Around The Primary

Dear Families

Happy John XXIII Day!

Today our whole school community commenced our celebrations for John XXIII Day with Mass. On this special day, our visiting priest, Father Frank Brennan SJ, reminded our school community about our College Founders - Pope John XXIII, Ignatius of Loyola and Mary Ward.

Founders' Time is always a special time of the year and this week the Loreto Express arrived to take students from Pre-Kindy to Year 6 on a train journey along the colonnades. This train journey was significant, as along the way, the students learnt about the journey of the Loreto sister, Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry and the first Loreto sisters to Australia 150 years ago. At each stop along the way, the young passengers discovered the remarkable stories of courage, faith, and determination that brought the Loreto sisters to our shores in 1875. From their departure in Ireland to their arrival in Australia, every station told part of this inspiring tale that helped shape our College’s foundation. 

The festivities continued with students enjoying time with their friends and staff at the 'mini-fete', this was superbly organised by our Years 5 and 6 students and their teachers. It is always wonderful to see children having a lot of fun and experiences like John XXIII Day are a great opportunity for them to be with friends in a different environment, playing with gusto, singing at the top of their lungs and laughing and zooming around to enjoy the range of games and activities on offer.  The proceeds raised through the stalls will go to Mary Ward International and Jesuit Mission. 

The students are to be congratulated on the terrific way they conducted themselves throughout the fun-filled day.  We all had a wonderful time celebrating John XXIII Day!

We now look forward to the weekend to rest and relax in readiness for another busy week in the Primary school.

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Staff News

One of the many lovely traditions we have at the College is the acknowledgement of long-serving staff. This year, we congratulate and thank Vanessa Brown, Education Assistant, for her 20 years of dedicated service at John XXIII College.  Congratulations Vanessa!

Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry

A long time ago, in a land far across the sea, there lived a young girl named Mary Barry. She had bright eyes, a big heart, and a love for learning that sparkled like stars in the sky.

Mary grew up in Ireland, where the grass was green and the people were kind. But even as a little girl, she noticed something: not all children, especially girls, had the chance to go to school. That made her sad. “Everyone should have the chance to learn!” she said.

As she grew older, Mary joined a group of women called the Loreto Sisters, who loved God and helped others through teaching. When she joined, she was given a new name: Sister Gonzaga Barry.

Then one day, a letter came from far away — all the way from Australia! The people there needed help starting schools for girls. Sister Gonzaga didn’t hesitate. “Let’s go!” she said. So, she and a few brave Sisters packed their things, climbed aboard a ship, and sailed across the ocean to the other side of the world.

When they arrived in Australia, they saw that there were not many schools for girls. But Mother Gonzaga (as she was now called) wasn’t worried. She smiled and said, “We’ll build them ourselves!”

And that’s exactly what she did.

Mother Gonzaga helped open many schools across Australia, teaching girls to read, write, think, create, and dream. She believed every girl had a gift inside her — something special the world needed.

She didn’t just teach books. She taught music, art, and even science — things many girls didn’t usually learn back then. “You can be anything!” she would say. “You are clever. You are strong. You are loved.”

Soon, the schools were filled with laughter, songs, and the sounds of pencils scratching on paper. The girls who once had no chance to learn were now dreaming of being teachers, doctors, artists, and more.

Even though she grew older, Mother Gonzaga never stopped caring, teaching, or dreaming. She became known as one of Australia’s greatest education leaders. And today, many schools still carry the Loreto name, and her spirit lives on in every classroom where a child learns something new.

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. 

Science in Action

In preparation for Science Week, the Year 1 students were very lucky enough to visit the Secondary Science labs! Mr Simon Carrello (Head of Science) took the Year 1 students on a tour and immersed them in the wonderful world of science. The children were able to see skeletons, plants, marine life and equipment. 

A highlight was being able to watch the Year 12 Chemistry students perform experiments. The senior students carefully explained each step, and helped the Year 1 students see how fun and fascinating science can be. 

A big thank you to Mr Carrello and Year 12 Chemistry students for making the visit such a memorable and inspiring experience.

Claire Peirce and Molly Rowbottam

Year 1 Teachers

Japanese Tsunami

Last Friday, the Year 5 classes enjoyed dining at Tsunami in Mosman Park. We experienced incredible food such as chicken sushi, miso soup, chicken teriyaki, sukiyaki and maccha ice cream. The staff were very welcoming, which created a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant was beautiful with lots of greenery, flowers and a painting of Mount Fuji. It was a fantastic experience, and we are so happy and grateful we got to go. Abigail and Althea 

Year 5W

Special thanks to Sensei Rowson for organising this wonderful experience for the Year 5 students. 

Book Week

In Week 5 this term we will be celebrating Book Week with lots of activities planned. 

Our Book Week Poster Competition will be 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 your 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

Counsellor’s Corner

Happy Families School Membership

John XXIII College is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources. 

This week’s article from Happy Families is  Time Is Love: Why Being Present Matters More Than Ever - Happy Families

In the whirlwind of school runs, work meetings, laundry piles, and life’s endless to-do lists, it’s easy for family time to fall to the bottom of our priorities. We’re “there” with our children, but are we truly with them?

One powerful truth from our family’s journey—and from years of research and real-world parenting—is this: To our kids, love is spelled T-I-M-E.

I encourage you to read the full article Insights030325_TimeIsLove_DrJustinCoulson and consider how your family can prioritise time and connection.

As part of the school’s membership to Happy Families parents are able join Justin’s live events each term, at no cost.  The Term 3 event, Anxious, can be access via this link -  https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/answers-with-dr-justin-anxious-register-happy-families-schools

Wishing you a fabulous weekend together. 

If you have any queries, please contact me via email: natalie.alach@johnxiii.edu.au 

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor 

Sports Update

SSWA Soccer Carnival

Congratulations to our Interschool Soccer Team for their fantastic performance at the SSWA Southern Region Soccer Tournament—our first time participating in the event!

The standard of competition was exceptionally high, and our team held their own, narrowly losing only to South Coast Baptist’s two teams—both of which qualified for the State Finals and have dominated the competition for the past six years.

Our students displayed outstanding teamwork, skill, and positivity throughout the day. Their efforts were recognised with the Champions Cup Fair Play Award, and a special congratulations goes to Sam Hewer, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.

Well done, team!

Athletics Training

Athletics training begins 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:

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Congratulations to the following Primary students who received special awards from the Performing Arts Committee for their recent performances at the Festival.

Outstanding

Giorgio Sommacal, Year 4 – Primary Piano Solo

Joshua Haydon, Year 4 – Primary Piano Solo

Excellence

Niko Cha, Year 5 – Primary Piano Solo

Best wishes to all students representing the College in the festival next week.

Piano Exam Award

Congratulations to Giorgio Sommacal (4G) for achieving an A with Honours in his recent AMEB Grade One Piano Exam.

Music Eisteddfod 

We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend of music-making at John XXIII College! The annual Music Eisteddfod kicks off on Sunday 10 August at 9:00am, with a packed two days of student performances as they contribute towards the House Music Shield. Students are encouraged to wear their house shirt on Sunday, and we invite parents and friends to come and support the performers.

Students using ‘backing tracks’ are asked to please ensure they have emailed the Music Office - music@johnxxiii.edu.au with files attached. All performers are asked to arrive at venues ten minutes before they are scheduled to start; please be mindful that performances may be ongoing. It promises to be another wonderful festival of music for our College students and families!

Families will receive SEQTA communication and updates regarding the Eisteddfod.  Please also refer to the Music page of this Newsletter for the Schedule. 

Hippity Hop – Year 4 Musical

The Year Four students have been working hard in their final rehearsals for the Musical ‘Hippity Hop!’ The students will perform for a dress rehearsal on Friday 15 August, with a Matinee performance for the Primary school and an evening show for Families on Monday 18 August. 

Best wishes to all involved in the final preparations.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

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.