Secondary

Dear Families

Our Year 11 Pilgrims embark on their Pilgrimage to Cape York Peninsula tomorrow. Students have been working with Janeen Murphy, Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission, and accompanying staff Tim Chaney, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 11 and Rebecca Marquardt, Health and Physical Education Teacher, in preparation for this life-changing experience. Inspired by our motto Seek Justice, the Pilgrimage experience requires students to experience a totally different way of living, discern transformative moments and engage in deep reflection. Through their engagement on Country with Australia's Traditional Owners, students gain insights into the world's oldest continuous civilisation, fostering greater understanding of the truth-telling process that underpins authentic reconciliation efforts. Time with Cape York community members listening to local stories, participating in traditional craft workshops, walking on Country, and sharing meals will nurture students’ empathy, respect, and genuine appreciation for Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

As the final phase of their pre-Pilgrimage formation, staff and students were blessed at a moving Commissioning Mass last night. Our best wishes to all Pilgrims for their incredible journey ahead. We hope that they will have their hearts and minds opened to new encounters experienced and that they be kept safe and well throughout their Pilgrimage journey. 

Year 10 Course Counselling

This is an exciting time for Year 10 students as they consider their senior years and post-high school pathways. Students have been engaging in various pathways planning activities this term, culminating in Monday’s Pathways Planning Day, where they enjoyed a subject and careers expo and learned more about the different courses and pathways offered in Year 11 as part of the course selection process. Thank you to the team of staff for providing a comprehensive and engaging program to assist students in their exploration and decision-making regarding future pathways: James McLaughlin, Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 10; Kalo Bell, Head of Pathways and Transition; Liam Smith, Head of Senior Years; Laura Rutherford, Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning; and Kelli Beaton. 

Congratulations to students involved in Wednesday’s Years 11/12 NAS Winter Carnival, where they represented the College with pride and performed competitively against other schools.   Well done to Year 7 students, who enthusiastically participated in the Interhouse Athletics pre-carnival events yesterday and thank you to the generous PALS parents who provided students with a delicious sausage sizzle for lunch. 

It’s been a big couple of weeks for our Drama students, with their semester’s coursework culminating in performances this week and next week. Congratulations to cast and crews for their performances at the Year 8 Drama Night, Year 9 Musical and Year 10 Drama Night.

As the term draws to a close, students are reminded to check for any personal items they may have misplaced through the term. The lost property collection outside Student Services includes a range of uniform items, files, drink bottles and lunch boxes waiting to be collected by their rightful owner. 

Term 2 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

NAIDOC celebrations

In the lead up to NAIDOC Week, 5 to 12 July, Secondary students and staff look forward to participating in the annual Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on Tuesday morning during Homeroom. 

Students whose asthma can be triggered by smoke are asked to advise their Homeroom teacher. For Homeroom on Tuesday, they will be supervised in the Library. Parents are reminded to ensure that students follow their usual medical advice and ensure that students have any required medication with them. 

Year 10 Course Counselling

Bookings for Course Selection Meetings for Year 10 families will be made via the TES Parents Meetings Booking System. Detailed instructions have been sent directly to parents via email.

• Bookings opened: Tuesday 23 June 9am
• Bookings close: Tuesday 30 June 9am

Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews, Wednesday 22 July

Years 7 to 12 Semester One reports will be available to parents and students via SEQTA from 3:30pm on Friday 3 July.

Our next Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22 July from 8:30am to 6:00pm. This provides a valuable opportunity for families to discuss academic progress with teachers for students in Years 7 to 12.

Secondary teachers will be available:

• Face-to-face: 8:30am – 1:00pm
• Online (via Microsoft Teams): 1:30pm – 6:00pm
• Bookings open: Monday 6 July 8:30am

• Bookings close: Friday 10 July 8:30am

   

Bookings will be made via the ‘Booked’ system. Further information, including booking instructions, will be provided before the end of term.

We look forward to connecting with parents and students on the day.

Equality, Reconciliation and Social Cohesion: the inspiration of Sir William Deane - Edited by Fr Frank Brennan SJ

Join us for an evening of reflection and conversation as Fr Frank Brennan SJ launches this important new collection of Sir William Deane’s key speeches as Governor-General of Australia. 

At a moment when our nation is engaged in profound soul-searching about equality, reconciliation and social cohesion, this book offers timely and essential insights. Sir William Deane was an outstanding jurist and a compassionate leader who championed a fair go for all Australians, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Sir William and Lady Helen Deane became the nation’s first couple of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The launch will be officiated by The Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO, and Kate Chaney MP (Class of 1991).

• Tuesday 21 July 2026
• 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Thomas More Exhibition Centre, John XXIII College

Light refreshments will be provided. Free event, bookings essential

Inspire Parent Education: Supporting emotional regulation at home

Thursday 30 July 2026

The Inspire Parent Education arm of the Parents’ Association warmly invites all John XXIII College parents to an engaging session on emotional regulation. Join our Primary and Secondary wellbeing teams as they share insights into children’s and teens’ emotional development, and offer practical strategies to help you support your child’s emotional regulation at home.

What we’ll explore:

• recognising children’s emotions and how they present across different stages of development
• why co-regulation matters and how it helps children learn to manage their emotions
• the steps of emotion coaching
• core strategies for de-escalation
• using the RULER approach to support emotional regulation for children, adolescents and parents
• changes in the adolescent brain and behaviour
• managing adolescent emotions and knowing when to step in

This session is designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to nurture your child’s wellbeing, strengthen family connections and foster resilience.

All John XXIII College parents and carers are welcome. Register here.

Year 12 students invited to our Networking Event

We are delighted to invite you to our Alumni Connect event at TRCB Architects.

This networking opportunity is open to all alumni across all industries, as well as our current Year 12 students.

• Thursday 2 July 2026 4:30pm – 6:30pm
• TRCB, Level 2, 88 William Street, Perth
• Host: Eamon Broderick (Class 1988), Co-Director, TRCB Architects

Register here

SPORT

ACC Hockey Boys 

The boys ACC Hockey team had a fantastic day at the Division 1 Hockey Challenge held on Monday, 22 June at Perth Hockey Stadium. JTC went in as defending champions, which is no easy task.

The boys started the day well, beating both Mazenod and St Mark's in their pool games. Progressing to the semi-final, JTC faced Newman College and won 3-1. This result secured them a place in the Grand Final, once again.

The Grand Final match came down to JTC and friendly rivals in Sacred Heart College. It was very exciting, the game ended full-time at 0-0. Extra time was added with the whistle blowing at 0-0 again! This took the game into a sudden-death shootout, JTC kept their composure to take the win!

Congratulations to all players involved, and a special mention to the Year 12 students, Josh McGlew, Xavier Perry, Taj Dorrington, Sam Derbyshire and Max Kain, for their leadership and commitment in their final ACC hockey appearance.

ACC Hockey Girls 

On Tuesday, the girls set out for their Hockey Challenge and demonstrated outstanding energy and spirit throughout the day to represent the College with enthusiasm and determination.

After a hard-fought draw in regular time in the semi-final, they were narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout by the eventual winners, Mercedes. Despite this setback, the team showed great resilience, finishing the day strongly with an impressive win over Bunbury to secure third place.

A special mention goes to Year 12 student Rebecca Snow, who played her final games with the team, an excellent way to conclude her involvement in the program.

Year 7 Pre-Carnival Events 

With a slight change to the day due to the terrible weather forecast for today, our Year 7s took part in their pre-carnival athletics events on Thursday this week. The sun was shining, the music was on, and the Year 7s had a great day!

The day was about introducing the Interhouse Carnival events to the students. 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 Thursday 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, House Coordinators and Homeroom Teachers. A BIG thank you to Mr Butterworth and the parent helpers for cooking a delicious sausage sizzle for the staff and students to enjoy. 

Senior Winter NAS

On Wednesday our Years 11/12 students set out against the other NAS schools. For our Year 12 students, this was their final NAS carnival representing the College. We thank them for all their efforts and contributions towards NAS over the years.

Years 7 to 9 Volleyball Schools Cup 

We had a huge turnout for our Volleyball schools cup trials, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone back for their second trial next week. Students wishing to trial for the upcoming Volleyball Schools Cup, please complete the nomination form.  

Trial dates: 

Tuesday 30 June - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Volleyball Schools Cup 2026 – Fill out form

Years 8 to 9 Freo Dockers Cup – Girls Football 

Are you interested in playing AFLW for the school in Term 3?

For the first time, JTC are entering the Years 8/9 Girls Dockers Cup. We are seeking expressions of interest from Year 8 and Year 9 girls who would like to be considered for the school’s Freo Dockers Cup AFLW team.

Complete the Microsoft form below:

Year 8/9 Freo Dockers Cup AFLW - EOI form – Fill out form

The Freo Dockers Cup is an interschool AFLW competition played throughout Term 3. Games are held on Tuesday afternoons after school, with matches starting at approximately 4:00pm. The first round of fixtures will be on Tuesday 28 July.

Students of all experience levels are encouraged to register their interest. Whether you currently play club football or are new to AFLW, we would love to hear from you.

Training days and times will be confirmed once student availability has been reviewed.

Students interested in being considered for the team must complete the Microsoft Form by 3 July.

Students will be selected each week from training sessions the week before and will need to be available for Tuesday afternoon games throughout Term 3.

Gold Coast Volleyball Tour 

This morning JTC hosted Newman College for scratch matches in preparation for the upcoming Gold Coast Volleyball Tour in December. Newman College will also be competing in the event. It was great to see the schools come together to showcase their hard work and training thus far. We wish the teams all the best as they continue to perfect their skills through to the end of the year.

Interhouse Athletics Carnival 2026

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday 31 July. Results from the track and field events, along with formal training sessions post-carnival, will be used to assist in selecting the College 2026 ACC Athletics team.

Please take note of the following details:

• The carnival will be held at HPC 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's note to the Homeroom Teacher. These students may be asked to fulfil other roles throughout the day. They should report to the 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 or attend HPC for food.
• 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 

Athletics Training 

There is one more week of athletics training before the term ends. We have had a great turnout for the first two weeks and hope to see plenty more. Students who attend 10 or more sessions will receive a JTC Athletics t-shirt as a sign of their commitment!

Tuesday and Thursday 7:00am to 8:00am (ALL EVENTS) with the addition of alternate Monday's this year 3:30pm to 4:30pm (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

Spike Hire

Students interested in renting spikes from the College for the athletics season, please see the process below:

1. Head to the Main Admin building to pay the deposit
2. Once this has been paid, visit the PE office between 8:00am and 8:20am or during recess, to collect them from Ms Bowen. 

3. At the end of the season, you will return the spikes and collect your $50 deposit 

    

Money must be in a sealed envelope with your name and homeroom written on the front. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport

Congratulations

Congratulations to Annabelle Knox, Year 7, on her selection to represent Western Australia at the 2026 Diving Championships. Annabelle will compete at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Melbourne from 25 to 31 July. State representation is a significant honour, and we wish her every success in the competition.

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.