Around The Primary

Dear Families 

We already find ourselves halfway through a busy Term 4. Students are enjoying the sunshine and the varied activities taking place around the Primary School. 

On Tuesday, students participated in prayer and reflection to commemorate Remembrance Day. With gratitude and a sense of hope, they remembered the brave men and women who fought in wars. They acknowledged the many soldiers who lost their lives either in the battle fields or because of war service; to protect the peace and freedom we experience in Australia.

Students wore poppies, noting the special significance they have to this day, and lay a wreath as a sign of respect. 

We thank students from Years 3-6 for participating so reverently during the College Remembrance Day Ceremony on the Chapel Lawn. A special mention of thanks to Year 6 students, Lucy and Addison for sharing a personal reflection from their experience at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, during the Year 6 Camp earlier this year. Thank you also to Manuela, Charlotte, Ruben, Margot and Teddy for sharing their prayer reflections and to Anthony for carrying the wreath. 

2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II and we recognise the impact such conflict has had on many people around the world. We continue to pray for these brave soldiers who lost their lives and for the soldiers who are currently stationed in war zones around the world.

Mr Williams, along with a number of Year 6 students, have been kept busy this week with two IPSHA carnivals. Congratulations to those who participated in the Cricket on Monday and the Rugby on Thursday. The students represented John XXIII well and had a wonderful time. 

Next week we are excited to begin our 2025 St Vinnies Christmas Appeal. We look forward to being able to assist St Vincent de Paul organise hampers for families in need. Thank you for your ongoing support.

With 2026 just around the corner, please note some important dates listed below of events that will take place next week in preparation for the new year. 

Kind regards

Kylie Allen

Assistant Principal, Primary

We hope you enjoy these highlights from the Junior Primary Athletics Carnival!

St Vinnies Christmas Appeal 

Every year, the Society of St Vincent de Paul organises hampers for families in need of assistance.

Families are invited to select from the following list and bring items to school by Friday 28 November.  There will be collection baskets in all the classrooms.

Donation items:

Thank you for your support. 

2026 Term Dates

The 2026 Term Dates have now been published and are available to view on the College Website - Parent Information | Term Dates | John XXIII College 

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar - Calendars | John XXIII College 

By subscribing to the College calendar, you are automatically alerted when details of an existing event are changed. 

2026 Booklists

Kindy to Year 4

Booklist orders for Kindy to Year 4 will continue to follow the ‘bulk order’ system in 2026.  This ordering system enables students to have everything they need for the first day of school and ensures all students have the same equipment as their classmates.  It is important to note that this bulk order cost will be added to the 2026 School Fees.

 Years 5 and 6

Our Year 5 and 6 students will require booklist orders to be completed with the payment being made directly to Campion Education. The Years 5 and 6 Booklist Forms for 2026 are available on College Website using the following link Parent Information | Booklists 2026 | John XXIII College. The Resource List Code for John XXIII College is – YWMW. All orders must be completed online at www.campion.com.au by Sunday 28 December 2025. 

If you have any queries, please contact Nancy Petsos nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au in Primary Administration. 

Wellbeing Weekly

Helping Your Child Navigate the Internet Safely

From 10 December, the Australian Government will introduce world-first social media age restrictions to protect young Australians during a critical stage of their development. Under these new rules, most social media platforms will prevent children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. This change aims to reduce exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive design features.

To help families prepare, the eSafety Commissioner’s Social Media Age Restrictions Hub offers practical resources, FAQs, and conversation starters. You can visit the hub here: esafety.gov.au/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

Here are some simple strategies to ensure your child’s online experience supports their wellbeing:

Set Clear Rules

Agree on time limits and which sites or apps are appropriate. Explain why these rules exist - focus on safety and balance.

Use Parental Controls 

Enable filters and monitoring tools on devices and browsers. Keep software and apps updated for security.

Teach Digital Literacy

Show children how to recognise reliable sources and avoid scams. Discuss what personal information should never be shared online.

Encourage Open Communication 

Make sure your child feels comfortable telling you if something online makes them uneasy. Avoid punishment for honest mistakes—focus on learning.

Model Good Behaviour 

Demonstrate healthy screen habits yourself. Share positive ways to use the internet for learning and creativity.

If you have any queries, please contact me via email: natalie.alach@johnxiii.edu.au 

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor 

Sports Update

T20 Cricket Carnival

On Monday two teams of Year 6 students travelled to Carmel School to take part in the IPSHA Cricket Carnival. There was some tough competition, and the teams played incredibly well.  It was great to see wonderful sportsmanship on display.  Well done to all students involved. 

IPSHA Touch Rugby Carnival

Our Year 6 rugby teams enjoyed a fantastic day at the IPSHA Touch Rugby Carnival yesterday. With 12 teams participating, the event was filled with exciting matches and outstanding sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud of our students, who demonstrated exemplary conduct both on and off the field. Congratulations to all involved, and a special thank you to Mr Klug, Mrs Standing, and Miss Kuyler for their invaluable support of our players.

Junior Primary Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons for Pre-Primary to Year 3 students will commence on Monday, 24 November at Claremont Aquatic Centre. Please ensure you have completed the electronic consent form and returned the paper enrolment form to your class teacher. We look forward to an enjoyable and safe swimming experience for all students.

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 

Music 

Rehearsal Times

Please see below for rehearsal times for next week -

Primary Instrumental Recitals – Monday 1 December

The Primary Instrumental Recitals are an exciting opportunity for students to show off their hard work from throughout the year. This performance opportunity is open to students who learn an instrument at school or privately. The Recitals will be divided into groups based on student year groups and the number of entries with families invited to watch the performances. Timetables will be emailed in due course. 

Students who learn an instrument at school do not need to complete an entry form as they will be entered by their tutor. Students who wish to perform but have external lessons should use the form below to enter. Entries are due by Wednesday 19 November.

Save The Date

Please note the following music performance dates for this term:

Communications regarding these performances will be issued closer to the dates of the events.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Western Australian Young Voices

Enrolments for the 2026 season of WAYV – West Australian Young Voices – are now open! WAYV offers vocal training, performance opportunities and the chance to work with some of WA’s foremost choral educators and conductors, performing a wide range of repertoire. Auditions are open for students in Years 6 – 12, for placement in intermediate and advance ensembles. For students in Years 1 – 5, a beginner ensemble offers an introduction to choral singing with no audition required. Interested students can register via the following link:

https://wayoungvoices.com.au/auditions 

Dads Christmas Choir

Dads and father figures — it’s time to tune up (or just turn up!) and join the Dads’ Christmas Choir to perform the much-loved carol O Come All Ye Faithful at the Christmas Concert on Friday 28 November. Backed by the brilliant 110-strong Christmas Band, this is your chance to swap the audience for the action and bring some festive flair! No auditions, no solos — just laughter, lyrics, and loads of Christmas cheer.

To join the fun and for further information, please contact Kevin Hewitt  khewitt@hotmail.com

Sacramental Certificates

Parents are requested to email a copy of their child’s Sacramental Certificate (Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation) to Mrs Petsos in Primary Administration, nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au, for our College records.