Assistant Principal - Mission

Are we serious about caring for each other? 

The concept of caring for each other and for others is one that lies at the very heart of our mission as a Catholic school. As part of our student formation, students at St John Paul College are provided with a number of opportunities to grow personally, academically and spiritually. Many of those who participate then put their work into action. Next week some of our Year 11 students will travel to Brisbane for Street retreat where they will be working hands on with those most marginalised in society. On Friday, students who have taken part in one of the Student Discipleship retreats were invited to hear our guest speakers from Emmanuel City Mission speak to us.  They also joined the staff for morning prayer fire in the Chapel. It was inspirational to see ex-students of the college who have chosen to give of their lives to service, be willing to return and talk to our community and hopefully light their inner fire.   

Next term, we will celebrate St John Paul II day. He was one of the most influential and notable diplomats of his day. Not only was he Pope but he dedicated his life to service and was particularly focused on justice and care for the youth. He is a fitting Saint to have named the College after which should stand as a reminder to ask ourselves the same question - what do I do to help and am I serious about caring for each other? On the evening of St John Paul II day there will be a winter sleepout to support the work of St Vincent de Paul. It will be led by our Minnie Vinnies group and we welcome the support from as many students in our college as possible. It will involve sleeping out in the Quad to replicate and remind our students of the hardship many of our locals who are homeless go through each night. You will also see notices coming out soon about sending in goods to support the Winter Appeal which can be donated as well. 

Each of these things are small but significant. They not only show that we understand that we are lucky and grateful but it demonstrates our willingness to put our faith into action. As you speak to your families this weekend, I encourage you to talk about the upcoming events and perhaps share with us as a community if you have ideas about how we can be involved in a community project that you know about. We are always looking for new opportunities to serve. Talking to our family about why we have chosen a Catholic school should also invite dialogue on what we hope we can do to show our genuine care for each other. 

Everyone deserves to be cared for and should learn to care for others. Is this a priority in your house? Does your child see it as an important outcome of attending a Catholic school? As we approach the end of term, I pray that we have time to reflect on the good things  that life brings us, and to embrace care as an essential part of your every day - including care for yourself! Pope John Paul is our namesake and Jesus the ultimate example for how we should live our lives. True inspirational models to follow. Love one another and always make the decision to be kind. Care can take many forms; the way we speak to each other, action we do for each other and our willingness to help everyone in our community feel safe and valued.