Magis report 

The term has ended with a great deal of activity in the Magis program.  This Wednesday saw the final of the John XXIII College FameLab Competition. This was very successful with five excellent contestants and a judging panel of five teachers – all listed on the results pictorial collage attached. This worldwide STEM competition is for Year 9 students in WA.  The winner was Xavier Jeffrey with Tom Syminton in second place, and Meg Derbyshire, Asha Paton and Riley Campbell all performing extremely well. Xavier will go into the WA FameLab final at the Heath Ledger theatre in August. 

Last Friday about 110 Years 7 and 8 students witnessed an outstanding production by the Bell Shakespeare Company in the Roncalli Hall. This event is always a major highlight on the Magis calendar.  A pictorial collage is attached. On the weekend top Magis Year 12 students Oscar Hegge and Caitlin Green represented the College superbly in the 'Speak for Faith' Competition grand final at the Catholic Education Office. Oscar finished second, and John XXIII was the only school to have two grand finalist. Special thanks to Ms Turner and Ms Negus for their support of the students.

The Personal Project Display last week was most successful with some wonderful projects and great diversity of topics. See the attached pictorial highlighting the excellence of the Year 7 Magis option students’ work.

The Magis program for next term promises to be very exciting.  World Scholar’s Cup is returning, at least on a regional level.  Key events include:

• John XXIII Creative Writing (Short Stories Competition) entries due 28 July  (see attached flyer)
• The Famelab WA Final on 19 August
• WADL Debating League make-up round and finals
• The Magis Camp at Point Walter on 13-14 August for Years 7,8 and 9 Magis students
• The final Magis House Academic Challenge for the Year – Language/Literature in weeks 3 and 4
• World Scholar’s Cup (Years 7,8,9) at Aquinas College on 20-21 August
• Magis House Chess and Scrabble (weeks 6-8)
• Magis Awards Breakfast 2021 – 22 September

Several other important events will be publicised when details arrive. Warmest thanks to everyone  involved in Magis events this term – we have seen continued growth, development and excellence despite COVID.

Jim Miller

Magis Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator