Secondary

Dear Families

Loyola House Day 

This week saw the celebration of Loyola House Day, an occasion to mark the significance of one of our College Founders, St Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius of Loyola, born in 1491 in Spain, was originally a soldier who experienced a profound spiritual conversion after being injured in battle. During his recovery, he read religious texts that inspired him to dedicate his life to God. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in 1540, with a mission to educate and evangelise. His "Spiritual Exercises," a set of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices, became a cornerstone of Jesuit training and Catholic spirituality. He died in 1556, leaving a legacy of spiritual renewal and educational reform that continues to impact the world today. In our contemporary context, we continue St Ignatius’ legacy as we seek to ‘find God in all things’ and be ‘people for others’. Thank you to Catherine Roberts, Loyola House Coordinator, Homeroom Teachers, and Loyola staff for leading students in a range of activities to celebrate the day.  

Loyola House Prayer 

Lord,   

Teach me to be generous  

Teach me to serve you as you deserve  

To give and not to count the cost 

To fight and not to heed the wounds

To toil and not to seek for rest 

To labor and not to ask for reward 

Except that of knowing that I am doing your will.  

Magis Public Speaking Grand Final  

Congratulations to this year’s Magis Public Speaking Grand Finalists, who presented informative and engaging speeches to the audience on Wednesday evening. Announcement of the winners can be viewed in the Magis section of the Newsletter. 

Interhouse Athletics Carnival: Fr Kevin King Cup 

Congratulations to Campion House for winning the Fr Kevin King Cup at today’s Interhouse Athletics Carnival. The positive energy and high level of student participation today are a testament to the strength of our House system at the College, and it was wonderful to see our Year 12 students lead and encourage the younger students in generating fantastic House spirit. The Spirit Award recognising House spirit was awarded to Ward House. Congratulations, also, to students who achieved a personal best in their events, we look forward to recognising these students at assembly next week. Thank you to Jessica Pillera and  Darren Kowal for their coordination of the carnival, and to all staff and parent helpers for their assistance to ensure that the day ran smoothly for all.  

John XXIII Day, Friday 7 August   

John XXIII Day is one of the most significant days in the College calendar, a community day where students celebrate our founders and heritage. Highlights of the day are the House stalls and activities, which raise funds for our College partners, Jesuit Mission Australia and Mary Ward International. Below provides an overview of the day’s program:  

Students should wear their sports uniform on the day, with their House shirt.  

This year, John XXIII Day will move to cashless purchases. Secondary parents can now purchase $5, $10 and $20 cards for their child to use on the day. 

How to order: 

1. Log in to My School Connect using Parent ID Passport (PIPs), our single sign-on system. You can sign in with Google, Microsoft, Apple, or your email address. Just make sure it matches the email the College has on file for you. 
2. Select the John XXIII Day tile from the dashboard. 
3. Choose the value of the card(s) you wish to order and click  Add to Order. 
4. Make payment. 

Please note that orders close at 11pm on Tuesday, 4 August to allow time for logistics on the College's end. 

Purchased cards will be distributed to students prior to the House stalls on the day. Any outstanding value remaining on cards after the day will be donated, along with funds raised on the day, to our College fundraising partners. 

As there will be plenty of food and drink stalls on the day, the Canteen will not be open to Secondary students. 

2026 Census Collection Notice  

Every August, the Australian Government conducts the Non-Government School Census data collection. The information provided by schools during the Census is collected by the Department of Education to:   

• ensure the provision of Australian Government funding to schools is properly calculated and appropriately managed.   
• conduct research, statistical analysis and develop school education policy for the Australian Government.   
• meet national and international reporting obligations on school students in Australia.   
• publish and provide information about schools to the public.   
• Further information regarding the Census can be accessed below and via SEQTA Documents.    

WA Student Assistance Payment 

The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school. 

All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment. 

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026 

All claims must be received by Friday, 25 September 2026. More information can be found at the WA Student Assistance Payment.  

Term 3 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Pilgrimage 2027

Families of Year 10 students interested in participating in the 2027 Pilgrimage Program are invited to attend an online Information Evening on Tuesday 4 August at 6:00 pm. This session will provide an overview of the pilgrimage experience, key dates and expectations for participants. A link to the Information Evening is provided below. Please note that contracts and deposits must be submitted by 19 August, with the first formation session for participating students commencing in Term 4, 2026. We encourage families to attend to learn more about this valuable opportunity. Please register for the online meeting at the link below:

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission 

Careers and Employability Students Explore Future Pathways at SkillsWest Expo

Years 11 and 12 students studying the Careers and Employability General course attended the Perth SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 24 July. As Western Australia’s largest careers and employment event, the SkillsWest Expo brings together more than 150 organisations, employers, education providers and training institutions, offering a wide range of career and pathway opportunities.

The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore current employment trends, gain insight into the labour market, and investigate a variety of career, education and training options. By engaging directly with industry representatives and training providers, students were able to gather information and inspiration to help inform their future pathway decisions.

Kalo Bell

Head of Learning Area   Pathways & Transitions

Movie Night for a Reason

John XXIII College is pleased to support the Perth Community Refugee Support Group's Movie Night for a Reason, a fundraising screening of the award-winning film Limbo.

The event holds particular meaning for our community, with a group of John XXIII alumni currently sponsoring a refugee family through the CRISP initiative. While the College is not able to sponsor a family directly, we are delighted to support this event, which raises awareness and much-needed funds to help refugee families find safety, belonging and a new beginning in Perth.

Limbo tells the story of waiting, belonging and the friendships that get refugees through it.

Details:

Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre, John XXIII College, Mount Claremont

Friday 14 August 2026, 6:30pm

Tickets $40 (includes a $30 drink and snack package)

Bring some friends, grab a snack, and help someone's story move out of limbo.

BOOK NOW

SPORT

Fr Kevin King Cup 

A huge congratulations to all students who participated in today's carnival. A full write-up, including age champions and runner-ups, will be in next week's newsletter. 

All results will be posted on the Pavilion notice board for students to have a look through by Monday recess. If there are any queries, students need to inform Mrs Pillera and Mr Kowal by Wednesday 5 August.

If students would like an opportunity to improve their results from the Interhouse Carnival, please check the Athletics Schedule below for challenge mornings later in the term. Years 7 to 10 students selected in the NAS Athletics Team will have the opportunity to post results at this carnival. 

Athletics Training 

Athletics training will continue right through until our ACC A Division Carnival in September. If you would like the chance to be a part of the epic ACC team or come down to just learn something new, we would love to see you every Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00am to 8:00am (ALL EVENTS) and every second Monday afternoon 3:30pm to 4:30pm for Throws, High Jump and Hurdles.

Students who attend 10 or more sessions will receive a JTC Athletics t-shirt as a sign of their commitment! 

Please see the schedule for the remainder of the term. This is also available on SEQTA notices:

Training Schedule

Events and Coaches: 

All events will run on both Tuesday and Thursday

• Sprints - Mrs Pillera
• Distance - Mr Tremayne/Mr Rycroft
• High Jump - Ella Adams
• Long Jump - Mia Mather
• Hurdles - Lyn Foreman- Tuesday/Leila Barker-Thursday (Alumni 23)
• Javelin - Jonah Burns 
• Shot and Discus - Tim Lyons 

Offsite Athletics Training 

On Monday 10 August, there will be a training session for Throws, High Jump and Hurdles at the WA Athletics Stadium, 3:30pm to 4:30pm. There will be a bus to transport students to and from the stadium. 

Students who wish to attend this session must complete the form so that a Consent2Go can be sent to families before the session. 

WA Athletics Stadium Training Monday 10 August 3:30-4:30pm – Fill out form

Years 8/9 Girls Dockers Cup - Round 1

Our Years 8/9 Girls AFL team proudly represented John XXIII College in the Dockers Cup for the first time yesterday. Competing with enthusiasm, courage and excellent sportsmanship, the girls embraced the opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition in Greenwood College.

Result:

John XXIII College: 41

Greenwood: 40

A special thank you to Ms Marquardt and 2024 Sport Captain, Emilee Patterson for preparing the girls for this competition.

We look forward to following the team's progress in the competition.

Year 10 ACC AFL Carnivals

Trials begin next Monday morning on 3 August from 7:00am to 8:00am for our Year 10 Girls and in the afternoon for our Year 10 Boys from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, in order to be selected to compete in the ACC Football Carnival scheduled for Week 4 (Wednesday 12 August).

John XXIII Day Sport

An exciting time for the College with John XXIII Day festivities commencing next Friday 7 August. Celebrations include the following alumni sports traditions:

• Ron Logan Cup - former Senior First XVIII Football representatives engaging in some competitive fun against the current reps.
• Sr Theresa Elliott Shield - between our current Senior Netballers and their alumni counterparts.

We look forward to enjoying the celebration and pray for a skillful and safe display. 

Years 9/10 Winter NAS

This is a compulsory school day, and all students will be involved in the day:

• NAS Team
• NAS Team helper
• Wellbeing Day @ JTC

 Years 9/10 Winter NAS 2026 – Fill out form 

• Trials - Weeks 3 and 4 
  • If you are unable to make a trial please inform Miss Pillera or Mr Kowal
  • Teams will be posted at the end of Week 4
• Trainings - Weeks 5 and 6
  • Pay attention to all training dates and times as it may not be the same each week.
  • If you cannot make a training session you must let your team teacher know
• Carnival - Week 7, Wednesday 2 September, 7:45am-3:00pm.

Trials

Training Schedule 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Reggie Bowers, who proudly represented Western Australia as Captain of the Under-13 State Ice Hockey Team at the Australian National Championships, held in Newcastle in July. Leading a team of the state’s top young players, Reggie helped guide Western Australia to a bronze medal, demonstrating strong leadership, teamwork, and resilience throughout the tournament. The team’s success reflected months of hard work and preparation, making it a memorable achievement for Reggie and his teammates.

Congratulations to Cooper, who helped Perth Azzurri claim the 2026 Football West Youth Club Championship. The Youth Club Championship is Football West's premier club award for Junior NPL clubs, recognising consistent player development across the entire Under 13 to Under 16 pathway. It celebrates clubs that build a strong playing philosophy and long-term depth and quality throughout their youth program, rather than success in a single age group.

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.