From the Principal
During the week, we have celebrated our Founders, St Pope John XXIII, St Ignatius of Loyola and Venerable Mary Ward. Last Wednesday, 31 July, was the Feast Day of
St Ignatius when we acknowledged the transformative journey of faith and self-discovery of St Ignatius while recognising our College’s emphasis on the development of the whole person (cura personalis), being people for others and seeing God in all things, all are a testament to the enduring legacy of St Ignatius.
This week we have also acknowledged Mary Ward’s counter-cultural impact on education with this year’s celebration particularly focused on Mother Gonzaga Barry who, along with her nine companions, established Loreto in Australia 150 years ago. Kindy to Year 6 students and staff were invited to catch the ‘Loreto Express’ throughout the week. Each of the five stations visited during the train journey (yes, it was a real train) were excellent opportunities to unpack the various milestones in the development of Loreto across Australia, from the very beginnings in Dublin to Ballarat, through to Broome and beyond. On arrival in Ballarat, one of the first activities of the Loreto sisters was to go to the Cathedral to pray the ‘Te Deum’, which is an ancient prayer of praise to God. For those interested in gaining an insight into this ancient prayer, please refer to this link. I extend my thanks to Antoinette De Pinto, Mary-Anne Lumley, Sr Tess and Janeen Murphy for their heavy involvement bringing this initiative to fruition, and thanks are also extended to our Grounds and Maintenance team for driving the train and setting up the station props.
Finally, today we celebrate John XXIII Day, and what a celebration it has been. Commencing with our whole school Mass, led by our ‘academic in residence’ Fr Frank Brennan SJ and Fr Mark Chia, to the food and fete stalls, to the ice plunge challenge, alumni netball and football games, to our entertaining Variety Concert in the Secondary School; our College has been witness to lots of fun, whilst also raising much needed funds for Jesuit Mission and Mary Ward International.
In addition to witnessing some of our staff participate in the ‘ice plunge’, and humbling themselves in skits throughout the SRC video, our students also witnessed some of our staff skilfully participate in a tightly choreographed dance routine during the Secondary School Variety Concert. The genuine and enthusiastic student response to seeing their teachers participate in the activities on our John XXIII Day says much about our College culture.
I extend my thanks to everyone for generously raising funds for Jesuit Mission and Mary Ward International, and extend a big thank you to all of the students and staff who so wholeheartedly engaged in the plethora of activities on offer today.
Daniel Mahon
Principal
Apply for the John XXIII College Foundation - 2026 Year 6 Bursary
About the Bursary
In keeping with our Ignatian heritage, John XXIII College Foundation is offering a 2026 Year 6 bursary.
The bursary will be awarded to a family who may be seeking a Catholic education in the Ignatian tradition but financial circumstances prevent them from doing so.
The Foundation bursary covers full tuition fees and connects your child to excellence in coeducation and a community steeped in faith, justice and inclusivity.
Who Can Apply?
- Any permanent resident in Western Australia is eligible to apply for a placement in Year 6.
- Current College families are also welcome to apply.
Application Process
- Visit: https://forms.johnxxiii.edu.au/Forms/Bursary_Application
- Complete and submit your application by completing all sections of the form.
- You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt once your application has been successfully submitted.
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome after the closing date.
Applications close: Monday, 18 August 2025.
Book Launch - Sir Gerard Brennan's articles and speeches
John XXIII College warmly invites you to an enriching networking event with a law focus, welcoming alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents, past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community.
Launched by The Hon. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan
Join us as we celebrate the release of the two-volume set of Sir Gerard Brennan's Articles and Speeches, a remarkable collection honouring the legacy of the late Sir Gerard Brennan, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and one of our nation's most distinguished jurists.
This event provides a unique opportunity for our College to welcome alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents and past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community for an inspiring evening centred on law, faith, and public life. Fr Frank Brennan SJ, a distinguished Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer, and academic, will share personal insights and reflections. Books will be available for purchase on the night, a wonderful opportunity to have your copy signed.