JCMA Schools Program

This World Teachers' Day, the Victorian Principals Association extends our deepest gratitude to the remarkable teachers and educators who shape our schools and students' lives. Your dedication and passion light the way for future generations.

We appreciate the extraordinary efforts of our educators and the incredible impact they have on our communities. Together, let's continue to support and honour the superb work of our teachers, today and every day!

Shanah Tova! We wish all our Jewish friends a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Jewish communities will be celebrating the high holidays over the coming weeks starting with Rosh Hashanah which starts at sunset today, Friday, September 15 and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 17.

This special festival marks the start of the Jewish New Year. It is customary to reflect on the previous 12 months and traditional customs include blowing of the shofar (a rams’ horn), attending religious services and sharing festive meals with family and friends.

JCMA STATEMENT - 23rd August 2023
Pray For Peace In Jaranwala, East Pakistan & Manipur, Northeast India

The Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) notes with sadness and deep concern the recent events at Jaranwala, East Pakistan and in Manipur, Northeast India, where churches have been burnt and desecrated and the loss of life.

The JCMA reminds all of the importance of holy sites and places of worship to the peoples of the world, the need for such sites to be treated with sanctity, and worshippers to be protected from harm.

We note the power of religion as a force for good, with a special ability to recognise and respect each other. We abhor violence committed against worshippers and places of worship, and emphasise that there can no justification for such acts.

We pray together for the end of conflict, and for peace on earth based upon mutual respect, justice, tolerance and inclusiveness.

APPLY NOW for a $10,000 ICUP grant to develop Intercultural capability in your school and develop programs to bringing greater connection and understanding between teachers, students, parents and community.

Deadline extended to 22nd May.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 22 MAY - It's not too late for your school to apply for our Intercultural Understanding Partnerships program, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and supported by our partners the Abraham Institute in South Australia and Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) in Victoria. Successful applicants will receive $10K + consultation time with intercultural educators to address a cross-cultural and/or interfaith challenge in their school community. Apply online now 👉 https://togetherforhumanity.org.au/icup-eoi/

A great example of what's possible...... building a community to create understanding through both interfaith and intrafaith dialogue.

Research shows bilingual and bicultural education helps accelerate reading for young First Nations learners in schooling.

Can’t help smiling at this beautiful joyous photo at the launch of the Barramundi Book at the Pularumpi School launch last year.

Smiling about the launch of the Barramundi Book at the Pularumpi School launch last year 🧡

There is abundant research that shows that bilingual and bicultural education helps accelerate reading and promotes full participation from young First Nations learners in schooling.

📷 Mamanta Consulting

Wonderful story of connection, compassion and our shared humanity.

Keeping watch A moving account of the importance of looking after each other

To our Jewish Friends and Families 'Chag Pesach Sameach'

Celebrating Passover

Passover 2023 will be celebrated from April 5 to April 13. In many Reform Jewish communities, Passover is celebrated for seven days, not eight as the more traditional Jewish communities—including both Orthodox and Conservative communities— who celebrate for eight days.

Family and friends gather together after nightfall on the first and second nights of the holiday for the high point of the festival observance, the Seder. During the Seder, which means “order” in Hebrew, the experience of the Exodus is told in story, song, prayer, and the tasting of symbolic foods. Seder meals include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus.

What Is Passover?

The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an annual weeklong festival commemorating the emancipation of Jewish peoples from slavery (in ancient Egypt). The Hebrew name, Pesach, means “to passover” because the plague in Egypt that killed all first-borns passed over the Israelites’ homes, sparing the lives of their children.

For more information on the Jewish celebrations for Passover click here: https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover-2023-Pesach.htm

Wishing all our Muslim friends a happy, safe and blessed Ramadan.

Cultural Diversity Week is from 11 - 21 March 2023. Check out ideas and inspiration for hosting an event. JCMA schools program provides resources to highlight and celebrate cultural diversity in our schools.

Cultural Diversity Week confirmed for 11 - 21 March 2023 - announcing the theme soon - so stay tuned!

Learn more:
http://ow.ly/OHlh50L7Eil

Remember it coincides with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, bringing Victorians together to celebrate the colourful sounds, sights, movements and tastes of our rich multicultural communities.

The biggest celebration of multicultural Victoria will be back next year, with Cultural Diversity Week confirmed for 11 - 21 March 2023!

Cultural Diversity Week is held annually in March to coincide with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, bringing Victorians together to celebrate the colourful sounds, sights, movements and tastes of our rich multicultural communities. Everyone is invited to get involved 🙌😀

Start planning your 2023 program or event by checking out our website for inspiration from previous years. We will be announcing the theme soon - so stay tuned!

Learn more:
http://ow.ly/OHlh50L7Eil