Secondary

Dear Families 

It is hard to believe that we find ourselves at the end of the school year. As the year draws to a close, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible Secondary School community. The dedication, support and enthusiasm demonstrated by students, staff and parents have made this a successful year of growth, learning, accomplishments and treasured memories. At our final assembly a few weeks ago, I encouraged students to pause and reflect on their own individual journeys this year. In particular, to identify:

• those achievements and accomplishments they are proud of;
• when they have been a person for others throughout the year in showing compassion, kindness and inclusion towards peers and staff; and
• those times when they haven’t been their best self, and what they will commit to for next year to focus on as opportunities for improvement.

With the publication of Semester 2 reports in the coming week, I hope that each student finds something to be proud of and something to focus on for growth next year.

We say farewell to much-loved staff member, Mr Cameron Haines, who has been appointed a leadership role at Mercy College for next year. In his 16 years at the College, Mr Haines has touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours. In 2024, we welcome Mr Tim Chaney and Mr Liam Smith who will join the Secondary Leadership Team as Assistant Deputy Principals. Both are experienced and passionate pastoral care leaders, and they are very excited to commence with us next year.

As we prepare for Christmas in this season of Advent, let’s use the holiday break to slow down, rest, appreciate quality time with friends and family and look forward to Christmas as a reminder of God’s love for us, and our love for one another. Wishing staff, students and families a peaceful and joyful Christmas and a safe and relaxing summer break. We look forward to welcoming students back to school in the new year.

Congratulations to …

Harry Nichols (Year 11) and Llewyn Thurston (Year 12) who represented Western Australia in the under-17 national water polo competition this year. Both students are training hard in preparation for January’s Australian Youth Championships in Brisbane. Special mention to Llewyn, who has been selected in the Australian squad and has received a scholarship to Santa Monica College, USA to study and play water polo from mid-next year.

Years 7 to 11 Reports

Reporting season is upon us, with Year 11 students receiving their report this week and Years 7 to 10 reports being published next week. The Semester 2 Reports will provide parents and students with information as to the marks, grades, and work habits that were achieved in the second half of the year. These results reflect the hard work and dedication that each student has had towards their studies.

Although these are an important summary of academic achievements, there are many facets of learning that are unable to be recorded on a report. For example, students may have participated in a sporting event, co-curricular activity or external competition where they demonstrated significant learning, growth, and development. Co-curricular activities, camps, carnivals and faith development opportunities all contribute to the development of Cura personalis – the development of the whole person.

Please read the report and reflect on the achievements, work habits, Homeroom comment and other learnings that your son or daughter has participated in throughout the year. This holistic approach provides an opportunity for them to reflect on the year that has been, and set new goals over the holiday break to work towards in 2024.

2024 Booklists

Students have received confirmation of their subjects for 2024, and the classes that they have been allocated will inform the booklist purchases that you may need to complete. Booklists can be accessed here.

Please note that online orders for booklist items must be completed by 31 December 2023.

Save the Date - Parent Information Evening, Tuesday 13 February 2024

Following the success of this year’s Secondary Parent Information Evening, we will conduct next year’s evening in the same format for Years 7 to 12. More information will be provided in the first newsletter of the new year.

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Shopfront Christmas Appeal - thank you

As the holiday season approaches, we are overwhelmed with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible support we've received for our Shopfront Christmas Appeal. To all the families who have generously contributed, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your kindness and compassion.

Shopfront’s mission is deeply rooted in providing mutual help with accommodation, budgeting, depression, hunger, loneliness, or addictions, and your contributions directly contribute to making a positive impact on the lives of those seeking support. This appeal goes beyond just a meal; it's a symbol of community coming together to uplift and care for one another.

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal of Faith and Mission

Year 10 Micah Week 2023

Micah Week involves preparing Year 10 students for the transition to Year 11 and beyond. During the week, students visited the University of Western Australia and experienced campus life, taking part in some fun activities including frisbee and a martial arts class. Students also participated in the Rotary WA Drivers Education Day at the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club, City Beach. The Drivers Education Day is supported by the Government of Western Australia’s Road Safety Community Grants Program, and involved St John Ambulance, WA Police and a crash survivor guest speaker who shared their experiences associated with driver safety. The week concluded on Friday with a final year Mass and the much-anticipated Micah Cup. Congratulations to Loyola House for winning Micah Cup 2023! As the day drew to a close, students took a moment to reflect on the influence College staff have had on their educational journey thus far. They penned heartfelt notes of appreciation, expressing gratitude to those who have provided guidance, assistance and support throughout their schooling experience. 

Kalo Bell

Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 10

SPORTS

Gold Coast Volleyball Tour

Last Saturday, our three volleyball tour teams departed for the 2023 Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. This is the first time John XXIII College has ever entered this competition. 

Sara Kononen

Head of Sport