Magis report
Welcome to another exciting year in the Magis program, with, Covid-willing, the return of several major competitions which did not take place last year including World Scholar’s Cup and Jesuit National Debating, and the continual growth of the new ventures initiated last year and those already key elements in the program. Fourteen interschool competitions for gifted students will be available this year, plus five Homeroom competitions in the Academic Challenge series, and three John XXIII Championship events, public Speaking, Creative Writing and Chess. In addition five Magis Clubs will be offered, along with a series of Academic Seminar Breakfasts, and special events including Bell Shakespeare.
Our John XXIII Class of 2021 excelled in their ATAR results, finishing in the top 10 schools in WA with an average of 88.8, and highlighted by a number of outstanding performances including our top three:
- Akash Parekh ATAR 99.6
- Abbey Chapman 99.4
- Andrew Priestley 99.35
Other Magis students to excel included Magis Champion Scholar Oscar Hegge with 98.45. Full list of highlights can be viewed below:
We welcomed our new Year 7 Magis students to the program at a special assembly this week. Please note that students who qualify for and are designated as Magis via their MYAT scores or excellent school reports may do the Magis elective, which over 50 have chosen, but are not required to do so. They are also able to participate in all Magis events and competitions irrespective of doing the elective, but none are compulsory. Some of our new Magis students may have some difficulties with their academic subjects, and those identified as Magis will be monitored and steps taken to assist where there are issues with their academic performance.
Communication to Magis students is mainly via the weekly Magis Memo, and daily notices, and with so much happening it is important that students read these carefully. Some of the major competitions like Da Vinci Decathlon, where we can nominate only one team of eight per year group, are for Magis students only. Others like Western Australian Interschool Debating (WADL), are open to all John XXIII students. Nominations for the interschool debating teams are now open, and close next Friday. Interschool debating takes place at Christchurch Grammar School normally on Tuesday evenings, and students from Years 7 to 12 may nominated individually or as a team. Each team must have at least four members. Parents are encouraged to attend and support the teams, which are coached by teachers and top Alumni debaters. Last year we had great success with two teams winning their division and our Year 7 team (pictured) reaching the WA semi-finals. A debating seminar breakfast is being finalised, and details will be in next week’s newsletter.
Last year 37 staff members and Alumni assisted with the Magis program, and this year a Magis staff committee has been formed to assist with continued development of the program. Warmest thanks to Mr Joel Wynn, Ms Daisey Farley, Ms Shannon Allen, Ms Kirralee Dawson, Ms Lana Turner and Mr Damian Connellan for the commitment of their time and expertise. The Magis student committee consisting of 18 students from Years 8-12 and led by Magis Captain Genevieve Ferguson-Allen, has had its first meeting and will give great leadership in 2022.
Best wishes to all Magis students and staff for a year of success, happiness, and service to our wonderful College. Further information is available by clicking on the links below to the Magis introductory video and the Magis 2022 Handbook.
Jim Miller
Magis Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator
