Secondary

Dear Families

Our Years 11 and 12 students embark on a big couple of weeks with ATAR examinations having commenced this week and Year 11 examinations beginning next week. This can be a challenging time for students and their families supporting them. To help them navigate this period with confidence and achieve the best results, the following tips provide a guide on how to approach the exams with a clear mind, keep stress in check and optimise performance.

It is important to remember that examinations are just one measure of students’ academic progress, and their wellbeing is of utmost importance. Take breaks when needed, maintain a healthy balance between studying and leisure activities, and reach out to support systems if feeling overwhelmed. More information on managing the exam period effectively can be found via our new parenting resource, SchoolTV.

SchoolTV

In support of our strategic approach to Cura Personalis: care for the whole person, we are pleased to announce the launch of a parent wellbeing resource, SchoolTV. Designed to support parents, caregivers and educators, SchoolTV delivers credible and current information from wellbeing experts via the College’s website. Browse through the resource library and find practical strategies on a variety of topics to help navigate the challenges of modern-day parenting. Each topic is accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps and videos. This award-winning resource helps families build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people.

SchoolTV can be accessed via the newsletter each week and the College website.

Inspire Workshop

The Parents' Association is committed to providing valuable educational experiences through our 'INSPIRE' program, which focuses on parent education through presentations, forums, and interactive sessions. Our program funds a range of speakers and educators who address health and wellbeing issues affecting young people and their families. In this interactive workshop, we invite parents and guardians to come together and brainstorm potential topics for our 'INSPIRE' events in 2025 and beyond. Your input will be important in helping us identify the most relevant subjects that will benefit our community. By attending this workshop, you will be part of a proactive community that is dedicated to the educational and emotional wellbeing of our children. Together, we can create a robust and relevant program for 'INSPIRE' into the future. 

We look forward to your participation and contributions.

• Date: Tuesday 12 November 2024 
• Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
• Location: Thomas More Exhibition Centre
• Register

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Parking reminder

Recently, there has been an increase in cars parked along Grainger Drive, adjacent to the Grainger Reserve, during school pickup times. This area is not school property and poses safety risks, especially with large vehicles blocking the road on both sides.

To prevent potential accidents, particularly involving small children, it is crucial that we park safely and respectfully.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Park in designated areas: Use the College’s designated parking areas.
• Avoid parking on verges: Refrain from parking on the verges along Grainger Drive.
• Be mindful of road safety: Ensure you are not blocking pedestrian paths or other vehicles.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Together, we can maintain a safe and respectful environment for our children and community.

Year 11 General Geography: Perth and Optus Stadium Fieldwork

On Monday 21 October, the Year 11 General Geography class embarked on their final adventure for the year - a day exploring the redevelopment sites around Perth City. Highlights included a tour of Yagan Square, the Perth Cultural Centre, Elizabeth Quay, and the iconic Optus Stadium. With tourism and urban redevelopment as their focus, students dove into activities that consolidated their classroom studies, while building on their practical fieldwork skills such as sketch maps and observing and recording real-world data. Of course, the chance to step inside the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles’ clubrooms was a thrill for everyone! Special thanks go to Mr. Chris Morris for joining the class and helping to make the day a success. 

Kalo Bell

Humanities & Social Sciences Teacher

John XXIII College Shopfront Christmas Appeal 2024

Please give generously to the John XXIII College Christmas Appeal.

Please donate money or items from the list below to support the Shopfront Christmas Appeal. Students should bring their donations to Homeroom by Wednesday 20 November. Any cash donations will support the Shopfront Christmas Lunch.

The following items are needed for gift bags:

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission

Community Planting and Weeding Day - Join Us!

When: Saturday 2 November 

Time: 8:00am to 9:30am

Meeting Point: Back of B8 (western side of the College)

We invite all interested parents, students, and alumni from the John XXIII community to join us for our Community Planting and Weeding Day. This event is a great opportunity to give back to our environment through a mixture of planting, weeding, and maintaining our previous plantings.

All necessary tools will be available, so just bring yourself.Wear comfortable clothing, suitable closed footwear, and don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.

Participating students can use this time towards their Christian service learning hours (Roncalli Service).

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

Year 10 Food Technology

Our Year 10 Food Technology students treated selected teachers to a stunning high tea experience, complete with handcrafted sandwiches, fresh-from-the-oven scones, and heavenly sweet treats. The best part? Every bite was made with gratitude for our amazing teaching staff. Special touches like plunger coffee and leaf tea made the experience extra special. 

Mindy Toleman

Technologies Teacher

SPORT

Wednesday morning Swimming Club – College Pool 

Calling all students who would like to get training in early in time for the 2025 Interhouse Carnival, come on down to Swim Club every Wednesday starting next week on 6 November from 7am to 8am for the remainder of the term. All abilities and experience levels are welcome. There will be something for everyone so this is a great way to start the day especially as it is warming up!! We would also like to invite current Year 6 students to the training as a great chance for them to get a taste of high school swimming. 

Volleyball Club

All students interested in playing Volleyball are invited to attend volleyball sessions on Monday mornings at 7am to 8am. This is open to all students, and no experience is needed. Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics and more in a fun and relaxed environment. 

NAS Golf

Good luck to the students who will be taking on students from Newman College in the NAS Golf Tournament on Monday 4 November. Students will play 18 holes of golf. Thank you to Mr Darren Kowal, who has been coaching the students since last term.  

SSWA Water Polo – Years 9/10

We also look forward to hearing all about our Year 9/10 Water Polo teams who will head out on Wednesday (Boys) and Thursday (Girls) to HBF Stadium to take on several schools. Thank you to coaches Mr Morris and Miss Power for their work in preparing the teams. Good luck! 

Please keep your eye out in the notices for trial dates for the Year 7/8 Water Polo Teams.

Congratulations

Huge congratulations to these water polo stars who represented WA at the National State Championships: Bridget (Year 10), Emily (Year 11), and Lily (Year 10). These students showed amazing skill and dedication competing at the national level. We're so proud to have such talented athletes from our College representing WA! 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport