Magis Report 

STEM Challenge

In celebration of National Science Week, our Term 3 Academic Challenge tested students’ knowledge of all things STEM! Student representatives from Years 7 to 12 took part in a quiz and we congratulate the following Year group winners:  

• Year 7: Oliver Carney (Campion)
• Year 8: Max Middleton (Campion)
• Year 9: Louis McLoughlin (Ward)
• Year 10: James Sommerfield (Campion); Felix McGinty (Loyola)
• Year 11: Jonah Liew (Loyola)
• Year 12: Oliver Syminton (Loreto)

Congratulations to Campion House, the overall champions for this challenge. Pictured is Ms Harding’s Homeroom, Year 7 Campion, who were the top performing Homeroom in Year 7. A full list of top-performing students can be found in the link below. Our next Academic Challenge will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term and will test students’ music knowledge.

Debating Update

The Quarter Finals of the WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) took place on Tuesday evening at Perth Modern School. Many thanks to the family and friends who came in support. The debates were naturally of an exceptionally high standard, as these were the top eight teams in the State. Our team argued for the negative, with the topic: This house would prioritise government investment in rural towns and villages over cities in developing countries (e.g. India, Mexico). We are excited to announce that our team will be progressing to the State Semi-Finals – an outstanding achievement. Congratulations to:

Novice JTC 7

• Asha Bowers
• Madeleine Miller
• Holly Harrison
• Rosie O’Toole
• Pearl Bovell

The State Semi Finals will be held this Tuesday 18 August at Perth Modern School. Debate times/positions have been confirmed by WADL, and communication has been sent to students/families. We congratulate our champion debating team and wish them the best of luck with their debate. 

Shakespeare Incursion

Next Friday we welcome The Players, Bell Shakespeare’s professional touring ensemble, who bring high-energy Shakespeare performances to schools and communities across Australia. This incursion is compulsory for our Years 7 and 9 Magis elective students, and optional for other Magis students (though registration was required). Our English Department has also selected students across the Year 9 English classes to join our Magis community. Parents can view information about this event through Consent2Go. We look forward to sharing details in next week’s College newsletter.

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar, which can be accessed below.  

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

Note: All expressions of interest should be sent to the Magis Assistant: magis@johnxxiii.edu.au

Quest Tutorials Program for Gifted and Talented Students

BRAINways Education, in conjunction with the University of Western Australia, is pleased to offer the BRAINways Quest Tutorials program for Gifted and Talented students of Perth. Incorporating information and lessons from a wide range of international curricula, the Quest Tutorial Program offers advanced learning experiences in both content and process, delivering challenging yet interesting, hands-on learning. Their next program of workshops will be held at UWA in the upcoming school holidays (Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 October). Below is the list of programs for students in Year 7:

• The Mathematics Games program will provide an opportunity to explore the depth of advanced mathematical concepts, as well as to develop skills such as multi-step problem solving, spatial reasoning and pattern recognition by integrating deeper mathematical thinking into gameplay

   

• The Science of Pain program will explore the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we’ve invented to block or circumvent that discomfort. It will investigate the biological and psychological factors that influence our experience of pain and how our nervous system reacts to harmful stimuli

   

• What is Art? The Philosophy of Beauty program will explore the impact of visual art and its meaning across time and culture, as well as identify philosophical concepts of beauty. The students will be given an opportunity to create original art incorporating ideas that emerged during this exploration.

   

For more information, please see the attached flyer. Students interested must discuss the program and check availability with their parents before submitting an expression of interest by Monday, 7 September (Week 8). Please note: Students require a Nomination Letter to be signed by the Head of Magis, before parents can book their place in the program.

Nature in Focus Photography Competition 

Celebrate Australian biodiversity with the Nature in Focus Photography Competition. Last year’s entries came from across Australia, showcasing the extraordinary nature, wildlife, and conservation efforts around our vast country. This competition is open to students in K-12, to show off their amazing photography skills. Categories for high school students include Oceans, Wetlands & Rivers; Sustainability; and Species and Habitats. Visit Conservation Volunteers Australia. Nature In Focus Photo Competition (2026) to learn more (including judging criteria). Competition closes at 5:00pm AEST, 7 September 2026. Great prizes to be won! 

The Global Voices Fellowship

Attention Year 12 students: Applications are open for the Global Voices Fellowship. This life-changing program aims to upskill and develop the next generation of Australian leaders to contribute to domestic and global decision-making. This is a fully funded scholarship, with all domestic and international flights, accommodations, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees covered. For more information, please click here or speak with the Head of Magis.