Week 3, Term 4 - 2025
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Today we joined schools across the country in celebrating Australian Teacher’s Day—a wonderful opportunity to pause and recognise the extraordinary people who guide, nurture and inspire our students each day.
At St James, we are blessed with a dedicated team of teachers and staff who share in the mission of Catholic education. Every adult in our school—whether in the classroom, the playground, the office, or behind the scenes—plays an important role in shaping the learning and wellbeing of our children. Together, they embody the spirit of service, walking alongside families to ensure our students grow in knowledge, faith and hope.
We give thanks to God for our staff, whose work reflects the example of Jesus, the greatest teacher of all. Through His life and words, Jesus taught us about love, compassion and truth. In this Year of Hope, we are reminded that education is not just about knowledge, but about helping children see a future full of possibility, guided by God’s light.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents for your ongoing support of our staff, and for the beautiful morning tea that was shared in honour of Australian Teacher’s Day. Your kindness and appreciation mean so much and affirm the partnership that makes our school community so strong.
To all our teachers and staff—thank you for the hard work you do each and every day. May God continue to bless your vocation as you inspire hope and faith in the lives of our children.
Term 4 Camps
School camps are a highlight of the year for many students—and for good reason! These experiences offer more than just a fun getaway; they are an opportunity for students to grow, bond, and learn in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether it’s challenging themselves on a ropes course, working together in team-building activities, or simply sharing stories around the campfire, school camps help develop essential life skills like independence, resilience, and teamwork.
For our students at St James, camp is also a time to deepen friendships and create lasting memories. Away from the usual school routine, they get the chance to connect with peers in new ways, strengthening their sense of community and belonging. The activities are designed not only to be enjoyable but also to promote personal growth, leadership, and confidence in every student.
In Term 4, 6 Grades will have their 2025 camp experience:
Kindergarten: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 1: Paradise Country visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 2: Seaworld visit and extended school stay on November 12th.
Year 3: 1 night stay at Camp Goodenough on November 27th & 28th.
Year 4: 2 night stay at Tyalgum Ridge on November 5th - 7th
Year 5: 2 night stay at Lake Ainsworth on November 10th - 12th
We’re looking forward to seeing the smiles, laughter, and excitement as students embark on their camp adventures this year! It’s an experience that enriches their school journey and leaves them with stories to tell for years to come.
O'Dwyer Shield & Billy Hardy Shield
Recently our students participated in a very special sporting event against St Joseph's Primary in memory of two much-loved members of our community, Billy Hardy and Ryan O'Dwyer. This match is not just about competition—it’s about celebrating the values they both embodied: sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a love for the game.
Billy and Ryan left a lasting impact on everyone who knew them, and this annual event is a wonderful way to keep their spirit alive. The match was a fun and respectful one where our students honoured their legacy while fostering the friendships between our two schools.
O'Dwyer Shield & Billy Hardy Shield
Parent Community Group
Our Term 4 Parent Community Group Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6th. We were delighted with the strong turnout at our Term 3 meeting and hope to see even more parents join us this time.
These gatherings are an important way for families to share perspectives, strengthen the partnership between home and school, and help shape the future of our community. By working together, we create the best possible learning environment for our children.
We warmly invite you to come along, be part of the conversation, and continue building the vibrant community that makes St James so special.
Term 4 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4.
- November 4th: Kindergarten 2026 Family BBQ
- November 5th - 7th: Year 4 Camp
- November 6th: Parent Community Meeting
- November 10th - 12th: Year 5 Camp
- November 11th: Remembrance Day Service
- November 11th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 1
- November 12th: Year 2 Camp
- November 13th & 14th: Pupil Free Days
- November 18th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 2
- November 25th: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 3
- November 27th & 28th: Year 3 Camp
- December 1st - 5th: Swimming Program
- December 2nd: Year 6 Graduation Mass
- December 2nd: Kindergarten 2026 Transition session 4 & Whole school step-up day
- December 8th - 12th: Swimming Program
- December 10th: Swimming Carnival
- December 11th: Christmas Carols
- December 15th: Kindergarten [2025] Graduation
- December 16th: End of Year Whole School Liturgy
- December 16th: Year 6 Dinner Dance
- December 17th: Final Whole School Assembly & Final Day of Term 4 / 2025 school year
Please note our pupil-free days for 2025:
- November 13th & 14th, and December 18th & 19th.
Please note the Parent Community Group Meeting dates for 2025:
- November 6th (7pm - MPC).
Thumbs-Up
- Year 6 student leaders, our staff and all families for supporting our recent Mission Fair.
- Parents for celebrating Australian Teacher's Day for our teachers and staff.
- Teachers and support staff who are working very hard to organise wonderful camp experiences for our students.
To conclude: All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days – A Time of Prayer, Hope and Reflection
As a Catholic school, the beginning of November is always a sacred time for us to gather in remembrance and celebration. On November 1st, we observed All Saints’ Day, honouring the countless saints—both known and unknown—who lived lives of deep faith and service. These holy men and women inspire us to walk in their footsteps, living with love, charity, and devotion to God.
On November 2nd, we commemorated All Souls’ Day, a time when we pause to pray for all who have gone before us. As a school community, we hold close our loved ones and all the faithful departed, entrusting them to God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life.
In the classrooms, students are learning more about the saints and their stories, helping them to see that sainthood is not distant, but lived out in ordinary, faithful choices every day. These days remind us of the deep connections between heaven and earth, and they call us to live with hope—the theme guiding our Church this year. The Year of Hope encourages us to look to the saints as companions on the journey and to trust that God’s love continues to work through us and for us.
Looking ahead, we would also like to inform families of two upcoming pupil free days on Thursday, November 13th and Friday, November 14th. These are critical days in our school calendar when staff dedicate time to planning for the 2026 school year. Following this period, we will share with you important updates regarding our plans, staffing, and arrangements for 2026. We thank you sincerely for your support of these days and of our staff’s professional learning—your partnership allows us to continue building a thriving school community for your children.
May the saints inspire us, may our prayers for the departed bring comfort, and may this Year of Hope continue to strengthen our journey together in faith.
With blessings,
Karen & Kylie
Upcoming events.....
Please note the following upcoming events......
Parenting support and learning.....
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
Pack a water bottle in your lunchbox!
Don’t forget to pack a water bottle every day!
Keeping hydrated helps kids stay focused, energised and feeling their best throughout the school day.
For more information on the benefits of water and tips for getting kids to drink more visit http://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/.../tips-for-drinking...
Other information.....
Please note the following additional information.....
