Around The Primary

Dear Families

Our Music Eisteddfod is a wonderful experience for our primary musicians. It was great to see so many students from various year levels participating in this event. It was such a valuable opportunity for our students to perform in front of an audience, to enjoy the performances of other students and to receive feedback from an adjudicator. Special thanks to all involved, particularly Mrs Haydon, Mr Kros and all the music tutors. 

The Year 4 students have been working hard in their final rehearsals for the Musical Hippity Hop! The students performed a dress rehearsal today to an audience of grandparents, with a Matinee performance for the Primary school and an evening show for families taking place on Monday 18 August. 

Under the fantastic direction of Mrs Haydon and Ms Cattapan, Hippity Hop has become so much more than just a school production. It's a whole community celebration! Parents and staff have been busy with makeup brushes and sewing machines, our grounds team has been hammering away at sets, and families have been patiently listening to countless rehearsals of songs at home.  Best wishes to all involved in the final preparations.

We will be celebrating Book Week next week with lots of fun and creative activities with the intention of reminding students about how important and inspiring books can be in our lives. The theme for Book Week 2025 is ‘Book an Adventure’. We welcome everyone to visit our Library to visit the Book Fair and view the latest in children's literature. 

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

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. 

Term 3 Parent Events

Thank you to our Parent Association Liaison parents for organising another term of parent social events to strengthen connections between parents in each year group. Please find below an overview of this term's events. This is also available via SEQTA. 

Music & Drama Fun!

As part of Music and Drama Week, the Year 1 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Secondary Drama and Music departments! 

In Drama, Ms Green introduced us to the magical world behind the scenes, sharing fascinating insights into costumes, props, and lighting. The students were thrilled to explore pieces from past school productions and see how creativity brings stories to life on stage. 

Over in Music, Ms Alexander, Mr Kros, and the Year 7 students led a fun and interactive workshop where the students learned how to use a plastic cup as a musical instrument! With lots of enthusiasm and rhythm, the students performed ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ and ‘We Will Rock You’, showing off their new musical skills. 

A big thank you to Ms Green, Mr Kros, Ms Alexander, and the Year 7 students for making the visit such a joyful and inspiring experience!

Molly Rowbottam and Claire Peirce

Year 1 Teachers

Book Week

Next week we will be celebrating Book Week with lots of activities planned. 

Our Book Week Poster Competition is on again and the theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure!’   All students are encouraged to get creative and bring their original designs to the library by Friday 22 August.  Please ensure your child’s full name and class is on the back of the poster. Winners will be announced in Week 6.

A QBD Book Fair is Coming, Let’s 'Book an Adventure'

Get ready to 'Book an Adventure' at our upcoming Book Fair, just in time for CBCA Book Week. 

Book Fair Dates & Times:

• Tuesday 19 August – Thursday 21 August
• Before school: 8:00am – 8:30am
• After school: 3:15pm – 3:45pm
• Location: Ignatius Centre Library

Please note that we can receive card payments only.

Primary students are required to attend the Book Fair with a parent or guardian. 

If you cannot attend in person, the adventure is available online. Visit our Digital Book Fair here.

If you have any questions about the Book Fair, please contact: Jean Redfern on email Jean.redfern@johnxxiii.edu.au

Sports Update

Athletics Training

Athletics training continues next week for Years 3 to 6 students from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on the Secondary ovals.  Students are to meet outside the gym and bring along a health snack. 

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 

Music Update

Primary Ensembles 

Please see below for rehearsal times for ensembles next week:

*Please note the changes for choir rehearsals

Music Eisteddfod 

Individual recipients of Outstanding Performer and House Spirit Awards will receive their trophies and medals at the Primary Winners’ Concert on Thursday, 21 August at 3:30pm in the GBLT.  Award winners have been notified via SEQTA.  Please contact the Music Department via email – music@johnxxiii.edu.au with any queries. 

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Medical Centre – Student Medications 

A reminder to all families regarding medication for students – 

• Prescribed medication must be taken to the Medical Centre (not Class Teachers)
• Over-the-counter medications (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) do not need to be provided as the Medical Centre have a supply on hand.

Please contact the College Nurses via email – medical.centre@johnxxiii.edu.au with any queries. 

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.