JPC Key Message Week 3, Term 3 2020

Year 12 Retreat – a profound experience

“I didn’t want to go, but I am SO glad I did. It was fantastic!”

This week, our Year 12 students spent 3 days taking time out of their ‘busyness’ of life to pause and reflect on who they are, how they relate to others and the place they make for God in their lives.

Through a series of experiences ranging from deep and open testimonials from teachers, and beautiful music, to prayer experiences in many forms and challenging explorations of self, many students were pushed beyond their comfort zone and into the realm of developing true self-awareness and vulnerability. This was balanced with peaceful walks along the river, letting off steam on the oval, some fun games and hanging out at the firepit while toasting marshmallows!

Students and staff openly shared their feelings, hopes, memories and uncertainties about life, families, friends and their faith. The group built new and deepened old relationships, and developed a profound connection between students and teachers, as the Year 12s move into their final months at JPC.

A heartfelt thanks go to the JPC teachers who worked with our Year 12s – Dominic Charter, Madelaine Keogh, Steph O’Meara, David Johns, and Nic Whatman, and particular gratitude to our Youth Minister, Caitlyn D’Cruze, who brought her special perspective to connections with the students in the retreat experience.

The student feedback is testimony to the benefits of the whole experience, and students were very grateful that this event was able to proceed with some modifications in light of current restrictions on excursions. Students embraced the 3 days with such openness and a willingness to take risks – there were lots of tears and laughter, which pulled the group together and cemented friendships.

How well do you feel the aims of this retreat were met for you? 

• I think that I do know myself a little better than I did at the beginning. It was valuable to step back and actually look at myself, as this is something that I wouldn’t typically do, or even have time to do.
• All the sessions challenged a part of myself that I didn’t know was there. I left feeling extremely grateful to have the life I do.
• I feel as though God has always been a major part of my life, and I had never really experienced much doubt in my faith. I did find it very valuable that the doubts in faith, especially surrounding the Church, were addressed, reminding that faith is more than an institution, it is community and belief.
• Steph’s section I found fascinating, then talking to Jen about religion, faith and institutions later in separate groups was also very interesting and I think an important part of the retreat!
• Yeah, everyone’s different and this doesn’t mean we just need to be friends with people or get along with people based on what we have in common.
• Nic was good fun and David. Keep going to Greenhills. It’s mad fun.
• It provided me with an example of how people can appear superficially as one thing, but upon deeper examination and through hearing their life stories they are actually very different to what you thought.
• I appreciate the effort the teachers went through to create a retreat that, despite the circumstances, was meaningful.
• I feel more connected to faith and it’s made me want to take the leap and become part of a religion.
• I was placed in a group with people that I usually wouldn’t interact with, this made opening up a little more difficult but it also made it that much special that I was able to trust my peers.
• This retreat definitely was an eye opener for me.
• The journaling slowed me to write my feelings and share them with my peers and that sharing created a bond.
• I’ve been able to bond over emotional moments and realise that I’m not alone when it comes to having difficulties.
• It’s ok to doubt sometimes.
• Maddie’s talk and the Art session – Art is sometimes a better way of expressing how we feel. 
• The Chill Time let us just have fun and mingle, games and creek walks connected us on our own terms while not being babysat.
• I feel like I understood my vulnerabilities a lot more and realised that they’re normal.
• Spiritually - I’m still growing and my connection with God is something I’m developing and exploring slowly.
• Dom’s session resonated with me – he outlined the disconnect between fathers and sons which helped me further understand the bond of family
• The way David spoke on the impressions people make on others, regarding racial prejudice resonated with me.
• It was cool to hang out with my friends and explore.
• I gained a lot more trust for people - speaking your story can help you to feel safer and more comfortable.
• I was sceptical coming into it but I made sure to engage actively in all of the activities.
• Going into this I always knew God’s position in my life because I have been in Catholic schools my whole life, however it did teach me how other people see God as not just a figure but a presence.
• I definitely learnt more about how I interact with others
• I learnt that I am not as connected to God as I originally thought and that it will take some effort into building the relationship that I want with God. It was nice to see that other people were also struggling.
• I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I felt a little disappointed in myself for not sharing as much as the others in my group. I wanted to share but I didn’t know how to lead into it.
• The retreat also allowed me to realise to the importance of exploring my connection to faith and the different interpretations there are of God. It is also okay to experience doubts in religion as it is the journey on finding out who I am as a human being.
• David’s speech got me thinking about my own dark side and how I shouldn’t let my dark side be the driving motivation in goals that I want to accomplish.
• Music always makes me feel better and it especially brought the cohort together as we were all singing
• I still have a long way to go on my faith journey, but I know that someone or something is looking out for me somewhere. No matter what I will always value spirituality, family and friends above all else.
• This made me focus more on God and strengthens my faith with God. God is important for me and is the centre of my life. I sometimes put him aside but I learned that God should be the centre of your life as God will make your life different in a positive way and the blessings that he gives causes a ripple effect to others.
• There was a particular beauty in the silence of the Candle ceremony. It was nice to see that people actually appreciate each other and it gave them an opportunity to do it in an un-awkward manner.
• Yep, it was a great experience I’m not about to forget
• Amazing would love to do it again!

“Year 12 Retreat - It was a great experience and I will remember it for years! Thank you :)”

Jennifer Tually
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing (Mission and Ministry, Ferré House)

In and Around JPC

Remembrance Day 2020

Do you have a relative who served in World War II?

We have a special installation for Remembrance Day this year and we will be honouring and remembering our JPC family members who served in WWII. This is open to all JPC families and to all Nationalities. Please send through any relevant information you know about your family member, including:

• Their name
• Rank if known
• Service
• Dates served
• Date of death (if killed in action).

Please send to vicki.walsh@cg.catholic.edu.au

Arts Up Front

Drama at JPC – Why Study Drama?

Drama at JPC continues to offer students countless avenues of creativity and expression. There are a multitude of reasons to study Drama to develop personal skills for now and the future.  

From Week 4, students are invited to join “Theatre Thursdays” – a lunchtime drama club! Students will develop their confidence and presentation skills, creative thinking and create performances through different theatre sports and drama games.

In the Drama classroom, students are exploring the skills to develop and perform engaging pieces of theatre to a variety of audiences. The increasing ability students are showcasing demonstrates their talent and ability in performance.

Chookas to all Drama students!

JPC Dance Festival

The JPC Dance Festival rehearsals continued to be a success this week! We have dancers from Years 7 – 12 participating which is incredible to see. Every dancer came to their lunchtime rehearsals with huge smiles on their faces, ready to dance and learn from the senior class. The Dance Festival is living up to its name, already bringing lots of Light and Bright fun and wonderful positivity to our JPC community.

We are already so excited for next week’s rehearsals!!

Ms Mostyn
Dance Teacher

Photo: JPC Dance Festival titled Light and Bright, Ella & Caitlin’s group rehearsal.

Careers

The latest Careers News is available here

Guides to University Applications and Upcoming Open Days

The guides below are available for digital download in this week’s careers newsletter here.
They are a valuable resource!

Click on the images to find out more about the Virtual Open Days.

Defence Force Information Session

On Wednesday of last week, JPC students enjoyed a presentation from members of the Defence Force to learn about the range of Defence Jobs available, the benefits of the jobs and the opportunities available. The presentation can be accessed on the Careers Moodle Page.

From the College office

Parish News

Community News

Transport Canberra - Route 28

The route 28 which normally enters the school grounds at approximately 8.41 am to set down students, will now be dropping off on Gungahlin Drive (stop 5169). This change will be effective from Monday 10th of August.

Thank you

Tennis ACT

An exciting opportunity for the Gungahlin region to have Tennis courts.

If you live in the Gungahlin region, please complete the quick two minute survey Here