John Paul College

There is something powerful about quiet connection. In a busy school day, the presence of a calm, trained therapy animal creates a different kind of space - one where students can slow down, feel safe, and reconnect at their own pace.

This term, we introduced Paw Pals, an 8-week animal-assisted wellbeing program designed to support student wellbeing and gently build confidence and connection.

Delivered with specialist facilitators and therapy dogs, the program provides structured, supportive sessions that help students regulate, reconnect, and re-engage with school life in a safe and encouraging environment.

Paw Pals forms part of our broader commitment to student wellbeing, recognising that feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn is the foundation for engagement and confidence at school.

Some of the best learning begins with “Let’s give it a try.” 💡

During STEM Week, Years 7 and 8 students stepped into the role of investigators, embracing challenges that called for creativity, collaboration and resilience.

Students built catapults and paddleboats, coded rescue missions, investigated forensic mysteries and tackled real-world design challenges. Across each activity, they were encouraged to test ideas, learn from setbacks and think differently.

Excursions to Werribee Open Range Zoo and Frankston Tech School, along with interactive workshops and a visit from Precious Plastics, helped connect classroom learning to real-world applications and inspired students to see the possibilities STEM can create.

It was a week that celebrated curiosity, creativity and the confidence to keep exploring, questioning and innovating. 💡

🌱 600 indigenous plants. New wildlife habitats. A greener future.

We are proud to be selected as one of just two Frankston City 2026 Schools Tree Day Environmental Ambassador Schools.

As part of this exciting initiative, students will help transform our College grounds by planting 600 indigenous plants, creating habitats for local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity.

Students will also take part in a hands-on environmental education session with Living with Wildlife Victoria, gaining valuable insights into protecting and restoring local ecosystems.

More than a planting project, this is an opportunity for students to connect with nature, take meaningful action for the environment and help create greener outdoor spaces for future generations.

We look forward to celebrating Schools Tree Day on 24 July. 🌿

"What subjects should I choose?"

If that question has come up at home recently, the Subject Preference and Careers Expo is for you.

Meet teachers from every Learning Area, explore subject offerings and connect with tertiary and VET representatives to gain valuable insights into future study and career pathways.

📅 Thursday 16 July
📍 John Paul College

Save the date and start planning for the future.

More information: https://www.jpc.vic.edu.au/events/subject-preferences-and-careers-expo-2

What does it mean to be ‘All In’ for reconciliation?

Throughout National Reconciliation Week, students across the College explored what it means to be 'All In' for reconciliation through learning, reflection and action.

Students reflected on the significance of National Sorry Day, learned about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and changemakers, and took part in traditional Indigenous games using Marn Grook balls.

Through these activities, students deepened their understanding of Australia's shared history while celebrating the world's oldest continuing cultures.

Guided by this year's theme, 'All In', students were reminded that reconciliation is something we all have a part in shaping through understanding, respect and a commitment to walking together.

The fits were sharp, the dance floor was full and the photo booth got a workout!

Our Year 10 students celebrated Formal in style, enjoying a night filled with music, laughter and great memories with friends before the senior years begin.

It was wonderful to see students enjoying such a special evening together, dressed to impress and bringing incredible energy to the dance floor throughout the night.

A huge thank you to the staff and families who helped make the night possible - and to our Year 10s for creating such a fun and memorable celebration.

Bubbling beakers, Food Technology creations and big smiles - Year 5 students are getting their first real taste of life at JPC.

Our Transition Events are underway, with students from partner parish schools stepping into Science labs, Food Technology spaces and new learning environments across the College.

They’re meeting teachers, trying hands-on activities and discovering what awaits them in Year 7.

The energy says it all - they’re loving it!

The Addams Family Musical has taken its final bow… snapping fingers included 🖤.

The mansion may be dark, but our stage was anything but quiet. Over the last few days, our cast, crew, band, and production team brought chaos, comedy, and delightfully macabre charm to life in true Addams style.

Wednesday found her voice, Gomez and Morticia brought the passion, and the Beinekes stepped bravely into the wonderfully weird world of the Addams household. Laughter echoed, secrets unravelled, and every performance was filled with spooky brilliance and heart.

Thank you to everyone who embraced the darkness, the humour, and the beautifully bizarre world we created together. It’s been a frightfully good run 🕸️.

🏊‍♂️ What a day in the pool!

Our swimmers brought incredible energy, determination and team spirit to the SIS Swimming Carnival at MSAC, with 42 students proudly representing the College.

Across a highly competitive program, students consistently showed resilience, commitment and strong support for one another, delivering fantastic results:
🥇 U17 Boys Pennant – Division B
🏆 Aggregate Girls Winner – Division B

A true reflection of the talent within our swimming program and the outstanding sporting spirit of every student involved.

Congratulations to all swimmers and staff on a brilliant carnival performance!