Around The Primary

Dear Families

The Primary school is starting to radiate the festive spirit of Christmas! This week, our students in Kindy, Pre-Primary, and Year 1 showcased the heart-warming Christmas story in various delightful ways to their family and friends in our community. Through their performances, they not only reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas but also emphasised the values of kindness, patience, love, and generosity towards one another. 

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it is important not to overly focus on which peers will or will not be in your child's class. Our dedicated staff have diligently crafted class placements, considering numerous factors. However, it is essential for every child to learn how to adapt to different teaching styles and diverse classmates. 

It was lovely to see the excitement on the students’ faces when they found out the news of their future teachers and classmates. As significant adults in a child's life, it is our responsibility to instill confidence in their ability to overcome any concerns or challenges they may perceive. We also need to reassure them that we are here to provide our support and they can look forward to an amazing year ahead. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Presentation Night

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who received an award at Presentation Night.  We are very proud of their wonderful achievements.

Sienna D’Alessandro was awarded the Outstanding Student Award for achieving academic excellence across all Learning Areas. 

William Bontempo was awarded the Simon Casey Sports Award which recognises outstanding participation, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, commitment and encouragement of others during Sport and also displays the same life-long interest in Sport as shown by the late Mr Simon Casey.

Christmas Newsflash

Next Thursday 7 December, the students can come to school dressed in Christmas colours or wear a Christmas t-shirt, hat etc… (No coloured hair spray or face paint please) If preferred, students wear their House shirt and sports shorts. 

On this day we also hope to raise the students’ awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to everyday privileges at Christmas. All students are asked to bring along a gold coin donation for St Vinnies. Thank you in anticipation of your generous support.

Staff News

Next year we welcome to our teaching team:

Miss Kate Mackinnon, Year 1 Blue

Miss Stephanie Micale, Year 3 Blue

Miss Briony Hooper, Year 6 White

This rich blend of new and experienced staff in the Primary school sets the stage for a bright future. The wealth of experience, combined with fresh perspectives and energy from new members, is a promising mix that will likely benefit the school and our students in various ways.

2024 Yearbook - Companions

Companions will be distributed to students on Wednesday 6 December. 

The youngest child in the family at the College will receive a copy (except for Pre-Kindy).  Pre-Kindy students (without siblings at the College) will have their copy mailed to them.

Semester 2 Reports 

Semester 2 reports for Pre-Primary to Year 6 students will be available through the College’s online communication platform ‘SEQTA ENGAGE’ on Thursday 7 December at 3:30pm. 

Instructions 

i. Please login to your SEQTA Engage account at:  https://parent.johnxxiii.edu.au

ii. Click on the REPORTS link located on the menu at the left side of screen

iii. Select Student

iv. Select 2023P, 2023S2

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar: Calendars | John XXIII College and subscribe to the Primary Calendar.

2024 Term Dates 

Please note the following Term Dates for 2024 for Primary students:

All Things Japanese

This week our Pre-Primary students enjoying making origami Christmas trees and the Year 6 students made a Japanese inspired Christmas bauble with an origami crane, which is a symbol of peace and good fortune – a lovely memento to keep from their time in the Primary school.  The Year 6’s also received a pencil case, personalised with their name in Japanese as a parting gift. 

Rowson sensei

PAL 2024 Coordinators

A very warm welcome to our Primary PALs for 2024:

Sport Update

PP-Year 3 Swimming Certificates

Rare Indigo Swimming Surf Program Certificates have been issued to all students in Pre-Primary to Year 3 this week.

Co-curricular sport

Cross-country and swimming training will also begin in Term 1 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons.  More details to come soon.

Extra-curricular sport

It is time to start thinking about extra-curricular sport for Term 1 in 2024!

If you have any queries about anything sport related, please contact me via email: steve.williams@cewa.edu.au 

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Music Update

Primary Ensemble Rehearsals 

Rehearsals for Primary Singers and Primary instrumental ensembles have now concluded for 2023. Wanju Voices have their final choir rehearsal for the year at 8:00am on Monday in the Osborne Room to prepare for the Year 6 Farewell. 

Thank you to parents for your support in getting students to rehearsals throughout the year. We look forward to resuming our ensembles in 2024.

Primary Instrumental Recitals

Congratulations to the students who performed in the Primary Instrumental Recitals on Monday. Parents and grandparents were treated to performances by students from Years 1-6 in strings, winds, piano and vocal session. 

A big thank you to the tutors, music office and primary staff for assisting with the running of these recitals.

Music Enrolments and Withdrawals

Please refer to the Music page of this newsletter for important information regarding instrumental enrolments and withdrawals for 2024.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Enrolments Kindy 2026

Kindy interviews for 2026 will commence in Term 2 in 2024.  Please ensure you have submitted your child’s application submitted - Enrolments Information and Online Enrolment Enquiry | John XXIII College 

Please contact the College Registrar, Allison Falconer with any enquires on 9383 0449 or enrolments@johnxxiii.edu.au