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News

The latest news and information from John Paul College

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About JPC
JPC Newsletter – Term 1 – Week 8
March 31, 2026

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JPC Newsletter – Term 1 – Week 2
March 31, 2026

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Stationery Lists 2026
January 20, 2026

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2026 Start of the Year
January 14, 2026
Important dates for the beginning of school….

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JPC Newsletter – Term 4 – Week 5
November 26, 2025

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JPC Newsletter – Term 4 – Week 2
November 26, 2025

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JPC Newsletter – Term 3 – Week 8
November 26, 2025

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JPC Newsletter – Term 3 – Week 5
November 26, 2025

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JPC Newsletter – Term 3 – Week 2
July 24, 2025

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1 2 … 14 Next »

Events

Event Calendar

Term Dates 2026

Term 1

29th January - 2nd April

Term 2

20th April - 2nd July

Term 3

20th July - 25th September

Term 4

12th October - 8th December

Young Achievers 2026 TOBY TRUONG JOHN PAUL COLLEG Young Achievers 2026

TOBY TRUONG
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Leadership, Community Service

Toby is an optimistic and hardworking student who proudly serves as a Service
Prefect at John Paul College and a Flight Sergeant with 29 Squadron Rotorua, Air Training Corps. Through these roles, he has developed strong leadership skills while
supporting others and making a positive contribution to his school and community.

Since joining 29 Squadron in 2021, Toby has participated in a wide range of leadership, training, and community service activities. He is especially proud to have been selected as one of only nine New Zealand cadets for the 2026 International Air Cadet Exchange, representing New Zealand alongside two other cadets in Australia.

Toby completed the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Course in 2023 and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Course in 2024. In April 2026, Toby returned as cadet staff on the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Course, mentoring junior cadets, assisting with assessments, and supporting their development. Within 29 Squadron, he regularly delivers lessons, organises activities,
and encourages leadership growth among younger cadets. He has also completed the Bluelight 100 Person Leadership Course at RNZAF Base Whenuapai in 2024 and
the NextGen Leadership Programme in 2025, strengthening his communication, teamwork, and resilience.

Toby is passionate about serving his community. He has volunteered at the Rotorua Marathon, Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, Giant Gravity Enduro, and the National
Mountain Bike Championships. Through cadets, he has supported the RSA Poppy Day Appeal, served as a cenotaph guard and flag bearer on ANZAC Day, and participated in Armistice Day and Battle of Britain commemorations. He is also a regular blood
and plasma donor.

Academically, Toby has achieved Excellence endorsements in NCEA Levels 1 and 2, along with Excellence subject endorsements in English and Religious Studies. He is
grateful to his family, teachers, friends, and the officers of 29 Squadron for their ongoing support.

Next year, Toby plans to study Psychology at university, continuing
his commitment to helping others.
Young Achievers 2026 ARIEL MUCHIRAHONDO John Paul Young Achievers 2026

ARIEL MUCHIRAHONDO
John Paul College
Excellence in Sport

Ariel Muchirahondo is a Junior Aquablack, representing the New Zealand national swim team and a Prefect at John Paul College, balancing elite high-performance swimming with strong academic achievement. Born in New Zealand to Zimbabwean parents, he was raised with a culture that values hard work, respect and humility, values he carries into his swimming and which underpin the discipline and work ethic behind his record-breaking career. His involvement spans sporting excellence, STEM, and leadership within both the school and wider swimming community.

Ariel is one of New Zealand's leading age-group swimmers, currently holding 22 national age group records. He has broken over 40 New Zealand age group records, including three of Olympic gold medallist Danyon Loader's 33-year-old records, along with over 100 Bay of Plenty regional records. He is the reigning New Zealand title holder in the 200m butterfly and 200m backstroke. He has represented New Zealand internationally at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, the Junior Pan Pacific Championships, and the Youth Olympic Games, and won four gold medals and one silver at the Australian Age Championships. He is a member of the New Zealand High Performance and Junior Aquablack Squad.

Academically, Ariel has endorsed both NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 with Excellence, and is on track for a similar result at Level 3, with particular strength across STEM subjects. He has also competed in academic enrichment programmes including the Australian Mathematics Competition, scoring in the top 20% of test takers, Maths Mind, and ICAS assessments, and has taken part in the EPro8 engineering competition.

Ariel contributes to the development of younger swimmers, assisting with start and turn clinics and supporting technical skill development within the club environment, giving back to the sport that shaped him.

Ariel's biggest passion is swimming, and he continues to build on a record-breaking junior career as he transitions into elite senior pathways, while maintaining strong academic performance as an Excellence Prefect at John Paul College.
Young Achievers 2026 HANNAH HICKSON JOHN PAUL COL Young Achievers 2026

HANNAH HICKSON
JOHN PAUL COLLAGE
Sport, Leadership

Hannah Hickson is a Year 13 student and Head Girl at John Paul College, known for her commitment to leadership, academic excellence and sport. Throughout her time at school, she has challenged herself both inside and outside the classroom, earning NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 with Excellence endorsements and working towards an Excellence endorsement in Level 3.

Sport has been a defining part of Hannah's life and has taught her the value of resilience, discipline and perseverance. She has represented John Paul College in athletics, football, futsal, rock climbing, adventure racing and touch rugby, while achieving outstanding success in athletics at a national level. Hannah is the 2024 and 2025 New Zealand Under-18 High Jump Champion and, in 2026, became the New Zealand Under-20 High Jump and Long Jump Champion, in addition to placing third in the Under-20 200 metres. She was selected to represent New Zealand at the Oceania Championships in Australia in both High Jump and Long Jump. Although an Achilles injury prevented her from competing internationally this year, the experience strengthened her determination and motivated her to return to competition stronger next season.

Leadership and service have been equally important throughout Hannah's time at John Paul College. As Head Girl, she has enjoyed leading by example, encouraging younger students, helping to lead assemblies, and representing the school at a range of events. Hannah has also completed the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Awards and is currently working towards her Gold Award, demonstrating her commitment to service, personal growth and embracing new challenges beyond the classroom.

Next year, Hannah intends to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Auckland. She is excited to explore the natural world through science and hopes to build a career that contributes to understanding and protecting New Zealand's unique environment.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards seaso Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards season! 
🏆🥇🥈🥉🏅🎖️🎗️

All whānau and athletes have received emails with links to respective nomination forms, so, please check your emails and get nominating! ✅

⚠️ Submission deadline is 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 ⚠️

#awardsseason #cocurricular #duxludorum #sportsperson #sportsawards nominations
JUSTIN MURPHY JOHN PAUL COLLEGE COMMUNITY, LEADERS JUSTIN MURPHY
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
COMMUNITY, LEADERSHIP

Justin Murphy is a passionate and community-minded student of John Paul College committed to personal growth, creative expression, and making a positive contribution.
Through leadership, performing arts, and community involvement, he has developed confidence, resilience, communication skills, and an appreciation for teamwork.

Justin has been involved with the Rotorua Youth Council for three years. During his first year, he helped bring the Youth Council back to Rotorua Lakes Council before continuing as a youth councillor. He has also served on the Rotorua Creative Communities Scheme. One of his greatest achievements has been being selected for Rito o te Paremata 2026, strengthening his leadership, confidence, and understanding of civic participation.

At John Paul College, Justin served as Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for three years. He currently serves as Head of Community Prefects, reflecting his commitment to service and supporting others.

Justin is passionate about theatre and has been involved with Rotorua Musical Theatre for almost three years. Through theatre, he has explored storytelling, performance, and connection, while gaining experience in the kitchen, bar, backstage, props, set, lighting, sound, front of house, and on stage. These opportunities have strengthened his teamwork, communication, adaptability, and appreciation of the performing arts.

Justin believes practical education and experiences outside the classroom are as valuable as traditional learning. He approaches opportunities with curiosity and determination and is passionate about celebrating local identity and culture in Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty.

Justin is grateful to his mother, Kirsty; gran, Ngaire; aunt Steph and uncle Mike; mentor Matua Wharekahika Clarke; his friends and family; and the staff of John Paul College. He also thanks Deirdre Miller, Robin Foley, Gae Wheeler, and the theatre oldies for their guidance, friendship, opportunities and many coffees shared. He considers them his second family and theatre his home away from home. Their support has shaped his confidence (continued in comms)
LUKE WILMOTH JOHN PAUL COLLEGE Leadership, Sport, LUKE WILMOTH
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Leadership, Sport, Community Service

Luke Wilmoth, Deputy Head Boy at John Paul College, is respected for his positive attitude, reliability, and service to school life. He represents his school with pride and maturity, setting a strong example for younger students and helping foster a culture where others feel encouraged and valued.
Luke leads through consistency, respect, and a strong work ethic. In cadets, he holds the rank of Sergeant, reflecting his discipline, commitment, and ability to guide others. He has completed Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Spirit of Adventure, experiences that strengthened his teamwork, independence, resilience, and willingness to challenge himself. His leadership has been recognised through numerous awards and the trust he has earned from those around him.
Sport has been central to Luke’s development, building discipline, teamwork, resilience, and drive. He has represented his school, club, and the Bay of Plenty region, showing commitment across different levels of competition. He also gives back by coaching younger teams, sharing knowledge, building confidence, and modelling preparation, effort, and good sportsmanship.
Luke is equally committed to community service. As a Rotorua Youth Councillor, he helps ensure young people have a voice in local decisions and conversations. Through fundraising and service activities, he contributes practically to initiatives that support others and strengthen the wider community, showing generosity, initiative, and a willingness to make a positive difference.
Across leadership, sport, and service, Luke demonstrates initiative, perseverance, humility, and purpose. His achievements reflect not only what he has accomplished, but the character he brings to every opportunity.
Next year, Luke plans to pursue an Officer role through the Australian Defence Force Gap Year programme, or study a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance majoring in High Performance Sport and Coaching. Both pathways reflect his strengths in leadership, discipline, sport, and service, and his desire to keep developing skills that allow him to contribute positively.
Young Achievers 2026 ARWEN BARKER JOHN PAUL COLLE Young Achievers 2026

ARWEN BARKER
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Leadership, Academic Excellence, Sporting Achievements, and Community Service

Arwen is proud to be Deputy Head Girl at John Paul College for 2026. She has been an active member of the academic, sporting, and leadership aspects of John Paul College and the wider community. Arwen strives to be an all-round excellent student and a kind, respectful, and helpful leader.

Throughout Arwen’s time at JPC she has competed at National levels in numerous sports including; Adventure Racing, Mountain Biking, Waterpolo, Cross Country, and Football. She has captained many of her sporting teams including; the Rotorua Water Polo Girls team 2023, Get 2 Go team 2023, and the Hillary Challenge Qualifier team 2026.

Outside of her personal achievements, Arwen has a true dedication to giving back to her community. She has been part of the Ball Committee twice, JPC Day Committee, and helped to organise and run a very successful school Blood Drive. Arwen also has a strong passion for coaching and supporting younger athletes. For the last two years she has coached a range of ages mountain biking and has previously coached a Grade 1 Lakes Football team.

Arwen has shown a consistent commitment to academic excellence through earning NCEA Level 1 and Level 2 Excellence Endorsements, and is currently on track to earn a Level 3 Excellence Endorsement. Arwen has also been the top Sport Science and Geography student for the last two years.

Arwen is very grateful for the support, guidance, and help her family, coaches, and teachers provide for her. Arwen is excited to study a Bachelor of Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury next year.
Young Achievers 2026 TYLER PAUL JOHN PAUL COLLEGE Young Achievers 2026

TYLER PAUL
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Leadership, Academic Excellence, Arts and Culture, Community Service

Tyler Paul is honoured to serve as Head Boy of John Paul College for 2026. He believes leadership is about creating opportunities for others to contribute and grow in confidence. Throughout high school, he has represented his school in debating, public speaking, drama and Model United Nations, including representing New Zealand at Yale Model United Nations.

Tyler has endorsed NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 with Excellence. After accelerating his studies in Year 12, he was awarded an NZQA Scholarship in English. He also enrolled in Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s VicStart Programme, taking two university papers whilst still at school. Tyler was awarded John Paul College’s Top Senior Debater Prize and was also recognised as New Zealand's Top Student in Grade 6 Speech and Drama.

Outside school, Tyler is passionate about youth leadership and community service. He feels privileged to advocate for young people. Through the Rotorua Youth Council, Pūtake Nui – Rotorua Centre for Youth, the Children's Commissioner’s Youth Panel, and the Regional Council Youth SSRF, he has represented the perspectives of rangitahi in local and regional decision-making through contributing to decisions on distributing more than $160,000 in funding for youth-led initiatives across the Bay of Plenty and completed over 250 hours of volunteer service through Young Vinnies, the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, and other community initiatives.

Tyler is grateful to his parents, teachers and mentors for their constant encouragement and for challenging him to make the most of every opportunity.

Next year, Tyler intends to study Law and International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, with the long-term goal of pursuing a career in diplomacy.
2026 Young Achievers SARA SMITH JOHN PAUL COLLEGE 2026 Young Achievers

SARA SMITH
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
Academic, Cultural, Community
Sara Smith is a high-achieving John Paul College student, with a passion for the performing arts.
Sara’s academic dedication is demonstrated through her NCEA achievements. In 2025, she endorsed Level 3 Music with Excellence in year 12, and she endorsed both Level 1 and 2 NCEA with Excellence in one year in year 11, and has 9 Level 2 NCEA subject endorsements.
Sara’s greatest passion is music. She has gained multiple musical achievements, including being selected as a 2026 John Paul College music captain, receiving NCEA New Zealand Scholarship Music 2025 in year 12, and passing the Trinity College London ATCL Diploma Performance Piano examination in 2025. Additionally, she has been successful in many music competitions, winning the Adjudicator’s Award of the NZCT Bay of Plenty Regional Chamber Music Competitions with her chamber ensemble twice, and winning the 2025 Rotorua Branch IRMTNZ Senior Music Scholarship Competition. Sara has also received many musical scholarships, including the Dr Barry Smith Scholarship, and Rotorua Civic Arts Heaton Arts Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts for highest Rotorua Trinity College Senior Music exam marks twice.
Sara also has a passion for speech and drama, shown through her success in the 2026 Rotorua Speech and Drama Competitions, where she won the Rotorua Performer of the Year Competition. She additionally excels in speech competitions, winning the 2026 Race Unity Speech Awards Central North Island Regional Competition.
Sara’s dedication to her community is demonstrated through being selected as a member of the Rotorua Youth Council 2026, where she speaks for Rotorua youth. Her commitment to her community extends to many other aspects of her life, for example, by late 2025 Sara had completed the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. She is also a Taekwondo Junior Instructor, and regular piano performer at local events, including St Luke’s Lunchtime Concerts, and the Hospice Memorial Service, among others.
Next year, Sara intends to study Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. She aims to work towards a c
JPC School Mass this Sunday 2 nd August 2026 10am JPC School Mass this Sunday 2 nd August 2026
10am at St Mary’s Church – Seddon Street, Rotorua

Staff, students, parents are invited to join us this Sunday at St
Mary’s Church as we join with our parish whanau to celebrate Mass.

Students will need to wear their Winter school uniform.
Following Mass, there will be a shared morning tea in the Parish Hall.

All are welcome.

Ma te Pono, Me te Aroha – through Faith and Love

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