Around The Primary

Dear Families

I hope you have enjoyed your week; I know our students have been making the most of the sunshine here at school! Our staff appreciated the recent morning tea that was set up and prepared by the parent volunteers for World Educators' Day. We are very lucky to have such a supportive community.

Every year on the 11th of November, we observe Remembrance Day, a day of great importance on our calendar. This day marks the end of the First World War, which took place one hundred and five years ago. At 11:00am on the 11th of November, the armistice was signed, bringing an end to the hostilities. 

The Remembrance Day ceremony held on the Chapel lawn served as a deeply meaningful opportunity for our school community to come together and pay tribute. We took the time to honour the memory of those who lost their lives or endured immense hardships during various wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.

We remembered, offered prayers, and reflected on the countless sacrifices made by numerous individuals. It is important that our students have the opportunity to engage with and understand these significant historical events.

Over the next two weeks we will be collecting donations for the St Vinnies Christmas hampers.  Please refer to the attached list for items requested.

We eagerly anticipate the attendance of many students at our end-of-year disco, scheduled for next Friday 17 November.  We kindly request that you ensure you have secured a ticket for your child/children to join us for this special event via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CLGZB 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

On our Year 6 trip to Canberra this year, we visited the Australian War Memorial. At the War Memorial, we learnt about the interesting, yet sad history that many of our Australian soldiers had to go through to fight for our country. We were guided through the displays, learning about the hard journey these heroes endured, allowing us to live this amazing life today. We were showed one of the real boats that the soldiers had to sail out to Gallipoli. Sadly, there were many holes and gun shots in this very small boat which meant, many soldiers would have died before they could even fight for our country. It is important we keep these soldiers in our prayers today knowing how they risked their lives to allow us to live in this wonderful country we call home. 

Nicholas Burg 6B 

During our Year 6 camp to Canberra, we went to the War Memorial and learnt about how Australia’s soldiers have contributed to several wars and fought to protect our country. We found out more about all of the heroes that fought on the frontline for our freedom and enabled us to have all the luxuries we take for granted today. We talked about the terrible living conditions the young soldiers faced in the trenches they had to live and sleep in. I can’t imagine the pain of not seeing your friends come back from the battlefield. Our visit to the War Memorial taught me that our freedom came with the price of many brave sacrifices and deeds of the heroes that will never be forgotten.

Matilda Davini 6G

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar: Calendars | John XXIII College and subscribe to the Primary Calendar.

Sport Update

Our Primary students have been enjoying tennis lessons with Nick and Dave from City Beach Tennis Club.  The Pre-Primary to Year 2 students have been working on a range of different tennis strokes and the Year 3 and 4 students have been reviewing their strokes and starting to rally and play games!  

On Thursday many of our Year 6 students took part in the IPSHA Touch Rugby Carnival held at the College on the secondary ovals.  We had 18 touch teams playing exciting games of touch all day long!  Our John XXIII College teams had a fantastic day, and, as always, the teamwork and sportsmanship were of the highest standard.  Well done to all.

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

Music Update

Year 1 Musical Performances ‘Cookies’

Congratulations to the Year 1 students who performed the mini-musical ‘Cookies’ this week. Parents and other special visitors were delighted with a 30-minute performance including singing, dancing, acting, reading and even costume changes! 

The students were given the opportunity to demonstrate some of the music skills they had studied throughout the year and experience the process of rehearsing and putting on a show. We certainly have superstars in Year 1! Special thanks to all involved, including Clare McKeague (Audio and Backstage), Katrina D’Annunzio (Backstage), Jack Purkiss (Media), and Lauren Pillera and Sonia Thomas (Year One Teachers) for their support. 

Primary Ensemble Rehearsals

A reminder that attendance at rehearsals is compulsory as students are preparing for the upcoming Christmas Concert. Please email the ensemble director if your child is unwell and unable to attend.

Save the Date

Please note the following dates for your calendars:

Primary Instrumental Recitals

The Primary Instrumental Recitals on Monday 27 November are an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their hard work from throughout the year.

This performance opportunity is open to students who learn an instrument at school or privately. Students are invited to play one piece in the appropriate recital category (i.e., either a solo or group piece). Students may perform in multiple categories (for example, piano and strings) if they learn more than one instrument. These recitals will be divided into groups based on student year groups and the number of entries. Timetables will be emailed in Week 7. Family members are invited to watch the performances.

Entry forms must be returned to the Music office by Friday 17 November. Students who learn an instrument at school will be given further information by their tutors, who will also complete entry forms for their students. Please contact the Music office via email music.secretary@johnxxiii.edu.au for an entry form for students who learn an instrument outside of school. 

Students who require an accompanist will be provided a school accompanist. A copy of the accompaniment music with the performer’s full name, class and instrument written clearly must be handed in to the Music office by Monday 20 November so that rehearsals can be scheduled with the accompanist in the week leading up to the Recital.

We look forward to celebrating the dedication and talents of the primary students at these special performances.

Music enrolments and withdrawals

Please refer to the Music page of this newsletter for important information regarding instrumental enrolments and withdrawals for 2024.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Enrolments Kindy 2026

Kindy interviews for 2026 will commence in Term 2 in 2024.  Please ensure you have submitted your child’s application submitted - Enrolments Information and Online Enrolment Enquiry | John XXIII College 

Please contact the College Registrar, Allison Falconer with any enquires on 9383 0449 or enrolments@johnxxiii.edu.au 

Parent Badges

Parents needing to re-order badges can do so by emailing Nancy.petsos@cewa.edu.au  

Please note the cost is $25 per badge.