Secondary

Dear Families

As Term 1 draws to a close, I feel a sense of weariness (I think we all do!) but also deep gratitude for the experiences that this term has provided. As a new staff member, I am grateful for the warm welcome and support received from colleagues, parents and students to help me ‘break the new shoes in’ so to speak. After a term in the new role, I can feel the leather softening a bit as I become more comfortable settling into the very special John XXIII community.  I hope that as we all head into the Easter and holiday break, families take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the highlights, challenges and learnings of the past term. Our world often feels frenetic with the ‘busyness’ of daily life, which is exactly why we need to intentionally take time to be still. St Ignatius of Loyola was a visionary in establishing the practice of The Examen to find presence in the moment, reflect on what has been and build connection with God. Whilst over 500 years old, it is a highly relevant and useful practice to help us find peace and mindfulness over the coming break. 

This afternoon we welcomed our Year 12 students back from Manresa, a significant spiritual milestone of their Secondary journey. We hope that the contemplation and connection experienced over the past few days has nourished and renewed them for the remainder of their final year. 

Wishing our senior rowers a successful camp over the holiday as preparation for the winter regatta season. So too, the cast and crew of this year’s College Musical, Legally Blonde, who have been rehearsing for most of the term in preparation for opening night on Tuesday 25 April. 

Term 2 Dates

Please see below for key Term 2 dates: 

• College Musical Legally Blonde: Tuesday 25 April to Saturday 29 April
• Term Two commences and students return: Wednesday 26 April 
• Year 7 Vaccinations: Wednesday 26 April
• ANZAC Day Service: Thursday 27 April
• Loreto House Day: Thursday 4 May
• Interhouse Cross-Country: Friday 5 May
• Secondary Photo Days: Tuesday 9 May and Tuesday 16 May (sibling and catch-up photos)

Uniform

A reminder that students will transition into winter uniform for the beginning of Term 2. Students will be required to add a blazer, tie and optional jumper to their shirts, as well as updating their shorts to trousers. Students wearing the skirt for photo days in May will need a pair of tights. 

The Uniform Shop will be open Monday 24 April from 7:45am to 6:00pm and winter uniform purchases will require an appointment using this link. 

The College has this term completed a review of the Secondary Uniform Code with a focus on consistency and inclusivity. A change for families to note is that all students will be required to wear their shirt tucked into skirts or trousers during Terms Two and Three. The updated Uniform Code can be accessed via SEQTA Documents – General Secondary or the College website. 

Shani Andrews

Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

Manresa Retreat 2023

The Year 12 Students attended their Manresa Retreat from 4-6 April. The activities on Manresa are organised to facilitate introspection and appreciation. Students spent time reflecting upon themselves, their families, their unique stories, their relationship with God and their future. We believe that the students have returned with a renewed sense of self and with a broader perspective on life and relationships. Students formed bonds outside of their regular and comfortable friendship circles and enjoyed spending time with teachers in a very different environment from the classroom. It is our hope that each student experienced moments and made memories that will accompany them on their journey through life.

Ms Rita de Faria

Assistant Deputy Principal -  Year 12

National Schools Constitutional Convention

The National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) was an incredible experience and certainly one that neither of us will forget. Together with 116 other Australian students, we discussed and debated section 128 of the Australian Constitution, which outlines the referendum process, and whether a double majority is necessary to alter the Constitution. Our discussions were fascinating given the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. We arrived in Canberra in the late afternoon, and our first night provided a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the other WA delegates and begin discussions about some of the contemporary political issues which would be examined at the Convention. 

The next day, the program began with a trip to the National Archives, with the Northern Territory delegates. We observed a number of important formal documents that directly related to our course, including the original Constitution and papers relating to the 1975 dismissal. From there we went to Parliament House, where we had the privilege of witnessing Question Time in an incredibly significant sitting week. The hot topics were the Voice and the safeguard mechanism. Our excitement was maintained during an address from the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, followed by a ‘Meet your MP’ session. As WA delegates, we conversed with WA Members of the House of Representatives, Mr Patrick Gorman (ALP) and Ms Kate Chaney (IND). This concluded the formal part of the day, but on our return to the hotel, we had the chance to meet the rest of the delegates from around the country.

The following day, we arrived at Old Parliament House and Senator Anthony Chisholm, the Assistant Minister for Education, officially opened the National Convention.  In small groups, consisting of representatives from each State, we listened to three speakers discuss the referendum process.  Professor Peter Anderson, a Walpiri and Murinpatha man from the Northern Territory, was particularly insightful as he provided an indigenous perspective on the Voice.  In our groups, we then deliberated on focus questions and presented our findings to the whole delegation.  Soapbox sessions provided great opportunities for us to hear diverse opinions from individual students who (in just 2 minutes) presented their challenging and inspiring reflections on the content. That afternoon we had a reception with Governor-General, David Hurley at Government House before our private tour and an official dinner at the High Court of Australia. This was an absolutely incredible experience. At the dinner, the guest speaker was Mr Sean Dondas, who spoke of his journey to becoming ACT State Recipient Young Australian of the Year for 2022.  It was a thought-provoking day, exploring these significant locations of Australian politics both old and new.

On the final day, Dr Andrew Banfield delivered an enthralling keynote address about how other countries use the referendum process. We then had the opportunity to participate in a mock referendum conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission on whether s.128 of the Constitution should be changed.  Our model referendum was unsuccessful. As the Convention drew to a close, we spent some time at the Museum of Australian Democracy, before our final farewells. But Canberra had some unexpected surprises for us at the airport…where Member of Parliament, Bob Katter, stopped for a quick chat and we shared the plane home with Patrick Gorman and Kate Chaney. 

The NSCC was such an amazing opportunity – we were surrounded by people who are passionate about politics and the shaping of Australian democracy.  Even when opinions did not align, the debate was fierce, intelligent and engaging. I wish our time together could have been longer to cultivate more friendships with this wonderful group of delegates. To John XXIII College and in particular Ms Farley, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity and support to participate in such a remarkable programme. 

Yvie Rigg

I am immensely grateful for Ms Farley, the College and the National Curriculum Services (NCS) for putting together this unforgettable trip. I would never have imagined that I would get to be in Canberra witnessing the discussion of such significant topics at a formative time in Australia’s history. I am most appreciative for the number of new friendships formed while on the trip. It was so refreshing to be around such a lovely group of like-minded and politically engaged peers – and for that I am truly grateful. 

Harry Court

Harry Court & Yvie Rigg

Year 12 Politics & Law ATAR Students

Nous allons au cinéma 

As part of the Alliance Française French film festival, the Year 10 and 11 French students enjoyed an excursion to Windsor Cinema to see a school’s screening of the film Sugar and Stars. Students were accompanied by teachers, Madame Griffin-Appadoo and Madame Outtrim. 

This film is a true story based on champion pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahem’s autobiography. Students were very touched watching his struggles to become a great pâtissier despite very humble beginnings and a terrible home situation. 

The film engendered some interesting discussions afterwards and here are some quotes from the French students. 

It had a moving story that kept me entertained the whole time as well as delicious desserts that made me very hungry.

I found the movie very interesting, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves cooking!

Merci beaucoup to Madame Griffin-Appadoo and Madame Outtrim with the organisation of this marvellous opportunity. 

Festeggiamo!

After a busy term of learning content and culture, the Year 7 and 8 Italian students have been learning about Pasqua (Easter) in Italy and the famous event; Il Carnevale. They learnt about the traditional symbols, dishes and significance with the Catholic Church and Italy’s long history. 

Students had the opportunity to decorate una maschera (a mask) and hope one day to visit the beautiful Venice and see the authentic and colourful masks in real life. 

Facciamo l’amicizia! (Making friends) 

In Italian this year, our Year 9 Italian class have been lucky enough to be able to communicate with students in Milan, Italy. Prof Polizzi is in contact with the Professoressa from Leone XIII College and her Grade 5 English class. 

We have all been assigned a different Grade 5 student, who are now our pen pals. We first begun by sending them our personal profiles to introduce ourselves, then we received PowerPoints from them introducing themselves too! We have sent our individual pen pal a document discussing the weather in Perth and asking them how the weather is in Milan. We are hoping to video call with the class so we can meet our pen pals more authentically in the near future. 

We hope that on the next Study Tour in two years’ time, we may have the opportunity to visit our pen pals in Milan and stay at their school! Sarebbe un’esperienza indimenticabile (This will be an unforgettable experience!)

Ruby Bogoias & Carla Chipperfield

Year 9

Melissa Polizzi

Head of Learning Area - Languages

Year 8 Perspective

It is no doubt that Term 1is jam-packed term full of events, assessments and changes which can sometimes leave students, teachers and parents in a state of fatigue. It is also a poignant time to reflect on our achievements and growth. What went well; what were the challenges we encountered and what we learnt from those experiences?

John XXIII College is an outstanding educational community where the support of fellow students, excellent staff and wonderful parents and carers all combine to help guide and form people of competence, conscience, compassion and a commitment to the service of others. 

Today on the last day of term, the Year 8s experienced a 'Commendation raffle draw' where students who have received an academic or behavioural commendation in SEQTA go into a draw to win a gift card and or multiple canteen vouchers. It is often easy to get caught up with a negative perception of a group when you are dealing with lower secondary issues of peer conflict, immature responses and impulsive behaviours from adolescents on a daily basis. It is times like this, however, I must remind myself and others of the wonderful growth and achievements our brilliant young people make on a regular basis. Over the second half of this term, there were over 140 commendations to Year 8 students ranging from recognition of achievement as well as effort. The commendations outweighed the concerns by nearly 2:1. Data, which hopefully can place perspective for us all!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and guardians for the support you demonstrate in not only supporting your Year 8 son or daughter but also the College this term. I wish you and you family a very happy Easter during this special season which reminds us to be people of joy and faith.  I hope the holidays provide a well deserved down-time and hope that the Year 8s can return recharged ready to face Term 2 with a positive-growth mindset.

Cameron Haines

Assistant Deputy Principal - Year 8

Slavery Free Chocolate Campaign

Pope Francis said, “every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.”

Not all chocolate is sweet. Not if a child has been forced to pick the cocoa beans - a key 

ingredient of chocolate. About 80% of cocoa comes from West Africa and it is estimated that almost 2 million children are in child labour in these areas.

They may never go to school or taste the chocolate they help produce.

Companies sourcing cocoa certified by Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance are working 

towards the elimination of slavery in the cocoa industry.

The Chocolate Scorecard 

(https://www.chocolatescorecard.com/) is also a useful resource in this regard.

Make a change this Easter and only buy chocolate displaying the Fairtrade or Rainforest 

Alliance logo. 

Janeen Murphy

Deputy Principal of Faith and Mission

SPORTS

NAS Sport

Congratulations to all Year 11 and 12 students who participated in the Senior NAS One Day Carnival on Monday 3 April. It was an incredible day that provided all students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities after training all term. Our teams all performed incredible with three teams managing to bring home premierships!

Senior NAS Placings

With Summer NAS concluding, I want to acknowledge all students and staff for their involvement. John XXIII College is becoming renowned for our commitment, enthusiasm and sportsmanship in all games and this is something we should all be proud of.

Congratulations to everyone involved in our Summer NAS program.

 Interhouse Cross-Country

Our Interhouse Cross-Country carnival is scheduled to take place on Friday 5 May. It’s a pleasure to announce that this carnival will return to its pre-Covid-19 format where the whole school will take part from Period 3 until the end of the school day in a rotation of the cross-country race and a series of spirit novelty events.

Cross Country Course Information

ACC Cross-Country Team Selection

The top 8 students will be selected from Years 7-10.

The top 10 students will be selected from Years 11/12.

Placing at the carnival does not guarantee a place in the ACC Cross-Country team. There will be challenge opportunities at our cross-country training sessions. All students are welcome at these sessions. 

Cross-Country Training

There will be a break for all cross-country training over the school holidays. All sessions up until the Interhouse Cross-Country Carnival will focus on practicing the new course. Training sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:00am-8:00am.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Tighe O’Toole and Taj Dorrington for winning gold in the U14 male Board Rescue at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Scarborough.

We are also excited to congratulate Kieran Kirk who achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt and Nicolas Reading, Year 12, who recently achieved his 2nd Dan Black Belt.

Sara Kononen

Head of Sport