Around The Primary

Dear Families 

There is something truly special that happens each year when our Year 4 students take to the stage for their annual musical. This year's production, A Dog's Tale, written by our Primary Drama Specialist, Ms Sasha Cattapan, was no exception. Filled with music, dance and laughter, it showcased the incredible talent and enthusiasm of our students.

As we take our final bow on another successful Primary musical, we extend our thanks to Ms Cattapan and Mrs Haydon for their dedication, creativity and countless hours of preparation. We also thank our Year 4 teachers, Miss Emma Eisenmann and Miss Emily Krikstolaitis, along with the many parent volunteers, staff members and family supporters who helped bring A Dog's Tale to life. Your support and encouragement made this wonderful production possible.

Most importantly, congratulations to our remarkable Year 4 students. You reminded us all that when children are given the opportunity to shine, they rise to the occasion with confidence and joy. A Dog's Tale was a celebration of talent, friendship and the magic that happens when children share their gifts with others.

We have greatly appreciated the many emails and messages of congratulations we have received from families. A few of the wonderful comments shared include:

On Monday evening I went to see my granddaughter perform in the Year 4 production of ‘A Dog’s Tale’. I was blown away by this outstanding production. It truly was 90 minutes of delightful entertainment. It was wonderful to see the joy and enthusiasm in each performer!

I would just like to say congratulations to all those involved in the Year 4 musical. It was delightful to see everyone included in what was a fun and polished performance. It certainly took me down memory lane, one of my memories was how well JTC does these things.

A massive congratulations and thank you to everyone that was involved in the Year 4 musical. I was amazed at how the production all came together and the opportunity that it gave all our wonderful children to work together to put a performance on the stage. The way every child had a chance to shine is just so special. 

My congratulations, admiration and thanks to all the staff and Year 4 students for such a fabulous musical. The show was wonderful, and it was so great to see all the kids participating. I know there is a huge amount of effort behind the scenes to bring it all together and thanks to all involved.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the wonderful year 4 musical production of 'A Dog's Tale!' The performance was spectacular! A special thank you to Ms Catt for her dedication and guidance.  We are so grateful for the beautiful core memories our daughter will take with her from this unforgettable experience.  Thank you all for creating such a positive and magical milestone for our children.

Next week, we will be celebrating Book Week with a range of fun and engaging activities designed to inspire a love of reading and highlight the important role that books play in our lives. This year's Book Week theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’, encourages readers to embark on exciting journeys through literature and discover the power of stories.

We invite families to visit our Library to explore the latest children's literature and share in the joy of reading. We also look forward to welcoming you to our Book Week Parade next Friday morning, where students will proudly showcase their creativity and favourite book characters.

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Fathers’ Day Mass

We are delighted to host a Mass dedicated to Fathers and father figures on Friday 4 September.  Please RSVP for adults attending (not students) to the Fathers’ Day Mass by Wednesday 2 September via this link  https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1611011 

As part of this celebration, we would like to incorporate a photo display.  Families are kindly requested to email one photo of Dads with their children (or a family photo) to nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au. 

It is important to email the photos in JPEG format and in the subject of the email, include the family/student name. All photos need to be received by Friday 28 August. 

Photos received after this date will not be able to be included on the display or slideshow. 

Submitting a photo is entirely optional — families who do not wish to participate are not required to do so.

Please note that by choosing to submit a photo, you are providing explicit consent for that photo to be displayed during our Mass celebration and shared in the College newsletter, regardless of the publishing permissions you have recorded in Consent2Go. This consent applies to this specific occasion only and does not alter your existing Consent2Go preferences in any way.

Dates to Remember

Forgiveness through prayer

Our Year 2 students participated in a meaningful liturgy focused on the theme of 'forgiveness'. Through prayer, reflection and discussion, students explored the importance of forgiveness and how it helps us to show kindness, compassion and understanding towards others. 

As part of their reflection, students added leaves to 'The Forgiveness Tree', sharing personal thoughts and experiences about forgiveness. This special activity encouraged students to think deeply about their actions and the role forgiveness plays in building positive relationships.

Lauren Pillera and Sian Cruse

Year 2 Teachers

Library News

Next week we are celebrating Book Week and we are so excited for all the fun events planned! The theme for Book Week 2026 is ‘Symphony of Stories’. 

Below are a few of the exciting events scheduled:  

• Book Week Poster Competition - Students may enter a poster based on the theme of ‘Symphony of Stories’. Please put your name and class on the back and hand it in at the library front desk by Tuesday 25 August. The poster must be drawn or painted by the student.

• Award winning author Sean E Avery will be visiting our library and presenting to students.

   

• The ‘Book Week Parade’ will be held on Friday 28 August.  Students may come dressed for the day in a costume inspired by a character from a book. Families are welcome to come along to the parade which will be held in Roncalli Hall at 9:00am.

Sasha Cattapan

Primary Library Teacher

Wellbeing Weekly

In today's rapidly changing world, academic knowledge is important, but it is not the only ingredient for success. Pediatrician and educator Dr Laura Jana has developed a framework called QI Skills (pronounced "key" skills) to help children build the human skills they need to flourish in school, relationships, and life. These skills complement traditional IQ by focusing on qualities such as self-awareness, resilience, curiosity, empathy, and creativity. [drlaurajana.com], [qiskills.com]

Dr Jana's seven QI Skills are:

ME: understanding and managing yourself

WE: building positive relationships with others

WHY: asking questions and being curious

WILL: showing determination and motivation

WIGGLE: learning through movement, exploration, and action

WOBBLE: developing resilience and adapting to challenges

WHAT IF: using imagination, creativity, and innovative thinking [drlaurajana.com], [qiskills.com]

At school and at home, we can encourage these skills by helping children solve problems, work collaboratively, ask questions, persevere when tasks are difficult, and think creatively. By nurturing QI Skills alongside academic learning, we give children the confidence and capability to succeed both now and in the future.

As Dr Jana reminds us, the skills that help children understand themselves, connect with others, adapt to change, and imagine new possibilities are more important than ever in the 21st century.

QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom by Laura A. Jana MD - Audiobook - Audible.com.au

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor

Primary Sport

Athletics

Athletics season is well under way, and it has been great to see numbers growing at athletics training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  With such a full program of track and field not all the events can be completed on our Carnival Day.  These pre-carnival events will take place in PE and Sports sessions in Week 7 and 8; if weather does not permit the events will be rescheduled.  

Congratulations and good luck!

Two of our Primary students are flying east to represent Western Australia. 

Zach Sibenaler (5B) is flying to Ballarat to compete in the Under 12 National Cross Country Championships.

Niko Cha (6B) is flying to Brisbane to compete in the Bruce Cup National Schools Tennis Championship in Brisbane. 

Congratulations on your selection in the State Teams and good luck with the competitions.  We look forward to hearing all about them next week!

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 

Music Eisteddfod – Winners’ Concert

Congratulations to the outstanding performers and award recipients who were celebrated at the Primary Winners’ Concert on Thursday. 

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Congratulations to the following students who received special awards from the Performing Arts Committee for their recent performances in the Festival.

Save the Date

Please note the following performance dates for instrumental ensembles and choirs.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day

When: Saturday, 5 September   Time: 8:00am 9:30am   Meeting Point: Meeting behind the Science Garden at B8

We invite all interested parents, students, and alumni from the John XXIII College community to join us for a Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day to help our native Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos thrive.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our environment through planting, weeding and caring for our existing garden beds. All tools will be provided—just bring yourself, along with comfortable clothing, closed footwear, a hat and sunscreen.

Participating students can count this time towards their Christian Service-Learning (Roncalli Service) hours.

Together, we can nurture our shared environment, strengthen our campus surroundings, and set a positive example for future generations.

Register: Community Garden Care and Maintenance Day – Fill out form

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.