Around The Primary

Dear Parents

It is hard to believe we are now at the halfway point for Term 1!  Our school is a busy place even though we are doing some things differently due to COVID-19. 

The Year 4-6 students were really excited to be able to participate in our Interhouse Swimming Carnival albeit in a slightly different format in the College pool. We are very proud of students’ efforts and achievements, however even more importantly, we celebrate their growing understanding of what it means to be part of a House, showing good sportsmanship, being gracious in defeat and celebrating the success of others.  Thank you to Mr Williams and staff for all their hard work in making it happen!  A special mention to our Year 6 Sports Leaders for organising the great banners. 

Special thanks to those families who have been communicating with the College if a child is unwell, is waiting on a COVID-19 test result, is quarantining due to a parent or sibling being a close contact. The more we can work together, the more likely a good outcome can be achieved for all involved.

As you will be aware, letters have been emailed to our school community, informing you of a positive case in Year Four Blue and Year 6 Gold.  We fully appreciate how this development may cause some children and families feelings of worry and concern, and this is most understandable. It is important to remember that you can help your children at this time, first by listening attentively to their concerns, and then by providing some reassurance.  We are dedicated to working hard to follow the process, while ensuring that all those in our care are well cared for - especially in terms of their wellbeing. 

All families are requested to:

• Keep your child at home if unwell
• Obtain a test if your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19 
• Keep checking for emails that may be sent to alert you to additional COVID positive cases and further directions.

Our Years 3-6 students have embraced the mask wearing with a calm, positive attitude, which has been wonderful. The staff are making sure the students are taking plenty of fresh air breaks during learning times. Students are not required to wear a mask when they are eating or drinking or being active outside and playing sports. Many thanks to all our Year 3-6 parents for your most wonderful cooperation. 

Our Primary Photo Days are scheduled for next Monday 14 March and Tuesday 15 March.  Students are required to be in spotless school uniform (not sports uniform) with neat hair.

It is important that all students are in the group photos so please avoid scheduling appointments on these days. The family photos will be taken between 8:00am to 8:30am and 3:15pm to 3:30pm on both Monday and Tuesday in the Exhibition Centre.  Parents and caregivers will be required to wait outside the Exhibition Centre whilst the family photos are taking place.

Please spare a thought and prayer for families in isolation over the weekend. Thank you for your ongoing support during these challenging times.

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar. http://www.johnxxiii.edu.au/view/for-parents/calendars

Olive Saplings

At Kindy last week, each child was given an olive tree sapling as a symbol of their beginning at John XXIII College.  They will be able to watch it grow as they move through the Primary years.  We hope that the children (and their olive trees) grow and flourish.

It is wonderful that we have already received some photos of children planting their trees in their gardens at home!

Japanese Celebration

During  Japanese lessons, we celebrated Hinamatsuri or Girls’ Day which is a celebration held every year on 3 March with a display of dolls that represent the Emperor and Emperess and all that work in the Imperial family. It is a day that daughters are celebrated and wishes for the girls to grow up to be happy and healthy. 

Sensai Rowson

Primary Japanese

Counsellor's Corner

I hope everyone at home is coping with isolation and for those unwell, I hope you feel better soon. It is wonderful to see the children at school enjoying their normal routine. 

Some parents have reached out for advice regarding talking to children about the current events in the media like the COVID-19, the situation in Ukraine and the floods over East. This article from parenting expert, Dr Justin Coulson is worth reading.

If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  I am available at school Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday mornings.  My direct number is 9383 0469 and I can be contacted anytime by email:  anne.murphy@cewa.edu.au 

Mrs Anne Murphy

Primary Counsellor

Sports Update

We were very thankful to be able to hold our Interhouse Swimming Carnival on Campus yesterday, it was a perfect day to be in and out of the pool.

Whilst the Carnival took a slightly different shape, we were still able to marvel in the effort and achievement of our swimmers.  We saw some outstanding individual efforts and, as always, exceptional sportsmanship and support for each other

Points were calculated across the day and the final standings were:

House Spirit Award goes to Loreto for their excellent banner and amazing cheering!

IPSHA WA Update 

To minimise the associated risks with bringing multiple Schools together on a School campus, the IPSHA Executive has made the decision to postpone the IPSHA Swimming Carnivals and Basketball

Carnival scheduled for this term.

We thank you for your understanding, support, and flexibility as we work together to

adapt to COVID related challenges.

If you have any queries about anything sport related, please contact me via email steve.williams@cewa.edu.au 

Mr Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Primary Netball

Registration is open and closes today Friday, 11 March 2022.  

Registration can either be made via the college website (https://www.johnxxiii.edu.au/view/sport/netball-club) or via the links below:

Year 2 & 3          https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/46b46e

Year 4                 https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/58487c

Year 5                 https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/878639

Year 6                 https://www.playhq.com/netball-australia/register/6c63bb

Please direct any queries to the Primary Netball Liaisons for 2022 in the first instance, or reach out to the Club if you need further assistance:

• Aizhan Greenwood          aizhans13@icloud.com
• Kelly Turner                      porter_kl@hotmail.com   
• John XXIII Netball Club    johnxxiiicnc@gmail.com