Secondary

Dear Families

Our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their Secondary journey, and in celebration of their final day of term, we hosted a lunch for them today. We wish them every success for their upcoming work placements, completion of courses and ATAR examinations over the coming weeks, and we look forward to our Valete celebrations with them and their families early next term.

Congratulations to our talented Music students who wowed the audience with their final performances at Wednesday’s Year 12 Recital Night as a special way to finish their association with the Music program.

The commencement of Term 4 will see some staffing changes with Ms Veronica Brennan-Poland taking leave for the remainder of the year, Ms Bridie Fisher embarking on the exciting journey of parenthood and Mrs Jane Hedley taking up a new opportunity. To replace Ms Brennan-Poland and Ms Fisher’s classes, we welcome Ms Aya Meggs to the College and we thank Ms Mia Tshwete, Mr Stephen Harris, Mr Jack Butterworth, Mr Joel Wynn and Mrs Anna Davila for stepping in to pick up classes and other responsibilities in their absence.

Summer Uniform

The new term will see students transition into their summer uniform. As the weather can still be cool at the beginning of the term, students will have the option of wearing the correct summer or winter uniform until Monday, 27 October (Term 4, Week 3). The Uniform Code can be found here, and staff are guided by the Positive Behaviour Framework to address instances when students do not wear the uniform correctly.

Carpark and Driving Etiquette

Senior students and parents are reminded to be considerate of others’ safety and road rules when driving on and around the campus. Also that students and parents are required to park in the parking areas provided on campus. There have been recent reports of students parking in Prince Albert Court, behind the College. Thank you for your support as we continue to be good neighbours within our community.

Term 4 Key Dates

Wishing families a safe and restful holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 14 October. 

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Community Planting Day

We invite all parents, students, and alumni of the John XXIII College community to join us for our Community Planting and Weeding Day on Saturday 18 October, from 8:00am to 9:30am, meeting behind the Science Garden at B8. This is a hands-on opportunity to care for our campus environment by planting native trees and shrubs, weeding, and maintaining earlier plantings. Tools will be provided, just bring comfortable clothing, closed shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Students can also count their participation towards their Roncalli Service hours. Together, we can show our commitment to caring for our common home while setting an example for future generations. Register here.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

2025 WA Constitutional Convention

Last week, a select group of talented Year 11 Politics & Law ATAR students took part in the annual WA Schools’ Constitutional Convention. The Convention, which was held at the WA Constitutional Centre in West Perth and was attended by more than 17 schools across Western Australia. His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, delivered the Opening Address, followed by a recorded address from Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Moystyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The theme for this year’s Convention was ‘The Role and Accountability of the Governor-General’. Students heard from a panel of leading experts, including Professor Emerita Anne Twomey, an expert in constitutional law. Students also took part in a series of workshops that were overseen by professors from the University of Western Australia, Notre Dame University, Edith Cowan University, and John Curtin Institute of Public Policy. An informative and rewarding day, to be sure.

Students who attended the State Convention are invited to apply for the National Schools Constitutional Convention to be held early next year in Canberra.  We commend these Year 11 students on their ongoing political engagement and strive for excellence. 

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis – Gifted & Talented

Year 8 students embrace the spirit of karate with Matt Krouzecky Sensei

On Tuesday, our Year 8 Japanese students were treated to a dynamic and inspiring karate demonstration led by Matt Krouzecky Sensei. The session was not only energetic and engaging, but it was a powerful introduction to the deeper philosophy behind this traditional Japanese martial art.

Matt Sensei shared that the true goal of karate is self-development and the cultivation of self-defence skills to foster peace, not aggression. Through a series of demonstrations, including a range of kata (formal patterns), students learned that karate is built on the values of respect, self-control, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit.

Both Year 8 groups thoroughly enjoyed this unique insight into Japanese sport and culture. The workshop was a wonderful extension of their language studies, bringing cultural learning to life in a hands-on and memorable way.

We thank Matt Sensei for sharing his passion and wisdom, and we look forward to more opportunities to explore Japanese culture in such meaningful ways. Thank you also to Glass Sensei and Aghdasi Sensei for organising this cultural incursion event. 

Year 11 Japanese Dinner 

The Year 11 Japanese students recently enjoyed a wonderful evening sampling a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. This experience not only allowed them to try new flavours but also deepened their appreciation of the Japanese culture. It was a fun and memorable way to bring classroom learning to life. Students were able to practice their Japanese with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. We extend our sincere thanks to Aghdasi Sensei and Ms O'Grady for kindly accompanying the students and organising this cultural event. 

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages 

Year 7 Reconciliation

While students in Years 8, 10 and 12 celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in Years 7, 9, and 11, students participate in an alternative non-sacramental reflection. This week, Year 7 students were offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in Scripture, prayer and ritual to deepen the understanding of the sacrament they have been developing in Religion classes. Thank you to some of the Year 7 students who shared their thoughts about the experience. 

Yesterday during Religion we went down to the Chapel to take part in a reconciliation ceremony and a few activities. One of the activities I liked was the burning of sins. I reflected on sins and things I could personally work on from this term. After writing it on a piece of paper we threw it into the fire and watched it burn to ash. This symbolised us letting go of our sins and we discussed what we could do to improve. We also went into the Chapel and reflected and wrote a little personal prayer to Jesus about forgiving sins - I wrote a pretty big one. I also reflected on things that I am good at such as biking. I had a lot of fun and thought it was interesting to do something different in Religion.

James Deykoner, St Louis

Yesterday was a wonderful experience, and during it I really felt my relationship with God strengthen and tighten. My sins felt forgiven, and I felt relaxed and at peace.

Oscar Bilkey, Loyola

I really liked the experience; all the stations were really fun. I talked and reflected on things I have done in the past with my friends. I strengthened my relationship with God and the people in my group.

Lucinda Leong, Loyola

It was a very calming experience and connected me with God. There were multiple stations that helped us reflect on who we are and who we strive to be. For example, at one station we wrote something we wanted to change about ourselves and burnt it to erase it from our minds to initiate a fresh start. The whole experience refreshed me and provided a sense of calm.

Mia Kwei, St Louis

The time in the Chapel was very calming and a nice break. I enjoyed spending time reflecting and participating in the several activities set up for us. I found the peaceful atmosphere in the Chapel to be very pleasant and relaxing. Afterwards I felt very much at peace, and ready to continue the day. 

Gemma Grant, Loyola

The time we spent in the Chapel was very calm and peaceful and I had a wonderful time. The time we spent there helped me to reflect and think about the good and bad things I’ve done, which made me feel relieved.

Samuel Stephenson, Loyola

The Reflection was a much-needed time to reflect after a very busy term. I felt it helped me come closer to God.

Darcy Oldham, Loyola

Mary-Anne Lumley

College Liturgist

John XXIII Day highlights

John XXIII Day 2025 brought together our entire College community, from Pre-Kindy to Year 12 to celebrate faith, courage and service. The day began with a moving Mass, followed by the exciting Running of the Colonnades and a host of vibrant charity stalls, games and activities. Students and staff united for the new Ice Plunge Challenge, raising over $10,000 for Loreto Ministries and Jesuit Mission, while sporting traditions and the Variety Concert showcased school spirit and talent. 

Save the date: Visual Arts Exhibition

Join us for the 2025 John XXIII College Visual Arts Exhibition in the Thomas More Exhibition Centre. 

This year’s exhibition showcases the creativity and skill of our Visual Arts students, with an inspiring display of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and ceramic works.

Exhibition Dates

• Monday 20 – Friday 24 October: 9:00am – 4:00pm

• Saturday 25 October: 11:00am – 2:00pm

   

Opening Night

Monday 20 October, 5:30pm – all are welcome to attend, however registration is essential. 

Celebrate excellence in the Visual Arts and take part in the People’s Choice Award by voting for your favourite piece.

Kiri Moore

Coordinator - Visual Arts

SPORT

Term 3 has been an action-packed season of sport at John XXIII College, showcasing the incredible talent, teamwork and spirit of our students. Interhouse Athletics, athletics season, rowing, netball, NAS Sport, surfing and volleyball. A huge thank you to all students, staff and families who have supported the program. The commitment from all continues to build and maintain the wonderful sporting culture at John XXIII College.  

ACC All Stars

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the ACC Athletics All Star Team for 2025. To be selected into this team, you need to place in the top two athletes. After all 10 divisional carnivals have been run, all results are put together to form the team. This is a fantastic achievement and one of the highest recognitions from the ACC. Well done to the athletes below!

ACC Letters Recipients

Well done to Sash Pallis (Year 11) and Ciaran Doyle (Year 12), who have both been awarded ACC Letters in Athletics. To receive Letters, you have to have been selected into the ACC All-Star Team for four or more years. This is the highest accolade awarded by the ACC and a fantastic achievement for both Sasha and Ciaran. We are extremely proud of them both and look forward to acknowledging them further at the College Sport Awards Night next term. 

Year 7 Summer NAS

We had a wonderful first week of Year 7 NAS Trials. All students were well organised and gave their best efforts. Please see the schedule below for round two of trials, first week back.

• Trials Term 4 Week 1
  • If you are unable to make a trial, please inform Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal

  • Teams will be posted at the end of Week 1 next term

     

• Trainings Weeks 2, 3 and 4
  • 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 your team teacher know

  • At the Week 4 training, there will be a sausage sizzle for all teams

     

• Carnival - Week 4, Thursday, 6 November, 7:45am - 3:00pm

Staff and Teams

Trial and Training Schedule

Year 8 Summer NAS

Please find the link below for the Summer NAS Nominations. All students must complete the form before Wednesday, Week 1 next term. You can only complete the form once. Please take your time when completing.

All students must be involved on the day, you can nominate for NAS Teams to trial for, a student helper, or to play social Volleyball.

Nomination Form

• Trials Weeks 2 and 3
  • If you are unable to make a trial, please inform Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal
  • Teams will be posted at the end of week 3 next term
• 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

Volleyball Club Term 4

In Term 4, we will be starting a Volleyball Club for all students interested in improving their skills and learning about the wonderful game! It will run every Monday afternoon starting in Week 2, Monday 20 October in the SLSC from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Congratulations

Alumni and Student Spotlight: Football Edition 

Congratulations to Joseph Hopkyns (Class 2024) and Sam Gallagher (Class 2025) for their Grand Final win with the Claremont Tigers Colts. This win makes it three premierships in three years for the colts! We're also cheering for Jake Soutar (Class 2023) and Josh Howard (Class 2022) who played in the Reserves Grand Final for East Perth and Claremont respectively.

Congratulations to the following boys who have made the Junior State League Squad for Under 14 Boys Floorball: Everett Ford, Mason Rogers, Victor Kailis, Jed Grant-Smith, Remy Yoong, Oscar Bilkey, Eliot Bailey, Hugo Smith, Felix Tonich, Lachlan Conway.

Congratulations to Alex Tang (Year 11) on being awarded Runner-Up Fairest and Best for his AFL Division, Metro North. In addition, both Alex and fellow student Ciaran Doyle (Year 12) were selected to represent Metro North’s Team of the Year—an outstanding achievement that recognises the top players across the Claremont, Subiaco, and West Perth football districts. Both boys were invited to participate in the Team of the Year Showcase, where Metro North competed against the best teams from Metro Central and Metro South. Well done to Alex and Ciaran for this well-earned recognition and for representing their school with pride and excellence.

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport