Magis Report 

Mock Trials

Round 3 of the 2026 Law Society of Western Australia Mock Trial Competition was held on Monday evening at the WA Supreme Court. Our team went against Wesley College - appearing for the Defendant in a civil matter. Specifically, a wills and estate case involving an alleged former de facto partner. There is a lot of preparation involved in this competition, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students who, despite their busy schedules (exams, Music Camp, other competitions etc), were able to complete their trial documents and learn their witness statements.

Our Round 3 team:

• Junior Barrister: Tighe O’Toole
• Senior Barrister: Luca Robson
• Solicitor: Joshua Standen
• Witness: James Gunasekera
• Witness: Archer Dailly
• Judges Associate: Leilani McDonnell

WA Debating League 

The second of the Make-Up Rounds was held on Tuesday evening at Shenton College, and both of our teams secured debate wins. With the preliminary rounds now complete, our teams are eagerly awaiting WADL’s decision as to which teams will progress to the finals in Term 3. Below is a record of our 2026 WADL SDC results. 

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar – which can be accessed below.  

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

Note: All expressions of interest should be sent to the Magis Assistant: magis@johnxxiii.edu.au

Middle School Ethics Olympiad

Ethics Olympiad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. It is designed to get students thinking, talking, and ultimately working together on some of the tough moral issues of our time. Its objective is to do more than just help students think through ethical issues: It is to teach students how to think through ethical issues together, as fellow citizens in a complex moral and political community. This international competition is open to students in Years 7 to 9. Team positions are highly coveted, with only 10 spots available. Expressions of interest are due Monday, 22 June (Week 19). A training clinic will be held in Term 3, with the competition scheduled for Term 4.

STEM School of Excellence 

BRAINways EDUCATION programs provide opportunities for highly able and gifted students and are tailored to their special educational needs. Incorporating information and learning from a wide range of international curricula, the BRAINways EDUCATION programs offer advanced, content- and process-driven learning experiences that are challenging yet interesting and hands-on. Their next program of workshops will be held at UWA in the upcoming school holidays (Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July). Below is the list of programs for students in Year 7:

• Day 1
  • The Mathematics of Snowflakes
  • The Chemistry of Unboiling an Egg
• Day 2
  • Gravity vs Pressure: The Battle That Formed the Universe

  • Checks and Balances: Your Body Adapting to Change

     

For more information, please see the attached flyer. Students interested must discuss the program and check availability with their parents before submitting an expression of interest by Monday, 22 June (Week 19). Please note: Students require a Nomination Letter to be signed by the Head of Magis, before parents can book their place in the program.

National Senior Stretch Conference

We are currently selecting 12 Years 10 to 11 students to participate in the 2026 National Senior Stretch Conference. At this event, senior students will grapple with challenging questions about knowledge, rules, freedom, technology and human experience – exploring issues of truth, responsibility, and what it means to live well. More than just abstract theory, this is philosophy in action: learning to follow the logic, question assumptions, and test ideas that touch every part of human life. This study day is not about memorising information. We work at the conceptual level to explore intellectual foundations and equip students with a deeper understanding. It’s about taking an interdisciplinary approach to the fundamental ideas that underpin our understanding of the world, ourselves, and others. We bring you the kind of intellectual stimulation previously reserved for the students of Oxford and Cambridge. Expressions of interest are due Monday 29 June (Week 20), with the conference scheduled for Wednesday 12 August (Term 3, Week 4).

The Global Voices Fellowship

Attention Year 12 students: Applications are open for the Global Voices Fellowship. This life-changing program aims to upskill and develop the next generation of Australian leaders to contribute to domestic and global decision-making. This is a fully funded scholarship, with all domestic and international flights, accommodations, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees covered. For more information, please click here or speak with the Head of Magis.