Around The Primary

Dear Families

This week the Years 1-12 students and staff gathered to celebrate our Opening College Mass. We were so proud of our students for their reverent behaviour throughout the liturgy. It was also wonderful to see the Primary choir singing alongside the Secondary choir and our students reading so confidently in front of the large congregation.

These prayerful times are an important part of building our community and celebrating that we are all part of God's family. All families are welcome to join us in the Chapel each Friday at 8.00am for our Community Mass. Next week everyone is invited to attend the Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:15am. This Mass will be led by the students from 5 Gold.

Our Years 4-6 students have enjoyed taking part in swimming lessons at Claremont Pool and Cottesloe Beach. After-school swimming training for students in Years 3-6 training commences on Tuesday 13 February. 

The teachers are now finalising preparations for the Parent Information Evenings next week. This is a good opportunity for families to meet class teachers and to find out about the programs and procedures for this school year. I encourage at least one parent/guardian to be represented at the Parent Information evenings (see below for specific meeting dates/times). 

Before the start of these meetings, College Principal, Daniel Mahon will be hosting a session to share the College’s strategic goals. This session will commence in the Lecture Theatre at 6:00pm and conclude by 6:25pm.  This will allow plenty of time for parents/guardians to return to classrooms.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  

We have sold over 600 tickets for the Super Summer Picnic. I look forward to seeing you there from 5.00pm tomorrow.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Primary Picnic 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 too.
• Bring lots of water and wear a hat.
• Icy poles and raffle tickets will be for sale. Cash only sales. Gold coins would be appreciated.
• Please wear your parent badge

Important Information

Staff Email

All staff have a new email address.  This email address generally follows a pattern – the first name followed by the surname and then @johnxxiii.edu.au e.g. firstname.surname@johnxxiii.edu.au

Staff will respond to emails within a 48-hour period. For urgent matters families will need to phone the College on 9383 0401.

For your convenience, the Primary Class and Specialist Teacher Email Addresses document is provided below and is also available on SEQTA Engage under the Primary General tab.

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.  

Sport Update

The Years 4 to 6 students have had a fantastic week at the beach for their swimming lessons.  They have been further developing their swimming technique and stamina as well as learning some vital surf lifesaving and beach awareness skills. 

The Years 4 to 6 IPSHA Swimming Carnival date has changed to Thursday 7 March at Newman College.  The interschool team will be selected from Interhouse Carnival results and families will be notified in due course.  

Swimming training Years 3 to 6

In preparation for the Years 4 to 6 Interhouse Swimming Carnival, from Tuesday 13 February to Thursday 22 February - 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the College Pool.

Cross Country training  

Open to all children and adults (Year 2 and below must be accompanied by an adult) and a great healthy way to start the day! Commences Tuesday 13 February. 

• Tuesday and Thursdays, 7:30am to 8:00am, Secondary ovals.  Please meet outside the gym.

If you have any queries about anything sport related, please contact me via email: steve.williams@johnxxiii.edu.au 

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Music Update

Primary Choirs

Both choirs for primary students commenced this week with excellent attendance! It is not too late to join – please see below for choir rehearsal details.

Wanju Voices

Wanju Voices is open to all Years 4 to 6 students who delight in singing. Rehearsals are at 7:30am on Mondays in the Osborne Room with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. All Year 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 at 8:00am on Thursdays in the Osborne Room with Mrs Haydon and Mr Johnston. All Year 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). The next Chapel Choir rehearsal and Community Mass is on Friday 16 February. Please contact Mrs Haydon for more information. 

Primary Ensembles 

String Orchestra

String Orchestra is the Years 4 to 6 ensemble for violin, viola, cello and double bass players. Rehearsals commences on Tuesday 13 February at 7:45am in the Osborne Room. Please contact James Kros via email: james.kros@johnxxiii.edu.au with any queries.

Year 6 Band

Year 6 Band rehearsals commence Wednesday 14 February at 7:30am in the Performing Arts Centre. Please contact Liz Jennings via email: liz.jennings@johnxxiii.edu.au with any queries.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Counsellor’s Corner

It has been such a joy to see so many children return so enthusiastically to school. We recognise this is not so easy for all children and I have spent this week going around the school offering support to those finding it a little challenging. Our goal is always to see all children thrive. 

The beginning of the school year is a good time to introduce myself to new families to the College and remind others of my role as Primary School Counsellor. 

In this role, I compliment the work done by both parents and teachers in developing children’s social and emotional skills. My main focus is on making children feel happier within themselves and more confident to deal with social situations and friendship issues.  My role is not about treating problems as some might think but rather finding opportunities to teach important social skills and build resilience in children. 

Life can present sad and challenging situations. Please let me know if I can offer any support. I will be sending out information shortly about ‘Seasons for Growth’, a small group program for children experiencing grief or significant change. I will also be seeking interest in other small group programs to look at areas like friendship skills, resilience, and anxiety. If you would like more information, please get in touch.

If you have any concerns about your child, come past my office for a chat or you can phone or email me anytime. Contacting me does not have to be a last resort but rather can be a starting point. I am available at school Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings.  My direct number is 9383 0469 and I can be contacted anytime by email: anne.murphy@johnxxiii.edu.au

Anne Murphy

Primary Counsellor

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.