Magis report 

Welcome to another exciting year for our Magis Program! Magis refers to the philosophy of doing more for Christ, and therefore doing more for others. It is a philosophy that guides our Magis students to push themselves further in all areas of College life – from their academic achievements, their commitment to extra-curricular activities, to their service and leadership within the College and wider community.  

We look forward to the continual growth of our program and new ventures. This year, we have fifteen interschool competitions scheduled for our gifted students, as well as several Clubs, Academic Seminar Breakfasts, and special events including our Bell Shakespeare Incursion. We also have our annual College Public Speaking and Creative Writing Competitions which are open to all students, as well as the College Chess Tournament. Students will also have the opportunity to test their knowledge, and win valuable House points, in the annual Homeroom Magis Challenges which will cover topics such as: Spelling, STEM, Music, Humanities, Art, Languages, Literature and Theology. 

Communication to Magis students is mainly via the weekly Magis Memo, Teams and the Magis Noticeboard (located outside the Magis Office). With so much happening it is important that students read these notices carefully. The program also publishes a report in the College Newsletter, which families receive each week.

Nominations for the Magis Student Committee will open next week. The Committee, which consists of 18-20 students from Years 8-12, will be led by our 2024 Magis Captain Thomas Syminton (Year 12). Committee members will provide leadership and support to our Magis students, as well as assistance with the overall development of the program. 

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

The Magis Program continues to offer students the chance to compete in the top state gifted student competitions as well as national and global events. Expressions of Interest are now open for the following competitions. Magis Teams explains to students how they can apply. For further information, students can visit the Magis Office or email the Head of Magis, Ms Daisy Farley (daisy.farley@johnxxiii.edu.au). 

WADL Debating

The WADL Schools Debating Competition (SDC) is the largest and most prestigious secondary school debating competition in Western Australia. Divisions including Novice (Years 7 and 8), Junior (Years 9 and10) and Senior (Years 11 and 12). Teams from across WA compete for the title of State Champion. Last year we had great success with one of our Novice League Teams named Runner-Up State Champions. Students from Years 7 to 12 may nominate individually or as a team. Each team must have at least four members. Nominations close Friday 9 February (Week 2).

Mock Trials

The Law Society coordinates an interschool Mock Trial Competition for students in Years 11 and 12. A mock trial is a simulated court case in which teams contest a fictitious legal matter in the WA court system. The cases are presented by two teams – a prosecution/plaintiff team and a defence/defendant team – made up of students playing the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses, and court officials. The Mock Trial Competition provides students with an opportunity to learn valuable skills in research and in the development and presentation of a persuasive argument. An information session will be held on Thursday 8 February at lunchtime in A9. Nominations close Monday 12 February (Week 3).

Da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is designed to celebrate the academic gifts of Australian youth by providing a stimulating and challenging academic competition run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon. Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code-breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. Our teams last year did exceptionally well, winning several prizes. We look forward to continuing our success in 2024. Please note the competition dates: Years 9 and 10 Wednesday 6 March, and Years 7 and 8 Thursday 7 March. Nominations close Monday 12 February (Week 3).

Senior Ethics Olympiad

The Ethics Olympiad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. It is designed to get students thinking, talking, and ultimately working together on some of the tough moral issues of our time. Its objective is to do more than just help students think through ethical issues: It is to teach students how to think through ethical issues together, as fellow citizens in a complex moral and political community. The Senior Ethics Olympiad is open to students in Years 10 to 12 – with nominations closing Friday 1 March. Please note: There will be a Middle School Ethics Olympiad held later in the year – which is open for students in Years 7 to 9.

Best wishes to all Magis students and staff for a year of success, happiness, and service to our wonderful College. 

Daisy Farley

Magis Coordinator – Gifted and Talented