Around The Primary

Dear Families 

As a Catholic school, Religious Education remains at the heart of all that we do. Through our learning, students are supported to deepen their understanding of the Gospel and to live out these values in their daily lives. We encourage each child to recognise the presence of Christ within themselves and others, and to be a positive role model in our community.

For our students in Years 3, 4 and 6, we are pleased to welcome 24:7 School Ministry, who provide engaging, faith-filled retreats. Through a mix of games, activities, and meaningful discussions, these experiences connect closely with our Religious Education program. As students complete their classroom learning, these retreats offer valuable opportunities to reflect and grow, especially as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Last Friday, our Year 4 students participated in their Eucharist Retreat and Liturgy. It was heartwarming to hear the reflections of those who have already received their First Holy Communion, as well as the excitement of those still preparing for this special sacrament. The day was filled with joy, reverence, and meaningful experiences, helping students continue to grow in their relationship with God.

I enjoyed praying with others. I can build a stronger relationship with God by being nice to others and helping everyone in what they need. Max G, 4G

We watched a Grapevine video; it was good and interesting. One grape broke from the grapevine because it only wanted to do whatever it wanted and it didn’t think of others. It got all wrinkly and died. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We made a grape coat hanger, and we wrote things that God does to keep us heathy and safe. Amelia 4B

Next week, our Year 6 students and staff will return from their tour of our National Capital, where they have explored Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and system of democracy.

Throughout the week, students have visited significant sites, including Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Museum of Australia, the National Capital Exhibition, the Australian War Memorial, and Government House. They also enjoyed some exciting and engaging experiences at Questacon, the Australian Institute of Sport, Corin Forest, and a cycle around Lake Burley Griffin.

Our staff are incredibly proud of the way students have approached this opportunity, showing enthusiasm, respect, and a willingness to engage in activities that supported both their personal and educational growth.

We look forward to welcoming them back and hearing all about their memorable experiences.

We extend our sincere thanks to the staff who dedicated their time away from family and friends to make this experience possible for our Year 6 students: Ms O’Connor, Mrs Coenen, Mr Klug, Miss Eisenmann, Miss Micale, Mrs Rowson, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Alach, Ms Joyce, Mrs Kidd, Mrs Purcell, and Miss De Pinto. Your commitment to our students and our College is deeply appreciated.

This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, “All In,” invites our school community to take part in the journey of reconciliation. It encourages us to listen, learn, and walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in truth, justice, and love. The theme “All In” challenges us to move beyond words and into meaningful action. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a single moment, but an ongoing journey, one that invites each of us to contribute in meaningful ways.

A warm thank you to our PALs for organising a delicious morning tea for staff today, it was truly appreciated.

We wish all members of our school community a safe and enjoyable long weekend. We hope you take the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with family and friends as we celebrate the WA Day Public Holiday on Monday 1 June. 

Kind regards

Kylie Allen

Assistant Principal, 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. 

Storytime

On Wednesday 27 May at 10am, we celebrated the joy of reading with National Simultaneous Storytime. This nationwide event brings children together to share the same book at the same time, building a love of reading and literacy across Australia.

This year, students enjoyed soccer-themed Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd. It is a lively story that highlights courage, teamwork and perseverance.

Our Year 3 classes gathered in the Library for a special reading led by our College Principal, Mr Daniel Mahon, and Vice Principal, Mrs Shani Andrews. The students were engaged and enthusiastic and clearly understood the powerful message of 'never giving up'. It was a memorable shared reading experience that will continue to inspire young readers' love of books. 

Jean Redfern

Library and Learning Services Coordinator 

The Olden Days

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

My favourite part of the excursion was the school because I got to find out how the teachers acted towards the children. If the students behaved poorly, they got hit by the cane or had to wear the dunce hat and stand in the corner all day. Vittoria

I loved writing with calligraphy pens, and it’s really cool how they wrote cursive in the older days. Chloe

I think it was great! I loved the washing and using the shredder that squeezed the tea towel. I learnt that the pencils you had to dip in ink to write. I thought washing was easy but in the older days washing was hard work. Schools were very strict in the olden days! Darcy

Suzie Thomas

Year 3G Teacher

Sport

Cross-Country

This week, our top cross-country runners in Years 3 to 5 proudly represented the school at the inaugural Junior ACC Cross-Country Carnival. Competing against a highly talented field, our students rose to the challenge with determination and resilience. The pace was exceptionally fast, and the effort shown by every runner was outstanding. Being part of such a competitive event is a valuable experience, and each student should feel incredibly proud of their performance.

Some standout performances - 

• 3G Evelyn Cox – 11th 
• 3B Miles Potter – 12th 
• 3G Charlie Kierath –  15th
• 4G Willow Creighton – 6th 
• 4G Primrose Creagh – 12th 
• 4B Eva Kelly – 13th 
• 5B Zach Sibenaler 1st 
• 5G Anais Bowditch – 3rd 
• 5G Asten Miller – 10th 
• 5G Eva Flynn – 15th 

We now look ahead to the IPSHA Cross-Country Carnival, which will take place next Tuesday, 2 June, at Guildford Grammar School, marking the culmination of a fantastic season.

It has been a wonderful cross-country journey, highlighted by commitment, perseverance, and team spirit. Thank you to all students and families who supported the early morning training sessions - your dedication has been outstanding. With the season now drawing to a close, training will recommence next term.

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 29 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.

Can you be oarsome and bake for JTC Rowing?

We are calling for donations of cakes, biscuits, slices, muffins and preserves to support the cake stall at the upcoming JTC-hosted IGSSA Rowing Regatta on 6 June 2026. In previous years, simple flavours sold the best (including lemon, banana, carrot and ginger). Gluten-free options are also very popular. Please note that no items can contain nuts.

If you can contribute, please confirm your donated item/s via the QR code on the flier attached or via the link below.

https://bit.ly/4fxfdpC 

Cake boxes (including an information note and cake box labels) will be available for collection from the PE Office and Secondary Student Services from Wednesday, 27 May. We will also be handing out cake boxes at the secondary loop on Tuesday, 2 June (8am to 9am). Donated items can be returned to the College on Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 June.

This is the Club's BIGGEST fundraiser for the year, so we appreciate your support!

Thank you in advance from the Rowing Committee.