Onboarding Portal · 2026

Welcome to

Everything your family needs to prepare for 2026 – first day details, uniform fittings, checklists and answers to common questions for every year level.

A Message From Our Principal

Welcome parents and students!

We eagerly look forward to our families moving to the next year level in 2026! Transitioning at John Paul College is always an exciting time, and we are committed to making the experience smooth, positive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

This portal has been designed to support our new and current families so you are prepared for your child’s first day in their new year level. Our Principal, Mr Craig Merritt, welcomes you to our College in this video message.

First Day of School

Term 1, 2026 begins Tuesday 27 January

A staggered start applies to some year levels, and further information will be sent to families ahead of time.

Kindergarten and Prep

Please refer to your email from the Kindergarten and Prep team for your child’s staggered start date.

Kindergarten start · Prep start

Primary – Years 1 to 6

All students, including new students, go directly to their classrooms on Tuesday 27 January. Doors open at 8.15am for an 8.30am roll call.

Students who don’t know which classroom to go to can find staff in The ARC from 8.00am. See the Primary Precinct Map.

Secondary – Years 7 to 12
  • Day 1 – Tuesday 27 January (8.20am – 3.20pm): Year 7, Year 10 and Year 12 students only.
  • Day 2 – Wednesday 28 January (8.20am – 3.20pm): all students (Years 7 to 12) start their regular timetable.

New Year 7 students meet at the Coleman Centre. New students in Years 8 to 11 come to Main Administration by 8.00am, ready for roll call at 8.20am in their Academic Welfare classrooms.

All students wear their formal uniform with blazer and tie on the first day (boys are not required to wear long pants). If a blazer is still being embroidered or hasn’t arrived, please send a note from home.

Commencement Communication

Where the details arrive

Commencement information will be sent to all families to help make the move into the new year a smooth one.

Parents of new students: all information is available in the Admissions Portal until early January 2026. You will then receive an email explaining how to access MyJPC, the College’s main communication platform.

Parents of current students: you will receive commencement information before the end of Term 4, with any updates shared in MyJPC.

Retail Centre Holiday Hours

Uniform fitting

The John Paul College Retail Centre offers 30-minute uniform fitting sessions during the Christmas break for all new and current students. Walk-ins can’t be accepted during this time.

  • Book a separate session for each child – we recommend making the bookings back to back.
  • The Athlete’s Foot pop-up is on campus Monday 5 – Friday 23 January (weekdays). No booking needed; purchases available on the day.
  • Questions? Call 07 3826 3397 or email retailcentre@jpc.qld.edu.au.
Primary students in uniform walking across the College grounds
From Our Student Leaders

Captains’ welcome

Our Class of 2026 College Captains – Amy Cosford, Joshuah Craig and the College Captains – have prepared a welcome for current and new students, with a few inside tips about daily life at John Paul College.

Awards and Recognition

Celebrating excellence

Achievements that reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation.

  • Australian Education Awards – Best School Strategic Plan, Excellence Awardee
  • The Educator 2025 – 5-Star Best School
  • The Educator 2024 – 5-Star Innovative School
  • The Educator 2024 – 5-Star Sustainable School Program

See you on the first day

Choose your child’s year level and work through the checklist before Tuesday 27 January.