Secondary

Dear Families

Remembrance Day holds significance as a time to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served in wars and conflicts, reminding us of the enduring value of peace and unity. It is a moment for reflection on the cost of freedom and the responsibility we share to build a better world. This commitment was expressed during Tuesday’s Remembrance Day service, where students and staff gathered on the Chapel Lawn for a solemn ceremony marked by silence and prayer. The service provided an opportunity for our community to pause, remember, and reaffirm the importance of compassion and hope in shaping the future. Thank you to Sophie Pass for her coordination of this thoughtful service, and to staff and students for their participation.

Congratulations to students who performed at Monday’s Year 10 Recital Night and last night’s Year 9 Drama Night, also to those who represented the College during the week for water polo. All the best to Year 11 students as they continue with their examinations next week, Years 7 and 8 performers for their Recital Nights on Monday and Wednesday, and to all Year 8 students for their NAS Summer Carnival on Tuesday.

Social Media Age Restrictions

Parents will be aware that the Australian Government has introduced new legislation – the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 – which will come into effect on 10 December 2025. This law requires providers of age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from holding accounts. The aim is to strengthen child safety online and reduce exposure to harmful content and interactions. Under the legislation, children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to create or maintain accounts on platforms covered by the legislation (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit). Providers will enforce these restrictions, and parents may notice changes in how platforms verify age and manage accounts.

Through the College’s wellbeing programs, students in Years 7 to 10 will engage in discussions and activities over the coming weeks to help them prepare for these changes. This includes practical strategies to prepare for the transition and alternative ways to maintain social connections, particularly over the summer holidays.

The eSafety Commissioner website provides excellent resources for parents on the legislation and digital wellbeing and safety in general.

SchoolTV has also published a Special Report: New Social Media Regulations: What you need to know as a helpful resource for parents.

eRideable Safety Reminder

More Western Australians are using eScooters and other electric rideable devices for travel and recreation. It is important that eRiders should be familiar with current legislation to keep themselves and other road users safe.

Only people aged 16 years and over are permitted to use eRideables.

An eRideable is an electric rideable device that:

• has at least one wheel
• is designed for one person
• doesn't go faster than 25km/h on level ground
• weighs 25kg or less
• is no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high.

Examples include eScooters, eSkateboards, hoverboards, eSkates, and eUnicycles.

For the safety of everyone, the College expects the following from students using eRideables as their method of transportation to and from school:

• Only students aged 16 ride an eRideable.
• The eRideable is compliant with current legislation.
• Pedestrians take precedence over the rider.
• Riders wear a helmet correctly.
• Riders dismount once they reach the perimeter of the College grounds.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important safety issue.

Presentation Evening: Thursday 4 December

Our College Presentation Evening will be held in the St Louis Sports Centre on Thursday, 4 December, beginning at 6:30pm. As this is an important community event for our College, all students in Years 6 to 11 are expected to attend. Year 12 students are required only if they are involved in the evening as a presenter, performer or major award recipient.

Parking will be available on the College playing fields, accessible via John XXIII Avenue. Entry to the St Louis Sports Centre will be through the doors adjacent to the playing fields.

Guests are to be seated by 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start.

Students who are attending as members of the audience are to wear their summer uniform, whilst all award winners are required to wear the formal winter uniform, including blazer, shirt, tie and tights for girls. Other College requirements regarding grooming are to be adhered to.

Students receiving an award will be notified during the week of the evening and will participate in rehearsals on Thursday, 4 December, during the day.

Term 4 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp

In Year 10, Outdoor Education is an elective course that provides opportunities for our students to engage in good stewardship, collaboration, leadership, as well as adventure and camp-based learning. 

Last week, our students spent three days and two nights in the Margaret River region (Karridale), where they engaged in activities such as abseiling off the Willyabrup Sea Cliffs, a vertical challenge in the treetops at Outdoor Education Group headquarters, hiking the Cape-to-Cape track, and participating in general camping rigour. To see our students flourish in such an environment is a wonderful thing to be a part of. Not only are they participating in Outdoor Education culture, but they are also able to relax and take a break from the pressures that academic and electronic life bring. This will no doubt stand them in good stead for their upcoming exam period as a chance to reset before they push forward.

A huge thank you to our provider, the Outdoor Education Group, who continue to foster positive environmental experiences for our teenagers to learn, reflect on, and grow from. Additionally, to our teaching staff who attended, including Miss Rebecca Marquardt, Miss Angela Bollam, and former staff member Miss Ella Brindley, who, as group leaders, formed special bonds with their students due to this more relaxed setting. Miss Lisa Gattuso was kind enough to shuttle between groups and drive the bus to pick-up and drop-off points as required. While not without its challenges, our students, on the whole, were a dream and conducted themselves in a manner that helped make this experience both educational and enjoyable for all. 

Finally, the response from families to have their children ready in the adjusted timeframe was outstanding. The support received has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated.

Darren Kowal

Outdoor Education Coordinator

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.

Calling all builders - Lego Builders Club

Our brand-new Lego Builders Club launched this Monday at lunch in the library! Open to secondary students and staff, it’s the perfect way to unleash your creativity, connect with fellow Lego lovers, and build something amazing together.

• First up: a festive Christmas Lego set to kick off the season in style!
• Every Monday at lunch
• Library Innovate Space
• No experience needed—just bring your imagination.

SPORT

Year 8 Summer NAS

We are very much looking forward to the upcoming NAS Carnival next Tuesday, 18 November. Please find the parent letter and fixtures attached for the day. 

Sun Safety

Students participating in frisbee and social volleyball activities, please note that you are at an outdoor venue. Please apply and then reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Seek shade and wear a hat whenever you are not playing a fixture.  

Staffing

School Sport WA Water Polo 

Boys competition

On Wednesday, 13 November, our Years 9 to 10 boys proudly represented John XXIII College in the SSWA Water Polo Competition at the Perth High Performance Centre.

It was a fantastic day of teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship as our students faced strong competition, playing eleven games on the day. Their commitment in the pool reflected the College values of perseverance and collaboration.

Girls competition

 On Thursday, 14 November, our Years 9 to 10 Girls represented John XXIII College at the SSWA Water Polo Competition. The girls won four of their seven games, placing them in the top five of the competition. Each of the nine players scored a goal, including our goalie scoring off the final penalty shot of the day. All students displayed excellent sportsmanship and teamwork, giving their best efforts throughout the entire day.

Thank you to our coaches, Miss Jodi Power and Mr Chris Morris, for their continued support of our water polo teams each year.

Years 7/8 Water Polo

Students interested in representing John XXIII College in the upcoming SSWA Water Polo Tournament are required to complete the form below. Trials and training are as follows at HPC Indoor Dive Pool. Students are to make their own way to the pool, and a bus will be available to transport them back to school following training. 

Trial

• Wednesday, 19  November, 7:00am - 7:45am

   

Training

• Wednesday, 26 November, 7:00am - 7:45am

   

Carnivals

• Boys: Thursday, 27 November
• Girls: Friday, 28 November 

Nomination Form

ACC Cricket Boys

Player nominations are now open for the 2026 ACC Representative All-Star Cricket Team.

Boys Cricket - Player Nomination Form

This is an opportunity to represent their school and their association in a 50-over match at the WACA.

Players must have the Head of Sport's endorsement to nominate and must be of U19 representative quality (capable of playing at a highly competitive Premier Cricket level).

Positions are open to boys who will be in Years 9 – 12 in 2026.

Please note the following links to further information on the ACC website.

Event Details and Team Selection Trials

The cost of nomination is $25. John XXIII College will cover the cost. Nominations close on 6 February 2026.

Volleyball Club Term 4

Volleyball Club will continue until the end of term on Monday afternoons 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre. All students are welcome, we look forward to seeing you there.

Swimming Club

Wednesday afternoon, College Pool 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Swimming Club will continue for the rest of the term each Wednesday afternoon.

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. 

Congratulations 

Well done to all John XXIII students who competed in the WA All Schools Championships. Each year, we have more students entering, which is great to see. 

Lyla Stewart 

• U/18 3000m Gold 

Sasha Pallis 

• U/17 400m Hurdles Silver 

Kayden Prosper

• U/17 400m Bronze
• U/17 100m 4th 
• U/17 200m Bronze

Claudia Gnech

• U/17 1500m  

Ethan Soh 

• U/16 400m Bronze
• U/16 100m

Sade Hewes

• U/16 100m Silver
• U/16 200m Silver 

Cara Bradley 

• U/16 High Jump Bronze

Isla Strong

• U/15 Discus - 4th, 
• U/15 Shot Put 

Verity Pekin 

• U/15 Hammer Throw Bronze

Hugo Smith

• U/14 1500m 
• U/14 800m 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport