Secondary

Dear Families

This week we celebrated Ward House Day, a special opportunity to honour Mary Ward, one of our College founders and a woman of remarkable faith, courage and vision. Living in a time of political and religious uncertainty, Mary Ward responded generously to God’s call and founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspired by the same ideals that shaped the Jesuit tradition. Her conviction that women, too, could serve with purpose, intelligence and influence was bold for her time and continues to speak powerfully to us today. At John XXIII College, her legacy invites us to live with sincerity, act with courage and 'Seek Justice' for all. Through the celebration of Ward House Day, students were encouraged to reflect on Mary Ward’s example and consider how they, too, can make a positive difference in their relationships, their learning and their wider community. Thank you to Dr Ylenia Casadio, Ward House Coordinator, Ward Homeroom Teachers and staff for leading students in a meaningful and enjoyable celebration of this important House day. 

Ward House prayer 

Lord God,   

May we live like Mary Ward 

With Faith and Love in Christ our Lord. 

When the going is hard, and our spirits grow weak,  

We look to Mary and her faith we seek.  

Though dangers besieged her and sure, she knew fear,  

Mary never wavered from the faith she held dear.  

We, like Mary Ward, have this vocation in life; 

To be faithful to Christ in good times or strife,  

To bring the good news of God’s love to each other 

And welcome the stranger like a sister or brother.  

The message we have heard from the good women Ward 

Live every day as best you may as Jesus Christ the Lord.  

Music and Drama Week  

The creative arts continue to be a vibrant and valued part of College life, offering students wonderful opportunities to express themselves, collaborate with others, build confidence and develop a deeper appreciation of culture and creativity. This week, our Music and Drama programs have once again brought energy and joy to the campus, with students sharing their talents across a range of performances, workshops and lunchtime showcases. 

Congratulations to all students who participated in the Music Eisteddfod; the quality of performances was outstanding and reflected the dedication, courage and skill of our young musicians. Jazz Night at The Ellington was another highlight, giving students the opportunity to perform in an authentic live music venue before family and friends. Throughout the week, students have also enjoyed Drama incursions, band performances and the much-anticipated Year 12 five-minute musicals on the Chapel Lawn. Sincere thanks to our passionate Music and Drama staff, whose guidance and enthusiasm continue to inspire students to embrace the performing arts with creativity, confidence and joy. 

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

International Exchange with Osaka Kasugaoka

Last week we welcomed 18 students and their teacher from Osaka Kasugaoka, Japan. The exchange group have been totally immersed in our way of life, both at home and at school. 

When asked what the highlight of their week was, some replied 'meeting the primary students'; others really loved conversations and games with our Years 11 and 12 Japanese students. Some loved teaching our Year 8 Japanese students a bit of JPop and others really enjoyed the Osaka Cultural show with our Year 7s. The whole group had a taste of Aussie farm and wildlife whilst watching the Farm Show at Caversham and then meeting a range of our unusual animals, including wombats, kangaroos and dingoes.  A great way to interact with our students was to play SupaGolf in the Swan Valley. 

The warm reception, response and applause from our staff and students for the Osaka performance at the Variety Concert was wonderful. What a great way to celebrate an international cultural exchange.

Our students at JTC are thanked for their openness and willingness to engage with our visitors. On the last day, one of our visitors, called Momoka, lost her precious tiny gold earring somewhere on our huge campus on JTC Day. Then, just before the concert, two Year 11 boys came racing up to the Osaka group, looking rather exhausted after having searched the whole campus for a tiny golden earring. They found it! When they returned the earring to Mokoka, she was so thankful and overwhelmed by their generosity, that she simply burst into tears. The two boys bowed and said 'daijoubu' (it’s ok). At this point even Sensei teared up.  Moments like these in our international exchange are precious beyond words.

A big thank you to host families, host buddies at school and all the staff who went out of their way to ensure the success of this exchange. Special thanks to Aghdasi Sensei for all her support. They love her classes. Also, big thanks to the Logistics Team, ICT and administration staff for making sure the group were safe and sound.

Shane Glass

Languages Teacher

Year 12 ATAR Geography Excursion

On Wednesday Year 12 ATAR Geography students attended an excursion to various locations across the Perth metropolitan area, exploring the urban challenges of transportation and urban sprawl. These locations included the New Subi East development at the former Princess Margaret Hospital site, Bayswater Train Station, Ellenbrook Town Centre, and the Perth CBD/Northbridge precinct.

The purpose of the excursion was to conduct an inquiry into the morphology of Perth and undertake fieldwork that complemented students' study of these two significant challenges facing the city in the future. Students particularly enjoyed the walking tour of Ellenbrook, where they heard firsthand from a City of Swan urban planner about the strengths and weaknesses of the suburb's urban design.

Thank you to Ms Sarah Williams (Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher) for accompanying the students and supporting the excursion.

Chris Morris

Head of Learning Area – Humanities and Social Sciences

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

SPORT

NAS Athletics 

Our Years 7 to 10 NAS Athletics team was posted in the notices this week, and all students and families have been emailed. This team will attend Period 1 on Tuesday 25 August, and then travel by bus to the WA Athletics Stadium (HPC) 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.

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 and will run right the way 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 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! 

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

Training Schedule

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/Leila Barker-Thursday (Alumni 23)
• Javelin - Jonah Burns 
• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Upcoming Dates

Athletics Challenge Mornings 2026 – Fill out form

Thursday 20 August @ JTC Ovals 7:00am -8:00am

• 1500m
• Discus, Shot Put, Javelin

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

• Top 5 Athletes from each event will be selected for this day

Wednesday 16 September - ACC A Division Carnival 

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

Our Years 9/10 NAS have now been finalised, and all teams can be found posted in the College notices.  All students not listed on a team as a competitor or student helper will take part in a Wellbeing Day at the College, where a range of great activities have been organised for them. It is a compulsory school day for all.

Please see the remaining training dates and times below for each sport and lock them into your diaries. It is important that teams show commitment and continue to train hard in the lead-up to the carnival.

Volleyball Schools Cup 

We wish all of our students the very best as they represent the College in the upcoming Volleyball Schools Cup competitions. Good luck to our Years 7/8 teams competing on Tuesday, our Year 10 Girls on Wednesday, and our Senior Boys on Friday. We are proud of the commitment, teamwork and preparation shown by all players and look forward to seeing them compete.

Thank you to Mr Bowen, Ms Marquardt, Mr Morris and Ms Pillera who will be attending and supporting these teams.

Interschool Surfing Competition

Good luck to our students competing in the Interschool Surfing competition next week. Our boys will hit the waves on Thursday, followed by our girls on Friday. We wish them every success as they represent the College in what promises to be an exciting event. Thank you to Mr Kowal and Mr McLaughlin for all their work in the lead-up to the competitions. 

Year 10 ACC AFL Carnival

Last Wednesday saw the running of the Year 10 Boys C Division ACC Football Carnival (AFL style). While not coming away with a victory in the four games, the players acquitted themselves very well, producing some wonderful passages of play. A couple of injuries put a bit of a dampener on things. The team, however, was full of energy and very supportive of each other when rotating through playing positions, resting for games if required and fulfilling support roles such as goal umpiring, scoring and running messages.

Congratulations to Nagel Catholic College for their undefeated victory on the day. Competing teams also included Kennedy Baptist College, Newman College and La Salle College. 

Quality contributors for the John XXIII team included George Galbally (Captain), Hudson Grabham, Hudson Fisher, James Mann, Will Beach, Daniel Holmes, Leo Fiorentini, Cooper Tout and Tanxsta Harris. All others had their special moments and were very valuable to the side's competitiveness during the 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

Congratulations to our Floorball Stars! Last week, the Australian U19 Floorball team travelled to Singapore to compete in the Asia Oceanic Floorball Championships, a qualifying tournament for the U19 World Floorball Championships. Up against Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong-China, the Australian team fought hard to finish third, narrowly missing out on second place by goal difference, behind Championship winners Singapore.

The result secures Australia's place at the U19 World Championships in Latvia in February 2027.

Remarkably, seven of the 20-man squad are John XXIII students: Alexander (71), Nicholas (9), Jude (7), Maxwell (24), Julian (17), George (4) and Bailey (87).

Congratulations to all seven boys, and to the whole Australian team, on this outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to Elsa (Year 10), who has been selected to represent WA in the 15U Girls Water polo team. Elsa will travel to Melbourne to compete in the National State Championships, held from 29 September to 3 October.

We wish Elsa all the best!

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.