John Paul College Rotorua - JPC

Epro8 events involve students using mechanical engineering kits that allow them to build robotic machines that can solve everyday problems. Students work in teams of four. In order to be judged as one of the top teams to advance to the second round they require outstanding literacy, numeracy, problem solving, perseverance and teamwork.

The Year 7 and 8 Event
Our top two Year 7 and 8 teams represented the school with pride. The year 8 JPC Rodbots overcame several setbacks to finish 30 points clear of second place and earn a spot in the semifinals next week. Our year 7 team who had limited preparation time also had a great night finishing seventh and are looking forward to next year's event.

The JPC Rodbots. Owen Kieck, Jack Cridge, Audrey Tague, Carissa Billing.

The JPC Wingnuts James Saville-Wood, Noah Squibb, Alex Wilson-Hill and Jaden Kim proud of the Super Mario cart that they built complete with an automated banana dispenser.

The Y9 and 10 Event
The three JPC teams had a most enjoyable event consistently scoring points throughout as they chased a top four placing which was needed to proceed to the semifinal. In the end the Metal Masters finished First and the Rainbow Dinosaurs finished third granting both teams a ticket to the semifinals at Waikato University. The JPC Maccatronics team finished strongly to claim fifth place out of the twelve teams in the event.

The JPC Metal Masters. Abi Horton, Emily Romanes, Kahlil Madris and Xanda Steed.

The Rainbow Dinosaurs team. Kieran Groves, Alex Marsh, Mylene Wright and Tessa Mutlow

The JPC Maccatronics team. Alex Montero, Jonathan Hasking, Eric Yang and Junior Doel

The Y11-13 Event
The event started with a frantic clatter of metal rods as the teams rushed to be first on the score board, however the experienced JPC Unregistered team put extra thought into which project they were going to build and eventually got to work quickly gaining the lead and extended to a whopping 185 points by the end of the event. With the JPC Chefs finishing second, both teams progressed through to the semifinals at Waikato University.

JPC Unregistered stoked to take the win and make it through to the Semifinals. Kevin Wu, Ariel Muchirahondo Charles Meurisse and Samuel Makara- Fang.

The JPC Chefs had a tough day building a scissor lift and are looking forward to a smoother ride in the semifinals. Jeremy Billing, Hayden Billing, Dom Spanbroek and Chathula Warusha.

The JPC Crazy People Bella Kerr-Grant, Elizabeth Parnell and Ollie Morrison who were forced to start with only three members.

Max Olsen trialled in March and was selected to represent the New Zealand Mighty 11s team for BMX the top four 11-year-old riders from across New Zealand and Australia. Held in Taree New South Wales, Australia, The New Zealand boys put together an outstanding performance, taking out the overall team victory and securing back-to-back Mighty 11s titles. Well done to Max and the Mighty 11s team.

Head Boy Tyler Paul represented John Paul College at the 2026 Rotary International Speech Contest held this evening. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Rotorua established in 1927. The speech topic for all was “Service to others : the true path to leadership.” One student from each of the six Rotorua secondary schools participated. Rotorua Lakes High School won the shield on points but Tyler although unplaced spoke exceptionally well about leadership requirements and the keys that unlock these doors.
Congratulations Tyler on a brilliant speech and for being a great ambassador for the college.

Well done again Toby Christensen and your team mate Ben Barbour. Good luck to you both at the upcoming young farmer of the year region-off on the 2nd-4th July in New Plymouth for the Waikato/BOP region. Follow the details below to vote.

Youth Mass – St Mary’s Church this Sunday 14 June @ 5pm.
Come along this Sunday to St Mary’s Church to welcome the Relic of St Carlo Acutis – canonised on September 7th 2025

St Carlo understood that God made us unique and that each of us
needs to discern the vocation the Lord has entrusted to us. Carlo is a great example of someone who used modern technology to good effect without wasting time or being distracted. During the Autumn of 2004, he accepted the responsibility of being deputy catechist, accompanying candidates for First Communion and Confirmation. During that time, Carlo used his skills to update and develop the websites and communication platforms of his parish and school, opening new ways to evangelize and share the Good News using new media.

St. Carlo Acutis is often referred to as the patron saint of the internet.

We pray that St Carlo will to help young people to recognize
Christ's presence in the Eucharist, use their talents in service to
others, and navigate today's digital world with wisdom and charity.

St Carlo Acutis …. Pray for us
Live, Jesus in our Hearts … forever

AMEN

Senior students (Years 11–13) will receive their Mid Year report on Friday 19 June. This is an important opportunity to review progress, celebrate achievements, and identify next steps towards NCEA success.

Following the release of reports, whānau are encouraged to book a Parent–Teacher Interview:

📅 Tuesday 23 June
📅 Thursday 25 June
⏰ 3:30pm–6:00pm
📍 Edmund Rice Centre

School will finish at 2:50pm on both interview days to allow teachers time to prepare.

📲 Bookings via SchoolBridge will open soon.

"JPC Day is considered to be the “Birthday of JPC” where students get to experience the opportunities to enjoy fun activities such as the haunted house, field games, dance floor and the talent quest. Every year for JPC Day we start the day with a special Mass, which is followed by a day of celebration. Each year we have a theme for students and staff to show up in unique and creative costumes. This year’s theme was - THE 2000’s!!! All of the fun activities students in JPC experienced throughout the day were put together by our Year 13 cohort and a few other Year 12 students who volunteered to set up for JPC Day. HUGE thank you to those who contributed!!! We wouldn’t have had a wonderful experience without you!!!
Angel Wang
JPC Day committee"
📷Prince Gabriel Besana and Bryony Edwards

JPC Day Talent Quest 2026
Once a year, the talent quest rolls around and reminds us all just how much incredible ability is walking the corridors of our school, and this year was no exception.

After a packed audition week, the tough job of narrowing the field down to just six acts fell to Ms Oakley and our music captains, and by all accounts it wasn't easy. From Year 7 right through to Year 13, students from across the school took to the stage to strut their stuff with singing, dancing, and an instrumental duo among the highlights of an afternoon that had the audience enthralled from start to finish.

Then came the grand finale: the Year 13 boys vs girls dance-off. An annual tradition, this one never fails to bring out the competitive spirit, with both sides giving absolutely everything they had. The rivalry was fierce, the performances were brilliant, and in the end it was the boys who won over both the crowd and the judges to claim the bragging rights for 2026.

Huge congratulations to everyone who auditioned, performed, or helped make the day happen. Events like this are a reminder of what a vibrant, talented community we have.

Talent Quest Awards:
Overall winner: Ashley Hunter 8NAV
Best Stage Presence: Evie Duckett 7KIE, Zoe Haines 7KIE & Olivia Doyle 7BIL
Audience Favourite: Jana Laserna 8TRE
Most Promising Performer: Ashley Hunter 8NAV

📷Prince Gabriel Besana and Bryony Edwards

Kī o-rahi Muster coming up next month.