Week 5, Term 2 - 2024
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Throughout Term 2 all students are engaging in the Peer Support & Play is the Way program, which is led by our Year 6 students with the support of teachers. The program assists students to:
- Build strong relationships
- Create opportunities for students to feel empowered
- Nurture a sense of belonging and inclusiveness
- Foster an anti-bullying culture
Our cafe, Saintly Square (located outside the school canteen), is open on Friday afternoons from 2pm, and parents are welcome to drop in and have a cuppa, and visit the classrooms to see the Peer Support Program and Play is the Way in action.
Peer Support Program
Year 6 Camp
As we reflect on the Year 6 camp, it's remarkable to see how much growth and bonding have taken place in such a short time. From conquering challenges together to sharing stories together, every moment has been a testament to their resilience and camaraderie. We congratulate the students on their tremendous behaviour; the memories they've made will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Year 6 Camp
Learning Conferences (Term 2)
In Week 6 (June 4th, 5th & 6th), students/parents/teachers will once again engage in the Term 2 Learning Conferences. At St James, we believe that active engagement in discussions about children's learning is crucial for parents as it fosters a deeper understanding of their child's educational journey and enables us to provide tailored support for each child. By staying involved, parents can track their child's progress, identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, and collaborate effectively with teachers to address any challenges. This involvement not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also reinforces the importance of education in the home environment. Ultimately, when parents engage in discussions about their children's learning, they play a vital role in shaping their academic success and overall well-being. Thank you for sharing this journey will us.
in Term 2, you will also receive your child's Semseter 2 summative report, which will include the Term 1 and Term 2 insights template from the Learning Conferences. Please complete the parent reflection section of the insights template after the Learning Conference.
Eisteddfod - Choral Speaking
We have 4 teams completing in the Murwillumbah eisteddfod for Choral speaking in the upcoming weeks. We wish them all the very best as they represent St James and champion The Arts.
Choral speaking teams
Tell Them From Me Survey
Our Tell Them From Me Survey closed on May 24th. We sincerely thank parents and families who completed the survey that will help shape our school improvement journey. Data from past surveys has been used to make positive changes for our students, staff and families. This year we wanted at least 100 surveys completed, and we're happy to report that we surpassed this and 119 surveys were done! [109 surveys were done in 2023]. This is a wonderful number and shows the investment our families have in the success and growth of our school - thank you! The data from the 2024 survey will be available soon.
Volunteers
To support our volunteers who assist in many, many ways in our school, we have created a Volunteer Guide that outlines what is required from our generous and welcomed volunteers. Each time anyone volunteers this guide will form part of the orientation and induction so that we can continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
School Improvement Goals: Fortnightly update
Short Term Goals
Our recent short-term goal was, "Students will attend school each day (unless they're sick); we want an overall school attendance of 95% or more." Currently, our overall attend is 92.6%.
Our new short-term goal will be "Families will complete the parent feedback from the Learning Conferences, using the insights template"
Long Term Goals
One of the longer-term goals is to enrich school-home partnerships by promoting effetive communication, active involvment, and shared responsibility.
We can all work together to acheive this goal by actively engaging in Learning Conferences in the coming week. There is always a lovely buzz in the school during these evenings; the children love showcasing their learning with their parents, and by attending, parents are encouraging their children to pursue their best at school.
Term 2 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for the remainder of Term 2.
- June 2nd: First Holy Communion.
- June 4th, 5th & 6th: Term 2 Learning Conferences.
- June 5th: Police Liaison Visit - all welcome.
- June 12th & 13th: Murwillumbah Eisteddfod.
- June 14th: Atheltics Carnival.
- June 17th-20: Murwillumbah Eisteddfod.
- June 28th: Atheltics Carnival Back-up Date.
- July 2nd: Reports published to parents.
- July 3rd: 100 days of Kindergarten Celebration.
- July 4th: PiTW Championships Day/Final Day of Term 2.
- July 5th: Pupil Free Day.
Thumbs-up
- Families who completed the Tell Them From Me survey.
- Our Year 6 students for aptly leading our Peer Support program.
- Year 6 students for their tremendous involvement and behaviour at camp.
- Families for supporting our staff's professional development.
- Llewellyn and Kremer families for caring for our chickens over the past weekends.
To conclude
On May 30th, the Church celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi, which commemorates the immense gift of the Eucharist in our lives and in the Church. In Latin, Corpus Christi means Body of Christ and on this day, we focus solely on celebrating the presence of Christ – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the bread and wine at the Eucharist table where we are nourished by God’s presence in our lives.
This feast coincides with the sacrament of First Communion and on Sunday June 2nd 36 will receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. We congratulate you all and continue to hold you in our prayers.
Heavenly Father, as these children approach this holy sacrament for the first time, we ask You to fill their hearts with reverence, awe, and understanding. Open their minds to grasp the profound mystery of Your presence in the bread and wine, and help them to grow in their love for You through this blessed sacrament. May this sacrament deepen their relationship with You, nourish their souls, and grant them the grace to live as faithful witnesses of Your Gospel. Lord, we entrust these children, their families, and our entire faith community into Your loving care. Guide us always, strengthen our faith, and help us to live as disciples of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
With blessings,
Karen & Kylie
To conclude
Congratulations to Harley B, Daniel B, Harlow B, Xavier B, Sophie C, Penny C, Lily C, Willow C, Bella C, Samuel C, Catelyn C, Zac C, Rosalie D, Sophia D, Beau D, Mila D, Archer D, Chelsea G, Hazel L, Archie L, Conor M, Maya M, Maddison M, Ethan M, Lincoln O, Maya PM, Zivah PM, Violet P, Sophie R, Junia R, Mia S, Andie S, Adelyn S, Charlotte S, Tully S and Jessica V who will receive their first communion on Sunday, June 2nd. This special sacrament marks a significant moment in their spiritual journey, symbolizing their deeper connection with faith and community. May the grace and blessings you've received guide you in your path ahead, filling your hearts with love, joy, and a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment. We wish you all continued growth in your faith and countless blessings as you continue to walk your path with faith, hope, and love.
With blessings,
Karen & Kylie
Upcoming events
Please note the following upcoming events......
Parenting support & learning
Please note the following parenting supporting & learning items.....
Bullying - Snitches
It is not uncommon for children to worry about being labelled as a ‘dobber’, ‘tattler’, or
‘snitch’ when facing bullying situations. The fear of being seen as a ‘snitch’ can make them
reluctant to report incidents to parents or teachers. However, bullying is a serious matter
that is unlikely to be resolved if it is ignored. As a parent, it is essential to understand these
concerns and approach the situation with sensitivity.
Here are some tips to encourage your child to share their experiences.
Be Patient and Supportive: It may take time for your child to feel comfortable enough to
open up about bullying. Be patient, provide a supportive environment, and let them know
you are always there for them.
Empathise and Validate: Let your child know that their feelings and fears are valid.
Reassure them that you understand their concerns about being labelled negatively and
that you will navigate the situation with care.
Explain the Importance: Help your child understand that reporting bullying is not about
"dobbing" on someone but about ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Explain that it's
essential to address the issue so that we can take appropriate actions to stop the bullying.
Focus on the Behaviour, Not the Child: Emphasize that it is the bullying behaviour that
needs to be addressed. The goal is to promote a safe and respectful environment for
everyone.
Responsible Reporting: Help your child see this important action as Responsible
Reporting. Dobbing, tattling or snitching is telling on a peer when the situation is safe.
Responsible reporting is alerting an adult to a situation that is not safe and/or your child
needs help managing the situation.
Discuss the Consequences: Help your child understand that students who display bullying
behaviour need to face consequences for their actions, as it is essential for them to learn
from their actions and to change their behaviour. Remind your child that reporting bullying
can also help protect other children who might be facing similar issues.
Involve the School Sensitively: If your child remains hesitant, consider discussing the
issue with the school in a way that maintains anonymity, if possible, while still addressing
the concern.
The cornerstone of all Catholic social teaching is the inherent value of the human
individual. Thus, at the heart of our school lies the principle that every person is created in
God's image and likeness.
Other information
Please note the following additional information.....
