Week 5, Term 4 - 2023
Welcome
Dear St James Community,
Tomorrow Saturday, November 11th is Remembrance Day, which gives us an opportunity to observe one minute's silence to remember those who died or suffered for Australia's cause in all wars and armed conflicts. Due to the timing of Remembrance Day this year, we commemorated it today at school. This gave us an opportunity to reflect and remember the past, but also teach our students that living in harmony and reconciliation is central to world peace. We congratulate our Year 6 leaders for facilitating the gathering and we affirm all students for displaying outstanding respect and reverence.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Remembrance Day
Year K-2 Camps
Our Year K-2 students thoroughly enjoyed their camp day on Wednesday, November 1st, where they took excursions to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary [Kindergarten], Paradise Country [Year 1], and Sea World [Year 2]. The children then stayed on after school until 4:30pm [Kindergarten], 5:30pm [Year 1] and 6:30pm [Year 2]. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring and building independence and having lots (and lots) of fun playing with their friends. We sincerely thank the teachers, parents, and staff who gave up their time to support our student's growth and provided these beautiful experiences.
K-2 Camp
Awards & Recognition
From this year we will be extending our end-of-year awards for students in order to give recognition to all elements of school life for all Grades. This new arrangement will be above the Year 6 awards that are given at the End of Year Liturgy for Year 6 students as they conclude their primary school journey. The end-of-year student awards will be given out at the final assembly of each year; in 2023 this assembly will be on Friday, December 15th (8:45 am). All students will be eligible for the awards, which will be discerned by the Grade teachers and then confirmed by all staff at a staff meeting before being ratified by the Assistant Principals and Principal. The awards are:
- St James Primary Sport & Fairness Award - Act justly & walk humbly (Micah 6:8)
An award given to 2 students in Years 3-6 for displaying aptitude in sporting endeavours and for presenting fair participation in this field.
- St James Primary Culture & Contribution Award – Be gentle & humble of heart (Matthew 11:29)
An award given to 2 students in Years 3-6 for displaying aptitude in The Arts endeavours and for being actively involved in this field.
- St James Primary Learning Award – I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
An award given to 2 students in each Grade for being consistent in their personal efforts, achievements, and growth in learning during the year.
- St James Primary Witness & Civics Award - Stand firm in faith & do all things in love (Corinthians 16:13)
An award given to 2 students in each Grade for embodying the values and virtues of St James Primary School.
- Spirit of St James Award – Be rich in good deeds (Timothy 6:18)
An award given to year 6 students who have embodied the spirit of St James by consistently being a learner, being respectful, and being safe.
Our aim with these awards is to recognise efforts, celebrate growth, and acknowledge personal achievement and success. As with our Year 6 Graduation Awards, parents will not be informed prior to the assembly if their child is receiving an award.
Parent Forum Support
In 2023 our parent forum has actively fundraised, which has been supported tremendously well by our entire community. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, this year's funds helped purchase new furniture for the Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC), which will be used in various ways by our entire community. We sincerely thank the forum for its support with this investment.
Kindergarten 2024
Our 2024 Kindergarten cohort has visited the school twice in the past fortnight. The children and their parents/carers explored the classroom and engaged in their initial time as learners and friends of St James Primary. Well done kids (and mums and dads) and welcome to St James! They visit again on November 23rd & 30th.
Kindergarten 2024
Roadworks
As part of Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to providing a safe and connected local road network, they will soon upgrade the roundabout at the intersection of Leisure Drive, Greenway Drive, and Darlington Drive in Banora Point. Works start Monday, 20th November, and will take about 3 months to complete, weather permitting. Works have been scheduled during the Christmas school holidays to minimise traffic impact. Stage 2 of the project will include a signalised pedestrian crossing along Leisure Drive. The timing of this part of the work is estimated to take about 3 months to complete and is open for public comment. The council is asking the community to let them know whether to conduct stage 2 works during the winter (July 2024) or summer (December 2024/February 2025) school holidays. To have your say visit yoursaytweed.com.au/banora-
Term 4 Dates and Events
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for Term 4:
- Tuesday, November 14th - Thursday, November 16th: Term 4 Learning Conferences
- Monday, November 20th - Wednesday, November 22nd: Year 5 Camp
- Thursday, November 23rd: Kindergarten 2024 Transition session
- Saturday, November 25th: Stage 1 Family Mass
- Monday 27th, Wednesday 29th November and Friday, December 1st: Swimming Program
- Tuesday, November 28th: Yr 6 Graduation Mass, 5:30pm @ St Joseph's Church
- Thursday, November 30th: Kindergarten 2024 Transition & K-Y5 step-up session
- Monday 4th, Wednesday 6th and Friday December 8th: Swimming Program
- Tuesday, December 5th: Swimming Carnival [Y3-Y6] @ Murwillumbah Aquatic Centre
- Thursday, December 7th: Christmas Carols
- Monday, December 11th: Yr 6 Celebration Day
- Tuesday, December 12th: Kindergarten Graduation
- Thursday, December 14th: End of Year Liturgy & Yr 6 Dinner Dance
- Friday, December 15th: Final School Assembly, Yr 6 celebration day & final day for 2023
Thumbs-up
- Year 6 students for presenting a respectful Remembrance Day service.
- K-2 staff and students for their involvement with our camp program.
- Families for supporting our staff's recent professional learning (pupil-free days).
- Webb [Mathias] and Crew [Lachlan & Blair] Families for helping care for Petunia, Rosalind, Marigold, and Henrietta (our beautiful chickens) over the past two weekends.
To conclude
On November 1st and 2nd, our Church observed All Saints Day and All Souls Day. These days provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the lives of the saints and our loved ones who are with God in heaven.
All Saints Day is a special day in the Catholic Church when we honor all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived their lives in faith and service. It is a time to celebrate the exemplary lives of these holy men and women and to draw inspiration from their devotion and dedication.
All Souls Day is a day of remembrance and prayer for all the faithful departed. It is a time to pray for the souls of our loved ones who have passed away and offer them our love and support as they journey towards eternal life.
May the blessings of All Saints and All Souls Day be with you.
With blessings,
Nic.
