In the last month we have been conducting enrolment interviews with 2026 Year 7 families. These meetings are such a privilege. Listening to our potential Year 7 students speak so confidently and with passion and enthusiasm is a credit to our primary schools in Canberra. Not only do these boys and girls tell us about their favourite subjects, but they also let us know what they like to read, eat, what sports they like to play, and how they contribute to their family unit. I am always filled with renewed hope after listening to children tell us about their world. I think that the Year 7 cohort for 2026 is going to be an impressive group.

In addition, in the last two weeks alone, I have conducted more than a dozen Year 11 interviews for next year with families who currently attend a school other than JPC. It is great to know that we have so many young adults who are really motivated to join our senior cohort because of the reputation we have for subject choice, fine teaching, good results, and a commitment to our Catholic faith. Most parents are keen for their child to be in a Christian environment where our espoused values seek to emulate the Gospel message and intent.

The interest in our senior school bodes well for our breadth of choice in the future. If you have a current Year 10 child and you have not made an appointment for a senior interview to discuss pattern of study and subject choice for next year, please do so without delay. We have a number of families who have still not indicated their intentions at this stage.

As winter really bites, please stay safe, dry, and warm during the holiday break. The usual winter bugs are with us, and I pray you escape them during the vacation.

I am taking some leave in the last days of this term, and the first week and a half of next term. Jacob Knowles will be Acting Principal during my absence, and Chloe McCallum will take up Jacob’s role. I thank them both for their willingness to take on the roles.

I hope to see many of you attend our College Musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The students and staff have been working hard on this production for months now. We have some amazingly talented young people who will take to the stage, as well as working behind the scenes. Please come and support them. I look forward to seeing everyone next term.

Carpark Issues

An increasing number of community members have reported issues, particularly at pick-up time in the afternoons, with cars parked in the wrong places including the bus bays and disabled car parking spaces, slowing up the flow of traffic and providing a degree of frustration for others.

Front of mind in all of this is the safety of your children. We all must take collective responsibility for the safety of young people as they exit the College each day. Please park in the appropriate spots. If your child is not present, do a loop. This may be time-consuming but is fair for all. If you do not have a disabled parking sticker, do not take up a disability spot. There will be an increased presence of senior staff in the coming weeks to ensure safety for all. If you are directed to move on, please do so respectfully.

Dr Craig Wattam
Principal