Around The Primary

Dear Parents

It continues to be an unsettling and sad time for the whole world. We are so fortunate to be part of a great community at John XXIII. In this time of uncertainty, I am seeing so many examples of our faith in action and it makes me feel so proud and so privileged.

Many thanks​ to those parents who have sent a message of encouragement and recognition to our hard-working staff for all their efforts - it is valued and really reinforces what a special community we all belong to.

Please keep emails to teachers to a minimum during this time. Teachers are teaching full-time, working on learning plans for children at home and also trying to care for their own health and families. Your understanding is very much appreciated.

The weeks ahead are going to be difficult for parents with children at home. A good way of thinking about the whole situation is that we are indeed lucky that our children are safe and sound, given that many families are dealing with a whole lot more. Try to get back to the basics and enjoy the time with your children as much as possible. Play, read, build, tell stories, look at photos, clean, cook, garden, tell jokes, write letters, make cards, paint, fix things, rearrange furniture, sing, play an instrument, write a poem, do a crossword, knit, sew, write a song, search for a competition to enter online, teach your child how to fix a flat bike tyre, write a book, research a curiosity question, watch a movie together that warms your hearts, ... in the end these will be the foundation of beautiful childhood memories!

Let’s all focus on the important things, pray for each other, and treat each other with grace, generosity and kindness. May we all continue to stay safe and well.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Working From Home

We would like to start collecting photos of our amazing students making the best of their time with remote learning.  Please email photos to nancy.petsos@cewa.edu.au

Remote Learning

The College will be commencing remote learning programs from Monday 30 March.

If your child is experiencing technical difficulty, parents are welcome to email ithelpdesk@johnxxiii.edu.au 

To assist in this process, please follow these steps:

• Put your child’s Year Group in the subject line of an email followed by a couple of words about the technical issue (e.g. ‘Year 6, trouble connecting to Teams’). 
• In the body of the email, explain as best you can, what technical issue your child is experiencing. Also include a contact phone number that the IT Helpdesk can call if required.

Super Stars

Well done to all the students who received a certificate for their fantastic achievements.

Can you help?

Help us provide much needed support to asylum seekers, refugees, and detainees. Please donate food, bathroom or laundry supplies to help people who have been impacted by panic-buying. Supplies can be dropped into the Faith and Mission Office or at Main Administration.

Counsellor's Corner

I hope everyone is coping with the ever changing landscape we are now facing. I am available to offer any support I can to our families in these challenging times, including during any school closure.  Please do not hesitate to email anne.murphy@cewa.edu.au for queries, resources or support. This article offers some great advice.

What to Say to Help Kids Feel Calm When the World Feels Fragile

When their days come with spikes, our children will turn to us. We won’t always be able to fix the breakages, but we don’t need to. We don’t need to do very much at all. As the important adult in their world, you have a profound capacity to soften the sharp edges and bring their world back to safe enough.  Read More  

Don’t forget to take up the URSTRONG offer for free family membership. This will give you access to articles, videos and activities related to children’s friendship skills and social emotional development. Visit URSTRONG  and use the code word: URSTRONG

Anne Murphy

Primary Counsellor 

9383 0469

Sports Update

In these uncertain and challenging times, many community sports are on hold.  Whilst it is very important that we follow the guidelines it is extremely important that we stay active to maintain both our physical and mental health.  I will be posting some exercises and fitness challenges for students on Seesaw that can be completed at home to help maintain health and fitness.

Mr Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator