Foundations for the future
Thursday, 20 October 2022
The John XXIII Foundation continues to play a vital role as a steward of our College’s heritage and an advocate for its flourishing future. We are delighted to see so many of our Alumni who, having experienced a world-class Catholic education, wish to ensure that the generations that come after them have access to the same transformative experience.

A total of $347,000 has been donated since October 2019. Donors include current and past families, Alumni of Loreto, St Louis and John XXIII College and current and past staff members. We also have seven members in our Koolyangarra Bequest Society, who have made bequests in their wills to the Foundation. We are so grateful to all our donors, and we are particularly inspired to see many of our younger Alumni making generous contributions.

Leading the way

The John XXIII College Foundation is thrilled to announce that Alumni James Thompson (Class 1986) has become Chair of the John XXIII College Foundation. James joined the Foundation in 2018 as a member of the Finance and Investment Committee, and was elected as a Board Member in 2021. We are delighted he has accepted this pivotal role and know his skilled leadership will help strengthen the future of the Foundation, and of the College.

James has extensive family connections to John XXIII College, with his father Peter Thompson (St Louis Class 1958) and uncles John Thompson (St Louis Class 1961) and Andrew Thompson (St Louis Class 1963) all having attended St Louis. James attended John XXIII College on the current site with his siblings Alexandrea (Class 1988) and Angus (Class 1993). James is a past student, current and future parent at John XXIII College.

In reflecting on his long relationship with John XXIII College, James says:
John XXIII College really is a community for life. My family has a long and significant link to John XXIII College, and to St Louis. Being among the first students educated at the current Mount Claremont campus, I have always been grateful for the opportunities afforded me through my John XXIII College education. The Foundation’s Bursary Program is a way for all of us to provide opportunities to students who could not otherwise attend John XXIII College, in a similar way that many of the migrant refugees who were my peers at school were supported. I am passionate about building on this program through my role as Chair of the John XXIII College Foundation, and I sincerely thank Michael Anderson, previous Chair, for establishing the foundations that will benefit generations to come.

Forever in memory

The Foundation was deeply grateful to receive a donation from the Mory Family in memory of Alastair Mory (Class 2001). Alastair was a much-loved and popular member of the College community; a gifted academic, talented sportsman and generous and valued community member. This generous gift from Alastair’s family will help to provide other students with the same outstanding educational opportunities that he enjoyed, as well as ensure that he is remembered by the College community. Plans are in train for a place of reflection at the site of the Koolyangarra Dove, which will also acknowledge those, like Alastair, who leave a lifelong gift of education. Alastair’s gift has become part of the Bursary Fund, which will directly enable future students to benefit from a John XXIII College education. We extend our sincere thanks to the Mory Family.

Eulogy for Alastair Mory
By Tom Wallwork (Class 2011)

It’s good to see that so many came to farewell our friend today. A lot of us here knew Alastair for a long time, either through family, school, university or extended friends. We all know he was kind, caring and remarkably intelligent.
Through primary school he was a great swimmer and math whiz. He was smart enough to know how cheeky he could be with the teachers. He was always bringing in the latest technology and gadgets, and this brought him much acclaim.

High school was similar and his mischievous streak continued. He’d pull elaborate pranks, such as convincing the entire library that the printers were now voice activated, or tricking two teachers into thinking he was in the other one’s class for three months. During this time he’d take some friends to McDonald’s or study his other subjects.

These pursuits sometimes led him into trouble, but he always ended up acing his classes. He excelled at all athletics carnivals and a few extra-curricular activities.
He was an all-round talented guy, with the exception of ball sports... you can’t have everything.

At university Alastair fully embraced the student life, attending parties, festivals and camping trips. The fondest memories we have of Alastair are our outdoor getaways. He’d never miss an opportunity to go down to Joe’s block in Wilyabrup. He was integral to every trip and it won’t be the same without him.

In the most recent years Alastair really came into his truest self. He enjoyed discussions on technology, politics and science, and always had time to explain things for others’ benefit. Alastair always had a deeper understanding of the world; you’d come out of every conversation knowing something new. He was a great listener and he would always make time for his friends. Alastair will be greatly missed.

May he rest in peace.


If you would like to leave a lasting legacy by remembering John XXIII College in your will, The Foundation provides a convenient means of bequeathing funds to the College, allowing donors to watch over the lives of students who are yet to be born. All those who have made a bequest to the College are invited to join The Koolyangarra Society, which recognises and honours each donor’s contribution to our College mission.

Sowing the seeds: 2023 John XXIII College Bursary

The John XXIII College Bursary is a vital part of the Foundation’s vision. It supports a student in Year 7 or above whose family could not otherwise afford a John XXIII College education, by covering the tuition fees for their entire secondary education.

Thank you to all those in our community who shared information about the Bursary this year. We received a significant number of applications and the recipient has now been confirmed. The Bursary is only possible due to the generosity of the John XXIII College community. The family of the student who was awarded the Bursary for 2023 shared the following reflection:

Our family was raised in an environment where we were always encouraged to generously share with those in need. We learned about the ‘pay it forward’ concept at an early age. Now in later life, our family’s circumstances are such that our income is constrained. We are so grateful to be the recipients of the generous giving of the JTC parents and alumni. We chose John XXIII College because of the strong Catholic ethos that was evident in the staff and students that we spoke to. We continue to experience the vibrancy of the living Catholic faith that is so important to us. We realise that the circle of giving continues throughout our lives. For now, we are the beneficiaries; in the future we hope we can bless others with the same generosity. This is what we aim to teach to the next generation. It is a privilege to be part of the Catholic community of John XXIII College. Thank you.