Reflecting on Mothers' Day which is this Sunday 12 May, we acknowledge and celebrate mothers and mothering. I make that distinction because I know that many people – aunts, stepparents, close family friends, and many more fulfill the chief mothering role in families.

We reflect and pray for mothers everywhere. For many of us, Mothers' Day is a joyous time to celebrate our mums or be celebrated as a mother, but for others, it is a more complex time involving grief or feelings of loss, regret, or guilt. I am fortunate to have had many mother figures in my life whom I will be celebrating on Mothers' Day: females who have nurtured, encouraged, cared for, challenged, and inspired me! It is also important to not only acknowledge but support and stand with women and children affected by domestic violence and support the amazing work done locally by Mackillop House among others.

Whatever your Mothers' Day looks like this weekend, I hope it is a time of positive reflection and celebration for your family.

This reflection was penned by Deacon Keith Fournier as part of a seven day Christian reflection on the significance of women and mothers in the Church and our lives.

Mothers' Day High Tea

The senior technology students will be hosting a Mothers' Day High Tea on Friday 17 May. Places are limited.

Importance of Routine

The mid-term break is now a distant memory with assignments, school excursions, gala days, open evenings, and many more school activities in full swing. It can become very easy for a student’s week to be filled with cocurricular events, part-time and casual employment, and more to fill their afternoons and weekends. It is vital students have a balance to achieve success in their education, having a routine during the week and weekend to ensure our young people are getting their mix of sports/social integration and academic learning. I am partway through a podcast series by Maggie Dent. The ‘Parental as Anything’ podcast is short and sharp and gives a beautiful perspective on the difficulties of raising teenagers. Each podcast ranges from 4 minutes to 24 minutes and covers topics from teenage angst and outbursts to online safety and the sleep and teenager who won’t stop swearing! You can find the series for free HERE. While there will be inevitable resistance to boundaries from teenagers, the benefits of a structured yet balanced environment where expectations are clear and consistent has many positive benefits. This is explored through the range of discussions held by Maggie and her c.

Senior College Expo

It was tremendous to welcome so many families into the school for Tuesday night’s Careers and Subject Information Evening. Seeing so many families engaging with our teachers and external providers in discussions about futures and study was terrific and I congratulate Mrs Kathleen Garvie Assistant Principal Learning for her leadership of this as well as our amazing team of faculty leaders and support staff who worked tirelessly to gather resources and presenters that made this such an amazing community event. 

Child Safe School

This term the College has launched a Child Safety Committee which will be looking at ways we keep students safe here at JPC. This committee will be seeking the voice of students, using the newly created Student Representative Council members in focus groups. It will also capture the wider student voice via a survey. The College remains committed to making St John Paul II College a child-safe environment.

Try High Day

Today, Friday 10 May JPC hosted the second of our Try High Days. These have been popular amongst our local community with over 300 students attending over the two events. During the sessions Year 5 and 6 students got to experience the best of the Technology, Arts, Humanities, Science and Physical Education departments as well as having an introduction to our Youth Ministry program. The lessons were led by our highly engaging staff and supported by a number of students from Years 10,11 and 12 who were all keen to have the opportunity to welcome our potential 2025 enrolments. Thank you to those staff and senior students who gave their time, effort, and empathy over the two days.

Tom van de Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Community
Maathai and Van Thuan Houses