On Thursday this week, the church celebrates the life of one of Australia’s most amazing women, Saint Mary Mackillop. Australia’s first Saint left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire people today. Saint Mary Mackillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph and believed in education as a means to improve lives, especially for vulnerable Australians. Her compassion extended to anyone in need, often expressed through acts of charity and kindness. Schools often use one of Saint Mary Mackillop’s most famous quotes ‘Never see a need without trying to do something about it’ to guide students' social justice initiatives.

Coupled with her deep resilience and perseverance Mary never gave up. She bravely challenged those who did not support her vision for a more caring world. A vision that is still realised today with the work of amazing organisations such as the Mary Mackillop Foundation which works with local communities in Australia and internationally through learning for life and enabling access to learning opportunities in the areas of education, health, financial inclusion, and livelihoods to share practical life skills for self-sufficiency. Here in Canberra Mackillop House provides temporary shared accommodation for women and children experiencing homelessness and/or leaving domestic and family violence.

Mary MacKillop’s legacy encourages students, parents and teachers of JPC to be compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a positive impact in the world.

 Year 9 Urban Challenge

Last week I accompanied around 180 Year 9 students on the Urban Challenge in Sydney. This wonderful camp provided students with the opportunity to solve problems and complete challenges all over central Sydney. Over three days, students navigated trams, trains, buses and ferries, budgeted for their meals and explored iconic sights such as the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Chinatown and Cockatoo Island, just to name a few.

The camp was an excellent opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves and build connections with their peers outside of the confines of the classroom. The camp, of course, would not be possible without the generous supervision of staff and the coordination by Mr Sam McCombe. We look forward to a student presentation in week 5 at assembly and of course the announcement of the winning team!

Mobile Phone/ Ear Bud

As highlighted in earlier editions, all classrooms at JPC will be a phone and earbud free zone in semester 2, 2024. This means that all phones must be in lockers (not pockets) between 8.55 am and 3.35 pm. We are asking all students and families to support us to ensure classrooms are for learning, lunchtimes are for social interactions and phones are for use outside school hours.

We understand that mobile phones are an important communication tool, especially in emergencies. Therefore, we will ensure that all students have access to a school phone should they need to contact you during the day. Furthermore, we encourage you to communicate any urgent messages through our school office or via student email. We understand there will be some circumstances for families such as significant care arrangements or medical requirements that mean a student may need access to their phone. In this instance, approval can be sought from the Assistant Principal Wellbeing via your House leaders.

We understand that this transition may require adjustments for both students and families. However, we firmly believe that by reducing phone and device use, we can create a positive and productive learning environment that enhances student achievement and well-being. I encourage families who are concerned to read the following article by Columbia University.

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