From the Principal

On Monday morning, we heard of the passing of Sr Bernadette Ziesing, ibvm. Sr Bernadette was the last Principal of Loreto, Osborne (1974-1976) and the first Vice Principal of John XXIII College (1977-1978). She is remembered with affection as a person of great warmth who brought joy and enthusiasm to all she did. Her contribution to the formation of our College was invaluable and we are appreciative that Sr Bernadette took great care in compiling a history of that time.

In looking at memorabilia of Sr Bernadette, we revisted the photograph below. Here she is pictured with some of the first leaders of our College. From left to right we have: Sr Maureen Lavelle, ibvm (in charge of Koolyangarra Campus); Mr Frank Owen (Deputy Principal and in charge of Loreto Campus); Sr Bernadette Ziesing, ibvm; Mr Denis Hall (in-Charge of Campion Campus); Mrs Eileen Farrelly (in charge of St Louis Campus). We are fortunate that, from time to time, Mr Owen and Mrs Farrelly visit and we are able to maintain the important connection with our College roots.

The photograph also reminds us of the significance of the naming of our six Houses: the four original campuses of the College in Claremont (Koolyangarra, Campion, St Louis and Loreto) and two of our founders (Ward and Loyola). The House system provides a valuable vertical structure, Years 7–12 in Secondary and Pre-Primary–Year 6 in Primary, where students can work and play together, have fun, develop skills, show leadership and experience a sense of belonging within a smaller community.

The strong House spirit was particularly evident at our Secondary Interhouse Swimming Carnival last Friday. Congratulations to Campion who were overall champions on the day and also won the Spirit Award. People new to the College were amazed at the level of participation of the students in the main pool, in the novelty events and the enthusiastic cheering from the stands. It is something that we treasure. Thank you to the staff for your support of the day, a real team effort; and it was wonderful to have the involvement of so many parents and friends, both in the stands and assisting with the events.

This video clip beautifully captures the spirit of the day.

In the meantime, Year 4–6 students have been busily preparing for their Interhouse Swimming Carnival, with trials being conducted last Friday. They are fortunate to have had lessons both at Claremont Pool and at Cottesloe Beach, where they focused on beach and surf safety, whilst further developing their swimming technique and stamina.  Their skills will be on display at the carnival at Bold Park Aquatic Centre on 28 February.

We look forward to enjoying the many other House activities over the remainder of the year.

Together let us seek justice.

Kathleen Negus

Principal