Around The Primary

Dear Families

Our Primary Choirs form an integral part of our Music program. These choirs provide the opportunity for students to grow vocally and share a sense of accomplishment both individually and collectively. The benefits for students of being involved in multi-age groups and with others who share the same passion for singing is not only a catalyst for connection but also central to student wellbeing.

Early mornings see many a choir rehearsal and a plethora of students entering the rehearsal space with huge smiles, a positive attitude and ready for full engagement in our choral program.

Ably led by Mrs Catherine Haydon, our choirs not only rehearse to improve their collective voice, but also to perform at events such as Assemblies, Presentation Night and the Grandparents’ Picnic.

Today, the Primary Singers and Wanju Voices performed at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and received glowing reports for their performances. We are very proud of the dedication they have shown, and the way they represented the College. A big thank you to parents and grandparents who attended these performances to support the students, and who have assisted students in getting to school for rehearsals before school throughout the year. A special thank you to Mrs Haydon for sharing her musical talents with our community and Mr Johnston for his expert accompaniment.

Under the wonderful guidance of Miss Kolbusz and Miss Ricciardi, our Pre-Primary students hosted today’s Assembly. It was an entertaining and informative presentation showcasing their learning about animals. 

They absolutely lit up the stage – they looked wonderful, performed with joy, and shared such an enthusiastic performance. The effort they put in really shone through, and we could not be prouder. Congratulations to our young students and their dedicated teachers and education assistants.

We look to welcoming many fathers and father figures to our Fathers’ Day Mass on next Friday, 30 August.  

Please RSVP here:  https://www.trybooking.com/DCYDN

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. 

Super Stars

Well done to all the students who received a certificate at today’s Assembly:

Book Week

Book Week is always a highlight of the school calendar, and this year was no exception! It was wonderful to see students of all ages buzzing with excitement as they took part in the fun and imaginative activities in the library. 

From the Book Fair and competitions to visits from special guests, there were plenty of opportunities to celebrate our love of reading. This year, our students played a role in transforming the library by creating eye-catching artwork inspired by the Book Week theme, ‘Book an Adventure!’ We especially loved the stunning collection of feathers crafted by our Kindy to Year 2 students, which came together to form our magical wings display!

Book Week Guests

Students from Years 2 to 6 were thrilled to welcome Gavin Aung Than, a New York Times bestselling cartoonist and author/illustrator of popular graphic novels and picture books. He was blown away by our spectacular library and shared with the students just how lucky they are to have such a creative space. 

During Gavin’s visit, he gave a behind-the-scenes look at how he develops his stories and draws his hilarious characters - step by step! Students were captivated by his journey to becoming an author/illustrator and had a fantastic time creating their own cartoon characters. His books continue to fly off the shelves, especially his latest hit, Creature Clinic.

Our students in Pre-Kindy, Kindy, Pre-Primary and Year 1 were thoroughly entertained by our guest storyteller and alumni, Holly Denton. Holly delighted the younger students with her enchanting performances as Elsa from Frozen and The Paper Bag Princess. Using puppets, songs and movement, she created a magical storytelling experience that captured the imaginations of our youngest learners.

Book Week Poster Competition

Every year I am amazed at the creativity and imagination our students bring to the Book Week Competition. We received a record number of entries, and the library team spent a great deal of time carefully deliberating over the winning submissions. Well done to all the students who participated! All of the incredible posters are now on display in the library for everyone to enjoy, so be sure to come and take a look! 

Congratulations to the following students who will receive their prize next time they visit the library.

Sasha Cattapan

Primary Library Teacher

Sports Update

Excitement is building for the upcoming Interhouse Athletics Carnival on Friday 12 September! Our Years 3 to 6 students have been practicing all the events and competitions are beginning.  Some of the events for the carnival take place before the actual day as this allows students to participate in all the events.  High Jump qualifying for the Years 4, 5 and 6 students took place this week and the finals  will be held next week in their Thursday and Friday sport sessions.  Triple Jump for Years 3 and 4 and Long Jump for Years 5 and 6 will take place next week in their PE lessons. 

For some extra practice Athletics training is open to all Years 3 to 6 students and takes place outside the Gym, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. 

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 

Counsellor’s Corner

Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, questions, and growth—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

SEEN: The Film offers a powerful opportunity for parents to reflect, connect, and feel supported. Through moving interviews and heartfelt storytelling, the film explores how our own life experiences shape the way we raise and relate to our children. It’s a reminder of the deep importance of connection, vulnerability, and truly being seen.

We warmly invite you to join Inspire for a special screening of this internationally acclaimed documentary, which has touched audiences across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA—where it was awarded Best Director at the Illuminate Film Festival.

This meaningful evening will include:

• A screening of SEEN: The Film on Wednesday 10 September 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the GBLT
• A panel discussion with the College’s wellbeing team

• Light refreshments and the chance to connect with other parents in a relaxed setting

   

Whether you're seeking insight, encouragement, or simply a night of thoughtful conversation, this event is for you. It’s a valuable experience for anyone invested in the wellbeing of young people—parents, educators, and community members alike.

We’d love to see you there.

Watch the trailer and book your spot here: https://www.trybooking.com/1446143

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

Natalie Alach

Primary Counsellor 

Music 

Rehearsal Times

Please see below for rehearsal times for ensembles next week:

*Please note the change for Wanju Voices 

Instrument Demonstrations for 2026 Band and Strings Programs 

Students who will be in Years 3 and 5 next year, are invited to attend the special instrument demonstrations occurring next week. Parents are also encouraged to attend these demonstrations where music staff and tutors will be in attendance to facilitate questions regarding the instruments and programs. Following the demonstrations, further information about the program, as well as, application information, will be sent to families via a SEQTA communication. Please see below for details:

Year 5 Band Program Demonstration

8:15am to 8:35am on Monday 1 September in the Performing Arts Centre

Instruments offered to students - flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion

Year 3 Strings Program Demonstration

8:15am to 8:35am on Wednesday 3 September in the Osborne Room

Instruments offered to students - violin, viola, cello and double bass

Catholic Performing Arts Festival 

Congratulations to the students who performed in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival this week, including Wanju Voices and Primary Singers. We are very proud of how well the students have represented our college. Best wishes to all students performing next week. 

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.

Thinking ahead to 2026?

As we begin planning for the year ahead, we understand that family circumstances can change, and sometimes this means a move to a new school.

If you believe your child may not be returning to John XXIII College in 2026, we would appreciate hearing from you as early as possible. This helps us to ensure a smooth transition for your family and allows us to offer places to other students on our waiting list.

In line with our College’s Withdrawal Policy, we kindly ask for written notice to the College Registrar at least one term (ten school weeks) before the anticipated departure date.

Where notice is not received, the policy provides for one term’s fees in lieu of notice.

If you are unsure about your plans or have any questions, our Enrolments team is here to talk things through and support you. You can contact our enrolments team via email or call 9383 0449.