Magis Report
It was wonderful for our Magis students in Years 7 to 12 to come together as a cohort for their first Magis Assembly for 2026. Our Magis Captain, Catherine Gazia, gave an inspiring welcome address, which set the tone for the assembly. A lot of important information was discussed, chiefly the launch of our 2026 program. Students heard about the importance of balancing co-curricular activities with academic studies and were reminded to read their weekly GATE student newsletter, the Magis Memo, check out the Magis Noticeboard, and keep Teams notifications turned on. We offer so many wonderful opportunities for our GATE students to do more, to expand their learning beyond the classroom, so it’s important that they don’t miss out on what is offered throughout the year. A copy of the Magis Assembly presentation can be found on Magis Teams.
A reminder on how to sign up?
We advertise all competitions and events through Magis Teams, the Magis Noticeboard and in the College Newsletter (see below ‘Opportunities to do more!’). We strongly encourage all students to do their due diligence by visiting competition websites to understand what is involved and the level of commitment required of them. We also recommend that students have conversations with their families to ensure that there are no clashes with competition dates.
You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
Daisy Farley
Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented
Magis: Opportunities to do more!
WA Debating League
The WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) is the largest and most prestigious secondary school debating competition in Western Australia. Divisions include Novice (Years 7-8), Junior (Years 9-10) and Senior (Years 11-12). Teams from across WA compete for the title of State Champion. There are five rounds of debates held every 2-3 weeks between March and June. Whilst the draw has yet to be released, debates have been held in the past on a Tuesday evening at a nearby school. Students from Years 7 to 12 may nominate individually or as a team. Each team must have at least four members. For more information, please visit the WADL website. Nominations close Monday, 16 February (Week 3).
Mock Trials
The WA Law Society coordinates an inter-school Mock Trial Competition for students in Years 10 to 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 – comprising students who play the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses, and court officials. The Mock Trial Competition offers students the opportunity to acquire valuable skills in research, as well as in developing and presenting persuasive arguments. For further information, please see the flyer below. Nominations close Monday, 16 February 2026 (Week 3).
World Scholar's Cup
Expressions of interest are now open for the annual World Scholar’s Cup. This is a BIG commitment, both academically and financially, so we have asked students to take the time to carefully consider whether this competition is best for them. The World Scholar's Cup is a global academic competition that challenges students to explore diverse topics and skills. More than 50,000 students from over 65 countries participate every year. Students compete in teams of three at a Regional Round (May 22-23), with the top-performing teams qualifying for a Global Round (for example, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok Global Round, August/September). The top performing teams at Globals will then qualify for the Tournament of Champions, which is held at Yale University in the US (November). This year’s theme is: Are We There Yet? Students are encouraged to visit the WSC website for information (including videos) on the different events teams compete in, as well as a copy of the 2026 curriculum, which students will need to learn alongside their schoolwork and other co-curricular/family commitments. Nominations close Monday, 16 February (Week 3).
WA Youth Parliament
Celebrating its 30th anniversary last year, the WA Youth Parliament program is a unique opportunity for young people to have their voices heard by policymakers and to create the change they want to see. Participants act as 'youth members', representing a state electorate in parliament. The bills debated in the program are based on the interests and concerns of our state’s youth. They are then presented to the Governor, Premier, and Leader of the Opposition in WA for reflection and consideration. Youth Parliament also provides an outstanding opportunity for personal development, whether through leadership skills, public speaking, or lifelong friendships forged throughout the transformative experience. The 2026 application pack is available below. Young people aged 15 to 25, living in WA, can apply. The time commitment to the program includes three training days, weekly online meetings, and a residential camp from 6-11 July. Applications close 19 February (Week 3). We ask that students interested in the WA Youth Parliament speak with the Head of Magis before submitting their online application. For further information please visit the WA Youth Parliament website.
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. This year’s state final theme is 'Machines and Mechanics.' Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy. This competition is open to students in Years 7-10. Our teams last year did exceptionally well, winning several prizes. We look forward to continuing our success in 2026. Please see the da Vinci Decathlon website, for further details, including competition dates. This is a one-day competition held at UWA. Nominations close Monday, 23 February (Week 4).
Senior Ethics Olympiad
Ethics Olympiad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. This competition 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 teaches 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. Further information can be found on the competition’s website. Nominations close Monday, 23 February (Week 4). Please note: A Middle School Ethics Olympiad will be held later in the year and is open to students in Years 7 to 9.
UN Youth State Conference
UN Youth’s State and Territory Conferences are overnight events that bring together students from across a region to explore a complex and interesting topic in international affairs, law, and global politics. Conferences combine a range of workshops, speaker panels, case study explorations, and signature UN Youth activities, including Interactive Problem Solving and model UN debates. The 2026 Conference theme is The Age of New Energy. The global energy transition is one of the biggest collective projects humanity has ever undertaken, demanding cooperation among governments, industry, and communities alike. Students will dive into how technology, politics, and public opinion collide to shape the future of energy. The State and Territory conferences will allow students to gain valuable insight from immersive educational experiences and develop skills to form and defend their own stances on issues, an increasingly important skill in international politics today. Expressions of interest must detail why you would like to represent the College at this year's State Conference. We will be selecting a small delegation to attend. Nominations close Monday, 23 March (Week 8). Please note: The WA State Conference will be held Friday, 1 May – Sunday, 3 May (Term 2, Week 11) at Seaside Camp for Children, Rockingham.
Book Launch
Students, parents, staff and friends are warmly invited to attend an upcoming book launch being hosted at John XXIII College: Pope Francis: The Disruptive Pilgrim’s Guide, authored by Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO. This special event will be officiated by The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, together with Fr Frank Brennan. The evening will be an opportunity to hear directly from Fr Brennan as he explores Pope Francis’ impact as a 'disruptive pilgrim' and offers a rich reflection on the transformative, and often disruptive, papacy of Pope Francis.
Details:
- Date: Tuesday 24 February (Week 4)
- Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Venue: Thomas More Exhibition Centre (TMEC), John XXIII College
- Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/1514428
Specialty Talk
Fr Frank Brennan will be our Academic in Residence later this term. Fr Brennan will be here to launch his new book (see Book Launch details above), and he will also be conducting a series of lectures. Of interest to some students will be our Politics & Law Specialty Talk held in the Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre (GBLT) on Thursday, 26 February (3:30pm - 5:00pm). This talk will be tailored to Politics & Law ATAR students, and we extend the invitation to Magis students as well. The following topics will be discussed:
- The Hollingworth Affair: Was the Governor-General held to account?
- Pell: A miscarriage of justice
- Should Australia have a bill of rights?
Indigenous rights in post-Voice referendum Australia
Please email the Head of Magis should you wish to attend. RSVP by Monday, 23 February (Week 4).
Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards
Please note: This competition is suited to students who have completed/are familiar with an Ethics Olympiad. Students in Years 7-12 are invited to submit a case which, if chosen, would be used internationally for both the Middle School and Senior Ethics Olympiads. Information can be found on the attached flyer and/or on the competition's website. Prize money and prestige to be won! Cases are to be submitted directly to Ethics Olympiad by 24 April (Term 2, Week 10).
What Matters? Writing Competition
Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia’s future, the What Matters? Writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question ‘what matters?’, entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about. Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, What Matters? is the perfect opportunity to empower students to raise their voices on issues that are important to them and know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words, and submitted online. Please visit the website Whitlam Institute What Matters for more information, including samples of past winners. Major cash prizes to be won! Submission deadline is Friday, 15 May (Term 2, Week 13).
