From the Principal

‘How to be a witness to hope’ was the staff reflection in response to our thought-provoking keynote speaker, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, who so generously opened our annual Staff Conference, after leading the Celebration of the Eucharist with all staff last week. Later in the conference, staff were also privileged to participate in workshops run by visiting academic, Dr Nici Sweaney, which focused on the use of ethical AI in education. After extensive discussion with Dr Sweaney, the College’s draft ‘AI Framework and Guiding Principles’ will be further refined and developed and we look forward to the College AI working group expanding to include more representatives from teaching, leadership, support staff and the student community in the coming months.

During this week, Year 12 students attended the first of a series of Year 12 Principal’s Lunches for the year. This week’s lunches proved to be excellent opportunities to hear from our most senior students, where, as well as sharing lunch, we also discussed what makes our College so strong and what opportunities might be worth exploring in the future. I extend my thanks to the Year 12 students from Campion and Koolyangarra Houses who so willingly embraced the conversations during our time together.

Our Year 10 students and their parents have been demonstrating the importance of reflective thinking since late last term, as they shape their Years 11 and 12 paths of study. I extend my thanks to the staff involved in supporting our Year 10 students and parents during their course counselling sessions this week. Particular thanks are extended to Assistant Deputy Principal Year 10, Tim Chaney, Head of Pathways and Transition, Jane Hedley, and their team of Year 10 Course Counsellors, Shani Andrews, Chris Morris, Janeen Murphy, Liam Smith, Luke Bostelman, Anna Davila, James McLaughlin, Joel Wynn, Tom Hooker, and Ciaran Gallagher.

Today’s Secondary Interhouse Athletics Carnival showcased our secondary students’ exceptional physical prowess and the real sense of camaraderie and joy that permeates our College community. The excitement of the competition, the passionate cheers of the crowd and the opportunity to proudly represent one’s House were all evident. I extend my thanks to Head of Sport, Jess Pillera, and her team of expert PE staff for the extensive pre-planning and organisation that went into our carnival. I also extend my thanks to the staff and parent volunteers for their valuable contributions, and to the student leaders for all of their efforts in fostering the passionate House spirit on display throughout the day. Our Year 12 students’ tightly choreographed dance performance, signalling the start of the carnival, was also a lot of fun.

Finally, 31 July was the Feast of St Ignatius and given next week is Founders’ Week, I will have more to say about St Ignatius and our other founders then. Perhaps, though, St Ignatius’ legacy of a spirituality grounded in finding God in everyday life and a commitment to serve others generously, helps to shine a clear light on how to be a true witness of hope.

Daniel Mahon

Principal

Apply for the John XXIII College Foundation - 2026 Year 6 Bursary

About the Bursary

In keeping with our Ignatian heritage, John XXIII College Foundation is offering a 2026 Year 6 bursary.

The bursary will be awarded to a family who may be seeking a Catholic education in the Ignatian tradition but financial circumstances prevent them from doing so.

The Foundation bursary covers full tuition fees and connects your child to excellence in coeducation and a community steeped in faith, justice and inclusivity.

Who Can Apply?

• Any permanent resident in Western Australia is eligible to apply for a placement in Year 6.
• Current College families are also welcome to apply.

Application Process

1. Visit: https://forms.johnxxiii.edu.au/Forms/Bursary_Application
2. Complete and submit your application by completing all sections of the form.
3. You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt once your application has been successfully submitted.
4. All applicants will be notified of the outcome after the closing date.

Applications close: Monday, 18 August 2025.

Book Launch - Sir Gerard Brennan's articles and speeches

John XXIII College warmly invites you to an enriching networking event with a law focus, welcoming alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents, past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community.

Launched by The Hon. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan

Join us as we celebrate the release of the two-volume set of Sir Gerard Brennan's Articles and Speeches, a remarkable collection honouring the legacy of the late Sir Gerard Brennan, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and one of our nation's most distinguished jurists.

This event provides a unique opportunity for our College to welcome alumni from all industries, current Year 12 students, current parents and past parents, and the broader John XXIII College community for an inspiring evening centred on law, faith, and public life. Fr Frank Brennan SJ, a distinguished Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer, and academic, will share personal insights and reflections. Books will be available for purchase on the night, a wonderful opportunity to have your copy signed.