Secondary

Dear Families

As we head into Easter and the holiday break, we thank students, staff and families for their engagement and support throughout Term 1. The end of term provides a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect on the term gone, and practise gratitude through the Ignatian Examen – noticing where we have grown, what we are thankful for, and where we are called forward. We hope the break offers time to rest, reconnect with loved ones and return refreshed for the start of Term 2.  

With the return of Ms Morgan Ball at the beginning of Term 2, we thank Mrs Donna Italiano for taking Ms Ball’s classes this term. We look forward to Ms Ball’s return as Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 9. Mr Josh Bowen will also be returning next term, and we thank Ms Lisa Gattuso for her commitment to the Outdoor Education and Health and Physical Education learning area in Mr Bowen’s absence.   

Health Centre

Please note that the Health Centre has had a change of email address. Please direct all queries to health.centre@johnxxiii.edu.au.

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, 11 May. 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. Please use the holiday break to ensure that your child’s uniform fits correctly and that they are ready to transition into the winter uniform by Monday, 11 May with the correct items. 

Keeping Safe Message

The upcoming holiday break provides a timely reminder to reinforce with students the importance of staying safe when travelling by themselves or with friends. Students using public transport should remain alert, keep personal items secure, and position themselves near other passengers and, where practicable, the driver. When walking, protective behaviours include the use of well-lit routes, crossing at designated crossings, and avoiding walking alone at night. 

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 9 Italian - The Regions of Italy

This term, the Year 9 Italian students have been studying the topic 'Mangiare all’italiana fa bene'. Throughout the term, students have learned the names of a variety of foods and drinks in Italian, how to order food in a restaurant setting and that sharing a meal is an important part of Italian culture, often enjoyed with family and friends.

Students have been working in groups to research an Italian region, including its history and key landmarks. They have also explored how geography, climate, and tradition influence regional ingredients and dishes, and have selected a traditional dish connected to their region.

To celebrate their hard work and to enjoy the cultural aspect of sharing a meal together, the Year 9 Italian students this week presented their research to their peers and shared a dish from a specific region in class. Students not only researched the significance, ingredients and methods used in these dishes, but also arranged to collaboratively prepare and cook it at home with their peers. A variety of sweet and savoury dishes were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Grazie mille to Prof. Cinini for your efforts with this task and well done to the students for their creativity, enthusiasm and culinary chef skills.

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages

Year 9 - Career Taster

Year 9 students visited North Metro TAFE in Northbridge for a Fashion and Letterpress Career Taster. Throughout the day, they explored screen printing techniques and worked with traditional letterpress equipment to produce personalised business and greeting cards. There is something genuinely satisfying about seeing a design transfer from concept to card.

Kalo Bell

Head of Pathways and Transition

Year 11 Food Studies Excursion to 99 Shades of Green

Our Year 11 General Food Studies class recently enjoyed a fantastic excursion to 99 Shades of Green in Perth city. During the visit, students were introduced to key ideas around sustainability, fresh local produce and the importance of balance when making food choices. We were reminded that good nutrition comes from enjoying a wide variety of foods and carefully considering our options.

Students were treated to a hands‑on 'make‑your‑own' salad experience, complete with a delicious house‑made dressing prepared by our host. This was followed by a nutritious lunch selection, refreshing smoothies and, of course, a sweet treat for dessert. It was an informative, engaging and very enjoyable day for everyone involved.

Town of Claremont's 2026 Youth Photography Competition

The Town of Claremont's 2026 Youth Photography Competition 'Close to Home' is open to all young people aged between 12-18 years old who reside in and/or go to school on the following local government boundaries: Town of Claremont, Town of Cambridge, Town of Cottesloe, Town of Mosman Park, City of Nedlands, Shire of Peppermint Grove and City of Subiaco. 

Invite the viewer to see the world through your lens with the theme 'Close to Home' captured in your own creative way, on camera. 

The judges will be looking for: 

• Originality 
• Image quality (note: when taking photographs on your mobile phone, ensure it is on the highest resolution setting. Submissions must be a minimum of 300dpi) 
• Connection to the theme 'Close to Home' 

Entries must include your photographic submission along with a short description explaining why the photo is significant to you. For more information and to make a submission, please click here.

Entries close 5pm Friday 10 April 2026. They are looking to boost entrants, so you are greatly encouraged to apply – the prizes up for grabs are quite generous!

I have been privileged to be on the judging panel for two years running – have a look at last year’s winning photos for some inspiration.

Rob Di Giallonardo

Teacher - Media

LEGO and DUPLO Donations Wanted

Our Library is seeking donations of LEGO and DUPLO bricks for use in a range of student activities. These resources will support:

• Primary and Secondary Library activities
• Secondary Wellbeing activities

• Creative play and hands‑on learning projects

   

If you have any spare LEGO or DUPLO at home that is no longer being used, we would be very grateful to give it a new life at school.

Donations can be dropped off at the Library at any time.

Thank you for supporting our students’ creativity and wellbeing.

Jean Redfern

Library and Learning Services Educator

SPORT

Year 11/12 Senior NAS

Our Senior NAS teams participated in their Summer Carnival and Wellbeing Day on Monday March 30. As always, our students represented the College with pride.

Results:

We are currently sitting a close third on the tally of placings after our Year 9/10 and 11/12 Carnivals.

Premiers

• Boys Frisbee
• Girls Frisbee
• Boys B Indoor Beach Volleyball

 Second

• Girls B Indoor Beach Volleyball

Third

• Boys B Basketball
• Boys A Indoor Beach Volleyball

Fourth

• Boys A Basketball
• Girls B Basketball
• Girls Australian Rules Football
• Girls A Indoor Beach Volleyball
• Mixed Indoor Cricket

Fifth

• Girls B Basketball

Year 7 Winter NAS

First round of NAS trials are now complete for Year 7 students. When we return next term, Year 7's will go straight into their second week of NAS trials.

All students have the opportunity to trial for teams at two trial weeks. Students have been encouraged to attend all trial opportunities for the sports that they wish to be considered for.

Following the second week of trials in Week 1 of Term 2, teams will be posted on SEQTA. Students will then have two final weeks of training in their teams before the big Carnival day on 12 May. Please see the full schedule attached. 

Students who do not make it into a NAS Team have nominated for a Lightning Carnival Team, all students will be involved in the day:

• Boys - AFL, Soccer
• Girls - Netball, Soccer

First XVIII AFL

The John XXIII Senior Eagles Cup AFL team (First XVIII) has settled on Monday morning training sessions (7am-8am) during Term 2. The first training session will be Monday of Week 2, as we miss the students returning in the first week back from the holiday break. Representative players will engage in three fixtured matches with the top of the table progressing through to following rounds.

In addition, The First XVIII squad will continue training in preparation for the Senior Winter NAS Carnival, scheduled for Week 10 of Term 2 (Wednesday, June 24). Year 10 students will also be encouraged to train with the senior squad in preparation for their Winter NAS Carnival.

Senior AFL Development Opportunity

An opportunity for senior John XXIII College AFL players to engage in a development style program, to be coordinated by the Swanbourne Tigers Junior Football Club, will commence in Term 2. A skill and fitness based program, the first session has been scheduled to commence Friday of Week 1 (April 24) at 7am and run through until 8am.

Many thanks for the initiative of Mr Charlie Galbally (a John XXIII College parent and representing the Swanbourne Tigers Junior Football Club) for liaising with our Head of Sport, Mrs Jessica Pillera and Assistant, Mr Darren Kowal to make this program a reality. Football development is a key factor; however, it will also provide an avenue to aid in the holistic development of young footballers who engage in AFL in our community. A Swanny Tigers initiative has been extended to all John XXIII Senior students (Year 11-12); and, depending on the interest and success of the program, may be extended to include other age groups in future years. 

Years 8/9 Boys Eagles Cup

Term 2 will see the commencement of the Years 8/9 Boys Eagles Cup AFL competition. Fixtures are yet to be released and a meeting will be scheduled in the first week back at the College via the SEQTA Notices (please keep an eye out) to advise of a meeting and training times. 

Interested players will also be selected to represent John XXIII College for thier respective Winter NAS competitions:

• Year 8 Winter NAS AFL - June 17th 
• Year 9/10 Winter NAS AFL - September 2nd 

We wish all involved the very best for the season.

Interhouse Cross-Country Carnival

We are getting ready and excited for the second major House carnival of the year and it will be here before we know it. The Fr Gaetan Pereira Interhouse Cross-Country Carnival on Friday, 1 May and many students have already been training really hard in the lead up.

All students will run a 4km loop for this year's carnival. This is in line with the ACC Interschool Carnival where all students from Year 7 to 12 will be required to run 4km.

• A coffee van will be onsite for staff and Year 12 students drinks purchases for the day. 
• All students are encouraged to pack plenty of food and fluids for the day. Students will have time to collect their lunch and snacks in their rest station time after their race.
• Students will also participate in House novelty events, with results contributing to the overall Fr Gaetan Pereira Shield.
• There will be St John First Aid set up at the finish line on the day, however, it is imperative that students who require asthma puffers, EpiPens or other medication are required to have this with them at all times throughout the day. 

Students will compete for their Houses on the day and for a chance to make the School Sport WA Cross-Country team (Years 7 to 10 on Thursday, 21 May) and the prestigious ACC Cross-Country team (carnival on Thursday, 28 May). 

Cross Country

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Isla Strong on her selection in the State U15 Netball Squad! This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to her skill and dedication on the court. Isla was absolutely delighted with the news.

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.