Welcome to the start of Term 4. I trust you were able to take time to relax with family and friends over the Spring break. The start of the final term of the year is an ideal time for students and families to reflect on their goals for 2023, and review what they have been able to achieve and what is yet to be achieved. Even though the term is relatively short, with eight teaching weeks, it is a great opportunity for students to continue improving upon the standards they have set this year.
Over the break I had the opportunity to revisit a thought-provoking book by Hugh Mackay focused on the idea of what makes a life worth living. This question is not new, people have struggled with the answers for centuries and the quest to establish answers forms a rich historical tradition influenced by culture, religious beliefs, and time.
Hugh Mackay is a well-known social researcher and commentator, and he addresses this topic quite purposefully and passionately in his book, “The Good Life: What Makes a Life Worth Living?". In the book, Mackay asks us to consider whether it is status, wealth, achievements, desire for perfection, or even elevated levels of happiness. I am certain we have all grappled with such questions at some stage of our lives and come to some depth of understanding of the answers.
According to Mackay, a good life can hardly be based on some assessment of how happy we are, as the pursuit of happiness for the sake of happiness only is doomed to failure. He states that happiness is at best a byproduct not the goal of a well-lived life. A good life is determined by our capacity for selflessness and willingness to connect with those around us in a meaningful and useful way.
I especially am excited for this term as this time of the year because we get a chance to celebrate students and staff for their diligence and enthusiastic involvement in the broader life of the College. I look forward to our annual Speech Night this month, where we will honour our most successful academic and co-curricular students. The students achieving an award epitomise our purpose; To Educate, To Inspire, To Make a Difference. We are looking forward to acknowledging student success at QPAC on Tuesday 17 October.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Term 4!
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
We are thrilled to share inspiring displays of JPC values within the community that unfolded during the start of term, showcased by one of our 2024 Vice Captains, Rowan and his twin brother Cameron. BMD Northcliffe Surf Club shared with us the below news about Rowan’s outstanding achievement:
"Rowan who is a member of the BMD Northcliffe Surf Club, along with his brother Cameron, were on patrol at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island. Rowan served as an IRB crew member who was part of a heroic mass rescue where they successfully saved three male swimmers from an unpatrolled beach, with one of them being unconscious during the rescue.
Rowan's quick thinking and training came into play as he performed CPR both in the boat and on the beach until additional help arrived. A former member of our club, Duke Robertson, who was surfing with friends at this beach came to the aid of the lifesavers on duty and also performed CPR.
Two of the patients were airlifted to the mainland, and the one who received CPR regained a pulse after defibrillation. Rowan’s training at BMD Northcliffe played a crucial role in this rescue and bystanders have praised their efforts. We commend Rowan and Duke for their bravery and commitment to saving lives and we are so proud of them.”
We are proud to see our students volunteering and putting others before themselves, demonstrating one of the core JPC values, ‘compassion’, not only at the College but in all that they do. We extend our congratulations to Rowan for his bravery, skill and teamwork and to his brother Cameron who was also on the ground offering support.
EXIT 24 WINS AT BATTLE OF THE ROCK BANDS
On Friday night, John Paul College's Premier Rock Band, Exit 24 competed against 32 Secondary School bands at Clairvaux MacKillop College. Exit 24 won Most Outstanding Band at the Battle of the ROCK bands and will now perform at the Triffid on December 19. A special mention to Oliver (Year 12) who won Most Outstanding Keyboardist and Annalicia (Year 11) who won Most Outstanding Rock Musician.
We are also excited to share that you can now stream Exit 24’s first single ‘Selfish’, written by Lucinda (Year 11), Annalicia (Year 11) and the members of Exit 24 on Spotify and Apple Music. Watch this behind-the-scenes clip of Exit 24 and a video of their single here. Selfish - Exit 24.
