Secondary

Dear Families

These past couple of weeks have marked the halfway point of our Year 12 students’ final year. The return to school this week to receive exam results and feedback will have been one of mixed emotions: for some, pride and joy in their efforts and resulting achievements, but for others, disappointment that they didn’t do as well as they had anticipated or hoped. The next few months are critical for our Year 12s to persevere, stay motivated and enjoy their final stretch of their senior years’ journey, and the following suggestions may assist in keeping focus, motivation and a sense of perspective:

Year 12 is not just about the final results, but also about personal growth, resilience, relationships, and the invaluable experiences along the way. We encourage our Year 12 students to celebrate their achievements, embrace challenges, and enjoy upcoming events, such as the Interhouse Athletics Carnival and John XXIII Day, to finish this chapter of their schooling with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Year 11 students celebrated the end of the exams last Friday with a fabulous Dinner Dance at Beaumonde on Point, and on Monday, they participated in the meaningful day Id Quod Volo: That which I desire in my deepest and truest self. Drawing on inspiration from Christ and our College founders, Year 11 students spent the day exploring ways in which they can develop their skills as servant leaders, including an afternoon in House groups performing community service with organisations such as Coastcare, St Paul’s Primary and Wheelchairs for Kids. Thank you to Mr Luke Bostelman, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 11, House Coordinators and Homeroom Teachers for organising and supporting students on these very important experiences in their Year 11 journey.

The focus of yesterday’s Secondary Assembly was to celebrate NAIDOC Week. Whilst not until July, this year’s NAIDOC Week theme is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. As the final assembly for the term, and in preparation for the upcoming Year 11 Pilgrimage to far north Queensland, the occasion presented the perfect opportunity to reveal our recent artwork collaboration between Year 12 Visual Art students and Noongar artist, Melissa Spillman. Titled People for Others, Melissa’s design captures many rich layers of meaning that reflect both the spirit and story of John XXIII College. The pthree-piece artwork reminds us of our bond with Boodja, the land on which we gather, and of the spiritual foundations that support and guide our College. This is more than a beautiful artwork. It is a living story — a visual expression of our values, our connections, and our identity as a community. It reminds us of our commitment to justice, to excellence, and to hope. And it invites us to reflect on our place within this shared journey. 

We also welcomed students from Wesley College’s Moorditj Mob. Moorditj is a Noongar word meaning ‘great, strong and good’. The Moorditj Mob is the school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, providing Indigenous students with a quality education and opportunities to share their culture with each other and more broadly. Over the years, the Moorditj Mob have become well known for their performances, and our students enjoyed a powerful insight into their students’ culture through a series of narrated dances. Recognition of NAIDOC Week will continue in the last week of term with a smoking ceremony during Homeroom on 1 July.

Congratulations to all players in Tuesday’s House Theatre Sports competition for their creative improvisations that entertained the audience. Special mention to the team from St Louis for taking out overall victory. Wishing our Music students well for Music Camp at Fairbridge Farm, Pinjarra as they enjoy a weekend of rehearsals and camaraderie ahead of Sunday’s concert for parents.

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews - ICT update

Semester 2 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 23 July 2025. The Interview Booking System the College uses is named ‘Booked’ (formally known as PTO). 

As bookings for this event are completed online, please check that you have been receiving recent email communications from the College. If this has not been the case, please contact Main Reception reception@johnxxiii.edu.au, who will be able to assist in updating your contact details.  

More information about this important Teaching and Learning event will be disseminated in the coming weeks. 

Chris Morris

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Refugee Week Appeal

In the lead up to Refugee Week, we will be supporting CARAD with their Foodbank Appeal. CARAD is the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees.

Every student is asked to bring in at least one item to support the appeal. The post below shows the most needed items. If students could please donate the item to Homeroom by Wednesday, 18 June.

Year 10 Design and Technology students showcase chessboard creations

Our Year 10 Design and Technology students have been hard at work, channelling their creativity and craftsmanship into designing and developing unique chessboards with integrated storage solutions. Throughout the project, students demonstrated impressive dedication and skill in the workshop, consistently striving for excellence.

A special congratulations goes to those who went above and beyond by incorporating custom features, such as original drawer fronts and innovative internal subdividers. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design is truly commendable.

Jeremy Hill

Design and Technology Teacher

Ordering School Photos

Don’t forget to order your child’s school photos online. Instructions are listed below. 

1. Go to www.photohendriks.com.au
2. Click on 'order your school photos'
3. Enter your access key: ST44F77F

SPORT

Athletics 2025

With Cross-Country complete, we now move into the athletics season. With the Carnival set for Friday, 1 August, training will commence next week and will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00am to 8:00am. There will be specialist coaches for each event with all events training on both days. 

• Hurdles 
• Long Jump 
• High Jump 
• Javelin 
• Shot Put 
• Discus 
• Sprints 
• Distance 

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

Years 8 to 12 Pre-Carnival Athletics Events 

In the lead-up to our House Carnival, students have the opportunity to nominate themselves for the pre-carnival events. These are events that go towards House and Champion points as well as ACC Team Selection. 

• Students will register their name during Homeroom.
• A maximum of three can compete in each event from each House.
• All trials will start at 1:00pm SHARP!!!
• Students are allowed to change into their PE uniform (with House shirt) at recess and have permission to remain in their PE uniform for the rest of the school day.
• If you are away or miss your designated events day it will be YOUR responsibility to attend the catch-up days for your results to be counted towards House and individual points. 
• Year 7s will take part in their pre-carnival events on the last day of term Friday, 4 July.
  • If you are not here on that day, there are catch-up lunch times where you will compete if you wish to post a result.

Pre-carnival event schedule

Week 8

• Monday, 16 June – Year 11 1500m / Year 12 Discus and Javelin
• Tuesday, 17 June – Year 9 1500m / Year 10 Discus and Javelin
• Wednesday, 18 June – Year 8 NAS Carnival – No events
• Thursday, 19 June – Year 8 1500m / Year 9 Discus and Javelin
• Friday, 20 June – Year 10 1500m / Year 8 Discus and Javelin

Week 9

• Monday, 23 June – Year 12 1500m / Year 11 Discus and Javelin
• Tuesday, 24 June – Year 7-12 Catch up 1500m
• Wednesday, 25 June – Year 11/12 Senior NAS Day – No events
• Thursday, 26 June – Year 7-12 Catch up Field events
• Friday, 27 June – Back-up day in case any other day is cancelled due to weather

If you have any questions, please see Miss Pillera, Mr Kowal or your House Coordinator.

Year 8 Winter NAS 

Next Wednesday, 18 June, our Year 8 students will compete against other NAS schools at their Winter NAS Carnival. We wish all the students the best for the day, and we are sure that they will do the College proud. A big thank you to all the wonderful staff and alumni coaches who have assisted all students in their preparation for the day. 

If there are students to be picked up from venues at the end of the day, please ensure an email is sent to the teacher in charge. 

The weather is looking clear with a small chance of rain. All venues are outdoors, aside from badminton and volleyball. Please ensure the students come prepared for this. It is also compulsory for all students competing in AFL to have mouthguards. They will not be allowed on the field without one in accordance with NAS rules. We are looking forward to another great day out on the fields. 

Carnival Information is attached in the information letter below.

Years 8/9 Boys Eagles Cup 

A big well done to all our Years 8 and 9 boys who have taken part in the Eagles Cup competition this term. They finished their last game on a high, beating Shenton by two goals. Team JTC have finished third on the ladder for the season. Thank you to Mr Bill Quartermaine and student helpers who assisted throughout the season. 

Volleyball Schools Cup Trials 

Calling all volleyball enthusiasts

If you would like a chance to represent the College at the Volleyball Schools Cup Tournament next term, please complete the form and take note of the trial schedule. If you are unable to attend, please inform Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal. 

Volleyball Nomination Form

Trial Dates

ACC Cross-Country Embroidery 

All ACC Interschool Cross-Country jumpers are to be handed into the Uniform Shop for embroidery. Please note that to be eligible for embroidery, students must have attended the ACC Cross-Country Carnival on the day. All jumpers are to be dropped off by Friday, 20 June. 

Ross Meadows Hockey

Years 7 to 9 Hockey training will have its final training session on Tuesday, 17 June, from 7:00am to 8:00am. The team lists can be found on the College notices.  

If there are any queries, please email Miss Marquardt, Miss Gattuso or Miss Pillera.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for the Cross-Country 10 to 19s team to travel to Queensland in September. A terrific achievement to be selected as some of the fastest school students in the state.

• Hugo Smith - Year 7
• Vivienne Barley - Year 8 
• Claudia Gnech - Year 10

Congratulations to Tilly O’Connell (Year 12) on her selection for the Australian U19 Women’s Floorball Team! She’ll represent Australia at the 2026 World Floorball Championships Qualification Tournament. Best of luck to Tilly and the team in their preparations and at the tournament!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport