Secondary

Dear Families

Our Year 9 students embarked on their Outdoor Education Camp this week to Wellington Dam to experience two days of personal growth and connection in the natural environment - timely given that today is World Environment Day. Camps like this provide students with the chance to develop resilience, independence and teamwork while engaging in hands-on, real-world learning beyond the classroom. In keeping with our Ignatian tradition, time spent in the natural beauty of the outdoors invites students to pause, reflect and deepen their awareness of themselves, others and God’s presence in all things. Thank you to Cameron Tremayne, Head of Health and Physical Education, and the team of staff who assisted at the camp to make it a rewarding and enjoyable experience for students.  

As a core principle of an Ignatian education, Magis, meaning 'more; to a greater extent' guides us to provide students with opportunities to use their God-given talents in the pursuit of academic excellence. Students have recently participated in an extensive range of opportunities for personal challenge and to represent the College, including WA Debating League, Francis Burt Mock Trial Competition, World Scholars Cup, the Interhouse Chess Tournament and various Homeroom challenges. Congratulations to all participants, and thank you to Daisy Farley, Head of Magis and Catherine Gazia, 2026 Magis Captain, for their leadership of the Magis program. 

Inspire presents Justin Coulson – Tuesday, 9 June 

The Inspire Parent Education Committee invites you to a special evening with one of Australia's most respected parenting experts. 

Parental Guidance – Dr Justin Coulson - Positive solutions for every family 

• Tuesday, 9 June 2026 
• 6:30pm – 8:00pm, followed by refreshments 
• John XXIII College, 25 John XXIII Avenue, Mount Claremont 
• Bookings are essential. 

Parenting today looks very different from a generation ago. We've moved beyond the era of strict, authoritarian approaches, but many parents are left wondering: how do we raise children who are independent, resilient, and emotionally healthy, while still providing the guidance they need? That's exactly what Dr Justin Coulson will explore in this engaging, evidence-based presentation. A father of six, author of nine books on parenting and family life, and co-host of Channel 9's Parental Guidance, Dr Coulson brings warmth, humour, and genuine insight to the topics that matter most to families today. 

On the night, you can expect to explore: 

• How to better understand your child's emotional needs at every age and stage 
• Practical, science-backed strategies to strengthen your relationship with your child 

• How to create a home environment where children genuinely thrive 

   

This is a wonderful opportunity for our parent community to come together, be inspired, and connect with other families over refreshments afterwards. 

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 9 Japanese Bento creations

The Year 9 Japanese students created amazing bento boxes during their recent lesson. Working collaboratively, they prepared chicken, made fresh salads, and crafted their own onigiri (rice balls).

Students demonstrated excellent teamwork and communication, recording each step of their process in Japanese. We are looking forward to watching their finished videos and seeing their hard work come to life.

Thank you, Sensei Aghdasi, for your efforts and preparations on this culturally enriching task. 

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages

HASS Week 2026: Learning, Reflection and Action

Last week was a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Humanities and Social Sciences, closely aligned with National Reconciliation Week and key national days of significance. Across the week, students and staff engaged in a rich program of activities designed to deepen understanding of Australia’s history, cultures, and pathways toward Reconciliation.

The week began with a focus on National Sorry Day, encouraging reflection on the experiences of the Stolen Generations. Students participated in Homeroom discussions, viewed powerful educational videos, and contributed to a colouring-in competition that fostered awareness and empathy. 

Throughout the week, students across year levels were actively engaged in learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Activities such as the Australian History Competition, “All In” learning tasks, and Magis Challenges promoted critical thinking and collaboration, while lunchtime events added a strong sense of community participation. 

Community spirit was also on display during the HASS Week BBQ, where students and staff came together to raise funds in support of the Redfern Jarjum College in Sydney. The week concluded with a lively HaSS Amazing Race and a Homeroom quiz, bringing together learning and fun in a collaborative environment. 

Finally, the learning extended beyond the week itself, with a Mabo Day Lunch & Learn session on Wednesday this week, reinforcing the significance of Eddie Mabo’s legacy and the ongoing journey toward recognition and justice. 

Thank you to the amazing HASS Teaching Staff for their efforts throughout the week. 

Chris Morris

Head of Learning Area – Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrich family life by hosting a student from Japan

John XXIII College families have a strong tradition of facilitating connections with students internationally. 

From 2 to 9 August, students from Osaka Kasugaoka High School, Japan, will be attending John XXIII College as day students for a cultural exchange. If families are interested in hosting a student please contact Gold Educational Tours who oversee the host family arrangements, providing 24/7 support and a $550.00 contribution per student. 

Find out more: https://schoolcommunity.goldeducationaltours.com.au 

SPORT

Athletics Training

With cross-country complete, we now move into the athletics season. With the Carnival set for Friday, 31 July, training will commence in Week 9 and take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00am to 8:00am for all events, with alternate Mondays added this year (throws, high jump and hurdles). 

All events include: 

• Hurdles  
• Long jump 
• High jump 
• Javelin  
• Shot put 
• Discus 
• Sprints  
• Distance  

Please see the schedule attached for the remainder of the term. This is also available in SEQTA notices. 

Years 8 to12 Pre-Carnival Athletics Events 

In the lead-up to our House Carnival, students can nominate for the pre-carnival events. These are events that go towards House and Champion points as well as ACC Team Selection. 

• Students will register their pre-carnival event nominations during Homeroom next week
• A maximum of three can compete in each event from each House.
• All trials will start at 1:00pm SHARP on their allocated day! We will not wait for students who are not there.
• Students are allowed to change into their PE uniform at recess and have permission to remain in their PE uniform for the rest of the school day.
• Year 7s will take part in their pre-carnival events on the last day of term (26 June)
• If you are away or miss your designated events day, it will be YOUR responsibility to attend the catch-up days for your results to be counted towards house and individual points. 

Discus events for Years 7 to 9 students will occur at the Interhouse Carnival this year. 

Pre-Carnival Events Schedule

Week 8

Monday 15 June – Year 8 1500m / Year 12 Discus and Javelin

Tuesday 16 June – Year 11/12 1500m / Year 10 Discus and Javelin

Wednesday 17 June – Year 8 NAS Carnival – No events

Thursday 18 June – Year 9 1500m / Year 11 Discus and Javelin

Friday 19 June – Year 10 1500m / Year 9 Javelin

Week 9

Monday 22 June –  Year 7-12 catch up 1500m / Year 8 Javelin

Tuesday 23 June – Year 10-12 catch up Discus / Year 7-12 catch up Javelin

If you have any questions, please see Miss Pillera, Mr Kowal or your House Coordinator.

Year 8 NAS 

Training continues for our Year 8 NAS Teams, with next week being their final week before the carnival on 17 June. Information will be sent out early next week on Consent 2 Go. Please ensure a response is sent through to confirm attendance. 

Remaining training sessions: 

ACC Cross-Country Embroidery

All ACC Interschool Cross-Country jumpers are to be handed into the Uniform Shop for embroidery. Please note that to be eligible for embroidery, students must have attended the ACC Cross-Country Carnival on the day. All jumpers are to be dropped off by 19 June.  

Ross Meadows Hockey

Years 7 to 9 Hockey will have their final training session on Tuesday, 9 June, from 7:00am to 8:00am. 

If there are any queries, please email Miss Marquardt. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

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.