From the Principal
John XXIII College
Enrolment interviews for Year 4 students seeking entry into Year 7 2029 continue, and it is during those interviews when one of the questions asked can require a qualification. The question reads, ‘What co-curricular activities are you involved in?’ The student's relief is obvious when I explain I am really interested in understanding their interests outside of school: sport, music, drama, dance, etc. Reading, I am pleased to say, is often mentioned within the long list of activities. In fact, Year 4 students are also able to elaborate on the genre they enjoy most, which is often fictional mysteries.
As we know, the reading of fiction plays a unique role in the development of a young mind. Immersing students in the experiences of diverse fictional characters helps developing minds cultivate their own empathy and emotional intelligence, deepening their understanding of human emotion, and social complexity. Reading a good story is also a lot of fun or as the Year 4 students explain to me, ‘I just love to use my imagination and be surprised.’
This week, our Primary School students were gifted the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the creative writing process throughout the week through their engagement with guest author Sean E Avery, culminating in a colourful Book Week Parade today. I extend my thanks to Sasha Cattapan, Primary School Library Specialist, Primary teachers and the Library staff for bringing the theme ' Symphony of Stories' to life through a display and promotion of shortlisted books. Secondary School students experienced a Bell Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet incursion, Homeroom quizzes, and an inaugural Student Poetry Contest. Thanks to Head of Secondary English, Jordan Webber, the English staff and Library and Services Educator, Jean Redfern.
Finally, I extend my congratulations to our Year 10 students for embracing the opportunity to fully involve themselves in the Atticus Finch Justice Award. The Award exemplifies our College’s motto, Seek Justice through the study of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it was inspiring to listen to the well-crafted arguments from the Year 10 speakers at the Atticus Finch Award Finals today.
Daniel Mahon
Principal