Secondary
Welcome to our Italian Exchange from Vasto
2019 marks the seventh visit to John XXIII College for teacher Carla Orsatti and students from Polo Liceale Mattioli from Vasto, Italy. The group of 20 students is also accompanied by fellow teacher Orsolina Colonna, who is on her first visit to Australia.
The John XXII College community has once again welcomed them warmly to our school and into our homes. The ‘Vastesi’ were greeted by surprisingly warm August weather and quickly became acquainted with the John XXIII story and our campus. They’ve dived head-first into Australian culture with lessons in Western Australian history, Aussie slang, footy and cricket and a visit to the iconic Fremantle Prison and surrounds. This week they are off on an adventure ‘up north’ before returning to Perth for a final week.
Grazie mille to Prof Olivia Green, Prof Monica Smokrovic and Prof. Melissa Polizzi for all their hard work in co-ordinating this exchange.
Shane Glass
Head of Learning Area (Languages)
Tournament of the Minds - Regional Round
On Saturday 31 August the John XXIII College, STEM Tournament of the Minds team ventured to Edith Cowan University for the Regional Round. The team’s performance ran very smoothly, with outstanding clarity and teamwork. The team of Akash Parekh, Cohen Rafiq, Gabriel Kaye, Jack Brett, Tiffany Cesare, Campbell Riley & Josh Leong managed to finish in the top two teams out of nearly 20 from through out the city schools. The next step is the State Final to be held on 15 September against Sacred Heart College & Esperance Senior High School.
Damien Connellan
Teacher
Forza Italia! Ganbatte Nihon! Allez la France!
Over the past week, we celebrated Languages Week to thank God for the “astonishing and wonderful variety and blend of races, languages and cultures in our world” (Prayer by Monica Smokrovic).
Both students and staff were able to engage in a range of fun activities from “The Tour de France” on scooters with the Year 7s to a taste of France, Italy and Japan at recess or lunch with staff and students in Years 11 & 12. All the lucky Year 10 Language students had an enjoyable afternoon playing petanque from France, carte from Italy and kendama from Japan, followed by a delicious gelato. The Year 9 Language students tested their knowledge and understanding of our global world at an International Quiz Show. The Year 8 Language students are all looking forward to playing “World Cup Bubble Soccer” in Week 10.
None of this wonderful array of activities would be possible, without the planning, effort, commitment and generous spirit of our Language Team. Many, many thanks to Ms Helen Aghdasi, Ms Desa Lucas, Ms Monica Smokrovic, Ms Heather Charly and Ms Olivia Green. In addition, a special thank you to Manesh Nguyen for preparing a video of some of the staff at the College speaking a second language. We are lucky to such depth and variety of languages and cultures in our midst.
Shane Glass
Head of Learning Area (Languages)
Year 11 Politics and Law Excursion
Last Wednesday was the Year 11 Politics and Law Excursion. In the morning, students attended a high profile criminal trial at the District Court of Western Australia and watched a number of cases listed for sentencing in the Magistrates Court.
In the afternoon, students visited Parliament House – where emotions were running high on the first day of passionate debate over the new voluntary assisted dying (VAD) bill. The public gallery was packed with protestors and supporters from both sides of the argument.
Parliamentary discussion was then put on hold for Question Time - which never fails to disappoint and is always a spirited occasion – particularly when the words ‘Lenin’ and ‘socialist agenda’ are thrown around. Such is the joy of parliamentary privilege! A memorable time was had by all!
Many thanks to Ms Hannah Robinson for accompanying the class on the excursion.
Daisy Farley
Politics & Law
Year 7 Campion Bake Sale
Staff and students flocked across the Chapel Lawn at lunchtime to purchase delicious treats baked by students in the Year 7 Campion Homeroom. Giant cookies, honey joys, chocolate brownies and doughnut sticks were just some of the many sweets purchased by the College community. Funds raised from this event will be donated to Mary Ward International and the Jesuit Mission. By supporting these Catholic organisations, vulnerable individuals will be provided with pastoral care, social inclusion and advocacy. The event was a warm and friendly gathering of young citizens in support of the Ignatian mission of being ‘men and women for others’.
Thank you to all Campion families who supplied baked goods for this successful event.
Ms Carla Tripi
House Coordinator