Secondary

Dear Families

Grounded in Ignatian spirituality and Jesus’ role modelling of servant leadership, the Year 11 leadership process Id Quod Volo: that which I desire, provides all Year 11 students the opportunity to transition into Year 12 as leaders of the student body who role model humility, hope, authenticity, purpose and are committed to responding to the needs of the world around them. For those aspiring for appointment to the Student Representative Council (SRC) in 2026, this week saw the commencement of the process they will engage in through the remainder of the term. We wish all candidates the very best for the coming weeks ahead, may they heed the words of St Ignatius of Loyola:

Teach us, Good Lord, to give and not count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do thy will.

Congratulations to Bianca Petsos (Year 12), who on Monday was awarded the prestigious Packers Prize as well as first Place in the General Exhibition category at the annual Angelico Art Awards for her piece 404: Authenticity Not Found. This significant achievement is a testament to her passion, creativity and dedication; well done, Bianca, we are very proud of you!

Bianca Petsos, Year 12

404: Authenticity Not Found

Oil on board

“15 years ago, the internet was an escape from the real world. Now the real world is an escape from the internet” – Noah Smith

Throughout my childhood, the internet was only accessible in one corner of my house, where a glowing computer screen felt like a gateway to untapped knowledge, creativity, and connection. But now, it’s everywhere; in our hands, pockets, accessible at all times and in all places. And with this expansion comes saturation – particularly with A.I. programs, which increasingly drain the creativity from everyday tasks. 

Enveloped by the fluorescent glow of our phone screens, we chase the promise they once held. But A.I. doesn’t reflect reality – It abstracts it. Built on data and probabilities, it struggles to create with true authenticity. Still, we rely on it, turning a blind eye to its insistence on producing an image of distorted hand with six fingers, featuring repetitions in light and colour that defy the beautiful, disorderly chaos of the world. 

My use of A.I. in the creation of this painting aims not only to show its limitations, but its potential. True expression begins with the raw, unfiltered spark of human imagination. Only then can technology be used to support our creativity, without consuming it entirely. 

Congratulations to all students who were presented awards at last night's Music Eisteddfod Winner's Concert. Also, to Nick Skerratt (Year 11), Zachary Sartorello (Year 9) and Ellie Baek (Year 8) for receiving awards of excellence and outstanding performance in the Strings Solo category at the recent Catholic Performing Arts Festival.

Uniform Reminder

With students continuing to wear the winter uniform into Term 4, the Year 12 SRC has created the following video as a reminder of how to wear the uniform correctly. Thanks to Henry Gooch, Media Captain and all the SRC involved for their leadership with this video, which has been shared with students. We thank parents for their support in helping us maintain a high standard of grooming and uniform among students.

Positive Peer Relations Framework

As a Catholic school in the Ignatian tradition, we consider the concept of cura personalis, care of the whole person, to be central to the principles and practice of our pastoral care, and we are committed to providing an educational environment which promotes the safety and wellbeing of every student. To accompany our Wellbeing Framework and last year’s revised Positive Behaviour Framework, the updated Positive Peer Relations Framework encourages the strengthening of positive relationships between students to minimise the incidence of bullying, harassment, aggression and violence. The revised framework should be seen as fitting within a broader context of our commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive and protective learning community for students, with the updated policy now available via the College website and a summary of the procedures for responding to incidents of peer negative interactions below.

Inspire Event – Seen: The Film, Wednesday 10 September

Parenting has never been easy, and advice about how best to raise and support our children is not new. SEEN: The Film aims to help parents understand how their own experiences impact their approach to parenting. Through compelling interviews and storytelling, it highlights the importance of connection, vulnerability, and truly being seen and understood.

Join Inspire for a thought-provoking evening as we host an online screening of SEEN: The Film. Acclaimed internationally, the film has toured across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and won Best Director at the Illuminate Film Festival in the USA.

This special event will feature an online screening of the film, followed by a panel discussion with the College’s wellbeing team.

Offering hope and practical insights, this documentary is valuable for families, educators and communities invested in supporting young people’s wellbeing.

This special event will feature a screening of the film and include a panel discussion with the College’s wellbeing team, followed by the opportunity for parents to enjoy light refreshments and conversation with each other.

Tickets can be purchased via this link.

Term 3 Key Dates

Thinking ahead to 2026?

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 2026, 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.

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

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.

Year 12 ATAR Geography Excursion

On Friday,15 August, our Year 12 ATAR Geography students set out on an excursion to the Henderson Waste Recovery Park and Cockburn Central in Perth’s southern suburbs. The day was designed to support their studies of Perth’s urban morphology and provide an opportunity to collect valuable fieldwork data on the city’s future challenges in transport and waste management.

Students found the visit to the Henderson facility particularly eye-opening. The guided bus and walking tour revealed the scale of waste disposal on the Swan Coastal Plain and prompted plenty of discussion about how Perth will manage landfill into the future. The stop at Cockburn Central also allowed students to connect their classroom learning with real-world examples of urban growth and transport planning.

A special thank you to Mr Chris Morris, who joined us on the day and enriched the excursion with his knowledge and expertise.

Kalo Bell

Head of Learning Area – Humanities and Social Sciences

Robotics Club Dives into Resources

The John XXIII Robotics Club attended the Resources Technologies Showcase at the Perth Convention Centre this week.  Students spoke with experts from many of the mining, oil, and gas companies around WA. The companies provided engaging ways for students to learn about how resources in WA are mined and used. Students participated in virtual reality, robotics activities, and simulations of boating, driving, and flying.  Looking ahead, the students will use the information learned to inspire them in the creation of their projects for First Lego League. 

Anna Davila

Head of Learning Area - Technologies

LifeLink Day 2025 – Archbishop’s Forum for Secondary Schools

Two Year 10 students, Charlotte Foot and Leilani McDonnell, accompanied by Mrs Elena Cinini, attended the 2025 Archbishop’s LifeLink Day Forum for Secondary Schools.

The Forum, held in the presence of Most Reverend Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Most Reverend Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth and Chair of LifeLink, brought together students from Catholic schools across the Perth metropolitan area.

This year’s focus was on the Year of Jubilee and the Church’s invitation for Catholics worldwide to be 'Pilgrims of Hope'. Through interactive engagement and interschool collaboration, students reflected on how to embody hope in their own lives and school communities.

Inspired by the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Archbishop reminded students that each of us is called to walk alongside others, especially those who are struggling or in danger of losing hope. Practical ways to live this out include offering a smile, extending comfort, and turning our gaze outward to care for others.

As a College community, we are encouraged to continue promoting the work of LifeLink in the spirit of service, and to embrace our role as bearers of hope for those around us.

Charlotte reflected on the event: 

We learnt about being pilgrims of hope and how we can bring that idea into our school today. With everything going on in the world we can find peace and hope with God. Being a leader means you need to have hope and be strong for those who may have lost it. I had an amazing time meeting the Bishop and Archbishop, I would recommend this experience and it was certainly once in a lifetime.

SPORT

NAS Athletics 

Wishing our Years 7 to 10 NAS Athletics team luck for the upcoming practice carnival. All students will attend period 1 on Tuesday, 26 August, and then travel by bus to the State Athletics Stadium to compete in the NAS Athletics Carnival. This day will provide a competitive environment for our team and provide them with an opportunity to secure their position in our 2025 ACC A-Division Athletics team.

The final ACC Team will be released on Friday, 29 August. All students listed in the team will be required to be present for the following key dates:

Thursday, 4 September - WA Athletics Stadium Team session 6:30am-7:45am

Monday, 15 September - Team training at the College ovals 6:45am-7:45am followed by team breakfast 8:00am -8:50am

Important NAS Athletics Information:

• Please note the NAS Athletics team is not eligible to purchase the interschool jumper - this is only the final ACC team. 
• All students in the NAS Team are encouraged to attend at least two training sessions in the lead-up to the day.
• Students attending may wear their PE uniform to school on the day.
• Attend period 1 as normal.
• At the end of period 1, meet in the St Louis Sports Centre ready to depart at 10:00am.
• It is preferable that athletes run in the College Athletics singlet (can be purchased from the Uniform Shop). A College navy shirt is also acceptable for this day
• If you are in field and track events that are on at the same time, make sure you are at your track events as they will run strictly to time. You can go to your field event after completing your track events.

Challenge Week

Don't forget that there will be an opportunity for students to challenge their results for a spot in the final ACC team next week. Please see dates below:

Tuesday 26 August - NAS Athletics Carnival

The top 5 Athletes from each event will be selected for this day

Wednesday 27 August  - HBF Athletics Stadium 6:30am to 7:30am

• 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, Hurdles
• Long jump, high jump 

Thursday 28 August - 7:00am to 8:00am at College Ovals 

• 1500m and throwing events 

   

Events and coaches

• All events will run on both Tuesday and Thursday
• Sprints - Miss Pillera
• Distance - Mr Tirant 
• High Jump - Zahra Amos
• Long Jump - JTC PE Staff
• Hurdles - Lyn Foreman- Tuesday/Leila Barker-Thursday (Class 2023)
• Javelin - Jamie Floyd (Class 2022) /Leila Barker (Class 2023)
• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Training Schedule 

Spikes hire

Students interested in renting spikes from the College for the remainder of the school Athletics season are to head to the PE Office before school and at recess to see Miss Kuyler (HPE Assistant).  

We require a $50 deposit to hire the spikes; this needs to be dropped off at Student Services before heading down to the PE office. 

• Money must be in a sealed envelope with your name and homeroom written on the front. 
• Once the spikes are returned, this deposit is returned to you. 
• It is a first in best dressed on sizes available.

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

All NAS Teams will have their final training sessions next week. It is important that all students attend training. Students not listed in a team as a competitor or student helper will be taking part in a Wellbeing Day at the College where a range of great activities have been organised for the students. It is a compulsory school day for all.

Final training week

Think Mental Health Interschool Surfing Titles

Our male surfers and bodyboarders competed in the Think Mental Health WA Interschool Surfing Titles this past Wednesday, held at Trigg Beach. Hats off in salute of all our participants on the day, including reserves, as they were simply amazing in what were extremely challenging conditions. Strong onshore winds made the paddle out tough and the surf resembled something more of a washing machine. That being the case, the boys soldiered on and gave it their best shot. Most of our competitors progressed through the first heats, and we were fortunate enough to finish as Runner-up Champion School for the day, second to Scotch College. The skill on display was particularly impressive, especially given the conditions.

Results for the day as follows:

School Surfing State Finals

Winning teams in all divisions are invited to compete in the finals at Trigg Beach on Friday, 29 August. We wish Jake and Ben all the very best in their efforts next Friday.

Girls Titles

Our female team have been battling it out today (Friday, 22 August). Results will be shared in next week's newsletter. Conditions have been more favourable, and once again, they have represented our College with great skill and fortitude.

Congratulations 

Congratulations to all the John XXIII College students who recently represented our school in the SSWA State Teams. We are so proud of your commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Your effort and achievements are a wonderful reflection of your dedication and the supportive community around you. Well done on an outstanding effort and for flying the John XXIII College flag so proudly!

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport