February 2025
Dates for the Diary
From the Principal's Pen
The start of the year has been filled with activity! Our students and teachers have begun the school year with enthusiasm, participating in a wide range of activities including camps, excursions, BBQs, fundraisers, sports, and many other events. It has been especially heartwarming to witness our existing students extending a warm welcome and providing support to new students as they adjust to their new environment.
Important Changes to Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Due to a significant increase in both traffic and pedestrian activity within the Destiny Church car park, we have identified a growing concern regarding student safety. To address this issue, we will be implementing a change in our pick-up and drop-off procedures starting in Term 2. From this point forward, only students who walk home will be permitted to exit through the Destiny gate. We kindly request that all parents pick up and drop off their children within the College grounds, where they can be appropriately supervised by our staff. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter as we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students.
Late Arrivals
A friendly reminder that school begins at 8:30 am. For primary students, arriving on time helps them settle in and be ready for learning. For secondary students, homeroom is a crucial time to receive important information and set up for the day. If your child arrives after 8:30 am (excluding students who arrive on the late bus), they must sign in at the administration office before proceeding to class.
Notification of Changes to Travel Arrangements
We understand that there may be occasions when your child's pick-up arrangements need to be altered. To ensure that both your child and their teachers are aware of any changes, we kindly ask that you notify us of any changes to your child's travel arrangements by 1:00 pm on the day of the change.
Joyfulness
Our students have been actively participating in our character matters program, which is the central focus of our Christian Studies curriculum. During the first three weeks of the term, the theme of "Kindness" was explored, and it was truly inspiring to witness our students demonstrating kindness in various ways throughout the College community. Currently, our students are focusing on the theme of "Joyfulness" drawing inspiration from the biblical example of Paul and Silas in the book of Acts. Despite being imprisoned, Paul and Silas chose to sing praises to God, demonstrating the profound joy they found in Christ even in the midst of their trials. Through studying this example, our students are learning valuable lessons about finding joy and maintaining a positive outlook even when faced with challenges.
Dr Chris Radcliffe
Christian Studies
Persona or Performance?
In the Bible, we encounter individuals whose persona stands out more prominently than their performance. Consider Moses, described in the Bible as the meekest man of all time. Think about Solomon's wisdom, Job's patience, Paul's courage, Gideon's valour, Abraham's faith, and Ruth's diligence. Their qualities and character traits shaped who they were and how we perceive them today. Because of their persona, they accomplished great things for God. Yet, none are as significant as the Lord Jesus Himself. In His time on earth, and to those who know Him now through the Scripture and a personal relationship, He is characterised by kindness, compassion, gentleness, mercy, and grace. He extended hospitality to the needy ones and a welcoming presence to sinners. His servant's heart was evident in acts such as washing the disciples' feet. Most profoundly, His character is encapsulated in His own words: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 11:28-29.
The thrilling and timeless account of David and Goliath is one of the most recognised stories found in the Bible. Imagine David, a young shepherd, stepping onto the battlefield to face the formidable giant, Goliath. What traits might we attribute to David at this daring moment? Words like courageous, fearless, and confident come to mind, don't they? But it's important to note that these qualities didn't just appear out of nowhere on that fateful day. David didn't magically transform into a hero by mere words of affirmation or overnight resolve. Instead, these traits were carefully cultivated throughout his lifetime, shaped by his experiences and the divine purpose God had for him to eventually lead Israel as king.
No doubt, the influences of those around him played a significant role in moulding the young man he became. After David's stunning victory over Goliath, a curious moment unfolds: King Saul, intrigued by his young hero, inquires of his army commander, "Whose son is this youth?" Uncertain, Abner, the commander, replies, "I do not know." Nonetheless, he brings David to the king, where Saul asks directly, "Whose son are you, young man?" To which David responds, "I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite." It’s fascinating to consider how David's identity and upbringing were interwoven with God's greater plan for him.
With our exciting new Character Matters curriculum, we're on a mission to cultivate the virtues of kindness, joy, and friendliness—alongside 33 other essential qualities over three years—deep within the hearts of young people. We invite you, as parents, to join us in nurturing a generation of warriors. Not warriors like David who defeat human giants, but warriors equipped to tackle the challenges of complacency and secularism. We aim to instil in them the wisdom (not of Solomon) but from God Himself that will enable them to navigate a world that often struggles to find truth. We aim to see a generation rise that those looking on will enquire, as did King Saul, “Whose son or daughter is this?” Ultimately, we hope that these young hearts will reflect the gentle and humble spirit of Jesus Christ.
Jason Kauffman
Head of Spiritual Formation
From our Deputy's Desk
It’s hard to believe we are half way through the term already. As we enter Week 5 of the term, it’s great to see our students settling in nicely to their class routines and embracing all that school life has to offer. Classrooms are buzzing with engagement as students dive into their lessons, showing a strong commitment to their academic growth. This includes the discipline of homework which is well and truly underway. Please refer to page 3 of the student diary to see the expected weekly time allocation for homework for students in Yrs 5-12. In the early years this information was sent out in the introductory letter from your child’s teacher at the commencement of the new year. This is an important part of their learning journey as they learn to apply what they have learnt in class, independently.
Beyond the classroom, our extra-curricular activities are also in full swing, offering students a range of opportunities, designed to foster teamwork and leadership beyond the walls of the classroom. From sports teams training for upcoming competitions, Yrs 4-6 participating in the sports spectacular and our Year 7 students heading off to camp and there’s still lots to look forward to. A special mention goes out to the Jubilee Jets wheelbarrow racing team, who had an excellent practice session again this week, under the watchful eye of Mr Hillyard, without the threat of rain. Endurance and stamina are the goals, plus bettering their time in the race this year.
We are grateful to God for the continued steady growth of college and the manner in which new students have settled in so smoothly to a new learning environment. Our college has been referred to as ‘Atherton’s best kept secret’, which is very lovely. We encourage all our students to continue making the most of these learning opportunities, in this supportive environment, balancing academics with extra-curricular participation. Parents, your support is invaluable in helping our students thrive—thank you for encouraging them every step of the
way!
Let’s keep up the great momentum as we move forward in the term.
Mrs Sharryn Westbrook
Primary News
Harmony Day
Many exciting things are happening this term, including Harmony Day which will be celebrated in Week 8. Harmony Day is a special occasion where we come together to celebrate the cultural diversity of our school community. It’s a day to reflect on how different cultures contribute to the diverse yet inclusive environment we enjoy here at Jubilee. On Harmony Day, we encourage all students and staff to wear cultural clothing or something orange – the color that symbolises unity, peace, and harmony. We will have some fun activities happening on the day to promote respect, kindness and understanding between cultures. Stay tuned for more information!
Year 4-6 Excursion to the Sports Spectacular
Last Wednesday, the Year 4 to 6 students had an amazing experience at the Atherton Sports Spectacular event! They had the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting activities, joining in with students from other local schools. The event was a fantastic way to try new sports, build teamwork skills, and interact with others while being active. The students developed confidence in a range of sports, including soccer and basketball, and had fun in a safe and supportive environment. The Sports Spectacular was a highlight of the week for many of the Year 4 - 6 students and they enjoyed representing Jubilee at the event. We look forward to more opportunities like this where our students can shine in the local community!
Mrs Naomi Lindsey
Secondary News
I hope this newsletter finds you well and thriving. As we embark on another exciting week, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we are creating a nurturing and vibrant learning environment for our students.
Celebrations from the Week
We are almost halfway through Term One, and we commend our students for their hard work and perseverance! Their behaviour has been exemplary, and we are proud of their commitment to learning.
As we approach the assessment period over the coming weeks, please encourage your child to check the assessment calendars. All students need to submit drafts where required, following the JCC assessment policy.
Everyday Counts | Every Minute Counts
"Consistency is what transforms average into excellence."
At Jubilee Christian College, we emphasize the importance of attendance. Here is an overview of how attendance affects learning:
Blessings
Michael Jones
Middle Phase Coordinator | Care and Conduct Coordinator
Year 7 Camp
Our recent Year 7 camp was a fantastic experience, filled with challenges that encouraged personal growth and teamwork. Over three days, students stepped out of their comfort zones, tackling obstacle courses, team-building activities, and problem-solving tasks.
The camp not only helped students develop resilience and confidence but also strengthened friendships and a sense of unity. We appreciate your support in making this enriching experience possible and look forward to sharing more adventures ahead.
Mr Graeme Foster
Senior Secondary Coordinator
It is a little difficult to believe that we are now nearly halfway through the term. I wanted to share with you a reminder and encouragement that I have on the wall in my work space:
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today. Let us begin.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with everything that ‘needs’ to be done, however, if we tackle just one thing at a time, even the longest of to-do lists become manageable. Let’s start with what needs to be done today, and leave yesterday to yesterday and tomorrow to tomorrow.
Students are well underway with assessment, with checkpoints and drafts looming. Please encourage your child to speak with their subject teacher if they are experiencing any challenges or difficulties that may impact on their capacity to complete tasks or meet the deadline.
I am here to support parents/guardians and students through the senior years. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Mrs Suzannah Allen
OC Senior Secondary Coordinator
From our SWAN team
The Benefit of Routines
Family routines support children’s mental health but they’re also good for everyone’s wellbeing. They help each member of the family to get things done, reduce stress levels, and find time to connect and have fun together.
Here are some tips to build your family rhythm:
- Involve children in planning
- Flexibility is key; adapt routines as needed while keeping a consistent rhythm.
- It's okay to occasionally change routines; they don’t need to be perfect.
- Introduce one routine at a time for easier adaptation.
- Consistent routines provide safety and predictability, especially in tough times.
- Family traditions can enhance connections and make routines enjoyable.
Read the full article at https://emergingminds.com.
Mrs Jess Williams
FNQ Inclusion Co-ordinator
From our Chappy
Life skills on school camp!
Last week I had the privilege of spending a day out on Year 7 camp which was an absolute blast! I am a huge advocate for using camps to grow character and confidence in our students. Even in one day I saw teamwork, problem solving and leadership skills beginning to shine. I often see students nervous about going on camp or staying overnight away from their family but it is an amazing opportunity to develop self confidence.
School camps provide a unique opportunity to build resilience in a supportive and fun environment. Through outdoor activities, team-building challenges and even cooking, the Year 7's learnt to rely on each other. From following a rope maze while blindfolded to paddling a canoe in sync these experiences foster a deep sense of accomplishment and develop communication skills when under pressure. As I watched the students navigate new challenges, they grew essential life skills like perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability. The power of camp lies in its ability to strengthen resilience, build relationships between students and school staff as well as helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Getting outside of your comfort zone is worth it!
With kindness,
Chappy Molly
Jubilee Services Team
