John XXIII College Newsletter

Faith and Mission

Today, we held our annual Comfy Day, a day on which we can wear comfortable clothing to bring comfort to others. Money raised will support LifeLink, and donated items will aid the work of CARAD, which helps refugees and asylum seekers living within Perth.

 

The LifeLink organisation was established in 1994 to unite and provide a recognisable identity for all the individual welfare and social service agencies supported by the Church in the Archdiocese of Perth. Each year, many thousands of Western Australian families, individuals, and people struggling right here at home in WA will reach out to a LifeLink agency for help. They extend their hands to us: the homeless, the unemployed, families experiencing desperate financial hardship, women and children escaping domestic violence, people with disabilities, and those battling addiction or dealing with mental health issues. 

 

As a Catholic school in the Ignatian tradition, we are called to be 'people for others,' embracing the values of compassion, service, and social justice. Supporting LifeLink aligns with these core values, enabling us to actively live out our mission by providing tangible assistance to those in need within our community. Our contributions embody the Ignatian principles of helping the marginalised and fostering a more just society. Our support for LifeLink is not just charity; it is an expression of our faith and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbours. 

 

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission

Community Mass

A warm thank you to all music students and staff whose musical gifts brought such joy and beauty to today’s liturgy! Thank you, also, to friend of the College, Fr Sean Fernandez, who was our presider today.  The next Community Mass is Friday, 19 July.

 

Community Mass Details

  • Fridays in Term time
  • 8:00am start – 8:30am finish
  • College Chapel

College celebration of NAIDOC

Friday 19 July will be a double celebration at the College. We will remember that on this day, one hundred and forty-nine years earlier, Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions became the first Loreto Sisters to land in Melbourne, Australia. The sisters brought with them the vision of their founder, Mary Ward, and established a rigorous and comprehensive education for girls. They also brought the spirituality and profound sense of justice which was the Legacy of Mary Ward.  It was only a matter of time before the sisters established a Loreto College in the West, eventually leading to the founding of John XXIII College. 

 

The day will begin with our regular Friday Community Mass at 8:00am, after which Secondary students – during their Homeroom – will participate in a Smoking Ceremony as part of our NAIDOC celebration. The Smoking Ceremony will be led by Noongar elder, Mr Matthew McGuire. 

 

A Smoking Ceremony is a traditional Noongar ritual used to not only cleanse and purify a specific area but it cleanses the spirit, body and soul whilst on Noongar Country. This ritual of purification and unity – signifies the beginning of something new.[1]

 

For our College community the ceremony is an apt start to a new term as well as continuing the celebration of NAIDOC, which occurs during the holidays. 

 

The 2024 NAIDOC theme is KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD and is portrayed in this video: 

 

The theme, Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

 

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation… It invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.[2]

 

Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley AO (Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi) Co-Chair, National NAIDOC Committee says that:

 

As educators it is our responsibility to ensure all sides of history are taught and that all our students are reflected in what is taught. The NAIDOC theme this year helps us to reflect on what this means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.[3]

 

 

Important health notice concerning the Smoking Ceremony on Friday, 19 July

If a Secondary student suffers from Asthma and their Asthma is triggered by smoke, they will be able to attend the Library, where there will be teacher supervision, during Homeroom on this day.

 

Students with Asthma should also ensure they have their reliever medication with them. 

 

[1] Kaartdijin Noongar (noongarculture.org.au)

[2] National NAIDOC Theme | NAIDOC

[3] https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/fa7dd08b03c69ab098cce9c98be71caf