Courage, creativity and commitment

Visual Arts at The West Australian Pulse

Catherine Mundy, Clara North, Sarah Panetta and Bianca Petsos have been selected to exhibit their work at The West Australian Pulse 2026, the state’s premier showcase of Visual Arts ATAR student output. Their paintings will be on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where the exhibition opened on 2 May.

Selection for the exhibition is highly competitive, with only the most accomplished pieces chosen to represent the calibre of artistic talent emerging from 43 WA schools. To have four graduates selected from one school is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates the strength of our Visual Arts program.

Visual Arts Coordinator, Ms Kiri Moore, expressed great pride in what the four have achieved.

‘Their work is not only highly skilful and discerning in selection and use of media, but also deeply socially conscious.

‘These students have created a diverse range of artworks that comment on the world around them and reflect on their own experiences as young people in contemporary society.

‘Their works being selected for Pulse is a fitting acknowledgement of their hard work and creativity.’

Performing Arts at His Majesty’s Theatre

Madeleine Nankivell was selected to join the Performing Arts Perspectives Cast for 2026, one of just 25 students chosen to perform on the main stage at His Majesty’s Theatre. She presented work across music, dance and drama as part of this prestigious showcase.

Both Madeleine and fellow graduate Georgia Philpott were invited to audition for Performing Arts Perspectives after achieving over 90% in their practical drama exams in 2025. This invitation itself represents recognition of their outstanding performance throughout the year.

Head of Learning Area – Drama, Mr George Tsakisiris, spoke about the significance of their results and selection.

‘We are incredibly proud of both students for achieving such outstanding results in their ATAR drama practical exam. To receive over 90% at this level is no small feat – it reflects not only their considerable talent, but also their discipline, resilience, and countless hours of dedicated rehearsal and refinement.’

‘To have Madeleine selected for the Performing Arts Perspectives Cast further demonstrates the calibre of her performance and the depth of her artistry. This is a significant achievement, and one that has been earned through sustained effort and passion.’

Creative growth and Ignatian values

The journeys these six graduates have taken through their respective arts disciplines embody several key principles central to learning at John XXIII College.

Catherine’s attention to detail and connection to pop art culture, Clara’s discovery of oil painting as her preferred medium, Sarah’s evolution from strict realism towards bold colour and texture, and Bianca’s decision to switch from Physics to Art ATAR all reflect the practice of discernment and self-reflection – learning to recognise and accept one’s particular gifts.

Their experiences in Visuals Arts created a space where students found strength in community, were supported not just academically but emotionally and creatively, and developed the confidence to explore their distinctive styles. This embodies cura personalis – care for the whole person.

Madeleine and Georgia’s achievement of over 90% in their practical drama exams, and Madeleine’s subsequent selection for Performing Arts Perspectives, demonstrates the spirit of striving for excellence and finding innovative pathways through dedication and discipline.

The development of time management skills, artistic discipline and creative confidence alongside technical abilities shows the holistic approach to learning championed by Ignatian pedagogy. These young people have learned to balance multiple demands, examine their strengths and weaknesses, and emerge with not just completed pieces or polished performances but with a deeper understanding of themselves as artists and individuals.

The visual artists spoke about the atmosphere of their classroom as a collaborative environment where students used their gifts not in isolation but in service of inspiring and encouraging one another towards the magis – the greater good. This same spirit of mutual support characterises the performing arts disciplines at the College.

As visitors to the Art Gallery of Western Australia view the four paintings throughout the Pulse 2026 exhibition, and as audiences attend Performing Arts Perspectives at His Majesty’s Theatre, they will witness the culmination of years of dedication and growth. More than that, they will see the fruits of an educational environment that nurtures the whole person, honours individual gifts, and encourages young people to find beauty and meaning in creative expression.

Congratulations to Catherine, Clara, Sarah, Bianca, Madeleine and Georgia. We look forward to following their continuing journeys as artists.

Visitors to The West Australian Pulse 2026 exhibition are encouraged to vote for their favourite work in The West Australian People’s Choice Award. Visitor voting is open from 6:30pm, Friday 15 May until 5pm, Sunday 23 August (AWST), with the winner announced on Saturday 29 August. The student artist whose work receives the most votes will receive $2,500. The school the artist attended will receive an AGWA workshop and tour package. And one lucky voter will win a $100 AGWA Design Store voucher.