Secondary

Dear Families

Today’s Interhouse Cross-Country carnival was a fantastic way to end the week. It was wonderful to see House spirit in action with strong participation by students across both the main race and the novelty events. Congratulations to St Louis House for taking out the Fr Gaetan Pereira Trophy and Loreto House for winning the Spirit Award. Thank you to all staff, in particular Ms Jessica Pillera and Mr Darren Kowal for their exceptional organisation, well done to all students for their participation and House pride, and thank you to the parent volunteers for providing staff with a BBQ lunch.

This week also saw the celebration of Loreto House Day, an occasion to mark the significance of one of our College Founders, Mary Ward. A courageous pioneer for girls’ education and justice for the most vulnerable in 17th-century Europe, Mary’s faith in God and conviction to improve the lives of those in need were unwavering in the face of condemnation from the authorities of the day. As early as 1612, Mary Ward said to her first companions that 'there is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things. And I hope in God that it will be seen in time to come that women will do much'. Mary’s legacy was her belief in the capacity of women, which in turn led to her conviction that the key to unlocking this capacity was education for girls. In our contemporary context, we continue Mary Ward’s legacy of empowering young women to challenge themselves to meet their potential, take risks, and strive to make a positive impact on the world around them. Thank you to Mr Ciaran Gallagher, Loreto House Coordinator and Homeroom Teachers for leading students in a range of activities in celebration of the day.

Loreto House Prayer

Loving God

You are the parent of all parents; you are the friend of all friends.

You are the source of all goodness and give us everything we need.

We pray that we may share what we have and have the strength to generously give of ourselves.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, and with the intercession of our founders:

Holy Mary, mother of God

Pope John XXIII Pray for us

Ignatius of Loyola Pray for us

Mary Ward Pray for us

Our intrepid Year 9 Outdoor Education students embarked on their camp experience to Rottnest Island last week and this week. The value of experiential learning, teamwork and problem solving in the natural environment cannot be underestimated, and it was impressive to see students thrive as they pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and normal routines whilst enjoying the beauty of Rottnest. Thank you to Ms Lisa Gattuso and Mr Darren Kowal, Year 9 Outdoor Education teachers, for their planning and coordination of the camps, and the staff who attended to support students.

Secondary Photo Day

A reminder that next Tuesday, 13 May, is Secondary Photo Day with family and catch-up photos on Monday, 19 May. Students are expected to wear the correct winter uniform, including a blazer and a tie. Please refer to the SEQTA email sent last week for more information.

Japanese Cultural Exchange – Host Family Opportunity

Following a successful exchange program last year, in August, we will once again welcome Years 10 to 12 Japanese students from Osaka, Japan, for a six-night cultural exchange, and families are invited to host a student as a member of their family for the short stay. The program does not require families to plan special activities or outings, as these will be catered for as part of the cultural exchange experience with the College. All families are welcome to participate, regardless of their child's year level, and host families will receive $330 per student to help cover expenses for their hospitality.

Our trusted partner, Gold Educational Tours, coordinates all aspects of the visit and provides 24/7 support throughout the experience, ensuring a smooth and rewarding exchange for everyone involved.

Ready to connect your child to Japan? Register at: https://schoolcommunity.goldeducationaltours.com.au 

Health Centre

The Health Centre provides valuable support to students when they are unwell or injured. When a student presents to the Health Centre, our experienced College Nurses, Jo Cook and Judy Buckley, assess their fitness to stay at school and may decide that the student is too unwell to return to the classroom. In this case, parents will be called to collect their child. It is important that parents keep their contact details up to date with the College, including an alternative contact, so that in the event of a student being too unwell to remain at school, they or the alternative contact can be easily contactable. For the comfort of an unwell student and the safety of others, particularly in the case of an infectious illness, parents or alternative contacts are requested to collect the student within an hour of being contacted.

Parking Reminder

To ensure the safety of our students, particularly during busy times at the beginning and end of the school day, please utilise the designated drop-off and pick-up zones marked around the campus. When parking, we request that drivers use allocated parking spaces in visitors’ car parking bays only. Double parking or stopping in unauthorised zones – particularly around Montgomery House – poses safety risks to both our students and neighbouring residents. When using the Secondary drop-off / pick-up carpark off John XXIII Avenue, access bays should be used in the first instance for parents and carers picking up students in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges, and ACROD stickers should be clearly displayed when parking in these bays. For pedestrian safety and to reduce traffic congestion, drivers picking up students should only use visitors’ parking bays or the drive-through facility, and we encourage families to stagger their arrival and departure times where possible. When we exercise patience, follow the instructions of staff and signage, and are considerate of others during these busy times, we can maintain a safe and smooth experience for everyone.

Winter Uniform

With the commencement of Term 2, students will be required to transition to the winter uniform. As the weather can still be warm at the beginning of the term, students will have the option of wearing the correct summer or winter uniform until Monday, 19 May. The exception is on Tuesday, 13 May when students will be required to wear full winter uniform for Secondary Photo Day.

The Uniform Code can be found here. Staff are guided by the Positive Behaviour Framework to address instances when students do not wear the uniform correctly.

Term 2 Key Dates

Wishing all mothers, grandmothers and mother figures a special day on Sunday, surrounded by the love of their families. 

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Upcoming Drama performances

Get ready for an exciting month of theatre at Roncalli Hall and our Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre! Our talented drama students are set to take the stage with a series of entertaining and thought-provoking performances, and we warmly invite the whole community to come along and support their creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, quick-witted competition, or a slice of life from across the years, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and join us for these memorable nights of live theatre!

• Year 9 Drama Night – The Bee’s Knees – Thursday 5 June, 7pm, Roncalli Hall
• House Theatre Sports Tuesday 10 June, 7pm, GBLT
• Year 8 Drama Performance – The British are Comin – Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 June, 4:30pm, Roncalli Hall
• Year 10 Drama Night – Slice of Life – Tuesday 1 July, 7pm, Roncalli Hall

George Tsakisiris

Head of Learning Area - Drama

College musical - High School musical

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s College musical, High School Musical. From the talented cast and crew to the dedicated staff, families, and volunteers, your hard work and enthusiasm made this production a fantastic celebration of the performing arts. We are proud of what you have achieved together and grateful for the joy you brought to our community. Well done, everyone!

George Tsakisiris

Head of Learning Area - Drama

Year 12 ATAR Geography

On Tuesday, 6 May, the Year 12 ATAR Geography class set out on an excursion to the Bold Park Ecology Centre. The aim of the day was to investigate restoration efforts within the park and gather fieldwork data relevant to their current unit on biodiversity loss and the effects of land cover change. Students examined the site's history of disturbance, reflected on the ongoing challenges posed by urban development, and discussed the vital role of this urban remnant bushland. They also explored how field data can be used to assess the success of ecological restoration and support future planning decisions. During the sketching activity at the summit of Reabold Hill, students were thrilled to discover a quenda in its natural habitat, which turned out to be a highlight of their day. Thank you to Mrs Nitasha Horner for accompanying the group on this valuable learning experience.

Kalo Bell

Head of Learning Area – Humanities and Social Sciences

Register for the Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge encourages students to discover the joy of reading, improve their literacy skills and enjoy amazing stories.

The challenge runs until 27 June 2025. To complete the challenge:

• Kindergarten to Year 10 students read 12 or more books
• Years 11 and 12 students read 6 or more books.

Students can register for the challenge here: The challenge - Premier's Reading Challenge

Jean Redfern

Library and Learning Services Educator

Dig in for a greener tomorrow: Join our community planting and weeding day!

We’re excited to invite all parents, students, and alumni of the John XXIII community to roll up their sleeves for our Community Planting and Weeding Day! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 17 May, and join us bright and early from 8:00am to 9:30am at the tennis courts on the northern side of E-Block.

This hands-on morning is a fantastic way to give back to our environment. Together, we’ll plant new greenery, weed around our existing plantings, and help maintain the beautiful spaces we’ve already created. No experience is necessary - all tools will be provided. Just bring your enthusiasm, wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes, and don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.

Students can also count their participation towards their Christian service learning hours (Roncalli Service).

Please register your attendance here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

SPORT

Cross-Country Carnival

This year's John XXIII College Interhouse Cross-Country was one to remember. Blessed with warm weather, participants took to the course with enthusiasm, pushing themselves to their limits for themselves and their House. The cheering and spirit from all students were continuous throughout the whole day; it was wonderful to see the immense pride students showed for their house.

A huge congratulations to St Louis House, whose outstanding performances secured them the Fr Gaetan Pereira Cup. Their speed, endurance, and teamwork were truly commendable. Equally impressive was Loreto House, whose enthusiasm and sportsmanship earned them the Spirit Award, proving that heart and determination matter just as much as winning.

Beyond the competition, the event embodied what makes John XXIII College so special—friendship, encouragement, and a collective commitment to striving for one's best. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and made the day such a memorable occasion and a big thank you to all staff who helped bring the day to life!

Please find results from today's carnival using the following links:

• 3km Years 7-8: https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1842&EId=1 
• 4km Years 9-12: https://bluechipresults.com.au/results.aspx?CId=11&RId=1842&EId=2

We now turn our attention to the SSWA and ACC Interschool Carnivals. More information will be posted in next week's notices and newsletter. Cross-Country training sessions will continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 7am to 8am until the ACC Cross-Country Carnival. All students are welcome to join our morning training sessions. 

Cross-Country Training

Cross-Country training is still in full swing, and all students can continue to train regardless of placing at the Interhouse Carnival. If you finished top 10 you are invited and strongly encouraged to attend sessions in the lead up to the SSWA Cross-Country and ACC Cross-Country. For those students who wish to post a better time or challenge for a position in the top 10, the challenge morning will be on 20 May 20 on the College Ovals.

The training schedule for the term can be seen below.

 Year 7 Winter NAS

Carnival Information

Please find attached parent information for Monday's Carnival. Please pay close attention to arrival times for each team.

Years 11/12 Winter NAS

Our Senior NAS Trials will take place next week for Years 11/12 students for the upcoming Winter NAS Carnival on Thursday 26 June.

Please see the dates and times below for each sport - Lock them into your diaries. If you are unable to make the trial but are interested in being a part of the team, you must let the team teacher know. Must be a valid reason. 

If you do not make a team and wish to attend as a supporter/helper, please also email your team teacher.

First XVIII

Our First XVIII Football team took on Newman College in their round one game. It was an explosive start from JTC, finishing the half six goals to one. In the second half, Newman came back scoring four goals to JTC's one. The boys finished well taking out the win. 

JTC - 7.5 (47)

NEW - 5.6 (36)

Next fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May at John XXIII College with a 4:00pm bounce down. Training will continue on Monday morning for the team.

Years 8/9 Eagles Cup 

Our Junior boys also took on Newman College away for their first game. The boys missed out on the win this week; however, they are already gearing up for their next match at home next week against John Forrest Secondary College. Bounce down will be 4:00pm on the JTC ovals all spectators welcome. Thank you to Bill Quartermaine, who is coaching and leading the team once again this season. 

Congratulations

Orlando Ligovich

Orlando had the opportunity over the school holidays to train and compete in a number of regattas at Fraglia della Vela, Riva del Garda, Italy.  He was selected to represent Australia in the Country Cup, placing 8th and also qualified for gold fleet in the 43rd Garda Meeting, the largest Optimist regatta in the world, finishing in 26th place overall.  With over 800 competitors and 145 in the gold fleet, the top 30 sailors were recognised in the presentations. Well done, Orlando!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport