Around The Primary

Dear Parents

This week the students have been learning about the significance of Remembrance Day and reminded that on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 an armistice was signed that stopped the fighting in World War I. Since then, and after World War II, this day of remembrance became known as ‘Remembrance Day’ so we can remember the people who have died in all wars.

As a school we acknowledged this important occasion with an outdoor ceremony for Years 3-11. Special thanks to Tilly Laver (6B) and Ethan Williams (6G) for both sharing their reflections about their visit to the Australian War Memorial. The Junior Primary classes also participated in some special prayer time in their classrooms.

Last night the College hosted a ‘Volunteers Thank You’ evening to thank all the parents who have assisted with the myriad of school activities throughout year.  We recognise that parents are a very important link between home and school and we greatly value and appreciate the support that has been provided to our staff and students.

Yesterday our Year 6 students represented the College exceptionally well at the IPSHA Touch Rugby Carnival.  Special thanks to all the students involved in this sporting event.

Kind regards,

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

Dates to Remember

CHANGE OF DATE: 

Year 2B Assembly has been rescheduled to Friday 29 November.

At this Assembly we will be sharing a special farewell to Mrs Morell who is retiring as our Music Specialist at the end of the year.

SAVE THE DATE:

Wednesday 27 November – Presentation Evening 7pm St Louis Sports Centre

Attendance is compulsory for all Year 5 & 6 students

Please check the College Website for Term 4 to note all the important Primary school events for your family calendar. http://www.johnxxiii.edu.au/view/for-parents/calendars

Remembrance Day Reflections

Visiting the Australian National War Memorial in Canberra was an outstanding and unique experience. Men and women who died in wars were honoured in such a reverent and memorable way there. As well as being an emotional experience, I felt proud of the soldiers who fought for Australia in the worst of conditions. At the end of our visit, we each placed a poppy by a soldier’s name on the Roll of Honour. I was overwhelmed to see the red river of poppies placed along the walls. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn more about such inspiring people; it was truly an eye opening experience. Tilly Laver 6B

When we walked into this spiritual place, we were overwhelmed with a feeling of sorrow and thankfulness for what the ANZACs did for us. The war memorial taught us about what life was like for soldiers in a variety of wars and it was shocking to hear their stories. Listening to the last post ceremony and watching my friends lay a wreath at the pool of reflection was a memorable experience.  Ethan Williams 6G

A Poppy is to Remember

Thank you to everyone who bought a poppy from the Year 6 leaders leading up to Remembrance Day. We were amazed at the generosity shown by the John XXIII Community. These donations went towards the Annual Poppy Day Appeal which provides welfare assistance to service men and women (past and present) and their families.

It was wonderful to see so many people wearing their red poppies as a symbol of respect for the men and women who have served in wars and conflicts.

Parents As Partners

Special thanks to Lisha D’Souza (Primary Convener), Olivia Watson (Secretary) and all the parent coordinators for their fantastic contributions in the Primary School. They have done a wonderful job of organising family and parent events throughout the year as well as, coordinating volunteers for various events.

Hampers for Christmas 

Every year the St Vincent De Paul society run a Christmas Appeal to assist families in need during the festive season.

We are hoping the John XXIII community can contribute by providing hamper items for these families.  Each year level has been allocated specific items to collect, please refer to the link below for year group allocations.

Please place all hamper items in the basket in your child’s classroom or the front office next week.

Thank you for your generous support.

Sport Update

Touch Rugby Carnival

I was so proud with Year 6 touch rugby players who took part in the carnival yesterday, it was extremely hot but that didn’t slow them down at all! The students had a great time and played incredibly well, it was great to see all their hard work and practice on the field. 

Pre-Primary to Year 3 Swimming Timetable

Mr Williams

Primary Sports Coordinator