Around The Primary

Dear Families 

We are now moving into the fourth Sunday of Lent. With the many demands of our busy family and work lives, families are encouraged to let this Lent serve as an opportunity to implement positive changes at home. It may simply involve exercising greater patience with one another, or it could be as straightforward as turning off the TV or devices a few evenings each week to engage in conversation or play games as a family. Families might like to consider assisting or visiting those in need, or setting aside time to attend a parish Mass over the weekend.

Congratulations to the Year 3 and Year 5 students who participated in the NAPLAN Writing, Reading, and Conventions of Language assessments this week. Students approached each assessment with resilience, calmness, and a determination to do their personal best. On Monday, students will complete the Numeracy assessment. We are proud of the wonderful efforts of our students and appreciate all staff who have supported them throughout this testing process.  Below is an excerpt from a message I shared with our students -

Soon you will sit the NAPLAN tests.  Before you take these tests there is something important you need to know. The scores you get from this test will tell you how you did on that day, but they will not tell you everything.  They can’t tell that you have improved on something you once found difficult.  They can’t tell you that you brighten up your teacher’s day or how you help your Mum and Dad or how you play kindly with your friends.  They do not know that you participate in sport or play a musical instrument. We know you are responsible, so just come to school ready to do your personal best for the NAPLAN tests!

On a different note, it has come to my attention that some families are taking holidays during school time or taking an extra day/s attached to a weekend. As we are partners in your children's education, it is crucial to emphasise that reduced attendance can significantly affect academic progress. All students are expected to be present at school during term time, and family holidays should ideally be scheduled during term breaks. Teachers are not obligated to assign homework or cover missed content for families who opt to take extra holidays. Thank you for taking this into consideration before booking your next family holiday. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

2026 Term Dates

The 2026 Term Dates have now been published and are available to view on the College Website - Parent Information | Term Dates | John XXIII College 

Dates to remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar.  By subscribing to the College calendar, you are automatically alerted when details of an existing event are changed. 

Project Compassion

Our school community has embraced our Project Compassion fundraising initiative.  We hope to continue raising money for communities in need and to build students’ understanding of how acts of kindness can bring good news and hope to others.  Thank you for your generous support of this fundraising initiative. 

Japanese Festival - Saturday 14 March

This Saturday, 14 March, is the annual Perth Japan festival held at Langley Park. Entry is free. I hope families are able to go along and enjoy this special festival.

Rowson sensei

NAPLAN timeline

Please see the schedule below for the final week of NAPLAN testing.

Primary Sport

Cross Country Training

It has been great to see so many people at cross-country training this week. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday morning, meeting outside the St Louis Sports Centre at 7:30am.  All students are welcome; however, students in Kindy to Year 2 must be accompanied by an adult who will run with them. It is a great start to the day for both children and adults! 

Chef Hesh was pleased to see so many young runners enjoying a healthy breakfast from the canteen after training. Please remember that no cash is accepted. 

Academy Plate Tennis

Well done to our tennis teams who proudly represented the College at the SSWA Academy Plate Tennis Tournaments.  A special congratulations to the Girls Team 1, who defeated St Hilda's in the final to be crowned champions of 2026!

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 

Primary Music 

Ensemble Rehearsals

Rehearsal times are provided below for next week: 

Please note the following music performance dates for this term:

Choir Assembly

Wanju Voices and Primary Singers are looking forward to performing at the upcoming Primary Choir Assembly next week on Friday, 20 March. This will take place at 9:00am in Roncalli Hall. 

Music Photos

Students in music ensembles will have music photos taken on Friday, 20 March. Students involved in these photos will be required to wear their school uniform to school on this day, including polished shoes and neat hair. Students must also bring their instruments to school next Friday, as these are included in the photos. 

Primary students will be collected from class for photos. Please see below for the photo schedule. 

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

SEQTA Update – Action Required

Families are asked to check their inboxes for an important email titled 'Important notice: SEQTA update'. This message outlines steps to re-register your SEQTA Engage account following the recent system upgrade. Please follow the instructions provided in the email at your earliest convenience. For assistance, contact ithelpdesk@johnxxiii.edu.au. 

LEGO & DUPLO Donations Wanted

Our Library is seeking donations of LEGO and DUPLO bricks for use in a range of student activities. These resources will support:

• Primary and Secondary Library activities
• Secondary Wellbeing activities

• Creative play and hands‑on learning projects

   

If you have any spare LEGO or DUPLO at home that is no longer being used, we would be very grateful to give it a new life at school.

Donations can be dropped off at the Library at any time.

Thank you for supporting our students’ creativity and wellbeing.

Jean Redfern

Library and Learning Services Educator

Inspire Parent Education | The Fathering Project Breakfast

Join us on Tuesday, 24 March for The Fathering Project Breakfast, part of our Inspire Parent Education series. Guest speaker Ashlee Harrison, founder of WA charity zero2hero, will share powerful insights into connection, resilience and the wellbeing of young people — including what kids wish their parents knew.

The morning kicks off at 6:45am with casual networking over bacon-and-egg rolls and barista coffee, followed by a 45-minute presentation. It's a great opportunity to connect with other families in our community while gaining practical tools to better support your child.

Tuesday 24 March 

6:45am – 8:45am

Neil Donaldson Pavilion, 10 McGillivray Road, Mount Claremont

$39 per person

Bookings are essential — secure your spot

2026 Student residential address and other information collection

Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, John XXIII College is required to provide the Australian Government Department of Education with information about each student at the school. For more information, see the PDF below.

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.