Secondary

Dear Families

National Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) invites all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to consider how each of us can actively contribute to reconciliation in our nation. These dates mark two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey, the 1967 referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision, moments that call us to both remembrance and continued action.

The 2026 theme, 'All In,' is a powerful call to wholehearted commitment. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a passive endeavour, nor a spectator sport. Each of us is invited to step forward with courage and conviction, recognising that the responsibility for reconciliation belongs to all Australians, not solely to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have carried this work for so long (Reconciliation Australia, 2026). 

Within our Ignatian tradition, this call resonates deeply. As a community inspired by the values of cura personalis, care for the whole person, and guided by our mission to form people of competence, conscience and compassion, we are continually invited to respond to the needs of others with generosity and integrity. Reconciliation is, at its heart, a call to seek justice: to listen deeply, to learn with humility, and to act in ways that promote dignity, truth and right relationship. As a College, we are called to be 'All In', to move beyond words and into action. This means fostering understanding through education, honouring the stories and cultures of First Nations peoples, and committing ourselves to building relationships grounded in respect and justice. In doing so, we live out our faith not only in reflection, but in the choices we make each day, contributing to a more just and reconciled Australia.

Thank you to the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Department for their work throughout this week to commemorate National Sorry Day and to promote Reconciliation Week, the primary focus of HASS Week activities. Thank you also to Ellen Fortini, ADP -Year 8 and Janeen Murphy, Deputy Principal, Faith and Mission, for their organisation of Tuesday’s impactful Reflection Day with the well-known Aboriginal singer, songwriter and educator from Yorta Yorta country, Scott Darlow.

Thank you to the wonderful Parents' Association for providing a delicious morning tea for staff to take a break from classes, exam marking, and report writing. It was greatly appreciated. 

Inspire presents Justin Coulson – Tuesday, 9 June 

The Inspire Parent Education Committee invites you to a special evening with one of Australia's most respected parenting experts. 

Parental Guidance – Dr Justin Coulson - Positive solutions for every family 

• Tuesday, 9 June 2026 
• 6:30pm – 8:00pm, followed by refreshments 
• John XXIII College, 25 John XXIII Avenue, Mount Claremont 
• Bookings are essential. 

Parenting today looks very different from a generation ago. We've moved beyond the era of strict, authoritarian approaches, but many parents are left wondering: how do we raise children who are independent, resilient, and emotionally healthy, while still providing the guidance they need? That's exactly what Dr Justin Coulson will explore in this engaging, evidence-based presentation. A father of six, author of nine books on parenting and family life, and co-host of Channel 9's Parental Guidance, Dr Coulson brings warmth, humour, and genuine insight to the topics that matter most to families today. 

On the night, you can expect to explore: 

• How to better understand your child's emotional needs at every age and stage 
• Practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen your relationship with your child 

• How to create a home environment where children genuinely thrive 

   

This is a wonderful opportunity for our parent community to come together, be inspired, and connect with other families over refreshments afterwards. 

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 8 Reflection Day 

The Year 8 Reflection Day offered students a meaningful opportunity to explore the themes of respectful relationships and human dignity. The day began with a Mass, where Monsignor Kevin Long reflected on what a privilege it is to spend a full day together without the usual demands of classes. Guest speaker Scott Darlow shared powerful insights into the experiences of Aboriginal Australians, highlighting the importance of racial tolerance and social awareness through his acronym FLUTE—Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy. His message encouraged students to recognise the impact of simple acts of kindness, not only in supporting others but also in strengthening their own wellbeing. In the afternoon, Patrick from Y-Safe reinforced the importance of online safety, discussing consent, current laws around intimate images, and the need to seek help from a trusted adult if students feel unsafe. It was a big and thought-provoking day for our Year 8 students, with important messages to carry forward in the weeks ahead.

Ellen Fortini

Assistant Deputy Principal - Year 8

Can you be oarsome and bake for JTC Rowing?

We are calling for donations of cakes, biscuits, slices, muffins and preserves to support the cake stall at the upcoming JTC-hosted IGSSA Rowing Regatta on 6 June 2026. In previous years, simple flavours sold the best (including lemon, banana, carrot and ginger). Gluten-free options are also very popular. Please note that no items can contain nuts.

If you can contribute, please confirm your donated item/s via the QR code on the flier attached or via the link below.

https://bit.ly/4fxfdpC 

Cake boxes (including an information note and cake box labels) will be available for collection from the PE Office and Secondary Student Services from Wednesday, 27 May. We will also be handing out cake boxes at the secondary loop on Tuesday, 2 June (8am to 9am). Donated items can be returned to the College on Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 June.

This is the Club's BIGGEST fundraiser for the year, so we appreciate your support!

Thank you in advance from the Rowing Committee.

Enrich family life by hosting a student from Japan

John XXIII College families have a strong tradition of facilitating connections with students internationally. 

From 2 to 9 August, students from Osaka Kasugaoka High School, Japan, will be attending John XXIII College as day students for a cultural exchange. If families are interested in hosting a student please contact Gold Educational Tours who oversee the host family arrangements, providing 24/7 support and a $550.00 contribution per student. 

Find out more: https://schoolcommunity.goldeducationaltours.com.au 

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages

SPORT

ACC Cross-Country 

What an awesome day out at the ACC Cross-Country Carnival on 28 May! This year’s event was extra special as the ACC celebrated the 60th year of this fantastic cross-country event, with an incredible 4,500 students competing across the day. It was a fantastic showcase of talent, determination, and school spirit.

It was inspiring to see our students represent the College with such pride, grit, and outstanding sportsmanship. Days like this remind us just how lucky we are to have such a supportive and spirited community.

We are incredibly proud to share that JTC finished second in the overall aggregate shield, as well as second in the Overall Girls Shield, an exceptional achievement and a true reflection of the commitment and effort shown across all year levels. Every runner contributed to this result, highlighting the depth, teamwork, and collective effort of our squad. Congratulations also to our U/19 Girls and U/14 Boys who took out their Age group shields.

From seasoned competitors to those taking on the course for the first time, we saw resilience, courage, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones. There were countless moments worth celebrating, students digging deep in tough sections, lifting teammates with encouragement, and sprinting through the finish line. This is exactly the kind of sportsmanship we value and celebrate.

To our runners, you were absolute legends. Your energy, preparation, and commitment shone through, and you should all feel immensely proud of your efforts and achievements.

Well done to College Sport Captains Molly Pekin and Dom Jeffery, and Cross-Country Captains Lyla Stewart and Noah Boruff. They did a superb job in leading the team and supporting all the athletes throughout the day. There was cheering all around the course, and students even running at stages with smiles on their faces. 

Finally, a very big thank you to all the PE staff who supported our students on the day, and a special mention to  Mr Cameron Tremayne, Head of Health and PE, who has meticulously led the team through training. He has a great wealth of experience behind him and has covered all bases in the lead-up. Thank you to Alumni Assistant Coaches Ruby Verleg and Ciaran Doyle, who came back to support Mr Tremayne in the sessions. 

Bring on Athletics!! Stay tuned for the notices and newsletter for the Athletics Schedule, due to start on 16 June.

CONGRATULATIONS! Students who finished in the Top 25: 

Overall results from Blue Chip Timing can be found at the following link: ACC Cross Country.

Year 8 NAS 

All Year 8 NAS teams and Lightning Carnival teams have now been posted in the College notices. Well done to all the students who have trialed and brought great enthusiasm to Year 8 NAS. The training schedule is attached below. 

All students in a NAS Team must attend both training sessions in the lead-up to the carnival on Wednesday, 17 June. If students are unable to attend, they must email their team teacher. Students who are listed on the Lightning Carnival teams can train, if they wish, on the listed training afternoons. 

NAS Training Schedule 

Years 8/9 Boys Eagles Cup 

The John XXIII Eagles Cup team capped off their season with an impressive victory over John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School. JTC controlled possession throughout the match, winning the majority of contests and keeping the ball firmly in their forward half, which translated into numerous scoring opportunities.

The midfield unit, led by Jack Hodge, Dash Thomson and Lucian Kemp, was outstanding, while forwards Alex Gilling and Louis Kane capitalised on strong delivery to convert opportunities on the scoreboard.

Congratulations to the entire squad for their commitment, enthusiasm and competitive spirit across the season.

Final score

JTC 9.7 (61) defeated JSR 0.5 (5)

Ross Meadows Hockey

The second trial for the Ross Meadows Hockey Shield will take place on Tuesday morning, from 7:00am to 8:00am. We look forward to seeing students there with Miss Marquardt and Mr Kowal. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Erin and Salome, Year 10 students, proudly represented their team at the Tennis West 2025/2026 Summer Tennis Pennants. On Saturday, 23 May, they were celebrated as the Grand Final Runners-Up in the Girls Under 18s division, receiving their medals at Scarborough Tennis Club alongside their teammates, Lila and Nanako.

This outstanding achievement is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Congratulations to Salome, Erin and the entire team on this fantastic accomplishment - we are so proud of you all!

Congratulations to Zoe on her selection in the PNA Under 12s, and to Amelia on making the Under 14s squad. We wish both girls the very best as they represent PNA at the Fuel to Go Association Championships this weekend.

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.