From the Principal

John XXIII Day

John XXIII Day is eagerly awaited each year. The College was founded with an optimistic vision of renewal of tradition, faith, service and openness. Pope St John XXIII was, therefore, a fitting patron since these qualities always distinguished him as a Priest, diplomat, Patriarch and Pope.

Today we remember the example of our Founders, and in particular the inspired choice of the St Louis and Loreto communities in 1976 to name the new school after Pope John XXIII. 

The Interim Council of Loreto and St Louis, in making its decision, felt that it was particularly appropriate that the new school should be named after Pope John, a man universally admired, and who did so much to foster the spirit of unity and ecumenism. 

John XXIII won the love and respect of the pluralist, twentieth century world by his simplicity, his humour and his holiness. His own personal charity was a down-to-earth response to the gospel; he visited the sick, the poor, the imprisoned, and, at the same time, his experience as a kind of international diplomat led to the early directives about the responsibilities of rich countries for their developing neighbours. 

The spirit of amalgamation is also symbolised in the name:  John XXIII was the Pope who broke down barriers, let the Holy Spirit, as a wind of change, into the Church; the Second Vatican Council was his inspiration, that Council, whose aim was unity and whose method was renewal. We know some of the results of this Council in the Church’s new spirit of ecumenism, unity among all Christians, the emphasis on the local church and the growing importance of the laity, all ideas that have played a significant part in the amalgamation. 

In the context of the Second Vatican Council, aggiornamento referred to Pope John XXIII’s efforts to open the doors and windows to bring new life to the Church. Our College Song reflects the notion beautifully as we ‘lead from the heart in all we do’ and ‘let justice in’.

Happy John XXIII Day!

Australian census - 10 August 2021

The Australian census on 10 August 2021 will provide a snapshot of who Australians are and what is important to us. The census is a key tool that government uses to determine how organisations, schools, church ministries and community groups are prioritised, funded and empowered to best operate in our State.

If your faith is important to you or if you identify with Christian values, please use your voice in the Australian census when asked your religion.

This is an important opportunity to demonstrate the significance of faith-based families in our West Australian community and will support endeavours to secure equitable access to opportunities and resources.

Robert Henderson

Principal