Around The Primary

Dear Families 

As I walk through the Primary School, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such a warm and welcoming community. Hearing students laughing and playing and seeing families and staff greeting one another with genuine care, is truly uplifting. Every interaction—big or small—helps strengthen our sense of belonging and sets a wonderful example for our students.

As we approach the end of term, it’s natural for tiredness to creep in. During this time, it becomes especially important to support our children in staying calm, regulating their emotions, and continuing to show kindness and care for those around them.

On Thursday, we proudly hosted the IPSHA Winter Lightning Carnival, with eight schools joining us for a fantastic day of sport. Under perfect weather and with plenty of enthusiasm, our Year 6 students—and several of our Year 5 students—arrived ready to give their very best. From the first whistle in soccer, football, hockey, and netball, they played with determination and pride, demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork. The atmosphere was incredible.

We extend our thanks to Mr Williams for coordinating this event, and to staff and volunteers for their invaluable support on the day. We are also grateful to the many parents and families who came along to cheer—your presence made the day even more memorable for our students.

At today’s Assembly, our Year 1 students proudly shared that they are learning new things every day and that God blesses each of us with special gifts to help us grow. Through their entertaining presentation, they reminded us that when children play together, learn together, and care for one another, they are following the example of Jesus. Special thanks to Mrs Peirce and Miss Rowbottam for preparing the students so beautifully for their assembly.

We are very proud of all they have been learning at school and the wonderful way they shared their message with our community.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Superstars

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

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. 

When I grow up ...

What a fantastic day of fun and imagination we had in Pre-Primary on Wednesday! The children came to school dressed as what they would like to be when they grow up. It was wonderful to see the wide variety of dreams and aspirations - everything from doctors and firefighters to teachers, scientists, and so much more.

This special day was part of our learning about our community and the many people who help us every day. We have been exploring different jobs and the important roles they play, helping the children develop an understanding of how we all contribute to our community in different ways.

We have also been very lucky to have some parents visit our classroom to share their own jobs with the students. These visits have been incredibly engaging and meaningful, giving a real-life connection to learning.

Lucy Ricciardi and Hannah Kolbusz

Pre-Primary Teachers

Supersonic Science

Our Year 5 students had a blast during their hands-on chemical science incursion on Thursday. Taking part in a series of exciting experiments including Bubbleology, Instant Snow, Supersonic Slime, Vortex Cannons and the always spectacular Elephant's Toothpaste and Burning Bubbles demonstrations. 

The incursion built on our classroom science learning and gave students the chance to experience real chemical reactions and scientific concepts come to life. Students even got to take home their own instant snow and slime!

The ‘Bubbleology’ was so much fun! I hope the Year 5’s next year get to do this too!" Alina 5B

I loved making the slime, it was even better that we got to take it home with us! Sophie 5W

It was the best, the Elephant's Toothpaste exploded so fast! - Donato 5G

Bre Chapman, Rikki Allen and Teresa Fontaine

Year 5 Teachers

Primary Sport

IPSHA Winter Carnival

There was much excitement amongst the Year 6 students on Thursday with John XXIII College hosting the IPSHA Winter Carnival.  The Secondary ovals were filled with sport activities with 21 netball teams, 20 soccer teams, five AFL teams and four hockey teams from nine IPSHA schools taking part in this fun carnival.  Well done to all participants on the teamwork and sportsmanship and displayed.  A special thank you to the Year 6 parents who supported this day. 

SSWA Soccer Championships

We will be entering teams into the SSWA Soccer Championships again this year.  The final trials will take place on Wednesday 24 June, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, on the Secondary ovals and are open to Years 4, 5 and 6 students.  This is a competitive tournament so teams will be selected on ability, teamwork and sportsmanship.  Students attending trials are required to bring boots, shinpads and socks and a healthy 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 

Primary Music 

Ensemble Rehearsals

Primary String Breakfast Concert

Congratulations to the Years 3 - 6 students who performed in the Primary Strings Concert on Tuesday morning. Parents and grandparents were treated to a range of pieces demonstrating the skills the students have focused on this semester. A special mention to Mini Minors on their very first performance as an ensemble.

Music Eisteddfod

Entries into the annual John XXIII College Music Eisteddfod are now open and will be held on Sunday 9 August and Monday 10 August. Entries for students learning through the College are managed by tutors, though all students taking weekly lessons are welcome to participate – entry forms are available through SEQTA Documents under the Primary Music category or the Music Office. Students requiring piano accompaniment, which is provided by the College, are asked to submit copies of their music at the time of entry.  Entries close on Friday 3 July.

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons – Semester 2 Enrolments

Applications for weekly instrument and vocal lessons through the College Music Program are currently open and, can be accessed via the following link: Music Lesson Enrolment.

Please note that applications to withdraw for Semester 2 have now closed.

Save the Date

Primary Ensembles (String Orchestra, Mini Minors, Years 5 and 6 Bands) will be performing at the Primary assembly on Friday 31 July at 9:00am in Roncalli Hall. All are welcome to attend this special performance.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

ACROD Parking

A friendly reminder that these parking bays are only available to families that hold a valid and approved ACROD Parking Permit which must be displayed.   

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.

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.

Uniform Shop Update: Online Purchases Launching Term 3

We are pleased to announce that, from Term 3, John XXIII College will be launching an online Uniform Shop as an addition to our on-campus store.

This online store is designed to offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience, making it easier than ever to manage your orders from the convenience of your phone or computer, while still providing the option to visit us in-store.

To support this transition, the Uniform Shop will close at the end of business on Friday, 26 June, to allow for a full stock take and staff training in preparation for the launch of the new online store and point-of-sale system. The shop will reopen on Wednesday, 22 July.

Keep an eye on your inbox for further information, including how to access your account and start using the new system, which will be shared prior to the start of Term 3.

We look forward to this exciting new initiative and to continuing to serve our community both online and in-store.

Inspire Parent Education: Supporting emotional regulation at home

Thursday, 30 July 2026

The Inspire Parent Education arm of the Parents’ Association warmly invites all John XXIII College parents to an engaging session on emotional regulation. Join our Primary and Secondary wellbeing teams as they share insights into children’s and teens’ emotional development, and offer practical strategies to help you support your child’s emotional regulation at home.

What we’ll explore:

• recognising children’s emotions and how they present across different stages of development
• why co-regulation matters and how it helps children learn to manage their emotions
• the steps of emotion coaching
• core strategies for de-escalation
• using the RULER approach to support emotional regulation for children, adolescents and parents.
• changes in the adolescent brain and behaviour
• managing adolescent emotions and knowing when to step in

This session is designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to nurture your child’s wellbeing, strengthen family connections and foster resilience.

All John XXIII College parents and carers are welcome. Register here.