Around The Primary

Dear Families 

It has been a joy to see how quickly the students have settled back into their routines and reconnected with the rhythms of school life. There is a wonderful sense of energy across the Primary school as classrooms come alive with learning, friendships are renewed and the year begins to take shape.

As parents and caregivers, you can support your child/ren to have a calm, happy, and successful term at school by ensuring they:

• arrive at school on time, ready for a calm transition to the school day
• have a consistently good night’s sleep
• are not over scheduled after school – leaving enough time for them to relax, do their reading homework, and participate in unstructured and active play
• have limited technology after school
• enjoy some quality family time 

It was wonderful to see so many families represented at our Parent Information Sessions this week. The key information shared by teachers will be available on SEQTA Engage next week.  Class overviews were sent home last week to keep families well informed too. 

Important information is also clearly communicated through and our weekly Newsletter and this is a central channel to receive College updates, key dates, and other relevant information for the week ahead. 

Our Years 4 to 6 students have enjoyed taking part in swimming lessons at Claremont Pool and Cottesloe Beach. After-school swimming training for students in Years 3 to 6 commences on Tuesday 17 February in the College pool. This will be under the direction of Mr Williams and qualified coaches. 

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and this marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. Students will participate in a prayer liturgy in their classrooms and ashes will be distributed. These prayerful times are an important part of being part of our Catholic community and celebrating that we are all part of God's family.

I look forward to seeing many families at the Primary Picnic tomorrow. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Primary Picnic 

The Primary Picnic is a fantastic way to start the school year and a great opportunity to experience our school spirit, meet new people and catch-up with those you already know and connect with in our school community. We have sold over 500 tickets for this special event.

Important Reminders

• All children need to be closely supervised by parents or caregivers throughout the event. 
• Foam frenzy is back! Children should wear bathers and a rashie. Bring along a towel and an extra set of clothes.
• Icy poles and raffle tickets will be for sale. 
• Gates open at 5:00pm
• Please wear your parent badge
• Have fun!

2026 Term Dates

The 2026 Term Dates have now been published and are available to view on the College Website - Parent Information | Term Dates | John XXIII College 

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar.  By subscribing to the College calendar, you are automatically alerted when details of an existing event are changed. 

Project Compassion

Next Wednesday, 18 February, is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. During this special time, we will be raising funds for Project Compassion to support communities in need.

Students will learn about Sisilia from Tanzania, Monoranjon from Bangladesh, Manaini from Fiji and also find out the various ways Caritas Australia is supporting communities, including Emergency Response work in Gaza.

Throughout Lent students will be encouraged to ask God to help people to unite against poverty, work for fairness and care for the world. They will be reminded to be kind and to build a world where everyone belongs and can live in peace.

During special visits to the Chapel students will spend time reflecting on good things they can do for others, and they will write their kindness reflections.   

It is hoped students will collect coins and bring them to school for Project Compassion. At the end of each week during Lent, class donations will be tallied, and coins deposited into a wishing well. We are looking forward to filling our wishing well with donations. 

To achieve our goal, we need families help to collect any loose change. All families are encouraged to get involved and support our fundraising project.

Let’s all work together to support communities and to fund life-changing programs to create lasting and sustainable change. 

Kylie Allen

Assistant Principal, Primary

NAPLAN 

Preparations have begun for the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy, which will take place in Weeks 6 and 7 this term. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be assessed in the areas of Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. 

In the coming weeks, Years 3 and 5 classroom teachers will be spending time with students teaching them how to navigate the screen for the Online assessment platform. 

We endeavour to make the assessment experience one that simply becomes part of the students’ day, where the environment is calm and well-managed. We encourage the students to approach the assessments with a positive mindset and to try their best.

NAPLAN Timeline

Practice Tests in Week 4, Thursday 26 February – providing an opportunity for students to become familiar with using the test platform.

Frozen Fridays Years 1-6

As you are aware, Chartwells is our new food service provider in the canteen.  Primary families will be able to place their lunch order online using the Flexischools ordering and payment system (see details below).

As the canteen is now completely cashless Primary students will not be able to purchase treats at lunch time from the Canteen.  This term, we are going to trial ‘Frozen Friday’ in the Primary school. 

Each Friday, Years 1-6 students will have the opportunity to purchase a ‘super dooper’ (no sugar) icy pole.  The students can bring a gold coin to school on Fridays to purchase this treat.  This is completely optional.  All proceeds from the sales will be donated to Project Compassion.  Students will not be given change, please only supply them with a $1.00 coin.

Our Year 6 Leaders are very excited to be running this initiative.  On Fridays, they will be setting up a stall near the library for the younger students and in the Primary Amphitheatre for Years 4-6.  Frozen Friday will commence on Friday, 20 February. 

Getting started with Flexischools -  

1. Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or Google Play

2. Click 'Sign Up' and enter your email to create an account

3. Check your inbox and click the link to verify your email

4. Follow the prompts to complete your registration

5. Add your student(s) via Profile > Students > Add new

6. Top up your wallet by selecting Wallet > Top-Up, then choose your payment method

Wellbeing Weekly

School Transitions: Supporting Your Child Through Change

Starting school for the first time, moving up a year level, or entering secondary school can be an exciting milestone for both children and parents. These transitions signal growth, new opportunities, and the next step in your child’s learning journey.

However, it’s important to remember that transitioning to a new school environment is not a single event—it’s an ongoing process. Even after the first day, students may continue to adjust emotionally, socially, and academically. At different stages, they may experience stressors that present as worry, frustration, or changes in behaviour. These reactions are normal, but without support, they can make settling in more challenging.

At John XXIII College, we recognise the significance of school transitions and are committed to supporting families every step of the way. As a SchoolTV partner school, we provide parents with access to an extensive range of wellbeing resources designed to strengthen the home–school partnership and promote positive wellbeing for all students.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will find practical strategies to help children build confidence, manage uncertainty, and reduce stress and anxiety during transition periods. These resources aim to equip families with tools to create a smooth and supportive start to the new school year. Please see link below - https://johnxxiii.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

URSTRONG

Have you heard your children mention Friendology? If not, you soon will! As a proud URSTRONG School, John XXIII College teaches this whole‑school friendship skills curriculum to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to build healthy, positive relationships.

We are delighted to invite all John XXIII families to the upcoming Language of Friendship online parent–child workshop on Wednesday, 25 February at 6pm AWST.

This interactive session will give children, parents, and teachers a shared “language” for talking about friendships. Through fun parent‑child activities, families will learn practical strategies to help children strengthen their friendships, resolve conflict respectfully, and develop skills for lifelong social wellbeing.

We encourage all families to join us for this valuable opportunity to support your child’s social and emotional learning.

When it’s time: CLICK HERE TO JOIN

Meeting ID: 701 171 8603

Password: URSTRONG

This workshop will take place online via Zoom. If this is a first for you, you might want to try a test by clicking here.

You are also invited to keep the conversation going at home with a FREE membership for URSTRONG Families. Take advantage of activities, videos, & articles to continue empowering your child with friendship skills. 

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

Natalie Alach

Primary School Counsellor

Primary Sport

Swimming Lessons

Our Years 4 to 6 students have enjoyed a fantastic week of swimming at the iconic Cottesloe Beach. Throughout the program, students continued to develop their skills and deepen their understanding of beach safety. The week concluded with time trials, providing valuable preparation for the upcoming Interhouse Swimming Carnival on Wednesday, 25 February, at Bold Park Aquatic Centre.  Please note: The Interhouse Swimming Carnival will commence at 9:30am.

Swimming Training Years 3 to 6

In the lead‑up to the Interhouse Carnival, three after‑school swimming training sessions will be offered from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on 17, 19, and 24 February.  Training will take place in the College Pool and is open to all students in Years 3 to 6. There is no need to register, students are welcome to attend and practise.  Please ensure that students are collected promptly at 4:30pm from the College Pool.

Tennis Trials Years 3 to 6

The College will once again participate in the SSWA Academy Plate Tennis Tournament this year. As this is a very competitive event, trials will be held at 7:45am on Wednesday, 18 February, on the College tennis courts. Students do not need to sign up; simply bring your racquet and be ready to play!

Extra-Curricular Sport

There are still places available for interested families, please see details below:

Tennis

These sessions will take part in the school gymnasium for the first 4 weeks (not on the tennis courts).  See the flyer for details. 

Soccer 

Tuesday soccer with J and J starts on Tuesday on the Junior Primary oval.  See the flyer for details. 

Basketball 

Redhage basketball is back on Thursdays in the school gym.  Register via Redhage Basketball - Shawn Redhage Perth Wildcats NBL

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

Rehearsal times are provided below for next week - 

Please note the following music performance dates for this term:

Wanju Voices

Wanju Voices is open to all Years 4 to 6 students who love singing. Rehearsals are at 7:30am on Mondays in the MacKillop Room with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. All Years 4, 5 and 6 students are welcome!

Primary Singers

Primary Singers is open to all Years 2 to 3 students who love singing. Rehearsals are on Thursday mornings at 8:00am in the MacKillop Room with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. All Years 2 and 3 students are welcome!

Chapel Choir

Chapel Choir is open to all Years 1 to 12 students who love singing, with a focus on liturgical music. Rehearsals commence at 7:30am in the Chapel with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. Chapel Choir then sings at Community Mass (commencing at 8:00am). Due to the College Mass next week, there is no Community Mass next week. The next Chapel Choir rehearsal and Community Mass is on Friday 27 February.

Enrolments are open for Instrumental Lessons in 2026. Please follow this link to Enrol: New Submission

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Parent Resources and Updates

Find out about our new canteen offerings and how to order, explore details of the College charter bus service, and read the latest from our Parents’ Association, including their objectives, funding proposals and upcoming PAL social events for families. Click the links below to learn more:

• Canteen Information
• Charter Bus Service
• Parents’ Association Updates

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.

The Term 1 Extend Newsletter is provided below.