Around The Primary
Dear Families
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of another term! Term Two has been filled with wonderful teaching and learning opportunities and special events, including assemblies, liturgies, sacramental preparations, camps, Mothers' Day celebrations, Primary House Day, and winter sports.
Our teaching team constantly goes above and beyond to give our students the greatest education possible, and we are grateful for their hard work and dedication. I also want to express my gratitude to every family for their unwavering support.
The Semester One reports will be accessible on SEQTA this afternoon (see notes below). The holidays are the best time to support your child(ren) in acknowledging the accomplishments on their report and to motivate them to continue to do their personal best and to keep working hard on those aspects of their learning that are more challenging.
We look forward to seeing all students return to school on Thursday 18 July for an exciting new term filled with learning, fun, and memorable moments.
Wishing everyone a relaxing and restful break.
Kind regards
Antoinette De Pinto
Head of Primary
We love Comfy Day!
Thank you for your generous support!!
Chess Champion
Congratulations to Henry Wysocki (Year 5) who progressed to the quarter final of our Years 5 to 12 College Chess Tournament. Henry was the youngest student to not only compete in the tournament but also the youngest student to make it to the finals. An exceptional effort Henry, well done!
Uniforms
It is wonderful to see our students proudly wearing their school uniform.
It is a requirement that all Years 1-6 students wear black leather school shoes with the College socks with their school uniform. Black sneakers are not permitted as an alternative.
Additionally, when wearing school uniform, the College jumper must be worn, not the tracksuit/sports jacket.
Further information about the Uniform Guidelines can be found here Parent Information | Resources | Uniform Shop | John XXIII College
Semester One Reports & PTO
Semester One Reports for Pre-Primary to Year 6 students will be available through the College’s online communication platform ‘SEQTA ENGAGE’ from 3:30pm today.
Instructions
- Please log in to your SEQTA Engage account at: https://parent.johnxxiii.edu.au
- Click on the REPORTS link located on the menu at the left side of screen
- Select Student
- Select 2024P, 2024S1
Mobile Devices - It is also possible to download the SEQTA Engage App from your provider (e.g. Google Play Store; Apple App Store) if you wish to do this.
We encourage all parents to have a conversation with their child/children about their report. It is important to help your child celebrate the positives and encourage them to keep working hard on those aspects of their learning that are challenging.
If you have any questions or concerns related to your child’s progress, please book an appointment with your child’s teacher on the Wednesday 17 July (Pupil Free Day). Booking details are below.
In the later part of this term, many teachers have met with parents to discuss their child’s progress. We kindly request that parents that have recently met with the class teacher, schedule a meeting for later in Term 3, if required.
In addition, IEP meetings are scheduled for early in term 3. Families invited to these meetings with the Mary Ward team and class teachers are not required to book an interview for Wednesday 17 July.
Booking an Interview – Kindy to Year 6
- From Monday 1 July at 10:00am, parents can book their meeting online using PTO which is on the College Website under the ‘Quicklinks’ tab and then ‘Events Online Bookings’. Alternatively, you can click on the link below (which will open on Monday 1 July at 9:00am) and it will take you straight to the PTO log in screen PTO - Login (parentteacheronline.com.au)
- Once you get to the log in screen you must click on 'Obtain Pin or Password'. Your password will then be sent to your email.
- Once you have logged in, you can select a time that suits you to meet with your child's classroom teacher. All interviews will be a maximum of 10 minutes and will be held face-to-face in classrooms.
- The ability to add or change PTO bookings will close on Friday 5 July at 3:00pm. If you are unable to secure an interview time and would like to do so, you will need to e-mail the classroom teacher directly.
- All interviews will be held in classrooms.
- If you would like to book an appointment to see a specialist teacher, please contact them directly via email to set up a mutually convenient time.
- If you experience any technical difficulties, please email ithelpdesk@johnxxiii.edu.au
Dates to Remember
| Wednesday 17 July | KG to Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews |
| Thursday 18 July | 7:30am Cross Country training begins |
| Term 3 begins |
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.
Parliament House
On Monday, the Year 5 students visited Parliament House. The outside of the building looked very regal. We entered the Constitution Centre and were taught about democracy. Then, a tour guide showed us through the different rooms and foyers which was intriguing. Next, we went inside the Legislative Assembly or the ‘Lower House’ and were able to sit in special chairs where the real politicians sit. Our last stop was the art gallery displaying various Indigenous art. Overall it was a great experience, learnt so much and had lots of fun. Joshua D’Alessandro 5B
Upon our arrival at Parliament House, in the ‘Forrest Foyer’, a crystal-clear chandelier hovered over as we made a circle around a black swan, which is the emblem of WA. The materials of the swan were made purely out of materials from WA. We then moved upstairs and learnt about Edith Cowan and how she opened a university known as ‘ECU’. Following that, we learnt about how the Legislative Assembly, the ‘Lower House’ worked, how laws are made and the process of a bill. The third floor of Parliament House was dedicated to Indigenous artwork. An art piece that stood out to me which included rabbits and a snake representing Australian colonisation. The last activity was at the Constitution Centre where we participated in fun activities relating to democracy and the Australian values. Overall, the excursion was outstanding, and we learnt a lot about our government, its processes and important people. Annabelle Knox 5G
CEWA Religious Education Assessment (REA)
Next term the Years 3 and 5 students will be participating in the CEWA Religious Education Assessment (REA).
The REA measures students’ knowledge and understanding of the content in the Religious Education Curriculum. It provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in Religious Education. As with all assessments we encourage students to approach the online assessment with a calm and positive mindset.
We have a scheduled Practice Assessment in Week 2 and the REA Assessment in Week 3:
| REA Practice – Years 3 and 5 | Wednesday 24 July, 9:00am |
| REA Assessment – Years 3 and 5 | Wednesday 31 July, 9:00am |
Kylie Allen
Assistant Principal
Counsellor’s Corner
As we head into a well-deserved break, I wanted to encourage families to ‘save the date’ for the Inspire presentation with leading child expert and author Karen Young. I have been privileged to attend a workshop run by Karen and found it both practical and informative.
Trybooking link -
Also, if you are looking for parenting information to peruse on a wet winter day you can access a free membership to our Urstrong membership here FREE Parent Membership
Our school also has a membership to the Happy Families Website. To access, log in using these credentials:
URL - https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/jxc
Password – happyjxc
I will be on leave from 15 July until 15 August. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to contact Antoinette De Pinto, Head of Primary.
Enjoy a wonderful break.
Anne Murphy
Primary Counsellor
Upcoming Inspire Event
Building Courage and Resilience in Children and Adolescents
Join Karen Young, founder of 'Hey Sigmund' and author of best-selling books, for an informative session on helping children build courage and resilience. Learn practical tools and strategies to support your children in overcoming adversity and fostering a brave mindset.
Monday, 22 July 2024
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre
RSVP and details: https://www.trybooking.com/1225467
Hosted by INSPIRE Parent Association.
Music News
Rehearsals
A big thank you to all students and families for your efforts in attending rehearsals throughout the term. The students are well on their way with preparation for upcoming performances.
Please note the ensemble rehearsals for Week 1 next term:
| Chapel Choir | 7:30am Friday 19 July | Chapel |
Save the Dates
Please save the following dates for choral performances next term. Further information regarding performances will be emailed directly to families.
| Wanju Voices and Primary Singers | 9:00am Friday 23 August | Music Assembly, Roncalli Hall
|
| Wanju Voices and Primary Singers | 11:00am Friday 23 August | Catholic Performing Arts Festival Performance, Vasto Club, Balcatta |
| Wanju Voices | 6:00pm Tuesday 17 September | City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony Performance |
If You Believe
The primary students have enjoyed learning the lyrics and dance moves to an uplifting song titled ‘If You Believe.’ It has been wonderful to hear that a number of students have shared it with their families. Please use this link to view the song and have fun singing and dancing over the holidays!
Literacy in Music
Research shows that music education has many benefits, including assistance with reading, speech and language development. One way that literacy is included in primary music classes at John XXIII is through the expansion of vocabulary. In this week alone, students in Pre-Kindy learnt the word ‘ridiculous’ in the song ‘Elephants Have Wrinkles,’ Pre-Primary students explored the meaning of “joyful strains” in the Australian national anthem, Year One students discussed the word “etiquette” in the song “Never Smile At A Crocodile” and Year Six students have looked at various words relating to sea shanties. Song lyrics are a great opportunity to explore the meaning of words. The next time you play a song, see if there are any words you might want to explore with your child.
Music Eisteddfod – External Tutors
All John XXIII students are invited to perform in the Music Eisteddfod, the College’s annual House Music competition on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 August.
While students learning through College tutors will have their applications lodged automatically, students learning through external tutors will need to complete an entry form, available online through SEQTA Documents or by completing the link below:
Entries close on Wednesday 24 July at 3:00pm. Please contact the Music Department with any queries via email music@johnxxiii.edu.au
Instrumental Lessons – Withdrawals and Enrolments (Semester 2)
Withdrawal from instrumental lessons for Semester 2 have now closed.
For families wishing to enrol students in lessons for Semester 2, please complete the following online enrolment form Instrumental Lesson Enrolment Form.
If you have any queries regarding Primary Music, please contact me via email: catherine.haydon@johnxxiii.edu.au
Catherine Haydon
Primary Music Teacher
Sports News
Cross Country training will be back next term, starting on Thursday 18 July at 7:30 outside the gym. The aim is to help prepare our runners for the SSWA Cross Country race on Thursday 1 August where our top 4 finishers from each year group at the Cross-Country IPSHA Carnival will compete. Training is open to all students; please note that students in Year 2 and below must be accompanied by an adult.
School Holiday Claremont Football Club AFL Masterclass
Claremont Football Club are offering an AFL Masterclass opportunity, open to Years 5 and 6 students. Please refer to flyer for further details.
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
A Synodal Church: Responding to the Signs of the Times
An evening with Fr Frank Brennan SJ
John XXIII College is delighted to invite you to an insightful community event.
In an engaging evening, Fr Frank Brennan SJ will explore the concept of a synodal church: a church that listens, dialogues, and journeys together.
- Date: Tuesday 16 July 2024
- Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Location: Thomas More Exhibition Centre, John XXIII College, John XXIII Avenue, Mount Claremont
- This a free event but registration is essential at: www.trybooking.com/1229490
Key discussion points will include:
Responding to modern challenges: How the principles of synodality can help the church navigate and respond to current social, cultural, and political issues.
Inclusivity and participation: The importance of involving all members of the church, including those who are often marginalised, in decision-making processes.
About Fr Frank Brennan SJ
Fr Frank Brennan SJ is a Jesuit priest renowned for his work in human rights and social justice.
He chaired the National Human Rights Consultation and served on the Religious Freedom Review panel.
He has been appointed to a number of government advisory groups, including the Voice Co-Design Senior Advisory Group for Indigenous representation.
Fr Brennan’s accolades include the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to Aboriginal Australians. He has also authored several influential books on law, social justice, and religious freedom.
Sacramental Certificates
Parents are requested to email a copy of their child’s Sacramental Certificate (Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation) to Mrs Petsos in Primary Reception nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au for our College records.
College Staff Email Change
A reminder that the @cewa email domain is no longer active.
All staff have designated email addresses with the email addresses generally following a pattern – the first name followed by the surname and then @johnxxiii.edu.au eg: firstname.surname@johnxxiii.edu.au
Notification of Absences
We are pleased to introduce a new feature that allows you to notify the school of your child's absence directly through the SEQTA Engage App or SEQTA Engage Portal. This feature provides an additional, convenient method for submitting absence notifications.
Please refer to the attached PDF for further instructions. This information can also be found on SEQTA Engage under the Primary General tab.
Containers for Change
Thank you to all the families that have been donating their recyclable containers to the College fund. The member ID number has changed recently for the College to C11452850.
If you are donating your 10c Containers under the College account, you will have to start using this number. All of the money raised from your donations goes to Caritas or Lifelink.