During the second week of Term 4, we had the opportunity to say farewell to the Year 12 class of 2024 as they finished formal classes and move into the future – whether that be employment or study for examinations. It was an enjoyable week that balanced celebration and togetherness while maintaining the standards expected of John Paul College students.
The whole school assembly featured the Light of Leadership Ceremony, marking the transfer of leadership from the 2024 leadership team to the 2025 leadership team. Gifts were exchanged and our new leaders took their place on stage. The Year 12 Class of 2024 were presented with their graduation stoles which they wore proudly as their Year 7 and 12 photos were displayed. The photos highlighted the holistic growth these students have experienced at John Paul College whilst also providing a few roars of laughter. A video presentation allowed the students to reminisce, laugh, and even cry as they looked back over their time at John Paul College. The Year 12 class then enjoyed some activities and a shared lunch before preparing for the Graduation Mass that evening.
The Mass held at St Johns Catholic Church was a wonderful celebration of our faith traditions and an opportunity to give thanks for the journey of the past six years. It was a chance to share with family and friends and formally conclude the school year in a positive and reflective manner.
I had the pleasure of speaking at both events, and my words contained common themes. I spoke to the students and families about the value of John Paul College as a place of learning and growth, and the power of relationships and interactions that shape who we are as individuals. I challenged the students to be better – to understand that by maintaining the values promoted at John Paul College beyond the school gates, we can impact society in a positive way. In our modern society, it is through small acts and gestures that we collectively make a difference, exemplifying the charisms of our founding orders and being true to the words of Pope Francis who stated ““I am on a mission on this earth: that is the reason why I am here in this world.” (Pope Francis – Evangelli Gaudium paragraph 273.)
These thoughts are timely as we approach a Jubilee Year in 2025, as decreed by Pope Francis. A Jubilee Year happens every 25 years or during other years as called by the Pope. Jubilee celebrations have biblical roots, presenting us with a wonderful opportunity to deepen our appreciation of those roots. Through a series of concrete rituals, acts, and commitments, the goal of a Jubilee year is to inspire and encourage holiness of life among the faithful, thereby strengthening the Church’s witness to God’s loving mercy in and for the world.
The theme for 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” focusing on three core elements:
As members of a faith community, we are called to act and ask ourselves, “How can we each be a pilgrim of hope?” Within MACS schools, we are called to “‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1), which draws from the motto of the Holy Year. As I spoke with the Year 12 students and their families, I emphasized that the best way we can fulfill this mission is to be better in all we do. We can respond to those in need, be mindful of the gifts of creation and care for them, whilst standing together as a community through the sharing of our values and traditions. It is about living and modelling the very mission of our school.
By embracing these principles, reflecting on who we are and our core values, we can collectively make a positive impact on our world. My hope is that over the coming weeks and months and through 2025, that we can all embody the spirit of the Jubilee Year through living out our faith in meaningful ways.