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Co-Curricular Activities

Having fun, keeping healthy and learning outside of the classroom

 

Co-curricular Activities

Co-curricular activities play an important role at John Paul II Catholic Secondary School.  The program is developed entirely for the benefit of the student body and the success of the program depends on active student interest and commitment.

 

Clubs and Activities

There are a number of clubs and activities available for students depending on student interest and teacher support.  They are intended to provide students with new or enhanced learning experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to listen to daily announcements for notification about club activities and are further encouraged to sign up for things that may be of interest to them.

 

School Productions

JPII has a long history of successful dramatic productions and musicals.  Auditions are held and students are invited to try out for a performing role.  Students are also needed to serve as production crew, set builders, stage managers and other important supportive production roles.  Public performances are advertised through a variety of means and the community is invited to matinee and evening performances. 

 

Athletics

High School Sport has always been a source of excitement and inspiration for committed student athletes.  Despite success in community sports, students continue to place importance on the opportunity to represent the school in competition.  School coaches also recognize the importance of sport as part of a holistic education and are fully aware of the benefits of a program of school athletics in improving student engagement, developing learning skills, promoting excellence generally and in developing stronger student and teacher relationships.  The following points outline the key aspects of the program of athletics at John Paul II. 

  • The athletic program at JPII is subject to the policies and procedures of OFSAA, TVRA, London District Catholic School Board and John Paul II Catholic Secondary School.
  • Student tryouts will be advertised through school social media, JPII website and daily announcements. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of team try outs.
  • All students who are interested in participating on a sports team are strongly encouraged to try out for the team.
  • Students must be in good standing with the school including attendance in classes and academic achievement to participate on a school team. 
  • Students who are new to JPII in grades ten, eleven or twelve, and who wish to play a sport, should speak with the Athletic Director upon arrival at the school to consider eligibility for athletics at JPII.
  • School teams are supervised by teacher coaches or teacher supervisors and volunteer community coaches
  • Team rosters will be developed through a fair and reasonable assessment process or try-outs.
  • Game and practice times and schedules will be communicated to team members through various social media and printed schedules.
  • It is customary for coaches to assess a team fee for participation on a team to cover the cost of specific team equipment, tournament participation including travel, team spirit wear and other costs associated with team activity.
  • Students or families who may be unable to pay the team fees should speak to the Principal of the school.
  • All school teams are required to contribute to an internal “Champions Fund” to finance the cost of participation by school teams in provincial or OFSAA competition.
  • Student attendance and cooperation is important to selection criteria on all athletic teams
  • If a student is participating in a community athletic program at the same time as a school season, they are asked to disclose this to the coach or supervisor at the time of player selection. 
  • It is expected that players, once selected for a team, will attend all practices and games.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to report any legitimate absence from a practice or game to the coach prior to the event. 
  • TVRA and OFSAA rules require that a student must be in classroom attendance to participate in games or practices on a given day
  • Unauthorized absence from school will result in a ban from attending practices or games on the day in question.  Persistent truancy may result in removal from a team.
  • All coaches and supervisors are to be given full courtesy and consideration by JPII student athletes.  Failure to do so may result in removal from the team. 
  • Abuse of officials or any other inappropriate conduct on the part of a player, may result in sanctions by the league or disciplinary action on the part of school administration. 
  • Uniforms are for the use of the team member for the duration of the season and must be kept in good order, clean and returned at the end of the season.
  • Any real or symbolic act of disrespect toward any team uniform will result in disciplinary action on the part of the school administration.
  • A student may be placed on academic probation during a season if his or her performance in classes is unsatisfactory.
  • Fan participation is strongly encouraged and fans are subject to rules governing conduct by spectators as designated by all governing bodies (see first bullet above)

 

Dances

The Student Council sponsors a semi-formal dance during the school year for the enjoyment of students and as a fundraiser for student activities.  Students from JPII and a limited number of guests are invited to attend school dances.  Dances can present a challenge for school administration because of concerns for substance use and appropriate dress and dance styles.  Dances at JPII have traditionally been a source of great fun for the students and dances have become a highlight of the social year at JPII.

Please note the following:

  • There is usually one semi-formal dance per year and it is scheduled close to Christmas.
  • In order to purchase a ticket, students must complete a parent permission form, have paid their student fee and meet the purchase deadlines as advertised for the dance.
  • Guest permission forms must be completed by the guest and with cooperation from the administration of the school of the potential guest. 
  • All students, including guests, must have a valid student card to enter the dance.
  • Students must arrive at the dance within the first hour of the dance.  Students who are more than an hour late will not be admitted.
  • All students must leave their coats and other belongings at the coat check before entering the dance.
  • Staff supervisors reserve the right to search student bags upon entry to the dance.
  • Once admitted, students cannot leave the dance and return. 
  • Students must arrange for timely rides home so they do not remain on school property without supervision.  
  • All students must follow the direction of teacher supervisors while attending a JPII dance.
  • Dances are school functions and students are subject to school rules and policies including the dress code for non-uniform days, policies and procedures of the LDCSB and the Safe Schools Act. 
  • Vaping, smoking and substance use on school property are subject to strict discipline during dances and may involve London Police where necessary.   
  • Any form of dancing that is deemed to be unacceptable at a school function will be addressed by staff supervisors. 
  • Students may be asked to leave the dance for any form of inappropriate conduct.  Parents will be informed in such cases. 
  • JPII administration reserves the right to disallow a student or guest entry into the dance, without refund.