Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for all of your support this term. Term 2 is always a very busy term for students with regard to assessment. It can be stressful for families as students face many assignments and tests, in particular, if they have not exercised effective planning skills to manage competing priorities.

We have spoken in recent Key Messages of the opportunity for parents and carers to use the Semester 1 Report as an opportunity to talk through with their young people the strengths they have demonstrated during the semester as well as the areas where there is room for improvement. Working together to develop appropriate, targeted goals for Semester 2 would be a very productive next step.

Concerts and an upcoming Production…

Over the last few weeks, the Music students have been to the fore in a series of inspiring performances. We have seen the final assessment performances for senior students (with the results of those performances moderated by teachers from other Colleges), some lovely individual and group performances of students who take private lessons at school, and this week, a performance of our JPC bands. This was a joyous, exciting evening, bringing together the talent of so many of our students. Across the three evenings, we witnessed the versatility of our students, who often played multiple instruments, contributing vocally as well. Their energy and enthusiasm, support of each other, and the growing confidence and skill they display as individuals and as groups are indeed inspiring for us as staff and, I am sure, to you also, their parents and carers. The student Tech Crew is a further group of dedicated and talented students whose skill and creativity greatly enhance the performances.

I know I speak for all in thanking Sharon Robinson, Aron Lyon, and the music tutors for all of their hard work to bring these performances to fruition. It is dedication well above and beyond the call of duty which enables our students to shine in the way they do. Sharon paid particular tribute to Aron at the end of the most recent performance in recognising his ten years of service to music at JPC. He has been with us since our very first year of operation and has nurtured and developed the talent of numerous students over those years. He has also just completed his Masters of Teaching and will be working with students across the ACT in this new capacity as well in the years to come.

Alongside these performances, many of the same students are also working hard as part of the cast or crew of the upcoming production of High School Musical. As we move closer to Opening Night, Week 4 of Term 3, excitement is building. Director, Sarah Smith, is leading a team of very dedicated and talented staff and students in what will be a highly entertaining show. Tickets will be on sale from the start of Term 3 for the four performances. Get ready to walk the busy halls of East High – let’s go Wildcats!

Thank you for all of your support this term. I wish you all a very enjoyable break.

Catherine Rey
Principal

I am writing to thank you all for the magnificent effort with regard to the Vinnies Sleep Out.
We had 126 students who put their hands up in solidarity for the homeless. They did a wonderful job - both in supporting the effort in fundraising, and in the way they conducted themselves.

The support of the community in the fundraising effort was quite amazing. When I set the goal of $18000, I recognised that it was a very ambitious target - quite a bit higher than the previous highest amount of $16,631 which we raised in 2019.
I am very excited to let you know that the current amount raised to date this year is $19,043 - and donations are still coming in (and can continue to do so until 31 July).
This means that our fundraising over the 10 years that we have been doing the Sleep Out now amounts to $100,947. This is an amazing accomplishment. I am humbled and so proud to be part of such a generous community.
When they recognised our 10-year achievement on the night of the Sleep Out, they asked me whether the JPC commitment would continue after my retirement at the end of the year. I said that I had no doubt that it would, given that we have such a committed student-led Social Justice Group and a Year 12 Student Leadership Team who are so dedicated to social justice issues.
My very grateful thanks go to all of you who have supported the homeless in the ACT over these years. Thank you for your amazing generosity. I can assure you that it does make a difference. It is also a wonderful way for our students to further understand disadvantage and to realise the privilege that most of them enjoy in their lives. It is another step in their journey to become compassionate and empathetic adults, and contributing citizens to our world.
My thanks to you all.

Donations can still be made up until 31 July 2023.

Catherine Rey
Principal

Huge thank you from the Van Thaun house team for the support of the Roundabout Clothing drive! We have taken THREE full carloads to Roundabout to support the families of Canberra!

Our Year 10 Students have had a wonderful week participating in transition week. Last night, they ended the week at their social with party food, a photo booth and LOTS of dancing!

On Tuesday night, JPC held their end of semester bands evening in the theatre. Every one of our music groups at school performed. It was amazing to end the term with such a huge event. Thank you to all the students who worked so hard this term on the songs, and thank you to the amazing parents, teachers, and community members to came to watch. Aron and I look forward to another semester of musical events, but until then, have a well-deserved break!

Waterpolo:

Congratulations to Georgia E & Hamish E, who have both been selected to play for Water Polo Australia in their respective age groups for the upcoming USA Tours. Both are traveling to (and around) California, training and competing in tournaments against some tough US sides. 

Congratulations and Good Luck!

Hamish - 16&U Gold - USA tour 24 Jun-12 July

Georgia - Junior Development Squad - USA tour 5 -19 July

Term 3 Fees will be invoiced during the school holidays, please ensure any outstanding fees are paid immediately.
If you are paying on a regular frequency, please disregard this notice.
Please contact JPC.Finance@cg.catholic.edu.au if you require any further information, or to update your billing email details.

The College office will be closed for the first week of the holiday (3-7 July 2023).

The office will be open for limited hours during the second week (10-14 July 2023) from 10 am to 2 pm.

If you need to get in touch with the office, please email office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au in the first instance.

Enjoy the break.

Ever wondered about learning to play a musical instrument??

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

Parish Newsletter

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

Attention Year 9 Students!

RYPEN CHALLENGE 2023
Borambola Sport & Rec Centre, via Wagga Wagga
Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October 2023
Application forms will be available July 2023

The ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT (RYPEN) is a challenging weekend for year 9 students who show a positive and caring attitude in everyday life.
RYPEN is not a leadership camp; the program is aimed at students with good potential who could benefit from a boost in their self-esteem and confidence.
The principal aim is to communicate a series of ideas, discuss social issues and run a series of challenging team-building activities that will assist the participants in developing communication and life skills. More information is available at: