DE Newsletter April 2025

Dates for the Diary

From the Principal's Pen

I trust you had a wonderful Easter break and are feeling refreshed and ready to embark on Term 2 with us here at Jubilee Christian College. 

We’re excited to continue our learning journey together this term, focusing on character topics of punctuality, honesty, and patience. Read on for updates on upcoming Connect events and curriculum resources.

Last week, I had the privilege of being part of the ANZAC Day march, walking alongside students from Jubilee Christian College. Our ANZAC soldiers demonstrated such courage, sacrifice, dedication and a desire to help - values that can still be seen today in the everyday actions of volunteers striving to make a difference.  Although the number of volunteers in our communities is declining, statistics show that more than 25% of Australians over the age of 15 volunteered last year. As I marched, I saw volunteers from the SES, CFA, Army Reserves, Cadets, Scouts, and many more. Research from the University of Sydney found that volunteering enhances a sense of belonging, improves physical health, increases life satisfaction, and fosters a more generous heart.

There is no greater example of volunteerism than that demonstrated by Jesus. As we read God's Word, we see His love, empathy, kindness, forgiveness, and deep desire to help those in need. Most incredibly, Jesus voluntarily gave His life on the cross for our sins so that we could spend eternity with Him in His kingdom.  

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” John 10:11

If you would like to learn more about the amazing sacrifice Jesus made, please email support@jubileecc.qld.edu.au

-Dr. Chris Radcliffe

Spiritual Development

Big Heads and Spaghetti Legs

While "Location, Location, Location" remains a popular mantra in real estate, it's our perspective that determines the appeal of a potential property. For instance, a transport company might find immense value in a property near a new bypass, offering smooth transit around a bustling town centre. Meanwhile, a restaurant owner could prioritise a spot in that crowded area, drawn by the bustling crowd, thus securing a rich customer base. Our perspectives—like looking through a unique lens—provide different angles on what truly matters. Rooted in the Latin term "percipere," which means "to look through or perceive," perspective is shaped by our past experiences, upbringing, values, and the influential voices around us. Your perspective directly correlates with how you view yourself and those around you, as well as the events that happen in your life.

Have you ever stood in front of a funhouse mirror at a playground, marvelling at how it amusingly stretches your legs like spaghetti or magnifies your head to cartoonish proportions? It offers an amusing but inaccurate portrayal of who you are. Similarly, our understanding of being created in the image of God can often be clouded or distorted, much like that mirror reflection. We often hear terms like, “You are created in the image of God; therefore, you have great value”, but then we look at God’s mirror and see something grossly disproportionate within humans! Our sinfulness stares back at us; we hear the screams of evil in the background. Is this what we are meant to be? Is this what the image of God looks like?

But what is truly implied to be an image bearer of God? What is it that sets humans apart from the rest of the created order? Is it our capacity for rational thought? Could it be our ability to view ourselves from an objective standpoint or perhaps our innate interest in spiritual matters? Some suggest it's our creative ability—to build, make, and maintain, whereas others highlight our longing for love and connection. The Bible states, on numerous occasions, that God created humans in His image—a deliberate touch of God that transcends our mere rationality, objectivity, creativity, and desire for love. Although these traits distinguish us from other creatures, they don't entirely encompass the depth of what God intended. 

Genesis 5 opens with a profound reminder that humanity was originally made in the likeness of God, imbued with His divine image and intention. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, we witness a pivotal transition: Adam fathers a son, Seth, who is born in his own likeness rather than the pure image of God. This reflects a significant shift from the divine blueprint as humanity took on an inherently flawed nature—a direct consequence of Adam and Eve’s decision to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. As stated in Genesis 2:17, God warned that eating from this tree would result in death, marking the onset of spiritual decay and physical mortality that would ripple through generations.

This concept of an 'Adamic nature' illustrates how sin is interwoven into our spiritual DNA, perpetuating its effects throughout human history. However, it’s essential to recognise that this inherited sinful nature is just one facet of the larger phenomenon. The pronouncement of death as a consequence of disobedience emphasises the seriousness of sin's impact. It represents a fundamental opposition to God's perfect creation, introducing a fracture in the intended harmony between God and humanity.

The tension between life and death, creation and destruction, is a theme that reverberates throughout the biblical narrative. Jesus, in His teachings, illuminates this conflict, presenting the stark contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. In John 10:10, Jesus captures this dichotomy, stating that the thief—representing Satan’s domain—seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. Conversely, His mission is to offer life in abundance, revealing God’s ultimate desire to restore and renew what was lost in the fall.

But how does He accomplish this? How does He out-manoeuvre the opponent in order to bring about the restoration of the purity of God’s image on humanity. It may surprise you that God, in all His wisdom, leveraged the power of His archnemesis to untwist the mirror to where we who

“have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” 1 Corinthians 15:49

  (to be continued)

-Jason Kauffman

Prep - Year 9

From our SWAN Team

[Self-Test] Does My Child Have Dyslexia?

Does your child have difficulty reading or spelling? Could she be dyslexic? Take this free test for dyslexia symptoms and bring the results to an educational psychologist or professional for further evaluation.

Dyslexia Symptom Test for Children

Chappy's Corner

Chappy News

Chaplaincy Support

Our college provides a Distance Education chaplain for students and families who may need some social, emotional or spiritual support. Chappy Wendy is available every week on Mondays and Thursday morning and you can contact her by email (wendyk@jubileecc.qld.edu.au) or by phoning during school hours.

SU Camps

If you are looking for a great way to spend school holidays, meet new friends and learn more about
God, find a Scripture Union Camp near you. Email me with your questions or go to: su.org.au/camps

Year 12’s ‘Where Will You Celebrate?’ SU Schoolies 2025 have options to celebrate in a safe fun way
on the Sunny Coast, Vanuatu, Hawaii or Ningaloo this year. Check out: su-schoolies.com

Colouring-In Competition

To celebrate National Chaplaincy Week on 1-8 June, 2025 Distance Education students in Prep-Year
4 are invited to enter a colouring-in competition.
Please return your entries with your contact details before 1 June, by mail to: Chappy Wendy,
Jubilee Christian College PO Box 1275 QLD 4883
All entries will receive a Participation Certificate and prizes will be given to the top 3 entries in each
grade. Thank you in advance for putting in your best effort. Enjoy!
This competition and entry form will be emailed out to all Prep-Year 4 students soon!

__________________________________________________

Hi From Chappy Wendy
Hello students and parents! I hope you are having a great term and enjoying your schooling. It’s
great to connect with you through this newsletter as I hope to share news, opportunities and
encouragement with you.

As a school chaplain I am blessed to talk with students every day and often they come to me with
their problems seeking support, encouragement or just looking for someone to listen to them.
When I talk with them I like to thank our students for coming to me and remind them that they are
not alone, that there is always someone that they can find to talk to, that having trusted adults is
important for every child to have. In fact that God placed us in communities, not on an island by
ourselves because He wants us to thrive as we learn, give, support and grow from interacting with
those around us. The communities of people that God has given to us firstly include our families, as
well as our local town communities, our school community, our church community and of course
God’s family, the biggest community of all.

I remind students that being part of these communities means that you belong, that you matter,
that your life counts because of the influence you have on others and they have on you. Could you
imagine if a bee decided to live on it’s own? Why, that bee wouldn’t be very happy would it? It exists
it’s whole life to be with other bees as it feeds, sleeps, works and travels around.

Secondly, you have strengths that God has given you. As you recognize your own strengths you can
develop those and use your strengths to bless those around you in your community, starting with
blessing your own family. What are your strengths, how can you develop your strengths and how
can you bless others today?

Lastly as you get to know people in your communities, you can find trusting adults who care about
you, who want to help you grow and see you thrive. Please remember that you can go to these
adults and they can help you, encourage you and be a blessing in your life as you grow to the full
potential that God has for you. These adults might be your parents, your grandparents, uncles or
aunts, maybe some friends from your church or sporting club, your youth leader, your neighbor or
even your teachers or school chaplain. Adults who listen, care for you, encourage you, who pray
with and for you, who help you feel that you are safe and that you belong.

As I have been talking with parents and students about the challenges and blessings of being a DE
family, many have realized the importance of building community around them but are finding it
difficult in some ways. I hope to continue this conversation about building community and finding
ways to support and encourage each other in this wonderful journey as we seek God’s wisdom for
now and the future.

-Chappy Wendy

The Careers Corner

What does the Bible say about work?  

Every job has rewards and challenges. When we approach work with a Godly mindset, we begin to see our efforts as meaningful contributions to others. This perspective brings great satisfaction to each task and transforms work into a source of purpose and fulfillment.

Work existed before Adam and Eve sinned. In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it." This indicates that work is not a curse but a part of God's good creation. Work is part of God's design for humanity.

The Bible doesn’t specify which job we should do, but Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” God is more interested in how we work than which profession we’re in. All occupations deserve equal respect and value. Every lawyer calls a tradie if their house needs to be repaired. If there were no garbage collectors, doctors would struggle to  manage the spread of disease. It is great to aim high, to strive to reach our potential, but we can be satisfied that whatever God leads us into, we can contribute to the needs of others. 

We do well to remember that work is a God-given responsibility. As 2 Thessalonians 3:10 states, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat,” emphasizing the value of personal responsibility. Proverbs 12:24 further affirms this by noting, “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor,” reminding us that diligence is praised while laziness is discouraged in Scripture. Rather than being a burden, work is an opportunity to serve others and, as Galatians 6:10 encourages, to “do good to all men”.

Work can also be a form of worship. We honour God by serving our employer, our workmates and our clients with the right attitude. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds believers, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 

In summary, the Bible views work as a meaningful, God-ordained activity that should be done with diligence, for the benefit of others, and as a way to glorify God.

- Roslyn Barzyk 

Student Representative Council

"SRC Snapshots" from Term 1

Emu Gully

“This was my third year of Emu Gully and undoubtedly the best. So, if you’re not sure if you’ll go next year, I can definitely say that, for me, they have only gotten better each year! You get to develop so many friendships over the years, watch the people around you grow and learn, and of course, you get to see yourself mature. I’ve loved Emu Gully because of the challenges it poses in a safe way, where you can learn so much without fear of being judged or rejected.”

- Emily Warry (Grade 12)

“This was my second year at Emu Gully, and once again it was amazing! A highlight of this year’s camp was the debrief with the Emu Gully leaders at the end of the camp. We all gathered together on the grass, and one of the leaders shared with us his testimony briefly. Then some of the students and the teachers shared how special the Emu Gully camp was to them - being able to spend time with friends and classmates, and to push ourselves to grow as young people together… quite a few tears were shed, and it was a truly moving experience. We were all together as one school, one family, united by our common faith in Christ… no one left that camp quite the same person as they came.”
- Micaela Tait (Grade 11)

Weipa Missions Trip Fundraising

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Dash for Cash fundraising last term! A total of $290 was raised and will be used for the mission funds.

Managing anxiety

In Term 1, the SRC was blessed with a visit from Mrs. Mitchell, a Christian psychologist, who talked to us about the science behind anxiety, how it impacts teenagers, and some practical tips for managing it. We discussed how anxiety is something that everybody experiences, and how everybody experiences different symptoms of it. As students, we often experience anxiety during exam and assignment blocks, and it is especially important to know how to manage our anxiety during these stressful periods. 

Two important takeaways that Mrs. Mitchell gave us were:

• Adrenaline is the body’s natural response to stress-invoking situations, but we can take control of ourselves by acknowledging the situation, judging if it is worth our concern and taking steps to calm ourselves down.
• One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to practice square breathing. This involves breathing in for a time (e.g. 4 seconds), holding your breath for another four seconds, breathing out for four seconds, and holding your breath for the same length of time, before repeating the cycle (or square). We (the SRC students) tried this technique, and found it extremely effective and calming.

Crazy hats!

Thanks to everyone who came to the Term 1 Week 10 Chapel! It was great to see so many people come. As a part of that chapel, we had a “crazy” hat competition fundraiser, with the winner being Alex Kauffman! Congratulations Alex. All of the hats worn were amazing; thanks to everyone who participated in the competition and helped raise money for the Weipa Missions trip.

Jubilee Service Team

Bidding Info

1. Register your details as a ‘bidder’. This info will be private. Bidder Link
    
2. Register your bid!!  Emu Painting - Bid Here!
   In this form - you can see a live bidding list! 
3. The highest bidder at the end of the silent auction  (5pm Friday 30th May)
   will deposit their final bid into  the Mission Fundraising account, and the
   beautiful painting will be sent to you in the mail!
   (Unless you are in Gympie, then we’ll hand deliver it!) 

Community Events

ANZAC Day

Atherton  ANZAC Day Parade, featuring the representatives of Jubilee. 

Jubilee School Polos

If you would like your children to have their very own JCC school polo, we have you covered! These are perfect for wearing to connect days, awards nights or simply doing the weekly school work at home. Please fill out the form linked below to receive your child's uniform. 

Art Corner

Student Spotlight

Lydia Scherwitzel is one of our year 11 students has produced some beautiful artwork this year! Here are some of her accomplishments so far.