Around The Primary

Dear Families

As we bid farewell to another wonderful term at John XXIII, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone for your support, dedication, and hard work.

This term has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s thanks to the collective efforts of our wonderful staff, the enthusiasm and commitment of our students, and the ongoing support and partnership with our families that we have achieved so much together.

Staff Appreciation

Our staff members always go above and beyond to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. Their passion, creativity, and tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the educational journey of our students. Their dedication to each student’s growth and development is truly commendable.

Student Success

To our remarkable students, we are so proud of their hard work and achievements this term. Their eagerness to learn, adaptability, and resilience continue to amaze us. Whether it was in the classroom, on the sports field, Catholic Performing Arts or in various extracurricular activities, their enthusiasm and determination have shone brightly.

Family Support

To our parents, grandparents and caregivers, your partnership and involvement in your child’s education have been invaluable. Your ongoing support, open communication, and active participation in school activities have contributed significantly to the success of our school community. Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and for being such wonderful advocates for their growth.

To finish off a wonderful term, we were treated to an engaging and enlightening Assembly by the Pre-Primary students. Congratulations to our talented young students and their dedicated teachers and education assistants.

Wishing everyone a rejuvenating and restful 2 week break, and we look forward to welcoming students back on the first day of Term 4, Tuesday 8 October. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Staff News

We farewell Ms Perri Margaria (Education Assistant) and thank her for all wonderful work in Mary Ward Primary.

Ms Sasha Cattapan will be enjoying a well-deserved long service leave next term. We look forward to welcoming Ms Catt back to school at the start of the new school year.

Grandparents Picnic

We are looking forward to welcoming grandparents and significant others to the Primary Grandparents’ Picnic on Thursday 10 October from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. 

Students can be collected from the classrooms at 12.30pm.

Please bring a picnic lunch to share with your grandchildren and a blanket or outdoor chair.  Limited chairs will be available for adults to use on the paved areas only. Tea and coffee will be available. 

Families are welcome to bring along some special photos or maybe a card/board game to share together on the day. 

The Wanju Voices, Primary Singers and Instrumentalists will be providing some lovely open-air entertainment in the library courtyard.   

The performance program in the library courtyard is as follows:

Parking Arrangements 

• Special Event Parking will be available via John XXIII Avenue – please follow the signs
• Additional parking will be available in A Block carpark via Heritage Lane 
• For Grandparents with an ACROD parking pass, you are welcome to park in the Early Learning Carpark via John XXIII Avenue. Please note vehicle parking in this area is limited. 
• For Grandparents who have difficulty walking and require assistance; the buggy pick up will be available from the loop carpark only (near the John XXIII Statue) and this must be pre-booked – please email Nancy.petsos@johnxxiii.edu.au by Tuesday 8 October. 
• A map is provided. Please note, the ‘loop-carpark’ is reserved for those requiring a buggy pick-up. 

Important Picnic Reminders

• Please bring along your own chair (if possible) and picnic blanket for the grandchildren
• Toilets facilities will be available near the library and in the Primary undercover area
• First Aid will be available in the library outdoor area
• All students must return to class at the end of the picnic

We encourage everyone to wear a hat and sunscreen, pack some extra water and maybe even bring along a beach umbrella for extra shade.

Please book here - https://www.trybooking.com/CUWUG

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:

Perth Zoo 

On Tuesday, the Year 4 students had the opportunity to visit Perth Zoo to broaden their understanding of concepts learnt in class during HASS and Science lessons. It was a spectacular day filled with lots of information from ‘Zoo-Keeper Rob’, who shared many interesting facts about the predators that live in the African Savannah. Students were able to examine real animal coats and skulls and understand how these amazing animal adaptations help them survive in their environment. We also had the chance to explore all the animal exhibits and see our favourite animals. We couldn’t have done it without the amazing parent helpers who joined us on our excursion. It was great day had by all!

Emma Eisenmann and Grace Smith

Year 4 Teachers

Sports News       

UWA Little Athletics - Registrations Open 

With the school athletics season coming to a close, there have been some wonderful performances and hopefully some new interests formed. If you are interested in continuing on with some athletics head to the UWA Little Athletics Website for more information.  Registrations are currently open via this link: UWA Athletics 

Term 4 Extra Curricular Sports 

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 News

Primary Choir and Instrumental Ensemble Rehearsals

A big thank you to students and families for your dedication and support in attending rehearsals and performances this term.  Please note the rehearsal times for Week 1 next term:

City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony

Wanju Voices represented the College at the City of Nedlands Citizenship Ceremony on Tuesday 17 September. The students sang ‘Wanjoo’ (a welcome song in Noongar), the iconic ‘I Am Australian’ (with Auslan sign language), and ‘Chosen Family’ by Rina Sawayama, highlighting that we are like one big family. The choir also led the singing of the Australian National Anthem. 

It was a very special honour for our students to be part of this ceremony, and we received many wonderful comments from special guests and dignitaries. Thank you to the students who sang, and to families for supporting our involvement in the community.

In Liturgical Singing this week, all Year 3, 5 and 6 students learnt about the history of Australian Citizenship Day (17 September), the pledge that new citizens take, and participated in singing ‘Wanjoo’ and ‘I Am Australian.’ 

Grandparents’ Picnic

The Grandparents’ Picnic on Thursday, 10 October will feature special performances by Wanju Voices, Primary Singers, Mini Minors, String Orchestra, Year 5 Band and Year 6 Band. Please see the program below for performance times:

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher