Around The Primary

Dear Families

The students had a fantastic time at the Disco! They enthusiastically participated, displaying excellent manners towards the staff and the DJ. With immense enthusiasm, they danced and enjoyed themselves throughout the event! A heartfelt appreciation goes out to our extraordinary team of staff members who attended the event, particularly on a Friday night.

Our Pre-Primary to Year 3 students, have relished in their swimming sessions this week, especially during these very hot temperatures. They have been developing their water confidence, swimming skills and stamina and are now ready for a summer full of water fun!

The annual Christmas Concert (including students in both Primary and Secondary Ensembles) takes place today. Families are invited to bring a picnic, blankets, and chairs for this festive, outdoors concert and be prepared to sing along and dress for the season! All are welcome to attend this event, with pre-show entertainment commencing at 4:30pm, and the Concert officially starting at 5:00pm.

We extend our gratitude to John XXIII families for generously contributing non-perishable food items or gift vouchers towards the St Vincent de Paul Christmas hampers. In order to ensure timely preparation and delivery for Christmas, all final donations will need to be brought to school by Monday, 27 November. 

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Staff News

We say good-bye to Mrs Cath De Campe, our dedicated teacher and delightful colleague. We thank Mrs De Campe for all her hard work, commitment, and wonderful contributions in the Primary school for 18 years. We wish Cath every happiness in her retirement.

We also farewell Miss Lauren Pillera and Mrs Madison Levy and thank them for their wonderful contributions to our school community. We wish Lauren and Madison all the very best with their future endeavours.

 Christmas Newsflash

On Thursday 7 December, the students can come to school dressed in Christmas colours or wear a Christmas t-shirt, hat etc… If preferred, students can come in their House shirt and sports shorts.  (No coloured hair spray or face paint please).

On this day we hope to raise the students’ awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to everyday privileges at Christmas. All students are asked to bring along a gold coin donation for St Vinnies. Thank you in anticipation of your generous support.

Semester Two Reports 

Semester Two Reports for Pre-Primary to Year 6 students will be available through the College’s online communication platform ‘SEQTA ENGAGE’ from 3:30pm on Thursday 7 December.

Dates to Remember

Please check the College Website to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar: Calendars | John XXIII College and subscribe to the Primary Calendar.

Congratulations

Well done to Zari Spiccia (2G) on receiving a ‘Highly Commended Award’ for her entry in the Chevron Focus Environment competition.

Winning entries from the competition can be found on this link www.mediaeducation.com.au/focus. 

Sport Update

Our PP – Year 3 students have been enjoying the hot conditions this week, mainly because they have been in the pool each day!  I am always impressed with the general standard of swimming from our junior primary students.  It is great to see them progressing their skills and learning more about being safe around water. 

Our Year 5 and 6 students have now completed their Alternate Sports Program having participated in archery, dance, circus skills and rock-climbing.  The circus skills, led by Circus WA, has been a big hit.  They operate out of a big top tent in Fremantle and offer some fun and active holiday programs.  Find out more on their website https://circuswa.com/programs/holiday-classes/. 

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

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Music Update

Primary Ensemble Rehearsals 

Primary Instrumental Ensemble rehearsals have now concluded for 2023. Choir rehearsals continue as Wanju Voices students are preparing for Presentation Night and Primary Singers are preparing to sing at the Year 1 Liturgy. A reminder that attendance at choir rehearsals is compulsory.  Please email the ensemble director if your child is unwell and unable to attend.

Instrumental Recitals 

There has been great excitement among the Primary students as they prepare for their performances on Monday 27 November with all sessions taking place in the Osborne Room.  Family members are welcome to attend these recitals. Please note the arrival and session times below. 

Please direct any queries via email to: Georgia Bouhlas georgia.bouhlas@cewa.edu.au in the Music Office or Catherine Haydon catherine.haydon@cewa.edu.au in Primary Music. We look forward to celebrating the dedication and talents of the Primary students at these special performances.

Presentation Night

Wanju Voices will be performing at Presentation Night. All members are required for rehearsals on Monday at 7:30am in the Osborne Room and Thursday at 8:00am in the GBLT. Parents are requested to check email notifications for additional details regarding rehearsals, dress code and arrival time for this important event.

2024 Year 3 Strings Program

The Year 2 students were treated to a wonderful Christmas-themed performance by the Chamber Orchestra and Year 6 narrators on Tuesday morning. The students had the opportunity to see and hear the violin, viola and cello which all are offered as options in the Year 3 Strings Program. Parents must complete the enrolment form (sent via email) by Friday 1 December to secure a position in this program.

2024 Year 5 Band Program

In Music classes this week, the Year 4 students enjoyed performances on the trombone and trumpet by Mr Peter Chan (brass tutor), and on the flute, clarinet and alto saxophone by Year 6 Leaders. These instruments are all offered as part of the Year 5 Band Program. Parents must complete the enrolment form (sent via email) by Friday 1 December to secure a position in this program.

Congratulations 

Congratulations to Elizabeth Cawley (4G) who was awarded a certificate of Merit for her fantastic performance in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.

Music Enrolments and Withdrawals

Please refer to the Music page of this newsletter for important information regarding instrumental enrolments and withdrawals for 2024.

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Enrolments Kindy 2026

Kindy interviews for 2026 will commence in Term 2 in 2024.  Please ensure you have submitted your child’s application submitted - Enrolments Information and Online Enrolment Enquiry | John XXIII College 

Please contact the College Registrar, Allison Falconer with any enquires on 9383 0449 or enrolments@johnxxiii.edu.au