Secondary

Dear Families

This year has again provided students with plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills and teamwork through the sports program. In addition to dominating the Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC) competition, students have represented the College with pride and performed strongly in the Northern Associated Schools (NAS) competition through the one-day summer and winter carnivals. Congratulations to all Year 7 competitors who participated in yesterday’s summer carnival for their enthusiasm and sporting spirit. Adding to the celebration of inclusivity and community, last week’s ACC Inclusive Multi Sports Day was a highlight for Mary Ward Secondary students, bringing them together for a day of fun, friendship, and active engagement. A huge thank you to our Head of Sport, Jessica Pillera, Assistant Head of Sport, Darren Kowal, and all staff who have supported the sports program throughout the year as coaches and managers.

Our thoughts and support are with all Year 11 students as they begin their end-of-year examinations next week. Congratulations to the students who treated the audience with wonderful performances at Wednesday’s Year 9 Recital Night. All the best to the performers involved in Monday’s Year 10 Recital Night and Thursday’s Year 9 Drama Night.

Social Media Age Restrictions

Parents will be aware that the Australian Government has introduced new legislation – the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 – which will come into effect on 10 December 2025. This law requires providers of age-restricted social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 from holding accounts. The aim is to strengthen child safety online and reduce exposure to harmful content and interactions. Under the legislation, children under the age of 16 will no longer be permitted to create or maintain accounts on platforms covered by the legislation (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit). Providers will enforce these restrictions, and parents may notice changes in how platforms verify age and manage accounts.

Through the College’s wellbeing programs, students in Years 7 to 10 will engage in discussions and activities over the coming weeks to help them prepare for these changes. This includes practical strategies to prepare for the transition and alternative ways to maintain social connections, particularly over the summer holidays.

The eSafety Commissioner website provides excellent resources for parents on the legislation and digital wellbeing and safety in general.

Presentation Evening: Thursday 4 December

Our College Presentation Evening will be held in the St Louis Sports Centre on Thursday, 4 December, beginning at 6:30pm. As this is an important community event for our College, all students in Years 6 to 11 are expected to attend. Year 12 students are required only if they are involved in the evening as a presenter, performer or major award recipient.

Parking will be available on the College playing fields, accessible via John XXIII Avenue. Entry to the St Louis Sports Centre will be through the doors adjacent to the playing fields.

Guests are to be seated by 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start.

Students who are attending as members of the audience are to wear their summer uniform, whilst all award winners are required to wear the formal winter uniform, including blazer, shirt, tie and tights for girls. Other College requirements regarding grooming are to be adhered to.

Students receiving an award will be notified during the week of the evening and will participate in rehearsals during the day on Thursday, 4 December.

Term 4 Key Dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Shopfront Christmas Appeal

Our College community is called to be people for others – and this Christmas, we have an opportunity to bring hope and dignity to those in need through the Shopfront Christmas Appeal.

We are collecting food items and essential goods to support Shopfront's vital work providing Christmas lunch and care packages to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in our community.

Collections are due by Wednesday, 19 November.  Drop-off location: Homeroom

Every donation will make a real difference. Cash donations are also welcome and will support the Shopfront Christmas Lunch.

In the spirit of our College founders and mission, let us seek justice and serve others this Christmas season. Together, we can bring joy and dignity to those who need it most.

SPORT

Year 7 Summer NAS

The final NAS carnival for Year 7 students this year was a vibrant celebration of sport and school spirit, with students enthusiastically competing across a range of events. A very big thank you to all staff and coaches who contributed to the planning and smooth running of the day. Well done to all Year 7 students for their commitment to NAS Sport this year. 

Results from the day:

Premiers 

• 7B Boys Basketball
• Girls Football  

2nd Place 

• 7A Girls Basketball
• 7 Boys Frisbee
• Girls Indoor Beach Volleyball 

3rd Place

•  Boys Indoor Beach Volleyball 

4th Place

• 7A Boys Basketball 
• 7B Girls Basketball 
• Mixed Indoor Cricket 

5th Place

• 7 Girls Frisbee 

Year 8 Summer NAS

Well done to all Year 8 students who trialed for Summer NAS Teams. All teams have now been posted on the College notices. Students should be listed in one of the three categories

• NAS Team
• Social Volleyball Competition
• Student Helper

We had our first week of training sessions this week and will have final team sessions next week in the lead-up to the carnival day. Please note that there is no official training for the Social Volleyball Carnival; however, students who wish to train can join the Beach Volleyball Training.

• Carnival - Week 6, Thursday, 18 November, 7:45am to 3:00pm

Staffing

Trial and training schedule

Years 7/8 Water Polo

Students interested in representing John XXIII College in the upcoming SSWA Water Polo Tournament are required to complete the form below. Trials and training are as follows at HPC Indoor Dive Pool. Students are to make their own way to the pool, and a bus will be available to transport them back to school following training. 

Trial

• Wednesday, 19  November, 7:00am - 7:45am

   

Training

• Wednesday, 26 November, 7:00am - 7:45am

   

Carnivals

• Boys: Thursday, 27 November
• Girls: Friday, 28 November 

Nomination Form

ACC Senior Boys Championship 2026 - Years 10-12

Basketball training for the ACC Championship has commenced and will continue on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and Friday mornings from 7:00am to 8:00am with Mr Carrello.

Based on performance data from the past seven years (including recent junior results from 2023–2025), schools have been provisionally placed into divisions for next year’s championship. This is your opportunity to compete against the best and showcase your skills on a bigger stage in a weekly competition.

What’s happening:

• Our school has been allocated a Division 1 spot for the 2026 season.
• We’ll be part of a structured season with scheduled matches, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Why you should get involved:

• Represent your school in an interschool competition.
• Compete in a full season of games, culminating in finals.

• Gain experience, build team spirit, and have fun doing what you love. 

   

Key game dates – Term 1, 2026:

• Round 1: Friday, 13 February (Week 2)
• Round 2: Tuesday, 17 February (Week 3)
• Round 3: Tuesday, 24 February (Week 4)
• Round 4: Tuesday, 3 March (Week 5)
• Round 5: Tuesday, 10 March (Week 6)
• Semi Finals: TBC (Week 7/8)
• Grand Final: Tuesday, 31 March (Week 9) 

NAS Golf

Congratulations to our NAS Golf representatives who acquitted themselves incredibly well during this week’s NAS Golf Tournament, held at the Hammersley Golf Course on Monday. Newman College are to be commended on their efforts in retaining the crown of best NAS Golf Team. Our John XXIII College players displayed outstanding sportsmanship and considerable prowess to challenge for the title; however, Newman proved to be the better team on the day, winning by a clear margin.  

Jovi Gibson was our best individual performer with a gross total of 91. The best individual score overall was James Dyer's, from Newman, with a gross score of 81. The team competition was a ‘Better Ball’ format, where paired players from each school, in four pairings in total, recorded their best individual score on each hole, thus providing their total score for the team. The best two paired scores for each school were then combined to determine the overall School Team score for the title. Newman victorious with a total score of 164 (81 and 83) opposed to JTC’s 184 (91 and 93).   The commitment of our squad members (listed below) was very much appreciated and are listed below. A big thank you also to James and Charlie (Reserves) for attending the day and assisting with administrative and caddying duties.

• Jovi Gibson
• Jack Whitaker
• Sam Derbyshire
• Rick Jia
• Max Brooks
• Hamish Peirce
• Izaac Paton
• Baily Vincent
• James Andruszkiw - Reserve
• Charlie Young - Reserve

Volleyball Club Term 4

Volleyball Club will continue until the end of Term on Monday afternoons 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the St Louis Sports Centre. All students are welcome, we look forward to seeing you there.

Swimming Club

Wednesday afternoon, College Pool 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Swimming Club will continue for the rest of the term each Wednesday afternoon.

All abilities and experience levels are welcome. There will be something for everyone, making this a great way to end the day, especially as the weather warms up! We would also like to invite current Year 6 students to the training as a great chance for them to get a taste of high school swimming. 

Jessica Pillera

Head of Sport