The child grew to maturity and was filled with wisdom and God’s favour was with Him.
The first few weeks of the 2024 academic year have been very busy but incredibly positive. We've welcomed 259 new, excited Year 7 students along with 15 students into other year levels and 32 new staff members.
We’ve already undertaken many activities including our Opening Assembly, College Mass, Junior Swimming Carnival, school photos, SIS sport, Year 7 Pastoral Evening, VCE/VM Information Evening, Year 7 Activities and Retreat Week and Year 10 Activities. It is a busy start to the year and there has been a palpable positive energy from students and staff who have made an excellent start to the new year.
In the first days of school, we welcomed our new students, and I was pleased to see the smiling faces and waves and words of welcome to me and other staff. Whilst I am certain that many would have preferred to have had a few more days of holiday freedom, there was also a sense of entering the school gates to a place of welcome and belonging. Our students know that they are supported and cared for at JPC in a manner which challenges them to be their best and achieve their goals.
As students walked into the school at the pedestrian gate, many will not have paid much attention to the statue in the garden at the front of the school but it is worth taking a moment when you next get the chance to stop, look and reflect. The statue was a gift to the College from the Marianist order when they officially left John Paul College in 1987 to return to focus their efforts on their other schools in the USA. The Marianists were the founding order of Marianist College boy’s school which amalgamated with Stella Maris College for girls to form John Paul College in 1979.
The statue is a beautiful sculpture that sits in a sea of grasses in the garden at the front of the school. It depicts Mary with a young Jesus standing at her side. Both are looking forward, as if gazing at the path ahead. Mary has her hands protectively on Jesus’ shoulders with Jesus raising his hand to touch his mother’s fingers. There is a gentleness and sense of love in the sculpture that reminds us at JPC of our mission to be a welcoming and supportive community.
The inscription on the statue notes the gift to John Paul College from the Marianist community in Frankston who served the local people through their educational and support services from 1973 to 1887. Below this dedication is a beautiful piece of scripture which reads:
“The child grew to maturity and was filled with wisdom and God’s favour was with Him.”
This verse from the gospel of Luke is incredibly poignant for us as a school. It notes what we are seeking for our young people as the grow and learn at John Paul College: growth in maturity and wisdom.
Maturity comes as one grows older, that process of moving from childhood to adulthood. Whilst there is certainly a physical element to this, there are more important aspects in a deeper understanding of the meaning of maturity. Maturity can encompass mental, emotional and spiritual aspects and identifies the continued growth of a person as they shift from dependence on others, usually parents and guardians, to independence and self-reliance. Maturity transcends physical development, encompassing emotional, intellectual, and social growth. Emotional maturity involves the ability to manage one's emotions effectively, showing resilience in the face of adversity and empathy towards others. It entails self-awareness and self-regulation, allowing individuals to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with grace and understanding.
Intellectual maturity involves critical thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge one's own beliefs. It encompasses the ability to analyse situations thoughtfully, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions based on rationality and evidence.
Social maturity is seen in the development of meaningful relationships, communication skills, and understanding societal norms and expectations. It requires respect for diversity, cooperation, and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.
True maturity integrates these aspects, resulting in individuals who exhibit wisdom, integrity, and compassion in their interactions with others and in their approach to life's challenges. It's a holistic journey of growth that extends far beyond physical development.
Similarly, we seek wisdom for our young people. This is much more than knowledge or understanding. Wisdom has a deeper meaning beyond good-judgement and decision-making. Wisdom is the culmination of knowledge, experience, and sound judgment, but it transcends mere accumulation. It's an integration of intellect, intuition, and emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to navigate life's complexities with grace and understanding. Wise individuals possess a deep understanding of human nature and the world around them, gained through both observation and introspection. They recognise patterns, discern underlying truths, and appreciate the interconnectedness of all things.
Wisdom entails humility, as it acknowledges the vastness of the unknown and the limitations of individual perception. It involves a willingness to learn from both successes and failures, recognising that each experience offers valuable lessons. Wise individuals exhibit empathy and compassion, understanding the perspectives of others and acting with kindness and integrity.
Wisdom is not static; it evolves over time through reflection and continued learning. It's a lifelong journey of growth and self-discovery, characterised by openness to new ideas and experiences.
Ultimately, wisdom guides us towards a more meaningful and fulfilling existence, fostering harmony within oneself and in relationships with others.
So, as we begin the school year we will be focussed as a staff to seek to assist students to grow in maturity and wisdom. We will work with the students and families because we can achieve much more in partnership than alone. As a school committed to educate for wisdom and maturity, we will prioritise the holistic development of each student beyond simple measures of academic achievement. Academic learning and achievement are important but are just one aspect of a holistic and rounded education. We continue to foster an environment that values emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
The path of growth to maturity and wisdom is not always straight and sometimes means that there will be time of challenge and frustration. There will inevitably be failures, frustrations and a need to try again. From the struggle and reflection on past experiences can come that deeper understanding of each person of themselves and others so that each member of this community can develop maturity and wisdom and come to the fullness of life.