Secondary

Dear Families

Atticus Finch Justice Award 

Inspired by our College motto, Seek Justice, the Atticus Finch Justice Award invites Year 10 students to consider how they can contribute to a fairer, more inclusive and peaceful world. Established in 2011, the Award brings together students’ study of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird in English and their exploration of freedom, conscience and social justice through Catholic social teaching in Religious Education. The Award provides an important platform for student voice, encouraging participants to speak with courage, empathy and conviction while reflecting on their capacity to create meaningful change. We congratulate the following finalists, who today shared their thoughtful perspectives with the rest of the Year 10 cohort:   

The winner will be announced at Presentation Night next term.

JTC Live!

JTC Live! is now well underway, bringing College news, upcoming events and issues of interest directly to the Secondary School through fortnightly student-led broadcasts. This week, Sports Captains, Dom and Molly and Ward Captains, Aria and Tighe provided an informative overview of current and recent College events – House Theatre Sports, Music Eisteddfod and Magis World Scholars Cup, as well as a reminder regarding the uniform raffle to encourage students to wear their uniform with ‘pride and precision’. Congratulations to Media Coordinator, Rob Di Giallonardo and the Media Team for their expertise and support in bringing these engaging and informative broadcasts to the student body, and to the Year 12 Student Representative Council for the creativity, confidence and leadership they have brought to this exciting initiative. 

Year 12 Ice Plunge 

This term, as people for others, our Year 12 students are taking part in an Ice Plunge Fundraiser in support of Jesuit Mission. Through the Jesuit Mission’s work in Hazaribag, India, children are supported in accessing education and growing with dignity and hope. Our Year 12s invite our community to stand with them in this shared commitment to hopefully raise $15,000. Your support reminds us that together we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and can be made via the Jesuit Mission website Jesuit Mission - John XXIII Year 12.  

Parent Sundowner  

The Parents’ Association is hosting a Parent Sundowner, and all parents are warmly invited to catch up with old friends and connect with other families in our community with a relaxed, picnic-style evening on the College lawn with live entertainment. 

Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026 

Time: 5:30pm–8:00pm 

Venue: John XXIII College, lawn behind the St Louis Sports Centre 

Tickets: $15 

RSVP: www.trybooking.com/1539754 

Bring a picnic rug or low chairs, your own drinks, and cups (no glassware please). You're welcome to bring your own picnic food, or pre-order catering from Ultimo when you book your ticket, food won't be available for purchase on the night. 

Please note: this is a parents' evening, without children. 

Public voting for the People's Choice Category is now open

We are excited to share that John XXIII College is a finalist in the 2026 CEWA Quality Catholic Education Awards – Catholic Identity category.

Our Academic in Residence initiative brought Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO – Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic – onto campus for a sustained residency that included curriculum workshops across English, Politics and Law, and Religious Education, participation in College liturgies, Community Mass, John XXIII Day and the Year 10 Reflection Day, and the public launch of his book, Pope Francis: The Disprutive Pilgrim's Guide.

The QCE Awards recognise programs and initiatives in Catholic schools across Western Australia that support the vision of providing Christ-centred, student-focused engaged learning environments. Public voting for the People's Choice Category is now open.

Cast your vote here before 16 September: https://awards.cewa.edu.au/nomination/catholic-identity-in-action-the-academic-in-residence-experience/

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. 

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Speak for Faith

Congratulations to Grace and Felicia, who proudly represented John XXIII College in the Speak for Faith Competition 2026, hosted by the Catenians and Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA).

Grace delivered a thought-provoking speech on 'authentic love in modern society', while Felicia explored 'what it means to be human in the age of Artificial Intelligence'. Both students spoke with insight, confidence, and conviction, engaging deeply with the challenge of expressing Catholic faith in the modern world.

John XXIII College has a rich and successful heritage in this prestigious public speaking competition, and Grace and Felicia continued that tradition with outstanding performances on Tuesday, 25 August.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and grateful for the way they represented our College community. Well done, Grace and Felicia! 

Lana Gregory-Turner

Head of Learning Area - Religious Education

Year 11 ATAR Geography Fieldwork 

On Wednesday, 19 August, the Year 11 ATAR Geography and Year 12 General Geography students headed out to the Swan Valley to complement their study on the globalisation of the Australian Wine Industry. The students were fortunate to have the owner of Upper Reach Winery, Laura Pearce, take them on a guided tour, during which they gained valuable firsthand accounts of WA’s wine tourism industry. The students also explored the interconnections between businesses in the Swan Valley with a stop at Yahava KoffeeWorks. Here, they learnt the art of roasting coffee beans as well as explored the different origins of Yahava’s coffee. The day continued with a check-in at Margaret River Chocolate Company, where students discussed the company's expansion from its original location and identified ways the company adapts its products to suit the international tourist market. The day ended with a quick pitstop in Brabham to outline the impact of changing land uses in the Swan Valley. 

Sarah Williams

Geography and HASS teacher 

Year 12 students: Connect, Network, Inspire

We’re delighted to invite you to our next Alumni Connect networking event. Hosted by Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director of Sterling Property, this event is open to all Year 12 students, regardless of the pathway you plan to pursue after graduation.

Despite the event’s location, the focus isn’t on pursuing a career in commercial property. It’s about learning the value of professional networking, hearing the unique career journeys of our alumni, and discovering how the John XXIII College alumni community can support you as you transition beyond school. Whether you’re considering university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, a gap year or entering the workforce, you’ll have the opportunity to meet alumni from a wide range of professions, ask questions, gain advice, and begin building connections that may benefit you for years to come.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Sterling Property, Suite 6, 388 Hay Street, Subiaco

Host: Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director, Sterling Property

RSVP by Thursday, 17 September at https://alumni.johnxxiii.edu.au/AlumniNetworkingEventSep26

John XXIII College Sustainability Award: Applications now open

Are you a Year 12 student planning to study environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental law, architecture, urban design, town planning, or public health and urban design at university next year? The John XXIII College Sustainability Award could be for you.

Established by Dr Margaret Yoon in 2012 and supported by the John XXIII College Foundation, this award recognises students committed to improving the world through their tertiary studies. It's both a mark of recognition and a practical head start: the recipient receives $500, paid once they've provided proof of admission to their tertiary course.

How to apply: complete the application form: John XXIII College Year 12 Sustainability Award 2026 – Fill out form

Applications close: 3:30pm, Friday, 25 September 2026

If you're heading into a field where you can make a genuine difference,  to the environment, to communities, to how we build and live, we'd love to hear from you.

Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day

When: Saturday 5 September   

Time: 8:00am - 9:30am   

Meeting Point: Meeting behind the Science Garden at B8

We invite all interested parents, students, and alumni from the John XXIII College community to join us for a Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day to help our native Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos thrive.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our environment through planting, weeding and caring for our existing garden beds. All tools will be provided—just bring yourself, along with comfortable clothing, closed footwear, a hat and sunscreen.

Participating students can count this time towards their Christian Service-Learning (Roncalli Service) hours.

Together, we can nurture our shared environment, strengthen our campus surroundings, and set a positive example for future generations.

Register here

SPORT

NAS Athletics 

On Tuesday, 25 August, our NAS Athletics team took on the other NAS Schools with the addition of Mater Dei College. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to push themselves and post improved times and results in preparation for ACC selection. With a strong focus on participation and performance, the day provided valuable race-condition experience. Our athletes embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, making the most of the chance to refine their skills and enjoy a great day of competition. 

ACC Athletics 

Well done to all students who braved the cold early mornings this week to attend our final challenge sessions. The 2026 ACC A-Division Athletics team has been announced, and all students and families have been emailed. A copy of the full team can be found in the College notices. All team members are now eligible to purchase an Interschool Jumper from the College uniform shop. 

What's next for the ACC team: 

• Attend training in the lead up to the carnival (remaining schedule attached)
• Compulsory team training sessions attendance will be taken, please email if there is a valid reason students cannot attend. 
• Thursday, 3 September WA Athletics Stadium 6:30am - 7:40am
• Tuesday, 8 September at WA Athletics Stadium 6:30am - 7:40am
• Monday, 14 September 
  • Final team session JTC Ovals: 7:00am - 7:45am
  • Team Breakfast to follow: 7:45am-8:50am 
  • Please complete RSVP via the link by Monday, 7 September  ACC Athletics Breakfast 
• Monday, 14 September: All relay team members including reserves will be exempt from class periods 5 and 6 to master the all important changeovers - College Ovals

Training Schedule

Events and Coaches: 

• Sprints - Mrs Pillera
• Distance - Mr Tremayne/Mr Rycroft
• High Jump - Ella Adams
• Long Jump - Mia Mather
• Hurdles - Lyn Foreman- Tuesday
• Javelin - Jonah Burns 

• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

   

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

Our Years 9 and 10 NAS Teams will take part in their Winter Carnival next Wednesday. All students not participating in an NAS team will take part in a Wellbeing Day facilitated by Mr McLaughlin and Ms Ball. Please see the information attached in the parent letter. It is looking like a mild day with a very small chance of rain. Please ensure sunscreen and correct clothing are packed. Please find all information in the parent letter attached.

Volleyball Schools Cup 

Congratulations to both of our Senior Boys Volleyball Schools Cup teams on their efforts last week. After strong performances in their pool matches, both teams progressed through to the knockout rounds, demonstrating excellent teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout the day. Despite narrowly missing a place in the next stage, with both teams going down 2-1 in closely contested matches, they should be incredibly proud of their achievements and the way they represented the College. Well done, boys!

SunSmart Surfing Girls 

Well done to our Years 7 to 11 Surfing and Bodyboarding extraordinaries who represented the College at the SunSmart Girls Surfing event at Trigg Beach, showcasing great determination and skill in challenging conditions. Congratulations to Jess Dailly and Olive Coffey, who progressed through to Round 2 of the Junior Surfing competition. A special mention also goes to Molly McGreevy and Stella Boranga, who delivered outstanding performances and narrowly missed a place in the final by just four points. We are incredibly proud of all our students for the way they represented the College and embraced the opportunity.

Think Mental Health Interschool Surfing Titles Finals

A fine and chilly morning greeted competitors in the finals of the Think Mental Health Interschool Surfing Titles held at Trigg Beach earlier today. An emotional start with a tribute and moments silence acknowledging the recent passing and service of WA Surfing CEO Mark Lane.

The surf, while not exactly pumping, provided a good test for participants to grind it out and show their craft. Representing John XXIII College in their respective age groups, and winners of their Zone 4 Metro heats last Thursday, were Luke and Jack Harris (Junior Boys Surfing) and Ben and Jake Scott (Senior Boys Surfing).

The Harris brothers began well with a hard-fought win in their first heat of the day. Round 2 was a tougher affair, and after giving it their all, they were defeated, ending their run a little earlier than they would have liked.

A solid start from the Scott twins saw them progress through to the second round. Round 2 yielded another win, giving them the opportunity to compete in the final and take the title. A high-performing finale had the Scotts in contention; however, an interference call resulted in a second-place finish.

Very well done to the boys who represented themselves and the College in such fine fashion.

College Sporting Photos

John XXIII College Sports photos will take place Monday, 31 August and Tuesday, 1 September in Roncalli Hall

• All students are to arrive five minutes before their scheduled photo
• Students must be in full College Sports Uniform with white socks (tracksuit pants and shorts required)
• Students have permission to be in their sports uniform for the day
• Students not in the correct uniform will not be allowed to feature in the photo

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Isaac Flynn, who has been selected for the 12s Boys Hockey State Team. Isaac will travel to Newcastle in October to compete with the team, a fantastic achievement. Congratulations, Isaac!

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.