From the Principal
‘Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.’
(Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird)
Book Week provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the vital role reading books plays in shaping both intellect and imagination. For young minds, it is of course especially important to engage with a variety of texts that challenge different thinking, encouraging mental agility and intellectual growth.
One of the challenges of reading in today’s technologically driven world, however, can be the narrowing of perspective. While we may have access to more content than ever before, much of that content can end up being filtered through algorithms that reinforce our existing views. This curated exposure to reading can limit genuine engagement with diverse perspectives and, although not a new phenomenon, its scale and intensity are perhaps unprecedented. For the developing mind, recognition of this limitation is particularly important.
The reading of fiction plays a unique role in the development of a young mind, in my view. Immersing students in the experiences of diverse fictional characters helps developing minds cultivate their own empathy and emotional intelligence, deepening their understanding of human emotion, and social complexity. The development of empathy and critical thinking are so essential, not only for personal growth of course, but are also important in the building of inclusive, compassionate communities.
This week, many of our students were gifted the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the creative writing process through their engagement with guest authors Mark Smith, Kate Emery, Gavin Aung Tan and Fr Frank Brennan SJ. I extend my thanks to Head of Secondary English, Jordan Webber, the English staff, Library and Learning Services Educator, Jean Redfern, Sasha Cattapan, Primary School Library Specialist and Director of Inquiry and Innovation, Bill Quartermaine, for the extensive range of activities organised for our students and staff to engage in during our Book Week.
Daniel Mahon
Principal
Book Launch - Sir Gerard Brennan's articles and speeches
John XXIII College warmly invites you to an enriching networking event with a law focus, welcoming alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents, past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community.
Launched by The Hon. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan
Join us as we celebrate the release of the two-volume set of Sir Gerard Brennan's Articles and Speeches, a remarkable collection honouring the legacy of the late Sir Gerard Brennan, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and one of our nation's most distinguished jurists.
This event provides a unique opportunity for our College to welcome alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents and past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community for an inspiring evening centred on law, faith, and public life. Fr Frank Brennan SJ, a distinguished Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer, and academic, will share personal insights and reflections. Books will be available for purchase on the night, a wonderful opportunity to have your copy signed.