A great start: the Extended Day Program begins

The JPIC Extended Day Program has completed its first week, welcoming international students into a set of activities and services designed to support both their learning and their wellbeing at John Paul College.

The EDP offers international students structured support beyond the regular school day. It is built to help students strengthen their academic, social and personal skills — and, just as importantly, to build a sense of community and belonging.

What the first week looked like

Students were briefed on the program and spent time getting to know each other and the staff. They took part in supervised study sessions, co-curricular activities and a community dinner. The feedback was immediate: students told us the program helped with homework, assignments and revision, and also gave them room for their hobbies, their interests and their friendships.

“I really like the EDP because it gives me more time to study and learn new things. The teachers and tutors are very helpful and friendly. They always answer my questions and give me feedback. The EDP makes me feel more confident and happy at school.”

Sam To, Year 12 — Vietnam

Getting home safely

The program includes door-to-door bus transport for homestay students, so families do not have to arrange evening pick-ups. Routes and timings are reviewed using data from every trip, with the aim of getting students home promptly without cutting the experience short.

Run by people who know these students

The EDP is managed by a dedicated team of bilingual staff from John Paul International College, trained and experienced in working with international students. They are available to help with any issue that arises — academic or otherwise.

The result is a support system that goes well beyond a typical homestay arrangement, and it has since gone on to earn national recognition at the Australian Education Awards.