Around the Primary

Dear Parents

We have had a very busy time around the Primary this week. Just yesterday the whole school gathered in the gym to celebrate Mass together. These prayerful times are an important part of building our community and celebrating that we are all part of God's family. It was wonderful to see the Primary Singers alongside the Secondary Gospel choir leading the singing. I was very proud that the children were so well-behaved and participated well throughout the liturgy.

On Wednesday afternoon John XXIII staff joined other staff from all over the western corridor to attend a Staff Commissioning Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Woodlands, to pray for ourselves, for all families and our school communities. Thanks to our wonderful staff for your generosity of time, it is greatly appreciated.

Our first primary Mass will be on Ash Wednesday, 5th March at 9.15am. Ms Allen, Mrs Gardner and the Year 3G students are preparing the readings and prayers. All parents, grandparents and friends are invited to join us in the chapel.

John XXIII had a special visitor this week, as TV Presenter the Commando dropped in via helicopter to share an important message with the students about healthy eating, keeping fit and having fun through exercise. The Commando took part in a circuit with a very excited group of children from Year 4. To the great delight of the students, Mr Izzard (Year 6 teacher) volunteered to join the workout too. As the Commando zoomed off in the helicopter he left behind a very excited group of students and staff!

Our Year 3-6 students have certainly made a big splash by taking part in swimming trials last Friday and swimming lessons this week. At the same time, we are also very excited by the extension of the Primary Sport's program to include after-school swimming training for our squad swimmers. Under the guidance of qualified coaches from Uniswim and Mr Alderman, our squad members have had the opportunity to display their skills in the College pool and have put in a fantastic effort at their training sessions this week.

Our primary photos have been scheduled for Tuesday 25th February. All families will shortly receive photo information from Photo Hendriks. The timetable for group photos will be advertised next week - it is important that all children are in the group photo so please avoid scheduling appointments on this day.

The teachers are now finalizing preparations for the Parent Information Evenings next week. This is an important night whereby you have the opportunity to listen to your child's teacher outline their program and procedures for this school year. I encourage all families to be represented at the Parent Information evenings next week (see below for specific meeting dates/times).

Kind Regards

Antoinette De Pinto
Head of Primary

Congratulations to McKenzie Richardson (5B) who auditioned for WA Youth Orchestra (WAYO) last year & has now been accepted into the WAYO program for 2014. Well done McKenzie!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • As you aware attendance at school is a critical factor in any child's academic success. Children should attend school every day, except in cases of illness or emergency. It is impossible to replace the learning that happens on any school day with make-up work. In addition, the teachers put a lot of time into the preparation of each lesson and children should be at school for the entire day. We do understand that children may need to attend medical appointments, speech therapy or occupational therapy sessions throughout the day. However, we are concerned that many children are attending extra tutoring during school time. We would appreciate if extra tutoring could occur out of school hours so that children do not miss valuable lessons on a regular basis.
  • Thank you for your co-operation and patience with the afternoon drive-through and pick up at the 'loop'. Parents with children in Years 1-3, need to display their 'family name' sign on their wind-shield or on the back of your car sun-visor. This visual reminder helps the teacher to call for children quickly and greatly assists with the flow of traffic. If you have lost your name sign or need another one, please contact Cath Philpot in the office.
  • All children receiving Sacraments this year must be enrolled through their Parish. Please contact your own Parish for information regarding First Reconciliation (Year 3), First Communion (Year 4), and Confirmation (Year 6).

PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGS

DATE

YEAR LEVEL

TIME

VENUE

Tuesday 18 Feb

1

6 pm

Year 1 Classrooms

Tuesday 18 Feb

2

6 pm

Year 2 Classrooms

Tuesday 18 Feb

3

7 pm

Year 3 Classrooms

Wednesday 19 Feb

4

6 pm

Year 4 Classrooms

Wednesday 19 Feb

5

7 pm

Year 5 Classrooms

Wednesday 19 Feb

6

7 pm

Year 6 Classrooms