Around The Primary

Dear Parents

We have made it to the finishing line! On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank you for your wonderful support and the emails and messages of thanks we have received this week.

One parent wrote these lovely words,

Thank you to all the John XXIII Primary Staff.  You have done an absolute stellar job keeping the school running during these tricky times. The fact that our kids can continue to attend school each day so they can learn and socialise is a genuine blessing. We as parents can only image the extra leg work and long hours it’s taking.  Thank you. 

These messages make a big difference and remind us how lucky we are to be part of such a great community. We have a lot to celebrate and a lot of important work to do with the students in the future!

May this holiday break and the joy of the Easter message be a wonderful time to reconnect with all those you love and give thanks to God for them. 

May the Easter season connect you more deeply with your faith. 

I hope you all have some time to do the things you enjoy doing as a family and come back recharged and ready for another great term!

Take care everyone, keep safe and may your household be filled with happiness and joy!

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary 

Holy Week is a special time in the Catholic Calendar 

This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday, which marks the end of the season of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It is holy time to spend with Jesus, to unclutter our mind, to reassess priorities in our lives, and renew our faith in Jesus.

Holy Week marks the great Easter Triduum, a period of three days of prayer for the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection. On Holy Thursday we recall the Last Supper and use this an opportunity to reflect on the Eucharist. 

On Good Friday we remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. 

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the Risen Lord.   ‘This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.’

O Lord, I will always lend a helping hand even in the darkest times.  I will follow Simon for being so considerate and kind and continue making an effort. 

Amen

By Charlie MacLennan and Juliet Cooney 5B

COVID Reporting

During the holidays, it is important that the College continues to be notified of student positive COVID cases.  Please inform us via this LINK. The information will go directly to the College. If there are any queries related to this process, please advise Emilee Rippon at compliance@johnxxiii.edu.au

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

Project Compassion

Congratulations to the Primary school community for raising an impressive $3514.40 for Project Compassion during Lent. We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community. 

During Lent students have engaged in lessons around the Caritas theme, ‘For all future generations.’  Our older students have gained a deeper understanding about the wellbeing of themselves and others now and in the years to come. 

Thank you for being part of such a successful fundraising initiative.

Kylie Allen

Assistant Principal, Primary

Counsellor's Corner

I hope everyone is looking forward to the lovely Easter break!

Next term I will be running the ‘Seasons for Growth’ program to assist children positively adjust to family and other significant changes. It has proven to be beneficial to children who have or are experiencing stress, separation/divorce, illness or grief in their families. At this time of universal change and loss it may also assist children with broader definitions of change and loss like separation from significant others, fear about the future, moving house/ schools or changes to family work arrangements like FIFO. The program has 8 weekly sessions which last 45 minutes each. More information can be found on the website https://www.goodgrief.org.au/seasons-for-growth

Please email any interest or questions to anne.murphy@cewa.edu.au

I would like also to take this opportunity as we lead into the holidays, to remind parents that children need supervision and guidance when using technology at home. 

The attached article from Michael Grose is very balanced and has some useful strategies for families.

Anne Murphy

Primary Counsellor

Sports Update

This week the Year 6 classes were lucky enough to have an AFL session with two AFLW players from the Fremantle Dockers!  The session was enjoyed by all and a big thank you to Mrs Standing for organising this training opportunity.  

I have been very impressed with some of the creative ways families have been staying active in their homes whilst in isolation.  Please stay active over the holiday break whatever your circumstances.  As always, I would love to see some photos!

Term 2 Extra-curricular sports

We will continue to provide extra sporting opportunities whilst complying with the current COVID restrictions.  All before and after-school sports will begin in Week 2, apart from cross country that will begin in Week 6.

Cross-Country 

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, Years 3 to 6
• 7:30am outside St Louis Sports Centre
• No sign up required
• Starts Week 6
• Parents are normally welcome to join and run with the group, this will be confirmed closer to Week 6

Soccer with Adi and J&J Soccer

• Tuesday, 3:30pm to 4:30pm, Junior Primary Oval, Years 1 to 6
• Sign up with Adi juricadi@hotmail.com
• Starts 3 May

Basketball with Redhage Basketball

• Thursdays, 3:20pm to 4:20pm, St Louis Sports Centre, Years 3 to 6
• Registration at www.redhagebasketball.com, opens Sunday 27 March 
• Starts 5 May

 AFL with Luke Cunningham from Winning Edge Academy *UPDATE*

• Tuesdays, 7:30am to 8:20am, Secondary Oval, Years 3 to 6
• Register at www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=46917
• Starts 3 May

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

Mr Steve Williams

Primary Sport Coordinator

Bricks 4 Kidz - Term 2 Registrations

Following the success of the Bricks 4 Kidz program in Term 1, we are pleased to continue this program for Term 2.

YEARS 1-3

Registrations are now open for all students in Years 1-3 (4 places available)   https://www.trybooking.com/885078

YEARS 4-6

Registrations are now open for all students in Years 4-6 (5 places available) https://www.trybooking.com/885087

Please refer to the attached flyer for further information on the Term 2 Programs including schedule and costs.