Secondary

Dear Families

National Reconciliation Week (Monday 27 May to 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. As outlined at last week’s assembly by Faith and Mission Captains, Luke and Logan, reconciliation isn’t just a moment; it’s an ongoing journey that calls on each of us to acknowledge the impact of our history, the truth of our past and playing our part in working together toward healing and justice for Indigenous Australians. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

Reconciliation Week coincides with Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Week. Years 7 and 9 students will work in classes to build a symbolic ‘bridge of commitment’ to reconciliation and lunchtime activities will include an indigenous themed documentary screening, reconciliation colouring in competition and a reconciliation Amazing Race. The annual HASS Week BBQ on Friday, 30 May, will raise money for indigenous support programs run by Caritas. There will also be Magis Homeroom challenges taking place throughout the week.

Congratulations to all musicians who performed at last week’s Autumn Soiree where the audience was entertained by a wonderful showcase of the various ensembles within the Music Program. Well done to Year 12 students, who on Monday cut and shaved their hair in support of the World’s Greatest Shave. All the best to the ACC Cross-Country Team, who have been training hard in preparation for next Thursday’s Interschool carnival.

Japanese Cultural Exchange – Host Family Opportunity

Following a successful exchange program last year, in August, we will once again welcome Years 10 to 12 Japanese students from Osaka, Japan, for a six-night cultural exchange, and families are invited to host a student as a member of their family for the short stay. The program does not require families to plan special activities or outings, as these will be catered for as part of the cultural exchange experience with the College. All families are welcome to participate, regardless of their child's year level, and host families will receive $330 per student to help cover expenses for their hospitality.

Our trusted partner, Gold Educational Tours, coordinates all aspects of the visit and provides 24/7 support throughout the experience, ensuring a smooth and rewarding exchange for everyone involved.

Ready to connect your child to Japan? Register here.

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Community Planting - Thank you

Thank you to everyone who attended our Community Planting and Weeding Day! Together, we planted over 70 trees, which will serve as a vital food source for the endangered Carnaby's Black Cockatoos. We're so grateful to everyone who contributed their time and energy. This planting day is just one part of our ongoing conservation and sustainability efforts – we're committed to environmental stewardship across our campus and in our broader community. Your participation helps strengthen our local ecosystems and protect biodiversity for generations to come.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

Arts Tour 2026

The John XXIII College Arts Department is excited to announce its first Arts Tour – a unique and cross-curricular cultural tour, experiencing Arts-based and culturally broadening activities in New York City!

Students attending the tour will engage in a packed itinerary that includes cultural landmarks in New York such as Times Square, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History, Ellen’s Stardust Diner and more, as well as taking part in activities tailored to the Arts, such as Broadway workshops, plays and musicals, MOMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chelsea Galleries, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Centre, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Centre, the NBC Studios and live concerts.

The approximate cost of the Arts Tour is ~ $9,500 and coincides with the mid-year holidays and Pilgrimage. The Arts Tour is scheduled to depart on Wednesday, 1 July, for ten days.

Students are invited to apply for the John XXIII College Arts Tour, considering the following details and conditions:

• Students must be studying Year 11 and/or Year 12 Drama, Music, Visual Arts or Media in 2026 to attend the tour.
• Tour itineraries and costs are subject to change, based on the size and makeup of the tour cohort.
• Students applying for the Arts Tour are required to submit a letter of application detailing their 2026 ATAR courses in the Arts, involvement and commitment to the Arts during their time at the College and reasons for attending the tour.  This letter must be no more than one typed page and must be submitted to Mr Tsakisiris by Friday, 27 June.
• Students successful in applying for the Arts Tour will be required to sign Tour Conditions and Behaviour contracts.

We look forward to planning an unforgettable experience for our Arts students in 2026! Please contact Mr Kros or Mr Tsakisiris with queries relating to the Arts Tour, and to submit letters of application by Friday, 27 June.

SPORT

SSWA Cross-Country

Congratulations to all students selected to represent John XXIII College at the 2025 School Sport WA Cross-Country Carnival on Thursday, 29 May. This competition is open to all government and non-government school students. 

The day provides a platform for selection into the SSWA Interstate Cross-Country team, where students selected will compete in the School Sport Australia Cross-Country Championships later this year. It also provides another opportunity to post times in the lead-up to the big ACC Cross-Country Carnival. A full team list can be found in the SEQTA notices. 

Information for the day:

• Where: Please meet in the St Louis Sport Centre 
• Carnival Location: Yokine Regional Open Space
• When: 7:45am SHARP for name check and briefing.
• Transport: A bus will depart the College at 8:15am to UWA Sports Park - McGilvray
• Dress: Please wear the College Sports uniform and yellow athletics singlet (this is available for purchase at the College Uniform Shop)
  • Girls: There are now optional JTC performance shorts (bike shorts) that can be worn with the singlet 
• What to bring: Food and drink for the day, sunscreen, and a hat.
• All students are required to stay for the duration of the day to support team JTC 

ACC Cross-Country 

All students on the SSWA team have been sent the following information regarding the upcoming ACC Carnival and their potential selection. The first draft of the team has been posted in the College notices. This is still subject to change after the SSWA Cross-Country.

• Attend team training session on Tuesday, 27 May at 6:45am arrival at Alderbury reserve. Please see SEQTA notices for the map and more information. There will be a bus to transport students back to school after the session.
• A full team list is accessible in SEQTA notices
• Students who are selected for the final ACC team (Top 8) need to be available for the Team training and dinner on Tuesday, 3 June 
  • Training: 3:30pm-4:30pm - College Ovals 
  • Dinner: 5:00pm-6:00pm - TMEC

Students who have attended 9/14 of our Tuesday and Thursday Cross-Country sessions have earned themselves a Cross-Country Training tee. Here is a lovely sunrise shot from this morning's run at the UWA Sports Park.

Year 8 Winter NAS

We have just completed the first week of Year 8 trials, and they have been a big success. We are now looking forward to next week's second week of trials. Please refer to the schedule below for any changes.  All students are encouraged to try out for a spot on a team for the Carnival taking place on 18 June. Students who don’t make the NAS team will have the option to attend the day as a helper or participate in the Lightning Carnival. We would love to see everyone involved. 

Please see below for important information: 

• This is a compulsory school day for students. 
• Trials will take place during Weeks 4 and 5, and selected teams will be posted after the second trial. 
• Students may wish to trial for two sports in Week 4 and then decide to focus on one sport in their second trial in Week 5. 
• All students will be involved in the day as either a team member, a student helper for a team or participating in the Lightning Carnival Netball (Girls) and Soccer (Boys).
• Training schedules are posted in the College notices and have been sent out to all students.
• Students unable to make all training days must communicate their absence to the team coach.
• All students are to meet in the Pavilion in their PE uniform before their trial.

NAS Trial 2 Schedule and NAS Training Schedule (Week 6&7)

Interhouse Surfing 

Interhouse Surfing will be held later this term on Thursday, 3 July.

Thank you to the students who attended the meeting this week. If there are students who have missed out on the meeting and are still interested. Please email Mr Kowal. 

• Students must have had experience in bodyboarding or surfing
• Must have a wetsuit
• Leg ropes 
• Fins and fin savers

First XVIII Football

Well done to all our students who competed in the First XVIII games this year. We look forward to seeing them in action again during the Senior NAS Carnival on 25 June and at the annual Ron Logan Cup Game on JTC Day.

Year 8/9 Boys Eagles Cup 

The boys came up against a good opposition at Shenton College this week. It was a tough contest, and the boys battled hard all the way through but came up short. They will come up against Shenton again at Home in the next few weeks. Next week's game will be at JTC versus Newman College. 

Ross Meadows Hockey Years 7-9

Calling all Years 7-9 Students who are interested in trying out for the Ross Meadows Shield. Complete the attached Hockey Nomination Form. Trial dates to be held at College Ovals - shin guards and mouth guards required: 

• Tuesday 27 May - 3:30pm-4:30pm
• Tuesday 3 June 7:00am-8:00am

Carnival Information for those selected: 

• Date: 25 June UWA Hockey Turf
• Teams are mixed boys and girls 
• We can take up to three teams on the day

SSWA Years 7-9 Touch Football 

Trials will be held for both boys and girls in Years 7-9 who are interested in playing in the SSWA Touch Rugby Tournament, which will be held on Friday, 13 June.

Trial 1:

• Wednesday Week 5 (28 May) - 7:00am-8:00am
• Football boots required

Register at the link below before Wednesday:

SSWA Touch Rugby Nomination

Congratulations 

Alila Iredale

Congratulations to Alila, Year 8, on her outstanding results at the WA State Gymnastics Championships! Competing at National Level 7, Alila achieved silver medals for 2nd All Around, Bars, and Beam, placed 4th on Floor, and won gold with her team, making them the Level 7 State Champions. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Alila’s dedication and many hours of hard work. Well done, Alila!

Grace Czajko

Congratulations to Grace Czajko, Year 9, on her outstanding swimming achievements! During the April school holidays, Grace competed at the 2025 Swimming Age Nationals in Brisbane, setting impressive personal bests and reaching the finals in both the 100m and 200m Breaststroke. She finished both events ranked 5th in Australia for her age group.

We wish Grace every success as she represents our community at the upcoming 20th Singapore National Swimming Championships from 31 May to 3 June 2025. Grace departs Perth on 29 May—good luck, Grace!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport