Around The Primary
John XXIII College
Dear Families
This week our Interschool Cross-Country Team proudly represented the College at the SSWA Cross-Country Carnival. It is always so encouraging to hear from staff and parents that our students displayed enthusiasm, teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the competition.
The carnival provided a great opportunity for the students to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy healthy competition in a positive environment. Congratulations to all our runners, we were especially proud to receive the overall Girls Champions Award. Thank you to Mr Williams and parents who helped make the day such a success.
Next week our Year 6 students will be attending an educational tour of our nation’s capital, Canberra. They will participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture and democracy.
Highlights of the camp will include a visit to Parliament House, a guided tour of Government House, a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial and a beautiful bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin. Questacon, the Dinosaur Museum and the Australian Institute of Sport will also be explored during the camp.
Cold and flu season is upon us, and we want to ensure a safe and healthy school environment for our students and staff. To prevent the spread of illness, we ask that you monitor your child for cold and flu symptoms and keep them home if they are unwell.
Kind regards
Antoinette De Pinto
Head of 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
| Monday 25 May | Year 6 Canberra Camp departs |
| Tuesday 26 May | National Sorry Day |
| Parents' Association Meeting, TMEC 6:00pm | |
| Wednesday 27 May | Years 3-5 JACC Cross Country Carnival, Alderbury Reserve |
| Friday 29 May | Year 6 Canberra Camp returns |
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.
Wellbeing Weekly
Justin Coulson will be visiting John XXIII College on Tuesday 9 June. Interested families are invited to register to hear his latest research on how best to support sons in the modern world. As a Happy Families school, John XXIII can invite you to attend this online event for free.
Sign up here:
https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/awj-boys-register-hfs
Parenting Connection WA
Please refer to the attached flyer to book for this free online parent talk ‘The Tech Diet for Parents’ hosted by Brad Marshall.
Natalie Alach
Primary School Counsellor
Sport
SSWA Cross-Country Carnival
On Wednesday, our Years 3 to 6 Interschool Cross-Country team competed in the SSWA Cross-Country Carnival - an exciting event featuring over 200 runners in each race.
Our students demonstrated outstanding spirit throughout the day. Not only did they push themselves on the course, but they also showed fantastic sportsmanship by encouraging and celebrating one another.
Despite the highly competitive fields, we achieved some excellent individual results:
- Year 4 Primrose Creagh – 13th
- Year 5 Anais Bowditch – 5th
- Year 5 Zach Sibenaler – 3rd
- Year 6 Matilda Smith – 8th
- Year 6 Sam Smith – 11th
A highlight of the day was our girls' team being named overall winners. This award recognises the combined performance of the top four runners from each school, making it a truly impressive team achievement.
Well done to all our runners on a brilliant effort—we are very proud of you!
Next up is the inaugural Junior ACC Cross-Country Carnival on Wednesday 27 May at Alderbury Reserve.
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 –
| Wanju Voices | Monday 25 May | 7:30am-8:30am, MacKillop Room |
| String Orchestra | Tuesday 26 May | 7:15am-8:00am, Osborne Room |
| Mini Minors | 8:00am-8:30am, Osborne Room | |
| Year 6 Band | No rehearsal (Canberra Camp) | |
| Year 5 Band | Wednesday 27 May | 8:00am-8:30am, Performing Arts Centre |
| Primary Singers | Thursday 28 May | 8:00am-8:40am, MacKillop Room |
| Chapel Choir | Friday 29 May | 7:30am-8:40am, Chapel |
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.
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.