Week 1, Term 3 - 2023
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Welcome to Term 3! We hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and is ready for the learning, spirituality and joy that awaits us throughout Term 3. It was beautiful to have our students return to school on Monday filled with enthusiasm and energy; we have had a terrific start to the term and all students have engaged positively throughout the week.
Term 3 Dates & Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 3.
- Thursday, July 27th: Student Disco.
- Friday, July 28th: Zone Athletics.
- Friday, August 4th: Woodwork (Dad's social event).
- Tuesday, August 8th: Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
- Tuesday, August 8th: Tweed Rugby League Carnival.
- Wednesday, August 9th: NSW Netball Cup Carnival.
- Friday, August 11th: Needlepoint (Mum's social event).
- Sunday, August 13th: O'Dwyer Shield
-Monday, August 14th - Friday August 18th: Book Fair
- Tuesday, August 15th: Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
- Tuesday, August 15th: Dio Athletics.
- Friday, August 18th: Book Week Dress-up Day and Grandparent's Day.
- Friday, August 25th: Stage 3 Gala Day.
- Saturday, August 26th: Parent Bogan Bingo
- Thursday, August 31: Father's Day Stall.
- Friday, September 1st: Father's Day Breakfast.
- Friday, September 8th: World Literacy Day.
- Saturday, September 9th: Stage 2 Family Mass.
- Friday, September 15th: R U OK Day.
- Wednesday, September 20th: Dio Soccer/Netball.
- Thursday, September 21st: Matilda - The Musical (see information & flyer below).
- Friday, September 22nd: Pupil Free Day.
Our musical spectacular for 2023 is a whole school musical, Matilda Jnr. This will be showcased for all students, families and guests in the Doyle Centre of St Joseph's College on Thursday, September 21st, commencing at 6:45 pm. As we prepare for the event, students who have a lead role will practice with Mr McTaggart each Monday and Friday afternoon in the MPC and if available we'll rehearse in the Doyle Centre from time to time. All other students will practice their parts in their music classes with Miss Ryan. We will be holding whole school practices in the Doyle centre on September 1st, 8th & 15th, and September 20th (if required) from 1 pm-3 pm. Further information about costumes, arrival times, seating etc will be forwarded closer to the event. We are looking forward to singing, dancing and amazing our audience with this special event!
Play is the way championships
On Friday, June 30th we held our Term 2 celebration of learning day. This event focused on our Play is the Way methodology where our students put the life rafts into action through games, competition, and great sportsmanship, which helps them become empathic people of good character and decency. Many parents came to watch the festivities and share lunch with their children. This year the 'Play is the Way Championship' winner was Hanly House, but as I reminded our students on the day, we don't come to school to be better than others, we come to school to better ourselves by being able to work with others!
Play is the Way Championships
A warm welcome
At the commencement of Term 3, we welcomed Ms Lauren Ayres as our new Kindergarten teacher at St James Primary. Lauren comes to us with a solid understanding and implementation of curriculum and pedagogy, after having teaching experiences at St Ambrose - Pottsville, St Joseph's - Maclean & St Joseph's - Wauchope; along with experience as a Curriculum Leader, Leader of Additional Needs, and Digital Technology Innovator.
Additionally, Mrs Alisha Faga has returned to work after maternity leave; Alisha will work each Thursday and Friday in a learning support role, assisting in several classrooms.
Both Lauren and Alisha are looking forward to enriching our school community, along with learning and developing their skills as educators. Please join me in welcoming Lauren to our school community and Alisha back to St James Primary.
Student Disco
On Thursday, July 27th, we are holding our annual student disco in the MPC, which will be transformed into a terrific sound and light show venue! We extend our thanks to Amanda and the parent helpers who will organise, supervise and clean up for the Disco. The times for the Disco are:
- Junior (K-Y2) Disco: 4.30pm-5.45pm
- Senior (Y3-Y6) Disco: 6pm-7.30pm
I will be present at both discos, along with some school staff to support supervision and safety.
Hun fun kids!
Tweed Zone Athletics
Following our recent school athletics carnival several students will progress to the next phase of the competition, the Tweed Zone athletics carnival. We congratulate Charlie A, Josh A, Callum A, Harley B, Xavier B, Isobelle C, Iziah C, Violet C, Max C, Billy D, Emilia D, Lucia D, Millie F, Cooper F, Tahlia F, Cade F, Lacey G, Hype G, Brooklynn H, Timothy H, Leah H, Tayla H, Bethany I, Ezekiel I, Hazel L, Jake M, Ethan M, Willow R, Olive R, Grace R, Edward S, Eden S, Luca T, Cormac T, Jessica V, Ashton V, Hannah W, Sophie W, Kayla W, Liam W, Ava W, & Zane Z who are attending this event on Friday, July 28th and we wish them all the best with their events.
Public Speaking Events
In late Term 2 several students across the school bravely participated in the St James Public Speaking event where they were required to deliver a speech to their peers on a chosen topic. Two students from each stage were selected to represent the school at the upcoming Tweed Public Speaking event. The winning students delivered their speeches at an assembly recently, where they wowed the audience with their poise, articulation, and insights into their chosen topic. We congratulate the following students and wish them all the best with the next stage of this competition.
- Early-Stage 1: William B and Michael B
- Stage 1: Asha M and Evie B
- Stage 2: Violet P and Jacinta W
- Stage 3: Jonah F and Blake H
Public Speaking Finalists
Handball
Handball is a very popular game played by students at St James and it's often wonderful to see the skill, teamwork, and joy they get from this activity. In the holidays the handball area was resurfaced and now provides a new colourful place to play.
Woodwork
The Term 3 Woodwork event for Dads will be on Friday, August 4th from 7pm in the MPC. All are welcome!
Thumbs-up
- All students, parents, and staff for returning to school positively.
- Our maintenance crew for their work during the holidays.
- Our students for their tremendous sportsmanship and encouragement of each other at the recent Play is The Way championships.
- Langan (Hazel & Henry), Long (Murphy), McDonald (Maddison) & Smithwick (Madeline) Families for helping care for Petunia, Rosalind, Marigold, and Henrietta (our beautiful chickens) over the holidays.
To conclude
We congratulate those who will be Confirmed in the Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 25th; Harley B, Harlow B, Xavier B, Sophie C, Penny C, Lily C, Willow C, Bella C, Samuel C, Catelyn C, Zac C, Rosie D, Sophia D, Beau D, Mila D, Chelsea G, Hazel L, Maya M, Ethan M, Lucy O, Lincoln O, Violet P, Sophie R, Junia R, Ruby R, Mia S, Andie S, Adelyn S, Charlotte S, Tully S and Jessica V. As they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, they are taking a significant step in their faith toward becoming a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church. It is a testament to their dedication, devotion, and commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.
May the Holy Spirit guide you, filling your heart with wisdom, courage, and love. May you embrace the gifts bestowed upon you, and let them shape your character, strengthen your faith, and inspire you to make a positive difference in the world. May your confirmation be a source of inspiration and joy, propelling you toward a life of service, compassion, and faithfulness, and may your relationship with God deepen and flourish. Amen.
With blessings,
Nic.
