Secondary

Dear Families

The white dove of Koolyangarra House symbolises the peace brought through the Christian message. The House motto, Strength, Spirit and Justice, captures the essence of what it means to belong to this community. The name 'Koolyangarra' originates from the former Loreto Primary School campus on Bindaring Parade, Claremont. Sr Peg Flynn, then Principal of the primary school, was instrumental in establishing the campus, choosing the name Koolyangarra, an Aboriginal word meaning meeting place of happy children.

Yesterday during Cura Personalis period, all Koolyangarra House students and staff gathered to reflect on the significance of the day and celebrate their shared identity with a much‑anticipated lunch and activities on the oval. In the afternoon, Koolyangarra student leaders along with senior volunteers engaged in a service initiative, preparing meals to be donated to Shopfront. 

The week concluded reverently with Community Mass this morning, prepared by the Koolyangarra student leaders. This provided a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection, and gratitude for the chance to serve and support others as a House community.

Thank you to Miss Clare Galati, Koolyangarra House Coordinator and Homeroom teachers for their ongoing support of students in Koolyangarra House.

Koolyangarra House Prayer

Koolyangarra, the meeting place of happy children, is not just a house, but a family. 

Let us give thanks for the friendships Koolyangarra gives us, 

As our green shirts unite us to triumph and reach for greater things. 

Let us remember the symbol of the dove, which represents peace and life, 

As we strive to serve others, guided to lead lives of strength, spirit and justice. 

High Achievers’ Breakfast

At yesterday’s High Achievers’ Breakfast, we congratulated students in Years 8 to 12 for their effort and commitment to their studies last semester. Students were provided with some valuable words of wisdom from 2024 Alumni, Gemma Bailey, who through her time at the College distinguished herself through outstanding commitment to both the Magis and Music programs, and is currently studying Journalism and Broadcasting at Edith Cowan University. Congratulations to the following High Achievers: 

NAPLAN 2026 - Practice sessions

There will be a practice NAPLAN sitting for Year 7 and Year 9 student on Thursday 5 March, in the Thomas More Exhibition Centre (TMEC). This practice session is simply to allow students to familiarise themselves with entering the TMEC and to check that the online test environment and web browser are working correctly, including ensuring there are no internet or technical issues.

Inspire Parent Education | The Fathering Project Breakfast

Join us on Tuesday 24 March for The Fathering Project Breakfast, part of our Inspire Parent Education series. Guest speaker Ashlee Harrison, founder of WA charity zero2hero, will share powerful insights into connection, resilience and the wellbeing of young people — including what kids wish their parents knew.

The morning kicks off at 6:45am with casual networking over bacon-and-egg rolls and barista coffee, followed by a 45-minute presentation. It's a great opportunity to connect with other families in our community while gaining practical tools to better support your child.

Tuesday 24 March 

6:45am – 8:45am

Neil Donaldson Pavilion, 10 McGillivray Road, Mount Claremont

$39 per person

Bookings are essential — secure your spot

Year 7 Parent Welcome Sundowner

• Friday, 6 March 
• 6:30pm to 8:30pm t
• Please RSVP via this link.

Homework Club and Extended Library Hours 

Our Homework Club is back this year due to popular demand. Homework Club is available for Secondary students every Monday to Thursday, from 3:30pm to 6:00pm in the Ignatius Centre Library. Please see below for more information and when specialist support is available. Alumni tutors will commence shortly to assist students with their homework and study. 

When: Every Monday to Thursday

Where: Ignatius Centre Library

Time: The library will close at 6pm, but students may leave at any time before then. Years 7 to 10 students who remain past 5pm will need to be collected by a parent/guardian from the library. 

Signing in and out: Students must sign in and out at the kiosk. Students will need a phone or laptop to scan the QR code. 

Important Update: Revised Southern Route Schedule

Please note that the Southern route schedule has been updated. The attached document reflects the correct and current stops and times for your reference. We apologise for any confusion the previously published schedule may have caused and appreciate your understanding. Please discard any prior versions and use this schedule going forward.

2026 Student residential address and other information collection

Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, John XXIII College is required to provide the Australian Government Department of Education with information about each student at the school. For more information, see the PDF below.

Term 1 Key Dates 

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

SPORT

Years 9/10 NAS

Congratulations to all students who have trialed; all teams have been published in SEQTA notices, with all students taking part in some way. Information regarding venues and times for the Carnival on Tuesday 10 March, will be sent home next week.  

Training schedule

For any queries regarding NAS, please email Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal.

Years 11/12 Senior NAS 

Years 11/12 students will take part in their Summer NAS Trials next week. 

Students will have three options for the day: 

1. Part of a NAS Team
2. Helper for a NAS Team
3. Taking part in a Wellbeing Day at school with a range of activities organised by Mr Tim Chaney and Mr Luke Bostelman.

If students cannot attend a trial, they must be in contact with their team teacher prior to the trial.

NAS Swimming

NAS Swimming Meet information (Years 8 to 10)

Tuesday 3 March (Period 2 to Period 6) 

• Students will attend classes in Period 1 and head to the St Louis Sports Centre directly after Period 1 to prepare and head to Stirling Leisure Centre, formerly Terry Tyzack Pool. 
• The NAS Swimming Meet will provide an opportunity for all Years 8 to 10 students selected to race again and help secure their place in our ACC A-Division Swimming Team.
• All NAS Schools will be present to allow for a competitive environment (Sacred Heart, Newman, Chisholm and Servite College).
• A reminder that interschool jumpers are not available for purchase until the final ACC team has been announced.

NAS Swimming Team

Congratulations to all the students below for making our 2026 NAS Swimming team. 

First XI Cricket 

Round three of the Graeme Wood Shield will be played at John XXIII College ovals against SEDA College. We have been unlucky in our first two rounds, losing both. We are looking forward to another opportunity to go out next week and hopefully bring home a win. 

ACC Championship Basketball 

This week, John XXIII played away against a very strong Basketball School in Kingsway Christian College. Once again, the boys put up a strong fight throughout the game but fell short, losing 50-67. Next week, in round three, we face Sacred Heart away. Good luck, boys!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Reggie, Year 7, who recently returned from Canada after competing in the Quebec International U13 Ice Hockey Tournament representing the Australian Ice Crocs. The world’s largest and most prestigious U13 ice hockey event, held annually in Quebec City and staged in a professional arena, brings together elite teams from across the globe and has been a starting point for many future professional players, including the tournament's scoring record holder, Wayne Gretzky. A wonderful achievement and an incredible experience at an international level.

Congratulations to three John XXIII College students who stepped onto the podium at the 2026 Fuel to Go & Play WA State Championships, competing for their respective athletics clubs.

• Sade Hewes claimed silver in the U17 Women's 100m 
• Verity Pekin earned bronze in the U16 hammer throw
• Kayden Prosper took bronze in the U18 Men's 400m

Share your child’s achievements

We love celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students in this section of the newsletter. If your child has recently represented at a regional, state, or national level, or been part of a team that has achieved a significant result (such as a premiership or championship), we’d love to hear about it!

Families are invited to share details and a photo by emailing newsletter@johnxxiii.edu.au. Please include your child’s name, year group, event or activity, and a brief description of the achievement.

To ensure fairness and consistency, we can only feature information received directly from families that meets the above criteria. If no image or details are provided, we may not be able to include your child’s achievement in the newsletter.