text: Newsletter - Issue Sixty Two
  The Patron Saint of Plan B
  Last week we conducted Course Counselling interviews for Year 10 students. It is an enjoyable task to meet with our students and their parents and look at study pathways for the future. Some students have very definitive aspirations, but most are trying to keep options open for the years to come.
  This week we celebrated the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Jesuits. He is sometimes called the 'Patron Saint of Plan B' (Fr James Martin SJ). He was at various points in his life a soldier, a mystic, a beggar, a pilgrim, a student, a priest, a fundraiser, a spiritual director and an administrator. Life was sometimes tough and confusing! When he was a young man, he thought he was going to be a great soldier, but a cannonball shattered his leg and ended his military career. At each juncture, Ignatius had to discern what to do when it seemed like his path was blocked.
  Ignatius shows us that the pathway of life can be somewhat circuitous and there is nothing wrong with changing your mind. It is a good message for our students to try and keep options open for the future and to look at pursuing interests, abilities and passions.
  A similar message was promoted when former student, Jenelle Moloney nee Lawton (Class 1996) visited the College. She was a guest speaker at the High Achievers' Breakfast last week. Jenelle delivered a very inspiring and relevant speech to a captive audience of Years 7-12 students. Working as a General Practitioner, Jenelle spoke eloquently of her balanced life which included family, work and recreational interests. Medicine was not her first option and it took time for her to realise it would be her chosen career path. It was an excellent message for all in attendance. We are also delighted that Jenelle's young children are now attending the College as we are always thrilled when the family connection moves to new generations.
  We are getting right into the heart of the term now and many wonderful learning opportunities are happening in our classrooms and around the school.
  Today we commenced Founders' Time with a whole school Prayer Assembly. Founders' Time gives our community time to reflect on our three patrons – St Pope John XXIII, St Ignatian Loyola and Mary Ward.
  It is through our founders that we have great stories to share of people who lived out their faith with optimism, courage and integrity and the staff always take the time to revisit their stories with the students during this special time.
  There is always so much activity around Founders' Time that engages students, staff and parents and the highlight is the John XXIII Day celebrations next Friday. The day will begin with a Mass in the College Gymnasium and will then continue with stalls and fun and fitness activities in the afternoon. The proceeds raised through the mini-fete will go to the Loreto and Jesuit missions. More details below.
  I look forward to seeing many parents at the Parent Party on Saturday night. Good will, a sense of community and friendship, and the collaboration of staff and parents always ensure that the party is a huge success.
  Congratulations to Thalia Kurniawan (5B) who is a winner in the Therapy Focus 2018 Art Competition.
  Therapy Focus received over 5300 from 101 schools across the state, including a number of colourful and creative artworks from our students. A panel of judges were tasked with the difficult job of choosing the finalists and winners in this year's competition and Thalia's artwork was selected to feature in the published storybook.
  An exhibition of the 100 finalists including artwork from Isabella Desiati (5G), Bridget Owen (5G) and Syliva Czajko (5G), and the winning artworks will go on display at the Perth Town Hall during Children's Book Week from Monday 20 August to Saturday 25 August.
  Well done to all amazing artists!
  Star Swamp - By Christopher Cesare (4G)
  This term the Year 4s are learning all about ecosystems in our environment. To learn more about this topic we went to Star Swamp, North Beach, to do some field work and explore a real life ecosystem in more depth. At 10:00am, we arrived at the Henderson Centre, our base for the day, and begun our short walk into the reserve, ready to embrace the day's exciting activities.
  After a five minute walk, we reached a grassy area and both classes observed the swampland with binoculars, ticking off the flora and fauna we found. Ollie and I found a speedy bird called a Darter and a lot of ducks. The two types of ducks we found were the Mountain and the Black duck. We observed the plants, too, pointing out introduced and native plants. We saw lots of reeds and leafy trees popping out of the water.
  Next, we examined the water quality, including the turbidity (how clean it was,) the salt content and the temperature. I found the technique to find the turbidity of the water very interesting. There was a long, clear plastic tube with some black, wavy lines at the bottom. You had to pour the water sample in the tube, stopping every now and then to look down the tube. If you couldn't see the black lines, you had to read the number on the tube, which would give you the turbidity reading.
  The final activity that we completed was the macro invertebrates investigation. We used large plastic trays and scooped swamp water into these. We then used spoons to catch and identify the different macro invertebrates that we found, using an identification chart and a magnifying glass. It was amazing to see all of the living organisms in the water.
  The Year 4s had a wonderful excursion to Star Swamp and we encourage everyone to get out into their local environment to see what incredible creatures they can find!
  Athletics Trials – Ready, Steady, go!
  On Tuesday the Years 3-6 students had their running times taken by Timing Solutions for the 60m hurdles, the 100m or 80m sprint and the 200m sprint. From these results the competitors will now be placed in their appropriate divisions for the Interhouse Carnival scheduled for Thursday 6 September. This day gives the students a wonderful opportunity to compete and practice in races using timing gates. Well done to all the students for their tremendous cooperation and running efforts throughout the day. A special mention to the Parents' Association for generously sponsoring Timing Solutions for the Athletic time trials.
  Captain Clean Up came to visit Pre Primary this week and taught the children all about looking after the environment. They learnt that we can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle everyday to help keep our world a clean and healthy place for every plant, animal and human and how extremely important it is to make sure our rubbish goes into the bin.
  Mrs Dillon & Miss Di Biaggio
  Monday 6 August Pre Kindy B Photos
  Tuesday 7 August Cross Country Training 7:30am
  Wednesday 8 August Australian Maths Competition
  Thursday 9 August IPSHA Cross Country Carnival in Bunbury
  Friday 10 August John XXIII Day Mass & Celebrations
  The celebration of John XXIII Day is scheduled for Friday 10 August. It is one of the special occasions during the year when the entire student body are involved in community celebrations.
  The day will begin with a College Mass at 9am in the St Louis Sports Centre. The day will then continue with a 'mini-fete' organised by our Years 5 and 6 students. This mini-fete will consist of various games and food novelties. On this special occasion our normal nutrition guidelines are relaxed but parents may like to provide guidelines for their children.
  While it is always at a parent's discretion, we recommend the following guidelines for spending money.
  Pre Primary & Year 1 $2.50 (5 x 50 cent coins)
  Year 2 - 6 $5 - $10
  All students are required to wear their sports uniform and House shirt for the day. They also need to bring a snack for morning tea and their lunch.
  Mary Ward Secondary-MasterChef
  Come and enter our MasterChef competition. There are two entry categories:
  All year groups welcome.
  John XXIII Day - 10 August
  Entry forms available from the Mary Ward Secondary
  Inaugural John XXIII Day best dressed pet competition
  Would you like your pet to have a starring role in the 2018 John XXIII College Magazine or win your pet and yourself some great prizes?
  Loyola House is running a new competition this year. Different Categories including:
  All members and friends of the JTC community are welcome to enter.
  You can enter as many times as you like but each entry costs $1.00.
  (a) print out the picture – write your name, class, your pet's name and the category on the back, put it in an envelope with your money and put in in the special box at the front administration (primary) or at student reception (secondary) or
  (b) send an email with the picture attached to: jtcbestdressedpet2018@gmail.com include your name, class, your pet's name and the category in the email, put your money in an envelope with your name and class on it and put in in the special box at the front administration (primary) or at student reception (secondary).
  Entries close 4pm on Thursday 9 August.
  Entries will be judged by a panel of committed pet enthusiasts!
  Any questions – send an email to jtcbestdressedpet2018@gmail.com or alison.oconnor1@cewa.edu.au
  John XXIII College City to Surf Team
  Students, families, friends and staff are all invited to join the John XXIII College 2018 City to Surf Team. Challenge yourself and others by choosing to enter the 4km, 12km, 21km or marathon.
  Team name is John XXIII College and no password required. Team link https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=29601&G=65723
  On Friday 27 July all students studying French took part in a French Breakfast experience. Students put the vocabulary they have been learning in class into action, asking in French for traditional French breakfast items, such as croissants, pain aux raisins, pain au chocolat and chocolat chaud. Students had a variety of activities to complete during the lesson to reinforce their breakfast knowledge, they had a go at snakes and ladders, answering questions linked to the module to avoid starting again, memory games in pairs with breakfast vocabulary and a challenge to work out as many cryptic clues as possible to discover what the 20 French breakfast cereals were. We listened to French radio too, giving the classroom a truly French feeling.
  Well done to all students for their super French and to Mrs Mace for her help in getting the food out warm to the students! Merci.
  Madame Charly
  During Term 3 the Years 11 and 12 Careers and Enterprise students are participating in the Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP). This program is run by Paul Litwin from the Innovation Institute and facilitated by teaching staff. It is providing our students with the opportunity to develop their ideas and 21st century enterprise skills so they are equipped to build a strong future for themselves and others. It has been exciting to observe such enthusiasm and energy from our senior students at the start of this program. The program culminates with an Innovation Expo, run by the students, which will be held during that last week of Term 3.
  Careers and Enterprise Teacher
  HASS - Year 7
  In HASS this term Year 7 students have learned about the place of water in our world. This week they experienced what it might be like for people trying to manage water in developing nations facing severe water scarcity. The students have constructed their own 'Tippy Taps'. The tippy tap is a safe way to wash hands that is especially appropriate where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance for bacteria transmission. It uses only 40 millilitres of water to wash hands versus 500 millilitres using a mug. Additionally, the used 'waste' water can go to plants or back into the water table.
  Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 7
  HASS - Year 12
  Year 12 ATAR Geography students had a very successful day of field work on Wednesday.
  As part of Unit 4: Planning Sustainable Places, they investigated the challenges facing Perth and planning solutions to address these challenges. Students walked around the CBD, Northbridge and the Cultural Precinct as well as travelled by bus through East Perth, West Perth, Subiaco and Claremont.
  In spite of the inclement weather it was a terrific day and a great learning opportunity.
  HASS & Geography Teacher
  Welcome to the Fujimi Exchange group
  The 2018 Fujimi International Exchange has begun! On Sunday afternoon 35 rather nervous Japanese students were warmly welcomed into the hearts and homes of 35 wonderful host families. The group had come from an extremely hot and humid Tokyo, so the fine, cool winter Perth day was a great relief.
  This year the group are accompanied by Fujimi teachers, Mr Ryoji Ishizawa and Ms Fumiko Yasumura. In addition, our long-term friend from the Japan Tourist Bureau, Ms Yoko Yamazaki, safely guided the group to their destination.
  International Exchanges really do bring our John XXIII Community together in a show of warmth and open-heartedness. A big thank you to all our host families. The smiles on the faces of our Fujimi visitors on Monday morning are testament to the wonderful hospitality you share with them.
  Thank you especially to Ms Glen James. Without her extraordinary generous spirit, attention to detail, presentation skills and sense of humour, this exchange would not be possible. In addition, thanks to Ms Helen Aghdasi, Ms Elena Rowson, Ms Kiri Moore, Mr Darren Kowal and Ms Marnie Barrett for integrating the exchange students into your lessons. Further appreciation is extended to Mr Rob Deurloo and Ms Kiri Moore for putting in extra time and effort to help our visitors make, design and throw a home-made Aussie boomerang. Congratulations to the Year 11 Japanese class for their welcome speech.
  Finally, a huge thank you to the staff from Maintenance, Grounds, ICT, Accounts, Administration and Photocopying for your support.
  Would you please be kind enough to inform the College in writing by Friday 21 September (end of Term 3) if there has been a change of circumstance to ensure that you are not charged a full Term's fees. This will then allow us to plan, place and finalise our enrolments for the 2019 school year.
  Please direct further questions to Laurence Dubuisson, College Registrar Laurence.dubuisson@cewa.edu.au or 9383 0449. We appreciate your help and co-operation.
  Interschool Athletics – Year 7 to 12
  Based on the results of the Father Kevin King Cup, House Athletics Carnival, students will be invited to the Interschool team. Students will receive a letter in homeroom with details of events ahead.
  A reminder to all students that athletics training has commenced. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7am. Whilst students in the team are encouraged to attend, training is open to all students.
  First Rugby match - John XXIII College v Christchurch Grammar School
  John XXIII College rugby team will be playing Christchurch Grammar School. Team members would love to see some John XXIII College support at the game.
  Venue: CCGS playing fields, St Johns Wood (new)
  2018 Interhouse Athletics Carnival - Father Kevin King Cup
  The 2018 Interhouse Athletics Carnival (Father Kevin King Cup) was held at the WA Athletics Stadium yesterday, Thursday 9 August .
  The weather conditions weren't ideal with wind and rain throughout the day, however, participation was still excellent and the contest fierce.
  The carnival began with the traditional Year 12 entrance parade. The well-choreographed, energetic performances from the Year 12 students set the scene for an exciting day of competition.
  The novelty and numerous track events gave everyone an opportunity to participate and it was so pleasing to see Houses filling each event and competing in a serious manner.
  The final result was very close. Campion took an early lead, but reigning champions St Louis were not going to be easily beaten and it was a see-sawing battle between Campion and St Louis right up until the final few events.
  Congratulations to St Louis for taking out the top prize and winning the Father Kevin King Cup for the second consecutive year. Campion were presented with the Spirit Award and Ward were the best dressed House for 2018.
  All Age Champions and Runner Up Champions will be announced at the next Secondary assembly.
  Overall a fantastic day was had by all. Many thanks to the John XXIII College Staff, parent helpers and the team from Timing Solutions. Thank you to students for their resilience and enthusiastic contribution on the day.
  Congratulations to James Hackett - Year 11
  James has been awarded vice Captaincy of the State Schools Under 16 Hockey team and will be travelling to the Gold Coast to represent WA in the State Schools competition in early August.
  Squad selection will occur from the Carnival and Pre-Carnival events; however all students are welcome to attend training sessions to improve their skill and fitness. Final ACC team selection will be a result of performance at training and results from both the House and NAS Carnivals.
  Staff and specialist external coaches will be present at each session. Students are to be ready on the track for a 6:55am team warm-up.
  Dates and times of trainings are below:
  Tues 7 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Thurs 9 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Tues 14 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Thurs 16 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Tues 21 Aug NAS Carnival - No training
  Thurs 23 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Tues 28 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Thurs 30 Aug 6:55am-8am
  Tues 4 Sep 6:55am-8am
  Thurs 6 Sep 6:55am-8am
  As the end of the season is getting closer we look toward the Spring Competition. Registrations are now open for all age groups and are done on a team basis directly with Perth Netball Association. Details can be found on their website http://www.perthnetball.com.au/competitions/spring-competition/
  The AGM and Windup with be announced soon so please keep a look out for that information.
  We will be looking for volunteers to join our committee as some long term volunteers leave us this year. If you are interested in joining us and would like some information please contact us via email johnxxiiicnc@gmail.com
  One of the most anticipated concerts of the year – the John XXIII College's Jazz Night at the Ellington – will be held at the famous Ellington Jazz Club this Monday, 6 August. Commencing at 7:00pm (doors open 6:30pm), this concert features performances by the Swing Band, Small Combo, Saxophone Ensembles, Barbershop, Senior Madrigal and Year 12 soloists. Tickets for this popular concert are extremely limited, and can be booked via the following link:
  http://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/event/john-xxiii-college-jazz-night-2/
  Applications to perform at the Twilight Recital on Sunday 19 August are now open. Forms are available through the Music Office or from Music Staff. Students of all ages who take lessons on an instrument or voice are invited to perform in a relaxed, friendly environment to a welcoming audience. The Twilight Recital will be held in the GBLT, commencing at 5:30pm.
  Photos of all College Music Ensembles will take place on Wednesday 15 August from 7:00am – 10:00am. The photos will be taken in the Osborne Room and students are required to wear full College uniform and bring their instrument (if applicable). A full schedule is listed below – students are to arrive for their photos 15 minutes before their allocated time. If you have any questions, please contact the Music Department.
  Year 11 production
  7pm, Loreto Drama Centre
  Next Friday 10 August, as it is John XXIII Day, the whole College community will celebrate the Eucharist, with Archbishop Timothy presiding. Mass will be in the St Louis Sport Centre at 9:00am. Parents are very welcome to attend this Mass. (There will be NO Community Mass at 8:00am next Friday.)
  Friday 31 August, there will be a joint Community/Primary Mass dedicated to dads. This special celebration of the Eucharist, prepared by Year 5, will be in the St Louis Sports Centre at 7:30am. (Note the earlier start time.) All dads and grandfathers of Primary or Secondary students are encouraged to attend.
  GOOD NEWS for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
  'Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst.'
  WHO CAN SATISFY HUMAN APPETITES?
  The Bedouins wander through the desert regions greatly depending on what they come across for food.
  There is a type of tamarisk tree which grows in those regions and from it a honey-like substance exudes and drops to the ground. It perishes quickly but if gathered early it gives a wonderful boost to energy short-term. The Bedouin word for this is: 'mann'.
  Notice how close this is to 'manna'. The Jewish people wandering in the desert were desperate with hunger and close to starvation. Next morning, manna!
  So, perhaps, the manna was a natural phenomenon, like the quails that had come up into the camp the evening before. Nevertheless, both were an expression of Divine Providence in a perilous situation. It was indeed 'manna from heaven'.
  God had satisfied their craving, their appetite for food.
  Appetites are good things. Sometimes in Catholic history they have been regarded as something to be suppressed, but actually they tell us what we need as human beings.
  Our appetite for food and drink is a good thing and must be satisfied or our bodies will collapse through malnutrition.
  Out appetite for affection and acceptance is a good thing and must be satisfied or we disintegrate socially. If we are fortunate, we will find companionship which satisfies that appetite.
  The universal appetite for knowing where we are in the Big Picture of the universe is a good thing. Human beings have a desire to know the truth about Reality…
  All these appetites, bodily, social and spiritual, need to be satisfied if we are to be fully human.
  Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims in today's Gospel that he is the satisfaction of our deepest human appetites.
  Jesus says: 'I am not like the manna which ordinarily perishes overnight. I am not like the manna of the ancient Jewish people given to them alone. I am the Bread from Heaven which gives life to the world.'
  'To the world,' not to some particular tribe of human beings, but to the whole of humanity, indeed to the whole of creation. And the life is nothing less than participation in Divine Life: eternal life.
  'I am the one who can nourish the world with Divine Life. I am the one who can fulfil the human desire to exist in creation in the way God intended.'
  There are hundreds upon hundreds of people and organisations claiming that they can satisfy our hungers and thirsts as human beings.
  [We] are challenged to take a stand and agree with the Gospel when it says that [Jesus] is indeed 'the Bread of God who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'
  Jesus Christ is the one who can satisfy the real deep down hunger which each one of us has, the hunger for life beyond the seeming extinction of death.
  The bread which is brought up at the Offertory: 'fruit of the earth and work of human hands', after invoking the Holy Spirit and speaking the words of consecration, is no longer short term food like the manna in the desert. It becomes for us the bread of life.
  But, more than that, this heavenly bread which we receive in holy communion with our Risen Lord is the effective start of the process of transformation of the whole cosmos. St Paul says in Romans that the whole of creation is yearning to share in the resurrection life of Christ in a way beyond our imagining.
  So at every Mass we are in the Real Presence of the One who gives life to the world.
  Try-A-Trade programs provide students with hands-on experience in a range of building and construction trades. Programs are delivered offsite by registered training organisations during normal school hours. The duration of the courses range from 1-3 days.
  Dental Health Week 6-12 August
  Dental Health Week is the Australian Dental Association's major annual oral health promotion event. Its aim is to educate Australians about the importance of maintaining good oral health by promoting these key messages:
  Clean in between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental brush.
  Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit sugar intake.
  Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and preventative treatment.
  Please go to: www.ada.org.au to view fact sheets and resources.
  Resource: Australian Dental Association​
  John XXIII Day Friday 10 August – Food Allergy Awareness
  If your child has a food allergy, please remind him/her to be very careful when choosing food on John XXIII Day. If your child is unsure of what ingredients are in a food, please remind them not to eat it. If your child has a prescribed Epipen, it is advised this is carried on them if age appropriate.
  If you are concerned, it is advised your child brings food from home.
  The 2018 Term Three Parents' Association meeting will be held on Monday 13 August at 7pm in the Thomas More Exhibition Centre. All parents and guardians of John XXIII College students are welcome to attend. Please come and hear updates from the school leadership team and have your say on where our Parents' Association funds are spent this Term.
  All funding proposals and special agenda items for the Term Three meeting will be outlined in next week's newsletter.