Secondary
Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minster Kevin Rudd publicly apologised, on behalf of the Federal Government, to the Stolen Generations – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities by successive colonial and Australian governments.
It is an important time to reflect on how generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been affected, and will continue to be affected, by the past policies of the Australian Government and the ongoing impacts of this on the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.
It is also an important time for each of us to reflect on how we plan to seek justice and work for a reconciled and inclusive Australian society. Please use the links below to assist with your reflection and discernment.
Year 7 House Day
Well done to the Year 7 Loyola Homeroom. On Friday, 4 February they took part in some fun activities led by the House captains. It was pleasing to see all the students display such enthusiasm as they made some fashionable designs from newspapers. The fun continued after lunch with the swimming trials. Looking forward to another Loyola House victory soon.
New COVID-19 guidelines prescribed for schools
The start of the school year has brought with it the usual busyness of returning to routines at both school and home. The added uncertainty that COVID-19 has provided is both a challenge and an opportunity to continue to develop our resilience and adaptability. Thank you to all students, staff and families for their patience whilst we respond to the new guidelines prescribed for schools.
Under the new definition, a close contact in a school setting includes face-to-face contact for fifteen minutes or more with an infectious person where a mask was not worn, interaction for more than two hours in a classroom environment where masks have been removed, or someone directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.
This updated definition reinforces the importance of students wearing their masks correctly with staff role modelling these practices to create a safe learning environment for our College community.
From Monday 14 February, rehearsals and training will be conducted outdoors in accordance with government guidelines, ensuring good hygiene practices are implemented. Unfortunately it was not possible to conduct our Interhouse Swimming Carnival at HBF Stadium today. Whilst the College is continuing to discuss our interschool activities with external agencies I can confirm that Term One NAS has been postponed.
Our Assistant Deputy Principals will communicate with their year level details of the alternative format for the Parent Information Evenings.
Thank you in advance for the support you, as parents, provide to our students and the College.
Jessica Bouwman
Vice Principal - Head of Secondary
SPORT
Summer Northern Associated Schools (NAS) Sport
Thank you to all the committed students for trialling for our NAS sports teams over the past two weeks. A special mention must go to all the students who displayed a keen interest to play Ultimate Frisbee this term - numbers trialling were by far the strongest out of all Summer NAS sports on offer. Year 7 NAS trials will be rescheduled for a later date.
NAS AFLW – Mouthguards
This will be the second year for NAS AFLW and we are excited to see the numbers grow. For all girls interested in playing it is very strongly encouraged that all players wear a properly fitted mouth guard. This year we have teamed up with Rob Armanasco at GOB Smacked sports mouthguards who will offer 10% discount for John XXIII students by showing this article when purchasing their mouthguard.
To make an appointment please contact:
- M: 0422 603 312
- E: jadea@gobsmackedsmg.com.au
Swimming Training
Swimming training will recommence next week starting Monday 14 February from 7:00-8:00am with our specialist coaches. Training will take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday this term.
Cross-Country Training
Cross-Country training will recommence on Tuesday 15 February from 7:00-8:00am with our specialist coaches. Training will take place every Tuesday and Thursday this term.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mahalia Upton (Year 9) who competed in the U/17’s WACA Female Youth Team as one of the Top 11 ranked Youth League T/20 players in the northern teams. They competed against the top ranked southern players and took home the win by 15 runs. Keep up the fantastic work.
Also congratulations to Matilda O’Connell, Year 9, who has been selected as a goal keeper for the Female U/15s Hockey squad. The squad is hopefully set to travel to Newcastle in April this year to challenge for the title. Good luck Matilda!
Congratulations to William Stacy and David Gardner for their selection in the final Intra-Squad wicket trial for the ACC Representative Cricket Team 2022.
Sara Kononen
Head of Sport