John XXIII College Newsletter

From the Principal

The good Pope

 

‘Pope John XXIII taught me to love people from all over the world and to be kind. He must have been very special because our school was named after him.’ Peyton Turner 2B

I was looking for a good introduction given we have celebrated John XXII Day today. Peyton has summed it beautifully.

 

This is a special time of year when we celebrate our Founders and the contributions made by generations of students, staff and families to our College. Thank you to all our students for their superb participation in today’s Mass and other Feast Day activities.

 

As our College evolves it becomes increasingly important that we maintain our links to our heritage and celebrate our past, our present and our future. 

 

Sr Theresa (Tess) Elliott, our College Archivist, often provides me with excellent articles and information related to the College and its history. The naming of our facilities has been well coordinated in the past:

Roncalli HallBuilt 1986 and extended 2016. Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli 1881-1963, became Pope John XXIII 1959-1962. Roncalli was canonised in 2014 and his feast is 11 Oct, the opening day of Vatican Two Council.
Angelo VillageBuilt 2013 and given John XXIII’s baptismal name.
Mary Ward CentreBuilt 2002. Mary Ward, 1585-1645, founded a group of women religious using Ignatian Constitutions
Circle of Friends CaféBuilt 2002. Mary Ward, in 1609, gathered a group of young women around her in an open circle, sharing the work of education and welcoming others to join them. The Open Circle Painting was referred to as the Circle of Friends, indicating inclusivity and welcome.
Companions WingBuilt 1986. Mary Ward and her Companions opened their first school in 1609 in Europe. Mary Ward’s companions were committed to educating young women in their faith at a time when learning for women was not generally accepted. Ignatius Loyola gathered his Companions in 1622.
Gonzaga Barry Lecture TheatreBuilt 2002. Sr Mary Gonzaga Barry 1834-1915 led the first Loreto Sisters from Ireland to Australia in 1875. She visited Perth in 1896 at the request of the Bishop and sent the first Sisters to Perth in 1897.
Julia Field CentreBuilt 2009 for Year 7 classes. Julia Field was known as Mother de Sales Field and was the leader of the first Loreto Sisters in Western Australia in 1897 and taught at Loreto Adelaide Terrace 1897-1901 then at Loreto Osborne in Claremont 1901-1911.
Loreto Performing ArtsBuilt 1994, extended 2016
Ignatius CentreBuilt 1986. Ignatius Loyola, 1491-1556, founded the Society of Jesus in 1622. Ignatius recognised the great value of education and learning. The Jesuit priests taught at St Louis School in Claremont from 1938 until 1976.
Xavier WingBuilt 1986, restructured 2012. Francis Xavier was an early companion of Ignatius. He was a missionary in China and died 1631.
Jesuit Environment and Science CentreBuilt 2008. Commemorates the Jesuit value of learning and education.
St Louis Sports CentreOpened 2013.
Chisholm PavilionBuilt 1986, covered in 1996. Recognises the contribution of Caroline Chisholm, 1808–1877, to the safety of immigrant girls and women in early New South Wales.
Thomas More Exhibition CentreBuilt 2002. Thomas More, 1478-1535, was highly respected for his learning, integrity, and faithfulness. This building also commemorates the work of the Jesuit priests at Thomas More College at the University of Western Australia.
MacKillop RoomBuilt 1986. Mary MacKillop, 1842-1909, was a pioneer educator, particularly in remote areas. In 2010 she became Australia’s first recognised saint. Her feast is tomorrow 8 August.

 

Robert Henderson

Principal