From the Principal

Preparations are well advanced for our new 2024 academic year. Part of the shift in focus towards 2024 centres on the welcoming of new students and parents to our College. This week we welcomed our new Year 7 parents after hosting our 2024 Year 7 students for an Orientation Day during Week 3. In the Primary School we hosted Kindy and Pre-Primary parent information sessions this week too and later in the term the Primary students will participate in a meet and greet session with their new teacher and classmates for 2024.

During the Year 7 Orientation Day, I spoke to the students about the Mary Ward Circle of Friends and the need to be courageous when ensuring their own circle of friends remains open in anticipation of someone new joining. The concept of an ‘open circle of friends’ originates from one of our founders Mary Ward’s belief that maintaining an open circle maintains openness to new opportunities. Many parents would also recognise that the College has a cafe named after the same concept, the Circle of Friends’ Cafe.

During the 2024 Year 7 Parent Information Evening this week, I spoke to our new parents about the importance of courage amongst our new students; courage to be open to new friendships and the opportunities these new relationships might bring, but also courage more generally. It takes courage to be open to new possibilities. This need for courage can be particularly pertinent to adolescents, given the natural default to lean heavily into what is known and comfortable. The fear of standing out can be real.

We want our students to flourish and so encourage them to be courageous in all they do, be it socially, in their studies or in their sport, drama or music. After all, it is all learning. I strongly encourage our students to look for the struggle in their learning and embrace it. It is only out of the struggle of learning, with appropriate supports of course, that real depth of understanding eventuates. In fact, it is my view that if our students are not feeling the struggle in their learning, perhaps they are not investing enough of themselves in it. Perhaps they are playing it too safe. Our students have so much to offer, and anything less is a lost opportunity, in my view.

Last weekend, I attended Loreto Principals’ meetings held at Loreto Marryatville in Adelaide. Before the meetings started, Loreto Principals attended a Liturgy during which one of the senior students read the following reflection. Given that a significant focus of our education in the Ignatian tradition is on the development of conscience and character, I share the reflection with you as it encapsulates so much of what is important at John XXIII College. So much to offer indeed.

Our world is overshadowed by news of darkness and doom.

Reports of war, limitations, separations and fear.

Of a future shattered by greed, global warming, shortages and ruin.

Of lives destroyed by violence and destruction.

But I am a child and I still have hope!

I am still awed by the beauty in the world,

I still see the good in everyone.

There is so much I want to learn, to see, to do.

I dream of a future

Of loving relationships, of unity and peace.

Of a time not dictated by economic or social power, gender, colour, disability, or geographic advantage

A future in which we learn Literacy, Maths, Science and Technology but also Music and Art, Sports and the Life skills of resilience, creative thinking and good judgement.

A future in which I can extend kindness and compassion, friendship, empathy and above all, love.

I share that dream with you and invite you to keep it at the heart of all you do.

Daniel Mahon

Principal

Dive into the November issue of Heritage

Dive into the vibrant pages of our latest Heritage magazine, where the extraordinary achievements of our College, the remarkable endeavours of our students and staff, and the inspiring stories of our accomplished alumni come to life.

John XXIII College Council: Finance and Risk Committee 

The College Council is establishing a pool of qualified and interested College parents from which to appoint an additional member to the Finance and Risk Committee, commencing in Term 1, 2024. Currently, we are seeking candidates with skill sets in the information technology, and risk management areas. We encourage all parents with the relevant skill sets to express their interest. 

The Committee's responsibilities are to provide support to the College Council and College Principal in monitoring and reviewing the College budget, financial statements, risk management and compliance, and other related matters. Meetings are held bi-monthly, generally early on a Wednesday morning. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the governance of the College. 

Initial inquiries and expressions of interest to join the pool of candidates should be directed to the College Business Manager, Mr John Cumming, by Friday, 24 November 2023. 

Email: john.cumming@cewa.edu.au 

Phone: (08) 9383 0402

Kindergarten 2026 & Year 7 2027 Interviews

Enrolment interviews for our Kindy 2026 and Year 7 2027 cohorts will take place early next year. If you have a child entering these year groups and would like them to be considered for a place at John XXIII College, please ensure you have completed an enrolment form.

If you are unsure if you have submitted an application, or if you have any questions about the enrolment process, please contact our College Registrar, Allison Falconer, at enrolments@johnxxiii.edu.au