Dear Parents and Carers,

Easter and Holy Week

In this week before Easter, we are reflecting on the events of Holy Week, leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. For us as Christians, this is the most important time of our liturgical year. Our students have been active during the forty days of Lent in carrying out fundraising efforts for Caritas. Along with the “fun” events like “Wear a Jersey to School”, we have been emphasising the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. One of our key aims as a Catholic school is to develop in our students a strong sense of social justice which includes a realisation of how fortunate most of us are in our own circumstances and that we are living very privileged lives. Others in Australia and across the world are not in this position. When we are aware of this, it follows that we are called to do something about it. In this, Pope John Paul II - and indeed all of our House patrons - are inspiring role models. For example, John Paul said very specifically to us as Australians when he visited us in 1986:

To all Australians, people of undoubted good will, I come as a friend: to urge you to pursue in your lives all those values worthy of the human person; to encourage you to be open-hearted, generous to the unfortunate and caring towards those who are pushed to the margins of life.

It is very affirming when we see our students and those who have graduated from JPC living up to these ideals.

One of our Youth Ministry classes has prepared our whole-school Easter Liturgy. The Youth Ministry classes and the Youth Ministry team, led by Ms Bree Foley, fulfil a very important role in the College in working with their peers to create meaningful spiritual experiences for our students and those of our feeder primary schools. In so doing, there is an opportunity for them to deepen their own understanding of themselves and their spiritual journey as well as providing opportunities for their peers to do the same through experiences that are relevant to them because they have been created by their peers.

I would encourage all families to reflect on the meaning behind Easter and to consider attending services in your local churches and parishes. I would like to think that Easter means more to us as a community than simply a few days' holiday and lots of chocolate.

Ramadan

For our Muslim community, it is of course Ramadan and an equally important time of year for them. We are so impressed with those students who meet to pray regularly in our chapel and who are observing the Ramadan fast and associated activities. They are an inspiration to us all in the way they are committed to the practice of their faith. Our best wishes go to all the Muslim families in our community during this significant time.

Some changed protocols for Senior students

Families of senior students will receive a letter advising them of two changes to protocols that will occur from Term 2:

• A form to be filled in by all families whose student is driving a car to and from school. The key information obtained will be helpful to us in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all.
• Information about changes to requirements for senior students to sign in and out of the College if they leave during the day during their non-scheduled lessons. For students under 17, there is an action for families to undertake.

The holidays always provide an opportunity for students and their parents to review the progress the student has made in the term and to review goals, learning habits and so on. Where progress has been disappointing, it is a chance to re-orient themselves to ensure success in Semester 1. It is certainly not too late!

I am very fortunate to be participating in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land during the holidays. It will be a very special experience, particularly happening around Easter. I will return to school in the second week of Term 2. During my time away, Mr Nic Whatman wilI be Acting Principal.

I wish you all a restful Easter break and hope that you are able to spend some special family time together.

Catherine Rey

The office will be closed in the first week of the school holidays (10-14 April).

During the second week (17-21 April) the office will be open from 10 am to 2 pm each day.

Please email the college office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au in the first instance.

Regards

College Office

Ever wondered about learning to play a musical instrument??

Here are some great reasons why you should sign up!!

Term 1 school fees were due and payable by

17 March 2023.

If you have an outstanding balance, please make payment immediately via Bpay.

Term 2 fees will be invoiced during the school holidays.

If you are paying on a regular frequency, please disregard this notice.

For any fee queries, please contact JPC.Finance@cg.catholic.edu.au

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families with school aged students. This is a targeted affordability measure to boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide. NBN Co is leading the implementation of this initiative.

The one-year free service begins from the day the service is activated for each family.

Places are limited and families are encouraged to take up the service as quickly as possible. The last day for families to activate a service is currently 30 June 2023.

See the below links for further information.

Nicola Grieb

Principal’s EA and Enrolment Officer

Helps with the cost of schooling and everyday needs

The Future of Education Equity Fund provides financial support to eligible families, helping students access everyday essentials that assist with their education and wellbeing needs. It supports families with students who are enrolled in years P-12 in ACT schools (including non-government schools) or another approved form of education who meet the eligibility criteria.

The Future of Education Equity Fund provides a one-off, annual payment to low-income families living in the ACT to help cover the costs of education expenses such as school uniforms, school excursions, sport equipment and activities and music lessons.

The following payments are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high-school and college students.

Please see link for full details and how to apply:-

https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families

Parish Newsletter

For the latest news Click here or you can view it on the Parish App or visit the website below.

Due to late arrivals to school, Buses Leaving from the Hall interchange, will now be departing at 8 am sharp.

See the below flyer.

https://cdccanberra.com.au/important-notice-school-services-2023/.