Week 9, Term 3
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
At our school, we place a great emphasis on student wellbeing and one of our central beliefs is that children 'come to school to better themselves, not to be better than others.' As such, fostering wellness, self-confidence and self-worth assists children to have a greater capacity to learn and grow in God's love.
St James wellness is promoted and supported in many ways: whole school relationships, programs such as Play is the Way, sharing joy, personnel such as our Wellbeing Team and School Counsellor and student leadership to name a few. Also, we take an opportunity each year to ask each other 'R U OK?, and the national day for this was Thursday September 9th. To this end, the Grades through their virtual learning platforms promoted this national day of action, which will assist us in building a mentally strong community of learners both here at St James and into the future for our country.
Further information concerning R U OK Day (and supporting mental health) is located on the R U OK website: https://www.ruok.org.au/
Together we are inspired and empowered to meaningfully connect with other people so that all 'May have life - life in all its fullness.' (John 10:10).
Welcome Charlotte and Adelyn
Twins, Charlotte and Adelyn have joined our St James learning community in Year 1, albeit remotely! We hope they settle into our school community and make many new friends, welcome!
Achievements for Term 3
Term 3 has been a positive, yet different (and at times difficult) occasion for our students, however, everyone has engaged in events and learning that has enhanced both wellbeing and educative outcomes. I am particularly proud of each student's behaviour, engagement and sense of pride that they gifted each other throughout Term 3 and for the way we have navigated the COVID situation together. Well done kids! Below are some highlights of the Term.
Term 3 Reflections
COVID update
As announced yesterday, students will return to school on Monday, September 13th. Attached is the information sent to families concerning our return to school and the parameters for students, staff and parents.
For the final week of Term 3, we will focus on Mathematics, English & Religious Education, along with ensuring children resettle into school, socialise with their friends, engage in play is the way games and attend the specialist program. It will be wonderful to have the joy and buzz of children back in our schoolyard.
I sincerely thank all students, staff and parents for their support and loyalty during the lockdown period; together we enabled our students to continue living, learning and growing in God's love - well-done everyone!
2022 Staffing
Mr. Bailey Crompton (current Year 4 Teacher) has accepted a position in a remote Indigenous Community in Cape York commencing next year. We congratulate Bailey on taking this step in his career and we thank him for the work and commitment he presented to St James during 2021. As we continue to prepare for 2022 learning and teaching we have advertised positions vacant for teachers; further information concerning this is located on the Diocese of Lismore Website: https://careers.lism.catholic.edu.au/en/filter/?job-mail-subscribe-privacy=agree&search-keyword=&location=banora%20point
Changes to Term 3 & 4 Dates/Events
Given the current COVID restrictions, some changes have been made to the Week 10, Term 3 events calendar (see below). Additionally, given the uncertainties around Term 4, most events will be placed on hold until further COVID guidelines are provided, however, we can confirm some events/dates and outline some tentative events/dates (see below). We thank everyone for their understanding, flexibility and patience with this matter.
Week 10, Term 3:
- Friday, September 17th: Pupil Free Day (Cancelled)
- Friday, September 17th: R U Ok Day
- Friday, September 17th: Gems in the jar reward day (a special treat for the students and extra play).
Term 4 (Confirmed events/dates):
- Monday, October 4th: Public Holiday
- Thursday, October 7th: 3-Way Conferences
- Thursday, October 14th: 3-Way Conferences
- Friday, October 22nd: Book Week Dress up day
- Friday, October 29th: Mission Fair
- Thursday, November 4th: Pupil Free Day
- Friday, November 5th: Pupil Free Day
Term 4 (Tentative events/dates):
- Monday, November 29th: Year 6 Graduation Mass
- Thursday, December 9th: Christmas Carols
- Monday, December 13th: Year 6 Celebration Day
- Tuesday, December 14th: Celebration of Learning Day
- Tuesday, December 14th: End of Year Mass
- Tuesday, December 14th: Year 6 Dinner Dance
- Wednesday, December 15th: Final School Assembly
Please note all other Term 4 events, such as the student disco, musical spectacular, student electives, camps, excursions and the swimming program are on hold for now; further information will be provided as soon as possible.
Thumbs-up
- To everyone for sharing another wonderful term!
- T0 everyone for their ongoing support with the COVID situation.
To conclude
Next Friday we will arrive at the end of busy and different, but successful Term; we acknowledge the spirit of kindness, giving, sharing, support, learning and joy that has been present in our school during our time together. We are particularly proud of our students and all they have achieved.
May God’s blessing of peace be with everyone during the holiday break; we look forward to our safe return to school on Tuesday, October 5th (Monday, October 4th is a public holiday).
With blessings,
Nic.