We have had a fantastic few weeks, with so many amazing learning opportunities for our students and our wider school community.

Last week, our students from Grades 1 to Grade 6 participated in the ThinkUKnow program. Delivered by our local police officer, Constable Rachel Fellowes, the program focused on educating students about online safety and empowering them to make informed, responsible choices when using technology and the internet. Through engaging discussions and practical advice, students developed a greater understanding of how to stay safe online

Last week, all of our students took part in a wonderful Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tasting Day. Together, we enjoyed a shared lunch featuring traditional foods, including possum, wallaby, mutton bird, octopus and damper. Our chefs prepared these specialty foods over a charcoal barbecue, incorporating traditional local Aboriginal plants and herbs to enhance the flavours. The experience provided students with a valuable opportunity to learn about and appreciate Aboriginal culture and traditional foods. We were incredibly impressed by our students' willingness to step outside their comfort zones and try something new. Many were pleasantly surprised by just how much they enjoyed the different flavours and dishes. A sincere thank you to the staff who worked so hard to organise and prepare this special event, and to the Aboriginal families who joined us and shared in the experience.

We were proud to have eight students represent our school at the All Schools Cross Country event held at Symmons Plains Raceway. Our students, along with the staff who supported them, braved very wet, muddy and cold conditions with determination and resilience. Congratulations to all of our competitors for the way they represented our school. We are incredibly proud of their efforts!

Uniform Reminder

Our John Paul II Uniform is a visible symbol of the school and is a public representation of the School’s values, philosophies and expectations. The uniform and approach are based upon our core ideals as a school, as well as parent, staff and student feedback.

Recently, we have noticed an increase in students wearing items that do not meet our school uniform policy. We kindly remind families that all students are expected to wear the JPII branded school uniform each day. We understand that there may occasionally be circumstances where a student needs to wear an alternative item of clothing, such as a different pair of tracksuit pants. If this is the case, we ask that parents please provide a note or contact the school office to explain the reason. As the weather becomes colder, students may choose to wear extra layers underneath their school uniform. To ensure consistency with our uniform policy, these additional layers should be navy in colour. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students take pride in their appearance and in representing our school community.

Staffing Update

We are excited to welcome Mrs Megan Hickey back from maternity leave next week. Mrs Hickey will resume her role as an ILTP Leader and will also be supporting our Kinder, Prep, and Grade 3 teaching teams. Mrs Hickey will be working from Tuesday to Thursday each week, and we are pleased to have her expertise and leadership back within our school community.

With Megan's return, we would like to thank Mrs Amanda Belbin for her contribution to the leadership team during Mrs Hickey’s leave. Mrs Belbin has provided support to staff and students throughout this period and has undertaken the role with professionalism and commitment. We are grateful for the leadership and care she has shown while supporting the school in this capacity.

We are pleased to announce that Mrs Melissa Rawlings' contract has been extended until the end of the school year. Melissa will continue in her role as the Grade 1 Team Teacher from Tuesday to Friday. Mrs Catherine Prenter will continue as the Grade 1 teacher on Mondays and will support both the Grade 1 and Grade 2 teams in her Team Teacher role Tuesday - Friday.

Lauren Hall

Acting Deputy Principal

Cooee

Week 8, Term 2 2026 - We are excited to share our students work and school news with you!

Fortnightly Newsletter of John Paul II Catholic School · 26 Jun 2026

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