From the Principal

In recent weeks, I have represented the College at both Loreto Principals’ and Jesuit Principals’ meetings in the eastern states. My representation is based on the close links our College has with both Loreto and Jesuit schools across Australia. For the benefit of new parents, John XXIII College is both a Loreto Associated school and a Jesuit Companion school, stemming from our own rich Loreto and Jesuit heritage. 

Many may be aware of the extensive media coverage, in NSW particularly, of the increasing prevalence of old, well-established boys-only schools shifting to coeducation, prompting debate and angst amongst some. Some of the same angst has also crossed the Nullarbor gaining the attention of our own media outlets in recent times, prompting the need for some WA schools to reaffirm their positions as single sex only institutions, while also espousing the benefits, as they see them, of the same education.

Our own heritage, of course, is the 1977 amalgamation of St Louis’ School for Boys and Loreto Claremont (an all-girls school) into our own coeducational John XXIII College. As such, our students have benefited from an educational model designed to develop well-rounded graduates equipped with the understanding and skills necessary to make a valuable contribution to an increasingly interconnected, complex and diverse world; a world requiring a generation of leaders capable of navigating these complexities with empathy, understanding and a global perspective.

During this week, our Year 11 Pilgrimage students continued their Pilgrimage formation sessions. Together, in a coeducational setting, our students explored Catholic Social Teaching, Human Rights, Charity, Justice and a range of social justice issues to ensure all participants are well prepared for their immersion experience later in Term 2. Together, in a coeducational setting, our students will benefit from the rare opportunity to make real connections with First Nation Australians who have maintained a deep connection to their culture and history, whilst living on their own land. An enriched education indeed.

I congratulate all involved in the newly restructured Years 7 and 8 NAS Carnival on Tuesday. Given the Years 7 and 8 Carnival was the first in the new format, the lead up to the Carnival Day and the Carnival itself proved to be highly successful. A full review of the Years 7 and 8 experience is being undertaken to enable any learnings to be incorporated into the upcoming Years 9 and 10 NAS sport program. 

Finally, I extend my congratulations to all students, staff, parents and grandparent volunteers involved in the Years 4 to 6 Swimming Carnival on Tuesday, which proved to be an excellent demonstration of enthusiastic House spirit and a lot of fun.

Daniel Mahon

Principal