The John XXIII College mannequin skirt incorporates colour, imagery, and text that convey the rich history, culture, and surroundings of John XXIII College. 

The lower band of the skirt features native plants and flowers of the Perth region. The painted artworks of native flora were completed in 2023 as part of the College’s Year 7 Visual Arts Day program. During this program, students delved into the Noongar seasonal calendar, which includes six distinct seasons in a yearly cycle. Each season highlights the environmental changes we witness annually, such as the blooming of banksias, acacias, and the blossoms of marri trees — natural indicators of seasonal transitions. Many of these beautiful plants can be seen around the College grounds, planted by staff and students of the Sustainability Club, who are dedicated to land revegetation and creating habitats for the native birds that inhabit the area.

The central area of the skirt includes distinctive landmarks of our College: 

Sculpture of founder St Ignatius of Loyola:

The sculpture of Saint Ignatius of Loyola at John XXIII College honours the legacy of a man profoundly inspired by the Holy Spirit. As the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, St Ignatius was driven by a deep commitment to live a life of service and devotion to God. His mission was to create ‘men for others’ — individuals dedicated to serving others with compassion, integrity, and justice.

St Ignatius’ life and teachings are a cornerstone of the College’s identity, reflected in the Loyola House motto, ‘As much as you are able, that much dare to do.’ This motto embodies the spirit of courage and determination that St Ignatius encouraged in his followers — challenging them to strive for excellence in all things, guided by faith and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.

The sculpture stands as a reminder to all members of the College community of the importance of spiritual discernment, selflessness, and the pursuit of a greater purpose. It invites students to reflect on their own journey of faith and to embrace the Ignatian call to be people of action, compassion, and leadership in the service of others.

Becoming Sculpture created by SafeHaven Studios for the College entrance:

This artwork speaks of potential and becoming. It reaches for higher things.

Through the motif of the infinity symbol combined with the Christian symbol of a cross, there is a union, an intertwining, a togetherness, while at the same time it feels like there is room to move. The sculpture speaks of equality and a fluid equilibrium, like two bodies of water coming together.

Statue of Pope St John XXIII:

The statue of Pope St John XXIII stands as a tribute to a leader renowned for his vision of renewal and openness within the Catholic Church. Affectionately known as ‘Good Pope John, ’ he is most celebrated for convening the Second Vatican Council, a pivotal event that sought to modernise the Church and engage more deeply with the contemporary world.

Pope St John XXIII’s commitment to tradition, faith, and service made him a fitting patron for the College, which was founded with these same principles in mind. His deep sense of humility, compassion, and dedication to social justice resonate with the values that the College strives to instill in its students.

The statue serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of Pope John XXIII’s call to renewal and his enduring message of peace, dialogue, and unity. His life and papacy encourage us to embrace change with courage and to remain steadfast in our commitment to faith and the common good. As a priest, diplomat, Patriarch, and Pope, his legacy is one of leadership marked by a profound love for humanity and an unwavering commitment to fostering a more just and compassionate world.

Mary Ward sculpture:

The Mary Ward sculpture represents the spirit and legacy of a remarkable woman who founded the Loreto order. Mary Ward was a visionary who believed in the importance of education for women and dedicated her life to the empowerment of others through learning and spiritual development. Her tireless efforts led to the establishment of schools across the world, including those associated with the Loreto tradition.

At John XXIII College, Mary Ward’s legacy is evident in our commitment to fostering strong, compassionate, and educated individuals. The sculpture serves as a reminder of her pioneering work in advocating for women's education and her unwavering faith in God's plan. This connection to our Loreto founders underpins the values we instill in our students, emphasising the importance of academic excellence, social justice, and spiritual growth.

The phrase ‘Feminine Fortitude, ’ often associated with Mary Ward, encapsulates her determination and resilience in overcoming the challenges of her time. Her famous quote, ‘Women in time will come to do much, ’ is a testament to her belief in the potential of women to make significant contributions to society — a belief that continues to inspire the ethos of the College.

Koolyangarra Dove:

Koolyangarra is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting place of happy children’ . The white dove of Koolyangarra House represents peace.

The top section of the skirt captures the beauty of the College campus and celebrates the space where students learn and grow to become people for others. The blue of the sky, mimicking the blue of the College uniforms, contrasts with the distinctive red of the College rooftops, the gold of the limestone buildings, and the greens of the lush grounds. The top portion pictures the sheltering trees of courtyards where students gather. These scenes and colours are overlaid with the College’s statements: Competence, Conscience, Compassion, and Commitment to God. As well as the distinctive quote of our founder, Mary Ward, ‘Do good and do it well, ’ and the College motto, ‘Seek Justice.’