From the Principal

Thank you to those who have commented upon the noticeable improvement to our new Newsletter format and website. It has been great to receive your feedback and suggestions for further improvement. It is important that the Newsletter is highly valued as an avenue for Community Communication, so please develop the habit of reading it each week.

I am delighted to report on two outstanding events in the Community this week. Firstly, the Year 12 Dinner Dance was held at the Hyatt Hotel last Saturday night. The venue was wonderful and easy to supervise, the food was delicious and the ambience created by the SRC was just perfect with a theme of "An Enchanted Garden". What however, was my greatest source of pride on the night was the presentation and behaviour of our students and guests. They were filled with fun and excitement, and I hope the thousands of photos taken on the night have managed to capture that spirit.

Much credit must be given to the responsible parents who hosted "pre-ball" gatherings and ensured the students were not offered alcohol. This ensured the students arrived in high spirits but not under the influence of alcohol! I commend the hard work of Luisa Pearton and the SRC; Veronica Brennan-Poland and Katie Persse who worked with the SRC; Ms Sarah Hammond the Year 12 Dean and the approximately 40 staff who attended to supervise. It was a wonderful night for all who attended.

The second major event for the week was the Year 12 Manresa (Retreat) which this year was held in 4 different venues on the outskirts of Perth. The sense of connection between these young people was very evident and I am sure these bonds will sustain them through the highs and lows of Year 12. They had a chance to reflect on the journey of life and the unconditional presence of God as their companion on the journey. A big thank you to Silvana Vicoli and all the staff who organised and supervised retreats.

It was a pleasure to attend the Curriculum Council Awards this year. John XXIII College featured very prominently with one student achieving a General Exhibition (Matt Geleta) and another a perfect ATAR of 99.95 (Andrew Pham). Certifcates of Distinction were also awarded to:

  • Imogen Buchan - Human Biological Science
  • Matthew Boere - English as an Additional Language
  • Andrew Pham - Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
  • Matthew Geleta - Physics
  • Anne Kim - Japanese as a Second Language

Certificates of Excellence were received by Matt Geleta, Andrew Pham, Rebecca Monks, Sarah Ho, Georgia Beasley, Matt Boere, Savannah Ebeling, Garrett Pearce and Maddy March-Anthony.

I congratulate all of these young scholars and we look forward to welcoming them back at a special Assembly on Friday February 17th.

I conclude by encouraging you to read a report written by Fr Peter Hoskings sj, on the visit by Fr Adolfe Nicolas, the Superior General of the Jesuits who recently visited Sydney. Although I was invited, I was unable to attend the meeting of Jesuit Principals and Rectors. I thought it was worth sharing some excerpts from his presentation as they have much to say to us a Parents and Educators. (Link below)

Together let us seek justice

Anne Fry
Principal

Date Claimer

Thursday 1st March 7.00pm
The College Parent Association has invited Mr Paul Dillon to address Parents on the 1st March. Paul spoke last year to Year 10, 11 and 12 students and Parents about the complex issues surrounding Drugs, Alcohol and Teenagers. He will again speak to Year 10, 11 and 12 and Parents this year. I am sure this will again prove very popular.

Saturday 17th March 9.00am - 12.00 College Open Day
We are currently enrolling for Year 7 2014 and Kindergarten 2014.

Report on the visit from the Superior General Society of Jesus, Fr Adolfe Nicolas