Welcome back to all our students and families for another busy and exciting term.

We have certainly hit the ground running, beginning with our school Cross Country on Wednesday. Thank you to all the families who came along to support and encourage our students throughout the event. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic students giving their best effort, showing determination, resilience and house spirit as they competed to earn valuable house points. By the end of the day there were plenty of tired legs, smiling faces and a great sense of achievement shared across our school community.

This term we have many exciting events and learning opportunities planned for our students, with plenty of chances for them to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements and strengthen connections within our school community.

We also have Auskick commencing on Thursday after school for the next four weeks, run through AFLTAS. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their football skills, build confidence and most importantly have fun in a supportive environment. If you would like to enrol your child in the program, please see the below flyer for further information.

We are excited to have Robotman visiting our school on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May to work with students from Prep to Grade 6. These interactive STEM based sessions provide students with the opportunity to design, build and battle their own robots while developing problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging environment. If you would like more information about these sessions, please visit the website below.

We will also be participating in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 22 May. This important initiative encourages students and families to build healthy habits, promote road safety awareness and enjoy the benefits of walking to school together. Further information about the day will be communicated to families via Compass.

On Wednesday 27 May we will be taking part in National Simultaneous Storytime. This annual event celebrates the joy of reading and brings students across the country together to share the same story at the same time. Further information will be sent out to families via Compass closer to the day.

On Monday 15 June, staff and students from MacKillop Catholic College will be visiting our school to speak with our current Year 5 students as part of their transition to high school. This session will take place in Emmaus and will commence at 10.30am. It will provide students with a valuable opportunity to ask questions, learn more about high school life and begin building confidence for this exciting next step in their education.

On Wednesday 17 June, police officer, Constable Rachel Fellowes will be visiting Grade 1–6 classrooms to deliver the Think U Know program. This important education program focuses on helping children stay safe online and supports students to make informed and responsible choices when using technology and the internet. If you would like more information about the program, please visit the website below.

We also officially welcome Mr Alex Hutchins to the role of Acting Deputy Principal. Alex has already been busy getting to know our students and staff during his first few weeks at JPII. Mrs Melissa Rawlings has also commenced her teaching position in Grade One and will be teaching Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. I am sure that our wider school community will make our new staff members feel welcome as they become part of the JPII community.

A big thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into my new role as Acting Principal. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I have already received from students, staff and families, and I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards that this position will bring.

Please feel free to come and see me at any stage throughout the term. Appointments can be made through the Office, or you are welcome to contact me via email. While I do my best to respond to emails as promptly as possible, I also value spending time with my young family after school hours and on weekends. I appreciate your understanding and will endeavour to reply as soon as I can.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Lauren Hall

Acting Deputy Principal

Cooee

Week 2, Term 2 2026 - We are excited to share our students work and school news with you!

Fortnightly Newsletter of John Paul II Catholic School · 15 May 2026

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