Secondary

Dear Families  

As the end of the term draws to a close, I want to take the opportunity to inform our community of some staff changes for Semester Two. Ms Pippa Pickering (Religious Education) and Ms Catherine Roberts (Mathematics and Loyola House Coordinator) will be on leave for the remainder of the year. Much loved staff members, they will be missed but we wish them every happiness as they enjoy their time away from the College, and we look forward to their return. In their absence, we look forward to welcoming Mr Eric Brukwinski (Religious Education and Year 11 Ward) and Ms Isabella Corompt (Mathematics and Year 7 Campion). Congratulations to Ms Clare Galati for her appointment as Loyola House Coordinator; a passionate staff member, Clare will lead Loyola admirably over the year ahead. We also welcome Ms Jean Redfern, Library and Learning Services Educator, who has been appointed to support new initiatives and student learning in the Ignatius Centre.  

Years 11/12 NAS Winter Carnival and Wellbeing Day 

Congratulations to all Year 11 and Year 12 students who competed in Wednesday’s NAS Winter Carnival. Despite the wet weather, teams enjoyed a day of competitive sport. Those not competing in the NAS Carnival engaged in a day of activities to nourish their physical and emotional wellbeing. A huge thank you to Miss Jessica Pillera, Mr Andrew Osnain and staff for their involvement to make the day a success.  

Parent Student Teacher Interviews - Wednesday 17 July  

Following the release of Semester One reports this week, our next Parent Student Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 17 July as a valuable opportunity to discuss academic progress for students in Years 7 to 12. Secondary teachers will be available for a combination of online and face-to-face interviews at the following times:  

• 8:30am – 1:00pm: online interviews via Microsoft Teams  
• 2:00pm – 6:00pm: face-to-face interviews in the St Louis Sports Centre 

Students are to attend the interview with their parent(s) and be dressed in their winter uniform.  

The Parent Teacher Online Bookings (PTO) system allows parents to schedule their own interviews with teachers. Parents will have access to PTO to book interview times from 10:00am Monday 1 July to 4:00pm Friday 5 July. An email will be sent with a web code and instructions on how to log in and create bookings. Please contact the College at ithelpdesk@johnxxiii.edu.au if you do not receive this email or are unable to log in.  

Beginning Term 3 Key Dates 

Wishing all students and families a happy, restful and safe holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Thursday 18 July.  

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Welcoming Year 12 students to a session Fr Frank Brennan - Thursday 18 July

Fr Frank Brennan SJ is a Jesuit priest renowned for his work in human rights and social justice. He chaired the National Human Rights Consultation and served on the Religious Freedom Review panel. He has been appointed to a number of government advisory groups, including the Voice Co-Design Senior Advisory Group for Indigenous representation. Fr Brennan’s accolades include the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to Aboriginal Australians. He has also authored several influential books on law, social justice, and religious freedom. Students able to attend need to complete the below form.

Donations for secondhand clothing stall for John XXIII Day

As part of the College’s sustainability initiatives, we will again be running a secondhand clothing stall on John XXIII Day. 

We are looking for clothing donations from students and their families. Clothes must be in good condition and suitable for teenagers and adults. 

All funds raised from the sale of clothing on the day will be donated to Caritas, and leftover clothing items will be donated to St Vincent De Paul.

All clothing can be dropped off at the Secondary Student reception in the Wellbeing Centre.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator

A Synodal Church: Responding to the Signs of the Times

An evening with Fr Frank Brennan SJ

John XXIII College is delighted to invite you to an insightful community event. In an engaging evening, Fr Frank Brennan SJ will explore the concept of a synodal church: a church that listens, dialogues, and journeys together.

• Date: Tuesday 16 July 2024
• Time: 6:00pm–7:30pm
• Location: Thomas More Exhibition Centre, John XXIII College, John XXIII Avenue, Mount Claremont
• This a free event but registration is essential.

Building Courage and Resilience in Children and Adolescents

Join Karen Young, founder of 'Hey Sigmund' and author of bestselling books, for an informative session on helping children build courage and resilience. Learn practical tools and strategies to support your children in overcoming adversity and fostering a brave mindset.

• Monday 22 July 2024
• 6:00pm - 7:30pm
• Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre
• RSVP  https://www.trybooking.com/1225467

Hosted by INSPIRE Parent Association.

SPORT

Senior Northern Associated Schools (NAS)

Congratulations to all Years 11 and 12 students who participated in the Senior NAS One- Day Carnival on Wednesday. It was an incredible day that provided all students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities after training this term. This day also provided an opportunity for all Years 11 and 12 students to get active and play some quality sports with their peers. 

A special congratulations to the Senior Boys AFL and the Senior Boys Volleyball team, which were Premiers. The volleyball team comprised six Gold Coast Volleyball Tour team members, and it was so wonderful to see their talents on the court and their team comradery. Well done!

These days wouldn’t happen without the amazing staff and coaches that come on board to assist.  At the end of these Senior Carnivals, we are sitting a close second behind Sacred Heart College for the overall NAS Champions Shield. NAS has been a huge success thus far, and we look forward to our final training block and carnival for the Years 9/10 Winter teams next term. GO JTC!

Senior Winter NAS Placings

Interhouse Surfing/Bodyboarding 

We were absolutely blessed with the weather yesterday for our Interhouse Surfing/Bodyboarding Carnival. Magically, there was no rain until the very end of the day. Conditions were not for the faint-hearted with some big swell that came in. It was so pleasing to see all the students running out into the surf with their peers giving it their best efforts. All the students should be extremely proud of their efforts and for putting on a great show for the spectators. 

Congratulations to the following students who finished in the top three in their categories. The Interschool Team will be posted early next term. 

Years 7 to 9 Boys Body Boarding

• 1st – Tom Preston
• 2nd – Marcus Wims
• 3rd – Sam Roberts

Years 7 to 9 Boys Surfing 

• 1st – Jake Scott
• 2nd – Charlie Harris
• 3rd – Jack Harris

Years 10 to 12 Boys Surfing 

• 1st – Charlie Haines
• 2nd – Kai Cranfield
• 3rd – Xavier Perry 

Years 10 to 12 Boys Body Boarding

• 1st – Archie Ryan
• 2nd – Xavier Perry

Years 7 to 9 Girls Body Boarding 

• 1st – Olive Reside
• 2nd – Amelia Watson
• 3rd – Chilli Sheridan

Years 10 to 12 Body Boarding 

• 1st – Poppy Finucane
• 2nd – Mia Colombera
• 3rd – Bella Roberts 

Years 7 to 12 Girls Surfing

• 1st – Vivienne Barley
• 2nd – Amy Griffin
• 3rd – Claudia Gnech

Year 7 Pre-Carnival Athletics 

Our Year 7 Athletics events went off in a very comfortable fashion today. The Year 7s came in their best ‘comfy’ outfits and put their best efforts on the track and field. The day was about introducing the carnival events to the students before the Interhouse Carnival. It is a great way for the House Coordinators to get to know the homerooms better and build up the House spirit before the big day. Results from today and the House Carnival results next term will assist in selecting the ACC Athletics team. Well done again to all involved, including the PE staff and House Coordinators, and a BIG thank you to Ms Morgan Ball and the parent helpers for cooking a delicious sausage sizzle for the staff and students to enjoy. 

2024 Interhouse Athletics Carnival 

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday 26 July. Results from the track and field events, along with formal training sessions post-carnival, will be used to assist in selecting the College 2024 ACC Athletics team later this term.

Please take note of the following details:

• The carnival will be held at HBF State Athletics Stadium (enter off Underwood Ave). Students are to make their own way to and from the venue, arriving between 8:00am- 8:15am.
• Parents and spectators are most welcome and are asked to remain in the stands. A coffee van will be available for staff/parents only.
• The carnival is a compulsory school day. Non-participation on medical grounds must be provided by a parent note to the Homeroom Teacher. These students may be asked to fulfil other roles throughout the day. They should report to House Coordinators for further directions.
• Students are to wear full College Sports uniform (including a hat) together with their House Shirt. The College tracksuit and wet weather clothing are also recommended to keep warm between events.
• Students should bring sustenance for the duration of the day as they will not be permitted to access canteen facilities.
• If weather conditions are not conducive to the safe running of the carnival, students will be notified as early as possible. Normal classes will operate in this instance.
• The carnival is scheduled to conclude at approximately 3:00pm. Students are to make their own way home. 

Carnival Schedule

Should you have further questions or concerns please contact me at the College on 

9383 0490 or alternatively by email at Jessica.pillera@johnxxiii.edu.au 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport