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 students 'come to school to better themselves, not to be better than others'. As such, fostering wellness, self-confidence and self-worth assists students to have a greater capacity to learn and grow in God's love.
Wellbeing at St James 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? To this end, our students participated in R U Ok day, which assisted 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).
R U OK - Walk-and-Talk-a-Thon
Kinder Parish visit
Our Kindergarten students visited St Joseph's Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 14th. They met up with their Kindergarten counterparts of St Joseph's Primary, where they explored our parish church and particiapted in a picnic in the park and liturgy. It was a marvellous day for everyone invovled.
Kinder's Parish Picnic
Staffing announcements
It is with pleasure that I announce the following teachers have been appointed to the staff of St James Primary.
- Karri von Mengersen:
Karri is an experienced teacher who has held various teaching and leadership positions across different schools in NSW. Karri was invited to represent the teaching workforce during the discussion and creation of the new K-2 curriculum, as such, her experience and expertise will be an asset to our school.
- Daniel Sutherland:
Daniel is currently teaching at Cudgen Primary School. He is a mature age entrant into the teaching profession, having had precious experiences in the hospitality industry. Daniel is married with an infant son and his passion and care for children were truly evident during our initial meetings. Daniel brings to us loads of enthusiasm and a deep understanding of how to educate young children.
- Michelle Darmody:
Michelle currently holds a leadership position at Siena Catholic Primary School in Ballarat, Victoria. Michelle has worked across Australia in both primary and secondary schools, so her depth of knowledge and deep understanding across the spectrum of learning and teaching will be valuable to our students.
On behalf of the school community, I congratulate Karri, Daniel and Michelle on their appointments and I wish them all the very best as they transition to St James Primary.
In further staffing news, the following teachers will be stepping back to part-time work next year or continuing this arrangement under flexible work agreements: Mrs Lisa Fitzhugh, Mrs Louise Kuhn, Mrs Mandy Barone, Mrs Tarri Johns and Mrs Ann Ricketts. We also send our best wishes to Mrs Elaine O'Gorman, who is expecting her first child in December and starts maternity leave early Term 4.
A full list of Grade allocations and teaching responsibilities will be announced early Term 4.
Finishing Term 3
The final day of Term 3 is Wednesday September 21st, due to Thursday being a National day of Mourning Public Holiday and Friday September 23rd a pupil-free day. On Wednesday evening, we will have our 2022 Musical Spectacular, with this year's theme being Australiana. The event commences at 7pm and is being showcased in the Doyle Centre (Hall) of St Joseph's College. Students are asked to meet their teachers at 6.30pm in the MPC.
Achievements for Term 3
Term 3 has been a positive, joy-filled time where everyone has engaged in events and learning that has enhanced both wellbeing and educative outcomes. I am particularly proud of students' behaviour and the sense of pride that they gifted each other throughout the Term. Well done kids!
Term 3 Reflections
Plant / Campus Manager
Mr Stephen Joyce, the plant manager between the College and St James Primary has accepted a new position in the area of logistics at the new Tweed Hospital. Steve has been instrumental in the physical development and management of our sites and we sincerely thank him for all of his contributions. To this end, I am pleased to announce that Thane Harriott has been appointed as our new manager and he will commence in this role on Monday, October 10th. Please join me in welcoming Thane to our school staff.
Term 4 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4.
- Monday, October 10th: Pupil Free Day
- Tuesday, October 11th: First day of Term 4
- Monday, October 17th: Mr McTaggart returns from leave
- Friday, October 21st: Mission Fair & Crazy Sock Day
- Monday, October 24th - Wednesday, October 26th: Year 4 Camp
- Wednesday, October 26th: Kindergarten 2023 Welcome BBQ
- Wednesday, October 26th - Friday, October 28th: Year 5 Camp
- Thursday, October 27th - Friday, October 28th: Year 3 Camp
- Wednesday, November 2nd: K/1/2 Camp
- Thursday, November 3rd: Pupil Free Day
- Friday, November 4th: Pupil Free Day
- Thursday, November 10th: Kindergarten 2023 Transition session
- Thursday, November 17th: Kindergarten 2023 Transition session
- Thursday, November 24th: Kindergarten 2023 Transition session
- Tuesday, November 29th: Yr 6 Graduation Mass, 6pm @ St Joseph's Parish
- Thursday, December 1st: Kindergarten 2023 Transition & K-6 step-up session
- Tuesday, December 6th: Swimming Carnival [2-6] @ Murwillumbah
- Thursday, December 8th: Christmas carols
- Wednesday, December 14th: Kindergarten Graduation
- Thursday, December 15th: Celebration of Learning & End of Year Liturgy
- Thursday, December 15th: Year 6 Dinner Dance
- Friday, December 16th: Final School Assembly / Last day for 2022
Thumbs-up
- To everyone for sharing another wonderful term,
- Year 3 students and teachers showing an amazing Animal Expo,
- Mrs Erika Murray (Aoife Y4, Conor Y2) for her talent and donation of our new fairy garden.
To conclude
Next Wednesday we will arrive at the end of a busy and 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 the safe return to school on Tuesday, 11th October.
With blessings,
Rhonda.