Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing

It is a shame that it takes major devastation and tragedy to see the good side of humanity. Time and time again we witness this practice. It may be the bushfires over the Christmas break and the willingness of complete strangers to go out of their way to give to others who have lost so much. Or similarly, the alacrity of neighbours to care for the elderly during the COVID-19 outbreak by picking up groceries and showing genuine care to our most vulnerable. Clearly our Mission as part of the Catholic Church is to act in this way at all times, not just in times of catastrophic misfortune.

The present situation with COVID-19 and the many news reports around us are creating anxiety and worry for the future and our wellbeing. In times like these, it is especially important to remember God’s promise of remaining with us at all times. He who made us and gave His own Son for the salvation of the world, will not leave His children in this time of need.

Currently under the guidance of Mr. Brendan Goswell and other staff, the students are involved in the following areas of evangelisation:

• Year 10 Youth Ministry students were meant to be making their first primary school visit next week. Disappointed, but not defeated, our students have decided to put together a short video for each local primary school so they can connect with the students, share the Good News, and invite them into prayer.
  
  
• The College’s Sunday youth group has continued to meet via zoom on a Wednesday lunchtime. This has allowed students, staff and the College Chaplain to discuss life’s big questions.
  
  
• The Youth Ministry Officers and some senior student musicians have been playing praise and worship music to a live social media audience on a weekly basis. Search ‘SJPC Youth Ministry’ on Facebook or Instagram to find these offerings.
  
  
• Each student has been receiving a prayer offering via email every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from a member of the Youth Ministry team.
  
  
• The YMOs will restart their lunchtime and before-school Ministry groups from Monday of Week 5.
  

We look forward to students and staff of the College being more able to contribute to the Mission of Jesus that asks all to play their role in His name. Along with the current practices in place, examples of this work may involve feeding the marginalised via public kitchens and BBQs and visiting the elderly. Should any parents or friends of the College know of other areas of Catholic Mission that could be explored, we would love to hear from you.

Monday will see the first use of the newly constructed car park at the southern end of the College. Exit from this car park will be LEFT turn only. Students planning to leave the College after 3:30pm are encouraged to use this area for parking. While on car movement around the College, it is a suggestion to parents who need to collect their children from school should do so after 3:30pm. The extra ten minutes will allow students to close off business for the day (books, lockers etc.) and it would greatly assist in the movement of buses into and out of the College. Parents are also asked not to leave a large gap in front of them when queuing to collect students from the pick-up zone.

As a result of the new carpark, there are now designated Visitor Parking zones adjacent to the office in the top carpark.

Until next time