Secondary

Dear Families

A highlight of this week was welcoming the Class of 2031 today for their Year 7 Orientation Day. Starting high school brings a mix of emotions: excitement, anticipation, hope, nervousness, and sometimes a sense of overwhelm, which is why an effective orientation program is essential to set the foundation for a successful transition. The Year 7 Transition experience is a well-developed program designed to provide students entering the Secondary School with the framework and skills to establish a sense of place and belonging, foster positive relationships with peers and teachers, and develop effective routines and habits to meet the changing nature and rigour of high school.

Following last night’s parent information evening, today provided students with the opportunity to meet their new peers and a variety of Secondary staff as they engaged in a series of activities throughout the day. The transition experience will continue through Term 1 next year to nurture the pastoral and academic growth of each student.

Thank you to Mr Jack Butterworth, who has been appointed Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 7 commencing next year, and Dr Ellen Fortini for their coordination of last night’s parent information evening, and to all staff, Year 7 student helpers and our generous parent helpers involved in today’s Orientation Day. We wish all our new Year 7 students and their families the very best as they finish their primary school days and look forward to commencing Secondary School next term.

Social Media Age Restrictions

Parents will be aware that the Australian Government has introduced new legislation – the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 – which will come into effect on 10 December 2025. This law requires providers of age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from holding accounts. The aim is to strengthen child safety online and reduce exposure to harmful content and interactions. Under the legislation, children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to create or maintain accounts on platforms covered by the legislation (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit). Providers will enforce these restrictions, and parents may notice changes in how platforms verify age and manage accounts.

Through the College’s wellbeing programs, students in Years 7 to 10 will engage in discussions and activities over the coming weeks to help them prepare for these changes. This includes practical strategies to prepare for the transition and alternative ways to maintain social connections, particularly over the summer holidays.

The eSafety Commissioner website provides excellent resources for parents on the legislation and digital wellbeing and safety in general.

SchoolTV has also published a Special Report: New Social Media Regulations: What you need to know as a helpful resource for parents.

eRideable Safety Reminder

More Western Australians are using eScooters and other electric rideable devices for travel and recreation. It is important that eRiders should be familiar with current legislation to keep themselves and other road users safe.

Only people aged 16 years and over are permitted to use eRideables.

An eRideable is an electric rideable device that:

• has at least one wheel
• is designed for one person
• doesn't go faster than 25km/h on level ground
• weighs 25kg or less
• is no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high.

Examples include eScooters, eSkateboards, hoverboards, eSkates, and eUnicycles.

For the safety of everyone, the College expects the following from students using eRideables as their method of transportation to and from school:

• Only students aged 16 ride an eRideable.
• The eRideable is compliant with current legislation.
• Pedestrians take precedence over the rider.
• Riders wear a helmet correctly.
• Riders dismount once they reach the perimeter of the College grounds.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important safety issue.

Presentation Evening: Thursday 4 December

Our College Presentation Evening will be held in the St Louis Sports Centre on Thursday, 4 December, beginning at 6:30pm. As this is an important community event for our College, all students in Years 6 to 11 are expected to attend. Year 12 students are required only if they are involved in the evening as a presenter, performer or major award recipient.

Parking will be available on the College playing fields, accessible via John XXIII Avenue. Entry to the St Louis Sports Centre will be through the doors adjacent to the playing fields.

Guests are to be seated by 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start.

Students who are attending as members of the audience are to wear their summer uniform, whilst all award winners are required to wear the formal winter uniform, including blazer, shirt, tie and tights for girls. Other College requirements regarding grooming are to be adhered to.

Students receiving an award will be notified during the week of the evening and will participate in rehearsals on Thursday, 4 December, during the day.

Term 4 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Shopfront Christmas Appeal

Our College community is called to be people for others – and this Christmas, we have an opportunity to bring hope and dignity to those in need through the Shopfront Christmas Appeal.

We are collecting food items and essential goods to support Shopfront's vital work providing Christmas lunch and care packages to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in our community.

Collections are due by Wednesday, 19 November.  Drop-off location: Homeroom

Every donation will make a real difference. Cash donations are also welcome and will support the Shopfront Christmas Lunch.

In the spirit of our College founders and mission, let us seek justice and serve others this Christmas season. Together, we can bring joy and dignity to those who need it most.

SPORT

Year 8 Summer NAS

The final NAS carnival for Year 8 students this year was a wonderful celebration of sport and school spirit, with students enthusiastically competing across a range of events. A very big thank you to all staff and coaches who contributed to the planning and smooth running of the day. Well done to all Year 8 students for their commitment to NAS Sport this year. 

Results from the day:

Premiers 

• Indoor Cricket 

2nd Place 

• 8 Girls Frisbee

3rd Place

• 8A Girls Basketball 
• 8B Boys Basketball 
• 8 Boys Frisbee 

4th Place

• 8 Boys Indoor Beach Volleyball 
• 8 Girls Indoor Beach Volleyball 
• 8A Boys Basketball 

5th Place

• 8B Girls Basketball 

Years 7/8 Water Polo

All students who have been selected in the SSWA Water Polo teams have been emailed and will be required to attend the final training session. 

Training

• Wednesday, 26 November, 7:00am - 7:45am

   

Carnivals

• Boys: Thursday, 27 November
• Girls: Friday, 28 November 

Important information

• Arrival at the College 8:00am
• Dress: College bathers required
• Bring extra towels and zinc for your face/body as some games will be played outdoors, students must re-apply every two hours.
• Pack enough food and drinks for the day as you will not be able to access the kiosk during the tournament

ACC Cricket Boys

Player nominations are now open for the 2026 ACC Representative All-Star Cricket Team.

Boys Cricket - Player Nomination Form

This is an opportunity to represent their school and their association in a 50-over match at the WACA.

Players must have the Head of Sport's endorsement to nominate and must be of U19 representative quality (capable of playing at a highly competitive Premier Cricket level).

Positions are open to boys who will be in Years 9 – 12 in 2026.

Please note the following links to further information on the ACC website.

Event Details and Team Selection Trials

The cost of nomination is $25. John XXIII College will cover the cost. Nominations close on 6 February 2026.

Volleyball Club Term 4

Volleyball Club will continue until the end of term on Monday afternoons 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre. All students are welcome, we look forward to seeing you there.

Swimming Club

Wednesday afternoon, College Pool 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Swimming Club will continue for the rest of the term each Wednesday afternoon.

All abilities and experience levels are welcome. There will be something for everyone, making this a great way to end the day, especially as the weather warms 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. 

Congratulations 

Congratulations to the following students who represented UWA Water Club in the U14s National Water Polo Canberra Cup at AIS in Canberra. It is wonderful to see the young water polo talent emerging from the College. 

• Paige Abel, Year 7 Loyola
• Mali Hewitt, Year 7 Koolyangarra
• Bridie McGreevy, Year 7 Loyola
• Mollie McGreevy, Year 7 Loyola
• Conner Potter, Year 7 Campion

Also, we congratulate Joel Gooch (playing) and Harry Logan (reserve) who have been selected to represent Western Australia in the Southern Cross Challenge held in Melbourne. We wish the boys all the best on their trip!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport