Around The Primary

Dear Families

As we conclude another busy, productive, and enjoyable week at school, we have much to reflect upon with pride and gratitude. I remain continually impressed by the way our students engage in a variety of activities each week. It is often less about the specific experience and more about the accomplishment of venturing into new territory and stepping outside their 'comfort zones.' Such opportunities are instrumental in helping students build confidence and uncover new talents or interests they may not have previously recognised. 

This morning our Year 2 students under the wonderful guidance of Miss Riccardi and Miss Krikstolaitis, hosted a lovely Liturgy based on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Through the readings, prayers and songs, they reminded us that this Sacrament is a special way for people to grow closer to Jesus by seeking forgiveness.  It is hoped that all students at John XXIII College will follow Jesus’ example by being kind, respectful and by learning from mistakes. 

Our Interschool Athletics team had a fantastic day on Thursday at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival, hosted by All Saints College. There were various incredible individual performances with many of our athletes winning ribbons in their events. Well done to all participants for all their efforts! Thanks to Mr Williams, Mrs Taylor and Ms Kuyler for their organisation and hard work on the day. 

The Year 4 Musical ‘Feathers Fly’ was awarded the prestigious Loreto Sisters’ Award for Primary Musical (full-length production) in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. This shield was collected by cast members, Alexander Kong and Sophia McShane at the Final Concert on Monday 9 September and is currently on display at the Primary Reception entrance. Congratulations to the Year 4 students and all staff involved in this year’s magnificent Musical. 

The Year 1 students presented outstanding performances at their mini musical, ‘We’re Going on A Bear Hunt’ to Year 1 parents and peers in Pre-Primary and Year 2. These performances gave each student the opportunity to sing, speak, act and dance, as well as demonstrate some of the music skills that have been learning in Music. Special thanks to Mrs Haydon for all her wonderful work with the Year 1 students and to our education assistants, Ms Kidd and Ms McKeague.  

There is a sense of excitement surrounding the eagerly awaited school disco, where I anticipate witnessing many impressive dance moves! This event serves as an excellent platform for our students to hone their dancing abilities while also fostering their social skills in a safe and enjoyable environment. We extend our grateful thanks to our dedicated staff members who will remain at school late this evening to provide supervision and ensure everything runs smoothly. Please remember that all Pre-Primary to Year 2 students should be collected promptly at 6:15pm from the Exhibition Centre, while students in Years 3 to 6 should be picked up at 8:00pm.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

2025 Class Placements

Each new school year brings the excitement and change of classes, teachers and classmates.  It is normal for children to have some apprehension about this.  It is also inevitable that changes to friendship groups occur as children move through the grades.  Meeting new and different people is a part of life and it is our role as parents and educators to support children through change rather than protect them from it.

I ask all parents to trust that the class your child is going into next year is one in which they will thrive. It is important to note that parental requests can only be met in exceptional circumstances and requesting a particular teacher or placement with a best friend does not constitute an exceptional circumstance.

If there is an exceptional circumstance that the College needs to be aware of, this needs to be sent directly to antoinette.depinto@johnxxiii.edu.au by Friday, 20 September (last day of Term 3).  No late requests will be considered.

While written parent requests to the Head of Primary for a child to be in a particular class are considered, parents need to understand that this request may not always result in the desired outcome.

Early notification of class lists will not be provided.  Parents can feel confident that their children will always be in good hands and receive an excellent education at John XXIII College. 

Please note: 

You will receive an email confirmation of acknowledgement from Mrs Petsos.  If you do not receive a reply, the College has not received your request for Class Placement consideration. 

Save the Date

Please save the date for the Grandparents Picnic on Thursday 10 October.  Please book here -

 https://www.trybooking.com/CUWUG

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. 

Resilience Talk

On Monday 12 August, my Dad, also known as Stuart Reside, came into school to talk to both Year 5 classes about the Olympics. He talked about resilience and showed us a video of his medal winning race. He told us how hard it was to be a rower, he showed us medals, including his bronze medal from the Olympics. My Dad told us about continuing even when things are rough. I had a lot of fun listening to him and I think other students enjoyed listening to him too. 

Hamish Reside 5B 

Sports News

Look at these wonderful photos from the Years 3-6 Interhouse Athletics Carnival held last Friday!

Term 4 Extra Curricular Sports 

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 News

Primary Choir and Instrumental Ensemble Rehearsals

Year 6 Ensembles

As we begin rehearsals for the Christmas Concert in Term 4, students in Year 6 Band have been invited to join the Secondary students in Christmas Band and Year 6 string players have been invited to join the Secondary students in Chamber Orchestra. 

Year 6 Band students must continue to attend Year 6 Band rehearsals in order to participate in Christmas Band rehearsals on Thursday mornings at 7:30am. Year 6 string students are invited to attend Chamber Orchestra rehearsals on Wednesday mornings at 7:00am in the Osborne Room. Year 6 strings students who are also members of Year 6 Band must attend Band rehearsal at 7:30am before joining Chamber Orchestra at 8:00am. 

City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony

Wanju Voices will be representing the College at the City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony on Tuesday 17 September. It is a very special honour for our students to be part of this ceremony, using their voices to welcome and celebrate those who are embarking on a new journey as Australian citizens.

Grandparents’ Picnic

The Grandparents’ Picnic on Thursday 10 October will feature special performances by Wanju Voices, Primary Singers, Mini Minors, String Orchestra, Year 5 Band and Year 6 Band. Further information will be emailed to parents of the students involved.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher