Around The Primary

Dear Families 

As we near the end of another busy and rewarding term, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all that our students have achieved. We have seen them persevere through challenges, show kindness to others, take risks in their learning, and grow in confidence. From becoming more fluent readers and problem-solvers to performing before audiences and building friendships grounded in respect and compassion. We have seen students learn from mistakes, demonstrate resilience when things did not go as planned and continue striving towards their goals. 

As the term draws to a close, we also recognise that students can feel tired and emotions can run a little higher. Through our URSTRONG program, we continue to support students in developing healthy friendships.

A key focus has been the importance of trust and respect, the foundations of every healthy friendship. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, reflecting on Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote:

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

This simple message reminds us that friendship is built on mutual care and respect. Children can show respect by listening to others, valuing different opinions, and including everyone when working and playing together.

The partnership between home and school remains one of our greatest strengths. Together, we are helping our children grow into resilient, compassionate, and respectful young people.

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Newsflash

Congratulations to our Interschool Athletics Team on winning the A Division title at yesterday’s IPSHA Athletics Carnival. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the students’ dedication and teamwork. A special thank you to Mr Williams for his hard work in preparing and supporting the team.

Choir Assembly

The Primary Singers and Wanju Voices performed beautifully at today's Assembly. We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston for their dedication in preparing our students for their special performances.

Well done to all the students who received a merit certificate at today’s Assembly - 

2027 Class Placements

Each new school year brings the excitement and change of classes, teachers and classmates.  It is normal for children to have some apprehension about this.  It is also inevitable that changes to friendship groups occur as children move through the grades.  Meeting new and different people is a part of life and it is our role as parents and educators to support children through change rather than protect them from it.

I ask all parents to trust that the class your child is going into next year is one in which they will thrive.  It is important to note that parental requests can only be met in exceptional circumstances and requesting a particular teacher or placement with a best friend does not constitute an exceptional circumstance.

If there is an exceptional circumstance that the College needs to be aware of, this needs to be sent directly to antoinette.depinto@johnxxiii.edu.au by Friday 25 September (last day of Term 3).  No late requests will be considered.

While written parent requests to the Head of Primary for a child to be in a particular class are considered, parents need to understand that this request may not always result in the desired outcome.

It is important to note that for class placement considerations, requests from previous years are not automatically rolled over to 2027. 

Early notification of class lists will not be provided.  Parents can feel confident that their children will always be in good hands and receive an excellent education at John XXIII College. 

Dates to Remember

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. 

Geography in the Classroom

This week, Year 2 students enjoyed an incursion with Jess from the Fisheries Department. 

Students learnt about the importance of keeping our oceans clean and protecting marine life, linking perfectly to our Geography learning about the continents and oceans of the world. 

We were also fascinated by hearing about her incredible deep-sea expeditions and discovering how animals have adapted to survive in the dark and challenging conditions at the bottom of the ocean. Some of the favourite things the children learnt were - 

• Crabs can stick seaweed on their back to camouflage themselves; they are called decorated crabs.

• Amphipods look like underwater slaters!

• The pressure of the water in the deep ocean is so strong humans cannot swim there.

• Deep sea fish turn to a blob when they go to the surface because it is too hot.

• All oceans are connected together as one big ocean.

• Lobsters carry their eggs on their belly.

• Sea tulips are like flowers, but they are actually coral that grow under water.

Lauren Pillera and Sian Cruse

Year 2 Teachers

Tiny Houses Project

Year 5 GATE students recently completed a Tiny Houses Project that challenged them to think creatively, critically and practically.

The students researched the Tiny House movement, developed budgets, designed floor plans and constructed detailed models of their own tiny homes. They also had the opportunity to learn about budgeting and project costs from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Mr Cumming, helping them understand the financial considerations involved.

At the end of the project students shared their models and learning with family members in the Library. It was wonderful to see students confidently discuss their designs, explain their decision-making processes and reflect on the successes and challenges of their projects.

Congratulations to all students on their creativity, innovation and hard work.

Mrs Purcell 

Primary GATE Teacher

Primary Sport

IPSHA Athletics Carnival 

A huge congratulations to our Interschool Athletics team for their outstanding efforts at All Saints College on Thursday.

The day was filled with memorable performances as our students competed with courage, determination, and skill. Beyond the results, it was inspiring to see the way they encouraged one another, showed respect to competitors, and embodied the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

They represented John XXIII College with pride and were wonderful ambassadors for our school community.  The competition was of a high standard, but it was the JTC team that won the first A Division IPSHA Interschool Athletics Carnival!  Well done to all involved.

Term 4 Extra-curricular opportunities

Tennis 

Nick Kirkbride from Coastal Tennis begins again.  Mondays from 7:45am to 8:30am on the secondary tennis courts, commencing in Week 2.  Sign up at Schools | Coastal Tennis | Western Australia

Fun Fitness Foundations

Dave from FFF returns with his fun and engaging program to keep students moving.  Wednesdays from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, commencing in Week 2.  Sign up details to come.

Soccer

Tuesday soccer with J and J is back in Term 4 from Week 2. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:20pm on the Junior Primary oval. Please see the attached flyer for further details.  

Basketball

Redhage Basketball is back on Thursdays, commencing in Week 2 from 3:30pm to 4:20pm in the school gym. Registrations can be made via Redhage Basketball - Shawn Redhage Perth Wildcats NBL.  

If you have any queries regarding Primary Sport, please 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.

Choir Assembly

Today’s assembly featured performances by our Primary choirs, Wanju Voices and Primary Singers, who shared the pieces they recently performed at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.

Choral singing offers students much more than musical development. Through singing together, students build confidence, concentration, listening skills and friendships, while learning the importance of teamwork and working towards a shared goal. Careful consideration of lyrics is also an important part of repertoire selection for young singers, and today’s performances highlighted themes of courage, kindness and the value of working together.

Congratulations to our choirs on their wonderful performances and for sharing such beautiful music with our community.

City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony

Congratulations to the students from Wanju Voices who represented the College at the City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony on Thursday 17 September. It was a very special honour for our students to be part of this ceremony, using their voices to welcome and celebrate those who are embarking on a new journey as Australian citizens. The choir received many compliments from those attending the ceremony.

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Congratulations to Joshua Haydon (5G) who was selected by the Catholic Performing Arts Festival Committee to sing the National Anthem at the Final Concert this week. This concert showcased a number of outstanding performers who were selected from over 18,000 students in Catholic schools across Western Australia. John XXIII College was also represented by Jasper Bailey and Nicholas Skerratt (Year 12) who received awards for their piano and violin solo performances. We are so proud!

Save the Date

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

Chapel Choir

Chapel Choir is open to all 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 final Community Mass for Term Three is on Friday 25 September.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Thinking ahead to 2027?

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 2027, 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.

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.