From the Principal

Choosing the right school

This week I have had the pleasure of commencing enrolment interviews for Year 7 2025. Our Enrolments' Manager, Lizz Schollum, does a wonderful job managing applications and scheduling interviews for prospective students. They are conducted via Teams at present and they provide an excellent avenue for engagement.

Running parallel with enrolment interviews, has been a review of our Prospectus and our Marketing and Communications Manager, Lisa Martella, is keen to develop a creative edge which may appeal to families.

During the interviews, students are encouraged to ask me questions and I do receive excellent enquiries. Occasionally I get asked less serious questions on whether I have a dog (yes), which Australian Rules team I support (Freo) and whether I would send my own children to John XXIII College? When I commenced at the College six years ago, our youngest daughter was still at school, and we briefly discussed that option. I think Abbey was keen on the school but not keen on the Principal!

I often get asked about Catholic, Independent and Government schools and I always respond affirmatively on all the options in our region. Similarly, some students and families have a preference for single gender schools. It really comes to making the right choice for each individual student.

So what does the Prospectus say about choosing John XXIII College?

‘Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. We are blessed with many excellent schooling options in the western suburbs of Perth.

There are two distinguishing cultural features of our College. First and foremost, we are a Catholic School. The core spirituality of the College is Ignatian, and we hope to bring each student to an awareness of God’s presence in all things.

Secondly, we are a co-educational College. As a Principal, I strongly believe that co-education provides a comfortable environment in which students learn and grow.

The formative years of childhood and adolescence are the right time to establish respectful, collaborative patterns of understanding and behaviour. One of the reasons our students are comfortable and successful in the tertiary sphere is because they are accustomed to co-education.

I further recommend talking to colleagues, neighbours and friends who have had an association with our College.’

We continue to experience huge demand for places which is a credit to our students, staff and families both present and past.

Robert Henderson

Principal