Secondary

Dear Families

Atticus Finch Speeches

Core to our Ignatian tradition, our College motto Seek Justice encourages us to be people of action towards a fairer, more inclusive and more peaceful world. The Atticus Finch Justice Award provides all Year 10 students to contemplate their impact on the world around them in the context of contemporary social justice issues. Initiated in 2011, the Award exemplifies Seek Justice through the study of Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird in English and students’ learning of Catholic social teaching focusing on Freedom, Conscience and Social Justice in Religious Education. Finalists presented their speeches to their cohort and a judging panel this morning. They expertly linked these stimuli and this year’s theme of ‘the light of hope’ to share their personal stories and address issues they feel passionate about. Congratulations to the following students, who were impressive in their delivery and depth of knowledge; they should be very proud of their efforts:

The winner will be announced at Presentation Night next term.

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.

2026 Student Diaries

As a tool to support students’ organisation and time management with their learning program, in 2026 the student diary will be provided to all Years 7 and 8 students and will be offered to students in Years 9 to 12 who wish to continue using a hard copy organiser. Please complete the link below to order a College-provided diary for your child who will be in Years 9 to 12 in 2026. 

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

Celebrating the Adventure of Book Week 2025

This year’s Book Week brought an exciting buzz to our College, centred around the theme 'Book an Adventure'.  It was a fantastic time to celebrate the power of stories and the joy of reading, inspiring students of all ages to dive into new adventures within the pages of their favourite books.

One of the highlights of the week was our visit from the talented guest author and journalist, Kate Emery. Kate captivated our Years 7 and 8 students with her writing tips, particularly with creating murder mysteries. It was a great opportunity for our students to connect directly with the mind behind the magic, sparking excitement for writing and reading alike. Kate, a former John XXIII student, inspired our enthusiastic readers to think about the possibilities for their own potential writing careers.

The Ignatius Centre Library also hosted a vibrant physical and digital Book Fair, giving students and families a chance to explore a wide variety of books. We were thrilled that so many students found new titles to add to their personal collections.

Adding a twist to the festivities, our staff got in on the fun by dressing up as Wally from Where’s Wally? It was a playful challenge for students to spot the one true Wally among the many striped visitors wandering the colonnades.

But beyond the costumes, author visits, and book sales, Book Week reminds us why reading is so important. Encouraging students to read, no matter their age, nurtures imagination, critical thinking, and empathy. It opens doors to new worlds and ideas, supports academic growth, and builds lifelong skills. At our College, we are committed to fostering a love of reading that lasts a lifetime, helping every student find a genre that they enjoy.

We are already looking forward to Book Week 2026. 

Jean Redfern

Library and Learning Services Educator

SPORT

NAS Athletics 

On Tuesday, 26 August, our NAS Athletics team took on the other NAS Schools with the addition of Mater Dei College. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to push themselves and post improved times and results in preparation for ACC selection. With a strong focus on participation and performance, the day provided valuable race-condition experience. Our athletes embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, making the most of the chance to refine their skills and enjoy a great day of competition. 

ACC Athletics 

Well done to all students who braved the cold early mornings this week to attend our final challenge sessions. The 2025 ACC A-Division Athletics team has been announced, and all students and families have been emailed. A copy of the full team can be found in the College notices. All team members are now eligible to purchase an Interschool Jumper from the College Uniform Shop.

What's next for the ACC team:

Attend training in the lead up to the carnival (remaining schedule attached)

Compulsory team training sessions attendance will be taken. Please email if there is a valid reason students cannot attend.

• Thursday, 4 September HBF Athletics Stadium 6:30am - 7:45am
• Monday 15 September at John XXIII Ovals 6:45am - 7:45am
• ACC Team Breakfast to follow 15 September: 7:45am - 8:50am Please complete RSVP via the link by Tuesday, 9 September    
• Monday 15 September: All relay team members, including reserves, will be exempt from class periods 5 and 6 to master the all-important changeovers

As well as the compulsory sessions, there are three other sessions left. I strongly encourage all members to get to one or two in the lead-up to the big day.

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 (Alumni 23)
• Javelin - Jamie Floyd (Alumni 22) /Leila Barker
• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Training Schedule 

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

Our Years 9 and 10 NAS Teams will take part in their Winter Carnival next Wednesday. All students not participating on a NAS team will be taking part in a Wellbeing Day facilitated by Mr McLaughlin and Mr Chaney. Please see the information attached in the parent letter. It is looking like a mild day with a very small chance of rain. Please ensure sunscreen and correct clothing are packed. 

Volleyball Schools Cup 

We had a record number of teams participate in this Year's Volleyball Schools Cup Competition. WA's largest sporting competition on the calendar, with three divisions in each year group. Thank you to the staff who accompanied the students on the day and to our wonderful Alumni coaches who coached some of the teams in the lead-up.

• Year 7 Girls - Miss Kuyler - and Coach Georgia Perry
• Year 7 Boys - Mr Darren Kowal and Coach Xavier Smith
• Year 8 Girls - Miss Marquardt and Coach Georgie Wilmott
• Year 8 Boys - Mr Andrew Wilson
• Year 9 Girls - Mr Jack Marrell and Coaches Angela Williams and Phoebe Morgan
• Years 9/10 Boys - Mr Justin Mann and Coach Nic Silva and Jordi Guerrero
• Year 10 Girls - Miss Jessica Pillera and Coach Grace Marinelli
• Years 11/12 Girls - Mr Campbell Tirant
• Year 11 Boys - Mr Liam Smith

Well done to all the teams for their commitment to training and efforts on the day. A special shout-out to our Year 11 boys, who lost a very close Grand Final and came home with the silver medal for the day. 

Think Mental Health Interschool Surfing Titles

Our female Surf Team had a wonderful day last Friday, 22 August, as they battled it out for the Think Mental Health WA Secondary School Surfing Titles. Conditions were more favourable than the boys' events on the previous Wednesday, and all competitors gave an excellent account of themselves as representatives of the College.

Results for the day are as follows:

Our boys and girls who have progressed through to the finals being held today (listed below) are experiencing favourable conditions amongst the state's best. We wish them all the very best in their endeavours:

Fingers crossed ,they are able to make it through to represent the state at the National Titles coming up.

Congratulations 

Congratulations to the following students who will be travelling to Canberra to represent WA in Water Polo.

• Year 9  -  Elsa Engelbrecht 
• Year 9 - Sam Jukic
• Year 11 - Bridget Lilleyman 
• Year 11 - Lily Lucas

Congratulations to the following students who represented WA at the recent Cross-Country National Championships. It was a highly competitive race with very muddy conditions, and the girls did a fantastic job. 

U/14 Vivienne Barley - 4th out of 65 runners with the age group winning the Silver Medal. Viv also competed in the Mixed Relay where her team took home the bronze medal.

U/17 Claudia Gnech - 26th out of 65 runners

U/19 Lyla Stewart - 12th out of 50 runners

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport