Secondary

Dear Families

The strength of a school community is seen most clearly in the moments when we come together with shared purpose, joy and generosity. John XXIII Day was once again a wonderful expression of who we are as a College, drawing students and staff together to honour our inspirational Founders: Ignatius of Loyola, Mary Ward and Pope John XXIII. It was also a meaningful opportunity to live out our commitment to being people for others through fundraising for our College charities. The success of the day reflected the thoughtful planning and generous contribution of many people across the College, including House Coordinators, teachers, student leaders, performers, technical crews and support staff, whose collective efforts helped create a memorable celebration for our community. 

Our celebration began with a joyful and reverent Mass, reminding us of the values at the heart of our College and inviting us to bring those values to life in our relationships and actions. Thank you to students who contributed as readers, musicians and performers, helping to make the Eucharistic celebration such a fitting beginning to the day. The much-loved Running of the Colonnades took a different form today due to the wet weather conditions, with students competing in the course for fun, with the competitive version to be rescheduled. Throughout the day, the food and fete stalls, student activities and charitable initiatives reflected the generosity and spirit of our community, with funds raised in support of Mary Ward International and Jesuit Mission and their work with vulnerable communities. It was also wonderful to welcome alumni back to the College for the traditional football and netball matches, strengthening the connections that continue well beyond graduation. The Variety Concert provided a fitting finale, showcasing the creativity, musical talent and teamwork of our students and staff. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to this year’s celebration to make John XXIII Day a joyful and memorable expression of College life. 

High Achievers’ Breakfast 

Students’ commitment to their learning was acknowledged on Tuesday at the High Achievers’ Breakfast, celebrating the achievements of students in Years 7 to 12 from Semester One. Students enjoyed a morning of collegiality and hospitality as they listened to the experience and wisdom of Alumni, Ben Negus (Class of 2021). A Magis student with a passion for the Mock Trial Competition, Ben has completed a degree in Finance and is now undertaking his Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia. Ben’s advice on the value of curiosity and an open mind in cultivating networks and exploring opportunities provided students with a thought-provoking and encouraging message. 

Congratulations to the following students for their hard work and dedication to their learning last semester:  

Yokoso!  

A warm welcome to our Japanese visiting students and accompanying staff from Osaka Kasugaoka for their exchange experience this week. Throughout the week, they enjoyed a variety of cultural and linguistic activities, including an excursion to Caversham Wildlife Park and a performance at today’s Variety Concert, where they were welcomed enthusiastically by students. Thank you to Sensei Glass, the Languages Learning Area and other staff involved in strengthening cultural ties and international friendships with our visitors throughout the week.   

Secondary Photo Day  

A reminder that next Tuesday, 11 August, is Secondary Photo Day with family and catch-up photos on Tuesday, 18 August. Students are expected to wear correct winter uniform, including blazer and tie. Please refer to the SEQTA email sent earlier this week for more information on ordering your school photos. Sibling photographs must be ordered before 4:30pm on Monday, 10 August. Students attending Year PLUS Camp who are unable to have their sibling photo taken will have the opportunity to do so on Monday, 31 August, from 8:00am to 8:30am in Roncalli Hall.  

WA Student Assistance Payment 

The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school. 

All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment. 

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or Kindergarten. 

The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026 

All claims must be received by Friday 25 September 2026. More information can be found at WA Student Assistance Payment. 

2026 Census Collection Notice  

Every August, the Australian Government conducts the Non-Government School Census data collection. The information provided by schools during the Census is collected by the Department of Education to:   

• ensure the provision of Australian Government funding to schools is properly calculated and appropriately managed.   
• conduct research, statistical analysis and develop school education policy for the Australian Government.   
• meet national and international reporting obligations on school students in Australia.   
• publish and provide information about schools to the public.   
• Further information regarding the Census can be accessed below and via SEQTA Documents.    

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Languages Week Celebration at the College

Languages Week is an important celebration that highlights the value of learning and using different languages in our community. This week, Languages Week was celebrated across Western Australia and at the College, promoting cultural understanding, respect, and inclusion among people from diverse backgrounds.

The week commenced with our Year 12 ATAR Language students reciting the Hail Mary in Italian, French and Japanese. Our Year 7 Italian and Japanese students showcased their creativity by designing and colouring stickers featuring iconic Italian and Japanese landmarks, monuments, phrases, and cultural images.

The Year 8 Japanese classes participated in an energetic taiko drumming workshop led by Simon Sensei from Taiko-On. Students enjoyed learning about this ancient Japanese tradition, which is often featured in festivals, religious ceremonies, and theatrical performances. The session brought together rhythm, culture, fun, and teamwork.

Meanwhile, the Year 8 Italian students took part in an exciting soccer skills session with soccer coach Mark Lee. Through dribbling, passing, and friendly scratch matches, students developed their soccer skills while learning the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Many students were also excited about the opportunity to watch Italian football giants AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus during the week.

Year 9 Languages students worked collaboratively in teams to complete a cultural quiz, testing their knowledge of Italian and Japanese language and culture. Year 10 Italian and Japanese students combined language learning with sustainability by designing eco-friendly tote bags featuring images and slogans in Italian and Japanese. Our ATAR students will conclude the term with a celebration featuring special Japanese and Italian treats.

A highlight of the week was welcoming 19 visiting students from Osaka Kasugaoka High School in Japan. Hosted by members of our College community, the students had immersion classes with the students studying Japanese and spent a day with the Year 10 Japanese students at Caversham Wildlife Park. A sincere thank you to Sensei Glass and Sensei Aghdasi for coordinating this valuable cultural immersion program.

Finally, on Tuesday, 4 August, our Year 12 French students sat the prestigious annual Alliance Française examination. This provided an excellent opportunity to further develop and demonstrate their reading, listening, and writing skills in a formal assessment environment.

Grazie, arigatou, and merci to all our Language teachers for their passion, creativity, and dedication in providing engaging learning experiences throughout Languages Week. Their efforts continue to inspire students to become globally minded and culturally aware learners.

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages 

Movie Night for a Reason

John XXIII College is pleased to support the Perth Community Refugee Support Group's Movie Night for a Reason, a fundraising screening of the award-winning film Limbo.

The event holds particular meaning for our community, with a group of John XXIII alumni currently sponsoring a refugee family through the CRISP initiative. While the College is not able to sponsor a family directly, we are delighted to support this event, which raises awareness and much-needed funds to help refugee families find safety, belonging and a new beginning in Perth.

Limbo tells the story of waiting, belonging and the friendships that get refugees through it.

Details:

Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre, John XXIII College, Mount Claremont

Friday 14 August 2026, 6:30pm

Tickets $40 (includes a $30 drink and snack package)

Bring some friends, grab a snack, and help someone's story move out of limbo.

BOOK NOW

SPORT

Fr Kevin King Cup 

What a day we had for the Interhouse Athletics Carnival last Friday, 30 July. The sun was out, and the energy was high! The Year 12 parades, dances, and war cries once again marked the grand opening of the carnival and were a huge highlight of the day. Our Year 12s this year led the day with so much spirit; it was wonderful to see their energy filter down to all the year groups. The spirit was evident throughout the whole day, with chants consistently filling the stands. Well done to all involved, House Coordinators and HPE staff for their hard work in the lead-up.  This day cannot happen without the help of everyone involved.

The competition for the Fr Kevin King Cup was very close throughout the day. However, Campion House was victorious in the end for the fourth year in a row. This year, Ward House took out our Spirit Award, and Loreto House won best-dressed.

Congratulations to our champions and runner up champions:

There were three records broken this year, a wonderful effort.

NAS Athletics

Our Years 7 to 10 NAS Athletics team was posted in the notices this week, and all students and families have been emailed. This team will attend period 1 on Tuesday, 25 August, and then travel by bus to the HBF stadium to compete in the NAS Athletics Carnival. This day will provide a competitive environment for our team and an opportunity to secure their position on our 2026 ACC A-Division Athletics team.

Important NAS Athletics Information:

• Please note the NAS Athletics team is not eligible to purchase the interschool jumper - this is only the final ACC team. 
• All students in the NAS Team are encouraged to attend at least two training sessions in the lead-up to the day.
• Students attending may wear their PE uniform to school on the day.
• Attend period 1 as normal.
• At the end of period 1, meet in the St Louis Sports Centre ready to depart at 10:00am.
• It is preferable that athletes run in the College Athletics singlet (can be purchased from the uniform shop). A College Navy shirt is also acceptable for this day
• If you are in field and track events that are on at the same time, make sure you are at your track events as they will run strictly to time. You can go to your field event after completing your track events

Athletics Training 

Athletics training will continue right through until our ACC A Division Carnival in September. If you would like the chance to be a part of the epic ACC team or come down to just learn something new, we would love to see you every Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00am to 8:00am (ALL EVENTS) and every second Monday afternoon 3:30pm to 4:30pm for Throws, High Jump and Hurdles.

Students who attend 10 or more sessions will receive a JTC Athletics t-shirt as a sign of their commitment! 

Please see the schedule for the remainder of the term. This is also available on SEQTA notices:

Training Schedule

Events and Coaches: 

All events will run on both Tuesday and Thursday

• Sprints - Mrs Pillera
• Distance - Mr Tremayne/Mr Rycroft
• High Jump - Ella Adams
• Long Jump - Mia Mather
• Hurdles - Lyn Foreman- Tuesday/Leila Barker-Thursday (Alumni 23)
• Javelin - Jonah Burns 
• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Upcoming dates

Please select the events you would like to challenge for selection into the ACC Athletics Team. If you are selected in NAS Athletics Team this is also an opportunity to post times and distances to secure your spot in the ACC Athletics Team.

Athletics Challenge Mornings 2026 – Fill out form 

Thursday, 20 August @ JTC Ovals 7:00am -8:00am

• 1500m
• Discus, Shot Put, Javelin

Tuesday, 25 August - NAS Athletics Carnival Years 7-10 Students

• The top 5 Athletes from each event will be selected for this day

Wednesday, 16 September - ACC A-Division Carnival

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

Our Years 9 to 10 students completed their first week of trials; next week will be the final trials for students before all teams are released. 

Please see the dates and times below for each sport. Please lock them into your diaries. If you are unable to make the trial,  please contact Ms Pillera or Mr Kowal.

Years 8/9 Girls Dockers Cup - Round 2

Our Years 8/9 Girls AFL Dockers Cup team played an accomplished Newman side on Tuesday afternoon this past week. As shown below, the final score was determined by inaccurate kicking.

Results:

Next week, the team will have a bye round, which provides the opportunity for them to undertake some additional training in preparation for their Round 4 clash versus Carine SHS, who have been flying!)

We wish them all the very best.

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Angelina Smythe, Year 12, who represented the Seychelles in swimming at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Angelina competed in six events over five days — the 200m and 100m backstroke, 100m and 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and mixed 4x100m medley relay, against some of the Commonwealth's finest athletes. She achieved three personal best times and won her heat in the 100m freestyle.

Congratulations, Angelina, on this incredible achievement!

Share your child’s achievements

We love celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students in this section of the newsletter. If your child has recently represented at a regional, state, or national level, or been part of a team that has achieved a significant result (such as a premiership or championship), we would love to hear about it!

Families are invited to share details and a photo by emailing newsletter@johnxxiii.edu.au. Please include your child’s name, year group, event or activity, and a brief description of the achievement.

To ensure fairness and consistency, we can only feature information received directly from families that meets the above criteria. If no image or details are provided, we may not be able to include your child’s achievement in the newsletter.