Around The Primary

Dear Families

Our school community had a special opportunity to remember, honour, pray for, and reflect on the sacrifices made by countless people on Monday during the Remembrance Day Service. It is important that students have the chance to connect with important historical moments and that they keep learning about how we can grow in peace, tolerance and mutual respect in our local, national and world family.

The Year 3 students used a range of instruments, including the violin, viola, piano, guitar, recorder, xylophone, glockenspiel, and other percussion instruments, to create an incredible arrangement for today's assembly. They also creatively shared their vast knowledge on the Science topic of ‘heat’. We are so proud of our students. Special thanks to Miss Micale, Miss Jones, Mrs Haydon and Mrs Kojundzich. 

The new school year preparations are now well under way. At this week's Kindy and Pre-Primary 2025 Parent Information Sessions, it was wonderful to see so many new and existing parents spending some time together and learning more about our wonderful Early Years programs. 

Music students are excitedly preparing for the upcoming Christmas Concert next Friday 22 November. Featuring instrumental and vocal ensembles from Years 2 to 11, this concert will feature both showcase items and community carols for singing along as families anticipate the festive season that accompanies the final weeks of the school year. Everyone is welcome to join us at 5:00pm in the Library Courtyard.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Vinnies Christmas Appeal  

Every year the Society of St Vincent de Paul organises hampers for families in need of assistance.

Families are invited to select from the following list and bring items to school by Friday 29 November.  There will be collection baskets in all the classrooms. 

Suggestions for donation items:

Thank you for your support. 

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. 

2025 Term Dates

The term dates for 2025 have now been published on the College Website and can be accessed using this link Parent Information | Term Dates | John XXIII College

Super Stars

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

Containers for Change

Year 1 students were lucky enough to have Adrian Sims, Sustainability Coordinator, talk to them about ‘Containers for Change’ and also did some planting. 

The students have been busy creating posters about saving our environment. They have loved learning about all the ways we can work together to help our world.

Claire Peirce and Molly Rowbottam

Year 1 Teachers

Sports News       

It’s swimming time!  Next week our Pre-Primary and Years 1 to 3 students will be taking part in swimming lessons at Claremont Aquatic Centre.  Learning to swim and be safe around water are such important skills for our students to learn, especially as we gear up for another hot summer full of water-based activities.  

Please remember students can wear their PE uniform for the week and everyone must be wearing the College rashie for the lessons.  There will be sunscreen available, however it is a good time to get into the habit of applying sunscreen before school too.

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 friendly reminder that attendance at ensemble rehearsals are compulsory as students are preparing for upcoming performances. Please email the ensemble’s director if your child is sick and unable to attend. 

Save The Date

Please note the following music performance dates for this term:

Christmas Concert

We are delighted to invite families to this community celebration of the season. 

Primary Instrumental Recitals

The Primary Instrumental Recitals being held on Monday 25 November, are an exciting opportunity for students to show case their hard work from throughout the year. 

Entries have now closed and timetables will be emailed next week. 

2025 Music Lesson Enrolments

Enrolments for music lessons in 2025 are now open. Please see below for options. Enrolment forms are available online Music Lesson Enrolment Form 

*Students in Years Two and Four will attend instrument demonstrations during school next week. Detailed communication and enrolment information regarding the Strings and Band programs will be emailed following these demonstrations.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Presentation Evening: Thursday 28 November

Our College Presentation Evening will be held in the St Louis Sports Centre on Thursday 28 November beginning at 7pm. As this is an important community event for our College, all students in Years 6 to 11 are expected to attend. 

Parking will be available on the College playing fields with entry from John XXIII Avenue. Entry to the St Louis Sports Centre will be through the doors adjacent to the playing fields.

Guests are to be seated by 6:45pm for a 7pm start.

Students who are attending as members of the audience are to wear their school uniform.  Other College requirements regarding grooming are to be adhered to.