Week 3, Term 4
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
This past week we held a Book Fair to celebrate Book Week; we thank Mrs Anderson for organising this event and our staff who helped make it a success for the children. We also had our Book Week Dress-up day today and it was wonderful to see the myriad of costumes that were linked to literature, which supports students’ engagement in reading as a lifelong adventure. We especially thank our parents for providing the children’s costumes; enjoy sharing the photographs below and those on See-Saw with your children.
Book Week
Baby news!
Congratulations to Mr Keating (Year 5 Teacher) and his wife Teegan on the safe arrival of baby Naia Ellie; a beautiful little sister for Cali. Welcome to the St James Family; God Bless.
Staffing Announcement
Miss Laura Warby (current Year 3 Teacher) has accepted a position at Star of the Sea Primary School, Merrimac, commencing next year. We congratulate Laura on taking this step in her career and we thank her for the work and commitment she has given to St James since 2020.
Welcome Mrs Bradshaw
As a result of Laura's new appointment, we have appointed Mrs Jenny Bradshaw to the position of Year 3 Teacher commencing Term 1, 2022. Jenny comes to us from St Vincent's Primary School, Clear Island Waters.
Jenny has told us that she is originally from Sydney and has been teaching for 21 years. She began her teaching career in the Parramatta diocese before moving to the Tweed Coast 14 years ago. Jenny has been teaching in the Brisbane Diocese ever since. She has a passion for everything and anything sport and Jenny obtains much joy in nurturing and shaping the students that she teaches to become the best they can be. Jenny is really looking forward to meeting the students and families at St James.
I take this opportunity to warmly welcome Jenny to our school. I thank the selection panel consisting of Rhonda Cree, Karen Sanderson and Kylie Cane for their work in this area.
Mission Fair
Next Friday (October 29th), our Year 6 students will host the annual Mission Fair; an opportunity for us all to share in the joy of building the Common Good and supporting the Dignity of Humanity. Students will have an opportunity to engage in a mini-fair style session, with all funds raised going to the local, national and global mission appeals. Students are invited to bring a few dollars along to school to join in the fun, learning and arms-giving of the day.
Term 4 Scheduling (COVID Related)
Please refer to my recent letter that outlined changes to the Term 4 program; below is the schedule of activities and dates that we now believe we can commit to under the COVID guidelines. Please note the Year 6 Graduate Mass has been moved to Wednesday 8th December at 6pm and the Mass will not be held with St Joseph's Primary School (Tweed Heads) due to the number of COVID restrictions in the Church.
St Joseph's College Orientation
Students in Year 6 who are attending St Joseph's College in 2022 will experience an orientation day on Wednesday 3rd November. This is their first big step into secondary school and we hope they have a terrific day exploring the College and making many new friends.
Pupil Free Days
Thursday and Friday of Week 5 (4th & 5th November) are pupil free days; students do not come to school on these days (After School Care will be available). Staff will be focussing on curriculum matters and planning for the 2022 school year; our newest staff members will be joining us on these days. We thank parents for the support of staffs' professional learning.
Junior School Camps
On Wednesday 3rd November our Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2 students will be having their annual camp; although a little different this year, we hope that the in-school activities are filled with joy and adventure, have fun!
Thumbs-up
- To students and parents for organising all the amazing book week costumes;
- To students and parents for their support of the annual book fair;
- To students and parents for attending our recent 3-way conferences via zoom;
- To our St James community for their amazing support during the COVID situation!
To conclude
This week I conclude by acknowledging the wonderful manners and positive attitudes that many of our students are currently displaying. I am especially impressed by how many students are saying good morning to others and wishing them a good day. 'Greeting, treating and speaking with kindness' is important in life and at a young age, our kids are mastering this - well done!
Regards,
Nic.