Each weekend I go to Mass. There is nothing unusual or surprising about this. Sometimes, like many I suspect, I am more attentive than others. I try hard to say my prayers, especially during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and remember to give thanks for all I have. I try to listen carefully to the readings and apply the wisdom to my daily life. I try to digest the priest’s homily and take heed of the lessons therein.

Last weekend, the presider said many things, but the key simple words I remembered were – and I paraphrase here – there are many groups to which we belong, and as in any group, there will be people who agree with us, people who disagree (sometimes loudly), and many who don’t care one way or the other.

As you will all be aware, we have a new Pope! I am awestruck as to the incredible responsibility the Pope holds as one of the most recognisable figures in the world. More than a billion Catholics the world over, look to him for guidance and shepherding. A grand honour and a fierce task indeed! We anticipate great writing, theological dialogue, healing and inspirational words, and as members of the faithful, an invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

I daresay that Pope Leo XIV will have no shortage of advice offered to him, solicited or otherwise, in these early days of his papacy. And, he will no doubt attract both applause and scorn at some stage. Some will be hopeful of a conservative approach, while others will be eager for radical change. Most of us will fall somewhere in the middle. What is hopeful is that his Augustinian heritage, as well as his work with the poor in Peru, will be a defining characteristic of his leadership. I am heartened by his opening lines when he was presented on the balcony in Rome – offering peace to all, exhorting us to build bridges, and to be people of dialogue.

Just as I heard the priest in our local Church say as part of his homily, there are bound to be groups that criticise and disagree with Pope Leo during his papacy. None of us is immune to disagreement and judgement. Albeit on a far humbler scale, as a leader in education, at times, one must develop a thick skin. Members of the community readily provide feedback, and doubtless, some people express their disappointment because of decisions that are taken. However, if we allow the dissenting voices to rule our work, we will be paralysed into inaction, and nothing will happen. Even after due consultation and listening, feedback and survey data, there will be some who will disagree with a decision or direction taken. This is a fact of life.

My grand hope always, is that in any Catholic environment, disagreements are characterised by respect and gentle language. Mutual dignity should always be the order of the day. I therefore ask and remind all members of our community to remain courteous online, on the telephone, and in person.

Last weekend I heard the priest’s words ringing in my ears as I drove home, and being nourished by the Eucharist, was thankful to God for working through him. We will inevitably have disagreements in the many groups to which we belong. I guess it is how we respond both within ourselves, and outwardly, that is critical.

Vinnies Winter Sleepout

This year I will again participate in the Vinnies CEO Winter Sleepout. Those who know me well understand how much I despise the cold! If you would like to make a donation to our College’s efforts for this worthy cause you can do so by clicking on this link: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/craigwattam

This term in Humanities and Social Sciences has been full of rich learning across all year levels.

Year 7 History students have been diving into the ancient world, comparing Athens and Sparta to determine which city-state was superior. Through debate and research, they have examined the values, governance, and daily life of both.

In Year 8 History, the focus has shifted to medieval Japan, where students have been learning about the Samurai, the Bushido code, and the structure of feudal society. This has provided insight into how these elements influenced Japanese culture and identity.

In Year 9 Business and Economics, students have been developing their financial literacy by investigating different investment options and learning how to plan for their financial futures. They have explored the risks and rewards of shares, property, and savings, while also considering how to set realistic financial goals.

In Year 9 Civics and Citizenship, students have been exploring the Federal Election process and how voting works in Australia. They have gained a deeper understanding of preferential voting, the role of the Australian Electoral Commission, and how governments are formed. As part of their active citizenship journey, students also participated in the What Matters? writing competition, using their voices to reflect on issues they care about and the importance of civic engagement in shaping society.

At the same time, Year 9 History students have begun their study of the Great War, delving into the complex causes of World War I and the global tensions that led to its outbreak.

Year 10 History students are building their understanding of modern Australia by examining the impact of post-World War II immigration and the Australian Civil Rights Movement.

Finally, we were fortunate to welcome a number of primary school students for Try High School Day, where they took part in a hands-on archaeology activity. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they explored the ancient Australian past and got a sneak peek into an activity we run in Year 7.

Mr Daniel Burns & Mr Lachlan Arundell
Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty

In a special moment of reflection and renewal, Kennedy House came together this week to mark a significant tradition—the Passing of the Message Stick.

Continuing the custom established in 2023, our 2024 House Captains, Deepinder and Micah, officially passed the Kennedy House message stick to the newly appointed 2025 Captains, Georgia and Baylen.

This symbolic gesture represents the continuation of Kennedy House values and the importance of student leadership. The message stick, adorned with visual elements of Kennedy’s identity, is a reminder of the responsibility and unity that comes with leadership at JPC.

We thank Deepinder and Micah for their dedication and commitment throughout the year and warmly welcome Georgia and Baylen into their new roles as they begin their journey of guiding and inspiring Kennedy House.

Teressa Patterson
Kennedy House Coordinator

Across Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 May, we hosted Consent Labs at JPC to deliver a Respectful Relationships and Consent Education program for all students, alongside a complimentary session for parents and carers on Monday evening. I had the privilege of attending many of these sessions and was delighted to see our students so actively engaged in the conversations and activities. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to access this valuable information now and as they mature into adulthood.

The modules selected for each year group form a comprehensive program that builds on learning year to year. Each session is evidence-based and developmentally appropriate, designed to support students across Years 7 to 12 throughout their time at JPC.

I also attended the parent and carer session and was reminded of the importance of having ongoing conversations about healthy and respectful relationships. I strongly encourage families to talk with their young people about what they learnt in the Consent Labs sessions at school, and to attend future wellbeing presentations offered to the JPC community throughout the year.

Unfortunately, a small number of students did opt out of participation this year. If that was the case for your young person, I encourage you to explore why—and support their involvement in future opportunities.

Topics Covered:

• Year 7: Healthy relationships, with a focus on platonic friendships.

• Year 8: Foundational aspects of giving and receiving consent, including in the online space.

• Year 9: Consent in the context of technology and the internet, with discussions around digital discernment.

• Year 10: Breaking down gender-based stereotypes and their impact on relationships.

• Year 11: Consent in the context of alcohol and other drugs, including the legal implications.

• Year 12: Understanding and responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault, including where and how to seek help.

Community Feedback

From a Year 12 Student:

“The Consent Labs workshop on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault was a beneficial and interesting session. While many of the concepts were familiar, they were presented in a more graphic and realistic way than ever before.

For many of us, it was eye-opening to realise that we had experienced sexual harassment or assault, but had not recognised it because that behaviour has been so normalised. Learning the exact definitions and being taught how to deal with and report these situations was incredibly important.

On behalf of the Year 12 cohort, I want to thank Consent Labs for equipping us with the tools to understand and respond to these issues.”

From a JPC Parent:

“On Monday night I attended the parent session run by Consent Labs on Respectful Relationships and Consent. Francesca, our presenter, was incredibly engaging and delivered the content to a very high standard.

This session really highlighted for me how vital it is that both we and our children understand consent in all areas of life. I appreciate that the student content is broken down by year group, ensuring it is always age-appropriate.

I strongly encourage all parents to attend future presentations. These events are so valuable in supporting the health and wellbeing of our young people.

Thank you to Ame, Tom, and all JPC staff who arranged this fantastic session. I hope to attend again next year.”

Ame Uidam
School Counsellor

This past Wednesday, two JPC teams participated in the ACT Year 7/8 Girls Volleyball Gala Day. Throughout the day, both teams showed tremendous improvement in their skills, teamwork, and confidence on the court. It was fantastic to see the students encouraging each other, learning more about the game, and having fun along the way.

I look forward to continuing to work with these students and helping them further develop their volleyball skills in the future!

Elisa Burt

Congratulations to our JPC Boys Soccer team on their impressive 4–0 win against Stromlo High School in Round 2 of the Bill Turner Cup. The boys played a great, competitive game and demonstrated strong teamwork and determination throughout the match.

This victory sees the team progress to Round 3, where they will face Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their campaign in this national competition for U15 boys.

Well done, team!

Mrs Kym Darmody
PDHPE Faculty Coordinator & Sport

If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument and improving their theoretical and practical skills, individual tuition is available. Our industry professional tutors and performing artists cover a wide range of styles and instruments, including violin, cello, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, drums, vocals, piano, bass, and more.

Band opportunities and instrument hire are also available to support students in their musical journey.

If you are interested, please complete the form via the link below and visit the JPC Music Tuition page for more information.

https://forms.gle/XuVzaW5Tn1L9H7Fd6