Around The Primary

Dear Families

The Season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. As you walk around the College you will see wooden crosses in the gardens, and these have been purposely placed to serve as a reminder of our faith. Lent is also a time for us to strengthen our prayer life, and all families are welcome to attend our community Mass held every Friday at 8:00am in the Chapel. 

Our Year 3 students have been busy writing their Lenten promises, and here are some of their thoughtful insights.

During Lent I am going to ….

show kindness by being a good friend. 

show kindness by donating money to the people in need.

watch less TV.

eat less junk food.

show kindness by not fighting with my brother.

be kind to my brother and sister.

show kindness by helping people in need and donating to charity. 

show kindness by playing with someone who doesn’t have anyone to play with. 

This week marked the start of the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), with our Years 3 and 5 students taking the Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language tests.  We view NAPLAN as an opportunity for students to show their knowledge and skills at this point of time. It has been pleasing to see how positively the students have approached the assessments and we appreciate your efforts to ensure your child has a healthy breakfast and a restful night's sleep. The students will complete the Numeracy assessment on Monday.  Time has been set aside for ‘catch-up sessions’ next week for those students who have been unwell to participate.

On Tuesday evening the Parents’ Association met for the first time this term. Thank you to the parents who attended this meeting and supported the $5000.00 funding proposal for the new Primary benches. In the cooler months ahead, I’m sure the students are going to appreciate this extra seating.

Our new Primary Counsellor, Ms Natalie Alach commences next Monday 17 March.  She is looking forward to meeting the students and working with families.  Ms Alach’s office will be located in the old Administration building, opposite the Library. 

Wishing you all a happy weekend. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

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. 

Uniform Shop Open – Friday 28 March

Extended Opening Hours during Parent Teacher Interviews

The Uniform Shop will be open on Friday 28 March from 8:00am to 4:00pm during Parent Teacher meetings.  As this is a student free day, it is the perfect time to attend with your child and purchase any winter uniform items required. No appointment is necessary. It is also a good opportunity to bring in any winter items that no longer fit to be recycled as secondhand.

Perth Japan Festival 

The annual Perth Japan Festival is on this Saturday, 15 March from 11:00am to 8:00pm in the Supreme Court Gardens in the City.

The free festival features authentic Japanese food and retail stalls, cultural displays such as ikebana, tea ceremony and kimono stalls, children’s crafts and activities, performances showcasing Japanese martial arts, traditional music and pop culture.

Sensai Rowson

Primary Japanese Teacher

Men of John XXIII Event

Please join us for a breakfast event tackling the changes and challenges of fatherhood, from early childhood to adolescence.

Our guest panel will explore this subject, facilitated by compere Glenn Mitchell. There will also be ample opportunity to network, discuss fathering, and come together as a community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other dads and guardians and gain valuable insights. While focused on fatherhood, the discussions are relevant to all parents and guardians, male and female, so all are welcome.

Date: Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Time: 6:45am for a 7:15am start

Location: The University Club of Western Australia, 1 Hackett Drive, Crawley

Cost: Includes plated breakfast PLUS a complimentary Men of John XXIII cap!

$65 per person | $500 Table of 8

Registration: www.trybooking.com/1364764 

Hosted by Men of John XXIII

Our special guests

•             Compere: Glenn Mitchell

•             Sarah Maconachie

•             Paul Jeffery

•             Dr Bruce Robinson

•             Alexandria Henderson

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy concludes next week with students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 being assessed in Numeracy on Monday and students will have the opportunity for catch-up assessments from Tuesday to Friday next week. 

2025 Primary NAPLAN Testing Schedule

Library News

Our Primary Library has an extensive and diverse collection of graphic novels, spanning various genres, and they are very popular with students from all year levels! But what exactly are graphic novels? They are illustrated narratives, in the style of comic books, featuring vivid artwork and engaging, often humorous, storylines.

Here are a few reasons why we encourage readers of all ages to explore graphic novels:

Enhancing Visual Literacy 

In today's image-driven world, the ability to decode and interpret visual information is a crucial skill. Graphic novels support the development of visual literacy, fostering critical thinking and comprehension.

Ideal for Reluctant Readers 

With their dynamic illustrations, fast-paced narratives, and manageable length, graphic novels serve as an excellent entry point for students who may find traditional chapter books overwhelming. They offer an accessible and engaging reading experience, helping to build confidence and enthusiasm for reading.

Understanding Story Structure 

Graphic novels provide a clear and compelling representation of narrative structure, aiding readers in grasping the intricacies of plot development and storytelling techniques. 

Expanding Vocabulary and Comprehension 

Research indicates that pairing images with text enhances comprehension. The visual context provided by graphic novels supports the introduction of more sophisticated vocabulary, enriching language acquisition and reading proficiency. 

In our library, we strive to cultivate a lifelong love of reading among our students. Encouraging reading for pleasure is fundamental to this goal, and graphic novels, with their captivating illustrations and immersive stories, play a key role in fostering enthusiasm for books. By allowing students the freedom to choose their own reading materials, we empower them as independent readers and nurture a genuine passion for literature.  

Sasha Cattapan

Primary Library Teacher

Sports Update       

Cross Country

It has been great to see such a good turnout at Cross Country training this week, with over 50 runners on Thursday morning, and lots of parents!  It is a great way to start the day and help prepare for the upcoming Interhouse Cross Country Carnival  which takes place in Term 2 on Friday 16 May. 

There is no need to book to attend training, just come along when you can!  We meet at 7:30am outside the gymnasium every Tuesday and Thursday.  The sessions are open to all, please note that any students in Year 2 or below need an adult to stay with them.    

Claremont Junior Football Club 

The Club are looking for more players from Pre Primary to Year 6, in particular girls, to make some all-girls teams.  Please see the flyer attached for further information.   

If you have any queries regarding Primary Sport, please contact me via email: steve.williams@johnxxiii.edu.au

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Primary Music 

Please see below for rehearsal times for ensembles in Week 7:

Save the Dates!

Choir Assembly 

The first performances for Wanju Voices and Primary Singers is on next Friday 21 March at the Choir Assembly commencing at 9:00am in Roncalli Hall. Parents and grandparents of choir members are welcome to attend.

Palm Sunday – Wanju Voices at St Joseph’s Church, Subiaco

At the special request of Monsignor Kevin Long and St Joseph’s parish, Wanju Voice have been invited to sing at the 9:00am Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Subiaco on Palm Sunday, 13 April. We look forward to seeing many families join us for this special occasion.

Music Photo Day

Music Photo Day takes place on Friday 4 April. Further information regarding uniform requirements and timetables for the various ensembles will be communicated closer to the date.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher