John XXIII College Newsletter

Faith and Mission

As a College shaped by the rich traditions of both the Jesuit and Loreto charisms, we are committed to walking with others in the spirit of justice, dignity, and hope. Our commitment to 'seek justice' is reflected in our involvement with National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.

 

Last week, I had the privilege of attending an Ignatian formation program, followed by meetings with Loreto colleagues earlier this week. These experiences reminded me of how foundational the values of compassion, accompaniment, and a deep respect for all people are to our identity. They also reaffirmed our responsibility to be agents of reconciliation in our own community and beyond.

 

On Monday 26 May, we observe National Sorry Day, a time to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations. It is a day that challenges us to confront our national history with honesty and empathy.

 

The following day marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, held each year from 27 May to 3 June. These dates are significant: 27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, in which more than 90% of Australians voted to give the Commonwealth government power to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census. 3 June commemorates the High Court’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to the land.

 

This year’s theme, 'Bridging Now to Next', calls us to honour the progress we’ve made while courageously committing to the work that lies ahead. In line with this theme, our College has prepared a rich program of activities, including assemblies, a Year 8 Reflection day, classroom challenges, staff learning opportunities, and cultural experiences that centre First Nations voices. We invite our community to view the  Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events calendar to see how these values come to life in our shared learning and action.

 

Reconciliation Calendar.pdf

 

It is essential that we continue to build a school culture that listens deeply, respects unconditionally, and acts justly. Reconciliation is not a destination but a journey—and one that we must walk together in dialogue and hope.

 

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

 

 

 

 

 

Community Mass

Thank you to the students in Year 8 for preparing this morning’s liturgy. Next Friday, Community Mass will be prepared by Year 9, and families are especially welcome. However, everyone is invited to gather for our weekly Eucharist in this 50-day season of Easter.

 

If you have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: 

mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au

 

Community Mass details

  • College Chapel
  • Fridays in term time
  • Starts at 8:00am; concludes at 8:30am.

If you have any questions about Community Mass, please contact Mary-Anne Lumley: 

mary-anne.lumley@johnxxiii.edu.au

Sacraments

Do you have a child in Year 3, 4 or 6?

Students in these classes are respectively preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First holy Communion and Confirmation. It is imperative to enrol in a parish program as soon as possible as some parishes have already closed their enrolments for 2025.

 

Each parish has its own unique sacrament program. Information from some local parishes is provided on the College website. 

 

Parents often have questions about the Sacrament program, so don’t be afraid to ask. Below are some useful points of contact: