Secondary

Dear Families

This week, we celebrated the achievements of our Magis students at their Awards Breakfast yesterday morning. Throughout the year, the Magis program has continued to inspire students through enriched learning opportunities and intellectual challenge. Magis students have engaged in a diverse range of activities, including academic competitions, creative projects, and leadership initiatives that reflect the College’s commitment to academic excellence. Highlights include outstanding achievements in the Da Vinci Decathlon, WA Debating League, and World Scholars Cup, showcasing the depth of talent within our community. We congratulate our Overall Magis Champion Scholar for 2025, Sienna D’Alessandro (Year 8), and commend Joshua Standen (Year 10) as the recipient of the Magis Spirit Prize for exemplifying the College values and the Magis ethos. We also extend our thanks to Daisy Farley, Head of Magis, all staff who have contributed to the Magis program and students whose dedication has made Magis a vibrant, collegial and transformative experience this year. In particular, we thank our Year 12 Magis students for their contribution in the development of the Magis program and ethos, who, collectively, have represented their House, the College, their state and country in over 40 different competitions since Year 7.

Today we welcomed students and staff from other schools to participate in the ACC Inclusive Multi-Sport Day Interschool carnival. The carnival day allows Secondary students of all abilities from ACC schools to try a range of sports conducted by WA State sporting bodies. A day of fun and friendly competition for Mary Ward Secondary students, we thank June Chiaroni, Mary Ward Secondary staff and the sports staff for their organisation and dedication to ensure that students enjoyed a wonderful day.

Today is World Teachers’ Day, and we thank those parents who generously provided a delicious morning tea for staff to enjoy.

Building Update

Parents may have noticed that the site where the Primary Art and former Uniform Shop were located is now clear of the temporary buildings. This is in preparation for the installation of four new Secondary temporary classrooms, which are scheduled to be in operation for Term 1 next year. There has been a delay with the removal of one of the buildings, which is now scheduled for Wednesday, 5 November. The building has been relocated to part of the primary loop car park, restricting traffic flow to one lane when exiting the loop.

The loop will be closed for drop off on Wednesday, 5 November, while the building is being removed from the site. Families are requested to park in the main College carpark, located off John XXIII Avenue. There will also be some limited parking available in the Staff car park, located off Heritage Lane.

We thank parents for their understanding of the need to ensure safety for all by observing these temporary guidelines and adhering to signage and directions from staff on duty.

Term 4 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 11 Geography ATAR – Cultural connections on display!

Over the past few weeks, our Year 11 ATAR Geography students have been immersed in Assessment Task 7, a dynamic exploration of cultural diffusion through the lens of fashion, sport, or music. This task, part of Unit 2 Depth Study 2, challenged students to investigate how elements of culture spread across the globe, and the roles played by technology, media, and transnational corporations in shaping these patterns.

The highlight of the task was the creation of informative posters, where students showcased their research findings in visually engaging and academically rigorous formats. These posters addressed key syllabus points, including the spatial distribution of cultural elements, the impact of transport and telecommunications, and the social, economic, and environmental implications of cultural change.

Prior to the in-class validation, students proudly presented their posters during a celebratory morning tea. The display was a vibrant reflection of their creativity, critical thinking, and geographic inquiry skills—bringing together colour, content, and cultural insight.

A huge congratulations to all students for their dedication and thoughtful work. Your posters not only demonstrated a deep understanding of cultural geography but also brought global connections to life in our classroom. Thank you to Mrs Kelo Bell for her assistance with this task. 

Chris Morris

Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher

Year 11 Geography Fieldwork: Exploring Perth’s Urban Landscape

On Monday, the Year 11 General Geography class ventured into the heart of Perth for their final fieldwork experience of the year. With a focus on tourism and urban redevelopment, students explored key sites including Yagan Square, the Perth Cultural Centre, Elizabeth Quay, and the iconic Perth Zoo. The excursion provided a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world settings, with students engaging in practical activities such as sketch mapping and data collection. A special thank you to Kalo Bell for her support and enthusiasm throughout the day, helping to make the experience both educational and memorable.

Nitasha Horner

Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher

Shopfront Christmas Appeal

Our College community is called to be people for others – and this Christmas, we have an opportunity to bring hope and dignity to those in need through the Shopfront Christmas Appeal.

We are collecting food items and essential goods to support Shopfront's vital work providing Christmas lunch and care packages to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in our community.

Collections are due by Wednesday, 19 November.  Drop-off location: Homeroom

Every donation will make a real difference. Cash donations are also welcome and will support the Shopfront Christmas Lunch.

In the spirit of our College founders and mission, let us seek justice and serve others this Christmas season. Together, we can bring joy and dignity to those who need it most.

Join us for an evening of gratitude

As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to acknowledge the many ways in which parents and guardians have volunteered at John XXIII College. Your time, energy, generosity, and commitment have made a lasting difference in our College community.

To our parents, alumni, and friends who have so generously given of their time and resources, we extend our sincere thanks. Whether through volunteering at carnivals, assisting at special events, serving on committees, or contributing via the Foundation, your support has been truly invaluable.

We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of fellowship, gratitude, and refreshments as we come together to celebrate your contribution to the life of our College.

Thursday 6 November 2025

6:00pm - 8:00pm

John XXIII College

1st Floor Main Administration

RSVP www.trybooking.com/1468077 

SPORT

Sport Awards Night

Keynote Address: The power of resilience and mindset

Step into a powerful story of courage and transformation with Daniel Venables, retired AFL premiership player and former West Coast Eagle, as he delivers a keynote address at our recent Sport Awards Evening. From the heights of victory in the 2018 Grand Final to the challenges of a career-ending injury, Daniel’s journey is a testament to resilience and purpose.

Through his reflections on elite sport and personal adversity, Daniel inspires students and guests alike to embrace the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Lessons that extend far beyond the playing field and continue to shape his life and advocacy for athlete wellbeing and concussion awareness.

Year 7 Summer NAS

We are very much looking forward to the upcoming NAS Carnival next Thursday. Please find the parent letter and fixtures attached for the day. 

Year 7 NAS BBQ and final training will occur on Tuesday 4 November. Training will be for all teams, including the Social Volleyball Teams.

• Training 3:30pm to 4:15pm
• BBQ 4:15pm to 4:30pm

Staff and Teams

Year 8 Summer NAS

We had a wonderful week of Year 8 NAS trials, which are now complete, and teams will be posted in the College notices by Monday lunchtime. 

• Training Weeks 4 and 5
  • Pay attention to all training dates and times as it may not be the same each week
  • If you cannot make a training session, you must let you team teacher know
• Carnival - Week 6, Thursday 18 November, 7:45am to 3:00pm

Staffing

Trial and training schedule

Years 9/10 Water Polo

Well done to all students who attended the trials for Years 9 and 10 water polo. There will be a final training session next week before the carnival at the HPC indoor pool. Students are to meet at HPC. There will be a bus to take students back to school.

Training

• Monday 3 November, 7:00am - 7:45am

Carnivals

• Boys - 12 November
• Girls - 13 November

Calling all Basketball Enthusiasts – ACC Senior Boys Championship 2026 - Years 10 to 12

Based on performance data from the past seven years (including recent Junior results from 2023–2025), schools have been provisionally placed into divisions for next year’s championship. This is your opportunity to compete against the best and showcase your skills on a bigger stage in a weekly competition.

What’s happening:

• Our College has been allocated a Division 1 spot for 2026.
• We’ll be part of a structured season with scheduled matches, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Why you should get involved:

• Represent the College in an interschool competition.
• Compete in a full season of games with finals.

• Gain experience, build team spirit, and have fun doing what you love. 

   

Key game dates – Term 1, 2026:

• Round 1: Friday 13 February (Week 2)
• Round 2: Tuesday 17 February (Week 3)
• Round 3: Tuesday 24 February (Week 4)
• Round 4: Tuesday 3 March (Week 5)
• Round 5: Tuesday 10 March (Week 6)
• Semi Finals: TBC (Week 7/8)

• Grand Final: Tuesday 31 March (Week 9) 

   

If you're interested in trying out or learning more, please complete the Registration Form.

Training will commence on Wednesday, 29 October, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre. If you would like more information, please see or email Miss Pillera or Mr Carrello.

NAS Golf

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent John XXIII College in the Term 4, NAS Golf Tournament, scheduled to be held at the Hammersley Golf Course on Monday, 3 November (Week 4). 

NAS Golf Squad 2025

1. Jovi Gibson
2. Jack Whitaker
3. Sam Derbyshire
4. Rick Jia
5. Max Brooks
6. Hamish Peirce
7. Izaac Paton 
8. Baily Vincent 
9. Reserve
   1. James Andruszkiw 
   2. Charlie Young 

Thank you to all of our participants during our practice times, of which we saw approximately 30 students involved across the three sessions, culminating in a final short game practice session at the Wembley Golf Complex last Wednesday afternoon. We wish our players all the very for a great showing bright and early next Monday morning.

Volleyball Club Term 4

We had terrific numbers at the first session of Volleyball Club, it is great to see the enthusiasm and energy for Volleyball. All students welcome, it will continue until the end of Term on Monday afternoons 3:30-4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre.

Swimming Club

Calling all students who would like to get training early in time for the 2026 Interhouse Carnival, come on down to Swim Club every Wednesday starting next week, 5 November from 3:30pm to 4:30pm for the remainder of the term. 

All abilities and experience levels are welcome. There will be something for everyone, making this a great way to end the day, especially as the weather warms up! We would also like to invite current Year 6 students to the training as a great chance for them to get a taste of high school swimming. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport