Ash Wednesday

This week, the Church celebrated Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent—a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter. It is observed by many Christian denominations, particularly Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some other Protestant groups.

On Ash Wednesday, worshippers attend church services where ashes—made from the burnt palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday—are placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes are typically burned and consecrated for this purpose.

The significance of Ash Wednesday lies in its call for self-reflection, humility, and spiritual renewal as Christians prepare for the celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At JPC, our students took part in a House-based Ash Wednesday liturgy, led by House Captains and senior students. Year 7 students, who were on camp, participated in an evening liturgy on the beach.

International Women’s Day

Our school, like many others, took time to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day is dedicated to recognising the incredible achievements of women throughout history and across all fields of endeavour. In the library this week, this was highlighted through book displays and screenings of two amazing stories of young Australians—Michelle Payne and Jessica Watson.

It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.

At JPC, we are proud to support and empower our female students, staff, and community members. We believe in fostering an environment where every individual can reach their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. It was fantastic to see so many students engage in the events organised by our teachers.

Raising Children Resource

I was recently referred to a valuable resource by one of our teaching staff. Raisingchildren.net.au is a government-funded website, free from commercial interests. It aims to provide tips and tricks for busy families on a range of topics—from newborns through to teenagers.

This week, I am highlighting a particular article on friendships, especially when friendships become toxic. Friendship fallouts and changes are a natural part of any school setting, but sometimes these fallouts can lead to issues, particularly online through cyberbullying and harassment.

This article is one of many available on the Raising Children website, and I highly recommend families explore the videos, articles, and interactive resources.

Mr Tom Van De Waterbeemd
Assistant Principal - Wellbeing