Week 3, Term 3
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
On August 8th, we celebrate the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop; to commemorate this day we will hold a liturgy at 8.40am and parents are welcome to attend.
Mary MacKillop was an Australian Catholic nun who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and a number of schools throughout Australasia with an emphasis on education for the poor. Our Stage 3 Learning Community is named in her honour, as is one of our House Teams: MacKillop House (Blue).
Mary’s generosity and kindness remind us that we should “Never see a need without doing something about it” (St. Mary MacKillop), which through our Play is the Way methodologies and religious education program we accomplish within our school, parish and the wider community.
We pray to Mary of the Cross MacKillop that we too may live with courage, trust and openness and be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit.
Sporting news
The sporting arena has been filled with activity over the past weeks, with many children representing St James at various events. We congratulate the children listed below on their efforts and their tremendous sports-person-ship.
- Zone Athletics Carnival.
Connor A, Charlie B, Cooper B, Isobelle C, Lucas C, Iziah C, Tyla C, Clifford C, Max C, Cohen D, Billy D, Lucia D, Gabriella D, Millie F, Tahlia F, Cade F, Hype G, Bethany I, Oliver J, Hazel L, Maya M, Kiana M, Grace M, Ethan M, Max N, Domenic P, Daisy S, Edward S, Eden S, Cormac T, Milla T, Yohanna U, Jessica V, Ashton V, Kayla W, Liam W, Ava W and Zane Z.
- Netball Gala Day.
Charlie B, Evie C, Savanna C, Violet C, Stella D, Millie F, Tahlia F, Keira F, Maisy G, Rose H, Tayla H, Bethany I, Mila M, Kiana M, Ella M, Isabel M, Elspeth M, Leena N, Evie N, Macy N, Eden P, Baylee P, Georgia P, Zivah P, Orlanda P, Ruby R, Torika R, Pippa S, Audrey S, Daisy S, Eden S, Milla T, Summer T, Kayla W, Lily W, Jacinta W, Lainey W and Ava W.
- Cross Country Polding (Sydney).
Cormac Thomson
Sporting events
Staffing News
With the promotion of Mrs Cane into the role of Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching (commencing in 2023), we had to fill the Leader of Pedagogy role that Mrs Cane will vacate.
To this end, the process has concluded and I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Jacqui Malone to the role of Leader of Pedagogy. Jacqui is a highly valued and capable member of our current team who has held many leadership positions over her career, including more recently as an Instructional Coach in mathematics and a member of the Learning and Inclusion team. Her skills and understanding of learning and teaching and her capabilities as an effective leader will hold her in good stead to succeed in the role.
I thank the interview panel who supported this process; it consisted of Mrs Cane (future Assitant Principal: Learning and Teaching), Nick Houghton (Catholic Schools Office: Primary Education Officer) and me.
Advance notice - Book Week
Friday, August 19th (Week 5) is our 2022 Book Week dress-up day and Grandparent's day. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as a book character and families (especially Grandparents) are invited to come along to school for the fun and festivities of the day!
8:40am: Book Week Parade/Assembly
9:40am: Classroom visits
10:40am: Morning Tea
Term 3 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 3.
- Monday, August 8th: Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (8:40am - all welcome!)
- Wednesday, August 10th: Diocesan Athletics.
- Monday, August 15th - Friday, August 19th: Book Fair.
- Friday, August 19th: Book Week Dress-up Day & Grandparent's Day.
- Tuesday, August 23rd: Stage 3 Gala Day.
- Saturday, August 27th: St James Cabaret (Parent social event).
- Tuesday, August 30th: Parent Teacher Student Conferences.
- Thursday, September 1st: Parent Teacher Student Conferences.
- Friday, September 2nd: Father's Day Breakfast.
- Thursday, September 8th: Parent Teacher Student Conferences.
- Friday, September 9th: R U OK day.
- Thursday, September 22nd: Musical Spectacular (Final day of Term 3)
- Friday, September 23rd: Pupil Free Day.
Mr McTaggart will be taking leave in late Term 3/early Term 4. Mrs Cree and Mrs Sanderson will be co-acting principals during this period.
Thumbs-up
- The students who represented St James over the past weeks.
- Our parents for supporting the various extra-curricular events over the past weeks.
- The interview panel that supported the appointment of our new Leader of Pedagogy.
To conclude
Mid Term 3 marks the 3-year anniversary of Play is the Way at St James! This program's practical methodology for teaching social and emotional skills using guided play, classroom activities and an empowering language has helped our children grow into people of good character and decency.
Over this time the children's understanding and use of the life rafts has increased beautifully (It takes great strength to be sensible, Pursue your personal best no matter who you work with, Be brave - participate to progress, Have reasons for the things you say and do, and Treat others as you would like them to treat you), which assists them in continually growing and challenging themselves.
In more recent times I am also seeing the values and virtues of Play is the Way impacting our children's daily lives. An example of this is 'good manners', and I am so impressed with how the children use their manners; when I say good morning at the gate and ask how each child is, I often receive a "Good thank you and how are you?" reply. This is so impressive for such little people!
If you like to learn more about Play is the Way so you can mirror the language in your home, please visit the website: https://playistheway.com.au/
With blessings,
Nic.