Secondary

Dear Families

At yesterday’s Secondary Assembly, our 2027 College Captain candidates spoke with authenticity, courage and conviction as they reflected on the question: The Ignatian tradition invites us to be people for others. What does this call mean to you, and how would it shape your leadership as College Captain? Their thoughtful responses highlighted a shared understanding that leadership at John XXIII College is grounded in service, compassion and a commitment to seeking the best for others. 

This year, 73 students have nominated for formal positions on the 2027 Student Representative Council. Each is to be congratulated for having the passion, commitment and confidence to contribute to the life of the College. The selection process will continue over the coming weeks, with successful candidates announced at the Day of Invitation Assembly early in Term 4. We wish all nominees every success as they progress through the remainder of the process. 

Congratulations to Years 11 and 12 Drama students for their engaging performances at last night's Drama Evening. As usual, the audience was entertained with some creative and thought provoking performances by our talented students. 

Technologies Week

This week, we celebrated the amazing work of the staff and students in the Technologies Department at our annual Technologies Showcase in the library foyer.  Projects in woodwork, engineering, digital technologies, foods, and textiles were showcased in the expo in the Ignatius Centre.  The Year 11 Food Science and Technologies students made sweet treats and a soup for lunch for the staff in the staffroom.  During lunchtimes, the wood teachers offered a workshop on making acrylic keychains, the textiles teachers held a project completion workshop, and the engineering students competed in a bridge-building competition. In digital technologies, the students participated in a Minecraft activity.  

As the term is quickly coming to an end, we look forward to introducing some new projects for next year and seeing many more amazing student designs as the department continues to grow.  

Anna Davila

Head of Learning Area - Technologies

R U OK? Day 

Congratulations to Wellbeing Captains, Grace and Elizabeth, who, with our Psychologists, Eva-Maria Catina, Martin Emery and Counsellor, Elise Svanberg, promoted R U OK? Day with a variety of activities for students to engage in this week. Whilst our young people are not expected to be the primary support people for friends experiencing challenges, by following the RUOK? steps below, they can start a conversation that could make a significant difference to a friend or a peer:   

• Ask R U OK?  
• Listen 
• Encourage action: seek help from an adult or use known strategies as healthy coping skills 

• Check in 

   

Thank you also to Year 9 students, who through their 9PLUS classes, organised activities to promote R U OK? messages yesterday at recess and lunch. 

More information on RUOK? Day can be found on the organisation’s website: Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day. 

Years 8/9 production, Emil and the Detectives 

Join us for an evening of mystery, mischief and teamwork as our Years 8 and 9 students bring Erich Kästner's classic tale Emil and the Detectives to the stage.

When young Emil Tischbein travels alone to Berlin to visit his grandmother, his savings are stolen on the train. Determined not to let the thief get away, Emil teams up with a band of resourceful Berlin children who turn detective to track down the culprit and reclaim what's his.

This much-loved story of courage, friendship and outsmarting the odds has been rehearsed and prepared by our talented Years 8/9 cast and crew and we're delighted to share the results with our College community.

Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September, 7pm, Roncalli Hall

Year 12 Ice Plunge 

This term, as people for others, our Year 12 students are taking part in an Ice Plunge Fundraiser in support of Jesuit Mission. Through the Jesuit Mission’s work in Hazaribag, India, children are supported in accessing education and growing with dignity and hope. Our Year 12s invite our community to stand with them in this shared commitment to hopefully raise $15,000. Your support reminds us that together we can make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and can be made via the Jesuit Mission website Jesuit Mission - John XXIII Year 12.  

2027 Student Diaries 

As a tool to support students’ organisation and time management with their learning program, in 2027 the student diary will be provided to all Years 7, 8 and 9 students and will be offered to students in Years 10 to 12 who wish to continue using a hard copy organiser. Please complete the link below to order a College-provided diary for your child who will be in Years 10 to 12 in 2027. 

2027 Student Diary Order Form – Fill out form 

Parent Sundowner  

The Parents’ Association is hosting a Parent Sundowner, and all parents are warmly invited to catch up with old friends and connect with other families in our community with a relaxed, picnic-style evening on the College lawn with live entertainment. 

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026 

Time: 5:30pm–8:00pm 

Venue: John XXIII College, lawn behind the St Louis Sports Centre 

Tickets: $15 

RSVP: www.trybooking.com/1539754 

Bring a picnic rug or low chairs, your own drinks, and cups (no glassware please). You're welcome to bring your own picnic food, or pre-order catering from Ultimo when you book your ticket, food won't be available for purchase on the night. 

Please note: this is a parents' evening, without children. 

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Thinking ahead to 2027?

As we begin planning for the year ahead, we understand that family circumstances can change, and sometimes this means a move to a new school.

If you believe your child may not be returning to John XXIII College in 2027, we would appreciate hearing from you as early as possible. This helps us to ensure a smooth transition for your family and allows us to offer places to other students on our waiting list.

In line with our College’s Withdrawal Policy, we kindly ask for written notice to the College Registrar at least one term (ten school weeks) before the anticipated departure date.

Where notice is not received, the policy provides for one term’s fees in lieu of notice.

If you are unsure about your plans or have any questions, our Enrolments team is here to talk things through and support you. You can contact our enrolments team via email or call 9383 0449.

15 October Admission and Scholarships to Top US & UK Universities Presentation – Years 9 to 12 Students

John XXIII College is excited to host a free one-hour presentation for students and families in Years 9 - 12 on how Australian students can secure admission to the top US & UK universities, presented by Jack Anderson, two-time WA Young Australian of the Year, Harvard Graduate, Schwarzman Scholar, and Churchill Fellow. 

Find out more and book tickets HERE.

Year 12 students: Connect, Network, Inspire

We’re delighted to invite you to our next Alumni Connect networking event. Hosted by Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director of Sterling Property, this event is open to all Year 12 students, regardless of the pathway you plan to pursue after graduation.

Despite the event’s location, the focus isn’t on pursuing a career in commercial property. It’s about learning the value of professional networking, hearing the unique career journeys of our alumni, and discovering how the John XXIII College alumni community can support you as you transition beyond school. Whether you’re considering university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, a gap year or entering the workforce, you’ll have the opportunity to meet alumni from a wide range of professions, ask questions, gain advice, and begin building connections that may benefit you for years to come.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 24 September 2026

Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Location: Sterling Property, Suite 6, 388 Hay Street, Subiaco

Host: Brian Neo (Class 1997), Founder and Managing Director, Sterling Property

RSVP by Thursday, 17 September at https://alumni.johnxxiii.edu.au/AlumniNetworkingEventSep26

John XXIII College Sustainability Award: Applications now open

Are you a Year 12 student planning to study environmental science, environmental engineering, environmental law, architecture, urban design, town planning, or public health and urban design at university next year? The John XXIII College Sustainability Award could be for you.

Established by Dr Margaret Yoon in 2012 and supported by the John XXIII College Foundation, this award recognises students committed to improving the world through their tertiary studies. It's both a mark of recognition and a practical head start: the recipient receives $500, paid once they've provided proof of admission to their tertiary course.

How to apply: complete the application form: John XXIII College Year 12 Sustainability Award 2026 – Fill out form

Applications close: 3:30pm, Friday, 25 September 2026

If you're heading into a field where you can make a genuine difference,  to the environment, to communities, to how we build and live, we'd love to hear from you.

WA Student Assistance Payment 

The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school. 

All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment. 

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or Kindergarten. 

The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026 

All claims must be received by Friday, 25 September 2026. More information can be found at WA Student Assistance Payment.  

SPORT

ACC Athletics 

Next Wednesday, our ACC Athletics team will compete in the 2026 ACC A-Division Carnival. Our team has the extraordinary task of taking on the rest of the A-Division schools for the seventh consecutive year. This is a fantastic achievement in itself, with Divisional Carnivals all the way down to J Division.  Our sights are set on another top three finish.

Our team will come together for one final training session on Monday 14 September, 7:00am to 7:45am at the College Ovals, followed by a team breakfast and briefing.

The ACC A-Division Athletics Carnival is set to be an exciting day with so many students bringing their A-game. Our team looks fantastic on paper, and we have no doubt they will perform to the best of their ability on the day. We cannot wait to watch!

Please refer to the parent letter for all information regarding the day. A reminder that ALL students competing in track and field MUST be in the gold College athletics singlet. This can be purchased from the Uniform Shop.

All team members have permission to be in sports uniform for the week and are encouraged to wear their interschool jumper if they have one. 

A program is attached, along with a link to the ACC Athletics Live Stream. Please tune in and support our team:  ACC A Div Athletics Carnival 2026

Relay Training 

Relay Training Monday 14 September periods 5 and 6

All students below are required to attend a compulsory relay training session during periods 5 and 6 on Monday 14 September. Students are permitted to wear sports uniforms for the day. Students are to arrive promptly at the College ovals after lunch. 

Year 7 Summer NAS

Please find the link below for the Summer NAS Nominations. All students must complete the form by next Wednesday 16 September. You can only complete the form once. Please take your time when completing.

All students will be involved on the day;

• NAS Team
• Student helper for a NAS Team
• Grass Court Volleyball Carnival held at JTC 

Year 7 Summer NAS   – Fill out form 

Trials - Week 10 and Term 4 Week 1

• If you are unable to make a trial, please inform Ms Pillera or Mr Kowal
• Teams will be posted at the end of Week 1 next term.

Trainings - Weeks 2, 3 and 4

Pay attention to all training dates and times, as it may not be the same each week. If you cannot make a training session, you must let your team teacher know.

At the Week 4 training, there will be a sausage sizzle for all teams.

Carnival 

Week 4, Thursday 5 November, 7:45am-3:00pm.

Staff 

Years 7/8 NAS Football

Each year the NAS Football team is a combined team of Years 7 and 8 students. Year 8 girls who would like to trial for the team, please complete the following nomination form. The first trial will be on Thursday, 23 September, 3:30 to 4:30pm, and the second on Wednesday, 14 October. 

NAS AFLW - Year 7/8 Team  – Fill out form

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

CFC 15s Development Squad

After weeks of hard work on the training track, congratulations to Hugh, Jack, Cooper, Dash, and Hudson on being named in the final 2026 15s Development Squad for Claremont Tigers. 

Share your child’s achievements

We love celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students in this section of the newsletter. If your child has recently represented at a regional, state, or national level, or been part of a team that has achieved a significant result (such as a premiership or championship), we would love to hear about it!

Families are invited to share details and a photo by emailing newsletter@johnxxiii.edu.au. Please include your child’s name, year group, event or activity, and a brief description of the achievement.

To ensure fairness and consistency, we can only feature information received directly from families that meets the above criteria. If no image or details are provided, we may not be able to include your child’s achievement in the newsletter.