Join Us TOMORROW: JPIIHS Fall Feast Day Festival!
Prospective Family Night: Tuesday, Oct. 24
Calling all future JPIIHS families!
Join us for an evening of information on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30pm at Our Lady of the Valley in Room 103. We will be discussing the school, answering questions, and getting to know anyone who might be interested in attending JPIIHS in the future!
Don’t miss out! This is a great way to learn more about what makes JPIIHS special and why you should consider joining our community.
Student Article: Our Patron Saint
Maisie N., Sophomore
There were only four popes to ever be called “great” and Pope John Paul II is one of them. JPII the Great had five main loves: young people, human love, the eucharist, Our Lady, and the Cross.
When JPII was young he spent a lot of time in the wilderness and developed a love for God’s creations. His love for young people started as he spent time with them hiking, camping, canoeing, and doing endless other activities. “The wilderness not only communicated God’s greatness but it was also a haven of pure goodness, community, and the best possible environment for catechesis. – Annie Powell, founder of Camp Wojtyla”. An example of his love for the youth was not to just teach them, but rather to listen and answer questions or concerns they had. He truly cared for them. One of the best skills I’ve learned is to be a good listener, similarly to JPII.
At a World Youth Day event, a boy had asked him a complex question that was never answered. After the event ended, JPII agonized over it. He decided to track down the boy. He was found, invited to the Vatican for lunch, and his question was answered personally by JPII. He left a lasting legacy that we all can aspire to imitate.
JPII established World Youth Day, inspired Camp Wojtyla, and is the patron saint of our high school. I am following in his footsteps as I am going to St. John Paul II High School, have been to Camp Wojtyla in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and attended World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal this past summer. However, I have not yet become the Pope, but that’s okay!
At JPIIHS, we are receiving a classical education, which reflects the learning style of JPII. I went to public elementary school and had a classical homeschool curriculum during middle school. Currently I am a sophomore at JPIIHS. My experience has been transforming. I know all the students at the school and truly feel as though they are my family. I love how we get to learn about Theology as our faith is the most important thing in our lives. We also attend Mass every day which is the source and summit of our lives. The curriculum at this high school is very different from that of a public school. For example, we read classic literature, are learning Latin, and how to debate. I am grateful to Pope John Paul II for being a great patron and someone we can look up to in our lives.
Staff Article: The JPIIHS Difference
Mrs. Tamie Berg, Administrative Assistant & Math Instructor
St. John Paul II High School stands as a sanctuary of growth and transformation for my daughter. In previous years, my daughter attended a local charter school that she had been at since Kindergarten. In the halls of her former school, she existed as a mere whisper, unnoticed amidst the crowd. Her interactions were confined within the cocoon of her friend group; she hesitated to venture beyond, lacking the confidence to engage with her peers or contribute to class discussions. She remained a follower, devoid of the self-assurance required to lead.
Since arriving at St. John Paul II High School, my once-shy and introverted daughter began to flourish. No longer tethered by her former inhibitions, she embraced the world around her. She fearlessly initiated conversations, even with upperclassmen, exuding a newfound confidence that radiated through her smiles and laughter, echoing in the hallways. In the classroom, she evolved from a silent observer to an active participant, willingly volunteering her insights and engaging in spirited class discussions.
Moreover, she embraced the mantle of leadership, undertaking roles as a Lector and Student Ambassador. As a Lector, she conquered her fear of public speaking, confidently reading daily scriptures before the entire school and attendees of the daily Mass. This was a remarkable transformation for someone who once found public speaking terrifying. Additionally, she took on the responsibilities of a Student Ambassador, welcoming prospective students, providing insightful tours, and ensuring their sense of belonging within the JPIIHS community.
Upon reflection, it becomes apparent that the transformative power of JPIIHS lies in its nurturing environment. The school’s House System facilitates genuine connections among students across different grade levels, fostering friendships that transcend the boundaries of classrooms. The atmosphere is one of friendliness and acceptance. Unlike her previous academic environment, where she felt perpetually inadequate and stressed, St. John Paul II High School provides the positive feedback and supportive relationships she thrives on.
The faculty at St. John Paul II High School play an instrumental role in her transformation. They are not just teachers; they are mentors and guides, offering unwavering support in academics, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. The shared moral foundation among students creates a sense of unity and acceptance, empowering her to express her opinions with confidence, knowing she stands in solidarity with her peers.
Most importantly, the school’s Seminar classes serve as crucibles for independent thought. Here, students engage in intellectual discourse, honing their ability to articulate ideas and opinions. Through these classes, my daughter is gaining not only academic acumen but also the confidence to voice her thoughts eloquently before her peers.
In essence, St. John Paul II High School has not only molded my daughter’s intellect but has also sculpted her character, imbuing her with confidence, courage, and a profound sense of belonging. The transformation is not merely academic; it’s a testament to the nurturing ethos of this institution, where every student is encouraged to flourish and find their voice in the symphony of learning and growth.