Week 9, Term 1
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
We are approaching the end of another busy and successful Term and I would like to acknowledge the spirit of kindness, giving, sharing, support, learning and joy that has been present in our school. I am particularly grateful that we have moved back towards a sense of “normal” at school throughout the Term and I am very proud of our students and all they have achieved.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate our Kindergarten students who have settled beautifully into our school environment over the past Term; their joy of learning and developing new relationships is such a delight and gift to us all – well-done kids!
The final day of school for Term 1 is Friday, April 8th; on this day we are holding our Term 1 ‘Celebration of Learning’ and parents are invited to attend this special event as outlined below. We thank everyone for their generosity in providing chocolate, Easter eggs and items for our Easter Raffle.
- 12noon: Holy Week Liturgy in the MPC (parents and friends welcome).
- 1pm: Shared lunches (parents, students and friends welcome to order lunch from the Canteen)
- 1:30pm: Parents, students and friends enjoy games together.
- 2pm: Easter raffle in the MPC (parents and friends welcome).
- 3pm: Hometime (happy holidays!)
Term 1 in pictures!
2023 Enrolments
Enrolments for Kindergarten 2023 are now open; please contact the school office for an enrolment pack. Our open day and principal’s presentation will be held on Monday, May 2nd, in Catholic Schools Week.
Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who participated in the School Cross Country; it was a terrific day of participation, skill and good sportsmanship.
The house results were:
1st: Hanly (303)
2nd: MacKillop (250)
3rd: Ryland (220)
4th: Polding (205)
Individual winners of each race were:
Kinder: Sonny Laing and Emily Kuba
7 years: Lennox Curtis and Emilia Della-Sale
8 years: Liam Wass and Bella Coffee
9 years: Hype Guthrie and Lucia Della-Sale
10 years: Billy DeGiorgio and Ava Williams
11 years: Cade Francese and Isobelle Camp
12 years: Tyla Cocchini and Orlanda Peruch
Well done Hanly House and congratulations to each age group victor.
Cross Country Photos
Fundraising efforts
I have been amazed and super proud of our entire community for the support and staying-power gifted by many during our flood appeal. I especially acknowledge our Mini-Vinnies crew and staff who have worked tirelessly to organise and operate the events and activities. At publication of this newsletter we have raised $4,077.20 for the flood appeal, and after consultation with the Catholic Schools Office, the School Leadership Team and the Parent Forum Parent Representatives we have decided that a majority of the money raised will be given to St James Primary families who need our help the most due to the floods. This will be given as a credit to Harvey Norman so that families can obtain what they need, which comes with love, care and compassion from the St James Community. The remaining money will be given to the Bishop's Flood Appeal and Project Compassion for the people of Ukraine. As a Catholic community, we have indeed given life to the Gospel of Matthew (11:29-30), "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Fundraising efforts
Parent Forum Office Bearers (2022)
The Parent Forum has selected its Officer Bearers for 2022. I sincerely thank our Grade Parent Representatives for undertaking their important roles in our schools and I welcome the following parents as Office Bearers of the Forum in 2022.
Office Bearers
- President: Jacinta Neville
- Vice-President: Casey Snart
- Treasurer: Katrina Renwick
Grade Parent Representatives
- Kindergarten: Jasmine Cunningham and Katrina Renwick
- Year 1: Florent Elineau
- Year 2: Michelle Hill, Casey Snart and Billie Holdsworth
- Year 3: Fernanda Czajkowskyj, Kristy Cherry and Louise Riddy
- Year 4: Jacinta Neville
- Year 5: Elaine Harriott
- Year 6: Bec Cann
Staff Representative/Secretary:
- Amanda McTaggart
Term 2 Calendar
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 2.
- April 26th: First day of Term 2 (Tuesday).
Easter Liturgy at 8:40am (MPC - all welcome).
- April 27th: Frozen Musical excursion.
- April 26th-29th: Year 6 Camp.
- May 2nd: School Tours and Principal's Presentation.
- May 3rd: St James Feast Day.
- May 6th: Mother's Day Breakfast.
- May 26th: Student Disco.
- June 10th: School Athletics Carnival.
- June 13th: Queen's Birthday (Public Holiday).
- July 1st: Play is the Way Championships (Celebration of Learning Day for Term 2).
* May 31st, June 9th & June 14th: 3-way Conferences.
Landscape Improvements
A hardcover will be installed over the 3 basketball courts in the coming months. This addition will provide better shade and usage of the courts all year-round. The concept image is shown below.
Whole School Excursion - Frozen!
An Operoo has been sent to Kinder through to Year 5, seeking permission for students to attend Frozen - The Musical excursion. It also outlines the order of the day; please note that we are not expected back from the excursion on April 27th until around 5:30pm and therefore buses will not be available. The student's excitement is building and we are all looking forward to this special and amazing school excursion.
Swimming Championships
Zane, Thomas, Liam & Cormac from Year 5 placed 8th overall out of 13 teams in the U11-U13 Senior Polding Relay race at the swimming champions in Sydney; they were the only team with all 10/11 years olds! The boys swam a Personal Best (PB) and dropped 12 seconds off their 2021 time - amazing!
Thumbs-up
- Students for their participation in the School Cross Country;
- Everyone for their support and fundraising efforts for the flood appeal;
- All Students/Staff/Parents for their support and work during Term 1.
To conclude
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all students, staff and parents for their support and work during Term 1; we recommence school on Tuesday, April 26th.
Jesus rising on Easter Sunday is the greatest example of his love for us and is a pivotal component of our Catholic faith. I wish you a safe and Holy Easter; enjoy the break and the time with your family and friends. Happy Easter.
With blessings,
Nic.
