Week 7, Term 4
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
All students commenced Term 4 electives on Friday, November 12th. Due to the current environment, the electives were mostly school-based and this year we've extended the program to include many key learning areas (sport, art, dance, science, etcetera). Students in Years 1 and 2 will circulate through a number of activities, whilst Years 3- 6 students had the opportunity to select an area of individual passion, and our Kindergarten students enjoyed developmental play. It was terrific to see our kids developing their skills as they engaged in their area of personal interest; the joy amongst them was amazing!
Student Electives
Remembrance Day
On Remembrance Day we observed one minute's silence to remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts, and to teach our students that living in harmony and reconciliation is central to world peace. We congratulate our Year 6 leaders for facilitating the gathering in a respectful manner and we affirm all students for displaying outstanding courteousness and reverence.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Remembrance Day
Parent Forum
Our Parent Forum has met for the final time this year, so I take this opportunity to thank Florent Elineau, Brittany Clarkson, Billee Holdsworth, Kirsty McPherson-Norman, Katrina Renwick, Elaine Harriott, Jacinta Neville, Casey Snart, Narelle McNamara and Stacey Kavanagh (Treasurer) for representing our parent body with commitment and care, and I especially note the wonderful assistance they've offered me over the year. This year has been another challenging one for parent involvement and engagement due to the COVID restrictions, but nonetheless, our community has managed to remain focused on our children and supportive of our staff, whilst we've continued to build our community through events such as the fete, trivia evening and start of year breakfast. At the meeting the Forum endorsed the investigation of expenditure of 2021 Forum fundraising money, and we are currently looking at building a family chicken coup (Cluckingham Palace) within the school and purchasing some new furniture (tables and chairs) for the Multi-Purpose Centre. On behalf of our community, I express my sincere thanks to all families for your incredible support, which is ultimately providing our school with additional resources and learning opportunities for all students.
Term 4 (what's left of it!)
At the time of publishing this newsletter, we have only 18 school days remaining this year! Below are the dates and events that are planned, however, there is still uncertainty about full community events (e.g.: Christmas Carols); we will provide more advice as things unfold. Our students continue to strive for their best and we congratulate them on their efforts, and to assist them with their endeavours our Play is the Way blitz is 'respect the rules because rules have reasons'. This mantra comes from the life raft: Have reasons for the things you say and do. We hope that this helps our kids journey to the end of the year in a spirit of enjoyment, learning, safety and respect; I have complete faith that they will do all of this so very well.
Thumbs-up
- Our Parent Forum members for their support during 2021;
- Our students and staff for being so welcoming of our 2022 Kindy class;
- Our students for continuing to 'respect the rules, because rules have reasons';
- All families for their continued adherence and understanding of the COVID parameters.
To conclude
On November 16th, our Kindergarten 2022 cohort attended school to explore their new educational surroundings. The children attended in two separate groups (Hanly & Ryland / Polding & MacKillop) where they played and explored, and developed connections with each other and staff. It was certainly a joy to welcome our 55, 2022 Kindergarten class to St James Primary and we look forward to them returning 3 more times over the coming weeks.
Welcome to St James - Kindy 2022
