Around The Primary

Dear Families

We had a wonderful start to the day with our Mass dedicated to fathers and father-figures. We appreciate all the families who got up early and joined us for this special celebration. We especially thank Fr Sean Fernandez for celebrating this Eucharist with us, Ms Allen and Ms Lumley for preparing the Mass, Mrs Haydon for organising the music, Mrs Petsos for coordinating morning tea, and the staff for their hard work with the set-up for this large event.

The students were buzzing with excitement as they entered the St Louis Sports Centre with their families, and it was great to hear the laughter at morning tea and see the proud smiles on parents’ faces. We hope you enjoy the lovely photo slides. 

We take pleasure in celebrating the important role families play in our school community and showing our appreciation for the love and care you provide to your children every day. 

We have just a week to go for the Interhouse Athletics Carnival, and the excitement is building for our Years 3-6 students!  It will be wonderful to see lots of parents, grandparents and friends joining us at the carnival next Friday, 12 September, to support our athletes!

Wishing all families a lovely day on Sunday!

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Staff News

Congratulations to Emily Ferrier (Year 6 Teacher) and Alex on the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Polly Sarah.

Congratulations Katrina D’Annunzio (Mary Ward Education Assistant) and Justin on the arrival of their gorgeous son, Hendrix.

Next Friday we will be farewelling Clare McKeague.  We thank Clare for her 11 years of dedicated service as an Education Assistant and wish Clare every happiness in her future endeavours. 

Save the Date

The Primary Disco is on again this year! Please ‘save the date’ for Friday 19 September. 

Session 1: Pre-Primary to Year 2 

4:45pm to 6:00pm 

Session 2: Years 3 to 6 

6:15pm to 7:45pm 

Dates to Remember

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

Sports Update

One week to go!  Excitement is building and we are looking forward to seeing lots of family and friends at the Primary Interhouse Athletics Carnival next Friday, 12 September, on the Secondary ovals.  

With many events taking place this week the House points are starting to accumulate.  It is going to be a very exciting points race in both the Champion House and House Spirit awards.  All students have the opportunity to participate in events and games; they are encouraged to do so and will be earning points for their House with all their efforts.  Please help us make this an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of all students.  

Please note - Tuesday, 9 September is the final athletics training.  

For any students who have missed the Long and Triple jump events this week, Athletics training on Tuesday, 9 September, is the final opportunity to have their jumps recorded.  

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 

Counsellor’s Corner

Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, questions, and growth—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

SEEN: The Film offers a powerful opportunity for parents to reflect, connect, and feel supported. Through moving interviews and heartfelt storytelling, the film explores how our own life experiences shape the way we raise and relate to our children. It’s a reminder of the deep importance of connection, vulnerability, and truly being seen.

We warmly invite you to join Inspire for a special screening of this internationally acclaimed documentary, which has touched audiences across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA—where it was awarded Best Director at the Illuminate Film Festival.

This meaningful evening will include:

• A screening of SEEN: The Film on Wednesday, 10 September 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the GBLT
• A panel discussion with the College’s wellbeing team

• Light refreshments and the chance to connect with other parents in a relaxed setting

   

Whether you're seeking insight, encouragement, or simply a night of thoughtful conversation, this event is for you. It’s a valuable experience for anyone invested in the wellbeing of young people—parents, educators, and community members alike.

We’d love to see you there.

Watch the trailer and book your spot here: https://www.trybooking.com/1446143

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

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor 

Music 

Rehearsal Times

Please see below for rehearsal times for ensembles next week:

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

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

Outstanding

Joshua Haydon, Year 4 - Primary Vocal Solo

Asha Bowditch, Year 6 - Primary Vocal Solo

Giselle D’Souza and Grace Michalka, Year 6 - Primary Vocal Duet

Excellence

Matilda Plant, Year 6 - Primary Vocal Solo

Wanju Voices - Primary Choral Singing

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Containers for Change

As part of our care for our common home, the Primary classes will be running a 'Containers for Change' collection during the final 2 weeks of this term (15 to 26 September). We invite all Primary students to bring recyclable containers and deposit them in the designated bins outside their classrooms. Every container collected will generate funds to support Caritas Australia.

For over 60 years, Caritas Australia has been part of one of the world's largest humanitarian networks, reaching nearly a million people annually. Their vital work spans emergency relief, food security, clean water initiatives, education access, women's empowerment, and community development, supporting those living in poverty and affected by injustice both in Australia and around the globe.

Teaching children about recycling creates lasting environmental benefits by reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and preventing pollution. Beyond protecting our planet, recycling education fosters responsibility, collaboration, and empowers students to see themselves as agents of positive change. This initiative embodies our Ignatian calling to be 'people for others.' Pope Francis's Laudato Si' encyclical reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for our common home and those most vulnerable to environmental challenges. By collecting containers for Caritas while protecting our planet through recycling, our students demonstrate the compassion, justice, and stewardship that lie at the heart of both Ignatian education and Catholic social teaching.

Let's work together to fill our collection bins, care for the Earth, and support those in need. Every container makes a difference!

Adrian Sims

College Sustainability Coordinator 

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.

Thinking ahead to 2026?

As we begin planning for the year ahead, we understand that family circumstances can change, and sometimes this means a move to a new school.

If you believe your child may not be returning to John XXIII College in 2026, we would appreciate hearing from you as early as possible. This helps us to ensure a smooth transition for your family and allows us to offer places to other students on our waiting list.

In line with our College’s Withdrawal Policy, we kindly ask for written notice to the College Registrar at least one term (ten school weeks) before the anticipated departure date.

Where notice is not received, the policy provides for one term’s fees in lieu of notice.

If you are unsure about your plans or have any questions, our Enrolments team is here to talk things through and support you. You can contact our enrolments team via email or call 9383 0449.