Secondary

Dear Families

Thank you to the students and parents who attended yesterday’s Mother’s Day mass. I hope that Sunday sees our students taking the time to pause, reflect and share gratitude for their mothers and mother figures. Even though they are often reluctant to show it, mothers and mother figures play a crucial role in the lives of adolescents, guiding and supporting them as they navigate their teenage years. Mothers provide a sense of stability and security, as well as a source of unconditional love and understanding. Often working to contribute financially to the family, they are also caregivers and role models, shaping the values, beliefs, self-esteem, and sense of identity of their children. For many adolescents, the bond with their mother is an enduring influence that shapes their relationships with others throughout their lives. To all the mothers and mother figures in our community, never underestimate the profound impact you have on the young people in your lives. Wishing you a restful and enjoyable day with family and loved ones on Sunday.  

Congratulations to the Magis students who have competed in a variety of intra and interschool events this term. Special mention to the team who won a Bronze Medal at Monday’s Senior Ethics Olympiad Australasia division. Also, the teams who won this week’s da Vinci Decathlon and WADL debates.  Congratulations on their impressive team efforts!

Photo Day: family and catch-up photos Tuesday 16 May

A reminder that students can have family and catch-up photos taken next Tuesday 16 May in Roncalli Hall from 8:00am to 11:00am. Students are expected to wear the correct winter uniform, including a blazer and tie. On the day, students are required to present the individual order form envelope distributed in Homeroom, even if they are not ordering a photo. Family photo envelopes will be provided by Photo Hendriks as students arrive. 

Term 2 key dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Politics Q&A seminar

Last Monday, our Year 11 and 12 Politics and Law ATAR students welcomed State Member for Cottesloe, Dr David Honey, to the College. Dr Honey had been invited as part of a series of Politics Q&A Seminars which will be held throughout the year, providing an invaluable learning opportunity for our ATAR students to enhance their understanding of critical aspects of the curriculum. Dr Honey shared his expertise and spoke about his role within State Parliament, and on a number of contemporary issues including the Voice to parliament referendum, the 2017 and 2021 State election results, the role of the Opposition, and the 2025 Blueprint for the Liberals. Students were afforded an opportunity to ask a range of questions in an informal setting which provided a wonderful atmosphere for academic discussion to flourish. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Honey for enriching student understanding and passion for politics. The next Politics Q&A Seminar will be held on Tuesday 15th August (Term 3, Week 5) with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash discussing the various roles she has held in Federal politics.

Daisy Farley

Magis Coordinator – Gifted and Talented

Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp

Year 9 students during their recent outdoor education camp got back to nature and the peaceful outdoors. The camp allowed students to practice the skills learnt in class while having an adventure with their classmates. 

Below are two student anecdotes following the camp:

I would highly recommend doing Outdoor Education in Year 9 for many reasons including the variety of activities, the teamwork and problem solving, the kind staff, and the overall course. Outdoor Ed has taught me many things and has been really fun and supportive. The two-day camp was an absolute blast with activities such as snorkeling and biking at Rottnest, and paddling and team building at Ern Halliday. We were also taught basic camping skills such as setting up tents and cooking on a Trangia. Overall, I highly recommend the Year Outdoor Education program.

Claire Sweet, Year 9 Loreto

The school camp to Rotto involved a range of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, team building, snorkeling, and bike riding. It was an incredible experience not only for students but also the teachers. The activities encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, they also help to build important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Kayaking, for example, requires students to work together to navigate the water, while snorkeling allows them to explore the marine environment. Team building activities, on the other hand, promote a sense of unity and support among classmates. Overall, the school offered a variety of outdoor activities and a valuable learning experience that helps students develop important life skills and creates lasting memories.

Ray O’Brien, Year 9 St Louis 

John XXIII College tree planting

The College will be planting native trees and shrubs and weeding on Saturday 20 May, 2023, starting at 8:00am and finishing at 9:30am. The aim of the planting is to offset carbon emissions from the College, provide food and habitat for native bird species focusing on the endangered Carnaby Black Cockatoo.

We are calling for interested parents and students from the John XXIII community to assist with this initiative. If you are interested in assisting, please complete the following form. Many of the seedlings to be planted have been grown by the Sustainability Club and science classes with the assistance of Trillion Trees Australia. All equipment will be provided, please ensure you wear comfortable clothing and suitable closed footwear. Also don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen. Meeting point is at B8 Science Garden at the College.  Students who participate will be able to use the time as part of their service learning hours.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

SPORTS

Interhouse Cross-country Carnival

We are all still beaming after an incredible Interhouse Cross-country Carnival last Friday. Please enjoy a collection of photos that captured the magic and spirit of the day below.

Winter NAS Competition

Congratulations to all students who have been selected to represent John XXIII College in a Winter NAS team. All teams can be located in the SEQTA notices.

Our Winter NAS games start in Week 4 with our first round against Newman College.

Important Years 7-10 NAS information

• Years 7/8 play on Tuesday 4:00pm-5:00pm.
• Years 9/10 play on Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm.
• Teams playing away have permission to change into their PE uniform at lunchtime.
• Teams playing at home must get changed after school (between 3:10pm-4:00pm).
• Teams travelling to Sacred Heart and Chisholm College will leave period 6 at 2:50pm for an early bus departure. These teams will return to the College between 5:30pm-6:00pm. 
• All remaining teams will depart the College for away games at 3:15pm and return to the College by 5:30pm.
• Remember, all teams are awarded an MVP later on in the year. MVP's are awarded based on leadership, assistance, and sportsmanship displayed throughout all games and training.

Please find the Years 7-10 Fixtures below:

SSWA Cross-country

Congratulations to all students selected to represent John XXIII College at the 2023 School Sport WA Cross-country carnival on Thursday 18 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.

A full team list can be found in the SEQTA notices. 

First XVIII AFL

Our First XVIII team played their second game this Wednesday against SEDA College. It was a hard-fought game where our boys had a come-from-behind victory with a match-saving tackle from Tom Robinson to secure a two-point lead. All team members are to be commended for this incredible performance. It was an excellent game to watch.

Thank you to Mr Darren Kowal for all his time and effort in coaching our team. 

Interschool jumpers

All ACC Interschool swimming jumpers are back from the embroiders. Students are welcome to collect these from the uniform shop next week. 

Cross-country training

Cross-country training sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:50am to 8:00am. These sessions will continue up until the ACC Cross-country Carnival. 

All students are welcome to join our morning training sessions.

Sara Kononen

Head of Sport