Around The Primary

Dear Families

Primary House Day is always a favourite day at the College and today we celebrated in fine style. We began our celebrations with a lovely Mass, beautifully prepared by Ms Allen, Assistant Principal. During this time, we reflected on each of the College Houses, namely Campion, Koolyangarra, Loreto, Loyola, St Louis, and Ward. 

Each of our six Houses are such an important part of our College heritage and tell a great story.

Campion 

Named after the English Martyr and Saint, Sir Edmund Campion, whose characteristics are expressed in the House motto, ‘Faith and Courage’.

Koolyangarra 

The white dove of Koolyangarra House represents the peace which the Christian message offers the world. The motto of Koolyangarra House is ‘Strength, Spirit and Justice’.

Loreto 

Named after the religious order founded by Mary Ward, The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Loreto motto is ‘In the Cross, while I breathe, I trust’.

Loyola 

St Ignatius Loyola was inspired by the Holy Spirit who, through his Christian witness, created the order of ‘The Society of Jesus’ which became known as The Jesuits. The motto of Loyola House is ‘As much as you are able, that much dare to do’.

St Louis 

Named after a young student who gave his life in the care of those suffering with illness and shunned by social prejudice. The St Louis House motto is ‘I strive for higher things’.

Ward 

Named after Mary Ward, a woman of great spirit who sought to do good to others and achieve excellence in these efforts. The Ward House motto expresses the ideals of Mary Ward, ‘Freedom, Justice, and Sincerity’.

It was great to see all the House colour, spirit, and energy on display today. Congratulations to our Year 6 students for organising the Monster Cake Stall to raise money for LifeLink. Our young customers and Year 6 stallholders had a fantastic experience, selling and buying delicious delicacies. I extend my thanks to Ms O’Connor, Miss Driscoll and Ms Hooper and the Year 6 parents for their hard work behind the scenes to help organise the delicious treats for sale.

We had a great fun-filled day! The students thoroughly enjoyed gathering for their activities as well as the opportunity to get to know more about their specific House.

Next Friday 10 May we are gathering for Mass to thank God for the gift of our mothers and mother-figures. This Mass will begin at 7:30am in the St Louis Sports Centre. It is hoped all Mums will be able to come along to celebrate Mass with their children. 

Please RSVP using this link  2024 Mothers' Day Celebration Tickets, John XXIII College, Mount Claremont | TryBooking Australia

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Staff News

Mrs Sonja Goss has advised the College of her resignation and her last day with the students will be Friday, 10 May.

We thank Sonja for her dedicated service to the College and wish her every happiness in her future endeavours.  

We are pleased to announce that Miss Grace Smith will be teaching Year 4 Gold. 

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.  

In the Olden Days

On Tuesday, despite the rainy weather, Year 3G travelled back in time to live like the people of the olden days! The students even dressed to look the part. Much fun was had visiting the Claremont Museum and learning about life in the past. The class were fortunate to experience how people used to cook, clean and be taught in the classroom. Students learnt that although some things are still the same today, a lot has changed over time, and there are many developments to be thankful for!

Grace Jones

Year 3G Teacher

Walk by the Lake

On Wednesday morning, the children who participate in the Mary Ward Primary program, went on a fabulous excursion to Lake Claremont to learn about the Noongar flora and fauna significant to the area where they live. The students were greeted by Dylan Collard, a proud Noongar educator. Dylan introduced the children to the Noongar names of many animals. He taught them the importance of taking care of nature, so each student was asked to look after one of the cuddly toy animals during the guided walk of the area. 

Dylan showed us a nature camp and demonstrated how to create a tent using paperbark, as well as, traditional ways to make fire and glue to construct important hunting tools. It was wonderful to hear the children use many Noongar words with confidence at the end of the excursion. 

Karin Ilich

Mary Ward Primary Teacher

Calling All Artists! 

Students of John XXIII College are invited to create an original artwork on the theme of ‘Christmas’. 

The winning entry will appear on the Principal’s 2024 Christmas card. 

For information on how to enter, terms and conditions, please refer to the attached flyer.

Chess Tournament

The Years 5 to 12 College Chess Tournament commenced this week.  Congratulations to the following primary students who participated in the first round of this competition.

Sport Update

Our Years 5 and 6 students finished off their Primary House Day with an Interhouse Basketball Tournament at Bendat Basketball Centre.  There was some fantastic teamwork, skill and sportsmanship on display.  It was great to see all students getting involved in the games and playing their part for their House. 

Excitement for next week’s Interhouse Cross Country Carnival is building and we had over 50 students at Thursday's training session!  Tuesday 7 May will be the final training session before the Carnival on Thursday 9 May.  I look forward to seeing many family and friends on the Secondary ovals to cheer on the runners.  

Please see the schedule of the races below:

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

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Music Update

Rehearsals

Choir and instrumental ensemble rehearsals for next week are as follows:

Notice of Absence

A reminder that communication (via email) should be sent to ensemble directors and instrumental tutors if a student is absent from rehearsals or lessons. This is particularly important for duty of care with before-school rehearsals.

Year 6 Music 

The Year 6 students have been exploring the origins of music and music from the Medieval Period. This week the students dressed in robes and gathered in candlelight to experience singing in the style of Gregorian chant. They are now working on composing their own Gregorian chants!

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Counsellor’s Corner

This term we are exploring the second Focus Area of the Keeping Safe Program – ‘RELATIONSHIP’

Students explore what it means to have rights and responsibilities. Children’s rights are introduced by looking at what children need to be healthy and safe, and identifying the responsibility adults have in keeping children safe. Children explore their personal identity and the importance of respecting diversity. They begin to understand the connections they have with their family and friends and explore these relationships. The concepts of bullying, fair and unfair, and power are all introduced. Children explore age-appropriate social issues to identify situations where there has been an abuse of power in a relationship and to demonstrate appropriate actions to take. The language of safety is an important aspect and non-blaming language is encouraged.  Children develop an understanding of trust and trusted networks to consider who will listen to them and help them when they feel unsafe. Children explore a range of people who they may not know, but who may be able to help them.

Families can support their child by helping them:

• understand that we all have rights, e.g. the right to be safe, the right to be cared for, the right to be listened to 
• know the difference between things they may want such as chocolate or toys, and items they need such as food, a bed and a safe place to live understand relationships with their family, friends and others, and safe ways to interact (if consensual and trusted), e.g. hug, kiss, shake hands, wave.
• recognise what mean on purpose behaviour looks like and what to do if they or someone else is being treated this way, e.g. Use their quick comeback, walk away, talk to a trusted adult. 
• understand that personal power can be used positively and negatively, e.g. letting another child join in the game, not taking turns.
• know what to do if someone tells them to do something that feels unsafe.
• identify trusted people at home, in the family, at school and in the community, such as, Kids Helpline
• practise talking to the people on their trusted network and know how to get help if they need it.
• Useful resources:  URSTRONG website, activate your FREE Parent Membership and explore all the resources available to your family. 

Information from KS:CPC | Parent and Carer Fact Sheet

If you have any queries or concerns about the Keeping Safe Program, please contact me via email anne.murphy@johnxxiii.edu.au 

Anne Murphy 

Primary Counsellor

9383 0469

Sacramental Certificates

Parents are requested to email a copy of their child’s Sacramental Certificate (Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation) to Mrs Petsos in Primary Reception nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au for our College records.

Walk together towards reconciliation.

We invite the community to join us for an enriching journey of discovery, reconciliation and truth telling as we walk Galbamaanup (Lake Claremont) with Dylan Collard. Delve into the rich tapestry of our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, guided by Dylan's knowledge of language, history, and culture.

Date:                       Saturday, 18 May  

Time:                      8:00am – 10:30am

Meeting Point:     Playground and BBQ area at the end of Lapsley Road 

Parking:                  Parking is available off Lapsley Road near Lake Claremont Golf Course

The event is free, however registration is essential: https://www.trybooking.com/1219451

Rotary Book Drive 

Let's spread the joy of reading and learning to those in need.

Join us in supporting primary school education in remote communities in WA and Papua New Guinea by donating your pre-loved books for children ages 5-12. Simply drop books to the College's Main Reception. Items of interest include books and literacy materials up to 12 years old, picture books, fictional and non-fiction books, baby books and puzzles.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Martella, Marketing and Communications Manager if you have any queries - lisa.martella@johnxxiii.edu.au