22 April 2024 - OC
Dates for the Diary
From the Principal's Pen
It is great to be back at school!!
A warm welcome to new students and families, I look forward to journeying with you as your child progresses academically, physically and socially at Jubilee Christian College.
I am really excited to welcome two new staff members to Jubilee:
Mrs Shoshana Linnane has commenced as our new Grade 3 teacher. Mrs Linnane is a highly experienced teacher and has a Masters in Child Development and a Masters in Education. Mrs Linnane has most recently taught at Grace Lutheran Primary and Livingstone Christian College.
Ms Eden Hawes is joining our Teacher Aide team. Ms Hawes is in her final year of a Bachelor of Primary Education and is a qualified dance instructor.
We are so grateful that God has provided these staff, allowing us to have single classes across the Primary school.
ANZAC Day
On Thursday 25 April, Jubilee Christian College will participate in the Atherton ANZAC Day commemorative march and service. We extend an invitation to all Jubilee families to join us. Students are to meet in the car park adjacent to the RSL (2 Railway Ln, Atherton) by 10.15 am. At 10.25 am we will join in the march to the cenotaph, where a commemorative service will be held.
Enrolments open for 2025
Please note that Prep enrolment is open for the 2025 intake. We are receiving a number of enrolments for Prep and so to secure a place please complete an enrolment as soon as possible.
Reflection
The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) taught that without slaves to do labour, enlightened people wouldn’t have the energy and leisure to pursue wisdom and virtue. Plato (428-348 BC) believed that slaves had no soul, so they had no human rights. Slavery is the ultimate denial of human liberty. Of all the world’s religions, including the three great monotheisms, only in Christianity did the idea develop that slavery was sinful and should be abolished. William Wilberforce dedicated his career (and his life) to the abolishment of slavery and after 18 years of fighting a bill to abolish the slave trade passed, eventually freeing 700,000 slaves.
William Wilberforce personified the Christian arm of the Enlightenment at its best and ….set the world on a different and a finer course1.
I share this reflection as a reminder to all students that whilst the opposition to change (local or global) can sometimes seem so overwhelming “If God is for us, who can be against us” Romans 8:31.
Dr Chris Radcliffe
1. James, S. (2021). Christianity transformed the world. Scotland: Christian Focus Publications.
From the Deputy's Desk
In Primary and Secondary Chapel, our focus each week revolves around delving into the core values of our college Mission Statement: Developing Character, Realising Potential, and Learning for Life & Eternity. We dedicate each term to unpacking one of these pillars, and this term, our spotlight is on Developing Character. Throughout the following weeks, we will explore various facets of character development, investigating topics such as integrity, patience, resilience, kindness, respect, and obedience. Employing age-appropriate tools, we aim to instill the significance of these virtues and examine their roots from a Biblical perspective.
Last week, our focus was on integrity, prompting deep reflections on why this is such an important character quality to have. As Chapels are held on Thursdays, and we encourage parents to engage with their children about what they've learned. Encourage them to share any insights or key takeaways that have resonated with them, as these lessons are meant to be not just understood but internalised, shaping their character for a lifetime.
Mrs Sharryn Westbrook
Deputy Principal
From our SWAN Team
If you have had the opportunity to read the book by Alex and Brett Harris “Do Hard Things”, you may have been inspired by the encouraging and challenging concepts that the book raises (we have a year 9 English unit based around this book). There are so many great stories and ideas presented in this book that encourage young people to discover their untapped potential and remind us that never trying is worse than losing. This book serves as an excellent reminder of the benefits of embracing challenges and facing things that scare us, regardless of the outcome.
As teachers, we have the privilege of coming into contact with many different students from vastly different circumstances. The challenges faced by our students differ from family to family, but each student is given with the opportunity to find value in their situation, just as their parents are in everyday life. Any teacher you speak with will tell you how amazed we are by the strength and courage of our students and how much that encourages us to be braver in the challenges we face.
Although the goals and expectations for each student may differ greatly, the one common thread in each set of circumstances is that God has big plans for each one of us. As we face each challenge , large or small, be reminded that the success you experience may not come in the traditional means of achieving what you had set out to achieve. It may come as learning a new skill, stretching yourself in ways you hadn’t before, persevering in doing something hard or the honour of hearing the Lord’s voice in a new way.
Look for ways to grow, even if you find something to be hard, and be encouraged that you are growing and learning every day.
God has a plan for you and it is way better than you can imagine.
Primary News
It's been a wonderful start to Term 2. Welcome to all of our new students and families and welcome back to all of our wonderful familiar faces. We have been very excited in the Primary School to welcome Mrs Linnnane as our Year 3 teacher. We are very blessed to have her experience and wisdom here at JCC.
This term is set to be full of fun and learning as we experience events such as Anzac Day, Athletics Carnival, Under 8's Day, Fire Education and Adventure-based learning along with our regular curriculum.
Please be reminded as the weather begins to cool, to have all jumpers labelled with names. It is much easier to return them if they go wandering.
Thank you for your partnership in education,
Mrs Jess Williams
New shade sails were installed last week, providing extra spaces for both our primary and secondary students to enjoy during break time.
Secondary News
Term 2 is now well underway, and students have started strong, settled, and working well. Let's continue to support and encourage them on their learning journey. Remember, consistency is key to maintaining this positive start. As we navigate this term, let us remember the words from 1 Corinthians 15:58-
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
This term is set to be full and exciting, with several events and celebrations including the Tablelands District Cross Country, Duke of Edinburgh Group 1 Camp, Athletics Carnival as well as Year 8 Camp. Please be sure to keep an eye on our school calendar so you can keep up to date with everything that is happening at the College.
We are thankful for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we can help our students achieve success.
Blessings,
Michael Jones
Senior Secondary Coordinator
I want to take this opportunity to welcome all our seniors back from the Easter break; ready and raring to get stuck into Term 2. For myself, the break was a wonderful opportunity to rest and reset after a very busy Term 1.
This term, our Year 10s will start preparing for their Term 3 SET (Senior Education and Training) Plan meeting. SET Plan is a post-Year 10 pathway planning opportunity. Across the term, students will gain an understanding of the QCAA Senior schooling system, as well as what options are available to help move them towards their post-school aspirations.
For our Year 11 General English, General Maths, and Essential Maths students, we have had a change of location for classes due to the exciting expansion of our primary school. This has meant some adjustments, however, students have already settled in well to our new classroom.
The Year 12’s are now only three terms from finishing their schooling journey, and it is more important than ever that they put in their best effort.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. - Colossians 3:23
Our school leaders have been doing a wonderful job being involved in school assemblies, chapels, and other school events. On ANZAC Day, they will represent the school at the Yungaburra dawn service, as well as be alongside staff and fellow students in the Atherton cenotaph service and march.
Lest we forget.
Mrs Suzannah Allen
OC Senior Secondary Coordinator
2024 Student Representative Council
This year the SRC will embark on an exciting Emerging Leaders program. The team will consider what servant-focused leadership looks like using Jesus as the ultimate example, while working towards delivering a whole school project at the end of the year.
The SRC are also supporting the JCC mission trip with fundraising.
Please reach out to SRC in your PC classes, to share your feedback suggestions, thoughts and ideas. You can contact the SRC - by emailing them at seniorphase@jubileecc.qld.edu.au
The SRC wants to hear from you.
Chappy News
One of my favourite books to read with primary students is 'Have You Filled a Bucket Today?' by Carol McCloud. This book helps young people to understand the connection between happiness and spreading kindness with a very simple metaphor, the humble bucket!
"All day long, everyone in the whole wide world walks around carrying an invisible bucket. Its purpose is to hold your good thoughts and feelings about yourself. You feel happy and good when your bucket is full, and you feel sad and lonely when your bucket is empty."
3 top tips to help your student build friendships at school:
- Be a bucket filler. You can fill a bucket by sharing kindness, love, or even simply a smile with those around you. Be a helper, be a good friend, and you'll fill your own bucket as well as the buckets of everyone you meet.
- Don't be a bucket dipper! Often bucket dippers have empty buckets themselves. But dipping into someone else's bucket won't fill your own. Don't be rude or mean to others.
- Remember to use your lid. Every bucket has a lid, of course. Use yours to protect yourself from people who may say or do hurtful things. Don't let their mean ideas sneak into your bucket of positive thoughts and emotions.
Have a wonderful week!
Chappy Molly