Overseas Student Handbook

Introduction & Welcome
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A John Paul College staff member with two international students in the College's awards atrium

Welcome from the Deputy Principal

As Deputy Principal of John Paul International College, it is my great pleasure to welcome you. We welcome students from many countries around the world and pride ourselves on preparing our young men and women for life in the global community. On behalf of the whole College Family — we are so happy you have made the decision to join us.

If you are starting in our JPIC International High School Preparation Program, it will help you meet academic entry standards, develop study and cultural skills, and move successfully into John Paul College mainstream classes or another school in Australia. If you are starting in our Primary or Secondary Schools, you will begin your journey studying a vast range of subjects while taking part in many co-curricular opportunities.

Studying at John Paul College sets you up for a smooth transition to Diploma and Degree courses at Australian and international universities. It has been a privilege to watch many of our overseas students graduate to university and move on to successful careers around the globe.

Your welfare matters just as much as your marks. Our International Student Services Centre has multicultural, bi-lingual staff who can help with health and wellbeing, pastoral care, medical insurance and enrolment questions. Many of you will live with a Homestay family, and some in Boarding at Fenton Village — a genuine home away from home.

As one of Australia's largest and most respected institutions, our College has been providing opportunities for international students in Australia for 30 years. I look forward to watching you succeed at our College and advance your future career aspirations.

Mr David Ferguson, Deputy Principal — International & Accommodation
Yours sincerely, Mr David Ferguson Deputy Principal — International & Accommodation
How this handbook works. Work through it at your own pace, one topic at a time. Use Mark Complete & Continue at the bottom of each topic, or jump around using the Contents list. Your progress is saved on this device, so you can stop and come back any time. At the end you'll confirm that you've read and understood it.

JPC Values & DARTS

Every member of the John Paul College community shares four College Values. They shape how we learn, how we treat each other, and what we expect of ourselves — in the classroom and beyond.

John Paul College value: Mutual Respect
John Paul College value: Integrity
John Paul College value: Compassion
John Paul College value: Excellence
MottoUnity · Christ · Learning
MissionTo accelerate our dynamic learning community, igniting excellence in all.
PurposeDevelop ethical, creative and service-oriented thinkers who thrive in a complex global environment.

The DARTS learner habits

In the International College we use DARTS to describe the habits of a successful learner. Ask yourself these questions every day — especially “Am I doing my best to learn and SPEAK English all the time?”

D

Demonstration of Persistence

Do I always do my best and give 100% every day? Am I doing my best to learn and SPEAK English all the time? Do I concentrate in class and stay focused?

A

Active Involvement

Do I follow the teacher's instructions carefully? Do I ask questions? Do I do all the activities to the best of my ability? Am I a good role model for other students?

R

Reflection on Learning

Do I check my learning and make sure it is my best? Do I think about my English and how I can get better? Do I respond to teacher feedback? Do I review my work every night?

T

Time Management

Am I always on time and prepared for class? Do I complete all my home learning on time? Do I plan, complete and submit my assessments on time?

S

Striving for Accuracy

Is my learning my own work? Is my class work done to the best of my ability? Am I proud of my work? Do I ask for help and feedback to improve my English?

Overseas Student Contacts

We look after all John Paul International College students. You can contact us with any question you have — come and see us during break, before or after school.

International Student Services Centre

The ISSC can help with any question you might have.

How we can help

  • Health & wellbeing
  • Pastoral care
  • Medical insurance (OSHC)
  • Enrolment questions

Come and see us during break, before or after school — in English or your own language.

Meet your bi-lingual support team

Our multicultural team can assist you in your own language. Look for a friendly face who speaks your language — they're here to help.

Allan Dam, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Allan Dam Tiếng Việt · Vietnamese
Soo Kim, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Soo Kim 한국어 · Korean
Sae Fujimura, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Sae Fujimura 日本語 · Japanese
Avery Wang, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Avery Wang 日本語 · Japanese中文 · Mandarin
Grace Nai, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Grace Nai 中文 · Mandarin
Josephine Zhong, JPIC bi-lingual support staff Josephine Zhong 中文 · Mandarin廣東話 · Cantonese

Students in Homestay or Boarding

We welcome our overseas students joining us in Homestay or Boarding. Living away from home is an exciting opportunity to grow into a young adult — and we understand that being away from family and friends can also be challenging. You are never on your own.

Homestay Guide

Living with a caring local family — your home away from home.

Open

Boarding Guide

Living on campus at Fenton Village with our Boarding team.

Open

The people who care for you

MBMrs BergHomestay staff
MNMrs NaiHomestay staff
MAMrs AndersenBoarding staff

Extended Day Program (EDP)

At John Paul College we are proud pioneers of the International Student Extended Day Program — a welfare and academic support program that goes beyond the typical school day. It operates every Tuesday and Thursday, extending the student day until 6:15pm, every term (excluding the first and last week). It is an integral part of our homestay program and is also open to international students not in residence with us.

Managed by JPIC

A dedicated team oversees the program to ensure optimal support and coordination.

Community dinner

Join fellow students and staff for a communal dinner — building a sense of community and belonging.

Supervised study

An environment built for academic success, with supervised study sessions.

Co-curricular

Encouraging participation in JPC's activities, sport and music.

Wellbeing workshops

Specialised support and guidance addressing academic and personal development.

Door-to-door bus

A safe, convenient journey from school to homestay with a bus tracking system.

A typical EDP afternoon

3:20 – 3:30

Student signs in

3:30 – 5:00

Supervised study · academic intervention · co-curricular · academic & wellbeing workshops

5:00 – 5:45

Communal dinner

5:45 – 6:00

Buses home with student bus-tracking system (homestay students only)

More about the program: Extended Day Program →

Emergency Numbers

Save these two numbers in your phone today. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 000 first.

Life-threatening emergency 000 Ambulance · Police · Fire JPC After-Hours Student Assistance Helpline +61 7 3826 3400 Personal support, 24/7 — on or off campus

After-hours help

John Paul College has a dedicated helpline giving overseas students personal support 24/7, whether you are on or off campus. It is a free call from landlines anywhere in Australia; standard call rates apply from mobiles. If your reason is urgent, the person on the phone will contact senior JPC staff.

Calling 000

The operator will ask: Do you want Ambulance, Police, or Fire? — What is your exact address or location? — What is your phone number? Keep calm, speak slowly and clearly, stay focused and give only relevant details.

Term 3 Orientation — Friday 10 July 2026

Your journey at JPC begins with Orientation Day. This is where you meet your support team, find your way around campus, and get everything you need for a confident first day.

Wed 9 Jul

Uniform fitting

Get fitted for your JPC uniform ahead of Orientation Day.

Fri 10 Jul

JPIC Orientation Day

8:00 – 11:00am, Crockett Building. For all new international students and families.

Tue 14 Jul

First day of Term 3

Classes begin. Arrive by 8:20am for your first full day.

What Orientation covers

Meet the International Student Services team & your support staff

Campus tour — find your classrooms, the Health Centre and the ISSC

Receive your timetable and learn how the school day works

Meet your Homestay or Boarding coordinator

Full step-by-step guide. Uniform fitting, Orientation Day, the parent information session, what to pack and a wayfinding map to every building are all set out here: Your First Days at JPC →. See the full calendar on the Term Dates page.

Your First Day of Term

The first day is exciting — a little planning the night before makes it easy. Here's how to arrive ready and relaxed.

What to bring

  • Correct JPC uniform (see the uniform guide from your fitting)
  • Your stationery and books — stationery list
  • Your laptop or device, charged
  • A water bottle, hat and morning tea / lunch
  • Your timetable and the two emergency numbers saved in your phone

Getting there & settling in

  • Arrive by 8:20am; your homestay or the bus will get you there on time
  • Go to the meeting point you were shown on Orientation Day
  • Remember: EDP runs Tuesday & Thursday if you're in the program
  • Lost or unsure? Come straight to the International Student Services Centre
Not sure where each building is? The First Days at JPC page has a building-by-building wayfinding map of the whole campus.

Your Attendance Is Very Important

As an overseas student, you must attend every day of school if you can. There are only two acceptable reasons to be away.

Medical reasons

If you are away for a medical reason, we will require a Medical Certificate.

Compassionate or compelling reasons

Serious or unavoidable circumstances. Talk to the ISSC as early as you can so we can support you.

We will send you, your parents and your agent a letter if your attendance drops below 95%, 90%, 85% and 80% in a Study Period. High School Preparation Study Period = 1 Term  ·  Secondary School Study Period = 1 Semester

The attendance letters

95%

Attendance Letter 1

If your attendance drops below 95%, we send you, your parents and your agent a letter expressing our concern.

90%

Attendance Letter 2

Below 90% — a further letter of concern to you, your parents and your agent.

85%

Attendance Letter 3

Below 85% — another letter of concern to you, your parents and your agent.

80%

Attendance Letter 4 — a big problem

Below 80%, we decide whether you should keep studying at the College. We may be required to report you to the Australian Government, which could cancel your CoE to study at the College.

Course Progress Is Very Important

To keep moving forward — and to meet your visa requirements — you need to make satisfactory course progress. What that looks like depends on your year level.

International Primary & High School Preparation

To progress to the next level or graduate into Primary or Secondary School, you need to ‘Achieve the Standard’ in Writing and ‘Achieve the Standard’ in Reading. You cannot get ‘Working Towards the Standard’ in both Listening and Speaking. Primary Preparation students sit a special test before entering Primary School — you need a grade of 5 in Reading and Writing, with an overall score of 45. Your teacher will explain this more closer to the time.

Listening
Reading
Speaking
Writing
HPE
Maths
Secondary · Years 7–9
  • A minimum overall achievement of C−
  • A minimum C− in English (Literacy) and Mathematics (Numeracy)
  • No more than three other subjects below a C−
Secondary · Year 10
  • A minimum overall achievement of C−
  • A minimum C− in English (Literacy) and Mathematics (Numeracy)
  • No more than two other subjects below a C−

Secondary · Years 11–12 — stay eligible for your QCE

Years 11 and 12 are very important. You will be studying for your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) — your senior schooling certificate. Here are some of the things you need to be eligible.

20 credits

Each subject unit is worth 1 credit, and there are 4 units in a subject.

Good grades

Passing grades — a C grade or above, or satisfactory completion.

More about eligibility

Full details are on the QCAA eligibility page.

Support & Safety

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure — and your safety is of paramount importance to the College.

The anticipation of new things to see, new people to meet and a brand new, often very different, lifestyle is part of the excitement when you are making all your plans. When you arrive and everything is all so new and fresh, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed or anxious. That is completely normal — and there is always someone here to help.

Two John Paul College international students talking with a wellbeing staff member

Feelings that are normal at first

Many new students feel some of these while they settle in:

  • Homesickness
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Anxiety
  • Tiredness
  • Missing family & friends
  • Trouble with the unfamiliar

Where to find support

  • The International Student Services Centre — bi-lingual staff who understand what you're going through.
  • Your Homestay family or Boarding staff — talk to them, and stay in touch with family back home.
  • The school counsellor — for anything on your mind, big or small.
  • The After-Hours Helpline +61 7 3826 3400 — personal support any time, on or off campus.

Getting involved in school activities and keeping good sleep, eating and exercise habits all help you settle in. Please reach out early — we would always rather hear from you.

Doctors & Overseas Student Health Cover

When visiting a doctor or hospital, you will need to take your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) information with you. Make sure you know this information at all times.

Doctors on Demand — online video appointments

The easiest way to see a doctor is through Doctors on Demand. If you are under 16 years of age, you will need to have your appointment with your homestay, boarding supervisor or a JPIC staff member. Make sure you use a correct email address.

1

Go to doctorsondemand.com.au and click ‘Redeem a Benefit’.

2

Enter your OSHC policy number. Ask JPIC reception for the number if you have forgotten it.

3

Choose a date and time. Use the filter to find a doctor who speaks your language, and other options.

4

Choose ‘Doctor’ or ‘Online Psychologists’, then continue entering your information. If you need help, come to the JPIC office.

Two other doctors near JPC

Daisy Hill Surgery

Shop 13, 4/14 Allamanda Drive, Daisy Hill QLD 4127

Chatswood Road Medical Centre

30–34 Chatswood Rd & Magellan Road, Springwood QLD 4127

Medical conditions & medication. It is very important that you tell JPIC about any medical conditions you might have, including medication you take. Please note that students are not permitted to keep medication in their bag at school — it must be stored safely in the Health Centre. Let JPIC know as soon as possible if you have not done so already.

Complaints & Transfers

If you have a complaint about anything during your time at the College, you should meet with the Deputy Principal — International & Accommodation to discuss it. You will be given our Overseas Student Complaints and Appeals Policy, and information about what you can do and your rights. We will help you through all of this process if needed.

Complaints & appeals — the three steps

This is the College's official Overseas Student Complaints and Appeals process. You can stop at any step if your problem is resolved. You will never be treated badly for making a complaint.

Step 1

Informal complaint — talk to someone and try to resolve it together

  1. 1.1 Talk to the Dean of Students or the Head of John Paul International College about your concern.
  2. 1.2 They will listen to you and try to help find a solution through discussion.

Is the problem resolved?

Yes No further action needed. The matter is closed.

No Move to Step 2 — formal internal complaint.

Step 2

Formal internal complaint — put your complaint in writing

  1. 2.1 Write a formal complaint explaining what happened and what outcome you are seeking. Give it to the Deputy Principal: International and Accommodation Operations, or the Principal.
  2. 2.2 The College will begin reviewing your complaint within 10 working days. You will have a chance to explain your side. You can bring a support person.
  3. 2.3 You will receive a written decision with reasons within 10 working days of the review finishing.

Are you happy with the decision?

Yes The matter is resolved. If the decision is in your favour, the College will act straight away.

No Move to Step 3 — external appeal.

Step 3

External appeal — ask an independent person outside the College to review your complaint

  1. 3.1 Contact the Overseas Students Ombudsman. This is a free, independent service — it is not part of the College.
    Phone 1300 362 072 · ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/overseas-students
Your rights during a complaint. You can bring a support person — a friend, family member or guardian — to any meeting, and you have the right to be represented by a nominee. You stay enrolled and keep attending your classes while your complaint is being resolved. Your complaint is confidential — only the people involved will know about it. The College aims to resolve complaints within 20 working days. Nothing in this complaints process takes away your right to seek other legal help at any time.

Complaints & Appeals Policy

The full College policy for overseas students.

Open

Complaints & Appeals Flowchart

The official one-page chart of the three steps above.

Open

Transferring to a different school

If you wish to discuss transferring to a different school, you will need to meet with the Manager of John Paul International College first. During this discussion you will be given information about transferring, along with our Overseas Student Transfers Policy.

Other Important Information

Handbooks give students and parents important information for the year ahead. Open the ones that apply to you.

Primary handbooks

Primary School Handbook

Everything you need to know about Primary School at JPC.

Open

Primary Sports & Activities

Co-curricular sport and activities in the Primary School.

Open

Secondary handbooks

Secondary School Handbook

Your guide to life in the Secondary School at JPC.

Open

Secondary Sports & Activities

Co-curricular sport and activities in the Secondary School.

Open

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Handbook

Music, drama and performance opportunities at JPC.

Open

Study Abroad

Short-stay programs from 4 weeks to a full year at JPC.

Open

You're Ready — Confirm You've Read the Handbook

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