Around The Primary

Dear Families

As a part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist, our Year 4 students took part in a Retreat today with the team from 24:7 Youth Ministry. For the children and their families, this is a special time, and it serves as a helpful reminder for all of us to take a closer look at how we are ‘living out' our faith.

On Thursday our Year 6 students and some Year 5 students took part in the IPSHA Winter Carnival involving nine IPSHA schools.  We hosted 20 netball teams, 23 soccer teams, 6 hockey teams and 3 AFL teams - all playing fun yet competitive games throughout the day.  Congratulations to Mr Williams for coordinating such an epic event.  It was great to see our grounds full of action, especially when our students represent our College with such high levels of pride and sportsmanship.  

As we are now rapidly approaching the end of term, it is important that we celebrate the wonderful efforts our students are giving to their learning – both at home and at school. It is important to support them to develop their strengths and to be proud of what they can do, and most importantly to encourage them to achieve their personal best.

It can be very tempting to focus on the grade on a report, or the finished result, rather than taking the time to give encouraging and motivating feedback and setting future goals.  Some children may be making small improvements in Maths or English, while others have been experiencing the benefits in the social and emotional area of their development. Learning to tie a shoelace, remembering the times-tables, walking to class independently, regulating their emotions, sharing a presentation in front of their peers, being a good friend and much more are all reasons to celebrate too!

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Comfy Day

Next Friday, 4 July is our annual ‘Comfy Day’ and students are invited to come to school dressed in pyjamas or warm comfy clothes. 

Our intention is to raise the students’ awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to everyday privileges. All students are asked to bring along a gold coin donation for LifeLink. 

Thank you in anticipation for your generous support.

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. 

Gardening Gurus

On Monday, the Mary Ward Gardening Club visited Ecoburbia in Beaconsfield. The students had a wonderful time meeting the goats, Lady Marmalade and Cleo. They also got the opportunity to hold the chickens and search for eggs. 

The children explored the sustainable garden and harvested vegetables. Author Shani Graham and illustrator and musician Tim Darby shared their gorgeous book about Lady Marmalade. The students got to sing the beautiful Lady Marmalade song, and some chose to dress up as the characters in the book and act out the story. 

The Mary Ward gardeners had a fabulous time at Ecoburbia. 

Karin Ilich and Caroline Cibesku

Mary Ward Primary Teachers

Sustainable Gardens

We have seen greater numbers of Carnaby's Black Cockatoos return to our school as a direct result of our conservation efforts. Last term our Sustainability Coordinator Mr Adrian Sims arranged for Curtin University's Professor Kingsley Dixon to teach our Year 6 students about these endangered birds and what we need to do to help. Embodying our Strategic Pillar of Environmental Stewardship, students then researched and designed 'sustainable gardens' to help save this endangered species.  Mr Sims and Professor Dixon returned this week to see our young conservationists present their amazing projects.

Counsellor’s Corner

Setting consistent boundaries in a loving way

Boundaries for children are clearly defined limits set to guide their behaviour, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being. They are not punitive measures but acts of care that provide structure and safety. By setting boundaries, parents create a reliable framework that helps children navigate the complexities of their environment.

Children need boundaries to develop a sense of security. Clear limits let them know what’s expected, reducing uncertainty and providing a safe space for exploration. For instance, boundaries like bedtime routines or limiting screen time teach them structure and self-discipline.

Boundaries support healthy brain development. During childhood and adolescence, the brain undergoes critical changes. Consistent boundaries help children learn decision-making, emotional regulation, and risk assessment. Without these, children may struggle with judgment as they lack the experience to manage freedoms effectively.

Boundaries foster essential life skills. These include understanding respect in relationships, time management, and recognising personal limits. For example, setting limits on social interactions or chores teaches responsibility and empathy, skills vital for healthy interpersonal connections.

Respect and consistency are key. Children often test boundaries to understand their limits and gauge parental reliability. This testing is crucial for building trust and attachment. If boundaries remain firm yet empathetic, children feel cared for, even when expressing frustration or resistance.

I encourage you to read Empowering parents - how to set healthy boundaries with your child.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email: natalie.alach@johnxxiii.edu.au.

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor 

Sports Update

Soccer trials

Next term, we will be entering a soccer team into the SSWA Soccer Competition for the first time.  This will be a mixed team and is open to Years 4, 5 and 6 students to try out.  Trials will take place on Wednesday, 2 July from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on the Secondary ovals.  The team will be selected based on skill and conduct displayed during the trials and PE lessons.  Boots and shinpads essential.

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: 

Music Eisteddfod 2025

Entries are now open for the John XXIII College Music Eisteddfod! Held on Sunday, 10 and Monday, 11 August, the Music Eisteddfod brings together every young musician on campus for a celebration of shared music-making.  The Music Eisteddfod encourages students of all experience levels to perform to an audience of peers and family members, in a supportive environment and receive encouraging feedback from expert adjudicators. 

Students who learn through the College Music Program will have applications for the Eisteddfod managed by their tutors.  Applications for students learning externally are available via the form attached below, via SEQTA Documents, through the Music Office, please email to music@johnxxiii.edu.au or in person, in the Performing Arts Department. Piano accompaniment is provided for all Eisteddfod entries (if applicable), so external entries are asked to supply a copy of the music.  A schedule for rehearsals with piano accompaniments will be communicated in the lead-up to the Eisteddfod, in Term 3.

Entries for the Music Eisteddfod close on Friday, 1 August at 4pm. Please contact the Music Office with any queries.

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.