March 2025

Dates for the Diary

From the Principal's Pen

As we come to the end of Term 1, I reflect on the ways in which God has blessed our little school. Our new double classroom and toilet block is nearly completed, our camps have been wonderfully successful, the excursions have been educational, Harmony day was colourful and NAPLAN is finished!

Pick-up/Drop-off changes

Just a reminder that due to a significant increase in both traffic and pedestrian activity within the Destiny Church car park 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. 

Student leadership program

We have an amazing cohort of students at Jubilee Christian College. I have been particularly impressed with our 2025 student leaders. They have demonstrated maturity, character, and a willingness to work hard to enhance the experience of their peers. Some of their ideas include the promotion of a new sports competition, building on the respect for sports equipment and adding sports colours to the current sports polo shirt.

Friends of Jubilee

I would like to give a special thank you to the parents who participated in our recent Friends of Jubilee meeting. The conversation and the ideas shared was very much appreciated. The Friends of Jubilee is a great way to build community and I encourage any parent/carer to be a part of the continued journey to make Jubilee even better. If you would like to put forth a topic to be discussed at next term's meeting, please follow this link to complete our 'Friends of Jubilee Form'.

Pets onsite

We understand that many of our families have beloved pets that are considered part of the family. However, we kindly request that pets are not brought onto school grounds during the academic day, even for brief visits. While we appreciate the companionship pets provide, their presence on campus during school hours can raise concerns for student wellbeing and safety. Unfamiliar animals can cause anxiety or fear in some children, and even the most well-behaved pets can exhibit unpredictable behavior in new environments. 

Term 2

The first week of next term will be shorter than usual because of Easter Monday and ANZAC Day on Friday. We'll have an ANZAC service on Thursday, April 24th (8:45am) and parents are welcome. All students are encouraged to join the school's ANZAC Day march in their formal uniform. Look out for more details on start times soon.

Dr Chris Radcliffe

Christian Studies

Elephants and Mirages – Part 1

Misunderstandings often occur when our perceptions of reality stray from objective truth. This often leads to confusion or incorrect judgments. Recognising and understanding these discrepancies is crucial as they significantly impact our everyday decisions and relationships and how we perceive things. 

The story of the blind men and the elephant illustrates how people can have different perceptions of the same reality based on their own experiences and interpretations. In the tale, a group of blind men come across an elephant. Each man touches a different part of the elephant's body, such as the trunk, leg, ear, or tail and then describes what he has felt. For instance, the one who touches the trunk might think the elephant is like a snake, while the one touching the leg might think it's like a tree trunk. Each man's description is correct from a limited perspective but incomplete in representing the whole elephant.

Imagine yourself travelling in the outback and the moment of joy you experience when you spot a shimmering lake on the horizon, promising happiness and refreshment. Yet, as you draw nearer, the lake vanishes—revealing itself as a mirage and leaving a sense of disappointment in its wake. 

In these scenarios, a false perception skewed the view of reality, which led to misconceptions or faulty belief systems. This isn't limited to visual illusions—it can also happen with ideas and thought processes. Take, for example, the statement that "God is love." Your individual perception of ‘love’ can either illuminate or obscure the true essence of what Scripture teaches about God's love. This notion applies to all elements that shape your belief system. However, the focus here (and in subsequent articles) is to clarify common misconceptions about what it truly means to be "made in the image of God." 

The phrase "image bearer" is frequently used to underscore a person's inherent value and worth, something that Scripture affirms. However, a misguided perception of what it means to be an "image bearer" can lead to a distortion of this profound biblical truth. From the beginning of time, truth distortion has been one of the key tactics of the devil to obscure the minds of believers and non-believers alike. He uses this tactic to prevent them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the true image of God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:4.

When God created humans, He imparted something unique and divine—the breath of life—setting us apart from the rest of creation. As Genesis 2:7 reveals,

"the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

This divine breath transcends mere physical existence and dependence upon the air we breathe into our lungs over 22,000 times per day. It underscores human uniqueness beyond that of other creatures, contrary to secular claims that we are all animals. It is this divine breath that enabled the first humans, Adam and Eve, to reflect God's nature so profoundly that their very presence in the Garden of Eden was a testament to God's holiness and glory. At that time, humanity perfectly mirrored God's image, living in intimate knowledge of Him, in complete righteousness, and lives wholly devoted to holiness, truly reflecting God's glory for all to see. In today’s lingo, we would say, “They were the spitting image of God”!

If the story of humanity had concluded differently to that of which sin has cast its ugly spell, we would have existed in a continued state of "very good," continually reflecting and showcasing God's glory through humanity, not just to Adam and Eve but to all their descendants. Envision how different our world could be in 2025 if this had continued! 

In conclusion, the original harmony and perfection of the image of God intended for humanity serves as a reminder of what we were created for! However, the present reality reminds us of how far we have strayed from God’s original design. It also underscores the need for a renewed focus on the fall of the first Adam that has caused this departure, as well as reimagining how His glory can be restored to humanity through the last Adam. And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45 )..... (to be continued) ...

Jason Kauffman

Head of Spiritual Formation

From our Deputy's Desk

The Significance of Easter

As our school term draws to a close, we eagerly look forward to Easter - a time often associated with a long weekend, chocolates, and a well-deserved rest. However, Easter holds a much deeper significance for many. Known as Holy Week in numerous Christian traditions, it is one of the most sacred observances in the church calendar, commemorated by believers around the world.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, the week before Easter, and culminates in the celebration of Easter Sunday. Each day carries profound meaning:

Palm Sunday
This day marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a borrowed donkey to celebrate the Passover. Crowds lined the streets, spreading their cloaks and palm branches before Him, joyfully waving palm leaves, singing and shouting praises.
Maundy Thursday
On this day, Peter and John prepared a room for Jesus and His disciples to share the Passover meal, known as the Last Supper. Here, Jesus demonstrated humility by washing the disciples’ feet and teaching them the importance of serving others. It was also on this night that Judas betrayed Jesus, and Peter denied Him three times.
Good Friday
This solemn day commemorates Jesus’ trial, suffering, and crucifixion. He was condemned by Jewish leaders and brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea. Jesus endured beatings, mockery, and scourging before being crucified between two criminals. By evening, He had died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. Traditionally, church bells remain silent on this day as a sign of mourning.
Holy Saturday
With Jesus’ body in the tomb, Pontius Pilate ordered guards to be stationed there, fearing that His followers might attempt to remove His body. Meanwhile, whispers of Jesus' promise to rise on the third day began to spread throughout the city.
Easter Sunday
The most joyous day of Holy Week - Jesus fulfilled His promise and rose from the dead! The tomb was found empty, the stone was rolled away, and His burial cloths lay neatly folded. Angels appeared, announcing His resurrection, and Jesus Himself appeared to His disciples and many others, proving that He has fulfilled His promise and was alive!
Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering hope and freedom to all who believe. Now that’s worth celebrating! Have a safe and happy Easter. Enjoy time with friends and family; eat the chocolate, kick back and relax but remember, Jesus is alive!

Mrs Sharryn Westbrook

Primary News

Harmony Day Celebrations
Last week, our school celebrated Harmony Day with various fun activities. We enjoyed dressing in cultural clothing or wearing orange, which is the colour signifying inclusion and respect. Many students participated in a colouring competition, decorated hands to create a 'belonging' display, and made paper bracelets with words related to Harmony Day. We also enjoyed delicious butter chicken for lunch, which was a big hit! The day was a great success and the events were a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity of our school community.

Playground Fun
Our new (though not so 'new' anymore) playground and sandpit continue to be popular with our students. From swinging on the monkey bars to building sandcastles, students are making the most of playing in this space when they have the chance. It also encourages students to stay active and build new friendships while enjoying the fresh air. 

Important Reminders
Please continue to remind your child to bring their hat to school each day so they can stay safe in the sun. Students should also keep their food for themselves and not share it with others at school. Let's continue working together to keep our school safe for everyone. 

Mrs Naomi Lindsey

Year 4-6 Adventure Based Learning

It’s that time again when the Year 4–6 classes embark on their Adventure-Based Learning experiences with Stand Firm Adventures!

The Year 4 and 5 classes enjoyed their incursion on Monday and Tuesday (Week 9), participating in team-building activities and a treasure hunt. These activities helped develop their basic navigation and problem-solving skills in preparation for future excursions.

The Year 6 class had an amazing day at the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre on Wednesday (Week 9). In the morning, students tackled rock climbing, pushing past their limits and encouraging one another. In the afternoon, they put their navigation skills to the test, working together to find clues around Lake Tinaroo. I was incredibly impressed with their perseverance, teamwork, and willingness to face challenges head-on.

I’m so proud of their efforts and achievements, and we look forward to more adventures and experiences in Term 2!

Secondary News

I hope this message finds you well, as we move through this school year together, we want to take a moment to express gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Your partnership is invaluable to us!
Important Announcements

• Attendance Matters: I would like to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Each day at school is a valuable opportunity for connection and learning.
  
• School Start Time: Please remember that school starts at 8:30 AM. Arriving on time allows everyone to participate fully in morning announcements and activities.

Assessments are almost completed! A heartfelt thank you to our students and parents/guardians for all your hard work and dedication. Your efforts truly make a difference in our learning environment, and we appreciate you!

As we continue our journey together, we are reminded of the words from 2 Chronicles 15:7: "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” Let this serve as encouragement for our students and families alike as we strive for excellence and resilience.
Thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a positive and productive school year.
Warm regards,

Michael Jones

Middle Phase Coordinator | Care and Conduct Coordinator

Senior Secondary Coordinator

FNQ Senior Camp

What an amazing camp. Our base, Quinoa Lakes, provided a wonderful space for fun and friendship. I am sure that everyone involved has some highlights: 

• team building activities that tested coordination and communication
• The waterhole slide and jumping board 
• Stretcher carry around the campsite
• Canoeing as ‘one’
• Lunch at Lake Tinaroo
• Ultimate spoons
• Sharing stories and testimonies
• Delicious meals

A huge thank you to the staff, and students who made this camp an incredible journey—your energy and teamwork truly made it special! Make sure you check out the video below.

End of Term: Prioritising Wellbeing

As we approach the end of term, it’s important to take a step back and focus on looking after ourselves. The weeks leading up to the break can be busy, so remember to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, staying active, or spending time with loved ones, small actions can make a big difference in managing stress and maintaining wellbeing. Let’s finish the term strong while also taking time to reflect and unwind—because a healthy mind and body set the foundation for future success!

I am here to support parents/guardians and students through the senior years (Year 10 - 12). Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Mrs Suzannah Allen

OC Senior Secondary Coordinator

JCC Cross Country

Today was an exciting day as we held our annual cross-country event, featuring a new track that the students had all walked beforehand to familiarise themselves with the course. While there was a bit of confusion at times, the event was still a great success, and we were fortunate that the rain mostly held off!

A special mention goes to Mr. Foster, who ran every single race, showing incredible determination and sportsmanship. All teams were in top form, but one standout was Benjamin, who earned the title of "Team Spirit Winner" for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.

At the end of the day, Judah was crowned the Champion House, celebrating a well-deserved victory thanks to their hard work and team spirit.

We’re all eagerly looking forward to the highlight video, which will be shared at Monday morning assembly. It’s sure to be a fun recap of an unforgettable day!

Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a big thank you to the teachers, staff, and parents who helped make this event possible!

From our SWAN team

As we approach the holidays, it's a good time to think about how we can use that time to rest, reset and prioritise wellbeing. It's not surprising that researchers have found that connection is essential for emotional and psychological wellbeing; after all, God designed us for relationship.
Connection provides a sense of belonging, purpose and security. It has also been found to strengthen immune systems, improve stress management, increase self-esteem and empathy, improve eating and sleeping habits and improve quality of sleep. See the image below for some more ideas.

Mrs Jess Williams

FNQ Inclusion Co-ordinator

Great Wheelbarrow Race

Our Jubilee Christian College Great Wheelbarrow Race team 'Jubilee Jets' is putting in an incredible effort as they train for the big event next term! With the race set for 9–11 May, our students are building strength, endurance, and teamwork as they prepare for this challenging yet rewarding experience.

This year, our team is racing to support Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Mareeba, an organization that plays a vital role in providing essential services to remote communities. If you’d like to contribute to this great cause, donations can be made here.

A huge shoutout to our amazing community sponsors who are backing our team! Six Gym, Hatfield's, Bega, Baba Curry Mareeba & Atherton and Healthwise Physio. Their generosity and support make this opportunity possible, and we are so grateful.

Stay tuned for more updates as race day approaches—we can't wait to see our team in action!

Jubilee Services Team

Community Notices