Message from the Acting Principal
To the community of St John Paul II College,
Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent women in the New Testament and a faithful follower of Jesus. Often referred to as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the risen Christ and proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection. Her life is a powerful testament to transformation, forgiveness, and unwavering devotion.
In Mary Magdalene, we see the beauty of redemption and the courage to follow Christ even in the face of uncertainty and sorrow. Her story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that we are all called to be witnesses of hope and healing in our world.
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Loving God, Through the witness of St Mary Magdalene, |
A warm welcome back to all families and students as we begin Semester 2. We hope you enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break and are now ready to refocus and re-engage with your learning. This new semester brings fresh opportunities to grow, achieve, and contribute to our vibrant College community. Let’s begin with energy, purpose, and a commitment to doing our personal best.
Towards the end of last term, I spoke with students at assembly about the importance of our school uniform, not just as a requirement, but as a symbol of who we are. Our uniform is more than a set of clothes. It represents our unity, pride, and shared identity as members of the St John Paul II College community.
When the uniform is worn correctly, it is not just about following the rules, it is about showing that students belong, that they respect themselves and others, and that they are proud to be part of something bigger.
I want to challenge every student to be a leader in this space. Leadership doesn’t always mean standing in front of a crowd — it can be as simple as tucking in their shirt, wearing their tie properly, and choosing the school jumper over a non-uniform hoodie. These small choices speak volumes about an individual’s character and commitment to our shared values.
I would also ask parents for greater support in this. Our uniform expectations are clearly outlined in student diaries and on the College website. I encourage you to review them and speak with your child to ensure they are meeting them each day.
Year 12 Retreat – “The Spirit of Wisdom”
This week, our Year 12 students will embark on their Retreat, a significant milestone in their final year at JPC. The Retreat, titled “The Spirit of Wisdom,” offers students a space for reflection, meditation, spiritual journaling, walking, and drawing. With a strong spiritual focus, the program encourages students to contemplate their journey, share insights, and build deeper relationships.
Students will explore the wisdom they’ve gained during their time at JPC and reflect on the transformation that can arise from life’s challenges. Through theological reflection, journaling, and guided discussions, they will consider the questions: Who am I? Where have I come from? Where am I called to? An evening campfire (weather permitting) will provide a special moment of connection and reflection.
We wish our Year 12s a safe, enriching, and prayerful retreat experience.
JPC Musical – Opening Night Approaches!
We are now just over a week away from the opening night of the 2025 JPC Musical: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! The excitement is building, and we acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication of all involved — students, staff, and volunteers. A special thank you to Mrs Sarah Smith for her outstanding leadership and creative direction of this terrific show. We can’t wait to see the magic come to life on stage!
Get your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/DAXAT
Semester 1 Report Feedback Interviews
Thank you to all parents and carers who took the opportunity to meet with their child’s teachers during the Semester 1 Report Feedback Interviews. These conversations are vital in supporting each student to achieve their personal best and in strengthening the partnership between school and home. We appreciate your engagement and commitment to your child’s learning journey.
Winter Uniform Reminder
As we settle back into Term 3, we remind all students of our winter uniform expectations. It is important that the correct uniform is worn each day, reflecting pride in our College and respect for our shared standards. Details of the required uniform are available in student diaries and on the College website. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining our uniform standards.
Jacob Knowles
Principal (Acting)