Week 7, Term 2 - 2023

Welcome

Dear St James Community,

On behalf of the organisers and participants of the fete, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, effort, and support to make this event a resounding success. Your dedication and enthusiasm were truly remarkable, and we couldn't have done it without each and every one of you.

To all the volunteers who tirelessly worked behind the scenes, from setting up the stalls to managing the activities and ensuring everything ran smoothly, your hard work did not go unnoticed.  Your commitment and willingness to go the extra mile were instrumental in creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone attending.  We especially acknowledge our main fete organisers: Amanda McTaggart, Casey Snart, Katrina Renwick, Lauren Neil & Linda Dodds.

We would also like to express our gratitude to all the generous sponsors and donors who contributed to the fete.  Your valuable contributions helped us raise funds for the important cause we champion - our children!  Your support made a significant impact on the success of the event and your generosity and community spirit are truly commendable.

Furthermore, we extend our thanks to the local businesses that supported us by providing resources, services, and prizes. Your involvement enriched the fete and helped create an exciting experience for all the attendees. We greatly appreciate your partnership and the positive impact it had on our event.

Last but not least, a special thank you goes out to all the attendees who joined us at the fete.  Your participation made the event lively, enjoyable, and truly memorable.  We hope you had a wonderful time and that the fete exceeded your expectations.  Overall we raised $16,381.34!

Once again, thank you to everyone who played a part in making this fete a tremendous success. Your support and commitment to our cause are deeply appreciated. We look forward to your continued support in the future, as we strive to make a difference in our community together.

2023 School Fete

School Athletics

Today was the school athletics carnival and it was a day filled with exhilarating sportsmanship, teamwork, and incredible displays of talent. We extend our gratitude to each and every one of you for making this event an unforgettable experience.

To the athletes who dedicated countless hours to training, pushing their limits, and showcasing their skills, we applaud your commitment, perseverance, and unwavering spirit.  Your passion for sports was evident in every race, jump, throw, and game played. You inspired us all with your outstanding performances and determination to give your best on the field.

We would also like to recognize the tireless efforts of our staff members who worked diligently to prepare our students for the Athletics Carnival. Your guidance, expertise, and unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping our athletes into the incredible individuals they are today. We especially acknowledge our Extracurricular and Sports Team who organised and led the event: Mrs Maxworthy, Mr Holmes, and Mrs Pickett.

A special thank you goes out to the parents and friends who were present, cheering from the sidelines, and providing a supportive atmosphere for our young athletes. We appreciate your continued support in nurturing your children's passion for sports.

The individual results were:

- 8 years: Emilia D equal with Hannah W, Timothy H equal with Xavier B

- 9 years: Hazel L, Liam W equal with Ted E

- 10 years: Lucia D, Max C

- 11 years: Eden S, Billy DeG

- 12 years: Kiana McM, Cade F

The overall results were:

- First: MacKillop

- Second: Ryland

- Third: Hanly

- Fourth: Polding

The Athletics Carnival truly showcased the strength of our school spirit and the power of coming together as a community.

2023 School Athletics Carnival

Learning Conferences

We have completed the Learning Conferences for Term 2.  It's been terrific to have parents and students sharing their glows and growth and focusing on how we can continue to develop each child spiritually, socially, and academically.  

This Term we introduced a formalised termly report for families.  This report includes:

- Student self-assessment against the Play is the Way life rafts (Social/Emotional development).

- Teacher assessment against the Play is the Way life rafts (Social/Emotional development).

- Glows (growth) in English, Mathematics, and Social/Emotional Learning.

- Future Grows (Goals) in English, Mathematics, and Social/Emotional learning that were created at the collaborative conversation.

- Parent feedback to the children (through guided questioning). 

An alert on Compass has been sent inviting parents to provide written feedback to their child on the Termly report.  Please complete this aspect of the report, which will be attached to the upcoming Semester Report.

Our Assistant Principal: Learning & Teaching, Mrs Kylie Cane will be conducting parent workshops on the K-Y2 Semester Report on Tuesday 20th June at 8.40am and 2.20pm in the MPC.  The reports will be different this year, due to changes in the curriculum and requirements.  All families are welcome and encouraged to attend.  

Sharing Learning

Pyjama Day

At St James students work toward a shared goal, known as 'Gems in the Jar'.  The staff looks for students in the yard who are being safe, being a learner, and being respectful; this results in a sticker, which then gifts that student with a gem in their classroom jar; in turn, this is emptied into the whole school jar at assembly each week!  This whole school procedure supports good behaviour and rewards children for their effort.  Our recent fill resulted in a PJ day, something the children had been requesting for several months!  It was wonderful to see the array of sleepwear and the joy it brought for the children - keep up the great work kids!

PJ Day

Term 2 Dates & Events

Please note the upcoming events scheduled for the remainder of Term 2. 

- June 12th: King's Birthday Public Holiday

- June 14th-15th: Murwillumbah Eisteddfod

- June 30th: PiTW Championships / Term 2 celebration of learning day / Final day of Term 2

Thumbs-up

- Parents, Teachers & Students for engaging in the 3-Way Conferences.

- Students for their participation in the School Athletics Carnival.

- Everyone involved in the school fete.

To conclude

Recently the Catholic Church celebrated the festival of Pentecost, which holds great religious and historical importance to Christians.  According to the New Testament of the Bible, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, which enabled them to go out into the world to preach and share the message of Jesus Christ.  Thus, Pentecost is often seen as the birth of the Christian Church and the beginning of its mission to spread the teachings of Jesus to all nations.  Today, Pentecost serves as a reminder of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence and the ongoing mission of the Church to share God's love and teachings with others; something that is central to the Mission of Catholic Education and St James Primary.  So, together we pray:

Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence and renew our hearts.  Inspire us with your wisdom, so we may understand your teachings and follow them faithfully.  Grant us courage and boldness to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.  Amen.