Secondary

Dear Families

Grounded in Ignatian spirituality and inspired by Jesus’ model of servant leadership, the Year 11 leadership process, Id Quad Volo — that which I desire — invites all Year 11 students to consider the kind of leaders they are called to become as they prepare to step into Year 12. This important process encourages students to lead with humility, hope, authenticity and purpose, and to remain attentive to the needs of others and the world around them. For those aspiring to serve on the Student Representative Council (SRC) in 2027, this week marks the beginning of a period of reflection, discernment and preparation that will continue throughout the remainder of the term. We wish all candidates every blessing in the weeks ahead and encourage them to carry with them the words of St Ignatius of Loyola: 

Teach us, Good Lord, to give and not count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do thy will.   

We are very proud of the achievements of Monet Dillon, Rani Cleghorn and Mia Davies, who this week received awards at the prestigious Angelico Award Presentation. Monet was awarded first place in the Two-Dimensional Artwork category, Rani received the Catenian Award, and Mia was named runner-up for the Fra Angelico Award. Read more from Kiri Moore below. Congratulations! 

Congratulations also to our Novice JTC7 team for their tenacity during this week's WADL State Semifinals, where they were unfortunately defeated by PLC. Well done to our Senior House Theatre Sports competitors, who on Tuesday kept the audience thoroughly entertained with their high-energy skits — congratulations to Ward House, with the team of Aria, Bela, Imogen and Campbell taking the win. And congratulations to all Music Eisteddfod winners for their talented performances at last night's concert.

Year 9 PLUS Camp 

This week, our Year 9 students have taken part in their PLUS Camp at Mornington campsite, embracing the opportunity to learn, connect and grow beyond the classroom. Camps such as this play an important role in the formation of our young people, encouraging independence, resilience, teamwork and a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. Through shared challenges, outdoor experiences and time away from the routines of school, students are invited to strengthen friendships, build confidence and discover more about themselves and others. We are grateful to the staff who have supported the camp and to our Year 9 students for the positive spirit with which they have entered into this important experiential learning opportunity. Thank you to Morgan Ball, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 9, for coordinating the camp, and to all supervising staff who cared for and supported students throughout this invaluable experience. 

Parent Sundowner  

The Parents’ Association is hosting a Parent Sundowner, and all parents are warmly invited to catch up with old friends and connect with other families in our community with a relaxed, picnic-style evening on the College lawn with live entertainment. 

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026 

Time: 5:30pm–8:00pm 

Venue: John XXIII College, lawn behind the St Louis Sports Centre 

Tickets: $15 

Bring a picnic rug or low chairs, your own drinks, and cups (no glassware please). You're welcome to bring your own picnic food, or pre-order catering from Ultimo when you book your ticket, food won't be available for purchase on the night. 

Please note: this is a parents' evening, without children. 

RSVP by Thursday 27 August at www.trybooking.com/1539754 

WA Student Assistance Payment 

The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school. 

All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment. 

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or Kindergarten. 

The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026 

All claims must be received by Friday 25 September 2026. More information can be found at WA Student Assistance Payment. 

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Angelico Exhibition 

The Angelico Exhibition is a prestigious annual event on the Catholic Arts calendar. The

Exhibition provides a broad public forum through which students throughout Western

Australia are able to exhibit their dynamic artistic talent. 

This year John XXIII College has eight students exhibiting work at the Angelico Art Exhibition. The exhibition is open to the public on weekdays until 28 August at the Forrest Centre, 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth, and on Saturday 22 August, it will be open for viewing from 1pm to 3pm.

Three John XXIII Students received awards at the Award Presentation evening on 18 August at the Forrest Centre. Congratulations to Monet Dillon, who was awarded first in the Two-Dimensional Artwork Category, Rani Cleghorn, who was awarded the Catenian Award, and Mia Davies, who received the runner-up Fra Angelico Award. 

Congratulations to Evie Hughes, Claire Sweet, Ashlyn Otway, Connor Siegert and Katie Stynes whose works were also exhibited.

Monet Dillon, Year 11 (Winner 2 Dimensional Artwork)

Pseudologia Fantastica

Oil on Board

Pseudologia Fantastica is a phenomenon characterised by blurring lines between reality and fiction. I expressed this idea through the deteriorating subject matter and the metaphorical use of an alternate persona shown through the element of makeup

Rani Cleghorn, Year 11 (Winner Catenian Award)

Το όραμα του σκηνοθέτη (Director’s Vision)

Oil and acrylic on board

My work is a portrait of 'Mr Tsak', our school's Drama Coordinator. His iconic Doc Martens, decorated with drama terminology inspire the artwork's yellow spiral. The piece reflects drama's values of self-expression and creativity embodied by Mr Tsak.

Mia Davies, Year 11 (Runner Up Fra Angelico Award)

Billy

Oil and acrylic on canvas

My painting reflects the beauty of a child’s open mind, at peace with the wonders of the world, free from fear, judgment and limitation. My cousin, Billy, represents curiosity and joy, where imagination has no boundaries and anything feels possible.x

Evie Hughes, Year 12

The Eyepocalypse

Coloured pencil

Inspired by MAMBO artist Reg Mombassa, the work explores the reality of growing up as a young Australian under constant watch: As surveillance erodes our boundaries, what is left of the self?

Claire Sweet, Year 12

On Thin Ice

Oil on board

This artwork explores global crises, warfare, technology, social justice and media distortion. It confronts the viewer with the psychological tension of witnessing an overwhelming world of constant, chaotic current affairs.

Ashlyn Otway, Connor Siegert and Katie Stynes, Year 9 group submission

Woven Wall Hangings

Inspired by the work of textile artist Natalie Miller, Year 9 students designed and created woven wall hangings including organic forms, patterns and textures inspired by the natural environment.

Kiri Moore

Coordinator Visual Arts

Year 9 PLUS Camp

The Year 9 cohort has recently completed their three-day PLUS Camp at Mornington Adventure Camp, as part of the Year 9 PLUS Program. Across the program, students participated in a variety of activities including canoeing, raft building, climbing, low ropes and sensory challenges, initiative activities and camping. Working in groups, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, support one another and develop confidence through new and sometimes challenging experiences.

The first night was a particularly memorable test of resilience, with wet, wild weather making the camping experience challenging. Despite the conditions, students responded exceptionally well, maintaining a positive attitude and supporting their peers throughout the experience. Rather than allowing the weather to dampen their spirits, they demonstrated determination, adaptability and a willingness to embrace the challenge.

Students also took responsibility for preparing and cooking their own meals while camping, adding another element of independence to the program.

The Year 9 cohort should be extremely proud of the way they approached the program. Their willingness to have a go, encourage one another and persevere when things became difficult demonstrates the qualities we hope to see in John XXIII College students. The experience provided many opportunities for students to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and discover that they are capable of more than they may have initially thought.

A huge congratulations to all students on a fantastic program; their resilience, positivity and teamwork made the experience a great success. A special thank you to the amazing staff who came to the camp and helped make this a positive experience for our Year 9 students.

Morgan Ball

Assistant Deputy Principal - Year 9

Year 12 students: Connect, Network, Inspire

We’re delighted to invite you to our next Alumni Connect networking event. Hosted by Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director of Sterling Property, this event is open to all Year 12 students, regardless of the pathway you plan to pursue after graduation.

Despite the event’s location, the focus isn’t on pursuing a career in commercial property. It’s about learning the value of professional networking, hearing the unique career journeys of our alumni, and discovering how the John XXIII College alumni community can support you as you transition beyond school. Whether you’re considering university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, a gap year or entering the workforce, you’ll have the opportunity to meet alumni from a wide range of professions, ask questions, gain advice, and begin building connections that may benefit you for years to come.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Sterling Property, Suite 6, 388 Hay Street, Subiaco

Host: Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director, Sterling Property

RSVP by Thursday, 17 September at https://alumni.johnxxiii.edu.au/AlumniNetworkingEventSep26

John XXIII College Sustainability Award: Applications now open

Are you a Year 12 student planning to study environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental law, architecture, urban design, town planning, or public health and urban design at university next year? The John XXIII College Sustainability Award could be for you.

Established by Dr Margaret Yoon in 2012 and supported by the John XXIII College Foundation, this award recognises students committed to improving the world through their tertiary studies. It's both a mark of recognition and a practical head start: the recipient receives $500, paid once they've provided proof of admission to their tertiary course.

How to apply: complete the application form: John XXIII College Year 12 Sustainability Award 2026 – Fill out form

Applications close: 3:30pm, Friday, 25 September 2026

If you're heading into a field where you can make a genuine difference,  to the environment, to communities, to how we build and live, we'd love to hear from you.

Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day

When: Saturday 5 September   

Time: 8:00am - 9:30am   

Meeting Point: Meeting behind the Science Garden at B8

We invite all interested parents, students, and alumni from the John XXIII College community to join us for a Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day to help our native Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos thrive.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our environment through planting, weeding and caring for our existing garden beds. All tools will be provided—just bring yourself, along with comfortable clothing, closed footwear, a hat and sunscreen.

Participating students can count this time towards their Christian Service-Learning (Roncalli Service) hours.

Together, we can nurture our shared environment, strengthen our campus surroundings, and set a positive example for future generations.

Register here

SPORT

NAS Athletics 

Wishing our Years 7 to 10 NAS Athletics team luck at the upcoming practice carnival. All students will attend Period 1 on Tuesday 25 August, and then travel by bus to the WA Athletics Stadium to compete in the NAS Athletics Carnival. This day will provide a competitive environment for our team and an opportunity to secure their position on our 2026 ACC A-Division Athletics team.

The final ACC Team will be released on Friday 28 August. All students listed in the team will be required to be present for the following key dates:

• Thursday 3 September - WA Athletics Stadium Team session 6:30am - 7:45am
  • Tuesday 8 September 

  • Monday 14 September - Team training at the College ovals 6:45am - 7:45am followed by team breakfast 8:00am - 8:50am students will be exempt from homeroom on this morning.

     

Important NAS Athletics Information

• Please note the NAS Athletics team is not eligible to purchase the interschool jumper - this is only the final ACC team. 
• All students in the NAS Team are encouraged to attend at least two training sessions in the lead-up to the day.
• Students attending may wear their PE uniform to school on the day.
• Attend period 1 as normal.
• At the end of period 1, meet in the St Louis Sports Centre ready to depart at 10:00am.
• It is preferable that athletes run in the College Athletics singlet (can be purchased from the Uniform Shop). A College Navy shirt is also acceptable for this day
• If you are in field and track events that are on at the same time, make sure you are at your track events as they will run strictly to time. You can go to your field event after completing your track events

Athletics Training 

Athletics training will continue right through until our ACC A Division Carnival in September. If you would like the chance to be a part of the epic ACC team or come down to just learn something new, we would love to see you every Tuesday and Thursday morning 7:00-8:00am (ALL EVENTS) and every second Monday afternoon 3:30pm-4:30pm (Throws, High Jump and Hurdles). 

Students who attend 10 or more sessions will receive a JTC Athletics t-shirt as a sign of their commitment! 

Training Schedule

Please see the schedule for the remainder of the term. This is also available on SEQTA notices.

Events and Coaches 

• All events will run on both Tuesday and Thursday
  • Sprints - Mrs Pillera
  • Distance - Mr Tremayne/Mr Rycroft
  • High Jump - Ella Adams
  • Long Jump - Mia Mather
  • Hurdles - Lyn Foreman- Tuesday
  • Javelin - Jonah Burns 
  • Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Upcoming Dates

On Monday 31 August there will be a training session for Throws, High Jump and Hurdles at the WA Athletics Stadium 3:30pm - 4:30pm. There will be a bus to transport students to and from the stadium. 

Students who wish to attend this session must complete the form so that a Consent2Go can be sent to families before the session. 

WA Athletics Stadium Training Monday 31 August 3:30-4:30pm  – Fill out form

Tuesday 25 August - NAS Athletics Carnival Years 7-10 Students

Wednesday 16 September - ACC A-Division Carnival 

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

All NAS Teams will have their final training sessions next week. It is important that all students attend training. Students not listed in a team as a competitor or student helper will be taking part in a Wellbeing Day at the College, where a range of great activities have been organised. It is a compulsory school day for all.

Final training week

Volleyball Schools Cup 

This week, we had several teams competing in the WA Volleyball Schools Cup. Spanning over multiple days, it is the biggest WA competition for schools. Year 8 Boys finished with the silver medal, our Year 8 Girls had a close game and just lost in their semi-final, and our Year 7s played very well, winning a couple of games in their pool. We loved the energy and excitement around Volleyball and look forward to the NAS competitions later this term and into Term 4. 

Our Senior boys' teams are competing today, and we will share their results in next week's newsletter. 

Think Mental Health Interschool Surfing Titles

A glorious end to the week for our keen surfing participants who were selected to compete in the Think Mental Health School Surfing Titles. The weather really turned it on, and some quality surf conditions allowed performers to show their high level of skill.

The boys' competition was held on Thursday of this week and JTC entered three teams to compete in each of the Junior and Senior Surfing and Bodyboarding events. Of these teams, three made it through to the final in their respective categories. Congratulations to the brother duo in the Junior Boys Surfing, Jack and Luke Harris, for their impressive final win. In the Senior Boys Surfing, it was an all-JTC final with brothers Jake and Ben Scott taking out the win over Gus Allen and Ollie Dailly. Overall, John XXIII College was named the winning school for the day.

The girls' competition is running on Friday, and results will be communicated in next week's newsletter. We wish them all the best in their efforts in representing the College and having a great day.

A huge thank you to Kim Clift and the crew from Surfing WA for coordinating such a smooth and enjoyable event. 

College Sporting Photos

John XXIII College Sports photos will take place Monday, 31 August and Tuesday, 1 September in Roncalli Hall

• All students are to arrive five minutes before their scheduled photo
• Students must be in full College Sports Uniform with white socks (tracksuit pants and shorts required)
• Students have permission to be in their sports uniform for the day
• Students not in the correct uniform will not be allowed to feature in the photo
• The final schedule will be attached in next week's newsletter and notices

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations, Magdalena!

Congratulations to Magdalena Llanos Vergara (Year 7), who has been selected for the WA Under 12 Hockey Team. Magdalena will represent Western Australia at the national competition in Newcastle, NSW, in October. We wish her all the best.

HOCKEY 12’S GIRLS STATE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT – SSWA

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 would 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.