Around The Primary

Dear Families

Congratulations to our Pre-Primary students who delighted a huge audience with their wonderful performance at this morning’s Assembly. They presented with great confidence and enthusiasm and every child certainly had the opportunity to shine on the stage and I’m sure made their parents and grandparents very proud.

Thank you to our outstanding Pre-Primary staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the Assembly was such a successful one and for their vision and creativity to bring it all together so beautifully.

You may have noticed a few tired faces on our Year 6 students and staff during the latter part of this week! I think it would be fair to say that we all had an amazing time exploring our National Capital. This camp provided each student with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and to try new experiences with their peers. They supported each other and became closer as a group; making memories that I’m sure they will cherish forever.

Our students looked splendid in their Canberra jackets as they explored various venues around Canberra. Throughout the week, tour guides commented on the amazing political and historical knowledge that the students have been sharing, as well as their magnificent manners. We were also complimented by the crew and passengers for their exemplary behaviour on the plane.

It was a very busy week with visits to the New and Old Parliament Houses. It was a real sense of occasion when we stood and sat in the seats and rooms that have shaped our history.  We went to the Australian War Memorial to visit the tomb of the unknown soldier and placed a poppy on the Wall of Remembrance.  

We explored the National Capital Exhibition, followed by a tour of Government House. The students felt very regal as they got to see the public reception rooms in this historic building. There are a few in the group who now fancy themselves in high office!

As we wanted to stretch our legs on a crisp afternoon, our entourage cycled around Lake Burley Griffin and then used pedal-powered paddle boats to do a lap around the Captain Cook Memorial. Questacon was another highlight, and everyone enjoyed the interactive, relevant, and fun experiences on offer. The program included a game of bowling and of laser tag – the students and staff fully engaged in the ultimate laser competition!

Alumnus, James Green (Faith and Mission John XXIII Captain 2022) met us at the National Museum. James is studying Law and International Relations at the Australian National University. James is such a great role model for our Year 6 leaders!

Special thanks to Mrs Standing (Camp Coordinator) and all our staff who attended and helped to make this camp a great success. They were long, busy days and there was never a minute to relax, however, our staff took it all in their stride. I would also like to thank Ms Allen (Assistant Principal) and all the staff who were left behind at school as they picked up extra duties and responsibilities to keep everything running smoothly.

The Australian Government recognised the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education.  To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards these costs. 

It was a fantastic five days in Canberra, and we sincerely thank the Year 6 families for your support and trust. We all returned in great spirits and very aware of what a great opportunity we shared.

Next Thursday 22 June, we are hosting the Year 6 IPSHA Primary Winter Carnival. Eleven other schools will be coming to partake in netball, soccer, AFL, and hockey games on our beautiful grounds. Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on our students.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Super Stars

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

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 and subscribe to the Primary Calendar.

Year 6 Canberra Reflections 

On the Tuesday we attended the Electoral Education Centre. We participated in an election and voted on what fruit was the best. Through this process, we learnt how to properly count votes and how to vote in an election. We listened to a guide who explained how elections work and learnt about the history behind elections.  We watched a short movie on the history of Australian elections and participated in a Democracy game where we explored which people could vote in an Australian election and learnt what people could do if they couldn’t make it to an election but were still required to vote.

By Ciara Thornton and Munesu Marerwa

 

On the Wednesday we arrived at Government House and enjoyed a tour of the ground level of the House and viewed the main living room area, study, hallway and event dining area. Outside we saw some vintage government cars and 3 special trees that were planted by Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and Prince Charles (at the time). The backyard overlooked Lake Burley Griffin and we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of our current Governor-General David Hurley!

By Jamelia Greenwood 

 

On the Thursday morning we visited the Australian War Memorial and drove down ANZAC Parade. The War Memorial is a place to remember soldiers who have fought for our country. We saw lots of dioramas which showed what it could have looked like in WWI and WWII, and we visited the tomb of the unknown soldier and placed our poppies on it. ANZAC Parade is a street with lots of memorials down the side. They are there to remember soldiers' efforts during war. It was a wonderful experience to see all the memorials and remembering everyone who fought in war. 

By Angus Perera

 

On the Thursday evening we visited the National Dinosaur Museum and had a guided tour, where we learnt about and viewed prehistoric dinosaurs. It was such an amazing experience to see what lived before us and the amazing creatures and their specialties. After the tour, we went to the museum’s gift shop and purchased souvenirs to take home with us.  It was such a wonderful experience and an amazing way to spend our final night on camp. Then, on the Friday we enjoyed a wonderful experience at Cockington Green Gardens. Upon arrival, we boarded a miniature train that produced real smoke! It led us around bends and over bridges and we got to enjoy an amazing view of the gardens.  We got to view the gardens closely on the path where traditional buildings of countries were showcased in miniature size.

By Alice Wever and Juliet Cooney

 

On the Friday we visited the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Some AIS athletes showed us around the facilities where athletes train, including gymnastics and volleyball. There was lots of equipment for the athletes to use and train with each day. We also visited Sportex, where we were able to engage in some virtual activities including virtual bike riding and the skeleton named skeleton run where you ride on a board and try to get 100% accuracy. After the AIS, we went to zone bowling and competed against our friends in several rounds. It was a great activity to finish off our fun filled Canberra trip.

By Nicholas Burg

 

On Friday afternoon we flew home, the plane was on time and the flight felt like only an hour! There were some movie options you could watch, or we were able to complete some activities in the booklets our teachers had prepared for us.  With our friends nearby we were all occupied for the whole 4 hours. When we landed and saw our parents everyone was overjoyed and had so many stories to tell. This couldn’t have happened without the wonderful teachers and staff! I was so excited to take home such wonderful memories!

By Sasha Gardner

Sport Update

Excitement is building for our Year 6 students for the IPSHA Winter Carnival taking place on Thursday 22 June.  11 other schools will be coming to partaking in netball, soccer, AFL and hockey games and it is a great opportunity for our students to display not only their skills and teamwork but also their sportsmanship as they represent our College. 

Please note that there will be no cross-country training on this day as the Winter carnival set up will be taking place on the Secondary ovals.  

Our Year 1 students had a great time in their first Gym Warriors session.  They were learning different ways of moving, balancing and supporting their weight.  More Gym Warriors next week!

Congratulations to Jack Hodge (6G) for representing Western Australia at the Under 12 State Cricket Championships.  The team finished the competition with a bronze medal!

Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Music Update

Australian Combined Schools Music Festival

The Australian Combined Schools Music Festival (ACSMF) brings together the finest student musicians from around Australia to perform together under the guidance of outstanding national and international conductors. ACSMF is a consortium of schools with highly developed music programs that have created an opportunity for music students to perform repertoire at the highest possible level. 

For the first time in its 50-year history, the ACSMF will be hosted in Western Australia. The three-day festival will culminate in a gala concert with performances featuring a combined Concert Band, Orchestra and Choir comprising of students from all over the country. 

The concert will also feature an Australian premiere of a commissioned work composed for a combined Primary Choir. Students from Years 5 and 6 will be representing the College, along with primary students from Methodist Ladies College, Christ Church Grammar School and Scotch College. This week, the students attended their first rehearsal at MLC with Perry Joyce,  the composer of the commissioned work. The students were excellent representatives for the College and will continue to have weekly rehearsals after school until the concert at 6:30pm on Saturday 1 July at Winthrop Hall. Tickets for this concert can be purchased via this link.

Australian Combined Schools Music Festival – Billeting

We are seeking further expressions of interest for families to host interstate students as part of the Australian Combined Schools Music Festival. Billeting involves hosting an upper school student/s for four nights at the end of Term 2, with some transport to and from Methodist Ladies College on Stirling Highway.

A complete schedule of festival events, transport and accommodation details for billet families is available from the Music department. Please contact Georgia Bouhlas, Music Secretary on 9383 0440 or email 8550svc_music@cewa.edu.au for further details.

Australian Girls Choir

The Australian Girls Choir will be holding an open day on Saturday the 17 June. This is a great opportunity for girls from Pre-Primary to Year 5 to experience a choir outside of school. For more information, please visit their website https://ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc/ 

Music Eisteddfod

Applications to perform in the upcoming Music Eisteddfod are now open! This year’s Music Eisteddfod will be held on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 July, with categories including: 

• Voice
• Piano
• Strings
• Winds and Brass
• Guitar
• Percussion
• Small Ensembles
• Original Composition

Students who partake in Music lessons through the College will have their applications to perform managed by their tutor.  Students engaged in weekly lessons on an instrument or in voice outside the College can perform.  Applications can be made through the Music department by emailing 8550svc_music@cewa.edu.au with the student's name, year, instrument and copy of piano accompaniment if required.

All applications to perform in the Music Eisteddfod are due by Friday 30 June. Please contact the Music Office with any queries.

Primary Choir Rehearsals

Choir rehearsals for Week 9 are as follows:

Please note that attendance at all rehearsals is compulsory as the students are preparing for various performances.

Chapel Choir

Chapel Choir is open to all Years 2 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 at 8:00am. The next Community Mass is Friday 23 June. Please contact Mrs Haydon for more information.  

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

Catherine Haydon

Primary Music Teacher

Cash for Containers Collection

As part of our sustainability and fundraising initiatives this Term, we are asking families to bring their ‘Cash for Containers’ to school during Week 9 this term - 19 June to 23 June. 

Collection bins will be placed in the car park off Heritage Lane and the car park near the Exhibition Centre to place containers in.  All money raised from the collection will be donated to LifeLink. 

Containers that may be recycled include:

• Cans
• Water bottles
• Choc milk cartons
• Juice boxes
• Iced tea bottles

Thank you for your support of this initiative.

Adrian Sims

Sustainability Coordinator 

Sacramental Certificates 

Parents are requested to email a copy of their child’s Sacramental Certificate (Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation) to Mrs Petsos in Main Administration nancy.petsos@cewa.edu.au for our College records.

Kindy 2025 Interviews

Kindy interviews for 2025 are underway and these will continue through to Term 3.  Emails will be sent to families by Lizz Schollum, Enrolments Manager in due course.