Secondary

Dear Families

Valete is the Latin term for ‘goodbye to a group of people’. We have farewelled our beloved Year 12 students over the past week with numerous Valete events to acknowledge their contribution and achievements to our College community. This significant milestone always brings mixed emotions: excitement and anticipation about the future, but also nostalgia and a tinge of sadness to be saying goodbye to the familiar environment that has been school for the past years. We congratulate the graduating Class of 2025, and we wish them every success for their future endeavours as they heed the words of St Ignatius of Loyola, to 'go, set the world on fire'. Thank you to Mr Liam Smith, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 12, Homeroom teachers and all other teachers who have been involved in this cohort’s journey through both Primary and Secondary school, providing exceptional care and support to guide their growth into the young adults whom we are so very proud of.

Prayer for Year 12 Graduands

Bless these graduands, Lord, as they stand at the threshold of adulthood. Grant them wisdom to navigate the complexities of the world ahead, courage to embrace new beginnings, and unwavering faith to guide their paths.

For those venturing into higher education, empower them with focus and a thirst for knowledge. May they seize the opportunities for growth and discovery that lie before them.

For those entering the workforce, equip them with the skills and dedication to excel. May they find meaningful work that allows them to utilise their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.

For all graduands, regardless of their chosen path, fill them with Your love and compassion. Grant them the strength to stand up for what is right, the courage to chase their dreams with unwavering determination, and the humility to learn and grow throughout their lives.

We also lift up their families and loved ones who have provided unwavering support throughout this journey. Thank You for their love, encouragement, and the sacrifices they made to see these graduands flourish.

May the lessons learned and the bonds formed during their high school years continue to inspire them. We pray that these graduands carry these cherished experiences with them, forever grateful for the foundation they have laid.

Part of the Year 12 Day of Invitation proceedings is the handover of the Year 12 Student Representative Council. This year’s leadership process was highly competitive, and all candidates are to be commended for their commitment and courage in nominating for a leadership position next year. Nominating students enjoyed a celebratory lunch on Wednesday to acknowledge their candidacy, and whilst not all were successful in being appointed to the 2026 Student Representative Council, we consider them to be leaders in their own right.

Congratulations to the following students who have been appointed to represent the student body as the 2026 Student Representative Council. We are confident that they will do all they can to be a ‘person for others’ in leading their peers and in continuing the excellent work of this year’s Student Representative Council’s contribution to our College.

This week, we celebrated the incredible talent of our students at the launch of the annual Art Exhibition on Monday and Tuesday’s Sports Awards Evening. Nurturing artistic and sporting talent takes sacrifice and dedication, and we commend all students involved in the sporting and arts life of the College for their passion and commitment. Thank you to Kiri Moore, Visual Arts Coordinator, and the Visual Arts team, and Rob Di Giallonardo, Media Teacher, for a stunning curation of art and media works, also to Head of Sport, Jess Pillera, Assistant Head of Sport, Darren Kowal and the Sports team for a fantastic Sports Award Evening.

Homework Club

Our popular Homework Club continues until the end of the term, with lots of students taking advantage of the teacher and tutor academic support available. Homework Club is available for Secondary students every Monday to Thursday, from 3:30pm to 6:00pm in the Ignatius Centre Library. Please see below for more information and when specialist support is available.

When: Every Monday to Thursday

Where: Ignatius Centre Library

Time: The library will close at 6pm but the students may leave at any time beforehand. Years 7 to 10 students who remain past 5pm will need to be collected by a parent/guardian from the library.

Signing in and out: Students are required to sign in and out using the kiosk. Students will need a phone or laptop to scan the QR code.

Term 4 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

2025 Visual Arts Exhibition 

The Visual Arts Exhibition provides our students with the opportunity to showcase their artworks and be recognised for the time and effort they have dedicated to their Art studies this year. Congratulations to our talented Art students and wonderful Visual Arts staff for an outstanding exhibition. 

A special thank you to our wonderful Year 10 Exhibition Curation Team, who were critical to the success of the Exhibition installation last Friday.

The 2025 Visual Arts Exhibition was officially opened on Monday 20 October by special guest and alumnus, Associate Professor Susanna Castleden. In her opening address, Susanna shared her experiences travelling and working as a practicing artist, as well as her own experiences as a Visual Arts student. Her words for our graduating students were inspiring and included encouragement to keep art as a part of your life, regardless of the path you choose. We thank Susanna for opening this year’s exhibition.

The Exhibition is a special occasion for our Year 12 General and ATAR Visual Arts and Media Students. We congratulate our Year 12s on their incredible work this year and feature their work as a centrepiece of the Exhibition. The Year 12s have been an extremely creative, skilled, gracious, and fun group. The Art Department is incredibly proud of the work they have produced, and the depth of ideas communicated in their art making. 

If you haven’t had the chance to view the Exhibition, it will be open on Saturday from 11am until 2pm, where you can vote for your favourite Secondary artwork for the People’s Choice Award.

Award Winners 2025

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Sister Theresa Elliott Encouragement Award, Holly Harrison, Year 7

Congratulations to the recipient of the John XXIII College Staff Award, Bianca Petsos, Year 12, for her artwork Amniotica

Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 College Art Competition, Miriam Sekendy, Year 8

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Loreto Sisters Award, Clara North, Year 12

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Arlene Nedeljkovic Rising Star Award, Sophie Cleary, Year 10

Congratulations to the recipient of this year’s Principal’s Award, Bianca Petsos, Year 12

Kiri Moore

Coordinator - Visual Arts

Community comes together to care for our campus

A heartfelt thank you to all parents, students, and alumni who joined us for our Community Planting and Weeding Day. Your enthusiasm and hard work made a wonderful difference in caring for our campus environment. It was inspiring to see our community come together in the spirit of stewardship to nurture our common home and create a lasting impact for future generations.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

Shopfront Christmas Appeal

Our College community is called to be people for others – and this Christmas, we have an opportunity to bring hope and dignity to those in need through the Shopfront Christmas Appeal.

We are collecting food items and essential goods to support Shopfront's vital work providing Christmas lunch and care packages to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in our community.

Collections due by Wednesday 19 November.  Drop-off location: Homeroom

Every donation will make a real difference. Cash donations are also welcome and will support the Shopfront Christmas Lunch.

In the spirit of our College founders and mission, let us seek justice and serve others this Christmas season. Together, we can bring joy and dignity to those who need it most.

Food Studies Tour to Le Cordon Bleu in Melbourne

Monday 6 April to Saturday 11 April 2026

As a newly introduced educational tour, the Food Studies Tour will expose students to industry-leading practices in food preparation, hospitality and culinary innovation through workshops, demonstrations and cultural food experiences. 

The tour is designed to enrich students’ Food Science and Technologies learning while fostering personal growth and confidence in preparation for future pathways, specifically to: 

• Broaden students’ understanding of food systems, production and service at a national and global level. 
• Develop practical skills and inspire creativity through hands-on learning with professional chefs and industry experts. 
• Encourage cultural appreciation by exploring Melbourne’s diverse food scene. 
• Strengthen collaboration skills, independence and responsibility in a real-world setting. 

As a dedicated Food Studies Tour, eligible students include: 

• those who have completed Year 10 Food Studies in 2025;
• current Year 11 General Food Science and Technology students (2025); and 
• students who are enrolled in Year 11 or 12 General Food Science and Technology in 2026. 

We have extended the expression of interest until the 31 October as some previous links sent out may not have been received. 

Mindy Toleman

Technologies Teacher

Join us for an evening of gratitude

As we near the end of the school year, we want to acknowledge the many ways parents and guardians have volunteered for John XXIII College. Your time, energy, generosity, and commitment have made a lasting difference in our College community.

To our parents, alumni, and friends who have so generously given of their time and resources, we extend our sincere thanks. Whether through volunteering at carnivals, assisting at special events, serving on committees, or contributing via the Foundation, your support has been truly invaluable.

We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of fellowship, gratitude, and refreshments as we come together to celebrate your contribution to the life of our College.

Thursday 6 November 2025

6:00pm - 8:00pm

John XXIII College

1st Floor Main Administration

RSVP by Thursday, 30 October www.trybooking.com/1468077 

Asian Street Food Stall

Get ready for a delicious recess adventure! The Year 10 Food Truck is rolling into the Café Courtyard with an Asian Street Food Stall on Tuesday 28 October 2025.

Enjoy a variety of mouthwatering dishes from across Asia for just $5 per dish — including spring rolls, Kazakh samsas, satay chicken, Mongolian chicken, and sticky pork with rice. Don’t miss this tasty cultural experience!

Order here.

South American Street Food Stall

Spice up your recess with bold South American flavours! The Year 10 Food Truck returns to the Café Courtyard on Wednesday 29 October 2025 (during recess) for the South American Street Food Stall.

Grab your friends and enjoy a taste of Latin America for just $5 per dish — featuring crispy corn and chorizo, Guatemalan chicken salpicon, Mexican beef tacos, Honduran baleadas, and classic arroz con pollo.

Order here.

SPORT

Sport Awards Night

On Tuesday, we celebrated the sporting achievements of our Secondary students. It was an outstanding night, and all students involved are to be commended for their exceptional representation of sport this year.

Thank you to our compere for the evening, Mr Glenn Mitchell (former parent of the College), for bringing the night to life with his knowledge and passion for all things sport. We were privileged to hear from Daniel Venables, a retired AFL premiership player who played for the West Coast Eagles. At just 19 years old, he became a premiership player in the club's 2018 Grand Final victory. His promising career was then cut short at age 20 following a traumatic brain injury. Daniel’s story is one of resilience. He continues to advocate for concussion awareness and openly shares his journey of overcoming adversity. Footage of Daniel’s speech will be available in next week’s newsletter.

Congratulations to all the students on their fabulous achievements and sporting participation throughout an amazing year of sport. A very special congratulations to Sasha Pallis and Ciaran Doyle, who were awarded ACC Letters for Athletics, and to Angelina Smythe, who was awarded ACC Letters for Swimming. A fantastic achievement by all three students and something the College is very proud of!

Year 7 Summer NAS

Well done to all Year 7 students who trialed for Summer NAS Teams. All teams have now been posted on the College notices. Students should be listed in one of the three categories

• NAS Team
• Social Volleyball Competition
• Student Helper

We now move onto the final three training sessions in the lead up to the carnival day. All students must be present for training if they have been selected into a team. Please note that there is no training for the Social Volleyball Carnival.

• Trainings Weeks 3 and 4
  • Pay attention to all training dates and times, as it may not be the same each week
  • If you cannot make a training session, you must let your team teacher know

  • At the Week 4 training, there will be a sausage sizzle for all teams

     

• Carnival - Week 4, Thursday 6 November, 7:45am - 3:00pm

Staff and Teams

Trial and Training Schedule

Year 8 Summer NAS

We had a wonderful first week of Year 8 NAS Trials. All students were well organised and gave their best efforts. Second trials will take place next week, see the schedule below. All students must be involved on the day, you can nominate for a NAS Teams to trial for, or as a student helper, or to play social volleyball.

• Trials Weeks 3
  • If you are unable to make a trial, please inform Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal
  • Teams will be posted at the end of Week 3
• Training Weeks 4 and 5
  • Pay attention to all training dates and times as it may not be the same each week
  • If you cannot make a training session, you must let you team teacher know
• Carnival - Week 6, Thursday 18 November, 7:45am to 3:00pm

Staffing

Trial and Training Schedule

Years 9/10 Water Polo

Students interested in representing John XXIII College in the upcoming SSWA Water Polo Tournament are to complete the form attached. Please note that this carnival falls in the same week as the Outdoor Education Camp for the Year 10 students. Trials and training are as follows at the HPC Indoor Dive Pool. Students are to make their own way to the pool, and there will be a bus to transport students back to school following training. 

Trial

• Wednesday 29 October, 7:00am - 7:45am

Training

• Monday 3 November, 7:00am - 7:45am

Carnivals

• Boys - 12 November
• Girls - 13 November

Nomination Form

Calling all Basketball Enthusiasts – ACC Senior Boys Championship 2026 - Years 10 to 12

Based on performance data from the past seven years (including recent Junior results from 2023–2025), schools have been provisionally placed into divisions for next year’s championship. This is your opportunity to compete against the best and showcase your skills on a bigger stage in a weekly competition.

What’s happening:

• Our College has been allocated a Division 1 spot for 2026.
• We’ll be part of a structured season with scheduled matches, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Why you should get involved:

• Represent the College in an interschool competition.
• Compete in a full season of games with finals.

• Gain experience, build team spirit, and have fun doing what you love. 

   

Key game dates – Term 1, 2026:

• Round 1: Friday 13 February (Week 2)
• Round 2: Tuesday 17 February (Week 3)
• Round 3: Tuesday 24 February (Week 4)
• Round 4: Tuesday 3 March (Week 5)
• Round 5: Tuesday 10 March (Week 6)
• Semi Finals: TBC (Week 7/8)

• Grand Final: Tuesday 31 March (Week 9) 

   

If you're interested in trying out or learning more, please complete the Registration Form.

Training will commence on Wednesday, 29 October, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre. If you would like more information, please see or email Miss Pillera or Mr Carrello.

NAS Golf

There will be a final practice session next week Monday morning 27 October for our NAS Golf selection. All participants are welcome to come and enjoy an introduction to golf. We meet at the equipment sheds at the north-west corner of the oval space (near the athletics track) at 6:45am. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, 3 November and is an 18-hole competition against fellow NAS schools. Wembley Golf Complex is the venue, and students will be out for the day. Practice session will continue as follows:

Volleyball Club Term 4

Unfortunately, Volleyball Club was cancelled this Monday due to poor weather and the gym being in use for Sport Awards Night. Volleyball will take place this Monday from 3:30pm to 4:30 pm. We look forward to students from all year groups joining in!

Year 12 Coaching Expression of Interest - 2026

Year 12 students interested in giving back to the wonderful world of sport at John XXIII College in 2026 are invited to complete this registration form.  There are many opportunities to come back and coach, umpire, and support sports. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask, jessica.pillera@johnxxiii.edu.au.

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport