From the Principal
Welcome to the 2023 school year. We have had a gentle introduction, starting with the College Leadership Teams, followed by new staff, then all staff and finally the students. The enthusiasm that comes with the return of the students is infectious. It is a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to be a part of such a vibrant community.
People who have visited the Café at the College would be familiar with the reproduction of one of the early paintings of Mary Ward that hangs on the wall and the catalyst for the name the ‘Circle of Friends Café’.
A number of features of the painting are of interest. Mary Ward, the leader of the group, is not at the centre of the painting. She is depicted on the far right. The ‘open circle’ speaks of a companionship of like-minded people that is open to people with new and fresh ideas.
It is a great honour for me to again lead a school with such a rich ethos. In Mary Ward we have a founder who demonstrated a distributed model of leadership and who created an environment where new people are welcome. I am grateful for the many people who will share responsibility for the operation of the College with me this term. The support of the wider College community is much appreciated and vital to maintaining stability during the time that the College transitions to a new Principal.
This week we have had the opportunity to welcome twenty-two new staff members to our ‘circle of friends’:
| Mrs Shani Andrews | Vice Principal/Head of Secondary |
| Ms Bridget Baker | Languages |
| Miss Erin Basile | Mathematics |
| Mrs Katie Bennett | Education Assistant Mary Ward Secondary |
| Miss Yasmin George | Year 6 Teacher |
| Mrs Meghann Gilmour | Primary Numeracy Teacher |
| Mr Stephen Harris | HASS |
| Mr Jeremy Hill | Technologies |
| Ms Emily Krikstolaitis | Year 2 Teacher |
| Mrs Madison Levy | Year 5 Teacher |
| Mr Toby Lewis | HOLA H&PE |
| Ms Kylie Mavromatis | HASS |
| Mrs Emily McHattie | Year 3 Teacher |
| Ms Lauren Murphy | Science |
| Dr Maria Outtrim | Languages |
| Ms Samara Pass | HASS |
| Ms Serena Percudani | Religious Education |
| Mrs Pippa Pickering | Religious Education |
| Ms Mia van Kann | English |
| Ms Michelle Watkins-Saxon | Pre-Primary Education Assistant |
| Mr Jordan Webber | English |
| Ms Catriona Woodall | Technologies |
We also welcome staff who are returning to the College:
| Mrs Kalo Bell | ADP Year 10 |
| Mrs Emma Distante | Kindergarten Teacher |
| Mrs Jo-Anne Friel | HOLA Mathematics |
| Mr Jerram Gibson | Rowing Coordinator |
| Ms Karin Ilich | Mary Ward Primary Teacher |
| Ms Sara Kononen | Head of Sport |
| Mrs Mary-Jane Rowbottam | Alumni (Term 1) |
These people provide an exciting opportunity for rejuvenation and growth.
Similarly, we welcome new students and families. It is my hope that we all experience a community that truly lives the values of Mary Ward and where we benefit from the richness and diversity that is present in our College.
Parent name badges
John XXIII College provides all parents with a name badge. We encourage you to wear your name badge whenever you are on campus for the safety of security of our school.
Replacement badges or requesting extra badges will cost $25 and can be arranged by calling the College Administration on 9383 0400 or emailing Emily Palermo, emily.palermo@cewa.edu.au.
Mooro Drive Crosswalk Attendant Update
Thank you for your patience as the College works through the options regarding an attendant for the crosswalk on Mooro Drive.
- The College has sourced a person who is able to fulfil the role. He is in the process of applying for the position.
- A new trainer has just started with WA Police; however, training may not be available until end of March.
- WA Police will endeavour to get him on the first available training course.
- In the interim, College staff will monitor the crosswalk from 3:10pm. However, these staff do not have the same authority as a crosswalk attendant.
Drop-off and pick-up
The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and drivers outside our school campus. You can help keep students safe by remembering the following:
- Slow down around the College and drive safely.
- Be aware, be courteous and be responsible.
- Please only use the John XXIII College carparks. We need to respect our neighbours. Parking, even if for five minutes during morning or afternoon pick-up, is causing inconvenience.
- Drop your child off and pick them up in designated pick-up areas.
- Always take extra care in 40km school zones.
- Observe and adhere to all regulatory signage and follow all parking signs - these help keep your child as safe as possible.
- Model safe and considerate pedestrian and driver behaviours.
Together may we seek justice.
Kathleen Negus
Principal