five years?

A We will be seen as a significant player in the Queensland educational landscape.

We will be known for our academic standards, the quality and calibre of the young people who graduate from the College (just as we are now – our alumni are some of the most amazing people), and above all, our students will be confident and contributing young Australians who both recognise the value of the John Paul College education they have received and speak fondly of it.

A Can you share your desert island survival essentials? ¢¢

Drink or snack: Champagne and sparkling water

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Music: The Rolling Stones, Michael Buble, Carole King and Max Richter’s version of the Four Seasons recomposed

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Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins, the Seven Heavenly Virtues of Leadership and a novel by Lee Child

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Luxury item: Comfortable beach chair and ice for my sparkling drinks please

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Teaching tool: Teaching tool – really?

I am on a desert island. I just need a book and a chair! And sun cream of course!!

I want to add to our history so that we are known as a College which develops authentic, grounded and communityminded young adults who are keen to take their place in the world around us.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 3

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

A message from the Board

PRINCIPAL’S

INAUGURATION

By Mrs Helen Weissenberger, Chair of the Board

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he John Paul College community converged on the Queensland Performing Arts Centre on 8 November for the 36th annual Speech Night and Celebration of Excellence. Students enjoyed a year of exceptional academic and co-curricular outcomes with 214 prize winners presented across stage with 375 awards.

Special congratulations to major prize winner, Demi Li, who was awarded the Munns Prize as Dux of the College. Veronica Martinez Harris was awarded the Cameron Cup for the student best exemplifying the College motto of Unity, Christ, Learning.

The distinctive architecture and acoustics of the Concert Hall highlighted the talent of School of Performing Arts students

who presented incredibly entertaining performances during the evening. Over 300 students represented a collaboration of the entire premier instrumental, choral and dance programmes. A massed choir formed especially for the occasion.

Netball players Laura Scherian (2006) and Madeline McAuliffe (2012), joined social entrepreneur Mikayla Ivanov (2010) and English as a second language author and academic, Brett Cumming (1991) as inductees into the Alumni Walk of Fame.

Incoming Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller delivered the address and used the work of one of her favourite artists, John Farnham, to urge students to find their voice.

WELCOME TO 2018 AND THE START OF A NEW AND EXCITING ERA FOR JOHN PAUL COLLEGE. THIS YEAR WE PROUDLY WELCOME OUR NEW PRINCIPAL, MRS KAREN SPILLER AND HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY TO THE JOHN PAUL COLLEGE COMMUNITY.

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s a Board we are very excited to welcome Mrs Spiller to lead and progress our great College in order to achieve our Mission of a holistic, connected, dynamic and innovative learning community.

The Board undertook an extensive national and international executive recruitment process during Semester 1 of 2017 with the assistance of Kathy McLean from Fish and Nankivell, an executive recruitment company, to search for our next Head of College.

In June 2017, the Board was delighted to announce to the College community that Mrs Karen Spiller had been appointed as our fifth Principal since our inception in 1982.

Mrs Spiller comes to John Paul College with an overwhelmingly impressive record of achievement, and the Board is delighted to have someone of her calibre and reputation lead us into the future. She has certainly made a difference, not only to the students under her stewardship in the past, but also to the staff she has mentored throughout her career.

At her inauguration in January, we were joined by many of those mentored staff including the newly appointed Principal of St Aidan’s, Ms Toni Riordan. The large turnout of supporters to her inauguration 4 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

is testament to her broad and diverse ability to make a positive impact on others.

Mrs Spiller brings a wealth of experience and expertise, not only as a successful Principal of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School for 18 years, but also her business, governance and marketing acumen. She is passionate, determined, committed and influential.

Mrs Spiller currently holds membership on several boards including the Association of Heads of Independent Schools, Australia (where she has just completed a two-year position as National Chair) and the Yalari Board. She is Vice President of Independent Schools Queensland and is a Fellow of Bond University.

Mrs Spiller was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2017 for her service to education and mentoring.

As we begin our 37th year here at John Paul College with Mrs Spiller as Principal, there will inevitably be some change.

This is essential for us as a College to be the best that we can be.

I am sure that everyone associated with the College looks forward to sharing Mrs Spiller’s vision and passion for educational leadership at John Paul College.

The Board and I are confident about the future of both students and staff under Mrs Spiller’s leadership.

SPEECH NIGHT A CELEBRATION OF

Excellence JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 5

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

LEADERSHIP

Meet our

2018 CAPTAINS ACADEMIC HONOURS Assembly 2018 O n February 15, John Paul College welcomed back members from the Class of 2017 as special guests at the inaugural Academic Honours Assembly.

We acknowledged their outstanding academic achievements in 2017 where 33 graduates received an Overall Position (OP) between 1 and 5 (or IB 36 or greater). Of these, 17 graduates were able to join us for the ceremony attended by Years 7 – 12 students.

As well as signing the Academic Honours book and revealing their tertiary study choices for 2018, graduates imparted some valuable words of advice for our current students.

Common themes included – “make the most of the opportunities at John Paul College”, “don’t be afraid to ask for help”, “work hard”, “take time out to live your passions” and “appreciate your teachers”.

Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller said the Academic Honours Assembly not only acknowledged the achievement and effort of last year’s graduates, but also served to provide role models to the wider student body, to encourage and inspire them.

“We are very proud of them and what they have contributed to our culture; a culture that values not only personal achievement and personal best, whether it be in academics or vocational studies, but also contribution, service to others and leadership,” she said.

Mrs Spiller shared research findings with students that showed it was not IQ or innate ability that determined academic success, but that motivation and selfdiscipline were the key factors.

Success is always about effort. This is great news for everyone; all you need to do is work hard and effectively, and you will achieve.

Top Academic Achievers

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wo John Paul College students achieved exceptional results in external academic competitions held in 2017.

ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) is conducted through the University of New South Wales and sees over one million students from over 6,300 schools in Australia and New Zealand undertake a skills-based assessment programme across six areas.

Year 8 student, Shreyas Raman was recognised for his excellent results in the ICAS Science Assessment last year. Shreyas received a prestigious medal for achieving the highest score in Queensland. He was presented with his medal at a special ceremony in Brisbane last December.

It is such an amazing opportunity to be given the role of School Captain, and we are extremely proud to be representing JPC in 2018.

Shreyas joined Samuel Chan, Preston Chi, Nicholas Good and Ziyi Wong as High Distinction recipients, achieving results that placed them in the top one per cent of students in the nation.

In the ICAS Mathematics assessment, we again congratulated Shreyas as a High Distinction recipient.

A second John Paul College student also received results which placed her amongst the nation’s top performing students in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Year 11 student, Yu Ting (Alisha) Chen ranked in the top 100th percentile in the country and was the proud recipient of a competition medal.

F EMILY WEISSENBERGER AND JORDAN WADSWORTH OFFICIALLY BECAME THE COLLEGE’S 34TH SCHOOL CAPTAINS WHEN THEY WERE INDUCTED AT THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP CEREMONY IN FEBRUARY.

resh from the excitement of being announced as School Captains back in 2017, Emily and Jordan have charted their personal visions for leadership in 2018.

Emily’s vision calls on her fellow Seniors to lead a unified and influential student body who embody the College motto of Unity, Christ, Learning. Jordan’s 2018 is shaping up to be a very busy one – he hopes to get to know every student and create a positive learning environment where students can reach their full potential.

In addition to their leadership obligations and all-important Year 12 studies, Emily and Jordan will be active participants in the co-curricular life of the College. For Emily, this includes involvement in dance, orchestra, volleyball, Community Care and the musical.

Jordan will join Emily in the cast of We Will Rock You as well as representing the College in the First XI football team and training with the Ty Sports Academy.

Emily commenced at John Paul College in the Early Learning Centre in 2005 and 2018 will be her 14th year at the College.

Jordan has attended the College since Year 7.

The pair are still weighing up their post-school options with Jordan looking to pursue an engineering degree while Emily is deciding on a career in engineering or medicine.

Emily and Jordan say it’s the sense of unity and family that, for them, make JPC a special place.

“We both love JPC… it’s our home away from home. The feeling of coming to school, knowing that we have so many compassionate and approachable people around us is truly special. We also love the wide range of holistic opportunities that JPC offers us. Every member of the JPC community can find something they are passionate about, whether that be in sport, performing arts or academics.”

While both captains cite their parents as their role models in life, Emily also credits a former school captain, Tori Matthews (2013) for teaching her about leadership.

For now though, this dynamic duo are determined to make 2018 one to remember.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 7

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

OUR 2018

STUDENT LEADERS C

lassmates, Prefects, House Captains, Vice Captains and our School Captains were acknowledged for the special roles they will undertake.

THE CLASS OF 2018 OFFICIALLY BEGAN THEIR YEAR OF SERVICE AS THEY WERE INDUCTED INTO POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY AT THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION CEREMONY ON FEBRUARY 5.

Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller adopted the theme of ‘masks’ when addressing the assembly.

She challenged and encouraged Seniors to, “wear the mantle of leadership well.

Don’t wear a mask; show the other members of our College family who you are, that you are indeed caring, compassionate and wise leaders who want to do your best to lead the student body and to represent our fine College.

Together with our staff, I have every confidence that you can and will do this.

I hope you have a wonderous year.”

In their speech, School Captains, Emily Weissenberger and Jordan Wadsworth said it was a privilege to lead the College in 2018 and spoke directly to Year 12 students.

All Seniors are reminded that we do not need to wear a badge or attain a title to lead. Character is in many ways leadership.

It is not what we are, but how we act.

We are all part of the greater leadership team for 2018.

National Young Leaders Day S

tudents appointed to leadership positions in the Primary School have wasted little time in learning how to lead themselves and others effectively.

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Our Primary House Leaders, Discipulus Consilium representatives and Primary Leaders joined students from schools throughout Brisbane for National Young

Leaders Day 2018 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Students were inspired and challenged by talks from a number of young and influential Australians, including John Coutis, Jack Heath, Harrison Craig and Holly Ferling.

Year 6 students, Isabella Kim and Erin Shah, said they met incredible people with inspiring stories.

“National Young Leaders Day has motivated us to improve our leadership skills and help make the world a better and more peaceful place. We would definitely recommend this amazing opportunity to all future leaders,” they said.

The College congratulates the Seniors of 2018 and College leaders: SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Emily Weissenberger and Jordan Wadsworth VICE CAPTAINS SENIOR SCHOOL:

Abinaya (Abi) Balaji and Edward Fung Natalie Koch and Jaiden Kidd PRIMARY SCHOOL: Abby Leadbeater and Cameron Bell MIDDLE SCHOOL: INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE: BOARDING:

Natasha Firman and Brandon Choi Sarah-Cait Kirkland

HOUSE CAPTAINS BURKE:

DOULIN:

ENRIGHT:

GILMOUR:

Charly Kuhnemann and Luke Bicanic Sophie Dell and Jack Wallace-Chilton Jessica Smith and Riley Stannard Tara Jol and William Sherwood

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 9

35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

35

Celebrating

35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

SNAPSHOTS THROUGH TIME

Years

1982–2017

T IT’S AUSTRALIA DAY, 1982.

144 YEAR 8 AND 9 STUDENTS AND 11 STAFF GATHER IN THE ROCKS AREA FOR THE VERY FIRST ASSEMBLY AT THE NEWLY OPENED JOHN PAUL COLLEGE.

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here isn’t much in the way of facilities – one building, a toilet block and a caravan as a tuckshop.

Fast forward to 2017 and the College’s 35th year marked other milestones for the College community as we reflect on the changes in the classroom and the opportunities students in the College’s performing arts and sports programmes have enjoyed.

How students learn, what they learn and the tools that enable their learning have certainly evolved since the College’s foundation in 1982. What hasn’t changed in 35 years is the pursuit of academic excellence.

Our performing arts students have enjoyed a 35-year history of incredible performance opportunities through musicals, Musicfests, eisteddfods, international tours and events on the world stage.

Our sporting history is a proud one, defined by the values of representing the ‘burgundy and blue’. Sports uniforms may have changed through the years but the pride of wearing those colours, the continued success of our athletes and teams and the joy students derive from participation, remains constant.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 11

35

35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

Celebrating

Years

35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

THE MILESTONES

It’s about the power of collaboration and creativity using a variety of tools.

25 Years of Notebook Pioneering Y

ear 4 students helped celebrate a big milestone in 2017. The distribution of their new ACER Switch Alpha 12 notebooks marked the College’s 25th year since the inception of its notebook programme. The programme was first introduced in 1993 in what was a pioneering move in education.

In that time, the College estimates it has purchased over 12,000 devices with approximately 1,000 students from Years 4 – 12 having personal access to a device annually.

John Paul College Director of ICT, Mrs Jan MacNamara remembers the roll-out of the 1993 fleet in her then role as Primary teacher librarian and co-ordinator of ICT. “Technology has certainly come a long way in 25 years,” she said.

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The 1993 notebook, a Toshiba 1800 was a ‘slim’ 5 kg portable device with a trackball mouse, a ‘huge’ 4 MB of RAM and 60 MB of hard drive space spun up on a platter drive.

The screen was monochrome and there was no internet connectivity although it did feature ‘exciting’ options such as a VGA link, a parallel and a serial port and all the fun of saving and sharing using a floppy drive.

DOS was the order of the day. The 1993 Toshiba had a price tag of over $3,500.

Fast forward 25 years and Year 4 students received an interactive touch device wrapped in a protective Dux case that promotes portable learning.

The numbers are radically different in 2017 with last year’s device featuring 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD hard drive.

The 2017 model has a colour screen,

a dockable keyboard and connects wirelessly to the internet. It is preloaded with Windows 10 Anniversary edition, Microsoft and Adobe software and has tools for recording audio and video. Best of all, it comes with a stylus that is responsive, smooth and will provide support for the creative genius of students.

The price? A third of the 1993 cost!

Mrs MacNamara cites connectivity to wireless technologies (“it enables 24/7 access for students”) as the single largest advancement in the use of personal devices over the past 25 years.

“But really, it’s never been about the device... it’s about the power of collaboration and creativity using a variety of tools,” she said.

Outside School Hours Care Celebrates 25 Years!

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n 2017 John Paul College Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) celebrated 25 years of providing before school, after school and holiday care to generations of John Paul College students.

Mrs Jan Marxsen has been the programme’s head for the past ten years but has been a member of the College family for over 25 years when she first joined staff as a teacher aide in Year 1.

Mrs Marxsen believes it is a “shared history of the College” that sees up to 120 children revelling in the activities, friendships and people of OSHC on a daily basis.

This shared history sees Mrs Marxsen’s 1994 Year 1 class prefect, Mrs Nadia McEvoy (nee Mainey) supporting the children in OSHC.

Mrs Marxsen employs a number of past students in a casual capacity – usually for up to three or four years while they attend university.

“Our past students are great role models for the children. I find that their experiences at John Paul College put them in good stead; they’re able to relate to the children, they understand behavioural expectations and act as great big brothers and sisters.”

In 2014 the programme became the first outside school hours care in Australia to be rated ‘excellent’ by exceeding all seven quality areas assessed by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority – an achievement repeated in January last year.

Mrs Marxsen’s commitment to the programme was recognised in August last year when she received the ‘Outstanding Educators Achievement Award’ at the Queensland Children’s Activities Network conference held on the Gold Coast.

Our past students are great role models for the children.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 13

35 YEARS – THE MILESTONES

14 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

35

Celebrating

Years

LEARNING

NEW KINDY CLASSES

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set to open Our Kindy environment creates opportunities for purposeful play, richly embedded with literacy and numeracy foundations.

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OVER 100 PAIRS OF LITTLE LEGS WILL RUN, JUMP, CLIMB AND EXPLORE MY SURROUNDS MY OCCUPANTS WILL LEARN TO FLY.

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GRAVEL PATH EXISTING PLANTING

Before their departure, however, they performed the very important job of opening a time capsule which was packed and sealed by them 13 years ago.

I AM OUR NEW KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS AND PLAYSCAPE SET TO OPEN IN TERM 3 THIS YEAR.

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ANSWER:

It was a wonderful trip down memory lane, and a lovely opportunity to thank the Kindy teachers and staff for the amazing start.

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LILLYPILLY HEDGE

indy holds a special place in all of our hearts, but none more so than in the hearts of the foundation class of 2004.

In November, we farewelled 22 of our original 88 students who joined Kindergarten when it first opened in 2004.

Director of Early Education (and back then, Kindy teacher), Mrs Leanne Zammit organised a wonderful celebration for the students and their families. They were delighted to discover and remember the lovely memories of their Kindy years as they took turns to pull the items from the capsule. Old tuckshop menus, paintings, photos and a copy of the Courier-Mail were just some of the items to be re-discovered.

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o meet increased demand for Kindy places, the classrooms will provide John Paul College, Early Learning Centre| Concept additional full-time and part-time places for children aged three and four (Prep or Kindy 2019 ready).

“Our brief to the architects was clear,” explained Head of Primary School, Mr Andy Gordon.

“We wanted open areas for children to negotiate the learning taking place in the space; we wanted to give them opportunities to explore, experiment, hypothesize, take risks, create and imagine as they interact with each other and their environment.”

Purpose-built features include the Burrow (an art studio), the Nest (a space for light and reflection that develops sensory motor skills),

a nature playscape and resource-rich classrooms that are warm, light-filled and invite the outside in. The College is excited about the learning opportunities the new classrooms will create for its youngest learners.

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“Kindy is a time where children are learning how to learn and are developing socially and emotionally. Our Kindy environment creates opportunities for purposeful play, richly embedded with literacy and numeracy foundations,” he said.

Mr Gordon expects the nature playscape to prove popular with students.

Giant rocks which form the shape of a star, a dry creek bed and open-ended terrain will invite further exploration and discovery.

To learn more about a Kindergarten place in our new classrooms, please email enquiries@jpc.qld.edu.au or go online at www.johnpaulcollege.com.au JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 15

LEARNING

LEARNING

PRIMARY SCHOOL Learning

By Mr Andy Gordon, Head of Primary School

Academic welfare is and always will be, our priority and privilege.

PART OF THE PRIVILEGE OF EDUCATING AND INSPIRING LEARNERS COMES THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT EACH CHILD TO ACHIEVE STRONG ACADEMIC OUTCOMES.

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very child succeeding to their highest potential is beneficial to the whole community. We know that it is our duty to develop within every learner the skills, strategies and personal qualities that lead to viable pathways for post-school study or the workplace.

Mrs Spiller’s commitment, through her leadership, is to empower teaching, support staff and learners to utilise highly effective and successful strategies to achieve the very best outcomes for our students. Our teachers take personal and collective responsibility for improving student learning and have high levels of pedagogical knowledge to cater for all learning needs within the classroom.

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We place a strong emphasis on building the capacity of all staff through ongoing professional learning and minimising the disruption to quality class time.

In the Primary School, learning through inquiry complements the rigorous approach we adopt to the development of literacy and numeracy skills. While building foundational skills, our students participate in blocks of learning that are dedicated specifically to the explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy.

This is being achieved through targeted numeracy lessons in Years 3 and 5 for Term 1, followed by targeted numeracy and literacy across the Primary School from Term 2.

Writing on Demand is happening each day, with students focusing on the Seven Steps to Writing and learning strategies that build writing stamina. We are developing learners who have learned to read, and who also read to learn.

Academic welfare is and always will be, our priority and privilege. In his book, ‘When the Adults Change Everything Changes’ (2017), UK educator, Paul Dix, writes about the pillars for successful learning communities – visible consistency and visible kindness. Consistency in our learning and kindness in all that we do. We are principled, reflective, caring, knowledgeable, communicators, balanced, open-minded,

thinkers, risk-takers and inquirers. We need high levels of achievement in literacy and numeracy to do this well. To be scientists, historians, geographers, artists and athletes, we need a strong transferrable skillset.

We also have greater emphasis on reading, writing, spelling and number work in home learning. A culture of literacy, numeracy, science and inquiry at home perfectly complements the culture of learning in the classroom.

We love learning alongside parents, in partnership to create personalised learning for every child.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING It is our commitment to students and parents that as highly effective educators, we will focus on academic welfare and ensure quality outcomes for all students. To achieve this, we follow these guiding principles: 1. We are committed to learning that is developed in meaningful contexts

4. We are committed to learning that is fostered in supportive environments

You can expect to see learning that has personal relevance to learners; where they can make connections to their own experiences and teachers acknowledge what students bring to the learning context and adapt their teaching based on this information.

2. We are committed to learning that is inclusive and values diversity

You can expect to see teachers identify learning goals and the most effective strategies for achieving these goals.This is the basis for differentiation. An inclusive approach assumes that all students are capable and unique learners. Students are supported, challenged and extended based on their personal learning needs.

3. We are committed to learning that is conceptually focused

You can expect to see conceptual learning as a process through which the learner constructs thinking by connecting to prior knowledge and applying new concepts in creative and innovative ways.

You can expect to see learning environments that promote collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. The clarity of purpose is achieved through the development of learning intentions and expectations for learning that are shared through success criteria.

5. We are committed to learning that is based on inquiry

Our framework focuses on students learning how to learn. Teachers explicitly teach the skills that support students to grow and develop as independent learners. Along with literacy and numeracy skills, students learn how to communicate, research, think critically, co-operate with others and manage themselves. We refer to these as the ‘Approaches to Learning.’

These skills are explicitly taught and can be transferred across the curriculum, in school and beyond.

6. We are committed to learning that is informed by assessment

You can expect to see teachers using evidence to determine whether learning goals have been achieved and to make decisions about next step learning goals. This includes giving and receiving feedback that is timely, specific and well-considered.

7. We are committed to learning that is sustained by relationships and collaboration

You can expect to see supportive learning communities which are based on the development of warm, caring and trusting relationships between teachers, students and parents.

8. We are committed to learning that is focused on challenge and high expectations

You can expect to see learning environments which insist on high expectations for ourselves and our students. When we believe in our capacity to learn, we are most likely to succeed.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 17

LEARNING

LEARNING

MIDDLE SCHOOL Learning

By Mr Mark Zietsch, Head of Middle School

All students are entitled to rigorous, relevant and engaging learning programmes drawn from a challenging curriculum that addresses their individual learning needs.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (YEARS 7–9) PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ENHANCING THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF EACH STUDENT AS THEY PROGRESS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL INTO SECONDARY SCHOOL.

TRANSITIONING TO SECONDARY SCHOOL Our comprehensive transition programme begins with numerous opportunities for students and their parents to connect with key staff through engagement meetings, information evenings and events in Middle School.

During their final year of Primary School, Year 6 students experience immersion activities with Year 7 specialist teachers in subjects such as Applied Design, Modern Languages, Science, Visual Art and Human Ecology.

Existing and new students entering Year 7 at John Paul College attend our transition day in November to meet their Head of Year and Pastoral Care (PC) teacher and experience learning activities in the Wesley Learning Centre.

Through this transition process, students and their parents/guardians develop a greater understanding of life as a Year 7 student and begin to make connections with the people and places of Middle School.

By creating a sense of belonging, underpinned by a culture of high expectations, support 18 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

and engagement, we establish a focused, collaborative and highly effective learning environment in which each student can achieve their personal best.

FOCUS ON LITERACY AND NUMERACY Middle School students study a broad range of subjects which follow the Australian Curriculum. The guiding premise of our curriculum is the expectation of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) that, “All students are entitled to rigorous, relevant and engaging learning programmes drawn from a challenging curriculum that addresses their individual learning needs.”

In our goal to support the academic wellbeing of every student, we have introduced a number of high impact teaching strategies to further develop the literacy and numeracy capacity of our students. English and mathematics are given the greatest allocation of time throughout the timetable with one lesson per cycle dedicated to targeted literacy and numeracy skill development.

In these literacy and numeracy blocks, students work in smaller groups based on their individual learning needs.

Our Head of Learning – Middle Schooling, Ms Stacey Lang, co-ordinates and delivers professional development opportunities for teachers in all learning areas to enhance the teaching of literacy strategies across Years 7 – 12.

In addition to these strategies, key practices students regularly encounter in Middle School classes include: Spelling and Vocabulary – students learn five to six key terms in each subject, each week, relevant to their subject content.

Teachers give daily quizzes to check student progress and provide feedback. At the end of each timetable cycle, a new set of spelling words is issued.

Writing on Demand – students across all subject disciplines spend 10 minutes practising their writing. This occurs in the last 10 minutes before morning tea each day.

Additional teachers support this process and assist with editing of student work.

Writing Template – using a writing template (developed by John Paul College teachers) which highlights key techniques for narrative and persuasive writing, students learn effective writing techniques and apply them in their writing through daily practice.

Editing using SCOPE – effective editing using the SCOPE (Spelling/ Capitalisation/ Omissions/ Punctuation/ Ear) strategy is taught and practised daily.

ACADEMIC EXTENSION PROGRAMME 2018 sees our Middle School Academic Extension programme enter its second year, with selected Year 7, 8 and 9 students attending modified mathematics, English, science and history/geography classes that package learning differently. This programme targets the learning needs of students who are gifted, talented and/or have a demonstrated high level of academic performance. Classes move at a faster pace, minimise repetition and provide additional challenge, depth and complexity. The teachers who present these classes receive professional development

specific to this style of teaching and learning and a number are building on their experiences delivering these classes last year.

The selection processes for entry into an Academic Extension class continues to be based on a holistic appraisal of student learning need, informed by data. We utilise multiple data points, including aptitude assessments, standardised testing results (PAT/NAPLAN) and report grades.

Additional selection weight is given to evidence of high ability over current high performance, with the goal of making our most capable students achieve in line with their measured ability. This means that several students who are currently ‘underachieving’ are given the challenge and expectation needed to lift their performance.

The clustering of identified gifted learners into these classes enables us to meet their need for intellectual peers, while still maintaining connection with their age peers.

Selection processes are completed by Mrs Belinda Guerra (Dean of Studies) and Mr Joel Bonomini (Gifted Education Facilitator) with input from other staff.

Our Academic Extension programme provides a focused and effective environment which addresses the learning needs of our highly capable students.

Our Middle School offers a comprehensive transition programme, a curriculum with specific emphasis on literacy and numeracy development and programmes that support the individual learning needs of each student. This challenging, engaging and collaborative learning environment ensures all students feel a strong sense of belonging. Our Middle School students are given every opportunity to reach their capacity, develop their interests, and be prepared for the rigours of senior schooling.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 19

LEARNING

LEARNING

SENIOR SCHOOL Learning

CHANGES AHEAD QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS ARE ABOUT TO UNDERGO MAJOR CHANGES WITH REGARD TO THE YEARS 11 AND 12 QUALIFICATION.

Unpacking ATAR

FROM 2020, YEAR 12 STUDENTS WILL BE RANKED FOR TERTIARY ENTRANCE USING THE AUSTRALIAN TERTIARY ADMISSIONS RANK, OR ATAR.

By Mr Allan Dennis, Head of Senior School

T

his important move aligns us with other Australian states and replaces the Overall Position (OP) as the mechanism for ranking students for courses at universities.

These changes in 2020 mean that our current Year 10 students will be the first cohort to face this system. After much deliberation and discussion with other colleges, we have decided to start our ATAR programme in Semester 2 of the Year 10 programme this year. This will allow our students more time to develop and experience the new curriculum and assessment processes. It will also allow students more time to practice and prepare for their final external examinations in Term 4 of their Year 12 (in 2020).

ATAR results are expressed on a scale from 99.95 down to 0. Each position is in increments of 0.05. It is expected that about 35 students across all of Queensland will qualify for each point on the ATAR scale. The current Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) will remain.

At John Paul College, as in the past, students will normally be required to take six subjects in Years 11 and 12. In line with the change in the qualification framework, each subject has undergone a revision and many are significantly changed from the old OP framework. Some subjects also have a name change and some new subjects have been added.

20 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Under ATAR, each eligible subject has been divided into four units. It is expected that each unit should usually take about one semester. Students would normally be expected to do units in order, from Unit 1 through to Unit 4.

The new ATAR system will offer students flexibility in what they learn and will take into account the best five subject results achieved after subject scaling has been applied.

Students will have a wide range of learning options including general and applied subjects and vocational education and training.

Moving forward, it is important to understand that with these changes taking place, John Paul College has designed a programme over the next three years to strengthen our Year 10 students’ ability to achieve at the highest possible level.

The programme includes: 1 Speaking to students about what their learning will look like over the next three years;

2 A combined student and parent evening to discuss the ATAR programme, preparations required and student choices for subjects; and The possible combination of subjects include: 3 Opportunities to speak to Mr Steve ¢ five general subjects in Units 3 and 4, or Cuthbert, our Head of Careers and ¢ four general subjects in Units 3 and 4 with Pathways, about subject choices. one applied subject, or We will outline the SETPLAN process ¢ four general subjects in Units 3 and 4 to allow students to develop a programme and a completed VET qualification of learning over the remaining two and a half at Certificate III or higher years of their time at John Paul College.

Students must complete an English subject This will include making choices in relation in Units 3 and 4, but it will only be included to their pathway and subjects. in the ATAR calculation if it is one of their For the remainder of Term 2, students will best five subjects. continue to receive guidance in relation One other very significant change is that to their learning and subject courses. each subject will have an external assessment At the beginning of Term 3, students start component. These will usually be in the their new pathway and learning programme form of an exam. These examinations will that will culminate in ATAR. take place in Term 4 of the Year 12 year.

For mathematics and science subjects, the As a College, we are looking forward exams will contribute 50% of the score used to the new opportunities that this will to calculate the ATAR. For all other subjects bring our students and know that they will it will contribute 25% of the overall grade. be successful in their endeavours.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 21

H N PA

L

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

O

E

ANNIVERSARY

First Day JPIC welcomed 88 international students from many countries

O

U

20

th

1997

C

JPIC

JPIC – 20 YEARS

J

JPIC – 20 YEARS

LL EG

20 Years

By Mr Russell Welch, Director of John Paul International College

2000

First OP1, Herris Zhao

7

Foundation Day, 2000 As the College expanded, we outgrew the original classrooms. The Crockett Building opened on Foundation Day in 2000, a major cultural celebration with many international guests and all students wearing their national costumes.

2001

BSP Welcomed The Brain Soccer Programme (now TY Sport) really added to the International College and, of course, our Soccer Programme.

LAST YEAR WE CELEBRATED THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN PAUL INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (1997–2017), AND 82 GRADUATION CEREMONIES LATER, WE TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAUSE AND REFLECT WITH PRIDE ON THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1997.

O

Primary Prep We welcomed some very cute Primary Prep students to Australia’s first ‘Primary Preparation Programme’.

ur first group of students came from South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan and China.

At the first graduation in September 1997, the graduating students were presented to Mr Munns at the Principal’s Assembly with the following introduction:

In 1996, when we started the planning to open an ELICOS College at JPC, one could not have imagined how much we would grow in reputation and how many young men and women from so many countries would pass through our classrooms and graduate to become successful citizens of the world.

“Since JPC opened in 1982, we have always been fortunate to have students from many countries studying on our campus. In April this year, we opened our International College, where students from non-English backgrounds have the opportunity to study intensive English and prepare for entry to Secondary School.

This is why the graduation ceremony holds a special place in the history of JPIC; because it best represents what we do, why we exist and celebrates how students grow from their tentative days starting at JPIC in a new school, in a new country, and learning a new language.

Today, after completing the final stage of their course, our first 14 students graduate from JPIC and it is my pleasure to present them to you and the School.”

(R Welch Sept ‘97) 22 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Over the years there have been many changes at JPIC and many great achievements to celebrate.

The last 20 years have certainly seen changes and I look forward to the next chapter of our international operations.

STUDY TOURS AND STUDY ABROAD • 23 Study Tour groups (509 students) have visited from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

• Five Study Abroad groups (247 students) have come from Japan and PRC but for longer periods.

First Dux A very unassuming, quiet but dedicated JPIC graduate, Wen Sun became our first graduate to go on to become Dux of the College and received a standing ovation from the audience at the College Speech Night.

2002

2004

2014

Gumtrees We soon outgrew the Crockett Building and added four more classrooms, known as Gumtrees.

Unfortunately, they were removed when the Stephen Bowers Oval was built.

2012

Our First Olympian One of our original BSP graduates, David Ki became our first JPIC Olympian, representing his home country, South Korea.

2015 2016

Most Outstanding Graduate Award This Award was introduced to honour and celebrate the achievements of a graduand who has achieved outstanding results in their final term at JPIC and satisfied the selection criteria. It is presented at the end of each term.

JPIC Captain Our first International College Captain: Got Malual.

2017

Parent Celebrations JPIC parents are usually at home, thousands of kilometres from their son or daughter. To recognise their support, we hosted anniversary functions in Hong Kong, PRC and Vietnam.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 23

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

24 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

COUNTDOWN ON 4 APRIL 2018, OVER 6,600 ATHLETES AND TEAM OFFICIALS FROM 70 NATIONS AND TERRITORIES WILL CONVERGE ON THE GOLD COAST FOR AN 11-DAY SPORTING EVENT – THE GOLD COAST 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES.

TO THE

GAMES

The Games will be the largest sporting event Australia will see this decade. A spectacle of 18 sports and seven para-sports will be contested and broadcast to a global audience of 1.5 billion. The Games will be supported by close to 15,000 volunteers. The John Paul College family will be well represented with students, staff, alumni, parents and past parents participating across many areas and roles. In this edition of the Eagle, we profile three community members and their involvement in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

MITCH LARKIN Alumnus (2010) Role at the games: Mitch has qualified for the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke; 200m and 400m individual medley (IM) and the medley relay (his final Games programme is still to be announced).

It’s been a busy two years for Mitch after he returned from the 2016 Rio Olympics with a silver medal in the 200m backstroke and bronze in the medley relay. Two changes of coaches sees him back with his old St Peter’s Western Swim Club under the direction of Dean Boxall. Now the eldest on the team by four years, Mitch is enjoying the challenges that ‘The Box’ is throwing at him.

“I’ve gone back to what I did growing up, lots of volume.

Q Best piece of advice?

A Celebrate the little wins. My new coach, Dean Boxall reminds me of this regularly.

Dean challenged me to give the individual medley events a crack at Trials by saying, ‘the old Mitch would do it’.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Mitch rose to the challenge to take gold in the 400IM and silver in 200IM.

Q What’s the biggest challenge you’ll face?

A Due to the fact we’ll be racing in an outdoor pool, there’ll be new challenges.

As a backstroker, I won’t get the same visual reference from above when racing indoors and will need to take my balance from the stands. Also, the heats will be run in the hottest part of the day.

In terms of competitors, the British competitor, Chris Walker-Hebborn will be one to watch in the backstroke and the Aussies in the IM. Q Where to after the Games?

A I have the Pan Pacs (Pan Pacific Championships) in August which will be a good hit out against the Americans.

Q What are you most looking forward I also have the World Championships to about competing in the Games? next year, and that will mark 12 months A Mostly about being at home. These are the under Dean. I realistically think I have fun Games. It’s a lot less serious compared another two or three Olympics in me – to the Olympics when the whole world with a break factored in. I haven’t achieved is watching – you can have some fun and all that I want to and I know I still have enjoy yourself. room to grow.

Photo credit: Getty Images

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 25

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

MRS JULIE MAROSKE Staff Member and Alumnus (1996) Role at the games: Team Liaison Officer – Basketball

It’s a huge honour to be part of an event that brings people together from all over the world.

I will be working with athletes, team managers and officials from participating countries at the competition venue to ensure that they have all the information and assistance they need.

Q What are you most looking forward to at the Games?

A The atmosphere and standard of an international multi-sport event, as well as the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people from the various Commonwealth nations and territories.

I think sport really is a universal language that both unites and excites people, so I am looking forward to seeing the performances and emotions on display.

MADELYN (MADDY) BIRT Year 8 student Role at the games: Baton bearer for Daisy Hill

Q What are you most looking forward to at the Games?

A I am excited to be seeing the various sports played at a professional level. I am also very excited to be a baton bearer.

Q How did you become involved in the Games?

A I was nominated as a baton bearer for my campaign called ‘Hug the Helpers’ which focused on the abuse that our emergency services workers face and shared the message to thank these people for the hard work that they do to keep our communities safe.

Q What motivated you to become involved?

A It’s a huge honour to be part of an event that brings people together from all over the world. It’s also a way to acknowledge and thank all of the wonderful emergency services crews who will be volunteering their time at the Games and events.

Q If you could tell your 10-year-old self that you’re going to be involved in the Games, what do you think your response would be?

A I wouldn’t believe it. I probably wouldn’t even know that it was possible to be a baton bearer! Even though I would be very shocked, I would still be very excited like I am now.

Q What should be an event at the Games, but isn’t (and why should it be an event)?

A Board games… it would be pretty cool to be a Monopoly gold medallist.

Q What’s the best advice you can give?

A An opportunity for people from all over the world to come together in a friendly spirit of competition. When people from throughout our community can be involved – no matter who they are, how old they are, or where they come from.

It means being proud of who we are as a country, and celebrating what we have achieved together.

Madelyn Birt (student) – baton bearer

Madison Bravery (student) – opening ceremony

David Gardner (past Board member and parent) – volunteer driver

Lucas Humeniuk (student) – swimming triallist

(parent) – field of play team member for table tennis

Toni Latta

Melanie Lumley (parent) – volunteer

Kyle Niesler (student) – swimming triallist

Tracey Rodgers

John Rossiter (past Board member and parent) – volunteer at Brisbane airport

Andrew Weissenberger (parent) – medical doctor for Baton Relay (QLD) and Athletes Village

26 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Bailey Grevsmuhl (staff/alumni) –

Charly Kuhnemann (student) – swimming triallist

Hannah Le Sage (student) – field of play team member for netball

Danica Martin (student) – basket carrier at track and field

Q What do the Games mean to you?

A Mine is only a very small part to play, but I am definitely excited for the experience, and I am proud to be involved in an event of this nature and to be given the opportunity to be an ambassador for my sport, my state and my country.

I have always loved sport, I enjoy working in a team environment, and I like making a positive impact.

A It would be absolutely incredible to win a gold medal in hockey. My family is going to watch the hockey at the Games, so maybe I can get a few tips!

Maree Bond (staff/parent) – mixed media team member – cycling and shooting

driver

A I have always loved sport, I enjoy working in a team environment, and I like making a positive impact, so the combination of those factors proved very appealing.

I’ve had a range of different roles in the basketball world over the years… player, coach, programme coordinator, operations manager, committee member, etc. – so this was a chance to become involved from another angle and facet of my sport.

Q If you were to win a gold medal, what would it be in (does not have to be a Games sport)?

STAFF, PARENTS, STUDENTS: Isabella Agius – basketball technical official

(staff) – spectator services

Q What motivated you to become involved?

A I think every event should feature one random, average person competing alongside the athletes for reference so we can see exactly how elite they are!

Q What do the Games mean to you?

These are members of the John Paul College community (to the best of our knowledge) who will be involved:

official for athletics

A Last year, I received an invitation to apply for a sport specific role after being identified as someone with experience in the field of basketball.

I was fortunate enough to be successful, and have worked through the training process since then and now can’t wait for the Games to begin.

Q What should be an event at the Games, but isn’t (and why should it be an event)?

A Keep on going and never give up.

You never know just how well it can turn out in the end.

Congratulations to all our participants in the Games

representing surf life saving

Q How did you become involved in the Games?

ALUMNI: Francesca Basten (1991) – GOLDOC Workforce Shared Services Manager Alyssa Bebbington (2013) – music playback operator Brianna Bell (nee Fels 2001) – baton bearer in Litchfield, NT Bree Brnabic (2016) – protocol team member at Carrara Stadium Kaila Brnabic (2011) – press operations, cycling and shooting Leticia Campbell (1990) – press operations, cycling and shooting Matt Cook (2001) – infrastructure advisor for the stadiums Nuala Dear (1997) – physiotherapist Alana Frederick (nee Vickers 2008) – press operation, beach volleyball and rugby 7s Michelle Fulcher (2012) – remedial massage sports therapist Sonya Granger (past staff/alumni 1989) – baton bearer Dami Im (2005) – baton bearer Chris Ioannou (2001) – volunteer doctor Jess McDonald (2005) – medical team doctor Julie Maroske (1996) – basketball team liaison volunteer Georgia Ridler (nee Stewart 1992) – Team Psychologist – Australian Dolphins Swim Team Chase Walker (2013) – opening ceremony performer Teah Westerman (2015) – administration assistant for the accommodation team Sian Woods (2005) – spectator services

ATHLETES: Genevieve LaCaze (2006/07) – athletics Mitch Larkin (2010) – swimming Skye Nicolson (2013) – boxing

Kalani Purcell (2012) – basketball (NZ) JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 27

INNOVATION

INNOVATION

ROBOTS, CODING & THE L[IT]ERACY

By Mrs Jan MacNamara, Director of ICT

IT IS FRIDAY AT 3.00 PM IN THE NOELENE MUNNS LEARNING CENTRE AND THE YEAR 3 STUDENTS ARE STILL ENGAGED, MOTIVATED AND THINKING. WHAT HAS THEM SO ENGROSSED?

I

t’s a tiny thumb-sized OzoBot robot! These robots follow coloured lines to move, flash lights and dance. And at first glance it all just looks like a bit of play time and colouring in. But these intriguing little Bots require the students to use problem solving skills and critical thinking in applying mathematics and science concepts to the challenge at hand.

Students control the Bot’s movements by devising and planning code which is drawn with coloured lines on paper. Each colour pattern is associated to specific moves that OzoBot understands and performs.

Talk of robots in the classroom may have seemed far-fetched a few years ago, but it’s safe to say that the future has arrived – at least in our John Paul College learning spaces.

As technology has progressed, the accessibility of robotics to the layperson has also improved.

Twenty years ago, robotics kits for children were limited to simple structures and motors.

Now they are sophisticated enough to employ a multitude of sensors and motors as well as interface with a notebook computer or through an app deployed on a tablet.

Quantitative Sociologist, Dr Roger Putulny, from Wollongong University in New South Wales said this generation will live and breathe technology. And that explains John Paul College’s commitment to ACARA’s Digital Technologies Curriculum. Tech moguls including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Google’s Eric Schmidt suggest that coding, programming and computer science will be the language of the 21st century and acknowledge that in a world that’s increasingly run on technology, computer science is a liberal art!

28 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

of their time

Mrs Bernadette Duong is part of the academic team integrating the Australian Curriculum Digital Technologies programme into P – 6 learning experiences. “It’s about opening up the world of computational thinking in an age appropriate way.

Our children see this technology all around them so it is an imperative to give our students a mental model for how things work.

As our young learners manipulate the code, they watch the OzoBot move, change direction and speed and realise their own power to control and create in a software-driven world. It is rewarding to watch each “ah-ha” moment bubble to the surface,” she said.

Mrs Kara Ilich, Team Leader in Year 4 commented that, “The biggest advantage of the Digital Technologies Curriculum is that it moves students from passive consumers of technology into creators. Our students know that technology is everywhere and they now understand that they can create it! They have experienced it! Coding is key and creating it takes the mystery out of technology. Our students are empowered to control, create and innovate.”

ACARA’s Digital Technologies Curriculum exposes students to coding from an early age. Within the new normal of digital literacy our students can control the movements of humanoid robots; can create interactive platform games and design and manoeuvre their characters and responses; they can combine sensors using wide ranging tools such as Micro:Bits, ACER’s CloudProfessor and MBots and programme drones for rescue missions. We are talking about our youngest learners effortlessly switching from visual block coding to sophisticated control using line coding.

Our students know that technology is everywhere and they now understand that they can create it!

“Software is a critical layer in all our lives,” according to Head of Primary School, Mr Andy Gordon. “It is the language of our world. In the future, not knowing this language will be as challenging as being illiterate or innumerate today.”

And so…. back in the Noelene Munns Learning Centre, the Ozo challenges of today are laying the foundations of the l[it]eracy and numeracy needed by our students as they move to their futures.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 29

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

GYM Refurbishment T

he new equipment, which includes treadmills, spin bikes, rowers and pinloaded machines will complement the existing power racks and free weights.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE SET TO BENEFIT FROM A GYMNASIUM REFURBISHMENT AND NEARLY $100,000 OF NEW EQUIPMENT.

30 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Head of Learning, Health and Physical Education, Mr Brett Bennett said the new equipment will be utilised by a cross section of students.

“Our Senior Health and Physical Education, VET Fitness and Athlete Development Academy students have been making the most of the new equipment.”

I know our boarders, cricketers, rugby players and staff health club members are also frequent visitors to the gym.

Mr Bennett said that from a curriculum perspective, the new equipment afforded students the opportunity to undertake lab-based assessment and instruction.

Included in the roll-out is a wattbike, regarded internationally as the best diagnostic testing tool of its kind, providing performance data and technical feedback.

Visitors to the refurbished gym will also notice the new digital screen in place of the old gym record board. The new screen will not only digitally display gym records for feats of strength and endurance (some dating back over 20 years), but will also be used as a coaching and teaching tool.

The new equipment, purchased for about half of the retail value, replaces the original pieces installed when the Coleman Centre opened in 1995.

TAS

Champion School

T

he award incorporates points accumulated across the three trimesters of TAS competition and the three carnivals in swimming, cross country and athletics.

THE 2017 SPORTING YEAR CONCLUDED ON A HIGH WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE COLLEGE WAS THE OVERALL ANNUAL CHAMPION TAS SCHOOL FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

Our swimmers began the year well taking out the Champion School trophy and five age division trophies at the TAS Carnival in Term 1. Cross country runners also produced great results at the TAS Carnival to finish in overall second position and win five age divisions.

Our athletics team returned home from the TAS Carnival in Term 3 with multiple titles including Champion TAS School.

In all, College teams collected 21 TAS premierships in 2017 with 10 JTAS teams completing their seasons without losing a game.

Mrs Karen Graham, Director of Sport and Activities, said she was incredibly proud of all who contributed to the award.

Congratulations to our staff, coaches and parents whose hard work, passion and commitment underpins the sporting programme as they support our students to be all they can be.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 31

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

That three of our students qualified to compete against Australia’s very best speaks volumes for their dedication and love of their sport.

32 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

SWIM STARS Eye Bright Futures

C

harly Kuhnemann, Lucas Humeniuk and Kyle Niesler came up against Australia’s best swimmers as they swam for a place on the Australian Commonwealth Games swimming team at the 2018 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Trials held on the Gold Coast from 28 February – 3 March.

THREE JOHN PAUL COLLEGE ATHLETES HAVE PROVEN THAT AGE IS NO BARRIER IN TAKING ON AUSTRALIA’S BEST SWIMMERS.

Principal, Mrs Karen Spiller said the College community was enormously proud of its swimmers – both past and present.

That three of our students qualified to compete against Australia’s very best speaks volumes for their dedication and love of their sport, she said.

It was a case of the College’s young guns competing against the best in Australia, including Olympians and former students, Mitch Larkin and Keryn McMaster – both graduated in 2010.

Year 12 student, Kyle Niesler contested the 200m backstroke (31st place), 200m (31st place) and 400m individual medley (24th place) events – coming up against Mitch in all events. Lucas Humeniuk, a Year 11 student contested the 400m individual medley, finishing the meet in 21st place.

It was a case of the College’s young guns competing against the best in Australia...

Charly Kuhnemann, a Senior and House Captain, qualified for two events, recording a top 50 result in the 200m freestyle and coming in 37th place in the 200m individual medley.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 33

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

A STAR in the making H HOW DOES SOMEONE REPRESENT THEIR STATE IN DIFFERENT SPORTS AT THE SAME TIME? IT WAS AN UNENVIABLE, BUT VERY REAL DILEMMA FOR YEAR 8 STUDENT, HEIDI DENNIS LAST YEAR.

34 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

eidi joined the College at the beginning of 2017 from Rochedale State School and threw herself into the co-curricular sporting programme.

She represented the College in touch, hockey, athletics, football, swimming and was disappointed to sit out the TAS cross country carnival with an injury.

As a member of the Under 12 Queensland Schoolgirls’ football team, Heidi contested the Pacific Schools Games (PSG), an 11-sport competition involving participants from 15 nations in December. She was also selected in the Queensland Schools Athletics team that competed at the PSG. This selection was a result of her performance at the State Athletics Championships in October which saw her make the finals in five events including silver medals in the high jump and relay.

Heidi chose not to contest the hockey state titles with her Metropolitan East team as it clashed with the College athletics carnival.

Had Heidi been chosen in that state team, as was predicted by many, she potentially could have been selected in three Queensland teams.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was Heidi’s love of team sport and football in general that saw her choose the world game. Heidi’s Queensland team went on to claim the bronze medal at the PSG.

Heidi started playing football aged seven, but took a break to try hockey before taking the sport up again at age 10. In her first year back in 2015, she was selected in the Metropolitan East team then the Queensland Under 12 Schoolgirls’ team in 2016, and captained the team in 2017.

Heidi enjoyed a remarkable year in athletics in 2017 that saw her break multiple records at school, district and regional levels. In winning the Under 12 Age Champion at the TAS Athletics Carnival in Term 3, Heidi won seven gold medals and a bronze in her eight-event programme, breaking records in the 100m, 200m, shot put, discus and high jump.

Heidi comes from a ‘sporting mad’ family and suspects her athletic prowess is a combination of great genetics from both her mum and dad – both College alumni.

Mum, Nicole (nee Winter – Class of 1991) still holds the College discus record and dad, Paul, was a very handy rugby player in his day.

Heidi admits she leads a busy life. Term 3 saw her involved in seven or eight training sessions during the week and games across the weekend. Her favourite time is spent riding motorbikes with her brothers and sister on the family property near Warwick. However, she’s equally happy out on the field or on the track.

Next on the agenda for Heidi in 2018 – women’s rugby 7s.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 35

PERFORMING ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

Meet the Leads J

Forward 300 years into the future and the world is controlled by the Globalsoft Corporation. Conformity reigns. Citizens watch the same movies, listen to computer-generated music, wear the same clothes and hold the same thoughts and opinions. Musical instruments are outlawed, and rock music is unknown. Ruling the Globalsoft Corporation and keeping citizens in check is Killer Queen and her police chief, Khashoggi. Enter young misfits Galileo and Scaramouche and a struggle begins for the right to free thought and music.

ohn Paul College stages major musical productions every two years, so it’s with great excitement that 2018 brings with it the chance for students to take to the stage for the experience that many rate as being amongst their best school memories.

It also presents the opportunity for former and new generations of the College community to experience the talent, quality and professionalism that has been synonymous with College musical productions for the past 30 years.

Headlining John Paul College’s 2018 production of We Will Rock You are seven very excited and exceptionally-talented students.

Jai Bofinger – Galileo Emma Cobb – Oz Charlotte (Charli) Garner – Buddy Olivia George – Killer Queen Sophie Moman – Scaramouche Aryan Mudaliar – Brit Ethan Rutledge – Khashoggi

OLIVIA GEORGE will juggle the demands of Year 12 study with WWRY rehearsals and almost 30 hours of co-curricular commitments, music and singing lessons, but wouldn’t have it any other way. She is leaving no stone unturned to learn about her character, the resident ‘villain’, Killer Queen.

She says watching different productions of WWRY on YouTube is allowing her to take techniques from different actors and apply them to her performance. Dancing since she was two, Olivia has always been passionate about singing but became serious about it in Year 8. WWRY will be her third JPC musical.

We Will Rock You (WWRY) is a musical based on the songs of British rock band, Queen and a novel by Ben Elton. Over 16 million theatregoers in 28 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production.

Tickets available from 27 April at www.johnpaulcollege.com.au 36 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

WWRY will feature stunning costumes, sets and lighting and, of course, Queen’s legendary hits including We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love, Killer Queen, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody and Another One Bites The Dust.

More than 200 cast and crew students will be involved in the production across Years 4 – 12.

JAI BOFINGER is the first to admit that Galileo is a new type of character for him.

A seasoned member of the School of Performing Arts (who started dancing and singing at just three), Jai’s past credits include playing the role of Oliver in the College’s 2014 production, Oliver and the Scarecrow in The Wiz (2016).

He is a regular performer with Queensland Theatre Company and has performed at the Brisbane Shakespeare Festival and has toured with Disney’s Mary Poppins Australasian production in 2012.

Jai is a member of four College ensembles and devotes over 20 hours a week to developing his skills – skills which he hopes will lead to a career in musical theatre when he graduates this year.

ETHAN RUTLEDGE (Year 11) will soon lay claim to performing two musicals in two continents. Venezuelan born, Ethan has also lived in Mexico, Pakistan and Alaska and scored a lead role in The Wizard of Oz while living in the United States.

“We researched many schools when we moved to Australia but couldn’t go past John Paul College and its reputation for quality musical productions and its performing arts programme,” he said.

Ethan cites his major musical influences as old jazz/swing singers and actors including Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.

Post school, Ethan hopes to return to the US to attend Berkley College of Music or gain a place at the National Institute of Dramatic Art or the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 37

PERFORMING ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

I’ve always been interested in music.

My family are very loud and love music.

ARYAN MUDALIAR, who will play Brit, experienced his first taste of a John Paul College production as a Year 4 student new to the College when he saw Back in Time in 2006 and was hooked.

SOPHIE MOMAN is certainly no stranger to the stage. With stage credits including three professional musical threatre productions at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (Annie – 2002, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – 2014 and Sound of Music – 2016), Sophie, who is in Year 9, has already started her own singer/songwriter business (SOPHIE.ANN) and is currently recording her first album which she hopes will get picked up by commercial radio and lead to a recording contract.

As understudy for Dorothy in The Wiz in the College’s 2016 production, she loves the camaraderie that develops between cast and crew.

My cast mates are so talented, and the band is just ridiculous. I love that we all just get to jam together to Queen’s classic rock songs.

The audience is going to love this show.

“I love my character. Although Scaramouche presents with a tough, sarcastic exterior, it’s actually a mask to hide the pain of not fitting in. Once she finally finds ‘somebody to love’ her walls starts coming down and she shows warmth, kindness and love.”

Tickets available from 27 April at www.johnpaulcollege.com.au 38 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

“The first JPC musical I saw was Back in Time. I remember how exciting it was to watch as it explored many genres.”

Now a dedicated member of the School of Performing Arts, Aryan participates in Wind Orchestra, Big Band, Paradise Road, Jazz Combo Junior, Concert Choir and the Chamber Choir.

CHARLOTTE (CHARLI) GARNER has come a long way for someone who made her singing teacher face the wall when she first starting singing lessons, such were her nerves.

“I’ve always been interested in music.

My family are very loud and love music,” she says.

“My sisters and I knew the greats at a very young age (I use ‘greats’ loosely as they were my mother’s version of the greats). I played the trumpet from when I was 10 until I was 15 but singing is definitely the thing for me.”

Charli, a Year 12 student, credits her part in The Wiz in 2016 as one of the best experiences of her life and the reason for her performance confidence.

“Buddy is a character I am super excited to play. Buddy is silly, relaxed and very funny, and I think I can do a lot with the character.

I’ve been watching past productions of the show and how different actors play around with his mannerisms and characteristics,” she said.

Come show-time in July, some of the proudest audience members will be Charli’s grandparents who she says are her biggest musical influences and supporters.

EMMA COBB has the bright lights of the West End or Broadway firmly in sight.

Already a stage veteran with three professional productions under her belt (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – 2014, The Sound of Music – 2016 and Matilda – 2016/17), Emma recently completed her first television show (Grace Beside Me) which screened on NITV and ABCme and will air on Disney later this year.

Emma has a gruelling schedule that sees her dancing up to four hours each weeknight and additional acting lessons and ensemble rehearsals. She has no illusions about the work it takes to make it professionally.

Emma says her dream role is to play Elphaba in Wicked. For now, she’s most looking forward to singing No One But You in WWRY. “It is very emotional and close to my heart, and to my family, as it’s my Mum’s favourite.

I think everyone can relate to it.”

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 39

PERFORMING ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

PRACTISING to Perfection NATIONAL

DANCE Champions O A NATIONAL TITLE WAS THE ICING ON THE CAKE FOR OUR DANCE AND CHEER TEAMS’ TOUR OF SYDNEY.

40 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

ur dance and cheer teams returned triumphant from their tour of Sydney last October.

The Eclipse and Stellar dance teams joined forces with the Supernovas and Nova Starz cheer teams to compete at the AASCF Scholastic National Championships, the premier competition for primary and secondary schools in Australia.

The Eclipse and Stellar teams took to the stage at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre with the hip hop routine, My Favourite Things which was choreographed by alumnus, Lauren Carr (2015).

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Not only did they place first in their division, but John Paul College won the title of National Grand Champions of Dance for achieving the highest score in the entire dance competition.

The Supernovas and Nova Starz competed in their respective cheer divisions, with Nova Starz awarded National Scholastic Champions – Level 1.

The tour also included workshops with highly accomplished choreographers and a performance by the Sydney Dance Company.

IMAGINE OVER 1,500 HOURS OF PREPARATION COMING DOWN TO ONE, HOUR-LONG EXAM.

hat was the scenario facing Year 12 Prefect, Chae Eun Oh when she undertook her examination for a Licentiate of Music (L. Mus. A.) in violin in late 2017. The Licentiate is a tertiarylevel qualification awarded to only the most outstanding musicians.

Chae Eun was eight years old when she joined the strings programme at John Paul College. She has been a member of the Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra for the past three years and recently toured China and Germany with the QYO during the Christmas holidays.

Chae Eun estimates that she practised three to four hours a day over an 18-month period for the examination, which required her to play four pieces and tested her general knowledge.

In 2018, Chae Eun will continue her active participation in the College’s performing arts ensembles. In addition to her role as Concert Master of the Orchestra, she is also involved in Silver Strings, Piano Trio, Altissimo and the College musical.

Thankfully, the hard work was rewarded.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 41

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

St Mark's

CHARITY Begins at home

FOOD DRIVE

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IT WAS A CHALLENGE BY A TEACHER BACK IN 2012 THAT RECENT YEAR 12 GRADUATE MACKENZIE ANGELL ACCEPTED WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

42 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

hat challenge, issued by former staff member and Charity Shield founder, Mr Peter Christie, was to complete a Charity Shield event every term until Mackenzie’s graduation, six years later. Charity Shield events allow students to participate in community service or charity-based activities and to effectively, give back.

In successfully completing the challenge in 2017, Mackenzie attended all 24 events to become the first recipient of the Charity Shield at her Valedictory Assembly last year. Mackenzie’s name was the first on the Charity Shield Honour Board, the gift to the College by the Class of 2017.

“The fact that I completed every single challenge, even with my health issues, was a huge achievement for me,” she said.

Mackenzie was diagnosed in 2014 with Lupus. She is now on a wait list for a new drug, which can only be administered by a blood transfusion. If successful, Mackenzie will have this transfusion once a month for the rest of her life.

“When I first heard about Charity Shield, I thought ‘excellent’ – it was easy to get out and be active knowing it was for a good cause,” she explained.

My motivation to participate changed after my diagnosis from being able to be active and help people in my own way, to understanding what it’s like to need help.

Mackenzie’s most memorable Charity Shield event was the Million Metres for MND (motor neurone disease) swimming event in 2012 where she met former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

Mackenzie has commenced a Bachelor of Architecture at QUT in 2018. She says she will continue to undertake service activities post school. “Charity Shield has become a family tradition in the Angell household.”

By Mr Steve Ward, Chaplain

F

rom that event, cultures have developed the tradition of giving gifts to others at Christmas time. However, in fact, the way of life for every Christian is to have a giving heart every day of the year as seen by one of our founding churches, St Mark’s.

AT CHRISTMAS, THE MAGI BROUGHT THREE GIFTS TO THE BABY BORN IN THE MANGER BECAUSE THEY KNEW HE WAS EMMANUEL, MEANING, ‘GOD WITH US’.

St Mark’s Anglican Social Services offers food parcels and food vouchers every day of the week. At Christmas, they have a very busy time and supply hampers to needy families in the Logan area. The Christian volunteers who run this programme provided 100 of these hampers for Christmas 2017.

Every year since I have been here, and many before, JPC takes on the task of supplying as many food and drink items that we can, to fill up those hampers. You can see by the photos that the students did an amazing job in 2017 as they helped pack up the goods with the St Mark’s volunteers. Students from Primary, Middle, Senior School and JPIC all donate.

A special mention must go to 2017 Year 7 Head of Year, Mrs Rebecca Gallagher (nee Peall), and the 125 Year 7s who contributed the majority of the goods. From the first week of Term 4 they decided as a cohort to bring in one item each week. This attitude of giving is so important as seen in Hebrews 13:16 where it says,

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.

These are the sacrifices that please God. JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 43

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

An amazing experience, immersing in the culture and meeting new people... including the monkeys.

Our experiences of

MYANMAR The trek was a challenge – sleeping in local houses in the villages, outdoor bucket showers, squat toilet complete with spiders, one room for both eating and sleeping, cattle brought inside overnight – it was very different to home but what an incredible experience to share with mates.

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At times we found ourselves well out of our comfort zone, but the tougher it got, the more we smiled and appreciated the experiences.

Emily Bennett and Abinaya Balaji

44 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

By Mrs Maree Bond (parent and staff member)

ON A HOT AND STEAMY SUNDAY, 4 MARCH, I ATTENDED MY FIRST CHARITY SHIELD EVENT WITH THE JOHN PAUL FAMILY – THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FUN RUN SUPPORTING MATER’S CHICKS IN PINK.

OVER THE 2017 SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS, EIGHT YEAR 10 AND 11 STUDENTS TOURED MYANMAR (FORMERLY BURMA) WITH MR MIDDLETON AND MRS MARSHALL. THE TOUR IMMERSED STUDENTS IN THE CULTURE OF MYANMAR.

e visited spectacular sites such as Shwedagon pagoda, the 11th century temples, the pagodas of ancient Bagan and the floating gardens of Inle Lake. As well as sightseeing, we shopped for food at the local markets, learned to cook Myanmar style, visited local schools and monasteries, undertook a three-day service project in a village near Bagan and completed a three-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake.

Chicks in Pink Fun Run

Arriving at South Bank with 13,000 other participants, the park was already a sea of pink and was abuzz with the

feeling of community and celebration.

We met JPC Charity Shield Co-ordinator, Mrs Karen Bowness to welcome our early morning runners back from their 5km and 10km runs.

As the call went out for the walkers to move to the start line, the sea of pink became an ocean. As we walked the course, we were cheered on by ladies receiving treatment and not well enough to participate. The number of people

participating in the name of a friend, sister, mother, aunt or grandmother impacted by breast cancer was staggering.

Principal, Mrs Spiller headed the John Paul College contingent of 112 students, parents and staff who collectively raised close to $11,000.

Thank you to Mrs Bowness for her tireless work in co-ordinating the Charity Shield for the College.

Seeing Double!

I honestly had the most amazing time in Myanmar and made heaps of incredible memories and new friendships! A particular favourite for me was seeing amazing sunsets and sunrises from the different pagodas and temples we visited throughout our trip.

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ome of our younger Primary students could be forgiven for confusing two male teachers such is their uncanny resemblance.

Mr Jacob Elms, the Head of Year 7 and Mr Christopher Bell, our Primary Spanish teacher are often mistaken for each other. Interestingly, both are past students, graduating within a year of each other – Mr Elms in 2006 and Mr Bell in 2007.

Mr Elms says that many younger Primary students have run up to him and said, ‘Good morning, Mr Bell’.

“When I tell them I am not actually Mr Bell, they look at me very confused and ask if we are brothers,” he laughs.

“Once I visited a classroom where Chris was teaching, and the students’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads.”

Mr Elms has been teaching at John Paul College for three years in the Applied Design area and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Leadership.

Mr Bell joined the College staff last year.

He and fiancée, Michelle, welcomed their first child, Olivero Yu-Xuan Bell in January.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 45

COMMUNITY

ALUMNI

LONG-SERVING STAFF AS PART OF THE PRINCIPAL’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY ON JANUARY 31, WE CONGRATULATED LONG-SERVING STAFF FOR ACHIEVING SERVICE MILESTONES.

Milestones

Time

OCTOBER WAS REUNION MONTH FOR CLASSES CELEBRATING 10, 20 AND 30 YEARS SINCE GRADUATION.

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ver 40 members from the Class of 1987 caught up at the Pig ‘n’ Whistle, West End. Special thanks to Ruth Gore, Stephen Binney and Nick Huffels who travelled from interstate to join the festivities and to Karla Prince who made the huge trek from the UK. Thanks also to organiser, Jamie Phillips.

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YEARS OF SERVICE:

Celebrating

Amanda Borrello, Scott Ingram, Toni Latta, Janet Scanlon and Lisa Strudwick

10

YEARS OF SERVICE: Eddie Are, Shannon Bohan, Kellie Douglas, Richard Graf, Chris Hales, Tracey Hartwig, Caryl McClure, Cherie Parkes, Lena Southwood, Peter Tales, Joan Thomson and Marja Wilson

15

YEARS OF SERVICE: Dilshaad Doolabh, Rebecca Gallagher (nee Peall), Debbie Gillespie, Stacey Lang, Lalit Prasad, Linda Steinhausen and Miriam Vella

46 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

REUNION

25

It was a very big night for members of the Class of 1997 at their 20 year reunion held at Bar Pacino in the city. With some revellers seeing in the dawn, there are plans not to wait another 10 years to catch up! Many thanks to organisers Shane Gilroy, Birgitta Davison and Deb De Nichilo.

The Up on Constance rooftop bar hosted the Class of 2007 10 Year Reunion. A great staff presence included Mappy and Hendo (who haven’t missed a reunion), Norm Kerley, Julie-Anne Angell and their former head of year, James Lennon.

Thanks to organisers Mark O’Grady, Shane Senituli, Chloe Carrucan and Haylie Willis.

It was great to catch up with our Melbourne and Sydney based alumni at events in 2017.

10 YEAR REUNION

2018 REUNION DATES Class of 2008 – 10 Year Reunion

Saturday 6 October, Cloudland – 7.00pm (Organisers: Missy Mellor, Francesca Guterres, Roland De Toit)

Class of 1998 – 20 Year Reunion

Saturday 13 October, Cloudland – 7.00pm (Organisers: Michelle Griffin, Stephen Martin)

Class of 1988 – 30 Year Reunion

Saturday 20 October, venue TBC (Organiser: Therese Muller (Bettiol)

Class of 1993 – 25 Year Reunion

Saturday 24 November, Mermaid Beach Surf Lifesaving Club – 5.00pm (Organiser: Dave Howells)

Melbourne Reunion

Thursday 4 October, venue TBC – 6.00pm

Sydney Reunion

Friday 5 October, venue TBC – 6.00pm

Pease check www.jpcalumni.com.au and the Official John Paul College Alumni Association Facebook group for ticketing details.

MELBOURNE REUNION

YEARS OF SERVICE: Simone Bartlett, Michelle Blackmore (absent), Jan MacNamara and Jan Marxsen

20 YEAR REUNION

SYDNEY REUNION

30

YEARS OF SERVICE:

30 YEAR REUNION

Special congratulations to Barry Tickner who has returned to the College after a year’s leave and was presented with his 30-year service award.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 47

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

No matter how tough a day is, the sun always rises tomorrow.

THE CHALLENGE of a Lifetime

ON AUGUST 9 2017, SIMON BELL (2013), EMBARKED ON HIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME – CYCLING SOLO AND UNSUPPORTED ACROSS AUSTRALIA TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS.

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is passion to pursue his long-time dream finally became a reality as Simon set off from the westernmost point of Australia, Carnarvon with plans to make it to Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point. Simon successfully completed his mission 57 days and 6329.90 kilometres later.

After graduating from university with a degree in Marketing, Simon felt that he needed a re-evaluation of where he wanted to go in life.

“Every day has its challenges, but this trip taught me to appreciate the little things… no matter how tough a day is, the sun always rises tomorrow,” Simon said as he reflected back on the challenges he faced throughout his journey.

The biggest challenge though, was being alone.When I was having a tough day, there was nobody there to push me along.

Simon’s goal was to raise at least $1 for every kilometre he cycled for the Australian Red Cross (he donates plasma every fortnight).

However, Simon also believes that travelling Among his list of donors were many alumni solo and unsupported was the greatest part and JPC connections – helping Simon raise of his trip. “It was an adventure and a massive almost $7,500.

48 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

By Sarah Hewlett

achievement that I did it by myself – no help from anybody else. It also gave me so much time to learn more about myself.”

Cycling from one side of the country to the other has brought Simon countless memories, challenges and accomplishments along the way.

One of his favourite memories was meeting a lady on the third day of his trip. He had just finished cycling 40km in the pouring rain, when a lady approached him and offered to buy him a coffee because, ‘she had never seen someone so down in the dumps before’.

He decided to join her and her husband for breakfast and learned that they were caravanning around Australia. When he was 3,000km further into his adventure, Simon ran into them in Kimba, South Australia.

Friendly and familiar faces, including JPC alumni, have helped motivate Simon in the simplest ways, from offering a home-cooked meal to inviting him to stay in a warm bed for the night.

Simon inspired his family, friends and the John Paul College community with his achievements along this trip. With his sight set on his next trip of backpacking through New Zealand, Simon’s sense of adventure and his passion for helping others are qualities that will help him conquer whatever he sets his mind to.

SIMON’S STATS:

6329.90 kilometres covered, 344 hours 15 minutes and 23 seconds of pedalling (an average of 6 hours or 111 kilometres every day for 57 days), 2 punctures, 8 EPIC tan lines, 4 state borders, 4 time zones, 313.5L of water consumed, maximum temp of 43.6ºC, minimum temp of 1ºC JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 49

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

IN THE

UPDATES

NEWS ALUMNI WEDDINGS

ALUMNI BABIES

Natalie Greene (2006) and Andrew Nugent (2005) married on December 9, 2016 on the Sunshine Coast. Natalie and Andrew met at a school athletics carnival. Jane Xu (2005) was maid of honour while Trent Stanton, Michael Willis (best man), Troy Massey and Stephen Salmon were Andrew’s groomsmen.

Congratulations to all our new mums and dads. We’ve welcomed several new members recently into the club of alumni babies with both mum and dad as past students.

Jessica (nee Carlyon, 2000) and John-Paul DiZane (2001) welcomed Cohen Jax, a little brother for Savannah on 23 November, 2017.

Big brother, Sydney, was certainly smitten when Ivy arrived on Valentine’s Day 2017.

Congratulations to Keisha (nee Tincknell, 2006) and Nathan Strudwick (2006).

Johan Taljaard (2006) married Jessica Boulter (2005) in Noosa Heads on May 12, 2017. Johan and Jessica actually met some years after finishing school. Jessica was out with friends celebrating her 24th birthday when Johan recognised her at the bar – and the rest as they say…

50 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Emma (nee Jarman, 2002) and Tim Edmunds (2001) welcomed Georgia Grace on May 27, 2017.

Adeline Dawn (born on Australia Day 2016) has settled into Camp Hill life with mum, Amelia (nee Phillips, 2005) and Stephen Salmon (2005).

It was number four for Ruth (nee Moody, 2003) and Rhys Kovchenko (2003) when Finn entered the world on November 18, a little brother for Darcy, Audrey and Noah.

Michael Joseph is the first born for Jessica (nee Flesser, 2006) and Matthew Gillespie (2006).

Frank, born in October 2017 joins big sister, Neive and mum, Tara (nee Vedelago, 2003) and Troy (peer year 2003) in the Fox household.

A family tradition continued when Ebony Graham commenced in the Snugglepots room of the Early Learning Centre last year.

Ebony is the daughter of Tiffany Gitsham (2003) and Reece Graham and is the great niece of Kaylee Clark (1990) and Kristine Sanders (nee Clark, 1992) and cousin to past students Charmaine (2015) and Shannon Lewis (2016/17) and William Watt (2015).

COMMONWEATH GAMES COUNTDOWN IS ON! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ATHLETES AND SUPPORT STAFF SELECTED TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA (AND NEW ZEALAND) AT THE 2018 GOLD COAST COMMONWEALTH GAMES.

Look out for a full competition schedule on our Facebook page and website to follow their progress.

• Mitch Larkin (2010) – swimming • Genevieve LaCaze (2006/07) – athletics • Kalani Purcell (2012) – basketball (NZ) • Skye Nicolson (2013) – boxing • Georgia Ridler (nee Stewart, 1992) – Lead Team Psychologist for the Australian Dolphins Swim Team

Craig Munns (1985), our first College captain and Dux, was recently promoted to Professor of Paediatric Bone and Mineral Medicine, Sydney Medical School, at the University of Sydney. This great honour recognises Craig’s national and international standing in the areas of research, teaching and advocacy (service) and provides him with the opportunity to further improve the bone health of children with both genetic and acquired bone and mineral disorders.

EVENTS

Danielle Edwards (1990) was appointed head coach of the Australian Schoolgirls’ netball team last year and finished runners-up at the National Schoolgirls Championships against New Zealand, Fiji and Singapore. Danielle has coached for over 25 years, including three years for the Logan Wildcats in the State Netball League.

20TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING – JC SUPERSTAR

Kayleigh Pincott (2011) has been keeping very busy! Since graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music in jazz voice, Kayleigh has been writing original music and launched her debut jazz album, ‘Solace’ in Brisbane in May, 2017.

Cast and crew were invited back to the College last year to relive the magic when an old VHS tape was discovered in archives and was converted to DVD. Despite the picture quality, the sound recording remained unaffected with guests clapping, singing, laughing and cheering their way through the show.

Mikhaela Donnelly’s (2011) Townsville Fire basketball team won the 2017/18 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) title against the Melbourne Boomers.

She was up against fellow alumnus, Kalani Purcell’s (2012) Melbourne Boomers team. Mikhaela moved to Townsville to take up her contract with the Fire in August. Now back in Brisbane, Mikhaela somehow combines motherhood (her daughter Adisyn is 12 months old) with work, training and playing for Logan Thunder in the QBL. She is also heading back to university to continue her studies to become a Primary/Special Ed teacher.

Milan Gandhi (2008 peer year) was named the Australian Law Student of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards held in Sydney on September 1, 2017.

Milan graduated from The University of Queensland last year and is a research clerk at McCullough Robertson. He is co-founder and national director of The Legal Forecast, a community of talented, passionate early-career professionals and law students that aims to advance legal practice through technology and innovation.

Prior to studying law, Milan worked as a corporate and music video director and wrote screenplays (he also holds a Bachelor of Film and TV from Bond University).

2017 marked the 20th anniversary of the College’s musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, held in the Concert Hall of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre from 24 – 26 July, 1997.

MEET A MENTOR Last year the Alumni Office held two events designed to connect established professionals in the alumni network with young alumni and current students.

The June Meet a Mentor event, hosted by Beau Vedelago’s (2001) Factory 51, connected industry leaders with young alumni starting out or those considering career options. Guests came away with great advice and strategies to advance their careers.

The July event connected alumni with current students.

Over 20 alumni were welcomed back on campus to talk to Year 10 students (and other interested Senior students) in the lead up to their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. Students received valuable insight into future career options and gained some great career and life perspectives from leaders in their fields.

The College will host another Meet a Mentor event for current Year 10 students on April 19 (7.00am – 8.15am) – email the Alumni Office on alumni@jpc.qld.edu.au if you’re able to assist.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 51

ALUMNI

USA

MEET OUR 2017

WALK OF FAME INDUCTEES

BRETT CUMMING (1991)

LAURA SCHERIAN (2006)

MIKAYLA IVANOV (2010)

Brett graduated from John Paul College in 1991 and was recently recognised in the University of Southern Queensland’s 2017 Alumnus of the Year Awards. He holds a Master of Applied Linguistics, a Master of Education and a Master of Education (International Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – TESOL). He has also completed coursework for a Doctorate of Education.

Laura graduated from John Paul College in 2006 where she was a Prefect and won the Horizons Student of the Year award.

She was awarded a three-year netball scholarship with the Australian Institute of Sport and represented Australia at Under 17, 19 and 21 levels, winning a gold medal at the World Youth Cup in 2009.

Mikayla graduated in 2010 having completed her full Prep – Year 12 education at John Paul College. She was College Vice-Captain in 2010. Mikayla received Academic Honours in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and was runner-up to the Dux of Year 10 in 2008.

Laura is a case study in resilience and perseverance, earning a contract with the Brett has taught domestically and Sunshine Coast Lightning in the inaugural overseas; five years as an Associate Professor Suncorp Super Netball League this year. at a Japanese Prefectural University.

The winner of several MVP awards Brett has written 12 published papers and during the season, she was dominant numerous book reviews, co-authored two in the centre court and contributed greatly textbooks and regularly presents at TESOL to the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s 2017 conferences, while writing regular newspaper premiership. She was a training partner with columns on bilingualism for overseas the Australian Diamonds squad this year. publications.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Health Science Brett currently works as an examiner and from Endeavour College of Natural Health.

She balances her career as a naturopath with language instructor at Griffith University’s English Language Institute and as a lecturer her training and playing commitments with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. at Griffith College.

52 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2017/2018

Four years ago while studying a dual Bachelor of Business Management and Commerce at The University of Queensland, Mikayla co-founded The Tippy Toe Co. – a ballet school for children who have special needs. The school teaches them to dance while also providing an inclusive environment for both students and parents.

Mikayla’s dream is to expand the social enterprise nationally to offer a range of programmes from musical therapy to cooking classes. Mikayla was a major award recipient at the recent Australian Women’s Weekly Qantas Women of the Future Awards.

Mikayla is a Senior Advisor (Stakeholder Engagement) at Transport and Main Roads.

MADELINE (MADDY) McAULIFFE (2012) Maddy McAuliffe joined John Paul College as a Prep student in 1999. She was College Captain in her final year in 2012, winning the Bradley Cup in 2011 and 2012. Maddy has pursued her ambition to play netball at elite level, while currently studying a dual Bachelor of Business/Law (Honours) at QUT. She has represented Australia at Under 19 and Under 21 levels.

Maddy is a member of the Brisbane South Wildcats in the Queensland State Netball League. Her promotion to the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia’s premier netball competition in 2017 is testament to her work ethic and tenacity. Maddy made her court time count in 2017 and has earned her contract renewal with the 2017 premiers.

OUR

Success

STORIES

ALUMNI

Connections

IN THIS EDITION OF THE EAGLE, WE FOLLOW THE CAREERS AND LIVES OF SOME OF OUR ALUMNI IN THE UNITED STATES. A SURPRISING NUMBER LIVE WITHIN A COUPLE OF HOURS OF EACH OTHER ON THE EAST COAST.

EDWIN SUI (2003) Following two undergraduate degrees (in Arts and Science) from The University of Queensland, Edwin moved to the US in 2008. He obtained a Master of Science (Biological Sciences) at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana while also working as a graduate research and teaching assistant.

He then went on to complete a Master of Arts (History and the Philosophy of Science) from Florida State University where he worked as a graduate research assistant.

As a research assistant at the Yale University Medical School for almost four years, Edwin’s work focuses on malaria immunology, an area in which he has specialised for the majority of his research career. Edwin and husband, John, met while studying at Florida State and wed in January 2016 in Hawaii – the halfway mark between Australia and the States.

DR SEAN MUIR (2003) Sean completed undergraduate studies in chemical engineering and chemistry at The University of Queensland. He went on to obtain his PhD in chemical engineering focusing on hydrogen storage.

Sean moved to the US in June, 2014 and began work at Dow Chemicals in Michigan.

Last year he transferred to Dow’s Electronic Materials business in Massachusetts. He and

I can’t recommend living overseas for a stint enough. You make friends that last for life, and appreciate that you come from the best country in the world.

Edwin catch up regularly and are dual New Haven Pub Trivia champions (and narrowly missed the title for the third consecutive year).

The best part about living in the US – “being able to visit four states in one weekend.”

ISAAC LUXFORD (2003) What was meant to be a one-year stay in the United States, has turned into seven (and counting) for Isaac Luxford. Isaac moved to Philadelphia in 2001 where he has held various roles in IT/software engineering.

He holds a Bachelor of IT (Security) from QUT. Isaac is currently the principal software engineer for Sidecar, an e-commence company.

Issac married Jen in October 2016.

Weddings and visa requirements have meant Isaac has been a regular visitor to Australian shores with three trips home in 2016.

TARA CALDWELL (1990) After transferring from adidas Pacific to adidas North America, Tara moved to New York in August 2016. She is currently the Senior Human Resources Manager for New York, which is one of the seven key cities for the brand around the world. In her role, she is responsible for 30 stores including the global flagship store which has 400 employees, the brand centre and global flagship originals store in Soho. Tara says there is no fear of her picking up an American accent. “Australians really are

everywhere in this city. I can’t recommend living overseas for a stint enough. You make friends that last for life, and appreciate that you come from the best country in the world.”

KRISTEN KLAUS (PEER YEAR 1998) Kristen left John Paul College in Year 10 to attend another school. After ten years working in financial PR in Sydney, Kristen decided to try her luck in New York in early 2014. She spent the first year and a half working for Bank of America Merrill Lynch before moving to the New York Stock Exchange where she manages their media communications.

Kristen and Tara catch up regularly.

PORTER YANG (2012) After graduation, Porter attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey) where he attained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in three majors—Political Science, Criminology and Sociology. He was the student body president for the 2015–2016 academic year.

Porter was the recipient of the Student Pinnacle Award (Valedictorian), the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, and was Student Leader of the Year. Porter has spent a gap year working as a paralegal at one of the most prestigious law firms in New Jersey. He is currently pursuing a JD (Juris Doctor) at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland.

If you’re an alumnus based in the UK, we’d love to hear from you for our next edition.

JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 53

Unity | Christ | Learning

Unity | Christ | Learning

John Paul College John Paul Drive Daisy Hill Queensland www.johnpaulcollege.com.au Tel: +61 7 3826 33333 CRICOS 00500B