We're pleased to share that construction of the Burragunn Building continues to progress strongly, with significant milestones achieved across the project. Works remain on schedule, with practical completion now anticipated by the end of October, bringing this exciting development one step closer to opening for our community.

The Burragunn Building will provide innovative learning spaces designed to support collaboration, creativity and future-focused learning, reflecting the College’s commitment to delivering exceptional educational environments.

We thank our community for its ongoing support and look forward to sharing further updates as construction enters its final stages.

Congratulations to Mrs Saskia Pietrobon (Class of 1990), who has been named an Excellence Awardee for Primary School Teacher of the Year – Non-Government at the 2026 Australian Education Awards!

A proud College alumnus, Saskia returned to JPC where her own journey began and has dedicated 28 years of service to our community.

As Learning Leader for Prep to Year 2, Saskia has led transformational improvements in early literacy and numeracy, embedded evidence-based programs, mentored early-career teachers and collaborated with allied health professionals to ensure every child is supported to thrive. She has also shared her expertise through parent workshops, conference presentations and published articles. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and heart Saskia brings to JPC every single day.

The Coleman Centre came alive with the sound of live music on Saturday evening as John Paul College hosted its annual Rock Fest, bringing together talented young musicians from across South East Queensland for an unforgettable celebration of contemporary music.

The non-competitive event showcased the energy, creativity and musicianship of some of Brisbane’s leading high school rock bands, with performances from John Paul College’s own Exit 24 alongside visiting bands from Sheldon College, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, Canterbury College and Clairvaux MacKillop College.

JPC recently took part in an exciting and historic musical event, helping establish a record for Australia’s largest school‑aged Concert Band. Almost 100 JPC students from our Wind Orchestra and Symphonic Band joined musicians from 15 other schools across Queensland at QSAC to come together for a truly spectacular experience. It was a memorable day of music, collaboration and once‑in‑a‑lifetime connection.

This trimester’s TAS Indigenous Round was a powerful reminder of who we are as a community at John Paul College, and who we aspire to be.

Gathering to honour the theme of National Reconciliation Week, All In , was not simply a ceremony; it was a commitment. A commitment to truth, to respect and to the ongoing work of reconciliation that belongs to every one of us.

We are proud to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and families who enrich our College community each and every day. Their cultures, histories and perspectives make us stronger.

My sincere thanks go to Tribal Experiences for the profound gift of the Welcome to Country, the didgeridoo performance and the smoking ceremony. Moments like these remind us that reconciliation is lived, not merely spoken.

Let us carry Saturday’s spirit forward — not just in sport, but in everything we do.

National Boarding Week 2026 was a celebration of everything that makes life in our boarding community special.

From sharing family recipes – chocolate slice, okonomiyaki and Taiwanese mung bean soup – to volunteering at Ronald McDonald House, marking Boarders' Day with a giant cake and cheering on the Boarding Band, the week was full of culture, connection and fun. Our senior boarders also represented JPC at the Boarding Leaders Forum at Ipswich Girls Grammar, joining student leaders from schools across Australia.

It was a wonderful reminder of what boarding life at JPC really looks like – a genuine home away from home, rich with friendship, diversity and belonging.

John Paul College is proud to introduce the Student Leadership Team who will lead the College into 2027.

Commencing their official duties in Term 3 alongside the current Class of 2026 College Captains, these students have been recognised for their commitment to the values and spirit of the JPC community.

College Captains of John Paul College: Archana and Francisco, Vice Captains of Years 10 to 12: Emma and Mitchell, Vice Captains of the Years 7 to 9: Manaal and Harrison, Vice Captains of the Primary School: Lily and Taj, Vice Captains of John Paul International College: Modi and Angus, Boarding Captains: Hadassah and Brody, Burke House Captains: Poppy and Jordan, Doulin House Captains: Scarlette and Bailey, Enright House Captains: Memphis and Sebastian, Gilmour House Captains: Amaani and Jensen. Together, they will play an important role in fostering school culture, student voice and community engagement. Congratulations to all students on this well-deserved achievement.

Our 2026 John Paul College Mayfair was a celebration of community, connection and fun, bringing together families, students and staff for a truly memorable evening. From exciting rides and live entertainment to delicious food and a spectacular fireworks finale, the event captured the spirit of JPC at its very best. We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, whose support helped bring Mayfair to life. A special acknowledgement also to our amazing Parents of JPC, whose efforts made the event such a success.

JPC’s annual Barefoot in the Park recognised 70 years of Under Eights Week in Queensland, highlighting the importance of early childhood education. The event provided hands-on learning experiences through arts, crafts, music and interactive activities that support creativity, social skills and curiosity.

Children engaged with a range of experiences, including farm animals, encouraging exploration and connection with the world around them. It was a valuable opportunity to reinforce the role of play-based learning in the early years and to connect families with the JPC learning community.

Market Day saw our Year 5 students put their entrepreneurial skills to the test in a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation and social entrepreneurship.

The journey began much earlier in the term when BOP Industries came to campus to deliver an immersive Ideas Incubator workshop. Across a series of hands-on challenges, students explored rapid ideation, creative thinking and the foundations of business development – building confidence as young entrepreneurs while learning what it takes to turn an idea into something real.

Our community came together to honour the courage, sacrifice and spirit of our servicemen and women, past and present. It was a time for remembrance, gratitude and reflection, as we paid tribute to those who served and ensured their legacy lives on.

We were honoured to welcome back one of our own, JPC alumnus and former Royal Australian Air Force Mission Commander, Mr James Middleton (Class of 2004). He spoke about mateship as a cornerstone of the ANZAC spirit, challenging our students to carry that spirit forward in their everyday lives.

Lest we forget.

We celebrated Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian Languages at our recent Home Language Club. Led by our Year 6 Student Council alongside parent volunteers, it was a wonderful opportunity for students to share cultural activities, connect with peers who speak the same languages at home, and celebrate the rich diversity of our community - through singing, writing Arabic letters and making Vietnamese dolls dressed in traditional Áo Dài. A timely celebration following the recent Eid al-Adha holiday.

On Sunday 7 June, families from Kindy E and across the John Paul College community came together to participate in the Brisbane Marathon Festival to raise funds for the Leukemia Foundation in support of one of our students, Zidan.

While Kindy E families made up most participants and supporters, it was wonderful to see families from other kindy groups join in the event, demonstrating the strength and unity of our community. Throughout the day, JPC families ran, walked, spectated and cheered from the sidelines, creating a sea of orange and an atmosphere filled with encouragement, hope, and kindness.

The John Paul College Community Care students have demonstrated outstanding compassion, teamwork, and service through their recent Mayfair fundraising stall in support of Share the Dignity .

Thanks to the incredible efforts of students across the afternoon, the initiative exceeded its fundraising goal, raising more than $500.00 for the charity. The achievement reflects the generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication of all students involved.

Our Year 11 students have been making a real difference in our community through their partnership with Rosies – Friends on the Street! Throughout the term, students collected donations of blankets and socks to provide comfort to Rosies patrons, with several students also attending an outreach evening alongside staff – serving those in need and engaging in meaningful conversations. A powerful and perspective-shaping experience that brought the true meaning of compassion to life. Thank you to our school community for your generosity. Together, let's continue to live with compassion.

We extend our sincere thanks to The Athlete's Foot for their generous $780.00 contribution to John Paul College through their Community Benefit (School Rewards) Program. This donation is a direct result of our JPC community choosing to shop at The Athlete's Foot and nominate JPC when purchasing footwear. Through this initiative, every pair of shoes purchased helps generate funds that are reinvested back into our school, supporting student programs and opportunities. We are grateful to our JPC families for their ongoing support.

John Paul College proudly celebrate the Luna Family for their generous support of the John Paul College Football Program through the Australian Sports Foundation.

As passionate members of our community and parents of footballing sons at JPC, the Luna Family recognised the opportunity to help build something truly special for current and future students. Their support has played an important role in transforming an ambitious vision into reality, including backing the College's groundbreaking direct partnership with the Spanish football club RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.

As John Paul College celebrates its 45th year of operation in 2026, we pause to reflect on the remarkable achievements, defining moments and shared experiences that have shaped our community across generations.

This year’s milestone celebrations provide an opportunity to revisit significant anniversaries from throughout our history. Forty years ago, in 1986, the final group of Foundation students graduated, marking the end of the pioneering era that helped establish the College’s culture, traditions and spirit. The same year also saw the successful staging of the musical Sheik, Rattle ’n Roll and the continued expansion of the campus through the completion of major building developments.

1986 - Musical - Sheik

Our Alumni community continues to achieve great things across a wide range of fields. In this issue, we’re proud to feature the following alumni, celebrating their recent milestones and accomplishments beyond JPC:

We are thrilled to celebrate the newest additions to our Walk of Fame for 2026. Representing diverse industries and career paths, what unites them is a shared commitment to excellence and a dedication to making a meaningful difference in their fields.

This year, we proudly welcome Mr Christopher Mountford (1999), Mr Nathan Strudwick (2006) and Sergeant Antonia Guterres (2011). They now take their place among an inspiring group of JPC Alumni who embody our commitment to developing exceptional individuals who go on to courageously enrich society. Their achievements and contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a John Paul College education can have.

Congratulations, we look forward to seeing your plaques displayed around the College, inspiring the next generation of JPC students.

We extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsors for their ongoing support of John Paul College events and programs. Your generosity enhances the opportunities we are able to offer our students and strengthens the sense of community across JPC. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our College.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors – Elders Shailer Park, K&G Automotive, Platinum Electricians, 1st Care Community; Gold Sponsors – Air Control, UMS, W&G Lawyers, The Tee Lounge; Silver Sponsors – Dynasty, Studio Kirby; and Bronze Sponsors – Chatswood Central, PowerTech Integrated Solutions, Pure Dentistry, the Honourable Mick de Brenni. Your partnership with the College has contributed to making our community events and programs a resounding success.