Secondary

Dear Families

As the term draws to a close, I would like to inform our community of some staff changes for Semester Two. Jodi Power (Health & Physical Education) and Brianna Gray (English) will be on leave for Term 3, and we wish them both a wonderful break. In their absence, we welcome Sofie Marquardt, Simone Preedy and Bridie Fisher, and we thank in advance Martina Cocco and Jo Ferguson-Allen for also assisting to cover classes for the term. 

NAIDOC Week

The College celebrated NAIDOC Week this week, and in the Secondary School, this marked the culmination of the term’s learning and commitment towards Reconciliation. On Sorry Day, we paused to acknowledge the pain and ongoing impact of the Stolen Generations and to recognise the importance of truth-telling on the path towards healing. During Reconciliation Week, Year 8 Reflection Day and HASS Week, we were invited to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions, and to consider how each of us can play a part in building respectful relationships. Our Year 11 Pilgrimage, which departed on Saturday, will further strengthen this learning for our pilgrims, giving them the opportunity to listen, encounter Country and reflect on the wisdom generously shared by First Nations peoples. 2026 marks forty years since St Pope John Paul II addressed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Alice Springs. As His Holiness reminded us, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are not only part of Australia but essential to the life of the Church, whose fullness is only realised when their contribution is joyfully received. 

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is '50 Years of Deadly'. This theme honours five decades of NAIDOC as a platform for truth-telling, cultural pride, resistance, celebration and community leadership. It pays tribute to the Elders, organisers, artists, activists and communities who have kept NAIDOC grounded in culture, identity and justice, and who have ensured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices continue to shape our national conversation. 'Deadly' is a word of strength and pride, and this theme invites us to look back with gratitude, recognise the leadership and achievements of First Nations peoples today, and look forward with hope to the next 50 years. As a College, we enter this celebration with respect, humility and a commitment to keep listening, learning and walking together.

Key to our NAIDOC Week program, we extend our gratitude to Noongar traditional owner, Matthew McGuire, for performing a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on Tuesday morning. We also extend our friendship and thanks to Scott Darlow, Aboriginal singer-songwriter, who prerecorded a compelling interview that was viewed at yesterday’s Secondary assembly. 

Wishing all families a relaxing, safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to the return of students on Thursday 23 July. 

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews, Wednesday 22 July

Years 7 to 12 Semester One reports will be available to parents and students via SEQTA from 3:30pm on Friday, 3 July.

Our next Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 22 July from 8:30am to 6:00pm. This provides a valuable opportunity for families to discuss academic progress with teachers for students in Years 7 to 12.

Secondary teachers will be available:

• Face-to-face: 8:30am – 1:00pm
• Online (via Microsoft Teams): 1:30pm – 6:00pm
• Bookings open: Monday 6 July 8:30am

• Bookings close: Friday 10 July 8:30am

   

Bookings will be made via the ‘Booked’ system. Further information, including booking instructions, will be provided before the end of term.

We look forward to connecting with parents and students on the day.

Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp

Year 10 students enjoyed a wonderful adventure at our Semester One Year 10 Outdoor Education Camp last week. Blessed with sunny, dry days and cold nights, perfect for sitting around the campfire, students excelled in all aspects of this camping experience. This experiential program highlights the need for social responsibility and creates an environment where the consequences for actions are very real. The course emphasises leadership through group challenges and team-building activities that enable both the individual and the group to achieve a higher level of performance.

To begin, students were split into three groups and dropped at Redgate Beach (hike into Conto Campground), Conto Road (hike into WI16), and Camp Margaret River (headquarters for our external providers, Belgravia Outdoor Education Group). From there, they set up their campsite and rotated through four main activities over the four-day camp, including hiking, initiative-based team-building, abseiling, and a high ropes course. One of the main parts of the Outdoor Education course is the vertical challenge aspect, where students have practical sessions developing skills in belay techniques, rock climbing, abseiling and knot tying. I'm pleased to say that these learnings were used to great effect during these vertical challenge activities.

A big thank you to Rebecca Marquardt, Catherine Roberts and  Josh Bowen for guiding their groups through a worthwhile camping experience. Also to the Belgravia OEG, who were instrumental in helping our students to remain safe while completing the more daunting tasks and allowing them to drive the experience in a safe and responsible manner.

Darren Kowal

Assistant Head of Sport

Una colazione italiana 

This term, Year 8 Italian students have been learning about school systems and days in Italy, as well as vocabulary related to these topics. To conclude the term, students completed a research task exploring what Italians eat for different meals, with a focus on breakfast. As part of this task, students prepared or purchased a simple Italian breakfast item and shared it with their peers. Whilst eating the delicious cornetti, brioche, torte, conversations about the importance of food to Italians and their identity were shared. This was enjoyed with a cioccolata calda. 

Grazie mille to Prof Cocco, Galati, Polizzi and Outtrim for their efforts with their classes.

Bento Box

Year 8 Japanese students are exploring food and table manners as part of their cultural studies. To enrich their learning, the class shares a bento (packed lunch) together during lessons, experiencing firsthand an important aspect of Japanese culture.

The students really enjoyed their obento. Many thanks to Hesh from the Canteen for preparing them.

Thank you to Sensei Aghdasi and Sensei Glass for organising this cultural task. 

Traditional toys of Japan

Year 7 Japanese students researched and explored some of Japan's traditional toys. They learnt about Kendama. Focus, concentration and skills are required to 'spike the dama' as depicted in the image. There were certainly many champions in the group.

Facciamo la pizza

Year 9 Italian classes ended the term with making pizzas using Italian products. Prior to enjoying their margherita pizza, they learnt vocabulary related to food, ingredients and cooking processes. The importance of pizza to the Italian identity and culture was also discussed.

Grazie to Prof Cinini for organising this culturally enriching task.

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages 

Enrich family life by hosting a student from Japan

John XXIII College families have a strong tradition of welcoming visiting students, and Term 3 is your next chance to be part of it. 

In August (2–9), students from Osaka Kasugaoka High School, Japan, will once again join us for a cultural exchange. We encourage families to host a student and give your child the opportunity to make real-world connections. 

This program does not require you to plan special activities or outings—simply include your Japanese guest in your child’s everyday routine and allow them to become a member of your family for their short stay. 

Our partners at Gold Educational Tours handle the rest, providing 24/7 support and a $550 contribution per student. 

Spots are limited, so register your interest early! 

Find out more: https://schoolcommunity.goldeducationaltours.com.au 

Inspire Parent Education: Supporting emotional regulation at home

Thursday 30 July 2026

The Inspire Parent Education arm of the Parents’ Association warmly invites all John XXIII College parents to an engaging session on emotional regulation. Join our Primary and Secondary wellbeing teams as they share insights into children’s and teens’ emotional development, and offer practical strategies to help you support your child’s emotional regulation at home.

What we’ll explore:

• recognising children’s emotions and how they present across different stages of development
• why co-regulation matters and how it helps children learn to manage their emotions
• the steps of emotion coaching
• core strategies for de-escalation
• using the RULER approach to support emotional regulation for children, adolescents and parents
• changes in the adolescent brain and behaviour
• managing adolescent emotions and knowing when to step in

This session is designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to nurture your child’s wellbeing, strengthen family connections and foster resilience.

All John XXIII College parents and carers are welcome. Register here.

SPORT

Years 7 to 9 Volleyball Schools Cup 

Well done to all the students who took part in the trials for the Volleyball Schools Cup. All teams have now been released, and students who were successful have been emailed. We look forward to commencing training next term in the lead-up to the tournament in week 5. 

Years 8 to 9 Freo Dockers Cup – Girls Football 

Are you interested in playing AFLW for the school in Term 3?

For the first time, JTC are entering the Years 8/9 Girls Dockers Cup. We are seeking expressions of interest from Year 8 and Year 9 girls who would like to be considered for the school’s Freo Dockers Cup AFLW team.

Complete the Microsoft form below:

Year 8/9 Freo Dockers Cup AFLW - EOI form – Fill out form

The Freo Dockers Cup is an interschool AFLW competition played throughout Term 3. Games are held on Tuesday afternoons after school, with matches starting at approximately 4:00pm. The first round of fixtures will be on Tuesday, 28 July.

Students of all experience levels are encouraged to register their interest. Whether you currently play club football or are new to AFLW, we would love to hear from you.

Training days and times will be confirmed once student availability has been reviewed.

Students interested in being considered for the team must complete the Microsoft Form by 3 July.

Students will be selected each week from training sessions the week before and will need to be available for Tuesday afternoon games throughout Term 3.

Interhouse Athletics Carnival 2026

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday, 31 July. Results from the track and field events, along with formal training sessions post-carnival, will be used to assist in selecting the College 2026 ACC Athletics team.

Please take note of the following details:

• The carnival will be held at HPC State Athletics Stadium (enter off Underwood Ave). Students are to make their own way to and from the venue, arriving between 8:00am- 8:15am.
• Parents and spectators are most welcome and are asked to remain in the stands. A coffee van will be available for staff/parents only.
• The carnival is a compulsory school day. Non-participation on medical grounds must be provided by a parent's note to the Homeroom Teacher. These students may be asked to fulfil other roles throughout the day. They should report to the House Coordinators for further directions.
• Students are to wear full College Sports uniform (including a hat) together with their House Shirt. The College tracksuit and wet-weather clothing are also recommended to keep warm between events.
• Students should bring sustenance for the duration of the day, as they will not be permitted to access canteen facilities or attend HPC for food.
• If weather conditions are not conducive to the safe running of the carnival, students will be notified as early as possible. Normal classes will operate in this instance.

• The carnival is scheduled to conclude at approximately 3:00pm. Students are to make their own way home. 

   

Carnival schedule

Should you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at the College on 

9383 0490 or alternatively by email at Jessica.pillera@johnxxiii.edu.au 

Athletics Training 

There is one more week of athletics training before the term ends. We have had a great turnout for the first two weeks and hope to see plenty more. Students who attend 10 or more sessions will receive a JTC Athletics t-shirt as a sign of their commitment!

Tuesday and Thursday 7:00am to 8:00am (ALL EVENTS) with the addition of alternate Mondays this year 3:30pm to 4:30pm (throws, high jump and hurdles). 

All events include:

• Hurdles 
• Long jump 
• High jump 
• Javelin 
• Shot put 
• Discus 
• Sprints 
• Distance 

Please see the schedule attached for the remainder of the Term. This is also available in SEQTA notices.

Spike Hire

Students interested in renting spikes from the College for the athletics season, please see the process below:

1. Head to the Main Admin building to pay the deposit.
2. Once this has been paid, visit the PE office between 8:00am and 8:20am or during recess, to collect them from Ms Bowen. 

3. At the end of the season, you will return the spikes and collect your $50 deposit. 

    

Money must be in a sealed envelope with your name and homeroom written on the front. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Rebecca Snow, who represented Australia in the U19 Women's Floorball Team at the 2026 Women's U19 World Floorball Championships in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. The campaign began with an intensive training camp in Sundsvall, Sweden, ahead of the tournament, where the team faced Singapore, Hungary, Latvia and hosts Italy.

Rebecca scored her first international goal in the match against Italy, and the team achieved the highest placement recorded by an Australian Women's Floorball team at a U19 World Championships, a significant result for the squad!

Congratulations to Zach Grainger (Year 7) on his outstanding achievement in being selected as captain of Subiaco AFC for the Alpas Cup tour across Serbia and Croatia. Competing in an official UEFA tournament alongside top youth teams from across Europe is a remarkable opportunity, and to lead his side on this international stage is a testament to Zach’s skill, leadership, and dedication. Subiaco AFC are the only Australian team invited to compete. Well done, Zach!

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.