This week, like many other schools across Australia, St John Paul II College welcomed families to breakfast on Friday to help recognise, celebrate and give a nod to fathers. It is always enjoyable being able to welcome our families to join our community even for a quick shared meal. We also thank those members of the canteen and hospitality team who prepared food for the event.

When reflecting upon a Father’s Day message I turned to one of my favourite musicians Paul Kelly, (arguably one of Australia’s greatest songwriters) for guidance I began listening to his catalogue, before coming to one of my all-time favourites, “Meet me in the middle of the air”, a gospel style song that weaves together Psalm 23 and the concept described in Thessalonians, bringing together the Christian comfort and assurance of God travelling on the journey with them in the here and now. The opening lyrics are:

I am your true shepherd
I will lead you there
Beside still waters
Come and meet me in the middle of the air

I will meet you in the middle of the air

As I reflect on my relationship with my father there are some parallels to this. He was a shepherd, he guided me when it was needed with comfort and protecting me from fear, and despite his best efforts to lead me in the right direction, like most young adults, I choose my own path and, like most young adults found that path was not always the correct one. I was fortunate to know that there were the still in waters my relationship with my father where he was able to help. Now as a parent myself I try to be less of the helicopter parent and more of the shepherd/ lighthouse parent. The final lyric is a tough one to swallow but one I am conscious families in our school community have faced this year and one that requires us to have strong faith and beliefs in being reunited in eternity in the middle of the air. If you are a Paul Kelly fan or have 2m 30s spare it is a wonderful tune.

We thank all those fathers, guardians, uncles, grandfathers, brothers, friends, and significant people who fulfil the role of the shepherd in people's lives.

ACT Scaling Test (AST)

This week we send our thoughts, prayers and inspirational ideas to our Year 12 Cohort who will be sitting the AST. It takes a village to help our young people reach their potential and on behalf of the College we thank all those parents, guardians, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends who have helped our students to this point. I encourage students to maintain their health this week by getting enough sleep, food and exercise and if they need to, reach out to the school for assistance from their teachers, wellbeing leaders or school counsellors.  Best of luck to our students. Do your best but remember the ACT system still relies on strong school results.

Student Voice

This year, the College has looked to invite students to participate in decisions that are impacting them. Thus far the College has appointed Year 11 students to the College Community Council, initiated a Student Representative Council, conducted the inaugural Safe School survey, and facilitated focus groups to discuss issues from this survey, teaching and learning initiatives and the 2025 strategic plan.

It has been affirming to have so many students keen to participate and have their say on the direction of our school. Our next project for student input relates to our school uniform. The College has worked with our supplier Lowes to identify issues with some items of our uniform. In the coming weeks, we will invite interested students to comment and help guide new and improved uniform items.

Defence School Mentor

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Mrs Zonika Smith our Defence School Mentor (DSM). The role of a DSM is to work with the Pastoral Care/Wellbeing team and in partnership with teaching staff to help all Defence students reach their best educational outcomes. In speaking with three of our defence families over the last week, all three have commented on the tremendous support and assistance Mrs Smith has been. This week, Mrs Smith is taking some students to the Australian War Memorial for the Battle of Australia Commemorative Ceremony. This ceremony recognises the men and women who drove back the Japanese advance in the Second World War. In 1942 and 1943, Australia and her allies fought a series of battles in Southeast Asia and the Pacific including battles on the Kokoda Trail and Coral sea.

Mrs Smith is located in the JG wing of the school and warmly welcomes all our Defence students for a milo, a quick chat, or extra help.

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