Around The Primary

Dear Families 

Primary House Day began with a beautiful liturgy, setting a reflective and joyful tone for the celebrations ahead. From there, the Primary school came alive with colour, excitement, and community spirit as Loreto, Koolyangarra, Ward, Loyola, Campion, and St Louis enjoyed a full day of activities.   

The fast‑paced basketball tournament for Years 5 and 6 brought plenty of movement, friendly competition, and lots of laughter to the afternoon. For Years 1–4, the disco was a clear favourite, with the DJ keeping the energy high as students danced and celebrated their house spirit. Meanwhile, our Pre‑Primary students were captivated by a cosy storyteller session, offering a quieter, imaginative activity to enjoy.

Adding to the day’s success, the Year 6 leaders organised the much‑anticipated Monster Cake Stall to raise funds for the Catholic agency LifeLink. The stall was a huge hit, with homemade treats selling out quickly and contributing generously to an important cause.

By the end of the day, students in each House walked away with great memories, a strong sense of unity and knowledge about their House founders.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Notification of Absences – Important Reminder

A reminder of the change in process for notification of absences. 

If your child is absent or has an appointment (one offs and recurring), it is essential that you notify the College using the SEQTA Engage App/Portal before 8:30am, giving the reason for the absence. 

Families are still required to sign their child on SEQTA Kiosk for late arrivals, early departures and appointments.

Please note the ‘primary absentees’ mailbox is no longer in use.

Additionally, for absences extending more than 2 days during term time, parents are also required to email Antoinette De Pinto, Head of Primary and Nancy Petsos, Administration Officer, Primary.

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar. https://www.johnxxiii.edu.au/view/for-families/calendars By subscribing to the College calendar you are automatically alerted when details of an existing event are changed. 

Stepping back in time

This week, Year 3B students went on a fantastic excursion to the Claremont Museum, where they learned all about the past and how life has changed over time. 

They stepped back in time to Mrs Herbert’s classroom, carefully writing with ink and discovering how tricky it was not to make a splatter. The students made delicious scones by grinding wheat and baking them in a fire oven which proved to be hard work, but worth it! They even washed clothes the old-fashioned way and quickly decided that washing machines are a very good invention. 

Thank you to the parent volunteers for your assistance and making the day so special.  It was a great learning experience that helped to build the students' understanding of life long ago. 

Stephanie Micale

Year 3B Teacher

Year 6 Cycle Sense

I really enjoyed the bike incursion last week.  Everyone brought a bike for a bike lesson. We rode in a line and had to stop in a square without making a skid mark, then we had a slow race and the last to finish without stopping won – this was super fun! The instructors taught us how to ride in a straight formation and a two by two formation. After that we rode in a formation with the whole class which was awesome!  Hugo 6G

Students in 6B participated in a bike education incursion held on the tennis courts at the College.  Our instructors taught us a few tricks and skills on our bikes. We learnt how to ride as a group, stop properly, ride slow and fast while having lots of fun. It helped us prepare for our upcoming trip to Canberra ‘Cycle Canberra’ activity. We are very happy and grateful for this opportunity and to our teachers for organising the incursion.  Niko and Elise 6B

Inspiring Young Writers with Tristan Bancks

Our Years 5 and 6 students recently enjoyed an engaging visit from acclaimed author Tristan Bancks, who shared his journey to becoming a writer and offered fascinating insights into the creative process he uses today.

With humour and energy, Tristan captivated students as he spoke about his ideas, writing habits, soundtracks and the perseverance behind bringing stories to life. The visit also coincided with the release of his latest novel, Raised by Wolves, adding an extra layer of excitement for budding readers and writers alike.

Author visits like this are powerful learning experiences. They bring storytelling to life, inspire creativity, and help students see themselves as writers. Meeting a real author encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and deepens students’ connection to reading and literature.

Tristan's books are recommended for students aged 10+ and are available in our Library and online through Sora. If families wish to purchase personal copies, selections can be made from Tristan Bancks Author Event. 

For any further questions or comments, contact Jean Redfern, Library and Learning Services Educator. 

Sport

Years 5 & 6 Interhouse Basketball

The Years 5 and 6 students participated in a fantastic Interhouse Basketball Tournament to finish off the Primary House Day celebrations.  This tournament provided an opportunity for students to represent their House and practice teamwork and sportsmanship.  

Cross-Country

It has been great to see lots of runners at cross-country training, which will continue until Thursday 28 May.  We will continue to help our Interschool runners prepare for their busy schedule and this training is also open to all who want to start the day with a run!  Tuesday and Thursdays, 7:30am outside the gymnasium.  Please note, students in Years 2 and below must be accompanied by an adult.  

If you have any queries about anything sport-related, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email: steve.williams@johnxxiii.edu.au  

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator 

Primary Music 

Ensemble Rehearsals

Rehearsal times are provided below for next week – 

Chapel Choir

Chapel Choir is open to all students in Years 1 to 12 students who love singing, with a focus on liturgical music. Rehearsals commence at 7:30am in the Chapel with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. Chapel Choir then sings at Community Mass commencing at 8:00am. All are welcome to join the school community for Community Mass. The next Mass is on 22 May.

If you have any queries regarding Primary Music, please contact me via email: catherine.haydon@johnxxiii.edu.au

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Sacrament Certificates

Parents are requested to email a copy of their child’s Sacramental Certificate (Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation) to the College Enrolment team – enrolments@johnxxiii.edu.au for our College records.

Extend After School Care 

Please click on the following link to find out about After School Care offered by Extend, including hours of operation, fees and how to book - John XXIII College - Extend

The team at Extend can be contacted via email: support@extend.com.au or call 1300 366 437.