Secondary

Dear Families

National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. I vividly recall Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s formal apology of 13 February 2008 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. I was particularly moved by the images of how profound this apology was to those listening in the chamber and watching outside Parliament House who had been personally impacted by such policies. Continuing on from this significant event, recognising National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week is of great importance in promoting understanding, empathy, healing and positive change towards a more inclusive and harmonious Australia. It is a week to shine the spotlight on social justice and equity. Through the acknowledgement of historical injustices and commitment to change comes the opportunity to advocate for policies and actions to promote equity, empowerment and self-determination for Australia’s Indigenous people. 

In bringing our College motto ‘Seek Justice’ alive in recognition of Reconciliation Week, students will engage in a variety of opportunities to explore this year’s theme Be A Voice for Generations. In yesterday’s Year 8 Reflection Day, students heard from Scott Darlow, a proud Yorta Yorta man who spoke about respecting each other by building on the values of forgiveness, love, understanding, tolerance and empathy. He performed a number of songs at a lunchtime concert with the theme of Reconciliation. At the Year 8 Mass, visiting Jesuit, Fr Tony Lusvardi talked about the value of each human person, who shines God’s light because they are created in God’s image. Fr Tony encouraged students to recognise God’s light in themselves and in every single person as a foundation for respectful relationships. The HASS Learning Area, as part of their HASS Week celebrations, will run activities culminating in a ‘Sea of Hands’ being constructed near the Aboriginal Flag situated on the chapel lawn next Friday, where Years 7 and 9 students will show their own perspective on reconciliation. 

Congratulations to the staff and musicians involved in Sunday’s Autumn Soiree for an afternoon of brilliant performances. Wishing our netballers and rowers every success for their weekend games and regattas. Our Years 11 and 12 students are midway through their exam period and we wish them well for the final week. Finally, go Team JTC for Thursday’s ACC Cross-country carnival – we hope that your early morning trainings and dedication pay off on the day. 

Term 2 key dates

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Year 8 Reflection Day

Year 8 Reflection Day theme was Respectful Relationships and involved guest speakers, reflection workshops, and awesome activities; there was something for everyone. 

The day began with Mass, led by Fr Tony Lusvardi, an American Jesuit from Rome! In his homily Fr Tony, told students they were the light of the world when they remembered that persons, unlike things, are valuable for who they are rather than what they can do because persons are made in God’s image. 

Following this, we returned to our homerooms to review the parable of The Good Samaritan: a story that carries the valuable message of loving your fellow human despite their culture, beliefs, age, gender or race.   

After recess (the jam doughnuts were a definite highlight) we gathered as a year group to listen to Scott Darlow. Darlow is a passionate Indigenous activist and speaks across Australia about his Indigenous culture, Australian history, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters. He broke the ice with some controversy, by slandering everyone’s footy team bar, Geelong, which got our attention. Scott then went on to sing, teach, and joke with us, we were able to listen and laugh along with him. An important takeaway was that Australia’s shared past is one for everyone to bear. The journey to reconciliation is ongoing and it is up to all of us to work together to achieve a better future. By working on the acronym FLUTE (Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy) we can help close the gap and be a healthier community.  

The afternoon incorporated a focus on character strengths by constructing a 'Homeroom strengths trees' and finished with a commendation raffle.  Overall, the day was full of highlights and one to remember. 

SPORTS

Winter NAS Competition

All teams are to be commended on their games against Sacred Heart College this week. 

Next week, our teams will play against Servite College. Unfortunately, Servite College is unable to field the following teams:

• Year 8 AFL
• Year 7/8 Girls Floorball
• Year 9A Netball
• Year 9/10 Girls floorball
• Year 9/10 Boys floorball
• Year 10 AFL

Instead of competing, these teams will train at John XXIII College in preparation for their games in Week 8 against Chisholm College.

Important Years 7-10 NAS information

• Years 7/8 play on Tuesday 4:00pm-5:00pm.
• Years 9/10 play on Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm.
• Teams playing away have permission to change into their PE uniform at lunchtime.
• Teams playing at home must get changed after school (between 3:10pm-4:00pm).
• Teams travelling to Sacred Heart and Chisholm College will leave period 6 at 2:50pm for an early bus departure. These teams will return to the College between 5:30pm-6:00pm. 
• All remaining teams will depart the College for away games at 3:15pm and return to the College by 5:30pm.
• Remember, all teams are awarded an MVP later on in the year. MVP's are awarded based on leadership, assistance, and sportsmanship displayed throughout all games and training.

Eagles Cup AFL

Our team played their first away game this Thursday against Newman College. All team members are to be commended for their incredible performance, Congratulations to Newman College who were the winners for this round. Our team will play Newman in another home round later this term.

Thank you to Mr Bill Quartermaine and Mr Campbell Tirant for all their time and effort in coaching the team.

Interschool jumpers

All ACC Interschool swimming jumpers are back from the embroiders. Students are welcome to collect these from the uniform shop. 

ACC Cross-country Team

Congratulations to our 2023 ACC Cross-country Team. A full list of our team is accessible on SEQTA notices. This team will compete in the ACC Cross-country Carnival next week on Thursday 1 June.

ACC events always provide an incredible atmosphere, however, this day is especially unique as all 84 schools in the ACC come together to battle it out on the cross-country course. Our cross-country team have the exciting task of trying to defend our cross-country title for the third year in a row. Whatever happens… we are proud of our incredible team and know they will try their absolute best on the day!

Thank you to our cross country coaches, Mrs Hayley Rosa and Mr Will Everett for all of their time and expertise in preparing our team.

Important Information 

• All members have permission to now purchase an interschool team jumper from the uniform shop.
• All team members have permission to wear their interschool jumper for the week of the carnival.
• All runners and reserves MUST attend the day to ensure eligibility for their interschool team jumper embroidery.
• All members have received a team dinner invitation for Monday 29 May. 

Congratulations

Congratulations to Braden Fyneman, Year 11 for being selected to represent Australia in swimming at the upcoming Youth Commonwealth Games. The 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from 4 – 11 August 2023, with seven sports on the program, including athletics, beach volleyball, cycling, FAST5 netball, rugby 7s, swimming, and triathlon. Braden is one of five male athletes selected to represent Australia in swimming. We wish Braden all the best, with the knowledge that all of the John XXIII College Community will be cheering him on.

Sara Kononen

Head of Sport